111817 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

November 18-21, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 93 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Trump reiterates aid for Marawi City rehab, PH drug war ‘Additional’ funding includes $14.3 million for Marawi rehab, $2 million for drug reduction by rae

ann Varona AJPress

After U.S. President Donald trump’s first in-person meeting with Philippine President rodrigo Duterte, with whom he “had a great relationship,” during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN) Summit, trump congratulated Duterte on the liberation of Marawi City, Mindanao, from the ISIS-inspired Maute group, and promised to increase support from the U.S. “We’ve had a great relationship,” trump told reporters Monday, November 13. “this

USA

DATELINE Balangiga bells not discussed during Duterte-Trump meeting froM the AJPreSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

PhILIPPINe President rodrigo Duterte did not raise the issue of the Balangiga bells during his first bilateral meeting with United States President Donald trump on Monday, Nov. 13, according to Palace Spokesperson harry roque. the church bells, likewise, were not mentioned in the joint statement of the Philippines and the U.S. released to media. earlier in July, Duterte demanded the U.S. to return the Balangiga bells back to the Philippines. he said the bells serve as “reminders of the gallantry and heroism” of filipinos who “resisted the American colonizers” and “sacrificed their lives in the process.” the U.S. government, for its part, vowed to work on a resolution to address the issue, but did not indicate a specific timeframe.

has been very successful. We’ve had many meetings today with many other leaders. the ASeAN conference has been handled beautifully by the president of the Philippines and your representatives. I’ve really enjoyed being here.” on tuesday, November 15, the White house included in a statement, trump’s pledge to provide additional funds to the Philippines in support of administration initiatives. According to the Philippine Star, the U.S. embassy confirmed that these were the same commitments made by Washington last September.

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Duterte rejects EU grants anew: ‘Forget it, we will survive’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PreSIDeNt rodrigo Duterte on tuesday, Nov. 14 maintained that the Philippines will not accept any grants with conditions from the european Union (eU), citing his duty to protect the country’s sovereignty. earlier on the same day, Duterte met with european Council President Donald tusk during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN)’s 40th Commemorative Summit with the eU, hosted by the Philippines.

In a news conference after the meeting, Duterte was asked if he talked to tusk about

any foreign assistance that the eU may offer to the Philippines.

But the filipino leader made it clear that he will not accept any conditional grants from foreign countries that may affect the Philippines’ sovereignty “even at the expense of being pictured as a berdugo (executioner).” “forget it. We will survive, even if we have to eat dried fish and rice, we will survive,” Duterte said.

“You do not bargain the dignity by accepting their money and they would make President Rodrigo Duterte and European Council President Donald Tusk join the traditional conditionalities that are not really accept- Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) handshake prior to the start of the ASEANable to us because it trims on the edge of European Union (EU) 40th Anniversary Commemorative Summit at the Philippine International

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MAlacañang photo by Rey Baniquet

as PDP-Laban Senate bets

by Jhoanna

Ballaran Inquirer.net

Henry Sy, Sr. and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

tWo clans from the Philippines remained on forbes magazine’s list of 50 richest families in Asia. the family of mall tycoon henry Sy ranks 9th on the list, with a net worth of $20.1 billion, higher from last year’s $12.8 billion, the 2017 forbes list of Asia’s richest families revealed on tuesday, November 14. the Sy family was on the 12th spot last year, the list showed.

Zobel family, which owns the conglomerate Ayala Corp., is on the 43rd, falling from 37th spot last year. the Zobel family’s net worth grew, however, to $6.13 billion this year from $5.1

Philstar.com photos

Ja Du, a transgender woman, now speaks up about newfound Filipina identity

A WhIte transgender woman in florida announced this week that she identifies as a filipina.

In a story that first broke on the tampa area WtSP on Monday, November 13, the woman — who was born Adam and said she’s in the process of legally changing her name to Ja Du — told the station that she considers herself filipina.

Ja Du says she grew up watching the history Channel and said that “nothing else intrigued me more but things about filipino culture.” She has since concluded that she

Convention Center on Tuesday, November 14.

Sy, Zobel remain in Forbes’ 50 richest families in Asia Alvarez: Mocha, Roque to run

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White-born Florida woman claims to identify as Filipina

RENEWED TIES. President Donald Trump joins Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his wife Honeylet Avancena at Cultural Center of the Philippines for the 31st ASEAN Summit, Monday, November 13. President Trump pledged an additional $14.3 million for Marawi City which would be an to the $85 million already provided by the U.S. for counterterrorism-related equipment, training, and support for the armed forces of the Philippines. White House photo by Shealah Craighead

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by Dana

SioSon AJPress

CoMMUNICAtIoNS Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and Presidential Spokesperson harry roque will be among the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan’s (PDP-Laban) possible candidates for the 2019 senatorial race, according to house Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Alvarez, who is also the ruling party’s secretary general, made the announcement on friday, November 17, during the mass-oathtaking of new members of PDP-Laban in Cebu.

Filipina sworn in as member of key US Treasury advisory board

by Carina

oriel

AJPress

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin swore in nine new private citizens, including Filipina community leader Faith Bautista, to serve on the department’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund Community Advisory Board on Thursday, November 16.

AJPress photo

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WAShINGtoN – A filipina community leader was sworn in as a member of the U.S. treasury Department’s Community Development financial Institutions (CDfI) fund Community Advisory Board on thursday, November 16. faith Bautista, the president and Ceo of the National Diversity Coalition (NDC) and National Asian American Coalition (NAAC), was appointed by the trump administration to serve for a total of four years. the swearing-in ceremony was led by

U.S. treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin inside the Cash room of the department’s building.

Bautista is one of nine private citizens to serve on the board, alongside six public representatives, totaling 15 members. She is one of two officers on the board coming from a national consumer or public interest organization. the Advisory Board advises the U.S. treasury Department’s CDfI fund on policies and activities focusing on economic development and empowerment for underserved and low-to-moderate income

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Trump reiterates aid...

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From the Front Page

also been noted to have been provided to the Philippines by the U.S. to “enhance the Philippines’ to violent extremism,” said the maritime security capabilities.”

PAGE A1 t $2-M to PH drug campaign Tuesday statement.

Also announced in the Tues“President Trump announced The $14.3 million would be an additional $14.3 million for in addition to the $85 million al- day statement was $2 million Marawi City to address the hu- ready provided by the U.S. for by the U.S. towards drug demanitarian needs of 360,000 dis- counterterrorism-related equip- mand reduction programs in the placed persons and to support sta- ment, training, and support for the Philippines. Philippine Presidenbilization and a speedy recovery armed forces of the Philippines, tial Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. on Thursday said the monetary in Marawi by jumpstarting liveli- according to the White House. hoods and promoting alternatives Approximately $65 million has assistance was an act of support, despite being late in announcement.

“I wish President Trump had said that during their bilateral meeting so President Duterte would be happier,” said Roque during a Malacañang Palace briefing on Thursday.

“That proves without a doubt that the U.S. president supports the war on drugs. Why would he otherwise give $2 million to this cause if he thinks it’s not being implemented correctly?”

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SEND OFF. Foreign Affairs Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano (right) chats with People’s Republic of China State Council Premier Li Keqiang at the tarmac of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Thursday, November 16. Li went on official visit to the Philippines and attended a series of meetings during the 31st ASEAN Summit.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Duterte rejects EU grants anew... man rights abuses, accusing his critics of bias, hypocrisy and inviolation of our sovereignty,” he terference. added.

Last year, the Filipino leader Duterte has repeatedly lashed also dared the bloc to pull out its out at the EU and other foreign assistance from the Philippines countries and organizations after condemning his so-called for condemning his anti-illegal drug war. More recently, he chaldrugs campaign over its sup- lenged any western countries to posed spate of killings and hu- take the “lead role” in the cam-

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ditions,” he said.

“We are not rich, we are poor. paign if they can solve the drug But we do not bargain dignity by problem in a “civilized way.” accepting money (with) condiEven after meeting with Tusk, tionalities that are not really acDuterte remained firm that the ceptable to us,” he added.

Philippines will reject any condiLast month, Philippine Foreign tional foreign assistance the bloc Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Caymay offer to the Philippines etano said EU officials gave an “Keep your money. Do not assurance that the bloc was not meddle with the sovereignty of interfering in the country’s aumy country. Do not impose con- tonomy. n

Sy, Zobel remain in Forbes’ 50 richest...

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Infographic by Philstar.com

billion last year, the list stated.

India’s Ambani family topped the list for the first time with a net worth of US$44.8 billion, up $19 billion from the previous year, according to Forbes.

The Ambani family is into oil, gas and telecommunications venture with international business connections.

The collective wealth of Asia’s 50 richest families on the list is totaling a record of $699 billion, up 35 percent from last year, the magazine noted.

The top 10 richest families in Asia are: - Ambani from India; US$44.8 billion - Lee from South Korea; $40.8 billion - Kwok from Hong Kong; $40.4 billion - Chearavanont from Thailand; $36.6 billion

- Hartono from Indonesia; $32 billion - Lee from Hong Kong; $29 billion - Kwek/Quek from Singapore, Malaysia; $23.3 billion - Cheng from Hong Kong; $22.5 billion - Sy from the Philippines; $20.1 billion - Chirathivat from Thailand; $19.3 billion According to Forbes, the Asia’s 50 Richest Families list is an overview of wealth using stock prices and currency exchange rates from the close of markets on November 3, 2017.

Private companies were valued based on similar of their counterpart publicly-traded companies.

Forbes said to qualify in the list, the family’s wealth should be rooted in Asia and the participation in building that fortune has to extend at least three generations. n

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Balangiga bells not discussed...

PAGE A1 t Based on historical accounts, Filipino guerillas killed 48 U.S. soldiers in the town of Balangiga on the island of Samar during the Philippine-American war in 1900s. In a quick retaliation, U.S. soldiers killed 2,500 Filipinos aged ten and up.

Three bells were taken from Balangiga Church by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war — two of which were presently displayed at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming as a memorial to U.S. troops killed

by Filipino insurgents; while the third bell was in South Korea.

Despite several attempts by previous administrations, the bells have yet to be returned in the Philippines. It remained to be a perennial issue between the two countries’ bilateral relations.

‘Enduring’ PH-US alliance In a joint statement released Tuesday, Nov. 14, Duterte and Trump hailed the “enduring” alliance between the two countries, which they said were “built on a strong foundation of shared values, sacrifices, and history.”

Reaffirming their commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, the two leaders discussed proposals to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); develop capacity and capability for maritime security and domain awareness; and provide rapid humanitarian assistance.

Likewise, the two leaders condemned North Korea’s “unlawful nuclear weapons and missile development,” as they called on for the denuclearization in the area.

Concerning the issue on South China Sea, Duterte and Trump

White-born Florida woman...

PAGE A1 t is Filipina and intends to live a “transracial” lifestyle as a Filipina.

“Whenever I’m around the music, around the food, I feel like I’m in my own skin,” she told WTSP. Ja Du drives around town in what she calls a Tuk Tuk, a purple motorized vehicle inspired by the tricycle public transit bikes in the Philippines. She said she has started a Facebook group for other transracial individuals who identify as other races and ethnicities.

“I think things that make no sense to most people make sense to us on an individual level in almost every person, like a swelling feeling you feel when you listen to dramatic music,” Ja Du told HuffPost. “It’s all sound and vibration but something in it relates to your soul on such a subconscious level that you connect with it and [that’s] how I feel about the Filipino culture.”

She reportedly said that she wouldn’t use her newly-found identity to access Filipino-specific benefits like scholarships, jobs etc.

I believe people will [take advantage] just like other people have taken advantage of their identity to get their way, but the difference between me and them...is that I don’t want that,“ she told WTSP. “I think that we all have the freedoms to pursue happiness in our own ways.”

But Filipinos are not so quick to embrace Ja Du as a FilipinoAmerican.

Political science student Erica Sy at UC Riverside says that simply claiming identity to another ethnicity for “superficial reasons” such as liking the food, music or cultural aesthetics negates the struggles that people of those communities suffer.

“Just because you enjoy certain aspects of the Filipino culture doesn’t make you a Filipino. You know what it takes to identify as a Filipino? Being Filipino,” Sy said in an email to the Asian Journal. “Being Filipina means more than connecting with the music, food or what have you. It means living a life where discrimination is frequent.”

She added that many Filipinas, including herself, have gone through identity crises relating to being Filipina. Before she fully embraced her “Filipino-ness”, she often tried to mask her ethnic identity.

“I grew up thinking my features were less appealing and made extensive efforts to hide my Filipino-ness, so to speak,” Sy, 27, recalled. “I grew up seeing my Filipina mother being called these awful, derogatory terms. When I grew older, I, too, became a target of those attacks. People of color, especially women of color, receive a lot of s**t for just existing. So unless you’re OK with receiving the struggles, then welcome to the

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 18-21, 2017

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underscored the need “peacefully resolving disputes” in the area.

They further urged all concerned parties to “continue pursuing confidence-building measures to increase mutual trust and confidence,” and to “refrain from actions that would escalate tensions, including militarization.”

Duterte and Trump also pledged to “nurture” economic ties between Manila and Washington. Both sides discussed ways to expand on their mutual commitment to “free, fair and balanced trade.”

The two countries agreed “to explore strengthening dialogues for innovation and sharing of best practices in technology to optimize the position of the Philippines as a preferred destina- Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque shared this photo on Thursday, Nov. 16, with the caption, “United we stand!”

Photo form Twitter/@attyharryroque tion for American investments in In photo with him are Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Communication Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson. the Asia-Pacific region.” (Dana eto po ay dahil si Pangulong Sioson/AJPress) Duterte na mismo ang nagpatakbo sa akin (But if ever I would PAGE A1 t calling Alvarez’s list as a “good run, it would be because Presicommunity. But you can’t just In addition to Uson and list.” dent Duterte himself asked me sail by just taking all the harm- Roque, the party is likewise Uson indicated that she has to run),” she added. less aspects of the culture.” eyeing Bataan Representative no plans of running for the SenRoque, on the other hand, Ben de Guzman, an executive Geraldine Roman, Davao City ate despite Alvarez’s repeated said he does not have the means member of the Filipino Veterans Representative Karlo Nograles, invitation. She added that she to fund a senatorial campaign.

Recognition and Education Proj- Negros Occidental Representa- was also caught surprise when He then thanked Alvarez for his ect, mirrored Sy’s take and said tive Albee Benitez, and presi- the House Speaker announced endorsement but indicated that that trying to claim another race dential political adviser Francis her inclusion. he would like to focus on his job or ethnicity represents white Tolentino to join its senatorial “Totoo po na matagal na as Duterte’s spokesperson for privilege. line-up. akong iniimibtahan ni Speaker the time being.

“For Filipinos who don’t have However, Senate President na tumakbo bilang senador at “I cherish the encouragethe luxury of making the deci- Aquilino Pimentel III, also the ang sagot ko po ay wala akong ment and [I am] humbled by the sion to identify as another race president of the PDP-Laban, planong tumakbo sa Senado da- endorsement. I am, however, in a society where whiteness as clarified that the party has yet to hil hindi naman ako politiko (It’s focused on my new job as the a default places real constraints finalize its official list of candi- true the Speaker has been invit- President’s spokesperson and about how people of color can dates for the midterm elections. ing for sometime now to run for my priority right now is to do my decide to move in the world, this He further noted that the en- senator, but my answer is that I absolute best in communicating smacks of white privilege in the tire party—including its chair, have no plans of running for a the message of the President to worst way,” de Guzman said in President Rodrigo Duterte— Senate seat because I am not a our people,” he said. an email. must be involved in the decision politician), “ Uson wrote on her Roque, a human rights lawPeople who have criticized Ja making process. yer, started serving as Duterte’s Facebook account.

Du’s new identity compared Ja “No party decision yet. You But if Duterte convinces her to spokesperson in early November.

Du’s announcement to that of can consider them as Speaker’s seek a senatorial seat, Uson—a “I have also, without means, white-born former NAACP chap- nominees. Party will decide in staunch defender of the presi- to pursue a Senate bid. So while ter president Rachel Dolezal who due time,” Pimentel said. dent— said she would consider I am thankful, I reiterate that received backlash for identifying Pimentel, however, remarked running for the mid-term elec- my priority [is] to be the best as black. (Klarize Medenilla/AJ that party members are expect- tion. spokesman that I can be for the Press) ed to confirm their candidacies, “At kung tatakbo man po ako, President,” he added. ■

Alvarez: Mocha, Roque...

Filipina sworn in as member...

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communities.

“I am honored to be the first person of Filipino descent to serve on the CDFI Fund’s Community Advisory Board. Through this role, I will continue to advocate for the underrepresented within our community and beyond,” Bautista told the Asian Journal, adding that her position will hopefully bring more Filipinos appointed to government positions.

In October, Bautista and the NDC announced the launch of The Capital Corps, LLC, a CDFIcreated with the intention to finance homeowners and small businesses that are currently underserved by banks and other traditional financial institutions.

“I’ve been working on policies to help 70 percent of people living paycheck to paycheck. CDFIs are the solution to give access to capital to low-to-moderate income consumers. I will continue

shaping up policies to increase jobs, homeownership, and provide access to small businesses,” she said.

NAAC is a HUD-approved nonprofit housing counseling organization focused on sustainable homeownership, job creation, small business, and economic development for Asian Americans throughout the nation. NDC is a congregation of community organizers, faith-based leaders, nonprofit directors, and busi-

ness owners who work together to achieve financial equality and empowerment for underserved communities.

Through her work at NDC and NAAC, Bautista creates strategic partnerships between corporations, government agencies, and community organizations to advocate for opportunities in homeownership, small business, and financial literacy. The three major themes that the organizations’ work focuses on are diversity, economic empowerment, and corporate social responsibility. ■

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Dateline USa

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Sen. Franken accused of groping and kissing Fil-Am entertainer in 2006 Anchor for “McIntyre in the Morning� Leeann Tweeden tells her story

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

accused of inappropriate sexual misconduct against women. morning newscaster on the A FilipinA-AmericAn model turned radio newscaster on los Angeles-based KABc, leeWednesday, november 15, said ann Tweeden, who is half Filithat in 2006, she, without her pina from her mother’s side, consent, was kissed and groped described her experience in a

by Sen. Al Franken (D-minn.), piece titled, “Senator Al Franken who joins a growing list of men Kissed and Groped me Without

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my consent, And Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing Funny About it.â&#x20AC;?

She details a time in December 2006 when she â&#x20AC;&#x201D; then a model â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was on her ninth tour with the United Services Organization (USO) to entertain the troops in Afghanistan. Franken, who was still a working comic and not yet a senator, was the troupeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headliner.

Franken, a former â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saturday night liveâ&#x20AC;? writer and performer, â&#x20AC;&#x153;had written some skits for the show and brought props and costumes to go along with them,â&#x20AC;?

Tweeden wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;like many USO shows before and since, the skits were full of sexual innuendo geared toward a young, male audience.â&#x20AC;?

She continued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a TV host and sports broadcaster, as well as a model familiar to the audience from the covers of FHm, maxim and playboy, i was only expecting to emcee and introduce the acts, but Franken said he had written a part for me that he thought would be funny, and i agreed to play along.â&#x20AC;?

The skit Franken wrote for Tweeden required his character to come at the then-model for a kiss, but Tweeden suggested she turn her head at the last minute â&#x20AC;&#x153;to get more laughs from the crowd.â&#x20AC;?

Before the show, they rehearsed the skit alone backstage where Franken insisted they rehearse the kiss. She ignored him, but he kept insisting to which she told him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;relax Al, this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Snl...we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to rehearse the kiss.â&#x20AC;?

He persisted they rehearse everything, making her uncomfortable. She reluctantly agreed, and when it came in time for the kiss, he â&#x20AC;&#x153;put his hand on the back of my head, mashed his lips against mine and aggressively stuck his tongue in my mouth,â&#x20AC;? Tweeden wrote.

Soon after this incident, Tweeden avoided Franken for the rest of the tour. She said that he attacked her with petty insults, â&#x20AC;&#x153;including drawing devil horns on at least one of the headshots i was autographing for the troops.â&#x20AC;? in another instance on the 36hour flight back to los Angeles, Tweeden, wearing a helmet and

PHILIPPINE-CHINA RELATIONS. Senate President Aquilino â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kokoâ&#x20AC;? Pimentel III on Wednesday joined Premier Li Keqiang of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China in a meeting which discussed how to build closer Philippine-China relations. The meeting, hosted by Li, was held at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City, and included Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III, Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Emmanuel Pacquiao, and Sherwin Gatchalian.

Senate photo

flak jacket bearing her name, fell asleep on the c-17 cargo plane where Franken groped her breasts for a photo without her consent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;i felt violated all over again. embarrassed. Belittled. Humiliated,â&#x20AC;? Tweeden said upon discovering the lewd photo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How dare anyone grab my breasts like this and think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funny?â&#x20AC;?

At the time, Tweeden only told a few people, including her husband. For years, she wanted to tell her story but was worried that it may affect her career.

What made her change her mind was when california rep.

Jackie Speier (D-San mateo) was a guest for â&#x20AC;&#x153;mcintyre in the morningâ&#x20AC;? a few weeks ago when she recounted when she was sexually assaulted as a congressional aide in an experience similar to Tweedenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Tweeden now felt compelled to tell her story, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;i had locked up those memories of helplessness and violation for a long time, but they all came rushing back to me and my hands clinched into fists like it was yesterday.â&#x20AC;?

One day after the news broke on KABc, Franken told reporters, â&#x20AC;&#x153;i certainly donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but i send my sincerest apologies to leeann. As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. i shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done it.â&#x20AC;?

On Friday, november 17, he issued a statement where he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first thing i want to

For millions of insured Americans, state health laws donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t apply

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by eMily Bazar Kaiser Health News

leTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S say you have health insurance through your employer and live in one of 21 states with laws protecting consumers against surprise medical bills from out-of-network providers.

Should one of those unwanted bills land in your mailbox, you can turn to your state law and regulators for help, right? not necessarily. if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re among the millions of Americans with a category of jobbased health coverage known as self-funded insurance, most state health care laws do not apply to you. plus, if you have an issue with your coverage, you must go through a different appeals process than other state residents with private insurance. You must seek help from a federal regulator that may â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or may not â&#x20AC;&#x201D; be responsive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have unequal consumer protections for a big chunk of our population,â&#x20AC;? says Tam ma, legal and policy director for the advocacy group Health Access california.

For millions of insured Americans, State Health laws Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Apply nationally, 61 percent of covered workers were in self-funded plans last year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

(Kaiser Health news, which produces california Healthline, is an editorially independent program of the foundation.) in california, about 5.7 million people were enrolled in such plans. last year, the Golden Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two health insurance regulators received more than 1,000 requests for help from consumers in self-funded plans. The departments have no authority over those plans and had to refer many of the enrollees to the U.S. Department of labor, which regulates them.

Businesses that opt for selffunded plans â&#x20AC;&#x201D; also called selfinsured plans â&#x20AC;&#x201D; generally pay the medical bills of their employees directly.

Under a fully insured plan, on the other hand, the employer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or an individual or family â&#x20AC;&#x201D; buys coverage from a stateregulated insurance company, which assumes the financial risk. in california, fully insured plans are overseen by the state Department of managed Health care or the state Department of insurance. large companies are more likely to self-insure. Among companies with 5,000 or more employees, 94 percent of covered workers were in self-funded plans last year, KFF data show. more businesses â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including smaller ones â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are self-insuring

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Sen. Franken accused...

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do is apologize: to Leeann, to everyone else who was part of that tour, to everyone who has worked for me, to everyone I represent, and to everyone who counts on me to be an ally and supporter and champion of women. There’s more I want to say, but the first and most important thing—and if it’s the only thing you care to hear, that’s fine—is: I’m sorry.”

Franken, who expressed shame over his behavior, added that if an ethics investigation were to go forth on his conduct, he “will gladly cooperate.”

U.S. President Donald Trump even took to Twitter to weigh in on the issue, saying “The Al Frankenstein picture is really bad, speaks a thousand words.”

“And to think that just last week he was lecturing anyone who would listen about sexual harassment and respect for

women. Lesley Stahl tape?” the president said in another tweet.

Tweeden has since said that she only came forward her with her story to shed a light on the rampant sexual misconduct that permeates many professional environments.

“I wasn’t calling for his resignation, I wasn’t calling for his career to end,” Tweeden said Friday morning on “The View.”

“I didn’t want any of that. I just wanted to shine the light and stand on the shoulders of these other women to go, ‘This is not right, this is not what should be happening in our society.’”

Since the story of the downfall of Hollywood heavyweight Harvey Weinstein (who was accused by several hundred women of sexual misconduct and rape) in October, many have come out and told their own stories of sexual assault and harassment by many men in power. n

Photo courtesy of Kaiser Health News

For millions of insured Americans...

PAGE A4 t because they can save money, says Dean Hoffman, an employee benefits consultant based in Wisconsin who specializes in self-insured plans.

One way they save is by avoiding the cost of complying with state-mandated benefits. For example, Hoffman says, for every premium dollar spent on fully insured plans in Wisconsin, about 11 cents goes toward state-mandated requirements.

“Every time you add a benefit, there’s a price associated with that,” he says.

It might not be obvious that you’re covered by a self-funded plan. Most businesses contract with health insurance companies to administer them, pay claims and provide access to their provider networks. That means your insurance card will likely have a Cigna, Blue Shield or other familiar logo on it even if your plan is self-funded.

If you’re not sure whether your plan is self-insured, ask your human resources department.

“To the consumer, it feels no different,” says Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at KFF. “If you work for a big company, it’s a pretty good bet you’re in a selffunded plan.”

If you are, you may feel the difference in coverage, consumer protection and grievance procedures, however. “The only consumer protections available to those folks are just what federal law provides,” Ma says.

Consider state laws relating to surprise medical bills. Among the states that have adopted various protections against such bills, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Florida, Maryland and California have the strongest and most comprehensive measures.

But even if you live in one of these states, “you still might get hit by large medical bills” if you’re in a self-funded plan, Pollitz says.

Some self-insured businesses, however, voluntarily provide many of the same protections as state law, says Lauren Vela, a senior director at the Pacific Business Group on Health, which represents about 75 companies that self-insure nationwide.

In the case of surprise bills — from out-of-network doctors such as anesthesiologists, for instance — “a lot of employers, not all of them, would have it written into their plan that it would not be considered out-of-network,”

Vela says. “No employer wants to have employees get these kinds of surprise bills.”

To handle complaints about coverage, most states have laws allowing consumers in private health plans to appeal to an independent, external reviewer chosen by the state if your plan denies a claim and you disagree, Ma says.

In self-insured plans, you are entitled to external review — but your employer chooses, hires and pays the reviewer, Pollitz says. “It’s not independent in the way that state programs are.”

Plus, your regulator, the U.S. Department of Labor, may be slow to get involved in the grievance process, Ma says.

The department “doesn’t really have the resources or the ability to protect consumers in a timely way,” she says. “It may take them a very long time to get to your case, if they do at all, compared to state-regulated plans.”

So, if you’re in a self-funded plan and disagree with a coverage decision, look at your explanation of benefits, which will describe how to appeal. You can also ask your human resources department for guidance, or your union, if one represents you.

Most experts agree that your first step will likely be to contact the customer service line on your insurance card and request a review.

If your concern isn’t resolved that way, reach out to the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) through the Department of Labor at 866-4443272 or www.askebsa.dol.gov.

EBSA “has experts who can help on this,” says Michael Trupo, a spokesman for the department, though he did not answer follow-up questions for more details.

If you don’t get your questions answered, many states have Consumer Assistance Programs that help you navigate insurance problems, including those with self-funded plans. The Department of Managed Care administers California’s program, which can be reached at 888804-3536.

“They’ll help you file your appeal and make inquiries on your behalf,” Pollitz says. “They can be your advocate.”

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

COFFEE CUPPING. Professor Jocelyn C. Perez (right), Deputy Consortium Director of Highland Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (HAARRDEC) leads the coffee cupping — coffee tasting technique used to evaluate coffee aroma and flavor — during the “Farms and Industry Encounters, through Science and Technology Agenda” held at Benguet Cold Storage Complex in La Trinidad, Benguet on Nov. 15-17. The event was organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development and HAARRDEC. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Dateline USa

Veterans’ kin at the Hollywood march and rally.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 18-21, 2017

Photo by Fe Koons

A

Filipino American youth and student supporters of Justice for Filipino American Veterans rally in Hollywood to mark Veterans’ Day. Photo by John Prysner

Hundreds of Fil-Ams march in Hollywood for WWII Filvets equity LOS ANGELES — Hundreds of Filipino American youth and students along with scores of veterans and widows marched in Hollywood on Saturday, November 11 to continue the World War II Filipino veterans’ campaign for equity.

March organizers contend that the Congressional Gold Medal the U.S. government has awarded the veterans does not make up for America’s broken promise of equal benefits for WWII Filipino veterans.

The march, in commemoration of Veterans’ Day, protested the Rescission Act of 1946, which took away the rights under the GI Bill of 1944 of the 250,000 Filipino WWII veterans who fought under the US flag.

The Rescission Act reversed

the promise of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to give Filipino service members who fought for the US equal veterans’ benefits.

The march was led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and Kabataang makaBayan Pro People Youth (KmB), which continue to press the veterans’ equity campaign.

The four march and rally was tightly guarded by the Los Angeles Police Department in both bicycles and patrol cars.

LAPD told march organizers that it was the last Veterans Day rally that JFAV could hold in Hollywood because “they cause public inconvenience” and “danger to public safety.”

JFAV leaders vowed to protest LAPD told rally organizers they could no longer hold the march in the same place next year.

Organizers plan to protest the ban.

Photo by Arturo Garcia the ban. (Inquirer.net)

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Dateline USa

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Fil-Canadian lawmaker Tobias Enverga passes away

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

FILIPINo-Canadian and distinguished lawmaker Tobias Enverga Jr. has passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Nov. 16, his office said in a statement. He was 61.

According to the statement released by his office, Enverga “passed away unexpectedly on the morning of November 16, with his beloved wife, Rosemer, by his side.”

Enverga was the first FilipinoCanadian to take a seat in the Senate of Canada. He was appointed to the position in September 2012.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also mourned the loss of “a tireless advocate for Filipino community and people with disabilities.”

Trudeau, who was recently in the Philippines for the ASEAN Summit 2017, cited Enverga’s efforts in championing the “values of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusiveness.”

Enverga was a member of the Canadian Senate’s Aboriginal Peoples, Banking, Trade and Commerce and Fisheries and oceans standing committees.

The first Filipino Canadian Senator Tobias Enverga Jr. has passed away on the morning of November 16. He was known for his advocacies for the Filipino community in Canada and for championing the welfare of people with disabilities.

Photo from Senator Enverga’s website

Before assuming a public position, Enverga worked as a project manager of Bank of Montreal for 30 years.

While working for the bank, Enverga pursued many charitable projects for his fellow Filipinos. He spearheaded the Filipino community in Toronto for medical missions, building schools, churches and artesian walls, funding livelihood training programs, and supporting Bantay Bata and Gawad Kalinga Villages in Camarines Norte and Quezon City.

He was the founder of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation and a former president of

the Philippine Independence Day Council.

He served as a trustee to the Toronto Catholic District School Board, a co-chair of the Asian Heritage Month for the Greater Toronto Area and was previously a director of the Canadian Multicultural Council-Asians in ontario.

In 2012, Enverga received a Diamond Jubilee medal from Queen Elizabeth II. Enverga was also recognized by former-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2008 for “Linkapil Award.”

The Filipino-Canadian lawmaker is survived by his wife and three children. n

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GUEST TEACHER. Senator Joel Villanueva on Friday served as guest teacher for grade four students of City of Malolos Integrated School in Altag, Malolos City, Bulacan. Villanueva was tasked to teach Araling Panlipunan where the senator discussed about the three branches of government including his duties and responsibilities as a lawmaker. Villanueva said he is grateful for the Teach for the Philippines for giving him the opportunity to experience the noble profession.

Senate photo

Fil-Am murder suspect might have fled to PH via Mexico

by Mariano

“anong” Inquirer.net

santos

NoRTHBRooK, Illinois — Police in this upscale suburb north of Chicago disclosed November 8 that the Filipino-American suspect in the murder of a real estate lawyer in this village last December 7 might have fled to the Philippines by way of Mexico.

Police had issued an international red alert for the arrest and extradition of John G. Panaligan, 50, formerly of Aurora, Illinois.

The suspect is considered to be extremely dangerous.

Northbrook police chief, Charles Warwick announced in a press conference last March 6, that Panaligan had left the Chicago area right after the strangulation death of 36-year-old Jigar Patel at his law office.

Police investigators said that they found evidence that Panaligan fled to Mexico by truck, exiting through El Paso, Texas.

Police also believe Panaligan’s business associates helped him escape by sending money to Durango, Mexico. The police did not arrest him.

Further, police revealed that Panaligan had remitted a large amount of money to his relatives in the Philippines over a period of time. Police added that he is

Interpol issued a warrant of arrest for John G. Panaligan, 50, for first degree murder of a Northbrook, Illinois attorney.

Murder victim Jigar Patel.

the brother-in-law of Mayor Jose J. Cerrado of Tuy, Batangas. Panaligan is said to have invested in a large track of land in Tuy where he has many relatives.

Murder victim Patel represented Panaligan’s former business partners who sued him and his relatives for breach of trust and fiduciary duties related to the sale of their home health company, Vital Wellness Home Care, based in Naperville, Illinois.

Panaligan lost an appeal in the Illinois Supreme Court, with Patel winning the case for his clients. Police believed that this was Panaligan’s motive in the slaying of the lawyer.

Police previously released

a copy of a video monitor in the Northbrook office building where Patel was found dead. A man disguised as disabled in a trench coat was caught on camera within the time period of the murder. Police believe that the image is that of the murder suspect.

Northbrook police who are working with the US Marshals Service offered a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and extradition of Panaligan. He is described as a 5-foot-5, 140-pound Asian man with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information should call police at (847) 664-4464 or (847) 664-4457. n

Photos by Northbrook Police

Veteran US senator hits Trump for being mum on Duterte’s human rights record he also chided Trump for failing to mention human rights during his visit to Vietnam when he atA VETERAN American senator tended the meeting of the Asia criticized U.S. President Donald Pacific Economic Cooperation in Trump for failing to raise the is- the Southeast Asian country. sue of human rights in his bilaterMcCain and Trump both beal meeting with President Rodrigo long to the Republican Party, Duterte, who has been slammed but the veteran U.S. senator has for alleged human rights viola- lived up to his maverick image by tions attending his ferocious cam- bucking the American leader’s paign against narcotics. policy pushes such as the move Sen. John McCain, a Republi- to repeal former U.S. President can from Arizona, described as Barack obama’s health care law “sad” the failure of the American and to restrict immigration from leader to push Duterte on his hu- several Muslim-majority naman rights record. tions.

“And human rights obviousPresidential spokesman Harry ly not a priority in @PoTUS’s Roque insisted that the topic was (Trump’s Twitter account) meet- not raised by Trump during the ing with Duterte – again, sad,” talks.

McCain said, mimicking Trump’s When confronted with a stateway of talking on the social media ment coming from the White site Twitter.

House that such topic was disThe tweet was sent in response cussed, Roque insisted, “There to a previous message McCain was no mention of human rights, posted on November 11 in which there was no mention of extraleby audrey

Morallo Philstar.com

Trump reiterates aid...

PAGE A2 t

said Roque.

According to reports, Philippine ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said that it would be a violation on the U.S.’ part to give aid to the Philippine government due to the latter’s ongoing allegations of internationally-recognized gross human rights violations.

During Trump and Duterte’s bilateral meeting on Monday, Trump did not respond to questions of whether the issue of human rights was raised. Duterte too kept mum and instead admonished reporters, saying it was a bilateral meeting, not a news conference.

“Whoa, whoa,” said the Philippine president to reporters. “This is not a press statement. This is the bilateral meeting.”

“We will be discussing matters that are of interest to both the Philippines and…with you around, guys, you are the spies,” he told reporters at which Trump laughed.

In a following press briefing, Roque seemed to put the question to rest when he said, “The issue of human rights did not arise. It was not brought up.”

“There was no mention of human rights. There was no mention of extralegal killings. There was

only a rather lengthy discussion of the Philippine war on drugs with President Duterte doing most of the explaining,” said Roque.

He also said that Trump “seemed to be appreciative of his efforts.”

However, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders made a contradicting statement and said that the issue of human rights did come up, though rather fleetingly, in addition to talks of fair trade, the war on drugs, and terrorism.

“Human rights briefly came up in the context of the Philippines’ fight against illegal drugs,” said Sanders.

In a following joint statement released late Monday, the topic was included.

“The two sides underscored that human rights and the dignity of human life are essential, and agreed to continue mainstreaming the human rights agenda in their national programs to promote the welfare of all sectors, including the most vulnerable groups,” reads the statement.

In a separate reference, the statement said, “The two sides discussed the ongoing campaign in the Philippines against criminality including illegal drugs.

Both sides acknowledged that illegal drug use is a problem afflict-

gal killings.”

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders however was quoted by the White House press pool as saying, “Human rights briefly came up in the context of the Philippines’ fight against illegal drugs.”

This position was reinforced by the recent statement by the U.S. and the Philippine released by the White House.

According to the joint statement, the two countries underscored that human rights and the dignity of human life were essential. It added that the two sides agreed to mainstream their human rights agenda in their national programs to promote the welfare of all sectors, including the most vulnerable groups.

The Philippine leader is currently facing stringent criticisms on local and international fronts because of the ferociousness of his drug war. n ing both countries and committed to share best practices in the areas of prevention; enforcement, including capacity-building and transparency in investigations; and rehabilitation.”

Since taking office in June of last year, Duterte has been condemned by international leaders and human rights groups for his war on drugs that has left thousands dead.

Last week, Duterte said on Wednesday, November 8, that he was ready to tell Trump to “lay off” if the latter was to bring up the issue of human rights during their upcoming meeting — Trump has never publically raised the subject before, despite urges by human rights advocates for him to do so.

Despite his warning to avoid the subject, the relationship between the two seemed rather cordial in the days leading up to their awaited bilateral meeting.

The camaraderie continued up until the ASEAN summit where Duterte sang Tagalog song “Ikaw” (You) in a duet with Philippine singer Pilita Corrales. He later told ABS-CBN new that he sang the song uninvited “upon the order of the commander-in-chief of the United States.”

Also present at the summit were leaders of the 10-member ASEAN. China, Russia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand were also present. n

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D ateline PhiliPPines AFP vows to investigate reports

A

Sen. Trillanes faces sedition, coup of abuses in Marawi City siege d’etat raps over call to ‘kill’ Duterte

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, November 17 assured the public that it will not tolerate any misdeeds possibly committed by soldiers at during the five-month-long Marawi City siege.

In a press briefing, AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla vowed that there will be an investigation on reports of human rights violations and other crimes allegedly committed by members of the military.

“We are committed to respecting international humanitarian law and respecting human rights,” Padilla told reporters.

“We will investigate and discipline those found guilty of violating policies and regulations.”

While the AFP has not received any formal complaints, Padilla stressed that just mere allegations of human rights abuses are “disturbing.”

“These are disturbing. Any reports of human rights violations are disturbing and they’re very serious. So we take them with focus and seriousness as well,” he said.

But if there are indeed cases of rights violations and other crimes, Padilla said that those can be considered as “isolated incidents.”

Amnesty International (AI), a human rights group, recently claimed that the AFP also committed violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws just like the Maute terrorist group during the Marawi City siege, which started on May 23.

“Displaced en masse when the fighting began in May, thousands of people are now returning to a city that has been utterly destroyed in places, where civilians have been slaughtered by militants, and both sides have committed abuses,” said Tirana hassan, AI Crisis Response Director.

In its report entitled “‘Battle of Marawi’: Death and destruction in the Philippines,” AI detailed cases of looting, illegal detention, and maltreatment of escaping Marawi City residents, citing interviewed civilians and “victims” as their sources.

“Members of the armed forces detained numerous people and accused them, without evidence, of being militants. Detainees

were allegedly then subjected to various forms of ill-treatment including sustained beatings and threats of execution,” the report read.

AI added that the military “may also have carried out disproportionate air and ground attacks.”

“Their extensive bombing of militant-held areas of Marawi City wiped out entire neighborhoods and killed civilians, highlighting the need for an investigation into its compliance with international humanitarian law,” the group said.

AI called for “prompt, independent, and effective” investigations into the allegations of abuses and violations committed by both the government forces and militants.

Padilla said the AFP will formally answer the AI report once they get a copy of it.

“Be that as it may, our Chief of Staff has mentioned that our actions in the Marawi conflict were guided by the rules of conflict, which provides for the necessity and proportionality in the use of force,” Padilla added, referring to military chief General Leonardo Guerrero. n

Robredo laments divisiveness among Filipinos

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Vice Pres. Leni Robredo on Tuesday, Nov. 14 urged ASEAN member countries to give the youth broader opportunities to shield them from the misuse of technology and social media as tools to “sow hate and anger.”

Photo from the Office of the Vice President

PhILIPPINe Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday, Nov. 15, launched the “Istorya ng Pag-asa” (Stories of Hope) project in Iloilo City, which aims to gather stories that would positively inspire other people.

Citing social media site Facebook as an example, Robredo lamented the supposed divisiveness among Filipinos. “[I] remember that the first time I joined, it was such a happy place to be in,” the vice president said in her speech. “You are there to share important milestones with your friends. You are there to make new friends. You are there to solidify old friendships.” “[But then] we woke up one day, Facebook is different already,” she

u PAGE A11

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

A GRouP of lawyers has filed criminal charges against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for allegedly encouraging the military to kill Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

The complainants, led by Atty.

Manuel Luna, filed inciting to sedition, proposal to commit coup d’etat, and graft raps against the senator before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s office on Thursday, Nov. 16. other complainants were lawyers Louise Biraogo, eduardo Bringas, Glenn Chong, Nestor Ifurung, eligio Mallari, and Nasser Marohomsalic.

In their complaint, the group claimed that Trillanes “committed conspiracy or proposal to commit coup d’etat” when he supposedly provoked the military to use an M60 machine gun against Duterte in a speech last month.

“Trillanes not only repeatedly uttered seditious words or speeches and unabatedly circulated scurrilous libels against the president, which tend to disturb the public peace, but also repeatedly incited others to inflict any hate or revenge upon his person,” the lawyers said.

They also accused the opposition senator of causing undue injury against the Duterte administration “through evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.” “(This is) for irresponsibly and recklessly and continuously accusing sans evidence, that the president is keeping over P2 billion in bank accounts and or amassing illegally-acquired wealth,” they

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV Inquirer.net photo

added.

Trillanes, a staunch critic of Duterte, has repeatedly accused the president and his family of having an almost two billion pesos worth of undeclared wealth in three bank accounts from 2006 to

2015.

While the senator cited the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC)l as his source, AMLC denied that it provided documents and information related to

u PAGE A11

A november 18-21, 2017 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JoUrnAL

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OpiniOn

Challenges amid growth

Features

Despite the siege in Marawi City, inflation, political noise and external factors, the economy grew by a better-than-expected 6.9 percent in the third quarter. this made the philippines one of the best economic performers in the region, outpacing growth in China and indonesia, although behind Vietnam’s robust 7.5 percent.

Economic managers attributed the Philippines’ performance to greater public spending and sustained strong growth in exports, which boosted manufacturing and services. While household consumption accounted for 55.7 percent of gross domestic product growth, however, the pace was slower due to inflation. Export growth also slowed in the third quarter, raising concerns about the sustainability of the GDP growth rate.

Growth can be sustained by other sources such as investments, but the country continues to grapple with disincentives to business, including red tape and corruption, restrictions on foreign ownership, poor infrastructure, high power costs and a weak regulatory environment.

Aside from sustainability, the persistent concern amid strong economic growth is the challenge of inclusion. Previous administrations have admitted that the fruits of economic growth have failed to reach the grassroots. The Duterte administration has made the right noises about making growth eq-

uitable and narrowing the income gap, but the nation is a long way from achieving these objectives.

A report released recently by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations secretariat in Jakarta together with China and the United Nations Development Program showed that nearly 90 percent of people classified as extremely poor in ASEAN live in the Philippines and Indonesia. The report tackled ways of maximizing financing to ease poverty and help ASEAN achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Extreme poverty in Southeast Asia has fallen from 17 percent of the population in 2005 to seven percent in 2013, according to the report, but these people are vulnerable to returning to poverty. Even that small percentage also means 36 million people classified as poor, with 90 percent living in the Philippines and Indonesia. Lifting those millions out of poverty remains a daunting challenge as the Philippines registers strong economic growth. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Fr. Archie Guiriba: Exposing us to our collective truth

Rhizomes

Prosy AbArquezDelACruz, J.D. “Bring the healing power of God’s grace to everyone in need, to stay close to the marginalized, to be shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.” - Pope Francis ProPagators of the good news In a one-on-one interview at the Asian Journal office, I asked Fr. Archie Guiriba about his calling to serve God and the miracles he has witnessed. Short in stature, yet huge in presence, Fr. Archie was constantly reaching out and at times, forgetting his personal needs. He had to be reminded by his assistant to change out from the yellow vestment he wore.

Fr. Archie belongs to the Order of Franciscan Missionaries (OFM), who are well-known for their evangelizing missions. If readers are familiar with the California missions, 21 still exist today out of the 100 missions that were established by the Franciscan missionaries in America.

According to SeeCalifornia.com, “Recall that in 1776 the Declaration of Independence declared East Coast free from British control, but 3,000 miles away on the West Coast Spaniards sought to

claim the lands by building 21 missions from 1769 to 1823.

Under the leadership of a Franciscan, Fr. Junipero Serra, the California mission system had been launched.“ Today, the OFM, using email and internet, disseminates the daily video reflections of the Gospel, from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Much like the U.S.-based Franciscans, Fr. Archie has forged a strong collaboration with Channels 5, 7 and 13 as others, to televise his yearly Lenten retreats at the Araneta Coliseum, attracting tens of thousands of attendees.

Fr. Archie is cited by Allan Anderson and Edmond Tang, editors of The Asian and Pentecostal: The Charismatic Face of Christianity in Asia, as a fringe group leader, “who started Shalom and organizes his own TV masses and miraculous crusades. In some dioceses, bishops try to stop the spread of this group, yet people are very attracted by the healing sessions and keep flocking to the masses and prayer rallies of Guiriba.” They theorized that earlier Charismatic groups were influenced by the middle class who set boundaries using power and possession, leaving out the poorer classes who felt oppression, to seek other groups.

Here in Los Angeles, Fr. Archie worked with the Asian Journal (AJ)’s Roger and Cora Oriel. He praised the role of AJ in evangelizing God’s word these past two months. “I am grateful that my schedule of healing masses was printed in AJ.” He credits the newspaper’s role that the healing masses in Los Angeles were well-attended, in that, “AJ was gracious in telling the people the dates, the times, the churches we will be reaching, a very good role in 21st century’s evangelizing.” He kept a hectic schedule, visiting nine churches, traveling at times, over 120 miles in a day.

He approached one of the AJ staffers, and he moves his hands, as if flying: “Remember, fly above the storm clouds. There is but one direction, upward.” He smiles and leaves her to write.

“Every writer should be accountable to the Lord,” he says.

“Media’s role is very, very sensitive – we have to be responsible with our writing. Can you imagine if most of your writings [are] based on the word of God?” He continues his homily. “In our country, the writings are colorful. Even if nothing substantial, it is published. It is made significant, with a newsprint date. Every writer’s communications [are] very vital. The greatest communicators in the world

are here, gesturing to the Bible, e.g., St. Paul, writing to the Romans. What quality of writing is generated by the world today? Is it good news? Imagine if all of our us are propagators of good news?” He informs us that St. Paul wrote with excellence and quality.

He says, “The greatest communicator of all is the Holy Spirit. He loves you very much whether you are an atheist, for you are a human being created in the image of God. Words that are pertinent and powerful make a large impact to the people,” then, he makes us repeat in unison, “If you confess with your mouth and believe with all your heart you shall be saved, for with heart you believe that God hath raised Him [Jesus Christ] from the dead, for with your mouth, the confession is made into salvation.”

Gesturing first with an open hand, he says, “If you are a mess,” then with a fist pump, “turn your mess into a message.” He turns his fist pump upright, into a modern symbol of struggle, of fighting for a cause.

The healing messages to the body, first from the mind “Sickness is a lie,” Fr. Archie declared at his last healing mass in Los Angeles, “What is the truth? The truth is that you are healthy.”

He then relates JR’s diagnosis of stage 4 cancer who was told by his doctor that he has three months to live. “Until now, he is alive, that diagnosis was false, he is alive.” He then recites Romans, 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

He continues, “God loves you whether you know it or not; whether you like it or not.” He then recites, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

“You are not an accident of history,“ he asserts. In cases of rape, he said, “if a child is born, don’t blame the child, it has nothing to do with the circumstances of his/her birth.”

When a child was born of artificial insemination to Joel Cruz, Fr. Archie asked, “Tao ba ito?”

(Is this a human being?) Yes is the answer, and he baptized the child, even if other priests refused. Three sets of twins were baptized.

He asserts, “My assignment is not my decision but my discovery.” He has been a priest for 40 years this October. He turns to us: “All the more of your responsibility, you become cre-

ative writers not only to magnify the sensational, but the truth! If we accept God, we reach out to others, we are reaching out to people and bringing them to the Kingdom of God.” Who is Fr. archie?

He was born to Emiliano and Narcisa Condes Guiriba. He heard God’s calling as a gradual process, which developed over the years. In high school, he stayed at the Colegio Serafica in SF del Monte, Quezon City and studied at the San Jose Seminary run by the Jesuits. He was inspired by Fr. Antonio Luto, a pastor who was humble, generous, approachable, serving others, preaching well based on God’s word.

In the seminary, he learned several languages, and even today, continues to acquire different languages. He can speak seven languages (Spanish, Latin, Italian, French, German, English and Tagalog) and is currently learning Hebrew so he can study the Bible in depth.

“If you know Latin, it is easy to study Spanish, Portuguese and French. If you know German, then English and Dutch become easy to pick up. If you study the Semitic languages, then you become fluent in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic, “ he said.

But, a language of grace is

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ASEAN is not all handshakes and photo ops

Commentary

Antonio ContrerAs LIBERAL Party congressman Teddy B. Baguilat embodied all that is wrong about the political opposition when he mocked our hosting of the Asean summit by alleging that it was a waste of time and resources. He tweeted that we spent billions of pesos in hosting it but we did not get anything in return except “handshakes, obligated smiles and safe rhetoric.” The gentleman from Ifugao further tweeted that our country merely “hosted a giant party and photo ops.”

It is mind-boggling that a member of Congress could be totally clueless about the nature of regional meetings like the Asean summit.

Teddy Baguilat should know that hosting regional summits like this is rotated among member countries, and that such is a matter of duty and obligation.

It is not supposed to be seen as an opportunity for the country to exact gains. And it is utterly scandalous that we measure success in terms of maximizing our

gains in exchange for every peso we spent. That will turn us into a country of mercenaries.

But even for the sake of pleasing Baguilat, it is not as if there were no concrete gains made for the country. Kent Tangcalagan, a member of the Erasmus Mundus Association and an alumnus of the De La Salle University, in a Facebook post, posted a list which he diligently extracted from different sources of the specific monetized benefits which the country received after spending P15.5 billion in hosting the summit.

We obtained P1.15 billion in grants from China to rebuild Marawi City. China also lent us P355 billion for infrastructure projects. China and the Philippines signed 14 agreements on the above endeavors, plus other projects in the areas of youth development, climate change, defense and intellectual property.

Japan provided P6.7 billion worth of assistance to strengthen our country’s maritime surveillance capability to enable us to combat radicalism and violent extremism more effectively.

Canada pledged over P715 million of investment over a period of five years that will improve

access to reproductive health.

Baguilat should also be informed that regional summits, including the earlier APEC that was earlier hosted by Vietnam, provide venues for the signing of non-monetary deals, but would have substantial impacts that can translate into concrete improvements in our governance and economy. Tangcalagan enumerates some of these, including the signing between Asean and China of the Declaration for a Decade of Coastal and Marine Environmental Protection in the South China Sea, of which the Philippines is an important stakeholder. There was also an agreement to begin formal multi-party negotiations for the finalization of a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The Philippines also benefited from the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that reduced barriers to trade between Hong Kong and the Philippines.

An FTA proposal was raised between the Philippines and the U.S.; and with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which is a trade bloc comprising the Russian Federation, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyr-

gyztan.

Three memoranda of agreement (MOA) were signed between the Philippines and New Zealand for cooperation in the areas of education, joint airline marketing, geothermal energy experience sharing and improvement of weather intelligence. Nine MOAs were signed with the Russian Federation with regard to energy cooperation, fighting terrorism, railway infrastructure exploration, transport education and interdepartmental governance partnerships.

Within Asean partners, some significant agreements were also forged or adopted. Listed

by Tangcalagan are the Focused and Strategic (FAST) Action Agenda on Investment which aligns with the goals and pillars of the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA); the Asean Inclusive Business Framework (AIBF); the Asean Seamless Trade Facilitation Agreement Indicators (ASTFI) by the Asean Economic Ministers (AEM); and the ASEAN Program on Electronic Commerce (AWPEC) the Asean Inclusive Business Framework (AIBF) for 2017-2025, both approved in an earlier meeting in September

2017. Also significant was the Asean Declaration on Innovation.

Baguilat and his colleagues in the political opposition frame themselves as advocates of human rights. They must then be informed of the several agreements that were forged that had significant bearing on human and gender rights. The Asean Leaders adopted the Action Agenda on Mainstreaming Women’s Economic Empowerment in Asean. The Asean Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers was also signed.

A joint US-Philippine statement ensuring the mainstreaming of the human rights agenda in the national programs of both countries was issued. It should also be mentioned that despite the prevailing doctrine of non-interference among Asean member-states, a significant step was made when Myanmar was able to make a positive commitment in ensuring the rights of the Rohingya Muslims.

The only sore point which we can grant Teddy Baguilat in the otherwise largely positive landscape of agreements is the one that pertained to the FTA bilat-

eral proposal between the Philippines and the European Union (EU), which was being held up by the latter’s insistence on its definition of “human rights” and “rule of law.” This is a significant issue since a failure to reach a consensus can jeopardize such FTA. The President has already said that he will no longer accept grants and aid from EU. This is saddening. It is also a bit ironic for Mr. Tangcalagan, for it will have some implications on the future of Erasmus Mundus, which is an EU educational grant for Filipinos to pursue advanced degrees in EU-based universities, and for which he is a beneficiary.

Hence, far from what Teddy Baguilat has painted it to be, and aside from this matter with the EU, the Asean Summit was far from being a wasteful, giant party of handshakes and photo ops.

More importantly, hosting the summit also enhanced the place of our President as a respected leader in the eyes of Asean and its partners.

And this is what is probably irritating to Teddy Baguilat and the political opposition. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 18-21, 2017

A

Duterte on Trudeau’s human rights concerns: ‘I only answer to Filipinos’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

LEFT BEHIND. Some 140 passengers of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 were forced to walk on the rail tracks when the coach they were in detached from the train between Buendia and Ayala Avenue Stations on Thursday morning, Nov. 16. Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said the passengers were evacuated from the detached train. No one was injured in the incident.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Fr. Archie Guiriba: Exposing us to our...

PAGE A8 t

what I am curious. I asked him to share the miracles he has witnessed.

Miracles witnessed First, his ordination by Bishop Teotimo Pacis on October 12, 1977 at the Cagsawa Ruins in Bicol. He was joined by two other Franciscans, Fr. Pete Montelyana and Fr. Oscar Ante. He remembers the torch lights, illuminating the place. Franciscan songs were sung, “Come build my church.”

For those non-Bicolanos, Cagsawa tower ruins are what remains of the 16th century Cagsawa church, built by the Franciscans. The church was then destroyed by Dutch pirates, rebuilt again by Fr. Francisco Blanco and then, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Volcano in 1814. It has now become a tourist destination, preserved by the local government and the National Museum of the Philippines.

How did you feel then, I asked?

“I remember being excited to preach the word of God through media and after that, I had radio Veritas and television exposure,” he answered.

He shared the miracles he witnessed after praying for a painter with lung cancer. His sister went to the Philippines and asked for prayers for his brother, “So we prayed…your brother is healed.

You can go home now. I believe he is healed.”

But she asked Fr. Archie to go visit him in Istanbul. At first, he refused. But, later, he went, accompanied by Dr. Freddie and Luz, who are passionate bene-

factors of Shalom.

He continues, “When we were there in Istanbul, I asked the family to pray with us – are you [the family] willing to receive Jesus as your Lord and Master?” They all said yes. “We danced, we sang, we prayed together.”

“After we prayed, lo and behold, this painter who has been in bed for 12 years, stood up and danced too. He declared, ‘I am healed, Fr. Archie. I will now drive you in Istanbul.’” As he drove, he took Fr. Archie to his favorite restaurant and they had seafood, kebabs and “it was far beyond my imagination, it was God who was healing. He is still alive,” the priest recalled.

Another miracle is a man who resides in Bicol, who fell from the coconut tree. He had been paralyzed and could not walk for 12 years.

This is when I paused and asked Fr. Archie – “Why 12 years in both cases of miraculous healings that you witnessed?” He responded, “12 apostles, 12 tribes of Israel.”

This paralyzed man was carried by his family and they all attended the healing services during Holy Week at the Araneta Coliseum (seating capacity of 16,500). They all rode the bus from Bicol to Manila. Just as we prayed, as “I declared through Jesus Christ,” he was healed. He stood up, he ran, he shouted, “I am healed. I am healed.” “ That was God, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit which healed him, “ he added.

I asked if he has a vision for his

life for the next decade, “My focus and my passion is to preach about God and the righteousness in Christ Jesus. The salvation, the healing, when a person receives Jesus, he receives the Holiness of God, it takes faith to believe it. Be holy as my father is holy, Jesus said. It is a command, it is not optional. Key to our victory – ‘Shalom’ – meaning of grace. Christ did not sin. Yet He became sin, so that you and I, sinners, we become justified.”

He recites Matthew 16:26, “For what is a man profited if he gains the wide world and suffers the loss of his own soul or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

He speaks of transformation, of mess into message, of open hand into a fist pump, of confession into salvation. A sense of humility in imploring God’s mercy, a sense of openness to receive God’s grace of healing and anchored in a deep belief that God is all powerful! *** 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.

PHILIPPINe President Rodrigo Duterte was not happy with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for raising concerns on human rights, saying he considers the foreign leader’s move as a “personal and official insult.”

In a news conference after the closing ceremony of the 31st ASeAN Summit and Related Meetings, Duterte was asked how he responded to Trudeau’s concern over the supposed human rights violations and summary killings being linked to his anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Claiming that foreigners were unaware of the situation on the ground, Duterte said he felt insulted whenever his drug war was criticized by people who “do not know exactly what is happening in this country.”

“I said I will not explain. It is a personal and official insult. That is why you hear me throwing down epithets, curses… and everything because it angers me,” the Philip-

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delighted the customers and store team of Jollibee’s North Harbour Branch when he made a jolly stopover on Sunday, Nov. 12 on his first day in Manila.

Photo courtesy of Jollibee

pine president told reporters on Tuesday, November 14.

Duterte further insisted that he is not obligated to answer questions on the situation of the country to non-Filipinos.

“You know, I was elected by

the People of the Republic of the Philippines. I only answer to the people of the Republic of the Philippines. If you are a Filipino, even if you are a fisherman and you ask me that, I will explain to you

u PAGE A11

A10 november 18-21, 2017 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JoUrnAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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No need to tighten security on Paga-asa Island, says defense chief

by DempSey

reyeS ManilaTimes.net

THERE is no need to tighten security over the disputed Pag-asa (Thitu) Island at the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) since the Philippines has not monitored security threats from China, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Friday, Nov. 17.

“When you say tighten securi-

ty, you are expecting somebody will attack you. No one has been attacking us there,” Lorenzana told reporters in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“There is no threat. So, as far as we are concerned, that Pagasa incident is already in the past, it was already dealt with,” Lorenzana added.

Lorenzana referred to his visit

at Pag-asa Island in April when Chinese fishing boats and vessels were spotted.

He said that tightened security would not be needed since the tension between China and the Philippines had “decreased” after President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office and visited Beijing.

It was also agreed upon by the two countries that there would be no installation of new features over the nearby islands of Pag-asa based on an agreement between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lorenzana said.

Pag-asa is part of the Kalayaan (Spratly) Group of Islands, which the Philippines has laid claim to.

Besides Pag-asa, the Philippines has also staked its claim on eight other islands and reefs: Kota (Loaita) Island, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Lawak (Nanshan) Island, Parola (Northeast Cay) Island, Patag (Flat) Island, Rizal (Commodore) Reef, Likas (West York) Island and Panata (Lankiam Cay) Island.

Lorenzana said that President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the withdrawal of troops from Pagasa.

He said that it was the DFA, which relayed China’s opposition to the occupation of Philippine forces over Sandy Cay. Pag-asa Island is 12 nautical miles off the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Department of National Defense (DND) said it would sign a contract with Luzviminda Engineering to construct a beaching ramp on the sand bars of Pag-asa Islands.

Code of Conduct to benefit Filipinos At the same time, Lorenzana said that China’s agreement to be part of a binding Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea would be “productive” for the Philippines, as he believed in China’s “sincerity.”

“The President also believes that they (China) are also sincere and we are pursuing that together with other claimants [of the South China Sea],” Lorenzana noted.

There are five other claimants of the disputed territories: Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, China and the Philippines.

Lorenzana said the CoC would also benefit the Philippines, as well as other claimant countries. n

TACKLING AMNESTY AND STIFFER PENALTIES TO TAX EVADER. Senator Sonny Angara will push for tight rules on the grant of general tax amnesty accompanied by strict enforcement of tax laws that will impose stiffer penalties to tax evaders who opt not to avail of the amnesty.

The senator explained that a tax amnesty program can increase compliance by encouraging taxpayers to declare and pay previously undeclared tax, file tax returns or register to pay taxes. The program should give the impression that it a sort of last chance for erring taxpayers to have a clean slate after which the government will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

Senate photo

PH economy grows faster than expected by 6.9% in Q3 2017

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) posted a “spectacular” growth of 6.9 percent for the period of July to September 2017, surpassing the 6.5 to 6.6 percent estimation of most economists.

This made the country the second fastest-growing economy in Asia next to Vietnam’s 7.46 percent, and ahead of China’s 6.8 percent. It likewise surpassed Indonesia’s 5.06 percent and Singapore’s 4.6 percent.

The country’s third-quarter GDP figure was higher than the 6.5 percent growth in the second quarter of 2017, and of the 6.4 percent posted in the first quarter. The figure, however, was slower than the 7.1 percent recorded in the same period last year.

Bloomberg and Reuters earlier projected a 6.5 percent GDP growth in the third quarter of the year.

“The Philippines’ economic growth surpassed market expectations. That’s spectacular growth after an election year,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a news conference on Thursday, November 16.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), manufacturing, trade, and real estate, renting and business activities were the main drivers of growth for this year’s third quarter.

The industry recorded the fastest growth of 7.5 percent among the major economic sectors, followed by services with 7.1 percent growth. Agriculture, on the other hand, slowed down by 2.5 percent from the 3.0 percent growth in the previous year.

The country’s gross national income (GNI) also rose by 6.7 percent, backed by the 5.7 per-

The Philippine economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter, making it the second fastest-growing economy in Asia next to Vietnam and ahead of China, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Thursday, Nov. 16.

Infographics by Philstar.com

cent growth of net primary income (NPI) from the rest of the world.

Per capita GDP rose by 5.4 percent, while per capita GNI and per capita household final consumption expenditure grew by 5.2 percent and 3.0 percent, respectively.

Asked for his GDP outlook for the fourth quarter of 2017, Pernia expressed optimism that the country’s economy will grow at a faster pace for the October to December period. He also expects agriculture to rise in the next quarter.

“Well the usual risks would be weather disturbances. But we were saying that we expect though that the growth of the fourth quarter GDP will be higher or at least match the third quarter’s performance,” Pernia said.

He added that the Philippines remains on track to achieving its goal of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent economic growth for the full year

of 2017.

Members of the opposition, meanwhile, were unimpressed by the country’s 6.9 percent GDP growth for this year’s third quarter.

In a message to Inquirer, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin pointed out that the government “has not addressed inequality, unemployment, lack of livelihoods and rising inflation that hits the poor most.”

“A rise in economic output does not mean it translates to having a positive impact on the overall socioeconomic welfare of society,” he said.

Sharing the same sentiments, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. claimed that poverty and unemployment remained high despite the growing economy.

“What kind of growth are we talking about? Poverty and unemployment figures are still high and getting worse. Inflation remains high as the peso continues to devalue,” Baguilat said. n

Martial law in Mindanao may be extended – AFP

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

DESPITE the liberation of Marawi City, Mindanao will remain under martial law due to a lingering threat from terror groups in the country, a military spokesman said on Friday, November 17.

In a news conference in Malacañang, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said there was still a network of local terrorists who remained combative — grounds for possible extension of martial law in Mindanao, if not addressed by yearend.

But Padilla assured the public that the government forces were exhausting all efforts to foil any potential terror attacks by Islamist fighters.

“We’re working towards that (lifting of martial law in Mindanao). We’re hoping to be able to address and normalize everything by the end of the year because that was the deadline given to us.

But be that as it may, the network of the local terrorist groups still continue and this is the subject of our efforts,” Padilla told reporters.

Martial law was declared in Mindanao on May 23, when fighting in Marawi broke out. Under the 1987 Constitution, the declaration was limited to 60 days. But on the request of President Rodrigo Duterte, Congress extended martial law until December 31.

A day after the death of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute in October, Duterte declared that Marawi has been liberated from the influence of terrorists, allowing the government to shift its focus to rehabilitating the city.

Some sectors have asked

Duterte to lift martial law now that security forces have eliminated the leaders of the bandits.

But the military said martial law was still needed to curb terrorist networks in other parts of Mindanao like Basilan and Sulu.

‘Road to normalcy’ Meanwhile, Padilla said clearing operations were ongoing as part of government efforts to bring back the war-torn city on the “road to normalcy.”

“16 more unexploded ordnance were found and addressed by our combined teams of explosive ordnance disposal experts,” Padilla said.

The military, he said, also recovered two more high-powered firearms in the lake area where troops seized 30 high-powered firearms.

Padilla said nine villages (barangay) have been cleared for residents to return “following the protocol that was established by the local government.”

“We are also working on the clearing of 10 more villages next week and we will turn this over to the local government and to Joint Task Force Bangon Marawi,” he said.

Out of the 96 villages in Marawi City, Padilla said 41 were unaffected while 36 were still the subject of continuing clearing operations “until such time that we are convinced that this can be opened safely to returning residents.”

He said the last fire fight between state troops and the Islamic State-linked Maute group was on November 5 in which nine terrorists were killed.

“This has been the last. And that is why recently, there has been an announcement that we

no longer sense or monitor any sign of life in the last main battle areas,” Padilla said.

Abusive troops Padilla also said the military would prosecute soldiers who would be found guilty of committing rape against the displaced women of the Marawi siege.

Padilla called on victims of erring soldiers to come forward after Amnesty International (AI) reported that the military committed abuse against eight civilians who were trapped in Marawi.

The AI report cited the account of one of the eight civilians, a construction worker, who told the AI that he and his companions were crossing a bridge to flee from the militants when Marines confronted and detained them, beat them up, and tied their hands and feet with electrical wire.

The AI also cited an account from another civilian who claimed that the military beat him to a pulp, hit his hands and back with the butt of a rifle, and poured burning liquid poured all over his body. He was eventually brought to the Red Cross.

Padilla said allegations of sexual abuse have been floating since June, the second month of government operations against the Maute.

“We are ready to take action as soon as a formal complaint is lodged,” Padilla said.

The Marawi conflict ended after 154 days of intense fighting between government forces and the Maute group, leaving over a hundred soldiers, at least 47 civilians and about 800 terrorists dead, as well as 500,000 people displaced. (with Llanesca Panti)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 18-21, 2017

A11

‘3 Sayyaf suspects planned to attack ASEAN summit’ filed against Jikiri.

Police said they recovered from the suspects two .45-caliMANILA — The three suspect- ber revolvers, a 9mm pistol, two ed Abu Sayyaf members arrested M203 rifle grenades, ammunilast week planned to conduct tion and six mobile phones.

They were collared a few days terror attacks in Metro Manila that would have disrupted the before delegates to the ASEAN recently concluded 31st Associa- summit arrived in the country.

The three are allegedly memtion of Southeast Asian Nations bers of the Abu Sayyaf under (ASEAN) summit.

Abdulgaffar Jikiri, alias Abu Basilan-based terrorist Puruji Bakar Jikiri, 19; Alim Sabtalin, Indama.

PNP chief Director General 19, and Sadam Jhofar, 24, were presented to the media by police Ronald dela Rosa said intelliat Camp Crame on Friday, No- gence officers gathered information that the suspects planned vember 17.

The suspects were apprehend- to stage attacks in Metro Manila ed by operatives of the Philippine ahead of the ASEAN Summit and National Police (PNP), National Related Meetings.

“The effort to track them down Bureau of Investigation, Armed was part of our target hardening Forces of the Philippines and the PH-CHINA PROJECT. President Rodrigo Duterte examines the scale model of the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella Pantaleon Bridges Project which was launched during the visit of People’s Republic of China State Council Premier Li Keqiang at the Malacañan Palace on November National Intelligence Coordinat- and intelligence fusion during 15, 2017.

Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal Jr. ing Agency at the Salam Com- the summit,” Dela Rosa told repound in Barangay Culiat, Que- porters.

Prior to their arrest, Jikiri zon City on Nov. 10.

Police filed charges of illegal posted on Facebook a photo of possession of firearms and am- high-powered firearms and exPAGE A7 t “These Duterte minions are munition against the suspects plosives that would be used to the preservation of the State as well as the promotion of the wel- doing all sorts of harassment before the city prosecutor’s of- kill non-believers and Muslim Duterte’s finances. apostates.

In a privilege speech last Octo- fare of all the people,” the com- against me in the hope that they fice.

Sabtalin came to Metro Manila A separate complaint for illewould be able to divert my attenber 3, the opposition senator said plaint read.

“Having endangered the life tion,” the senator said in a state- gal possession of explosives was last August, followed by Jikiri in the “military should shoot Duterte with an M-60 machine gun for his of State and its people, Trillanes ment released by his office.

“I remain focused on findshould bear all the probable and alleged hidden wealth.”

“When the very existence of logical consequences of his acts. ing ways to continue to expose the State is in peril and the Presi- He who is the cause of the cause Duterte’s murders, corruption dency is being undermined, the is the cause of the evil caused,” and secret bank accounts; as PAGE A7 t president said. well as Polong’s (Davao City Vice added. “And people were angrier, Government is not powerless to it added.

“Discretion naman iyon ng PanBut Trillanes downplayed the Mayor Paolo Duterte) BOC smug- people were fighting already. For- gulo kung sino ang iimbitahan o contain the threat or meet the danger with everything at its dis- complaint, calling the lawyers gling and involvement in the mer friends are unfriending each hindi. Pero tingin ko hindi naman posal. After all, the first business who filed raps against him as P6.4-billion shabu shipment,” he other already. Generally, Filipino dapat palakihin pa. (Who to invite added. n of the Philippine government is “minions” of the president. people seemed to be very polar- and not to invite depend on the President’s discretion. But I think ized.”

Robredo then encouraged Ilong- this issue should not be blown out gos to contribute to the program by of proportion),” she added.

In a media interview, Duterte’s sharing more stories of hope and to PAGE A9 t In his opening remarks, Tusk thwart the “prevailing darkness that spokesperson Harry Roque clariexchange,” he added.

Duterte’s so-called drug war emphasized that deepening ties seems to be enveloping the country fied that there is “nothing political” patiently,” the president said. concerning Robredo’s non-incluHe also encouraged other world has drawn criticisms from inter- between the two blocs were right now.” sion at the welcoming rites and ‘No big deal’ leaders and organizations to not national groups and foreign gov- “based on common interests and In the same speech, Robredo gala dinner. rely on “falsified” data on the drug ernments over its alleged spate shared values of democracy, huSaying that only Cabinet memindicated that she does not want to war deaths being provided by the of killings and rights abuses. man rights, and rule of law.”

According to Duterte, he used make a big deal over being not in- bers who serve as Duterte’s “alter Organizations, such as Human “opposition and communists.”

Earlier in the day, Trudeau said Rights Watch (HRW), claimed the ASEAN-EU meeting as an op- vited by President Rodrigo Duterte egos” were designated to join the Duterte was “receptive” when he that more than 7,000 individu- portunity to discuss with Tusk the to carry out official functions during welcoming of leaders at the airraised Canada’s concerns over als have been killed since the human rights issue concerning this week’s Association of South- ports, Roque noted that Robredo “human rights, rule of law and campaign was launched in July his drug war. But Duterte said east Asian Nations (ASEAN) Sum- already resigned as the housing the EU president was “not at all mit and Related Summits. secretary in December last year. extrajudicial killings” in the Philip- last year.

The Philippine National Police interested.”

“Was it really limited? My unLast Sunday, Nov. 12, Robredo pines on the sidelines of a regional “I think we were in the same was left out of the gala dinner derstanding is, it’s the alter ego (PNP), however, set the figures to summit.

“We impressed upon him the only around 3,900. Police claimed group and I said, ‘Whatever hap- hosted by Duterte for Southeast of the president who must meet need to respect the rule of law that drug suspects have been pened to that precious phrase. It’s Asian and other world leaders. She members apparently the protocol and, as always, offered Canada’s killed for putting up violent resis- a Western thing. The right to be was also not among the Philippine when a president can’t be there, support and help as a friend to help tance, and that there has been no heard,’” the Filipino leader told officials who welcomed the world there must be a representative of leaders during their arrivals in the president who is his alter ego,” move forward. This is the way we recorded extrajudicial killing un- reporters.

“I was the one who injected the Manila.

Roque explained engage with the world, this is the der the Duterte administration. topic. He was not at all interested.

EU chief ‘not interested’ While the Robredo did not serve “Parang ayoko naman to make way we always will,” the Prime During this week’s regional There were a lot of TV. The TV a big deal out of it. Iyong sa atin, any official functions during the Minister told reporters.

“The president was receptive to summit, ASEAN leaders also met was working there... I inserted the nandito tayo para magtrabaho. (I summit, she was invited to attend my comments and it was through- with European Council President matter of extrajudicial killing,” he don’t want to make a big deal out the opening ceremony on Monday, added. n of it. I’m here to work.)” the vice Nov. 13. out a very cordial and positive Donald Tusk.

by EmmanuEl

Tupas

Philstar.com

Sen. Trillanes faces sedition, coup d’etat...

October. They stayed at Jhofar’s house at the Salam Compound.

Jikiri also posted pictures of them visiting different public places such as a shopping mall, Rizal Park in Manila and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex in Pasay City.

The Philippine International Convention Center located at the CCP complex was the main venue of the summit.

Authorities believe the suspects were checking on the security coverage laid out by the government for the ASEAN meet.

“We believe the group were out to conduct a terror attack that would cause damage to the reputation of the Philippine government as the host of the ASEAN summit,” Dela Rosa said.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde agreed with Dela Rosa, saying there was no other reason for the suspects’ visit to public places except to plan a terror attack.

“Although they refused to admit it, there were indications before the ASEAN summit,” he said. n

Robredo laments divisiveness among...

Duterte on Trudeau’s human rights...

She also delivered a keynote speech during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) held at the Solaire Resort and Casino the following Tuesday, Nov. 14, wherein she urged for inclusive growth that would benefit also micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Addressing government and private sectors from Southeast Asia, Robredo said she believed countries must learn to use the latest innovations in technology to their advantage and further help small-scale entrepreneurs.

“The problem of inclusivity is everyone’s job now, because inequality has turned the world’s poor into angry consumers. Technology has given them a voice, and the internet has taught them to use the power granted by democratic and political institutions,” she said.

“For too long, the world has treated micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises with casual concern, their small economic footprint keeping them in the little boy’s room, unable to participate in global discussions,” she continued.

“But if we are to solve inequality, we must ensure that MSMEs benefit from unclogged value chains, fair trade, and peace.” n

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Journal ABS-CBN welcomes back Derek Ramsay Pia Wurtzbach to judge Miss Universe 2017

DeRek Ramsay is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;kapamilyaâ&#x20AC;? once more. in a press statement e-mailed to Philstar.com by kane errol Choa, Head for ABs-CBNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s integrated Corporate Communications, the network says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;ABs-CBN welcomes back Derek Ramsay who will soon work with Bea Alonzo and Paulo Avelino in the film â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;kasalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; under star Cinema.â&#x20AC;? in an interview with Pang-Masa early this month, Derek said he welcomes the possibility of returning to the kapamilya network, but he still has a contract with TV5.

But according to the ABs-CBN press statement, the networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;top management and Derek have met recently and resolved the issues arising from his transfer to another network five years ago.â&#x20AC;?

Before he was a kapatid or a kapamilya, Derek was first a kapuso as a host in â&#x20AC;&#x153;eat Bulagaâ&#x20AC;? in 2001. He then transferred to ABs-CBN in 2005 and stayed there until 2010. He has then moved to TV5 in 2012 and remained there until this year.

Derek now stars opposite Jennylyn Mercado in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival entry â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of Youâ&#x20AC;? by Quantum Films and MJM Productions. (Deni Rose M. AfinidadBernardo/Philstar.com) Derek Ramsay

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach will be part of the panel of judges of the international beauty pageantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 66th edition on sunday, Nov. 26.

The Miss Universe Organization tweeted the news on Thursday, Nov. 16. Also in the panel are Ross Mathews, author and judge on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drag Raceâ&#x20AC;?; Lele Pons, one of 2016 Time magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;30 Most influential People on the internet;â&#x20AC;? Jay Manuel, renowned make-up artist and entrepreneur; UFC backstage correspondent Megan Olivi, an advocate of women in sports; and Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam. (ManilaTPhilstar.com photo imes.net) Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach

Inigo Pascual sings theme song of Disney-Pixarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cocoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CHART-topping Filipino recording artist inigo Pascual sings and appears in the music video of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember Me,â&#x20AC;? the lead song from Disney-Pixarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new animated feature â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coco.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, the music video of inigoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cover version has been launched on Friday noon in VeVO, while the TV premiere will be on November 18, exclusively on Channel V. The Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s localized music video aims to deliver the inspi-

rational and positive message of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cocoâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that family is forever and we must keep alive the memories of our loved ones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;i am honored to sing this song because it is about family and remembering the people we love,â&#x20AC;? inigo says in a statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;it reminds us to appreciate the love and sacrifice that our families had to make in order for us to arrive where we are.â&#x20AC;?

The 20 year-old inigo Dominic Lazaro Pascual (more commonly

Disney-Pixar tapped Filipino singer Inigo Pascual to render the Philippine version of its latest movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme song.

Photos courtesy of Disney-Pixar

known as inigo Pascual) is one of the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hottest recording artists today. He made his debut in the film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paano kita iibiginâ&#x20AC;? in 2007 and has since appeared in films such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Crazy Beautiful Youâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Relaks itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Just Pagibigâ&#x20AC;? as well as ABs-CBN TV series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wansapanataym,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;And i Love You soâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;AsAP.â&#x20AC;? inigo has established his status as one of star Magicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brightest up-and-comers by dominating local music charts with his hit single, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dahil saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;yo,â&#x20AC;? which has remained on Billboard Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; charts for 22 weeks and counting. inigoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local adaptation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cocoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember Meâ&#x20AC;? aims to dream, create and celebrate the most magical stories and adventures, each woven around a relatable, empowered local talent who delights everyone and especially inspires young minds to realize their full potential. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember Meâ&#x20AC;? was composed by kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the Oscar-winning team behind Walt Disney Animation studiosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2013 feature â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frozen.â&#x20AC;? in the film, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember Meâ&#x20AC;? is the signature song for PAGE B2

Photo from Facebook/Miss Universe

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Getting to know Miss UniversePhilippines 2017 Rachel Peters

Gloria Diaz to Miss Universe bet: ‘Don’t eat too much’

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com

Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz knows beauty pageants today are worlds apart from the time she won people’s hearts with her smart answer to the question on the first man on the moon.

But she is happy with what she sees.

“Today’s beauty queens know what they’re doing. They’re even better (than us),” she observed. so, her advice to Bb. Pilipinas Universe Rachel Peters and other reigning beauty queens sounds more like the words of wisdom a mother gives her child: “Enjoy!

Takes lots of photos. Don’t eat too much because the food is usually good. Have lots of sense of humor and don’t let anybody put you down.” superlatives tumble out of Gloria’s mouth when she talks about Rachel.

The star of Cinema One’s dark comedy “si Chedeng At si Apple” also thinks Rachel and her colleagues are more blessed because they have a lot more going for them.

Globalization raised the number of mixed marriages and made the Philippines a melting pot of various races. Now, Filipinos have more beautiful, taller “mestizas” who wow international beauty pageant judges.

Gloria adds that shrinking violets can join the pageant more than once and develop more confidence. This was unheard of in her time, she pointed out.

“Today’s candidates are welltrained. And those who don’t have ample boobs can have them augmented. Those with flat noses

By Monet

Gloria Diaz and Rachel Peters

can have them fixed.”

Ask her, however, if she will go under the knife to modify her looks, and Gloria will shake her head. “i’ll just get married,” she replied.

Gloria has not remarried since her husband, Bong Daza, passed away. But she has not remained loveless. The former beauty queen and a bachelor banker who lives five minutes away from each other have been making beautiful music together for years.

What is keeping Gloria from tying the knot again?

“We’re enjoying ourselves. We go on a vacation together. We see each other every single day. For me, marriage is a piece of paper,” she quipped. impending motherhood is another source of joy. Gloria’s daughter isabelle (who married Adrien semblat in september 2016) is four months pregnant.

This early, Gloria decided against being referred to as “lola” once

Philstar.com photos

isabelle gives birth. “it’s too long. Gloria is my name!”

Meanwhile, she has her hands full while waiting for her brand new grandchild. she dotes on her other children and her pet dog.

The challenge of playing a lesbian for the first time in “si Chedeng at si Apple” excites her.

Gloria stars with another veteran actress, Elizabeth Oropesa. Together, the two friends embark on a road trip and turn into accidental criminals. “si Chedeng at si Apple” is just one of the seven full-length narrative films in the 13th edition of Cinema One. The others are “Paki”; “Nervous Translation;” “Historiographika Errata;” “Changing Partners;” “Nay” and “Throwback Today.”

All films are alternative. The story, not the stars, drives the films. The plots are unpredictable; characters out of the box. No wonder this year’s lineup bears the tagline #WalangTakot.

Lu

i HAvE caught wind of the latest update regarding Miss Universe 2017 that is happening on November 26 at Planet Hollywood in Las vegas. The Philippines’ representative to Miss Universe 2017, Rachel Peters, seems to be a crowd favorite in this early stage in the competition. she is now leading in the pageant’s Facebook poll with over 209,000 votes as of posting. Rachel is followed by Miss Thailand with over 155,000 likes; Brazil with 28,000; Colombia with 37,000; indonesia with 24,000; Nicaragua with 18,000; and Germany with 14,000.

This is good news for our country as we have been consistently placing well in these pageants for the past six years it would be an honor to win the crown again after Pia Wurtzbach won Miss Universe in 2015. i was there when that happened and i’m so thrilled to be witnessing it again this year. i will be in Las vegas to support our candidate (hopefully i would be a lucky charm). Many will be flying out to support Rachel and we all just hope she gets in the top 5. i watched her performance in the Binibining Pilipinas. she is oozing with confidence and she really owned the stage the night. she won Best in swimsuit and that’s not really surprising once you see her walk with such

fierceness and boy, her legs are endless! The crowd couldn’t get enough of her upon seeing her in her shimmering evening gown and the way she handled the Question and Answer (Q&A) portion like a pro. she was asked about what she would say if she were to speak to leaders at the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AsEAN)summit. To which she confidently responded: “i believe one of the biggest problems that our country is facing today is divisiveness in politics, in religion, and also in culture. And i believe that it is something that is the same across the world, and that is something i would want to address. i believe that when people can learn to tolerate each other’s differences and respect each other’s opinions, then we will just be a stronger nation and world.”

Rachel is 25 years old, of Filipino and British descent, and is from Camarines sur. she is a graduate of La Trobe University in Australia. Before she entered Binibining Pilipinas, Rachel joined the Miss World Philippines 2014 pageant, where she placed 4th Princess to valerie Weigmann. she loves dogs and posts a lot of photos with her pets. According to her Bb Pilipinas profile, Rachel completed her international Baccalaureate at the British school in Phuket, Thailand, and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business, Tourism and

Events from La Trobe University in Australia. she is also an events organizer. On her Bb. Pilipinas video profile, she talked about organizing events and concerts. “i’ve been living and breathing events for as long as i can remember. i’ve been lucky enough to work with artists such as Katy Perry and Christina Aguilera,” she said. in her interview with Mega style PH, Rachel described herself as “not very girly.”

“Growing up i wasn’t very girly. i’d always hang out with boys and we’d be playing on the beach, i’d also play lots of sports like rugby. You can imagine how it was a transition for me when i needed to start walking in heels, but i kept my style completely the same. As i said my advocacy is staying true to oneself and that’s what i did all throughout.” it took longer for Rachel to be convinced of joining the Binibining Pilipinas. “since joining Miss World, i’ve always had some people messaging me, ‘Please join. Why don’t you try?’’ And there’s always been a prestige that comes with being a Binibini. And i’m 25 and so i thought this was kinda my last chance and my last shot.

And so i’m here and i’m gonna give it my all.” says Rachel in an interview with Rappler.

Now that she is finally in one of the greatest moments in her life competing with 91 candidates PAGE B4

Inigo Pascual sings theme song of Disney...

PAGE B1 beloved performer Ernesto de la Cruz, and is heard multiple times throughout the movie.

“The song is from the point of view of a person hoping to be remembered by a loved one,” said Anderson-Lopez. “But the lyric can be interpreted a few different ways depending on the tempo and tone of the music.”

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt).

Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead, following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy story 3”), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (“Toy story 3”), Disney/Pixar’s Coco opens in Philippine theaters on November 22. (Philstar.com)

Journey frontman Arnel Pineda embarks on solo tour with latest solo album By rae

ann Varona AJPress

AMiDsT his three month solo tour across the United states and Canada, Filipino frontman Arnel Pineda of legendary American rock band Journey took time off of his busy travel schedule to eat with friends and fans on Tuesday, November 14 at the Original Lapid Filipino Cuisine restaurant in Bellflower, California before heading back on the road.

Pineda will be heading back to Los Angeles on sunday, December 3 to perform at the famous Orpheum Theatre, which has staged many legendary rock and

roll performers from Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling stones, and of course, Journey.

Despite having graced the stages of Europe, Asia, and the Americas in concerts reaching thousands in attendance, Pineda seemed at home when hanging with fellow Filipinos, whom he said his latest album and solo tour are for. “i’d like to entertain them with a lot of these great classic songs that i’ve sang all these years, even before Journey found me,” Pineda told the Asian Journal.

Pineda hinted that at least two or three of his original songs from the album will be

performed. Backing him up will be other talented Filipino musicians, including some former members of Philippine rock bands south Border and Rivermaya. “i think it will be a great nostalgic night for me with LA,” he added.

The powerhouse singer has come a long way since joining Journey ten years ago in 2007. since his first public performance with the band at the 2008 viña del Mar Festival in Chile, Pineda has gone on to perform at numerous tours and has appeared on a number of television shows with hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres, winning the hearts of loyal Journey fans all over the world.

Journey has just spent much of 2017 touring in over 70 concerts across the U.s. and Asia, including at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Manila, Philippines. “it’s a lot of work. A lot of pressure and a lot of stress. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it because we are making a lot of people happy, especially all those hardcore fans of the band,” said Pineda.

“They’re just happy enough to see that the band still moves on and goes on even though the voice of steve Perry, is not with them anymore,” said Pineda. “it’s been such a blessing.”

After losing their lead singer steve Perry, whose voice had so strongly resonated with fans since the late ‘70s, the band went through a couple lead singers before finally landing with Pineda in a rather unconventional manner that made headlines around the world.

Upon finding Pineda’s cover of American rock band survivor’s 1985 song “The search is Over”

Filipino Journey frontman Arnel Pineda takes time off amidst his solo tour to share his solo album titled “AP” at the Original Lapid Filipino Cuisine restaurant in Bellflower, CA on Tuesday, November 14.

with his band ZOO on YouTube, the search was indeed over as Neal schon, Journey’s lead guitarist, decided that Pineda could be what Journey needed to continue.

But of course, the transition wasn’t easy despite having covered the band’s songs many times.

“Just like anything else, coming into a new team, you’re Friends and fans of Arnel Pineda pose behind the Journey power lead singer at the Original Lapid Filipino Cuisine restaurant in Bellflower, CA on Tuesday, November 14. unsure. You try to study it,” said Pineda.

“Of course, you want to fit in as soon as possible, but it’s just not that easy you know,” he added. in an interview with PBs’ independent Lens, Pineda recalled feeling confident leading up to the first performance in Chile, until it started to sink in that 18,000 people were attending — over 25 million people would also be watching it live on Tv across south America.

Upon hearing the thunderous applause of the viña del Mar Festival goers, Pineda remembered feeling extremely terrified Friends pose with Arnel Pineda during a stop in Los Angeles. and anxious. in the interview, he remembered seeing the last few moments before stage time going in slow motion, and even asking schon if he could go home. “i was such a big fan of the band and suddenly, it was becoming a reality that i was one of them,” shared Pineda.

But as the set started, Pineda’s talent wowed the crowd who at that moment accepted him as the band’s frontman, commending his incredible vocal range, power, and contagious energy.

“There was an uneasy feeling but at the same time, there Friends and fans pose with Arnel Pineda and singers Djhoanna Garcia Friends and fans of Journey singer Arnel Pineda meet with him (bottom left) and Maricar (bottom right) who will be presenting Pineda at during his 2017 solo tour. Pineda returns to Los Angeles on was excitement and thrill,” said Pineda. his December 3 show at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

December 3 for his concert at the Orpheum Theatre.

Arnel Pineda with Trini Foliente

AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

Arnel Pineda with friends during his quick Los Angeles stop amidst his 2017 solo tour.

Now ten years later and with another successful 2017 Journey tour under his belt, Pineda’s own solo tour across the U.s. and Canada is meant to reach out especially to the Filipino community.

His latest solo album titled “AP” reintroduces his fans to the Arnel Pineda before Journey — a passionate Filipino singer with a love for his culture. in the album are original songs

by Pineda, many of which take him back to his pre-Journey days as a number of tracks are rerecordings of Pineda’s original compositions from as early as the 2000s with his bands Ammo and Zoo. Fans of The Zoo and their “Zoology” album that was released in 2007 under Universal Music Group can expect to hear re-recorded versions of “Wrong” and “soulmate” in his latest album.

Also included is the emotional

love ballad “Owe” in which he bares his imperfections in dedication to his wife.

And while the world has widely sang along with him to Journey hits like “Don’t stop Believing” or “Wheel in the sky”, Pineda plays ode to his culture and beginnings as a musician in the Philippines with a couple of Tagalog songs.

“This album was made to reach out to my kababayan — to my fellow Filipinos,” said Pineda, acknowledging the many Filipinos living around the world.

Also from the “Zoology” album are Tagalog song “Paumanhin” which merges reggae beats and electric rock guitar harmonies, and “Ewan Ko Ba” which starts off with fun syncopated guitar riffs before getting into funk rhythms through clavinet patterns, strong bass lines, and of course more electric guitar.

“This is for Filipinos,” said Pineda.

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Monkeypox, toxic foods and hepatitis Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease that is on the headlines today. It is characterized by pox lesions on the skin and is closely related to, but not as deadly as smallpox, which killed about half a million lives in the pandemic of 18701875, triggered by the FrancoPrussian War. Monkeypox was first detected in 1958 and the first human case diagnosed in early 1970s. Mostly it is transmitted from animals (rodents) to humans by direct contact. Human-to-human spread is infrequent and probably by droplet. Signs and symptoms are not specific. Most likely during the first few days, then 4 to 7 days later, skin spots, with and without pus, appear on the face, trunk, leading to skin ulcers with crust over them; which clear up in 2 to 3 weeks. Lymph nodes are enlarged.

In Africa, diagnosis is done presumptively with history and physical examination, showing pox lesions. Definitive diagnosis is made by PCR, ELISA, or Western Blot tests that are performed by the US-CDC or state laboratories to rule out smallpox. Vaccination with smallpox vaccine is the immediate treatment. Antiviral drugs and human immune globulin have been used. The prognosis is good to excellent, most patients recover.

Prevention includes avoidance of contact with infected animals and people. Smallpox vaccination affords about 85 percent protection.

There is yet no specific monkeypox vaccination.

What are toxic foods?

Twenty percent of global deaths are caused by toxic, junk and processed foods; and harmful food ingredients, according to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington as reported by The Lancet Medical Journal. It now appears that the toxic food industry is as unhealthy and dangerous as the Big Tobacco.

The study is a compilation of data from every country in the world. It states that diet is the second highest risk factor for early deaths after smoking. The dilemma is the spread of the “western diet,” especially fast food, taking over the old traditional healthier foods in developing countries.

Also, it is the widespread use of pesticides and toxic chemicals on

vegetables and fruits, unhealthy ingredients in processed foods, (like high-fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils). Soft drinks, in any form, are toxic liquid candies, which increase the risk for metabolic syndrome, especially in children. Besides red meat, which increases the risk for cancer and heart disease, the toxic foods and ingredients listed above are the leading killers of man. are food supplements safe?

Since the said industry is not regulated and monitored, these food supplements on the market, even those that claim to be proven and safe, are not guaranteed to be safe or even effective. As long as one feels healthy and is eating well, there is really no need for food supplement. Children and seniors may need multivitamins and minerals as determined by their physician, but adults in general have all nutrition they need from their normal diet. It is unfortunate that there is no way to determine the long term side effects and complications from food supplements as this may take decades to show.

This is why it is best to stay away from food supplements —herbals or not — that are being advertised to provide more stamina, endurance, even sexual prowess, or those supposedly can prevent or cure cancer. These are all scams and a waste of your hard-earned money.

What is normal-weight obese people?

This sounds like a contradiction in terms, but normal-weight obese (NWO) is a person whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is normal but whose body fat is more than 30 percent of the body weight. Also called “skinny-fat,” this individual has normal weight but with low muscle mass and high body fat.

Extreme dieting, yo-yo weight control, or high cholesterol diet can lead to normal-weight obesity.

So, BMI alone is not a reliable indicator of body composition and health risk.

Italian investigators, in their research comparing women, found that NWO women had greater levels of inflammatory (C-Reactive) proteins than (low fat) normal-weight women, suggesting that fats secrete inflammatory proteins. These particular proteins are a marker for heart disease, like coronary artery disease, which is the cause of heart attack.

Can sweat transmit hepatitis B? Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was found in the sweat of 13 percent (or 9) infected athletes, according to a new study on 70 male Olympic wrestlers, which inferred that the HBV could be transmitted by sweating infected athletes to others in contact sports. In 8 of

those nine athletes whose blood tested positive for HBV, DNA for Hepatitis B was also found in the sweat.

“Evidence is emerging that the incidence of occult HBV in Olympic wrestling is higher than expected and that transmission of HBV may also occur through sweat,” the researcher concluded in a report published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine March 1, 2007.

The authors recommend sports organizations make it “obligatory for all participants involved in contact sports and playing under adult rules to be vaccinated against hepatitis B.” Is global diabetes worse?

Reports from Washington stated that “rates of diabetes in Canada’s most populous province already zoomed past what was predicted for 2030, which suggests the global epidemic will be far worse than feared.”

In Ontario alone, the researchers found “a 69 percent increase in the rate of diabetes between 1995 and 2005, far beyond the 60 percent global predicted increase for 2030 and above rates projected for Canada by then.”

The World Health Organization has predicted a “39 percent rise in the worldwide prevalence of diabetes between 2000 and 2030, but (the study) indicates that this figure might be a gross underestimation,” the commentary on Lancet said.

Obesity, poor diet and a lack of exercise are seen in Type 2 diabetes. Richer diet, especially a lot of carbohydrate like rice, and too little or no exercise are part of the cause of Type 2 diabetes.

Some of the complications of this disease is blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, leg gangrene, and death.

The investigators also found that the prevalence of diabetes zoomed from 5.2 percent in 1995 to 8.8 percent. There are more than 6.2 million diabetics in the Philippines.

This is a pandemic, and not only an epidemic…and happening faster than we thought. Indeed, it pays to exercise more daily and manage our diet properly, if we are to prevent this debilitating and deadly disease. *** 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

Pilita’s moment at ASEAN gala dinner

by Ricky Lo Philstar.covm

AM I the heart-over-head type of a woman? Yes, I am. When I fall in love, talagang todo-todo, walang preno. That’s why when I fall, I fall flat on my face. —Pilita Corrales in a Star interview, circa 2008 In a sterling career that spans more than half a century and that has survived fast-changing trends and the influx of new talents, Pilita Corrales has, to use her own words, “fallen flat” on her face many times not only in the name of love but also in the pursuit of excellence that has ranked her above the rest, so durable and so enduring that the moment she bends backward to hit a high note (her un-copyrighted trademark widely imitated but never equaled), she holds the audience on her palm.

People suspect that the “bending act” is a gimmick.

“No, it’s not,” said Pilita.

“Many people don’t know that I cannot reach a high note if I don’t do that. That’s the only way.

The bending backward opens up my lungs. If it were a gimmick, mahirap na gimik ‘yon, masakit sa katawan. Hahaha!!!”

Sunday night at the gala welcome dinner for ASEAN delegates, Pilita didn’t fall like what happened during a 2006 concert in Sacramento, California, where she miscalculated the length of the stage and fell. But she did bend backward. While singing Ikaw, Pilita must have moved U.S. Pres. Donald Trump who promptly requested Pres. Duterte to sing along with her. The song is Pres. Duterte’s favorite and he sang it with feelings.

Pilita sang one more song (Stardust) solo before she joined the finale with Lani Misalucha, Jona, Jed Madela, David Ezra Cruz (Dulce’s son), Elha Nympha, Darren Espanto, Baihana and Sam Shoaf.

“I have actually sung with dignitaries and other VIPs here and abroad,” Pilita told Funfare, “and I always consider it a big honor.

When Erap was president, I sang “Kahit Na Magtiis”, his favorite song with him. That song with Erap was included in one of my albums.”

Pilita Corrales

Two weeks ago in San Francisco, Pilita likewise so touched a California politician during a concert that he declared a “Pilita Corrales Day” right then and there, presenting her a certificate.

“There are already several ‘Pilita Corrales Days’,” shared Pilita. “There’s one in Chicago, one in Sacramento and another one in L.A.” Pilita is expected to draw more ah’s and oh’s tomorrow night, Nov. 17, at the An Evening with Pilitaconcert at The Theatre of Solaire Resort & Casino starting at 8 o’clock, with special guests daughter Jackielou Blanco, son Ramon Christopher, granddaughter Janine Gutierrez, and the Wing Duo. The 2008 “confession” quoted as intro to this piece should help people understand why when Pilita sings, she draws (humuhugot) from a reservoir of emotions built up by loving too much and not always too wisely, including (as she revealed to Boy Abunda on his Tonight show recently) “enduring 10 years of hardship with an abusive partner” whom she didn’t name.

“I would say that I have fallen

Philstar.com photo

flat on my face sa pag-ibig… twice,” admitted Pilita in that 2008 interview. “But I am the type who springs back fast and easily. I try to get up the next day no matter how much it hurts. I think that’s what singing does to me. It helps me bring out all my emotions…the hurt and the anger. Singing eases the pain considerably because you bring it out in the lyrics, in the words, in the melody.”

And she easily gets carried away by her singing and the infectious reaction of the audience.

“During that Sacramento incident,” recalled Pilita two years after it happened, “I fell not only on my face but also on my back, on my shoulder, on all parts of my body! There was no harang (barrier) on the stage and I walked right off it while singing. I fell from a height of about 10 feet and I was on heels! I was X-rayed and examined and fortunately, I didn’t suffer any broken bones. But I had to undergo therapy when I came home.”

Thankfully, Pilita hasn’t been “falling flat” for a long time PAGE B4

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.

Getting to know Miss Universe-Philippines...

PAGE B1 Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary around the world, she has this all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, one trick up her sleeves that her mom taught her.

“The most important thing that my mom has thought me is to really enjoy myself and also to take time for myself too. Because it can get pretty crazy what we’re doing and so we really need take ten minutes by ourselves.

And when I started doing that, it made things so much clearer.

And also to be kind to everyone,” Rachel says Well, Rachel, you are doing a great job charming them with your personality, attitude and beauty. Congrats on the votes!

I will be there cheering for you along with “half the country.”

Keep shining, Pilipinas! *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning 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.

your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or

B November 18-21, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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Need health insurance? Now is the time to sign up for coverage

AFTER months of debate and questions about our health care system, it is understandable if some Californians are confused about what is happening to their coverage and whether financial help is still available to get health insurance.

Here’s what consumers need to know. The Affordable Care Act is still the law of the land, and Covered California is rock solid and open for business.

Covered California is the state exchange established under the Affordable Care Act, where Californians who do not have health insurance can sign up for quality health coverage and find out whether they qualify for financial help in paying for their premiums.

“Covered California remains strong, and the good news is that for most consumers, the price of their coverage is going down in 2018,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “If you do not currently have health insurance, now is the one time of the year when you can enroll without needing to meet special qualifying conditions.”

Covered California’s open-enrollment period began on Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2018.

However, if consumers want their coverage to begin on Jan. 1, they need to sign up for coverage

by Dec. 15. Consumers who sign up after Dec. 15 will have their coverage start in either February or March.

Having health insurance is

important because it protects cosumers and their families againstpotentially enormous medical billsif they get sick or injured.

Covered California’s new ad campaign focuses on day-to-day examples of how life can change in an instant. Whether it is falling off a ladder while putting up Christmas lights, stumbling off a curb while checking your phone, or discovering that there will be a new addition to the family, being covered is the best plan when life changes.

“More than 28,000 Filipinos are currently enrolled in a plan through Covered California,” Lee said. “We want to make sure everyone in the Filipino community knows about their options and the financial help that is available to help bring that health coverage within reach.”

Consumers can see their options and find out if they qualify for financial help in just a few easy steps. All they need to do is visit www.CoveredCA.com and click on the “Shop and Compare” button. With their ZIP code, household income, household size and the ages of those who are applying for coverage, they will quickly find out which plans are available and whether they qualify for financial assistance.

For example, an individual could earn up to $48,240 a year, and a family of four up to $98,400, and qualify for financial help that would lower the cost of their monthly premium. Not only do a majority of Covered

California consumers benefit from financial help, but a new analysis shows that the price they pay for their coverage is going down this year.

“Even if you have checked Covered California out before, check again,” Lee said. “Finding out whether you qualify for financial help only takes a few minutes and the prices could be more affordable than you think.”

In addition to signing up online, consumers can get free, confidential in-person assistance to find out more about their coverage options. Covered California has partnered with insurance agents and community organizations across the state, who speak Tagalog and a variety of other languages, to help consumers find the best fit for their health care needs.

Consumers interested in speaking with someone in person can visit the “Find Help” page on www.CoveredCA.com and enter their ZIP code to locate a certified enroller near them.

They can also contact Covered California’s service center at (800) 300-1506. Covered California provides resources in Tagalog on its website at https://www. coveredca.com/tagalog/.

“California is the most diverse state in the country and we want to do everything we can to make sure that people in every community can get the coverage they deserve and the care they need,” Lee said.

(Advertising Supplement)

Family-owned Leelin Bakery and Café launched its VIP Rewards Sweepstakes for the upcoming 2017-2018 year at their Cerritos, California branch on Wednesday, November 15.

Leelin Bakery and Café launches 2017-2018 VIP Rewards Sweepstakes

By Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

FAMILY-owned Leelin Bakery and Café launched on Wednesday, November 15 their VIP Rewards Sweepstakes for the upcoming 2017-2018 year at their Cerritos, California branch.

Present at the launch were members of the Leelin family, representatives of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) and Philippine Airlines (PAL), and special guests like the FilipinoAmerican Basco brothers, Fil-Am director Francis dela Torre, and former professional wrestler Brittany Fetkin.

“Since 2008, we’ve been so blessed that we’ve been partners with the Department of Tourism,” said Michael Leelin, the company’s chief financial officer and the third-generation Leelin behind the successful business.

“Our partnership with the tourism department was born out of our ardent desire and firm commitment to promote the Filipino culture and heritage through Filipino cuisine,” he added.

Through the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles (PDOT-LA), Leelin Bakery and Café has been able to send grand raffle winning VIP members to the Philippines for free to embark on culinary tours and enjoy authentic Filipino food, all while experiencing true Filipino culture and heritage.

“I can tell you from firsthand experience, it really is just more fun in the Philippines,” said Leelin who recently visited the Philippines.

“I’ve been to Hawaii, I’ve been to the Caribbean, I’ve been to Tahiti, but no place beats the islands of the Philippines,” he added.

PDOT-LA tourism director Richmond Jimenez shared the encouraging outlook of tourism in the Philippines.

“We’re actually faced with exciting times for Philippine tourism right now as our tourist arrivals continue to grow,” shared Jimenez.

“For the past eight months of this year, we’ve already received four million visitors coming into the Philippines and we look forward to seeing more visitors come

Founding members of the Leelin family, Leelin Bakery and Café staff, representatives of the Philippine Department of Tourism and Philippine Airlines, and special guests including the Filipino-American Basco brothers and former professional wrestler Brittany Fetkin at the bakery and café’s Cerritos branch.

AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

Special guests including former professional wrestler Brittany Fetkin, Richmond Jimenez of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, Cerritos City Councilmember Frank Yokoyama, and representatives of Philippine Airlines with members of the Leelin family.

as the holiday season comes in,” he added.

To ensure a bona fide Filipino culinary experience, Jimenez shared that the upcoming trip to be won by the lucky winner will be tested by talented Filipino American chefs based in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.

At the launch, attendees filled up on some of the bakery and café’s most popular dishes. The menu featured their vegetarian mixed pancit, lumpiang shanghai, sisig na bangus, and their crispy dinuguan which included crispy lechon.

“This year, we decided to be fearless by serving you something that showcases authentic Filipino soul food,” said Leelin on the choice to serve dinuguan. “At Leelins, we believe people will come to us simply because we serve the best Filipino food — Authentic Filipino food that stays true to our roots.”

For dessert, attendees got

a slice of their decadent ube pie along with a scoop of their ube ice cream topped with Rice Crispies.

Cerritos City Council member and frequent customer of Leelin Bakery and Café, Frank Yokoyama, shared a few personal remarks on the business.

“We are so blessed here in Cerritos to have such a wonderful business as Leelin Bakery and Café,” said Yokoyama.

“Leelin Bakery and Café brings in tens of thousands of visitors to Cerritos every year. I might even be underestimating,” he added.

Yokoyama also so happened to be one of the previous lucky VIP Loyalty Reward raffle winners in which he won Leelin Bakery and Café meals for a year.

“I was so lucky to win Leelin Bakery and Café for a year, I was so sad when the year ended,” said Yokoyama.

Other featured guests of the launch event were Fil-Ams Dion, Darion, and Dante Basco — collectively known as the Basco Brothers — writer-director-cinematographer Francis dela Torre, and Japanese-American retired professional wrestler and current OAKDate App CEO Brittany Fetkin.

To become a free VIP Rewards member, one just has to visit any of the six branches located throughout LA County and sign up with any of the associates. Each dollar spent is equivalent to one point which can be accumulated to redeem gift certificates and other prizes. Members also get a $5 certificate to spend anytime during their birthday month. To participate in the sweepstakes, such as the grand raffle sponsored

by PDOT and PAL, each VIP customer that comes into any of the locations receives a sweepstake Goodness Corporation of California President Menard Leelin (left) with son and CFO Michael ticket for free regardless of purLeelin (right) of family-owned Leelin Bakery and Café chase.

Pilita’s moment at ASEAN gala...

PAGE B3 now, happy that she is with husband Carlos Lopez whom she described as “my greatest love” and being a doting grandmother to her grandchildren (three from Jackielou and Ricky Davao, and four from Ramon with Lotlot de Leon, both separated from their partners). “Carlos is one man who doesn’t stop me from doing anything,” continued Pilita (whose first marriage was to Gonzalo Blanco, Jackielou’s father with whom she lived for less than a year). “If I want to go to a concert, I go. He gives me all the love and attention and all the care that I’ve been longing for all

this time.”

A true student of Life, Pilita said that she hasn’t stopped learning…lessons, that is.

“I learn from everything that happens every day. We never stop learning. I thank The Lord for every new day…that He allows me to be still here, singing, and to be happy at this time of my life.”

Turn back the hands of Time and, according to Pilita, she won’t change anything or undo whatever she has done in love and in her career.

“Oh yes,” Pilita had said then and she’s saying it now, “if I were to change anything, it would be

my age. I want to be 18 all over again. Ang saya! You know, falling in love all the time, and all those suitors offering me everything, including a Mercedes Benz na hindi ko tinanggap,” ending the sentence with a laughter that sounds as melodious as her singing voice.

Actually, Pilita is ageless and timeless, feeling younger as time goes by.

I want to end this tribute piece by saying, a million thanks to you, Pilita. To quote a line from her song (composed by George Sison), The day you came along with your song, my heart began to sing…

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Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 18-21, 2017

B

36 hours in Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonders City

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJ Press

As a second-generation Filipina-American, I leap at every opportunity to travel to the Philippines, especially when the trip is centered on a place that is outside of Manila or the popular island destinations.

Earlier this fall, I was invited to join a seven-day familiarization tour to Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with about 20 high-performing travel agents from Southern California and representatives from Philippine Airlines and the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT).

Day 1 We arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) early Sunday morning via the Friday night red-eye flight out of Los Angeles on Philippine Airlines (PAL), which I tend to prefer as my airline of choice to the Philippines as the voyage is generally smooth and comfortable enough for me to wake up at my destination well-rested. We met a similar group of travel agents from San Francisco who would be part of our Vigan tour. Since our flight to Laoag was not until 11 a.m., we were transferred to the nearby Belmont Hotel to rest, freshen up and indulge in the buffet breakfast — a precursor to all the food we would be eating for the rest of the week. Nothing says ‘welcome to the Philippines’ quite like eating generously for every meal.

It was a brief flight to Laoag, where we were met by local DOT representatives and our tour guide for the next few days, who shared facts like Ilocos Norte being the first International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-certified province in the country. Of course, our next stop was to eat again. We were taken to La Preciosa, a local restaurant with a homey ambiance serving Ilocano dishes, like bagnet and pinakbet. They are surprisingly known for their carrot cake, which is sprinkled with fresh carrot shavings.

From there, we began our city tour under the blistering sun.

Though past the summer season in the country, I was amazed by how hot and humid it still was.

Some of our stops included the Sinking Bell Tower, Ilocos Norte Capitol building, Aurora Park and its large LAOAG sign perfect for photos, and the Marcos Hall of Justice. I was struck by the 45-meter Sinking Bell Tower of St. William’s Church, a remnant

The LA and San Francisco tour groups in front of Bantay Watchtower, one of the site vists during the “Twin Destination Familiarization” trip

of the Spanish rule, because it is now reportedly sinking at a rate of an inch each year. As the surroundings have become more modern (a Puregold and gas station were constructed nearby), the tower still remains untouched. Sadly, visitors are no longer allowed to enter because of its deteriorating state.

Our last site of the day was Paoay Church (Saint Augustine Church), which was completed in 1710 and declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1993. It is known for its 24 huge buttresses at the sides and back of the church structure and three-story coral bell tower to the left.

We boarded our (thankfully) air-conditioned tour bus for a nearly two-hour ride to Vigan, the capital of the Ilocos Sur province. Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New7Wonders City, I was ready to explore the city with heritage houses and cobblestone streets.

We were checked into Hotel Luna, a four-star property in the heart of Heritage Village and just a block away from the famed Calle Crisologo. The hotel itself is an attraction with its art collection (the second floor has a museum of Philippine art) and Spanish colonial architecture.

After dinner, I explored Calle Crisologo and was transported back in time, as only kalesas (horse-drawn carriages) are allowed. By night, golden lamps light the streets as locals and visitors alike walk around or sit on tables on the sidewalks for a leisurely dinner. Along the way, vendors draw you into their

shops to buy Vigan-made products, such as antiques, woodcrafts, vinegar or basi wine.

Some stores even sell uncooked bagnet and longganisa or serve hot empanadas. What I particularly enjoyed about the street was how it was not crowded with pedestrians or vendors compared to other famous streets around the world I’ve visited in the past.

Day 2 The second day began with a breakfast buffet at the restaurant inside of Hotel Luna. With a long itinerary ahead of us, my group and I indulged in multiple plates of the offerings, like Vigan longganisa, tocino, tapa, eggs with ampalaya (bitter melon), champorado (sweet chocolate rice porridge), and dragon fruit.

Our first stop was Bantay Church in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Rebuilt after World War II, the structure has a Neo-Gothic design, drawing from Spanish architecture. In the distance, the Bell Tower sits on a hilltop and was used as a watchtower during the war. We then proceeded to the Baluarte of Chavit Singson, a wildlife sanctuary and facility where you can find animals like lions, ostriches, miniature horses and an array of reptiles. It’s most likely best enjoyed by families with younger children and if you have more time to participate in the activities and interactive shows.

The rest of the afternoon included lunch at Hidden Garden (a sight for those with a green thumb), watching a clay jar making demonstration (patience and strength are required!), and tours of the Crisologo museum and Syquia Mansion.

The Syquia Mansion was owned by the Dona Alicia Quirino, the wife of former President Elpidio Quirino. The former president, who was born in Vigan, would hold some of his functions at this mansion. I delighted in the ornate interiors and furniture — from Venetian Murano mirrors to capiz windows to a bright pink dining room. For architecture and history buffs, this museum is a must-see and worth at least an hour stay.

Before heading to Paoay, we stopped at Fiesta Garden Hotel for a site inspection and merienda (afternoon snack) that consisted of Vigan empanadas and miki noodles (a chicken noodle soup with boiled egg and chicharon).

The day was topped off with a dinner at Vista Del Lago hosted by the provincial government — represented by Ilocos Norte senior board member Matthew Manotoc, son of Gov. Imee Marcos, who was present at the meal — and the tourism office.

Though our stay in the Ilocos region would be brief, the tourism presentation had us all itching for a next visit as there are several more beautiful spots (i.e.

Paoay Sand Dunes, Bangui Wind Farm, and Pagudpud) to explore.

Day 3 Before we returned to Laoag, I enjoyed an early morning walk down Calle Crisologo to actually see the houses in daylight. This time is optimal for picture taking as there are not that many people on the streets yet.

We managed to squeeze in a private tour of Malacañang of the North in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, which was the residence of former President Ferdinand Marcos and his family. The structure itself overlooks Paoay Lake, which supposedly had a special meaning to Marcos, and still has original furniture and some clothes of the former president and first lady. (If you ever go inside, take a look at how the staircase was built!)

Our final meal in the province was at Herencia Cafe across from Paoay Church. To me, it was the standout dining experience during the trip because of the ingenious pinakbet pizza creation I was introduced to. We also noshed on crispy dinuguan, dinengdeng (a “bagoong” based soup made primarily of vegeta-

The LA tour group in front of Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The outdoor staircase of Hotel Luna, Vigan

A photo opportunity at Aurora Park in Laoag

The Los Angeles and San Francisco tour groups did a site inspection of Fiesta Garden hotel

Southern CA-based travel agents and this writer before departing LAX for our Vigan and Malaysia tour

A guided tour inside the Syquia Mansion of President Elpidio Quirino

Vigan’s famous Calle Crisologo at night

AJPress photos courtesy of Christina M. Oriel

Bantay Watchtower in Bantay, Ilocos Sur

bles which happens to be one of my favorite Filipino dishes), and yes, more bagnet.

That afternoon, we were back in the bustling metropolis of Manila, holed up at the Hyatt City of Dreams. On the fourth day, the Los Angeles group made its way to Kuala Lumpur, while the San Francisco agents went to Bangkok — both part of the DOT’s “twin destinations” push to visit another Asian country after the Philippines.

As I reflect on this brief, but comprehensive trip, the more I realize that the Philippines has a multitude of adventures for any type of traveler. Perhaps you may not be a beach dweller or water sport enthusiast, but if you like more slow-paced activities, historical sites, consider the Ilocos region for your next trip to the country.

Keep a look out in the Asian Journal’s upcoming Midweek Edition for a review of the Kuala Lumpur trip.

Thank you to Eliza Chung and Manny Ilagan of GTT International/Majestic Vacations, Tourism Director Purificacion Molintas of the Philippine Department of Tourism’s San Francisco office, and Philippine Airlines’ Area Managers Michelle Narvaez (Los Angeles) and Delia Merano (San Francisco) for making this Philippines tour possible. Special acknowledgments also to Rajah Tours, Hotel Luna in Vigan, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, and Belmont Hotel and Hyatt City of Dreams in Manila.

Pinakbet pizza and bagnet at Herencia Cafe

When in the Ilocos region, some quintessential dishes to try are:

Bagnet Often confused with lechon kawali, bagnet is more so a chicharon (deep fried) rendition of the pork belly dish. Ilocanos like to serve it with bagoong monamon (fermented anchovy paste) and chopped onions and tomatoes instead of the regular lechon or liver sauces.

Vigan longganisa The Vigan version of the sausage delicacy is smaller in size, darker in hue, and not as sweet as the typical longganisa that Filipinos eat. With one bite, you’ll notice that it is spicier and more garlicky. It is a staple during the breakfast meal, often eaten alongside garlic fried rice and fried egg. Don’t forget the Sukang Iloko, sugar cane vinegar, for dipping.

Pinakbet The beloved mixed vegetable dish with ampalaya (bitter gourd), sitaw (long beans), talong (eggplant), and okra originated in this region. The Ilocano way of cooking it is by using fish bagoong (fermented fish) sauce.

Usually chicharon or bagnet are added on top.

Pinakbet Pizza The ingredients of the vegetable dish — okra, long beans, tomatoes, eggplant — atop pizza may sound odd, but with one bite, you will surely be intrigued by how they mesh well with the cheese and want another slice.

Our tour group tried this pizza pie at the famed Herencia Cafe, located in front of Paoay Church.

Empanada Ilocanos are proud of their famous empanadas and if you talk to locals, they will contest that their homemade recipe or a particular go-to stand is the best one out there. How does it differ from the Spanish-influenced empanada? Here up north, the empanadas have a bright orange-hued shell using atsuete oil and rice flour, and are typically stuffed with longganisa, an egg, and vegetables like bean sprouts, carrots and papaya. It is optimal to eat it while it is still hot.

Flying flag carrier Philippine Airlines to Laoag, Ilocos Norte

A typical breakfast of Vigan longganisa, champorado, eggs, corned beef and rice at Hotel Luna in Vigan

A sample of Hotel Luna’s dinner buffet

The foyer of Malacañang of the North in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Michelle Narvaez and Delia Merano of Philippine Airlines, Purificacion Molintas of the Philippine Dept. of Tourism, and this writer, Christina Oriel, at Heritage Garden in Vigan

Enjoy Calle Crisologo in the early morning before it gets busy

B November 18-21, 2017 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Immigrant visas through employment grow more attractive with reduced backlogs THE waiting times to bring family members to the United States can seem endless. Sponsoring unmarried or married children over the age of twenty-one through family based sponsorship can take decades.

This is one reason we always encourage exploration of alternatives such as employmentbased sponsorship. In the past, employment based sponsorship saw long wait times as well but recently those wait times have dramatically decreased especially for nationals of the Philippines as well as for many other countries.

The most recent visa bulletin brought continued good news as waiting times for immigrant visas in employment based categories continue to plummet for many categories and nationalities. It is important to point out that wait times vary amongst various visa categories as well as country of nationality of the sponsored future immigrant.

The biggest reduction in waiting times recently has been realized in the EB-3 category for person from the Philippines, Mexico, and for persons who fall in the all other countries category. For instance, estimated wait times for the employment based third (EB-3) category for the Philippines and most other countries dipped below two years with the bulletin indicating that visas are available for persons with priority dates on or before December 1, 2015.

The EB-3 category includes sponsorship for skilled and unskilled workers with or without college degrees or significant experience. Thus, an employer from the United States could sponsor a potential future employee from abroad to work in their business whether it be a nursing facility, care-home, restaurant, landscape business, or really any type of business and any type of position. Further, for sponsorship in the EB3 category it is not necessary that the position require experience or a college degree. For persons from the Philippines

Your Immigration Solution Ben Loveman and nancy miLLer the approximate wait is about two-years while persons from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras or in the all other countries category (which covers all countries except those listed, India, and Mainland China) there is no wait time for an immigrant visa.

The process for employment based sponsorship is, in most instances, a three step process consisting of an application for labor certification to ensure that there are no U.S. workers who are able, willing and available to take the job, the immigrant visa petition which focuses (among other issues) on whether the intending immigrant is qualified for the job and whether the employer has the ability to pay the prevailing wage and the actual application for the green card which may involve consular processing or adjustment of status in the United States, depending on eligibility.

Each step is heavily regulated and must be carefully followed and documented. However, when the labor certification is prepared by a lawyer experienced in employment-based immigration, the likelihood of a successful outcome is high.

An approved labor certification will lead to permanent resident status for the sponsored future employee and for their spouse and children under the age of 21.

As stated above, for most cases, the first step in employment based sponsorship will be the filing of a labor certification application (also known as a “PERM” application) with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Before this can be done the employer is required to test U.S. labor markets by conducting a

specific pattern of recruitment and obtaining a prevailing wage determination from the U.S. Department of Labor. Following certification of the PERM application, the employer files an immigrant visa petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Once that is approved the beneficiary must wait until a visa is available. At that point, s/he is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa at the Embassy abroad or to apply for adjustment of status from within the United States if present and otherwise eligible.

The reduction in employment based immigrant visa backlogs means that for most people it will be far faster to be sponsored by a business than it will to be sponsored by a family member. Of course, successful sponsorship requires a job offer and a willing future employer but as the United States economy continues to thrive the need for foreign labor has continued to grow. Employment based immigrant visa sponsorship is an option that should be explored and utilized as a means of helping businesses grow and flourish as well as of reuniting families more quickly. If you or a loved one might benefit from employment based sponsorship you should consult with a reputable and experienced immigration attorney to discuss the 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.

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C NOVEMBER 18-21, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon THIS is one thing I hear from people all the time: “If you ask me, I really hate doing this but I feel I have no choice.”

Of course, no one ever wakes up one morning and decides to just file bankruptcy without thinking it over. Usually, people spend a lot of time going over this option in their heads before deciding and the questions seem endless.

What will happen to me and my family if I file bankruptcy? Can I keep my home, car, and other assets? Is this going to ruin me forever? How long will the bankruptcy stay on my credit?

Even picking up the phone to call an attorney can be a scary thing for most people because they have never had to deal with the legal system or any court their entire life. That’s understandable when you are dealing with something you are not familiar with.

However, waiting too long to seek legal help can also backfire.

Property can be lost. Creditors may get the upper hand and take advantage of the fact that you don’t know your legal rights.

I always tell people that bankruptcy laws were created to protect people, not hurt them.

This is one area of the law where you can use the legal system to your advantage if you really need help.

A lot of people who file for

The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAs WE’VE heard inspiring stories of men and women in our present time who have overcome their physical disabilities and live their lives to the fullest. The stories of men like Nick Vujicic, the Australian who was born without hands, feet, and legs, but goes around the world spreading hope and encouraging others to trust God and His plan in their lives. Or women like Mayzoon Zayid, the Palestinian-American, who was born with cerebral palsy that makes her body shake all the time, but earns a living

Community Journal

Filing bankruptcy even when you don’t want to

debt relief also go through a wide range of emotions. Most of them, of course, are relieved to find out that they do not need to struggle with their debt problems anymore and that they could finally start over.

Life becomes normal once again. They don’t need to be afraid of picking up the phone anymore or opening their mailbox not knowing what they may find. Finally, these people can open a bank account again and start saving for the future.

As I said, a lot of people who end up filing for bankruptcy usually do so as a last resort. Deciding to file right away may not be the best thing to do in some situations. In other cases, it is necessary to file immediately in order to protect property, wages, bank accounts and other assets from being taken by creditors.

An experienced bankruptcy attorney should be consulted without delay when there are doubts as to when a case should be filed.

This is especially true when you have a lot of assets that may be at risk if creditors file lawsuits.

Once a creditor obtains a judgment, that creditor may proceed to place a lien against the property that you own, garnish your wages or clean out your bank accounts.

Listen to me! You may be broke, but you don’t have to be broken. If you are honestly doing your best to pay your creditors but simply can’t, the law provides a remedy for your situ-

ation.

Being bankrupt is not a conscious choice that people make but rather a negative consequence of poor financial decisions that have already been made in the past. But the past is gone and life must go on.

If you’ve made some mistakes (who hasn’t?) in the past, be willing to accept responsibility for where you are, forgive yourself and then move on. Accept the fact that you may need to file bankruptcy even if you don’t want to — if that’s your only hope of starting over.

When appropriate, bankruptcy may allow you to turn your situation around and help you get your life back on track. I have seen countless cases where bankruptcy relief helped people save their businesses, their homes, their property and even their marriages.

Our office can provide you a free confidential evaluation of your situation to determine whether bankruptcy relief may help. To schedule an appointment please call TOLL FREE 1866-477-7772.

as a comedian-actress, motivating people not to give up using their God-given talents despite all odds.

These are stories of people who remind us that life is worth living in spite of its challenges, struggles, and mysteries. They are stories that make us grateful to God for whatever life he gave us —not living in resentments or dwelling on one’s misfortunes, but using one’s talents and time to support oneself and other people.

The Gospel this Sunday, on the Parable of the Talents, gives us this message. It tells us not only to use our talents well, but also to be bold, wise, and unafraid to take a risk.

The parable is the story of a man who called his servants

and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to a third, one — to each according to his ability. After a long time, the one who received five talents came back with five more and the one who got two talents came back with two more.

To the master’s dismay, the one who received one talent returned with no additional profit.

Thinking that he was smart and afraid of the demands of his master, this person merely buried his treasure in the ground and left it there without any profit.

His master got mad at him, calling him a wicked and lazy servant. He told him that he could have put his money in the bank so that it could have

*** 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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One life to live

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

Tax Tips victoR sy, cPA, mBA

HOW long do you have to keep tax records? How long can the IRS audit your tax returns?

Let’s discuss tips on statute of limitations so you can clean your garage this weekend.

1. The general statute to audit you is three years after the return is filed.

2. The statute is extended to six years if you omit 25% of your gross income.

3. The statute to collect what has been established to be your tax liability is 10 years.

4. A personal tax return that is filed earlier than the deadline of April 15 is considered filed on April 15. For example, a 2016 return filed on February 15, 2017, is considered

How long should you keep tax records? filed on April 15, 2017 with a statute expiration of April 15, 2020.

5. A personal tax return that was extended and filed on October 15, 2017 is considered filed on that same date with statute expiring on October 15, 2020. (TIP: If you have some sensitive issues that you don’t want disturbed, file on time so as not to give the IRS and extra six months to snoop around).

6. There is no statute if you do not file a return. They can audit you anytime—even after three or six years after filing deadline. The three years starts only after a timely filing.

7. There is no protection from the statute if the IRS does not receive your tax return.

There is no protection even if you filed a return but the IRS did not receive or claims not to have received your return!

8. Mail via certified or registered mail especially if your return contains some critical income or deductions.

9. There is no statute for false or fraudulent returns.

Sorry.

10. If you want statutes to protect you but are not ready to file, file anyway. File a processable return that bears your signature. Provide sufficient data for the IRS to ascertain and assess your tax liability. Remember that your return does not need to be perfect. Just show an honest and genuine attempt to comply with the law. This is my message to non-filers who have not filed because of incomplete records.

Beware: If the IRS identifies you as a non-filer and you do not file after their demands, they can file a substitute re-

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Will incorporating a separate property business during marriage make it community property?

YOU own a successful business, as a sole proprietor, prior to marriage. You later meet the love of your life and decide to marry her. Years into the marriage, you decide to incorporate the business. A common question when the couple later divorces becomes 1) did your separate property business become community property by virtue of incorporating it during the marriage? 2) Was your separate property business “transmuted” to community property by incorporating it during the marriage?

No community property presumption Family Code §760 defines “Community property” as “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property. However under Marriage of Koester, the Court held that the community does not “acquire” a separate property business simply because the business is incorporated during the marriage. The mere incorporation of a business operated by spouse is not a change in its character, for purposes of division of community

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRsuA Reyes estate following divorce. In Koester, the Court stated that he incorporation simply effects a change in the legal form under which the business is conducted and property does not change its character merely because of a change in form or identity. Marriage of Koester (1999) 73 CA4th 1032, 1035, 1038, 87 CR2d 76, 79, 81. The Court in Koester also stated that “In contrast with the way title is taken when a married couple own residential property, the incorporation of a sole proprietorship business is typically done for reasons extrinsic to the marital relationship. To say ... that an asset was ‘acquired’ by the community ... because some aspect of corporate formation took place during the marriage is to elevate semantics over substance” No transmutation Incorporation of a sole proprietorship business during

the marriage can trigger a family code § 2640 tracing right of reimbursement only when it is also accompanied by an unambiguous express written transmutation of the business to community property as required by Family Code § 852.

Marriage of Koester, supra, 73 CA4th at 1036–1037, 87 CR2d at 79–80 & fn. 5. Under Family Code §852, a transmutation of real or personal property is not valid unless made in writing by an express declaration that is made, joined in, consented to, or accepted by the spouse whose interest in the property is adversely affected.

In Koester, the act of changing the legal form under which a business is conducted does not meet the requirements of family code § 852 for a valid transmutation. Marriage of Koester (1999) 73 CA4th 1032, 1037, 87 CR2d 76, 80 & fn. 5.

Incorporation of a sole proprietorship business is typically done for reasons extrinsic to the marital relationship.

Although the mere act of incorporating a separate business during the marriage does not change the character of the business to community property, the community may still

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Community Journal

Doing work before clocking in?

You’re entitled to back wages

Q: I WORK at a customer service company that deal with private information. To protect our clients’ privacy, we use a lot of technology to keep information safe. However, the use of these technology often require us to spend approximately 5 to 15 minutes every day preparing for work. For example, we are not allowed to clock in until we have booted up our computers. And we have to shut down every time we leave our workstation for lunch. We are not paid for shortened breaks or the prep time before clock in. Is this right?

A: No, it is not. It sounds like you’re doing “off-the-clock” work. “Off-the-clock” hours are worked by employees before or after their regular scheduled hours, even if the employer has not directly required or authorized that the off-the-clock activities be performed. Offthe-clock hours may include coming to work early before the shift’s official starting time or continuing to work after one has clocked out for one’s official end time. It also includes work done during the employee’s mandated breaks.

Off-the-clock work may also include pre-shift or preparatory activities that employees do before they do their main tasks. For example, employees may spend time putting on a special uniform or gear before they clock in for work. Or employees may spend time on post-shift work such as cleaning equipment after their shift.

Many employees in the healthcare industry work off-the-clock to complete their paperwork such as progress reports or patient charts. Some employees may take work home or

should not be discouraged if the work performed was “offProtecting the-clock” and not recorded.

Employee They should also not simply accept that they’re not entitled & Consumer to additional wages just beRights cause the work performed was “voluntary,” “unauthorized” Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. or “unapproved.” Work performed voluntarily, or without are contacted at home by tele- authorization or approval, may phone for work-related reasons still be compensable if the emor are “called back” to work. All ployer knows or should know of these post-shift activities fall work is being done and permits within hours worked and should the employee to do it.

If any of these off-the-clock be paid. Or, consider the following case of “advice nurses” who activities caused the employees to work more than 8 hours work at a call center: Some call center-based nurs- per day, then California law rees sued Permanente Medical quires that the employees be Group, Inc., the medical group paid at the premium rate of 1 that staffs the Kaiser Permanente ½ times the employee’s regusystem, claiming that they were lar rate if the employee worked not paid for their off-the-clock more than 8 but less than 12 work. The employees claimed hours in a work day. If the emthat the employer’s timekeep- ployee worked more than 12 ing policy caused them to incur hours in a work day or in exthese unpaid off-the-clock work. cess of 8 hours on the seventh Unpaid work included time they day in a work week, the emspent logging into software pro- ployee is entitled to double the grams before their shifts (be- employee’s regular rate. tween 4 to 30 minutes). It also *** included several minutes logging The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. out of the software programs and finishing phone calls at the end welcomes inquiries about this topic. of their shifts. The nurses also All inquiries are confidential and at claimed that the time they spent no-cost. You can contact the office logging back into their computer at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. systems interfered with their joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook meal and rest periods resulting page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., in them not being provided full Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered and uninterrupted breaks.

Rather than proceed to trial, wages and other monetary damages the parties agreed to settle the for thousands of employees and case, with the employer paying a consumers. He was named Top Labor total of $6.23 million in damag- & Employment Attorney in California es. Approximately 1,325 advice by the Daily Journal, consistently nurses will receive a share of the selected as Super Lawyer by the Los settlement monies calculated on Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient their actual hours worked. The of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.] court approved the settlement.

In determining whether addi(Advertising Supplement) tional wages are due, employees

Seniors raid retirement accounts but still require Chapter 7 relief THE clients are seniors. The wife is 67 and had just retired from a lifetime of being a registered nurse. She has social security benefits of $2,100. The husband is 67 and has social security of $700.

So together, they have social security of $2,800. They don’t own a house. They live with their daughter and they pay her rent of $1,000. The $1,000 covers utilities, except food. The daughter is a single mom with two daughters aged 10 and 8. She works as a hairdresser. I understand that she makes about $2,000 a month after deducting rent of $200 for a station.. She has her own clientele. So she takes home about $1,800 a month. She makes some extra income by selling her clients hair products including shampoos that are sold only through hairdressers. She makes another $300 a month profit on those products. For a single mom with two kids, her net income of $2,100 is hardly enough to make ends meet. So, the $1,000 of rent that clients give to daughter is more of a contribution to their household of three adult and two young children.

Their household’s income is therefore $2,800 from the clients’ social security plus $2,100 from the net income of the daughter as a self-employed hairdresser.

So the household income for this family becomes $4,900, less rent of $1,400, and yields a net of $3,500 for necessary monthly living expenses for a family of five. The clients are paying for two cars of about $400 each.

They decide to return one car but keep the other, thereby cutting car ownership expense by $400 a month.. They return the 2016 Honda Accord, but keep the 2014 Camry, which has three more years of payments to go.

The clients seem to be doing ok if you don’t dig further into their financial situation. I check their 2016 tax returns and it immediately jumps out that there was $37,000 retirement account liquidation -- $25,000 was a liquidation of wife’s 401K and $12,000 was a liquidation of husband’s IRA. In addition, there was $48,000 of disability pay that went to wife. So, I’m wondering where did the $48,000 plus the $37,000 went to.

I asked them what happened to the $85,000 of disability and retirement account liquidation that you received last year? They said that all $37,000 of the retirement account was used to pay credit cards, and the $48,000 of disability was used for living expenses and whatever was left over probably another $20,000 was also used to pay credit cards. I said, “you’re kidding, right?” Why use retirement and disability to pay credit cards when both sources

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng

of funds are completely exempt in Chapter 7.

In other words, if they filed Chapter 7 last year, they would still be able to keep their $37,000 of retirement accounts, plus still keep the $20,000 of disability in cash. So now, they would still have $57,000 of cash in the bank. My next question is so how much do you still owe of credit cards after paying $57,000? They said that they still owe about $100,000 of credit cards! One hundred thousand of credit cards requires at least $3,000 of minimum monthly payments. Even if the wife were still working as a registered nurse, she would gross about

retirement. Just don’t get sick.

Pray to our God for good health as you retire and long life!

Read Psalm 91 “…whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty…God says ‘I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord. When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them.

I will reward them with long life; I will save them.” How do you know this is true? Because the Bible is the word of God, and God doesn’t lie! Of course, this Psalm was actually written maybe 3000 years ago by Moses, who was really close to our God. So that’s good enough. Pray to our God, the God of Moses and Israel, cry to him in your distress, and your cry for help will reach his ears in his sanctuary! I think it must have been the prophet Samuel who said this in Psalm 18. When you cry to our Lord in your distress, He hears you! That is really good to know, is it not?

So let’s say you got sued for breach of contract for backing out of the marriage proposal that you made of to Kim Jung Un’s sister.

She sues you for $1.0M. Your 401K would be $1,122,000; yes that’s right; your retirement account is over $1.1M. You don’t have to go to N.Korea and ask your brother-in-law that never was for his forgiveness for not marrying his sister. You just file a Chapter 7 in Los Angeles and you discharge or wipe out the $1.0M lawsuit while keeping intact your 401K of $1.1M. Sounds good, right? No; sounds great in fact. Only in America can you do this. But will it stop your brotherin-law from aiming his nukes at LA? Well, that’s another story.

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

“I WILL SAVE THOSE WHO LOVE ME AND WILL PROTECT THOSE WHO ACKNOWLEDGE ME AS LORD…I WILL REWARD THEM WITH LONG LIFE;” PSALM 91h

“So the lesson here is that you should never use your retirement accounts to pay off your debts.” $8,000 a month and net about $6,500. Three thousand dollars a month or credit cards is almost 50 percent of the wife’s net take home pay if she were still working. But now her social security of $2,100 is not even enough to cover the $3,000 to keep the $100,000 of credit cards current.

I told them that they should have seen me last year before using up their retirement accounts and disability. They would have saved the $57,000 and still discharged all of their credit cards. But now of course they can still discharge all of the $100,000 of credit cards left after they paid off $57,000, but all of the $57,000 is gone!

“Yes, we really regret liquidating our retirement accounts and using the rest of the disability to pay the credit cards…” If we still had the $57,000 today, after discharging the $100,000, we would probably just pay off the car loan of $12,000 on the 2014 Camry so we don’t have to pay the $400 anymore.

So the lesson here is that you should never use your retirement accounts to pay off your debts. At this time, retirement accounts up to $1.2M are exempt in bankruptcy.

In other words, you can keep as much as $1.2M of retirement accounts as exempt assets when you file Chapter 7! That’s a lot of retirement account money! Even at a measly 5 percent income in a managed portfolio, you can use $60,000 a year without reducing the $1.2M of principal! That extra income in addition to social security makes for a comfortable

*** 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.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 18-21, 2017

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E-2 Treaty investor visa allows for stay in U.S. along with family DEAR Attorney Tan, I would like to know if there is any way for my family and I to stay in the US if I invest in a US business. While I do have some money to invest, I do not have the $500k-$1m that I read was necessary to get a green card through investment.

Do I have any other options? - S.K. Dear S.K., You should consider the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, which is a non-immigrant visa that allows a person to be admitted to the US with investment of a “substantial” amount of capital in either a new or existing US business.

A main objective of the E-2 Treaty Investor classification is to promote and encourage investment in the US. Accordingly, the Treaty Investor must demonstrate that he/she is actually investing a substantial amount of capital in the US enterprise. The Treaty Investor must show that he/she is placing capital at risk with the objective of generating a profit; the capital must be subject to loss if the investment fails. There is no specific amount of money that is required to be invested to be considered “substantial.”

Whether an investment is considered “substantial” is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The benefits of an E-2 Treaty Investor visa include an indefinite period of stay in the US with extensions of the E-2 visa. An E-2 Treaty Investor is allowed a maximum initial stay of 2 years, and requests for extension can be obtained in increments of 2 years. There is no limitation to the number of extensions an E-2 Treaty Investor may request. The E-2 Treaty Investor visa is a non-immigrant visa, and accordingly, the Treaty Investor must maintain an intent to depart the US whenever the E-2 status expires.

Another important benefit for an E-2 Treaty Investor is the ability to be accompanied to the US by his/her spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. An E-2 Treaty Investor’s spouse may apply for work authorization in the US, and no restriction is placed as to where the E-2 spouse can work. The spouse can work for another employer. Further, children who are under 21 years of age may enroll in US schools.

The immediate family come to the US under the E-2 classification as dependents of the Treaty Investor. The family members will have the same

PAGE C2 t

duration of stay as the Treaty Investor.

In addition, an employee of a Treaty Investor may come to the US under the E-2 classification providing that he/she is the same nationality of the Treaty Investor, and either has duties of an executive or supervisory character or has other special qualifications.

What are the general require- Darrick V. Tan, Esq. ments to obtain an E-2 Treaty Investor Visa? To obtain E-2 Treaty Investor status, a person: 1) must be a national of a country with which the US maintains a treaty of commerce or navigation, 2) either has invested or is in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in a US enterprise, and 3) seeks to come to the US to develop and direct the enterprise in which he/she is investing or is going to invest.

Consideration of the E-2 Treaty Investor visa is made on a case-by-case basis. The assistance of an experienced attorney who can assess the proposed type of business in which investment is contemplated as well as the amount of investment is therefore recommended. *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

One life to live...

earned interest. So in his anger, the master took his talent and gave it to another person.

In Greek, the word talanton (talent) means a huge monetary unit of silver coinage amounting to something like a lifetime’s earnings. So, in the parable, the man who received a mere one talent did not receive anything less at all. It was the money of a lifetime. Still, he did not see the value of this gift but lived in laziness and indifference.

The Gospel’s message in the

light of this context is clear. God gave us only one life to live, and we better make the most out of it, not living in selfishness and pride, but in generosity, gratitude and kindness. The Lord wants us all to prosper and to be fulfilled by growing in our skills and talents and sharing them with the world.

Many times, this takes a great deal of courage, patience, and perseverance. But with faith in God, we will realize that all things are possible. God is behind us always to encourage us and trust in the abilities he gave us!

***

From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor 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, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

C4 NOVEMBER 18-21, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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U.S. Embassy in Manila former staff reunion

U.S. EMBASSY MANILA FORMER STAFF CELEBRATE THEIR 6TH REUNION IN CALIFORNIA! Former employees of the U.S. Embassy in Manila enjoyed their annual gathering at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park, Calfornia, on November 4, 2017. Attendees were excited to see their colleagues and officemates over a nice dinner, music, dancing, and an exchange of pleasantries and sweet memories of their great employment with the American Embassy/Manila! Ed Roque, who worked for several departments of the Embassy, gave a welcome and inspirational speech stressing the importance of networking, friendship, and unity among the members, friends and families. Everyone thanked the association’s organizers Millet Aquino Metz and Romy Aguedelo for the success of their 2017 reunion.

Photo courtesy of Aurora Murphy

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES

FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS N OV E M B E R 29

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

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ

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.

Free oil filter exchange in Alhambra, CA Attention all Alhambra residents! Free oil filter & motor oil recycling event on Saturday, December 2! Everyone is invited to bring in their used motor oil and used oil filters. All those who recycle their used oil filter will receive one FREE new oil filter. Recycling motor oil and filters helps save our environment and keeps our water clean. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AutoZone located at 1100 W. Commonwealth Ave., Alhambra, CA 91803.

D EC E M B E R 27-29

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

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.

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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).

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People and Events

Fil-Am Association of Santa Clarita Valley San Pedro Pastoral participates in annual marathon Region leads Simbang

ON Sunday, November 5, the Fil-Am Association of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) hosted a water station on Avenue Rockefeller & Scott Avenue in Valencia, California during the annual Santa Clarita

Marathon presented by Parkway Motorcars. The event, which is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon attracts local, regional, and international running enthusiasts. (Photos by Leomar Carrillo).

Gabi on Dec. 15

ON December 15, 2017, the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will hold its Simbang Gabi liturgy at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at 6:30 p.m. The main celebrant is the Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles. This year’s theme is: “Jesus, Light for our Shepherds, with Mary, Lead Us All to Holiness.” (Hesus, Tanglaw Para sa Aming Mga Pastol, Kasama ni Maria, Akayin Mo Kaming Lahat Sa Kabanalan). The theme reflects renewal of our relationship with Christ, making an effort for all of us to be the light of the world. In many parts of the world, Simbang Gabi has been a tradition that propagates the Filipino spirituality of Advent, a unique spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus. Traditionally, Christmas in the Philippines is ushered by the Novena of Masses which begins on Dec. 16 and culminates on Dec. 24th, with the much anticipated Midnight Mass which is immediately followed with the “Noche Buena,” the family Christmas feast. Fr. Albert Avenido, moderator of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdio-

How long should...

PAGE C2 t turn for you. Believe me, that return will be estimated on the high side; pardon me, on the very high side, resulting on a tax due approaching 200% of what you actually owe. Add penalties and interests and, Houston, you have a problem. *** 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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Will incorporating...

PAGE C2 t acquire an apportionment interest if the value of the business substantially appreciated during the marriage due to the labor and hard work of the managing spouse during the marriage. The apportionment calculation is done using the formula in the Pereira or Van Camp case where the contributions of effort and return on capital are separated from the value of the business. *** 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.

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cese of Los Angeles, the Leadership Council, and parish leaders from San Pedro Pastoral Region, headed by Georgina Uy from St. Bernard Parish in Bellflower, will lead this year’s celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. As part of Simbang Gabi tradition in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Parols of different parishes celebrating the masses will be processed at the pre-liturgy and it will be blessed by Archbishop Gomez before they are sent to parishes to officially begin Simbang Gabi in the entire Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The procession also includes Parols of Filipino religious organizations, civic and professional organizations and government offices. Music will be provided by an inter-parish choir to be conducted by Robert Shroder. The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles invites everyone, all families and organizations to join in the Archdiocesan Simbang Gabi. For more information, please contact Georgina Uy at (562) 480-6058 or by e-mail at Georgina.uy@gmail.com or visit https://w.w.w.facebook.com/filipinoministry.losangeles.

C NOVEMBER 18-21, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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& December 2017 priority dates

Immigration Corner

F-1 and F-2B retrogress!

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

Application Filing Date

FAMILY CATEGORY:

THE December 2017 priority dates bring bad news for those Filipinos petitioned as adult single children of U.S. citizens (F-1) or green card holders (F-2B).

• For single adult children of US citizens (F-1), the priority date will retrogress (move backwards) approximately two years (from January 1, 2007 back to January 1, 2005)!

• For adult single children of green card holders (F-2B) the priority date will retrogress approximately one year (from January 1, 2007 back to July 1, 2006)!

The reason these priority dates will retrogress (move backwards) is that more people are seeking immigrant visas or adjustment of status in these categories than the number of visas available. Therefore, it’s a question of supply and demand. There are not enough visas in these categories to meet the demand. As stated in the Visa Bulletin: “In recent months the amount of applicant demand being received has been increasing at a steady pace. The level of such demand has reached a point where it has become necessary to retrogress each of those final action dates in an effort to hold the number use within the annual limit for these preference categories.” In addition, the “fiscal year” for visas is October 1 of each year, which has already passed. Therefore, it may not be until October 1, 2018 until there is a “new supply” of annual visas.

This also means that starting December 1, 2017, if your F-1 priority date is after January 1, 2005, you would not be able to file for adjustment of status or be issued an immigrant visa, even if your priority date is current at the present time. The same is true for F-2B: if your priority

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children (below November 1, 21 years old) of green 2016 card holder

October 1, 2007

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

September 1, 2007

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

June 15, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

March 1, 1995 Visa Issuance Date

LABOR CERTIFICATION: Application Filing Date Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

August 1, 2016

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

August 1, 2016

date is after July 1, 2006, starting December 1, 2017, you would not be eligible to file for adjustment of status or green card.

If your priority date is NOW current, but will retrogress in December 2017, it is important to make sure your adjustment of status application is filed or your immigrant visa is issued before retrogression. *** 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

Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Business Quote of the Week “People don’t take opportunities because the timing is bad, the financial side unsecure. Too many people are overanalyzing. Sometimes you just have to go for it.” - Michelle Zatlyn, Co-founder of CloudFlare

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ASEAN pressed to become an economic community by 2025 by rOy

stephen C. CaniVel Inquirer.net

tHe Association of southeast Asian nations (AseAn) will find it hard to become a major economic force by 2050 if it fails to meet its goal to become a fully functioning economic community by 2025, said Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Arroyo, who chaired AseAn in 2007, said this in her speech during the Asean Business and investment summit (Abis) on tuesday, november 14 wherein she was tasked to talk about what AseAn would look like 50 years from now. “i have no crystal ball and neither has everyone,” she said, noting how difficult it is to predict the future, given how unpredictable AseAn has been. nevertheless, she said hitting the bloc’s goals nearly a decade from now would give it a “great chance” of becoming a stronger economy in five decades. established in 2015, the AseAn economic Community (AeC) laid down a blueprint for the decade

break down nontariff barriers in the region, as well as implement agreements that aim to bring down barriers on the flow of labor. the former President hosted last week a welcome dinner for Cambodian Prime Minister Hun sen and Myanmar state Counselor Aung san suu Kyi. she said she asked the prime minister about his vision 50 years ahead, and the latter said that “AseAn would have succeeded in narrowing the development gap” among member states by then. she, however, said that there might still be income disparity Former Pres. and Pampanga Rep. Gloria “within nations” even if such gap Macapagal Arroyo Inquirer.net photo was narrowed. “if huge segments of a country ahead. in essence, the region wants to and a community of nations are be highly integrated and cohesive, left behind by progress, then these Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said ordering concerned government agencies and requesting Congress to the fast-track and at the same time inclusive and disadvantaged sectors and states removal of foreign investment restrictions that require legislation.

Inquirer.net photo will reject development and glopeople-centered, she said. “if we achieve our vision in eight balization paradigms and embrace years, we have a great chance of alternative and often isolationist being a global force in 50 years, and sometimes extremist and viobut if we can’t even achieve that lent ideologies,” she said. “so for open economies and vision in 2025 we’ll have an uphill free enterprise to win, everyone battle,” she said.

(FinL), which is also pending the tising firms. she said there was a need to must win,” she added.

by Ben O. de Vera President’s approval.

Meanwhile, a cap of 40 percent Inquirer.net Pernia, who also heads the is being applied in foreign-led President rodrigo duterte state planning agency nation- exploration, development and is expected to issue a memoran- al economic and development utilization of natural resources; Year to date, however, OFW overseas Filipinos with work con- dum circular ordering concerned Authority, said to be removed ownership of private lands; operaremittances were up 4.8 percent tracts of one year or more, includ- government agencies and re- from the FinL were the eight tion of public utilities; educational from the same period last year with ing other household-to-household questing Congress to fast-track to 10 sectors, including the fol- institutions other than those the september result boosting the transfers, rose by 5.1 percent to removal of foreign investment re- lowing: professions (teaching of established by religious groups strictions that require legislation, foreign professors from foreign and mission boards; and facility $18.4 billion. tally to $23.16 billion. those from sea-based and land- the country’s chief economist universities); public utilities such operator of an infrastructure or a Personal remittances sum up the net compensation of OFWs, based workers with work contracts said thursday, november 16. as telecommunications (except development facility requiring a socioeconomic Planning sec- water, sewerage and electricity public utility franchise. personal transfers whether in cash of less than one year also increased or in kind and also capital transfers by 3.5 percent to $4.8 billion for the retary ernesto M. Pernia told distribution); and construction, As for land, Pernia had said reporters that the upcoming specifically contractors, among they were eyeing a 50-year lease same period. between households. presidential order will comple- others.

Cash remittances Focusing on the year-to-date contracts to foreigners, renewCash remittances, which only ment the moves to liberalize the tally, the Bangko sentral said perLast month, Pernia said mass able by another 50 years. sonal remittances from land-based As for the proposed FinL that PAGE D4 foreign investment negative list media and almost every sector except land will be further opened was submitted to the Office of the up to foreign equity two years President last month, Pernia had from now through an amendment said it had identified a “short” of the Constitution seen pushing list of areas where foreigners can through next year. own up to 49 percent, a list of Once the government’s plan “sensitive” areas, as well as activito liberalize nearly all indus- ties where full foreign ownership tries by 2019 happens, foreign will be allowed. direct investment (Fdi) inflows in the case of the contractors could “easily double,” Pernia in the construction industry, they had said. wanted to allow 100-percent forthe neda chief had said eco- eign ownership as long as comnomic managers were asking panies have good international the President to certify as urgent reputation, Pernia had said. the proposed amendments to As for retail trade, the proposal the economic provisions of the was to reduce to $200,000 from 1987 Constitution, especially as $2.5 million at present the miniMr. duterte had sought Charter mum paid-up capital of foreign change through an appointed retailers looking to establish constitutional commission (Con- operations here, according to Com).

Pernia.

Under the Constitution, no forneda officials had said they eign equity is allowed in mass me- were also eyeing full foreign owndia except recording; the practice ership in investment houses. of professions, especially law; every two years, the governutilization of marine resources ment releases the FinL, which in archipelagic waters, territorial lists down sectors where foreign sea and exclusive economic zones investors have only limited paras well as small-scale utilization ticipation. of natural resources in rivers, the 10th FinL was issued by lakes, bays and lagoons; as well former President Aquino in 2015 as manufacture, repair, stockpil- under executive Order no. 184, ing and/or distribution of nuclear which had practically kept intact weapons. the list of activities and sectors Also under the Constitution, restricted to foreign equity and only up to 30-percent foreign participation as provided for in equity can be allowed in adver- the ninth regular FinL.

Duterte to ask Congress to rush removal of foreign investment limits

OFW remittances hit 5-month low in September

by MayVelin

U. CaraBallO ManilaTimes.net

MOneY sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) slumped to the lowest level of remittances in five months in september, the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas reported on Wednesday, november 15.

Personal remittances dropped to $2.44 billion from $2.62 billion a year ago, down 7 percent and the smallest monthly inflow since the $2.31 billion posted in April this year.

Facebook to help put up ultra-fast internet in Luzon by lOUella

desideriO Philstar.com

MAniLA, — the Bases Conversion and development Authority (BCdA) and department of information and Communications technology (diCt) signed a landing party agreement with Facebook, which would be called the Luzon Bypass infrastructure to improve speed and accessibility, as well as reduce the cost of broadband internet in the country. diCt officer-in-charge eliseo rio Jr. said the agreement include the construction of an ultra high speed information highway that will greatly improve the speed, affordability and accessibility of broadband internet throughout the country.

Under the agreement, BCdA will build the Luzon Bypass infrastructure project consisting of two cable landing stations connected by 250-kilometer long cable network corridor at a cost of around P975 million.

Facebook, meanwhile, will construct and operate a submarine cable system that will land in the cable stations in Baler, Aurora

and Poro Point, san Fernando, La Union on the western part. “the cable will provide direct connections from Luzon to internet hubs in the U.s. and Asia,” rio said. the diCt, for its part, will operate and maintain the Luzon Bypass infrastructure and related facilities, as well as provide last mile connectivity in the Philippines. “in exchange for utilizing the bypass infrastructure, Facebook will provide the government with spectrum equivalent to at least two million Mbps, significantly expanding the capacity available for the government’s connectivity programs,” rio said.

He said the capacity is almost equal to the current combined capacity of telcos PLdt inc. and Globe telecom inc., allowing the government to act like a third player. “this project is an integral part of the national Broadband Plan which will enable the government to significantly reduce the cost of the government’s internet cost and improve internet speed,” he said. through the project, the diCt PAGE D3

Due to heavy traffic, e-commerce in the Philippines is booming MAniLA — every day, e-commerce grows in the Philippines. such has been the assertion of inanc Balci, president, co-founder and community chief executive officer for e-commerce portal Lazada, which claims to be the number one marketplace and the seventh most accessed website in the Philippines. “the Philippines used to be the sMs capital of the world, now it is number one in terms of Facebook penetration. so, i am confident that the Philippines will be number one in southeast Asia in terms of e-commerce,” Balci said in a recent press conference. in the Philippines, about 1.5

percent of retail sales are from e-commerce with around 10 million e-commerce customers every day. But, given the heavy traffic in the country’s biggest cities like Metro Manila, he is confident that the country’s 63 million active Facebook users could become potential customers for retail. “e-commerce makes Filipinos more efficient, so they cannot lose time to traffic, they can work more and generate more income for the country,” he explained. e-commerce, he noted, attracts a very young market in the Philippines, so his company plans to include gaming products as gaming PAGE D4

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MVP urges ASEAN businesses to invest in digital technology by iris

Gonzales Philstar.com

MANILA — Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan rallied businessmen in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN) to invest in digital technology, saying this is necessary for the economic bloc to fully evolve.

Leading the panel on entrepreneurship in the digital economy during ASeAN Business & Investment Summit Tuesday, November 14 Pangilinan said it is important for businesses to continue investing in digital transformation to help nations fully develop.

ASeAN, he said, is no exception and its members would significantly benefit from the digital transformation.

exist without infrastructure such as highways and connectivity,” Pangilinan said.

After putting the necessary infrastructure in place, it is then necessary for consumers to have the devices, he added.

“At the moment, 40 percent here in the Philippines have smartphones so we have to solve that problem,” Pangilinan said.

Corollary to the digital transformation, Pangilinan said it is necessary to develop the financial system.

Manuel V. Pangilinan Philstar.com photo he said that for consumers “ASeAN will only evolve after to have access to smartphones, its members develop that internet internet companies must be able practice and consciousness. The to provide access to lending and first step is to have the appropri- make smart devices more affordate infrastructure. Internet cannot able to consumers.

Mindanao taking position as top PH cacao exporter

by Conrad

M. Cariño ManilaTimes.net

The cacao industry in Mindanao is aiming to become the country’s top producer of quality cacao products that can be exported to other countries, with the effort being spearheaded by the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao (CIDAMi) In a presentation made during the recent Asean Agricultural Summit 2017, Dante Muyco Jr., president of CIDAMi, said the organization has made significant strides in developing Mindanao’s cacao industry with the aim of making the region one of the major suppliers of the commodity in the world market.

Muyco, also the marketing director of Chokolate de San Isidro Inc (CSI)., said that in partnership with the government, CIDAMi crafted the Cacao Industry Roadmap that was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte in March this year. “ C I DA M i ’s v i s i o n i s [ t o make]Mindanao a world renowned quality cacao producer,” he said in his presentation.

The Mindanao-based cacao

organization also helped form the Philippine Cacao Industry Council and facilitated the formation of regional cacao industry councils throughout the Philippines. And in October this year, CIDAMi established the Chocolate Center in Davao City, which showcases the best cacao products.

CIDAMi also provided extension services to cacao growers in Mindanao in the form of technology transfer, and training of about 1,000 “cacao doctors” all throughout the Philippines. It also conducted industry promotions and linkaging and the Kakao Konek Conference, and sent missions to the United States and the european Union to make it known that the Philippines can supply quality cacao.

Advocacies Among the advocacies of CIDAMi is for the country to produce 100,000 metric tons of dried cacao beans annually by 2022 from the current level of 50,000 MT. CIDAMi is also undertaking branding initiatives for cacao products in the Philippines along with establishing an industry-wide quality assurance system in the

Facebook to help put up...

production of the commodity.

In enterprise development, CIDAMi is assisting in the development of micro, small and medium enterprises that could also undertake value adding for cacao products.

Learning from CSI As the marketing director of CSI, Muyco also sought to make the company as social enterprise in 2008 by integrating the players in the value chain to work together, particularly the farmer cooperatives, who were also stockholders of the company.

By 2009, CSI was exporting to The Netherland and became one of the first companies in the Philippines to export cacao products.

Muyco said CSI’s success in exporting cacao showed that community-based social enterprises are capable of participating in international trade, and even spark the development of an industry.

“Thus, a confluence of sustainable business models working as an industry, with a lot of ‘visioning’, is key to achieving competitiveness in the value chain,” he said.

starts. It will be operational from 2019 until 2044 with the DICT at PAGE D2 tal which should serve as the the helm,” Rio said. expects ease in implementation one-stop gateway for all online BCDA president and chief exof the Free Public WiFi program government content and trans- ecutive officer Vivencio Dizon said which aims to cover around actions. the project is a game-changer for 250,000 sites.

“With this signing, it signals the the country.

The project is also expected start of procurement and construc“It is the first step in improving to make it easier to implement tion process until early 2019. With the quality of internet in the counthe National Government Por- this signing, the real hard work try,” he said.

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Due to heavy traffic, e-commerce...

ping app, which could be helpful for those doing their last-minute enthusiasts are now reportedly Christmas shopping. bigger than those who watch the Moreover, the mall chain has NBA Finals. partnered with Grab Express to According to Balci, from take care of shopping deliver800,000, Lazada now has 28 milies, as well as with Grab, Uber, lion products, equivalent to 40 and P2P buses for shopping shopping malls, as opposed to a convenience. Promo codes have physical mall with only around been made to give commuters 600,000 products and takes one discounts when going to the malls hours to shop. to shop. Those bringing their own Likewise, according to L’Oreal car can also check out reserved Philippines, e-commerce has parking slots that allow one to become a new destination for park and shop for 30 minutes. beauty enthusiasts in the country.

Besides for shopping, e-com“Beauty is born again digitally,” merce has become popular for said the country’s representative, ordering food. As a press stateadding that more and more Filiment by food ordering app Eatigo pinos nowadays order cosmetics says, “Filipinos are now a dine-out and hair color online to color their generation due to their on-the-go hair at home and at their own lifestyle.” convenience.

The portal aims to connect For Paulo Campos, founder and empty tables with empty stomachs chief executive officer of Zalora by offering up to half the price on every restaurant every day. The app is said to be connected to over 2,000 restaurants, from hole-inthe-wall to five-star dining destinations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, India and The Philippines. It differentiates itself for having “curated” categories for easy browsing between top, new and nearby restaurants.

Reportedly downloaded by more than 1.5 million users and backed by Trip Advisor with a funding of US$15.5 million, the app can be downloaded with no subscriptions, vouchers or hidden The combination of millions of sellers and buyers makes this year’s theme “Shop the Universe” fees. (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bera perfect fit for Lazada’s Online Revolution campaign, which aims to make the Philippines the nardo and Kristel Dacumos-Lagoe-commerce capital of Southeast Asia.

Philstar.com photo rza/Philstar.com)

PAGE D2

Philippines, he said: “The gap between online and offline retail is rapidly decreasing.”

To keep pace with the way consumers and their shopping habits are evolving, the shopping site recently unveiled its third pop-up store in partnership with Ayala Malls. The pop-up store at B3 Bonifacio High Street will run until December 3 and takes on a contemporary caravan concept as it moves to different key Ayala Malls around the country.

According to Campos, a pop-up store creates a more convenient, personalized and one-of-a-kind shopping experience, especially on this very busy holiday season.

To help ease the stress of shopping for Christmas gifts, Ayala Malls has opened a Christmas catalog in shopping portal Zalora.

The mall’s wide array of merchandise is now available in the shop-

OFW remittances hit 5-month...

PAGE D2 count money sent home via banks, also declined 8.3 percent to $2.18 billion in September from $2.38 billion.

This was attributed to an 11.7percent drop in cash remittances from land-based workers, which offset a 6.0-percent increase in transfers from sea-based workers.

“There are reports that a number of global correspondent banks have closed their service facilities on money service business, reflective of the increasing global trend to reduce correspondent banking relationships and focus more on home market. This may have partly affected remittances flows during the month,” the Bangko Sentral explained.

The BSP said the countries that registered the biggest declines in cash remittances in September were Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Australia.

EMPLOYMENT

For Saudi Arabia, the decline in remittances could partly be the result of the continued repatriation of OFWs under the Saudi Arabian Amnesty Program that started in March 2017, it said, The Saudi government extended the amnesty program anew on September 26, 2017 and a total of 8,467 undocumented Filipinos had already availed of the initial offer, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

For the first nine months of 2017, cash remittances recorded 3.8 percent growth from a year ago, reaching $20.78 billion.

Cash remittances from landbased and sea-based workers grew by 3.8 percent and 3.5 percent to reach $16.4 billion and $4.4 billion, respectively, the central bank said.

It added that cash remittances coming from the United States, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, United

Kingdom, Qatar, Kuwait, Germany and Hong Kong comprised about 72 percent of total cash remittances in the first nine months of 2017.

Growth driver Despite the fall of remittances in September, analysts said it remained a key driver of economic growth.

“Supported by remittances, we expect tomorrow’s (today’s) third quarter GDP (gross domestic product) report to reveal private consumption remaining the main driver of GDP growth,” ING Bank senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said.

Cuyegkeng said real household spending growth of close to 6 percent and GDP growth of 6.6 percent in the third quarter was expected.

DBS economist Gundy Cahyadi also said that strong remittances were behind consumption growth.

“For now, we continue to think that remittances are on track to hit $27 to $28 billion for the year,” he said.

EMPLOYMENT

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