111117 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

November 11-14, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 91 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Duterte offers to host ‘world summit on human rights’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

AMIDST the criticism from international rights groups over the deadly crackdown on narcotics in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has volunteered to host an international summit on protecting human rights.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, November 9, Duterte said he wanted the Philippines to host a world summit to discuss the human rights violations in all countries—and not just those in his country.

“We should have a summit only on human rights. But we should call all,” Duterte said in a media briefing in Vietnam, where he is attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

He added, “Let’s have a summit of how we

USA

DATELINE Filipina posts video footage of alleged attack in Eagle Rock FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ON Tuesday, November 7, a Filipina woman was eating in her car in the Eagle Rock Plaza parking lot in Los Angeles, when she was allegedly assaulted by another woman who used racist remarks.

Quiggle Ignacio, a registered nurse and model, took to social media on Wednesday, November 8 to describe the incident, and to get any leads on who the woman and the woman’s male companion were.

“I was sitting quietly in my car around 2:20 p.m., eating my meal and hurrying up excited to meet my friend,” said Ignacio in the post that was shared on Facebook and Instagram.

The female assaulter, who was said to be pushing a grocery cart with her baby in it, reportedly hit the car. Unsure if the woman

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Filipino doctor denies financing foiled NY terror plot A FILIPINO doctor has denied accusations that he financed a thwarted jihadist plot targeting New York’s subway system and Times Square in May 2016.

Appearing in a Manila Court on Tuesday, November 7, orthopedic surgeon Russell Salic explained that authorities from the United States may have mistaken the money he sent to a charity as funding for attacks.

“That’s not true,” Salic told reporters when asked about the allegations. “I just donated money without any malicious intent.”

Salic’s lawyer Manuel Dalucapas also claimed that there is “no proof” showing the doctor wanted to bomb New York.

He added that their camp is ready fight the case in the Philippines and not in the United States.

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can protect the human rights for all human race… I will volunteer to make the Philippines the venue.”

Duterte, who assumed the presidency in June last year, has been under fire for the alleged summary killings and human rights abuses under his anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Human rights organizations have cited around 7,000 deaths since its launch; however, the government put the figures down to only around 3,900 with zero cases of extrajudicial killings.

The Philippine president lamented how critics have seemed to “zero in” on him when it comes to human rights issues. He chided his critics for being oblivious to the violations of other nations.

Citing the bombings of schools and civilians

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Sotto says PH’s mega drug rehab center can also be training facility

by PATHRICIA

ANN V. Inquirer.net

ROXAS

ASIDE from being just a drug rehabilitation facility, the controversial mega drug rehab center in Nueva Ecija could also be utilized as a drug enforcement academy, Senator Vicente Sotto III said on Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Inquirer.net photo Wednesday, November 8.

“In line with the issue regarding the mega drug rehab center, I still believe that the facility can be put to optimum use,” Sotto said in

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WHEN IN VIETNAM. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his keynote address during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Session 7 at the Ariyana Da Nang Exhibition and Convention Center in Da Nang City, Vietnam on Thursday, November 9. The president called for inclusive growth among the various member countries of APEC citing that each country should be given an opportunity for growthDuterte explained that while globalization has its benefits, it also has downsides especially on under developed countries.

Malacañang photos by Albert Alcain and Robsinson Niñal

Duterte not present at Trump’s APEC speech praising PH US president told to ‘lay off’ human rights issue at upcoming meeting

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

DURING his highly publicized Asia tour, U.S. President Donald Trump took time to praise the Philippines and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in working to closing the gender gap while upholding family values.

On Friday, November 10, Trump delivered a speech at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Danang, Vietnam in which he unusually acknowledged the efforts of many Asian leaders, including the

Philippines.

“The Philippines has emerged as a proud nation of strong and devout families,” Trump said at the summit of leaders of the Pacific Rim. Duterte, however, missed the speech because he was en route to a bilateral meeting.

Referencing the women who have served and are currently serving in roles of authority in business and government, Trump added, “For 11 consecutive years, the World Economic Forum has ranked the Philippines first among Asian countries in closing

Filipinos either associate ASEAN with traffic or don’t care at all

by AUDREY

MORALLO Philstar.com

the gender gap and embracing women leaders in business and in politics.”

Previously visiting Japan, South Korea, China and Vietnam, Trump will be in Manila during his last leg of his 12-day tour around Asia.

Earlier this week, Duterte said in a press conference that he plans to tell Trump to “lay off” discussing human rights when they meet. He plans to divert any discussion of the nearly year-long extrajudicial killings that claimed the lives of 3,900 Filipinos.

“You want to ask a question,

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SAF 44 families refuse to testify in Ombudsman’s case against Aquino

traffic and treated to elaborate and sumptuous dinners.

Philippine officials will not spare any exby DANA SIOSON MANILA — As leaders from more than 20 pense to showcase the world-famous FiliAJPress countries descend to Manila for a series of pino hospitality and leave a good impression meetings, they are expected to be greeted by on their guests.

THE families of the 44 Special the red carpet, escorted on allocated lanes Despite the P15.5 billion price tag of these Action Force (SAF) commandos through the capital’s horrendous choking u PAGE A5 slain in the 2015 Mamasapano encounter will not participate in the proceedings for cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of the SAF 44, said the families refuse to join the proceedings as a “sign of disgust and protest.”

Earlier this week, the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and usurpation of authority charges against Aquino in connection with the botched “Oplan Exodus” Thousands of police and soldiers stand at attention during a send off ceremony and deployment to provide security for next that killed 44 police commandos.

This was after the Ombudsweek’s ASEAN Summit and other related summits which the country is hosting in Manila on Sunday, Nov. 12.

man denied Aquino’s appeal to drop the charges last month.

However, the same time, it also junked the complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides against Aquino— which were filed by SAF 44 families—due to the “lack of probable cause.”

“As a sign of disgust and protest, the SAF 44 parents and the VACC (Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption) will not participate in the sham proceedings initiated by Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan,” Topacio said in a statement.

“Instead, we shall continue to pursue the attainment of justice for the 44 heroes,” he added.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed the raps against the former

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From the Front Page PAGE A1 t

Duterte offers to host...

in the Middle East by the governments of the United States, France, and Russia, Duterte insisted that all the human rights violations committed by every government must be investigated.

“Let us investigate all violations of human rights committed

by all governments. I said, just because it happened 40 years ago, it happened 100 years ago.

When it was wrong then, it is definitely still wrong now,” he remarked.

He added that human rights victims are also invited to the country “to come and air their

gripe or grievances.”

When asked to clarify if he was serious about holding the summit, Duterte said he will “consult first with the heads of state.”

‘Investigate me, I’ll slap you’ Duterte also berated United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard for supposedly failing to speak out against rights violations in other parts of the globe.

Addressing Callamard, Duterte said, “I have not heard you comment on the so many killings, the victims of bombs and of violence there in the Middle East.”

He went on to say, “What have you been doing all the time?

Why are you so fascinated with drugs? And you also should take note that there are plenty of Americans who died because of drugs.”

In a separate speech before the Filipino community in Vietnam, Duterte also warned Callamard that he will “slap” her if she insisted on probing his drug war. He claimed that he would not even get a fair investigation from her.

“Kung imbestigahin mo ako, sampalin kita (If you investigate me, I will slap you),” the president said.

Callamard, a critic of the Duterte’s drug war, has repeat-

PHILIPPINE DELEGATION. Members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s delegation to the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam flash the president’s signature pose as they head over to the Ariyana Da Nang Exhibition and Convention Centre for the president’s keynote speech during the APEC CEO Summit Session 7 on Thursday, November 9. In the photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Manuel Teehankee and Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

edly expressed intent to visit the Philippines and investigate “all unlawful deaths” that transpired under what she described as “cruel” campaign.

But Duterte claimed that Callamard does not even have the ca-

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Duterte not present at Trump’s...

PAGE A1 t I’ll give you an answer: lay off,” Duterte told reporters on Wednesday, November 8 before his departure to Vietnam. “That is not your business. That is my business. I take care of my country and I will nurture my country to health.”

Since the summer of 2016 when the ruthless killings began, many world leaders have expressed concern over the Duterte administration’s handling over the crisis, which has infuriated the Philippine president.

According to Sung Kim, United States ambassador to the Philippines, Trump and Duterte are scheduled for a bilateral meeting and are likely going to discuss human rights, rule of law and due process.

Filipinos protest Trump before Manila visit Ahead of Trump’s visit to Manila this weekend, hundreds of Filipinos have taken to the streets of the city to protest against him.

Activists from left-wing groups held up signs that opposed Trump’s policies, including one that said, “Ban Trump — Fight

U.S. Imperialist War and Plunder.”

In the peaceful demonstration, protesters chanted antiTrump slogans like, “Trump not welcome / Fight U.S. imperialist war,” while others carried posters branding Trump as a “fascist.”

A separate protest was held outside the Trump Tower in Makati, where members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, a coalition of left-wing groups, protested a claim that Trump plans to establish more U.S. military bases in the Philippines.

They fear that Trump’s visit could form a closer relationship to the U.S., resulting in the Philippines being dragged into future regional conflicts with North Korea.

“Trump represents the worst aspects of U.S. imperialism,” the group told the Southeast Asia Globe on Friday. “He is right now the biggest threat to regional peace with his provocations against North Korea.”

Trump and Duterte are set to meet this weekend. n

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Filipina posts video footage...

PAGE A1 t would say anything, Ignacio decided to wait. The woman then reportedly began to yell at her, using obscene language.

“She passed my car and started yelling, ‘what are you looking at b*tch?,” Ignacio wrote in her Facebook post which included more quotes of racist remarks.

Ignacio said she then got out of her car to confront the woman when the woman’s male companion came to the scene and said, “Don’t talk to her like that!

F*ck you chinky Asian! Go back to your country b*tch!”

The man and woman then began to accuse Ignacio of yelling at them, according to Ignacio.

That’s when she took her phone out.

“I took my phone to record the damage and to get their plate number but the woman hid the plate with the cart,” said Ignacio in her post.

In the video, Ignacio is heard defending herself from the couple who accuse her of screaming in front of their baby.

“No, no. You yelled at me

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

— everybody knows, everybody knows,” said Ignacio in the video.

The other woman, also seemingly videoing with her phone, continued with her verbal assaults.

“They hit my car and yelled at me for what? Why did you yell at me?” Ignacio is heard asking in the video.

The woman then approaches Ignacio and aggressively grabs her phone after which the footage stops.

Quiggle Ignacio said she received facial In addition to the video, Igna- injuries as result from the assault. cio posted several photos showPhoto from Ignacio’s Facebook ing the facial injuries she said came from the incident.

“I had to defend myself but the emotional and psychological damage is harder to heal,” she said in the post.

On Wednesday, November 8, Ignacio told KTLA that she was unable to get the vehicle’s license plate number, but filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department.

She was also examined by paramedics for her injuries, according to Huffington Post. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017

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Filipinos either associate ASEAN...

PAGE A1 t hosting duties, for most Filipinos, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings are more associated with holidays and heavy traffic because of priority lanes for guests.

Former top diplomats and experts agree that this nonchalant attitude is also common among citizens of the nations of the 10member bloc.

“Most ordinary Filipinos hardly appreciate the importance of ASEAN in their lives,” Dennis Coronacion, a professor of political science at the University of Santo Tomas, said in a text message to Philstar.com.

“In Metro Manila, Pinoys associate ASEAN with the heavy traffic caused by the priority lanes. In the provinces, people hardly care about ASEAN,” he added.

For Coronacion, Filipinos see ASEAN meetings benefit only the business community and whose values are shared by the elite. “[ASEAN’s] successes are found in the economic and business areas such as the free movement of goods and services,” Coronacion said.

ASEAN’s messaging lapses For former Philippine top envoys Roberto Romulo and Delia Albert, one reason for this is the failure of ASEAN to communicate its importance especially to the man on the street.

“There is unfortunately a definite disconnect. It’s not just the Filipino. To the man in the street in ASEAN, it’s the failure of ASEAN that it has not communicated the right message, and that’s what we have to work on,” Romulo told Philstar.com.

Aside from the right message, ASEAN has also failed to relay and highlight its goals, aspirations as well as gains and success that could make people understand and appreciate its vital role, according to Albert.

Romulo emphasized that this was important because ordinary citizens would always look for the bloc’s benefits before they could see its importance in their lives.

“At the end of the day, because our economies are so different, ethnically, culturally, what every man on the street wants is what’s in it for me. And ASEAN has failed to do that,” Romulo said, adding that the common man has not seen the economic benefits ASEAN has given its memberstates over the years.

Albert noted that if there was commitment to the bloc, this exists only among policy makers, bureaucrats, journalists and participants in ASEAN-centered activities.

She highlighted surveys that showed that “there is more breadth than depth of understanding” on ASEAN among the

people of the region.

Based on a survey by the bloc’s secretariat in Southeast Asian capitals, 76 percent lacked understanding of ASEAN, 81 percent was familiar only with its name and 19 percent had never heard about the regional group.

“For the general public to participate in the integration process, individuals must learn what ASEAN means to them,” said Albert, who served as foreign secretary under former President Gloria Arroyo.

It is this meaning and the benefits that ASEAN affords are what need better communication, the diplomats agreed.

Making ASEAN more tangible Both Leviste and Coronacion noted that one area where ASEAN’s contribution to development could be felt was education.

Aside from a freer flow of talent or resources among Southeast Asian institutions, there has also been an exchange of best practices in research and teaching that has advantaged many universities and schools in the region.

Another offshoot of the integration of the 10 member-states, home to more than 600 million people, is the K to 12 educational reform, one of the largest and widest-reaching in the history of

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Filipino doctor denies financing foiled...

PAGE A1 t

The alleged assaulter’s male companion was also heard using obscene and racist language towards Ignacio in the video footage.

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Photos show video screenshots taken from Quiggle Ignacio’s Facebook account. The female assaulter reportedly used racist remarks towards Ignacio before hitting Ignacio in the face. The assault allegedly took place on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Eagle Rock Plaza parking lot in Eagle Rock, CA.

But the U.S. Department of Justice maintained that it would do everything to have Salic extradited and stand trial in the U.S. U.S. Department of Justice representative Christopher Cardani, who attended the Tuesday’s hearing, stressed that the case is “an extremely serious matter in the United States.” always acknowledged, an Asian “It’s been alleged these three cultural trait,” the senator said. individuals conspired to build a The large-scale drug reha- bomb and explode it at Times bilitation facility in Palayan City, Square in New York in the sumNueva Ecija was previously mer of 2016 and it doesn’t get any criticized by former Dangerous more serious than that,” Cardani Drugs Board Chief Dionisio San- added. tiago, dismissing it as “impractiAccording to U.S. court docucal and a mistake.” ments released October 6, the FiliIn the wake of his pronounce- pino doctor sent $423 to the other ment, Santiago resigned from suspects for the operation. his post on Tuesday.

U.S. authorities said the FBI The Malacañang, meanwhile, agent posed as an IS supporter has defended the project, which and communicated with Salic and was funded by a Chinese busi- two other alleged plotters: Cananessman. ■ dian Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy,

Sotto says mega drug rehab center...

a statement.

“Aside from being just a drug rehab facility, it can also be utilized as the country’s mega drug enforcement academy,” he added.

The senator said that if established, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) could oversee it as an extension of the present PDEA Academy.

“With that size, we could produce a thousand agents per batch. Alongside PDEA, other agencies such as BOC, Immigra-

tion, PNP, and NBI can avail of the drug interdiction training program,” he said, likening the idea to that of the International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, Thailand.

Sotto said President Rodrigo Duterte may also seek assistance of guest instructors from China’s police academy, United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, Australian police academy and others to make it a “word-class training facility.”

“Infrastructure development on land especially as a gift is

Russell Salic

and American citizen living in Pakistan Talha Haroon.

The U.S. Department of Justice said it has requested Salic’s extradition following his arrest in the Philippines in April of this year.

In the Philippines, Salic is also under investigation in connection with the abduction of six and the

ManilaTimes.net photo

murder of two sawmill workers in April in the province of Lanao del Sur, located at the Southern part of the country.

Salic is likewise accused of being connected with the Maute terrorists, the IS-pro group behind the attack in Marawi City, also in the Lanao del Sur. (AJPress)

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Filipina-American newcomer wins in VA House Delegates race Kelly Fowler defeats fellow Fil-Am Ron Villanueva

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Fowler, a real estate agent, was inspired to run for office after last year’s presidential elecON an election night that tion. She earned 53.4 percent was dominated by Democrats, of the vote over fellow Fil-Am Democrat Kelly Fowler won Villanueva, who garnered 46.4 the seat for Virginia’s House of percent.

Delegates 21st District (VA-21) Fowler’s Filipino ancestry against Republican incumbent comes from both her grandRon Villanueva. fathers, who were from the

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Philippines and served in the United States Navy, allowing them to be American citizens.

A Virginia Beach local, Fowler was a public school teacher before leading a team of real estate agents who specialize in military relocation.

She launched her campaign to bring more diverse representation to Virginia’s delegation and to fight for women’s reproductive rights, gun control, Medicaid expansion and quality public education among other progressive issues. “A Virginia Beach native, Kelly Fowler is well versed in the K-9 TRAINING. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) holds a K9-unit basic handler’s course with 22 participants composed of issues that matter to the 21st narcotics detection dogs and 57 handlers in 17 regions nationwide. Photos show members of PDEA K-9 handlers with their K9s during the district,� Virginia House Demo- graduation ceremonies at the PDEA hadquarters in Quezon City on Thursday, Nov. 9.

PNA photos by Ben Briones crats spokesperson Katie Baker said on Tuesday, November 6, after Fowler’s win. “In advocating for women’s reproductive rights and access to affordable PAGE A1 t health care, she has proven to be a strong voice for her com- president on Wednesday, Nomunity. We are excited to have vember 8, at the Sandiganbayan, Kelly join us in Richmond.� and has recommended a P30,000 Her opponent, veteran del- bail for graft and P10,000 bail for egate Villanueva, had been rep- usurpation charges. resenting VA-21 since 2010.

In the information sheet of the Fowler’s win in Virginia — usurpation of authority charge, which typically votes Republi- Ombudsman Assistant Special can — makes her the first Asian Prosecutor Reza Casila-DerayuAmerican woman elected to the nan claimed that Aquino “willstate House of Delegates, and is fully, unlawfully and feloniously� also a part of a huge upset by allowed then-dismissed PhilipDemocrats in several state rac- pine National Police (PNP) Chief In this Jan. 30, 2015 photo, President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a moment of prayer before es. In addition to Fowler’s up- Alan Purisima to participate at the remains of the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force troopers during the Necrological Service at the NCRPO Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, set, Democrat Ralph Northam the planning of the operation.

Taguig City.

MalacaĂąang photo by Gil Nartea, Benhur Arcayan beat Republican Ed Gillespie in In the separate information the gubernatorial race. sheet for the graft charge, the head Getulio NapeĂąas. “You cannot usurp what is inDemocrats also flipped the prosecutor said Aquino “alSection 3(a) of RA 3019 states herently your duty,â€? he said in a Virginia State House of Del- lowed himself to be persuaded, that it is unlawful for any public press briefing before leaving for egates, gaining control of the induced, or influenceâ€? to violate officer to persuade, induce or Vietnam to attend the Asia-Pacifchamber for the first time since the PNP chain of command, and influence another public officer ic Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2000 and sending shockwaves preventive suspension order to perform an act constituting a summit. to Republicans across the coun- against Purisima. violation of rules and regulations Trillanes earlier said that holdtry for the anticipated midterm The prosecutor further claimed duly promulgated by competent ing Aquino liable over a failed elections next year. that Aquino knew “fully wellâ€? authority. mission means that all failed milThe House race, in particu- that it was and officer-in-charge Usurpation of authority, on the itary and police operations may lar, was historical; in addition PNP chief Leonardo Espina who other hand, is committed when a now be blamed on the country’s to Fowler’s win, Danica Roem had the authority “to oversee the person falsely represents himself chief executive. became one of the first trans- preparation and conduct of Oplan as a government official or per“It will set a bad precedent gender individuals to be elect- Exodus, to the damage and prej- forms any act pertaining to any kasi otherwise lahat ng palpak na ed into office (that same day udice of the State.â€? person in authority without be- mission sa AFP and PNP ay puAndrea Jenkins, a transgender The former president was ing lawfully entitled to do so. wede mong file-an ng kaso yung black woman, was elected to charged with violation of Section Duterte to Trillanes: ‘Good commander-in-chief (because all the Minneapolis City Council).

3(a) of Republic Act 3109 or the point’ failed AFP and PNP mission may The Democratic National Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices In a rare instance, Philippine now be used to file a case against Committee (DNC), which poured Act, and of usurpation of author- President Rodrigo Duterte sup- the commander-in-chief). Hindi massive support for its Asian ity under Article 177 of the Re- ported his staunch critic Senator puwede yun (It’s not okay),�

American and Pacific Islander vised Penal Code.

Antonio Trillanes IV for saying Trillanes said.

(AAPI) candidates, on WednesSimilar cases have also been that charging Aquino over the Agreeing with the senator, day celebrated the several AAPI filed against Purisima and former botched police operation would Duterte said Trillanes “has a u PAGE A5 PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) set a bad precedent. good point there.� n

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LA County celebrates grand opening of Veterans America’s Job Center of California at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall LOS ANGELES, CA — The County of Los Angeles celebrated the grand opening of the Veterans America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), a new job center located in downtown Los Angeles at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall that develops, leads, and supports regional employment and training initiatives for Veterans.

“The Veterans AJCC at Patriotic Hall is a critical part of the County’s growing emphasis on workforce development, which embraces our commitment to targeting services for priority populations, including Veterans, while ensuring that we prepare workers for employment in growing sectors of our regional economy,” said LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “The Veterans AJCC will be tailored to meet the unique needs of Veterans and their families, and help them translate their military experience into the civilian workplace in the technology, security, cybersecurity, health care,

and professional sectors.”

Recognizing the need to better leverage the facilities at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall to deliver employment services specifically targeted for veterans, the County established the Culinary Arts Training Program at Patriotic Hall.

The Veterans AJCC opened its doors in October and provides a full range of workforce development services, including oneon-one coaching, workshops, as well as on-the-job training and vocational training opportunities.

“At our Veterans AJCC, clients will have the opportunity to work with staff who are veterans themselves. Veteran staff are uniquely qualified to prepare veterans for their job search, assist them with training opportunities and provide them the support needed to advance in their careers,” stated Cynthia D. Banks, director of the LA County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services, the

agency responsible for administering the Veterans AJCC. In addition to providing workforce development services, the location of the Veterans AJCC at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall enables veterans and their families to access additional wrap-around services, including housing, child support, legal, and mental health services.

“The goal of the program is to help veterans find employment that bests fits their interests and talents,” said Brigadier General Ruth A. Wong, director of the LA County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Los Angeles County has the largest number of veterans in the nation, approximately 300,000 veterans living in the County. Veterans are more likely to have a higher unemployment rate than the general population. For more information on services provided by the County’s network of AJCCs, please visit http://workforce. lacounty.gov. n

Obamacare shopping is trickier than ever, here’s a cheat sheet

by Jay

Hancock Kaiser Health News

HEALTH care is complicated.

Shopping for an individual health plan just got even more so, with President Donald Trump’s decision last month to block $7 billion in Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Known as cost-sharing reduction payments (CSRs), these federal funds had helped insurers offset the costs of the discounts they are required to offer to some lowerearning customers to help them pay for deductibles and copays.

We’ll spare you the details. But because of how state regulators responded to the chaos and how insurers are trying to recover the money through higher premiums, common-sense rules of shopping

may no longer apply.

A high-coverage “gold” plan in many states might now be cheaper than a medium-coverage “silver” plan. The reported 15 or 20 percent premium spikes resulting from Trump’s move might nail you right in the wallet. Or, weirdly, it could save you hundreds of dollars next year if you play your cards right.

Experts’ advice, in brief, is: SHOP AROUND. Play with different options on healthcare.gov or state marketplaces. Don’t just renew this year’s plan. More than ever, for 2018 that might not be the best deal.

Find your situation here: By law, insurers still must pass along the cost-sharing reductions, even though Trump cut off the re-

Duterte offers to host...

PAGE A2 t pacity of giving him a fair probe as she herself supposedly contradicts UN’s own report.

According to him, Callamard consulted a doctor who affirmed that “the use of drugs is harmless.”

Duterte said such claim contradicts a UN report titled “International Narcotics Control Board Precursors and Chemicals Frequently Used in the Illicit Manufacture of Narcotic Drugs and Tropic Substances 2014.”

“How can I get a fair hearing if you yourself, who does not even read the publications of your mother organizations, of the United Nations?” the Philippine president asked.

“Eh mismong study ninyo ayaw ninyong paniwalaan tapos ako kulungin ninyo because of extrajudicial killing (You would not even believe your own study but you want to detain me because of extrajudicial killing),” he continued.

Last year, Duterte invited Callamard to visit the Philippines under three conditions, which include allowing him to question her in a public debate. But Callamard refused, saying it violates the UN protocol for country visits.

PH ‘firm’ in adhering rule of law In a separate statement, Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque affirmed that the Philippine government remains committed to protecting human rights.

“We reiterate that our adherence to the rule of law remains as firm as ever, as is our commitment to the protection of human rights,” he said.

Roque, also a human rights lawyer, said that the Philippine government was investigating allegations of extrajudicial killings (EJKs), as well as homicide cases with drug-related motives.

“Ongoing investigations include the conduct of public congressional hearings. All these are undertaken precisely to ensure that due process and the rule of law prevails despite the Philippines’ significant drug problem,” the Palace official added.

Malacañang issued the statement after a United States House of Representatives caucus urged U.S. President Donald Trump to raise concerns about human

rights with Duterte during their upcoming meeting.

Roque said he would not further comment on Washington’s internal affairs, as he noted that Duterte and Trump share a good relationship. He added that the two leaders could also have “candid and productive discussions on matters of shared interest.”

Duterte and Trump are expected to have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila next week. They were also expected to have an encounter at the APEC Summit.

In a letter dated November 2, Reps. Randy Hultgren (R-Illinois) and James McGovern (D-Massachusetts), co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, urged Trump to “impress upon President Duterte the United States’ profound concern over reported extra-judicial killings associated with the Philippine government’s war on drugs.”

The congressmen cited the results of the commission hearing early this year, which showed that police have killed 7,000 suspected drug dealers “without charges or trial” in the Philippines.

While Hultgren and McGovern acknowledged that the Philippines serves as a key player in resolving conflicts in the region, they insisted that the U.S. must remain a “champion of human rights.”

They stressed that it is the “obligation” of the U.S. “to advocate for and defend those human rights as set forth in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

“Human rights are fundamental. Every government should afford their citizens the protection and due process of the law,” the congressmen said.

“The Philippines is a valuable ally of the United States and major recipient of U.S. aid. For these reasons, it is paramount that human rights violations not be the consequences of the Philippines’ ‘war on drugs,’” they added.

But Duterte, in a news briefing before his departure for the APEC Summit, said he wanted Trump to “lay off” topic of human rights during their first bilateral meeting. n

Filipina-American newcomer...

PAGE A4 t victories in a statement delivered by DNC Vice Chair Grace Meng and DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong Hong.

“Yesterday’s success is just the beginning. In 2018, and beyond the AAPI community is going to be crucial to victories in swing states and key races,”

they wrote. “The new DNC believes that every zip code counts, and we will organize 365 days a year around candidates who are reflective of our diverse nation and share our values of inclusion, justice, and opportunity.

That’s how we will keep winning elections from the school board to the Oval Office.” n

imbursement. And you are probably eligible for them.

But to qualify for the cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays when you seek care, you must purchase a

u PAGE A6

Hundreds of immigrants registering at a California Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Inquirer.net photo

Immigrants now 25 percent of California’s population Immigrants also 34 percent of state’s labor force WASHINGTON, DC — Data released by the American Immigration Council show that immigrants account for over a quarter of California’s population and comprise a staggering nearly 34 percent of the entire labor force.

A little over 77 percent of all workers in farming, fishing and forestry are immigrants, as are 61.7 percent of building and grounds cleaning and maintenance employees.

The California state fact sheet includes data on population

size, educational and citizenship attainment, English proficiency levels and data on undocumented immigrants and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, as well as the contributions of immigrants in the state.

The fact sheet reveals that immigrant entrepreneurs in California generate $21.8 billion in business revenue. In 2014, immigrants in the state paid $56.5 billion in federal taxes and $26.4 billion in state and local taxes.

As consumers, immigrants

spent $238.7 billion on California’s economy. Undocumented immigrants comprised 9 percent of the state’s workforce in 2014 and paid an estimated $3.2 billion in state and local taxes in 2014.

Drawing from U.S. Census data and other sources, the Council developed 50-state fact sheets that provide the latest demographic and economic contributions of immigrants in each U.S. state and can be accessed at americanimmigrationcouncil. org. n

A november 11-14, 2017 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JoUrnAL

Dateline USa

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Pew Survey: 69 percent of Filipinos trust Ahead of ASEAN, international coalition Trump, but more oppose his trade policy calls for probe into drug war killings

by MiKas

Matsuzawa Philstar.com

A PEW survey showed that U.S. President Donald Trump’s greatest support comes from the Philippines but many in the country also disagree with the policy directions he embraced.

Pew Research Center echoed key findings from its Global Attitudes Survey last June but this time focusing on the countries on Trump’s first Asia tour.

The poll center found that four countries on Trump’s Asia trip were divided on whether he would do the right thing when it comes to world affairs. China was not among the 37 countries Pew surveyed last June.

Trump saw the greatest support from Filipinos at 69 percent.

A majority of Vietnamese also expressed confidence at 58 percent.

Japan (24 percent) and South Korea (17 percent), meanwhile, showed dramatically lower confidence in Trump compared to former U.S. President Barack Obama during the end of his term. Japan

saw a 54-percentage-point drop in confidence in the US president while South Korea fell by 71 percentage points.

Many in Asia still see the U.S. as the world’s leading economic power as opposed to a majority polled in the European Union where China is seen as the top economy, Pew said.

But confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping was over twice greater than Trump in South Korea at 38 percent. In the Philipines, 53 percent trust Xi on world affairs.

Trust that Xi would do the right thing regarding international affairs were lower in Vietnam (18 percent) and Japan (11 percent).

Jitters on Trump policies, North Korea Majority of South Koreans (80 percent), Filipinos (72 percent), Japanese (66 percent) and Vietnamese (61 percent) disapprove with Trump’s policies that withdraw the U.S. from major trade deals. At the time the survey was conducted, the U.S. leader signed an executive order withdrawing

the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement.

The four countries also opposed the policy to withdraw U.S. support from international climate change agreements.

Despite disagreements with the current U.S. policy direction, the Philippines is the most optimistic of the four countries with 55 percent saying Manila’s ties with Washington would remain the same and 26 percent thinking it would get better.

Vietnam followed with 41 percent saying relations with the U.S. would be unchanged and 35 percent saying things would improve.

Japan, which is a signatory to the TPP trade deal along with Vietnam, expressed less optimism with 41 percent expecting relations to get worse under Trump and 34 percent thinking it would stay the same.

Forty-three South Koreans also expect things to get worse under Trump while 45 percent see things remaining the same. n

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

A COALITION of 270 civil society organizations and leaders worldwide called for international measures to investigate the spate of killings brought by the administration’s war on drugs and put an end to them.

In a statement released on Tuesday, November 9, the coalition led

by International Drug Reform Policy Coalition asked for a process of accountability, starting with a United Nations-led investigation that will look into President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign.

Human rights lawyers group Free Legal Assistance Group was among the signatories of the document.

“In the immediate present, the most feasible step forward is an investigation led by the UN. Such an investigation would probe the nature and scale of the alleged crimes, while giving priority to protecting witnesses and investigators,” the statement read.

Should the Philippine government not allow the probe to proceed, a UN Commission of Inquiry could be formed to gather facts, the statement added.

The groups want the investigation to look into the mid-level organizers and the individuals implementing policies or practices on the ground, as well as the government leaders.

Duterte’s war on drugs has been criticized both locally and internationally for its transgressions of human rights of drug suspects.

According to the estimates by

rights groups and government critics, over 12,000 individuals have been killed in the course of the crackdown on illegal drugs.

The government has disputed these numbers. According to the latest #RealNumbersPH data release, there have been 3,967 drug suspects killed in government operations since July 2016. Government officials, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, said all of those killed were drug pushers.

The data releases no longer include information on “deaths under investigation,” a tally of murders and homicides that police have yet to determine motives for.

Because of the public outrage over alleged abuse in the drug crackdown, Duterte designated the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as the “sole agency” in charge of the campaign against illegal drugs replacing the Philippine National Police.

‘No more silence during ASEAN meet’ The statement, issued ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, urged world leaders attending the gathering to raise concerns over extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the country.

They also slammed the regional bloc’s silence on the said matters, noting that “leaders should warn other countries against adopting similar tactics.”

The association has been heavily criticized for its principle of non-interference and need for a consensus.

The organizations and lead-

ers also urged the UN, international donors—such as the United States, European Union, Canada, Japan and Australia—and other organizations with ties to the Philippines to “bring their financial and diplomatic leverage to bear on this” and fund Filipino human rights defenders.

“The world is at a crossroad.

When human rights are attacked, all are called on to act by individual conscience, age-old moral principles, and the global agreements seeking peace and security for all.

The time for action is now,” they stressed.

Last September, 39 countries expressed concern over the rising number of drug-related killings in the country and called on the government to end and probe these deaths.

Iceland, reading the statement on behalf of 38 other nations, said the Philippine government should welcome a visit of Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, without conditions or limitations.

But Duterte, in a speech before the Filipino community in Vietnam Thursday night, warned Callamard thathe will slap her should the UN special rapporteur investigate him.

Last December, the Duterte administration invited Callamard to visit the Philippines subject to three conditions including allowing the president to ask the UN rapporteur questions in a public debate.

Callamard refused to heed the conditions, saying they violate UN protocols for country visits. n

Unfortunately, many ordinary Filipinos are unaware about these actual and potential benefits.

Reaching the ordinary Filipino To address this problem, the media and Southeast Asian nations’ schools play a vital role, according to Albert.

“While the regional level of the ASEAN communication master plan serves as the overall framework for the implementation at the national level what both education and media can do to play important role in informing people especially the youth about ASEAN and its priorities,” she said.

Some movements in these areas are already underway, according to Albert.

An ASEAN curriculum source book is now available to the member-states while some governments have already crafted dedicated courses on the bloc at both secondary and tertiary levels

which could guide young citizens on how to participate in the integration process.

A study conducted by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies released in April showed a high awareness of ASEAN among Filipinos, but a low appreciation of it.

The former top diplomat suggested that a new survey among Filipinos be done to measure their ASEAN awareness after this year’s chairmanship of the bloc.

All these and more need to be done to make Filipinos and other Southeast Asian nationals appreciate the group’s importance in their lives. Otherwise, the reality of ASEAN unity will continue to be a wish. “’For most of the diverse people living in Southeast Asia, the idea of an ASEAN unity with shared values, with common identity and looking towards a shared destiny is a wish to be fulfilled,’ and I share this quote,” Albert said. n

Filipinos either associate ASEAN...

PAGE A3 t

Philippine education.

“The K to 12 program was conceived because of the regional integration of ASEAN. Our government saw the need to add two more years of basic education, so that our graduates can compete well with workers from other ASEAN countries,” Coronacion said.

The need to be more competitive is due to a freer exchange of labor, which some experts say is another reward of a country’s membership in the regional bloc.

This is expected to lead to more investments and wider markets, redounding to higher incomes for employees, according to an article released by the ASEAN office.

Business opportunities, it added, could result in more available local jobs to decrease unemployment and underemployment, one of the goals of the ASEAN Economic Community.

Through the Mutual Recognition Agreement, skills honed in one ASEAN country will be recognized in another, thus making it easy for someone to find a job in the 10 member-nations which collectively constitute the seventh largest economy in the world.

Travel in the region is also cheaper and easier as it requires no visa and can be done more easily due to the availability of different modes of transport.

ASEAN nationals can also benefit from cheaper and a wider selection of goods and products due to a regime of low or no tariffs among the bloc’s members.

Infographic by RP Ocampo/Philstar.com

Obamacare shopping is trickier than ever, here’s a cheat...

PAGE A5 t silver plan on the marketplace.

People buying the other metal levels — the more comprehensive gold or platinum plans or less generous “bronze” plan — cannot get this benefit. So unless you hardly ever see a doctor, get a silver plan.

However, if you’re healthy and at the lower end of these income ranges, a bronze plan might make the most sense.

That’s because of the other Obamacare subsidy, which reduces premiums.

These subsidies are paid directly to qualifying consumers in the form of tax credits. The premium subsidy is so generous for 2018 (we explain why, below) that, for many people, they could cover the entire cost of bronze plans.

Cost-sharing reductions help only if you expect to pay out-ofpocket costs for docs and hospitals. If you don’t — and if you feel like gambling that you won’t need expensive care — a free or super-cheap bronze plan might be better.

At the lower ranges of this income group, you might be eligible instead for Medicaid — in states that expanded that program under the ACA. This online subsidy calculator can help you figure it out.

You’re eligible for subsidies to reduce premiums but not the cost-sharing reductions. Even so, Trump’s decision to cut them may affect you — in a good way.

To recover the missing $7 billion, most insurers are jacking

premiums for silver plans — an estimated 20 percent extra.

The good news is that higher premiums don’t hurt most marketplace consumers. Obamacare caps how much eligible consumers are expected to pay for health insurance — even if premiums go to the moon. The federal premium subsidies cover the difference.

But that’s not all. Trump’s move makes the premium subsidy more generous. Here’s how.

The level of premium subsidy you receive is based not just on your income but also on silverplan prices, and now silver premiums are going up a lot. The higher the silver premiums, the more generous the subsidies. But that subsidy is not limited to use on a silver plan.

Anybody eligible can take those subsidies and shop for any kind of plan on the marketplace. That’s why in Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan and other states a highbenefit gold plan might be less expensive next year or not much more than a silver plan. It’s why many consumers could see their premium bills fall in 2018 — in some cases, to zero.

To repeat: Shop around. Shop early. The plan you have now probably won’t be cheapest next year.

More than 7 million of these folks buy individual health insurance plans through or outside the ACA’s online marketplaces.

If this is you, you’re ineligible for any Obamacare subsidies.

That means your chances of getting slammed by premium in-

creases for 2018 are high. Silverplan premiums are soaring by 35 percent or more because of high claims and Trump’s decision to stop cost-sharing reimbursement to insurers.

But there are ways to limit the pain. Generally avoid silver plans and look at bronze and gold.

Those premiums are probably rising less.

However, California and about a dozen other states allowed insurers to sell a separate class of silver plans without the cost-sharing money built into premiums. These may be available only outside the official, online ACA marketplaces, so to find them you have to ask a broker or check websites of insurers or online brokers such as eHealth or GetInsured.

You may qualify for Medicaid, the federal and state health program for low-income people.

However, 19 states, mostly in the South, did not expand the program under the health law.

Medicaid eligibility in those places is much narrower, especially for adults, than in the rest of the country. That accounts for many of the 28 million uninsured Americans.

The subsidy calculator shows whether your income makes you eligible for Medicaid and whether your state has expanded Medicaid.

Kaiser Health News, a nonprofit health newsroom whose stories appear in news outlets nationwide, is an editorially independent part of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

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A

Dateline PNewhiliPPines papal nuncio to the Philippines arrives

PH to relay ASEAN’s concern on China militarization by aJPress AS the chairman of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he is ready to raise the bloc’s concerns over China’s militarization in the South China Sea. Duterte, who is currently in Vietnam, is expected to have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the weekend on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

The Philippine president said he will ask questions “reflecting the sentiments” of the ASEAN countries while telling the Chinese leader that “everybody is worried” about the growing militarization of the disputed area.

“I will tell him straight. ‘You know, Mr. President, the whole of the ASEAN is worried about how we should behave in the seas that are now militarized,’” said Duterte in a press conference on Thursday, November 9.

In addition to the Philippines, ASEAN member-countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei are claiming parts of the South China Sea; while China is claiming virtually the entire waters.

Underscoring the importance of safe navigation through the disputed sea, Duterte said he will push for a code of conduct with China that will allow competing countries to pass through the area without provoking the ire of the other claimants.

Duterte ruled out going to war with Beijing in order to stop the latter from its reclamation works, saying he prefers to settle the dispute in a peaceful means.

“Those arms and they are not there for any other purpose.

They are not decorations,” the President said.

“They are there because China would need. For what purpose? I really do not know. But if it’s war, forget it. I’m not interested to go to war with China. I’m interested in friendship,” he continued.

Sandy Cay After being criticized for quickly ordering the halt of the building of shelters in Sandy Cay amid China’s protest, Duterte said he made the move to de-escalate the

tension in the area.

The sandbar, Duterte noted, is not only being contested by the Manila and Beijing, but by other nations as well.

“It was not because of China alone. But you’d be facing a multiple action against the contestants which are claiming overlapping jurisdictions [here in South] China Sea,” Duterte explained.

He went on to say, “Taiwan is making noise and they are poised to build also their own. And Malaysia which is also claiming part of the islands, which are also, I said, a part of our claim, jurisdiction sa economic zone.”

Earlier, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano questioned Duterte’s order to stop the construction of shelters for Filipino fishermen in Sandy Cay after receiving a strong opposition from the Chinese government.

In a statement, Alejano insisted that China “has no acceptable basis to react negatively” to construction work in Sandy Cay,

located some 2.5 nautical miles off Pag-asa Island.

Pointing out that the area was “not a new occupation” by the Philippines and has “traditionally been under effective control of the Philippine troops,” Alejano insisted that the country “did not violate the Declaration of Conduct.”

He further criticized Duterte for “downplaying the situation in the West Philippine Sea” while letting China continue to “push” the Philippines “into the corner.”

“Just a minute reaction from China and the Philippines would immediately halt its actions.

Meanwhile, Chinese forces, military and coast guard, are illegally entering our Exclusive Economic Zone yet our [Foreign Affairs] Secretary [Alan Peter Cayetano] and the President could only respond that we assume good faith in their actions,” Alejano said.

He expressed hope that the

u PAGE A10

by Julie

M. Aurelio Inquirer.net

ARCHBISHoP Gabriele Giodano Caccia arrived in Manila on Friday, November 10 to assume his new post as papal nuncio to the Philippines.

Caloocan bishop Pablo Virgilio David announced the prelate’s arrival in the country in a post on his Facebook account.

The incoming vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said Caccia’s plane arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 3 at 1 p.m. Friday.

Caccia, a native of Milan, Italy, was appointed in September by Pope Francis as the new apostolic nuncio to the country.

He replaced archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, also an Italian, who was transferred to Croatia in July.

Among the prelates who welcomed Caccia at the NAIA were Manila archbishop emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales,

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Davao archbishop Romulo Valles, Palo archbishop John Du, Lipa archbishop Gilbert Garcera; Imus bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, Antipolo bishop Francisco de Leon and Paranaque bishop Jesse Mercado.

Prior to his appointment as apostolic nuncio of the Philippines, Caccia has served as apostolic nuncio to Lebanon since 2009.

He also served as the assessor for general affairs of the Vatican’s secretariat of state.

His new post in Manila will be his second assignment as papal ambassador.

Caccia was born on February 24, 1958 in Milan, Italy and was ordained as a priest on June 11, 1983. He was named an archbishop in September 2009.

A8 NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Third worst in Asia

THE previous administration believed traffic gridlocks indicated progress and a booming economy. In a way this is true, but chronic traffic jams also indicate mismanagement. And the inefficiency is costly. Studies have placed economic losses due to traffic jams in the billions annually.

In a recent survey, Metro Manila ranked as the third worst in terms of city traffic in Asia, behind Thai capital Bangkok and Indonesian capital Jakarta. The survey, commissioned by ride-sharing company Uber, was conducted in the past two months and covered about 300 commuters each in Bangkok, Vietnam’s Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh cities, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Taipei and Indonesia’s Surabaya. Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur ranked fourth and fifth worst in the survey.

Based on time wasted while stuck in traffic plus the impact on transportation costs, the survey estimates that traffic jams on city roads in Southeast Asia cost from two to five percent of gross domestic product every year. Traffic gridlocks also account for up to 80 percent of air pollution in the region, according to the study.

Manila residents have endured horrid traffic jams for many years now. Two years ago, users of

the road navigation app Waze, participating in a survey for the Global Driver Satisfaction Index, picked Metro Manila as the worst place in the world to drive, with traffic making the average daily road commute more than 45 minutes. In Bangkok, the current average daily commute is 96 minutes.

The survey was commissioned by Uber to help pitch the virtues of ride-sharing, but it also highlights the need for better transport infrastructure especially as populations keep growing in Asia’s mega cities. In Manila, this need must be met with urgency. The Metro Rail Transit 3 looks headed for a major breakdown and a long overhaul. When that happens, it will put an additional burden on the public transport system, aggravating traffic jams. President Duterte has promised to embark on a “build, build, build” infrastructure program.

The public is waiting for this program to start taking off. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Balitang America @ 15: The inside stories of the Filipino Channel’s reporters, producers NEWS ANCHOR. That is my job title. I present the news every day. You see me on camera leading in to stories or doing live interviews, moderating debates, and weaving all the stories together.

BUT I am in the safety and convenience of our studio. Behind the cameras are the true newsmen who go out wherever the leads take them and chase the stories. They are the engine that propels Balitang America (BA) to be your source of information, your voice in the community so your stories may be told and heard despite being part of the under represented minority in America. They are our reporters, producers, and every member of the BA family. They work long hours, wear several hats — reporter, writer, producer, cameraman, production assistant, driver, make-up artist, etc. just to bring you the news that connects and stories that empower.

As a prelude to your watching our documentary “Beyond News: 15 years of Balitang America,” airing on Sunday, November 12 at 7:45 p.m. on TFC, let me share with you who some of these people are, and what motivates them as journalists.

Troy espera, executive producer “I took over as producer for BA as the roller coaster ride of the 2016 U.S. presidential election race got started. Our news team was hungry to report on the candidates and to tell the stories of Filipino Americans who were involved at every level of the election process. There were also countless stories about Filipino American voters that helped us understand the diverse perspectives held within our own community when it comes to presidential politics. As the new EP of BA, who witnessed the high bar for election coverage that had been set by

producers who trained me, I felt so activated to get to work and The Fil-Am dive in with the rest of the team.

In my role, I get to support our Perspective journalists who are in the field, and bring all their work together into a cohesive newscasts every night. During the election year, I didn’t want to miss out on GEL SANTOS-RELOS anything, staying in step with the reporters and with our viewers through all the twists and turns of the presidential race.

I’m proud to say our efforts paid off in BA’s most comprehensive U.S. election coverage ever. As a matter of fact, our election day newscast and our election special “The Fil-Am Vote: 2016 U.S. Presidential Election” have been recognized by award giving bodies like NAMIC, the Telly Awards, and New America Media. I know every year is not an election year. But when I look back at 2016 and the work we all did during the presidential race, I can’t remember a time when I felt more activated in my role as a disseminator of facts and amplifier for unheard voices. It was an unforgettable year and I’m grateful to have been able to experience it as a member of the BA team.”

Henni Espinosa, Senior Reporter, News Desk Editor “Telling the stories of everyday Filipinos is much more fulfilling for me than interview the rich, the powerful and the famous. It’s especially rewarding to know that through BA, the voices of the most vulnerable, most underrepresented sectors in the community — the poor, the elderly, the sick, the disabled and the undocumented — are heard. Ear-

ly on in my work with BA, I was able to do these stories and I felt a deeper purpose in my role as a journalist. Their words matter.

How I tell their stories matter. And so, I took my profession more seriously and worked hard to be better at what I do.

I was honored to receive an Emmy Award, NY Festivals Nomination, Telly Award - for the docu, “Filipino Champions of SOMA,” which was about ordinary Pinoys doing extraordinary things for the community. And then of course, my second docu was on homelessness - so I really value stories that come from everyday, struggling Pinoys - kasi it means they trust us to tell their stories.

Box City is a documentary on homeless Filipinos in San Francisco who leaned on each other for support as they lived together in one area called “Box City”. While the city worked double time to shut down encampments, these Pinoys turned their despair into hope — that one day they would get a shot at the American Dream.”

Don Tagala, Correspondent For New York/ New Jersey And The East Coast “When I started covering in-depth stories of Filipino survivors of human and labor trafficking, I thought it was cool and at the same time important to expose the subhuman practice of these abusive employers and recruitment agencies.

I only hoped that other Filipinos who wants to come to the U.S. learn from these bad experiences as told by victims and survivors of trafficking.

What I did not realize was that there were other

victims who got to watch these stories and learned from them and eventually had the strength and motivation to escape from their abusive after watching my stories.

I learned from Damayan Migrant Workers Association and other individual stories that many of those who recently escaped and filed cases against their own abusive employers or recruiters have seen my recent story on human and trafficking and was inspired that they too can stop their own suffering by getting help from Damayan or from other Filipino organizations or friends who have lawyer friends.

When my somehow story saved the life of another Filipino or inspired them to end their suffering and do something about their situation then I know I did my job as a journalist.”

[Don Tagala is an award-winning Video Journalist of ABS-CBN North America’s “Balitang America.” He has won a total of 10 Bronze Telly Awards since 2012.]

Steve Angeles, Los Angeles And Southern California Correspondent “I couldn’t think about the first moment, because an incident came up today; a Filipina woman was attacked in a parking lot. It’s not the first, and won’t be the last moment, but these things show that these moments of being a journalist and serving the community happens every day in any way. It’s been my duty for the last 12 years.

My first story was a dog show, second was the FilVets, a few months later I scored my first big interview with Dave Bautista while he was still a wrestler. Each of these moments represent differ-

u PAGE A11

Can teaching arts make miracles? Making an apple look like a banana Rhizomes

Street Talk

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D.

GREG B. MACABENTA

“You may say, ‘But I am only human.’ This is the understatement of your life. You are not only human – you are also divine in potential. The fulfillment of all your goals and aspirations in life depends upon stirring up and releasing more of that divine potential. And there is really nothing difficult about letting this inner light shine. All we must do is correct the tendency to turn off our lights when we face darkness.”

– Eric Butterworth, “Discover the Power Within You,” 1992.

CAN a college professor teaching arts make miracles? Perhaps, if he moves the hearts and minds of the students entrusted to his care. Can directing “Cabaret” bring out their best? I spent two days shadowing Professor Giovanni Ortega’s acting class and to watch “Cabaret,” which he directed.

At Sunday’s matinee of “Cabaret,” Corey Sorenson, who teaches acting, and Meagan Prahl, who teaches speech and dialect, at Pomona College, were unanimous in their acclaim.

“My heart is still throbbing!”

Prahl was enthusiastic, saying, “The contemporary parallels are

IN the wake of President Donald Trump’s self-serving assertion that any unflattering media reports about him are “fake news,” CNN, which has been among Trump’s most persistent critics, has launched an ad campaign on the theme, “Facts First.”

The visual device is an apple.

The voice-over announcer intones, “This is an apple.” He then continues to point out that others might claim that it is a banana but that doesn’t change the fact that it is an apple.

“They might scream banana, banana, banana, over and over again,” the voiceover continues.

“They might put BANANA in all caps. You might even start to believe that this is a banana. But it’s not. This is an apple.”

In other words, according to CNN, facts are facts, no matter how one tries to twist them.

That hasn’t stopped Fox News, an unabashedly pro-Trump network, from routinely presenting an apple as a banana. Of course, CNN has not been beyond portraying an apple as rotten, even if it is not necessarily so. And in the late night shows, which have made Trump-bashing standard

Amy Griffin (Sally Bowles) and Evan Fenner (Clifford Bradshaw), dancing and singing in first lead roles.

Photo courtesy of Giovanni Ortega

insane, the theme of the year is wake up, that we are far enough from LA, and there is definitely a bubble out here. It is poignant.

It is well done, it is well acted, it is timely and the community is hungry for more artistic work. The department has really brought this on.”

“‘Cabaret’ is a good show – the theme is what folks are hungry about in this campus. It is bold and clever to put out the people of color and women [in the musical]. It is challenging people and shaking them up from their complacency. There’s a cool thing

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comic material, every White House apple is spoofed as populated by worms - sometimes with the worms being unfairly added on.

In the Philippines, where social media trolls-cum-bloggers and communications-cum-political consultants proliferate, the apple is often portrayed as a calabasa or a balimbing.

In fact, in both the administrations of Trump and President Rodrigo Duterte, whenever the subject of an apple is discussed, the tactic is not simply to call the apple a banana but to completely change the subject and call attention to their antagonists’ stinking durian.

In the wake of indictments by Special Counsel Robert Mueller of three Trump associates, connected with the last presidential campaign, Trump has gone on a twitting rampage in an effort to re-focus attention on Hillary Clinton and her alleged links with the Russians.

In all media interviews, Trump apologists have also routinely referred to Clinton as “crooked Hillary.” They have also automatically extolled the achievements of the Trump administration.

The claimed achievements have mostly been snatched from thin air, but the apologists manage to present them with a straight face.

In the case of the Duterte administration, any accusations made against him are imme-

diately countered with vicious Aquino-bashing (the whole Aquino clan, not just former President Benigno S. Aquino III) and besmirching of everyone who dares to criticize Duterte, including the Catholic Church.

While these counter-attacks are made mostly on social media, there are readily-identifiable newspaper columnists who have perfected the art of deflecting the topic, from Duterte to the “enemy” whom they generally label “yellow” or “dilawan.”

But the apple-to-durian tactic is not a monopoly of DDS (die-hard Duterte supporters). The antiDuterte camps, from some bishops, to the political opposition, to Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV have also tended to exaggerate their portrayal of Duterte as a murderous monster and as a provincial mayor who has been promoted to his level of incompetence as President of the Philippines.

What has happened appears to be the resurgence of the Big Lie, a propaganda technique applied

by Adolf Hitler and first introduced in his book, Mein Kampf.

In the book, Hitler conceived of telling lies so “colossal that no one could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously” (quoted from Wikipedia).

This technique was restated as “A lie repeated often enough will be taken for the truth,” and has often been attributed to the Nazi’s propaganda czar, Joseph

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OPINION & FEATURES

Can teaching arts make miracles?

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happening here in campus. It inspires us to come to work and work with the students,” Sorenson said.

When “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” was sung by Jennifer Johnston (Ensemble/Cello/Soloist), it got me in tears, while Sorenson had goosebumps. During intermission, we took turns describing to one another, our perceived chilling moments.

For me, it was when the women and folks of color were segregated towards the margins, which made me gasp, and for Sorenson, it was when the white folks were left on stage, with swastika Nazi signs.

When Layla Moehring (junior at Scripps College majoring in theater and psychology) sang “Tomorrow Belongs to Me,” featuring whites-only and the swastika signs projected on the red brick walls, the sounds of prison doors locking up, towards the ending, an older German guy sobbed next to me.

Tim Dang, former East West Players artistic director and now a theater arts lecturer, said this: “I have seen many productions of ‘Cabaret’ as some of my favorite songs are in this play. East West Players produced this show in 1996 (I believe) and double cast (alternating performances) Jennifer Paz (“Miss Saigon”) and Kimiko Gelman in the lead role of Sally Bowles. In this particular production at Pomona College, the separation of the Germans from the Jews in the play was made relevant by the visual separation between the whites and the people of color on stage, giving us memories of Charlottesville when white supremacists with torches resembled the KKK. The audience was stunned not knowing how to react. It was a very powerful moment. The thoughtful and astute direction

by Giovanni Ortega made the themes of ‘Cabaret’ relevant today with all of this hate and division happening in our own country. He did a masterful job of casting performers of color in a WWII period piece about the conflict happening in Nazi Germany.”

One scene reminded me of an image of a U.S. soldier carrying a black native, dressed in grass skirts uphill towards the schoolhouse, captioned, “The White Man’s Burden.” It was published in The Journal (Detroit), in the Literary Digest, Vol. 18, no.

Juan Zamudio (Emcee), first lead role, with the “Cabaret” dancers Photos courtesy of Giovanni Ortega

Emma Elliott (FraÐulein Schneider), and Roei Cohen (Herr Schultz), both holding a pineapple, in second lead roles.

7, Feb. 18, 1899, page. 180.

Many did not quite understand the endearing scene when Megan Gratke, appeared in a monkey mask, clad in black leggings, and a skirt of yellow bananas strung around the waist.

The song pierced one’s heart when Emcee, sung and danced so well by Juan Zamudio: “If you could see her through my eyes, maybe they will leave us alone… is it a crime to fall in love? All I ask is a little understanding.” At the scene’s end, she removes her mask to reveal a beautiful white Jewish face. Juan played his role to the max that the audience found him quite amusing.

He set the tone for the musical, that whenever he appeared, it was a refreshing comic break to the haunting parts of the musical. He enjoyed “performing in heels for his last musical of his college career.

One student lingered inside the Seaver Theatre when the show ended. She said, “My heart is still throbbing.” We were both frozen in the chilling moments of the musical.

“Cabaret,” to those not familiar with it, is a musical about “a nightmarish journey into Nazi Germany with an androgynously wicked Emcee, a trampy, bitter Sally and a decadent cast of characters who all ended up in a train going to a concentration camp at the final curtain. American writer Clifford Bradshaw goes to Berlin on the eve of the Nazi takeover and is fascinated by the city, the decadent life in Berlin. The political situation worsens, Cliff leaves Berlin, and Sally goes back to the cabaret, where everyone can continue to ignore what is going on around them,” Thomas Hischak wrote in The Oxford Companion to the American Musical: Theatre, Film

and Television.

Both in the U.S. and England had thousands of shows, while Seaver Theater at Pomona College had five sold-out shows, supported by the community.

A roundtable with Giovanni Ortega’s students Anais Gonzalez Nyberg (Assistant Director/Sophomore), in her short bio on the program, wrote what she loves about Pomona, “including its wacky theater department,” yet she felt committed to motivating the actors.

“There were many difficult roles and the ‘mean characters’ were a challenge to the students,” she wrote. She reminded them that when they succeed onstage to portray what it was like in the 1930s, they are taking a stand on what we don’t want to see today in 2017.

On October 18, I saw the sensory world of acting, taught by Ortega. Twenty-one students introduced themselves from Pomona, Scripps, Pitzer Colleges, majoring in the sciences, arts, business and physics. Some were exchange students from Hongkong and China.

Ortega’s well-appointed resume shows his bold fearlessness in integrating himself in many parts of the world: Cabaret Chansòn in Neukölln, Berlin; Cabaret in Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas; Creation of My Body at the Arts and Culture and Innovation in Sydney and Magda Community Artz in Brisbane; Words of My Body at the Hague Centre of Acting and Creativity in Singapore.

I saw him perform at the “Romance of Magno Rubio” at the Ford Theater and his role as President Marcos in “Imelda: The Musical” at East West Players and the very success-

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017

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A10 NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

DOJ terminates hearing on Kian, Kulot slay case

by KRISTINE JOY

Philstar.com

PATAG

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice has terminated the preliminary investigation into the killing of Carl Arnaiz and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman, who are believed to be killed

by Caloocan cops.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Ma. Emilia Victorio and Assistant State Prosecutor Gilmarie Fe Pacamara deemed the case submitted for resolution after the witnesses for the Caloocan cops

reaffirmed their joint affidavit on Friday, November 10.

At Friday’s hearing, witnesses Solomon Rosca and Madelene Soliman affirmed that they saw Arnaiz fire at the PO1 Jeffrey Perez and PO1 Ricky Arquilita at dawn of August 18.

Dodjie Encinas, lawyer of the suspects, Rosca and Soliman said “they passed the highway aboard a tricycle when they saw the two policemen chasing a teenager.

They said the teenager fired at the cops instead of surrendering to

them. A shootout then ensued.”

“These witnesses went to an alley to hide. When they went back to the highway a few minutes later, they saw the teenager dead,” Encinas said in an earlier interview.

The policemen insisted that they were carrying out a legitimate police operation and Arnaiz shot at them, prompting them to fire back at the teenager.

Perez and Arquilita, along with cabbie Tomas Bagcal, are facing double murder, torture and planting of evidence complaints for the slay of the two teenagers.

The two respondent-policemen, however, did not mention the case of De Guzman, at all, in their counter-affidavit.

The two teenagers are believed to be together when they both went missing since the night of August 17.

Their bodies were found in two separate places, 11 days apart: His parents found Arnaiz in a funeral home in Caloocan City, while the body believed to be De Guzman’s was found floating in a creek in Gapan, Nueva Ecija on September 6.

All the cases of the three teenage killings believed to be carried under the government’s drug war are now pending resolution before the DOJ. On October 27, the DOJ has wrapped up the preliminary investigation on the case of Kian delos Santos, believed to be killed

by Caloocan cops in their One Time Big Time operation against illegal drugs on August 16. ■

PH to relay...

PAGE A7 t

administration would soon realize the importance and urgency of asserting the arbitration tribunal at The Hague ruling 2016 which concluded that China’s massive claim South China had no legal basis.

“There could not be any more proper time to stress it than now.

We do not want to waste time that we could use to peacefully strengthen our claims,” Alejano added.

Prior to his departure for APEC summit, Duterte said he will ask China what it “really wants” to do in the West Philippine Sea. Referring to Xi Jinping, Duterte said, “I’ll just ask him, ‘What are the stakes? Do you want to control the passage or do we have the free passage?’” ■

Search to Involve Pilipino Americans 45th Anniversary Awards and Benefit Dinner

EMBRACE EMPOWER EVOLVE Friday, November 17th at the Sheraton Universal Hotel Cocktail Reception - 6 p.m.

Dinner Program - 7 p.m.

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE PILIPINO COMMUNITY AND IN HONORING OUR AWARDEES: AQUILINA SORIANO VERSOZA BENITO MIRANDA CIRILO PINLAC LEONARDO P. PANDAC, PHD CHEF ISA FABRO MIGUEL SANGALANG JOE SAYAS

SHOW OF SUPPORT. Mental health advocates gather to show support for the Mental Health Bill during a press conference at Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City. The group urged lawmakers to approve the bill as it underscores the importance of integrating mental health in the country’s public healthcare system.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Making an apple look like...

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Goebbels. But it was Hitler who first introduced it.

The Big Lie has become standard fare served out by both the Trump and Duterte governments, but, aside from that, the other tactic that is being employed is the Vicious Counter-Attack — an attack designed to be so personal and brazen as to make the targets sorry for getting involved in the fray.

What has been the result of this exchange of virtual excrement? The poor, confused and largely misinformed Filipino readers, televiewers and social media surfers must be amused, entertained, scandalized and, subsequently, convinced that all those involved are like the proverbial pot calling the kettle black. The classic case of people living in glass houses who throw stones.

Indeed, all of that mud-slinging has been counter-productive.

Everyone gets dirtied. Everyone loses respect.

A cursory look at today’s Facebook yields the following postings, some made by folks whom I know to be relatively intelligent and knowledgeable: “The Liberal Party has lecherously and liberally legalized and legitimised the art of corruption…small time at sisiw lang si Marcos!”

“Desperado na talaga ang mga yellow media. 30 years of garbage manipulating both broadcast and print media to change public opinion in favor of their political bosses. Their bosses who have amassed wealth through corruption and drugs syndication while providing inept and inefficient

governance.”

The inference, obviously, is that, by comparison, the Duterte government is NOT corrupt. And yet, today’s Facebook also had the following posting of a Forbes Magazine article by Panos Mourdoukoutas: “Duterte’s Philippines is getting more corrupt — President Rodrigo Duterte’s death squads didn’t kill corruption in the Philippines last year. But they killed freedom and democracy, and will kill the country’s economic growth and equity market. The Philippines dropped six notches in the 2016 Corruption Index country ranking published recently by Transparency International.”

Noted Philippine Star columnist, Boo Chanco, commented, also in today’s Facebook: “… from the nastiness in many of my FB feeds lately, i suspect a severe loss of brain matter is responsible. you got to be close to brain dead to want to break this country apart into two very distinct camps. it is not a recipe for the future. okay... is about how to deal with early alzheimers but i am starting to think this has become an epidemic even among younger people who no longer know how to think for themselves or allow other people to think for themselves.”

Trump’s bluster, exaggerations and outright lies have resulted in a slide in his approval rating in public opinion polls.

A new Quinnipiac University poll reveals that Trump’s rating went down from an already low 35 percent to his lowest yet at 33 percent, with 61 percent of respondents saying they disap-

prove of his performance, and 55 percent saying they strongly disapprove.

In Duterte’s case, a new SWS poll reports that only 35 percent of Filipinos believe that he can deliver on his campaign vows, a double-digit drop compared to a survey last year. In June 2016, 63 percent believed he could make good on his promises. That eroded to 56 percent in September 2016 and dropped further to 52 percent in a March 2017 poll.

Significantly, Duterte suffered his biggest drop in his home region of Mindanao - a drop of 33 percent. In the Visayas, ostensibly another Duterte stronghold, the decline has been 18 percent.

Expectedly, Duterte’s apologists have “downplayed” the erosion, pointing out that “this has been the trend in previous administrations.” Trump, on the other hand, has tried to appear calm and unflappable in the face of recent negative developments, particularly the indictment of those involved in his campaign.

Privately, however, Trump is reported to be fuming and highly stressed. Like Trump, Duterte and his apologists must be realizing, by now, that all of his bluster and their vicious attacks and counter-attacks are not impressing the public.

Clearly, more and more thinking folks on both sides of the Pacific Ocean have begun to see that an apple is an apple and not a banana. And even the attempts to throw in a stinking durian to confuse them is no longer doing the Dotard and the Dutertard any good. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 11-14, 2017

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Can teaching arts make miracles? Balitang America @ 15: The inside stories of...

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ful world premiere play that he wrote, “Criers for Hire,” at East West Players. He has been acting, directing and writing plays wherever it took him from Styria, Austria to Varanasi, India to Bern, Switzerland and Chon Buri, Thailand.

A month ago, Ortega signed his hot-off-the-press book of essays and poetry, “Ang Gitano,” at the 4th Filipino-American and International Book Festival. His students came to support him.

This week, after Halloween, he read his original poems: the Letters, Glass of Humility and Harbour ng Adhikain (Harbour of Advocacies) from his new book, “Ang Gitano,” to Farrington High School students in Kalihi, Hawaii and led them in a poetry writing workshop, eliciting tears from some.

He was a visiting lecturer for a year at Pomona College, and is now in his second year of teaching, hopefully on a track to being tenured. With his students, he is a fierce, yet loving mentor, imparting the seven elements of performance: breath, sound, language/rhetoric/delivery, physicality (how the character moves), the sensorial world (smelling, touching), singularity or duality of relationships and emotional connection.

During the class, I was in their sensorial world: breathing, meditating, and centering for 10 minutes.

Ortega taught two techniques of acting: the Strasberg technique and the technique of “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances, using a mixture of reality and fantasy. I grieve about Peter Corpus. I recall him.

I am standing, sad and it takes me to my acting scene. After, I call my mom, so I am not re-traumatized.”

Anais, a sophomore, described what she learned: “To be an artist is to avoid being a copy – it is to be fueled by your personal story as well as the interesting story of others. In our autodramas (2nd day of class), we came up with our five to seven-minute story about the best things and the broken parts of our lives.

We got so raw with each other.

I learned to be honest with who I am.”

No wonder I felt so compelled to watch Kyle Lee, Cabaret’s associate choreographer and Kit Kat Boy, who has danced with Alvin Ailey’s dance company for

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First Row: Evan Fenner, Emma Elliott, Juan Zamudio, Kyle Lee Second Row: writer, Anais Gonzalez Nyberg and Prof. Giovanni Ortega Photo courtesy of Giovanni Ortega

five years and “drew on his love for West African dance, hip-hop and voguing culture in NY to inform his choreography. “To be an artist is to despise complacency. You really have to have a distaste/disdain for it. But, a hunger for learning, about changing yourself, about growing, as you are not done yet. Yet, I have to force myself to recognize that I am enough, and by playing characters, I learn about myself, what makes me scared, what makes me powerful and focused is not fearing knowledge.”

Emma Elliott (Fraulein Schneider) is ecstatic about her second musical. She learned two lessons: community support is essential as well being open and being vulnerable, “it is allowing yourself to be fully present and not to shy away nor direct the experience. It is also about being able to relate to one another, to offer support going through the scenes, [inhabit] the characters, and ultimately, learning more about ourselves.

Evan Fenner (Clifford Bradshaw) for his senior thesis, had a resonating statement: ”The play’s vision comes from the director (Giovanni Ortega). You are the avenue/channel through which this work is being produced. You make the change and how it affects others. You get to inhabit another character and also, how that affects you/your personality. If you pull those traits onstage, then, these traits can also be part of you. If I can portray a character onstage with good traits, then, the reverse is also true, I can incorporate those good traits in my persona.”

Kyle Lee then made a power-

ful synthesis: “That’s who you are when they stop telling you what to do. What makes me scared is not having agency, not being able to tell my own story. I learn by playing characters who are not in control, it is easy to be a character. But to be in quieter moments, doubts, cracks in the armor, they are scary to me.

Movement makes me feel powerful, the spotlight makes me powerful. It is seeing people attack the moment!”

Whatever he creates, it seems to resonate that I felt compelled to say: “You are an artistic genius. Keep creating from your honest, pure, beating heart.”

From his students to the audience members, all were moved to appreciate the lessons from “Cabaret,” and more importantly, to critique oneself and to keep showing up as one’s best, for humanity.

“There is nothing difficult about letting this inner light shine” — that was true then in the 1930s and more so now, in 2017. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong.

She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

ent aspects of our community; Filipinos doing incredible things, veterans fighting for equity, and Filipinos making it in the mainstream and waving our play with pride. All these moments have added up over the years, reminding me each day of being a journalist. And I’m blessed I’m in general assignment to a specific community, these are all stories that empower, educate, and enlighten a historically underserved and even marginalized group.

Moving forward, I want to do deeper documentary stuff now.

But also more digital storytelling with the way the journalism world has gone..”

Bev Llorente, Nevada Correspondent “As a journalist for over a decade seeking and always in pursuit of truth, being able to tell that story to the public in an accurate and fair manner has always been my goal for each of the stories I file for Balitang America. Being a journalist has given me the privilege to cover stories, promote and advocate change, educate people in the most informative way as possible. Representing the community, championing the underdogs, and helping others have their voices heard are among the most fulfilling part of being a broadcast journalist in Las Vegas. My personal most unforgettable political stories include my one-on-one with Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright, and my report on President Barack Obama’s announcement on DACA. Among the biggest coverages I am proud of was the 2008 Dream Match of between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. Aside from reporting stories of major sporting events in Las Vegas, I was also part of BA’s comprehensive coverage of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election during U.S. President Barack Obama’s frequent visits to Nevada, as well as top senators.

I was one of the last journalists to interview “Smokin’” Joe Frazier before his passing in 2012.

In that report, Frazier recalled his “Thrilla in Manila” experience wherein he waged war against fellow boxing great Muhammad Ali..

My BA report also spurred the Royalties of Saudi Arabia when she covered the story of Dondon Lanuza, an overseas Filipino worker who came close to being executed for killing an Arab national. Locating Lanuza’s family

in Las Vegas, I diligently closely followed his case until he was eventually freed by paying blood money to the victim’s family.

What is super fulfilling is when the people I helped say, “Thank you. Because of your story, something happened really good to us. Because of it, they heard us.”

[Bev Llorente has been working and serving Kababayans behind the scenes as well, like in the most recent terror attack on October 1 in Las Vegas. She worked tirelessly to comfort the victims, and honor the Fil-Am first responders, nurses, volunteers who are true heroes who helped save lives. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told her: “You are sharp and do excellent work. I have watched you develop into a credible, upstanding, and respected communicator.”]

Rommel Conclara, Northern California Correspondent “I really felt I was fulfilling my role as a journalist was during my very first story for Balitang America. I was assigned to cover how Ryan Manansala desperately needed a bone marrow donor after relapsing from leukemia. I never knew how low Filipinos make up the national bone marrow registry. In the moment, I stuck to what I was taught. Get the facts.

Communicate with your cameraman. Write in a way that it could be absorbed and retained..

But it wasn’t until I saw the end of my report in the control room that it was my responsibility to not just share Ryan’s story to save his life, but to possibly save more.

Afterwards, I really understood why the news is such an important part of our society and as the storytellers it is imperative that we tell the truth and ensure the public is informed.

Fortunately, I have the pleasure to work with an amazing team of producers, editors, and camera operators. It is because of this team I have the pleasure to have been recognized for some of my stories. The Philippine American Press Club awarded me a Plaridel Award in 2015 for “Best TV Community Reporting” for my story “The Lola x Kenneth Collaboration”, where a grandson is shown creating memories with grandmother through art. In 2016, I was awarded another Plaridel Award for Best Television Documentary for my story on

“Filipino Chef Sharwin” In 2015 I was received a Telly Award for my work as an assistant producer on Balitang America’s 2015 Year Ender Report. In the same year, I also received a Telly Award for my work as a writer on “The Prodigy”, which tells the story of a young Filipino-American Muay Thai champion. I was also nominated for a San Francisco/Northern California region Emmy award for “The Prodigy”.

Yong Chavez, Entertainment News Reporter “As an entertainment journalist I try to dig deeper than what’s usual. Trying to find the Filipino connection in my subjects is a given but my responsibility first and foremost is to tell a good story for our audience. So if they don’t have an obvious Filipino connection - I play that role. As in: “This is a story by a Filipino reporter on a global subject.” My job is to provide a story that will be at least at par with mainstream reports on the same subject.

Both Pinoys and non-Pinoys tell me they watch these interviews.

So whether it’s asking Keanu Reeves about grief or telling an up-and-coming Fil-Am filmmaker’s remarkable story about making a dream come true, my goal is to connect.

When our viewers tell me that the subject’s story inspired them, or that they found something compelling or touching about the subject because of the interview, I feel like I did my job. I know that when I attend a big red-carpet event or go on one-on-ones with A-listers, I represent us Filipinos.

It is an honor, a responsibility, a privilege, and a joy to do so.

What Fil-Am talents tell me all the time was really fulfilling too.

They say that even when they book high-profile / mainstream / hard-to-get jobs, their Pinoy parents are happy but not AS HAPPY and proud as when they see my interviews with them on TFC. Parang yung ang measurement nila that their kid has arrived: if they’re on my Showbiz or on my TVP reports. After that, mas may support na sila from Pinoy family kasi finally they understand the their family member’s struggles and success through our show.” *** 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

A12 november 11-14, 2017 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JoUrnAL

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Journal Philippine divas meet Los Angeles fans Meet Patrick Starrr: The Filipino beauty ahead of awaited fundraising concert vlogger who snagged a major beauty collab by rae

ann Varona

AJPress

FANS of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and Pinoy comedy got the chance to meet and eat with Philippine divas Kuh Ledesma and Zsa Zsa Padilla, and comedians Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor in Pasadena, California on Thursday, November 9.

The meet-and-greet dinner came ahead of the divasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; much anticipated Diva2Diva 2 fundraising concert which is set to take place on Saturday, November 11 at PazNaz in Pasadena. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want to say thank you,â&#x20AC;? said Philippine â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pop Divaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kuh Ledesma to the attendees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so grateful youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming again to our show. We promise you a very entertaining show.â&#x20AC;?

With an illustrious career that includes being the first Filipino artist to receive a Salem Music Award in London, and a performance at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York, Ledesma was welcomed by attendees at the Living Rock Church venue looking to get her autograph and take some photos.

The born-again Christian singer, actress, and painter has

long been open about religion and faith, and has many times cited God as an inspiration for her work.

The upcoming concert is organized by the JIR Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing financial support to Christian workers all over the world who do not have sufficient financial resources to support their families.

In 2015, Ledesma performed at another fundraising concert for the organization with her daughter Isabella Gonzalez. The two also shared personal testimonies on their faith.

In the week following the concert, Ledesma will be leading a Bible study.

Philippine â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Divine Divaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Zsa Zsa Padilla â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who has recently been spending much of her time acting in drama shows like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wildflowerâ&#x20AC;? and the recently released film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bes and the Beshiesâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; also took the time to take photos with lined-up fans.

Despite being on vocal rest, the popular singer documented the nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s occasion on her Instagram story and expressed a few words of thanks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you very much for your warm hospitality. I really feel so

uplifted today,â&#x20AC;? said Padilla. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Still praying and hoping for my voice to come back, but we are so blessed to have you all here this evening. Very, very excited to perform for you this Saturday,â&#x20AC;? she added.

Being two of the biggest pop queens of the Philippines, Ledesma and Padilla have performed together many times before. Prior to their arrival in the U.S., the two reunited on the ASAP stage in the Philippines for a duet cover of hit Barbra Streisand song â&#x20AC;&#x153;Evergreenâ&#x20AC;?. Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming concert comes nine years after the two made a their joint album appropriately called Diva2Diva in November 2003.

The diva gathering was only made better with the presence of Philippine divas of comedy, Mitch Valdez and Nanette Inventor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe what you see on television. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a good person,â&#x20AC;? said Valdes jokingly. The singercomedienne-actress currently plays the contravida-esque character of Kapitana Gina Magtanggol in the current hit teleserye â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang Probinsyanoâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A heartfelt thanks should be said to all your warm reception PAGE B2

by Jacqueline

Inquirer.net

arias

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so many things happening in the beauty world now, from celebrity-owned brands to big collaborations. The latest being YouTuber Patrick Starrrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday collab with MAC Cosmetics. This will be a 12-piece collection, including a new loose powder. And if you watch any of his tutorials, you know how serious he is when it comes to baking the face.

This news is special for two reasons: 1) It proves that genPatrick Starrr PAGE B2

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AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona

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B November 11-14, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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Robert Lopez returns for ‘Frozen’ sequel Meet Patrick Starrr: The Filipino beauty...

Walt Disney animation Studios has recently announced the release of its untitled featurelength follow-up to the hit film “Frozen,” slated for November 2019 and to reunite filmmakers Jennifer lee, Chris Buck and Peter Del Vecho with the Grammy and Oscar-winning songwriting duo Kristen anderson-lopez and Robert lopez. award-winning composer of Filipino descent Robert lopez, who co-composed the Oscar and Grammy award-winning hit “let It Go” with his wife Kristen anderson-lopez, has been tapped again by Disney to compose new songs for the “Frozen” sequel. an american songwriter, lopez co-created the hit musicals “the Book of Mormon” and “avenue Q.” He is reportedly the youngest of only 12 individuals who have won all four of the biggest awards in the entertainment world — an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and a tony award — in just 10 years.

In 2013, his and his wife’s composition “let It Go” won the academy award for Best Original Song. In 2015, “let It Go” also won the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Besides “Frozen,” lopez also wrote songs for “Finding Nemo,” “Winnie the Pooh” and “the Simpsons,” among others. lopez was born in Manhat-

tan to parents Katherine and Frank lopez, whose father was Filipino and whose mom was Filipino and Scottish-american.

Robert’s Filipino dad became director of publications for New York University’s langone Medical Center.

Prior to the much-awaited “Frozen” sequel, Walt Disney animation Studios has posted previews of the new songs from “Olaf’s Frozen adventure,” an all-new featurette that will open in Philippine cinemas as a front to Disney/Pixar’s “Coco” on November 22. the songs are “Ring in the Season” by Kristen Bell, “that time of Year” by Josh Gad and “When We’re together”

by Idina Menzel.

Featuring four new original Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez at the 56th songs, the 21-minute featurette annual Drama Desk Awards in New York.

“Olaf’s Frozen adventure” welcomes the original cast and characters of “Frozen” back to the big screen, including Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), who is on a mission to harness the best holiday traditions for anna (voice of Kristen Bell), Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) and Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff). the featurette is directed by Emmy-winning filmmakers Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton (“Prep & landing”), produced by Oscar winner Roy Conli (“Big Hero 6”), with original songs by Elyssa Samsel and Kate anderson (“Between the lines”). (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/ Philstar.com) A scene from “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.”

Jolina Magdangal expecting with baby no. 2 SINGER-actress Jolina Magdangal announced she is nine is weeks pregnant with her second baby over her morning program “Magandang Buhay” on aBS-CBN. On its episode on tuesday, Nov. 7, the host’s husband, musician Mark Escueta, and son Pele, joined her on air while the baby’s first ultrasound images were flashed on screen.

“Pele is finally becoming a kuya. thank you, lord. We really prayed hard for this and I am so happy for Pele, not just for me and Mark,” said the ever cheerful celebrity. the big revelation was part of Magandang Buhay’s’ two-part special for Magdangal’s birthday and 30th anniversary celebration in show business. an instant family reunion also took place on the episode as the production team brought together the Magdangals and the Escuetas in a touching segment.

AJ Ads 100 Nov 2017_Layout 1 11/9/17 4:22 PM Page 1 Jolina Magdangal with husband Mark Escueta and son Pele ManilaTimes.net photo (ManilaTimes.net)

age gracefully

BY GRACE O

Curries made with turmeric and coconut milk are amazingly heart healthy. Add some ginger and garlic and your heart and arteries will thank you even more. My Chicken Curry with Moringa recipe was served at the speaking event I did last week at USC’s Norris Cancer Center where I discussed the healing properties of food, spices, and herbs.

If you can’t find fresh moringa leaves, you can use green tea powder. To make this a vegan entree, substitute tofu or soybeans for the chicken. This dish is delicious served over my Coconut Lemongrass Rice, or you can use white or brown rice.

Coconut-Lemongrass Rice Serves 2–4 1 cup jasmine rice 1 stalk lemongrass 2 banana leaves 1 cup water 1 cup canned light or regular coconut milk 1⁄2 tsp. sea salt

1. Rinse the rice twice in clean water.

Chicken Curry with Moringa Serves 4 1/4 cup onion strips 2 tsp. ginger strips 2 tsp. chopped or crushed garlic 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/2 lb. chicken strips 2–3 tsp. yellow curry powder 2 tsp. fish sauce 1–2 tsp. sea salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper 1 cup heavy coconut milk, divided in half 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes 1 cup diced carrots 1/2 cup water, if needed 1/4 cup red pepper strips 1 cup fresh moringa leaves 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

1. In a heavy, enamel-coated pot, saute the onion, ginger, and garlic in coconut oil for 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the chicken strips and cook another 5 minutes 3. Add the curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Then add the fish sauce, salt, and pepper.

4. Add 1/2 cup of the coconut milk and bring to a boil.

5. Add the potatoes and carrots and boil for 15 minutes or until they are soft and cooked through, stirring frequently. Add 1/2 cup water if the curry is too thick.

6. Add the red peppers and remaining coconut milk. Boil for 5 minutes.

7. Remove from the heat and add the moringa and cayenne pepper (if using).

2. Cut the lemongrass stalk (white part only) into 3 pieces and pound them with a mallet a few times.

3. Line the bottom of the rice pot with the banana leaves.

4. Add the lemongrass, rice, water, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 20–25 minutes or until the rice is tender. Add more water if needed.

5. Before serving, remove lemongrass.

© 2017 by FoodTrients.com

Curry and Moringa Pair Beautifully

GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks – The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won the National award for Innovation from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

PAGE B1

der-neutral beauty is taking the forefront, especially with his philosophy that “makeup is a one-size-fits-all”; and 2) Patrick is the first Filipino to make a global collection with MaC. You read that right, so if you want to know more about him, read these quick facts about him. #1 Filipino roots as mentioned, Patrick is pure Filipino who is born in the U.S. (his real name’s Patrick Simondac, FYI). In a “Get to Know Me” video, he talked about growing up Filipino and thinking that he would end up as a nurse in the States. “I never thought that, as a young Filipino boy, I’d be able to wear lashes and makeup and a scarf on my head,” he said. He also mentioned that he can only speak in Filipino a little but can fully understand it. #2 Worked at Sephora Before becoming a full-fledged makeup artist and beauty guru, Patrick worked at Sephora. He also once threw shade at his

M·A·C and @PATRICKSTARRR have your holiday beauty on lockdown! Make waves this season with these mesmerizing custom-colour essentials from #MACPATRICKSTARRR that make everyone and anyone easily feel their best!

Jeffree Star, Manny MUA, Bretman Rock, and Patrick Starrr.

Instagram photos/@Patrick Starrr

former manager for asking him to remove his makeup at work, saying that “it wasn’t department store-friendly and asked me to wear ‘boy glam.’” Fast forward a few years, he became the face of Formula X and had photos in all Sephora stores.

It’s safe to say that doing Youtube was probably the best decision for him. #3 Kim Kardashian’s new favorite MUA Patrick has done the makeup of several celebrities now like Katy Perry, ashley tisdale, and Maddie Ziegler. But what takes the cake is the fact that Kim Kardashian asked him to do her makeup again for an event. this happened after meeting at the KKW Beauty launch and their first video together. You know you’ve made it when Kim K trusts you to do her signature contour. #4 Wigs for days When he’s not wearing a turban, Patrick likes to wear (and

even layer) different wigs. Sometimes I wonder where he keeps all of them. at the same time, it’s handy for when he does themed looks like that time he recreated Beyoncé’s Grammy look. also when he dressed up as Jessica Rabbit for Halloween. #5 The vloggers he hangs out with If you think about it, the beauty community seems small considering that almost all your favorite vloggers are friends. Patrick has been besties with Manny MUa for the longest time, and he’s shot collab videos with Bretman Rock and Nikkietutorials. You can also occasionally spot him at events with Jeffree Star and laura lee. #6 Multi-hyphenated aside from doing makeup, Patrick can also sing, play classical piano, and do photography. He often sings in his videos, sometimes featuring his two younger brothers Peter and Paul.

Philippine divas meet Los Angeles fans...

PAGE B1

for us,” she added.

Known for her ridiculously affluent character Doña Buding, and her ability to do parodized personalities like Nanette Nafoolish (Janet lim-Napoles) and Vagigi Reyes (Gigi Reyes), comedienne and actress Nanette Inventor came to the meetand-greet as herself — a talented artist and devout Christian.

“Believe me when I say our gifts of entertainment, we will be sharing on Saturday. Siguradong mag eenjoy po kayo (We’re sure you will enjoy),” said Inventor.

“Hindi niyo po makakalimutan na ang ginagawa po nating ito (You cannot forget why we are doing Members of the Living Rock Church in Pasadena, CA gather behind this) — it’s because we’re serving the lord and we’re Diva2Diva 2 performers during the meet-and-greet on Thursday, Nov. 9. serving our neighbors,” she added.

AJPress photo by Rae Ann Varona

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Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 11-14, 2017

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A reunion that was almost 10 years in the making, on ‘Citizen Pinoy’ RAFFY’S mother, Asela, came to the United States as a registered nurse when he was only 16 years old. Asela was able to adjust status in July 2007, and then tried to bring Raffy and her husband to the U.S. to join her.

Their case suffered several setbacks: their priority date retrogressed (moved backwards), her previous two law-

yers were unable to see the case through, Raffy had already aged out and the Embassy refused to issue his visa, and tragically, Raffy’s father was stricken with cancer and died in the Philippines.

Through all these trials, Asela was losing hope, until she decided to retain “Attorney-of-LastHope” Michael Gurfinkel, who convinced the U.S. Embassy to

reconsider their visa refusal, by demonstrating Raffy’s eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act. See how this bittersweet family reunion finally happened almost 10 years later, on this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday at 6:15 p.m.

PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE THAT INCLUDE RETROGRESSION OF PRIORITY DATES, AGING OUT AND THE FATHER SUCCUMBING TO CANCER JUST BEFORE VISA ISSUANCE ON THIS SUNDAY’S “CITIZEN PINOY.” In July 2007, Raffy’s mother adjusted status in the U.S., hoping to immediately bring her husband and son, Raffy (left) to the U.S. from the Philippines. However, her priority date retrogressed (moved backwards) and the wait stretched for years.

Several setbacks occurred, including further retrogression of the priority dates, Raffy aging out, and Raffy’s father being diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately he passed away in the Philippines without seeing his American dream come true.

Raffy’s mother then retained the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, who took over the case from two previous attorneys, who were not taking active steps to move the case forward. Watch how leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to convince the Embassy to reconsider Raffy’s denial, showing he qualified under the Child Status Protection Act, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS TodAY, about 1.25 billion people smoke cigarettes, and one billion deaths from tobaccorelated illness are expected, ten times more compared to the toll in the 20th century. The deadly habit accounts for one in five (or 1.4 million) cancer deaths all over the world annually. Each year around the world, 10.9 million tobacco-related cancer of the lungs are diagnosed. This does not even include other pulmonary, gynecological and cardiovascular disabilities and death tolls as a consequence of smoking.

“We know with cancer, if we take action now, we can save 2 million lives a year by 2020 and 6.5 million by 2040,” said dr.

Judith Mackay, a World Health organization (WHo) senior policy adviser. *** New studies have shown that even light activities in and around the house, like mundane endeavors of daily living (climbing stairs, cleaning the house, cooking, running after the kids, garden work, etc.) help prolong life. Especially the ones that make you perspire. of course, daily regimented exercises will do a lot more. But simple household chores have a positive health effect on longevity as well.

“Elderly couch potatoes were much more likely to die within about six years than those whose lives included regular activity no more strenuous than washing dishes, vacuuming, gardening and climbing stairs,” according to the study of adults aged 72 to 80 published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. *** Macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in old age can be prevented by eating a diet rich in fish, according to two new studies in the U.S. Archives of ophthalmology. omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) abundant in fish are already proven to protect the heart and the brain, to reduce the risk of developing heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer’s.

Medical journal updates “A study of 681 elderly American men showed that those who ate fish twice a week had a 36 percent lower risk of macular degeneration…In the other study, which followed 2,335 Australian men and women over five years, people who ate fish just once a week reduced their risk by 40 percent,” according to the report.

The American study also revealed that smokers double their risk of developing macular degeneration and blindness. Those who do not like fish may take good quality fish oil capsules. Check with your physician if this is right for you. *** The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that, “probiotic yogurt —Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium containing yogurt (AB-yogurt) — enhances the effectiveness of quadruple therapy for eradicating residual Helicobacter pylori (stomach) infection.” This bug is the cause of gastric ulcers, which used to be treated with surgery, but since the discovery that it is caused by Helicobacter pylori, it is now a disease, treated with pills. A big boon to better quality evidence-based patient care. *** Exercise-induced muscle damage, which happens to most athletes, can be minimized to a great extent by drinking tart cherry juice, reports the British Journal of Sports Medicine. For those who exercise at home, drinking tart cherry juice will certainly not hurt. This is, indeed, a welcome new to those who exercise. *** Soft drinks, which I call liquid candies, are toxic to the body, especially to children. All of them — cola or uncola, regular or diet, caffeinated of decaffeinated — increase the risk for metabolic diseases. The harm to our body does not manifest immediately— it takes years to develop. By then, the damages would have been done. Prevention is obviously the key. *** To prevent cardiovascular illnesses, metabolic diseases and cancer, diet alone is not enough. daily exercise, abstinence from tobacco and moderation in alcohol intake are a must. The American Heart Association has revised its

former decades-old recommendation that stressed mainly healthy diet as the regimen to prevent these illnesses.

“The previous recommendations mainly stressed the importance of a healthy diet; the new (revised) ones broaden that concept to include the importance of a healthy lifestyle pattern,” lead author and chair of the AHA’s Nutrition Committee Alice Lichtenstein, dSc, from Tufts University in Boston, said in a news release.

“The two go together — they should be inseparable.”

A simple walk around the block (or brisk-walking if tolerated) for about 30 minutes does wonders to our cardiovascular, pulmonary, and immune systems, warding off not only metabolic diseases but also deadly cancers.

Warning: Processed foods increase the risk for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Sample of these are hot dogs, sausages and other deli meats, and other food items that have gone though processing. Fresh is better and healthier than processed food items.

The AHA 2006 detailed recommendations are as follows: Consume an overall healthy diet.

To maintain a healthy body weight, balance calories consumed with calories burned.

Increase awareness of calorie content of foods for portions typically consumed and of daily caloric requirements.

Set a goal of at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.

Consume a diet rich in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables (not fruit juices), especially those that are deeply colored (spinach, carrots, peaches, and berries).

Prepare fruits and vegetables, minimizing saturated fats from red meats and transfats.

Choose nuts and high-fiber foods.

Consume 2 servings of fish, especially those relatively high in omega-3 fatty-acids (salmon, trout, and herring) at least twice weekly.

Children and pregnant women should follow Food and drug Administration (FdA) guidelines for avoiding mercury-contaminated PAGE B5

A rewarding day’s worth of exploring in the Holy Land

by Emil

PErito

WE arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel at 9:25 p.m. on Friday, october 13, 2017. Surprisingly, we were done with immigration formalities in less than an hour. This was a feat, considering that Ben Gurion Airport is always packed with travelers both inbound and outbound.

At the arrival area, we were met by our tour guide and other tour participants who came from Toronto, Canada, and the Philippines. After a 45 minute transfer, we finally checked into our hotel.

The first day of our trip began with a visit to Ein Karem, a picturesque and ancient village

in the Jerusalem district. What makes this place so special is that it was the birthplace of John the Baptist. It was also the place where John the Baptist’s mother Elizabeth, was visited by her cousin Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:39-45). At the site now stands the Church of the Visitation, also known as the Church of St. John the Baptist. our next stop was the Chapel of the Shepherds’ Field. Inside the chapel were murals representing the Nativity of Jesus, and the visit of the shepherds. According to our tour guide, St. Helena built a convent at the site which is known today as the shepherds’ cave.

Not far from there was Beit Sahour, a town considered to be

the where the archangel to the shepherds made an appearance, announcing the birth of Jesus.

“No doubt this is one of the most spiritually rewarding trips,” said Ludy Ganzon, one of the trip’s pilgrims.

“I was so blessed to be a part of the pilgrimage,” she added.

We ended our day’s tour with a hearty meal at Cave Restaurant, before stopping at a local souvenir shop, and retiring at our hotel.

Air Plus Travel has been specializing in religious travel since 1995. Join us in one of our organized trips to the Holy Land in March and October 2018. For more information, contact Air Plus Travel at (562) 863 - 0624, or visit us at www.airplustravel.net.

AJ_SingPage_GraceUSC_FINAL_Layout 1 11/10/17 11:30 AM Page 1

B November 11-14, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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Grace O Speaks About Nutrition and Disease at USC Norris Cancer Center On November 2, Author Grace O was the featured speaker at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. She was invited to speak about her cookbooks and her FoodTrients website to an audience of faculty, staff, patients, survivors and caregivers.

Grace O told the crowd of over 75 people about how she began her journey with food and its healing properties. She spoke of the influence her parents had on her life. She talked about her adventuresome palate and her willingness to try any herb or supplement to discover how to create delicious recipes with it.

And she described the process of writing the Age Gracefully Cookbook and the Age Beautifully Cookbook.

Laila I. Muderspach, MD, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Norris oncologist, introduced Grace O. The event, coordinated by staff and volunteers, was completely booked in a matter of hours.

Grace O generously provided participants with a full lunch featuring recipes from her cookbooks prepared by her chefs. Lunch consisted of a salad of Wild Rice, Quinoa, and Golden Berries; chilled Green Tea Noodles with Edamame and Tangy Ginger Dressing; Chicken Curry with Moringa leaves over Coconut Lemongrass Rice (see recipes, Page B2); and for dessert Prune and Walnut Bars, and Baobab Butter Squares. Drinks included Pomegranate Iced Tea and Mint Agave Tonic.

After Grace O spoke, Barbara Weller, editor of the FoodTrients website and cookbooks, explained the health benefits of many foods. For instance, the Chicken Curry with Moringa leaves contains turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent; and moringa leaves contain potassium, which helps balance sodium and regulate blood pressure. The Coconut Lemongrass Rice is made with coconut milk which contains lauric acid, an anti-inflammatory agent that also has antibacterial properties.

Grace O with Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz

Ms. Weller encouraged people to sign up for the FoodTrients email newsletter at FoodTrients.com. She also handed out many educational handouts, including a list of the Top 100-plus Cancer-Fighting Foods which can be found on the Eat To Beat Cancer website at EatToBeat.org/food. The list was created by the Angiogenesis Foundation, which has discovered and gathered evidence that fruits, vegetables, herbs, seafood, tea,

Barbara Weller presenting FoodTrients information.

Grace O’s cookbooks with exotic fruit display.

Author Grace O with Dr. Laila Muderspach at USC Norris Cancer Center Event. coffee, and even chocolate contain natural substances (bioactives) that can prevent and intercept diseases.

Grace O also showed the crowd some exotic plants and fruits they might not be familiar with such as moringa, ashitaba, dragon fruit, and cherimoya, which have a variety of health benefits. The moringa plant comes from Africa and its leaves provide protein, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Ashitaba is a plant native to Japan. Its leaves when chewed raw can lower blood sugar and detoxify the body. It also has antifungal, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. Dragon fruit from Central America has carotenoids, lycopene, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and phosphorous. Cherimoyas are a tropical South American fruit full of iron, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. “Cancer prevention is a cause that is close to my heart because my mother died of cancer when I was only 19 years old,” said Grace O. At the end of the program, she signed copies of her Age Beautifully Cookbook for the attendees.

To learn more about disease-fighting foods, Grace O’s delicious recipes and her cookbooks, visit FoodTrients.com

Grace O signing cookbooks for guests.

Angie Pettera shows a moringa plant.

Guests enjoy lecture and delicious food.

Chefs Angie Abrantes Fisher and Polo Dellosa A selection of healthful plants and foods.

A selection of buffet items from Grace O’s cookbooks: Green Tea Noodles with Edamame; Wild Rice and Quinoa Salad; Baobab Squares and Prune & Walnut Bars; Hibiscus Iced Tea.

Dr. Laila Muderspach (seated at left) with Grace O and members of the USC Norris Cancer Center Team. From left: Scott Gizicki, Mary Aalto, and Laura Asok.

Photos by Matthew Fried Photography.

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FEATURES

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017

B5

Jestoni Alarcon and his journey to success Lovi, Max and Rhian forge deeper friendship

by LHAR

SANTIAGO ManilaTimes.net

BY MONET

LU

RECONNECTING with my friends in the Philippines is always such a wonderful opportunity. I was so happy when Jestoni Alarcon and his wife Lizette invited me over for a dinner in an exclusive Japanese restaurant in Eastwood City.

It was so nice to see the couple after a long time. We reminisced the good old days that we had in LA. I was touched by their story and I want to share their lives with all of you.

Jesus Antonio Pineda Alarcon, known to many Filipinos as Jestoni Alarcon, is a famous actor-public servant. He is an artist with more than 50 films under his belt. Among those remarkable movies include “Huwag Mong Buhayin Ang Bangkay” (1986), “Hiwaga sa Balete Drive” (1988) and “Kristobal: Tinik Sa Korona” (1990). He’s also one of the few talents who had the privilege to appear in several TV shows from ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and TV5.

His versatility as an actor and good looks gave him full success in the showbiz industry. I have been a friend of Jestoni for a very long time and I can attest that in spite of all the fame and fortune, he had kept his feet on the ground.

This is why until now; he still has his own spotlight in our local entertainment industry.

Jestoni started out his showbiz career at the age of 16. He was discovered by Vir Mateo. His first appearance was with veteran actor Aga Muhlach in the 1984 film Campus Beat. Because of his professionalism and passion in acting, He became one of the brightest and most admired stars in the late 80s and 90s.

After he took a break from showbiz, Jestoni entered into the world of politics. He started as a councilor in the City of Antipolo before he was elected as a Vice

Jestoni Alarcon with wife Lizette

Governor of Rizal in 2005. His heart felt the need to support and be of service to his constituents.

Like many other politicians, he also experienced defeat in his own political career. However, he never stopped doing public service. In the May 2013 election, he won a landslide victory as the top board member in the Province of Rizal District 1.

Indeed, God has blessed Jestoni in everything he does whether it is in his showbiz or political career.

As the saying goes, “behind every successful man is a great woman.”

I can still remember how Jestoni met the love of his life, Lizette Capili, a Filipino-American. She is one of my beauty queen protégés and models from LA. Their paths crossed in 1991 when Jestoni was supposed to escort Lizette in a parade. But he was not able to make it to the event because of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption. I then decided to set up a special lunch meeting at a Japanese restaurant for them.

During that first meeting, they immediately fell in love with each other. Since then, they were never apart and they built a wonderful family.

Lizette became a very supportive mother and wife. They have three children: Jessica, my goddaughter, Angelica, and Anthony Pierce. Their kids are very active and athletic. The couple is very open to the idea that someday one of their kids might enter the showbiz industry; however, they

Medical journal updates

PAGE B3 fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish).

Limit intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol by choosing lean meats, vegetable alternatives, and fat-free (skim) and low-fat (1 percent fat) dairy products and minimize intake of partially hydrogenated fats.

Minimize intake of beverages and foods with added sugars.

To consume NO more than 2300 mg of sodium daily, choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Middle-aged and older adults, African Americans, and those with hypertension should consume no more than 1500 mg of sodium daily.

Limit alcohol intake to not more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men (1 drink = 12 oz of beer, 4 oz of wine,

1.5 oz of 80-proof distilled spirits, or 1 oz of 100-proof spirits).

When eating out, be aware of portion size; select vegetables and fruits; and avoid foods prepared with added saturated or trans fat, salt, and sugar. Eating fruits first before the meal is better than eating them after the meal for physiologic reason.

*** 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 – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

want to make sure that their children will finish their studies and a get a degree of their own.

I am so happy to be a part of a very wonderful love story. With faith in God, they continue to achieve all their dreams and share it with the people who surround them. Jestoni is an epitome of a successful man with a humble heart.

To Jestoni and Lizette, I wish that God will continuously pour out his blessings to your family! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

LOVI Poe, Max Collins and Rhian Ramos are getting chummier as the days go by. From the moment the three GMA Network leading ladies were called to report for a story conference, they hit it off right away.

Stars of the upcoming romantic-comedy series, “The One That Got Away,” the trio of beauties doesn’t seem to run out of things to talk about.

The Times visited them on their first taping day, finding them huddled together in between takes.

“We talk about anything. Well, mostly girl stuff,” Rhian volunteers. “We talk about our diet, the exercises that we do to get fit, the make-up we use—we have endless topics we discuss and wala kaming tigil!”

“I don’t know where we get the energy but we just keep on talking,” Lovi added. “We really enjoy each other’s company. We share jokes na kaming tatlo rin naman ang tumatawa. I really like Rhian and Max. Masarap silang kasama, masarap na kaibigan.”

In “The One That Got Away,” Lovi, Max and Rhian play Alex, Dorcy and Chloe respectively, who despite being strangers have a common denominator: they are all ex-girlfriends of Liam, a goodlooking, husband-material bachelor portrayed by Dennis Trillo.

Each happy with their roles, Max was first to share, “I’m tomboyish here, which I’m not in real life. I am very feminine in my ways and in my style. But it’s a role that I’ve never tried before so it’s a

Rhian Ramos, Lovi Poe and Max Collins

challenge for me.”

“I am the type of girl who doesn’t use her mind in this series–sugod lang ng sugod,” next said Rhian. “When there’s trouble already, that’s the only time I realize I made a careless decision. In real life naman, there were really times na hindi ko ginamit ang isip ko but I learned from that,” she added honestly.

“My character here is so funny,” Lovi revealed last. “This is the first time that I really laugh out loud while reading my script. Dati pag nagbabasa ko ng script ko, I was always crying. When I did my last soap, ‘Someone To Watch Over Me,’ grabe ang ibinuhos kong luha. Finally in this one masaya na! I just hope I will be able to pull my role off. Nandyan naman si Direk Maryo (Delos Reyes) to guide

GMA photo

us so viewers will surely have fun watching our characters.”

Now if there’s one that the girls especially love to talk about these days, it’s Max’s coming wedding to fiancé Pancho Magno.

“We are almost dine with our preparations,” Max informed The Times. “Some of the invitations have been sent out already and we’re just putting the finishing touches on everything.

Rhian and Lovi will of course attend the wedding and even sound more excited the bride.

“We already got the save the date. Nakakakilig!” gushed Rhian.

“It has their picture and it’s so romantic,” Lovi added. “Kami talaga kinikilig sa kanila. They really look good together. I can’t wait to see them wed.”

FEATURES

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017

B5

Jestoni Alarcon and his journey to success Lovi, Max and Rhian forge deeper friendship

by LHAR

SANTIAGO ManilaTimes.net

LU

Jestoni Alarcon with wife Lizette

Medical journal updates

PAGE B3 fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish).

Limit intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol by choosing lean meats, vegetable alternatives, and fat-free (skim) and low-fat (1 percent fat) dairy products and minimize intake of partially hydrogenated fats.

Minimize intake of beverages and foods with added sugars.

To consume NO more than 2300 mg of sodium daily, choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Middle-aged and older adults, African Americans, and those with hypertension should consume no more than 1500 mg of sodium daily.

Limit alcohol intake to not more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men (1 drink = 12 oz of beer, 4 oz of wine,

1.5 oz of 80-proof distilled spirits, or 1 oz of 100-proof spirits).

When eating out, be aware of portion size; select vegetables and fruits; and avoid foods prepared with added saturated or trans fat, salt, and sugar. Eating fruits first before the meal is better than eating them after the meal for physiologic reason.

*** 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 – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

want to make sure that their children will finish their studies and a get a degree of their own.

I am so happy to be a part of a very wonderful love story. With faith in God, they continue to achieve all their dreams and share it with the people who surround them. Jestoni is an epitome of a successful man with a humble heart.

To Jestoni and Lizette, I wish that God will continuously pour out his blessings to your family! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Rhian Ramos, Lovi Poe and Max Collins

challenge for me.”

“I am the type of girl who doesn’t use her mind in this series–sugod lang ng sugod,” next said Rhian. “When there’s trouble already, that’s the only time I realize I made a careless decision. In real life naman, there were really times na hindi ko ginamit ang isip ko but I learned from that,” she added honestly.

“My character here is so funny,” Lovi revealed last. “This is the first time that I really laugh out loud while reading my script. Dati pag nagbabasa ko ng script ko, I was always crying. When I did my last soap, ‘Someone To Watch Over Me,’ grabe ang ibinuhos kong luha. Finally in this one masaya na! I just hope I will be able to pull my role off. Nandyan naman si Direk Maryo (Delos Reyes) to guide

GMA photo

us so viewers will surely have fun watching our characters.”

Now if there’s one that the girls especially love to talk about these days, it’s Max’s coming wedding to fiancé Pancho Magno.

“We are almost dine with our preparations,” Max informed The Times. “Some of the invitations have been sent out already and we’re just putting the finishing touches on everything.

Rhian and Lovi will of course attend the wedding and even sound more excited the bride.

“We already got the save the date. Nakakakilig!” gushed Rhian.

“It has their picture and it’s so romantic,” Lovi added. “Kami talaga kinikilig sa kanila. They really look good together. I can’t wait to see them wed.”

www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com

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Governor of Rizal in 2005. His heart felt the need to support and be of service to his constituents.

Like many other politicians, he also experienced defeat in his own political career. However, he never stopped doing public service. In the May 2013 election, he won a landslide victory as the top board member in the Province of Rizal District 1.

Indeed, God has blessed Jestoni in everything he does whether it is in his showbiz or political career.

As the saying goes, “behind every successful man is a great woman.”

I can still remember how Jestoni met the love of his life, Lizette Capili, a Filipino-American. She is one of my beauty queen protégés and models from LA. Their paths crossed in 1991 when Jestoni was supposed to escort Lizette in a parade. But he was not able to make it to the event because of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption. I then decided to set up a special lunch meeting at a Japanese restaurant for them.

During that first meeting, they immediately fell in love with each other. Since then, they were never apart and they built a wonderful family.

Lizette became a very supportive mother and wife. They have three children: Jessica, my goddaughter, Angelica, and Anthony Pierce. Their kids are very active and athletic. The couple is very open to the idea that someday one of their kids might enter the showbiz industry; however, they

www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com

RECONNECTING with my friends in the Philippines is always such a wonderful opportunity. I was so happy when Jestoni Alarcon and his wife Lizette invited me over for a dinner in an exclusive Japanese restaurant in Eastwood City.

It was so nice to see the couple after a long time. We reminisced the good old days that we had in LA. I was touched by their story and I want to share their lives with all of you.

Jesus Antonio Pineda Alarcon, known to many Filipinos as Jestoni Alarcon, is a famous actor-public servant. He is an artist with more than 50 films under his belt. Among those remarkable movies include “Huwag Mong Buhayin Ang Bangkay” (1986), “Hiwaga sa Balete Drive” (1988) and “Kristobal: Tinik Sa Korona” (1990). He’s also one of the few talents who had the privilege to appear in several TV shows from ABS-CBN, GMA 7 and TV5.

His versatility as an actor and good looks gave him full success in the showbiz industry. I have been a friend of Jestoni for a very long time and I can attest that in spite of all the fame and fortune, he had kept his feet on the ground.

This is why until now; he still has his own spotlight in our local entertainment industry.

Jestoni started out his showbiz career at the age of 16. He was discovered by Vir Mateo. His first appearance was with veteran actor Aga Muhlach in the 1984 film Campus Beat. Because of his professionalism and passion in acting, He became one of the brightest and most admired stars in the late 80s and 90s.

After he took a break from showbiz, Jestoni entered into the world of politics. He started as a councilor in the City of Antipolo before he was elected as a Vice

www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com

BY MONET

LOVI Poe, Max Collins and Rhian Ramos are getting chummier as the days go by. From the moment the three GMA Network leading ladies were called to report for a story conference, they hit it off right away.

Stars of the upcoming romantic-comedy series, “The One That Got Away,” the trio of beauties doesn’t seem to run out of things to talk about.

The Times visited them on their first taping day, finding them huddled together in between takes.

“We talk about anything. Well, mostly girl stuff,” Rhian volunteers. “We talk about our diet, the exercises that we do to get fit, the make-up we use—we have endless topics we discuss and wala kaming tigil!”

“I don’t know where we get the energy but we just keep on talking,” Lovi added. “We really enjoy each other’s company. We share jokes na kaming tatlo rin naman ang tumatawa. I really like Rhian and Max. Masarap silang kasama, masarap na kaibigan.”

In “The One That Got Away,” Lovi, Max and Rhian play Alex, Dorcy and Chloe respectively, who despite being strangers have a common denominator: they are all ex-girlfriends of Liam, a goodlooking, husband-material bachelor portrayed by Dennis Trillo.

Each happy with their roles, Max was first to share, “I’m tomboyish here, which I’m not in real life. I am very feminine in my ways and in my style. But it’s a role that I’ve never tried before so it’s a

www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com • www.northhollywoodtoyota.com

B November 11-14, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

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COMMUNITY Journal

Mandatory interviews begin for certain green card applicants ON October 2, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began implementation of its new mandatory in-person interview requirement for certain applicants seeking permanent residency.

Under this new directive, USCIS will require in-person interviews for all individuals applying for permanent residency (a green card) based on employment (i.e. where the underlying petition is under the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 category). Refugee/Asylee relative petitions for beneficiaries who are in the United States and are petitioning to join a principal asylee/refugee applicant will also be subject to the in-person interview requirement.

All employment-based Adjustment of Status (AOS) applicants who filed on or after March 6, 2017 will be called into a local USCIS office for an in-person interview. Generally speaking, the interview requirement will apply to both principal and derivative beneficiary applicants, but USCIS may consider waiving the interview for applicants under 14 years old. Under prior procedures, USCIS typically allowed employment-based AOS applications to be adjudicated and approved absent an in-person interview and only about five to ten percent of employmentbased AOS applicants were actually called in for interviews.

Employment-based AOS applicants are expected to be asked questions regarding their admissibility and eligibility for permanent residency and will likely need to articulate specifics about their anticipated position and discuss their educational background, experience, and qualifications. Applicants will also likely be expected to confirm whether the employer still plans to employ them in the position and that they still intend to take up the employment as described in the petition. It is possible that a representative from the employing-firm will be required to attend the interview.

Your Immigration Solution Brittany Milliasseau and nancy Miller One particular concern that has resulted in response to the new requirement is the depth of the interview and how review of the underlying (already approved) petition will be handled. Will adjudicating officers re-examine and re-evaluate the petition or will they simply defer to the approved decision? While it is not certain how every interview will be conducted, officers have been instructed and trained not to re-adjudicate the petition.

Officers will however, still assess the validity of the documents submitted in support of the petition and will assess whether the evidence was credible, accurate, consistent, and bona fide. And, since fraud and misrepresentation is always a ground of inadmissibility, the officer can assert that he or she can question the applicant about their knowledge of the job duties and their qualifications for the job. In exploring grounds of inadmissibility, the applicant may be asked whether s/he has ever made a false claim to U.S. citizenship, including on an I-9. Further, derivative family members will also be interviewed and should expect questions regarding their bona fide relationship to the principal applicant.

The interview requirement comes in response to President Trump’s Executive Order titled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” which was signed in March. USCIS states that during interviews, officers will verify the information provided in applications, discover new information that may be relevant to the adjudication process, and determine the credibility of the individual seeking permanent residency,

with the ultimate goal being to detect fraud and protect national security and public safety. As with any application for an immigration benefit or appearance in front of an adjudicating officer, it is important to make sure you are represented by competent immigration counsel.

Due to the sheer number of green card applicants that will now be called in for interviews, massive backlog and processing delays are anticipated. There have also been reports that USCIS will expand beyond these categories and will begin an incremental expansion of the interview requirement to other applications.

If you or a family member has an employment-based or refugee/asylee relative green card application that is currently pending or are seeking to file one, it is essential that you consult knowledgeable and experienced immigration counsel to discuss exactly how the new requirement will impact your case. Hiring an experienced immigration attorney to prepare and submit the application is just the beginning but it is essential.

The attorney should also prepare the applicant for and accompany the applicant to the interview.

Therefore, make sure that an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney is by your side during every phase of the application process. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

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)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017

C

C NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Is filing bankruptcy really worth it?

Minding Your Finances

WHEN you are facing money troubles, sometimes bankruptcy can be the quickest and best way to get out of debt and get immediate relief from stress and anxiety.

But is it really worth it?

If you are facing a lawsuit, wage garnishment or foreclosure, you may not have a choice to file bankruptcy right away in order to protect yourself. But most of the time, people use bankruptcy only as their last resort.

That means that as much as possible, people want to avoid bankruptcy. Most of the time, it’s because they have heard a lot of bad things about it and they are afraid that it might just make their problems worse.

But this is completely false.

Bankruptcy often allows you to keep things that you would otherwise lose unless you act quickly. How? Bankruptcy puts a stop to all collection activities against you the moment that you file.

If you have been sued, the lawsuit will be dismissed. If you have a pending wage garnishment, it will immediately stop. If your

car is about to be repossessed or your home foreclosed, filing bankruptcy will delay everything because the creditor now needs court permission in order to proceed.

Some people don’t have any of the above problems but they are just sick and tired of struggling in debt and they are looking for a way out. They feel suffocated in their situation and they feel hopeless about their future when they realize that there is simply no way they could pay back what they have borrowed.

If you are living paycheck to paycheck with no savings, it’s even worse. Every time you have an unexpected expense such as a dental bill, new tires for your car, etc. you may have no other choice but to borrow again just to pay for those things.

So it becomes an endless cycle of borrowing and you simply sink into a deeper financial hole every month. How do you get out? Do the advantages of filing bankruptcy outweigh the disadvantages?

Most people are worried about their credit although most people who are not paying their bills already have a tarnished credit rating. Others have what they may

The Prophetic Voice

On keeping the lamps of our faith burning

Atty. RAymond BulAon

ReveRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAs WE know people who recovered from a stroke, survived a cancer, or escaped a fatal accident. We may think that they have learned and lived the most spoken lesson that “life is short and we must live each day as if it is our last.” But they will honestly tell you that it’s not always the case for them. It’s because the present life has its way of distracting us from this wisdom or truth.

Ronald Rolheiser agrees with this observation in his reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel in liturgy.slu.edu. He writes: “Today there’s a rich literature that offers us all kinds of advice on how to get into the present moment so as to be awake to the deep riches inside our own lives. The distractions and worries of daily

life tend to so consume us that we habitually take for granted what’s most precious to us, our health, the miracle of our senses, the love and friendships that surround us, and the gift of life itself.

We go through our daily lives not only with a lack of reflectiveness and a lack of gratitude but with a habitual touch of resentment as well, a chronic, grey depression...

We are very much asleep, both to God and to our own lives.”

Indeed, the Gospel this Sunday (MT 25:1-13) urges us to stay awake for we know neither the day nor the hour. More than the consciousness of the end of times, it tells us to be good stewards of our lives, to keep the lamps of our faith burning with oil—ever zealous of the Gospel and untiring in living and proclaiming it fruitfully and boldly—so that the light of Jesus Christ will shine in the darknesses of our lives and the world.

consider “great credit” but they owe too much that no one will loan them any more money if they needed it regardless of how high their credit score is.

I tell my clients that when filing bankruptcy, you need to look at the bigger picture rather than just focusing on your current situation. Look at the long-term benefits rather than the shortterm sacrifices that you may have to make.

In the end, whether filing bankruptcy was “worth it or not” will be determined by the changes it can make in your life. The decisions you make today will determine where you will be five or 10 years from now. Decide wisely.

To schedule a free consultation with me so we can go over all your legal options, please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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The lesson of the brevity of life is not a cop-out for us not to live life to the fullest and share whatever gifts or talents we have. It’s not an excuse for laziness, mediocrity or mere indulgence in the pleasures of life. Rather, it gives us more reason to live meaningfully, joyfully, selflessly, and generously.

How can we keep being awake to this truth of the Gospel? Fr. Ron Rolheiser advises us to “have regular spiritual rituals, spiritual alarm clocks, to jolt us back awake—so that it doesn’t take a heart attack, a stoke, cancer, or death to wake us up.”

Being awake, therefore, entails a life of prayer and contemplation of the Gospel and the spiritual wisdom of the saints and the Fathers of the Church. It involves a constant feeling of gratitude to God for his overflowing and undoubtable mercy for each one of

HOLY FAMILY CHURCH FAIR 1/4 VFC

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Tax Tips victoR sy, cPA, mBA

YOU may choose to run your business as a partnership. A Partnership is an association of two or more persons as co-owners who intend to carry on a business for profit. Each person must contribute money, property, labor, or skill. Mere co-ownership of property that is leased or rented is not a partnership. Spouses carrying on a business together and sharing profits are partners.

The burden of filing partnership returns may be alleviated by having one spouse work for the entity. Here are benefits and drawbacks of using partnerships.

A. Benefits: 1. The partnership avoids double taxation as any net income is passed through to the partners.

2. Losses are also passed through to your personal income tax.

3. Such losses may be used to offset other forms of income in your personal income tax.

Estate Corner Atty. BriAn Lerner QUESTION: I have a friend that was ‘visited’ by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. They told him that he had no rights and that he was going to detention for 20 years unless he signed the voluntary deportation papers. Is this true?

Answer: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (or ICE) is a U.S. federal government law enforcement agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ICE has two primary components: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

However, how they have been conducting their deportation enforcement falls short of falling under the law.

In sum, under regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, an officer or employee of the Service may carry a firearm and may execute and serve any order,

Should you form a partnership?

4. Partnerships are allowed to specially allocate income and expenses.

5. Partnerships are not subject to the accumulated earnings tax.

6. Partnerships are not subject to or personal holding company tax.

7. A special election allows a step-up in the basis of assets upon the death of a partner.

8. This special step-up is also available on the sale or exchange of partnership interest or in certain partnership distributions.

9. A partner’s basis includes the partner’s share of partnership debts.

10. It has a lower audit profile than sole proprietors.

B. Drawbacks: 1. General partners have unlimited liability.

2. Their situation is even worse than sole proprietors because they also have to worry about other partners’ liabilities that can affect business operations as well their own personal assets.

3. Partner fringe benefits are not excludable from their

income. This includes 100% health insurance deductibility, meals and lodging, and group term insurance.

4. Partner earnings from a trade or business are subject to FICA even if earnings are not distributed.

5. Partnerships must use calendar years (December) in the absence of a business purpose to use a fiscal year end (January to December)

*** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies.

He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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Don’t let ICE agents bully you! warrant, subpoena, summons, or other process issued under the authority of the United States.

The authority to make arrests under paragraph (5)(B) shall only be effective on and after the date on which the Attorney General publishes final regulations which (i) prescribe the categories of officers and employees of the Service who may use force (including deadly force) and the circumstances under which such force may be used, (ii) establish standards with respect to enforcement activities of the Service, (iii) require that any officer or employee of the Service is not authorized to make arrests under paragraph (5)(B) unless the officer or employee has received certification as having completed a training program which covers such arrests and standards described in clause (ii), and (iv) establish an expedited, internal review process for violations of such standards, which process is consistent with standard agency procedure regarding confidentiality of matters related to internal investigations.

Now, given their authority, that is what they can do. However, they CANNOT force you to sign a voluntary deportation paper. They CANNOT force you to give up your right to fight your case in front of a deportation immigration judge. They CANNOT force you to sign anything.

Question: The ICE official came to the door of my friend and pretended to be a police officer and said “Hello. Please open up - We are the police and doing an investigation.” Is that legal?

Answer: The use of this type of tactic is particularly egregious in heavily immigrant cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, where police and elected officials have tried for decades to distinguish their cops from federal immigration agents, in an effort to convince immigrants living illegally in their cities that they can interact with local police without fear of deportation.

The president’s announcement of his intent to dramatically increase the number of people ICE

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Community Journal

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Notifying the employer of your disability A doctor’s note may save your job

RUTH Featherstone worked for Southern California Permanente Medical Group. She suffered from a sinus condition that required surgery.

After several weeks of disability leave, she returned to work without restrictions. A few days after returning to work, Ruth informed her supervisor that she was resigning effective immediately because “God had told [her] to do something else.”

She posted something similar on Facebook. Her supervisor did not consider her behavior odd, as the reference to God was consistent with her character. Ruth’s supervisor asked her to confirm the resignation in writing, and she did so three days later.

The day after she resigned, she was hospitalized due to erratic behavior, including walking around naked in front of family and friends. A coworker, who learned of the hospitalization, shared it with HR but was told HR could not communicate with her since she was not a relative.

Five days after Ruth confirmed her resignation, she contacted the HR department and informed them that she had been suffering from an adverse drug reaction that caused her to be in an altered mental state.

She asked to rescind her resignation. The employer refused.

Ruth then sued the employer for wrongful termination, and specifically for failure to accommodate her disability.

The employer argued that Ruth had resigned, and that the employer was not aware

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. that she needed accommodation for any disability. The trial court dismissed the case and Ruth appealed.

The Court of Appeal agreed with the employer whom it found was not on notice of any mental disability. The information provided by the coworker that Ruth had been hospitalized was not enough to put the employer on notice that Ruth required accommodation for a disability.

Because the employer was not on notice that Ruth required accommodation, the employer was not obligated to engage in the interactive process, which would have required the employer to determine accommodations that would allow the employee to perform her job.

An employer is required to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified employee with a disability.

However, before an employer must make such an accommodation, the employer must know that such limitation exists. In general, it is the responsibility of the employee to inform the employer that an accommodation is needed.

Where the need for an accommodation is not obvious, the employer, before providing a rea-

sonable accommodation, may require that the individual with a disability provide documentation of the need for accommodation.

If unable to work due to disability, the employee is better protected by obtaining a medical certification (or simply a doctor’ note). That medical documentation may contain the name of the health care provider, and certification that the employee has a physical or mental condition that limits a major life activity, and a description of why the employee needs a reasonable accommodation.

Immediately providing a doctor’s note to the employer will let the employer know that the employee requires accommodation. The employer will then have a duty to engage in an interactive process, protecting the employee from wrongful termination. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost.

You can contact the office at (818) 2910088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

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Seniors need relief from big HELOC 2nd trust deed and $40K credit cards Senior loses job, needs chapter 7 debt relief

THE clients are 63 and 64. They are young seniors. Up to 65, you are a young senior in my book.

You can get senior discounts at Golden Corral for a satisfying buffet. Last time I went there, half of the patrons looked like they were over 65. A lot of them looked like they were pushing 75.

I know the manager there, Terry.

I’ve known him for 30 years. He was the manager at Home Buffet before it closed. That guy is probably the best restaurant manager in LA because his idea of service comes from the heart.

In addition, I get free dinners if you bring this article with you!

Younger or older, bring the whole family with you to the Golden Corral at the City of Industry. You won’t regret it. Price is cheap and they have a great selection of all kinds of meat.

Let’s get back to our young seniors. They own a house that’s currently worth $500,000. All their children have grown up and they are now empty nesters like a lot of us baby boomers. They owe a first mortgage with a balance of $165,000. They also owe a HELOC second mortgage with a balance of $200,000. Yes, the second is bigger than the first.

They’ve been reading about getting rid of the second mortgage

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS IN a divorce proceeding, people sometimes have a misconception that the only assets or properties that have to disclose assets and properties situated in California. Even worst, sometimes parties even think that since an asset or property is situated in a different country or state, that property is not community property and not subject to division in California family court. One has to understand the general community property presumption in California.

Property acquired before marriage is the acquiring spouse’s separate property, as is property obtained during marriage that can be traced to a premarital acquisition. Family.

Code. § 770(a). Rents, issues and profits” of separate property are separate property. All property acquired during marriage and before separation, other than by gift or inheritance, is presumptively community property. Family Code §§ 760, 771(a), 772; Marriage of Bonds (2000) 24 C4th 1, 12, 99 CR2d 252, 258; Marriage of Lehman (1998) 18 C4th 169, 177, 74 CR2d 825, 828.

Pursuant to Family.Code. § 760, community personal or real property is consistently defined no matter where situated. Family Code §760 defines “Community property” as “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng

since five years ago.

Unfortunately, it’s now too late to get rid of the second mortgage in Chapter 13 because there is equity supporting the second.

Sorry, you can’t avoid the second lien. Maybe five years ago, it was still possible, but now with house values reaching the sky, it’s not possible to strip the junior lien.

I did a lien strip last month for a client who lived in Rialto. His house was appraised at $258,000 whereas the balance of his first was $264,000. He had a second of $77,000. We were able to strip the second mortgage of $77,000 in Riverside bankruptcy court, just barely. Citibank called me three days before the hearing date and informed me that they would stipulate to a judgment granting the motion. So that’s done but this client practically won the lottery on this issue.

But for most cases now, there is some equity supporting the second mortgage, so it cannot

be stripped just like the case of my young senior clients. The husband had a major stroke two years ago but recovered almost completely with no slurred speech, and he walks normally except for a slight limp. He can still drive but can’t work anymore. So the household income has gone down so it’s now hard for them to pay the second which is still on interest only, once it becomes interest and principal at the start of the new year. A lot of people who got an interest-only mortgage are destabilized when the payment converts to interest and principal. In this case, for interest only, they only pay $550.

But with interest and principal, they have to pay $1,600. When it rains, it pours just like Irma in Florida. Everything gets destroyed.

The husband also owes $40,000 of credit cards. That’s another problem. Step one is trying to refinance the second with a fixed 30-year loan, maybe interest and principal will just be about $1,000 a month; still a lot less than $1,600. If no one will give them a 30 year fixed to refinance the second, then take step two: Sell the house and get their net cash of $160K. At least,

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Disclosure and characterization of overseas assets in divorce

property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” As such, out-of-state community property is community property for all purposes, including intraspousal management and control fiduciary obligations. It does not matter if the property is located in another state or another country.

For the same reason, the parties to a divorce case is required to disclose all property, separate and community, including those outside the state. During the marriage, the parties’ fiduciary duties require full and accurate disclosure of true and full information affecting community property transactions. FamilyCode. §§ 721(b), 1100(e). In addition, disclosure duties arise upon separation in anticipation of dissolution, nullity or legal separation. The post-separation disclosure duties extend to all assets and liabilities in which either party has or may have an interest or obligation, regardless of community or separate property characterization, and to current earnings, accumulations and expenses. These duties “arise without reference to any wrongdoing.” Family.Code. §§ 721(b), 2100(c), 2102(a)(1); Marriage of Feldman (2007) 153 CA4th 1470, 1475–1476, 64 CR3d 29, 33; Marriage of Brewer & Federici (2001) 93 CA4th 1334, 1342–1344, 113 CR2d 849, 854–855. Parties to a

divorce case has a duty to provide full and accurate disclosure of all assets and debts including those in other states and other countries. Failure to disclose could result to certain legal consequences to the non-disclosing parties including sanctions and attorney’s fees. If you are contemplating a divorce and you own assets and properties outside the state or country, its best to retain the representation of an experience family law attorney. ***

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017

C

Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries of an I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative DEAR Attorney Tan, My US Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed the I-130 petition after I came to the US in 1999 as a tourist from the Philippines. Since my arrival, I have lived in the US and have been out of status. Since I was petitioned as an unmarried adult daughter, I was advised that I had to wait several years to get a green card. Recently, my mother passed away.

Can I still get a green card through my mother’s petition? -H.P. Dear H.P., When your mother passed away, the I-130 that was approved on your behalf was revoked by operation of law pursuant to 8 CFR Section 205.1. However, depending on the facts of a particular case, all is not lost. You may be eligible to get a green card pursuant to INA Section 204(L).

Under INA Section 204(L), relief from an automatic revocation of an I-130 petition is available to certain surviving relatives. Surviving relatives who are eligible to seek 204(L) relief include a 1) principal or derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a deceased permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, and 2) derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen where the principal beneficiary has died.

Section 204(L) relief is also available to derivative beneficiaries in I-140 employment-based petitions where the principal beneficiary has died.

Another requirement for Section 204(L) relief is that the person seeking relief must have “residence” in the US. What is meant by “residence?” It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place. At least one beneficiary must have resided in the U.S. when the petitioning relative died, and must continue to reside in the U.S. when seeking Section 204(L) relief.

It is worth noting that all beneficiaries of a petition can benefit from Section 204(L) relief as long as at least one of the beneficiaries meets the residence requirement. Further, although “residence” is required, Section 204(L) does not require actual physical presence in the U.S. when the relative died.

In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card. You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your US Citizen mother. Further, you appear to meet the residence requirement in that you have been in

the US since your arrival in 1999—you resided in the US when your mother passed away, and currently reside in the US. A check of the USCIS visa bulletin indicates the priority date for the I130 petition filed by your mother on your behalf is current, so you can file an I-485 adjustment Darrick V. Tan, Esq. of status application, requesting reinstatement of the I-130 petition filed by your mother pursuant to Section 204(L).

As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I130 petition was approved. Section 204(L) relief therefore is broader than Humanitarian Reinstatement of a petition under 8 CFR Section 205.1, which can only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner him/herself has died, and after approval of an I-130.

Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly. It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney.

“As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I-130 petition was approved.”

*** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** 3LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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C4 NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Seniors need relief from big...

PAGE C3 t they will have some cash, which they can invest. If they invest $160,000 with Bernie Madoff, he can print them returns of 20 percent or $32,000 a year; too bad, Bernie’s already in jail. They can probably get a decent return of 6 percent or $9,600 a year. That’s not bad. $800 a month of income will certainly help pay for the senior housing they can move into. Senior housing, I understand is about $1,000 a month for rent and you get to play the whole day with all the other seniors living there. They have children who have invited them to live with them, but they don’t want to burden their children with caring for them. Husband jokingly says that if they can’t sell the house, he will just hang himself. I said that he doesn’t have to do that, just go sell the house first, and then let’s dissolve the $40,000 of credit cards after the sale of the house. He says he needs to go to the bathroom.

The second client is 68, married, and he has just lost his job.

He says Trump eliminated his job. I thought the president was a job creator? He says he can’t

pay for the new car that he just bought and about $15,000 of credit cards. I said just return the car and the voluntary return deficiency of about $10,000 and the $15,000 of credit cards will be wiped out with Chapter 7.

He is much relieved so he says he has to take a month vacation first abroad with his wife. I said sure go ahead, and let’s file your case when you get back to LA.

tra income in addition to social security rather than owing the same $15,000 of credit cards that should have disappeared a long time ago when you were a lot younger.

If you need debt relief, set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.

“YOU WILL SEEK ME AND FIND ME, WHEN YOU SEARCH FOR ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART” – JEREMIAH 29:13

“When it rains, it pours just like Irma in Florida. Everything gets destroyed.”

He said just the minimum payments on the $15,000 of credit cards is about $500 a month.

He said he’s paid it for the last 20 years, just the minimum. So, he has paid $120,000 to keep $15,000 of credit cards current for the last 20 years. Was that a smart thing to do? I don’t think so. I think when you are 68 you would rather have $120,000 of cash invested in a portfolio giving you $1,000 a month of ex-

*** Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advice to any reader. There is no attorney-client relationship established by this article with the reader.

If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with the attorney. The first general consultation is free. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803 or at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789.

Don’t let ICE agents bully... many ways of fighting your case. apprehends for deportation has Do not let ICE officials intimidate increased concerns from immi- you and force you into a corner. grant advocates that the tactic Stick your ground, don’t sign anything, and request your hearwill grow even more prevalent.

There is something funda- ing in front of an immigration mentally unfair about ICE ex- judge. ploiting local and state policies *** that are trying to improve public Atty. Brian D. Lerner has been an safety by promoting immigrants Immigration Attorney for nearly a trust in law enforcement. Thus, quarter of a century. He is married to the bottom line is that there are a Filipina and has helped thousands of

PAGE C2 t

Filipino families all over the country.

In addition to his offices in Southern California in Long Beach and Carson, he has an office in Quezon City. He is a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Legal Board of Specialization, California State Bar. The initial consultation is free. Call (562) 495-0554 and/or send an e-mail to blerner@californiaimmigration.us.

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On keeping the lamps out of...

PAGE C2 t

us despite our sinfulness. It is a life of hope that is grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and celebrated in Sacraments of the Church.

Being awake is the consistent desire of our souls to thirst for God, to gaze at the loveliness of His heart, and to seek His face.

It is to long to be with God at the end of our lives on earth.

Being awake is to live in the present moment and to look forward to a life of eternity with God, our Creator and Father in fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Amen. ***

at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, From a Filipino immigrant family, Rever- Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 end Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to years. His term as Associate Director the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor Seminary began in July 2014.

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ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS N OV E M B E R 1 1

Diva 2 Diva concert in Pasadena, CA The Philippines’ Pop Diva, Kuh Ledesma, and the Divine Diva, Zsa Zsa Padilla, are back in Southern California with DIVA 2 DIVA on Saturday, November 11! They will be joined with comediennes Nanette Inventor and Mitch Valdez. The show will begin at 7 p.m. at the “PazNaz” First Church of the Nazarene (3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, California).

For tickets, you may purchase them online at diva2diva2.eventbrite.com or you may call Henry at (818) 612 4500 for more details. com.

Veterans Day Celebration in San Pedro, CA On Saturday, November 11 (Veterans Day), Philippine Expressions Bookshop is hosting “An Evening of Remembrance” to honor both fallen and surviving U.S. and Filipino war veterans. The event — which is 5 to 7:30 p.m. — is free and open to the public. Seats are limited so RSVP is necessary by emailing to linda@philbooks.us or calling (310) 548-8148. At 5 p.m. there will be a book talk and signing, launching of a two-volume comix on World War II written by military historian Jay Wertz and illustrated by Ed Jimenez. At 6 p.m., there will be a documentary screening of “Manila 1945: The Forgotten Atrocities.” Philippine Expressions Bookshop is located at 479 W. 6th St., San Pedro, CA 90731.

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Search to Involve Pilipino Americans’ 45th anniversary awards & benefit dinner in Los Angeles Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) will have its 45th annual anniversary awards and benefit dinner entitled “Embrace. Empower. Evolve.” The dinner will take place on Friday, November 17 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel at 6 p.m. All proceeds will go towards the organization’s health & human services, community economic development and education programs. Tickets may be purchased online at sipa.ticketsocket.com.

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13th annual mayor’s luncheon in Woodland Hills, CA The United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley presents the 13th annual mayor’s luncheon with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday, November 29 at the Warner Center Marriott - Grand Ballroom (21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367).

Registration opens at 11 a.m. and the program is from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be complimentary self-parking, while valet is $16. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, please call (818) 981-4491 or email marian@unitedchambers.org.

N OV E M B E R 3 0

Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA Global Law Centers in association with Civicminds Recruitment presents an immigration forum on Thursday, November 30 at the Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801). Candidates and employers with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visa issues are encouraged to attend this FREE Q&A session from 6 to 8 p.m. Civicminds Recruitment will offer tips on how to find employers for green card and work visas after graduation, job placement assistance for qualified applicants and free resume evaluation. To register, please email admin@globallawcenters.com or call (714) 657-7460. For more information, please visit www.globallawcenters.com.

D EC E M B E R 1

Historic Filipinotown parol parade and festival in Los Angeles The Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFNC) announced that the annual parade and festival will be on Friday, December 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will start with the assembly of parols and vehicles at 250 N. Union St. at the Our Lady of Lorreto Catholic Church courtyard. The parade will start at 5 p.m. and will go westward from Union to Beverly, and will eventually end up at the FCC/FACLA compound at 1740 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. The HFNC is calling for volunteers who will serve as security, ushers, for registration and monitors for the parade. To volunteer, please call Art at (213)318-9065.

For more information, please contact Cecile at (213) 503-8176.

D EC E M B E R 2

Pasko Na Naman in Glendale, CA The Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups will sponsor a fundraiser entitled “Pasko Na Naman 2” on Saturday, December 2 at the Glendale Civic Auditorium (1401 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91208) starting at 4 p.m. The presentation’s theme is Salo-salo at Pagdiriwang” which means “getting together joyfully.” The show will provide a glimpse on how Filipinos celebrate Christmas in the Philippines, which will be depicted through choral singing and folk dancing. The performers are Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Choir, Monique Magpayo and Kurt Winterhalter. Benefactors of proceeds include but are not limited to: Channel of Charity, Filipino Priests Association of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, feeding programs and FFRG faith formation events. Come one! Come All! Feel the scents and sights of Filipino Christmas. The audience will also enjoy “merienda cena” during the intermission. Ticket donation is $45.00 per person. For souvenir ad and ticket information, please contact Tess Domingo at (909) 855-2208 or Carol Evangelista at (909) 969-3316.

D EC E M B E R 3

Arnel Pineda in Los Angeles Arnel Pineda, the lead singer of the internationally acclaimed rock band JOURNEY, will be in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 3 at the famed Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. The show begins at 6 p.m. VIP ticket ($200) includes CD, concert tour shirt, meet & greet. Other ticket prices are $150, $100, $75 or $50. For sponsorship and tickets, please call or text: Trini Foliente at (626) 818-7147; Cora Soriano at (213) 999-1993 or Andy Tecson at (323) 467-5096.

D EC E M B E R 27-29

Ateneo de Naga High School Class ’67 celebrates 50th anniversary in Naga City

Fax résumé to:

info@asianjournalinc.com

The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) High School Class 1967 is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017 from December 27 to 29 with various activities lined up for its 153 alumni members. (ADNU is a leading Jesuit university in the Bicol region located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines). The activities include the publication of its 50thAnniversary Yearbook, a coffee table book which features the individual life stories of the class members after high school, tributes to their mentors, and various articles about school life in the 1960s. Also scheduled for the middle of the year is a golf tournament which — aside from fostering camaraderie — will essentially be a fund-raising activity for planned alumni projects such as a medical mission to a remote provincial town, scholarships, and donations for other worthy causes. This year’s reunion will be at the ADNU main campus in Naga City with various fun and commemorative activities lined up for the occasion. All batch members, wherever they are domiciled, including those residing in foreign countries, especially those in the USA and Canada, are enjoined to contribute their life story articles for the anniversary book as soon as possible, to participate in the various identified activities and outreach projects, and attend the grand homecoming in December. For coordination and for details about the events and activities, please email or call up any of the following batch members: Jojo de Jesus (email: jvdejesus6@yahoo.com; cell: 09772114750); Nilo Ezequiel (email: nilo. ezequiel0977@gmail.com; cell: 09257200926; Antonio Sibulo, MD (email: assjrmd@gmail. com).

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

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False claims on Form I-9 causing more problems AMERICAN DREAM ALLISON AQUINO-SILVA, ESQ ALL too often, legitimate shortterm concerns of putting food on the table and paying housing and other living expenses lead individuals to take desperate measures of falsely claiming that they are eligible to work in the United States. Many do not even realize that the false claims made to an employer may in the long run cause problems when seeking to legalize their immigration status. Individuals must understand that certain false claims made to an employer may in fact render them forever barred from becoming a green card holder. Recently, there are reports that the USCIS is taking more aggressive measures in requesting and reviewing Form I9s from individuals applying for a green card, which is leading to more denials and permanent bars from legalizing status.

All employers in the US are required to have all new employees complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9). The top section of the Form I-9 must be completed by the employee no later than the first day of employment. As well, the employer must examine documents evidencing their employment eligibility within three days of their commencement date.

The top section of the current Form I-9 requires the employee to choose one of the following categories: 1) a Citizen of the United States; 2) a noncitizen national of the United States; 3) a lawful permanent resident; or 4) an alien authorized to work.

Clearly, an individual who is not authorized to work in the US cannot legitimately complete the Form I-9. As a result, many resort to falsely claiming that they are either a US citizen, green card holder, or alien authorized to work.

Individuals who falsely claim to be a US citizen on the Form

I-9 must understand that such a false claim may render them permanently ineligible to become a lawful permanent resident. This permanent bar applies even if the individual is married to a US citizen and/or has children who are US citizens. A false claim to US citizenship on a Form I-9 that is made on or after September 30, 1996, which is when the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IRAIRA) was enacted, renders an individual permanently inadmissible from the US. There are absolutely no waivers available for the false claim to US citizenship.

On the other hand, a false claim to US citizenship on a Form I-9 that is made before September 30, 1996, does not subject the individual to the permanent bar.

As well, because the false claim on the Form I-9 is not made to a US government official, the individual has not committed fraud or misrepresentation under the immigration laws.

Similarly, an individual who falsely claims on a Form I-9 to being a lawful permanent resident or alien authorized to work has not committed fraud or misrepresentation under the immigration laws. This is also because the false claim is to the employer only and not to a US government official.

In these situations, despite not having committed fraud or misrepresentation under the immigration laws, individuals are too often erroneously informed by the immigration service that they are required to apply for a fraud waiver in order to legalize their status. Unknowing of their rights, individuals proceed with filing the hefty fee and the fraud waiver application. Not only are the funds wasted, but being granted a fraud waiver is difficult as an applicant must have a qualifying relative and prove that the qualifying relative would suffer extreme hardship if the waiver is not granted.

Many individuals choose to falsely claim being a US citizen as it is perceived to be easier to obtain work in the US. This short-sightedness, however, could have really damaging long-term ramifications because

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of the serious penalty for falsely claiming to be a US citizen. Individuals need to understand their rights so that they can make informed choices, as well as challenge the immigration service should an erroneous assertion of fraud or misrepresentation be made. Individuals should have legal counsel who is familiar with these intricacies in the law.

For further information, please schedule an appointment with an attorney at Aquino & Loew, Certified Immigration Law Specialists; (888) 797-1140 or (626) 799-3089; info@aquinoloew. com. Please also visit Aquino & Loew at www.aquinoloew.com, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, and read about us on Yelp. Aquino & Loew also handles family law and criminal matters. Providing Personalized Service Nationwide & Abroad Since 1996. *** For further information, please schedule an appointment with an attorney at Aquino & Loew, Certified Immigration Law Specialists; (888) 797-1140 or (626) 799-3089; info@aquinoloew. com. Please also visit Aquino & Loew at www.aquinoloew.com, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, and read about us on Yelp. Aquino & Loew also handles family law and criminal matters. Providing Personalized Service Nationwide & Abroad Since 1996.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

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Immigration Corner

Philippine annulment to get married in the US

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Attorney Gurfinkel: I have been out of status in the U.S. since 2010. I’ve been separated from my husband since 2003, and he already has another family in the Philippines.

I have a boyfriend here in the U.S., and we have been living together for about two years. We’re planning to get married, but I know that since I was married in the Philippines, I need to annul my marriage in the Philippines before I can marry my boyfriend. Is there any hope for me?

Very truly yours, JN Dear JN: First, divorce is recognized in the U.S. for immigration purposes.

You do not need to annul your marriage in the Philippines in order to get married in the U.S. Instead, you can divorce your spouse in the U.S., which would constitute a valid termination of your first marriage, enabling you to enter into a second marriage. (Uncontested divorces, where the other party will sign the papers, and not contest the divorce, typically takes about 6 months.

That’s a lot shorter than the time for an annulment. Further, in most states, you don’t need a reason for divorcing; just “irreconcilable differences,” or “we just don’t love each other anymore”. In the

Philippines, there usually has to be a reason, like abandonment, psychological incapacity etc.).

Second, court proceedings usually require the plaintiff or petitioner to personally appear in court. If you are in the U.S. and are out of status, how would you be able to personally appear in a Philippine court? If you depart the U.S., you could be subject to the 10-year bar, preventing you from returning for 10 years, unless you applied for and were granted a waiver.

Third, U.S. immigration law is clear that if a divorce is valid and recognized where it was obtained, it will be recognized for immigration purposes. Therefore, if you obtain a valid U.S. divorce, it will be recognized by USCIS, and with that divorce, you could marry your boyfriend.

Finally, some types of divorces would not be recognized, such as divorces obtained in the Dominican Republic without either party showing up in court. (I know that some people obtained these “no-appearance” divorces, but those type of divorces may not be recognized or be valid).

I know that there are a lot of myths, misconceptions, rumors, etc. about various laws and requirements, including the validity

of divorces in lieu of annulments.

People also have misunderstandings about eligibility for various immigration benefits, the requirements, documents required, proof necessary, etc. That’s why it’s important that when seeking immigration benefits, you should consult with an attorney, who can clarify with you the requirements and how you can meet those requirements, if you are eligible. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different.

The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL

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Duterte woos US businessmen at APEC meet

by Christina

Mendez

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Duterte would meet with DANANG, Vietnam — President the U.S. business councils at the Duterte has tried to woo the mem- sidelines of the APEC plenary sesbers of the U.S. business council sions. The Philippines will stress the during the Asia Pacific Economic importance of APEC as a “driver of Cooperation (APEC) economic growth,” and in aiding integrated economies and the promotion of leaders meeting this week.

Philstar.com

the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME).

“We will also meet with the U.S. business councils,” Lopez said, adding Duterte is expected to deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit.

PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “There are different ways to do innovation. You can plant a lot of seeds, not be committed to any particular one of them, but just see what grows. And this really isn’t how we’ve approached this. We go mission-first, then focus on the pieces we need and go deep on them and be committed to them.”

- Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and co-founder of Facebook

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 11-14, 2017

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Marketplace

PCC: Low awareness among Filipinos obstructs Philippine competition policy by ian

nicolas ciGaral

Philippine economy likely grew faster in Q3

by Mary

Grace Philstar.com

Padin

MANILA — The economy likely grew faster in the third quarter on the back of strong exports, agricultural production and investments, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Thursday, November 2.

In an interview with reporters, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the economy likely grew at a faster rate in the third quarter compared with the expansion recorded in the first two quarters.

“A faster growth than first Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia Philstar.com photo quarter and second quarter is

Philstar.com

MANILA — Filipinos still lack familiarity with the importance of competition in the market, according to a Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) official, who also cautioned that small businesses might be unknowingly engaging in anti-competitive activities due to lack of awareness.

In a forum organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, PCC Commissioner Stella Quimbo said “very few people” have an appreciation for competition concerns despite the ratification of the Philippine Competition Act two years ago.

Citing a 2017 awareness survey conducted by the PCC, Quimbo said “76 percent agreed that price fixing is unfavorable while 74 percent wrongly believed that when competitors divide the market into territories, consumers benefit.”

She added that 68 percent “cannot say for sure if they prefer to have more choices in the market,” which according to her is a clear indication that “the Filipino consumer does not feel empowered.”

Meanwhile, a separate survey funded by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation revealed that small and medium enterprises cannot identify how big businesses are anti-competitive, Quimbo also said.

The APEC poll, according to her, likewise showed that the respondents “don’t know how to report possible abuses that might be committed by bigger and dominant firms.”

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In a forum organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, PCC commissioner Stella Quimbo said “very few people” have an appreciation for competition concerns despite the ratification of the Philippine Competition Act two years ago.

Philstar.com photo by Paulo Alcazaren

“The challenge is to make consumers become more familiar of competition law because they can be important triggers for opening cases,” the PCC official said.

The PCC, created under Republic Act 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act, is an independent, quasi-judicial body mandated to implement the national competition policy by regulating anti-competitive conduct.

Specifically, it seeks to protect consumers by giving them more choices over goods and services at lower prices in the market and to promote competitive businesses, large or small, that will, in turn, encourage economic efficiency and innovation in the country.

It was established with the premise that markets with enough

competition directly benefit the poor. This is because competitive markets offer a wider variety of goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

Last August 9, the competition watchdog has started imposing penalties on entities found violating RA 10667 after the two-year transitory period under that law lapsed last August 8.

To increase the awareness of Filipinos on the country’s competition policy, Quimbo said the PCC should strengthen its partnership with agencies, organizations, academe and the media.

She added that the PCC also needs to work with the government to address policies that cause anti-competitive behavior among private firms.

something probably easier to say,” Pernia said on the sidelines of the Ease of Doing Business press conference in Makati on Thursday, Nov. 9.

The economy grew 6.4 percent and 6.5 percent in the first and second quarter, respectively.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol earlier said he expects agriculture growth in the third quarter to be almost at same level as the second quarter.

The agriculture sector grew 6.18 percent in the second quarter.

Earlier, Pernia said the Philippines may not attain the upper limit of its economic growth target for 2017.

Philippine manufacturing recovers in October, leads growth in ASEAN by czeriza

Valencia Philstar.com

MANILA — The local manufacturing sector recovered strongly in October after two months of marginal growth to lead the ASEAN region anew, according to the latest reading of the Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

The Nikkei Philippine Manufacturing PMI rose to 53.7 in October from 50.8 in September, reflecting a pickup in the improvement of business conditions as a reading below 50 indicates worsening business conditions.

IHS Markit, the firm that collected data for the index, said local manufacturers recorded faster increases in new orders, prompting them to hike purchases of input and

Workers are seen on scaffolding at a construction site in Manila on September 26, 2017. Forty-nine percent of Filipino CEOs said they are “very confident” about their organization’s prospects for revenue growth in the Philippines in the next 12 months, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported Wednesday, ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam.

Philstar.com photo

hire new workers to fulfill orders.

Export sales grew moderately, leaving domestic demand the key source of growth. Matching the pickup in new orders, firms raised production volumes at the fastest rate since June, said IHS Markit.

Manufacturers, however, continued to feel the pinch of cost inflation because of the weakness of the peso. Materials such as paper, fuel, and industrial metals were particularly expensive. To protect their margins, firms once again hiked selling prices.

“After two months of marginal growth, there was a flurry of activity in the Philippines manufacturing sector at the start of the fourth quarter. Demand for Filipino manufactured goods strengthened noticeably, with order book growth picking up to a five-month high.

Greater demand lifted production volumes, which in turn prompted firms to hire more workers,” said IHS Markit economist Bernard Aw. “Further weakening of the peso poses a problem for manufacturers, especially those that rely on imported inputs for production. Input cost inflation picked up sharply, which led firms to raise prices in order to preserve profit margins. Charges for Filipino goods increased at the fastest rate on record. This signals that inflationary pressures are building in the Philippines, suggesting that consumer inflation may trend

above BSP’s inflation expectations.

That will compel the central bank to consider tightening monetary policy as early as this year,” he added.

Manufacturing conditions in ASEAN improved slightly in October as export sales rose at a faster pace.

The headline Nikkei ASEAN Manufacturing PMI rose slightly to 50.4 in October from 50.3 in September. Expansions on output and new orders were key drivers of the latest upturn.

Most of the countries covered by the survey registered improvement in business conditions: Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Manufacturing conditions in Thailand and Malaysia, meanwhile, slid to contraction territory.

“PMI data indicated that strengthening demand from abroad was a key source of growth for the sector, contributing to a further rise in overall new business,” said Aw. “ASEAN goods producers continued to face supply chain delays amid reports of raw material shortages rather than overwhelming demand. This raises concerns that further delays may impact future output. A side effect of supply chain pressures was higher prices. Input cost inflation across the region remained sharp, driven also by weaker exchange rates and rising global commodity prices,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his keynote address during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Session 7 at the Ariyana Da Nang Exhibition and Convention Center in Da Nang City, Vietnam on Thursday, November 9. Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

Duterte to woo US businessmen...

PAGE D1 The initiative to court U.S. businessmen at the APEC meet came more than a year after Duterte told foreign businessmen to “pack up and leave” after a U.S. envoy to Asia criticized his fiery rhetoric and bloody drug war were bad for business.

Duterte had also described Americans as “really crazy.” The chief executive’s harsh words toward the officials of the Obama administration also caused the suspension of the $433-million grant by the U.S.-based Millenium Challenge Corp. (MCC).

Last week, the MCC also saw the Philippines failing to hurdle several indicators, including corruption.

The APEC will be the best opportunity for Duterte and his delegation “to sell the Philippines” by seeking investments abroad, Lopez said.

Lopez cited the Philippines’ gains during the Duterte administration despite the political noise coming from the chief executive’s critics. “The political noise is being ignored,” he said, citing the chief executive’s high political satisfac-

tion which also boosts the country’s stability. “(We have) one of the most stable democratic institutions (which) are all functioning. We have a very active media, a very active Congress, Lopez said.

The meetings will be on the sidelines of the APEC Leaders’ Forum here, where Duterte will also have a chance for a personal encounter with U.S. President Trump.

Foreign affairs officials confirmed earlier report by The Star that Trump and Duterte would not have a bilateral meeting in Vietnam since the U.S. leader will be in Manila to attend the ASEAN Summit and the East-Asia Summit.

“Based on the schedule, President Trump is on his way to Manila on the 12th, 13th and 14th. And there is already in the schedule a bilateral between President Trump and President Duterte,” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for International Affairs Manuel Teehankee.

The Duterte-Trump meeting in Manila will be “a fuller bilateral” with a “more impressive in the ASEAN context,” Teehankee said.

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IMF warns PH economy may overheat ‘High credit growth, especially to the real estate and household sectors, merits continued monitoring’

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

THE International Monetary Fund has flagged potential overheating due to strong credit growth in the Philippines even as the overall economic outlook is expected to be favorable in the medium term.

“Credit growth has accelerated and although most indicators find no evidence of credit booms so far, some indicators suggest that credit gaps could approach early warning levels in 2017 to 2018,” the IMF said in a statement Monday night, November 6 reflecting the results of the conclusion last Oct. 26 of its executive board’s Article IV Consultation with the Philippine government.

“Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside and stem mainly from external sources. The combination of high credit growth, buoyant private investment and fiscal expansion without tax reform could lead to overheating of the economy,” the IMF said.

Overheating happens when the economy grows at an unsustainable rate as productive capacity could not keep up with robust demand.

“The main systemic risks to financial stability are high credit growth and concentration. High credit growth, especially to the real estate and household sectors, merit continued monitoring. In addition, some conglomerates and real estate developers have leveraged significantly, while shadowbanking activities have expanded.

The conglomerate structure and

data gaps generate challenges to measure concentration but capital market development could help reduce bank loan concentration by diversifying the sources of funding for large conglomerates.

[The IMF] supports the authorities’ efforts to have legal access to information on conglomerates’ finances,” it said.

“Macroprudential policies should be used to address systemic risks to financial stability. In case of a broad-based credit boom, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should raise capital requirements, supported by monetary policy tightening if accompanied by overheating. Targeted macroprudential policies should be used if sectoral credit growth is excessive,” it added.

For the IMF, the stance of monetary policy remained appropriate, but the BSP should be ready to tighten if there would be signs of overheating.

The Monetary Board, the BSP’s highest policymaking body, will meet to discuss the monetary policy stance on Thursday even as economists expect key interest rates to be kept steady.

“The authorities’ intention to unwind the high banks’ reserve requirements over time would reduce macrofinancial risks.

However, this reform should be carefully calibrated and timed and should aim to keep domestic liquidity broadly unchanged,” the IMF said.

BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. had said that monetary authorities would soon cut the reserve

requirement, which is one of the highest in the world.

The reserve requirement ratio currently stands at a high 20 percent, which means that for every P1 of deposit and deposit substitute generated by banks, regulators require that 20 centavos be set aside as buffer, representing the portion that banks cannot lend out.

Also, the IMF said the exchange rate should continue to move freely in line with market forces, with foreign exchange intervention limited to smoothing excessive volatility in both directions.

As a whole, the outlook for the Philippine economy is favorable despite external headwinds, the IMF said.

The multilateral lender kept its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecasts for the Philippines of 6.6 percent this year and 6.7 next year owing to continued robust domestic demand.

“Inflation is expected to stay near the center of the BSP’s target band due to stable commodity prices and well-anchored inflation expectations. The current account balance is projected to record a small deficit in 2017 because of strong infrastructurerelated import growth. Public debt is expected to fall further as a percent of GDP. Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside, but the Philippines is well equipped to respond should risks materialize given its strong fundamentals and available policy space,” according to the IMF.

Survey: More Filipinos embrace mobile banking for convenience with bill payments, money transfer by niña

V. GunO

Inquirer.net

IN 2016, over half of Filipinos with smartphones used mobile banking services at least once a week, with the top two reasons being convenience and availability.

Every year, the Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study surveys 500 Filipinos to obtain information on their online payment habits.

The study also found that almost three in four Filipinos with smartphones have a banking app.

The app saves a visit to the bank: 80 percent of those surveyed said they would rather check their

account balances and pay bills on their phone than go to a physical branch.

Eighty-five percent of Filipinos use their banking apps to check account balances and 63 percent pay their bills on it. Fifty-nine percent transfer money through the app.

Mobile payments on the rise Among those surveyed, 65 percent made a purchase via their smartphone. Mobile payments are made at least once a week (41 percent).

A major factor in mobile payment adoption is having a smartphone. This was cited as one of the top three reasons to make

mobile payments, the other two being convenience and security of payments.

On-demand services such as transport network vehicle services (TNVS) like Uber and Grab have contributed greatly to the use of mobile payment.

Six in 10 Filipinos surveyed said they have used the mobile payment to book transportation and to avail themselves of beauty services.

The number is even higher for the emerging affluent at 70 percent.

Convenience, efficiency and PAGE D4

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Marketplace

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Luxury living a bargain in Manila for wealthy Asians

by Ian

nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com

MANILA — Manila ranked as the third cheapest city in Asia to live a life of luxury largely due to “significant” depreciation of the Philippine peso, according to the latest annual “Wealth Report” of investment bank Julius Baer.

According to the report—which tracks the luxury spending trends of Asia’s high-net-worth individuals— the Philippine capital’s luxury index rose by 1.3 percent in U.S. dollar terms in line with the overall index performance of +1.4 percent.

However, Manila’s ranking in terms of cost of luxury living fell by one spot at 9th place out of 11 Asian cities primarily due to the weakening of the peso “since most items performed well in local currency terms.”

“Our price index rose strongly in local currency terms (+7.5 percent) but this was negated by a significant depreciation of the Philippine peso (-6.3 percent),” the report said.

“The peso has been one of the few currencies in the region that has weakened since the start of 2017. This is due to some investor concerns despite a stable economy, over the style of governance of the new administration and recent reversal of the current account surplus into deficit,” it added.

“Without interest rate hikes, the currency seems likely to fall further.”

Only golf club memberships appear to be the most expensive in Manila with price ranging from $3,289 to $821,937.

Meanwhile, Manila remains an attractive location to buy men’s suit, ladies shoes, skin cream and go for a Botox procedure.

Compared to other Asian cities, Manila is also the second cheapest to buy prime property, partake of a fine meal and stay at a five-star hotel.

“The Manila prime residential market is doing well as buyers and investors are exhibiting renewed confidence on the back of a recovering economy,” the report said.

“Over the past 18 years, the market demand for luxury residential properties was relatively sparse resulting in a slowdown of luxury

Infographics by Philstar.com

Manila remains an attractive location to buy men’s suits, ladies shoes, and skin creams and to go for a botox procedure in Asia. Manila is also the second cheapest to buy prime property, partake of a fine meal and stay at a five-star hotel.

Philstar.com file photo

residential property launches,” it added.

“The prime residential market is set to remain stable with opportunities of growing still available especially as interest from foreign investors and developers continue to increase.”

With its sky-high property prices, Hong Kong snatched the top

spot from Shanghai in terms of luxury living. It is also the priciest city for fine dining and business class flights.

On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur replaced Mumbai as the least expensive city in Asia due to the continued depreciation of the ringgit against a strengthening rupee.

More Filipinos embrace...

financial inclusion, up by eight points from 2015.

PAGE D3 Smartphone penetration, adopcash-lite program, which means shopping at their own homes were most financial transactions will tion of mobile money accounts, and the launch of the Philippine cited as the main reasons for pay- become digital.

In 2016, a Brookings report National Strategy for Financial ing via mobile phone.

By 2020, the Bangko Sentral ng stated the Philippines had the Inclusion (NSFI) contributed to the Pilipinas (BSP) hopes to fulfill its largest improvement in digital and increase in score.

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