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D ateline PhiliPPines AFP chief excludes LP from ‘Red Palace: No special treatment, be like Duterte October’ plot to oust Duterte by AJPress Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday, October 2, excluded the Liberal Party (LP) and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV from any involvement in the presumed “red October” — a plot to oust President rodrigo duterte. The AFP chief clarified that it is only the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), along with its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA) that plans on overthrowing of the leader from his seat of power. However, he warned that they might try to involve legitimate political groups and personalities without their knowledge through cutouts and “linkages.”

LP President Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan denied his political party’s involvement in the said “red October” plot. He even assured the public that they would investigate anyone who might be involved in the said ouster and would expel them if proven guilty. “We will not support any unconstitutional approach or unconstitutional move. In fact, if you have information on any member of the LP, would you tell us? We will expel (him or her) because that is in violation of our Constitution,” Pangilinan said as reported by The Philippine Star. Trillanes also refuted all claims that magdalo, the group that he formed during the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, is associated with the impending plot to remove duterte from the presidency.

“Let me assure you, if there (is) recruitment (in the military), it’s not coming from magdalo,” Trillanes told Galvez during the Senate hearing on the proposed P183-billion budget of the department of National defense (dNd). This was in response to the accusations thrown by malacañang that there exists a “collusion” among communists and certain LP members and that Trillanes himself has called for the ouster. Such inconsistency prompted Galvez to request for an executive session with senators on the matter. Presidential spokesperson Harry roque Jr., however, did not discount the possibility that a coordinated plan to overthrow the president exists within the

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Islamic State fighters to return to Mindanao by AJPress ISLAmIC State (IS) fighters have reportedly fled Syria to return to mindanao in efforts to establish a territory in Southeast Asia, according to The Washington Times on Sunday, September 30. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington released a report stating that more IS-affiliated fighters came from Southeast Asia, specifically from armed groups in the Autonomous region in muslim mindanao (Armm) than in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a result, the United States department of State has ranked the Philippines among the five countries with the most terrorist attacks alongside Afghanistan, India, Iraq and Pakistan. The said countries were the sites of 60 percent of the terrorist attacks in 2017. The U.S. State department’s top counter-terrorism coordinator Ambassador Nathan Sales warned the public on the danger of the said terrorist group as they were proved to be “resilient, determined and adaptable” according to the same report from the Times.

“They have adjusted to heightened counterterrorism pressure in Iraq, Syria, Somalia and elsewhere,” Sales said. The counterterrorism expert added that the foreign terrorist fighters were “returning home” to join the IS branches there. In the same report, CSIS Asia analyst Greg Poling pointed out that the plan to return resulted from their failure to establish a homeland in the middle east. “As we execute victories on the ground in Iraq and Syria, [IS] is going to disperse to other areas around the globe, including Southeast Asia,” Poling said. The analyst also noted that the mindanao region is vulnerable since it is still considered an ungoverned territory. “The southern Philippines is still an ungoverned region,” Poling added. The threat started in may 2017 when members of the maute gang of extortionists and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group attacked marawi, Lanao del Sur and held it for five months. despite the death of maute and Abu Sayyaf leaders in the aftermath of the marawi siege, establishing an IS caliphate or province in Southeast Asia with

the southern Philippines as the de facto capital remained a key goal among the jihadi group’s affiliates. “Affiliates will try to hold territory, they will try to establish a new caliphate,” the Asia analyst said in the report. He noted that holding a territory is required in order to be an IS affiliate. Poling compared it to what they did in marawi wherein they hold the city captive for five months. Following the incident in marawi, President rodrigo duterte placed the entire mindanao under martial law to curb the impending terrorist uprising. Lawmakers extended the military rule until the end of 2018. The said Washington Times report followed the arrest of three suspected members of an IS-linked terrorist group in Barangay Palian Tupi, South Cotabato early on monday. Socksargen police director Chief Superintendent eliseo Tam rasco claimed that two IS flags, m-16 rifles, ammunition, explosives and bomb-making paraphernalia were found in the Bulacons house along with Akmad Bulacon and his sons muktar

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by AJPress

“Kalokohan iyan… Katunayan na wala na silang mabatong isyu kasi umakyat na naman ang rating ng presidente to ‘very good.’ (That’s ridiculous… This is a confirmation that they have no other criticisms to hurl since the president’s rating went up to ‘very good’ again),” roque said, referring to the latest Social Weather

Station’s survey that showed improvements in the president’s satisfaction rating. An act of ‘impulsiveness’ Bertiz, for his part, issued another apology on monday, after his previous 1-sentence apology on Sunday that ended with him alleging that the NAIA staff al-

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Rep. Aniceto “John” Bertiz III Inquirer.net photo

mALACAñANG on monday, October 1, reminded government officials to never seek for special treatment. This is after ACTS OFW party-list rep. Aniceto “John” Bertiz III received flak for allegedly disobeying security protocol and harassing a personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). In a viral video that has amassed more than 193,000 views as of Sunday, September 30, on Facebook, Bertiz can be seen passing through through a metal detector at the NAIA terminal 2 when a male security checker appears to tell him to remove his shoes. Bertiz then raises what appeared to be an Id to the security checker, who backs away from him. Bertiz then snatches off the security checker’s own Id, walking away with it and out of the video’s frame. Presidential Spokesperson Harry roque declined to comment on Bertiz’s behavior, but he reminded government officials to refuse special treatment and follow the “example” being set by President rodrigo duterte. In a Palace press briefing, roque said, “even the president complies with the security check of the airport. He goes through the X-ray machine. He does not ask for any special treatment.” “Let’s learn by way of example from what the president is doing,” he added. roque also dismissed comments that the president has emboldened his allies to feel entitled.

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OCTOBER 4-10, 2018 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Above the law

FEATURES

LAWMAKERS must be reminded that they are on the payroll of taxpayers so their employer — or their boss, as a former president put it — is the Filipino public. Lawmakers must also bear in mind that their job designation does not put them above the law, but commits them to uphold it. There must be no room in Congress for the kind of arrogance being imputed on ACTS-OFW partylist Rep. John Bertiz. A viral video showed the congressman shoving what appears to be his identification card at the face of a security screener at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. The video showed Bertiz then grabbing the screener’s ID card and taking a photo of it. Initial reports said Bertiz resented being told to take off his shoes for the x-ray machine – a standard requirement for all departing passengers. His camp explained that he was irked upon seeing a group of Asian-looking foreigners being escorted past the security area without going through the same checks. If Bertiz wants foreigners to comply with Philippine laws and regulations, he must be the first to show compliance. He should take off his shoes – plus his belt, jacket and whatever other items ordinary folks are told to put on the tray for the x-ray machine. In other countries, he would have landed in jail for creating a scene. Considering the threats to global

security particularly aviation, such requirements are for the safety of all departing passengers, himself included. After complying with the rules, he can then castigate airport personnel who might have exempted foreigners from security screening, as his camp claims. Bertiz was still in a joking mood yesterday, blaming his “monthly period” for the outburst. For sure, women are not amused. This is the second time in just a week that Bertiz has drawn flak. At the oath-taking of new engineers at the Professional Regulation Commission last week, he drew boos from the audience when he joked that those who did not know Special Presidential Assistant Christopher “Bong” Go would not get their PRC license. The negative reaction to the “joke” could rub off on Go. House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, who counts 44 members in his bloc, said yesterday they would initiate an ethics probe of Bertiz. With the probe, the House should convince the public that its members understand that no one is above the law – least of all those who craft legislation. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

No to Kavanaugh Supreme Court Justice nomination: Let me count the why’s The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP is right. The recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing involving his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh — accused of sexual assault that allegedly happened in the 1980s by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a professor of Psychology at Palo Alto University and a research psychologist at the Stanford University School of Medicine — could be a blessing in disguise. It is important to stress that such hearing on September 27 was NOT a trial of either Kavanaugh nor of Dr. Ford. It was a hearing that was supposed to help the members of the committee in making the consequential decision of endorsing Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Senate floor. Despite criticisms on how 90 percent of Kavanaugh’s work had not been made public for scrutiny, despite of three allegations of sexual misconduct and assault against him by three women who came forward and made public their accusations under oath, Trump and the Republicans pushed forward to proceed with

the vote on his nomination. But as public protests and opposition against the confirmation vote mounted, the Senate Leadership decided to conduct the hearing on September 27, while maintaining that they would still continue with the vote on Kavanaugh’s nomination the day after, as originally urgently scheduled. It took a long, excruciatingly painful nine-hour hearing where both Dr. Ford and Kavanaugh were both given the chance to present their testimonies, one after the other. Dr. Ford was 100 percent sure that it was Kavanaugh who sexually assaulted her that night in a party, as Kavanaugh himself said he was 100 percent sure it was not him, and that he had never sexually assaulted anyone in his life. The difference, however, was that Dr. Ford had called for an FBI investigation on her allegations, and that she had nothing to gain in coming forward, and got everything to lose. She said she told her story because she believes it is her civic duty to let the American people know material information about this man who is now about to be voted on to sit in the Supreme Court. On the other hand, what was at stake for Kavanaugh was a powerful lifetime position in the nation’s highest court. He said he was not guilty and yet he had repeatedly resisted any supplemental FBI investigation, a posi-

THE preamble of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares: “The General Assembly proclaims this universal declaration of human rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for the rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves, and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.” The Declaration goes on to list 30 articles, almost all of which correspond to a human right. Article 1 provides: ”All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and con-

They also wanted to find out the veracity of Kavanaugh’s testimony that he gave to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the sexual misconduct allegations and his testimony under oath about his drinking habits, behavior and problem. Pending the results of the FBI investigation, the hearing on September 27 had revealed through his own actions even more reasons why Kavanaugh should NOT be confirmed to be Justice of the Supreme Court. Sure he is well qualified based on his educational and professional sections of his resume. However, these are not the only attributes required of the job, and Kavanaugh failed immensely in these aspects. Kavanaugh’s own words, demeanor and actions during the hearing have proven that he does NOT have the honesty and temperament that the lifetime position of Justice of the Supreme Court requires. During the hearing, Kavanaugh’s belligerence, arrogance and disrespect were revealed when questioned and challenged about his fitness for the job. The Democratic senators in the committee, after all, were doing their job in asking hard questions during this job interview, and Kavasnaugh failed. During the hearing he could not say YES to Democratic Senators who repeatedly questioned

him if he would ask for more FBI investigations from Trump and the Senate leadership. Shouldn’t he be the one asking for and even supporting it because it would clear his name -- IF he is indeed telling the truth in his testimony? What could he be hiding? During the hearing, Kavanaugh made unfounded statements alleging this was part of a conspiracy lead by Democrats to put him down and to revenge on behalf of the Clintons. This partisan rhetoric already disqualified him because as a Justice of the Supreme Court, he is expected to set aside his own political and personal biases and emotions, and just make judgement based on the constitutionality of the issues before him. During the hearing, Kavanaugh argued again and again that yes, he liked beer but that he has never drank to the point of being blacked out with no control over his behavior. However, after the hearing, several of his classmates in Yale, in high school, have came forward to dispute his claims. His classmate and friend in Yale said in a statement: “If he lied about his past actions on national television, and more especially while speaking under oath in front of the United States Senate, I believe those lies should have consequences. It is truth that is at stake, and I believe that the ability to speak the truth,

even when it does not reflect well upon oneself, is a paramount quality we seek in our nation’s most powerful judges.” On July of 2018, the New York Times reported that Republican Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell warned Trump against nominating Kavanaugh, saying that his lengthy paper trail would pose difficulties for his confirmation. But Trump nominated him with urgency for one reason: Kavanugh has written in the past that no sitting president should be investigated while in office. Trump chose Kavanaugh because he thought he could use his vote to save him from the Russia probe. NO to Kavanaugh in the Supreme Court. He poses a danger to the independence of the Supreme Court, supposedly a co-equal branch of government tasked to provide check and balance among the executive, legislative and judiciary branch of government. With the leadership in Congress and the spineless members of the executive all controlled by Trump, NO to KAVANAUGH. He poses a threat to our democracy. *** 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

Human rights a standard of achievement, not a law

Opinion

YEN MAKABENTA

tion supported by Trump and the Republicans in Congress. Thankfully on Friday, September 28, Republican Senator Jeff Flake — one of the members of the committee — rocked the boat. After hearing the testimonies of both Dr. Ford and Kavanaugh, then after being confronted by two women rape survivors after he said yes he would vote YES to confirm Kavanaugh, the senator had a sleepless night. Flake changed his vote to a NO, but said he would support a vote ONLY if the Senate delays the full vote by a week so that the FBI could do an investigation that Dr. Ford deserved, just as the Democrats in the committee have been asking all along. His call for due diligence had been supported by his Republican colleagues in the committee, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Trump and the Republican leadership in the Senate endorsed the supplemental FBI investigations, but questions and criticisms had been raised about the limit and scope of the investigation which may get in the way to unearthing the truth and may cover up material information about growing concerns about Kavanaugh’s fitness to sit in the Supreme Court. The American people demanded to know the truth not only about the sexual assault alleged against him by the three women who came forward under oath.

science, and should act toward one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Article 30 provides: “Nothing in this declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of the rights and freedoms set forth therein.” PH one of first UN signatories The universal human rights declaration was approved unanimously by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, 1948, by 48 nations, with eight abstentions (including six members in the Soviet bloc at the time, South Africa and Saudi Arabia) to be the common universal standard of human rights for all nations and peoples. Newly liberated from war and having recovered its independence on July 4,1946, the Philippines joined the historic deliberations on the United Nations in San Francisco. It was one of the first 48 signatories of the UN charter. The language of the declaration suggests that the so-called rights

are not really rights at all, but are instead only goals to aim at. The listed rights include the familiar rights of life, liberty and security of person (Article 3), equal protection and recognition before the law (Articles 4, 6, 7), due process of law (Articles, 5, 8-12) freedom of conscience and speech (Articles 18-19),freedom of assembly (Article 20), self-government (Article 21), as well as rights not widely acknowledged prior to the Declaration: the right to seek asylum (Article 14), the right to a nationality (Article 15), and especially various socioeconomic or welfare rights, such as the right to work (Article 23) , the right to leisure (Article 24), the right to an adequate standard of living (Article 25), and the right to education (Article 26). Limits on sovereignty What gave immediate impetus to the writing of the human rights declaration were the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime under Adolf Hitler. What distinguished the post-World War 2 developments from earlier human rights initiatives, was the growing acceptance of the view that the way nations treat people under

their jurisdiction is no longer just a domestic concern but is now one that calls for the attention of the international community. This view chipped away at the old concept of sovereignty. It recognizes that individuals can be beneficiaries of international law and that they can find protection and remedies within the international community against abuses by their own or other governments. International law on human rights serves as a supplement to domestic human rights law, especially when it is received by a sovereignty into its municipal law. Human rights a standard, not law In a perceptive essay on human rights (“Human rights in International Relations,” December 13, 1998), Fr. Joaquin Bernas noted: “From the start, the human rights declaration was not seen as law but only as ’a common standard’ for nations to attempt to reach. Its authority was primarily moral and political. It would take another 18 years before the United Nations could convert the aspirations of the declaration into conventional international law embodied in the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. With all this, Bernas noted, there still was one glaring weakness. In the international human rights system, “Individuals have to depend on their own state for the vindication of their rights when violated by other states. In international law this is what is called the nationality-of-claims requirement. If a state violates the rights of an alien, only the state of that alien can sue in his behalf.” British rights, human rights In an article, “Why Sovereignty Matters,” Jeremy Rabkin of the American Enterprise Institute sharply criticized the contemporary trend toward the internationalization of justice. He wrote: “International human rights law is not the product of court rulings, but of international conferences. Abstract pronouncements are enough. At that, they need not even be authoritative pronouncements of supreme governmental authorities. Words spoken by dip-

lomats at conferences are given much weight, and then the reconfiguring of those words by commentators is supposed to give more weight…Soon there is a towering edifice of words, which is then treated as a sure marker of ‘customary international law.’” In England, there is still an ongoing debate on whether it was wise for the United Kingdom to pass its Human Rights Act, which was mainly pushed and passed by the Labor Party. Political opponents and critics prefer to call the rights “British rights” than “human rights.” The late UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher penned a striking chapter in her book, Statecraft, which she titled, “Human rights and wrongs.” She believed that the conventions and protocols that came out of the 20th century preoccupation with human rights detracted from national sovereignty. In a spirit of dissent, she penned one of the most famous expressions of her political philosophy: “For me, duties precede rights, and though charity begins, it does not end at home.” (ManilaTimes.net)

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Palace: No special treatment... PAGE A5 lowed some â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chinese-looking passengersâ&#x20AC;? being escorted by airport staff to breeze through the checkpoint without taking off their shoes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is absolutely no justification for the way I conducted myself. I sincerely apologize not only to the security assistant that I confronted, but also to the pub-

lic for my actions,â&#x20AC;? Bertiz said in a statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I offer my sincere apology to the public for being impulsive on what had happened during my course with the NAIA staff,â&#x20AC;? he added. He also said that he has asked Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal â&#x20AC;&#x153;not to take any ac-

Dateline PhiliPPines

tionâ&#x20AC;? against the airport screener he confronted. Meanwhile, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) confirmed Bertiz â&#x20AC;&#x153;definitelyâ&#x20AC;? violated protocol when he snatched off the screenerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ID. According to House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, his bloc may file an ethics case against Bertiz over the incident. n

Islamic State fighters to return...

PAGE A5 and Zandro. His two other sons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mohammad and Arafat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; escaped during the raid. The black IS flags, according to Rasco, indicated that they were members of Ansar al-Khilafa Philippines. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. warned the public that despite the danger the

group poses, IS tends to claim false responsibility to heighten fear and terror. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are claiming everything. They are doing it to heighten the support and to show that they are still there,â&#x20AC;? Galvez warned. According to the Washington Times, the Pentagon reportedly funneled $16 million in fiscal 2017 for a new counterterrorism mission in the southern Philip-

pines. Around 200 to 300 U.S. troops will be serving in advisory roles in the Philippines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are more committed to preventing, and not just rolling back the threat,â&#x20AC;? Poling said. The analyst also stated in the report that the Philippine military is â&#x20AC;&#x153;far more capable, far better equippedâ&#x20AC;? than any of the armed groups in the southern Philippines. n

AFP chief excludes LP from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Red October... PAGE A5 mentioned groups who staunchly opposed the president. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one will admit (collusion). But there is (intelligence) information in this regard and as far as we are concerned, we are considering all these information as valid and we are ready to face them,â&#x20AC;? Roque said. The presidential spokesman also doubted LP and Magdaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s denial of involvement noting that the groups would have thought of ways to aid in the said plot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It could be true that there is no formal memorandum of agreement between the (LP) itself and the CPP-NPA. It does not prevent leading personalities with the (LP) from having such collusion,â&#x20AC;? Roque said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Trillanes) has repeatedly called for the ouster of the President, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no inconsistency. He has told, he has actually verbalized time and again (that Duterte) should step down,â&#x20AC;? he added. Red October plot Red October, as perceived by Galvez, is an â&#x20AC;&#x153;elaborateâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;pervasiveâ&#x20AC;? attack that stems from the agitation of students, labor groups and indigenous peoples on issues like high prices and human rights violations. Galvez said that the collective agitation, accompanied by the opening of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s courtâ&#x20AC;? to try Duterte for his alleged crimes, and the heightened NPA rural attacks would ultimately lead to a

political and economic turmoil. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the sinister plot of the CPP-NPA,â&#x20AC;? Galvez said as he likened Red October to the destabilization attempt of 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing and the mutiny during former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration. Galvez added that communist rebels, directed by CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison from the Netherlands, would overthrow the government and take over. As agitation started on the 46th anniversary of Marcosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; martial law declaration on September 21, the AFP chief expected it to peak on the CPPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th anniversary. Lower house and NBI probes Red October Seven leftist party-list representatives from the Makabayan bloc urged the House of Representatives to investigate Red October. The lawmakers said that the false intel shared by other military officers gave clearance to those who were supposedly involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These put the militaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allegations in question. It is imperative that they investigate the so-called Red October plot or similar ones alleged by the AFP as such may be a prelude to massive crackdown against the opposition and may result in human rights violations on a massive scale,â&#x20AC;? they said. An anonymous source from the same Philippine Star report, that a witness surfaced before the National Bureau of Investigation

(NBI) and shared â&#x20AC;&#x153;significant detailsâ&#x20AC;? on the Red October plot. The source also hinted that the witness â&#x20AC;&#x153;bolstered AFPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information.â&#x20AC;? Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra refused to confirm this, saying he has not yet received any report from the NBI. Duterte to soldiers: I will take care of you Amid the plot to remove him from office, President Duterte promised the soldiers during the Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 803rd brigade in Catarman, Northern Samar that he would take care of them as long as he is Chief Executive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will take care of you as long as I am in power. I will never abandon you. You will never have any worry at all. Just work,â&#x20AC;? Duterte said. Duterte ordered the military to go for â&#x20AC;&#x153;neutralizationâ&#x20AC;? which refers to the arrest, capture, death or surrender of members of armed groups fighting the government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not into crime prevention. We are going for neutralization now. There is no crime prevention because the crime is being perpetrated 24 hours a day. So you do not need to ask whether there is a warrant,â&#x20AC;? Duterte ordered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once you get them, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neutralization. I will be criticized but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m telling you, I am guiding you what is practical and what is true and legal. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal,â&#x20AC;? the president assured. n

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ OctObER 4-10, 2018

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VEGAS&STYLE

JOURNAL Rey Valera looks back at humble beginnings and successes Regine Velasquez allegedly to The singer-songwriter shares how he creates, transcends music into having a life of its own By RAE

ANN VARONA AJPRESS

FILIPINOS have a soft spot for nostalgia and music — for reminiscing on happy times through the words and melodies of legendary Filipino musicians who contributed to the still present and popular genre of “Original Pop Music,” or OPM. It’s no doubt that many Filipinos light up when they hear the works of Rey Valera who is responsible for hits like “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko,” “Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako,” and “Pangako Sa’Yo” among many others. But for Valera — who is regularly seen as a judge on the hit Filipino show “Tawag ng Tanghalan” — remains self-effacing when talking about his success, despite the fact that many Filipinos look to his music when thinking of good times. “I’m more inclined to think its more on hard work,” Valera told the Asian Journal during a stop in Los Angeles for a concert. The singer, songwriter, and producer had the day before performed at the 880-seat Aratani Theater with American singer and writer

David Pomeranz. Valera’s entrance to the Philippine music scene came by way of one of the country’s major labels Vicor Music, which has been dubbed “The Home of Original Pilipino Music,” but was also responsible for creating a buzz around the Manila Sound and Pinoy Rock movements throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. After years of writing songs in the cemetery — a fact Valera nonchalantly shared — Valera got Vicor Music to listen to one of his songs. Vicor Music then decided to have the song recorded by famed Filipino singer Rico J. Puno who Valera said was one of his idols. Yet just as Valera got his foot in the door, Puno’s recording of the song never materialized, leaving the song without someone to sing it. What happened next though, caught Valera by surprise. “The recording company offered the same song to me, for me to sing — but that was not my focus,” Valera said while laughing. The song, “Ako si Superman” ended up being Valera’s musical

Left to right: Asian Journal CEO Roger Oriel, Singer/songwriter Rey Valera, and Asian Journal President Cora Oriel in Los Angeles, California.

judge ABS-CBN’s ‘The Voice PH,’ Kapamilya singers excited by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

RELIABLE sources from ABSCBN exclusively told Philstar.com that the transfer of “Asia’s Songbird” Regine Velasquez from GMA to ABS-CBN is already “sure,” and that the singer-actress’ alleged first project as a Kapamilya will be to become a judge in the hit reality TV singing competition “The Voice PH.” During the first ABS-CBN Ball last Saturday in Makati City, Kapamilya singers expressed their excitement about the possibility of the alleged transfer. Morissette hopes that the rumored transfer is true. In an interview with the media during the first ever ABS-CBN Ball, Morissette said working with Regine in the Kapamilya network is something she looks forward to. PAGE B9 Regine Velasquez Singer, songwriter, and producer Rey Valera at the Asian Journal ofﬁce in Los Angeles, California on Monday, July 23 following a Los Angeles concert at the Aratani Theatre with American singer/songwriter David Pomeranz. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

GMA photo

I am Jake: A survivor’s story

introduction to the Philippine at the time was too young to sing love songs and too old to sing audience. With the success of the song, fairytales, or children’s songs.” It was during a jeepney ride Vicor Music offered Valera a job as an inhouse songwriter which back to Valera’s province in BuValera said was more like stu- lacan that Valera thought of the dio work, and involved the task song which would later turn out branding artists and formulating to be a classic, resung over and what kind of image they would over again by new generations of Filipino singers. have. T he song “Mr. DJ” which Of his fi rst assignments was the now megastar Sharon Cuneta was sung by the young Cuneta who at the time was just entering instantly became a hit, blasther teenage years. Among those ing on the radios and speakers giving Valera the assignment was as a song relatable by Filipinos Cuneta’s uncle and current Phil- everywhere. “The truth is, both of us owe a ippine Senate President Vicente lot to that song,” said Valera. “Tito” Sotto. “Mr. DJ” was of course then “He was my boss then,” Valera said of Sotto. “So I was in a lot followed by the single “Kahit of pressure thinking of how I Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” which could possibly make this little also became a classic song for nostalgia and good vibes. girl famous.” As Valera explained, “Cuneta PAGE B2 Jake Zyrus

by KARA

ORTIGA Philstar.com

JAKE Zyrus’ autobiography reveals some tough truths about the state of gender, poverty, and fame in the Philippines. He opens with a detailed look into his successful top surgery, walks us through three suicide attempts, and then dinnersat David Foster’s. My boobs were gone. I couldn’t believe it. This is how the first chapter of I am Jake — the autobiography of Jake Zyrus — opens, and after this, it’s impossible to put the book down. This was not the first time I woke up on a hospital bed. In the past, I had woken up from failed suicide attempts. I tried to kill myself thrice, gulping down fistfuls of sleeping pills I always Philstar/com photo

PAGE B2

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Sam Concepcion says not meeting expectations Film director Mike De Leon slams ABS-CBN Ball led to breakup with Kiana Valenciano by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

SAM Concepcion admitted to not meeting expectations as one of the many factors for his breakup with Kiana Valenciano. While Valenciano chose to stay mum about the issue, Concepcion admitted to his faults, which contributed to the end of their relationship. He also clarified there was no third party involved nor was it an issue of not having enough time for each other. “I think maybe just right now, it started to become difficult and marami kasing (there’s a lot of) factors that came into play. Just individually, I know I didn’t meet a lot of expectations…,” said the actor in an interview on “Tonight with Boy Abunda.” Sam Concepcion Concepcion noted that there Photo from Instagram/@sam_concepcion were still a lot of things that he

needed to fix about himself for him “to be completely happy and for that happiness to be shared.” The actor said the breakup was difficult for both him and Valenciano. Yet despite the circumstances, the two former couple are still on speaking terms. Concepcion said that he didn’t want to be strangers to each other. “We’ve been together for quite a while. I thought we were really good. Even when it comes down to just us individually, we were really well together and we had a lot of really good times,” explained Concepcion. For now, Concepcion said they are sorting through the difficulties of their ended relationship one day at a time. (Alfred Bayle/Inquirer.net)

Rey Valera looks back at humble beginnings... PAGE B1 “It was meant for someone young looking forward to getting old and hoping that all of this will happen when they get old,” he explained. “And now, they’re all old,” Valera said jokingly. Making ‘their song’ On what makes a great song, Valera says it’s all about the exper ience it gives to t hose listening. “People like to sing along, and I get that. As much as possible, I want my songs to be singable. Period,” said Valera, adding that he scraps songs he writes if the melody cannot easily be remembered after an hour. “I w r ite songs for t he people. To be simple. To get the message across,” continued Valera. “It becomes their song, not mine anymore. It becomes their theme song. It becomes their lives. It’s theirs.” Valera, whose songs have also become popular teleserye theme songs, said one hope for his work is that it transcends into having a life of its own. “Even if I no longer become popular, or whatever, the song is still their in their hearts and in their lives,” said Valera. “They can sing it anytime. When they hear it, they can still remember.” For the love of music “I love it really,” the self taught musician said of music. Having grown up in a poor

VETErAn movie director Mike De Leon, known for movies such as “Batch 81” and “Citizen Jake,” criticized the recently concluded ABS-CBn Ball. In the Facebook page of “Citizen Jake” where he is the administrator, Mike asked if the people really needed the glamorous ball. He compared it to Imelda Marcos’ parties back then. “Many people will not like this question but I have to ask it — In these dark times of murder and hunger, who really needs the ABSCBn ball? Bread and Circuses again a la Imelda Marcos,” the veteran director wrote. netizens commented on the post. “Direk kaya love na love kita eh! U got that spunk to speak out... Kaso privately funded po iyan hindi government funds,” a netizen said. “Thank you Geri, pero hindi nga yun ang point. Privately funded nga, but there are more sensible ways to promote a noble cause. Parang yung sinabi ni Marie Antoinette nung naghihirap na ang mga Pranses at walang makain, ‘Let them eat cake,’” the director replied. “It was a fund raising event

Ryan Bang and Vice Ganda at the ABS-CBN Ball press room. Philstar.com photo by Erwin Cagadas Jr.

at the same time for abused children,” another netizen commented. “So why exploit abused children further? Anyway, as I said, many will not like the question. Pero please naman, don’t be naive. It’s just showbiz exploitation. Kung Hollywood pa, ok lang siguro, but in third world country like ours?” De Leon replied. ABS-CBn Ball aimed to raise funds for Bantay Bata 163 and to re-launch Bantay Bata’s Children’s Village in norzagaray, Bulacan. The celebrities who graced the

event wore blue ribbons to promote prevention of child abuse. “Bato-bato sa langit... ang tamaan... At salamat sa lahat ng mga nag-comment. It should now become even more clear to thinking Filipinos that religion is no longer the opium of the people, it is showbiz. People now become more upset by a legitimate question about priorities (like this ball) than the politcal helhole we all find ourselves in presently. We are truly a damaged people. Kaawa-awang Pilipinas...” Mike said.

I am Jake: A survivor’s story

PAGE B1 had in abundance. Rey Valera speaks with the Asian Journal staff during a stop in Los Angeles. When we met with Jake for the first time to shoot him for the cover of Supreme last year, he was a little bit more reserved. He had just announced his transition to the public, including his choice of name, and everyone was abuzz about it. Today, having just told his most unabridged story yet, he looks more aloof and confident, he is chatty and acts loosely, he just radiates a good energy. And when you leaf through the pages of his book, you will understand why. Friends and fans gather around Philippine artist Rey Valera at the Asian Journal office in Los The book is not so much a Angeles, California. celebrity profile as it is a deeply personal survivor‘s story: painbroken home, and without a were released in music.” Valera shared that his involve- fully taking us through his journey strong moral compass, Valera shared that he turned to music ment with music at a young age from his childhood living with for relief when he felt himself not only served as a medium for poverty and abuse, to running experiencing the typical inner finding solace, but as a life saver around Hollywood circles meeting people like Paris Hilton, anger and rage most young boys by keeping him out of trouble. “It saved my life, and until Miley Cyrus and Aaron Carter, to and teenagers do. “All I had was music. Me and now, I can still earn money be- the long struggle of acceptance my guitar, which I borrowed,” cause of it,” said Valera. “Can within, to finally come out, and said Valera. “All the time that you just imagine how lucky I can to transition. “Of course I’ve always wanted I had, all the frustration I had, be?”

to share my story with everybody,” he tells us just last week as we were at his book launch in Quezon City. “Dati pa, sa U.S. pa lang… but it was harder then, siyempre kelangan ’yung story mo sugarcoated. Ngayon mas open ’yung mind ko sa lahat, mas nagkaroon na ako ng lakas ng loob dahil din sa mga tao na nakikita ko, especially mga kabataan ngayon, ’pag nakikita ko ano ’yung reason ’bat nila tini-take lives nila, sabi ko, oh no… like almost the same reason why I tried to take mine. If only malaman nila ’yung story ko...” His autobiography could possibly be the most important piece of contemporary non-fiction of this time, as it walks us through numerous issues that need to be addressed. Unintentionally, Jake’s life is rife with them: LGBTQ acceptance, complex family situations, fame, living in poverty, and how all of these affect a child…Yet his story is not written with selfpity — begging for some kind of commiseration. In fact, he recalls the abuse of his mom when he

was a kid with lighthearted humor, remembering the names he would assign to her blows towards him. “The Helicopter” is when she grabs your hair and furiously swings your head around. “The remote Control” is when she forces your mouth open with a remote control. “The Boxing” is when she punches you hard in the stomach because you can’t hit the high notes. He just puts it out there as fact, and we are left with our jaws dropped. But he tells his story not for the sake of it, but in the hopes that it will save someone else. You don’t need to be a fan to appreciate this book. Charice Pempengco made significant contributions to pop culture. I actually kind of forgot about this until the part where Jake recounts the dinners Charice would attend at David Foster’s house, how she and her mom were pulled out of the plane to meet with Oprah without makeup, and how she played a part in the show “Glee” PAGE B9

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Community Journal

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Your Immigration Solution atty. Devin Connolly In recent weeks and months Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has carried out targeted raids nationwide as part of their efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. These raids have resulted in the break-up of families, individuals losing their jobs, and countless people scared to leave their homes and lead their normal lives. In addition, new policies of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) have made it easier for applications for immigration benefits to be denied. For all of these reasons, retaining an immigration attorney has never been more important. Given the incredible importance placed on being granted permanent resident status (green card) or U.S. citizenship, it is sur-

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya (First of 3 parts) (Enjoy a redux of a series of previous articles tweaked and finetuned for these days — which, for many of us, would be a much different season, than when these were published years earlier.) RemembeR the story of the three little pigs? everyone does. But we relegate the story to children’s lit and condescendingly forget that these cute little porkers bring home an important point about the choices we make when we embark on building something worthwhile — like choosing the foundation on which we live our lives. The first pig built his house of straw and the second one built his house of sticks and went partying till the cows came home. Enter the big bad wolf. Hankering for crispy chicharrones, he came down huffing and puffing and blowing both houses down in a snap, much to the utter dismay of the two hapless, lazy porkers. Running for their lives with their curled, tiny tails and the hair on their chinny, chin chin a-quivering, they dashed over to safety, straight to the

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 4-10, 2018

The importance of an immigration attorney

prising how many people attempt to achieve their immigration goals without the assistance of an experienced attorney that specializes in immigration law. It is true that some do succeed, but many others fail. And this failure may lead to their ultimate nightmare — being deported. A person that is presently living in the United States must file their request for immigration benefits with the USCIS. This process is far more complex than merely completing simple forms. First, the forms are not always easy to understand. Many of the forms contain complicated questions that require a person to understand terms and language which have a precise meaning unique to immigration law. This meaning may differ from what many people expect it to be. Thus, a person may deprive themselves of lawfully residing in the United States simply because they did not understand the question they were

being asked. An applicant must also carefully review their eligibility for the requested benefit before submitting any application to the USCIS. This assessment requires a review of many things, including dates of entries and exits from the U.S., type of visa (if any) held at entry to the U.S., the immigration status and history of the applicant and their family members, etc. The failure to make this assessment before submitting the application may lead to something much worse than a denial – it may lead to being deported, perhaps within a matter of hours. After eligibility is established, the applicant must submit a well-documented request for an immigration benefit. The submission of required documents is now more important than ever, because the USCIS may automatically deny the request if the required documents are not submitted. This is different from in

How to build a house of bricks in any season ” I build my house of straw. I build my house of hay. I toot my flute. I don’t give a hoot. And play around all day.” — Fifer Pig house of their other stolid, somewhat stodgy brother pig who had built his house methodically, meticulously, slowly, brick by solid brick. Enter the big bad wolf again, now crazed with the thought of wolfing down not one but three pigs. He does his blustery huffing and puffing… well… you know how the story ended (that is, unless Disney produces a blockbuster sequel with their spin on the ending.) Any structural engineer will agree with the third porker and allude to the biblical reference about a house built on a rock and the wind and rain could not prevail upon it. He will tell you that solid foundation work taking stress points into account is basic in building anything of value that’s meant to last. The same is true in living one’s life. I am certain there are countless other pointers hundreds of thou-

sands can add to the growing pool of knowledge that hopefully, translates to wisdom in this continuing saga of human life. In the interest of brevity I’ll cull out only 15 bite-size pointers, released in 3 bursts of 5 pointers each. 1. Get your ducks in a row. Set your priorities. Align your time, decisions, actions and resource allocation according to your set of personal priorities: health, happiness, family, peace, wellbeing, wealth, time, fame, recognition, and applause. There’s a whole menu to choose from. You choose what’s important and what’s not. Without an internal value system and a firm sense of direction, you’re more than likely to be distracted by the many pitfalls along the way. Consider technology and its spawn, social media, as a double-edged sword. It can either help or hinder, depending on how you use it. As a tool, it is PAGE B9

the past, where the USCIS would give an applicant the opportunity to correct their mistake before denying the request. It is clear that an assessment of eligibility is important, as are properly completed forms and sufficient supporting documents, but perhaps the most important reason to retain an experienced immigration attorney is to be adequately represented at your personal interview before a USCIS officer. A decision on the application will frequently be made based off statements made by the applicant during their interview. These interviews can be stressful, nerve-wracking experiences, but the aspiring immigrant needs to do everything possible to ensure their personal interview is successful. That is not always easy though. It may be the applicant’s first time attending a personal interview for an immigration benefit with the USCIS, and they are likely to be questioned by an ex-

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS WHIlE on an Iberian Peninsula Cruise with my wife, Farida, and 21 other medical colleagues and friends last August 30, we met a friendly Filipino coffee server by the name of Jaime, a Visayan, on board the Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Eclipse. He relayed to us his humorous encounter with a female passenger from the same region aboard a previous cruise. Jaime said the woman was talking to a companion in English with a heavy Visayan accent. Eager to meet a fellow “kababayan,” he asked if she was from the Philippines. She looked at him with arrogance and disdain, to his surprise and embarrassment, and replied with a firm “no, I only leeve in Tiksas!,” (meaning Texas). Jaime moved away laughing inside and wondering why she, who obviously looked like an Asian, unmistakably a Filipina, was ashamed of her heritage. She had opted to re-label her DnA “made in Ameereeka,” and consciously considered herself a Caucasian, when she could not even pronounce the words “live” and “Texas” properly. Our group of 23 cracked up and started asking each other every

perienced USCIS officer who has conducted many of these types of interviews. In addition, the USCIS officer may aggressively question the applicant, they may pressure them to answer questions to which they do not know the answers, and they may also allow the applicant to make statements that are harmful to their case. Saying the wrong thing during an interview can make it significantly more difficult to ever lawfully reside in the U.S. And while the applicant may later realize they misspoke or that they did not actually understand the questions they were being asked, it may too late to fix the problems created. The application may already be denied and the Department of Homeland Security may have already begun the process of deporting them to their native country. As you can see, the personal interview is extremely important. In conclusion, it is always advisable for immigrants to retain the

services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law. Hiring the right attorney may be the difference between obtaining a green card and being deported. It is therefore one of the most significant decisions that a person will make in their lifetime. *** REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China. For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com. Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case. (Advertising Supplement)

Proud to be a Filipino day which “dick” (deck) their cabin or the theater was on and asking Jaime for “coopee” every morning we were at the Ocean View Café main dining hall on the 14th “dick” for breakfast. While the jest was made only in fun, with no malicious intent whatsoever, since some of the members of our group were from the Visayas, and I, a Tagalog, spent 13 years of my professional life as a proud “adopted son” of Cebu, the sad incident related by Jaime is unfortunately not an isolated case. Since Farida and I left the Philippines for Chicago on December 31, 1962 for her pediatric training and my cardiac surgery residency (also in Chicago) and fellowship in Houston, Texas; we have known and heard of several similar sad instances, even among some of our fellow Fil-Am physicians, who were embarrassed to say they were of Filipino heritage. In the 50s and 60s, immigrant Filipinos were mostly laborers and farm workers. These honorable kababayans of ours who left their families in the Philippines and sacrificed themselves to be able to support them, had suffered a lot from discrimination and abuse. Thereafter and to this date, millions of Filipinos in the United States are either physicians or nurses, or well-trained professionals in various fields of education,

business, engineering, science, technology, etc. Societal impression, perception, regard, and treatment of Filipinos in America have all been positively impacted and have changed in our favor. There is really nothing wrong with having an accent. Practically all of us and every nationality have several dialects and different accents. That is natural, normal and to be expected. The tragedy in that “humorous” incident was the woman’s obvious lack of patriotism and pride in the Philippines; and the denial of her national origin. Today, when Americans meet Filipinos, they almost always presume they are physicians or nurses, etc. The reputation of the Filipinos abroad has evolved in a wonderful way. People in the United States and other major countries \not only respect but like Filipinos, especially by foreigners who had been to the Philippines. We, as a people, have made a good impression and reputation for ourselves around the globe, especially in America. People in the United States openly admire Filipinos and I usually hear them say “Filipinos are good people.” Of course, countless millions of Americans have been patients of Fil-Am doctors and nurses and other healthcare workers over the past six to seven PAGE B9

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Filipiniana Dance Company performs at St. Francis of Assisi RC Church

THE Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas performed at the St. Francis of Assisi RC Churc on Friday, September 28. The renowned dance company performed during the dinner reception following the Mass in celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo. The Filipiniana performers danced “bakya”, a traditional dance showcasing the simple wooden sandals found in the Philippines.

O C TO B E R 6

Asian Small Business Expo in Montebello, CA The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services.Don’t miss the opportunity on Saturday, October 6 to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. This year’s theme is “Growing your business online: Standing out in the digital world,” featuring 40+ exhibitors and workshops. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Quiet Cannon (901 Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640). Visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/annual-asian-small-business-expo-free-event-tickets-45785739379 to register for free. Walk-ins are also welcome.

City of Carson kicks off 9th annual Fil-Am History Month festivities On Saturday, October 6 the City of Carson will have the kick-off ceremonies for its 9th Annual Filipino American History Month festivities. The day starts at 8:00 a.m. by the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument outside the Carson Community Center on 801 E. Carson St. in Carson, California. This will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony, and a program from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. that highlights their leadership awards in three categories: Community Leadership, Youth Achievement, and Heroism. Headliners for the program are singers Fe de los Reyes and Miguel Vera. Other performers are the CSU Long Beach Filipino American Coalition, Shane Selloria, Jason Farol, Kindreds of Carson, and former “Fil-Ams Got Talent” champions Charishma Marquez, Shekinah Austria, and Therese Masangcay. Keynote speaker is Asian Pacific Studies Professor Dr. Mary Talusan-Lacanlale. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz and Councilmember Elito Santarina will also grace the kick-off. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

JLO Finale show

INTERNATIONAL superstar Jennifer Lopez closed out her “All I Have” Las Vegas show at Planet Hollywood on Saturday, September 29 with an impressive residency run. The after-party at Mr. Chow restaurant at Caesars Palace was well attended by her loved ones including baseball star Alex Rodriguez. The red carpet was graced b Filipina-American actress Vanessa Hudgens, “American Idol” alum Pia Toscano and plus-size model Ashley Graham, among others. Photos by Raoul Gatchalian

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Serenata Filipina Ver. 2 at LA’s Ford Amphitheater “Serenata Filipina Ver. 2” is the only Filipino music concert at the famed Ford Theatres’ Summer Season. Features female OPM stalwarts: jazz diva Louie Reyes, vocal powerhouse Annie Nepomuceno, hitmaker Odette Quesada and many more, backed by a live band. Part of the proceeds benefits Philippine Patrons of the Arts USA, and other community partners. Grounds open for picnicking at 4:30 p.m., show is at 6:30pm. Tickets are $100 VIP, $70, $55, $40 and $35 for students. Buy online at www.fordtheatres.org or by calling the box office at (323) 461-3673.

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Daly City hosts Fil-Am History Month celebration Daly City celebrates Filipino-American History Month via Kasayahan sa Daly City at the Marchbank Park (2001 Junipero Serra Blvd., Daly City, CA 94014) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be food trucks, a family fun zone, arts and crafts, a jump house, a beer garden, several vendor booths, a bubble machine, and entertainment from homegrown talent. Parking is free at the DC Station Garage on 2001 Junipero Serra Boulevard, and Marchbank Park is accessible on the second floor. This is a free event, and everyone is invited.Entertainment throughout the day will be provided by Melvinsings! Maddie B, Kariktan Dance Company, American Center of Philippine Arts, Rudy Kalma, Mike Dayao, Guji, and more. Headliners to perform at the TFC Hour are “Queen of Freestyle” Jocelyn Enriquez and rapper and spoken word artist Ruby Ibarra. For more information about this event, call (650) 991-8001 or go to their Facebook events pagehttps://www.facebook.com/events/264867907630476/.

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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Proud to be a Filipino

PAGE B7 decades. It is my own observation that Filipino doctors and especially our nurses have excellent bedside manner to the gratification of their patients. Americans consider them well educated, talented, amiable, compassionate, patient, and hardworking. Naturally, as with any other nationalities, there are some rotten apples among us. But these are the minority exceptions. Since there are more than 10.2 million of Filipinos working overseas (more than 4 million in the U.S. alone, the second largest group of immigrants) out of the 106,876,588 total population of the Philippines (based on a 2018 report), an article was quoted as saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the Filipinos around the world all left for home, cruise lines, hospitals, nursing homes, casinos, etc., would suffer greatly or be paralyzed.â&#x20AC;? As a Fil-Am, who looks at the mirror every morning (excellent for curing identity crisis), I never forget that I have Chinese blood in me. And no matter how much I have mastered the English language, I am still and will always be a Filipino, who just happens to

be also a U.S. citizen. I go to bed at night without any delusion of waking up in the morning and finding a Caucasian looking back at me in the mirror. I am content, secure, and grateful for what the Lord has blessed me with, including this non-Hollywood â&#x20AC;&#x153;tsinoyâ&#x20AC;? face of mine. Nothing today, not even plastic surgery, can change our DNA. I do not wish to alter, revise or remodel Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creation in me. I do not want any of my ten grandchildren not to recognize me or to ask me â&#x20AC;&#x153;What happened to your face lolo?â&#x20AC;? Or worse, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want your old ugly face back, lolo.â&#x20AC;? While I am among those who are terribly frustrated and greatly saddened by the pervasive political graft and corruption in the Philippines and the massive poverty, I am still proud of our heritage and all that is good in our people and our native land. This is the inspiration that has prompted our Las Vegas medical group (which includes most of the individuals with us on the cruise and other missionaries from various States) to do annual medical missions in Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon, and in Alminos, Laguna,

January-February of each year. I enjoin all Filipinos all over the world with this clarion call, those within the reach of my voice today, and those within the reach of yours tomorrow, to accept with pride and respect the honorable part of our culture and tradition, to pass them on to the future generation, and to never be ashamed of our roots, no matter how modest they could have been. After all, if we seriously think about it, we really have every reason to be proud as Filipinos anywhere we are, in the Philippines or abroad, regardless of our accent. Even if we are not from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tiksas.â&#x20AC;?

*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network â&#x20AC;&#x201C; USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

How to build a house of bricks in...

PAGE B7 awesome but become obsessed with it and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a goner. FOCUSED MINDFULNESS is the antidote to all distractions. 2. Ask for HELP. Fold that ego to the size of a postage stamp. There is help out there. Use it. We need others to help us on the first get-go during the first years of scrambling, scraping and just getting our bearings straight. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too proud to ask and seek out only those who mean well. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to say thanks and show appreciation to those who have helped you every step of the way. There is a place in Hades for the grossly ungrateful. 3. Open your mind. Be informed. Observe the patterns of human behavior and the seasonal patterns of life. We are living in the throes of the Age of TMI (Too Much Information). The challenge is in sorting out the essentials from the ton of crud out there particularly on the internet. But above all, fear not the predictions of doom and gloom. If TV or social media are your constant companions, you will become a fearful, paranoid nutcase. The cycles of boom and bust, recession and bumper crop years happen over and over again

with the regularity of night and day. More often than not, life is a roller coaster ride, with its thrills and spills. Enjoy it. Learn to live and move with the seasons. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a season for every purpose under heaven.â&#x20AC;? 4. Slow down. Pace yourself. There is a learning curve that most of us will have to go through. There are a select few who can hit the ground running but for mere mortals, like you and me, we have to take a step at a time, at least in the beginning stages. Small mistakes and errors in decision-making are rectifiable; the big ones on the things that truly matter, will set us back years. 5. In going for the brass ring, know the price you have to pay to get it. Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s middle class is growing once again after a decades long lull. The economy is on an upswing after being in the doldrums. In hindsight, globalism which began Post-Reagan under 4 presidents had put in place policies which severely crippled the American middle class as they shifted jobs and industries outside of the country. This is a season of optimism so take the opportunities presented

in realizing your dreams, whatever you conceive them to be. But you have to be willing to pay the price. And no, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cheat. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have your cake and eat it too. There is no free lunch. You may be achieving your goal of a whopping six figure income that allows you the material status you seek, but see and understand what the price of putting in 16 hour shifts or taking on double or triple jobs is doing to your own health, your family, your marriage and your sanity. Yes, only God knows how long seasons last. Man proposes. God disposes. But in any season of darkness or light, that delicate balance achieved by a steady, prayerful family life laser-focused on God as the center of it ALL, is still the key. (Next week: The second of 3 parts.) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com. To read past articles, click on the l i n k O n l i n e : h tt p : / /i ss u u .co m / asianjournaldigitaledition or you can do searches in the least invasive search engine duckduckgo or bing or yahoo even before google.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ OctObER 4-10, 2018

I am Jake: A survivorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story

PAGE B2 at the height of its success. In the book, Jake recalls that it was actually David Foster who outted him in one of his private dinners, to an audience composing Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban, and Kenny G. I watched as everyone in the room stood up and began clapping for us. Barbara even walked up to me and gave me a hug. Then, she held my chubby face in her hands and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh darling, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so happy for you!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;They treated me likeâ&#x20AC;Ś they just celebrated,â&#x20AC;? shares Jake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That night they made me feel

na kung sino man ako ay normal. They talked about it for a minute, and the next minute they moved on. That made me realize na parang â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ang sarap sa feeling. The way they reacted, that made me realize na kelangan talaga, whoever you are, artista ka man o hindi, kung anuman trabaho mo, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really important to know who you are and accept who you are. Kasi â&#x20AC;&#x2122;yung feeling na inaaccept nila ako, pero ikaw hindi mo ina-accept sarili moâ&#x20AC;Ś dun nag uumpisa â&#x20AC;&#x2122;yung struggle. So â&#x20AC;&#x2122;yun â&#x20AC;&#x2122;yung perfect moment na minahal ko sarili ko kasi minahal

din nila ako.â&#x20AC;? Today, Jake considers it the perfect time to tell his story. That it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have happened at another point in his life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lahat kasi perfect timing. Hindi lang sa events na nangyari sa life ko, (pero dahil) may peace of mind na ako, masaya na ako. Ganun pala talaga no â&#x20AC;&#x2122;pag iniisip mo â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really happy with who you are, mas magaan â&#x20AC;&#x2122;yung lahat. I made the book not for myself, kasi obviously pinagdaanan ko na siya, but for other people. Na ma-realize nila na survival book siya.â&#x20AC;?

Regine Velasquez allegedly to...

PAGE B1 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kasi siyempre the chances to be able to work with her dito sa Kapamilya network is something na hindi lang ako pero a lot of singers dito nilo-look forward talaga, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited po talaga kung mangyayari talaga,â&#x20AC;? Morissette said. A true-born Regine fan, the singer said the Kapuso diva is a very humble person, so she deserves to be on the top of her career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ever since I could remember, to the point na I was still younger noong sumasali pa ako sa mga singing contests, songs talaga ni Miss Regine ang nilalaban ko. I got to work with her sa concert ko sa Araneta, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very humble person, kaya deserve niya lahat ng nangyayari sa kanya,â&#x20AC;? Amon said. She can even recall some of the tips Regine gave her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sabi niya, i-enjoy lang talaga ito. Take as much as you can and bring it sa lahat ng journey mo,â&#x20AC;? Morisette said. Also at the ABS-CBN Ball red carpet, Jaya admitted that she knows things on the rumored network transfer of her friend Regine, but she does not want to spill any beans. In an interview with Philstar. com, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tawag ng Tanghalanâ&#x20AC;? judge said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course I know a few things here and there, pero Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll reserve that for her to answer.â&#x20AC;? But if the major transfer happens, Jaya said it will be great for Regine as well as for her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great. Ito na nga. Samasama na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pag nagkataon no?â&#x20AC;? she said. The singer added that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Songbirdâ&#x20AC;? is ready for something new in her career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I know sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready for something new, changes, open

doors. I mean, how open can it be for Regine? Everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open for her. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the biggest and the best artist, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really excited for her kung ano man ang mangyari, definitely ikatutuwa â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yun ng mga fans,â&#x20AC;? she said. Jaya is excited on the possible reunion of GMA 7 singers in the Kapamilya network as she, Ogie Alcasid, and Janno Gibbs are already onboard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh my goodness! Oo nga ang dami naming taga-GMA dati! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m crossing my fingers. Kahit ako na-eexcite just thinking about na, if ever magmove siya sa ABS, mag-guest kami tapos kakanta. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to that. Nothing is impossible,â&#x20AC;? she said. Nievera will be openly welcoming Velasquez to the Kapamilya network once the rumor is true. In an interview with the media during the ball, Martin said ABSCBN is always open to anyone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is it for real? Is it a rumor? So, she is the very special guest then. The Kapamilya channel has always been open to anyone and everyone. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Songbird,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; for me, is a plus,â&#x20AC;? Martin said. The rumored transfer, for Martin, showed that the Kapamilya network is loved by artists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It shows you how much the station is loved because she is the queen from where she was. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got nothing against GMA 7, but the fact that we have now received their major blessing, I think is a plus here in ABS-CBN,â&#x20AC;? he said. He is looking forward to share the stage with Regine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My very first station is GMA 7 as well, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reunion of sorts. And I think just like any bird, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just flying around and now, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perched on the tower of ABS-CBN. And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landed on ABSCBN. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very happy to have

Regine Velasquez

GMA photo

her,â&#x20AC;? Martin said. The possibility of working with her stepmother Regine in the Kapamilya network also excites Ogieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, Leila. In an interview with the media during the ball, Leila said she heard about the rumor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I actually donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know too much about it because they actually keep it out of the kids, I guess. But if ever, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m all about family, and for me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be fun, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. It will be cool,â&#x20AC;? Leila said. When asked if she is willing to share the stage with her stepmom on the variety show â&#x20AC;&#x153;ASAP,â&#x20AC;? Leila said it will be cool. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If ever that chance came along. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if I can do her worthy,â&#x20AC;? she said. Leila stunned the crowd with her outfit and this time, she did not walk in the red carpet with her dad. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know what, this year, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m gonna go from a baby to a young lady. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing time. But actually, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here together. I guess he just wants me to be independent,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Pilgrimage to Some of ITALYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience. Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unjust condemnation. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi. 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â&#x20AC;? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history while admiring itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giottoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist. Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage

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

B10 OCTOBER 4-10 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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Located in Montemaria, home to the ninth largest monument in the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the shrine to Mother Mary,Tower of Peace.

A world-class township development located in Montemaria, Batangas City, the Philippines.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For your retirement, family vacation, pilgrimage, and investment...for generations.â&#x20AC;?

THE TOTAL LAND AREA OF THE MONTEMARIA DEVELOPMENT IS APPROXIMATELY 130 HECTARES WHICH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TOWNSHIP* PROJECTS: 01 Condominiums, hotels, and resorts 02 Commercial developments such as a shopping center which includes restaurants and cafes 03 Golf Course and Water Park 04 Spa and Wellness Centers 05 Marina and Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wharf 06 Housing, residential subdivision, and retirement village 6XEMHFW WR Ć&#x201C;QDO GHYHORSPHQW SODQ TOTAL LAND AREA 2.1 Hectares

INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS

01 Development site is adjacent to the Statue of Virgin Mary. 02 5HVRUW VHWWLQJ ZLWK PDJQLĆ&#x201C;FHQW YLHZ RI WKH ED\ 03 High-quality asset with world-class exterior and interior design. 04 Designed by award winning and internationally renowned Architecture and Design Firm, ARCH HAUS ASIA. 05 Montemaria is located on top of the Batangas Bay Peninsula facing the Verde Island Passage, reputed to be the U.N. recognized â&#x20AC;&#x153;Center of the Center of Marine Bio-Diversity of the World.â&#x20AC;?

DATE OF COMPLETION Second Quarter of 2020 TOTAL NUMBER OF UNITS PHASE 1 866 Units BUILDING 1 164 units

BUILDING 2 Clubhouse

Lombard By The Bay is a joint venture development project between 3UHPLHU $VLD 3DFLĆ&#x201C;F 5HDO (VWDWH DQG Development Corp.and Omnicor ,QGXVWULDO (VWDWH 5HDOW\ &HQWHU ,QF

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN K. GROSS-NIEDERMEYER AT (480) 227-7782 SUSAN@SUSANGROSSREALTOR.COM I SUSAN.GROSS@PREMIERASIAPACIFIC.COM I LOMBARDBYTHEBAY.COM