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SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2019

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 30 - No. 38 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE Anti-human trafficking summit highlights scope of trafficking within Filipino community FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

“Nanay” Fedelina Lugasan recounts a life of modern slavery AFTER decades of enslavement, Fedelina Lugasan can finally breathe.

This past July, the 83-year-old Filipina domestic worker was rescued in Northridge, California after more than 30 years of domestic servitude with meager pay and no days off.

Born in Leyte, Philippines, Lugasan was 16 years old when she was recruited by the family of Benedicta Cox as the family’s livein housekeeper in Manila. When she was 28 years old, Lugasan was brought to the U.S. to care for Cox’s sister who was sick but little did Lugasan know that she would end up working for the entire family.

For the next three decades, Lugasan served the Cox family, cooking, cleaning and caring for the children, all with no pay and days off.

Although the home in Southern California had four bedrooms, Lugasan was forced to sleep

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Police numbers underreport drug war killings –US think tank FIGURES from the police are a “gross underestimation” of the killings linked to President Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called war on drugs, according to a New York-based think tank.

A report from the Columbia Journalism School’s Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism found that police numbers “do not give a true picture of the human cost” of the crackdown against illegal drugs.

The study published July 2019 was based on drug-related killings in Manila, Caloocan and Quezon City from July 2016 to December 2017.

While the police recorded a total of 764 killings in these three cities during the first 18 months of the drug war, the center documented 1,111 police killings based on both police and non-police sources.

“Furthermore, we estimate that by taking into consideration the dark figure of undocumented killings, the true number is approximately 1,254,” the report read.

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Palace rejects call for Philippines to raise arbitral win at UN meet

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — Bringing up the arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea row during the United Nations General Assembly would be a “futile exercise” because the international body can-

not enforce it, Malacañang said on Wednesday, September 18.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has urged the Duterte administration to talk about the Philippines’ legal victory against China during the 74th regular session of the UN

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

Inquirer.net photo

General Assembly this month.

Del Rosario said the assembly would be an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to move forward its position on The Hague ruling, which invalidated Beijing’s expansive maritime claim and upheld Manila’s sovereign rights

over its exclusive economic zone.

The country’s former top envoy said the Philippines could present a case for the UN “to reassert that right is might and the rule of law must be upheld.”

He noted that Nicaragua had asked

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Enrile wants de Lima, Roxas barred from seeking public office for GCTA mess

by CATHRINE

GONZALES Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said on Wednesday, September 18, that Senator Leila de Lima and former Senator Mar Roxas should be barred from seeking public office for the alleged irregularities in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.

Enrile said there should be no confusion in the pro-

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HISTORIC MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte gives a warm welcome to Communist Party of China (CPC) Chongqing Party Chief Chen Min’er who paid a courtesy call on the president at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, September 16. A protégé of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chen is seen as a rising political star in China. He became the Communist Party Secretary of Chongqing two years ago and also joined the 25-member Politburo, the CPC’s top decision-making body. Chongqing is one of China’s leading cities and is typically lead by a party secretary from the Chinese Politburo.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

Senate conducts ‘historic’hearing on divorce bill

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Senate on Tuesday, September 17, conducted its first ever hearing on the proposed divorce law in the Philippines.

Presiding over the hearing is Senate committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who called this first deliberation on the divorce bill “historic.”

“This is history in the making,” she said in her opening statement.

“We are in the process of making history by crafting a policy to make dissolution of mar-

riage available to all Filipinos who want second chances in love, to rebuild their families and start all over again,” she added.

Hontiveros, while a staunch supporter of the institution of marriage, said Filipinos especially women and their children “should have the right to turn the page and be free from abusive and loveless relationships.”

“My sympathy and support go out to my countrymen, especially since there are many women who are victims of domestic violence and psychological abuse,” she said in Filipino.

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Senator Imee Marcos

Inquirer.net photo

Imee Marcos: Good for UP Olympic figure skater teach martial law, Michelle Kwan visits Las Vegas to but get our viewpoint too on Biden campaign trail

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

WHILE presidential candidates prepped for the third Democratic primary debate, Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan traveled to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to meet with students and register voters as part of her campaign for presidential candidate Joe Biden.

“It’s right around the corner,” Kwan told the Asian Journal on Thursday, September 12, referring to the upcoming February 2020 caucus and 2020 presidential election.

That afternoon, the figure skater Michelle Kwan meets with AAPI leaders in Las Vegas on behalf of former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign on Thursday, September 12.

Contributed photos also hosted a watch party for the

by CATHRINE

Democratic debate that took place in Houston.

For Kwan, who remains the most decorated skater in the U.S. figure skating history, the political sphere is something she’s become familiar with.

In 2016, she joined Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

Before that, she was named a public diplomacy ambassador in 2006 under then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and continued as an envoy under the Obama administration where she worked with Biden and Clinton.

“I never thought that after figure skating, I’d be in politics, but it’s

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GONZALES

Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos said on Wednesday, September 18, it is good for the University of the Philippines (UP) to teach martial law to its students, but appealed that her family also be given a chance to share their side of the story about the era.

“I think maganda din na pinagaaralan. At least sana bigyan na lang din kami ng pagkakataon na sabihin din kung anong nangyari sa pagkaalam namin. ‘Yun lang naman ang importante doon, na may viewpoints ng bawat isa at marinig ang bawat isa (I think it’s good for it to be studied. But at least we should be given a chance

to narrate what happened during martial law according to our knowledge. It’s important that the viewpoints of everyone are heard),” she told Senate reporters in a chance interview.

UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Evageline Amor earlier said a subject on martial law will be offered as a general subject at UP Diliman starting January 2020. The subject will be called “Philippine Studies 21: Wika, Panitikan, at Kultura sa Ilalim ng Batas Militar.”

For Marcos, UP has the academic freedom and the right to teach martial law, but explained there is a tendency for this freedom to be confined to ideas from

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Palace rejects call...

PAGE 1 the UN to require the United States to adhere to a ruling by the International Court of Justice.

But presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo claimed Del Rosario’s approach might not work.

“For one, it’s futile exercise.

Why? because UN has no enforcement force,” he said.

“He is citing the case of Nicaragua. Did anything happen there?

None. It remained the same,” he added.

Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte finds his present approach on China effective.

“There is impasse but the talks are still ongoing. At the same time, he negotiates with respect to other areas of concern mutual-

From The FronT Page ly beneficial to both (countries),” he added.

China has refused to recognize the arbitral ruling but has expressed readiness to hold bilateral negotiations with the Philippines.

Panelo said there would be no significant impact even if Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr. talks about the arbitral ruling during the UN assembly in New York.

Locsin is scheduled to address the international body on September 28. n

Enrile wants de Lima, Roxas...

PAGE 1 visions of the Republic Act 10592 mandating the GCTA law as its Section 1 clearly states that heinous crime convicts are among those excluded from being released earlier than their prison sentence based on good conduct.

“They should be disqualified forever from holding public office,” Enrile, who was Senate President when the GCTA was signed into law in 2013, told reporters at the Senate when asked about the liability of de Lima and Roxas.

“Sila ang may kasalanan, sila ang gumawa eh (They are the ones at fault since they are the ones who made it). The people who are below there are [just] being guided. They are the Cabinet members. They should hold their mistakes,” he said.

The IRR of RA 10592 was signed when de Lima and Roxas were secretaries of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), respectively.

Enrile said that supposed addition of heinous crime convicts as beneficiaries of the GCTA law is “unconstitutional, non-existent, and void ab initio (from the beginning).”

“Whoever did that should answer to all of these problems,” he said.

The former lawmaker also explained that heinous crime convicts released based on the GCTA law should be “subject to hunting” since they should not have been released in the first place.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered all heinous crime convicts freed on good conduct to surrender to authorities before September 19. n

DIVORCE BILL. Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations, presides over the public hearing on proposed “Instituting Absolute Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage in the Philippines” at the Senate in Pasay city on Tuesday, September 17. Also in photo is Len Arcilla (inset), resource person from Divorce Coalition Pilipinas, narrating the suffering under her unsuccessful married life.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Senate conducts ‘historic’ hearing on...

PAGE 1 “They, together with their children, deserve all the chances available in this world to build nurturing families and find true and meaningful relationships,” the senator added.

Hontiveros also maintained that the divorce bill is “pro-marriage, pro-family and pro-children” as it will make people respect marriage more by being more discerning with their choices in life and protects children from abuse and rebuilds broken families.

“It makes us respect marriage more by being more discerning with our choices in life. It protects children from abuse and rebuilds broken families,” she said.

“We can call it whatever we want. Divorce. Dissolution of marriage or whatever. The important thing is, giving a second chance to our people,” Hontiveros added.

Change of term According to Hontiveros, if the lawmakers have an issue with semantics, advocates were open to changing the term “divorce.”

She said if the term “divorce” is contentious, then “dissolution of marriage” would be issued in the committee report she will draft.

“The term dissolution of marriage is acceptable already for the advocates. It’s fine with them if the word divorce is already contentious, as long as the grounds they are asking for to have a second chance [in life] is covered,” Hontiveros said.

She added that some of her colleagues in the Senate are more inclined to support the “dissolution of marriage.”

Senate President Vicente Sotto III himself had said that a measure with the term “dissolution of marriage” has a better fighting chance in the upper chamber than divorce.

“I don’t have the exact numbers right now pero in terms of sensing, I do sense there is more openness to the dissolution of marriage bill compared to other contentious bills,” Hontiveros said.

She also said that she is willing to hold more hearings or technical working group meetings before elevating it to the plenary should there be calls for extensive discussion on the issue.

Banning divorce is ‘tortuously inhumane’ Resource persons who were at the hearing stressed that banning divorce does not only lead to exploitations but is also “tortuously inhumane.’

Marc Anthony Luna from the Divorce Coalition of the Philippines addressed the panel saying that annulment is “one of the milking cows” of lawyers. A former OFW, Luna said he didn’t pursue annulment because he doesn’t believe in it and it is a process that is being exploited.

Independent journalist Ana Santos said that the divorce ban in the Philippines has created scammers who take advantage of married couples breaking up. Apart from lawyers (both fake and legitimate) who run away with their clients’ money, she also added that there are courts that manufacture annulment proceedings and decisions.

Santos, who went through an

annulment, said the divorce ban is “tortuously inhumane” as it “not only takes such a long time, not only bleed you of your money but it pits the couple against each other.”

An annulment is a civil procedure in which a judge declares the marital union between a husband and a wife no longer valid. Proceedings cost at least P200,000 and it is the only option for Filipino couples who want to break up their marriage. A predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines is one of the two countries that still ban divorce (the other one is Vatican City, an independent ecclesiastical sovereign city-state).

The Family Code of the Philippines states that a marriage can only be annulled if: • The party in whose behalf it is sought to have the marriage annulled was 18 years of age or over but below 21 and the marriage was solemnized without the consent of the parents, guardian or person having substitute parental authority over the party • Either party was of unsound mind • The consent of either party was obtained by fraud • The consent of either party was obtained by force, intimidation or undue influence • Either party was physically incapable of consummating the marriage with the other and such incapacity continues and appears to be incurable • Either party was afflicted with a sexually-transmissible disease found to be serious and appears to be incurable. n

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Dateline USa

Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan visits...

PAGE 1 where my passion is,” said Kwan.

“I’ve had the experience of seeing first hand their leadership, what they’ve championed, and who they fought for on a daily basis,” she added.

Now serving as the former vice president’s surrogate director, Kwan said that one of the things that sets Biden apart from the largest and most diverse pool of Democratic candidates is his experience — 49 years to be exact.

“You have politicians who talk the talk, but he walked the walk,” said Kwan. “I look at his past record of getting things done. It’s not easy.”

In an Instagram post following the April announcement of her joining the Biden team, Kwan cited the Obama administration’s Affordable Care Act, infrastructure, clean energy industries, marriage equality, climate change, and the NRA as being among the key issues Biden successfully took on in his career The Thursday debate, she shared, took place on the eve of the Violence Against Women Act’s 15th anniversary. Biden later urged legislatures to renew the legislation during the debate.

“He stands apart by experience.

From day one, he’s known exactly what to do,” said Kwan.

On the campaign trail, Biden has many times promised to reverse the “disruption and damage” caused by the Trump administration. He’s also warned that another term under the administration would likely result in a “fundamental change” to who the U.S. is as a country.

Kwan agreed on Thursday and said: “With everything that has happened in the some 1,000 days of Trump’s administration, and the many things have happened under him — four years of that, we might

be able to undo the damage. But eight years of this administration, it might change who we are as a country.”

‘Champion to the AAPI community’ While in Las Vegas, Kwan also took time to meet with members and local leaders of Las Vegas’ Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Nevada, which underwent a blue wave during the 2018 midterms, remains an important battleground state.

As the AAPI community continues to be recognized for their overall growth and influence throughout the nation, the same is true in Nevada.

Kwan shared that an estimated 335,000 people make up Nevada’s AAPI community — nearly 10% of the state’s population.

A large majority of the community are Filipinos (163,000), followed by Chinese (51,000), Japanese (26,000), Koreans (16,000), Vietnamese )16,000), and Indians (15,000), according to Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote data.

“He’s been a champion to the AAPI community across the board, whether it is the two million AAPIs who benefited from Obamacare or DACA policies, or the 1.2 million who are AAPI and are trying to find a pathway to citizenship,” Kwan said of Biden.

In terms of her own personal

Contributed photos

reasons for getting behind Biden, Kwan said she often thinks about her parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong.

“My folks immigrated to the United States with nothing, talking about the American dream, and about the idea that you can provide a great education for your kids and provide a roof over their heads,” said Kwan.

“It’s hard work and playing by the rules that your dreams can come true, and I think that’s why [Biden] is running to make sure that there is an opportunity for everybody, not just those on top,” Kwan added.

As a message to the AAPI community, Kwan said civic involvement can be as easy as starting a conversation, something she’s experienced in her own family.

“Having that conversation and just talking to my aunts, my uncles, cousins, friends, and everybody. Sharing with them what’s at stake at the election, and how it’s us,” shared Kwan.

Given that the AAPI community has historically shied away from political conversations, she said it was all the more important the community knows how much of an impact it can make on everyday life.

“The AAPI community is such a big community, and they can really change and move the needle one way or another,” said Kwan.

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Int’l lawyers’ groups, legal professionals ask Duterte: Protect Filipino lawyers

by Neil

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (fifth from left) poses with fellow delegates to the Fast-Track Cities 2019 Conference in London.

Philstar.com photo

Mayor Belmonte tackles anti-HIV initiatives in London conference

by JANvic

MAteo Philstar.com

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte has joined a select panel of local executives from around the world to discuss efforts to address heath inequalities, particularly the increasing number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the country.

Belmonte was the lone Philippine representative in the four-day Fast-Track Cities 2019 Conference held in London this week.

She was among the nine city and municipal officials who served as panelists during the High-Level Panel on Health Inequalities, which signaled the opening of the conference on Monday.

Also part of the panel were Mayors Kostas Bakoyannis (Athens, Greece), Fernando Medina (Lisbon, Portugal), Svante Myrick (Ithaca, United States) and Gennadiy Trukhanov (Ithaca, Ukraine); Deputy Mayors Win-

ston Ennis (Kingston, Jamaica), Simone Kukenheim (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Mykola Povoroznyk (Kiev, Ukraine); and Chairman Robb Pitts (Fulton County, United States).

“It was a privilege to have been one of the panelists at the High-Level Discussions on Health Inequalities and talked about how to ensure we are not leaving anyone behind in providing services to our people, particularly the discriminated and stigmatized,” said Belmonte.

The mayor discussed the city’s initiatives to address the rising HIV cases in the country, including the passage of policies such as the ordinance on age-appropriate education on HIV and its progressive condition, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

She also tackled issues concerning drug policy reform during the high-level discussion.

“Quezon City prides itself as an example of how committed leadership and key partnerships

on the floor with no mattress.

“I worked so hard even when my body was really hurting, and when it got really bad, I would cry [and] tears would be coming out nonstop. But I couldn’t complain, I couldn’t protest, and I felt so helpless,” Lugasan said of her decades of servitude under Cox at a summit on human trafficking on Friday, September 13, in Los Angeles hosted by the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC).

Speaking with the conviction of Lugasan — who affectionately goes by Nanay Fedelina — recounted a lifetime of lies and neglect begat onto her by her employers, who mocked Lugasan whenever she said she wanted to leave, asking her, “Where would you go?” “[The Cox family] would threaten to call the police if I ever left and accuse me of stealing their things, which I never did.

That scared me. I did not know anyone who could help me and of course, I didn’t want to go to jail for something that I didn’t do,” Lugasan recalled.

PWC has estimated that throughout her decades of work, Lugasan’s back wages come to about $1.6 million, using California’s minimum wage at the time Lugasan began employment with the Cox family in 1980.

But Lugasan’s lifelong experience in modern slavery isn’t unique at all. Just like Lugasan, tens of thousands of people all over the world are duped into promises of stable work and income in the United States only to be subjected to harsh working conditions, low pay and abuse.

Trends show that a growing

number of traffickers are utilizing social media platforms in order to coerce victims into sex work or domestic servitude.

According to a report from the U.S. Health and Human Services, an estimated 50,000 people are trafficked into the U.S. annually, with a majority of them coming from Mexico and the Philippines.

According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, a significant majority of victims are women and minors and an overwhelming majority of cases are reported in California.

Filipinos may be recruited by individuals who promise things like stable income, shelter and a pathway to citizenship, or they may be tapped by agencies in hospitality, the service industry or homecare who end up exploiting workers and threaten them into submission.

And it may be difficult to even identify a human trafficking situation on its face. PWC Executive Director Aquilina Versoza noted that, like Lugasan, oftentimes looks as normal as picking up kids from the school, running errands or working in the garden.

But behind the pedestrian facade may be hiding something more sinister.

“It just really sheds a light on how our judicial system fails to protect victims and that the need for anti-human trafficking reform in our legislation is more urgent than ever,” Versoza said at the summit. “We celebrate Nanay Fedelina’s freedom today, but as I’ve said, it’s bittersweet. Nobody should ever have to endure what she has endured for so many years.”

Lugasan was finally rescued in 2018 when she collapsed in a hospital while watching over Cox

PAGE 1

The youth are expected to be at the forefront of the mass mobilization and will be joined by other sectors and faith-based groups and social activists on Friday, September 20.

Philstar.com photo

because it already became tiresome),” she said.

“Kulang kami dyan eh. Talagang hindi kami nagsulat, hindi kami nagpa-interview, bitin talaga sa pagtatanggol ng sarili kumbaga (We lacked in that area. We did not write about it or allowed ourselves to be interviewed.

journalists, political opposition leaders, and human rights defenders.

“Lawyers providing legal representations in high-profile cases impacting established interests, such as land reform, or lawyers taking part in public discussion about human rights issues, also face reprisals,” they added.

Threats, labels, and killings The petitioners also noted the threats given and labels attached to lawyers in the country, particularly those who “have spoken out against the administration’s policies.”

The petitioners said among the labels given by state agents to some lawyers include “communists” or “terrorists.”

Further, they added that the practice of labeling and the culture of impunity “was identified by national and international fact-finding missions as one of the main root causes of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines in the past and continues unabated.”

“The attacks against and extra-judicial killings of lawyers and the impunity shielding perpetrators impair the ability of lawyers to provide effective legal representation, make lawyers increasingly wary of working on sensitive cases, and consequently severely undermine the

proper functioning of the rule of law and the adequate protection of rights, including the right to remedies and fair trial,” the petitioners said.

Citing the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the petitioners said that States should ensure that lawyers should be able to perform their profession “without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference.”

“The Basic Principles affirm that lawyers, like other citizens, are entitled to freedom of expression and assembly. The duty to respect and guarantee these freedoms forms an integral part of the Philippines’ international legal obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” they said.

Aside from the probe into the extra-judicial killings, the petitioners also asked the government to take all measures available to guarantee the safety of lawyers, as well as the consistent public condemnation of threats and attacks against lawyers.

The petition was signed by lawyers’ group Lawyers for Lawyers as well as 151 international and domestic bar associations, other lawyers’ organizations and legal professionals from 49 countries around the world. n

Police numbers underreport drug war killings...

Imee Marcos: Good for UP to teach... a certain group.

“Ang problema kasi, ang academic freedom kung minsan, freedom lang para sa isang pangkat, wala namang freedom sa iba (The problem is academic freedom is sometimes confined to a certain group but is not extended to others),” she said.

She then blamed the silence of her family in telling their side of the story on alleged human rights violations when martial law was declared by her father, former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.

“Ako naman tinitiis ko rin.

‘Yung iba, makinig din naman sana. Actually sa tingin ko, kasalanan na rin ng pamilya namin, kasi naging tameme na rin kami, tinamad na kaming magsalita. Hindi na namin binabahagi ‘yung alam namin. Hindi na rin kami nakikikwento kasi parang nakakapagod na eh (I am trying to endure it. I hope others will also listen. Actually, I think it’s also the fault of our family because we were quiet and became tired to speak.

We no longer share what we know. We no longer tell our story

SEVERAL international lawyer organizations and members of the legal profession have called President Rodrigo Duterte to stop attacks and extrajudicial killings against Filipino lawyers.

In a petition dated September 17, several international groups and individuals in the legal profession sought an investigation into extrajudicial killings against lawyers and jurists. They also asked to hold those responsible behind the crimes accountable.

According to the petitioners, at least 41 lawyers and prosecutors were killed between July 2016 and September 2019, including 24 practicing lawyers.

At least five active and retired judges were also murdered since July 2016, the petitioners added.

“Lawyers are also harassed and intimidated. They are subjected to (death) threats, surveillance, labeling, and other forms of attacks. Most killings and attacks of lawyers took place as a result of discharging professional duties or are believed to be workrelated,” the petitioners said.

The petitioners noted that at risk were lawyers who represented individuals accused of terrorist or drug-related crimes, or government critics such as

count,” Belmonte said in her message on the Fast-Track Cities website.

“It has prioritized the AIDS response at the very highest levels of government, working closely with UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) in an unrelenting effort to pursue and sustain its programme of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDSrelated deaths,” she added.

Organized by the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care in collaboration with UNAIDS and other partners, FastTrack Cities 2019 is the first interPAGE 1 national gathering of more than The “dark figure” is the un300 cities that are accelerating their responses to HIV, tubercu- documented number of killings, which the think tank estimated losis and viral hepatitis.

The conference aims to high- through a statistical technique light successes achieved across called multiple systems estimathe Fast-Track Cities network, tion.

The think tank also observed a address cross-cutting challenges faced by local stakeholders and “more extreme” underreporting share best practices in acceler- on drug-related killings commitating urban responses to these ted by unidentified assailants.

Data from the police showed health issues. n 201 drug-related killings but the sources used in the report documented 1,201 killings. The estimated number of killings by who was sick at the time. In the unidentified assailants, includdays preceding the collapse, she ing the dark figure, is at 1,587 had not been able to sleep or eat, victims.

“The findings of this report are and when hospital employees suspected mistreatment of the limited to only three cities for the woman, they contacted law en- first 18 months of the anti-drug campaign, but they raise quesforcement.

The FBI then searched Cox’s tions about the accuracy and residence and found all evidence completeness of the police data of abuse and exploitation. Both on drug-linked killings,” the rethe FBI and the PWC helped port read.

Lugasan during her rescue and transition into normal life, helping her obtain health care, housing, food and legal services. (After a lengthy investigation, law enforcement put Cox on house arrest, sentenced her to five years probation and ordered her to pay $101,119.98 in restitution.)

Through the help of the PWC and the Filipino American community at large, Lugasan said she’s now able to live the life she’s always wanted to live, and she feels emboldened as ever to be active in the fight against human trafficking.

“Now that I am free from the abuse, I want to let all workers who might be in a similar situation to seek help and don’t let people mistreat or abuse you.

Like PWC, there are so many of us who are looking to help. I felt so alone before, so I know how [isolating] it feels, but please know you are not alone,” Lugasan said.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline can connect you with services and support and, most importantly, confidentiality. Call the hotline at 1-888373-7888, text 233733 or visit www.humantraffickinghotline. org to chat with a representative.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Anti-human trafficking summit highlights...

PAGE 1

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

We fell short in defending ourselves),” she added.

“What we have is personal knowledge, the experience and the truth that we own,” Marcos further explained, adding that she believes the UP will be fair in teaching martial law to its students. n

The data used in this report was from more than 20 different sources in the Philippines, including police reports, news, churches and parishes, nongovernmental organizations and human rights groups, and the Commission on Human Rights, among others.

The data set of the Stabile Center noted that 80% of the 2,320 homicides recorded in the same time period were reported in police documents, 60% reported in the news while a small number has been recorded by churches and human rights groups.

Earlier this year, rights watchdog Human Rights Watch warned that the human rights crisis in the Philippines has “deepened” during Duterte’s second year in office.

In its annual report issued last January, HRW noted that the drug war has expanded to areas outside Metro Manila. As of No-

vember 2018, the government’s tally of drug-related deaths rose to 5,050.

In a report last July, Londonbased Amnesty International said the epicenter of the Philippines’ drug has shifted to Bulacan province, where 827 drugrelated killings were observed from July 2016 to February 2019.

Amnesty attributed the rise in killings in Bulacan to the transfer of police commanders previously based in Metro Manila to the province.

“A closer looks shows that several commanders who previously held posts in Metro Manila when it was the region where most drug-related killings were reported have been promoted and are now at the helm in various positions in Bulacan and the wider Central Luzon,” the Amnesty report read. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com)

6

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SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Beyond emergency powers

FEATURES

AFTER three years, it looks like senators remain lukewarm to proposals to give President Duterte emergency powers to untangle the traffic mess particularly on EDSA. The bone of contention has always been the Senate’s request for the administration to specify exactly what powers are being requested or for what specific purposes.

Senators have refused to grant blanket authorization that might open doors to corruption, by circumventing procurement laws or the constitutional separation of powers, for example. An exasperated President Duterte has said he’s no longer interested in the emergency powers.

This should not mean he is giving up on the traffic mess in Metro Manila, which experts estimate is costing the country billions in lost economic productivity. A recent report said patients in ambulances have died because heavy traffic in Metro Manila prevented the vehicles from reaching hospitals on time.

The president’s spokesman facetiously suggested that helicopters be deployed for such emergencies.

No one stuck in infernal traffic can afford to laugh.

In fact some officials are showing that certain things can be done, even without emergency powers, to improve traffic flow. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno cleared some of the most congested streets in the country of vendors, illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions, opening the streets to vehic-

ular traffic. He has so far sustained his campaign without incurring a lawsuit.

Schemes to rationalize bus deployment and movement on EDSA have been proposed, with at least one measure involving provincial buses now the subject of a court injunction. Even without emergency powers, authorities can clamp down on “colorum” buses and prune the number of franchises covering EDSA. The president can use his considerable political capital to get industry players to cooperate in rationalizing the deployment of buses, so that they don’t have to engage in cutthroat competition for passengers and turn various stops into virtual terminals.

There are also several schemes being considered to reduce the volume of private vehicles. Police traffic teams are exploring tighter enforcement to keep vehicle flow moving along EDSA. As for long-term measures, emergency powers will not solve bureaucratic bottlenecks and inefficient processes in implementing infrastructure projects necessary for reducing traffic.

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS SUICIDE — the act of taking one’s own life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2017, the 10th cause of death in the United States was suicide. Worse, suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents 10 to 19 years old.

Suicide follows heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, kidney disease on the causes of mortality, according to the report of the CDC. It has now become a public health problem that is begging to be talked about, understood and addressed.

What causes suicide? What drives a person, who is equipped with life instinct for life preservation, harm him/herself to end it all?

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there is no one cause for suicide. However, this tragedy

DAN STEINBOCK President Duterte’s joint exploration framework with China is a historic breakthrough. But since it has potential to de-escalate tensions over time, it is opposed by those interests that prefer rearmament, even if that would lead to a split of Southeast Asia and new nuclearization.

IN early 2018, the Philippines and China agreed to set up a special panel to work out how the two could jointly explore oil and gas in parts of the South China Sea (SCS) that both sides claim without having to address the issue of sovereignty. That was something of a breakthrough.

Last fall, President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the Philippines resulted in the bilateral memorandum of understanding on oil and gas development in the contested SCS. It was one of the some 30 documents signed during Xi’s visit in Manila.

Following a recent meeting with Xi, Duterte said the Philippines could set aside the ruling of the international arbitral tribunal on China’s SCS claims, in exchange for a joint oil and gas exploration deal with Beijing.

Xi-Duterte framework relative to Malampaya To undermine the breakthrough and cooperation, critics argue that Duterte is “abandoning” the in-

Some agencies have started opening to the public roads in private subdivisions, even without approval from homeowners, to ease traffic along main thoroughfares. This can be done without emergency powers, and it may be carried out in a way that

would enjoy the support of homeowners. The president has immense persuasive powers that can be applied to get everyone on board. Even without special powers, many things can be done in the name of public interest. (Philstar.com)

What we need to know about suicide, the 10th cause of death in the US

“often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.”

HOWEVER, SUICIDE CAN BE PREVENTED. We just have to be better informed about what it is all about, what the warning signs are and how we can respond appropriately to help your self, a loved one, a co-worker, a friend, a student or anybody that exhibits such warning signs.

It is not just about being “malungkot” all the time. Some people can be functional or have a smiling brave front, but deep inside they are hurting and dying in spirit.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention cautions that we need to be on the lookout for “a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behav-

iors.” The foundation explains that “this is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.”

Warning signs: Watch what they say or post on social media or write about.

If a person talks about: • Killing themselves • Feeling hopeless • Having no reason to live • Being a burden to others • Feeling trapped • Unbearable pain Be mindful of their behavior.

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change: • Increased use of alcohol or drugs • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods • Withdrawing from activities • Isolating from family and friends • Sleeping too much or too little • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

• Giving away prized possessions • Aggression • Fatigue Be sensitive about their mood changes. People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: • Depression • Anxiety • Loss of interest • Irritability • Humiliation/Shame • Agitation/Anger • Relief/Sudden Improvement Who could be at risk? The foundation discusses the characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life: Health factors • Mental health conditions • Depression • Substance use problems • Bipolar disorder • Schizophrenia • Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships • Conduct disorder • Anxiety disorders • Serious physical health conditions including pain • Traumatic brain injury Environmental factors

• Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs • Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment • Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss • Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide Historical factors • Previous suicide attempts • Family history of suicide • Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma How you can help: The Foundation for Suicide Prevention advises that if you think someone is thinking about suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Here’s how to talk to someone who may be struggling with their mental health.

• Talk to them in private • Listen to their story • Tell them you care about them • Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide • Encourage them to seek treatment or to contact their

doctor or therapist • Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems or giving advice If a person says they are considering suicide: • Take the person seriously • Stay with them • Help them remove lethal means • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-2738255 • Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7 • Escort them to mental health services or an emergency room LASTLY, if I may add, let us pray for them and their families.

Let us visualize the light of God surrounding them like a shield, dissipating the dark clouds hovering above them, and healing them to wholeness.

GOD BLESS YOU. ***

gas or oil deal as opposed to China’s 40 percent. That’s a breakthrough, something that none of Duterte’s precursors achieved in the past decades.

Of course, there is another possible approach to the SCS issues, as well. After Duterte’s statement, Vice President Leni Robredo, the last major holdout of the Liberal Party meltdown following the 2016 election, blamed Duterte for a “shameful” sellout to China over the joint-exploration deal. In turn, Duterte has argued that the Philippines needs to stop the “foolishness” of such scenarios.

Where would such scenarios lead?

The other scenario In the April phone conversation between U.S. President Trump and Duterte, Trump boasted about two U.S. nuclear submarines near North Korea. “We have a lot of firepower over there,” Trump said. “We have two nuclear submarines — not that we want to use them at all.” The willingness to use nuclear weapons in the region is the latest phase in the ongoing rearmament.

During the Cold War, Washington created the security architecture in the region, including the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (Seato) signed in Manila in the mid-1950s. The Seato’s stated task was to contain Soviet communism. Hence, the U.S.-led wars from the Korean Peninsula in the early 1950s and the massacre of almost a million Chinese communists in Indonesia in the mid-1960s, to the war in Vietnam and subsequent conflicts in the former Indochina in the 1970s

until the Seato’s dissolution.

Today, the region looks very different. In relative terms, America’s economic role has been descending. Meanwhile, China has matured into a major economic contributor, as reflected by the economic spillovers associated with One Road One Belt initiatives.

Ever since President Obama’s Pivot to Asia in the early 2010s, the Pentagon has been pushing rearmament in the region, through arms sales. In 2017, the U.S. sold $42 billion in weapons to foreign countries, but $8 billion (20 percent of the total) in the “Indo-Pacific” region. Yet, in global arms transfers, Asia Pacific is the most lucrative region (over 40 percent of world total). Consequently, US defense contractors would like to double their revenues in the region.

The Pentagon’s highest executives have a personal stake in rearmament. Former U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis served on the board of General Dynamics, a leading U.S. defense contractor.

His successor Patrick Shanahan served over 30 years in executive roles at Boeing, the largest U.S. military exporter.

Current Defense Secretary Mark Esper has been recognized as America’s top military lobbyist. He spent seven years as the head of government relations at the leading defense contractor Raytheon.

In the early 2010s, the strategic goals of the former Aquino government and those of current Vice President Robredo have largely converged with the U.S. “pivot to Asia.” As President Obama’s Defense Secretary Leon Panetta affirmed in 2012, this plan was

predicated on the deployment of 60 percent of U.S. warships to Asia Pacific by 2020 — that is, next year.

Last month, the Pentagon’s new chief Esper illuminated the next phase of U.S. rearmament in the region.

Pentagon’s missile aspirations in Asia A day after Washington withdrew from the landmark Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia — that President Reagan and Gorbachev in 1987 hoped would ensure peace in the 21st century — Esper stated the U.S. will be looking to deploy new ground-launched, intermediaterange missiles in Asia.

According to Pentagon estimates, a low-flying cruise missile with a potential range of about 1,000 kilometers could be ready for deployment in 18 months.

The U.S. continues to have almost 4,000 nuclear warheads.

Esper has acknowledged the U.S. is considering placing new medium-range conventional weapons in Asia: “We would like to deploy a capability sooner rather than later.” While he has not specified where the U.S. intends to deploy these weapons, U.S. allies in the region are historically prioritized.

In brief, geopolitical pressure toward missile deployments is about to begin in Southeast Asia.

Asean vs nightmare scenarios In the Philippines, the history of nuclear deployments has been largely covert. Article II Section 8 of the Philippine Constitution forbids the presence of nuclear weapons in the country. But such clauses do not constrain its allies.

During the Cold War Marcos era, U.S. nuclear warheads were

secretly stockpiled in the Philippines. When the U.S. Navy withdrew from Subic Bay naval base in 1992, it was due to the failure to iron out differences, including Manila’s ban on nuclear weapons.

By 1995, the Asean countries agreed on the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. The Bangkok treaty entered into force on March 28, 1997 and obliges its members not to develop, manufacture or otherwise acquire, possess or have control over nuclear weapons. However, allies are not constrained by such limitations.

When President Aquino and Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario agreed with the U.S. on a rotating U.S. military presence in Philippine bases in March 2016 — right before Duterte’s landslide win — the effort seems to have been to lock in a path to closer military alignment (which eventually would require such deployments).

That scenario could bury the economic promise of the Philippines in the 21st century. President Duterte’s rebalancing, including a joint exploration deal, is an effort to foster new economic cooperation with China, in addition to the old ties with the U.S. That rebalancing is very much in line with Asean’s efforts at peaceful, regional economic integration. Rearmament and nuclearization aren’t. (ManilaTimes. net) ***

PH, China and US: Joint exploration vs rearmament Commentary

Philstar.com photo

ternational ruling on the disputed sea. In reality, setting aside the ruling does not mean abandoning it.

As I have argued since the early 2010s, the friction between the Philippines and China can be overcome by focusing on the economic cooperative potential, suspending the stated bilateral differences, creating mechanisms to settle those disagreements over time and fostering joint confidence-building measures. That’s what most Asean countries aspire to, including those that have SCS disagreements with China.

It may be useful to compare the stated joint exploration framework with another historical precedent. In 1989, during the rule of President Corazon Aquino, a gas field was discovered off the shore of Palawan. Following successful appraisal in the 1990s — during the presidencies of Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada — the Malampaya field became operational in 2001.

According to its operators’ estimate, as of 2018, the Malampaya, whose supply is forecast to start declining by 2022, has surpassed $10 billion in Philippine government revenues. That’s a nice way to say that that 90 percent of the Malampaya revenues go to multinationals in Europe and the US. In reality, the Philippine interest in the gas field is just 10 percent, as opposed to the British-Dutch Shell (45 percent) and the U.S. Chevron (45 percent).

According to President Duterte’s statement, China has promised to give the Philippines 60 percent of the profits from any

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Dr. Dan Steinbock is the founder of Difference Group and has served at the India, China and America Institute (US), Shanghai Institute for International Studies (China) and the European Union Center (Singapore). For more, see http:// www.differencegroup.net/

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

BuCor officials detained at Senate seek relief from appeals court

“[T]he Committee and its individual members have a priori prejudged the Petitioners to have been guilty of certain miscreance—that MANILA — The Bureau of Coris allegedly ‘selling’ GCTA to cerrections officers cited in contempt tain inmates of the [NBP] and for by senators sought relief from the receiving bribes...—based upon Court of Appeals for their continthe testimony of other witnesses... ued detention. whose testimony had been preBuCor Records and Documents determined by the Committee to Section chief Ramoncito Roque, lebe true and accurate,” they told gal officer Fredric Anthony Santos the CA. and New Bilibid Prison Hospital They maintained that they remedical officer Ursicio Cenas, mained truthful in their testimothrough their lawyer, filed a petinies but it was “evident” that the tion for habeas corpuse before the Committee will not accept testimoappeals court on Wednesday. nies that go against the testimony They asked the court to direct of its own witnesses.

Senate sergeant-at-arms, Maj. “Petitioners were thus unjustly Gen. Rene Samonte Jr. to “proconfronted with the execrable duce the body” of the petitioners trilemma of self-condemnation, and summon the respondents— perjury and contempt, effectively Sen. Richard Gordon and Senate denying them their right to due President Tito Sotto— before the process,” they added. court.

SC: Indefinite detention illegal The BuCor officials also raised that the duration of their detention remains indefinite.

They have been held at the Senate office since September 12.

The officials also cited the SC ruling on the release of Aegis Juris fratman Arvin Balag, also cited in contempt, that read: “The Court finds that the imprisonment under the inherent power of contempt by the Senate during inquiries in aid of legislation should only last until the termination of the legislative inquiry under which the said power is invoked.”

They stated: “Based on the foreBilibid hospital doctor Ursicio Cenas (left photo), Bureau of Corrections legal chief Frederic Santos going, there is absolutely no factual and documents chief Ramoncito Roque (right photo) are escorted by Senate security officers after they were ordered detained at the Senate for contempt during a hearing last September and legal basis for the Order citing 12 on prison irregularities.

Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo Petitioners in contempt.” n

by Kristine JoY

Philstar.com

patag

During the September 12 Senate inquiry into the Good Conduct and Time Allowance law, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa moved to cite the three in contempt for their statements before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson also accused them of “lying” to their faces.

“The senators would like to see some measure of forthrightness, truthfulness so that they won’t take us for a ride. We’re working, and they’re strolling. My questions are easy but they’re evasive,” Gordon, chair of the Blue Ribbon committee, added.

Petitioners: We were bullied, called liar to our faces They narrated that while they were explaining, they could not complete their testimonies as they are “arbitrarily interrupted, their answer peremptorily cut short.”

Manila Water, Maynilad to appeal Supreme Court’s P921-M fine by ian

nicolas cigaral Philstar.com

MANILA — Utility companies Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. said on Wednesday, September 18, they will appeal the Supreme Court ruling slapping them with hefty fines for violating the Philippine Clean Water Act. In separate disclosures to the stock exchange, Manila Water

and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. — which has majority stake in Maynilad — said they will seek the reversal of the SC ruling by filing their respective motion for consideration by October 2.

Last month, the SC upheld the decision of the Court of Appeals and ruled that Maynilad, Manila Water and regulatory Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System violated Section 8 of the

Clean Water Act for not building enough sewage lines.

In its decision penned by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, the high court told Maynilad and the MWSS to pay a penalty of P921 million while another P921-million fine was imposed on Manila Water and the MWSS. The SC said the fine shall be paid within 15 days from the receipt of the ruling. n

A worker hangs lanterns at a stall in Central Market in Manila three months before the official start of the Christmas season. The Philippines is the only country that begins celebrating the happiest season in September.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina

Department of OFWs pushed

by DJ

Yap, Jovic Inquirer.net

Yee

MANILA — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III appeared to have been trapped into supporting the proposal creating a separate department for migrant workers, which he admitted on Tuesday, September 17, “runs counter” to the government’s goal of repatriating these workers and ensuring that they are provided opportunities in the country.

During the Senate’s deliberation of his department’s 2020 budget, Bello pointed out that he had tried in the last few months to remain neutral on the matter given that as labor chief his “position will always be suspect.”

But upon the prodding of senators, Bello said he supported the move since this was what President Duterte wanted.

“Since the leadership already took a position, I would go on record in supporting this move to create a separate Department of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers),” he said.

In July, bodu said in an event honoring OFWs that he would rush the creation of the department that would solely cater to their needs.

For migrant workers Thus, his former aide, Sen. Chrisopher Bong Go, filed Senate

Bill No. 202, establishing the umbrella agency that would address issues and concerns of migrant workers and their families.

When asked by labor committee chair Sen. Joel Villanueva about the key features of the new department that the Department of Labor and Employment’s attached agencies Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration cannot address under the current setup, Bello did not provide a direct answer.

“In recompense for their contribution, it’s fair to create a department just to focus on the protection and promotion of their welfare,” Bello said.

Villanueva noted that while they agreed that the rights of OFWs should be protected, they wanted to be assured that this was the “right direction” for the government, especially that it was in the middle of rationalizing the bureaucracy.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, for his part, said it was not the intention of proponents of a Department of Overseas Filipino Workers to make “labor export” a state policy by sending scores of Filipinos abroad.

The House leader defended House bills creating such a department, arguing that it would

help address unemployment in the short term and promote the welfare of OFWs by pointing them to a one-stop shop for their concerns.

‘Only a recognition’ “The criticisms that we’ll be perpetuating OFWs and making it policy to export laborers if we create a Department of OFWs are not true,” Cayetano told a joint hearing of the House committees on government reorganization and on overseas workers affairs.

He said the OFW department was only a “recognition” of the reality that millions of Filipinos still had no jobs, and employers abroad were actively “pirating” Filipino talent.

In addition, the Taguig lawmaker said the department would ensure that government services related to OFW concerns would be streamlined with one Cabinet-rank official on top of everything.

Cayetano is one of several lawmakers who have filed a bill creating an OFW department, one of the legislative priorities identified by Mr. Duterte during his fourth State of the Nation address in July.

As of Tuesday, 31 similar bills have been filed at the House, according to Batangas Rep. Mario Vittorio Mariño, chair of the House government reorganization panel. n

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september 19-25, 2019 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

GMA answers alleged violations committed leading to Eddie Garcia’s death

by Deni

Once completed, the Bulacan airport will accommodate 100 to 200 million travellers annually — higher than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s 31-million-passenger capacity.

Contributed photo

SMC, DOTr sign contract for Bulacan Airport

by Gaea

Katreena CaBiCo ian niColas CiGaral Philstar.com

MANILA — Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. on Wednesday, September 18, signed a contract with the government to build and operate a $15-billion international airport in Bulacan province, north of Manila, aimed at decongesting the overstretched gateway in the capital.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and SMC President and COO Ramon Ang sealed the 50year concession agreement for the Bulacan airport.

The project was awarded to SMC last month after the competitive challenge for its unsolicited proposal ended with no counterbids.

“The airport will be built at no cost to government, and with no subsidies or guarantees,” Ang said.

“This is the only meaningful project in the last many years” Under SMC’s offer, the com-

pany will finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the airport — to be known as the New Manila International Airport.

Once completed, the Bulacan airport will accommodate 100 to 200 million travellers annually — higher than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s 31-millionpassenger capacity.

The new facility in Bulacan — which will have four parallel runways — is expected to be operational within four to six years from the start of construction, which is targeted to begin in December this year.

The Bulacan Airport is part of the “basket of solutions” of the Duterte government to ease congestion at the aging NAIA, which was rated as among the world’s worst airports.

As of 11:24 a.m. Wednesday, shares in SMC were up 0.81% or P1.40 to P174 apiece.

Not entirely unopposed Around 700 families in the coastal village of Barangay Taliptip in

Bulakan town are expected to be displaced once the construction for the airport city project begins.

Residents, composed mainly of fishermen, lamented Ang’s conglomerate has yet to provide them with the masterplan of the project, which includes the extent of reclamation and the relocation site for affected residents.

SMC earlier assured Bulakan residents of their relocation and livelihood, saying the “success of the airport project is linked to well-being of surrounding communities.”

But residents told Philstar. com that only about 300 housing units will be allotted and those who expressed opposition to the project were threatened to be excluded from the relocation.

Aside from displacing hundreds of families and affecting the food security of the entire Manila Bay, the aerotropolis project is also feared to spur intense flooding in the area. n

afiniDaD-BernarDo Philstar.com

MANILA — GMA Network has recently released a statement responding to the Labor Department’s probe findings on the accident of the late actor Eddie Garcia while on the set of a now shelved TV series.

As response to the Department of Labor and Employment’s allegation that GMA failed to submit an incident report within 24 hours since the accident, the TV network in a statement released on Monday night, said that Eddie’s accident was an “exception to the requirement.”

“Regarding the first finding, GMA noted that the IRR (DOLE’s Implementing Rules and Regulations), as worded, states that such a case of ‘work accidents resulting in disabling injury or death’ is an exception to the requirement that a report be made within 24 hours from the occurrence. Nonetheless, GMA submitted the report within one (1) month from the accident which occurred last June

8, 2019,” the network stated.

As to DOLE’s second finding that the network failed to “employ or designate a safety officer,” GMA said: “Secondly, on having a designated safety officer in the workplace, GMA confirms that it actually has sufficient number of DOLE-certified safety officers catering to its employees.”

According to the network, the “workplace” covered by the DOLE’s Occupational Safety and Health Law “is deemed to refer only to those places where services of the employees are regularly rendered. The IRR cannot expand the coverage of the law to include temporary, moving, or shifting locations. Extending said requirement of the law through the IRR to all temporary taping locations would unreasonably burden the industry with a requirement which is beyond the contemplation of the law.”

As for DOLE’s third finding that the network allegedly failed to employ or designate a certified first aid responder, GMA said: “Lastly, on designating first aid respond-

ers, GMA validated that three production staff who have completed the Philippine Red Cross’ lecture demonstration on First Aid and Basic Life Support – CPR were present on the location site on the day of the accident. Despite the safety measures undertaken by GMA, it was determined that what happened was an unforeseeable accident.”

GMA said that upon completing its “thorough internal investigation” on the case, the network initially handed the results to Garcia’s family as “a matter of respect” and then forwarded its findings to DOLE last July 5.

In the statement, the network assured the public that it would maintain “safety and security in tapings through extensive discussions among its safety officers, the program’s officers, and staff and its contractors in coordination with Barangay officials having jurisdiction over the locations for security, traffic and crowd control matters” and would continue to cooperate with DOLE on the incident. n

2 more convicts in Chiong sisters rape-slay surrender MANILA — Two men convicted for the 1997 rape and murder of the Chiong sisters surrendered to Bureau of Corrections officials with only a day left before the 15-day ultimatum set by President Rodrigo Duterte lapses.

Department of Justice spokesperson Markk Perete told reporters that convicts Josman Aznar and

Seven men—most of them from prominent families in Cebu City—were imprisoned for the rape-slay of the Chiong sisters.

Photo from the documentary “Give Up Tomorrow”

Anthony Uy showed up at Gate 1 of the New Bilibid Prison at around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18.

Perete added that the raw information on the surrender relayed to the DOJ is still being verified.

The two were among the four convicts in the Chiong rape-slay who were granted early release under the controversial Good Conduct Time Allowance despite committing a heinous crime.

The two other convicts in the case, Ariel Balansag and Alberto Caño, turned themselves in last September 6, a couple of days after Duterte ordered the 1,914 freed heinous crime convicts to turn themselves in otherwise they would be treated as fugitives.

On Tuesday, Duterte said he would offer P1 million to anyone who would capture the freed heinous crime convicts under the GCTA dead or alive.

The DOJ has taken the position that prisoners convicted for heinous crimes are ineligible to receive GCTA grants.

A September 6 report of SunStar quoted Edgar Gica, Aznar’s lawyer, as saying that Duterte’s re-arrest

order is unconstitutional.

“This young man should now be allowed to rebuild his life... Hunting for him is like accusing him of the same crime again,” he added.

“They have served their sentence. They have gone home and have a right to be left alone,” Gica also said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, however, argued that the president’s order is anchored on two Supreme Court rulings.

Guevarra cited the 1967 ruling of People v Fidel Tan and the 2001 decision on City Warden of the Manila City Jail v Estrella et al.

In the Tan ruling, the inmate’s GCTA was granted by the provincial warden of Samar. The SC held that the warden usurped the authority of the Director of Prisons in crediting Tan with GCTA. It held: “The prisoner’s re-arrests would not place him twice in double jeopardy because his re-incarceration is merely a continuation of the penalty he had not completely served due to the erroneous act of the warden, it is not a new or subsequent conviction.” (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar. com)

Palace denies Duterte ordered Loot ambush, blames language ‘mix-up’

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, September 18, denied President Rodrigo Duterte’s involvement in the ambush of former Daanbantayan, Cebu Mayor Vicente Loot last year.

Loot, a former police general whom Duterte named as protector of drug rings, survived the May 2018 attack that injured four others.

In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo blamed Duterte’s lack of proficiency in Filipino language for the mixup. “‘Inambush kita, buhay ka pa (I ambushed you, you’re still alive)’ is uttered by a Bisaya President who is not proficient in Pilipino, the vernacular language used in the capital city of Manila and in most areas in Luzon. What the President intended to say was: ‘Inambush ka na, buhay ka pa,’” Panelo said.

He noted that such statement of the president “has been his line as shown by the transcripts of some of his previous speeches every time he touches on the topic of General Loot’s ambush.”

“Let us be clear and categorical: The president did not order the ambush of Gen. Loot. It is silly and absurd to conclude that PRRD (President Duterte) is behind the ambush just because he misspeaks the Pilipino language which is not his native tongue or first language,” Panelo said.

“The Filipino nation by this time is already familiar and used to the language of the President who invariably uses a mixture of English, Bisaya (Cebuano dialect) and Pilipino in communicating with the nation,” he added.

Duterte, in a speech during the mass oath-taking of new presidential appointees in Malacañang on Tuesday night, admitted that he was behind the attempt on the life of Loot.

“General Loot, p*****-i** mo, nanalo pa na mayor. Inambush kita, animal ka, buhay pa rin (General Loot , you son of a whore, you even won as mayor.

I ambushed you, you animal, you’re still alive),” Duterte said.

Loot, a former police general, was one of five “narco generals” Duterte named in 2016. The other four were former Quezon City Police District chief Edgardo Tinio, former National Capital Region Police Office chief Joel Pagdilao, ex-Western Visayas police chief Bernardo Diaz, and Police Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. Last year, Loot doubted that the attack was linked to local politics and said “bounty hunters” may be behind the incident.

Loot was the director of the Philippine National Police Training Service and director of Police Regional Office 8 before he retired.

In 2016, Loot entered politics and won as mayor of Daanbantayan, Cebu.

He went on leave on Nov. 18, 2018, several months after an ambush on his family that injured his grandchildren’s nanny. Loot was with his five grandchildren during the attack in May last year.

In December last year, Duterte claimed that former Interior secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd ordered the failed attempt to kill Loot.

But Malacañang had clarified that the president was merely joking when he tagged Roxas in the ambush of Loot. n

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september 19-25, 2019 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

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VEGAS&STYLE Journal

Marvel artist on PH heroine Wave: Michelle Dee crowned Miss World PH Fan response has been insane by nika

rOque ManilaTimes.net

by Oliver

M. PuluMbarit Inquirer.net

MARVEL Comics’ new superheroine Wave debuted just a few months ago, but Filipino fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Filipino comic book artist Leinil Francis Yu. “The response has been insane,” Yu told the Inquirer of the Cebuana character he cocreated with “Agents of Atlas” writer Greg Pak. “I couldn’t be happier.

I really am surprised by how fast she has been accepted and how far she’s come, considering she’s just a few months old.”

Yu, who is currently the penciler of a new “X-Men” title, related, “My editors reached out to me, like with most projects.

We all worked closely together via email.”

Wave, aka Pearl Pangan, is a hydrokinetic, or a person with the power to control water. Designwise, her look was influenced by the illustrator’s music and game preferences, aside from the writer’s ideas.

“I started out with a full-body wet suit as suggested by Greg and worked from there,” he recalled.

“She is water- and tech-based so I

Wave stars in “New Agents of Atlas”

added the sci-fi armor. I used [the color] teal, as the band Weezer’s ‘Teal Album’ just came out that time, and I thought it works well with gold or yellow. I added the fins to drive home the fact that she is mobile in water. I am very much influenced by video game design.

To add a Filipino touch without explicitly plastering the flag on her, I gave her kampilan/LapuLapu swords with a sci-fi twist.”

While not the first Filipino superhero in American comics—artist Whilce Portacio created Grail for his Image series “Wetworks” in the early ’90s, and writer Matt Fraction introduced superteam Triumph Division in Marvel’s “Iron Man” in 2008—Wave received immediate interest since the announcement of her existence in March. She debuted in “War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas” in May. Some fans, having just seen “Avengers: Endgame,” hoped that she would translate to Marvel’s live-action world, eventually.

The character is already crossing over to another medium.

“Her involvement in [the game] ‘Marvel: Future Fight’ will be substantial,” Yu said. “I look forward to seeing more video game iterations on her design.”

Contributed photos

Leinil Francis Yu

The artist, who also drew DC Comics’ “Superman: Birthright” in 2003, works using a Wacom Cintiq and the program Clip Studio, but still does traditional covers using a Pentel pocket brush pen and disposable Micron pens. On his longtime partnership with Marvel Comics, he reiterated important disciplines: “Dependability and work ethics. Make sure you return emails and calls and always be honest with deadlines and your capabilities. Many good artists lose their shot because they choke under pressure, and worse, go radio silent when editors come looking for them.”

Apart from comics, Yu designed vehicles for Joss Whedon’s science fiction film “Serenity” in 2005. “It was a good experience and a chance for me to try new things,” disclosed Yu. “I did work on other films but they were uncredited. I also did some video game designs a while back. The main difference from comics is the sheer amount of revisions involved in film and concept art design. Then there is the secrecy, and NDAs (nondisclosure agreements), where a huge amount of work may never be seen by the public, until years later.”

Having drawn Marvel’s popular mutants, first in “Wolverine” in 1997 and in subsequent “X-Men” titles, Yu is illustrating the team’s adventures again in another flagship series.

“I thought I wasn’t ready yet at that time,” he recounted. “I always dreamed of drawing the X-Men but my skills weren’t ready yet. Too many characters to draw, too.”

Of all the characters he’s penciled, which is he most proud to have drawn? “The Avengers and Wolverine, but now it’s definitely the X-Men,” declared Yu. On the massive success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Yu said, “It’s tremendous, but I am not sure how much of it translates to comic sales. It can only help.

Marvel characters are now back to being household names.”

Scarlet Snow named new Tourism ambassador

by Jan

MilO SeverO Philstar.com

APART from being an Internet celebrity and products endorser at the young age of four, Scarlet Snow Belo is now an official tourism ambassador.

In her Instagram account, the daughter of celebrity doctors Hayden Kho Jr. and Vicki Belo posted a photo of her with Department of Tourism officials, including Secretary Bernadette

Romulo-Puyat.

“Okay Tita Berna, let’s get to work and invite all the people of the world to our Philippines. But only as visitors, okay?” Scarlet wrote.

For her part, Puyat also posted a video of her welcoming Scarlet as tourism ambassador. “@scarletsnowbelo, our youngest and cutest advocate of Philippine tourism, is now part of the fun!” the Tourism chief wrote.

Scarlet was introduced to the public by her parents on 2016 and instantly became an internet sensation. Her Instagram account, managed by her parents, now has 3.4 million followers.

It can be recalled that last July, the Tourism department has named actress Dimples Romana as Tourism ambassador, thanks to her popular #OhDani memes inspired by her “Kadenang Ginto” character, Daniela Mondragon.

Scarlet Snow Belo with Philippine Tourism Chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and other DOT officials.

Photo from Instagram/@scarletsnowbelo

MICHELLE Dee, the daughter of former supermodel and 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez and former action star Derek Dee, was crowned Miss World Philippines on Sunday, September 15, at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

She will represent the country at the global Miss World pageant in London, United Kingdom on December 19.

The 24-year-old, an eye-catcher from the start of the pageant, also won special awards — Miss BlueWater Day Spa, Miss Myra E, Miss Best Skin and Miss Bench.

She was crowned by last year’s winner Katarina Rodriguez and pageant judge Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso.

Dee, whose advocacies include the care of children with autism, bested 39 other candidates.

The other winners were Kelley Day, Miss Eco Philippines; Katrina Llegado, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas; Isabelle de

Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee

Leon, Miss Multinational; Glyssa Perez, Miss Tourism Philippines; Vanessa Mae Walters, Miss Eco Teen Philippines; Shannon Christie Kerver, First Princess, Miss World Philippines; and Cassie Banks, Second Princess, Miss World Philippines.

A psychology graduate from

Photo courtesy of Miss World Philippines

De La Salle University, Dee was a model for clothing brand Bench in 2016. She also appeared in several films. Dee was a supporting character in the 2019 film “Because I Love You,” starring David Licuaco and Shaira Diaz, and also played roles on the small screen, most notably as Mochi in the primetime teleserye “Love You Two.”

Angel chooses to skip ABS-CBN Ball 2019 for a good reason by ryan

arcadiO

Inquirer.net

ANGELLocsin did not attend this year’s ABS-CBN Ball and instead opted to donate directly to the program’s beneficiary, Bantay Bata 163.

Angel Locsin

share to promote awareness on children’s rights,” she said. “And to help the beneficiaries of Bantay Bata 163 get the education that everyone deserves.”

Meanwhile, Locsin opted to share in a way that she could “probably be more of use.”

“I think it would be better for me to donate directly to Bantay Bata the amount that I’m supposed to spend in the ball,” Locsin explained. “It’s not much, but [it] will help make a difference to someone else’s life.”

Locsin encouraged those who want to “help a child to have a bright future” to donate to Bantay Bata as well.

Aside from her donation yesterday, the actress previously gave scholarships to 31 students earlier this June, in celebration of amassing five million followers on her Instagram page.

The ball also honored the late Gina Lopez, founder of Bantay Bata 163. Last year, the event raised P5 million for the construction and rehabilitation of the Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin Bulacan.

The actress took to Instagram on the day of the ball, yesterday, Sept. 14 to explain her absence at the event, which was held at Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig City.

“I salute my friends at the ABS-CBN Ball who are doing their

A new challenge for Kim by chriStina

alPad ManilaTimes.net

TO theatergoers, she is the beloved Aileen from “Rak of Aegis.” To TV viewers she is the much hated sidekick Savannah from “Kadenang Ginto.” And to streaming audiences, she is the cute and funny Peng from “Momol Nights.”

There can be no doubt that the talented Kim Molina has made a name in various media but she has yet to make a dent in the biggest screen of all which is the movies.

Thankfully, she’s caught the eye of Viva Films which in turn believes she can and will pull off her very own solo movie. Thus was born “Jowable,” Molina’s launching film opening on September 25.

“Dati pag may ganitong press con, after the Q&A, aakyat na ako sa dressing room, kakain na ako ng nuggets ko kasi inuuna sina Arci, sina Bella, sina Andi,” Molina laughingly shared at the the sidelines her solo-starrer’s media conference.

She was referring to the first time she had a supporting role in a movie, 2016’s “Camp Sawi” starring Bela Padilla, Arci Munoz, Yassi Pressman and Andi Eigenmann.

“Pero ngayon, hindi ko makain yung nuggets ko kasi ako na yung tinatanong kung anong kailangan ko!” she added, visibly overwhelmed by the changes in her career.

Her humble and easy going demeanor, however, is far from the character she’s playing in “Jowable”. In it, she plays Elsa, a 30-something “No-BoyfriendSince-Birth” gal who dreams to fall in love. She’s pretty, sexy and funny, surrounded and supported by her friends but still feels miserable and envious of every couple she sees.

That is until she meets a guy who seems very attracted to her.

Question is, is he the love she’s been waiting for, or will he only lead to her first heartbreak?

Far from Kim Originally, “Jowable” was a

The versatile actress of theater, TV and streaming is about to find out if she’ll be just as effective in the movies.

Photo from Instagram/@kimsmolina

short film written and directed by Darryl Yap. Shared on Vincentiments’ Facebook page in 2018, Jowable turned out to be such a relatable short it hit one-million views overnight.

Nevertheless, the original also had its share of critics who deemed parts of the script offensive and vulgar. Apparently, some of Elsa’s rants bordered on blasphemy for certain religious groups.

True enough, Molina, who was raised in a religious family herself found the role of Elsa tricky and challenging at the start.

“Honestly, medyo natakot ako kasi both my parents are Catholic and grew up serving the church.

Sa ganun din ako pinalaki.”

But the 28-year-old clarified that her parents have always supported all her projects, including this controversial movie, which besides showing Elsa ranting inside a church also features a nun discussing sexuality.

“I am blessed to have parents who are open with whatever decision I made pag tanda ko.

They were strict with me when I was young but when I reached 18, nung tamang edad, hinayaan nila akong lumipad. Binigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon na mag explore sa religion, sa kung ano

ang gusto kong maging. I am just so blessed to have parents like them na very supportive,” Molina proudly shared.

With her family’s approval, the actress is all the more excited to share Elsa’s story and the message of the movie.

“I want to be open with my sexuality and I want everyone to do the same. Everyone should be equal. If you are positive about your sexuality, ipakita mo kung gaano ka ka confident sa sarili mo.

“That’s where self-pity starts eh, when you are unsure of yourself. Kung sigurado ka sa gusto mong ma-achieve, lalabas yan.

Yun ang gusto kong ipalaganap, maybe that’s why ganitong roles ang tinatanggap ko kasi walang naglalakas loob gumawa.”

Finally asked if she is ready to face the backlash “Jowable” may get, especially from the religious community, Molina replied, “I guess when we accepted this project, kailangan ready na, so ako ngayon handa na rin ako.”

Presented by Viva Films and written by Darryl Yap, Jowable also stars Jerald Napoles, Kakai Bautista, Cai Cortez, Fabio Ide, Chad Kinis and with the special participation of Candy Pangilinan.

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Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS ONE of the great advances in medical science is the discovery that Ultraviolet C (UVC) rays effectively kill bacteria, and neutralize viruses, fungi and molds. This has led to the introduction of UVC lamps for cleaning and sterilization of medical/dental instruments and accessories. The expanded use was approved by the US-FDA to include sterilizing food items, baby pacifier, bibs, utensils, cups, toys, toothbrush, nail cutters, etc., even cell phones, headsets, and earbuds, chargers, cords, CPAP masks and tubing.

How long does it take to sterilize?

Disinfection using UV light is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), which has been found very effective killing power against a broad spectrum of bacteria. Viruses, fungi, and spores require repeated treatments, perhaps 15 minutes instead of 5 minutes, the standard time of irradiation it takes to kill for bacteria.

What are the common types of UV rays?

The 3 spectra of UV wavelength are: UV-A (320 to 400 nm), UV-B (280-320 nm), and UV-C (200280 nm). UV-C has the strongest germicidal power and popularly used as mercury lamps to inactivate microorganisms in food items, baby eating utensils, bibs, pacifier, CPAP masks and tubing, medical/dental instruments, toothbrushes, combs, shavers, hair curlers, jewelries, watches, keys, cellphones, headsets, earbuds, paper money and coins, and practically anything that fits into the UV-C sterilizer bag or box.

How does UV-C light kill microbes?

The UV-C rays inactivate/kill microorganisms by destroying their nucleic acid and disrupting their DNA, disabling their vital cellular function and ability to replicate. And all it takes is between one 5-exposure for bacteria, and three 5-minute exposures for viruses, fungi, and molds. This same UV-C light is used to disinfect and sanitize our drinking water and food items (meats, especially chicken, fruits, vegetables, and seafoods) as a standard safety procedure in the United States and other countries in the world.

Could these UV-C lamps sterilize a room?

Yes, UV-C lamps can sterilize an entire room, and routinely used daily to sterilize hospital operating rooms, ICU, individual rooms,

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA YEARS ago, I came across an email message from a legitimate contact telling a sad story and asking for emergency money in a faroff land. I searched some phrases and sure enough, it was a scam.

Out it went with the spam trash.

My take on this: my contact’s email was breached and his contact list hacked. This is one of the reasons I am loath to forward emails sent by well-meaning friends, no matter how funny.

What is amazing is that people have been victimized by this scam all over the world when a few keystrokes would have verified it and a bit of common sense and a smidgen of cynicism would have raised one’s hackles and suspicions.

There are rough estimates of $183 million per year on average that have been scammed from the unsuspecting on the internet. The figure could be more since a big percentage of people will not admit to being conned.

The electronic age has brought us wonders and unbelievable convenience defying space/time constraints and accomplishing things we can only do in previous times if we were physically present in one place. With an internet connection, we can do great and wonderful things that were the stuff of science fiction not so long ago.

But there is a sinister side to the internet — a very sinister side. And it gets darker as moral turpitude and relativism appear to be on the rise and our capacity to be shocked is diminished with every jaw-dropping crime.

There was a time when crime was met with swift and appropriate punishment. Sadly, we have archaic laws governing these types of crimes and enforcement is nearly non-existent. We are in uncharted territory.

For as long as these laws which were structured in the past cannot keep up with the overwhelming volume of cyber crimes, it is in our best interest to learn how to become savvy net users and defend ourselves from the onslaught that comes electronically.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2019

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UVC kills bugs at home WGU Advancement Announces New President in order to reduce HAI (hospital acquired infections) which victimize in 2 million patients every year, with an estimated death of 90,000 as a result. In the past two decades, there was an increase of 36 percent of HAI in the USA, with an economic burden up to $45 Billion a year. The latest advance is the Robot sterilizer technology, also using UV-C laps, for all rooms in the hospital.

Is UV-C light safe?

Used properly, UV-C lamps or irradiation are safe for humans and animals. As long as the UV-C rays do not reach the eyes or the skin, no injury will result. This is why UV-C lamps are self-contained in a zippered tote, bag, locked box, preventing any leak of the rays. They are turned on only after the container lid is zipped or sterilizer door is close securely. As for the UV, UV-C operating room, all other room, sterilization, the area is sealed to prevent exposure to people, with signs indicating the room is being sanitized and warning that UV sterilizer lamps are on and dangerous to the eyes and the skin.

What blocks UV rays?

Most any solid material, like cardboard, aluminum foil, wood, concrete, etc. block UV rays. As long as you do not see any UV light at all, it means the rays are effectively blocked.

How about dark glasses?

Dark glasses (even with maximum tint) do not totally block UV rays from the sun. The UV rays could still penetrate the glasses some, and the reflection from your back into the back of the glasses facing your eyes, and the rays that hit you from the sides of your face, still allow UV rays. A pair that totally covers the front and the sides would best for protection.

When sterilizing a room or even items in a UV-C tote or bag or box, using dark glasses are ineffective and unsafe.

How much microbes are in our home?

It is mind-boggling but there are trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, algae, protozoa) in every home, no matter how we clean it in the conventional way. Indeed, there are more microbes in one home than all humans (7.72 Billion current world population) in the galaxy. While not all of them are pathogens, a significant number of them can cause illnesses of varying degrees, some silent infections, resulting in continuous inflammation in our body system we do not even know or sense.

This inflammation increases our risk for the development or aggravation of cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic illnesses, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.

Any form of inflammation in us is the enemy of our body, negatively impacting our immune system.

Besides microbes, stress, tobacco, vaping (e-cigs), alcohol, lack or exercise, loneliness, bitterness, also cause inflammation within us, as stated in my book of healthy lifestyle and disease prevention (www.philipSchua.com).

Could UV-C lamps be useful at home?

Do a due diligence on this subject and discuss it with your physician about the benefit of adding this sterilization method in sanitizing your home to prevent illnesses in your household, by eliminating or minimizing viruses (colds, herpes simplex) bacteria, fungi and molds through UV-C sterilization. The home UV-C sterilization bag (about 8x10x8) emits no ozone and could be used to sterilize almost any item at home (baby’s food utensils, bibs, pacifiers, toothbrush, etc.), following the accompanying instructions on safe handling of this sterilizer. The UV-C bulbs last for about 9,000 to 12,000 hours’ use, roughly one year. This small portable collapsible (for travel) bag sanitizer is available at a discounted price on amazon. For info, email: steriletote@hotmail.com When was UV sterilization first used?

UV light has been used for more than 5 decades by the food manufacturing industry with excellent effectivity, preventing illnesses and deaths from ingestion of infected food items. Actually, the first use of UV-C as germicidal agent was the late 1800, and has been utilize for sanitizing drinking water and food items for 219 years now. The method, which is effective against E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and other foodborne pathogens in meats, vegetables, fruits, etc., also helps preserve food items longer. It is a legal requirement for the food industries to follow the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) controls, using UV-C as an acceptable method. It is clear that UV-C sterilization method for CPAP masks and tubing, food items, and practically any item is most effective and safe in our fight against infection, even in our home.

(Sept. 18, 2019)– WESTERN Governors University (WGU) today announced the appointment of Annalisa Holcombe as President of WGU Advancement, effective Sept. 16. Holcombe brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, fundraising, and community relations to WGU’s nonprofit fundraising organization, which focuses on building financial support for initiatives that drive the university’s commitment to reinvigorating the promise of higher education for all.

“WGU Advancement proved in its first year that it can activate individuals, employers, sector partners, and philanthropic foundations that believe in WGU’s purpose and wish to contribute to its transformative endeavor,” said WGU President Scott Pulsipher. “Annalisa’s track record of success in academic, administrative, and executive roles will be invaluable to Advancement’s mission—helping us scale WGU’s impact not only to make college more affordable for students in need, but also to drive innovation in higher education and impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of students.”

Holcombe joins WGU Advancement after serving in various roles over more than a decade at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, most recently as Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer.

She helped lead the university to its highest-grossing fundrais-

at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

—Marcus Aurelius variations but with only nefarious purposes — to separate you from your money OR on a more sinister level, to steal your identity.

No one race or culture has the monopoly on these. These can originate anywhere in the world.

I have had mine come in purportedly from G7 as well as impoverished countries.

If you have not consciously joined any lottery, why in heaven’s name would you think you have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning even one thin dime? Also, legitimate lotteries will NEVER, repeat NEVER, ask you for money in order for a winner to claim a prize.

One other purpose aside from stealing your money is stealing sensitive information if you work for corporations or government institutions. BE WARY of clicking on innocent looking links which can infect computer systems and networks with crippling viruses.

Some scams feed on your fear.

One of the most deceptive things is to receive an email from your bank instructing you to click on a link and verify your information since someone supposedly is accessing your account and if you don’t verify your information, particularly your pin number or password, this can result in a temporary hold on your funds. Or so, the scammer’s script reads.

The modern term for this is “phishing” and its derivative more laser focused version, call ed spear phishing,”which refers to the activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company.

I received one of these phishing calls which had a legitimate ID on the caller ID asking us to call a number and even left a reference number claiming to check on some gas card purchases. I told her I need to verify if her call is legitimate. I detected a hint of PAGE 12

ing year in its history and was responsible for the creation of its community relations department.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Westminster College and a juris doctorate from the University of Utah College of Law. “With more than 155,000 alumni, alignment with workforce and sector partners, and deep ties to communities across the U.S., WGU is well positioned to prioritize fundraising and invite financial commitments to accelerate the impact it can have in making opportunity work for everyone,” said Holcombe. “I’m proud of the fundraising and development contributions I’ve been able to make in my community, and I look forward to focusing my efforts to help WGU enable access, affordability, and innovation in higher education—on a very large scale.”

WGU Advancement was launched in 2018 to generate financial support for WGU students and to help fund the university’s design of new curriculum and programs that support workforce needs, while also helping to fund the university’s broader innovation agenda, such as college readiness and workforce reskilling.

About WGU Advancement WGU Advancement is a nonprofit fundraising foundation created by Western Governors University to expand access to and accelerate innovation in

education. A 501(c)(3) organization, Advancement’s focus is on complementing and enhancing the WGU vision to reinvigorate the promise of higher education.

In addition to scholarships and other initiatives aimed at increasing access, Advancement raises funds to support development of innovative programs, research, and technologies that will improve educational quality and student outcomes. Learn more at www.wgu.edu/advancement.

About WGU Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 117,000 students nationwide and has more than 155,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 21 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy.

WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

Easterseals Nevada Announces 9th Annual Block Party

LAS VEGAS – Easterseals Nevada (ESN), an innovative healthcare and human services non-profit, invites the community to participate in its 9th Annual Block Party (formerly Cheers to Chocolate), showcasing food from The District at Green Valley Ranch restaurants, wine and spirits by Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits and beer by Bad Beat Brewery.

Block Party tickets include unlimited food and beverage tastings.

This Fox 5 “Take 5 to Care” event will take place from 6 – 10 *** p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at The Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac District at Green Valley Ranch. In Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and addition to food and beverage tastchairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 ings, the ticket price includes live

Scam-proofing basics 101

The amount of available crud (translate that to disgusting things like porn, pedophilia, scams and gambling and some such variation of evil) on the net is staggering. In the book I wrote, there is a chapter dedicated on avoiding the pitfalls of scams and the schemes of con artists designed to separate you from your hard-earned money.

This time, the level of sophistication is up several notches higher as many unscrupulous and oftentimes, amoral and downright evil people everywhere around the world see the internet as the modern, deceptively innocuous version of highway robbery using a computer instead of a gun.

If we are internet users, we are all at risk, unless and until we take the necessary psychological and physical precautions to deal with this and become relatively “scam proof.” No one is sacrosanct.

These scams are designed to prey upon two basic human weaknesses ingrained in our DNA wiring: GREED and FEAR. Here’s one blanket caveat to keep us on our toes about how lottery scams and cons play out in cyberspace. REMEMBER — and I can’t emphasize this often enough, on this matter, and perhaps, other significant areas of life — IF IT’S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS. Okay, repeat that as your mantra.

The scams that feed on greed are so sophisticated that they can send a seemingly authentic check by mail from a real bank with so many zeroes on it. If you bite at the first overture, they then ask for a processing fee from you for you to get the rest of the winnings. This is called the Nigerian scam apparently because the first perpetrators allegedly were well educated but destitute Nigerians who found that their facility for the English language could be exploited to scam millions using the internet.

The scam has spread and morphed with mind-boggling

Western Governors University taps experienced advancement exec to lead nonprofit fundraising entity

music, caricature artists, psychics and other street performers. During the event, guests will also have the opportunity to bid on decadent silent auction items including a slot machine, helicopter tours, staycations in luxury suites at The Nomad, Aria, Park at MGM and Venetian, Jet Blue roundtrip domestic airline tickets, and many more distinctive luxury items. The evening will raise awareness and funding for ESN’s programs which provide physical, occupational, speech and nutrition/feeding therapy services to children with special needs and launch adults with physical and/or intellectual limitations into careers in the community.

Calendar of Events across

“We are excited to partner with The District and Fox 5 to raise money to support ESN’s programs and services,” said Christine Zack, President and CEO of Easterseals Nevada. “Due to the significant gap between the cost of providing these services and the reimbursement rates for healthcare and human services in Nevada, fundraisers such as the Block Party ensure that everyone, regardless of their health insurance or ability to pay, has access to ESN’s services.”

Event attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Tickets are $50 per person or $80 for two and can be purchased at:https://www. eastersealsnv.org/blockparty.

America

S E P T E M B E R 22

Virgen de los Remedios procession and mass in Los Angeles Filipinos, Latinos, Marian groups, civic organizations and devotees will join in an afternoon procession during the annual pilgrimage to Mary on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. This year’s celebration includes special prayers for the Catholic Church in the Philippines that the clergy and faithful be always courageous instruments of God’s truth, love and peace. Archbishop Romulo Valles, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has asked Filipinos to pray in solidarity for four Catholic bishops, three priests and a religious brother among others who have been filed with charges of inciting sedition, libel and obstruction of justice by Philippine authorities. Newly appointed Filipino auxiliary bishop Alejandro Aclan of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will preside in the solemn concelebrated Mass. Catholic columnist, Rev. Rodel Balagtas will deliver the homily, as he leads his kabalens from Minalin who are hosting this event. The highlight of the festivities is the reenactment of canonical coronation of Virgen de los Remedios bestowed by Pope Pius XII in 1956. The procession and mass begins at 2:30 p.m.

‘Friends…Unplugged,’ a benefit concert in Los Angeles The Philippine Disaster Relief Organization (PeDRO), in partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation International, presents ‘Friends…Unplugged,’ a benefit concert in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 22 at 3 p.m. at the Aratani Theater (244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012).

Artists included Becca Godinez, Morris Albert, Odette Quesada, Ner De Leon and Kevin Click.

Additional artists to be announced. Tickets are $65 for lower orchestra, $45 for upper orchestra and $35 for Balcony.

S E P T E M B E R 28

75th Anniversary of Leyte fundraiser gala in Carson, CA The Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation will be holding a fundraising gala on Saturday, September 28 at the Carson Community Center leading up to the 75th anniversary of the Leyte landing on Oct. 20. The foundation is dedicated to servicing the ongoing needs of surviving veterans of World War II as well as other veterans of recent conflicts. This will lead into two other events on Oct. 12 and Oct. 20. The ticket is at $75 payable to the E.R.B. Foundation. Call Julie at (310) 8358365 or (424) 257-2504 for more information.

Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Chatsworth, CA The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Filipino Ministry invites you to the San Fernando Region celebration of the feast day of the first Filipino Saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila. This festive occasion will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at St. John Eudes Church, 9901 Mason St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Procession will start at 10:30 a.m. Eucharistic celebration will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joel Henson, director of Ongoing Formation of Clergy, Archdiocese of Los Angeles as the main celebrant. Reception, fellowship and program to follow immediately after the mass. For further inquiries, please contact Patty Santiago (818)-472-4288, Dominic Mendoza (818) 687-4890 or Mia Macalino (818) 517-4300.

O C TO B E R 5

Asian American Drug Abuse Program to host annual benefit in Los Angeles Back by popular demand, the legendary Kalapana and special guest Michael Paulo will be performing once again at the Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)’s annual benefit on Saturday, October 5. Kalapana emerged as one of the most popular bands on the Hawaiian music scene in the 70s, producing a steady stream of hits. Their 1975 debut album was hailed as one of the best of the mid-70s Hawaiian renaissance. Tracks like “Naturally,” “Nightbird,” “The Hurt,” “You Make It Hard,” and “When the Morning Comes” became household tunes and still enjoy frequent play on contemporary Hawaiian radio. Musical trends have come and gone, but Kalapana’s many hits have remained Island classics. This promises to be an unforgettable experience, as it pays tribute to the late Malani Bilyeu, founding member and Hoku Award-winning artist. Performing as Kalapana will be: DJ Pratt (lead guitar, vocals), Gaylord Holomalia (keyboards, vocals), Kenji Sano (bass, vocals); accompanied by: Todd Yukumoto (saxophone & flute), Garin Poliahu (drums) and John Valentine (vocals, guitar); and special guest Michael Paulo (saxophone). Aratani Theatre is located at 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The program will begin at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception, followed by the concert at 7 p.m. and a dessert reception and meet-andgreet at 9 p.m. For more information, please visit www.showtime-AADAP.org.

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

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Features

september 19-25, 2019 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

As McDonald’s delivery business builds global momentum, the company hosts third annual McDelivery event across 50 countries and six continents Global “McDelivery Night In” includes “Staying In” clothing line dropping on September 19

CHICAGO— McDonald’s now delivers to more than one million customers around the world every day. To honor this milestone, on September 19 McDonald’s and Uber Eats are encouraging customers to enjoy a “Global McDelivery Night In” – one night dedicated to enjoying their craveable and delicious McDelivery favorites where they order it most: at home.

With 60% of McDelivery orders being placed at night, and a growing culture of coziness and relaxation emerging around the world, McDonald’s has created a line of apparel and accessories designed to take quiet nights in to the next level – whether it’s curling up on the couch for a night of relaxation or spending time with loved ones – with McDelivery.

Items offered in the McDelivery Night In line, a unique collection of comfortable, on-trend items to enjoy at home including plush loungewear, socks, slippers, games and more.

“With McDelivery we’re meeting our customers on their terms,and providing more ways to get their McDonald’s favorites than ever before,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s CEO. “In fact globally there are more than 10 McDelivery orders placed

EMPLOYMENT

every second. With our third annual McDelivery celebration, we’re calling on our customers around the world to take a break and join us for a well-deserved night in.”

Around the world, countries across six continents will bring McDelivery Night In to life on September 19th.

• In the U.S., customers can order McDelivery with Uber Eats from a participating McDonald’s to receive a limited edition item from the McDelivery Night In line* with $10 minimum purchase beginning at 5 p.m. local time, while supplies last. Available items in the U.S. include items ranging from cozy socks to slippers perfect for kicking up your feet in style with a Big Mac. • In the United Kingdom and Ireland, well-loved TV personalities will kick-off the activation, encouraging their fans and followers to join the big night in. There will be a £0 delivery fee for Uber Eats throughout the country on the 19th, and cozy socks will be given away with orders between 5-7pm, while supplies last.

• Canada will be celebrating McDelivery Night In through a partnership with Drake General Store – a Canadian retail and ecommerce shop. One hundred

percent of the proceeds from all McDelivery Night In line items sold will go to supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada.

With over two decades of delivery experience in Asia and the Middle East, McDonald’s is already one of the largest global delivery players, offering the service in more than 21,000 restaurants across more than 80 countries. McDelivery is expected to be a $4 billion business globally in 2019, and leverages several different models, including partnering with various third parties for ordering and delivery fulfillment.

McDelivery launched in the U.S. in 2017 with partners including Uber Eats, and by the end of 2019 will be available in 10,000 restaurants, more than 70% of the U.S. system.

For more information on McDelivery Night In, visit McDeliveryNightIn.com. *At participating McDonald’s while supplies last. Limit one item per person. Value menu and promotional pricing not valid for delivery. Delivery prices may be higher than at restaurants. Uber Eats delivery fee, service fee and small order fee apply. See Uber Eats app for details.

(Advertising Supplement)

FOR RENT

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Sikad 2019 set on October 19 HOSTED by the Nevada Bicycle Club in collaboration with charity institution Gawad Kalinga, the third annual Sikad ng Bayan Las Vegas is set on October 19 at the River Mountain Trail Loop.

The charity fun ride aims to end homelessness through community building efforts in the Philippines.

It also supports GK program to include building schools, homes and community centers.

Gawad Kalinga is a nation building movement that hopes to end poverty for millions of Filipinos. Its template begins with restoration of dignity as a human being by bringing the poor out

of their homelessness. But that is just the start. GK uses its resources to allow the poor access to basic services and opportunities that will turn them to productive citizens. Its values formation component is a key element that promotes the effectiveness of all of its other programs.

Scam-proofing basics...

PAGE 11 dejection in her response. Sure enough, a check on the phone number she left indicated it was a phishing call.

No legitimate financial entity will ask you for financial information online. Cut scammers off at the knees with the simple expediency of calling the fraud unit of your bank or credit card company yourself.

Take the bull by the horns. Generate the call. Get the telephone number from your statement or your card and DO NOT CALL THE NUMBER that the caller or e-mailer provided you with. It’s a TRAP. If it is an email, hit the spam button and empty the trash. Don’t just delete it. Sure, they will morph into another form but be proactive and make it more difficult for them. These scams are like viruses or shape shifters and can mutate faster than the speed of light.

PC users are more vulnerable to spammers/scammers and pesky pop-ups than Mac users. But this too can change. C’est la vie.

Is there karmic justice? Because con artists rarely ever see the faces of their victims or know the full extent of the damage that they wreak on real people with real lives, these crimes seem impersonal in nature and rarely, if ever, do con artists get their comeuppance or due

punishment. Translate that to jail time or some form of punishment, like being exposed to an anthill, boiled in oil or tickled to oblivion…

Just kidding of course… Con artists should be happy we no longer live in Medieval Times.

Often, these scammers are based overseas outside of any jurisdiction. They say the wheels of justice grind ponderously, exceedingly slow and it seems during this age, even at the highest levels of political and social crimes and malfeasance, have altogether ground to a halt.

It seems all we can do, short of wanting to become the judge, jury and executioner ourselves, is to pray without ceasing that someday soon, the rule of law prevails and swift justice is meted out to perpetrators in due time.

Be on guard. Better yet, UNPLUG for long stretches from Facebook, Twitter, Gab, Instagram, Reddit or any other social media or from following inane and insane celebrity tweets on Twitter.

Strive to live in the REAL WORLD. The virtual world STILL cannot hold a candle to the real world. You can’t feel the sensation of a good sneeze virtually. Or that of a hug or a kiss… Or of the wonderful feeling of being in your bed sipping a warm mug of cocoa as you listen to the gentle pelting of the rain on the roof at night as

SERVICES

you prepare to go to sleep…

There is a lot of real living for us to do. The internet has its place in our world. But you are the boss and you can decide to curtail its influence on the quality of your own life. We get to pass this way but once. Choose well.

Grill salmon steaks brushed with butter (Yup! Butter makes it better!) and sprinkled with lemon on a summer’s day. Create panini sandwiches for friends or loved ones on your grill pan. Dance. Fly a kite. Knit a shawl. Take time to sip your tea or tend to your garden in the spring. Laugh with the kids.

Log off for long stretches of time and create something with your hands that will make your heart glad and make the people in your immediate orbit praise God for having you in their lives — even for just a short while.

The virtual world is a blessing simply meant to enhance life, NOT REPLACE IT. That’s all it does.

Even with all its bells and whistles, it is a spice, not the main entree.

After all, life tethered on terra firma, is for real living, right here, right now.

Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 19-25, 2019

13

Filipina American’s vegan ice cream brand turns family stories into pint-sized memories

By Christina M. Oriel / AJPress

Christy Cunanan with a pint of the puto bumbong flavor

hear people saying, ‘Wow you’re really close with your family. That’s not common,’” Cunanan recalled in a recent interview with the Asian Journal. “I didn’t know if that was a Filipino experience or my own experience but I wanted to make sure that there was a strong intention of sharing that.”

Her lolo Cesar, who has since passed away after starting the endeavor, wasn’t the biggest ice cream fan, Cunanan admitted.

“But he loved the Philippines and it was about sharing his cultural pride,” she said. “I intended to make it clear that it’s coming from a point — regardless of if it was ice cream or doughnuts — that it is proudly Filipino.”

The first flavor Cunanan attempted was puto bumbong, after the rice cake delicacy traditionally served during the Christmas season. Next came calamansi since her family had a tree in their backyard.

Her family, close friends and coworkers were the initial taste tasters for the creations.

“That’s the theme that resonated: What’s something that you would see in the Philippines but you don’t get to experience daily here?

How can I bring that to you consistently in a way that makes either you think of someone or a personal memory?” Cunanan explained.

“We’re not just thinking about trends or the younger generation, but all generations.”

For one of the first tasting events held at Cunanan’s home, it was set up like a focus group to test whether the various flavors reminded guests of the Philippines or their families.

“I didn’t think a flavor was ready if it didn’t. If more people said yes, then

Maiz (corn), mangga (mango), and ginataan mungo (mung beans) flavors on display at Cheeri Cheeri’s test kitchen at Cunanan’s house in Pasadena, California.

(L-R) Calamansi, ginataan mungo, mangga at sago, and buko pandan with pinipig Contributed photos

IT’S often said that food is a form of storytelling with its dimensions of narrating our culture, identity, relationships, memories, decisions we make and much more.

For Christy Cunanan, one of her fondest childhood memories was listening to her grandparents’ stories about their lives in the Philippines and the culture, which has shaped her identity as a secondgeneration Filipina American.

As she documented the family’s stories and memories, she sought to engage more with the content versus idly recording them.

By day, Cunanan has been a production coordinator at Walt Disney

Animation Studios for the past five years, where she has worked on “Big Hero 6,” “Moana,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” and most recently, “Frozen 2.”

Showing her culture through dessert became that palpable route of sharing during her free time.

The experimentation in late 2015 started at her childhood home in Pasadena, California, with making Filipino-inspired doughnuts, but getting the right textures proved to be a challenge. Then, came the idea of ice cream in its traditional formula with milk and eggs.

“I wanted to share this beyond Filipinos because at work, I would

it felt relatable to enough people,” she said.

The ice cream soon took a different turn after her mom adopted a vegan lifestyle, which the rest of the family followed in support as well. The recipes were modified to be plant-based using coconut milk, and continue to be crafted in that manner to this day.

“When we look at Filipino cuisine before the Spanish colonization, even the desserts use rice and coconut milk, which are essentially vegan,” Cunanan said. “Beyond the meat, we sometimes don’t see that our diet at its roots can be considered plant-based.”

Through her ice cream, it suddenly became an intersection of veganism and her Filipino heritage and being a touchpoint to talk about both parts of her life.

By early 2017, Cunanan’s passion project became more concrete with an actual name: Cheeri Cheeri.

“I was serving the ice cream to Christy Cunanan started Cheeri Cheeri, a pop-up ice cream concept, in 2015 based on her PAGE 14 family’s stories.

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

14

september 19-25, 2019 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

Features

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Fil-Am Bailey Munoz wins ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 16 Filipina American’s vegan ice...

by Billy

De la AJPress

Cruz

A FILIPINO American emerged as the best dancer of them all!

On Monday, September 16, FilAm Bailey “Bailrok” Munoz was hailed the champion of the 16th season of “So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD).” The 19-yearold succeeds Filipina American Hannahlei Cabanilla who won the previous season last year.

Aside from being named “America’s Favorite Dancer,” Las Vegas-native Bailrok will also take home a $250,000 grand prize and a cover article in Dance Spirit.

Fellow finalists Mariah Russell, Gino Cosculluela and Sophie Pittman finished second, third, and fourth respectively. Bailrok will also join the rest of this season’s top 10 dancers as they go on tour this fall.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m the first b-boy ever [to win],” Bailrok told Hollywood Junket following his victory.

Week by week, Bailrok has wowed the judges by breaking out of his “b-boy shell” and excelling at every genre — from ballroom, to contemporary, to hiphop — and nailing every performance assigned to him. “B-boying/girling” is a form of hip-hop dancing which has evolved into a highly demanding type of dance physically and mentally.

Bailrok revealed that finding a whole new strength in him-

self was his favorite part of his SYTYCD journey.

“I really wanted to show that I could do it, that I could [overcome] obstacles I was faced and to give it my 100% every time I was on that stage,” he said.

Behind BailRok’s recent success are his proud parents, Ferdie and Barbra Munoz, and his younger sister Faithe, who were always present during all his live performances.

Judge Nigel Lythgoe told Buzz that America got it right when it voted Bailrok as “America’s Favorite Dancer.”

“What I loved about Bailey is his heart is bigger than him.

And he’s the only one with the only style that hasn’t been done by anybody else on the series,” the “American Idol” producer added.

During the show’s finale episode on Monday, judge Mary Murphy was asked to name her favorite routine of the competition. She picked Bailrok’s Broadway routine with SYTYCD alumna Koko Iwasaki on the show’s 13th episode last September 2.

“He affects me,” Murphy explained. “He triumphs over his challenges.”

For his part, Bailrok said that performing a jazz routine to “Need You Tonight” by INXS, with fellow finalist Mariah was his favorite performance. Bailrok said that he appreciated the challenge to be sexy.

The judges stood from their

Bailey “Bailrok” Munoz won “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 16.

Photo from Instagram/@danceonfox

seats as they raved about the duo’s performance.

Judge Dominic Sandoval especially commended Bailrok for his moves saying that “you’re a b-boy, but you’re like Magic Mike the Filipino version.”

“Once again, blown me away!”

Sandoval concluded.

Bailrok has found his niche in breakdancing as early as eight years old. He earned respect within the b-boying community as he showed confidence and creativity that matched those of his older and more experienced contemporaries.

In 2010, Bailrok performed as the other half of the Future Funk duo on “America’s Got Talent and finished in the semifinals.

Since then, Bailrok has worked and met with countless celebrities through dancing. He has charmed a lot of audiences with his diverse performances, ranging from a New York Knicks game to a political sortie of former U.S. Senator Harry Reid. He was also featured in Chris Brown’s music video “Yeah 3x.”

In a previous Asian Journal report, Bailrok shared that when he is not busy breaking out some cool dance moves, he loves having tocino and longanisa for breakfast and often requests for his favorite adobo, kare-kare and lumpia. And just like most Filipino kids, Bailrok goes to church every Sunday and greets his grandparents with the traditional mano.

Bailey Muñoz family hosts watch party in Las Vegas

by Bev llorente

ABS-CBN North America Bureau

LAS VEGAS — When Bailey “Bailrok” was hailed champion during the season fianale of “So You Think You Can Dance”on Monday, his supporters gathered in Las Vegas for a watch party to witness his triumph.

As contestants of FOX TV’s “So Think You Can Dance,” performed their last number on the Season 16 Finale, tears of joy overflowed among family and friends of 19year-old Bailrok as they watched and waited for this year’s winner to announced.

Bailrok, a proud Fil-Am b-boy went into Monday night’s competition among the Top 4 battling against a trio of contemporary dance specialists.

The four finalists also include Gino Cosculluela, Mariah Russell and Sophie Pittman.

Photos courtesy of Bev Llorente

Bailrok, showed off his skills from Broadway, Bollywood, smooth jazz to hip-hop. Bailrok proved that hard work truly pays off.

His aunt Adeline Belisario says: “Hindi naman ako biased pero I think he is the best, yung mga paganyan ganyan niya wala nakong masabi. We love you Bailey. Pero yung something when he is down

and he goes up na parang theyre pulling yung tipong sit ups lang hindi natin kaya.”

Although the live show took place in Los Angeles, his family and friends in Las Vegas are in full support for the Las Vegas-native.

“I just think its so inspiring coz he was so versatile in so many things and I just think I want to do

that too, because I’m also a hip-hop dancer but I’m able to do contemporary and I think it’s just inspiring to watch him move that hard to do it,” his friend Jayna Hughes said.

Munoz also won America’s Favorite dance award and took home $ 250,000. Bailey will also be on the cover of Dance Spirit magazine.

PAGE 13 co-workers to test and they had cones in their hands and they would cheer, which made me think of the feeling when I remember my lolo and lola,” Cunanan recalled. “It’s happiness and cheerfulness. Even though the name isn’t directly Filipino, it reminded me of the doubleness of names like Jun Jun, so that’s why it’s Cheeri Cheeri.”

However, with representation such an important consideration in building the brand, Cunanan is cognizant about making sure people aren’t detracted and feeling left out, whether it’s those who can’t relate to the cheerful tone or aren’t vegan.

“It’s definitely been easier for millennials when they see ‘vegan.’

If you say this is for vegans, people may not see themselves in it. If you say this is a very happy product, people who may not feel that way will not see themselves either.

How do you show something that’s honest? By leaning on that it’s dairy-free is the best way. It may matter that they want a healthier diet but they want it to taste good too,” she said.

The logo, which can also be interpreted as ice cream melting, is representative of Mount Arayat in Pamapanga, where her lolo was from. On its side, the logo bears a silhouette of a woman lying down to represent Maria Sinukuan, the mountain goddess associated with that mountain whom Cunanan heard stories about growing up.

“It’s a brand led by a female so I wanted to show land, femininity, and the Philippines all in one,” Cunanan added.

Pop-ups with other Filipino American chefs and restauranteurs, particularly in the vegan space, and food festivals have been the route for pushing out Cheeri Cheeri’s flavors.

What makes Cheeri Cheeri stand out is the uncompromising fervor to champion Filipino flavors in addition to the ones we’re familiar with by now on a mainstream level, such as ube. And Cunanan doesn’t see a need to translate or give them English names, noting that her brand could be the first point of contact to Filipino flavors for some people.

“I’m more focused on making a more level playing field so that customers are intrigued to try everything instead of just picking the most colorful one,” she said, putting her background in sociology to use.

“It’s about understanding how people might get excited about things and what means a lot to them…

Since ube is such a strong purple

color, it’s very easy to identify it, which is fantastic… But what happens to all the other flavors that are just as memorable or beloved but people might not take a moment to get to know?”

Other flavors she’s introduced in rotation are also based on popular desserts and dishes — Maja blanca (coconut pudding), ginataang monggo (mung beans), manga (mango), ginataang bayabas (guavas), abukado (avocado), ginataan maiz (corn), taho (carmelized tofu), and buko fruit salad.

A savory dish like monggo, which uses mung beans and vegetables, may be intimidating for the unfamiliar, but creating it in ice cream form is a gateway to those tastes.

“If I had the real buko pandan, munggo or maja blanca, maybe someone would say those are ‘too strange’ but we hope that this is a start and people will have a good correlation,” Cunanan said.

For now, Cunanan is a solopreneur, with the help of a supportive family who scoop alongside her at events, but is seeking opportunities to grow her business.

While the focus has been on the grander Filipino food movement nationwide, there are subsets to look out for, including those pushing plant-based cooking. Cheeri Cheeri has found itself at the forefront of this next progression of how Filipino ice cream is served and enjoyed.

“Once we start getting this going, we want this to be as accessible as possible so you don’t have to wait for a pop-up to try something,” Cunanan said. “Now, it’s about trying to find the right partners who have the same vision as that because it’s coming from the heart. It’s not just about getting it out there. It’s about getting it done responsibly.”

Currently, the buko pandan and maiz flavors are available at Tatang in North Hollywood. Special orders can be placed on the brand’s website and more plans are expected to come in the next year.

With Cheeri Cheeri’s foundation in family stories, Cunanan hopes the experience of trying the flavors will start that memory sharing within other families that can be preserved for generations to come.

“I’ve thought about how this shapes identity. I had my grandparents who made me proud to be Filipina and that’s fantastic that the next generation will have so many different influences to be even more proud,” Cunanan said. “This is my way of packaging something that’s truthful.”

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 19-25, 2019

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september 19-25, 2019 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678