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Volume 24 - No. 48 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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DATELINE SF’s first Asian American mayor, Ed Lee, passes at 65 from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

P r A i s e D a s a trailblazer and voice for civil rights, ed lee, m a y o r o f s a n fra n c i sc o a n d friend of the city’s filipino-American community, passed away on tuesday, December 12, at the age of 65. l e e p a s s e d San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee away at 1:11 a.m. at Zuckerberg General hospital 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 edwin m. lee

december 15-21, 2017

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 ev-

erybody 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 declaring a nationwide martial law, Duterte noted that he would listen to the recommendation of the military and the police. “to what extent, what level of atrocities or attacks? it is not for 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 me to say that, it is for the Armed week after President Duterte declared the city free of terrorists.

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Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

Supreme Court junks Robredo supporters’ bid to shoulder her counter-protest fees

PAGE A2

by AJPress

Catering hall owner, manager indicted for forced labor, visa fraud

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

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 Cusu PAGE A3 toms enforcement’s (iCe) homeland security inSEIZED. President Rodrigo Duterte inspects the firearms recovered from the terrorists who laid siege in Marawi City during the ceremonial vestigations (hsi) new York. demilitarization of confiscated, surrendered, and recovered firearms at the Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA) Grandstand in Fort Andres ralph Colamussi, 61, of east northport, nY Bonifacio, Taguig City on December 13. Also in the photo are Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary and roberto Villanueva, 60, residing in the PhilipDelfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Rey Guerrero.

Malacañang photo by Marcelino Pascua pines, 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. the two now face charges of forced labor and visa fraud, the federal government said on monday, Decemby AJPress ber 11. each one is being charged with conspiring to AheAD of the Philippine sim- parol lighting event held at the engage in forced labor of immigrants and visa bang Gabi tradition that com- Philippine Center in new York on fraud, as well as related substantive counts, fraud mences this week, Philippine tuesday, December 5, Dela rosa in foreign labor contracting and fraudulent inducenational Police (PnP) Chief asked filipinos there to pray for ment of aliens to enter and remain in the united Director ronald “Bato” Dela rosa the police’s success in its return states in violation of law. has asked the filipino-American to the government’s anti-illegal The fundraising campaign was meant help Vice President Leni Robredo Both defendants were arrested monday morncommunity in new York for the drugs campaign. shoulder the legal fees involved in the election protest filed against ing and will be arraigned before united states “sana ay isama niyo kami sa her by former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. gift of prayer.

PAGE A3 PNP Chief Director Ronald Dela Rosa Inquirer.net photo in his message during the PAGE A2 Inquirer.net photo

PNP chief asks Fil-Ams to pray for a drug-free PH

Aquino justifies ‘rushed’ procurement of Dengvaxia Pacquiao warned to not

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Senator Richard Gordon (left), chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, greets former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino (right) III before the start of the hearing on the P3.5 billion worth of questionable dengue vaccines that had been administered by the Department of Health (DOH) to 280,000 students nationwide allegedly without passing through World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification requirements.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

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 were set to expire before 2016.

negotiate fight vs. McGregor

“if by December 31, you do not utilize these unutilized funds, it reverts back to the national treasury, then how do you fund it? You 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 bud- “ H a p py Th a n ksg i v i n g ! Stay fi t my f r i e n d . get deliberations. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma,” “if you do not do this at this Pacquiao posted on Twitter and Instagram, using

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by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

As fans of the filipino eight-division world boxing champion manny Pacquiao get excited over recent hints of him getting back in the ring, names of who he will fight have yet to be finalized. ultimate fighting Championship (ufC) boss Dana White made it clear though that “the notorious” Conor mcGregor was not going to be it. following reports that a possible match between Pacquiao and the irish boxer were in the works, White shot them down and threatened that legal action against Pacquiao and top rank Promotions would

McGregor’s social media handle last Nov. 23.

www.TravelTradeConsumer.com Asian Journal’s series of annual events showcasing tourism, trade, and business opportunities in the USA and Philippines.

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From the Front Page

PNP chief asks Fil-Ams to pray for a...

PAGE A1 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. n

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...

PAGE A1

Forces (AFP) and the police,” he said.

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 Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, Aquilino Pimentel III, Grace Poe, Ralph Recto, Tito Sotto, Joel Villanueva, and Migz Zubiri.

Those who voted against the extension, meanwhile, were Senators Bam Aquino, Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, and Francis 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.

“The president cited the NPA for the first time in this extension, the NPA was not cited in [the] original request,” Drilon pointed out.

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 Constitu-

tion, 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.

He continued, “However, as the situation developed later on, ISISinspired groups in Mindanao…the reports now, they are actively recruiting again some of the Muslim youths in the area and that is why we are seeing that the rebellion has not stopped, it just moved to another place.” n

SF’s first Asian American mayor, Ed Lee...

PAGE A1 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 condo-

lences 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 PAGE A3

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Dateline USa

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • dECEmbER 15-21, 2017

SF’s first Asian American mayor, Ed Lee...

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

Aquino justifies ‘rushed’ procurement...

PAGE A1 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, obligating P3.5 billion for the vaccination program.

“I’m sorry Mr. President, na natapat lang. December 1, nagmeeting kayo sa Paris tapos biglang dumating kagad ito at natanggap kagad ang Saro at narelease yung pera later on (I’m sorry, Mr. President, it was a coincidence.

December 1, you met in Paris then the Saro was released and the funds were issued later on),” Gordon said.

Former Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad was about to answer when Aquino requested to explain the situation himself, which Gordon acknowledged.

“The choice is simple. We can implement it at this point in time for the protection – or wait at least a year as minimum and expose our people to a risk that could have been prevented because of this vaccine,” Aquino said.

“I just want to state for the record, what we had then, none of this warning on November 2017,”

he added.

The president was referring to Sanofi Pasteur’s recent study showing that its vaccine could lead to “more severe” cases of dengue when administered to previously 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 reporters.

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

Catering hall owner, manager indicted...

PAGE A1 Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields.

“As alleged, Colamussi and Villanueva lured immigrants from the Philippines 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.”

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 victimcentered, 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 Colamussi 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 visas, attending school one day a week.

When the workers objected to performing certain jobs or working consecutive shifts, Colamussi and Villanueva threatened to report them to immigration authorities.

Colamussi had many workers whose visas had expired living in the basement of his home in East Northport, New York, and working for him off the books.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, Colamussi and Villanueva face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for forced labor and conspiracy to commit forced labor, 10 years for visa fraud and fraud in foreign labor contracting, and five years for conspiracy to commit visa fraud and inducement of an alien to illegally enter and reside in the United States. Defendants also face forfeiture of all proceeds and the house in East Northport where the immigrants lived in the basement.

(Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

Supreme Court junks Robredo supporters...

PAGE A1 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 Lim-Yuson,

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 anti-poverty program, Angat Buhay.

“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 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

the fight by posting a photo of McGregor on Instagram and Twitter along with a caption that read, “Happy Thanksgiving! Stay fit my friend. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma”.

Bob Arum, chief executive officer of Top Rank Promotions, commented on the situation Saturday night by calling it “old news”.

“Is it true that Pacquiao reached out to McGregor? Yes, but it’s old news,” said Arum to reporters of Fight Hype.

“If I promoted that fight, I would tell everybody upfront, ‘Guess what, it’s not a f*cking fight. It’s a spectacle,’” he added. “If you want a spectacle, you can watch it. But one thing I would be sure of is Manny wouldn’t carry McGregor the way the other guy did.”

McGregor’s last fight resulted in an upsetting tenth round loss

to the undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather who also took took a win over Pacquiao in 2015 via a 12-round unanimous decision.

Pacquiao’s last fight was in July of this year where he lost against Brisbane, Australia’s Jeff Horn, thus also losing his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

But even if a McGregor-Pacquiao bout doesn’t happen — which White has said won’t — fans of Pacquiao may still get to see the Filipino boxer in the ring next year.

“Siguro mga January malalaman natin (Maybe we can know

by January),” said Pacquiao to ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo.

“By April, may laban na (There will be a match by April),” he added. n

Pacquiao warned to not negotiate...

PAGE A1 be made if reports are true.

“That would be weird because he’s [Conor’s] under contract with us,” White told ESPN. “If that’s true, I will be suing Manny Pacquiao and whoever’s representing him. So I’m assuming that’s not true.”

On Friday, December 8, Pacquiao said he had opened talks to fight McGregor in April, after his legislative duties finish.

“If we can negotiate it, I have no problem. It is OK with both of us,” said Pacquiao when asked about it.

Answering questions on whether he had already reached out to McGregor’s handlers for a possible fight, Pacquiao told AFP, “initially, but we have yet had any follow-up conversations”.

Just last month, Pacquiao teased

PAGE A2 friend, Mayor Ed Lee. I’ll always be grateful for his leadership 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 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.) also took to Twitter and said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. He was a fierce advocate for civil rights and worked tirelessly for workers’ rights and his leadership will be missed. Keeping the mayor’s family in my prayers during this difficult time.”

Having been a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors where he served as chair of the Technology and Innovation Task Force, Lee was known to have a close relationship with the tech world.

TechCrunch described Lee as an “advocate to attract and keep tech companies in the city, luring them away from Silicon Valley in the South and also choosing San Francisco as their starting point.”

The tech news site recalled Lee once telling them he visited a different tech company each week.

Leaders from the Asian American community also sent their condolences, reflecting on their experiences with Lee. Assessor Carmen Chu who is also Chinese American and a daughter of immigrants said, “I remember how proud I was to support and see San Francisco elect its first Asian American Mayor. He is at the same time a friend and mentor and I will miss him.”

San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim shared how when she first met him in 2001 when he was the Director of Public Works, Lee would personally deliver cleaning supplies every Saturday morning to youth leaders.

“He was always friendly, humble and a dedicated public servant committed to getting things done,” said Kim. California Asian Pacific Islander Caucus (APILC) Chair and Assemblymember Rob Bonta (DOakland) called Lee a “stalwart leader for civil rights.”

“His leadership will leave a lasting legacy for Californians for generations to come. But before anything else, Mayor Lee was a good person with a big, warm heart,” said Bonta.

Assemblymember Evan Low (DSilicon Valley) who serves as APILC’s parliamentarian described

A

Lee as an “incredible leader, mentor, trailblazer, advocate, and most importantly, a wonderful friend”, while Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco) described Lee as a “devoted public servant who just got things done with a deep love for our city.”

“Mayor Lee worked tirelessly to improve the lives of every San Franciscan during time of both great prosperity and extreme hardship, and his legacy will persist in the years to come,” said Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).

Friend of SF Fil-Am community “The Filipino community has a long and storied history in the city of San Francisco,” said Lee in a June statement when he earmarked $150,000 for the Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco called SOMA Pilipinas.

“These investments signify our commitment to preserving the neighborhood as the cultural, economic and social core Filipinos in the city and the families and seniors who call it home,” Lee added.

These remarks for the Filipino community were common during his term, as Lee often tweeted photos of himself participating in community events.

Just last month, Lee praised the monthly Filipino Night Market in San Francisco, calling it “the best party that has ever happened at the old mint” as reported by Balitang America.

“I think it’s incredible, but to give it that energy with the Filipino culture, the family of the modern artists, with some of the traditional things they want to present, performances… I think this is a really great use of an old building but also a special thing for San Francisco, of our Filipino community coming out.”

Lee is survived by his wife Anita, and his two daughters Brianna and Tania.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors President London Breed has stepped in as acting mayor and is the city’s first black female to take the position. A vote on who will assume mayorship will come in the following weeks.

The Lying in State of Mayor Lee will take place on Friday, December 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while the memorial celebration will be held on Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. Both events are open to the public and will be held at the Rotunda of the San Francisco City Hall. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Impeachment complaint against Morales fails to get endorsement

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

FILED BUT NOT ENDORSED. Eligio Mallari, president of Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution (VACC), shows a copy of the impeachment complaint filed against Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales. The complainants said that while “multitudes” of lawmakers promised to endorse the complaint, no one has signed the complaint.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Sereno camp: Justices’ testimonies are only opinions, not grounds for impeachment

by AJPress THE camp of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes sereno on Tuesday, December 12, dismissed the testimonies of four supreme Court (sC) justices as mere “personal opinions” and could not serve as grounds for the chief magistrate’s impeachment.

In a statement, Atty. Jojo Lacanilao, one of sereno’s spokespersons, lamented how the testimonies of the four sC justices against the chief justice were “colored” by their personal sentiments.

“Their testimonies reflected personal opinions of the justices on matters already decided by the supreme Court en banc,” Lacanilao said.

“Their statements did not prove that the allegations against the Chief Justice were impeachable offenses. It is unfortunate that their (justices) perspectives were colored by their personal sentiments,” he added.

Lacanilao also expressed alarm over their supposed “misrepresentations” during the impeachment hearing, which he claimed were meant to mislead the general public and members of the justice committee.

Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Noel Tijam, and Francis Jardeleza, and retired Associate Justice Arturo

Supreme Court Associate Justices Noel Tijam, Francis Jardeleza, Teresita de Castro, and retired Associate Justice Arturo Brion attended the House justice committee hearing on the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Monday, Dec. 12.

Inquirer.net photo by Noy Morcoso

Brion testified before the House Committee on Justice on Monday, December 11.

During the hearing, they accused sereno of delaying the May 29 request of Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to transfer the trial of Maute cases from Mindanao to Taguig City.

De Castro also said that sereno’s move to assign the Maute cases to herself “showed no respect and courtesy to the Court en banc; while Tijam described chief justice’s move as an “arrogation” upon herself of the power of the court en banc.

The justices also accused sereno of manipulating the shortlist of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) submitted to thenpresident Benigno Aquino III to exclude then-solicitor General Jardeleza.

But Lacanilao insisted that

there is no point in raising the previous issues.

“We do not see the point of raising these issues again. That’s all water under the bridge. Justice Jardeleza was appointed by president Aquino. The sC en banc resolved to grant secretary Aguirre’s request,” Lacanilao stressed.

Lacanilao further claimed that it was absurd to accuse sereno of treason for doing her constitutional duty as ex-officio chair of the JBC. The alleged manipulation of the JBC list and delaying of Aguirre’s request are among the grounds in the impeachment complaint of lawyer Lorenzo Gadon against sereno.

Gadon has accused sereno of culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, high crime and betrayal of public trust. n

SWS: More Filipinos see better life, economy in 2018

by Helen

FloreS Philstar.com

MANILA — More Filipinos are optimistic that their personal quality of life and the economy will get better in 2018, the social Weather stations (sWs) said in its latest survey.

Forty-seven percent of Filipino adults expect their lives to improve in the next 12 months against only four percent who expect it to get worse, yielding a net personal optimism of +42, classified by the sWs as “excellent.”

This was two points above the excellent +40 (44 optimists, four percent pessimists) in June.

The poll was conducted from sept. 23 to 27 using faceto-face interviews of 1,500 adults nationwide. sWs noted that net personal optimism had been excellent (+40 and above) since December 2015, except in March 2017 when it was a very high +36.

The pollster attributed the twopoint rise in net personal optimism nationwide to increases in Mindanao, Metro Manila and the Visayas.

It rose by one grade from very high to excellent in Mindanao, from +37 in June to +46 in september.

It stayed excellent in Metro Manila, up by six points from +46 to +52.

It stayed very high in the Vi-

sayas, up by three points from +36 to +39.

However, net personal optimism fell by one grade from excellent to very high in balance Luzon, from +42 to +39.

Net personal optimism also improved by one grade from very high to excellent in class ABC, up by 14 points from +39 in June to +53 in september.

It stayed excellent in class D, or the masa. It was up by a point from +41 to +42.

It stayed very high in class E, up by a point from +37 to +38.

The september 2017 survey also found nearly half of Filipinos expect a better economy.

It found 43 percent of Filipino adults who are optimistic that the general economy would get better next year while 12 percent feel it would deteriorate, resulting in a net optimism score of +30, also classified as excellent.

This was three points higher than the excellent +27 (39 percent optimistic about the economy, 12 percent pessimistic about the economy) in June.

Net optimism about the economy had been excellent (+20 and above) in all eight surveys since December 2015. sWs said net optimism about the economy remained excellent in all areas.

The four-point rise in national net optimism about the economy was due to increases in Mindanao and Metro Manila, combined

with a steady score in balance Luzon and a slight decline in the Visayas.

It stayed excellent in Mindanao, up by 17 points from +34 in June to +51 in september.

It also remained excellent in Metro Manila, up by three points from +27 to +30.

It stayed at excellent +23 in balance Luzon from June to september.

Net optimism about the economy stayed excellent in the Visayas, despite dropping by three points from +27 in June to +24 in september.

Net optimism about the economy stayed excellent in class ABC, up by 11 points from +22 in June to +33 in september.

It stayed excellent in class E, up by eight points from +25 in June to +32 in september.

It also stayed excellent in class D, from +27 in June to +30 in september. on the change in personal quality of life compared to 12 months ago, the september 2017 survey showed 39 percent believing their lives improved and 19 percent said their lives worsened for record-high net gainers score of +19, classified as very high.

This was two points above the net gainers score of +17 in June, and similar to the record-high +19 in september 2016.

Net gainers had been very high (+10 to +19) in all five surveys since september 2016. n

AFP vows to uphold human rights by

MicHael Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the philippines (AFp) has pledged to uphold “every day” the universal Declaration of Human rights as the world celebrated In-

ternational Human rights Day on sunday, Dec. 10.

In a statement released yesterday, Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFp public affairs office chief, said the military has established human rights offices, from its general

The military has established human rights offices, from its general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City down to the small units in the frontline.

Malacañang photo

headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City down to the small units in the frontline.

“We continue to be transparent in our operations and are willing to cooperate in investigations where verified complaints are brought before us,” he added.

Arevalo also gave assurance that the AFp observes the rules of engagement anchored on human rights, law of armed conflict and the provisions of the 1987 Constitution in all its engagements, from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to civil-military operations and combat operations.

The AFp also holds continuing lectures on human rights and international humanitarian law, he added. n

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 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

Duterte to journalists: I am not your enemy MANILA — Despite the negative publicity his administration has been getting, especially on the issue of extrajudicial killing, president rodrigo Duterte told the media the other night that he trusts and respects freedom of the press.

Duterte assured the Malacañang press Corps (MpC) that he is not media’s enemy.

“Never mind about our relations. It’s always adversarial…

Wala naman tayong galit. We do not fight with each other. I do not hate anybody here or else I would not be inviting you to my place,” Duterte said.

“I am not your enemy,” he

stressed.

Duterte said he recognizes the media’s quest for truth and their job of bringing the news to the people.

“Your quest for truth, that is your business, not mine. At the end of the day, it’s not my property. It’s just public interest. Your truth is not my truth and everybody’s truth…,” he said.

Duterte appealed to media to always present every side of a story.

“There are always two sides of the coin. My truth, your truth and the public perception,”he said.

Duterte hosted a get-together dinner for the MpC last Tuesday evening at the Heroes Hall in

Malacañang.

During the socials, Duterte gamely sang along to his favorite pieces such as “Ikaw,” “MacArthur park” and “You raise Me up.”

Duterte’s confidante, special assistant secretary Christopher Go, also sang a number of songs during the event.

Not to be outdone, presidential Communications operations office Communications secretary Martin Andanar sang “New York, New York” and “American pie.” presidential spokesman Harry roque sang “pare Ko” after some members of the press corps entertained the guests during the gathering. (Philstar.com)

A

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December 15-21, 2017 • Oc/Ie ASIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

United against corruption

Features

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

Demand and Supply

— 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.

As I have learned from Fr. Gel SantoS-reloS 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

“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

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.

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!

“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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Dateline PhiliPPines

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEmbER 15-21, 2017

A

Duterte threatens transport groups: ‘Prepare for truncheons’

by Ian

SEIZED SHABU. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron N. Aquino, PDEA Deputy Director for General Operation Atty. Ruel Lasala and PDEA Regional Office-National Capital Region (PDEA RO-NCR) Director Ismael Fajardo Jr. present two packages containing methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with an estimated street value of PHP57.5 million during a press conference at the PDEA office in Quezon City on Monday, Dec. 11. The packages were declared as Christmas-themed wooden block toys and puzzles when intercepted by task force agents in a cargo office of a delivery courier service in Pasay City.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Joma Sison: NDF remains open to peace talks COMMUNIST Party of the Philippines - National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) said it remains open to talk peace with the government.

“It is wise for the CPP-NDF to remain open to peace negotiations because (if not), the people and the broad united front of patriotic and progressive forces can get rid of the Duterte regime as it got rid of the Marcos and Estrada regimes,” said CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison.

In a statement posted yesterday on the NDF website, Sison described Duterte’s government as a fascist regime.

“But the Duterte administration cannot be too sure if it will last long because the Filipino people and even those in the government detest the monstrous crimes of the regime, especially mass murder, corruption and puppetry to the U.S.,” he said.

CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison

He said the crisis of the ruling system continues to worsen “and the resources of the regime for violence and deception are limited.”

Duterte has issued Proclamation 360 terminating the government and the NDF peace negotiations.

Sison said Duterte and his officials, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, “have been boasting that they are bent on waging a war of suppression to destroy the revolutionary forces of the Filipino people.”

With Duterte’s termination of the peace negotiations and declaration of war against the NDF and its armed-wing New People’s Army (NPA), “the Filipinos and their revolutionary forces are compelled to defend themselves, defeat the government and pursue the people’s democratic revolution,” he said.

Duterte had earlier issued

Philstar.com photo

Dead in 25 years?

PAGE A6 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...

PAGE A6 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)

Proclamation 374 labeling the CPP and the NPA as terrorist organizations.

“The purpose of the Duterte regime is to proscribe the CPPNDF-NPA as a terrorist organization and slander the organization,” Sison said.

He said the government wanted to list down suspected communist officers and members to intimidate, seize and murder them through its “Oplan Tokhang.” (Philstar.com)

nIcolas cIgaral Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte threatened transport groups with military and police force should they continue to defy the government’s planned public utility vehicle modernization program.

“I’m preparing the Armed Forces and the police to buy rubber bullets, prepare for truncheons,’” the president said.

“I don’t care if we go into a turmoil. That is what I like, I thrive best in a turmoil. Talagang guguyurin ko yang sasakyan ninyo. The law is the law is the law,” he added.

Transport groups Stop and Go Coalition and Piston (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide) had staged several nationwide strikes in the past to protest the proposed PUV modernization program.

The strikes had stranded thousands of commuters in urban centers, forcing them to walk and hitch rides while some local governments were prompted to suspend classes in public and private schools.

For decades, the iconic postwar era jeepneys have provided cheap and regular transport for millions.

Citing pollution and safety concerns, the government, is planning to phase out the venerable open-air minibuses aged 15 years or older and replace

In his speech in Malacañang, Duterte singled out Piston and renewed his warning to the group that he will drag their jeepneys in front of them if they continue to oppose the PUV modernization plan.

Philstar.com photo

them with a more environmentfriendly version.

The government admits the plan will be hard to implement, with critics questioning the cost of the rehabilitation program, and many poor drivers and owners saying they can’t afford to take on new loans to buy vehicles.

“Look guys, we all know that we are being killed almost every day slowly. Kita mo naman fumes and you should see Manila at sunset,” Duterte said.

“Those are fumes — carbon

dioxide and all,” he added.

Duterte, a self-styled socialist, earlier accused Piston and other transport groups of committing rebellion and for supposedly being legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Duterte had also said he would not give in to the demands of the drivers, even as Piston leaders threatened to hold strikes every month until he changes his mind on the matter.

He has been rejecting PISTON’s request for dialogue. n

A

December 15-21, 2017 • Oc/Ie ASIAN JOUrNAL

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2 december 15-21 2017

Jonas Gaffud on making beauty queens by

Rae ann VaRona / AJPress

Gaffud and his Aces & Queens squad — which started in the halls of UP diliman where he got his geography degree — has become an institution in the world of pageantry. his first batch of trainees included the then law student Zorayda Ruth Andam, who won Bb. Pilipinas Universe in 2001.

Since then, Gaffud and his squad have helped over 30 beauty queens become winners. his most recent trainees include Miss international 2016 Kylie Verzosa, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Arida who was third in Miss Universe 2013, and of course, Wurtzbach who took home the Miss Universe crown in 2015 in a highly-publicized win.

For the seasoned beauty queen trainer, his interest in the world of pageantry started when he was a kid, and it wasn’t just for the beauty. Gaffud said the stories of the women were a big pull for his interest.

Reading his mother’s magazines during those years is what got him thinking of what he wanted to do in the future, Skin Care Med Spa’s Olivia Quido-Co (center). and after temporarily working in research after university, he decided to pursue his passion of creating beauty queens full time.

So what makes a queen?

“Come to me!” Gaffud told the Asian Journal while laughing. “Get a queen maker!”

Laughs aside, anyone familiar with the industry would indeed agree that beauty pageants are more than just about looking pretty. They entail a lot of hard work which Gaffud details in his book.

“There’s so much work before joining a beauty pageant, and then there’s so much work after winning a beauty pageant,” said Gaffud’s book titled “The Crown: The Essential Guide to Becoming a Beauty Queen”, was released in August of this year and has been described Gaffud, encouraging people to year and has been described as a “crash course into the world of pageantry.” in it are personal stories, industry insights, tried and tested makeup, fitness, and posture tips, and much more — but we shouldn’t give away any spoilers.

The Philippines has long been caught up in pageant-fever. Aside from the major pageants like Binibining Pilipinas, many Filipinos participate in smaller localized pageants, and even smaller pageants are held in schools and workplaces. Then, there are the different pageants for groups like grandparents or the LGBTQ community for example.

As further testament to the popularity, the country holds an impressive track record in placing beauty queens in the top international pageants.

The Philippines has continuously placed in the Miss Universe pageants for the last seven years, and in the 16 years that the Miss earth pageant has been held, the country has only been absent in the top 10 for Miss Universe 2015 PIa Wurtzbach and Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida with O three of those years.

Behind every strong woman is herself, but it doesn’t hurt to receive expert guidance from someone who has proved to produce success. For beauty queens of the Philippines, that someone is Jonas Gaffud, or Mama J, as he’s called in the industry.

Last november 28, beauty queen fans, pageant enthusiasts, and proud Filipinos alike lined up outside of O Skin Care Med

2

Spa in Cerritos, California to meet Gaffud and get a signed copy of his recently released book.

By his side were Miss Universe 2015 winner Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, and Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner Up Ariella “Ara” hernandez Arida, who fans also anticipated to meet.

Gaffud’s book titled “The Crown: The essential Guide to Becoming a Beauty Queen”, was released in August of this

as a “crash course into the world of pageantry.”

Jonas Gaffud

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

look at the beauty queens’ duties after their wins.

Wurtzbach, who was first taken under Gaffud’s coaching in 2012, advocated on hiV awareness after taking the 2015 Miss Universe crown — something she promised to do in her title-winning answer. “he’s very strict,” the model, actress, chef, and UnAidS Goodwill Ambassador told the Asian Journal about Gaffud. “he’ll make you cry, but it will all be worth it anyways,” she added. in the age of social media, beauty queens are also not exempt from the bashing and bullying. Gaffud’s advice is to brush it off, and focus on being happy.

But in all the years of

watching the beauty queens work their way to the top, Gaffud maintains that not much has changed.

“We’ve had strong, classy women, ever since,” said Gaffud.

On answering why beauty pageants and queens are especially big in the Philippines, both Gaffud and Wurtzbach agreed that it was the young women’s journeys that made them special. “i think they’re a symbol of hope, especially in the Philippines,” explained Gaffud.

While Gaffud admits that beauty pageants are a form of entertainment, he said that it’s more than just glitz and glamour.

Pageants offer a glimpse into something that while fantastical, Continued on Page 6

H Mart opens 66th store in Arcadia, CA

by AJ Press International supermarket chain H Mart on Friday, December 8 formally opened its doors in Arcadia, California, to a line of eager customers ready to shop inside the 40,000-square-foot space.

During the grand opening ceremony — which included a ribbon cutting, Chinese Lion Dance, and Korean traditional folk dance — community, business and political leaders spoke about the importance H Mart will serve to the local area.

“Arcadia was recently voted the most business-friendly city in Los Angeles County. People with businesses come from all over the world because Arcadia is a great city,” Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson said in his remarks.

“H Mart is a quality and robust supermarket chain and serves a very diverse community…

Arcadia is honored that H Mart chose [the city] as its very first supermarket in the San Gabriel Valley.”

Located in the San Gabriel Valley, 59 percent of Arcadia’s population is Asian, according to the 2010 U.S. Census — and it’s a number that continues to grow.

“Arcadia is just a great fit for us. It’s very up-and-coming, it’s very international, and it’s very modern,” H Mart President Bri-

H Mart President Brian Kwon (left) and Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson (right) led the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, December 8. AJPress photos courtesy of Ding Carreon

H Mart President Brian Kwon (center) was joined by Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson (center right), Arcadia city councilmembers, representatives from the offices of Rep. Judy Chu and California State Senator Ed Hernandez, and local business and community leaders during the supermarket’s grand opening in Arcadia, Caifornia on Friday, December 8.

an Kwon told the Asian Journal.

“We’ve had a lot of people trying to get [H Mart] to Arcadia for a long time so it worked out and we found the right spot. We’re here and we welcome neighbors to come and give us a try.”

The market boasts fresh meat, fish, poultry, produce and pantry options, directly from its California “warehouse and local farms…to retain and elevate its freshness to meet customers’ needs,” H Mart said. There are also freshly baked goods, ready-

Inside H Mart - Arcadia, which is over 40,000-square-feet

to-serve dishes, and a food alley with several vendors where meals are made-to-order.

Among the culinary options include KSides (ready-made Korean side dishes from japchae noodles to kimchi), Tous Les Jours Bakery (sweet and savory options galore), Okii Okii tea (boba drinks and more refreshments), Cr8zy Buns, Maru Maki Express, Han Kitchen, and Sogongdong Tofu and BBQ. Though H Mart has traditionally featured Korean food and products, its markets have since included other Asian cultures,

and invite other ethnicities inside to get a glimpse. What better way to learn about cultures than through their food and shopping customs?

“Especially nowadays, it’s gotten to the point where people are missing a place in their lives other than work, other than home. Where do people meet or go? We really want to keep the

atmosphere of an Asian cultural market and connecting place so Asians can connect to their roots,” Kwon said. “For people who are not Asian, they get a better feel for authentic Asian culture, not just mass-market Asian culture.”

Founded in 1982 in Woodside, New York, H Mart continues to be a leading international supermarket chain with locations across the United States, Canada and the UK. Carrying on its purpose as a one-stop shop, customers can expect H Mart to open up

in various areas in the coming year.

“We’re going to places where our customers and people who shop at our stores demand us to be. Sometimes we can’t keep up with that demand, but we try our best,” Kwon said, hinting that H Mart’s expansion plans next year include Austin, Texas and other parts of California.

H Mart Arcadia is located at 1101 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA 91007 and is open seven days a week. For more information, please visit www.nj.hmart.com.

H Mart President Brian Kwon (center) receives a proclamation from Arcadia Mayor Peter Amundson (center left) and members of the City Council.

H Mart’s aisles are filled with items across various Asian cultures.

A peek into H Mart - Arcadia’s food alley where dishes are made-toorder

Fresh produce and much more can be found at H Mart.

H Mart President Brian Kwon

A long line of customers formed outside of H Mart - Arcadia ahead of the doors formally opening at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 8.

december 15-21, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

Pro race car driver neil Alberico shares Filipino pride, sets goal to become first Fil-Am in Indycar by rae

ann Varona AJPress

TO those in the world of auto racing, the San clemente-based Indy Lights racer neil Alberico may come off as a classic california guy who spends what little free time he has off-season playing beach volleyball, or catching choice waves with his professional surfer friends.

But if there’s anything else the Filipino-American race car driver is passionate about outside of his racing career, it’s the Philippines, and sharing that meaningful aspect of his life.

Ask him about the country, and he’ll gladly and vividly tell you stories of the many experiences he’s had, whether it be trying local delicacies, digging for huge mud crabs, or using liter coke bottles attached to fishing lines in place of fishing poles.

Despite living in Southern california, the Verizon Indycar Series prospect is no stranger to the Philippines. Alberico has been going to the country since he was just two years old, spending time on Semirara Island in caluya, Antique where his mom nora grew up.

When he went to the Philippines two years ago, he brought along a few of his childhood friends from california, who after hearing about many of his trips to the Philippines, wanted in.

“They wanted the real local experience so we took the boat to

my mom’s island instead of flying the jet. It was like a four-day trip to get there and they were stoked just to kind of see firsthand where my mom came from,” Alberico shared with the Asian Journal.

“It was a really cool experience for me because I got to share with them my heritage and my background,” he added.

As a Fil-Am “ambassador” through the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles, sharing his love for the country comes naturally, which in part stems from having such a close-knit family.

For Alberico, connecting to his Filipino roots means bonding with family. With over 25 first cousins on his mom’s side, Alberico recalled having numerous activity-packed weekends.

He also shared how his mom came to the U.S. at 28 years old to work, sending money back home to the Philippines, and helping her family get the same opportunities by petitioning them to the land of opportunity — something many Filipinos can relate to.

“Being Filipino and going and visiting the islands since I was 2 years old has been a big part of my private life, so to be able to share that with people, and to show people what it means to be Filipino is going to be really cool,” said Alberico.

“Taking my private life and kind of making it public is really exciting for me. It’s something I’m passionate about because it’s who I am,” he added.

Neil with Philippine Department of Tourism - LA Tourism Attaché Richmond Jimenez, Fay Castro (administrative officer) and Jemma Garchitorena (marketing assistant).

Neil finished third at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this past March.

Alberico was in the Philippines this past week amidst the holiday festivities, this time focusing on preparing for next year’s 2018 racing season. He appeared on ABS- cBn’s daily sports talk show “Hardball” to chat about his racing career and introduce himself to fellow Filipinos.

Having recently finished his second consecutive season with carlin Motorsport, Alberico is fully dedicating his off-season towards his goal of racing in the Verizon Indycar Series and its premier Indianapolis 500.

A bonus goal that comes with it? Becoming the first FilipinoAmerican in Indycar since Jovy Marcelo who unfortunately died in a fatal crash while practicing for the 1992 Indy 500.

“I want to be that FilipinoAmerican Indycar driver and try to fly the flag for us,” said Alberico before giving a shout out to his

Neil (middle) with his parents Loren and Nora Alberico

Sharon reveals why she and ‘great love’ Robin didn’t get married

by Clarizel

abanilla 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 other. But it was only recently that the Megastar felt comfortable enough to talk about why her marriage to Robin just didn’t happen.

What’s more, they didn’t keep the talk of marriage just between themselves.

Robin made the plans formal by asking for Sharon’s hand from her father, the late Pasay city 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 kami umabot kaseryoso. He talked to my father na hiningi na ‘yung kamay ko. Ang kapal. Hinihintay na lang ‘yung annulment ko [laughs].

There was my extended family – my Mama Helen [Gamboa].” noticing Robin as he tried to hide his face in his jacket, Sharon said: “Huwag ka na magtago. Di na kita sisiraan, one-time big time lang. Pinrotektahan pa kita kahit gusto kitang patayin [laughs].”

It may have devastated her before, but Sharon now just laughs at the memory of having

Robin Padilla and Sharon Cuneta

to back out from marrying her “Maging Sino Ka Man” leading man because someone else was pregnant.

“In fairness naman, marami naman siyang ginawa para ’di ko malaman,” Sharon said. “Sabi ko: ‘Paano ‘yun kung naging magasawa tayo tapos nalaman ko, paano ‘yun?’ Sabe niya: ‘Wala ka na magagawa. Asawa na kita eh.”

In one moment, Sharon could not contain her laughter as she reminisced their history.

“Ready na ‘yung trahe de boda ko,” she said. “Aba, may buntis.”

Previously married to her original on-screen partner Gabby concepcion, Sharon confessed that she thought Robin would be the one to fill the place of her ex-husband.

“We were dead serious about getting married,” she said.

“We were very much in love.

Parang 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

3

Inquirer.net photo

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.

carlin racing crew.

He added, “I’ve built such a good relationship with those guys over the years, and they’ve been so good to me.”

To keep in shape, Alberico has been working with a number of different people to work on his strengths and weaknesses not only physically, but technically and mentally as well.

In mid-november, he went back to his karting roots and competed in the USA Supernationals superkart race in Las Vegas.

His typical off-season day starts off with getting up between 6 and 7 a.m., eating a nutritious breakfast, and drinking a cup of Bulletproof coffee.

“Diet and nutrition [have] been a big part of my life this off-season,” said Alberico. “Making changes and eating well is a constant reminder of dedicating your life to something and wanting to be better.”

The rest of his day involves spending time at the gym and behind his simulator, or playing some beach volleyball or surfing.

Despite not having driving plans in his upcoming Filipino trip itinerary, Alberico is proud of the country’s car culture.

Other known names in Philippine racing are F1 driver Marlon Stöckinger and Ferrari challenge Asia Pacific winner Angie King.

“I think Filipinos have a really

Indy Lights racer Neil Alberico seeks to enter the Verizon IndyCar Series for 2018.

cool car culture,” said Alberico, noting the country’s particular interest in the import scene. “[B]eing a Mazda driver for the past six years, I think I’m connected well with the whole Mazda scene,” said Alberico who joined the Mazda Road to Indy in 2012.

When time does open up

again for him to go out and explore the Philippines, Alberico hopes to again get his friends together and explore other areas.

“There’s over 7,000 islands. There’s so much to do,” said Alberico, adding that he’s looking forward to surfing and diving during future trips.

december 15-21, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

4

AiAi de las Alas, Gerald Sibayan tie the knot

by ARLo

custodio

ManilaTimes.net

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

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).

With 30 years between them, no one thought the love story of comedy actress AiAi de las Nope, there’s no pretense nor 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 gimmickry romantically linking Greenmeadows, Quezon City.

Derek and Jennylyn who, in real life, are committed to other partners, GMA Network Chairman and CEO husband Miguel Vera, sancho she to Dennis trillo and he to his had played badminton with now Felipe Gozon, movie producers non-showbiz girlfriend. it’s the same Lily Monteverde and tony tuviera, 23-year-old sibayan at De La salle University. the groom and delas veteran actress and Batangas Alas were already a couple when representative Vilma santos, showbiz columnist Lolit solis, and he graduated from college with a sports Management degree at the former ilocos Governor Chavit

by LhAR sAntiAgo same university. singson, among others.

ManilaTimes.net As of press time, the wedding the Comedy Queen’s son POrtrAYiNG a gay role is reception is still ongoing at the sancho walked her down the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in taguig nothing new for Edgar Allan aisle. One of the 53-year-old Guzman. He has done it several City. actress’ two children by extimes before so when the offer On the way there, the new Mrs. sibayan posted their photo in to do another gay character in the Metro Manila Festival finalist the bridal car via instagram with “Deadma Walking,” he gamely the caption, “First couplie namin accepted it. He didn’t realize, as husband and wife wohooooo however, that Mark is a loud, congrats darl kinasal ka na hahaa flamboyant gay. @gerald_sibayan.” “it’s my first time to do a gay she also posted their photo character like that so what i did with the cast and director of her was to look for a peg. And who GMA Network noontime show, else should i turn to but my gay “sunday Pinasaya” with the brother, who is really—well, gay,” caption, “sunday Pinasaya family he chuckled fondly. thank you so much.”

“Don’t get me wrong, i love in previous interviews, the him very much and i am so proud actress said they would spend of him. the whole family has their honeymoon in Europe.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYMENT

Derek Ramsay, Jennylyn Mercado reunite in new movie

Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay

“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) choice. in “All Of You”, Derek and

Philstar.com photo

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 “onewoman 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.

Edgar Allan Guzman on portraying a gay character

EMPLOYMENT

man. “i just observed him—how he talks, moves and how he reacts to certain things. there were times na nag-uusap kami pero yung casual talks lang and i get ideas from there,” EA volunteers.

“Deadma Walking” is the story of two gay best friends—EA’s character Mark and his BFF John, portrayed by Joross Gamboa. Mark is terminally ill and connives with John to stage a fake wake so he gets to hear what people think about him while he’s still alive.

Edgar Allan Guzman Philstar.com photo A celebrity screening was held this week and everyone had high accepted him and we have no praises for the movie—including problems with his orientation.”

Paolo Ballesteros who was critically EA didn’t ask his kuya for acclaimed for his the similarly tips though, nor did he ask him themed “Die Beautiful” starrer. questions about the life of a gay

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS 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 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

Unhealthy foods 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.

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 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.”

Continued on Page 7

december 15-21, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

5

A Christmas story: The innkeeper’s untold tale 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 cattle. The job fell to his younger brother this time.

Jacob, the owner of the village inn was his father’s friend who had asked if Joshua could help him mind the inn for a little while as he and his wife will be going on a long journey. Jacob liked and trusted Joshua like the son he never had. The young man was a good worker and a natural who quickly picked up the ropes of the business.

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 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

“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.” 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. 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 Continued on Page 7

99 Ranch announces Toyota Sweepstakes winner

by AJ Press After a two-month long sweepstakes in 15 of 99 Ranch Market’s Southern California stores, it hosted the Toyota Award Ceremony on Saturday, December 9 at its popular San Gabriel location. At this exciting event, 15 finalists out of 150,000 entries were randomly selected and invited to attend. These 15 finalists participated in three stages. The first two stages eliminated five finalists and the last stage removed four finalists thus revealing the winner of the new Camry: Ms. Xiaohui.

The 2018 Toyota Camry Award Ceremony included a Latin performance, a K-POP performance, breakfast from BF Bakery, and a Toyota Activation center.

All these activities delivered a well-rounded and engaging experience for all 15 finalists, their families, and any interested guests.

99 Ranch Market would like to everyone who attended the award ceremony and to all who participated in the Toyota Sweepstakes.

Also, a special thank you to the sponsors: Toyota and Southern California Toyota Dealers.

Once again, congratulations Ms. Xiaohui!

Toyota Camry winner, Ms.Xiaohui (middle), with Tawa and Toyota Representatives.

Ms.Xiaohui (left) poses next to her new Toyota Camry alongside Tawa representatives during the award ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 9.

AJPress photos courtesy of Mark Xavier Bautista

Ms. Xiaohui’s winning moment.

Ms. Xiaohui receives the keys to her new Toyota Camry.

The 15 finalists out of 150,000 entries for 99 Ranch Market’s Toyota Sweepstakes.

The Camry that was awarded for 99 Ranch Market’s Toyota Sweepstakes.

december 15-21, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

6

Gretchen Ho, Tippy Dos Santos on sponsoring kids’ daily allowance

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

More than receiving gifts, celebrities Gretchen Ho and Tippy Dos Santos find fulfillment in sharing to others their fortune, especially this Christmas, the “season of giving.”

Gretchen and Tippy recently traveled all the way to a remote “baranggay” in Bohol to meet and bond with World Visionsponsored children in the southern part of Visayas.

Gretchen is sponsoring a child for P25 per day or P750 per month through the foundation, enough to cover a kid’s daily allowance.

“I’ve been passionate on helping children. Before, I’m with Ateneo Christian Community and we used to go to Payatas.

Now, I’m with World Vision,” the “Umagang Kay Ganda” host said.

For Gretchen, World Vision really fits what she looks for in a foundation.

“World Vision is aligned with my vision so much kasi mahilig talaga ako sa bata, super! And I think I appreciate the holistic formation of the child na hindi lang basta magbibigay o magdodole out kundi you make sure that a child grows in a good environment, which I think is very crucial,” Ho explained in an interview with Philstar.com.

At her first site visit, Gretchen was amazed on how World Vision gives impact to children’s lives.

“You could really see it. Parang ano, ‘ito yung mga batang tinutulungan naming,’ parang ‘pag nandon siya sa harapan mo, it becomes so much real. You donated 25 pesos, 750 monthly, those are just figures. When you go to the site and when you see them how much they value and appreciate that help, d’un mo mare-realize yung impact.”

Tippy, meanwhile, has been with World Vision for eight years or since her high school days. For her, her experience with World Vision in helping less fortunate

Seagal to spend first Christmas in Philippines by edgar

o. Cruz

Philstar.com

HoLLYWooD A-lister Steven Seagal of “end of a Gun” and “Perfect Weapon” fame has been in the metro since early November this year but it was only last Dec. 9 that the cast and crew of “General Commando”, a nine 45minute episode American series that tackles drug trafficking and terrorism issues, commenced principal photography.

The shoot goes through the Christmas holidays which means Steven will experience his first Filipino Christmas. Co-producer Steven Seagal, his wife Elle and their son Kunzang pose with former Gov. Chavit Singson’s former Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, magnificent tiger known for generous hospitality, will host him, offering the use of his private plane and pricey villas. The multi-billionaire made possible the holding of the 2016 Miss Universe Philippines at no expense to the government.

A global wanderer, Steven has been quietly slipping in and out of the country for vacations since TV hosts Gretchen Ho (front, left) and Tippy Dos Santos (center, both are wearing white) the ‘80s but this is the first time recently met the student beneficiaries of their donations for global humanitarian foundation he decided to shoot. He is also World Vision. Philstar.com photo by Jan Milo Severo making it a professional base as he reboots feature-in-progress, but also through a good heart. people and calamity victims is Attrition, and corral big investors “Kahit anong mangyari sa fulfilling.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee with the Seagals.

Philstar.com photos of a sound stage for future big and mundo, maging succesful ka “Ang ganda nang man, and importante ay maging small screen projects. nagagawa ng World Vision not national crusade. No wonder who is out to bring the killer Produced and directed by mabait tayo sa isa’t isa kasi only for the people na mga Steven received a Malacañang of a colleague friend to justice.

Philippe Martinez of Wake of ayan din ang magpapabuti ng nangangailangan kundi para reception, got to clench his right Steven’s Mongolian wife elle acts Death and co-written with Bey mundo natin,” Tippy said. din sa mga taong gustong fist with the country’s leader in the series.

Logan, General Commander tracks Both celebrities admitted tumulong,” the singer said, wearingbarong tagalog and pet Chavit went bigger with the missions of a furtive rogue that they love to travel. adding: “I think what’s great the governor’s magnificent tigers. his business plan to be a film global paramilitary unit that fights producer by getting Steven as Apart from encouraging about this partnership is With Steven’s reach mightier major criminal organizations to Filipinos to see the beauty of you can see multinational than ever, he makes Christmas actor of a relevant film that will avert World War III. Steven plays the Philippines, they invite corporations really realizing you celebration here look like child’s certainly click with Pres. rodrigo ex-CIA agent Jake Alexander others to book their travel don’t need to help individually. fantasy.

Duterte as it focuses on his with AirAsia as the company You have a big corporation, use will donate P5 per travel to it to make a difference.” the World Vision thorough the Gretchen played campaign “See The World.” For volleyball with the kids, every seat booked or sold in the inspiring them to work really Philippines from December 1 to hard if they really want to 31, P5 goes to the foundation’s become professional volleyball child sponsorship program. players. Likewise, she reminded of regal’s 60-year legacy,” shared AFTer their remarkable for her notable supporting role “AirAsia, as a global them to balance the sport with oineza who is now dubbed the TV and movie performances, in “Vince and Kath and James;” brand, is honored to partner their studies.

“Princess of Horror Movies what Jane oineza, Jameson Blake, while “It’s Showtime” Hashtags with an international relief, “Side by side yun eh. Kung with notable outputs in back-toMaris racal and Jon Lucas are members, Blake and Lucas, have development and advocacy magaling ka sa laro, dapat back thrillers. determined to raise the bar and both proven they are not just organization as we both share magaling ka din sa aral. Dapat Besides horror roles, oineza share more undiscovered facets topnotch dancers but also as the same commitment and performer kayo sa lahat. Wag was highly acclaimed when she of themselves as actors in regal actors in independent films. passion in helping communities entertainment, Inc.’s official Metro kayong matakot. Lahat ng received the finalist certificate “The viewers will get to know especially children see the bagay posible,” she espoused. from New York Festivals 2013 Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, a new Jane, Maris, Jameson and wonders of the world through Meanwhile, Tippy sang with and a nomination from the 41st “Haunted Forest.”

Jon while watching Haunted sponsorship programs in the band of children, bonding International emmy Awards for “Haunted Forest is both a Forest. In the film, they fall in love, education,” the company’s with them and reminding them her “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode big challenge and blessing for they will fear for their lives, but regional Chief operating officer all of us—a challenge because that success cannot only be in 2012. they will also learn family values Pete Chareonwongsak said. achieved through perseverance, Like oineza, the rest of the it’s the only horror film in the through the different characters,” lead stars consistently go all-out MMFF line-up, and a Christmas shared Blake, the other half of new in honing their craft as actors. blessing because not everyone is love team, JaneSon. Last year, racal earned praise given the opportunity to be part rated PG by the MTrCB, Haunted Forest also stars raymart Santiago, Joey Marquez, Jerald Napoles, Betong Sumaya, Myrtle Sarrosa, Miho Nishida, Beverly Salviejo, Fiona Yang and Kelvin Miranda.

Under the direction of international award-winning filmmaker Ian Loreños, Haunted Forest will revolve around the estranged relationship of Aris (Santiago), a policeman and his daughter, Nica (oineza). Their differences only get worse when Aris is reassigned to the province, which Nica detests. once there, they find a mysterious forest which will change their lives New faces of horror (from left) Jameson Blake, Jane Oineza, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas forever. (ManilaTimes.net)

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.

Teen stars out to prove acting mettle in ‘Haunted Forest’

Jons Gaffud on making...

From Page 2

is still possibly attainable.

“We like to see the girls’ journies right?,” said Wurtzbach whose own personal story is in the book. She added that those stories are one of her favorite parts of Gaffud’s tell-all.

Pageant viewers may agree that watching the inspiring contestant stories is one of the most memorable parts of the night.

This year, the most highlighted moments included contestants speaking out against sexual harassment, and Miss Iraq Sara eden’s story of joining Miss Universe and being a pageant queen despite discouragements — Iraq had been absent from the pageant for 45 years prior. eden was joined by pageant queens from Laos, Cambodia, and Nepal whose countries were being represented in Miss Universe for the first time.

“From start to finish, we get to know her background, what her life story is, and then how she’ll go through the challenges of winning the local pageant first, which is Binibining Pilipinas, and then hopefully or eventually making it to the international pageants,” said Wurtzbach.

“I think it’s because we see inspiration through that. If a girl can do it, then so can we,” she added. “You see that we’re all different. Some of us had it easier, and some of us had it harder.”

“And then I also like that it’s a

guide,” she added.

Yet despite being subtitled “the essential guide to becoming a beauty queen,” Gaffud said that the book contains content anyone can immerse themselves in.

“It’s a story of struggle and evolving,” said Gaffud. “It’s a story of everybody.”

“You know, you evolve. In life, you should not be stuck to where you are.

You read books, you experience life, and then you change your perception — for the better,” he added. regarding the Miss Universe 2017 pageant on November 26, Gaffud said he once saw Philippine contestant rachel Peters during a birthday party for Maxine Medina, but that is the only time their paths have crossed so far.

As for Miss Universe 2017 winner Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa?

“I love her!” exclaimed Gaffud, adding that he predicted her to win.

“From the very start, I knew that she would win,” he said. “A lot

people really predicted her to win — a lot of pageant experts.”

While Gaffud’s trainees have notably been Filipina, he said he was open to the idea of training international beauty queens.

He reportedly worked with Miss Universe Indonesia Kezia Warouw which generated mixed reactions from Philippine fans, but Gaffud said his guidance is for all.

“We’re here to help women.

Not Filipino women alone, but women all over the world,” he said.

“And if given an opportunity, I would do it over and over again.”

Miss Universe supports Camiguin’s jewelry made of ‘trash’ sea glass

by C.

Mendez legaSpi

now becomes a gem,” says Bajuyo, Philstar.com who hails from nearby Cagayan de Oro. BESIDES the white-sand The white, green and beaches, volcanic springs and brown (from beer bottles) sea awesome waterfalls, Camiguin glass jewelry sell for as low as is also known for its sea glass P150 because they are more accessories. commonplace. “Red is the rarest The Miss Universe queens and most expensive, at most who visited the island-province P,000, because you need gold to — Miss Italy Maria Polverino, Miss bring out the red. They come from Netherlands Nicky Opheij, Miss decorative vases and even old car Canada Lauren Howe, Miss Spain tail lights, which nowadays are Sofia del Prado, Miss USA Kára made of plastic.”

McCullough, Miss Korea Sewhee Bajuyo said you have to find Choo, Miss Singapore Manuela 10,000 sea glasses to find a red Bruntraeger and Miss India one. Also rare are the yellow sea Shraddha Shashidhar — got up glass, which he plans to create into up close with Camiguin’s sea glass crowns for the next Miss Lanzones jewelry.

Festival or the Miss Tourism What makes the jewelry Camiguin. unique is that the source materials, The 2017 Miss Universe bottle shards, are picked by little delegates were on a day-long, kids from the shores and created whirlwind tour of Camiguin as part into fashionable accessories by of the Department of Tourism’s women from the community.

“Bring Home a Friend” campaign.

After years in the sea bed, “We feel honored that the Miss tumbled by the waves and tides Universe Organization and our Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo has chosen Camiguin Island as one of the destinations for their visit.

It is a great opportunity for us to promote the province and Region 10,” said May SalvaNa-Unchuan, the DOT Region 10 director.

The Miss Universe candidates experienced firsthand the beauty of the attractions of the island.

Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the Lanzones Festival performers. They went swimming and frolicking on the white sand beach of White Island Miss Universe beauties with Cocoy Bajuyo and Elden Chamberlain of Camiguin. and enjoyed fresh coconut juice at Photo by Cocoy Bajuyo the majestic Tuasan Falls. and smoothened in the process, they have turned into a precious commodity.

Sea Glass Camiguin is a brainchild of the couple Cocoy Bajuyo, an artist/photographer with international experience in the tourism sector, and Elden Chamberlain, a British expert in public health and HIV/AIDS. The couple own the resort called Balai sa Baibai, which serves as the workshop and showroom of the gorgeous jewelry. They commission the pieces from a group of women and silversmiths who belong to the Komunidad sa Baibai, a livelihood foundation the enterprising couple set up with the help of the LGU and generous benefactors such as their generous friends, the Coalition for Better Education and the German Embassy.

“What makes the sea glass special is that it’s just trash, polished over time by nature and

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

From Page 5

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 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

Vice Ganda prefers doing blockbusters than acting awards

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

fest. The “Gandang Gabi Vice” host added he will not hesitate to join yearly in the MMFF. AFTER not making it at “Iba-iba kasi ang taste ng tao the Metro Manila Film Festival so marahil iba ang taste nila last (MMFF) last year, comedian Vice year, iba ‘yung taste nila ngayon.

Ganda will return to the big So ngayon sa taste ng bagong jury screen on Christmas Day with pasado ‘yung material namin kaya his MMFF entry, “The Revenger pumasok kami. Hindi naman Squad,” with co-stars Daniel Padilla and Miss Universe 2015 Pia din nila sinabi kung bakit kami pumasa.”

Wurtzbach.

Since Vice’s film competes In a recent digital conference against others like “Panday,” he held at ABS-CBN, Vice was asked said his film’s new dynamics what he will choose: doing a will make the movie more blockbuster movie or an acting competitive. award?

“Ang laban namin, bago ang Vice chose “doing dynamics namin. Pia, Daniel, Vice. blockbusters” because he does not consider himself a good actor. Sobrang bago. Sa mga nakalipas na panahon, meron na kaming “Hindi naman ako magaling umarte eh. Nakakatawa lang siguro naitanim sa mga manonood na ako. Ayokong i-claim na ang galing magagandang experience.”

“Ngayon pa lang kine-claim kong actor. Mas gusto kong sabihin na naming na success ito hindi ng mga tao na ‘nakakatawa ang lang para sa amin pero pati na rin pelikula mo.’ Ayoko ding magsa mga manonood na hindi sila pretend na ako ay magaling at malulugi pag pinanood nila yung mahusay na actor. Ang gusto pelikula namin,” he assured. ko lang ay magpasaya at ‘pag For “The Revenger Squad,” pinapanood nila ‘yung patawa Vice said he made sure that they ko ay tumatawa sila. Nandoon sa did not recycle jokes from his past akin ang achievement,” the “It’s movies.

Showtime” host said.

“I always make sure na ‘yung Vice said he is happy that his comedy ko, nasasabayan kung film is included in this year’s film

Calendar of Events across

Vice Ganda stars in the MMFF entry “The Revenger Squad.”

Philstar.com photo

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!”

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS Filipino-American Christmas holiday party in Madison, WI

One star for Charice (left) and another star for Jake Zyrus.

died of aneurysm in Qatar last Nov. 4), one of the posthumous inductees together with Chichay, 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.”

Philstar.com photos

Alice was the last person 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.

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. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac

Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

A Christmas story: The innkeeper’s...

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Unhealthy foods

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,

december 15-21, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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. .* * * MERRY CHRISTMAS! 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

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, family-based 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.

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Fil-Am Council of Ventura County to host New Year’s Eve celebration in Oxnard, CA The Filipino American Council of Ventura County, Inc. invites the community to an evening of GLAM and GLITTER as we ring in the new year on Sunday, December 31, from 6 p.m. - midnight at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center located at 800 Hobson Way in Oxnard, California.

This year, the Fil-Am Council has taken over OPACC to provide guests with two options to celebrate! The Oxnard Room: Glam & Glitter — The magical evening will include dinner, a short program featuring the induction of officers for the Filipino American Council, raffles, and a lot of dancing to live music by Boyd Elston which includes the latest cha-cha, ballroom, and tunes to line dance to! Donation: $45 presale, $50 at Door; $25 children 12 years and below.

Attire is semi formal. The second option is the Ventura Room: THE FLIP SIDE! Local deejay, DJ CARL10 will be mixing the hottest tracks for our GENX guest to groove to, from old school to new school and everything in between! Donation is $25, doors open at 9 p.m. Sponsorships are available. For more information, please call Myrna Viloria at (805) 236-8901 or Grace Tuazon at (805) 766-3231. To purchase tickets, please visithttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/fil-am-council-ofventura-county-new-years-eve-celebration-tickets-39771817577?aff=es2.

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

december 15-21, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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