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Volume 11 – Issue 10 • 16 Pages
DE C E MBE R 1 5 - 2 1 , 2 0 1 7
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Opposition cites perils of martial law extension by VINCE
F. NONATO Inquirer.net
DESPITE warnings from opposition lawmakers that extending martial law in Mindanao was unconstitutional and expressions of fear that such a move could be a prelude for President Duterte to declare martial law throughout the country, Congress voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday, Dec. 13, to approve his request to extend military rule in the war-torn region by a year. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, president of the opposition Liberal Party, rejected the martial law extension without a clear constitutional basis. “We will be in danger of becoming the monsters that we seek to defeat, those who have no regard for law, order or respect for the Constitution,” Pangilinan said. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon
DATELINE
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
PNP chief asks Fil-Ams to pray for a drug-free PH AHEAD of the Philippine Simbang Gabi tradition that commences this week, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has asked the FilipinoAmerican community in New York for the gift of prayer. In his message PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa Inquirer.net photo d u ri n g th e pa ro l lighting event held at the Philippine Center in New York on Tuesday, December 5, Dela Rosa asked Filipinos there to pray for the police’s success in its return to the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
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SF’s first Asian American mayor, Ed Lee, passes at 65
PRAISED as a trailblazer and voice for civil rights, Ed Lee, mayor of San Francisco and friend of the city’s FilipinoAmerican community, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, at the age of 65. Lee passed away at 1:11 a.m. at Zuckerberg General HosSan Francisco Mayor Ed Lee pital from a heart attack while grocery shopping at a Safeway supermarket with his wife, not too far away from their Glen Park home, according to a report by the San Francisco Gate. “It is with profound sadness and terrible grief that we confirm that Mayor Ed-
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said extending martial law was unconstitutional because “there are only threats at this point” and “actual conflict is the basic foundation for the continued imposition of martial law.” Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza of the House minority bloc said extending the proclamation even as the basis—the siege of Marawi City by Islamic State-inspired terrorists—was now gone would “circumvent” the Constitution’s intention to limit martial law to 60 days. More extensions “If we allow an extension of one year, it could be extended to another two years, then another three years, contrary to the intention of the framers . . . that never again should any President be allowed to utilize martial law indefinitely,” Atienza said. But after only four hours of deliberation,
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OVERWHELMING APPROVAL. Legislators overwhelmingly approve President Duterte’s request for a one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao during a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Appearing to explain the request are several Cabinet members and security officials. Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon
Duterte on nationwide martial law: ‘All options are on the table’ Congress approves extension in Mindanao by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte is not dismissing the possibility of declaring martial law nationwide. Just hours after Congress approved his request to extend martial law in Mindanao for one more year, Duterte expressed the likelihood of expanding the scope of the military rule if the “enemies of the state” continue to intensify their recruitments and attacks. Duterte cited, in particular, the threats
posed by the New People’s Army (NPA). “All options are on the table,” the president told reporters when asked if he is inclined to declare martial law nationwide. “There’s only one rationale there, the existence of the Republic of the Philippines. You threaten the existence of the Republic of the Philippines, I am sure that everybody will react and do what he must do to prevent it,” he added. While he did not provide the specific parameters that would guide his decision on
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A soldier guards Masiu Bridge in the lakeside village of Raya Madaya, one of the main battle areas in Marawi City, in this photo taken on Oct. 22, a week after President Duterte declared the city free of terrorists. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales
NEDA sees ‘steady and strong’ Aquino justifies ‘rushed’ procurement of Dengvaxia economic performance in 2018 by DANA
SIOSON AJPress
FORMER Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Thursday, December 14 defended his administration’s supposed rushed procurement of the controversial dengue vaccine Dengvaxia in 2015. During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on his administration’s mass dengue immunization program, Aquino explained that he immediately approved the purchase of the vaccine in December 2015 using the “unutilized” funds for that year, as the savings Senator Richard Gordon (left), chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, were set to expire before 2016. greets former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino (right) III before the “If by December 31, you do not start of the hearing on the P3.5 billion worth of questionable dengue vaccines that had been administered by the Department of Health (DOH) utilize these unutilized funds, it to 280,000 students nationwide allegedly without passing through World reverts back to the national treasury, then how do you fund it? You Health Organization (WHO) prequalification requirements. Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo
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by IAN
NICOLAS CIGARAL Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippine government expects a “steady and strong” economic performance next year, with the maiden roll-out of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act seen to boost public spending and increase government revenue. The bicameral conference committee on Wednesday, Dec. 13, ratified the final version of TRAIN bill, which seeks to hike the takehome pay of workers but offset projected foregone revenues by raising excise levies on fuel, vehicles, among others. President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to sign both TRAIN and the 2018 national budget on December 19, according to Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.
In a media interview on Thursday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the implementation of TRAIN coupled with sanguine macroeconomic fundamentals would help prop up the economy in the coming year. “In terms of policy, we expect the implementation of TRAIN, to boost revenue-to-GDP ratio, fund government’s infrastructure program, and increase the spending capacity of the average working Filipino,” Pernia said. “We also expect to spend more on infrastructure development to help improve regional connectivity and ease the cost of doing business in the country,” he added. “Inflation keep (sic) within target, and trade continues to grow. Underemployment rate also de-
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Catering hall owner, manager indicted for forced labor, visa fraud Defendants allegedly forced immigrants from the Philippines to work without proper pay
TWO men in Long Island, New York are facing charges of forced labor and visa fraud following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. Ralph Colamussi, 61, of East Northport, NY and Roberto Villanueva, 60, residing in the Philippines, allegedly lured Filipino immigrants to the United
States with false promises of good jobs in the hospitality business only to force them to work for substandard wages at a catering hall now face charges of forced labor and visa fraud, the federal government said on Monday. Each one is being charged with conspiring to engage in forced labor of immigrants and visa fraud, as well as related substantive counts, fraud in
foreign labor contracting and fraudulent inducement of aliens to enter and remain in the United States in violation of law. Both defendants were arrested Monday morning and will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields. “As alleged, Colamussi and Villanueva lured immigrants from the Phil-
ippines to the United States with false promises regarding jobs and overtime pay in order to line their own pockets at the expense of the victims,” said Acting United States Attorney Bridget M. Rohde. “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will hold accountable those who engage in such illegal, exploitive behavior.”
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A december 15-21, 2017 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL
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From the Front Page
Opposition cites perils... PAGE A1 t the joint Senate-House of Representatives session voted 24027 to extend military rule and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus across Mindanao through the end of 2018. The votes were broken down as 14-4 for the Senate and 22623 for the House. Mr. Duterte’s allies control an overwhelming majority in both chambers. The four dissenters from the Senate were Pangilinan, Drilon, Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros, all from the minority bloc. The senators who voted to grant Mr. Duterte’s request were Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Senators Tito Sotto, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan II, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel Zubiri. A breakdown of the votes by House members was not available as of press time. This was the second extension granted by Congress, although it would take effect for a longer period than the previous extension of roughly five months (until Dec. 31, 2017) granted in a July 22 special joint session. Siege of Marawi The imposition of martial law
under Proclamation No. 216 was initially supposed to last 60 days, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution, from May 23 to July 22, after the IS-inspired Maute group terrorists and Abu Sayyaf bandits laid siege to Marawi City. The siege ended on Oct. 23, but Mr. Duterte, in his request for another extension, reasoned out that remnants of the defeated groups were trying to reform by actively recruiting Muslim youths. He also raised the bogey of the 48-year-old communist insurgency for the first time. Ahead of the voting, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea took pains to explain: “We do not ask for an unlimited martial law. What we are seeking is an unlimited peace.” Medialdea said that of the Moro rebels in the government’s martial law arrest orders, 185 remained at large and “in all probability are presently consolidating their forces.” He added that “Turaifie group,” led by Esmail Sheikh Turaife, said to be the potential successor to slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon as “emir” of the IS in Southeast Asia, had been monitored as “planning to launch bombings, possibly in Cotabato.” Red, Moro threats Medialdea claimed that amid
the Marawi violence, the communist New People’s Army “took advantage of the situation by intensifying their decadeslong rebellion” and committing at least 385 atrocities that resulted in the death of 41 government troops and 23 civilians. He also cited violent acts blamed on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Abu Sayyaf. But many of the 28 debaters expressed doubt that an “actual” rebellion, as required by the 1987 Constitution, was taking place to justify the extension of martial law past the heat of the Marawi conflict. The martial law administrator, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, cited the “active recruitment” of new Moro fighters, saying: “The rebellion actually has not stopped. It has moved to another place.” Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra repeatedly invoked the Supreme Court’s July 4 decision upholding Mr. Duterte’s proclamation of martial law. Citing the tribunal’s decision, he said a “state of rebellion consists of many acts and not simply based on isolated firefights.” Guevarra pointed out that nothing in Section 18, Article 7 of the Constitution explicitly limited the period of martial law. (With reports from AP) n
can go and ask for a supplemental budget, which requires new sources of revenue,” the former president said. He also noted that the 2016 national budget did not factor in the procurement of the Dengvaxia because the dengue vaccine was not yet included the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF) — which serves as a guidebook of legal medicines — during the budget deliberations. “If you do not do this at this point in time you’re practically saying that the first implementation of this vaccine will be in 2017 because it will be for the next budget cycle, which will be under the new administration,” Aquino added. Aquino made the explanation in
response to Senator Richard Gordon’s allegations of corruption. During the hearing, Gordon, who also chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, took note that the certification and budget release for the procurement of Dengvaxia was immediately approved after Aquino’s meeting with Sanofi Pasteur officials on December 1, 2015 in Paris. (Sanofi Pasteur is the manufacturer of Dengvaxia.) The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its certification for Dengvaxia on December 22 of that year. By December 29, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to the Department of Health (DOH) for the procurement of the vaccines,
Duterte on nationwide... PAGE A1 t
declaring a nationwide martial law, Duterte noted that he would listen to the recommendation of the military and the police. In a joint session on Wednesday, December 13, Congress approved Duterte’s request to retain martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2018. The Senate voted 14-4 while the House voted 226-23 in favor of extending military rule in the area. Among the senators who voted in favor of Duterte’s request were Senators Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gringo obligating P3.5 billion for the vac- Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren cination program. Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel III, “I’m sorry Mr. President, na na- Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Tito tapat lang. December 1, nagmeet- Sotto, Joel Villanueva, and Migz ing kayo sa Paris tapos biglang Zubiri. dumating kagad ito at natanggap Those who voted against the kagad ang Saro at narelease yung extension, meanwhile, were Senapera later on (I’m sorry, Mr. Presi- tors Bam Aquino, Franklin Drilon, dent, it was a coincidence. Decem- Risa Hontiveros, and Francis ber 1, you met in Paris then the Saro was released and the funds our people to a risk that could were issued later on),” Gordon have been prevented because of this vaccine,” Aquino said. said. “I just want to state for the reFormer Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad was about to cord, what we had then, none of answer when Aquino requested this warning on November 2017,” to explain the situation himself, he added. The president was referring which Gordon acknowledged. “The choice is simple. We can to Sanofi Pasteur’s recent study implement it at this point in time showing that its vaccine could lead for the protection – or wait at least to “more severe” cases of dengue a year as minimum and expose when administered to previously
Aquino justifies ‘rushed’...
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CHRISTMAS LOVE. A Malacañang employee sends a message as she admires the Christmas tree that adorns the Kalayaan grounds in the Palace — that love should define the merriest season of the year. ManilaTimes.net photo by John Micah Sebastian
Pangilinan. In his letter to Congress, Duterte cited continuing threats posed by Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists, local terrorist groups, and the NPA in seeking an extension for martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao. But during Congress’s joint session this week, Drilon questioned the NPA’s inclusion as the basis for the extension request, saying that the communist rebels were not mentioned in the original martial law proclamation on May 23. Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao following the attack of Maute rebels in Marawi City. The president’s 60-day proclamation was initially set to expire last July 22 and was then extended by Congress until December 31 of this year. “The NPA has been there for the last 4 decades, suddenly in the extension request today, the
NPA is cited as an additional ground for martial law extension in Mindanao… Is this now a prelude to declaring martial law nationwide?” Drilon added. The senator further pointed out that the under the 1987 Constitution, Congress “can only extend the proclamation of martial law in case of actual, public uprising and taking arms against the government” and not just threats. “The government through Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana declared the rebellion in Marawi City to have been terminated and no longer exists. It is on this basis that we believe that the continued imposition of martial law up to Dec. 31 is unconstitutional,” Drilon said. Responding to Drilon, Lorenzana said that rebellion “has not stopped” but “just moved to another place.” “The situation in Marawi has substantially changed from the time that our troops were fighting the ISIS-inspired Maute group,” the Defense secretary explained. n
uninfected individuals. Gordon later clarified that he is not insinuating anything against Aquino. ‘No comment’ Also on Thursday, Aquino was asked about his reaction to the earlier statement of his successor, President Rodrigo Duterte, who said he has no plans to file cases against the former president. “No comment,” Aquino told re-
porters. A day earlier, Duterte assured that his predecessors have nothing to fear as he will not go after them. “But to be filing cases against a former president, that’s not my attitude. It’s true,” Duterte said, as he noted that he had not even filed cases against his long-time political enemy, former Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles. n
Dateline USa
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 15-21, 2017
New poll shows income not a shield against discrimination DeSPITe having incomes above the average of other ethnic or racial groups in the United States, many Asian Americans experience and perceive notable discrimination in their daily lives, according to results from a recently released study. A study, entitled “Discrimination in America: experiences and Views of Asian Americans,” was released on Wednesday, December 6 as part of a series conducted by National Public Radio (NPR), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study looked to gain insight into people’s own personal experiences with discrimination. “Our poll shows that Asian American families have the highest average income among the groups we’ve surveyed, and yet the poll still finds that Asian Americans experience persistent discrimination in housing, jobs, and college,” Robert Blendon, professor of health policy and analysis at the Harvard Chan School, told NPR. “Over the course of our series, we are seeing again and again that income is not a shield from discrimination.” According to the report, of the 500 Asian Americans who participated in the survey from January 26 to April 9 of this year, a quarter or more reported personally experiencing discrimination because they were Asian when applying for jobs (27 percent), when trying to purchase or rent housing (25 percent), and being considered for promotions or paid equally (25 percent). A number of Asian Americans also reported experiencing discrimination when applying to or attending college (19 percent), interacting with police (18 percent), going to the doctor or health clinic (13 percent), and trying to participate or vote in politics (7 percent). Despite the discrimination that some reported, the study also said
a majority believed that Asian Americans generally have equal employment and educational opportunities, and are paid equally to white people. Approximately two-thirds of Asian Americans in the study further reported believing that their views were represented by their local government, and that they had influence on what their local government does. The study also looked to see how they perceived discrimination in their own neighborhoods, which while lower in numbers, were still considered notable. Results show that most Asian Americans frequently rated the availability of public transportation, parks and green spaces, and quality of availability as “worse” in their area than in others. When reporting the amount of crime or availability of grocery stores, half or more rated them as being “better.” Differences in perception and experiences of racism between nonimmigrant Asian Americans and those with immigrant status were also considered. When looking at gaps between U.S.-born Asian Americans and immigrants, the study found that nonimmigrant Asian Americans were over three times (36 percent) as likely to say that they or a family member have experienced threats or non-sexual harassment because they are Asian, than their immigrant counterparts (15 percent). In regards to experiencing violence because they are Asian, the percentage more than doubled — nonimmigrants made up 20percent while six-percent were immigrant. While a similar gap was seen in regards to sexual harassment experiences, Blendon said it was important to take into account that the poll was conducted early in the year before the heightened discussions of sexual assault and harassment.
PNP chief asks Fil-Ams... PAGE A1 t “Sana ay isama niyo kami sa inyong prayers na ang PNP ay magiging successful sa war on drugs. Sana sa aming pagbabalik sa war on drugs wala nang mamatay, hindi na ito madugo (Please include us in your prayers and ask that the PNP will be successful in the drug war. I hope that there will be no more deaths),” Dela Rosa said. Last week, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte brought the police back to his drug war nearly two months after he barred them from joining the campaign amid public outcry on deaths of suspects, including teenagers. Data released by Real Numbers PH of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) showed that there were about 4,000 drug personalities killed during PNP drug war operations from July 2016 until October 2017. This time around, the PNP chief vowed that the police will be more cautious in its operations. “What I can guarantee you is that we’ll still proceed with our war on drugs in full speed, but with extreme caution,” Dela Rosa said. “Ingatan na hindi tayo masisingitan ng masasamang tao, mga masasamang sindikato, na sasakay sa ating war on drugs (Be more cautious to not let bad persons and syndicates slip in on us and ride the war on drugs),” he added. Dela Rosa also maintained that the PNP wants to preserve life. “Hindi po kami basta-basta na lang pumapatay. Sinasabi meron namang nagkakamali, meron nag- aabuso pero kinakasuhan
natin yan (We don’t just kill people. There maybe those who commit mistakes or become abusive but we file charges against them) Generally, we want to preserve life,” Dela Rosa said. Term extended In a press conference on Wednesday, December 13, Duterte said he is planning to extend Dela Rosa’s term as the PNP chief by two to three months before assigning him to head the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). “I have the discretion to extend even beyond retirement age. Marami pa kasi akong gawin (I still have things needed to be done). I want to do some things in Mindanao of utmost importance and I need to extend the tour of duty of Gen. Dela Rosa to something like two to three months,” the president told reporters. Dela Rosa is set to retire in January 2018, but Duterte said he still needs the police chief to oversee some reforms in police camps in Mindanao. “It’s mainly infrastructure and maybe the physical setting of the headquarters of the Armed Forces (AFP) and the police to suit the demands of the moment,” said Duterte. Asked who will replace Dela Rosa as the PNP chief once he retires, Duterte said the matter has yet to be decided. “Wala pa (Nothing yet). I usually do not interfere. I don’t know. They have a sort of an entity wherein the PNP is tasked with reviewing the senior officers’ promotion parang board of generals,” the president told reporters. (AJPress)
Catering hall owner... PAGE A1 t At the time of the events alleged in the indictment, Colamussi was the owner and operator of Thatched Cottage, a popular catering and wedding venue in Centerport, New York, as well as the owner and operator of the Jellyfish Restaurant, a popular bar located next door to the Thatched Cottage. As alleged in the indictment, between approximately August 2008 and March 2013, Villanueva and Colamussi recruited prospective employees in the Philippines with false promises of jobs with overtime pay, as waiters, servers, cooks, chefs and food preparation. The prospective employees were illegally made to pay the defendants money in advance in order to qualify for the visa interview in the United States and directed to conceal such payments from the United States Department of State during visa interviews. “This case is an example of ruthless labor trafficking hiding in plain sight. These individuals
allegedly committed visa fraud while forcing people to work in their catering hall under horrible conditions, in what seemed to be an inescapable situation,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez. “It is important for anyone who may believe they are a victim of trafficking to know that our investigations are victim-centered, focusing on keeping the victim safe while bringing their traffickers to justice.” Workers were not only brought to the United States by means of fraudulent promises of specific employment, but upon arrival, were forced to work at lower than promised wages without overtime. The workers were also forced to care for Colamussi’s relatives, including his father, and to perform construction work at the Jellyfish Restaurant. Workers were brought to the United States on H-2B visas that expired shortly after their arrival in the United States. Once their H-2B visas expired, workers were allegedly told by Cola-
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“These national conversations may have affected how people viewed or responded to their own experiences, or on their willingness to disclose these experiences in a survey,” said Blendon. The split was reversed through when it came to health care — immigrants (17 percent) were 17 times more likely to report experiencing discrimination based on their ethnicity than nonimmigrants (1 percent). In gender, regardless of whether they were of immigrant or nonimmigrant status, 20 percent of women reported experiencing discrimination from being Asian when going to a doctor or health clinic, while six-percent of men did. Overall, 61 percent of Asian Americans reported that they believed discrimination against Asian Americans was prevalent in the U.S. today. Younger Asian Americans (18-29 years old) were significantly more likely to believe such discrimination exists at 68-percent, compared to Asian Americans 65 and older at 40 percent. Of those people, two thirds (68 percent) said that discrimination was based on the prejudice of individual people, while fourteen percent said it was based on laws and government policies. Interviews for the study were done through telephone (cell and landline) in english, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese. The margin of error is 5.8 percent at the 95-percent confidence interval. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)
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HOME SWEET HOME. Workers rush the construction of transitory houses for families displaced by the war in Marawi City. The housing project that sits on 22 hectares in Barangay Sagonsongan in Marawi City will serve as temporary homes for more than 1,000 families. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
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SF’s first Asian American mayor...
win M. Lee passed away,” read a statement from the mayor’s office. “Family, friends and colleagues were at his side. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anita, his two daughters, Brianna and Tania, and his family.” City Hall flags were brought to half-mast on Tuesday as condolences poured in for the city’s 43rd and first-ever Asian American mayor, who was the son of immigrant parents from the Chinese province of Guangdong.
“On behalf of all Californians, Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to Mayor Lee’s family, his many friends and the entire City of San Francisco,” tweeted California Governor Jerry Brown. “ed was a true champion for working people and epitomized the California spirit. He’ll truly be missed.” Condolences also came from Hillary and Bill Clinton as both were good friends of Lee. “Saddened by the loss of my friend, Mayor ed Lee. I’ll always be grateful for his leader-
ship and his steadfast support. It was a privilege to spend time with him earlier this month at the @aids_memorial on #WorldAIDSDay2017. He will be missed,” tweeted Mr. Clinton. Hillary Clinton tweeted Tuesday night, “Mayor ed Lee’s death is a terrible loss for the people of San Francisco. He was a good friend & a vocal advocate for the city he served & loved. My thoughts are with his family.” After serving as City Administrator of San Francisco, Lee was
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A december 15-21, 2017 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL
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Dateline PhiliPPines
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Supreme Court junks Robredo supporters’ bid to shoulder her counter-protest fees by aJPress SUPPORTERS of Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo have failed to convince the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), to allow them to pay the remaining balance of her counter-protest fee. In a statement on Thursday, December 14, the Piso Para Kay Leni movement said the SC on November 7 denied with finality its motion for reconsideration to accept its monetary contributions to shoulder Robredo’s balance. The high court barred Robredo’s supporters in August to help pay the remaining fee for her counter-protest in the election protest filed against her by defeated vice presidential bet and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The Presidential Decree No. 46 prohibits public officials and employees from receiving “any gift, present or other valuable thing to any occasion.... by reason of his official position, regardless of whether or not the same as for past favor or favors or the giver hopes or expects to receive a favor or better treatment in the future.” Following the high court’s recent decision, Cristina LimYuson, one of the proponents of the Piso Para sa Laban ni Leni movement, said the group will turn over the money it collected to fund the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) flagship antipoverty program, Angat Buhay.
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NOT JUST ABOUT SEX. Old and young members of the reproductive health advocacy network participate in a forum to discuss the Food and Drugs Administration’s resolution declaring contraceptives as non-abortifacient in observance of International Human Rights Day. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan
The fundraising campaign was meant to help Vice President Leni Robredo shoulder the legal fees involved in the election protest filed against her by former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. Inquirer.net photo
turnover of the funds raised, which totaled to P7.5 million. In a statement, Angat Buhay head Georgina Hernandez welcomed the group’s donations. “It will go a long way in helping poor communities as part of VP Leni’s advocacy to uplift the lives of Filipinos living in the fringes of society,” Hernandez said. Robredo was ordered to pay a total of P15 million for her counter-protest. She already settled the first half worth P8 million last May. n
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mussi and Villanueva to apply for student visas and to fraudulently represent that they intended to attend school full-time and had sufficient resources to support themselves during school. Colamussi and Villanueva, at times, deposited funds in the workers’ bank accounts to give the appearance of resources and then withdrew the funds once the student visas were approved. The workers continued to work for Colamussi and Villanueva during the term of their student
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forecast for the country to 6.8 percent from 6.7 percent. Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings upgraded the Philippines’ credit rating from the minimum investment grade of “BBB-” to “BBB,” citing the country’s sustained economic expansion, the tax reform plan and bold infrastructure program under the Duterte administration. “There is no evidence so far that incidents of violence associated with the administration’s campaign against the illegal drug trade have undermined investor confidence,” the rating agency said. In the same press conference on Thursday, Pernia said the improvement in the country’s credit rating would “boost investor confidence—which, of course, remains already strong.” To attract more investors, Pernia said the NEDA board will take up on its next meeting the approved recommendations on the 11th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List. “The revised list covers easing foreign investment restrictions on contracts for construction and repair of projects, practice of professions, telcos, teaching at higher education levels, retail trade enterprises, and domestic market enterprises,” he said. n
finished goods and services proclined to its lowest level in 10 duced in the country — registered years.” a solid 6.9 percent growth rate in TRAIN is the first package of the third quarter of 2017. the Duterte administration’s ComThe figure puts the economy on prehensive Tax Reform Program, track to meet the government’s which aims to raise the bulk of the 6.5-7.5 percent full-year target. needed funds for its ambitious inThe Philippines’ third quarter frastructure program. GDP was higher than the upIn 2017 alone, the inter-agency wardly revised 6.7 percent logged NEDA board approved 20 project in the second quarter and above proposals, which include 14 new the 6.5-6.7 percent estimate by projects and six changes in ongo- market analysts, although slower ing projects, Pernia said. than the 7.1 percent recorded in Counting last year’s approvals, the same period last year. the 2017 figure brings the total Being one of the fastest-grownumber of projects given a green ing economies in Asia, the Philiplight for implementation to 36, pines had bagged rosy economic most of them to be funded inter- growth forecasts this year despite nally or through Official Develop- political noise generated by Presiment Assistance. dent Rodrigo Duterte’s controverIn terms of ODA, Pernia said sial rhetoric. also took to Twitter and said, blymember David Chiu (D-San “I am deeply saddened by the Francisco) described Lee as a Japan remains as the Philippines’ Manila-based Asian Developpassing of my friend, San Fran- “devoted public servant who just largest development partner, ac- ment Bank raised its 2017 and cisco Mayor Ed Lee. He was a got things done with a deep love counting for 36 percent of total 2018 economic growth forecasts ODA investments. fierce advocate for civil rights for our city.” for the Philippines. “Apart from Japan, we have “Mayor Lee worked tirelessly and worked tirelessly for workIn a supplement to its Asian ers’ rights and his leadership will to improve the lives of every San had fruitful bilateral talks with Development Outlook published be missed. Keeping the mayor’s Franciscan during time of both China, Korea, Germany, Austria, on Wednesday, the multilateral family in my prayers during this great prosperity and extreme and Italy, and Israel, on various lending institution said it expects hardship, and his legacy will per- development projects in line with the Philippines to clock a 6.7 perdifficult time.” Having been a member of sist in the years to come,” said our priorities,” he said. cent GDP growth this year from Year-end the U.S. Conference of Mayors Assemblymember Phil Ting (Dthe previous estimate of 6.5 perThe country’s gross domes- cent. where he served as chair of the San Francisco). Friend of SF Fil-Am commu- tic product — or the value of all Technology and Innovation Task ADB also raised its 2018 GDP Force, Lee was known to have a nity “The Filipino community has close relationship with the tech a long and storied history in the world. TechCrunch described Lee as city of San Francisco,” said Lee an “advocate to attract and keep in a June statement when he eartech companies in the city, luring marked $150,000 for the Filipino them away from Silicon Valley Cultural Heritage District in San in the South and also choosing Francisco called SOMA PilipiSan Francisco as their starting nas. “These investments signify point.” The tech news site recalled our commitment to preserving Lee once telling them he visited the neighborhood as the cultural, C<>8C @DD@>I8K@FE `j X 9@> @JJL< k_\j\ [Xpj% D8EP `e fli Zfddle`kp E<<; a different tech company each economic and social core Filipinos in the city and the families week. pfli j\im`Z\j% K_\i\ Xi\ k_fljXe[j n_f dXp nXek kf \og\[`k\ k_\`i i\j`[\eZp fi Leaders from the Asian Ameri- and seniors who call it home,” glijl\ ]lcc Z`k`q\ej_`g Ylk [feËk befn _fn kf Y\^`e Xe[ n_\i\ kf ^f% can community also sent their Lee added. These remarks for the Filipino condolences, reflecting on their community were common during experiences with Lee. Assessor Carmen Chu who his term, as Lee often tweeted is also Chinese American and a photos of himself participating in daughter of immigrants said, “I community events. 8J@8E AFLIE8CËJ GIF=<JJ@FE8C J<IM@:<J ;@I<:KFIP# n`cc efn Y\ Just last month, Lee praised the remember how proud I was to ilee`e^ n\\bcp# \m\ip =i`[Xp f] E\n Pfib& E\n A\ij\p <[`k`fe% support and see San Francisco monthly Filipino Night Market in elect its first Asian American San Francisco, calling it “the best Mayor. He is at the same time a party that has ever happened at friend and mentor and I will miss the old mint” as reported by Bali8AËj GJ; ZXe _\cg PFL i\XZ_ flk kf k_\d X]]fi[XYcp Xe[ \]]\Zk`m\cp% tang America. him.” “I think it’s incredible, but to San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim shared how when she first give it that energy with the Filimet him in 2001 when he was pino culture, the family of the the Director of Public Works, Lee modern artists, with some of the would personally deliver cleaning traditional things they want to supplies every Saturday morning present, performances… I think this is a really great use of an old to youth leaders. 8jb XYflk fli GIFDFK@FE8C @EKIF;L:KFIP G8:B8>< GI@:@E> n_`Z_ ilej “He was always friendly, hum- building but also a special thing pfli X[ n\\bcp ]fi dXo`dld \ogfjli\ Xk kilcp X]]fi[XYc\ iXk\j% ble and a dedicated public ser- for San Francisco, of our Filipino vant committed to getting things community coming out.” Lee is survived by his wife done,” said Kim. Fli gi`ek \[`k`fej ile `e kXe[\d n`k_ 8AËj Gi`ek <[`k`fe Fec`e\% California Asian Pacific Is- Anita, and his two daughters Brilander Caucus (APILC) Chair and anna and Tania. Fec`e\1 _kkg1&&`jjll%Zfd&Xj`XeaflieXc[`^`kXc\[`k`fe San Francisco Board of SuperAssemblymember Rob Bonta (DOakland) called Lee a “stalwart visors President London Breed has stepped in as acting mayor leader for civil rights.” “His leadership will leave a and is the city’s first black female lasting legacy for Californians for to take the position. A vote on generations to come. But before who will assume mayorship will anything else, Mayor Lee was a come in the following weeks. The Lying in State of Mayor good person with a big, warm Lee will take place on Friday, Deheart,” said Bonta. Assemblymember Evan Low cember 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 (D-Silicon Valley) who serves p.m., while the memorial celas APILC’s parliamentarian de- ebration will be held on Sunday, scribed Lee as an “incredible December 17 at 3:00 p.m. Both leader, mentor, trailblazer, ad- events are open to the public and vocate, and most importantly, a will be held at the Rotunda of the wonderful friend”, while Assem- San Francisco City Hall. n “We plan to turn over the money to an Angat Buhay partner foundation, which will manage the money for us,” Yuson said. She added, “The money given by thousands of VP Leni supporters will now promote the welfare of our poor countrymen, as this was the alternative plan from the onset in the event that our petition would not be granted by PET.” Yuson said the group met with Robredo on Wednesday, December 13, to discuss the
SF’s first Asian American mayor...
appointed Mayor of San Francisco in January 2011 to serve out the remaining term of former Mayor Gavin Newsom. Lee then won the election in November 2011, and was re-elected in 2015. Prior to being a civil servant, the Seattle native became the first in his family to attend college and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1974, and the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley in 1978. He then went on to work as a housing activist and civil rights attorney. In a 2011 interview with Northwest Asian Weekly, Lee recalled watching his parents work to provide for him and his five other siblings, and feeling compelled to pitch in. Lee’s father passed away from a heart attack when Lee was just 15, prompting Lee to work in restaurants to help his family. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) who served as San Francisco’s mayor from 1978-1988 said, “Ed was an excellent mayor of a great but sometimes challenging city. His equanimity and quiet management style was effective and allowed him to solve problems as they occurred.” Over 140,000 jobs were said to have been added during Lee’s tenure, creating the city’s most successful economic expansion in its history. Many homes were also said to have been added to the housing market under Lee than at any other time in San Francisco’s history, resulting in a decrease in eviction rates and average rental and home prices. Greenhouse gas emissions, too, dropped 28-percent under his leadership. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, whose district includes San Francisco, said, “Mayor Lee’s first priority was always the people. As a community organizer, civil rights lawyer and hardworking son of an immigrant family of modest means, Ed Lee understood that the strength of a community is measured by its success in meeting the needs of all of its people. He knew the rhythms and the workings of San Francisco at the most granular level, and dedicated decades to improving the lives of all San Franciscans.” Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.)
NEDA sees ‘steady and strong’...
presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. visas, attending school one day a If convicted, Colamussi and week. Villanueva face a maximum term When the workers objected to of imprisonment of 20 years for performing certain jobs or work- forced labor and conspiracy to ing consecutive shifts, Colamussi commit forced labor, 10 years and Villanueva threatened to for visa fraud and fraud in forreport them to immigration au- eign labor contracting, and five thorities. years for conspiracy to comColamussi had many workers mit visa fraud and inducement whose visas had expired living in of an alien to illegally enter and the basement of his home in East reside in the United States. DeNorthport, New York, and work- fendants also face forfeiture of all ing for him off the books. proceeds and the house in East The charges contained in the Northport where the immigrants indictment are merely allega- lived in the basement. (Momar G. tions, and the defendants are Visaya/AJPress)
A6 DECEMBER 15-21, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
United against corruption IT’S the season of giving, when crooks expect more than the usual “gifts” to grease the wheels of government. By law the solicitation or acceptance of such “gifts” by public servants is expressly prohibited. Yet graft persists, with red tape designed to encourage the payment of grease money. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that a staggering $2.6 trillion, or about five percent of the global GDP, is stolen worldwide through corruption every year, with $1 trillion paid in bribes. Experts have stressed that money lost to corruption could otherwise be used for poverty alleviation and the achievement of sustainable development goals or SDGs. In developing countries, the UN Development Program places the funds lost to corruption at 10 times more than official development assistance. This includes the Philippines, where people are familiar with the consequences of corruption. Basic services break down. Investors are turned off by unfair competition and red tape, taking their money – and potential jobs – elsewhere. People get ahead in life through connections rather than merit. Inclusive growth becomes impossible. A corrupted justice system fuels insurgencies and promotes public support for short cuts to law enforcement, at the risk of civil liberties.
In fighting corruption, the nation can get assistance from the international community. Twelve years ago this week, the UN Convention Against Corruption went into force as the international community recognized the serious impact of corruption on development efforts and poverty alleviation. The Philippines signed the convention in December 2003, just two months after it was adopted by the UN General Assembly, and ratified it in November 2006. The parties to the convention have grown to 183, with 140 signatories as International Anti-Corruption Day was observed on Dec. 9. The convention is legally binding and allows the global community to cooperate in going after those accused of corruption, embezzlement and money laundering as well as in the recovery of ill-gotten wealth. It is a powerful tool that can be tapped by any government with a serious campaign to go after crooked public officials and their cohorts in the private sector. corruption on education, health, justice, democThis year the UNODC and UNDP have launched racy, prosperity and development as well as the a global campaign that focuses on the impact of achievement of the SDGs. The campaign stresses
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
that uniting against the scourge of corruption can promote development, peace and security. (Philstar.com)
Simbang Gabi offering: How to help Filipino priests help and serve Kababayans back home CHRISTMAS is less than two weeks from now, and this wonderful season is just opening the hearts of people to give more, in gratitude to all the blessings we have received in the past year. Our generous spirit goes beyond giving to our family and friends, as we are also compelled by love and sense of purpose to support causes we believe in. One of these causes that are close to the hearts of Filipinos is to help our kababayans go deeper in their faith. Among the means to fulfill this is to help our Filipino priests, so they may be in the position to reach out to Filipinos even in the remote areas of the Motherland. Last November, I got to meet Father Greg Gaston during my husband’s University of the Philippines College of Medicine Class of 1990 mini-reunion in Austin, Texas. Fr. Greg used to be one of their classmates until he heeded his true calling
— to be a priest and help heal people not only physically but The Fil-Am more so, spiritually as well. Fr. Greg is now the Rector of the Perspective Pontificio Collegio Filippino and is based in Rome. He reports directly to Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. GEL SANTOS-RELOS As I have learned from Fr. Greg, “Pontificio Collegio Filippino (Pontifical Filipino College) is the home in Rome of Filipino priests. Here they reside and undergo formation, while doing further studies in the best Catholic Universities in Rome — close to the Holy Father physically, spiritually and doctrinally. Upon returning to the Philippines, they serve in the seminaries to train our future priests, and in other specialized ministries.” This Christmas season, please find in your
heart the desire to help our Filipino priests by helping Collegio Filippino. Your tax-deductible gift will go along way in the spiritual development of Filipinos back home. God will bless us all abundantly! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Here is the appeal from Cardinal Tagle and Fr. Greg Gaston: “Please assist the Collegio’s operations, programs, and upkeep. Help build our Scholarship Fund for board and lodging ($10,000 a year per priest), tuition ($5,000 a year) and other needs. “Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila suggests a monthly love offering, the equivalent of an hour of your salary. This way, without leaving your place, you VOLUNTEER AN HOUR to help our student priests!
“In a special way, we need your help for the renovation of our heavy duty kitchen, which will eventually serve up to 80 persons, plus hundreds of guests at times. Our kitchen also reaches out to our Overseas Filipino Workers who volunteer, undergo culinary training, interact and learn from each other, and are nourished spiritually. Donate online or contact us: www.FRIENDSOFTHECOLLEGIO.org. For checks, pay to: “Friends of the Collegio”, and mail to Friends of the Collegio, 1819 Ridgeview Ct., Dupont, WA 98327 USA.” *** 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
Dead in 25 years? Of pushers, politicians and presidents
Demand and Supply BOO CHANCO PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was being melodramatic as usual when he declared Metro Manila will be dead in 25 years. He just wanted to highlight Clark. With its New Clark City, the former US base seems to be where our future lies. “Manila, I think will be, in about 25 years... a dead city. It will start to decay and there is no way we can rehab the place… You have to disperse the crowd, limit the factories at some time in the future. But in about 10 years from now, they should close Manila and start to develop... ito, ito ang pinakamaganda ngayon eh,” the president said of Clark. I think President Duterte is right about our dying National Capital Region. At the rate we are going, Metro Manila will be totally unlivable sooner than 25 years. But the president is wrong to suggest government should wait 10 years to start closing down Manila to further growth. It should start decongesting now. Architect Jun Palafox, an internationally recognized city planner, not only agreed with the president, but also said Metro Manila’s deterioration has actually begun. Jun is right. “It’s happening now. In 1976 I worked with the World Bank... for Metro Manila. What we said then, Metro Plan Manila, it was one of the best metro plans in the world. Kaya ako nakilala overseas,” Palafox said. Palafox and his firm have been commissioned to plan livable cities abroad. He is frustrated his home metropolis remains ugly and chaotic. “We said that time, with the do-nothing scenario, we will have catastrophic traffic, catastrophic planning, lack of decent housing.
“At the rate we are going, Metro Manila will be totally unlivable sooner than 25 years. But the president is wrong to suggest government should wait 10 years to start closing down Manila to further growth. It should start decongesting now.” Philstar.com photo
And what do we have now?” Palafox said Metro Manila should have completed eight train lines by 1992. In the past six years, only four kilometers of roads have been built. A JICA presentation paints the picture with numbers: the population of Metro Manila is 12 million, while Mega Manila to include adjoining provinces is 23 million. The population density of Metro Manila is 191 persons/ hectare. This is higher than Tokyo and other major Asian cities. For comparison, Tokyo’s population density is 131 persons/ha; Seoul 170 persons/ha; Jakarta 131 persons/ha; and Shanghai 124 persons/ha. The tragedy of Metro Manila reflects the tragedy of the whole country. We lost over 30 years to properly develop. Unfortunately, we had lousy leaders, national and local. Worse, our politicians are acting as if everything is just fine. If Metro Manila will be dead in 25 years, should we still invest good money in it now? No, the president isn’t suggesting we shouldn’t. In fact, the Duterte administration is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure program for Metro Manila including the Mega Manila Subway, fund-
ed by Japan’s generosity. A so-called Super Consortium of some of the country’s top conglomerates has expressed their intention to submit an unsolicited bid to totally rehabilitate NAIA. If that happens, NAIA could get a new lease on life. But the Super Consortium will need at least 25 years to recover their investment. The Super Consortium includes the Abotizes, Ayalas, Gokongweis, Gotianuns, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Manuel V. Pangilinan, and taipans Andrew Tan and Lucio Tan. They are making the unsolicited offer partly out of love of country, but mostly out of self interest. They know their businesses, specially Lucio Tan and the Gokongweis, will be negatively affected if NAIA remains what it is today. And there is still that other unsolicited offer of San Miguel’s Ramon Ang to build a totally brand new airport in Bulacan. San Miguel’s airport is intended to replace NAIA and compete with all the new international airport being built in our part of the world. It’s easier to build from scratch. President Duterte’s pessimisPAGE A7
A FEW weeks ago, I posted on Facebook two anti-drug abuse ads that I created back in 1972. The headline of one read, “Is a pusher paying more attention to your child than you are?” The other ad showed a father swigging a bottle of gin, while his son smoked marijuana. The headline bluntly stated, “One dope deserves another. If you want your kid to stop doing his thing, you can begin by stopping yours.” I felt that, in today’s permissive environment, the importance of parental responsibility and parental example needed to be brought front and center. Some readers have pointed out that pushers and parents are not the only culprits in the deterioration of moral values. According to them, politicians and Presidents bear the onus, as well. Indeed, pushers, politicians and Presidents may be today’s “reverse role models” – and not just in the Philippines. It’s happening just as blatantly in America. The Philippines has President Rodrigo Duterte and the U,S. has President Donald Trump. Additionally, the Philippines has a kennel of legislative puppy dogs, while America has unabashed transactional politicians. Sadly, there’s nowhere wellmeaning parents can turn to spare their children from the criminal influence of drug pushers and the morally debilitating influence of politicians and Presidents. By the time this piece comes out, the results of the special senatorial election in Alabama will have been determined. The special election has been due to the vacancy created by the appointment of erstwhile Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions to Attorney General (the U.S. equivalent of the Philippines’ Secretary of Justice). As of this writing, pollsters have said that the contest be-
Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA tween Democratic candidate Doug Jones and Republican Roy Moore is too close to call. There’s more to this special election than being a toss-up between candidates of opposing parties in a predominantly Republican state, where President Donald Trump convincingly trounced Hillary Clinton in the 2016 elections. Moore, 70, a former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, has been accused by several women of being a sexual predator. He is said to have had sex with a 14-year old girl, a criminal act. He also reportedly forced himself on a 16-year old. These he did when he was in his early 30s and an assistant district attorney. In the wake of the allegations against Moore, other instances of sexual harassment committed by prominent U.S. politicians have hit the headlines. One Senator and two Congressmen have been forced to resign following public disclosure by the victims of their sexual misconduct. However, in spite of the accusations against Moore, as well as a threat by some Republican Senate leaders to subject Moore to an ethics gauntlet should he win, he enjoys a slight edge in the public opinion polls vs. the Democratic contender. Moore, who has denied the accusations, also has the support of the evangelicals in the state. This brings into question the moral values of the evangelicals, as well as that of the hardcore supporters of Moore. What is even more eyebrow-
raising is the fact that President Donald Trump has expressed his full support for Moore. Trump himself has been accused by several women of being a sexual predator. While he has flatly denied the allegations, there are video and audio proof of his misconduct, including Trump’s recorded voice bragging about grabbing women on their private parts. The accusations against Trump were made during the presidential campaign. He won anyway. Does this say something about the moral values of Trump’s supporters? Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. If all these were happening in Philippine politics, that would hardly be hot news – or the stories would be very quickly suppressed (a tactic known as “suppress relations.”). Sadly, in our country, politicians and the public don’t give a damn about immorality. In fact, President Rodrigo Duterte and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez have been flaunting their extra-marital affairs. Pundits attribute the situation in both the Philippines and the U.S. to realpolitik. The decisions and choices of politificians are made based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations. Trump’s decision to throw his support behind Moore is obviously self-serving. Condemning Moore for sexual misconduct would boomerang on Trump. But the other reason is the fact that the Republicans cannot afford to lose a seat in the Senate where they hold a 54 to 44 edge over the Democrats, with two independent senators tending to side with the Dems. Some Republicans, like Senator John McCain, also tend to be mavericks. The vow of Trump and the Republicans to repeal and replace Obamacare – the controversial health care legislation PAGE A7
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 15-21, 2017
A
‘Reds used me but I used them, too’ by LeiLa
B. SaLaverria Inquirer.net
SEIZED. President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the firearms recovered from the terrorists who laid siege in Marawi City during the ceremonial demilitarization of confiscated, surrendered, and recovered firearms at the Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA) Grandstand in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City on December 13. Also in the photo are Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Rey Guerrero. Malacañang photo by Marcelino Pascua
PRESIDENT Duterte admitted on Wednesday he had always known he was being used by the communist movement for their ulterior motives, but also used them for his. “I accommodated them in the Cabinet hoping it would improve the quality of our communications, [so] I could tell them: ‘Compadre, can you pass this on?’,” Mr. Duterte told reporters in Taguig City. “The purpose was there. We’re just using each other, and I was using them,” as he renewed his criticism of the communist movement in the Philippines. Duterte appointed leftists – peasant leader Rafael Mariano, social worker Judy Taguiwalo and former congresswoman Liza Maza
– to his Cabinet as soon as he assumed office. The three officials chose to stay in Cabinet although relations between the president and communist leader Jose Maria Sison quickly deteriorated. But after 13 months in office, the appointments of Mariano as agrarian reform secretary and Taguiwalo as social welfare secretary were rejected by the Commission of Appointments. Maza, who is National AntiPoverty Commission chair, Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod and Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor chairman Terry Ridon were among the only leftists remaining in the administration. But Ridon and other commissioners of the Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor were unceremoniously fired on Tues-
day purportedly due to numerous junkets. “In the last 50 years, I will ask you Filipinos, what did they do, even a small thing, what did the terrorist [New People’s Army], the communists, do for your lives? Give me one example and I will lift martial law,” he said. “Give me one solid day or 24 hours or even half an hour when they went to one barangay and they did good,” he added. The communists have done nothing but “recruit people to die and to kill, and to get the things of the people without their consent, and that is really brigandage or stealing,” Duterte said. Duterte said he used to idolize Sison, his former professor, when he was still a student, but he soon realized Sison did nothing but cause problems. n
Impeachment complaint against Morales fails to get endorsement by Dana
SioSon AJPress
GROUPS of lawyers have lodged an impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Wednesday, December 13—but failed to get an endorsement from an incumbent congressman. Without endorsement from a House member, the House Secretary General only “noted” the impeachment complaint and could not consider it as “filed.” A verified endorsement is required before an impeachment complaint may be considered filed before the lower House. Among those who filed the impeachment complaint against Morales were advocacy groups Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), Tanggulang Demokrasya, and the Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution, Inc. Complainants also include some relatives of the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF) who were killed in the botched Mamasapano operation on Jan. 25, 2015. They accused Morales of culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust. Among the grounds they cited in their complaint include Morales’ supposed conspiracy with Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang in releasing bank information of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his family while citing the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) as their source. The AMLC, however, denied that it released copies of the bank accounts of the Duterte family to
the Office of the Ombudsman. “Morales is in conspiracy with Carandang in making illegal and irresponsible statements to the public on the falsified and spurious bank transactions of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Duterte family,” the complaint read. The Office of the Ombudsman was conducting a probe on the alleged hidden wealth of the presidential family based on the claims of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Morales previously said she has inhibited herself from acting on any case filed against the Duterte family as her nephew, lawyer Manases Carpio, is married to Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. The complainants also accused Morales of “selective prosecution” and “failing to act on complaints to the great prejudice of the Filipino people.” They claimed that Morales was being partial to the cases involving former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. They noted that the Ombudsman cleared Aquino of liabilities over the P72-billion Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) controversy yet charged former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad for violating the Revised Penal Code for usurpation of legislative powers. They further claimed that Morales was partial in the Mamasapano massacre case, saying she “downgraded” the charges against Aquino when she only filed graft and usurpation of authority charges against Aquino and dismissed the VACC’s complaints of multiple homicide. “The Office of the Ombudsman sat on the complaint as well as
Dead in 25 years?
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tic view of Metro Manila seems to be because of the worsening traffic situation in the capital. The transportation department may seem to look busy, but has so far been proven inept in addressing our problems. An announcement by MMDA to set a 50 kph speed limit on EDSA is simply hilarious. A JICA study reveals that close to half of the Metro area’s road network operates below 20 km/hr. The president is correct to call for the development of other potential urban hubs outside Metro Manila. In fairness to the Duterte administration, they have made some baby steps in that direction. Malacanang has not been approving the usual flow of PEZA-endorsed tax benefits for BPOs and other industries within Metro Manila. The property sector is complaining, but this is the right thing to do… get them to locate outside the NCR. For it to make sense, development must be encouraged to go even outside Mega Manila (which includes Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite). According to JICA, its study indicates that Batangas,
Rizal, Laguna and Cavite will see more rapid growth, even greater than in Metro Manila. For one thing, JICA says, traffic congestion in BRLC is just as bad as Metro Manila. According to JICA, some P3.2 billion a day is being wasted because of Metro Manila traffic, while in BRLC it is P2.2 billion a day. I have seen the plans for the New Clark City and I am excited about it. But we are notorious for our ability to make good plans, only to fail in the execution. I am hopeful Clark will not be typical because we cannot afford to fail. We definitely need to reduce Metro Manila’s population to more manageable levels. Clark should be just one alternative we should be looking at. We need growth centers in our Pacific coastline. Every region should have at least one. The administration should provide a more comprehensive growth strategy beyond just Clark, or we will just repeat our mistakes. That’s the lesson we should have learned by now. (Philstar.com) *** Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @ boochanco.
Of pushers, politicians...
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passed during President Barack Obama’s administration – was stymied by the nay vote of McCain, in addition to the negative votes of some Republican senators. The recent close vote in the U.S. Senate on the sweeping tax reform bill (51 yeas and 49 nayes) illustrate just how valuable every single vote is for each of the political parties. In other words, Moore may be the devil incarnate but, as far as Trump is concerned, he will be an ally and to hell with moral values. If that sounds too much like Philippine politics, remember that Filipino politicians learned their tricks and tactics from the Americans. What, in fact, could be pointed
out is that the Americans can now learn a few tricks and tactics from Malacanang and the Philippine Senate and House. Such incentives as pork barrel funds to motivate solons to dance to the music of the President and such tricks as bribing Senator judges to impeach a sitting Chief Justice may still be unheard of in Washington DC and Capitol Hill – but politicians of whatever race, nationality or ideology are quick learners. In the face of all these, I’m inclined to create a variation on the ad with the headline, “One dope deserves another.” The subhead will read: “If you have a Duterte or Trump as your President, it’s all your fault.” (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)
turned a blind eye on the criminal responsibility of former president Aquino III for the death of the 44 PNP-SAF and the wounding of fifteen others, during the conduct of the botched Oplan Exodus,” the complaint read. It was Aquino who appointed Morales as the Ombudsman in 2011. Morales, meanwhile, refused to comment on the impeachment complaint against her, saying, “Until I get hold of a copy of the complaint, I have nothing to say.” n
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza (right), Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (second from right) , shake hands with Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison (left) and Fidel Agcaoili (center) of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines after they sign an agreement in Rome, Italy, that would be the basis for future talks on socio-economic reforms. Photo release from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
A december 15-21, 2017 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL
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From Islands to HIgHlands, savorIng davao CIty’s oFFerIngs by MoMar
G. Visaya/AJPress
Pearl Farm is one of Davao City’s precious gems and spending an evening there is a mustexperience for balikbayan travelers.
After a little more than a week of fun rest and recreation peppered with work — it was a working trip, after all — we’re back in the cold arms of New York. It was a little hard adjusting back to the wintry weather specially since there was a snowstorm when we returned as we bade goodbye to the 90-degree December weather back home. Late last month, the tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (tPB) in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General of New York, the Department of tourism and Philippine Airlines invited members of the fil-Am media in New York and New Jersey for a quick familiarization tour of the Philippines. Our tour had two legs – Manila and Davao. DOt and tPB have been active in promoting various Philippine destinations to show that there are literally thousands of islands more to visit aside from Palawan and Boracay, which are both lording it over when it comes to polls on Best Islands or Best Destinations. I’ve been to Davao City multiple times in the past, but the last one was around 20 years ago so I was just as excited as my colleagues to see what’s new in the city dubbed as the largest in the country in terms of land area. And if you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of years – breaking news! – Davao City has been hogging the national limelight because it is home to the first elected Philippine President from Mindanao. Such was the lure of Davao that even the Ambassadors tour this year brought more than 200 delegates from the United States to the King City of the South. Many are curious about the hometown of the current president, who served as mayor of this city for 3 three-term periods – from 1988 to 1998, 2001 to 2010 and 2013 to 2016. We had a packed itinerary expertly prepared by the tPB representatives led by Michelle Alcantara and Albert Gadia who joined us in both legs of the tour. We spent about 36 hours in Manila upon arrival from New York. the PAL flights that leave JfK before midnight arrive in Manila around 10:00 am, skipping a day. We had an early check in at Marriott Hotel and we had time to freshen up before a heavy brunch, then proceeding to Manila for a quick stop at rizal Park and a tour of Intramuros, the walled city. Marivic Cometa, our tour guide, was armed with intricate knowledge, historic trivia, facts and figures and she made sure that we were not just walking down memory lane, we were also re-learning our history. We also had an abbreviated visit at the San Agustin Museum adjacent to the church as we looked at some of vestments worn by friars back then along with ivory hands of religious images and relics from the Galleon trade. We crossed the street to Casa Manila for an ultimate throwback, to the days when rich filipinos or Spanish familias owned the
biggest houses in the city. Davao City During the welcome dinner tendered by the city government and attended by numerous city and tourism officials led by tourism Operations Officer Generose tecson, our hosts made sure that we felt right at home. Our city guide this time, an affable guy named ervin, made sure that we were filled with information and stories. It was through him that I first heard of the phrase “martial love” as he explained that Davao residents call martial law that. We also met with Department of tourism regional Director roberto Alabado III at a bustling seafood place similar to the shrimp and crab restaurants that have become famous across California in recent years. We learned that Davao City is represented by four icons: the Philippine eagle, Waling-waling, Durian and Mount Apo, each one with its own bragging rights. the Philippine eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle (they dropped the moniker because of the violence it connotes) or the great Philippine eagle, one of the three largest eagles in the world. It is said that Davao City (which shares territorial jurisdiction with North Cotabato over Mt. Apo) is now the last remaining habitat for this critically endangered species. Waling-waling on the other hand is called the “Queen of Philippine Orchids”. It is the rarest, most beautiful and most expensive among the thousands of orchid species in the country. And who doesn’t know durian? We sometimes see this “King of fruits” sold on the streets of Chinatown in NYC. People we asked either love or hate this fruit with a passion. Others refuse to eat it and are turned off by the distinctively strong odor of the fruit. there are plenty of souvenir stores selling durian byproducts such as pies, tarts, candies or even coffee. Mount Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines - that much we learned from our geography lessons back in grade school. Little did we know then that it is a dormant volcano located between Davao City, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato. Our Davao leg felt rushed, but we only had a few days so our schedules were filled. Hijo Plantation Resort Located about an hour and an half drive from Davao City is Hijo resort and Banana Plantation, one of the oldest banana and coconut plantations in the country. It has now evolved into a resort catering to the modern and environmentally conscious traveller. We toured the sprawling beach, cruised along Madaum river passing through mangroves and finally went through the lush and verdant forest and plantation and to relieve stress, practiced target shooting and ax throwing. It was like being on the set of Jurassic Park but instead of t-rex and his velociraptor
friends welcoming us, long-tailed macaque monkeys and wild boars did as this was home, their natural habitat. Hijo is the first and only eco-agri tourism destination in the Philippines so far. the resort offers 23 bedrooms and villas and they are committed to promoting conservation, sustainability and harmony by providing their guests an extraordinary travel experience. the group had a great time at this tour, learning how bananas are exported to Japan, Korea and other countries the same day that they are harvested in tagum. We returned to the city for a quick visit to the Magsaysay Park where we caught a glimpse of the city’s rich history and culture through the Kadayawan Village, home of the 11 tribes of Davao City. replicas of these indigenous peoples’ traditional houses stand side by side as representatives showcase their tribes’ ingenuity and craftsmanship. A quick visit to the night market and the Aldevinco in the city center allowed us to buy more trinkets, memorabilia and pasalubong to our friends and family. from malong to necklaces, medallions to wallets, shirts to pearls, Aldevinco remains as the place to be. Pearl Farm & Samal Islandhopping Samal Island, an island city situated immediately off the city’s coast in the Davao Gulf is popular for its scenic beaches. With a 116-kilometer stretch of beach (72 miles), the island boasts of around 70 resorts. Pearl farm, of course, is the crown jewel here. We stayed at the Samal House, those beautifully designed homes on stilts overlooking the pristine waters. each suite has a balcony with really comfortable seating and I imagine myself with a cup of coffee and a good book with the perfect Davao Gulf view. too bad we didn’t have enough time to do that but I figure those on vacation will find this activity hard to beat. With two private beaches, two pools, a spa, a game center and a restaurant that serves great food, Pearl farm is a dream vacation waiting to happen. Add to that the variety of water activities the resort’s Aqua Sports Center offers and we have a deal. Adventure seekers will truly enjoy jet skiing, windsurfing and snorkeling as they hop from one area to the other. While no longer an actual pearl farm, the area is still famous for their meter-long cultured clams and the more adventurous in our group had a fun and noisy time in exploring the coral reefs and giant clams of the Davao Gulf. for larger families and clans celebrating milestone events such as weddings or anniversaries, the villas at the Pearl farm are a must. Designed by famous architect Bobby Manosa, these three-story villas offer amazing views of the water no matter where you choose to sit – by the spacious living room area or on the third floor bedroom. Chocolate Museum I personally would have wanted more time to explore Malagos Garden resort and the
Scenes in Manila and Davao, from the festive airport to hotels and malls adorned with Christmas ornaments. The group arrived a few days after the major ASEAN events in Manila, particularly this one taken in Intramuros. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
Philippine eagle foundation and Nature Center, a twin destination where visitors and their families can enjoy a full day exploring both sites. entering the Malagos Chocolate Museum was an experience like no other. I can smell chocolate wafting in the air as we were introduced to the history of the place and how it has been coming up with high quality chocolate worthy of global awards. the 230-square meter museum is a must-visit when in Davao so one can witness and experience the “tree to bar” concept. the cacao beans are harvested from the 30-hectare property across the resort. Our guide told us that the rich soil and favorable climate in the area make it ideal to grow cacao, particularly the ‘trinitario’ (a cross between the Criollo and forastero) which is considered one of the finest cocoa beans in the world. I suddenly remembered tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga in one of his talks in Boston years ago where he said that Switzerland does not produce any cacao beans and yet Swiss chocolates are top of mind. that actually got stuck in my mind and since then, I have found myself looking for chocolates made from Philippine cocoa beans. I’ve seen quite a few brands that made it big – theo and Philo, risa, Hiraya, among others, joining Malagos on the list. these filipino brands are now purveyors of ethically-sourced cacao beans made into craft or artisanal chocolates, joining a handful of American companies such as Askinosie in promoting and raising the profile of Philippine cacao beans globally. In recent years, Malagos has hogged the headlines for winning awards in various categories. At the Salon du Chocolat, Mondial du Chocolat and du Cacao (Paris Chocolate Show) in Porte de Versailles, Paris, france, the cacao beans from Malagos were chosen as one of the best 50 samples from a total of 166 samples received from 40 countries for
its 2017 edition. this was also the first year that the Philippines has participated at the Salon du Chocolat, which makes the victory of being included in the best list taste even sweeter. Imagine a generation of young filipinos now who can brag that some of the world’s best chocolates can be found in the Philippines. Make no mistake, we still love the local chocolates we grew up with – flat tops, Curly tops, Chocnut, Cloud 9 – in fact, we still buy them in filipino stores when we get a chance. We were transformed into kids as the tour organizers told us we were going to make our own chocolates. they ushered us into a chocolate laboratory, gave us aprons, hairnets and a tray where we’d put our key ingredients. I chose dried ginger, dried mangoes and pili nuts for my chocolate collection. It is a fun and enjoyable activity for the entire family, and it is just one of the many activities that can be done at the sprawling resort, which is also an accredited wildlife farm. It is home to butterflies, indigenous birds and other species as well as a collection of flowering plants, orchids and fruit trees. Food & People In the end, it will boil down to the food and the people – the reason why a trip to the Philippines is always fun and memorable. from Marriott Manila’s sumptuous buffet spread to Grind Bistro’s inventive offerings to Seda’s pomelo salad and Hijo’s farm-to-table fare at the Spot; from Café romulo’s classic filipino favorites to Dampa’s seafood delights to the dishes served on the boat or overlooking the islands – we enjoyed eating authentic regional cuisine as well as tasting our traditional favorites, those that we rarely get to devour. then the people we met – tPB reps Michelle and Gadia, our guides Marivic and ervin, Jobelle and her team at Belle Horizon, among others – who made sure
Department of Tourism Regional Director Roberto Alabado III
that the schedules they set were followed, and always gave beyond what was expected. As overseas filipinos, we will always go back to the Philippines no matter what. Chances are however, that we will only be spending time with friends and family in Manila or wherever we come from. Why don’t we allot an extra few days so we can also visit what the rest of the Philippines offers, those islands that we only get to see on international travel magazines getting top awards and those ones that are harder to get through but are gems nonetheless. An extra 3 to 4 days could allow you to see the islands – Boracay and Palawan are both an hour plane ride away, or if the highlands are your thing, tagaytay or Baguio. Or better yet, hop on a plane for that 80-minute ride to Davao and bask under the glorious sun on the white sand beaches of Pearl farm and when you’re tired, trek the forest and enjoy the mountainside at Hijo resorts or Malagos and commune with nature. this kind of trip is perfect for couples who are honeymooning or even for those who just want a romantic getaway, great for families who want to have some bonding time activities away from Netflix and Playstation and a major booster for individuals who may be feeling a little low due to a variety of reasons.
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ElIgIBIlITY for benefits under Section 3 of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) is based on a mathematical formula, where you subtract from the child’s age the length of time it took USCIS to process and approve the petition. You take the date the petition is filed, and the date it was approved. How long did it take USCIS to approve the petition? Three months? Six months? One year? Next, you wait (sometimes many years) until the priority date is current (or visa is available). How old is the “child” when the priority date finally becomes current? You subtract from the child’s age the length of time it took the USCIS to process and approve the petition. If the child’s age is calculated to still be under 21, your child could possibly qualify under the CSPA. However, parents sometimes do things that could mess up their child’s CSPA eligibility: 1. Don’t ask UsCIs to “expedite” the approval of the petition! Under the mathematical calculation, the longer USCIS takes to approve a petition, the more time you can subtract from the child’s age when the priority date becomes current. The faster the USCIS approves a petition, the less time you can subtract from the child’s age. If USCIS took three months to approve the petition, you can only subtract three months from the child’s age. If USCIS took two years to approve
Things that can mess up your child’s Cspa eligibility the petition, you can subtract two years from the child’s age. Therefore it is always better, for CSPA purposes, for the USCIS to take longer to approve the petition. 2. Your child must “seek to acquire a visa” within one year of when the priority date is current. Not only does a child’s age have to be under 21, but the child must also “seek to acquire” a visa within one year of availability. This is done by filing certain forms with either USCIS or NVC. In other words, CSPA eligibility is a two – step process. There have been many cases where the child’s age was calculated to be under 21 years of age, but the parents messed up by failing to satisfy the second step of “seeking to acquire” the visa for the child within one year of visa availability. 3. Don’t naturalize after your child’s 21st birthday if he or she is Cspa eligible. If your child’s age is calculated to be under 21 and the child seeks to acquire a visa within one year, the child’s age is “locked in” as a minor. However, if the parent thereafter naturalizes after the child’s 21st birthday, the child’s CSPA eligibility is destroyed. I know of several cases where the child qualified under the CSPA: the age was locked in, and the only thing left was the visa interview. But the parent went out and naturalized, which destroyed CSPA eligibility.
Inquirer.net
ONCE upon a time, in their younger years, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and action star Robin Padilla met on a movie set and fell deeply in love. But unlike a romantic movie bound for a lovely ending, their story just didn’t have a happy ever after. It was exactly 26 years ago
when their 1991 smash hit “Maging Sino Ka Man” stormed the cinemas. Just like their characters Carding and Monique, they were simply a match made in heaven. To their fans’ delight, their on-screen team-up immediately turned into into a real-life relationship. In fact, they fell in love so hard that they almost married each
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There have been published court decisions specifically holding that if the parent naturalizes after the child’s 21st birthday, the child is no longer eligible under the CSPA. My point is that the CSPA can sometimes be a confusing and complex law. What may seem to make sense (such as rushing the approval of a petition) can actually be harmful to a case. Before you act as your own attorney, giving yourself advice, and making up your own laws and rules, you should, instead, consult with an attorney to make sure you’re doing it correctly and are properly strategizing the case. ***
Michael J. Gurfinkel 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 reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com 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)
Caregiver petition allows Isaac to be reunited with his children in the U.S. as green card holders. Driven by the desire to improve his life for his children’s sake, Isaac (left) jumped ship when his ship docked at Los Angeles in 2007. Fortunately, he found an employer who was willing to petition him as a caregiver. The employer’s petition was approved, but Isaac still had to wait several more years before his priority date was current and he was eligible for a green card. All that time, Isaac could not return to the Philippines due to his immigration status. But he still made that sacrifice, knowing it was the right way to do. For him, it was better to wait, if everything was done properly and legally. Isaac knew he was in capable hands under the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, who helped obtain green cards for Isaac and his two young sons. Watch this happy family reunion on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA
JOSHUA was excited with his new job at the inn. It sure beats having to herd sheep this time of the year when the cold nights chilled his bones on the hillside pasture where he tended his family’s small herd of sheep and other. But it was only recently that cattle. The job fell to his younger the Megastar felt comfortable brother this time. enough to talk about why her Jacob, the owner of the village marriage to Robin just didn’t inn was his father’s friend who had happen. asked if Joshua could help him What’s more, they didn’t keep mind the inn for a little while as he the talk of marriage just between and his wife will be going on a long themselves. journey. Jacob liked and trusted Robin made the plans formal Joshua like the son he never had. by asking for Sharon’s hand from The young man was a good worker her father, the late Pasay City and a natural who quickly picked up Continued on Page 4 the ropes of the business.
Sharon reveals why she and ‘great love’ Robin didn’t get married by Clarizel abanilla
An Asian Journal Magazine
A Christmas story: The innkeeper’s untold tale “As he told the story of that wondrous night to Luke, Joshua carefully removed himself from the narrative. It was to be between him and God alone and God alone.” Not long after, Jacob and his wife left for their journey to the town north of the country where they were born many miles away to comply with the Roman emperor Augustus’ decree that everyone be counted for the census. It was for the purpose of taxing the people of nations the Romans had conquered. Few, if any, in Israel dared disobey the mighty Roman Empire’s edicts. The inn was busy. People for miles around were on the
move going back to their own hometowns. The brisk business brought by overnight travellers in their otherwise sleepy town tired him out. Yet, he felt pretty proud of himself of the work he was doing. Today, just before sundown, he had filled the 12 modestly furnished rooms with tired and hungry travellers. He thought of meeting up with his shepherd friends in the pasture once he had turned over the inn’s affairs to the night attendant. He had heard his Continued on Page 5
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On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places
An in-depth review of the 2017 international beauty pageants
BoBBy T. yalong FiliPinos, as well as millions of beauty pageants enthusiasts around the world, constantly find beauty competitions as alternative entertainment with relevant positivity and obliging advocacy. Just like basketball, boxing, teleseryes, and the advent of the internet, pageantry becomes a serious way of fecund life and an isochronous social episode. The Philippine zealots and beauty contest experts gradually gained prominence in the pageant arena that was formerly dominated by Caucasians, Whites, and latinas. lately, the Philippines has earned the reputation as the world’s pageant powerhouse after stamping a remarkable feat in almost all major international beauty competitions. in the current Pageant Powerhouse Ranking (countries that best performed from the last 5 years) the Philippines has consistently held the top slot for two consecutive years (2016-2017) following our delegates’ bagging the most coveted titles in the Big Five: Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss international, Miss Earth, and Miss supranational. For a couple of years, the Philippines was also named Country of the Year (CoY) having proven its stature as the best performing country in all major (and even minor) pageants for a particular period. But behind all the glamorous titles and prestigious honor beauty pageant winners brought home to their countries, a number of protesters (especially groups that rally in the wake of the protection of feminine standard and exploitation) consistently fight against this long running social tradition. They find the system irrelevant and a form of sexism. Their battlecry merely fall on deaf ears though, for the internationally instituted beauty contests had all the more gained global reputation and general acceptance proving that beauty competitions are strappingly germane and of interest to society. For an attention-grabbing virtual reality let’s take a look at the existing record the Philippines has kept
EMPLOYMENT
Robin Padilla and Sharon Cuneta
Inquirer.net photo
sharon reveals why she... From Page 3
Mayor Pablo Cuneta, and the rest of the family – and it sounded final. “Dumating sa point na tapos na ’yung ‘Maging sino Ka Man’,” sharon said at the recently concluded thanksgiving digital conference of their latest reunion movie, “Unexpectedly Yours.” “Matagal naming tinago ’yun, di ’ba?” she went on. “For years, walang may alam na ganun pala Miss Reina Hispanicaamericano Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Miss Tourism International 2017 Mr. Gay World 2017 John Nel-Peters kami umabot kaseryoso. He talked 2017 Teresita Ssen Marquez Jannie Loudette Alipo-on Raspado to my father na hiningi na ‘yung for the year 2017 in every beauty kamay ko. Ang kapal. Hinihintay na pageant be it the Big Five or minor lang ‘yung annulment ko [laughs]. events not necessarily less esteemed There was my extended family or lesser in magnitude. – my Mama Helen [Gamboa].” Let’s start with Miss Asia noticing Robin as he tried to Pacific World 2017- formed in hide his face in his jacket, sharon 2010 with headquarters in Seoul, said: “Huwag ka na magtago. Di Korea Venue: Monkey Beach Club ilo, na kita sisiraan, one-time big time Peru lang. Pinrotektahan pa kita kahit Date: May 27, 17 gusto kitang patayin [laughs].” Edition: 7th it may have devastated her number of delegates : 54 before, but sharon now just laughs Winner: Beatrice Andrada at the memory of having to back (Philippines) out from marrying her “Maging Miss Teen International 2017 sino Ka Man” leading man because – Established in 1993 by Enrique someone else was pregnant. Gonzales and later acquired by “in fairness naman, marami Nikhil Anand of India. Miss Grand International winner Ma. Jose Lora of Peru with Elizabeth Cienci of the Phil. as 2nd Runner-up Venue: Playhouse Theater naman siyang ginawa para ’di ko @ suan lum night Bazaar Hotel Cruz dela Sierra, Bolivia generally malaman,” sharon said. “Sabi ko: Winner: Maria Jose lora (Peru) Bangkok, Thailand participated in by Latin American ‘Paano ‘yun kung naging magPhilippine standing: Elizabeth Date: september 23, 2017 countries but in 2017, Canada, the asawa tayo tapos nalaman ko, Clenci (2nd Runner-up) Edition: 9th Philippines, and Australia were Miss Earth 2017. paano ‘yun?’ Sabe niya: ‘Wala ka na number of delegates: 15 invited to join. Manila-based international magagawa. Asawa na kita eh.” Winner: Kathleen Patron of the Venue: sta. Cruz, Bolivia environmental-themed beauty in one moment, sharon could Philippines Date: november 4, 2017 pageant established in 2001. not contain her laughter as she note: This is the 4th title for Edition: 26th Venue: Mall of Asia Arena Pasay reminisced their history. the Philippines having won it first number of delegates: 20 City, Philippines “Ready na ‘yung trahe de boda by nikita Conwi (2009), Charmaine Winner: Teresita ssen Marquez Date: november 4, 2017 Hong (2010), and Anjelica nicole ko,” she said. “Aba, may buntis.” (Philippines) (first Phil. Delegate) Edition: 17th Hernandez (2011), three years in a Previously married to her Miss International 2017number of delegates: 86 row. Created in 1960 in Long Beach, Winner: Jenny Kim (Korea) original on-screen partner Gabby Miss Grand international California and currently headed Philippine standing: Chanel Concepcion, sharon confessed 2017-Bangkok,Thailand-based by Akemi Shimomura. olive (Top 10) that she thought Robin would be beauty pageant established in Venue: Tokyo, Japan note: Titles won by the the one to fill the place of her ex2013 Date: november 14, 2017 Philippines: Karla Henry (2008), husband. Venue: Ganh Dau, Vietnam Edition: 57th Jamie Herrell (2014), and Angelia “We were dead serious about Date: october 25, 2017 number of delegates: 68 ong (2015). getting married,” she said. “We Edition: 5th Winner: Kevin lilliana Reina Hispanoamericana were very much in love. Parang number of delegates: 90 2017- Established in 1991 in Sta. Continued on Page 6
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nahanap ko na eh ‘yung eksakto sa kin. ‘Yun pala hindi. Circumstances, bata pa kasi kami. He’s a couple of years younger than i am. Medyo nag-so-sow pa siya ng wild oats niya. i had to hide from everybody how brokenhearted i was because i really loved him very much.” on the flip side, sharon lifted Robin by attesting that among all the men who told her they loved her, she knew it was Robin who loved her the most. Moreover, the sharon-Robin story did not end just yet as it still had a few more chapters. “But i also naman know that, among everybody who said they loved me, Robin really loved me naman to the stars and back. ‘Di lang natuloy because may mga pangyayaring hindi inaasahan,” she said. “Tsaka marami pong chapter ‘yun ah after [laughs]. Hindi naman kami natapos dun. May mga continuation pa din, pero naudlot pa rin. Nakulong pa.” of course, both sharon and Robin did not reveal any names. However, based on the timeline of events, it appears that the pregnant girl sharon was referring to was Robin’s ex-wife liezl sicangco. in another laugh moment at the end of their thanksgiving digicon, Robin was going through their overseas screenings. When he mentioned “Australia,” sharon said “Diyan kita nabuko.” liezl and her kids lived in Australia during her children’s growing years. “Unexpectedly Yours” has now broken box-office records for earning P157 million in gross sales as of Dec. 10. Directed by Cathy GarciaMolina, the movie is currently showing in cinemas both nationwide and worldwide.
Triumphs and tragedies of 2017
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY D EC E M B E R 1 5, 20 1 7
Health@Heart BY MONET
LU
TODAY I woke up with a smile on my face. Christmas is 18 days away, as of this writing! The sound of Christmas music and the cold winter breeze brushing against my face made sure I remember that. But aside from the stark reminder that I only have a few days to “wrap-up’ my Christmas list, I realize that this is the best time to take a moment and remember the things that have happened this year. I’ve rounded up a few of the good – and the not-so-good – things that have happened in 2017. Religious communities come together 2017 was a tough year but it was also filled with a number of significant milestones. One of them was the time churches and synagogues offered space, money, and helping hands—raising more than a million dollars to rebuild a mosque’s in Texas which was burned out in January. The Victoria Islamic Center have broken ground in May and by September they were distributing emergency supplies to victims of Hurricane Harvey. Such remarkable generosity that’s enough to restore our faith in humanity. Surely, this event made this year really memorable. Notable scientific advancements Innovations in 2017 include a treatment for ALS and a device to help regrow skin for burn victims. Remember that challenge where your friends and family tag you to pour a bucket of ice-cold water on yourself and you pass along the challenge until everybody you know has done it and the whole thing goes viral – but for a good cause? Yes, I am talking about the ALS ice bucket challenge. And 2017 is the year that it led to real progress in treating and curing the disease. ALS is a rare, lethal disease where motor nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord are damaged and killed by the body’s glial cells, leading to atrophy, paralysis, and eventually death from respiratory failure. After the famed “ice bucket challenge” helped raise money to research a cure, Israeli scientists at Ben-Gurion University found a way to stop the increased activity of glial
PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS
cells, restoring the nervous system’s immune defenses and increasing life expectancy, The Times of Israel reported. Another medical innovation that happened this year was the development of “SkinGun” which is designed to help damaged skin regrow with no scars. Burns are painful to treat and often leave behind obvious scarring which makes this device “heaven-sent.” As of writing, the device is awaiting FDA approval, but has already proven successful for patients in both the U.S. and Germany, according to Newsweek. Taiwanese court rules in favor of same-sex marriage While it was in 2015 when the Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage as legal in all 50 states, it was only in 2017 that Taiwan followed suit. Taiwan’s constitutional court has ruled that the country’s civil laws barring same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, giving the legislature two years to fix current laws or enact new ones allowing gay marriage which would make the island nation the first in Asia to do so. If you remember the LGBTQ community rejoicing (so colorfully) when it was officially announced two years ago, it wouldn’t take much for you to imagine how they would have received the news over there in Taiwan. That’s definitely something they can cross off their 2017 bucket list! A cancer drug breakthrough Any medical advancement or a way to extend life is always good news. Much more if it’s a cure for
A Christmas story... From Page 5 shepherd friends on night watch talk about an unusually bright star that has been moving in the heavens for many nights now. They said it was a spectacle to behold and he wanted to see it for himself. The rumor buzzing around town was that the soothsayers in King Herod’s palace studying the unusual heavenly display were cowering in fear, loathe to tell the king the meaning of the unusual star. Eventually, they had to tell the king for nothing escapes him. Herod did not suffer fools gladly. The prophecy will come to pass. The king to rule all kings was to be born very soon within the kingdom. It was no wonder King Herod was in a vicious mood. Joshua thought the ruthless king would remove all threats to his kingship by all means fair or foul. It was bad enough he had to bow to the superior might of the Roman conquerors who had allowed him to be king within his territory. Just as Joshua was about to lock up for the night, a couple came in. The man, visibly tired and leaning on his staff with one hand, was supporting the woman who was heavy with child with his other hand. The woman looked to be in some pain. Still, Joshua noted the stately calm, grace and beauty about her. There was this mysterious glow. The man asked Joshua for a room and told him his wife was about to give birth. to be in some pain. Still, Joshua noted the stately calm, grace and beauty about her. There was this mysterious glow. The man asked Joshua for a room and told him his wife was about to give birth. Alas, the last room has been let and Joshua told him so. Joshua glanced at the woman and his heart was filled with pity. He thought quickly of his own home for them to stay for the night but it was some distance away. He had to think and act quickly. It looks like the woman was about to give birth at any moment. Joshua had seen to his own mother at childbirth. He had helped his own father deliver some of his brothers himself. “Maybe, I have something for you. It’s not much but it would get you through this cold night at least,” he told the couple. “Come
with me.” Joshua gathered some blankets and sheets quickly. He gave instructions to his attendant to heat water. He then gathered food and other provisions. He moved in haste leading the couple to an empty stable a few yards at the back of the inn. Earlier in the day before the sun was up, he took to clearing the stable himself. He didn’t know why he did it. But now he was glad he did so. He thought the squalid stable with its walls and roof can shield this poor couple from the cold night as the woman delivers her child. Joshua gave the man the blankets and clean sheets, the warm water and some extra oil for the lamp to burn through the night. He set a makeshift table for the bread, fish and wine and lit the lamp in one corner. He moved quickly as he helped the man make his wife comfortable. He could see the woman’s face etched in pain for the birth pangs seem to be stronger now. Beads of sweat lined the woman’s brow. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to meet up with his friends tonight. Somehow he knew his place was right here where he was needed for the long night ahead. Just before he went back to the inn to fetch a few more things, he said to them, “I’m Joshua. Let me know if you need anything else.” The man replied, “I’m Joseph and this is Mary. Thank you. You have done more than you can possibly know. The Lord’s light burns bright in you.” Mary looked up at Joshua and smiled through her pain. For as long as he lived, Joshua will never forget that smile. Mary’s child was born that night. Joshua could not remember a night more filled with wonder, mystery and myriad points of light. It was a night like no other. Joshua’s entire being was engulfed with the mystery happening before his very eyes. He remembered Mary wrapping her child gently in swaddling clothes and placing the child in a manger. The child was bathed in light. The whole stable was filled with warmth. Even the animals in the stable were subdued, eying the child in the manger. Soft, sweet music seem to emanate from a choir of angels above the stable
cancer. This year, for the first time, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug to treat any tumor sharing certain genetic characteristics — regardless of cancer type. For years, doctors focused on treating cancer cells depending on where they were in the body. Pembrolizumab (known by its brand name Keytruda) is an immunotherapy drug that blocks the cancer cell’s ability to protect itself from the body’s immune system. Cheers to 2017: the year we found a way to beat the Big-C! Mass shootings, disasters and bombing Incidents There were triumphs in 2017 but there were also tragedies and news that broke our hearts – and will take a while for us to forget. From Texas to Florida to Puerto Rico, Las Vegas and England, the pain was like a nightmare – except it was real. It all happened before our eyes. The extent of the suffering was unfathomable. Houston and Florida are still reeling from sequential hurricanes. Puerto Rico hasn’t gotten to its feet in the wake of Maria. The people of Charlottesville, Virginia watched hate march into town and take one of their own–an event from which they’re still recovering, families (of the victims) of the Manchester bombing incident were still healing from the tragedy that struck them when six months later, a man hauled a cache of weapons into a hotel room in Las Vegas and unleashed a hailstorm of death on concertgoers below, killing dozens and wounding hundreds. I can only wish that these Continued on Page 5 and a sweet heavenly fragrance wafted through the air. Joshua’s shepherd friends came to visit the child. How could they have known? They told him that an angel had given them the good news of great joy. Angels led the shepherds to the stable where they found the child. Filled with awe, they knelt before the child who was to be king. Later on that night, three men garbed in royal splendor and bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh travelling from afar, came to pay the child homage. They had been following the bright star hovering about the heavens for many nights leading them to that dusty town called Bethlehem. Many years had passed since that night yet Joshua, now much older, remembers every detail clearly. His memory of the wonder of that night stayed with him. He had remained the innkeeper. Over the years, he had struck a friendship with a quiet, scholarly man named Luke. He was a physician who was a regular guest at the inn. He observed that the thoughtful Luke was always writing in rolls of papyrus in his room. Not wanting to keep the wonders of that night to remain a secret and be forgotten when he passed, Joshua told the story to Luke. He told every detail. As he did so, Joshua carefully removed himself from the narrative. It was to be between him and God alone. Since that night of mystery and wonder, Joshua’s life was never the same again. The light of that bright night burned in his soul forever. He could not have known at the time he was a quiet witness to the unfolding of the greatest mystery on earth. *** May everyday of our lives be filled with the wonder of Christmas Day. May true gratitude and humility transform the hearts of all, specially, of the young ones who may hOnly God’s light can defeat the darkness that threatens to engulf the soul. Take heart. God is in charge. Above all, may Christmas fill our hearts and homes with the myriad points of light, love and joy throughout our lives. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
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THE Christmas season is upon us once more and feasting has already started. As we indulge and enjoy the food galore, it behooves us to stay away from foods that are unhealthy, which will eventually cause us harm in the future. Some of these items that are hazardous to our health include refined sugars, artificial sugars, processed meats/ vegetables/fruits, potato chips, and soft drinks of any kind. These beverages are very toxic to our body but, unfortunately, the damage is not immediately evident. Junk foods like hamburger and French fries are fine if consumed occasionally, like once a month or less. Here are some other unsafe food items to watch out for in order to truly enjoy the holidays: Poorly cooked pork/seafood Unlike beef, which could be eaten rare or medium, pork is safe only when fully cooked, especially in barbeque form. Improperly cooked pork could lead to a microworm infestation called trichinosis, where the tiny roundworms enter the muscles, even in the eyelids, the heart, etc. and pose a danger not only to health but to life. Eating raw seafood, like oysters, mussels, shrimp, fish, can also cause bacterial infection, like salmonella, not to mention hepatitis. Unhygienic food handlers (including all of us) can contaminate the food and cause Staphylococcus food poisoning, Shigella, and an E. coli infection (from fecal contamination of food and or water), leading to severe
Unhealthy foods
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains. Even leftover rice, if not refrigerated, and if it is kept covered airtight in a warm environment, can cause Bacillus cereus to thrive, multiply, and produce chemical toxins, resulting in food poisoning. Rice is best consumed within 24-48 hours. When leftover rice appears moist or sticky, and/or smells spoiled, it should be discarded. Microwave popcorn A recent UCLA study reports that chemicals (one of them perfluorooctanoic acid – PFOA) in the inner surface (lining) of the bag are compounds that may be a culprit in the development of infertility in humans. The findings also stated that these chemicals vaporize at high temperatures, seep into the popcorn, and can cause cancer of the liver, pancreas, and testicles, as they accumulate in the body over time until they reach the toxic level years later. Manufacturers, like Dupont, have promised to phase out PFOA by 2015 under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s voluntary plan. In the meantime, pop your own corn in a skillet. Canned tomatoes Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic estrogen, is in the resin linings of tin cans. The acidic nature of tomatoes causes this chemical to leach into the tomatoes. BPA has been linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and suppression of sperm production and chromosomal damage. This report was filed by Fredrick Vom Saal, Ph.D., an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri. The best option is fresh (organic, if possible) or bottled tomatoes. As far as organic fruits and vegetables are concerned, their shelf-life is also longer than the conventional ones.
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Farmed salmon “Nature didn’t intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers,” stated David Carpenter, MD, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University at Albany in a major study in the journal Science on contamination of fish. As a result, farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, antibiotics, brominated flame retardants, pesticides such as dioxin and DDT, according to Dr. Carpenter. The wild-caught Alaskan salmon, even canned, is a good option for salmon lovers. Corn-fed beef To fatten cattle for better profit, commercial farmers feed them corn and soybeans. A new comprehensive study by the US Department of Agriculture and Clemens University found that “compared with corn-fed beef, grass-fed beef is higher in beta-carotene, vitamin E, omega-3s, conjugated linoleic acid, calcium, magnesium, and potassium; lower in inflammatory omega-6s, and lower in saturated fats. Better option: beef from grass-fed cattle, stipulated on the packaging label. Non-organic potatoes Conventional (non-organic) potatoes are treated with fungicides and herbicides. Root vegetables like potatoes also absorb these chemicals that pollute the soil. No matter how much you wash non-organic potatoes, you will never get rid of the chemical contamination because the chemicals are in the flesh. While organic potatoes (grown without the use of any chemicals) are a bit more expensive, they are the healthier Continued on Page 5
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Filipino-American Christmas holiday party in Madison, WI Filipino-Americans in the Madison, Wisconsin area will come together to celebrate Paskong Pinoy, honoring traditions and people in a culture-rich gathering with song, dance and food. PAMANA invites you to Paskong Pinoy 2017 on Saturday, December 16, 5pm, at Turner Hall, 3001 S. Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI. Enjoy the Christmas party showcasing Filipino culture, music and hospitality. “Mano po, Ninong, mano po, Ninang.” Sound familiar? We hear this phrase in the Philippines more and more often as Christmas approaches. “Ninong” and “Ninang” are the Filipino words for godparent. In the Philippines, part of a Ninong (godfather) or Ninang (godmother) job is to give gifts to their godchildren during Christmas. We will re-introduce this Filipino tradition at Paskong Pinoy 2017. Parents, please bring a secret gift for our PAMANA Ninong and Ninang to give to your daughter or son. Be sure to write your child’s name on the gift. To help in the planning, please RSVP online at www. pamanamadison.org/events. Guests who registered by December 10, 2017 will be entered in a drawing for two movie gift certificates! (Board and committee members are ineligible in the drawing.) Bring a family-favorite dish to share for this potluck party. The recommended size is at least 10 servings (half a pan), or enough for your family, whichever is greater. Admission to the party is free. Donations are welcome. The suggested donation is $5/individual or $10/family. This will help defray costs for the event expenses. You can also make a generous tax-deductible donation at $100 or more. For more information or if you have any questions, email pamana.madison@gmail.com or call the event chair at (920) 747-0068.
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Ateneo de Naga High School Class ’67 celebrates 50th anniversary in Naga City The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) High School Class 1967 is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017 from December 27 to 29 with various activities lined up for its 153 alumni members. (ADNU is a leading Jesuit university in the Bicol region located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines). The activities include the publication of its 50thAnniversary Yearbook, a coffee table book which features the individual life stories of the class members after high school, tributes to their mentors, and various articles about school life in the 1960s. Also scheduled for the middle of the year is a golf tournament which — aside from fostering camaraderie — will essentially be a fund-raising activity for planned alumni projects such as a medical mission to a remote provincial town, scholarships, and donations for other worthy causes. This year’s reunion will be at the ADNU main campus in Naga City with various fun and commemorative activities lined up for the occasion. All batch members, wherever they are domiciled, including those residing in foreign countries, especially those in the USA and Canada, are enjoined to contribute their life story articles for the anniversary book as soon as possible, to participate in the various identified activities and outreach projects, and attend the grand homecoming in December. For coordination and for details about the events and activities, please email or call up any of the following batch members: Jojo de Jesus (email: jvdejesus6@yahoo.com; cell: 09772114750); Nilo Ezequiel (email: nilo. ezequiel0977@gmail.com; cell: 09257200926; Antonio Sibulo, MD (email: assjrmd@gmail. com).
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Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA Global Law Centers will be hosting an immigration forum on Thursday, December 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be held at Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801); admission is FREE. The forum is about employment-based immigration, information regarding fast-track work visas ( H-1B1, TN, E-3), green card by Marriage, familybased immigration, employment sponsorship for green card, and work visas after graduation. Candidates with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visas issues are encouraged to attend for FREE immigration consultation & immigration assistance. For more information, please contact Global Law Centers at (714) 657-7460 or www.globallawcenters.com.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
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Derek Ramsay, Jennylyn Mercado reunite in new movie by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
EVEN Quantum films producer Joji Alonso (with MJM as coproducer) can’t pinpoint the “magic” of the Derek Ramsay-Jennylyn Mercado tandem, now on its second coming in All Of You, one of the eight official entries in the 2017 Metro Manila film festival (MMff). “It’s hard to explain their chemistry,” Joji texted funfare. “I cannot explain where it is from and how it started. But when I watch them onscreen, they completely evolve into their characters that I don’t see Jen and Derek anymore. They ignite so much fire together whether in their love scenes or in their petty fights. In fact, it is in their quiet moments together that they really soar.” Moviegoers must have felt that “magic” in “English Only, Please” (EOP), the sleeper smash-hit of the 2014 MMff declared Second Best Picture and that won Best Actor and Best Actress for Derek and Jennylyn, Best Director for Dan Villegas (who also won Best Story with girlfriend Antoinette Jadaone), Best Editor for Marya Ignacio, and Best Screenplay (for Jadaone and Anj Pessumal). Nope, there’s no pretense nor gimmickry romantically linking Derek and Jennylyn who, in real life, are committed to other partners, she to Dennis Trillo and he to his
Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay
non-showbiz girlfriend. It’s the same “magic” behind the tandem of Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon who are credible as lovers (in more than 12 films) onscreen but are only friends off screen. for sure, the public will see more of that “magic” in “All Of You”, also directed by Dan. In “EOP”, Derek and Jennylyn were “tame” and in “All Of You”, they have love scenes so passionate and so searing (nakakapaso) that Jennylyn would rather that Dennis not watch the movie, same with Derek who is thankful that his love son is 10 years old and too young to be admitted into any moviehouses. Again a second choice (replacing Jericho, Jennylyn’s leading man in the 2016 MMff entry “Walang forever”), Derek doesn’t really mind as long as he’s the final (and right, may I add)
Triumphs and tragedies... From Page 5 tragedies will unite humankind and and make us stronger than ever. • Increase in suicidal rates If there’s one very important reality that we can take away from Linkin Park’s vocals Chester Bennington and Audioslave lead singer Chris Cornell’s death (which both coincidentally happened in 2017), it is the disarming fact that suicide is not predictable. It could happen to anyone, whether you’re an ordinary citizen or you’re an award-winning famous celebrity. As documented in a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates have been increasing since 2000 after decades of decline. The World Health
Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds. Death is sad no matter how or when it happens. It is my hope that we will all cherish every moment we spend with our loved ones because we don’t know if and we’d still get to spend another year with them. Every passing year is an opportunity to remember and be thankful for what we have accomplished, even the things that we didn’t get to do. Because both
Philstar.com photo
choice. In “All Of You”, Derek and Jennylyn are “two souls” with conflicting views on love and marriage, preventing them from going into a serious commitment. “I am the opposite of my character,” said Derek who described himself as “highly committed” (may be read as “one-woman man”). Asked if he’s faithful (to one), Derek replied, “Of course, I am. When you are committed to someone, you have to be.” Derek disabused the thought of some who suspect that he gets carried away in his love scenes. “Not at all. I respect my partner in love scenes.” He added that, although he finds Jennylyn “beautiful and attractive,” what makes her more sexy is her maturity. “Nothing physical at all,” added Derek.
are reminders that we still have a lot to live for and a reason to thank The Man upstairs for giving us another year to make up and move forward. As we celebrate the holidays ushering us towards the end of 2017, may we all take a moment to reflect and be grateful. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com
ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com. And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event. To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice. The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.
Asian Food Festival at 99 Ranch Market New Jersey stores: Take your pick of anything If you are a fan of Asian foods, please don’t miss out our Asian food festival at 99 Ranch Market Edison and Jersey City stores. Our amazing Asian food festival will continue through this week to 12/21 still with your favorite Asian items like snacks, drinks, ramen, cake, fresh vegetable, seafood and other unique products that you wish to buy home. We hope to guide you the shopper to the road of ultimate tastiness. Snacks and drinks We always cannot forget about snacks and drinks. Try out seaweed, Pocky biscuit sticks, Nongshim shrimp flavored cracker, Calbee Potato chips, SKK dafuku, Bourbon cookies and Imuraya sweet castilla. Our shoppers in particular love these specialty snacks! When it comes to drinks, Calpico drinks, Ito En Tea drinks, and GuDao tea. If you’re looking for a kick, our stores also proudly carry a festive selection of beer and sake. Noodles and Sauce Scour our aisles and sampling tables for different kinds of noodles, such as Sun ramen with selected varieties taste, Saunukiya bowl noodle, Maruchan Akai Kitsune Udon, and Ajinomoto Gyoza. for those who are
looking for a quick and easy lunch, many of our aforementioned items come with tasty prepackage seasonings and toppings. When it comes to sauce, it is impossible not to mention Kikkoman’s soy sauce, Ve Wong soy sauce and Kadoya sesame oil. fresh Produce, seafood and meat We stock a great assortment of the freshest fruit and vegetables, such as Korean Shingo pear, dragon fruit, daikon and king oyster mushroom. Moreover, smoked duck, pork spare ribs and white shrimp would be the best choice for you to prepare a delicious dinner! All promotional events are planned for beloved customers like you. Be sure to bring your friends and family, and participate in the free weekend food tastings, which will take place on October 21st - 22nd. We look forward to seeing you soon at 99 Ranch Market New Jersey stores. Edison store: 561 U.S 1, Edison, NJ 08817 Call: 732-819-8889 Jersey City store: 420 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 Call: 201-536-8899 (Advertising Supplement)
AiAi de las Alas, Gerald Sibayan tie the knot fIRST-rate comedienne AiAi de las Alas and her fiancé of three years, Gerald Sibayan, wed in a star-studded ceremony at the Christ the King Church in Green Meadows, Quezon City on Tuesday, Dec. 12. As reported by The Manila Times Entertainment columnist Lhar Santiago, the “Comedy Queen” turned very emotional during the wedding march. “Ai cried while marching. She told me earlier that she was feeling nervous and she didn’t know why. Mixed emotions daw. She’s happy and nervous, and very beautiful,” Santiago relayed in a text message. The couple’s wedding organizer, Teena Barretto, likewise shared on Instagram delas Alas’ thoughts before walking down the aisle. Just as she told Santiago, Barretto quoted the bride, “Sobrang saya ko. Kinakabahan ako ngayon pero hindi ko alam kung bakit ako kinakaban, pero napakasaya ko.” The star-studded entourage included Megastar Sharon Cuneta as Matron of honor and included such big name celebrities as Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez, Alden Richards, Piolo Pascual, Randy Santiago, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Pops fernandez and Eugene Domingo. De las Alas’ longtime manager Boy Abunda, meanwhile, led the principal sponsors, along with GMA Network Chairman and CEO felipe Gozon, movie producers Lily Monteverde and Tony Tuviera, veteran actress and Batangas Representative Vilma Santos, showbiz columnist Lolit Solis, and former Ilocos Governor
With 30 years between them, no one thought the love story of comedy actress AiAi de las Alas, now 53, and Gerald Sibayan, 23, will have a happily ever after, but on Tuesday, Dec. 12, the couple of three years happily exchanged “I do’s” at the Christ the King Church in Greenmeadows, Quezon City.
Chavit Singson, among others. The Comedy Queen’s son Sancho walked her down the aisle. One of the 53-year-old actress’ two children by exhusband Miguel Vera, Sancho had played badminton with now 23-year-old Sibayan at De La Salle University. The groom and delas Alas were already a couple when he graduated from college with a Sports Management degree at the same university. As of press time, the wedding reception is still ongoing at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in
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(Indonesia) Philippine standing: Mariel De Leon failed to qualify Note: The Philippines holds the distinction of winning 6 titles: Gemma Cruz-Araneta (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Mimilanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016). Miss World 2017 – Considered the oldest running international beauty pageant established in 1951 by Eric Morley Venue: Sanya, China Date: November 18, 2017 Edition: 67th Number of delegates: 118 Winner: Manushi Chillar (India) Philippine standing: Laura Lehman (Top 40) Note: The Philippines almost made it in 1973 when our representative Evangeline Pascual finished first Runner-up to Marjorie Wallace who was stripped off of her crown due to non-compliance and fulfillment of duties. The position was offered to Evangeline (minus the title) but she refused). It was only in 2013 when Megan Lynn Young brought home the first ever Miss World crown. Miss Universe 2017 - Established in Long Beach, California in 1952 and its first winner was Armi Helena Kuusela of Finland who married Filipino businessman Virgilio Hilario. Venue: Axis @ Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas Date: November 23, 2017 Edition: 66th Number of delegates: 92 Winner: Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (South Africa) Philippine standing: Rachel Peters (Top 10) Note: The Philippines has won 3 titles: Gloria Aspillera Diaz (1969),
Margarita Moran (1974) and Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (2015)… with three Miss Universe editions held in Manila: 1974 (Winner: Amparo Munoz), 1994 (Winner: Sushmita Sen) and 2016 (Winner: Iris Mittenaere) Miss Asia Pacific International 2017- Originally established in 1968 as Miss Asia Quest and later rebranded as Miss Asia Pacific Quest but subsequently renamed Miss Asia Pacific International in 2006. Venue: Newport Performing Arts Theater @ Resorts World, Manila Date: November 30, 2017 Edition: 49th Number of delegates: Winner: francielly Ouriques of Brazil Philippine placement: Ilene de Vera finished 4th Runner-up Note: former Philippine winners: Inez Zaragoza (1983). Gloria Dimayacyac (1982), Lorna Legaspi (1989), and Michelle Aldana (1993). Miss Supranational 2017 – Established in 2009 in Plock, Poland Venue: Poland Date: Dec. 1, 2017 Edition: 9th Number of delegates: 65 Winner: Jenny Kim (Korea) Philippine standing: Chanel Olive (Top 10) Note: Philippine representative Mutya Datul was crowned winner in 2013 during its 5th Edition. Miss Tourism International 2017 – Established in 1994 in Kuching, Malaysia with current headquarters in Kuala, Lumpur. Venue: Petaling Jaya, Kuala, Lumpur Date: December 6, 2017 Edition: 20th Number of delegates: 48 Winner: Jannie Loudette Alipoon (Philippines)
Taguig City. On the way there, the new Mrs. Sibayan posted their photo in the bridal car via Instagram with the caption, “first couplie namin as husband and wife wohooooo congrats darl kinasal ka na hahaa @gerald_sibayan.” She also posted their photo with the cast and director of her GMA Network noontime show, “Sunday Pinasaya” with the caption, “Sunday Pinasaya family thank you so much.” In previous interviews, the actress said they would spend their honeymoon in Europe. Note: The Philippines had previously won 3 titles already: Maria Esperanza Manzano (2000), Rizzini Alexis Gomez (2012), and Angeli Dione Gomez (2013) World Miss Tourism Ambassador 2017 – Manila-based international beauty contest Venue: One Canvas, Makati City Date: December 9, 2017 Edition: first Number of delegates: 43 Winner: Aibedullina Talliya (Russia) Philippine standing: Karen Eje (Top 11) After years that women had reigned the beauty pageant stage, their masculine counterparts are raring to hog the spotlight, invade the same euphoric status, and claim the fame they feel they rightfully deserve. The relevance of beauty pageants broke loose to open equal opportunity for male aspirants. Although infrequent and seemingly odd pageant enthusiasts welcomed the idea and later male pageantry became an interesting slice of life. Originally a bodybuilding match, now the mushrooming men-related beauty contests are gaining their relevant distinction and struggling side by side with already established international beauty pageants for women.. Here are the 2017 results of actively operating male personality and talent competition: Mr. International 2017 – Founded in 2006 in Singapore by Alan Sim as organized by Graviera, a clothing company. Venue: The Stage @ Asiatique the Riverfront Bangkok, Thailand Date: february 13, 2017 Edition: 11th Number of delegates: Winner: Paul Iskandor (Lebanon) Philippine standing: Miguel Guia (Top 16) Note: The Philippines won the title in 2014 courtesy of Neil Perez Continued on Page 7
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Why Charice & Jake have one star each on Walk of Fame by Ricky Lo Philstar.com
SOME people have been wondering (rather, “puzzled”) why Charice was given another star during the recent 12th anniversary of Walk Of Fame (WOF), the pet project of the late German “Kuya Germs” Moreno which is being continued by his son Federico Moreno as president of the WOF Foundation. “This time,” Federico explained, “the star is for Jake Zyrus as a show of support to the LGBT community.”(Jake Zyrus is Charice’s name as a “man.”) “The WOF Board of Trustees inducted Mr. Jake Zyrus also for his exemplary career in the music industry.” Federico added that the criteria for induction into the WOF are, 1). Must have reached the epitome of success in the entertainment industry and 2). Must have contributed a positive impact and must have helped in the growth of the entertainment industry. Those at the event were visibly moved when Mommy Gwapa with son-in-law Arnel Cowley received the star for daughter Isabel Granada (who died of aneurysm in Qatar last Nov. 4), one of the posthumous inductees together with Chichay,
MiLo SeveRo Philstar.com
Maning Borlaza, Joe Taruc and Eddie Romero. Federico recalled that his dad almost gave up his dream to build a Philippine counterpart of Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame. “It was a struggle and my dad almost walked away from it,” said Federico. “Among those who have been quietly helping my dad from the beginning is Tita Alice (Eduardo, CEO of Sta. Elena Construction). WOF wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Tita Alice. My dad wanted to give her a star but Tita Alice begged off.” Alice was the last person
Unhealthy foods From Page 5 alternative. Non-organic fruits and vegetables The same chemical contamination is found in nonorganic fruits and vegetables. Those with skin or rind are better protected. After washing them, peel the skin, like in apples, bananas, papaya, oranges, lanzones, pineapple, carrots, radish, squash, upo, patola, etc. Those which are eaten as a whole, fruits like the various berries, prunes, grapes, and vegetables like lettuce, beans, etc., obviously contain more contamination and should be thoroughly washed. Again, organic, where possible, is the choice. Milk with artificial hormones To increase milk production, producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST), which exposes the cow to have udder infection and even pus in the milk. At the same time, it also leads to higher levels of insulinlike growth hormone factor (IGF-1) in milk, which, in some people, might “increase the risk for the development of cancer of the breast, prostate and colon,” according to Rick North, former CEO of the Oregon Division of the American Cancer Society who is now an advocate for food safety. While this quoted statement is still not proven 100 percent IGF-1 in milk is “banned in industrialized countries.” Healthy food items Included in the list of health
foods that provide nutrition and also boost our immune systems are: oatmeal, fresh vegetables (all plant-based varieties), like green leafy vegetables for salads, broccoli, legumes, fish, nuts, pomegranates, mangosteen, rambutan, watermelon, peaches, avocados, berries of all kinds, various spices common in the kitchen, like garlic, onions, curry, turmeric, pepper, olive oil, dark chocolates, red wine, coffee, green tea. Also, please do not text and drive, unless you want to meet God sooner. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** 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
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Mr. Gay World 2017 - Founded in 2008 with headquarters in Australia by Eric Butter (Australia), Dean Nelson (Canada), and Tore Aasheim (Norway). Venue: Madrid, Spain Date: May 5, 2015 Edition: 9th Number of delegates: 40 Winner: John Raspado (Philippines) Mr. World 2017 – A biennial male beauty pageant sponsored by Miss World Organization founded in 1996 with headquarters in London, UK under Julia Morley. Venue: Southport, England Date: July 19, 2016 Edition: 9th Number of delegates: 46 Winner: Rohit Khandelwal (India) Philippine standing: Sam Adjani only won in a Team Extreme Challenge Mr. United Continents 201617 – Manila-based male beauty pageant organized by Melvin Alvaran and Rodell Salvador in 2015 to be held every two years. Venue: Tanghalan Pasigueno, Pasig City Date: July 22, 2016 Edition: 2nd. Number of delegates: 16 Winner: Mohit Singh (India) Philippine standing: Issa Janda resigned prior the final competition due to unsettled dispute with the organizers. Note: The 3rd Edition will be held on January 29, 2018 in Pangasinan. Man of the World 2017 – Manila-based male contest
Vice Ganda prefers doing blockbusters than acting awards by Jan
One star for Charice (left) and another star for Jake Zyrus.
established just a year ago, Venue: One Esplanade Pasay City Date: July 28, 2017 Edition: First Number of delegates: 28 Winner: Mostafa Galal Elizali (Egypt) Philippine standing: Chriz Dulagan (Top 10 Semi-finalist) 2017 Manhunt International – Established in Singapore in 1993 by Alex Liu Venue: Siam Pavalai Royal Grand Theater, Bangkok, Thailand Date: November 27, 2017 Edition: 24th Number of delegates: 40 Winner: Kingsley Truong (Vietnam) Philippine standing: Daniel Azurin (semi-finalist). Note: Philippine delegate June Macasaet was crowned Mr. Manhunt International in 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand besting 53 candidates, the biggest number of delegates. Mr. Supranational 2017Established in 2016 by Miss Supranational Organization. Venue: Krynica Zdroj, Poland Date: December 2, 2017 Edition: 2nd Number of delegates: 34 Winner: Gabriel Correa (Venezuela) Philippine standing: Yves Campos (Top 20) Lastly, nobody and nothing imaginable could impede the progression of male power in the international pageant arena since every participating country readily supports its own representative. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo. com
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whom Kuya Germs had talked to (on the phone) before he died. “Tita Alice was then in the States. My dad wanted to call her. As soon as the plane from the U.S. landed,Tita Alice called my dad. It was his last phone call.” The other inductees were: Regal Matriarch Lily Monteverde, Karen Davila, Empoy Marquez, Atom Araullo, Anthony Taberna, Parokya ni Edgar, Matteo Guidicelli, Solenn Heussaff, Freddie Santos, Kris Bernal, Joe D’Mango, Mely Tagasa, and Tulfo brothers Mon and Erwin. The event was hosted by Jackielou Blanco and Kuya Germs’ nephew John Nite.
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AFTER not making it at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) last year, comedian Vice Ganda will return to the big screen on Christmas Day with his MMFF entry, “The Revenger Squad,” with co-stars Daniel Padilla and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. In a recent digital conference held at ABS-CBN, Vice was asked what he will choose: doing a blockbuster movie or an acting award? Vice chose “doing blockbusters” because he does not consider himself a good actor. “Hindi naman ako magaling umarte eh. Nakakatawa lang siguro ako. Ayokong i-claim na ang galing kong actor. Mas gusto kong sabihin ng mga tao na ‘nakakatawa ang pelikula mo.’ Ayoko ding mag-pretend na ako ay magaling at mahusay na actor. Ang gusto ko lang ay magpasaya at ‘pag pinapanood nila ‘yung patawa ko ay tumatawa sila. Nandoon sa akin ang achievement,” the “It’s Showtime” host said. Vice said he is happy that his
Vice Ganda stars in the MMFF entry “The Revenger Squad.” Philstar.com photo
film is included in this year’s film fest. The “Gandang Gabi Vice” host added he will not hesitate to join yearly in the MMFF. “Iba-iba kasi ang taste ng tao so marahil iba ang taste nila last year, iba ‘yung taste nila ngayon. So ngayon sa taste ng bagong jury
pasado ‘yung material namin kaya pumasok kami. Hindi naman din nila sinabi kung bakit kami pumasa.” Since Vice’s film competes against others like “Panday,” he said his film’s new dynamics will make the movie more competitive. “Ang laban namin, bago ang dynamics namin. Pia, Daniel, Vice. Sobrang bago. Sa mga nakalipas na panahon, meron na kaming naitanim sa mga manonood na magagandang experience.” “Ngayon pa lang kine-claim na naming na success ito hindi lang para sa amin pero pati na rin sa mga manonood na hindi sila malulugi pag pinanood nila yung pelikula namin,” he assured. For “The Revenger Squad,” Vice said he made sure that they did not recycle jokes from his past movies. “I always make sure na ‘yung comedy ko, nasasabayan kung ano ang uso, ano ang trip ng tao, so every year iba-iba, kung ano ‘yung relevant. Ngayon may kinalaman ‘to sa mga kaganapan ngayon. ‘Yung punch line namin current so bago!”
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY DEcEmbER 15, 2017