112418 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 93 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Philippines likely to remain one of ‘growth leaders’ next year

by IAN

NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com

THE Philippines should remain as one of the “growth leaders” next year, Oxford Economics said, adding that the Southeast Asian nation is insulated from risks posed by persistent trade tension between the U.S. and China that is threatening the global economy.

In a research note, analysts at Oxford Economics said it expects the Philippine economy to expand 6.3 percent in 2018. If realized, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the Philippines this would fall below the government’s downwould have expanded by 6.5-7 percent last quarter had soaring prices been wardly revised 6.5 to 6.9 percent target for controlled, adding that the state’s downgraded economic growth target for this year is now “much more challenging” to hit.

Inquirer.net photo

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Fil-Am Melissa Ramoso becomes only woman to serve on Artesia City Council FILIPINA-AMERICAN Melissa Ramoso on Wednesday, November 21, declared victory on winning a seat as the only woman on the Artesia City Council. u PAGE A3

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NEW BARGE PORT. President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, November 22 led the inauguration of the Cavite Gateway Terminal (CGT), the country’s first and only container barge port located in Barangay Capipisa East, Tanza, Cavite. Duterte said the P1.5-billion terminal is the result of the collaboration between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) that aims to address the perennial problem of port and road congestion.

Malacañang photo by Rolando Mailo

Palace: Details of PH and China deals to be released

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

AMID critics calling for transparency, Malacañang has promised it will issue the details concerning the deals signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official two-day visit to the Philippines earlier this week.

On Tuesday, November 20, Xi and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed 29 agreements, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary concerning oil and gas, trade and Teodoro Locsin Jr. sign the memorandum of understanding on oil and gas investment, banking and finance, development between the Philippines and China.

Malacañang photo infrastructure, agriculture, educa-

tion, and culture, among others.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo explained that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was preoccupied with the activities on the second and last day of the Chinese president’s visit and vowed that they would release such important information as soon as it is completed and validated.

“We assure everyone that the government would release all pertinent information for public consumption once President Xi’s visit

has culminated, and as soon as the complete, proper and correct documents become certified and available,” Panelo told reporters on Wednesday, November 21.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. told CNN Philippines that China signed the agreement on oil and gas development he drafted “in an act of trust” and would send copies to Congress by next week.

“China had little time to propose amendments. So it is only

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DOJ chief confident of Ampatuan conviction Duterte fires housing secretary general over corruption allegations

by EVELYN

MACAIRAN Philstar.com

Melissa Ramoso

SoCal’s Woolsey Fire fully contained, but area faces new threats of mudslides 3 civilian deaths, 600 unaccounted for, 1,634 structures destroyed

MANILA — So many accused, so many witnesses, but the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case is finally up for resolution, and the government is confident of securing a guilty verdict.

On the ninth anniversary on Friday, November 23, of the country’s worst case of election violence, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra expressed confidence that a conviction is forthcoming.

The evidence is “very strong,” Guevarra said, particularly against principal defendant Andal “Datu Unsay” Ampatuan Jr. Fifty-eight people, including 32 journalists, were murdered by an estimated 300 people allegedly led by Ampatuan on Nov. 23, 2009, in the Maguindanao town named after the clan.

The case is being heard by Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221.

“We could have done it faster, but there were certain factors beyond our control.

So many accused, so many witnesses too,” Guevarra said, explaining the slow litigation. “Anyway, we are winding up now, and we expect a decision hopefully within the first half of 2019.”

The families of the 58 victims are looking forward to a conviction.

Their optimism was bolstered by the visit of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Undersecretary Joel Egco of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security at the massacre memorial in Barangay Masalay in Ampatuan town.

Andanar and Egco told Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu of the possibil-

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, November 22 fired Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) secretary-general Falconi Millar for alleged corruption in the rehabilitation of war-ravaged Marawi City.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the dismissal of Millar was done to implement the administration’s u PAGE A5 anti-corruption drive.

“There are no sacred cows in the administration, especially in its drive against corruption. As the president said, he will not tolerate even a whiff of corruption in

by ABAC CORDERO the executive branch of governPhilstar.com ment,” Panelo told reporters.

However, Millar denied beFREDDIE Roach is back in ing involved in the misconduct.

Manny Pacquiao’s corner.

“Yes, it’s true,” said the 58- He claimed that he resigned on year-old trainer on Tuesday, No- Thursday morning and was not vember 20, after ironing things fired.

“It is an obvious demolition out with his prized fighter during job. In protecting the interest of a meeting in Beverly Hills.

Roach was out of sight and out the government, I have annoyed of mind when Pacquiao fought some personalities,” Millar said.

The lawyer/certified public acArgentina’s Lucas Matthysse last countant (CPA) was dubbed by July in Kuala Lumpur.

Pacquiao won the fight inside Duterte as someone who was corseven rounds with Buboy Fer- rupted by power. The president nandez and Justin Fortune man- announced during the inauguraning the corner. It was his first tion of the Cavite Gateway Termiu PAGE A3 nal in Tanza, Cavite that he signed

Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach together again

AS the season of wildfires comes to a conclusion and the updated statistics are pouring in, as residents face another challenge in the aftermath: mudslides.

On Friday, Nov. 23 the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) posted an update that listed containment at 100 percent after 13 days of ravage that blazed through 96,949 acres and destroyed 1,643 structures.

The LAFD also listed three deaths as well as three injured firefighters.

Portions of the City of Malibu have been repopulated with more residents in the affected areas continuing to be repopulated daily.

Although the fire has thankfully come to an end, the fight against natural consequences Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach during their meeting. persists.

Photo by Wendell Alinea/Manny Pacquiao Promotion u PAGE A3

by AJPRESS

the dismissal of Millar before the event.

“I don’t know, somehow along the way corruption seeps in and it’s hard. When you are there, sec-gen (secretary general), you have the power, authority. Power corrupts and sometimes you want your money to go to your pocket almost every day,” Duterte said.

As the head of the secretariat of Task Force “Bangon Marawi,” Millar came under fire due to the delays in the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of Marawi’s “ground zero.”

Duterte said that he is determined to rid the government of corrupt and abusive officials.

Since June 2016, the tough-talking leader has dismissed a number of cabinet officials due to their involvement in several controversies.

The list includes former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Ismael Sueno; National Irrigation Administration (NIA) chief Peter Lavina; Social Security System (SSS) commissioner Jose Gabriel “Pompee” Lavina; Maritime Industry Authority (MIA) Administrator Marcial Quirico Amaro III and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chief Patricia Licuanan.

Malacañang also revealed the dismissal of military-affiliated

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A November 24-27, 2018 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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From the Front Page

Philippines likely to remain one...

PAGE A1 t

this year.

For 2019 and 2020, the think tank said the Philippines is forecast to grow at a slower pace of 6.1 and 5.7 percent, respectively. The Duterte administration has set a 7 to 8 percent goal for next year until 2022.

Oxford Economics said that in the Asia Pacific region, the Philippines and India are likely to be spared from the brunt of escalating trade war between the U.S. and China, noting that the two countries have less trade links with Beijing.

“The small open economies are expected to experience

the largest dip in growth, with Hong Kong and Singapore slowing more than China in 2019,” Oxford Economics said.

“The more inward-looking economies — India and the Philippines – should remain growth leaders,” it added.

The Trump administration last Wednesday renewed its accusations of “unfair” trade practices against China — which came as markets grow pessimistic that the world’s two largest economies can resolve their burgeoning trade war any time soon.

US President Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on more than $250 billion in Chinese imports. China has retaliated by imposing tariffs on more than $100 billion in American goods that China buys.

“We expect the US-China trade war and the subsequent slowdown in Chinese demand to dominate the outlook for most Asia Pacific economies in 2019... especially in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia, where trade ties with China matter greatly,” it said.

“Eventually, some economies may benefit from the relocation of supply chains. South-east Asia could be a preferred destination,” it added.

In the third quarter, the Philippine economy slowed down to a three-year low of 6.1 percent, as surging borrowing costs and red-hot inflation weigh on consumer spending, which has traditionally been the driving force behind growth.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the Philippines would have expanded by 6.5-7 percent last quarter had soaring prices been controlled, adding that the state’s downgraded economic growth target for this year is now “much more challenging” to hit.

“Outlook for both [Philippines and India] has deteriorated over the last six months, as eroded investor confidence in twin-deficit economies has coincided with domestic turbulence – renewed financial sector stresses in India and rapidly rising inflation in Philippines,” Oxford Economics said. n

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING. Thousands of residents of Mandaluyong City join the Christmas tree lighting to open the “Paskuhan sa Tiger City 2018” held at the Mandaluyong City Hall grounds on Monday, November 19.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Palace: Details of PH and China deals to be released PAGE A1 t polite to ask them — a quality no one is born with but can be bred into. Copies will be with the Senate and House by Monday,” Locsin said on Twitter.

The agreement authorizes “China National Offshore Oil Corporation as the Chinese enterprise of each working group, while the Philippines will authorize other enterprises with service contracts in the area,” the secretary revealed on Thursday. The two countries will have 12 months to reach a cooperation agreement for oil and gas and exploration in the West Philippine (South China) Sea. Meanwhile, Albert del Rosario, former Foreign Affairs Secretary under the previous Aquino administration, said that the Philippines is “safe” and that “nothing is being giving away” in the cooperation agreement.

Critics question the deals The presidential office, earlier claimed that a joint exploration in the West Philippine Sea would be a “welcome gift” for Xi. However, critics aired their disapproval as they sought to read first the agreements involving the two countries before Duterte and Xi sign them.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Senator Francis Pangilinan filed a resolution urging Duterte to release the “definitive draft” of the oil and gas deals with China, along with other agreements

involving Philippine natural resources, before signing them.

Panelo responded, saying that it did not matter who made the agreement since the deal would still be scrutinized by the Philippine government. The spokesperson also added that the proposed joint exploration in the South China Sea was legal.

Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano said that Chinese agreements are normally bilateral and secret and target poor countries with authoritarian leaders. He warned that a country like the Philippines should learn from the experience of other countries.

Former solicitor general Florin Hilbay argued that the people have the right to know what goes on in the agreements between the Philippines and China. He said that the public should monitor if the deals are constitutional in nature.

“We need to see the framework of the agreements, is it constitutional? In the development and exploration of natural resources, full control has to be [with] the state. Because the government doesn’t want to show us the contract[s] yet, one of our options as members of the opposition is to file a petition for mandamus,” Hilbay said.

Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development Senator Leila de Lima said that the agreements should

maintain the best interest of the country. It should also prioritize the needs of its people.

“Considering that the interests of China are totally opposed to ours, especially with respect to the West Philippine Sea issue, the government should always follow the principles of transparency and accountability, which require that the terms of any deal or loan agreement be subjected [to] extreme scrutiny to protect our country’s economy and national security,” de Lima said.

The said opposition leaders said that the deals signed by Duterte must “not contravene sovereign rights and territorial integrity” under the Constitution.

It should also consider the Philippines’ legal victory in an international tribunal in The Netherlands that rejected China’s sweeping claim to the whole South China Sea. Since taking office in 2016, the Philippines has secured $24 billion in investment and loan pledges from China, but has yet to receive the financing.

“In the past two years, we have worked hard to lay the cornerstones for the continued advancement of our beneficial cooperation in a wide range of areas. There is a deepening trust and confidence [between] our governments, and we have greatly increased dialogue and interaction on many levels,” Duterte said earlier this week. n

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DATELINE USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018

A3

Mickey’s Manila visit prompts speculation of PH Disneyland

HEARING ON SHABU SMUGGLING. Senator Richard Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee presides over the continuation of the hearing on the alleged shipment of P6.8-billion worth of ‘shabu’ into the country at the Senate in Pasay City on Thursday, November 22.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

SoCal’s Woolsey Fire fully contained, but area faces...

PAGE A1 t On Wednesday evening, the Southland experienced the first major rainstorm of the season, and residents of Oak Park and the surrounding areas began preparing for the potential of mudslides, mirroring last year’s mud and rock slides which claimed 21 lives in Montecito following the Thomas Fire.

According to fire officials, it takes about a half inch of rain every hour for significant flows of debris to materialize. They’re urging residents to slow down on nearby highways and to acquire sandbags to direct water to storm drains in preparation for future rainfall.

“Please be mindful of people working in the area as essential services are restored,” the LAFD wrote in a statement to the media on Friday. “Please stay vigi-

lant as you drive into areas that have been impacted by fire as road crews, firefighters and other personnel are focused on completing their assignments.”

As of this story’s publication, northbound Latigo Canyon Road north of Ocean View Drive remains closed as residents of this area will be repopulated.

Friday’s update also indicated the following road closures: Westbound Mulholland Hwy (west of Seminole Drive); Mulholland Hwy at the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), Calamigos, Kanan Dume and Little Sycamore Canyon; Encinal Canyon at Via Vienta; Decker Canyon at PCH; and Carlisle at Westlake.

Other closures include Malibu Creek State Park, Solstice Canyon, Upper Solstice Canyon and Castro Crest because of “fire weakened or dead trees

that may fall without warning, burned out stumps creating holes under trails, damage to parking areas and roads and damaged or destroyed structures.”

The department also warned that “intermittent power outages” are to be expected throughout the impacted areas.

The massive Woolsey Fire sparked on Nov. 8 on Woolsey Canyon Road near the Santa Susana Field Laboratory above Simi Valley. The blaze quickly spread through dry brush via intense, hot winds, eventually reaching the affluent cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas and Malibu.

More than 300,000 residents were evacuated as whole neighborhoods were scorched.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach...

PAGE A1 t knockout win since 2009.

Differences after the disappointing loss to Jeff Horn in Brisbane in July 2017 are said to be the cause of his fallout with Roach.

“We are all one team working together. We always have been,” added Roach, now looking forward to a new chapter with Pac-

quiao.

“Manny reached out directly.

We sat together one on one. I’ll be in his corner Jan. 19,” added the Hall of Fame trainer.

The meeting was the first between Pacquiao and Roach since the Horn fight. It was just like old times.

On Jan. 19, the boxing icon turning 40 on Dec. 17 will put

everything on the line against Cincinnati’s Adrien Broner in Las Vegas.

At stake is Pacquiao’s WBA welterweight belt and whatever is left of his future inside the ring.

If Pacquiao is impressive in victory, it may lead to a rematch with the retired and undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. ■

IS Walt Disney Co. planning to build a Disneyland in the Philippines?

Netizens speculated that the land “where dreams come true” will soon become a reality for Filipinos after Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney’s famous character, was recently spotted in a barong Tagalog as he visited some of Manila’s tourist attractions such as Rizal Park and Fort Santiago in Intramuros.

Mickey Mouse also watched the sunset in Manila Bay. “I wish that they would make a Disneyworld Philippines in Clark, Pampanga,” Facebook user Ian Tristan Vergara commented on photos of Mickey Mouse on “Oh My Disney Asia” official Facebook page.

“Does this, in any way, indicate Wearing a barong Tagalog, Mickey Mouse poses in Rizal Park in this photo that has gone viral. that a Disneyland or Disneysea Disney’s most famous character is visiting tourist spots around the world as part of his 90th

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birthday celebration this month.

Philstar.com photo

Fil-Am Melissa Ramoso becomes only woman...

PAGE A1 t Since election day, Ramoso has held onto her position as one of the top three vote-getters in the Artesia City Council elections where she was the only woman on the November 6th ballot.

As the last rounds of outstanding ballots were counted by the Los Angeles County Registrar of Votes, Ramoso has placed in a solid third place.

“It has been such an incredible journey and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone before the Thanksgiving Holiday for their love and support. I am deeply humbled to be one of Artesia’s newest Councilmembers,” said Ramoso in a statement. “I promise to work hard to justify Artesians confidence in me, keep residents informed about what the city is doing, and ask for their input as new projects and issues arise. My door will always be open.”

For over 14 years working in government, Ramoso has represented federal and state legislatures in serving their constituents through listening to their problems, finding solutions, and implementing them.

Ramoso has plans of working with the same enthusiasm in the city of Artesia where she has long been a local to the area, having graduated from the ABC Unified School District’s Richard Gahr High School before attending the University of California, Irvine.

“I love the hometown feel that it has, and the people, and pride that many residents show and express,” Ramoso previously told the Asian Journal during her campaign run.

“I want to keep that spirit, in addition to making the city grow and be innovative as our families grow as well,” she added.

Ramoso’s city council agenda combines leadership and public service experience to bring Artesia forward.

Being one of Los Angeles County’s Gateway Cities, Artesia is home to numerous ethnic enclaves, including the Filipino community which makes up the majority of Artesia’s Asian population.

There are also the Portuguese and Dutch communities who first settled in the area in the early 1920s and 1930, and the burgeoning South Asian community

along Pioneer Boulevard marking the largest Indian enclave in Southern California.

Throughout her campaign, Ramoso stated that her top priorities for the community would be making City Hall more accessible, improvising the quality of life for all Artesia’s neighborhoods, and strengthening its local economy.

Asked what one of her favorite memories of Artesia was, Ramoso told the Asian Journal that Artesia was where she first experienced a sense of community that was brought forth by culturally diverse businesses like Goldilocks which first opened its doors in Artesia, not too far from where she currently lives.

“I can’t wait to get to work for all Artesians,” Ramoso said in a statement upon winning her seat. “Artesia’s best days are to come!” (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

A November 24-27, 2018 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

Dateline USa

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EU supports PH gov’t in efforts to boost capability against cybercrime THE European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines on Friday showed its support on a four-day “Introductory Training of Trainers Course on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence.”

The training course was organized by the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Council of Europe.

Around 30 participants from nine countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations

(Asean) were trained by previously formed Philippines trainers on “cybercrime legislation and procedural powers in relation to electronic evidence and tools for international cooperation.”

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said during the opening of the regional training that the mass of trainers is needed to fight against cybercrime.

“Crime and criminals respect no state boundaries. In this vir-

tual and interconnected world, our collective defense against cybercriminals and cybercrime is only as strong as our weakest link. A critical mass of trainers is necessary if we are to establish a web of experts that can contain, neutralize and protect our entire region from the pernicious effects of cybercrime,” he said in a statement.

The EU said that crime has increased its presence in the cyberspace as any type of criminal activity may take evidence in “electronic form.”

It added that securing the evidence may bring offenders to justice but could be a challenge as it may be stored in “foreign servers or unknown jurisdictions.”

The EU and the Council of Europe, through the joint project on Global Action on Cybercrime Extended (GLACY+), have been working with countries to develop sustainable training programs on cybercrime and electronic evidence, both for the judiciary and for the law enforcement.

The Philippines was one of the priority countries of this capacity building initiative since 2014.

The country has engaged training courses, legislative advice and exposure to conferences and workshops on cybercrime.

Last March, Philippines joined Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, an international treaty that offers a framework for cooperation among countries on cybercrime and evidence. (Consuelo Marquez/ Inquirer.net)

Duterte fires housing...

PAGE A1 t

V. Luna Hospital officials. The president fired the hospital’s chief Brig. Gen. Edwin Torrelavega and its head of the logistics office Col. Antonio Punzalan for allegedly undertaking anomalous purchases of equipment and engaging in fraudulent transactions worth P1,491,570.

Duterte also dismissed the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Comptroller Hector Marana for alleged malversation of P15-million worth of allowances for cadets.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Dominador Say and Department of Tourism (DOT) chief Wanda Tulfo-Teo resigned amid corruption allegations earlier this year. n

MODEL GOATS. Goat owners and raisers ramp their pets in different attires in the Goat Show: “GOATS Next Top Model” that highlighted the celebration of the Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium Goat FIESTA (Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda) at the People’s Center in Balanga City, Bataan on November 21-22.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Smoke-filled snapshot: California wildfire generates dangerous air quality for millions

by Harriet

rowan Kaiser Health News

AT 11 a.m. last Friday, November 16, thousands of former Paradise, Calif., residents were taking stock of all they had lost to the worst wildfire in the state’s history while they continued the grim task of looking for missing loved ones.

At the same moment, with smoke from the deadly Camp Fire blanketing much of the state, millions more Californians were struggling to breathe.

Nov. 16 was one of the most dangerously smoky days in Northern and Central California, as wildfire smoke shrouded communities like an acrid fog.

Air quality readings in several cities, including Sacramento, Modesto and Chico, spiked into “hazardous” territory. But the risks extended much farther away.

Residents of San Francisco Bay Area communities couldn’t see the city’s iconic skyline because of the intense smoke.

“We saw the highest readings in some of the locations that we’d ever seen before,” said Simrun Dhoot, a spokeswoman for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the local government agency that monitors air quality. “It was pretty much the worst air quality that we’ve ever experienced.”

The Camp Fire, which broke out on Nov. 8, has killed at least 79 people, burned more than 150,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,000 homes. The combined smoke from that and other California fires has drifted as far as the East Coast.

Wildfire smoke is dangerous because it contains fine particles that

enter the lungs and can infiltrate the bloodstream. Prolonged exposure can cause or worsen respiratory issues, such as asthma. Some groups are especially vulnerable, including those with cardiovascular issues, children and older people.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website displays air quality with its “air quality index,” or AQI. On a scale from 0 to 500, the index is divided into six categories: good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous. The readings are based on measurements of five kinds of pollution tracked by the EPA, including ozone and particulate matter.

In this case, the AQI readings reflect the density of fine particulate matter in the air full of wildfire smoke.

On this scale, readings above 100 mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including people with heart or lung disease, older people and children. Readings above 150 are considered unhealthy for everyone.

Sacramento’s air registered in the 300s for much of the day Friday, a level considered “hazardous” and constituting “emergency conditions,” according to the EPA. Residents were warned to stay inside. Sacramento’s AQI — and others in the region — topped 400 at times.

Some of those levels were worse than readings captured at the same time from cities known for their terrible air quality, like China’s Shanghai and Delhi, India.

By contrast, air quality in oth-

er parts of California, especially Southern California and coastal communities, were in the healthy range. For instance, San Bernardino, hundreds of miles away, was categorized as “good,” with an AQI of 26.

The massive Carr Fire that blazed in and around Redding in July and August was the last major fire to significantly affect air quality in the Sacramento region. The worst recorded reading during that fire was around 130, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District said.

At AQI levels above 150, public health officials suggest people avoid prolonged activity outdoors, or wear the right kind of mask if they must go outside — especially if they have a health condition.

State health officials recommend “N95” respirators or “P100” masks, which are intended to block at least 95 percent of the tiny particulate matter measured by the AQI — known as PM2.5 — that spews from wildfire smoke.

Meteorologists were predicting stronger southerly winds and rain for Wednesday, which is expected to help clean the air and fight the Camp Fire, which is 70 percent contained.

But experts warn that Californians might have to learn to live with smoke-filled air.

“We’re expecting to see these events happen more often because of climate change,” Dhoot said. “People are starting to realize they need to stock up on N95 masks.”

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

Attention, marketplace shoppers: Don’t delay on 2019 enrollment

by MicHelle

andrews Kaiser Health News

DON’T procrastinate. Most consumers who buy their own insurance on the federal health insurance marketplace face a Dec. 15 deadline. Advocates are reminding these customers that if they miss the deadline, they may not have a plan that starts in January 2019.

Despite repeated efforts by Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act, it remains the law of the land, and subsidies that help bring down premiums and reduce cost sharing are still available to help people afford plans sold on the marketplaces, also called exchanges. Those plans still must provide comprehensive benefits and limit out-of-pocket costs for consumers.

If you buy an exchange plan, insurers can’t turn you down or charge you more if you have a preexisting medical condition.

But Republicans did push through a major change in the law that takes effect in 2019: Consumers will no longer owe a fine if they don’t have health insurance. It’s not yet clear if that has tamped down interest, but data released by federal officials showed that the number of people who had signed up during the first two weeks of open enrollment was down by about 20 percent from a year ago.

If you’re shopping for coverage off the exchange, you’ll probably encounter ads for short-term policies, which the Trump administration is promoting and for which it has loosened the requirements.

Those plans generally have lower premiums, but they are riskier buys if you get sick, advocates say.

More on those plans later.

If you want to enroll in a marketplace plan, now’s the time to get cracking. Enrollment, which began Nov. 1, will close on Dec. 15 in about two-thirds of states, which use the federal exchange.

Some people who live in states that run their own marketplaces may have extra time to sign up.

California’s open-enrollment period doesn’t end until Jan. 15, for

example, and in New York open enrollment runs through Jan. 31.

In addition, people who’ve been affected by the wildfires in California may qualify for a special enrollment period that gives them even more time, according to a spokesperson for Covered California, the state’s marketplace.

Although you may have more plans to choose from for 2019, there will likely be fewer enrollment pros on hand to help you pick the one that’s right for you.

Here are some tips that may help.

Review all your plan options If you’re already enrolled in a marketplace plan and don’t take steps to sign up during open enrollment, chances are the marketplace will automatically re-enroll you in your current plan or another one that is similar for 2019.

Don’t let that happen.

Even if you like the coverage you have, it’s critical to study the details. Your plan may have essentially the same name, but there’s no guarantee that the premium, deductible and other specifics — like the list of approved hospitals and doctors — will be the same.

Check to make sure it still meets your needs.

Many people will have more insurers to choose from for next year. Fifty-eight percent of enrollees will have a choice of at least three insurers in 2019, compared with 48 percent who did so this year, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

(KHN is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)

Meanwhile, the share of enrollees with just one marketplace insurer in their area will drop to 17 percent in 2019 from 26 percent this year.

Premiums will edge down slightly for many people next year. The changes vary widely by region, but the monthly unsubsidized premium for the secondlowest-priced silver plan, called the benchmark plan because its cost is used to set the level of federal premium support, will drop by an average 1.5 percent in states

that use healthcare.gov, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. For a 27-yearold nonsmoker, that will mean a $6 difference ($412 dropping to $406).

(Silver plans are the most popular type of marketplace plan, picking up 70 percent of the cost of covered benefits, on average.

Bronze plans are less generous, paying for 60 percent, while gold plans, at 80 percent, pay a greater share of the costs.)

Keep the benchmark plan in sight Premium tax credits are available for people with incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($12,140 to $48,560 for one person, or $25,100 to $100,400 for a family of four). With more insurers competing for your business and premiums heading down in some areas, the benchmark plan may change in 2019.

If you have the benchmark plan or another one with an even cheaper premium this year, be sure to check out the benchmark plan for next year.

“If you don’t stay with [the] benchmark plan, you could get sticker shock on your premium next year,” said Sabrina Corlette, research professor at Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms.

That’s because your subsidy will be reduced in line with the lower benchmark plan premium, and you’ll have to cover the difference if you don’t switch plans.

Estimate your income carefully If you’re ineligible for premium tax credits because your 2018 income is too high but you think it may dip below the 400 percent poverty threshold next year, it’s a good idea to sign up for a marketplace plan rather than buy a plan outside the exchange, said Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

“People in marketplace plans whose income drops into subsidy

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Ex-official who used city’s $4K to send gifts to PH charged with embezzling

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 24-27, 2018

Attention, marketplace shoppers: Don’t...

PAGE A4 t

territory are eligible for a special enrollment period to sign up for a subsidized plan,� Pollitz said. “If VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia –A Macie Allen, a spokeswoman you’re enrolled in a plan off the former city economic develop- for the Commonwealth Attorexchange, you won’t have that opment official has been charged ney’s Office. tion.�

Virginia Beach Auditor Lynwith embezzlement over alAbout 80 percent of people who legations he improperly used don Remias said the charges enroll in marketplace plans qualify $4,000 to send packages to his stem from packages that Hall for premium tax credits. sent to his girlfriend in the girlfriend in the Philippines.

To avoid giving people more in The Virginian-Pilot reports Philippines, where he traveled advance premium tax credits than that a grand jury indictment al- to promote the city. The newsthey’re eligible for, the marketleges the crimes happened be- paper reports that it obtained place typically asks for additional tween late 2016 and June 2018. FedEx receipts showing that he documentation to verify income Brian Scott Hall, former had sent packages to a Philipwhen people project that their business development coordi- pines address not associated earnings will be lower than govnator for Virginia Beach, has with the city’s business office ernment data sources show. been charged with three felony there. (Inquirer.net with reports Brian Scott Hall Photo courtesy of This sign-up season, the marcounts of embezzlement, said from Associated Press) Commonwealth Attorney’s Office ketplaces are asking for more information from people on the other end of the income spectrum. People with incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level aren’t eligible for subsidies.

(Lawmakers who wrote the ACA expected these low-income people to qualify for Medicaid, but some states have not expanded their programs under the health law.)

For 2019 coverage, customers who estimate their income will reach or exceed that 100 percent mark, which would qualify them for premium tax credits, will generally be asked to provide additional income information if the marketplace’s data show that their income is below that standard.

The change is supposed to help avoid fraud, but inaccurate estimates may not be intentional, said Tara Straw, senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “People in that income range A candle is lit at the marker for fallen journalists during a mass commemorating the ninth year of the Maguindanao massacre at the National Press Club in Manila yesterday. Fifty-eight people, including 32 journalists, were killed on Nov. 23, 2009 by armed groups of the Ampatuan who are often cobbling together clan.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban income from part-time jobs may

DOJ chief confident of Ampatuan...

PAGE A1 t

ity of promulgation in the next few months. “We are confident of that,�

Egco told Mangudadatu in the presence of reporters.

Andanar said President Duterte also wanted a final resolution of the case. “We are hoping for that.

Hopefully justice will be served,� Andanar told Mangudadatu.

Mangudadatu, whose wife and sisters were among the victims of the massacre, expressed confidence that they would secure a conviction. “We are happy with the latest developments on the case. We are thankful to Secretary Andanar and Undersecretary Egco for coming over to personally relay to us the good news on behalf of President Duterte,�

Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu lost his wife Genalyn, his two sisters and several other relatives in the carnage.

The victims were on their way to the provincial capitol in Shariff Aguak town to file the certificate of candidacy for Mangudadatu, then vice mayor of Buluan.

Militiamen identified with the Ampatuan clan flagged down the convoy, herded the victims to a nearby hill and

gunned them down with automatic rifles.

According to Mangudadatu, he was offered P100 million to back off from prosecuting the suspects in the massacre.

He revealed the extrajudicial settlement attempt to Andanar, as he narrated how the person sent to broker the payoff, Ariel Galindez, was killed in a motorcycle accident in South Cotabato after he turned the offer down.

Mangudadatu, however, declined to identify who offered the bribe.

Aida dela Cruz-Agad, a senior staff of the Philippine Information Agency in Region 12, said the families of the journalists killed in the massacre were elated about the possible conviction. “They have been waiting, wishing for that,� she said.

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) has called on the government to speed up the trial against those charged for the incident. “The case has dragged on for nearly a decade, despite repeated promises of swift justice. The continuing injustice is a stark reminder of the impunity that the government has failed to end in the country,� the group said. n

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not have a great estimation of what their income may be for the coming year,� she said.

Update the marketplace with your personal and plan information Make sure to update your income and family information in your marketplace account. Otherwise, the marketplace may make an error in calculating the amount of your premium contribution, and you could be on the hook to repay excess subsidies at the end of the year.

If, while shopping for a plan, you get a notice that you’ve been automatically re-enrolled, don’t assume the marketplace will cancel that plan when you sign up for something else. Tell the marketplace that you want to terminate that plan, or you may end up owing a month’s premium for both plans while you get it sorted out, said Straw.

Complicated coverage questions? Get help now This year, the federal government cut funding for navigators — those groups and individuals helping people sign up for coverage on the marketplaces — to $10 million, continuing a steady whittling away of support for that program from more than $60 million two years ago. “My advice is ‘Don’t procrastinate,’ because there is less oneon-one help available in most states,� said Corlette.

If you live in a state that runs its own marketplace, you may have an easier time finding in-person help with coverage questions.

Those exchanges are generally spending significantly more on outreach and assistance than the federally facilitated exchange, ac-

A

cording to an analysis by researchers at Georgetown University and published by the Commonwealth Fund.

You may be able to find published answers to questions on your own with Georgetown’s Navigator Resource Guide or the marketplace FAQs published by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Approach Short-Term Plans With Extreme Caution To make more affordable health insurance options available, the Trump administration issued a rule in August that eases restrictions on short-term plans that are less comprehensive than ACAcompliant plans. These plans generally don’t cover preexisting conditions nor benefits like maternity care or prescription drugs.

They can be renewed for up to three years, but that will be at the insurer’s discretion.

Because they offer much skimpier coverage than comprehensive plans that comply with the health law, short-term plans are generally cheaper.

Any plan offered through a state exchange must comply with the ACA. But people shopping online may see noncompliant coverage featured on other sites and find it hard to distinguish ACA-compliant plans from short-term and other types of limited coverage, such as health care-sharing ministries and fixed-indemnity plans, said Corlette, who has examined these offerings. “It’s a mishmash of stuff that falls outside of the ACA,� Corlette said.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

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Duterte appoints Honasan to DICT

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes.net

President rodrigo duterte has formally appointed sen.

Gregorio Honasan as the next head of the department of information and Communications technology (diCt). duterte signed Honasan’s appointment paper on november 20 but the document was released to the media only on thursday, november 22.

Honasan’s appointment comes as the diCt is in the thick of preparations for the entry of a third major player in the country’s telecommunications industry.

He will replace diCt acting secretary eliseo rio, who had asked for more time from duterte to finish the third telco initiative before the new head takes over the department.

Malacañang earlier expressed confidence that Honasan would

push for “genuine” reform during his stint at the diCt. “With the entry of a provisional new major player in the telecommunications industry, we are confident that the senator would provide good direction and sound management to the diCt, consistent with the President’s priority programs beneficial to Filipino consumers in the areas of information, communications and technology,” Palace spokesman salvador Panelo said in a statement.

On november 8, the President revealed that he had offered Honasan the diCt post, asking him to join in the “quest for better Philippines and a better government.”

Honasan accepted the post a day later.

“For a better Philippines, a better government, for the Filipino people and for a better future for our most precious children, i have decided to ac-

cept the offer of the President to help lead the diCt,” he said in an earlier statement.

Honasan, whose second term ends in 2019, heads the senate defense and peace committees.

He joins the growing number of officials with military backgrounds appointed by the President.

Honasan, a leader of an Armed Forces group that broke away from the Marcos regime, was first elected senator in 1995.

He was part of two failed coup attempts, in August 1987 and december 1989, against the Corazon Aquino administration that he had helped install in February 1986.

Last year, Honasan was charged with graft for allegedly CHINESE PRESIDENT XI’S STATE VISIT. President Rodrigo Duterte receives a token from President Xi Jinping of People’s Republic of China following Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo disbursing millions of public the successful expanded bilateral meeting at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, November 20. funds to a nongovernment organization without following the procurement process. n

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by tetCh

torres-tupas Inquirer.net

tHe Makati City regional trial Court Branch 148 has affirmed its decision not to issue an arrest warrant for senator Antonio trillanes iV. in an order released on Friday, november 23, the court denied the partial motions for reconsideration filed separately by the government and trillanes. the government sought a reconsideration and insisted that the coup d’etat case should be revived and an arrest warrant be issued against trillanes. trillanes, on the other hand,

filed a partial motion for reconsideration to reconsider the court’s decision that affirmed the legality of Proclamation 572 that revoked the amnesty given to the senator. “the Court has thoroughly reviewed all the evidence and pleadings presented and submitted by the parties snd it finds no reason to reverse or modify its findings, both factual and legal,” the court said. the Makati Court denied the department of Justice’s (dOJ) motion to order the senator’s arrest following the issuance of Proclamation 572 that nullified the amnesty given to trillanes by

then President Benigno Aquino iii.

Proclamation 572, the court said, is constitutional in as much as it was issued pursuant to the power of the President under the Administration Code of 1987 and that no right to due process was violated and that it was discriminatory.

However, the court struck down the factual basis of Proclamation 572, saying that the government failed to provide evidence to prove that trillanes failed to comply with the basic requirement of filing an application and admission of guilt to. avail of amnesty. n

Robredo leaves 2022 presidency to ‘destiny’

by Gleefer Jalea ManilaTimes.net

ViCe President Maria Leonor “Leni” robredo isn’t shutting her doors on a presidential run in 2022 but says “entertaining such an ambition” is “destiny.” “if you look back in our history, there have been so many people, who, you know, who wanted to be president. Who devoted so much of their time, effort, and resources to getting that post. But i think it’s destiny, and i think it’s something you cannot plan,” robredo said during a forum of the rotary Club West in Makati on Friday, november 23. robredo said, however, that such an ambition would likely “affect the way [she serves] the people,” and may taint the impression about her intention to do public service.

“You know, if i’m looking at the presidency already in 2022… i would go to the poor part of Metro Manila, where the population density is really high. But

it’s not… it will be politically feasible for somebody who is aiming for the presidency to be going to these faraway places. so i think political ambition will mar how… the way i serve the people,” she said. the Vice President was candid about her “accidental” appointment in the field of politics, which primarily stemmed from the death of her husband former interior secretary Jesse robredo.

“And looking back also, you know that i became a politician by accident. if it were not for the sudden death of my husband, i would not have run for Congress.

And when i ran for Congress, the agreement was i would only be there for a term because i was filling in a gap,” she said. supporters and Liberal Party (LP) members previously urged robredo to run for representative of the 3rd district of Camarines sur “to preserve her husband’s legacy” in the province despite her initial disinterest

with the post.

“And then i was pushed for the Vice Presidency, with no money, almost nobody knew me in the start—but i won. i think that is also destiny. i never… it was never in my ambition, not just to become Vice President, but to enter politics, and yet i’m here,” robredo said. robredo, chairman of LP-led “Oposisyon Koalisyon”, has been endorsing an eight-man slate formed by a mix of neophyte and political figures running for the senate in the 2019 elections. she said that the coalition candidates would likely win, recalling her climb to victory in the 2016 elections as a vice presidential bet. robredo’s former running mate, ex-interior secretary Manuel “Mar” roxas 2nd is part of the opposition slate and was the LP’s presidential candidate in 2016. He, however, lost to then davao City mayor rodrigo duterte by over 6.6 million votes. n

in 2001 prompted the passage of the national service training Program, which made rOtC voluntary. Chua was murdered after exposing irregularities in the rOtC unit of the university.

Anakbayan also said that the chief executive is pushing for the revival of the mandatory rOtC to have his “own version” of Hitler Youth.

“Just like Hitler in the 1920s, duterte simply wants to create a generation of brainwashed, fanatically loyal young men and women willing to die for him. duterte wants more bodies for his fascist meatgrinder, expendable cannon fodder to fulfil his dreams of absolute dictatorship,” recedes claimed. despite his repeated bids to make the program mandatory again, duterte had admitted in 2016 that he “did not even finish rOtC.” Mandatory military training gets support from AFP, some lawmakers the Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed the president’s statement on the revival of mandatory rOtC. “the AFP has full support on this particular instruction and

expression desired by the president,” AFP spokesperson edgard Arevalo said. rep. ruffy Biazon (Muntinlupa City) said mandatory military training does not only instill sense of patriotism and discipline among the youth but it also “develops leadership and establishes a standby force for mobilization during national emergencies, calamities and other instances.”

Biazon, the senior vice chair of the lower house’s committee on national defense, filed House Bill 1260, which seeks to amend the nstP law. the proposed measure has been pending since 2016. senate President Vicente sotto iii, for his part, said it is the high time for the re-establishment of mandatory rOtC. “i’m very supportive of the idea. it’s to instill discipline.

Kaya nga siguro medyo kinukulang na ‘yung mga kabataan natin ng disiplina at saka ng pagtingin sa inang bayan dahil dun sa… nung araw, may rOtC kaming lahat kaya sumusunod kami sa mga sinasabi ng gobyerno, umiiwas sa droga,” he said. n

all around the world as part of his birthday celebration and of course, he couldn’t miss out Manila,” Walt disney Philippines said.

Walt disney recently collaborated with the Metropolitan Manila development Authority in decorating 90 traffic signal lights in the metropolis through its “Mickey Lights Up Metro Manila” project.

Mickey Mouse, which was once a rabbit called Oswald, celebrated his birthday on nov. 18 – exactly 90 years ago after Walt disney first sketched him in 1928. department of tourism Undersecretary and spokesman Benito Bengzon Jr. said the dOt was thankful that Mickey Mouse spent his birthday in the Philippines. (Robertzon Ramirez/Philstar.com)

Youth group slams Duterte’s renewed bid to revive mandatory ROTC

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MAniLA — A youth group on Friday, november 23, slammed President rodrigo duterte’s desire to make the reserved Officers training Corps program mandatory for students. in a speech thursday, duterte renewed his call for the revival of the mandatory rOtC program for college students. He also called on the Congress to pass a law that would require mandatory rOtC for Grade 11 and 12 students. this, he said, would “instill patriotism, love of country among our youth.”

But for activist youth group Anakbayan, the mandatory rOtC program was abolished for good reasons. “the Filipino people said ‘nO’ to mandatory rOtC for good reasons—it put students at the mercy of cruel fellow students and the bloodthirsty, corrupt and incompetent AFP officers in charge of the program,” Anakbayan secretary general einsten recedes said. the death of University of santo tomas student Mark Chua

Mickey’s Manila visit prompts speculation...

PAGE A3 t is going to be built in the Philippines anytime soon?” Jih sapantuan posted on Facebook.

Walt disney Co. Philippines, however, said there is no “plan yet to build a park in the Philippines.” it said Mickey’s presence in the country was part of his 90th birthday celebration.

“Mickey Mouse made stops

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A

Cayetano claims harassment in petition vs his and wife’s House bids

OFW FAMILY SUMMIT. Senator Cynthia A. Villar (center), an advocate of the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), tells migrant workers to be financially smart to ensure a better future for them and their families during the 8th OFW and Family Summit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, November 21 . Also, in the photo (2nd from left) are Susan “Toots” Ople of Ople Center, OWWA Deputy Administrator Arnell Ignacio, Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Pasay Rep. Emy Calixto-Rubiano and Vista Land Director Camille Villar. The Villar SIPAG Foundation, in coordination with its partners, has been providing venues for OFWs to protect their earnings and empower them.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Bill that provides incentives to OFWs filed in Senate

by Bernadette

tamayo ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV wants a law that will provide incentives and benefits to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who wish to start a business in the country.

The senator filed Senate Bill 2101 or the “Business Incentives for OFWs Act” following the suggestion of an OFW from Batangas City during a local consultation session.

“Ito’y isang reporma na hiniling mismo ng ating mga OFW. Marami sa kanila ay nais magkaroon ng kabuhayan sa Pilipinas at makapiling ang pamilya (This is a reform that OFWs specifically requested. Most of them wanted to put up their livelihood and be with their families),” Aquino said.

If the bill becomes law, OFWowned enterprises will be given benefits and incentives once they decide to invest in the Philippines, including exemption from payment of income tax for five years.

Other benefits for an OFWowned business enterprise include 50-percent reduction on real property taxes and tax and duty free importation of raw materials, capital equipment, machineries and spare parts exclu-

Senate Bill 2101 or the “Business Incentives for OFWs Act” will provide incentives and benefits to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who wish to start a business in the country.

ManilaTimes.net photo

sively used in the operation.

Enterprises owned by OFWs will also receive preferential access to financing from government financial institutions.

“Isa sa mga pagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng ating OFWs ay ang pagkakaroon ng matagumpay na negosyo (One of the sources of livelihood of our OFWs is having a successful business),” Aquino said.

“Bigyan natin sila ng pagkakataong magkaroon ng kabuhayan sa Pilipinas upang makasama nila ang kanilang pamilya at makitang lumaki ang kanilang mga anak (Let us give them the

chance to have their livelihood in the Philippines so that they can be with their families and see how their children grow),” he said.

Aquino earlier filed SB 648 or the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Assistance Act” to boost support for the OFW community and the families they leave back home.

SB 647 aims to integrate programs on livelihood, entrepreneurship, savings, investments and financial literacy to the existing efforts of embassies to equip OFWs with knowledge to start their own business. n

MANILA — A petition questioning his and his wife’s candidacies in separate legislative districts is just harassment, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said on Thursday, November 22.

Speaking on ANC’s “Headstart” on Thursday, Cayetano said that the complaint filed by Taguig voter Leonides Buac Jr. is “pure political harassment.”

The Cayetanos have long held elective positions in Taguig.

On November 13, Buac filed a petition before the Commission on Elections to deny due course or to cancel the certificates of candidacy of Alan Peter and of Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano.

Alan Peter is gunning for the congressional seat of the First District of Taguig-Pateros, while Lani is vying to become the representative of the Second District of Taguig.

The couple listed separate addresses on their COCs. Alan Peter filed as a resident of Barangay Bagumbayan while Lani declared that she lives in Barangay Fort Bonifacio, villages in Taguig that are about 7 kilometers apart.

Petitioner: One legal residence at a time Buac, in his petition prepared through the aid of lawyer Emilio Marañon III, pointed out that a married couple can only maintain one legal residence at any given time.

“The usual place of abode of the husband and wife, as jointly fixed by them, is their one legal residence for the purpose of running for public office,” the petition read.

But Alan Peter claimed that the petition has no basis. He also alleged that the Buac’s lawyer was backed by former Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes.

“These are guys appointed by [former President Benigno Aquino III]. There’s an Aquino dynasty, Abad dynasty, and Abaya dynasty but you didn’t hear anything from him,” he pointed out.

The 1987 Constitution prohibits political dynasties but Congress, which is historically dominated by political families, has yet to pass an enabling law for the ban.

Other dynasties Aquino, before becoming senator and later president, was congressman for Tarlac’s Second District from 1998 to 2007. During that period, Tarlac’s First District was represented by Gilberto Te-

odoro, Aquino’s second cousin.

The Third District was represented by Jesli Lapus, an uncle.

Batanes, which has only one legislative district, has been represented by members of the Abad family. Members of the Abaya clan, meanwhile, have represented the province’s First District since the 10th Congress.

Buac, in his petition, also noted that the eldest of the Cayetano sib-

lings, Rep. Pia Cayetano (Taguig), is running for senator while their younger brother Lino Cayetano— also a former Taguig congressman—is running for mayor to replace sister-in-law Lani.

Alan Peter earlier said that he and his wife are running “because our constituents trust us that their interests would continue to be promoted and protected.” (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)

A8 NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Finally, justice?

AS the ninth anniversary of the massacre in Maguindanao is marked today, relatives of the 58 fatalities still have a bit more waiting ahead for justice. The government expects judgment to be rendered in the first half of 2019.

Critics say the prosecution of the case, initiated during the presidency of the Ampatuans’ ally Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was meant to delay justice. On the other hand, considering the sorry state of the country’s judicial system, the victims’ families can only sigh with relief that justice appears to be finally at hand. A former senator, after all, had warned that the trial could take 200 years, considering the number of victims and defendants.

The accused masterminds, all members of the Ampatuan clan, are among those who face sentencing. While they remain detained without bail, concern has been raised about the verdict after Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes allowed Zaldy Ampatuan in August to attend his daughter’s wedding at a five-star hotel in Pasay City.

Worse, the elements that made the massacre possible are still around.

The delivery of justice, even after nine long years, could make those in power think twice about murdering journalists. But slow litigation will continue to breed impunity.

If the Ampatuans are convicted, they can appeal the case all the way to the Supreme Court. It could take 10 to 15 years before a final ruling is handed down. If any of the principal defendants has some talent in acting, he may even feign serious illness and bluff his way to obtaining bail on humanitarian grounds.

As long as there is a strong possibility of getting away with this kind of atrocity, impunity will continue to prevail, and there will be more murders. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Some great news we can be thankful for after the 2018 midterm elections: More women in public service!

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THANKSGIVING Day is a time to look at the glass half-full instead of half empty, especially as our nation and our people have been going through so much in terms of the toxicity of the political climate in the United States in the past two years. This year, we see silver linings ahead that gives us much to look forward to with optimism.

The results of the 2018 midterm elections give us that hope, headlined by the banner — the government is looking more female, younger, and more diverse. As Forbes.com reported, “Not only did the 2018 midterm elections run with the most heterogeneous group of candidates ever, but they successfully delivered on the promise of ushering greater diversity into U.S. politics. Heading to Washington this coming January are a record number of women, first-time congressional representatives from a significantly broader racial and ethnic spectrum and a sizable group of LGBT elected officials.”

TIME reported that in 2018,

women candidates have broken the records for the number of candidates for governor, U.S. House and Senate, a trend that became even more historic in the 2018 midterm elections.

Many of these women who heeded the call to serve as public officials have become victorious in their quest to make a difference in peoples’ lives. The U.S. House of Representatives alone elected a record number of women, with at least 90 women expected to make their way to Washington, D.C. in January.

The following women made history, as reported by TIME: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 29-year-old activist from the Bronx, became the youngest woman elected to Congress in the 2018 midterms, defeating Republican Anthony Pappas in the race for New York’s 14th Congressional Distirct. In June, Ocasio-Cortez pulled off a stunning upset in the primary for the seat, defeating 10-term Congressman Joe Crowley. Aside from her age, Ocasio-Cortez has attracted attention for her platform, which she described as democratic socialism. She has advocated for Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage and hous-

ing as a human right, among other things.

Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic Michigan state representative, became one of the first Muslim women in Congress after winning Michigan’s 13th Congressional District in the 2018 midterms. She ran unopposed after winning the Democratic nomination for former Rep. John Conyers’ seat in Congress in August. Tlaib was born to Palestinian immigrants in Detroit and served in the Michigan House from 2009 to 2014. She also worked as an attorney as the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice. Her platform included immigration reform, Medicare for all, a $15 minimum wage and debt-free higher education.

Ilhan Omar became the first Somali-American Muslim person to become a legislator when she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016 as a Democrat. And now, she’s first Somali-American in Congress. She defeated Republican Jennifer Zielinski in the 2018 midterms. Omar came to the U.S. as a refugee, and is also one of the first Muslim women in Congress, a distinction she

shares with Rashida Tlaib, who won a seat for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.

Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat currently representing Arizona in the House of Representatives, defeated Republican Martha McSally in the race for the Arizona Senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Jeff Flake. Sinema became the first female senator and the first openly bisexual senator. Sinema was a former social worker who was homeless for part of her childhood.

Republican Rep. Kristi Noem defeated Democrat Billie Sutton in the 2018 midterms to become South Dakota’s first female governor. Her platform included improving the state’s economy and keeping the state free of income tax.

Deb Haaland, the former chairwoman of New Mexico’s Democratic Party, won New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District in the 2018 midterms. She is a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, and will become one of the first Native American women elected to Congress alongside Democrat Sharice Davids, who won Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District. Haaland’s platform included advocating for Medicare

for All, subsidizing early childhood care and education and protecting and expanding an Obama-era immigration policy that allowed people brought to the United States illegally as children to defer deportation.

Democrat Sharice Davids became the first Native American woman elected to Congress after defeating four-term Republican incumbent Rep. Kevin Yoder for Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District seat in the 2018 midterms.

Davids, a member of Wisconsin’s Ho-Chunk Nation tribe and an open lesbian, is also the first openly LGBT person to represent Kansas in Congress.

Republican Marsha Blackburn, who currently serves in the U.S. House of Representatives, became Tennessee’s first female senator after winning retiring Republican Sen. Bob Corker’s Senate seat in the 2018 midterms. The state has elected six total women to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ayanna Pressley, the first black woman to serve on Boston’s City Council, became the first black congresswoman from Massachusetts in the 2018 midterm elections. She

had no Republican challenger.

Pressley argued that her majority-minority district should be represented by a person of color. Her platform differed little from Capuano, who has been a consistent progressive vote in Congress. As a sexual assault survivor, Pressley has fought to end sexual violence and gun violence. She also advocated for defunding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Medicare for All. Democrat Lou Leon Guerrero, the current President of the Bank of Guam, will become the first female governor of Guam after winning the gubernatorial election on Nov. 6. Guerrero defeated Republican Ray Tenorio, the state’s current Lieutenant Governor. Leon Guerrero’s platform included restoring trust in the government, giving small businesses more tax breaks and conducting a pay study for public school teachers. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https:// www.facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Zion’s gleaming yellow cottonwoods on Giving up on the impossible dream?

Veterans Day: Light of unspeakable richness Street Talk

Rhizomes

GREG B. MACABENTA PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “Never shall I forget my baptism in the font. It happened in January, a resurrection day for many a plant and for me I suddenly…. overflowed with light…Light of unspeakable richness was brooding the flowers. Truly, said I, is California the Golden State—in metallic gold, in sun gold, and in plant gold. The sunshine for a whole summer seemed condensed into the chambers of that one glowing day. Every trace of dimness has been washed from the sky, the mountains were dusted and wiped clean with clouds. To lovers of the wild, these mountains are not a hundred miles away. Their spiritual powers and the goodness of the sky make them near, as a circle of friends…You bathe in these spiritbeams, turning round and round, as if warming at a campfire. Presently you lose consciousness of your own separate existence: you blend with the landscape, and become part and parcel of nature.”

– John Muir, “Twenty Hill Hollow in A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf,” 1916.

A new measure of light and force ZION, Utah — Watch the gleam-

“IN union there is strength,” has become such a cliche that even otherwise sensible people tend to forget its inherent wisdom.

In the wake of the declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos, assorted government entities, from the Office of Civil Relations of the Philippine Constabulary to the Department of Public Information to various committees in the legislature saw an opportunity to exercise control over the media and advertising industries.

In a defensive move, raisThe River walk with yellow cottonwoods that make you “bathe in spirit-beams.” ing the cry of “self-regulation,” broadcast media companies deing, quaking aspens and their cided to band together as the orange glow leaves perk you up.

Kapisanan ng Brodkasters sa Stunning cottonwoods are nearPilipinas (KBP), newspapers and by with blinding sunshine gold magazines set up the Print Media leaves. You feel so stunned by the Organization (PRIMO) and the adonslaught of bright yellows; it convertising agencies organized two fuses you for a while. separate groups, the Association Which tree should I take a photo of Accredited Advertising Agenof? Then, as you walk, the cottoncies, Philippines (4As-P) and the woods are framed by a backdrop Lapian ng mga Advertising Pracof red iron oxide mountains, quite titioners sa Pilipinas (LAPPIS). majestic - you wonder how were These industry associations these sculpted? Who made it posthen joined forces with the Philsible? Whose mighty force was it? ippine Association of National The winds? The waters? God? Advertisers (PANA) and toBy the river walk, the gentle Writer and her husband in Zion Fall 2018.

Photos courtesy of Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz gether, under the unified banu PAGE A9

ner of the Philippine Board of Advertising, they pushed the concept of self-regulation more aggressively with the Marcos government. Other industry groups, such as outdoor advertising companies and commercial production houses, also joined the PBA. The 4As-P and LAPPIS also decided to become one ad agency organization under the PBA. The PBA, as the single unified voice of the media and advertising industries, wielded enough influence and potential power to persuade the government to back off and allow self-regulation.

I distinctly recall a meeting with Senators Butch Aquino and Joey Lina, that I participated in as president of 4As-P, where the two bared a plan to regulate the way ads were to be written and commercials were to be produced to ward off “negative foreign influences” (Lina even cited Michael Jackson’s song, “I’m bad,” as an example). Mercifully, we succeeded in changing their minds.

I also recall my late boss, Tony de Joya, chairman of Advertising & Marketing Associates and the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA), tirelessly lobbying the Senate and successfully preventing some powerhungry senators from inflicting punitive bills on the ad industry.

Well, so much for “ancient history.” A few years ago, the PBA (which had been renamed the AdBoard) was dismantled because several member organiza-

tions had “gone on leave,” a euphemism for breaking away.

I remember, receiving an email from Noy Diy-Liacco, then a senior executive of Nestle Philippines and still active in the ad industry, asking me to comment on the demise of the AdBoard and provide a historical perspective to the formation of the PBA. My response, though not in so many words, was that they who do not learn a lesson from history were bound to re-live it. I said that, one day, a power-lusting government functionary would consider it a good idea to “regulate” the ad industry. When that happens, a unified ad industry body like the AdBoard would become an urgent necessity again.

In a virtual case of deja vu, what has befallen the Philippine media and advertising industries may happen to the Filipino community in America.

In early 1997, I was among a group of community workers in Northern California who gathered in Salinas to answer the call of visionaries, led by Alex Esclamado, Rodel Rodis and Dennis Normandy, for the formation of a national organization of Filipinos in America.

As a result of that meeting, the first Filipino American National Empowerment Conference was scheduled in Washington DC in August of that year. I was assigned to handle the wordsmithing of the rationale for the conference. The essence of the verbiage was the need for Pinoys

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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 24-27, 2018

A

Giving up on the impossible...

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The campfire that looks like a burning stack of pancakes.

The Virgin River and on its banks are yellow cottonwoods and overgrown grass.

Enrique Delacruz by the river bank.

Zion’s gleaming yellow cottonwoods...

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murmurs of the river water and the sunlight backlighting the cottonwoods and aspens make you gasp for air. You walk and the energies imparted by these yellow cottonwoods uplift your spirit. Even more so as you see the cyclists, the runners and trail walkers pass you by, until nature’s sculpted tree bark looks like kissing large owls.

On the opposite side, you see a man doing his morning walk by the river. There are no birds to be heard in this trail, just the gentle murmur of the river water sounds.

Perhaps they are sleeping or hibernating somewhere?

Meanwhile, you hear the sounds of the children so excited from finishing the trails and loudly say: “Dad, imagine we saw 9 deer.

Nine, Dad!” It was a volume of excitement one can hear many yards down as the canyons echo the sounds.

But mind you, this Virgin River, though looking mild, tiny and gentle, belies its strong carving force of the canyons. “Virgin River has been at work, cutting the canyons, which took millions of years. Tons of rocks have slid over the centuries. Even as recently as 1995 folks were stranded in Zion Lodge, and another close call in 2010, when its Virgin River waters rose twenty times its current volumes, with flash floods eroding the highway.

Over the centuries, the Virgin Water cut through seven tons of sedimentary rock, including two thousand feet of solid sandstone,” according to the audio tour of Zion Shuttle Bus, Nov. 9, 2018 and “it still does its work of canyon cutting, and it carries away a million tons of sediments a year, mostly during flash floods as the waters move boulders and tall trees.”

By the Zion Gorge, where you are warned of miles and miles of crosswinds, I felt in awe of the towering beige colored canyons surrounding both sides of the highways, towering to heights of skyscrapers. How did God create

this magnificence?

After a seven-hour drive from Los Angeles to Hurricane, 30 miles outside of Zion National Park, we found a campsite with a frontal lake view. Bingo, I told myself, I feel rich to be camping with a frontal view of the lake.

The blue waters were calm and the area hosts a ramp for boating.

About mid-afternoon, the winds started howling. We figure it would stop but the 23 mph winds got even stronger and persisted until 3 a.m, rocking our van, like a crib. Not just the wind force, but also the sounds remind you of a greater force: “The Holy Spirit is around.” In doing so, I relaxed to a new sense of calm to sleep through the night, but it was too cold.

A new measure of cold Have you tried making coffee in the evening and had leftovers? The next morning, about to sip, you could not, as it has been transformed into brown crystals.

“This is a new measure of cold,” Enrique (my husband) said, who likes to chase after the aspens and cottonwoods’ fall colors each year, despite the freezing conditions.

This cold weather makes for challenging trips to the bathroom, and you end up sprinting back to the sleeping bag to warm up your frigid toes. You start imagining, “Who was that who came in, but did not make any peeing sounds, yet flushed the toilet and closed the door?” Was it a ghost or did that person really was quiet?

On the way back to the van, I asked permission to pass by the tree, after, there were no more strange happenings. In rushing to climb back into the sleeping bag, my husband offers his right hand to hold my left and the new cold has unexpectedly become new warmth. Hubby really loves the wild and his good-natured self readily comes out.

The new cold brings more incentives, as cooking a hefty breakfast: a well-seared rib eye with broccolini, fresh pineapples and papaya,

Bob, an 83-year-old flutist and Carey, a 70-yearold flutist playing Note E of Native American flute music in the amphitheater with this writer.

Photos courtesy of Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz

The Doe that was walking - “the very poetry of manners and motion”.

eggs, toasted sourdough with carrots/pear/green apple/ginger juice. That hefty brunch is equal to many energy bars that no trail mixes were needed, just water for the river walk.

After a mile of walking, surrounded by shimmering bright yellow cottonwoods, you re-live what John Muir refers to “you bathe in the spirit-beams, turning round and round, as if warming in a campfire.”

But we do have a real campfire, proactively set up by Enrique ahead of our needs in the evening.

They appear as if towering pancakes, that slowly burn for hours until it is time to call it a night. By 8 p.m., lights are out, until nature calls.

As you make another bathroom

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in America to harness our growing numbers to achieve sociocultural, economic and political empowerment.

We had noted that significant events in the United States were passing us by. In spite of the rapidly increasing ethnic Filipino population, we had been routinely overlooked — in fact, ignored — by public officials, politicians, corporations and mainstream America and, as a result, had not enjoyed the social services and other benefits that the government and businesses were making available to other minority groups.

We had concluded that the main reason was because Filipinos in the U.S. were not united, but consisted of thousands of small organizations concerned mainly with insular issues. The concept of “empowerment” — socio-cultural, economic and political — rarely crossed our minds.

Esclamado had proven that a unified Fil-Am community, speaking with one voice and harnessing its numbers, could influence the decision makers in the U.S. He had organized “Browns for Brown” when a young Jerry Brown first ran for governor of California. When Brown won, he asked Esclamado what the FilAm community wanted from his government. That question resulted, among other benefits, in the appointment of the first FilAm judge in Northern California, Ronald Quidachay. The same unified voice had persuaded the U.S. government to allow Filipino doctors, accounts and other professionals to practice their professions in America.

Esclamado envisioned a national organization of Filipinos that would have some influence in state houses and in Washington DC. He was told that it was an “impossible dream,” but he and other dreamers decided that it was worth pursuing. Thus was conceived the national empowerment conference.

Performing an almost superhuman feat, Esclamado, as the principal proponent, literally traveled (in many cases, drove) across the U.S. with his wife, Luly, to persuade Fil-Am community leaders (most of whom had never met nor heard of each other) to attend the event.

Over 2,000 attended. It was the biggest gathering of Pinoys in America. Thus was the National Federation of Filipino American

Associations (NaFFAA) formed.

Esclamado was elected founding national chairman. Washington DC’s Gloria Caoie and Jon Melegrito, who virtually invested sweat and blood to head the host committee, were elected national vice-chair and executive director, respectively.

The beginnings of the “impossible dream” had been achieved through the Quixotic persistence and determination of Esclamado, Caoile, Melegrito, Rodel Rodis and, subsequently, Loida Nicolas Lewis.

I did my part as a volunteer and worker, inspired by those who virtually tilted at windmills. I eventually became national chair of NaFFAA for one term and helped to keep it alive, at a time when the federation was almost on its knees due to lack of funds.

NaFFAA has since become the go-to organization for Capitol Hill and for the White House, whenever they need to reach out to the Fil-Am community.

Its leaders have notched notable achievements such as gaining

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A10 November 24-27, 2018 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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Duterte reiterates he is against gambling on Boracay by ryan

Macasero Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated on Thursday evening that he is not in favor of more casinos and commercial development in Boracay.

“In Boracay, they were speculating that I will invite foreigners to do [sic] gambling there,” Duterte said prior to his inauguration address of the new P1.71billion Cavite Gateway Terminal facility in Tanza.

The terminal was developed

by Enrique Razon’s International Container Terminal Services Inc. Razon was also in attendance at the inauguration.

No more commercial expansion “No more commercial expansion. No more gambling,” he said during the address.

According to a GMA News report in July, Galaxy Entertainment Group, a Macau-based developer, said that they were “still on track” on a 26-hectare

development on the island despite the six-month closure.

“The land in the back, which is expansive, I asked it be placed under land reform,” Duterte said in Filipino.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Jonas Leones said in October that the DENR and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), are hoping to solve land reform issues in Boracay — a process that has already started — before the end of the year.

“Now it’s worth millions,” Duterte said. “Don’t sell it for pennies. Leave it for your children, someday your children will hold land worth millions.”

While the land reform process has begun, an executive order banning more casino and resort development on the island — which was shut down to give way to cleanup and rehabilitation work — has yet to be issued.

The Department of Justice already recommended last October 8 that a no-casino executive

order for Boracay be signed.

“Based on a review of the applicable law and jurisprudence, this department is of the opinion that the issuance of an EO would be the most expedient and effective means of halting the operation of casinos and implementing a no-casino policy in Boracay,” the letter read.

The Palace, through presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo agreed with the DOJ’s position, saying in early November that that order “will be coming from the Office of the Executive Secretary.”

But on November 8, Duterte said that there was no need to issue any order since casino operators would need to apply for government permit anyway.

“Whether I put it in writing or just say it verbally. It is not a requirement that I should really be, you know, writing something,” Duterte is quoted as saying in a GMA News Online report.

Boracay reopened to the public on October 26. n

Zion’s gleaming yellow cottonwoods...

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break, you pause and look up. At first, the sky has a litter of stars but, at dawn, a gleaming constellation of stars, you wish you could identify each one that you see. The next day, Stan Monitz’s Instagram post identifies it as the Andromeda Galaxy and a shooting star.

Oh my, God’s abundant grace is magnificently on display, the dippers are readily recognizable, and you gaze some more, even as you shiver in the cold.

Patriotism to protect future generations Ansel Adams reflected on: “The American Pioneer approached the Natural Scene in a very different way than we must now. The land and its provisions were seemingly inexhaustible. The problems of existence were more severe. The Pioneer undoubtedly cherished his farm, his ranch and his range – representing something almost infinite in extent and bounty —young, vibrant, ever enduring.

Now, as the blights of over-population, over-exploitation and overmechanization encroach from all directions, we come to love our land as we would love someone very near and dear who may soon depart, leaving naught but the recollection of a beauty which we might have protected and perpetrated. We must realize — and with desperate conviction –that it is truly later than we think,” in a charter day address at UC Santa Cruz, 1965.

Veterans Day came and we head back to Los Angeles driving down Highway 15, a stretch named Veterans Memorial Highway, in Utah and Arizona, going to California.

I recall the sacrifices made by Eleazar, my father, an orphan of two veterans, his mother (Josefa Aquino Abarquez) and his father (Maximo Abarquez) and his three brothers (Angel, Constancio and Norberto) all Philippine Soldiers, who all died after they were killed

by Japanese soldiers and while defending freedom and democracy in the Philippines, during the Japanese Imperial Army Invasion of the Philippines, during World War II. I did not learn of his sacrifices until he died in 2000. At the time of his passing, I encouraged my mother to write about the love story of my dad and her to assuage her grief. After the tragic losses of his family, my father persevered through law school after which he served as a government employee, enforcing the labor codes of the Republic of the Philippines. He taught me to be more humane, to be generous and to be kind, especially to the poor.

I also reflect on the sacrifices of Enrique, Sr. (Enrique’s father), who survived the Bataan Death March, walked over 200 miles (a distance from LA to San Diego) day and night, counting all the unburied dead along his path. He negotiated with his captors and appealed to their human needs to eat, offering himself and his team of soldiers to cook for them, as he claimed that they, the Japanese soldiers would need strength to do their tasks. He and his team of soldiers were spared as a result. He went to law school, each day, walking miles and miles. He became a country lawyer, and sometimes his fees were paid in the form of eggs, chickens, pigs, and even milking cows, which Enrique, Jr. learned to milk, as the eldest in the family.

A new measure of art in the canyons I still remember the violin music that Enrique Jr. played, Yesterday a familiar Beatles tune, and Ang Bayan Ko. He kept fiddling that night while the surrounding trees in Mount Rainier gave such an echo, a resonance that beats an amphitheater in the national park.

I was washing my hands several feet away and I could hear the sounds of the violin music.

The next day, campground guests complimented him for their concert treat, they jokingly said.

This fall 2018, we walked to the amphitheater and two flutists were playing Note E Native American tunes. Bob is 83 years old, but looking like 60 years old, carrying a fleece blanket with individual slots to house eight flutes.

One had a distinctive bird design at the top and Bob explains what the wind barrier does: it controls the ingress of winds as one blows on the flute, gently, not hard he said.

His companion, Carey is an equally energetic flute player in his 70s and he too carries a backpack with eight flutes. They reside in Hurricane, where we found a man-made lake. Together, they make their occasional trips to Zion to look for canyon spots to echo back the flute sounds they make. They referred us to YouTube for beginning lessons on how to play the flute, specifically Native-American sounds and soon, mobile flute players.

A descend from the amphitheater to the river walk, we chance upon Mary Piaget, a watercolor painter capturing the Zion canyons on her canvas, while taking art classes from the legendary Carl Purcell. The cold outdoors are their classrooms and their paintings warm people’s hearts.

God’s grace is indeed abundant: from a “dance in spiritbeams” surrounded by gleaming yellows of the cottonwoods and orange-brown aspens, to the golden sunrise that bathe the canyons, to the howling winds at 23 mph in our first evening to 32 mph the next, to frigid cold weathers that morph into the warmth of human hands, resonating flute sounds that warms one’s soul, family of does without the buck (family of deer) amazing muted watercolors of Mary’s painting of the Zion canyons that make you say, “Oh, for with the grace of God, all are possible, including the miraculous last camping site that we got for three nights. Thank you God Almighty, Your Nature is unspeakably abundant!”

But not quite, as John Muir would say, “A very fine blacktailed deer went bounding past camp this morning. A buck with widespread of antlers, showing admirable vigor and grace. Wonderful the beauty, strength, and graceful movements of animals in wildernesses, cared for by Nature only…Deer, like all wild animals, are as clean as plants. The beauties of their gestures and attitudes, alert or repose, surprise yet more than their bounding exuberant strength. Every movement and posture is graceful, the very poetry of manners and motion. The more I see of deer the more I admire them as mountaineers. They make their way into the heart of the roughest solitudes with smooth reserve of strength, through dense belts of brush and forest encumbered with fallen trees and boulder piles, across canyons, roaring streams, and snow fields, ever showing forth beauty and courage.”

Happy Thanksgiving to Asian Journal’s readers, and I am grateful for our upcoming eleventh year of writing for this fine publication come 2019. May you all have a wonderful get-together with your families! *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.”

She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years.

She also 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, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the U.S., in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

BELEN CONTEST IN TARLAC. A member of the board of judges examines the “belen” (nativity scene) design of the “Samahan sa Pura” under the community category during the 11th Belenismo sa Tarlac 2018 finals in Tarlac City. Some 52 participants are competing in five categories -- Community, Church, Monumental, Grand Municipal and Grand Non-Municipal showcasing aspects of Tarlacqueno artistry through native, regional, modern and biblical interpretations of the nativity scene in various sizes.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

House to Diokno: Explain budget ‘irregularities’

by Glee Jalea ManilaTmes.net

THE House minority leadership is set to summon Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno to explain and correct alleged “irregularities” in the proposed national budget for 2019.

Minority Leader Danilo Suarez filed House Resolution 2307 requiring the appearance of Diokno in the “question hour” during the plenary session to answer queries on the national budget which could be used as an election budget.

“2019 is an election year. The Minority is concerned that the people’s purse might be used for personal campaigns of candidates and re-electionists, instead of its true public purpose,” Suarez told reporters in a news briefing.

“We, the members of the Minority, call on the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) to appear before the House to explain and correct the irregularities in the implementation of the 2018 budget and in the proposed 2019 national budget,” he added.

The Minority also raised budget insertions amounting to around P52 billion in the P3.7trillion national budget for 2019 which were subsequently realigned to fund different basic services.

Although House Bill (HB) 8169 or the proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2019 was approved on third and final reading on Tuesday, the House had a series of delays in deliberations

due to the “pork” issue.

“There are also questions left unanswered regarding the utilization of the previous annual budget including the undeclared savings and unaccounted expenses.

However, the DBM remains aloof on the call of Congress to answer inquiries pursuant to its oversight functions,” Suarez said.

Suarez heads the House oversight committee which reviews measures relating to the coordination of executive development planning and congressional actions pursued through the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council.

The oversight committee, which is exclusive only to Minority members, pushed for further budget utilization to address concerns of underspending.

A portion of the appropriations and obligations under the national government budget from 2015 to 2017 showed that unused appropriations under the government’s budgetary adjustments ranged from P388 million to almost P600 million.

Unused appropriations amounted to P486.811 million in 2015, P596.652 million in 2016 and P388.398 million in 2017.

The panel said government agencies with the largest amount of unused appropriations were the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“Hundreds of millions are not being spent. Humingi kayo ng pera, binigyan kayo ng kon-

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno ManilaTimes.net photo

greso, gastusin niyo ng maayos ‘yan. Hindi kayo bangko (You asked for funds, you were given by the Congress, you should be able to utilize it well. You are not banks),” said Rep. Jose “Lito” Atienza Jr., vice chairman of the oversight committee.

Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. said the budget bill “retains and in some cases augments the funding for all the major programs requested by President [Rodrigo] Duterte.”

“Although we saw the need to overhaul certain segments of the budget, because after verification we discovered that the proposed projects were not what the people wanted, we decided to retain them, and just conveyed to the President our belief that the ill-conceived projects be implemented with the strictest oversight,” he added. n

House resumes plenary debates on Gloria Arroyo’s draft charter

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — After repeated delays, House lawmakers on Wednesday resumed plenary debates on a draft charter prepared

by Speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo that is separate from the federalism proposal of a consultative committee that President Duterte had created.

Leyte Rep. Vicente Veloso, chair of the House committee on constitutional amendments, delivered his sponsorship speech while Zamboanga-Sibugay Rep. Wilter Palma II defended the draft federal constitution, or the approved Resolution of Both Houses 15, on the floor.

The measure was initially taken up in October, but was remanded to the Veloso committee after Arroyo discovered that the provision for joint voting of the Senate and the House remained, when she actually preferred separate voting of the two legislative chambers.

Resolution of Both Houses 15 seeks to propose revisions in the 1987 Constitution, wherein under Arroyo’s draft charter, the (next) President (in 2022) will have a term of four years and will be entitled to one re-election – just like in the US. “The only thing I added was a provision that instead of establishing the federal states, there’s a mechanism establishing the

federal states. All the other provisions were already submitted by the Concom and everyone else,” Arroyo told reporters in October.

“That’s the only thing I added to make it my version,” the Pampanga congresswoman explained further, pointing out that lifting the term limits for senators will really be up to them, it being “a collegial decision.”

Under Resolution of Both Houses 15, the form and structure of the government will be presidential-bicameral-federal system.

The President and the Vice President will have the same powers and functions as stated in the 1987 Constitution.

However, a vote for the President will also be good for the Vice President, and they should belong to the same party. In short, it’s a bundled vote.

The draft federal charter will retain a bicameral legislative department, wherein the House of Representatives will be composed of not more than 300 members, and the Senate composed of 24 senators.

A total of 80 percent of the House members will be composed of lawmakers from legislative districts across the country from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, while the remaining 20 percent will comprise what is called the party-list lawmakers.

Members of the legislative branch will have a term of four years, as opposed to the current term of three years in the 1987 Constitution.

As for the judiciary, members of the Supreme Court and judges of the lower courts will be appointed by the President from a list of at least three nominees prepared by the Judicial Appointments and Disciplinary Council, which will be created in lieu of the Judicial and Bar Council.

Members of the SC will serve for a term of 10 years or until they reach the mandatory age of 70.

The draft federal charter also states that territorial and political subdivisions of the country will have political autonomy.

Federal states may be created upon petition of any contiguous, compact and adjacent provinces, highly urbanized and component cities, and cities and municipalities in metropolitan areas.

Local governments and federal states will have the power to create their own sources of revenue and impose taxes, fees and charges.

The national government will provide local governments with their just share in national taxes as determined by law.

All branches of the government will continue to function in a transitory capacity until all successors are elected. n

Giving up on the impossible...

PAGE A9 t

benefits for Filipino World War II veterans, and the conferment of the Congressional Gold Medal on the old soldiers, dead or alive; supporting Fil-Am candidates for city, state and national office; and calling worldwide attention to Chinese intrusion in the South China Sea, as well protesting instances of discrimination against Filipinos.

But the “impossible dream” of the Fil-Am community still has to be fully realized. Compared to national organizations of other minorities in the US, NaFFAA still has much to learn. It has failed to persuade other major Fil-Am groups, like doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, engineers, and other professionals who prolifer-

ate in America, to join the federation. It has also failed to attract corporate promotional and advertising funds, befitting a national federation.

Fil-Ams have also failed to see one of our own win a seat in the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. In California, which accounts for half of the four million-plus Pinoys in America, only one of our own, Rob Bonta, has won a seat in the state assembly.

Now comes the disconcerting news. Perhaps discouraged by the non-involvement of the other major associations, the current leaders of NaFFAA are reportedly planning to convert the federation from an association of associations into just an organization

independent of and different from the rest and not representing them. If this happens, there will be even more reason for the wielders of power in America to ignore our community.

It seems that the current leaders of NaFFAA are giving up on the dream of one unified, dynamic and influential federation and are conceding that it is impossible to achieve. The late Alex Esclamado would have vehemently disagreed.

But Esclamado is gone and it seems that the Don Quixotes in the community either have not yet been born, or hesitate to emerge, or are already riding off into the sunset. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com).

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A12 November 24-27, 2018 • LA WeeKeND ASIAN JoUrNAL

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SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal

‘Darna’ to be delayed; Liza Soberano to undergo surgery

Justin Cuyugan at the taping of the ABS-CBN teleserye “Bagani” last August.

“Naaksidente siya sa stunt sa THE return of Filipino iconic superhero “Darna” will be report- ‘Bagani’ pa ito, medyo matagaledly delayed after Kapamilya actor tagal na. Kailangang operahan Enrique Gil revealed that his on- para maging mas mabuti siya screen partner and rumored girl- sa mga stunts kasi di niya mafriend Liza Soberano will undergo galaw ang finger niya, kailangan talagang gawin. Saka inaayos pa surgery for an injured finger.

In an interview with Pep.ph, En- yung script ng Darna,” Enrique rique admitted that Liza got injured explained.

“Darna,” which recently in a stunt during their recently finchanged its director from Erik ished teleserye “Bagani.”

“Yes, she has to (undergo) a Matti to Jerrold Tarog after Matti little surgery for her finger,” En- had some misunderstanding with Star Cinema, reportedly started its rique said.

Liza got injured by co-actor planning in 2015 but has still not

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

pushed through.

LizQuen, composed of Liza and Enrique, will start doing a movie with Antoinette Jadaone under Black Sheep production.

“Narinig ko, parang next week, next, next week. One thing, mas mature kami dito, it’s a more mature character. It’s not a fairytale, mas totoo siya. Mas totoo lang siya, so mas maraming makakarelate,” Enqique said of their new movie.

“It’s our first time teaming up with Black Sheep. I’m excited.

I wanna see on how we can do things that will come up,” he Liza Soberano with the new limited-edition Darna statue. added.

Maymay Entrata walks in Arab Fashion Week runway

PBB Teen alumnus is Furne One’s showstopper in Dubai by iza igleSiaS ManilaTimes.net

PANDEMONIUM errupted during the Arab Fashion Week in Dubai on Wednesday, November 21, when “Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7” winner Maymay Entrata made her international runway debut as Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One Amato’s showstopper for his official anniversary collection.

Wearing a gray cocktail dress with feather details from Amato Couture, the 21-year-old ABSCBN artist was a hit on the catwalk as she oozed with confidence and sophistication beyond her age.

On Instagram, Entrata thanked God, her family and fans for seeing her through yet another unexpected achievement in her life. “’Let your light shine before others.’ (Matt. 5:16). Nakakaiyak lang isipin na dati pinapangarap

Maymay Entrata made her international runway debut through Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One Amato’s collection.

Photos courtesy of Eugene PR

ko lang ang nararamdaman kong to. Yung tipong pag iniisip mo siya kay hirap na abutin pero minsan pala pag pinabayaan mo lang at marunong maghintay sa tamang panahon kung para sayo talaga ibibigay sayo.

“Syempre sa likod ng natamo

ko sa lahat ng to pinapasalamatan ko ang Panginoon, sa mga taong naging dahilan at tulay ng aking tagumpay… maraming maraming salamat po dahil sa inyong lahat mas naging matatag ako at pumiling lumaban upang lakarin PAGE B2

ABS-CBN photo

B NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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Heart: I’m happy where I am now Ricky Lo Philstar.com

by

FIVE months after she suffered a miscarriage (twins, one after the other), Heart Evangelista has sprung from depression and is now able to talk about the time “my world stopped” and she questioned not just her being a woman but about everything.

“I’ve never been so depressed in my life,” confessed Heart the other day when she was introduced as the endorser/collaborator of Kamiseta, touted as “the #1 women’s fashion brand in the Philippines,” owned and managed by Cris Roque like its sister company, Kamiseta Skin.

“Of all my heartbreaks, that was the worst, the most painful. I didn’t go out of the house and I stopped painting.”

It was painting that served as therapy for Heart who, according to Cris, is committed to do dozens of paintings which Kamiseta will have printed on shirts and dresses just like what Heart wore to the press launch held at Vanilla restaurant which is also owned by the Roques.

Wednesday night, Kamiseta held an exclusive “Love Marie (LM) for Kamiseta” showcase at the Manila House, featuring prints from Heart’s paintings and designs that reflect her glamorous and elegant style, all translated into Kamiseta’s “timelessly chic fashion” that the brand is famous for.

“But you know,” continued Heart (a gracious stepmom to husband Sen. Chiz Escudero’s twins from his first marriage), “I suffered from a vanishing twin syndrome, according to the doctors. After the first one died, there was a 60 percent danger that the other one would have had a hard time.”

Heart recalled what the doctors told her, “In a way, it was the Lord who made the decision for you. When the heart stopped, it was a clear sign that the baby would have a hard time.”

“That comforted me,” said Heart, “and that’s when I realized that it was okay. I never questioned God. When something bad happens to you, you just stay positive, don’t be negative. God will open doors for you and you get surprises.”

Besides doing paintings for Kamiseta, between now and the 2019 post-mid-terms, Heart will

Teejay (upper right) is the eldest son of veteran actor Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn. His brother Bodie posted this family picture on Instagram with sister Djanin.

Actor Tirso Cruz III’s son succumbs to cancer

by Heart Evangelista

be busy campaigning for Chiz who is running for governor in Sorsogon. She has signed a renewed five-year contract with GMA (her last Kapuso soap was My Korean Jagiya) and she hoped to resume acting middle of next year.

“I have been going to Sorsogon and I have learned several Bicolano words,” added Heart, “You know, Diyos mabalos (thank you, God), dagos na (come in) and luway-luway sana (slowly please).”

The sequel (Book Two) of the hit all-Asian-cast Crazy Rich Asians is being prepared, so is Heart “tempted” to audition again as she did for the first film?

“I don’t think so,” replied Heart who auditioned for the Araminta Lee role (eventually played by Sonoya Mizuno) because that was the only one left after the other roles had been cast. “I guess I was just lucky being there at that time. When I got the call, they asked me if I shopped couture and I said that I did but not the extreme one.

Do you know how much each (high couture) gown costs? P20 million!,” exclaimed Heart who happens to be good friends with Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan who wrote a fashion story on Asian fashion icons, Heart included, for Vogue. “I’m not go-

ing to blow my lifetime savings for one dress! So I told Kevin, ‘I don’t think I’m the girl you are looking for.’ I don’t want to disappoint you but I don’t shop ‘till I drop. But still, they still wanted to feature me attending shows and my paintings on bags.”

But don’t get her wrong, Heart hastened to add.

“It’s a dream, why not? I needed to do that just to get it over with. I am happy where I am. Had I gone there, who knows baka naiba pa ang buhay ko? Chiz nga was kidding me, ‘Darling, ha, masyado ka na…’ especially when I was going abroad for work (for Ferragamo, etc.) ‘Ang tagal mo nawawala.’

But Chiz is very supportive. He even went with me when I discussed things with Kamiseta.”

Cris described Heart as “the perfect fit” for Kamiseta.

“A woman who is unapologetically herself, with fashion and with life, who loves to let ‘the real her’ shine. A woman who is passionate about chasing her dreams, a woman who exudes inner confidence because she knows her worth and is unafraid to follow her heart…”

Said Heart, “For me, Kamiseta is timeless, that’s why I’ve always wanted to be with Kamiseta. I’m so happy to be representing a brand that’s very me, so it’s so natural, it’s effortless.”

chRistina aLpad ManilaTimes.net

Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

THE eldest son of actor Tirso Cruz III and wife Lyn, passed away after six months of battling cancer. He was 37.

Teejay Cruz’s death was confirmed by his brother, Bodie Cruz, through an Instagram post on Wednesday, November 21. “‘Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ (Psalm 23:6) The battle with cancer for the past 6 months was tough, but it was also a time we got to experience God’s love and faithfulness in abundance as a family,” Bodie wrote on his Instagram account (@bodicruz), alongside several family photos.

“I am so grateful to the Lord for your life that was filled with passion, boldness and love. You desired nothing but to serve God and to glorify Him through dancing. Now, you will be able to do it free from sickness and pain, and in front of our Creator Himself — and you get to worship Him there forever.

“I love you, Kuya. Thank you to everyone who stood with us in prayer. Today, Kuya TJ has received the miracle of healing that we have believed God for. He is faithful,” the brother ended.

On Thursday morning, their mother Lyn also posted a message for her beloved son on her Instagram account (@lynncruz525), thanking the Lord for his short

Teejay Cruz

but well-lived life.

“I remember you telling me, ‘di ako nahihiya Ma na tawaging Mama’s Boy, I am proud to be a Mama’s Boy!’ Oh my dearest TJ, I am proud of you my dearest son! My first born son! You have a very good heart! A strong man!

A warrior! The Lord blessed me with you! Pinahiram ka ni Lord sa akin for 37 years, and I thank God for that. I am blessed!

“You are now dancing in heaven for the Lord! You fought a good fight anak! I will miss you so much! I will miss our talks, yung tawanan natin, yung paghati natin sa food, yung pagdaan mo sa room namin ni Papa mo before you leave the house and paguwi mo, yung kumakanta tayong dalawa while you were in the hospital praising and worshiping

Photos from Instagram/@bodiecruz

God, our morning and evening prayer time…so many things na nami-miss ko about you…

“You will always be in my heart! I love you my son! Mama loves you Mama’s Boy!” In a separate Instagram post, talent manager Lolit Solis (@ akosilolitsolis) confirmed that Cruz died of lymphatic cancer at dawn of Wednesday.

Born Tristan Jedidiah Cruz, Teejay was one of the original cast members of “Ang TV” in 1992. Thereafter, he starred in movies like “Eskapo” and “Rollerboys” before leaving show business for good.

Teejay eventually founded Spike for Hope, a volleyball tournament that raises funds to benefit children with life-threatening illnesses.

Being named ‘fave Kapuso star’ a pleasant surprise for Ivan Dorschner by

oLiveR M. puLuMbaRit Inquirer.net

IT’S not difficult to see why actor-host Ivan Dorschner is well-liked by fellow celebs and fans alike. The Filipino-American celeb is charming and amiable in person, and engages with pleasant fans on social media whenever possible.

It comes as no surprise, then, that he topped a popularity poll in October—which, he said, was unexpected.

“I like internet polls because nagkakaroon ng chance ang public to engage with the network [and its stars]. However, being named Favorite Kapuso Star was a surprise, and I am thankful that I have a very supportive following,” he told the Inquirer about winning the poll conducted by the GMA 7 fan portal Solid Kapuso.

He got the most social media votes (1,721,960) in the category, which included fellow GMA talents Ken Chan, Miguel Tanfelix, Migo Adecer, Alden Richards and Ruru Madrid.

He thanked his fans, called “IvanKnights” and “Ivanation,” for helping top that poll. “I appreciate that a lot. I would like to extend my thanks to [them].

They really look out for me well,” said the 28-year-old actor, who previously starred in two prominent shows.

Ivan is mum, however, about projects in the works, but is confident that he will be guided accordingly.

“Learning is nonstop for me, and I’m glad that GMA understands that,” said the actor. “Being part of ‘Meant to Be’ and ‘The One That Got Away’ right after I signed up with my home network taught me a lot. I’m thankful for these opportunities. GMA Artist Center supports my career and

Ivan Dorschner

the people behind it keeps nurturing us with workshops.”

While Ivan currently isn’t in any teleserye, he’s busy hosting “Paydro Night Live,” a streaming trivia contest. He described the gig as “great fun.”

“The whole team is amazing.

Together, we will be making content that enriches and challenges people’s awareness. Contestants interact through their smart devices, so meeting them face-toface isn’t a regular occurrence,” explained Ivan. “And even if I meet them in person, we get to know the players just as they get to know us. It’s a learning experi-

GMA photo

ence for everyone.”

Ivan, who lived in California prior to moving to the Philippines, has shown a marked improvement in speaking Filipino, and has expressed a desire to learn more.

“The Filipino [language] is beautiful,” said the actor, who started out as a contestant in ABS-CBN’s reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” in 2010. Fans can expect him to speak in Filipino— well, partly—during a meet-andgreet at SM Tarlac today. “I enjoy speaking and learning about it, since language, per se, is very dynamic.”

Maymay Entrata walks in...

PAGE B1 ang daan patungo sa pangarap.

Mapamilya ko at buong Pilipinas, Salamat po,” Entrata wrote.

Present to support the newest toast of UAE’s fashion scene were Entrata’s onscreen partner Edward Barber and the actor’s sister, Laura.

Meanwhile, congratulations too are in order to Furne One for his continued success on the global fashion stage, with the likes of Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj, besides the creme dela creme and royalty of UAE, as his clients.

One is one of several Filipino fashion designers who have made it big in the Middle East, including Michael Cinco and Ezra Santos. As his career continues to soar, it is all the more admirable that he makes sure to open doors for Filipinos like Entrata internationally as well.

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JM de Guzman recalls life after rehab by

MarIdol rañoa-BIsMark Philstar.com

COMEBACK actor JM de Guzman is understandably nervous.

He is still adjusting to face the cameras again after staying away from the limelight to go on rehab in 2015.

“I was so nervous, I was screaming in the comfort room before I came over,” he disclosed.

JM, dapper in a formal suit, was speaking before the press at the red carpet premiere of his comeback film, TBA Studios’ new romantic film “Kung Paano Siya Nawala.”

He also admitted that his body had to adjust to the working schedule and the stress that went with it.

If JM was a bundle of nerves that night, his leading lady Rhian Ramos was a picture of cool and calm.

“He’s just nervous,” Rhian echoed JM’s words. “And he’s a humble guy. For now, it seems I’m the one who looks more comfortable. But when it comes to the set, it is I who draws support from JM.” Her leading man, explained Rhian, is such an amazing actor, she actually gets her strength as a performer from him. That is why she advised JM to hold on and continue what he has been doing.

“You’re a wonderful person,” she told him. “There’s no reason for you not be confident. Just believe in yourself.”

At 30, JM is a battle-scarred warrior of life who refuses to say die. His triumph over drugs and his movie comeback have strengthened his faith in God. In fact, his Instagram account

JM de Guzman

ABS-CBN photo

(1migueldeguzman) shows that he believes in Matthew 19:26, which says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

JM’s trials have also taught him more about humility.

Given the chance to advice a younger person on how to deal with problems, JM would tell him, “Never be arrogant, no matter what your struggle is.”

Speaking of struggle, one of JM’s well-liked posts said, “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.”

JM’s re-emergence in showbiz is proof that he can eat humble pie and present himself again to the public, even if it means risking rejection from them.

Lio, his character in “Kung Paano Siya Nawala,” has similarities with the real JM. Like JM, Lio is quiet.

But unlike his withdrawn

character who finds it hard to connect with others due to face blindness, a cognitive disorder that makes him unable to recognize faces, JM reaches out.

He recently revealed on his Instagram account that his friend, actor Janus del Prado, would love getting a bar of Toblerone on his birthday. Earlier posts showed JM relaxing with his friend Kiko Salazar and wishing Carlo Aquino a happy birthday.

These are the times JM lets his guard down, in the same way that Lio slowly learns to open up when he meets Shana (Rhian), a beautiful free spirit with secrets of her own.

The movie introduces the JMRhian tandem to the public.

“Kung Paano Siya Nawala,” also starring Agot Isidro, Barbara Milano and Ricky Davao, is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Richard Gomez gives moving response to growing up daughter: ‘Time flies so quickly’

by InquIrer.net

ACTOR and Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez on Thursday, November 22 said “time flies so quickly,” after he realized that his daughter is already 18 years old.

Gomez showed a photo of him and Juliana on Instagram sharing a conversation he had with his daughter.

Gomez said he forwarded a volleyball league poster for his daughter to join. However, it turned out that the competition was only for 12-year-old kids.

“I forwarded to her a poster for a one day volleyball league and told her to join that particular competition. Once on the phone she told me that the competition was for 12 years and below only,” he said.

Gomez then, turned emotional as his daughter revealed that she was already of legal age.

“Then she reiterated that she was already 18 yrs old! All the while because I thought she was still 12 yrs old. Ito talaga yung “how time flies so quickly,” Gomez said.

Richard Gomez with daughter Juliana

Photo from Instagram/2richardgomezinstagram

Rachelle Ann Go meets Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson by

krIssy aguIlar Inquirer.net

Dwayne Johnson with Rachelle Ann Go

Photo from Instagram/@gorachelleann

INTERNATIONAL musical theater actress and singer Rachelle Ann Go took to Instagram her encounter with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Go posed with “The Rock” in a photo posted Friday captioned: “The ROCK. Oh man!!! He is so cool!!!

Thank you for the lovely words @therock.”

In another photo, Johnson also posed with the cast of musical “Hamilton” at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

Other Filipino singers expressed disbelief with the meetand-greet like Tony-award wining actress Lea Salonga, Yeng Constantino and AJ Rafael.

Go plays the role of Eliza Schuyler in the West End production of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.”

Angel Aquino is gloriously gorgeous by nathalIe

toMada Philstar.com

ANGEL Aquino plays a 50year-old woman who falls for a much younger man in “Glorious”, Dreamscape Entertainment’s digital film now available on ABS-CBN’s new iWant streaming service.

But Angel’s Glory is no cougar on the hunt. The film firmly establishes that it’s her character — a

mother of three and former bank executive suffering from a broken marriage — who is pursued and won over by the persistent store assistant Nico (played by Tony Labrusca) who’s even younger than her youngest child.

The challenges, excitement and stigma that come with a May-December romance make up the crux of this risqué love story directed by Connie Macatuno.

Their difference in age couldn’t

be more emphasized in a scene where Angel is told by Tony’s disapproving grandmother that Glory has already found her place in the world, but Nico has yet to, so please don’t steal away his future (or words to that effect).

In real life, Angel is 45 and Tony, 23. Asked how they were able to build their rapport and chemistry despite their 20-something age gap, Angel said in an inPAGE B4

FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNITE AFTER 40 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES AND “MISFORTUNES” ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY”! Decades ago, Tatay Rolando left his wife and daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the U.S. After getting his green card, he petitioned his family, except for Anna Lyn (center) who had turned 21, and was left behind. The years that followed became a series of rough twists and turns for Anna Lyn, including being caught attempting to enter the U.S. on a fraudulent visa. After a fraud waiver prepared by another attorney was denied, leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel put together a convincing fraud waiver package that was quickly approved, paving the way for the much-awaited, happy reunion of this family on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

B4 NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

MOONLIGHTING

by MYLAH DE

LEON

BOXING is real life, but perhaps a little bigger and a little gaudier than the movies or strict fact.

All the literary themes of money, power and sex get played out in the careers of these marquee fighters, usually brimming with possibilities as they live accelerated lives, and in a very rare instance, when they emerge untouched by events.

I’d pull the curtain to reveal the doubts, the fears, the trials and tribulations of some of the fight arena’s greatest heroes and explore the foible and fallibilities of some of the great names in the last 20 decades: Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Durán, who are now old aged credentials hall of famers. Boxing history’s more dangerous in warfare than the most terrible warriors and are now suddenly human, with stories that never lacked.

Fistic delicacies and the chorus around super boxers In this headed boxing bouillabaisse, the boxing scribbler has yet to learn that there is more to the “who did what to whom” that we all can see on TV or read on the sports page.

The small sensation of power that a press pass can give (it gets you past the first guards) ebbs quickly once you’re in the corridors of an international boxing promotion. With the tour press con cocooned inside a bullpen at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills last Tuesday, November 20, things never change.

There are heaps of photographers of every species, race, color and creed, TV cameramen, the renowned wire sports photographers. They were the big guns and boxing is their turf, kingdom and canvas. It’s always a field day for sports photographers in a jubilation that epitomizes the mix of old and new in sports media. I superseded four people to get a three-minute interview.

All around are the ubiquitous security men, always striking an expedient post, burly but clean cut, effective and disciplined – descending on every Pacquiao bout, threatening with their usual announcement; barked, no posing for photographs, no asking for autographs or face immediate banishment form the media convergence.

Just look at Manny Pacquiao.

The camera adores him, caught in one picture-perfect situation after another, on splashes

The spirit of boxing has no one definition

The writer interviews boxer, Senator Manny Pacquiao

of color, knocked out images, behind the scenes and in them, or with his trainer and with the famous.

He doesn’t feel exhausted nor invaded, as the cameras keep snapping. Lensmen are more flamboyant than the print people, who are more calm and creative in their own ways.

He arrives without much fanfare. he is unassuming, excruciatingly polite and humble.

The ice is broken. The press con begins.

There is always a pre-fi ght drama, the simmering animosity and controversy between brawlers.

In the boxing world, where only the best would face the best, whomever carries the belt (regardless of promotional affiliations, prestige and bragging rights) is what counts. I could only wish I have attended a hundred more fights, probably going all the way from Cain and Abel and I will probably know more about fighter stories from the soaring hope of young fighters, to long goodbyes of veterans and the jagged lines of their journeys in between.

Perhaps learn more about who did what to whom, to know more about the chorus around super boxers — Men and women with diverse backgrounds, filled with their own dream, who made their living from fighters dreams without ever having to throw a punch. These are the trainers, managers, promoters, booking agents, publicists and camp aide with their own brand of resourcefulness, loyalty, and cunning, who are put into a business where boxing politics could be a crazy roulette and as such are subject to the whims and exigencies of other schemes.

Their bunch, who have to stand on the back row for group photo-op with great warriors behind the scene, but have access to power. How do I pull the curtain to reveal their doubts, fears

and tribulations? How do they keep their uneasy posts? These include referees and close in photographers, they were all there at the press con.

Even in my softball interview, the question of his new faith surfaces and persists.

“What have you done outside the ring, you consider the most worthwhile?” To which Manny answered, “Ang pagtulong ko sa kapwa ko, panalig ko sa diyos” His kind-hearted nature is part of his charisma. He successfully pushed for the hospital that was constructed in his district, as well as playgrounds and health centers, not to mention numerous charitable projects. I asked him the question I would ask every person of power and authority I’ve interviewed.

“So, Senator Pacquiao, it seems that you have everything that one could wish for…what else are you living for, Sir?” “Pagtulong sa mga tao, sa lahat. Money does not always buy results. Kindness, giving them inspiration, courage and dignity,” he said. “Mabuhay ng marangal…you treat everyone fair, no one is higher or lower than anyone – all of us are Children of God.” He said that he wants nothing more — except for his children to grow lovingly with each other, especially their mother, and for them to have pure joy and a sense of honor and most importantly, sharing whatever they can as they grow up.

With the words of God, you discover the gifts and blessing within you and learn how to use it to live better and help others better themselves too. There is no limit to what you can accomplish through prayers to be a better you, it builds your faith and finds peace within you.

Manny sparkled in his spirituality. *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol. com

Maja’s wish? A ‘healthy and happy love life’

life: a healthy and happy love life. She revealed this while on a tour of Taiwan.

MAJA Salvador has made In an Instagram post on known her most ardent wish in Nov. 18, the actress shared a

by ALFRED

BAYLE Inquirer.net

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Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS HEART, the symbol of love, of Valentine’s Day, even of religious adoration, is always fascinating but still a mystery to most of us. The amazing facts about our most loyal and dedicated heart are mind-boggling and a constant source of wonderment. Winning hearts, stealing hearts, breaking hearts, and for us cardiac surgeons, mending hearts, are easier to understand and do, than to comprehend fully the wonders of this hardworking, ceaselessly pumping, untiring, and unique muscle in our body.

How large is our heart?

The size of the adult heart is about the volume of two hands clasping each other, with the fingers intertwined. In children, it is the size of the kid’s one fist.

The heart is located, not to the left, as often thought of, but in the middle of your mid chest, enclosed in its own compartment, an envelope called pericardial sac, and located between the left and right chest cavity, where the left and right lungs are, respectively. Its tip is pointed slightly to the left.

Does the heart ever rest?

The heart beats about an average of 70 beats per minute, 4,200 an hour or about 100,800 times in one day, roughly about 36 million times in a year. In an average life span, the human heart will beat about 2.5 billion times. But contrary to what seems obvious, the heart rests for a split second in between beats. This happens between contractions, when the heart relaxes to accept more oxygenated blood from the lungs, and prepares to pump blood out of its chambers again.

How powerful is the heart contraction?

The heart contraction is so powerful that it approximates the force one needs to give a tennis ball a hard and full squeeze with all your might. The cardiac muscles work twice as hard as the leg muscles of a person running full speed. The hydraulic force generated is necessary to propel rapidly the blood that circulates about 13 kilometers per minute, or 780 kilometers per hour, about four times the speed of the fastest racing car there is.

Will an isolated heart beat on its own?

The muscle of the heart is a specialized one that beats on its own (automaticity) and one that has its own rhythm (rhythmicity), even when cut off from the body and lying on a surface. The isolated heart in this situation will beat continuously until its own residual energy is used up, which is within about 4 minutes.

Your heart

It then ceases movement.

What is the normal heart rate?

This varies from individual to individual, depending on the age, condition of the body, and the health of the person. A wellconditioned athlete may have a heart rate of 35 a minute and feel great, but this rate would cause almost all of us, non-athletes, to feel faint and pass out, or in the very least, feel very dizzy and weak. On the average though, the normal resting rate (medically speaking) is from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Anything below 60 is called bradycardia (too slow heart rate), and a rate higher than 100 is tachycardia (too fast a heart rate). Among children the range is between 90-120 beats a minute.

How much blood does a person have?

The adult human body has about 5.6 liters (6 quarts) of blood in the circulation. These 6 quarts completes a full round of circulation throughout the body about every 20 seconds.

The blood travels a total of about 19,000 kilometers (12,000 miles) in 24 hours, which is about four times the distance from California to New York, or roughly five times the air miles from San Francisco to Manila.

About one million barrels of blood is pumped by the heart in an average life span, a volume enough to fill more than three super tankers.

Where does the blood go?

The blood pumped by the heart goes out through the ascending aorta, the largest artery in the body (about half the size of an average wrist), that is connected to the heart, and circulates through the various arterial branches and capillaries to the brain and to all other vital organs (liver, pancreas, kidneys, adrenals, intestines, sex organs, etc.). The capillaries are terminal or end arteries, the size of which is about one-tenth the size of the human hair. These are the tiny vessels that actually bring blood to the tissues and cells of the various parts of the body.

How does blood get oxygen and nutrition?

The nutrition and oxygen in the blood are used up by the tissues and cells. The used blood (now containing much less oxygen and more carbon dioxide, lactic acid and other “waste products”) travels back from the tissues and cells to lungs for oxygenation. Then blood goes to the heart for pumping to all organs, like the liver where toxins will be detoxified, to the kidneys that will filter the waste products and passed out through the urine, to the stomach and intestines where it will be replenished with new nutrition. The used blood then flows back to the lungs.

After the oxygenation, the blood flows into the heart, ready to be pumped back into the circula-

tion once again. And the cycle goes on.

How strong is our heart?

A healthy heart can take a lot of beating (no pun intended).

It is one of the most powerful pumps in the world, even when compared to the mechanical ones built by man. Self-contained, self-propelled, energy-efficient, the heart works without stopping, and can survive grave insults and abuses we, humans, subject it to day in and day out.

Is mechanical heart better?

Certainly not. Not yet, anyway. The man-made hydraulicdriven artificial or mechanical heart prosthesis available today is still no match to the one we were born with. Besides being a bulky foreign body and made of hardware not as soft and tender as our body tissues, it also requires electrical energy from outside the body and the use of anticoagulants to prevent thrombosis (blood clots, which can cause stroke). The mechanical heart is also prone to infection and not as durable as a natural heart. At the present, the artificial heart leaves too much to be desired.

When is artificial heart used?

Mechanical heart is helpful as a bridge to heart transplantation, implanted temporarily (for a few weeks or so) while a transplant patient waits for a human donor heart, but not as a long-term, permanent, heart replacement.

Obviously, of course, a suitable permanent mechanical heart with as close inherent features as those of the human heart is the ultimate goal of ongoing researches around the world.

When that day comes, a dying cardiac patient would not have to wait for a compatible donor to die before getting heart transplant. The cardiac surgeon then would simply ask the operating room nurse for the appropriate size artificial heart from the shelves (much like asking for a pacemaker today) to be implanted on the patient. By then too, coronary bypass, heart valve surgery, and most cardiac surgeries, would be a thing of the past, and the millions of lives lost annually around the globe today from severe and end-stage heart diseases would be saved. As a cardiac surgeon, I can’t wait for that dream to come true. *** 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. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com

Angel Aquino is gloriously... snapshot of a message written on a Chinese sky lantern while she looked at it with a smile.

The message read, “healthy & happy love life.”

Salvador then added on the caption, “Mag wiwish ka na Lang… itodo mo na! (If you’re going to make a wish, might as well make it big!)”

Taiwan’s Shifen Old Street is a famed tourist destination because of its sky lanterns. Visitors may write their wishes on one of the lanterns before they are released into the sky.

The “To Love Somebody” star previously revealed in an interview that she had been single for around eight months, as reported by Push. Her last public relationship was with Gerald Anderson whom she broke up with in 2015.

More recently, Salvador received attention after she was mistakenly tagged as the third party when Carlo Aquino split up with then girlfriend Angelica Panganiban. Panganiban, however, clarified that Aquino separated from her first before going out with Salvador.

Maja Salvador Photos from Instagram/@iammajasalvador

PAGE B3 terview prior to the film’s premiere night last Nov. 15 that it helped that “I really wanted it to be him” as leading man.

In fact, one could say she lobbied for Tony to be her co-star.

Angel explained, “When I saw him in (the teleserye) ‘La Luna Sangre’, I got curious. (I thought) wow ang natural naman ng batang ito. And he looked good on camera. And so, when I was given the opportunity and the privilege to be part of choosing my leading man, I gave his name and I asked them to please, please ask him if he would be willing to do this.”

Asked to evaluate the acting of Tony, still a relative newcomer to showbiz, the multi-awarded actress said, “He didn’t disappoint.

He exceeded my expectations.”

In executing the quite racy scenes, Angel said of how the young actor protected her: “Literally, may human blanket ako when we did our love scenes.”

“I hope (the people) like the story. I don’t think it’s anything cringy. Everything was done tastefully. I just hope the story really gets to the people and the people get the story,” she added.

To topbill a film that has drawn so much attention from its trailer alone (17M views to date), Angel was asked what that means for her as a 40-something actress.

She replied, “It’s very... I guess, empowering is even an understatement. I try not to let it get to my head, but I have to admit I’m overwhelmed by the response of people that they like it, na kontikonti yung maririnig mong (negative reactions). I’m very happy that people are excited to see it. So yeah, I think I’m in a very good place right now.”

Is she open to do more projects with Tony? She said she’ll grab any opportunity to work with Tony again but quipped it will be “weird lang siguro if I play his mom (laughs). We’ll see.”

Off screen, Angel is gloriously gorgeous as a woman of a certain

Angel and her “Glorious” leading man Tony Labrusca are all smiles at the premiere night of their Dreamscape-produced digital film.

Philstar.com photo

age. Asked how can women be desirable or admirable at any age, the mother of two girls believes it’s all in the mind. “I think a big part of it is how do you see yourself.

I know we get moments when you feel so ugly and feeling mo, pinaglipasan ka na ng panahon.

But you just have to look around and I don’t know, but touch base with the people who love you and I think you’ll get a lot of reassurance from that,” Angel said.

“And you continue to take care of yourself. You have to work out because it really gives you a different feeling, different power, different strength. And you eat — well, I don’t recommend that you go dieting — I suggest to everyone that you eat sensibly and in the proper proportions.”

Angel agreed that people usually make a big deal of one’s age

“especially when it comes to women.”

“I remember watching (the 2013 film) ‘August Osage County’, and I can’t forget what Merryl Streep said there. She said that women age and when they age, they get ugly, hindi maganda mag-age ang babae. I really try to brush that aside, I don’t want it to stick with me. I mean, I love Meryl Streep and she portrayed the role so well but I don’t want women to believe in that theory that women age ugly. It’s really up to you how you age, how you handle (aging).”

Meanwhile, “Glorious” is just one of the eight digital films and series that Dreamscape Entertainment has produced for streaming on iWant, as the ABS-CBN production unit decided to expand its portfolio to include digital.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018

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Hotel Celeste:

Redefining luxury by: Ritchel Mendiola

AJ Press

Right in the heart of Makati’s central business district is Hotel Celeste. A 30room boutique hotel will undoubtedly enchant guests with its personalized attention and stylish accommodations - perfect for locals, tourists, and balikbayans alike looking for an exquisite staycation experience.

Upon arrival, I was immediately swept off my feet with Hotel Celeste’s European-style interiors. The polished marble floors, the vibrant walls, the romantic lighting, and the elegant furnishings − from the buttoned chaise to the grand piano − made me pause in my steps, taking a moment to appreciate the fancy ambiance that imbues the premises.

In today’s highly-digitalized world, every place warrants a photo, to be shared across social media platforms for our followers to see. Instagrammable is the word, and Hotel Celeste defines it. The attention to detail is impeccable; every nook and cranny of the hotel is aesthetically pleasing enough to deserve a few camera clicks. This is all thanks to Andy Galutera, the genius behind the interior styling of the lobby, general areas, and each of the guestrooms in the hotel.

Check-in was fast and easy, taking no less than 10 minutes. Clutching my electronic key card, I went up to where I’ll be staying. Hotel Celeste offers 25 deluxe rooms and five suites — every guestroom has a modern European motif, but no two rooms are alike. All of them are styled differently with a unique set of furniture and tasteful interior design.

Deluxe rooms in Hotel Celeste measure 25 sqm, available in single and double occupancy. Every room has a separate work area, white marble bath with walkin rainshower and one king-sized bed or two single beds with plush pillows and duvets. Other amenities to make the guests’ stay worthwhile include high-definition flat screen television set with cable and in-house movies, telephone, free wireless

Internet access, and a mini bar with a refrigerator stocked with snacks and drinks.

I was lucky enough to stay in one of Hotel Celeste’s five suites — all of them named after famous French Queens to add spice to the royal experience: Eleanor room 210, Isabela room 307, Catherine room 309, Marie Antoinette room 407, and Blanche room 409.

The first thing that caught my attention as soon as I walked in my room was how spacious it is. Suite rooms here measure about 40-45 sqm, featuring a separate bedchamber, living area, dining area, and kitchen. While unpacking, I was mesmerized with how elegant the room was furnished. The sheer curtains gift ample light that illuminates the entire space. The green and brown color scheme, the upholstered wingback headboard, the dark wood floors and furniture, the dramatic lighting, and the hand-painted wall design

by Gina Bocar provided a luxurious atmosphere that I readily basked in.

The suite also features a large marble-tiled bathroom with a standalone bathtub, perfect for a late-night dip before heading to bed. There’s a walk-in rainshower and toilet with bidet, as well. Toiletries are provided, from fresh towels to personal care products care such as shampoo, hair conditioner, shower gel and body lotion of L’Occitane.

The whole suite was truly conducive to relaxation and sleeping, a lavish respite that soothes and makes you feel like you’re in heaven — at least, that’s what I experienced. And while staying at Hotel Celeste is as relaxing as can be, it can also be activity-filled thanks to its location. In its vicinity are high-end malls, and the hippest bars and restaurants you can visit anytime.

On par with Hotel Celeste’s classy accommodations is its F&B service, however.

Gone is Lucia Ristorante, in its place are three recently opened in-house restaurants all managed by Hotel Celeste itself located in the ground floor.

Edward and Wallis is a fine-dining restaurant that features a classic menu that is both fancy and affordable. Dining here provided me with an intimate and a memorable sensory experience that started as soon as I stepped in the restaurant. The room is elegantly decorated with high-backed chairs, expensive cutlery set, and warm lighting. The food are excellently prepared, catering to an upscale market and specializing mostly in European cuisine.

Alice Elizabeth offers coffee and pastries, perfect for in-between meals.

Hemingway’s Bar specializes in breakfast offerings, situated near the wide windows so sunlight can filter in. It boasts of an intercontinental menu that includes Japanese, American Pancake, Eggs Benedict, French, Spanish, Filipino, Swiss and English breakfast. All servings are hearty, because like what the axiom says — breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

If you’re looking for a perfect nightcap after a long day at work, Hemingway’s Bar is also open to be a glittering respite in the middle of the city.

The wait staff are attentive and quickly catered to my needs while eating. This is what sets Hotel Celeste apart from other hotels in actuality — the service is top-notch; you are always met with a warm smile here, like you are part of the family instead of a mere guest.

The stay experience in most hotels are the same, but here at Hotel Celeste, its refreshingly different and personal. And the upcoming restaurant Xanadu Sky

Lounge.

The exquisite ambiance, the personalized attention, the heavenly accommodations, and the scrumptious cuisine all created a holistic experience I will never forget. And when, for a fleeting moment, I thought back to how bland my weekend would be back home, the vibrance of Hotel Celeste brought a content smile to my face.

B NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Thanksgiving: A celebration of immigration THANKSGIVING is a day for family, feasting, and gratitude.

We express gratitude for good health, for surviving adversity, and for the blessings that surround us even as life presents many challenges. The holiday is also an excellent opportunity to express our gratitude for immigrants seeking a better life, and for good hosts who grant refuge.

America is proud of its immigrant heritage, even if we don’t always reflect that pride in our treatment of immigrants today.

The Pilgrims and Puritans that sailed from England and other parts of Europe to the land that would become America were refugees, seeking to start a new life in a new land, free from religious persecution and hard times. They held an annual festival to express their thanks for a good harvest, and for the freedoms and opportunities afforded to them by their new home.

We celebrate the difficult journey that they made to get to America, and the sacrifices that they made when they left their native lands. Without them, we would not be America.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to show our gratitude for every person who has sought bravely to find a better life for themselves and their families, from the early people who trekked across the Bering land bridge during the last ice age to those intrepid Pilgrims that landed at Plymouth Rock, to the immigrants that continue to strengthen and enrich our country with new ideas and perspectives. We say that America is a “nation of immigrants,” and this is certainly true, but all civilization owes a debt of gratitude to immigrants. Civilization would not have developed and evolved as quickly as it has if not for the movement of people across geographic boundaries. When people immigrate, they bring diverse sets of knowledge and backgrounds that spark innovation in all disciplines, from science, engineering, and medicine, to the arts, literature, and

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Eric WElsh law. Simply put, humanity as we know it would not exist but for immigrants.

America—more so than many countries steeped in hundreds of years of ancestry that predate the Enlightenment and the concept of national sovereignty— was founded on ideas moreso than land. The place that we call America has changed many

We will remain attractive in the 21st century only if we reaffirm our commitment to be a nation united by grand ideas rather than a country fixed by (and fixated on) borders.

We give thanks that the Pilgrims who landed ashore were welcomed by the native population, and were not turned away to face the demons that forced them to leave their homes. We celebrate the breaking of bread between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, remembering that whatever our personal histories may be, we can find common ground and peace with our fellow man. America has not always lived up to this ideal of interpersonal understanding and peace (the abhorrent treatment of Native Americans is one example), but on Thanksgiving, we can put aside our differences and remember that we can be great only when we are good.

Thanksgiving should be filled with love and harmony, and as we consider our many blessings, we should count among them the basic human right to seek a better life and travel to a new land.

This Thanksgiving, thank an immigrant for making the brave decision to leave home and start a new life in America.

Without them, we would not be the country that we are, or the country that we can be.

“We give thanks that our Founding Fathers understood the importance of the idea of America and designed a nation that would welcome diversity and adapt to shifting cultures and demographics throughout time.” times: the geographical boundaries of what now constitutes the contiguous United States has changed at least 10 times since America declared independence from Great Britain, and we’ve added some archipelagoes and the land mass known as Alaska along the way. The land that makes up the United States has always been less important than the idea of America.

We give thanks that our Founding Fathers understood the importance of the idea of America, and designed a nation that would welcome diversity and adapt to shifting cultures and demographics throughout time. We are thankful that the idea of America has proved so attractive over its history that so many great thinkers, entrepreneurs, and nonconformists born elsewhere have sought to be a part of this Great Experiment.

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018

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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 24-27, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Thanksgiving: What a bankruptcy attorney has to be thankful for

IT’S the day before Thanksgiving and I’m here in my office still working on cases. The freeways are crazy today and everyone’s trying to get somewhere to be home with loved ones. Most days, I feel like there is not enough time to do everything I want to do.

At the end of a busy day when things get quiet, I get to think about and reflect on what’s important. Most people who come to me for help are often distracted because they are so consumed with their debt problems and they seem to have nothing else to think about. Sometimes priorities are out of order and they lose focus on what really matters.

In my 21 years now that I’ve been helping clients with debt problems, I’ve always been amazed at most people’s resiliency to endure the difficult challenges that they face. A lot of these people are ordinary people like you and me, who, for one reason or another have found themselves in a very challenging situation because it affects everything that is dear to them.

Some are facing the possibility of losing their home or closing down their struggling business.

Some are grieving over the loss of a loved one or taking care of someone who is ill.

Unless you’ve been in one

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon of these situations personally, sometimes it’s difficult to grasp the reality of what they are facing.

Debt problems can cause emotional, marital and even health problems. A lot of people feel paralyzed and unable to move on with their lives. By the time they come to my office, they have put off facing their problems for so long that they just feel numb.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful that I’ve been given the ability to help these people in my own way. I am thankful that a lot of these people entrust me with helping them make what could be the most difficult decision in their life. I am thankful for the people who appreciate my time and the positive contributions I have made in their lives. Lastly, I am thankful for our legal system which allows people a second chance at rebuilding their lives and get a fresh financial start.

Where would most people be without this opportunity?

We need to be thankful that we live in a country where people who have made mistakes are still treated with dignity no matter how much they have messed up.

Life is not perfect and neither are we. Lastly, I am thankful for all my friends and family who have supported me and everything that I do. I feel blessed to have them in my life.

Take time to count your blessing this Thanksgiving. Don’t focus on what you’ve lost. Instead, focus on what you have left. Hug your family and friends and tell them that you love them. That’s what really matters regardless of what you are going through as you read this article.

If you or someone you know is in this situation, I provide a free consultation to discuss all possible options. Please call TollFree 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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The precious gifts of time and presence FR. Patrick Mbazuigwe shared the following ancient legend in a sermon about the beauty of gratitude. It’s from Kiran Kumar Roy’s blog.

A young man while roaming the desert came across a spring of delicious crystal-clear water.

The water was so sweet that he filled his leather canteen so he could bring some back to a tribal elder who had been a teacher.

After a four-day journey, he presented the water to the old man who took a deep drink, smiled warmly and thanked his student lavishly for the sweet water. The young man returned to his village with a happy heart.

Later, the teacher let another student taste the water. He spat it out, saying it was awful. It apparently had become stale because of the old leather container.

The student challenged his teacher: “Master, the water was foul. Why did you pretend to like it?”

The Prophetic Voice ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS The teacher replied, “You only tasted the water. I tasted the gift. The water was simply the container for an act of lovingkindness and nothing could be sweeter.”

The story gives an appropriate message to all of us during this start of the holiday season. When we share and receive gifts this coming Christmas, let’s always remember that it’s not the material value of the gift that counts most but the thoughts and the heart of the giver.

At times, it’s those gifts that seem so small that bring much joy to our lives. Take for example the gift of time and presence. These

are the more essential matters in every relationship, whether it is family or friendship. We long for everyone’s presence during special holidays. It does not matter much if we have a grand meal or not, or if we have lots of money or gifts to share. What’s more precious is the time and presence of our loved ones.

I see it a lot when I visit people in convalescent homes. One would see the joy of a sick, aging mother in her face when her daughter or son is with her. And one would feel the heartache of an infirmed father looking out the window of his bare room when no one visits him.

When Mother Teresa came to the United States, she said that the most noticeable poverty she saw in this country is loneliness. People are not dying of sickness but loneliness. They crave for the care and presence of their loved ones.

During this holiday season,

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Tax Stocks Tech Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

NEW technology gadgets were on display at the latest CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas – wall TVs, Virtual Reality and smart phones, but the most fun to watch were robots – robots that walk, talk, pour coffee, play Ping-Pong, and even follow you as a suitcase. Our personal favorite robot was a therapy duck called My Special Aflac Duck - yes, the same funny duck in insurance commercials. It’s not only cute and cuddly; it’s also a welcome therapy for children coping with cancer. It’s a toy with a purpose – to help children cope through chemotherapy treatments.

My Special Aflac Duck is part toy, part robot, part therapy device. It has become a mascot for children stricken with Lymphoma. Extensive research was made of children diagnosed with cancer – how they feel as they undergo cancer treatments.

Children may be unable to express their feelings to medical

Our favorite gadget at the 2018 CES – My special Aflac Duck staff, but their pet duck can do this for them with a happy chirp or painful groan. The duck enables them to communicate with doctors and nurses.

And yes, this duck can quack, cuddle, and dance. It dances to music. It has a heartbeat. It can breathe. One child was observed to be unafraid of surgery as long as she was able to bring her duck to the operating room. What a blessing this duck is.

My Special Aflac Duck has a glowing E. T. chest where kids can place feeler cards with emojis. Kids decide how the duck is feeling which is usually their own. This enables doctors and nurses to monitor and treat their patients better. When sad, the duck droops its head and quacks sadly. When happy, it dances and quacks cheerfully.

The duck has an I.V. set for kids to “administer” medication to the duck. It can even “receive” chemotherapy to mirror therapy that the child receives. This helps children feel less scared about chemotherapy. This reverses children’s role from patient to caretaker by feeding, bathing,

and giving medicine to their pet.

Aflac’s goal is to bring My Special Aflac Duck to every child aged 3-13 in the U.S. free of charge. The insurance company started delivery last September to children at hospitals across the country, starting with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta.

This lovable robot is indeed a blessing to children with cancer. *** 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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What factors will the court look at in awarding spousal support?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS

THE purpose of spousal support is not defined by the legislature in that its purpose varies according to the facts and circumstances of each case. The facts and circumstances of a particular case may be such which call for no spousal support, or for support for a very limited period of time, with the purpose to assist the supported spouse to “get back on his or her feet” as a single person, or until community property is distributed. On the other hand, the facts and circumstances of another case may call for support for an extended period of time, perhaps until death of the supported spouse, the purpose for which to provide u PAGE C3 assistance to one who cannot support himself.

The two situations mentioned hereinabove are extreme cases, on opposite ends of the spectrum. Quite obviously, the facts and circumstances in a particular case may be such which call for some amount of support for some period of time, though not until death of the supported spouse. For example, the court may order support for that period of time required for the supported spouse to obtain or complete an education, to allow the supported spouse to take care of the children until they reach an age where a return to employment would be more feasible, or to become self-supporting within a reasonable time.

Although the use of standard guidelines based on income is encouraged in the award of temporary support, such guidelines cannot be used in awarding permanent spousal support.

As indicated hereinabove, the

Commentary

IN the last column, we provided an overview of child custody and support in the context of divorce cases wherein parentage of the children born during the marriage is typically assumed.

For unmarried parents, the procedures for obtaining custody and visitation orders depends on whether parentage has been established. Keep in mind that the information below is not a substitute for legal advice. For advice about your individual situation, you should consult with an experienced, trustworthy family law attorney.

There are two ways to establish parentage for unmarried parents.

Both parents may sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity which often happens in the hospital, right after a child’s birth. The document is full recognition that the individuals signing the document are the legal parents of the child. The other way is to file a parentage action in court, which can address and resolve issues of child custody, child support, and child visitation. Parentage cases do not address issues of property, debt, spousal support between the parties because there is no marital relationship.

If parentage has already been established through the Volun-

“For example, the court may order support for that period of time required for the supported spouse to obtain or complete an education, to allow the supported spouse to take care of the children until they reach an age where a return to employment would be more feasible, or to become self-supporting within a reasonable time.” award of support is in large part based on the facts and circumstances of the particular case.

In determining spousal support, the court considers numerous factors, set forth in Family Code Sec. 4320. They include: 1) The extent to which the earning capacity of each party is sufficient to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage, 2) The extent to which the supported party contributed to the attainment of an education, training, a career position, or a license by the supporting party, 3) The ability of the supporting party to pay spousal support, taking into account the supporting party’s earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, and standard of living, 4) The needs of each party based on the standard of living established during the marriage, 5)The obligations and assets, including the separate property, of each party, 6) The duration of the marriage, 7) The ability of the supported party to engage in gainful employment without unduly interfering with the interests of dependent children in the custody of the party, and 8) The age and health of the parties.

The factors set forth hereinabove are only several of the many factors the court will consider in deciding the issue of spousal support. In that

the amount and duration of an award is largely based on the facts and circumstances of the case, it is advised that one who is requesting support, or is opposing a request for support, obtain experienced counsel, who will be able to present the facts and circumstances in the best light possible. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Establishing legal parentage for unmarried parents “The document is full recognition that the individuals signing the document are the legal parents of the child.” tary Declaration of Paternity, either parent can file for a petition for custody and support in court.

In both types of court cases, the judge can make custody, visitation, and support orders.

However, the final order in a Petition case would not include a judgment that confirms the legal parents. If either party is denying parentage, then a parentage action is the appropriate vehicle for a judge to make a formal determination of whether a party is the actual parent of a child in the paternity case.

There are specific documents that you need to file with the court to start a parentage action or to file a petition for custody and support. There is also a filing fee, but if you are low-income you may qualify for a fee waiver.

That requires filing additional documents to show your income situation.

Once you file the initial documents, those documents need to be served to the other parent in person, by a third party (not you), who is over 18 years old. If the other parent is in another state or out of the country, the rules for legally “serving” the papers are

different.

Please note that every case is different and judges often have significant discretion when deciding issues of parentage and custody. While an experienced attorney can help you prepare and present your case as best as possible, there is no way to predict or guarantee any outcome.

If you have questions about your situation or need legal assistance, please contact Advancing Justice - L.A’s Tagalog helpline at 855-300-2552. *** Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice - LA) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (NHPI). Founded in 1983 as the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Advancing Justice - LA serves more than 15,000 individuals and organizations every year.

Through direct services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, leadership development, and capacity building, Advancing Justice - LA focuses on the most vulnerable members of Asian American and NHPI communities while also building a strong voice for civil rights and social justice.

For more information, please visit https:// www.advancingjustice-la.org/.

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

Community Journal

Should employers provide seats for their employees?

NISHA Brown and Kathy Williamson worked as cashiers for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in California. As cashiers, Brown and Williamson were expected to stand while they did their duties. Their primary duty is operating the cash register.

Other duties may include organizing and stocking shelves, cleaning the register, vacuuming, and gathering shopping baskets.

Wal-Mart had a corporate policy of not providing tellers with chairs unless there was a medical justification for doing so. Walmart claimed that placing stools at cash registers would pose a safety hazard and could make workers less productive. The company said the nature of cashiers’ work did not reasonably permit seating because they need to scan large items, stretch to see the bottom of shoppers’ carts, bag merchandise, and sometimes perform work away from registers.

Both employees sued their employers on behalf of themselves and all other aggrieved employees, alleging that Wal-Mart violated laws which require employers to provide them with suitable seats at work.

California law generally requires employers to provide suitable seats to employees when the nature of the work reasonably permits the use of seats. California courts have clarified that the phrase “nature of the work” refers to the employee’s actual or expected tasks at a given location, and not to the entire range of an employee’s duties anywhere on the jobsite during the whole shift. If the task being performed reasonably permits sitting, which would not interfere with performance of any other tasks that may require standing, then the employer must provide a seat.

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr.

gues there is no suitable seat available, the burden is on the employer to prove unavailability.

Having to fight for the right to sit down at work may sound strange. Why would this be a big deal? Certainly, in some industries, sitting down to work is not an issue. But for those other industries that require employees to stand up while working, a public health issue may arise.

The public health aspect of seating was addressed by California regulations starting in the early 1900s, originally to protect female workers in the retail industry. The version of this law has undergone several changes throughout the years to cover all workers, regardless of gender, age, or medical condition. California sees this law as just one more “humane consideration” for the welfare of employees.

After several years of litigation, including a detour in the Court of Appeal, Wal-Mart agreed to settle the case and pay $65 million in damages to over 80,000 employees. WalMart also agreed to provides seats to employees where applicable. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

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“California law generally requires employers to provide suitable seats to employees when the nature of the work reasonably permits the use of seats.

Calfornia courts have clarified that the phrase ‘nature of the work’ refers to the employee’s actual or expected tasks at a given location, and not to the entire range of an employee’s duties anywhere on the job site during the whole shift.”

Debt Relief

If an employee’s actual tasks at a specific location make seated work feasible, the employee is entitled to a seat while working there. However, if other job duties take employees to a different location where they must perform standing tasks, they would be entitled to a seat during “lulls in operation.” This means the employees can sit down if not actively working on the task that requires standing.

Whether the nature of the work reasonably permits sitting is a question to be determined objectively based on the totality of the circumstances. An employer’s business judgment and the physical layout of the workplace are important factors to consider but will not necessarily dictate the outcome.

If the employer does not provide employees seating and ar-

Seniors consider Chapter 13 relief for $80K credit cards

needed for minimum payments on the $80,000 credit cards. After that payment of $30,000 at THE clients are married to the sacrifice of his retirement each other and they are both se- account, they still owe the same niors. He is 68 and she is 66. He $80,000! They have been paying is a member of the professions the minimum of $2,500 a month and still works in that profes- to keep these cards current for a sional capacity. She is retired. very long time.

Even at 10 years, and I am Their residence has equity of $400,000. This fact alone knocks sure their credit card debt has been there longer than that, them out of Chapter 7.

In Chapter 7, the trustee has they already have paid $300,000 the power to sell their home, and today they still owe the very give them their homestead ex- same $80,000! Now being a proemption of $175,000 and use fessional and educated person, $225 to pay of trustee admin- the husband knows that there istrative expenses and trustee’s lawyer. After they are paid, whatever is left is used to pay the $80,000 and if there is anything left, probably one dollar will be given to the debtors. It’s strange that $145,000 can be used for administrative and legal fees to pay $80,000 of credit cards, but I have seen this happen. It’s really not that unusual.

I represent an unsecured creditor for $250,000 in a Chapter 7 case of a company that had $385,000 in its checking accounts when the case was converted is something very wrong in this from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7. In equation but he cannot get hima span of 18 months, the bulk of self to make the right decision. the $385,000 had been used up Yes, it’s clear that they need for trustee and his legal fees. My relief from the $80,000 cards client’s $250,000, which I had but what should they do at their to defend vigorously in trial is age? The wife seems to be the probably worth 20 percent now. clearer thinker of the two as she However, what is going on is immediately sees the impossibilperfectly legal. Once the trustee ity of keeping these cards. These and his lawyers start to adminis- cards have wiped out husband’s ter the bankruptcy estate assets, 401K which should not happen they will make a lot of money. I in the first place. A retirement understand that the moneymak- account is for their retirement, ing bankruptcies are offset by not to pay minimum payments the money-losing bankruptcies; on credit cards. But when push so in the end, of course, the comes to shove, this is what haptrustee has to stay ahead of his pens. Desperation sets in and a desperate person will even hold expenses.

The closest analogy is using a on to a sharp knife to keep afloat sledgehammer to kill a fly or pay- as the saying goes.

I explain to the clients that ing $10,000 for a screwdriver.

It’s this kind of stuff. It’s legal Chapter 13 will allow them to but it doesn’t make any sense pay off the $80,000 in 60 months, without interest, at the rate but we have to live with it.

Aside from owning their resi- of about $1,400 a month. The dence, clients also own a rental, bankruptcy court protects their which has no equity. It’s nega- house from judgment liens from tive about $20,000, and they lose the credit cards and other bad about $300 a month because the guys as long as the bankruptcy rent is less than the mortgage is in place. Once they complete payment and the property man- 60 payments, the court enters a agement fee. Husband last year discharge order that erases all of liquidated $50,000 of his $70,000 the credit card debts.

By the time the husband is 401K to cover the $30,000 he

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng

73 and wife is 71, they will owe nothing on these cards. First, the plan payment of $1,400 is more than a thousand dollars less than $2,500 a month just for minimum interest payments on the cards. Second, in five years, they paid $80,000 of principal and their balance owed is zero, whereas, without Chapter 13, in five years they will pay $150,000 but in five years when he turns 73 and she turns 71, they will still owe the very same $80,000 that is weighing them down today. The wife can clearly see the benefit, so she will convince husband soon to get Chapter 13 relief.

In fact, Chapter 13 is superior to any other method to get rid of the $80,000. One method is refinancing the house to pay for the $80,000. But converting unsecured debt such as credit cards into secured debt using the house as collateral is risking the loss of your house for credit cards. Once the husband stops to work, the higher mortgage payment caused by the refinancing will become a very stressful burden and places the house at risk. This is something you don’t want at any age.

Young couple needs Chapter 7 relief for $40K credit cards The young clients are 43 and 42. Together, the husband and wife owe $40,000. They don’t own a house and have two teenagers and one in the oven. They are very tight because only the husband works and he grosses $4,000 a month. There’s really no money left for the luxury of paying for credit cards. No wonder the lawsuits have started. They were just served with summons and complaint to collect $5,000.

Needless to say, Chapter 7 will give them the necessary relief by wiping out all of the $40,000.

So, they decide to go for it immediately. It’s the right decision for the family. *** 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.

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“Once the trustee and his lawyers start to administer the bankruptcy estate assets, they will make a lot of money. I understand that the moneymaking bankruptcies are offset by the money-losing bankruptcies; so in the end, of course, the trustee has to stay ahead of his expenses.”

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018

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Preventing abandonment of your green card due to travel abraod DEAR Attorney, I am a permanent resident, and am planning to visit my loved ones in the Philippines during the holidays. I am planning to leave this week and stay in the Philippines until after the New Years. Will I face any problems coming back to the US after being outside the country for 60 days? -- E.K. Dear E.K., A green card holder can travel outside the US and return with some limitations. If a green card holder is outside the US for an extended period of time, he may be considered to have abandoned his permanent resident status. Brief travel (such as your planned vacation) normally will not affect permanent resident status. In your case, you should have no issues due to the length of your stay in the Philippines when you come back to the U.S. However, abandonment of permanent resident status is a potential issue for green card holders who have to leave the US for an extended period of time (over 1 year) for one reason or another, such as to finish studies or work abroad.

In such situations, how can a person avoid losing his green card?

If a person plans to be outside the US for an extended period of time (over 1 year), an application for a reentry permit must be filed. A reentry permit establishes that one did not intend to abandon his green card, and it allows one to apply for admission to the US after being outside the US for up to 2 years without having to obtain a returning resident visa.

Reentry permits are normally

Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. A permanent resident can re-apply for subsequent reentry permits. Each subsequent reentry permit would be valid for 2 years.

As aforementioned, if one is outside the US for an extended period of time without a reentry permit, he may be considered to have abandoned his green card.

If a permanent resident has been outside the US for more than 1 year and attempts to re-enter the US, he may be referred to an Immigration Judge to determine whether he has abandoned his permanent resident status.

An application for reentry permit should be filed at least 60 days prior to the contemplated extended trip outside the US. While a person does not have to be present in the US at the time his reentry permit application is approved, it is important to file it with sufficient time prior to the trip to allow time to receive the biometrics notice after the application is filed, and have biometrics taken. An applicant must provide his biometrics while in the US. If an applicant leaves the US before biometrics are taken, the USCIS may deny the application.

What if a permanent resident has already left the US and either has 1) been outside the US for over 1 year or 2) been outside the US for over 2 years with an ex-

pired reentry permit? The Department of State on its website advises to apply for a Returning Resident Visa. To qualify for a Returning Resident Visa, you must show a valid reason why your stay abroad was extended, and that the reason for the extended stay was beyond your control or for which you were not responsible. Another (perhaps better) option would be to re-enter the US--if US customs denies admission due to abandonment of your green card, you will have an opportunity to argue before an Immigration Judge here in the US that you did not abandon permanent resident status.

Obtaining a green card often is a difficult process. For some, it takes many years. It is accordingly important to take all steps necessary to maintain permanent resident status once attained. If you plan to be away from the US for an extended period of time, or have been away from the US for an extended period of time without a reentry permit, or a reentry permit that has expired, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney. *** 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. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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The precious gifts of time and presence PAGE C2 t

let’s share the gifts of time and presence with one another. Let’s appreciate the gift of family and acknowledge it as one of the most significant sources of joy. And let’s not allow egos and resentments ruin its strength and beauty!

Let’s keep forging the friendships we’ve built. When family members are not around, it’s our friends that sooth any loneliness we feel inside our hearts.

Let’s also look around for peo-

ple in our community and family who may need our care and attention. They may be the homebound, the homeless, and the sick in convalescent homes. With other members of the church or an organization, we can bring them the gifts of ourselves—our smiles, kinds words, and caring hands!

Let’s remember; it’s the giver in us that matters most, not the material gift! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Rever-

end 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 24-27, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Calendar of Events across

PEOPLE & EVENTS

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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 24 - D EC E M B E R 1 2

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles features Sou Fujimoto: Futures of the Future exhibition JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is pleased to announce the upcoming SOU FUJIMOTO: FUTURES OF THE FUTURE exhibition, taking place Oct. 27 - Dec. 12, 2018 at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, located at Hollywood & Highland. Named the Wall Street Journal’s Architecture Innovator of The Year in 2014, Fujimoto has designed public and private buildings around the world since establishing his atelier in 2000. This exhibition is a showcase of over 100 models and large-scale photographs of past and current projects by the celebrated Japanese architect. Fujimoto addresses many opposite concepts, including the recurring theme the “primitive future.” This apparent contradiction refers to the primordial, intuitive moments that reconnect us with our own humanity, and open us up to new possibilities. His designs often feature juxtapositions of outside and inside, nature and urbanity, objects and spaces, public and private. And, his work considers the macro and micro: when does an object become a space? Exhibition dates from Oct. 27 to Dec. 12 are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day 11/22). JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (inside Hollywood & Highland).

Admission is free. For more information, please call (800) 516-0565 or visit https://www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles/events/.

2018 Season - Superior Golf Club International Tournament Champions: left to right: Ramon Bernardino, Jim Varsovia, Paul Muego, Rey Perez, Boyet Carlos, and Ken Eugenio.

People and Events

SoCalGas and Sempra Energy Foundation pledge $350,000 to California wildfire victims

N OV E M B E R 24 - D EC E M B E R 1 5

Art exhibit inspired by Filipino food movement in Santa Ana, CA In “Super Sarap” — from November 3 to December 15 at Gallery 6/67 — three artists Mik Gaspay, Jeanne Jalandoni, and O.M. France Viana revisit commonplace objects and food within Filipino cooking. Through sculpture and photography, the artists elicit personal and collective memories and offer cultural connections that go beyond the Philippine diaspora.

The exhibition title, “Super Sarap,” fuses both English and Tagalog together, to hold multiple meanings. It can convey something that is extremely delicious, an expression of excitement and affirmation. Artists in “Super Sarap” play with these definitions and mutate symbols, making them both strange and familiar, challenging the expectations of cultural norms. It is guest curated by Patricia Cariño Valdez, an independent curator based in Oakland, CA. In addition to the exhibit, there will be two art and culinary events: an intimate four-course gourmet dinner prepared by acclaimed Orange County Chefs, Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar on November 15 and Chef Ryan Garlitos of Irenia Restaurant on December 9 combined with an exhibition walk-through. The opening reception for Super Sarap will be on Saturday, November 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Gallery 6/67 is located at 404 West 4th St., Suite K (2nd floor), Santa Ana, CA 92701. Gallery visits are by appointment. For more information about the exhibit and related events, visit https://www.gallery667.com.

N OV E M B E R 24

Quarter Madness at Holy Name of Mary Parish in San Dimas, CA Quarter Madness is a fundraiser on Saturday, November 24 that is full of fun and excitement. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holy Name of Mary Parish at 724 E. Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773. Those who attend may find themselves raising bidding paddles for items that they may want to get. There are several vendors with a variety of items to bid for. Vendors will put up items and if you are interested on these items, you make a bid using quarters only. There will be many items for yourself and/or for your friends.

Come and celebrate with us this day as we raise funds for the poorest of the poor in Bagong Silang, Philippines. Your support will provide livelihood tools, and feeding programs. FCHNM projects include winter shelter and faith formation programs. Ticket donation: $20 includes lunch, dessert, bidding paddle. The event is sponsored by Bagong Silang Mission/ Philippines and Filipino Catholics of Holy Name of Mary Parish. For contact information, please contact Nora Prescott at (909) 525-2124.

N OV E M B E R 3 0

Healing Mass with Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi in La Puente, CA Come experience the healing power led by Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi on Friday, November 30 at 7 p.m. It will be held at St. Martha Catholic Church (444 N. Azusa Ave., La Puente, CA 91744). Contact Rainier Valenzuela at (626) 964-4313 for more information.

D EC E M B E R 1

NAFFAA hosts civic leadership forum in Carson, CA The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will have a civic leadership forum on Saturday, December 1 in Carson, CA from 1 to 5 p.m. It is a free event focused on civic leadership and empowerment within the Filipino-American community. Following the forum will be a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. It will be held at the Carson Community Center on 801 E. Carson St. Carson, CA 90745. To RSVP, visit naffaa.org/events.

“Pasko Na Naman” in Glendale, CA The Federation of Filipino Rosary Groups will sponsor a fundraiser entitled: “Pasko Na Naman 3” on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Incarnation Community Center (214 Fairview Avenue, Glendale, CA 91208) starting at 3:30 p.m. The presentation’s theme is: Tapestry of Music and Dance which will show a variety of music and dances in the Philippines especially at Christmas time. The show is filled with talented artists who give to the community with generous hearts. Bre Harris and Matt San Jose will portray the role of friends who happened to have shared a common denominator about life in the Philippines; depicted through choral singing and folk dancing. The performers are: Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, Holy Family Adult Choir under the direction of Tom Makiling and the Spirit of God Community under the direction of Ralph Santiago. “Ninangs” and “ Ninongs “ will also be presented.

Pasko na Naman presentation is on its third year. This show will bring nostalgia especially to those who miss their families at Christmas time. Benefactors of proceeds include but are not limited to: Channel of Charity feeding and scholarship programs, FFRG faith formation events and projects. Come one! Come all! Feel the scents and sights of Filipino Christmas.

The audience will also enjoy “merienda cena” at intermission. Ticket donation is $20.00 per person. For souvenir ad and ticket information, contact Tess Domingo at (909) 855-2208 or Carol Evangelista at (909) 969-3316.

D EC E M B E R 2

SOUTHER California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) and the Sempra Energy Foundation announced on November 19 as much as $350,000 in combined donations to support relief efforts for victims and evacuees impacted by the major wildfires that continue to burn throughout California.

The contributions include: • $75,000 in disaster relief assistance from SoCalGas; • $25,000 in donations from Sempra Energy, the holding company that includes SoCalGas and San Diego Gas & Electric; • $75,000 in donations from the Sempra Energy Foundation, a private foundation of Sempra Energy, to the American Red Cross; and • $75,000 in donations from the Sempra Energy Foundation to the United Way of Ventura County, designated for the wildfire disaster-relief fund.

In addition, the Sempra Energy Foundation has agreed to match Sempra Energy employee donations up to $50,000 to the American Red Cross and United Way of Ventura County, adding potentially $100,000 to the total contribution for relief efforts.

“SoCalGas crews have been working with first responders around the clock to keep communities safe and to restore natural gas service to impacted customers because we know that being without natural gas service may be difficult, especially when temperatures are low,” said Trisha Muse, director of community relations at SoCalGas. “It is our hope that these donations provide some relief and support to the thousands of families impacted by these devastating fires.”

“Residents have faced so much devastation and confusion throughout these terrible wildfires,” said Eric Harrison, presi-

dent and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. “The continued support from the Sempra Energy Foundation, SoCalGas, and Sempra Energy employees will go a long way to provide immediate assistance to impacted households in Ventura County. We’re so thankful for their ongoing generosity.”

Through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, the American Red Cross works to provide care, shelter, and hope for all people across the country and around the world affected by disaster.

In times of emergency, the United Way of Ventura County works to improve people’s lives by mobilizing a wide range of partners to provide the necessary resources to those who need it most.

In addition to the American Red Cross and the United Way of Ventura County, the SoCalGas donations will support the following relief funds and organizations:

• American Red Cross, Central California Region • American Red Cross, Los Angeles Region • Ventura County Fire Department’s Widows, Orphans and Assistance Fund • Ventura County Community Foundation, Hills Fire and Woolsey Fires Sudden Urgent Needs Fund • Friends of Ventura County Animal Services • Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation • Big Heart Ranch • Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, Malibu Fire Relief Fund • Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation Noah’s Legacy Fund SoCalGas has more than 100 field representatives working alongside fire fighters in support of public safety and first responders. In areas where evacuation orders have been lifted, SoCalGas crews are working to restore natural gas service to customers impacted by the fire. ■

UPAA-NJ biennial general assembly, election & holiday party in Iselin, NJ UPAA-NJ will hold its biennial General Assembly / Election / Holiday Party on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel at 515 US Highway 1 South in Iselin, NJ. The organization will honor distinguished alumni, induct a new set of officers and Board of Trustees and feature local UP alumni talents who will provide entertainment, lead line dancing and render DJ services for an afternoon of dancing. Come and learn more about future UPAA-NJ projects and initiatives. Meet old friends, make new ones. For tickets and more information, please contact any of the following: Daisy Macadaeg (201) 446-7767, keanemac@yahoo.com, Lani Benedicto: (201) 745-6829, benedicto78@yahoo.com, Minnie Corpuz-Castillo: (551) 587-2815, mcorpuzcastillo@gmail.com, Johnny Ferrer: (201) 323-1303, juancferrer09@yahoo.com.

D EC E M B E R 3

Healing Mass with Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi in Los Angeles Come experience the healing power led by Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi on Monday, December 3 at 7 p.m. It will be held at St. Bernard Church (2500 W. Ave 33, Los Angeles, CA 90065).

Contact Puri Narvaez at (818) 543-1831 for more information.

D EC E M B E R 4

Healing Mass with Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi in Montebello, CA Come experience the healing power led by Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi on Tuesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. It will be held at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (820 N. Garfield Ave., Montebello, CA 90640). Contact Frenz Rivera (626) 338-7898 for more information.

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

Photo courtesy of sempra.com

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

&

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks THANKSGIVING is when people step back and reflect on all of the wonderful things and events to be grateful for, and to give thanks to those people who played such a key role in helping us achieve them.

At this Thanksgiving, I would like to once again give thanks to all of the people who have been so kind and supportive of me and my immigration law practice.

Thank you to all of my clients.

You are the reason I am able to remain in business. I also know how important your immigration matter is in your life and in the life of your family. I appreciate your trust and confidence in my office, in allowing us to handle such an important matter.

Thank you to the entire Filipino community. I truly appreciate your warmth and support, and I thank you for all of your letters and emails telling me how you enjoy my articles and television show, Citizen Pinoy. I am happy to be of service to you, and I will continue to support Filipino events and causes.

Thank you to ABS-CBN, TFC, and the entire crew of “Citizen Pinoy,” who share my vision of providing a public-service program to the Filipino community concerning immigration information. It makes me so proud and happy when people come up to me, saying they watch Citizen Pi-

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ noy every single week, and have learned so much from the real life stories and questions and answers presented. I thank all the crew of Citizen Pinoy for their hard work, dedication, and passion for this worthy public service.

Thank you to all of our friends in the media, who through their prestigious publications, enabled us to reach those who need our services and inform the Filipino community about newsworthy immigration information. You serve as an avenue to help “BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER” and help “MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE.” Thank you to my staff. Your tireless efforts and dedication to our clients are the main reasons we can continue to provide quality service to our many loyal clients.

Thank you to my wife, Millie.

People say that behind every successful man, there is a Filipina wife. After many years of marriage, I know it’s true. Words cannot express my gratitude for your

help, support and dedication to our business. You are the “wind beneath my wings.”

And most of all, thank you to the Almighty. Without His blessings, benevolence, and guidance, none of this would be possible.

May He allow me to continue to assist people with their problems, and allow the prayers of all people to be answered and fulfilled. *** 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 attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

Business Quote of the Week “Many people think that leadership is solely about communication — presenting, making speeches, motivating.

Being a good communicator is certainly important, but I’ve found that one of the most important skills for a leader is being a good listener. The higher up in the chain of command you are, the harder it is to really know what’s going on, so you have to discover the right information out of your people. You have

to be great at reading body language and asking questions.

You have to engender trust to get to the real stuff. Leaders who are disconnected with reality are the ones who fail.”

—Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber

D1

PH to house world’s biggest Ikea store

by ROY

STEPHEN C. CANIVEL Inquirer.net

SWEDISH furniture maker Ikea is putting in P7 billion worth of initial investments for its biggest store in the world, which will open in Manila in the end of 2020.

Ending years of speculation tracing back to early 2013, company officials held an official launch at the Mall of Asia (MOA) on Tuesday, the same place where Ikea will make its first home in the Philippines.

It will be located at the MOA Complex in Pasay City, after the company sealed a long-term lease agreement with SM Prime Holdings Inc., making the company the “largest anchor tenant” in MOA. This was confirmed by SM Prime in a disclosure to the local bourse also on Tuesday, noting that it would be constructing the mixed-use building that would house the first Ikea store in the country. SM did not say how much is invested to put up the building.

The largest Ikea store in the

world will cost P7 billion worth of initial investments for its retail operations, mainly “to fit out, stock, market and staff the first store for its opening,” Ikea Southeast Asia said.

The global retailer enters the market through a franchise agreement led by Ikea Southeast Asia, the franchisee who also owns and operates seven Ikea stores in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

‘Supersized’ warehouse The first Ikea store in the country, as part of a “long pipeline” of projects, will cover around 65,000 square meters (sq m), almost double the size of a typical 35,000-sq m Ikea store.

With this size, it will be larger than the one in South Korea, which previously held the title of being Ikea’s biggest store in the world, according to Christian Rojkjaer, managing director of Ikea Southeast Asia.

Ikea Southeast Asia said the building—which it compared to the size of around 150 basketball courts—would include a call center and a “supersized” warehouse to accommodate e-commerce op-

erations.

“It’s because we have more confidence here,” Rojkjaer told reporters, when asked why the company chose the Philippines.

He said the warehouse is a big part of the project, which he said would allow consumers to take their purchases home immediately.

In separate interviews, company officials from both Ikea Southeast Asia and SM hinted that this could not be the only Ikea store in the country.

Steven Tan, chief operating officer of SM Supermalls, echoed this during the question and answer forum of the event when asked if Ikea would also be brought to the countryside.

“We will see definitely. This is a marriage without divorce,” he said.

Around 9,000 products will be featured in the store, which “will have everything people need for their home under one roof,” the company said in a statement, adding that it has pre-opened its local website for further information on PAGE D2

PH among preferred investment destinations

by MAYVELIN

U. CARABALLO Manilatimes.net

INVESTORS have tagged the Philippines as one of their preferred Southeast Asian investment destinations, a Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) Philippines executive said during The Manila Times’ 8th Business Forum on Tuesday.

“The Philippines remains to be an attractive investment destination and most investors operating within Asean actually tagged the Philippines as one of the ‘VIP’ economies,” PwC Managing Partner Mary Jade Roxas-Divinagracia said.

Citing the results of PwC’s Investors Pulse Survey, she said that a little over 75 percent of the financial investors polled were prioritizing the VIP countries of Vietnam, Indonesia and the Phil-

ippines.

“Even if these countries are emerging economies and have a lot of business risks, investors see tremendous amount of opportunities,” Roxas-Divinagracia said.

She pointed out that the three countries had the biggest populations in Southeast Asia, accounting for 72.5 percent of the region’s total of 500 million.

Investors are also attracted to the VIP countries’ demographics, characterized by a young and working population that offers depth in the labor market, the PwC executive added.

“Middle age for Vietnam and Indonesia is around 39 years old while in the Philippines it is just 23 years old. This means that at least 50 percent of the population of these three countries would be of that age that they can be molded and trained to actually adapt

Mary Jade Roxas-Divinagracia Manilatimes.net file photo

to the new jobs that would be demanded for the fourth industrial revolution,” she said.

Investors also mentioned that the gross domestic product growth rates of the three countries ranged from 5.0-7.0 percent, “which further contributes PAGE D2

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BOI: PH can produce high-value commodities Moody’s Analytics sees strong

Philippines GDP growth

by AnnA LeAh

e. GonzALes Manilatimes.net

THE Philippines has the capacity to produce high-value products that could help spur growth in the manufacturing sector, a trade official said on Tuesday.

During The Manila Time’s 8th Business Forum on Tuesday, Corazon Dichosa, executive director of the Board of Investments (BOI), said medium and high technology sectors in manufacturing recorded double digit growth last year.

These include non-metallic mineral products, which grew by 22 percent; furniture and fixtures (20 percent); petroleum and other fuel products (13 percent); transport equipment (12 percent); and radio, television and communication equipment and apparatus (12 percent).

“If you look at these sectors with double-digit growth, these are the medium and high tech sectors . These are the sectors that can provide high-quality income for Filipinos,” Dichosa said.

“That means we are capable of doing high-value products. If we have this capacity, we can actu-

by LAwRence

AGcAoiLi Philstare.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is poised to book a strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth of between six and seven percent over the next few years despite the slowdown in the past few quarters, according to Moody’s Analytics, a unit of Moody’s Corp.

Moody’s Analytics economist Vaesna Kong said in a report Corazon Dichosa Manilatimes.net file photo that the Philippine economy may ally develop these [sectors] and their linkages into domestic and grow at a strong six to seven percent pace over the next few grow these more by a lot of gov- global value chains.

Dichosa said the initiative was years provided overheating risks ernment intervention with the help of the private sector,” she focused on five major pillars, are contained.

“Notwithstanding this period namely new industries and clusadded.

To help spur growth in the ters, human resource develop- of slower growth, which we exmanufacturing sector, Dichosa ment, helping MSMEs, pushing pect to persist in the near term said the Department of Trade for innovation and entrepreneur- as imports remain strong and the and Industry (DTI) and the BOI ship, and promoting ease of do- combination of higher inflation, taxes and interest rates underwere currently implementing the ing business.

Data from the Philippine Statis- mines consumer spending, we new industrial policy known as Inclusive Innovation Industrial tics Authority (PSA) showed the expect the Philippines to remain manufacturing sector continues a standout growth performer in Strategy (i3s).

The policy aims to grow in- to be one of the main drivers of coming years,” Kong said.

The country’s GDP growth novative and globally competi- the economy, expanding by four tive manufacturing, agriculture, percent as of the third quarter of eased to its slowest pace in three years at 6.1 percent in the third and services while strengthening the year.n quarter from 6.2 percent in the second quarter and 6.6 percent in the first quarter due primarily to the drag in exports as well as weakening private consumption.

Senate OKs general tax amnesty bill

by PAoLo

RomeRo Philstare.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has approved on third and final reading the Tax Amnesty Bill, which seeks to raise at least P36 billion in revenue that could help fund the government’s numerous subsidies.

Passed was Senate Bill 2059, which seeks to grant a general tax amnesty to encourage taxpayers to pay correct taxes. The House of Representatives has passed its own version at the committee level.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri expects both chambers to send the measure to President Duterte for its enactment before Christmas.

“We hope that this measurewill encourage those in the formal and non-formal sector to legitimize, properly declare and pay the correct taxes without fear of civil, criminal or administrative penalties,” Sen. Sonny Angara, chair of the Senate ways and means committee, said.

“It’s difficult to press citizens to do their the duty to pay the correct taxes, if the current col-

Moody’s Analytics economist Vaesna Kong said in a report that the Philippine economy may grow at a strong six to seven percent pace over the next few years provided overheating risks are contained.

Philstar.com file photo

Economic managers through the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) have lowered the GDP growth target this year to a range of 6.5 to 6.9 percent but retained next year’s growth forecast at seven to eight percent.

He said the Philippine economy still benefits from one of the youngest populations in the region as well as steady inflows of overseas worker remittances and a strong business outsourcing processing industry.

Furthermore, Kong said investment is also poised to remain strong due to the ramp-up in infrastructure development under the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build program.

“The relatively soft GDP reading was not all that surprising.

Imports are surging on the back of President Rodrigo Duterte’s large infrastructure development program, which is driving up demand for imported capital goods,” Kong said.

PAGE D3

PH to house world’s biggest Ikea...

PAGE D1 its catalogue.

There are also hundreds of products that will help people live a more sustainable life at home, ranging from affordable LED lights to recycling solutions, the company said.

“A typical Ikea store includes Passed was Senate Bill 2059, which seeks to grant a general tax amnesty to encourage taxpayers more than 55 inspirational room to pay correct taxes. The House of Representatives has passed its own version at the committee settings. The self-serve warelevel.

Manilatimes.net file photo house has flat-packed products lection system is complicated, te- cedent’s total net estate.

A similar amnesty will also be dious, and confusing,” he said.

Under the measure, the amnes- extended for all national internal ty covers all unpaid internal rev- revenue taxes, including valueenue taxes – estate taxes, general added tax and excise taxes col- PAGE D1 taxes and delinquent accounts lected by the Bureau of Customs. to the higher spending power as In lieu of the taxes supposed to well as much improved domestic – due for taxable year 2017 and be paid, only five percent of the consumption,” Roxas-Divinagraprior years.

With the amnesty, Angara envi- total net worth or a minimum tax cia added.

For Philippines alone, she sions “a fresh start” and that “all will be collected.

Those who avail will need to said huge domestic consumpparties involved may be absolved and unburdened by the sins of accompany their General Am- tion, strong economic growth, nesty Tax Return with a nota- improving infrastructure, higher the past.”

Under the Senate version, rized Statement of Assets, Li- disposable income, and a young taxpayers can avail of a reprieve abilities and Net Worth (SALN). and English-speaking population from all estate taxes, and instead Discounts will also be granted for were the top reasons why invespay six percent based on the dePAGE D3 tors choose the country.

ready to be taken home the same day. Parents can drop off kids at a supervised playroom and there is also a restaurant with meals for the whole family,” the statement read.

For its part, SM said the mixeduse building will add more than 121,000 sqm to the SM Prime’s growing footprint. Ikea will get more than half of it.

Ikea’s name spells out the ini-

tials of its founder, Ingvar Kamprad (IK), and the first letters of the farm and village where he grew up – Elmtaryd and Agunnaryd (EA), according to Ikea’s official website.

The global brand hails from Sweden, building its name in the span of decades with more than 400 stores in 50 countries. Now, it has found its way to the Philippines. n

PH among preferred investment...

On the other hand, corruption, competition, finding the right business partner, political uncertainties, poor corporate governance and foreign exchange volatility were the top concerns with regards to the Philippines.

Roxas-Divinagracia said that integrity of partners, experienced teams/management capabilities, track records, alignment of goals and value were what investors looked for in investee companies.

Noting that investors have finite funds to invest, she stressed that investors would only bring their money to countries with better returns and where risks can be managed.

The Philippines, Roxas-Divinagracia said, should continue to pursue reforms involving foreign ownership limitations, taxes, human capital, research and development, and information technology. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018 D

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Mobility improvements to strengthen economy Philippines a great place for expats to find

love, raise kids; but not the best to live, work

by Lisbet

K. esmaeL Manilatimes.net

by ian

FIXING the country’s mobility issues could boost economic growth to over 8.0 percent, a speaker at The Manila Times’ 8th Business Forum said on Tuesday.

Robert Siy, who served as staff at the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank and is a columnist of the newspaper, said that transportation initiatives under the Duterte administration’s massive “Build Build Build” initiative would not be enough.

“Today we have a GDP growth of 6 plus percent. With better mobility, I will argue we can add two percentage points to that,” he said.

“I see Filipinos becoming more creative, productive and certainly this is the good news that we must meet,” Siy added.

He said the road situation in the Philippines was continuing to worsen, with the economic cost now reaching P3.5 billion per day based on a Japan International Cooperation Agency report.

“We’re getting more vehicles on limited road space,” he stressed.

nicoLas cigaraL Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is becoming a more popular expat destination in Southeast Asia, especially for those seeking a partner and finding a place to raise their children.

However, the Philippines is not the best country to live and work in, and the best-paid workers are found elsewhere.

Based on results of HSBC’s Robert Siy Manilatimes.net file photo 2018 Expat Explorer Survey, the Philippines was among the Claiming that over 500 cars in total. “[We need] a bus rapid transit,” countries ranked at the “bottom,” were being added to the vehicle population every day, Siy said the he said, in addition to dedicated sliding to the 28th spot from last government needed to build an bus lanes and complimentary in- year’s 17th place. Thirty-one additional 10 kilometers of road frastructure for walking and cy- economies qualified to the poll this year. cling. every three days.

The survey — which polled “If we invest in sustainable The public, he stressed, should be urged to embrace public trans- mobility, we will actually get sig- 22,318 expats, including 300 reportation and ditch private ve- nificant returns … [such as] more siding in the Philippines, from hicles, but this will only possible efficient movement of goods and 163 economies — said the Philipif transportation systems are fast services. People will be healthier pines’ tropical climate, emerging and happier, become more pro- economy and its increasingly inand reliable.

Siy said a daily commute at ductive. We will have a higher fluential role in Asia and beyond make the nation “extremely” atpresent takes three to six hours growth trajectory.” n tractive to migrants.

‘64 percent of respondents found love in Phl’ Broken down, 56 percent of payment of all taxes and the filing said the Department of Finance expats said the Philippines has PAGE D2 early availers. of civil, criminal, and administra- and other agencies – including brought them closer to their partgovernment financial institu- ner, 64 percent of whom found The Senate proposal also cov- tive cases and penalties. ers an amnesty on delinquencies.

Any information and data pro- tions, government-owned and their significant other here.

Fifty-six percent said raising Under this, taxpayers can avail vided in the tax return and the controlled corporations, and loof 40 percent of the basic tax for SALN shall be confidential and cal government units – will have children in the Philippines is delinquencies and assessments shall not be admissible as evi- the “teeth to aggressively go after less expensive compared to their which have become final and ex- dence in any proceeding. Also, those who still would not comply home country, while 42 percent believe the overall quality of life ecutory, 50 percent for those sub- the books of accounts and other after this final chance.”

The measure also aims to es- for their kids is better here than ject of pending criminal cases, records of the taxpayer for the and 60 percent for cases subject years covered by the tax amnesty tablish an information manage- elsewhere.

Despite cultural differences, 69 of final and executory judgment availed of shall not be examined ment system, and to allow for the automatic exchange of tax in- percent of respondents said they by the courts. by the BIR. Those who avail of the amnesTo complement the privileges formation with up to 43 partner- are integrating well with the local ty program will be immune from granted in the amnesty, Angara countries. n

Senate OKs general tax amnesty...

Moody’s Analytics sees strong...

PAGE D2 The economist said growth in the Philippines has long been undermined by poor infrastructure, as chronic congestion and logistics issues limit the country’s productive capacity.

The Duterte administration aims to raise infrastructure spending to 7.4 percent of GDP by 2022 from less than three percent under prior administrations.

“But while the big increase in infrastructure development should leave the Philippines in a good position to take advantage of its favorable demographics, it

is also putting pressure on the current account balance,” he said.

He explained the current account shortfall widened to 1.9 percent of GDP in the first half of the year from 0.7 percent of GDP in 2017 as the peso emerged as one of the worst performing currencies in the region, depreciating by 5.5 percent.

“Although a weaker peso may be helping to prop up exports, it is also making imports more expensive and is contributing to a significant pickup in price pressures,” Kong said.

Inflation stood at a near-decade high of 6.7 percent in October, bringing the average to 5.1 percent in the first 10 months, exceeding the BSP’s two to four percent target.

The BSP’s Monetary Board raised this year’s forecast to 5.3 percent instead of 5.2 percent after taking into account the fare and wage hikes but lowered next year’s forecast to 3.5 instead of 4.3 percent due to the passage of the rice tarrification bills by the both houses of Congress as well as other non-monetary measures. n

Despite cultural differences, 69 percent of expats polled by HSBC said they are integrating well with the local people and feeling like they are “family” in the Philippines.

Philstar.com file photo

people and feeling like they are “family” in the Philippines.

“Expats here also say that they have been welcomed by the Filipinos regardless of faith, race, gender or sexual orientation, which is not a surprise, given the Filipinos’ warmth and hospitality, and the vibrant and friendly local culture,” HSBC added.

Income Singapore is rated the best expat destination for the fourth year in a row, beating New Zealand, Germany, Canada and Bahrain.

But the highest expat salary is in Switzerland, where migrants earn an above global average salary of $202,900 per year.

But in the overall survey, Switzerland ranked only eighth, amid higher cost of raising children and difficulty in making friends there.

In the Philippines, 56 percent of expats said they have more disposable income here and 20 percent qualified that they have less. The rest said they earn about the same as in their home country while 58 percent said they are able to save more here.

“Some may have more to save and invest but tax challenges, currency risk and different spending needs all make an expat’s money management more demanding,” HSBC said. n

PH taking steps so 3rd telco won’t undermine nat’l security — Lorenzana

by Frances

mangosing Inquirer.net

clined to elaborate the steps they are taking.

“I think we were assured by the AMID concerns on the entry of DICT (Department of Information a Chinese state-owned telecom- and Communications Technolmunication company as part of ogy) involved in processing the the Philippine’s third telco con- entry of telco, they are aware of sortium, Defense Secretary Delfin that,” he told reporters in a press Lorenzana said Wednesday the briefing.

“They are ensuring that the segovernment is taking measures to ensure that national security curity of the nation is preserved,” he added. will not be compromised.

China Telecom partnered with While they are addressing the concerns, the Department of Na- Davao-based tycoon Dennis Uy’s tional Defense (DND) chief de- Udenna Corp., and bagged the

3rd major telecommunications slot that is being seen to break the PLDT and Globe duopoly of the industry and bring better services to consumers.

The Filipino-Chinese consortium Mislatel, promises to deliver a minimum speed of 27 Megabits per second (Mbps) on its first year and 55 Mbps on its second year.

It bagged the third telco player slot after its two rivals PT&T and Sear Telecom were disqualified early this month. n

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EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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Fitch unit sees downside to warmer PH-China ties Metrobank founder George Ty dies

by mayvelin

u. Caraballo lisbet K. esmael Manilatimes.net

‘PIVOT toward Beijing … poses downside risks to growth sustainability’ Renewed relations between the Philippines and China — a result of President Rodrigo Duterte pivot to Beijing at the expense of Washington — will likely grow warmer but comes with some disadvantages, a Fitch Group unit Following Chinese President Xi Jingping’s state visit earlier this week, Fitch Solutions issued two reports: one warning that strengthened ties could pose a threat to economic growth and the other tagging the third telco search result as a sign of Beijing’s growing political clout.

“We at Fitch Solutions expect bilateral ties and economic cooperation between China and the Philippines to deepen further over the coming years,” the Fitch unit said in a political risk analysis.

The outlook is based on Beijing’s support for the Duterte administration’s ambitious “Build Build Build” infrastructure program and expectations that the Chinese government’s shift towards a consumption-driven economy would open opportunities for increased Philippine exports.

Fitch Solutions warned, however, that China was struggling to sustain its economic growth momentum amid rising trade tensions with the US and that the Philippines’ own “pivot toward Beijing at the expense of relationship with the West poses downside risks to growth sustainability in the event that Chinese financing dries up.”

Increased tensions between China and the US are also likely to “damage economic cooperation and could see China pull out of infrastructure investments in the Philippines,” it added.

Duterte’s active courting of Beijing — he has set aside a 2016 Hague tribunal ruling that rejected China’s claims to the South China Sea — could lead to a “backlash as his administration is seen as bending over backwards for China, and this could have negative implications for his allies at the upcoming May 2019 mid-term elections.”

“Furthermore, there is little to show for the Philippines’ conciliatory approach as out of 38

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

by Doris

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

BUSINESS icon and philanthropist George Ty, founder of the Metrobank group, passed away after several months of battling pancreatic cancer.

Ty, 86, who built a fortune out of banking and automotive manufacturing, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer six months ago, industry sources said.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Founder and Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty. He was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time,” Metrobank said in a statement late Friday.

He was the country’s ninth wealthiest man with an estimated net worth of $2.75 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

Memorial services will start on Chinese President Xi Jinping (center) signs the Malacañang guest book as Davao City Mayor and Presidential Daughter Sarah Duterte (left) and November 25, 2018 at the HeriPresident Rodrigo Duterte look on. Xi arrived in the Philippines on November 20, 2018 for a 2-day state visit.

Pool photo by Alvin Kasiban tage Park, Taguig City.

As a young man, Ty managed Philippine projects earmarked the government’s bias towards term to provide services while it Wellington Flour, the business focuses on its own rollout.” for Chinese involvement two Chinese It recalled that a year ago, of his father. Seeing how diffiinvolvement in the telecoms years ago, only four were among the commitments made on No- sector, and is a clear sign of Duterte had singled out China cult it was for businessmen like vember 20 [as Xi began his state Duterte’s warming posture to- Telecom as likely challenger to himself to get loans from banks, wards China,” Fitch Solutions PLDT and Globe and that busi- he dreamed of setting up his visit],” it also said. nessman Dennis Uy, who con- own. He obtained a license in During the November 20-21 said.

1961 and opened Metrobank in It noted that a number of Fili- trols Udenna and visit, China and Philippines inked Chelsea Logistics, is a key sup- Binondo in 1962. Metrobank is 29 deals ranging from coopera- pinos had voiced concern over a tion in education, culture and possible “threat to national se- porter of the president and had now among the country’s largest banks, with total assets exceedindustrial park development, to curity” but added that the choice donated to his 2016 campaign.

Mislatel’s entry will change ing P2 trillion. jointly promoting infrastructure, of China Telecom was the “most In 1988, he set up a local joint agriculture cooperatives and es- feasible one” from a technical competitive dynamics in the dotablishing sanitation protocols perspective as the state-owned mestic telecommunications sec- venture company with Japanese firm’s experience, scale and fi- tor, Fitch Solutions said, point- automotive giant Toyota that for shipping coconuts.

Fitch Solutions also noted that nancial flexibility made it the ing out that it would have to offer would eventually evolve into the a protest against closer ties with only player capable of making very competitive rates to grab automotive powerhouse in the Philippines. Within one year of Beijing had been held at the Chi- “any credible attempt at threat- market share.

Meanwhile, the possibility of their automotive venture, Toyota nese Embassy and that a Social ening the existing [PLDT-Globe] China Telecom’s connecting its became the No. 1 car brand in Weather Stations survey showed duopoly”.

Still, it said that Mislatel faced Hong Kong-Americas subsea the Philippines. that 84 percent of Filipinos obThese days, Toyota Motor Philjected to the Duterte govern- an “uphill task in a market that cable to the Philippines — to be ment’s inaction on Chinese ex- has maneuvered for years to studied under a deal signed with ippines is one of the Japanese pansion in the South China Sea. keep new entrants out and has the government during Xi’s visit car maker’s top 10 affiliates. Ty’s continuously undermined the — “is set to increase internation- group is also the only one among Third telco In the second report, the supervisory power of the tele- al bandwidth and lower access offshore partners with a majority costs for the telco as well as the stake.

Fitch unit said that the selec- coms regulator.”

Ty’s businesses are now under “To succeed, the new entrant other incumbent operators, suption of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Co., Inc. (Mislatel) — led will need to have continued reg- porting data growth across the conglomerate GT Capital Holdings, which is currently valued

by Filipino firms Udenna Corp. ulatory support from the govern- country”.

Fitch Solutions also noted that by the stock market at P175.22 and Chelsea Logistics Corp. ment to operate,” Fitch Solutions a 40-percent ownership cap for billion. plus state-owned China Tele- added.

In 1979, Ty set up the Metro“The Mislatel consortium en- foreign players had likely discommunications Corp. — as the country’s third major telco was ters the Philippines telecoms suaded firms such as Korea’s KT, bank Foundation. His philosoanother indication of renewed sector with few existing assets Britain’s Vodafone and Norway’s phy was: “whatever I spend for excluding Mindanao Telecom’s Telenor from pursuing an initial my personal and family needs China-Philippines ties.

“The selection of China Tele- limited local access network in- interest, and that legal challeng- and wants, I should be able to com, which follows the almost frastructure. It will likely rely on es by disqualified bidders would give the same or even more for immediate disqualification of roaming arrangements of the two unlikely halt Mislatel from pro- charity since there are many who are needy.” the two other bidders, hints at incumbent carriers in the near- ceeding with its roll-out. n

FOR RENT

George Ty, founder of Metrobank Inquirer.net file photo

Last year, Ty was a recipient of Japan’s “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” distinction. Established in 1875, this is awarded by the Japanese government to selected individuals who have made distinguished achievements in areas such as international relations, culture and the arts.

He was only the second Philippine private sector recipient of the “Gold and Silver Star” category.

In an earlier reception in honor of the tycoon, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda had described Ty as “a strong leader, a visionary, and a man of integrity.”

Asked what are the key business values that Ty wanted his children to espouse, his son Alfred Ty said in an earlier interview that the tycoon always stressed the need to have mutual respect, trust and fairness between and among partners.

As a businessman, he described his father as “conservative” but at the same time, willing to take “calculated risk.”

“He was a visionary and a philanthropist who successfully built a business empire but who never failed to give back to the community,” said Federal Land president Pascual Garcia.

Memorial services for Ty will start on November 25, at the Heritage Park, Taguig City. In lieu of flowers, Metrobank said donations to the Philippine National Red Cross, CBCP Caritas Filipinas Foundation and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation would “honor his spirit of generosity and memory.” n

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D NOVEMBER 24-27, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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