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DEC EMBER 21-27, 2018 Volume 12 - No. 9 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Duterte to Tagle: When did I threaten you? by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang claimed he did not feel alluded to by the prelate’s remarks but President Rodrigo Duterte has reacted harshly to Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle’s reminder that power should not be used to bully people. Without naming names, Tagle said in a homily last Sunday, December 16, that power should not be used to disrespect or coerce “Do not bully anyone. Do not use your power to disrespect others. Do not use your power to other people. The prelate also coerce others,” Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said in his homily on Sunday, December 16. Philstar.com photo

USA

DATELINE Calif. Gov. Brown appoints 2 Fil-Am Superior Court judges FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown Jr. appointed 13 California superior court judges, including two Filipino-Americans. The appointments include one in Alameda County; one in Contra Costa County; three in Los Angeles County; one in Riverside County; two in Sacramento County; three in San Diego County; one in Santa Clara County; and one in Solano County. Two Filipino American women were named to the bench: Rohanee Zapanta, 42, of San Diego, will be a judge in the San Diego County Superior Court. Zapanta has served as a deputy public defender at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office since 2005. She was an associate at the Law Offices of Bay Bulaon in 2005 and at the Price Law Group from 2003 to 2004.

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Filipino priest suspended over upsetting homily for teen who killed himself A FILIPINO priest in Michigan has been suspended by the Archdiocese of Detroit from speaking at funerals after he upset the family of a teenager who killed himself by including in the homily, questions of whether those who die by suicide can be forgiven by God. Father Don LaCuesta of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Temperance, Michigan presided over the Saturday, December 8, funeral for Maison Hullibarger, 18, who passed away just days before on Tuesday, December 4. Rather than celebrating the life of the teenager who was a criminal justice student at the University of Toledo, an athlete, son, and brother to five siblings, LaCuesta focused more on the issue of suicide, according to the teenager’s father. The word “suicide” was mentioned by LaCuesta a total of six times during the homily. This, despite the parents having met with LaCuesta prior to the funeral to discuss what they wanted in the homily. LaCuesta even took notes, they said. In a copy of the homily released by the archdiocese on Monday, December 17, LaCuesta said, “If we Christians are right in believing that

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COURTESY CALL. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray poses with President Rodrigo Duterte during her courtesy call at the Villamor Airbase, Pasay City on Thursday, December 20. Gray ﬂew to New York City on Thursday to fulﬁll her duties as the new Miss Universe. She will return to the country early next year for her grand homecoming. Photo courtesy of Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo

Ambassador Kim: US not to Miss Universe Catriona Gray receives messages of praise blame for China militarization by NATHALIE

by CET

DEMATERA Philstar.com

ROBLES

AJPress

MANILA — Like lava that inspired by PATRICIA LOURDES VIRAY UNITED States her dress, messages of congratulaPhilstar.com Ambassador to the tions and praises for Catriona Gray Philippines Sung flowed from all over the country. Kim on Tuesday, DeIn her mother’s home province of cember 18, answered Albay, a hero’s welcome awaits the back at President Robeauty queen. drigo Duterte’s com“Truly an Albayana, she was the ment stating that the most prepared candidate ever – if United States did not you prepare to fight calamities, the do anything about more you are prepared for victory,” China’s militarizaAlbay Rep. Joey Salceda posted in tion of the West Philhis Facebook account. ippine Sea. Gray’s mother Normita Ragas “I’m not sure if it’s Magnayon is from Oas town. really fair to point a Salceda said Catriona is “regal as finger at the United Beneﬁciaries of Young Focus, a charity group in Tondo, Manila that provides free education Mayon is majestic. She is beautiful, States ‘cause we’re for out-of-school youth where newly crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray is a volunteer, truly Daragang Magayon.” not doing anything. ﬂash Gray’s photos on Tuesday, December 18 to congratulate her on her victory. United States Ambassador to the Philippines u PAGE A2 It’s China that’s takPhilstar.com photo by Edd Gumban Sung Kim Inquirer.net photo ing aggressive unilateral actions in the disputed area,” Kim told ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC)’s “Beyond Politics.” The president has earlier asked Washington why it failed to block the reclamation activities done by Beijing in the said territory. “Our basic approach or position on the South China Sea situation really hasn’t changed. I think we have been mised the reputation of the enby NATHALIE ROBLES AJPress consistent that we call on all claimant countries to refrain tire UN system. from aggressive unilateral actions,” the ambassador ex“The recent call of United MALACANANG responded to Nations Special Rapporteur plained as reported by The Philippine Star. the statement of the United Na- (UNSR) Michel Forst not only “And we will do all we can to make sure that internations Special Rapporteur Michel is reckless but irresponsible as tional rights and principles are protected,” the diplomat Forst on Tuesday, December well for it not only demeans the added. 18, claiming that the report is integrity of the UNSR system This year alone, China has deployed several equip“reckless and irresponsible” for but the entire UN mechanism ment including anti-cruise ship missiles and surface-tourging the government to stop itself,” Panelo said. air missiles, which can reach as far as 295 nautical miles the stigma against human rights of the reefs and 160 nautical miles, respectively. They “We are fed up with this pracdefenders. also have electronic jamming equipment on its artificial tice of using the UN as a platAccording to The Philippine form to parrot baseless critiislands in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Daily Inquirer, Presidential cisms of local interest groups Philippine Sea. spokesperson Salvador Panelo who are supported by resentful “China has obviously taken unilateral measures. They said that the report the Special politicians belonging to the ophad indicated that they will refrain from militarization, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo Rapporteur released compro-

Palace calls UN expert’s report ‘reckless and irresponsible’

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Inquirer.net photo

Duterte thanks US for returning Balangiga bells by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

AFTER 117 years in the United States’ possession, the Balangiga bells made their way home to Balangiga, Eastern Samar. President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, December 15, witnessed the turnover of the Transfer Certificate of the Balangiga Bells from U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission John Law to Philippine Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin President Rodrigo Duterte kisses one of the Balangiga Bells after witnessing the Lorenzana. The president, then, ofﬁcial handover of its Transfer Certiﬁcate at the Balangiga Auditorium in Eastern personally led the handover cerSamar on Saturday, December 15. Malacañang photo by Simeon Celiacs emony of the historic bells to the

people of Balangiga. He also handed the certificate of transfer to Balangiga Mayor Randy Graza. Duterte, in his speech, thanked the U.S. government for the return of the century-old war artifacts. He also said that the return of the bells was possible due to “several efforts made by both Americans and the Philippines” and that no one should take credit for the return of the bells, not even him, because it was the voice of the Filipino people especially the people of Balangiga, that convinced the

U.S. to return them. “Let me be very clear on this: There are some who are front loaders and pedantic in the government. The bells are returned and it was really because of the fervent prayers of the entire Filipino nation,” Duterte said. “But nobody can claim a singular credit for the generous act of the Americans. The bells are returned. The credit goes to the American people and to the Filipino people. Period,” he added. ‘Vibrant’ U.S.-Philippines rela-

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december 21-27, 2018 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

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From the Front Page

Miss Universe Catriona Gray receives... PAGE A1 “The entire Albay is happy and proud of her achievement as proud she is of her roots. I worked with Catriona in her previous quests and she was excited about her role as tourism champion for Albay,” the former Albay governor recalled. Gray’s aunt Salve Ragas said local officials of Oas and Albay are already making arrangements with them for a grand welcome for Catriona. She said Catriona last visited Oas in November when some of the Miss Earth beauty pageant events were held in Albay. “My niece Catriona is a very kind person. She is always humble and funny,” Ragas recalled. Newly formed Bicol regional political party Kusog Bicolandia announced it would organize a grand welcome party for Gray in January. “Catriona deserves such recognition as she gives us Bicolanos as well as Filipinos pride and prestige when she bagged the crown as Ms. Universe 2018,” Noel De Luna, Kusol Bicolandia chairman, told The Star. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri filed a resolution congratulating and commending Gray not only for her victory but also for her various advocacies. Zubiri cited Gray’s work on promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and education, as well as her efforts to put up a three-story shelter for impoverished children in Manila slums. Sen. Grace Poe called Gray “a woman of style, substance and brave heart deserves the crown.” “Thank you for flying the Philippine flag high. The Filipinos will be by your side in your Miss Universe journey,” Poe said. Sen. Cynthia Villar said she joined the nation and Filipino communities around the world in celebrating Gray’s victory. She also thanked her for “successfully raising the Philippine flag and championing Filipino pride in the global stage.” “I commend her for sending out a very powerful message of looking for opportunities to help even in the most desperate situations,” Villar said. “I look forward to Catriona’s meaningful and uplifting reign as Miss Universe,” she said. Sen. Nancy Binay said Gray made the country proud as she displayed grace and beauty amid

Duterte to Tagle: When did... PAGE A1 claimed that the “most afraid and insecure” are the ones using their power to belittle others. Tagle made the remark after Duterte attacked the Catholic Church for lecturing about morality despite its supposed failure to address the sexual abuses involving the clergy. The Catholic Church, the religious group of more than 80 percent of Filipinos, has been critical of Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, which has left more than 5,000 people dead. Palace: Duterte did not feel alluded to Last Tuesday, December 18, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte did not feel alluded to by Tagle’s comments because the president “does not bully people.”

Duterte, however, appeared to have contradicted his spokesman as he reacted to Tagle’s homily even if he was not mentioned in it. “They say I shouldn’t threaten Bishop Tagle. When have I ever done that?” the president said during a gathering of barangay officials in Davao City onTuesday. Duterte went on to claim that a priest had wished him dead during a mass in support for Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, an outspoken critic. A priest identified as Fr. Noel Gatchalian jokingly wished Duterte sick during a mass last September but did not wish the president dead. “To get back at them I’ll say, ‘Okay, kill all the bishops who are inutile,’” Duterte said. The president, who claims to believe in God but not in orga-

nized religion, went on to claim that Catholic priests portrayed him as a devil. The Catholic Church did not issue such statement. “Using your religion as a platform to attack a person is wrong because of the separation of church and state,” Duterte said, referring to a constitutional provision primarily against the establishment of a state religion and against curtailing freedom of religion. “We will never reach an understanding. We will never come to terms. The government is difficult to navigate. It too has no God,” he added. Duterte has been making unsubstantiated claims against the Church like 80 percent of priests are gay and that bishops are stealing Church funds to support their mistresses. n

Palace calls UN expert’s report ‘reckless... PAGE A1

FOURTH FILIPINA MISS UNIVERSE. Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters crowns Miss Philippines Catriona Gray as her successor at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday, December 17. Photo courtesy of Miss Universe Organization

the pressure of competing in the pageant. “She is proof that one can rise through adversity if one believes in herself, as well as displays her abilities and dedication,” Binay said. “I had a rare opportunity to have met and talked to Ms. Gray. From that moment, I already sensed her heart and passion to serve. Being Miss Universe will amplify her true value to want to help the marginalized children and far-flung IP communities not only in the Philippines, but in other countries as well,” she said. Sweetest Christmas gift She said being Miss Universe is Gray’s sweetest Christmas gift to the Filipino people. “As our exchange gift to one another, I hope we will help Ms. Gray to realize her dream ‘for a world with less negativity where everyone is grateful’,” Binay said. Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito described Gray as “the epitome of the intelligence, talent and beauty of a Filipina.” Sen. Sonny Angara said her well-

deserved win “is surely a source of great inspiration and happiness for the millions of Filipinos all over the world, the universe rather.” Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said Gray showed the world that Filipino beauty is intelligent, creative and full of heart. “May your reign be a compelling platform for positive change and women empowerment, and also an opportunity to promote our country’s tourism and everything our beloved country has to offer,” Sen. Joel Villanueva said. Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt-Romualdez, a Binibining Pilipinas International contestant in 1996, also praised Gray. “Your victory is a testament to the faith and resiliency of the Filipino spirit. The resounding triumph of Gray demonstrates to the world the hard work, courage and strength of Filipinos as trademarks in winning any battle,” she said. “Miss U Gray’s heart for the poor and marginalized, especially the

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position,” he added. The spokesperson claimed that the facts presented by Forst were in dire need of verification as he continued that human rights defenders in the Philippines have a convenient and safe platform to address their sentiments. “If Mr. Forst only checked his facts first, he would have known that organizations presenting themselves as so-called human rights defenders never had it so good under the Duterte administration,” he said. “They continue to fully exercise all their rights to air issues and concerns related to their advocacies in an environment that is free and secure from any threat or harassment,” he added. Panelo, also President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel, urged those who have complaints to file a case against the administration. “Local groups that have been feeding Mr. Forest with false information to submit their alleged cases of violations against their members to proper authorities such as the Inter-Agency Committee under Administrative Order 35 (s.2012),” Panelo explained. “(Inter-agency committee) is

in charge with handling cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances and other grave violations of the right to life and liberty,” he added. “Unless they can properly do so, we stand by our firm admonition of these groups to refrain from making a fool of these UNSRs, a mockery of the UN, as well as using their allegations as leverage to secure financial resources from over-trusting funding institutions,” he said. Panelo said that the likes of Forst “should be less gullible as this reinforces the President’s contempt for them who have consistently manifested bias against the Philippines.” According to the spokesperson, the UN has “been used by these detractors as a tool for vilification.” The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also reacted to Forst’s report noting that the administration is adamant in ensuring that due process is followed and the Constitution is held in highest regard. “As we are currently seeking clarification on the nature of report of the Special Rapporteur to enable us to respond more properly, we would like to reiterate the full commitment of the Philippine Government to up-

holding the rule of law and ensuring that human rights violations are properly investigated, including those allegedly committed by state actors, to make the perpetrators accountable,” the DFA statement read. Forst’s report encouraged the government to “cease immediately the public stigmatization of human rights defenders, which can incite perpetrators to act against them, and instead to publicly recognize the legitimacy and importance of their work.” He further noted that the country should continue to take a second look at its laws that could possibly restrict freedom of opinion, expression, assembly and association. “The government should review and desist from employing counter-insurgency measures which result in extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations,” the rapporteur said. “In doing so, the government should recognize the specific needs and circumstances of groups of defenders facing high risks, such as women human rights defenders, indigenous human rights defenders, land and environmental rights defenders, and journalists,” the report added. n

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Jollibee takes full control of Smashburger by Ritchel

Mendiola AJPress

U.s.-based burger chain smashburger has been fully acquired by Jollibee Foods Corp. following the purchase of its remaining stake in the Filipinoowned fast-food chain for $10 million (P526 million). Jollibee first acquired smashburger with an initial stake of 40 percent, which was later raised to 85 percent back in February. Jollibee, in a regulatory filing on Friday, December 14, said the remaining 15-percent stake in sJBF LLC, owner of smashburger, was acquired in cash through its subsidiary Bee Good! inc. (BGi). “Jollibee is now the sole owner of the smashburger business,” the fast-food giant said. According to Jollibee, it would

pour in more capital into smashburger following its purchase. it plans to convert an $80 million loan held by BGi into equity to support smashburger’s growth in 2019. “We look forward to the development of smashburger into a very strong brand and business in the United states,” Jollibee Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said. Jollibee Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong, meanwhile, said, “We look forward to replicating in smashburger the significant brand and business development that [the group] achieved in practically all its new and acquired businesses in the Philippines, China, Vietnam, and other countries through the introduction of [Jollibee’s] business methods.”

Duterte thanks US for returning... PAGE A1 tions According to Duterte, the homecoming of the artifacts was “truly a milestone and part of a meaningful history of the United states and the Philippines,” a vibrant chapter in the Philippine-U.s. bilateral relations. Used to signal a historic siege during the Philippine-American War in 1901, where Filipinos killed 48 out of 74 U.s. troops, the Balangiga bells were taken as war trophies when the American forces led the Balangiga Massacre, where about 2,500 Filipinos were killed. Duterte said the bells’ return is a “restoration of Filipinos’ dignity.” “i am sure that our ancestors are celebrating with us here on this remarkable victory. And that it does not only bring back the glory of the town, but also contributes to the full restoration of our dignity as a Filipino,” he said. Long wait is over Duterte was not the first president to ask Washington to return the Balangiga bells, as reported by Rappler. Then-president Fidel Ra-

mos in 1994 requested the same from his U.s. counterpart, Bill Clinton, but to no avail. in 2014, an online petition signed by more than 3,000 people also urged the U.s. to return the Balangiga Bells. However, thenU.s. president Barack Obama made no mention of the matter when he visited the Philippines that year. Duterte first demanded the bells’ return during his second state of the nation Address (sOnA) in 2017 in the presence of U.s. Ambassador to the Philippines sung Kim. “We know fully well that several efforts have been made by both Americans and the Philippines. it is really indeed a long and tedious process to the point that the outcome was disappointing sometimes, but the long wait is over,” Duterte on saturday said. The Balangiga bells finally arrived home in December 11, after making a stopover in Okinawa, Japan, where the two bells in Wyoming, and the bell in south Korea were reunited. n

smashburger has 351 stores worldwide, among them in the U.s., Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, El salvador, Kuwait, Panama, saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. in north America, JFC has 435 stores, which comprise 12 percent of its worldwide sales. “We are preparing for even stronger growth in the United states with [a] higher rate of store expansion led first by Jollibee starting in 2019 and by other brands in the succeeding years,” Tanmantiong added. n

Study: Asian American students have highest amount of unmet financial aid need by Rae

PACMAN’S BIRTHDAY. President Rodrigo Duterte poses with Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao and his family during the Senator’s birthday celebration at the KCC Convention and Events Center in General Santos City on Monday, December 17. Malacañang photo by Toto Lozano

DEcEmbER 21-27, 2018

ann VaRona AJPress

AsiAn Americans remain the fastest growing population in the U.s., but recently released data by the U.s. Department of Education shows that Asian American students have the largest gap between the cost of college and what they must pay—a gap advocates are labeling as unmet need. “This further illuminates how the Asian ‘model minority’ myth is damaging to the success of Asian American communities and has wide-ranging implications postsecondary financial aid policies,” said the Center for Law and social Policy (CLAsP). in a recent report titled “When Financial Aid Falls short,” the center found that nearly three in four students experience the unmet need, with the level of unmet need being higher among students of color compared to their white counterparts. Compared to 66 percent of white students, 72 percent of Asian American students at public two-year institutions experience this unmet need. The unmet need was particularly higher for Asian American students when looking at the dollar amounts. The report said that dependent Asian American earning less than $27,900 and independent Asian American students earning less than $7,200 (which puts them in the bottom income quartile) have an average unmet need of $8,507. “This is significantly higher

than the average unmet need of $6,903 among all students in the bottom income quartile,” reads the report. it added that the disparity remained true for Asian American students across all types of institution and income quartiles. ‘Model minority myth’ and disaggregated data When taking a closer look at the data, disparities between Asian Americans were further found. For example, rates among southeast Asian-Americans— particularly Hmong, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Laotian—were higher than the national average. Given that roughly half of all Asian Americans have at least a bachelor’s degree, the numbers revealed to be lower for certain Asian American groups. Only 27 percent of Vietnamese American, 17 percent of Hmong and Cambodian Americans, 14 percent of Laotian Americans, and 11 percent of Bhutanese Americans were found to have the same educational attainment level. One third of white in comparison, have a bachelor’s degree or higher. “The model minority myth portrays Asian-Americans as a monolithic group that are both academically and professionally successful when compared to other communities of color,” reads the CLAsP report. it cited the recent lawsuit between a group of Asian Americans and Harvard University regarding the issue of affirmative. Asian American students claim to be systematically discriminated

against in the admissions process which caps the number of qualified Asian Americans from attending the school in order to level opportunities for other less qualified students of other ethnicities. While average and median incomes among Asian Americans is comparable to their white counterparts, looking at income inequality puts them at a greater difference among any other racial or ethnic group. “in other words, the highestearning Asian American have higher incomes on average than the highest-earning white; however, low-income Asian American are poorer on average than lowincome whites. The poverty rate among Asian Americans is also greater than white,” the report reads. Despite reports highlighting the fact that Asian Americans are the fastest-growing population in the U.s. with a record 20 million tracing their roots back to the greater Asia continent, CLAsP emphasized the importance of disaggregated data to fuel conversation on what factors would be driving the great levels of unmet need among Asian American students. “Any number of these factors could be driving the high amount of unmet need among Asian American students,” said CLAsP. “That’s why we must use disaggregated data to inform the nuanced conversations that’ll help us understand the needs of Asian American students and how financial aid policies are failing them.” n

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PH Embassy, Healthy Mind Initiative team Calif. Gov. Brown appoints 2 Fil-Am... up for mental health and wellness PAGE A1 t

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in partnership with Healthy Mind Initiative, held a team-building activity focused on promoting mental health and wellness among its personnel on Tuesday, December 18 at the Philippine Chancery Annex Building. Healthy Mind Initiative (HMI) is a collaborative effort among the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), federal and county government partners, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community organizations and leadership. It highlights the importance of mental health literacy by educating about mental illness, substance misuse, and suicide among AAPI youth, with a focus on prevention and early detection. “Healthy Mind Initiative empowers AAPI parents to detect, prevent, seek treatment and at the same reduce the stigma that has been a huge problem in our culture,” said USPHS Capt. Marivic Fields, one of the lead presenters of HMI. For the Embassy’s team-building activity, the HMI presentation was tailored to focus on managing stress, giving basic information about the most common mental disorders, and identifying mental health resources. USPHS Capt. Fields, Cdr Leo Angelo Gumapas, and LCdr Nicole Pascua facilitated the activity. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez expressed appreciation to Healthy Mind Initiative for partnering with the Embassy in educating the team about the importance of mental health. “As public servants, we should be especially conscious that no one is immune to mental health issues. We must continue to arm ourselves with the appropriate

Zapanta was a law clerk at the Law Offices of Robert L. Swain and at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office in 2002. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Judith F. Hayes. Zapanta is a Democrat. Audra Ibarra, 49, of Palo Alto, will be a judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. She has been counsel at California Appellate Law Group since 2012 and

Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto (2nd from left) presents the certificate of appreciation and gifts to HMI representatives Cdr Gumapas (left-most), LCdr Pascua (2nd from right), and Capt. Fields (right-most) at the conclusion of the team building activity.

Healthy Mind Initiative (HMI) representatives Commander Leo Angelo Gumapas and Lieutenant Commander Nicole Pascua start the initial discussion on promoting mental health and wellness among Embassy personnel during its team building activity on December 18.

Embassy’s Minister for Political Affairs Rosanna Villamor-Voogel presents their group’s discussion points in one of the breakout sessions of the HMI team building.

knowledge and skills to individually and collectively deal with these issues, and to develop empathy for

those experiencing psychological distress,” Ambassador Romualdez said. n

US not to blame for China militarization... PAGE A1 but it appears that they have not,” Kim added. A United Nations-backed tribunal has ruled that China violated its commitment under the Convention on the Law of the Sea when it conducted massive land reclamation activities in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in July 2016. Among the areas are Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef in the Spratly

Islands. China, however, disregarded the said ruling. They refused to acknowledge the landmarks and continued to claim that they have the indisputable sovereignty over the area. This led the U.S. Navy to increase its presence in the South China Sea, despite China’s deliberate display of military equipment in the area. In fact, U.S. National Security Advisor John

Bolton earlier said that Washington is ready to build up its capabilities and increase patrols in the South China Sea. “What I focus on is whether that’s affecting our relationship negatively and my sense is that it’s not. Our alliance is unique. The Philippines only has one military alliance and that’s with the United States and that has not changed and will not change,” Kim added. n

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a sole practitioner since 2010. Ibarra served as the deputy chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California from 2005 to 2006, where she was an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2001 to 2006. Ibarra served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California from 1999 to 2001. She served as a deputy district attorney at the Solano County District Attorney’s Office from 1997 to 1999. Ibarra was an associate at Pillsbury, Madison and Sutro from 1994 to 1996.

She is a member of the California Judicial Council. Ibarra earned a Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley. She fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Mary J. Greenwood to the Court of Appeal. She is the first Filipino-American ever appointed to the Santa Clara County Superior Court and the first Filipino-American woman to serve as a superior court judge in the Bay Area. Ibarra is registered without party preference. (Inquirer.net)

Filipino priest suspended over upsetting homily... PAGE A1 salvation belongs to Jesus Christ, that it does not come from us — and that our hand cannot stop what God allows for us, then yes, there is hope in eternity even for those who take their own lives.” LaCuesta then continued, “Having said that, I think that we must not call what is bad good, what is wrong right. Because we are Christians, we must say what we know is the truth — that taking your own life is against God who made us and against everyone who loves us. Our lives are not our own. They are not ours to do with as we please.” “The finality of suicide makes this all the worse. You cannot make things right again,” LaCuesta added. He did later attempt to reassure the family by saying, “Nothing — not even suicide — can separate us from the unconditional love of God.” But that did nothing to help the situation, said the family which later gave their own blessings at the teen’s gravesite. Jeff Hullibarger, the teenager’s father, told the Detroit Free Press that he had at one point went up to the pulpit and whispered to LaCuesta to stop, but LaCuesta continued to make statements on suicide and salvation. “There were actually a couple of

younger boys who were Maison’s age who left the church sobbing,” said the teen’s father. In a statement, the Archdiocese of Detroit said that it regrets that LaCuesta was “unable to bring comfort” to the Hullibarger family. “Our hope is always to bring comfort to situations of great pain, through funeral services centered on the love and healing power of Christ,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, that did not happen in this case.” It added that LaCuesta would not be preaching at funerals for the foreseeable future and would have all other homilies reviewed by a priest mentor. It said that LaCuesta also agreed to “pursue the assistance he needs in order to become a more effective minister in these difficult situations.” LaCuesta responded in a statement admitted that he “fell short” of providing the family with the comfort needed. “Instead, I added to their pain,” said LaCuesta. “I deeply regret that, and I am sorry.” Addressing the fact that many — including the Hullibarger family — have called for his removal from the parish, LaCuesta said that he preferred to stay and is working with the archdiocese to “ensure that [he] can serve more effectively in the future.”

Adding to the family’s pain, the teen’s high school football coach Jeff Wood — who was accused of bullying players on the team and was asked not to attend the funeral — showed up against the family’s wishes. After being asked to leave, Wood lashed out on social media, and was later removed from his job. “If you need someone to blame, I’m your man. I’m your fall guy. This is how society is when things go not as planned, we blame others for our own shortcomings,” Wood wrote in a now deleted Facebook post. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide remains the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2016, suicide claimed the lives of nearly 45,000 people — a number more than double that of homicides in the same year. From years 1999 to 2016, the total suicide rate increased 28 percent according to the CDC. The rate remained nearly four times higher among males than among females. If you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Additional resources can be accessed at www.SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. n

Miss Universe Catriona Gray receives... PAGE A2

children, shone through. Her win serves as inspiration to Filipinos and the rest of the world to care more for the less fortunate, especially this Christmas season,” said Rep. Mikee Romero. Rep. Ace Barbers said Gray’s “sacrifices and triumph inspire Filipinos to continue fighting on amidst the challenges and difficulties.” “Her victory is our victory. This is such an amazing Christmas gift to the country,” he said. “My fellow Bicolano Catriona showed how the Filipino is the best asset of the Philippines. Catriona, true to her words, represented each Filipino with great honor, grace, brains, and beauty,” said 1-Ang Edukasyon party-list Rep. Salvador Belaro. Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, chair of the House committee on women and gender equality, said she was elated to hear Gray pushing children’s rights and welfarte advocacy. Rep. Geraldine Roman, a transgender, said Gray “brought immense pride and honor to the Filipinos all over the world not only with her beauty but also with her intelligence, integrity and her heart for the poor.” “She would make a great ambassador for peace, love and compassion in the international community,” the Bataan lawmaker said. Work for the poor Vice President Leni Robredo, who is from Bicol like Gray’s mother, also joined in congratulating Gray. “Your victory has brought happiness to millions of households throughout our nation. Regardless

of different backgrounds and allegiances, in this, you have brought us together,” Robredo said in a statement. The Vice President also praised Gray for highlighting her work for the poor in the pageant’s Q&A portion. “With the eyes of the world and the entire Filipino nation on you, you chose to highlight your work with the poor and to send a muchneeded message of hope to all. With those inspiring words, you already became a winner in my heart and, I am certain, in those of many others,” she said. “I wish you the best, and may you make full use of your new role as an ambassador to continue bringing the message of hope to the world. Mabuhay ang mga Bicolana,” Robredo said. Former solicitor general Florin Hilbay also thanked Gray for being an inspiration to millions of Filipinos. Veteran eletion lawyer Romulo Macalintal extended his congratulatory message to Gray on behalf of the senior citizens. “We are one with the Filipino people in congratulating Catriona Gray as Miss Universe 2018,” he said. The Department of Tourism (DOT) also praised Gray for being a “true ally of Philippine tourism and a partner of the DOT in and out of the Miss Universe stage.” “Throughout the Miss Universe competition, Miss Gray evoked the Filipino people’s essential attributes of friendliness, cheerfulness, hospitality and kindness, especially when she was around the representatives of different nations,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat

Official headshot of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray Photo courtesy of Miss Universe Organization

said in a text message. “She has single-handedly led more people all over the world to discover that, indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines,” Puyat said. The tourism secretary also cited Gray’s commitment to showcase what the country has to offer through a series of video clips featuring some of the country’s destinations. “Amidst Ms. Gray’s busy preparations prior to heading for Thailand, she took precious time to do a series of video clips promoting some of the country’s best destinations and diverse cultures: Luzon’s Rizal Park and world-renown El Nido, Palawan; the resilience of the Visayan people particularly in Tacloban City and Mindanao’s multi-faceted South Cotabato,” Puyat said. n

CHRISTMAS RUSH. Shoppers pack C.M Recto St. in Divisoria, Manila as the mad rush to buy Christmas gifts continues. Since the start of December, throngs of shoppers have flocked to Divisoria, dubbed the country’s shopping mecca. ManilaTimes.net photo by Gerard Seguia

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DEcEmbER 21-27, 2018

Gloria Arroyo camp seeks dismissal of poll sabotage case by Ghio

onG Philstar.com

MANILA — The camp of former president and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has asked a court in Pasay City to dismiss the case of electoral sabotage filed against her. Arroyo’s demurrer to evidence filed by her lawyers, including Ferdinand Topacio, is now being reviewed, Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 112 officerSUMMIT ON GOOD GOVERNANCE. Barangay officials listen to President Rodrigo R. Duterte as he delivers his speech during the Barangay Summit on in-charge Dana Lyne Areola told Good Governance Region 11, held at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena in Davao City on Tuesday, December 18. Malacañang photo by Karl Norman Alonzo The Star on Wednesday, December 19. A demurrer to evidence is filed after the prosecution rests its case and the defense camp is given the opportunity to move for the dismissal of the case. The prosecution has also filed its comment on the demurrer to ating licenses. president’s first year in office. by ryan MacasEro evidence, Areola said, adding They also highlighted Duterte’s Another media watchdog, RePhilstar.com the court’s presiding judge Jeporters Without Borders, found “troll army” as a threat and said it sus Mupas might already issue a MANILA — The Philippines is this year, however, that the Philip- was “well-funded and professionresolution acting on the motion the worst in impunity in Southeast pines is no longer in the top five ally managed, and hurled insults Asia, according to the Southeast deadliest countries for journalists. at the media accusing detractors RSF recorded three journal- of corruption and misconduct, Asia Media Freedom report, published by the International Fed- ist deaths in the Philippines this without basis in fact or in law.” The report said the Duterte aderation of Journalists on Wednes- year, compared to four in 2017. by ElizabEth MarcElo However, the Philippine Cen- ministration sponsored a “misinday, December 19. Philstar.com “There are no signs of any gov- ter for Investigative Journalism formation army online and off.” It also noted the government’s ernment willingness to stop the recorded four journalists’ deaths MANILA — Businesswoman rescinding of Rappler’s business Janet Lim-Napoles has insisted targeting of journalist and media this year. The Philippines dropping out license to operate in January, and that she must remain at the Buorganizations who believe this official apathy, or even open hostil- of the deadliest countries for several tax evasion cases filed reau of Jail Management and ity,” the report said. “[It] has fu- journalists was not because kill- against the company and its CEO Penology (BJMP)’s detention eled a culture of impunity which ings decreased in the country, but Maria Ressa as an attack on inde- facility at Camp Bagong Diwa has emboldened those seeking to because killings of journalists in- pendent media. in Taguig pending the finalDespite the bleak outlook of the ity of the Sandiganbayan decicreased in other countries. silence the press.” According to the RSF’s round- media environment in the report, sion convicting her of plunder On the media impunity scale, the IFJ ranked the Philippines a up published last week, the top they noted that “it is not the first in connection with the multi7.7 out of 10, with 10 being the five deadliest countries for jour- time they [journalists] have had billion-peso pork barrel fund to face serious challenges to their scam. worst. They ranked the country’s nalists in 2018 are: - Afghanistan, with 15 murders profession and their duty to keep justice system a 7.5 out of 10. In a reply paper submitted the public informed.” - Syria, with 11 murders Other countries ranked in the to the Sandiganbayan First DiThe report continued, “it was vision, Napoles, through her - Yemen, with eight murders impunity scale include: Cambodia - United States, with six mur- fiercely independent Filipino jour- lawyers, maintained that her (6.1), Indonesia (7.4), Malaysia nalists who kept the flame burn- life and security are at risk at (6.3), Myanmar (7.5), Thailand ders ing when the dictator Ferdinand the Correctional Institution for - India, with six murders (N/A) and Timor-Leste (4.1). The IFJ called the Philippines Marcos shut down the media in Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong It named the following factors as key threats to journalists’ the “deadliest peacetime coun- 1972.” where she is set to be transThey said that today’s journal- ferred following her convicsafety: Cyber attacks, poor wages, try for journalists,” with a total of censorship, and government at- 185 killed since the People Power ists, “besieged though they may tion. be, remain just as jealously proRevolution in 1986. tacks on the workplace. Napoles was replying to the tective of their rights and free- opposition paper submitted by Harassment, trolling Journalist killings The IFJ recorded 85 cases on doms. They have also the added the Office of the Ombudsman’s According to the report, 12 journalists have been killed in re- assault on the media from June benefit of strong professional or- prosecution panel, blocking her lation to their work since the be- 2016 to May 2018. These cases ganizations and support systems motion to remain at the BJMP ginning of the administration of include murders, death threats, as well as extensive international Female Dormitory at Camp President Rodrigo Duterte, with online harassment, police surveil- networks when push comes to Bagong Diwa as she appeals 11 of the killings happening in the lance and the revocation of oper- shove.” n her conviction.

Philippines among worst places in Southeast Asia for journalists — IFJ

ang Bedol, is undergoing trial for the electoral sabotage case filed against them before the Pasay City court in line with alleged cheating in the 2007 midterm election. The same court dismissed similar charges slapped against former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and the late Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. Abalos could not be charged for lack of evidence, the court said, while Ampatuan – also implicated in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre – died of illness. House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo The hearing on the case has Inquirer.net photo been going on for over seven anytime soon. years since it was filed in NovemIf the demurrer to evidence by ber 2011. Arroyo is denied, the trial on her The court allowed Arroyo to electoral sabotage case will con- post bail, despite electoral sabotinue and her camp must present tage being a non-bailable charge, witnesses. after the prosecution – the DepartArroyo, along with former Ma- ment of Justice – failed to present guindanao election officer Lint- strong evidence against her. n

Janet Napoles insists on staying at Camp Bagong Diwa In its paper, the prosecution said Napoles must already be transferred to the CIW, a national prison facility under the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), following her conviction, even if she still has the right to file an appeal. The prosecution said Napoles failed to substantiate her claim that her impending transfer to the CIW would put her life and security at risk. The prosecution also noted that Napoles’ motion filed on Dec. 7 does not bear any notice of hearing, thus it is considered “a mere scrap of paper” that does not deserve the court’s consideration. The prosecution pointed out that under Sections 4 and 5, Rule 15 of the Rules of Court, a movant must always set the time and place of the hearing of a motion in order to provide due process to both the prosecution and the defense. In her reply, Napoles said that while her motion indeed does not bear a notice of hearing, “such absence was not intended to deprive” the prosecution

Janet Lim-Napoles

Philstar.com photo

of its right to object on the motion. Napoles said her lawyers even personally furnished the state prosecutors with a copy of her motion when it was filed. “It must be stressed that the main reason for such filing is… the extreme urgency of the said motion, considering (that) the order of this honorable court is to immediately transfer (her) to the Correctional Institution for Women, Mandaluyong City,” Napoles’ reply letter read. n

DECEMBER 21-27, 2018 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

Spectacular

IN a word, Miss Philippines Catriona Gray was “spectacular” at the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand this year. It was no surprise to anyone that she ran off with the much-coveted crown. She was amazing throughout the week of competition in “Amazing Thailand.” First, Catriona is truly a sight to behold in her statuesque 5’10” frame. And in her good looks, she appears to have distilled the best qualities from her mixed parentage (a Filipino mother and an Australian father). Second, she showed great flair in walking the ramp. She executes a slow-motion twirl at the apex of her walk, which leaves audiences gasping. Early in the pageant, when she did the twirl, she established herself as a crowd favorite. Supermodel Tyra Banks expressed her awe of her. During coronation night, Catriona once again did her signature twirl. This prompted pageant commentator Carson Kressley to exclaim in admiration: “Oh wow, a slow-mo turn! And then she goes on into giving us great face that great attitude. She’s killing the game here.” Third, Catriona is highly quotable, probably more so than most Filipino politicians. At the Miss Universe pageant she answered many questions with intelligence, poise and a little wit. In the finals, she was asked what is the most important lesson she’s learned in her life. She replied: “I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is very…poor and it’s very sad. And I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it… As a spokesperson, if I could teach

people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster and children could have a smile on their faces.” During the Top 5 Q&A, she was asked her thoughts about the legalization of medical marijuana. She said: “I am for it being used in a medical use, but not so for recreational use because I think if people were to argue, what about alcohol and cigarettes? Everything is good but in moderation.” The totality of her feat at the Miss Universe pageant reflects her varied background, education and training. She was born in Queensland, Australia. She studied at the Trinity Anglican School in Queensland. She earned a certificate in music theory from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. In addition, she obtained a Certificate in Outdoor Recreation and a black belt in the martial art of choi kwang do. Finally, this young lady can sing. She was the lead singer of her school’s jazz band, and starred in a local production of “Miss Saigon.” What kind of ambassador will Catriona be for the Philippines and the Miss Universe beauty pageant? She will be remarkable. She will turn heads and win admirers even without executing her signature slo-mo twirl. (ManilaTimes.net)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Trump embroiled in a growing web of investigations and legal cases: What’s next for the president and the US?

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s quotable soundbites during the 2016 U.S. presidential elections campaign trail as compiled by TIME: “She’s likely to be under investigation for criminality for a very, very long time to come,” Trump said during an Oct. 31, 2016 speech in Warren, Michigan. “We’re going to be tied up in court for the rest of our lives with this deal,” he added, referring to if Clinton were elected. “She’s not going to win the election, but I’m just saying. If Hillary is elected, she will be under protracted criminal investigation likely followed by the trial of a sitting president. This is just what we need.” Two days ahead of the election on Nov. 5, 2016, Trump said Clinton’s “current scandals and controversies will continue

throughout her presidency” and it would be “impossible for her to govern.” FAST FORWARD to the present time. These are the FACTS: President Donald Trump is now embroiled in several investigations and lawsuits and all of these stem from his lies and cover-ups to the American people and institutions, his attack on the rule of law, and his sleeping with the enemies of the United States, as he projects all of these transgressions to his political opponents and democratic institutions, including the news media, the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, CIA, and other members of the U.S. intelligence community. Last week, the results of independent investigations have proven that from his denials and lack of knowledge about his affairs, testimonies under oath and corroborating evidence point out Trump actually had

knowledge of and directed the payment of hush money to cover up his affairs just before the 2016 election. Furthermore, from the denials of his campaign’s communication and business ties with Russia, the Mueller probe has now proven that at least 16 of his team had in fact been in correspondence, meetings and even, deals with Russia. After Mueller’s 18-month-old airtight and methodical investigation — which has led to charges against 32 people including 26 Russians, with four aides to Trump have pleaded guilty to various charges — the Special Counsel this week has released three important filings, sentencing three of these people in the Trump orbit — Trump’s ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn, Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort, and Trump’s former attorney and fixer Michale Cohen.

The Mueller probe that investigates on the alleged conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign to help Trump win is far from over, contrary to Trump’s incessant chanting of “No collusion.” THIS WEEK, just on Tuesday, December 18, CNN and all other news media reported that the Donald J. Trump Foundation has agreed to dissolve under judicial supervision amid an ongoing lawsuit concerning its finances, according to a document filed Tuesday in Manhattan Supreme Court by the New York state Attorney General’s office.” The dissolution of Trump’s charitable foundation resolves one element of the attorney general’s civil lawsuit against the foundation, and as CNN reported, this includes claims that the president and his three eldest children — Don Jr., Ivanka and Eric — all violated campaign-finance laws and abused its tax-

exempt status. Rather than operating it as a genuine charity as it pretends to be, the lawsuit alleges that Trump and his family allowed it to be used “as little more than a checkbook to serve Mr. Trump’s business and political interests.” This agreement to dissolve also allows the attorney general’s office to review the recipients of the charity’s assets. The foundation’s most recent tax return listed its net assets at slightly more than $1.7 million. The closure of Trump’s “charitable foundation” is but part of the growing web of criminal and other investigations touching almost every nooks and crannies of Trump’s business and political operations, including but not limited to his presidential campaign, his inauguration committee and his family real estate business. As this reality show drama

unfolds starring the President of the United States, will you continue to wear your MAGA spectacles that allows you to view the universe only according to Trump’s narrative? Are you just going to beca spectator, grab a bag of popcorn and view this as an entertainment show? OR, will you now be part of the enlightened citizenry that should now be demanding accountability from our elected officials, especially from the 45th President of the United States and his cohorts? We deserve the government that we elect, tolerate, and condone. *** 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

Is martial law extension constitutionally justified?

At Ground Level SATUR C. OCAMPO UPON President Rodrigo Duterte’s behest, the Senate and the House in joint session voted to again extend martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao. This third extension will remain until December 31, 2019. The vote was 235 yes, 28 no, 1 abstention. No doubting the overwhelming “yes” vote. What lingers disquietingly, however, is the question whether the extension complies with the provision of the 1987 Constitution, specifically Section 18 of Article VII (Executive Department). Essentially Section 18 says the President may, “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it,” suspend the privilege of the writ or place the Philippines “or any part thereof under martial law.” It requires the President to submit a report in person or in writing to Congress within 48 hours. Voting jointly by at least a majority of all its members, Congress may approve or revoke his proclamation. Upon the president’s initiative, Congress may, in the same manner, extend such a proclamation for a

period it shall determine – “if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.” Section 18 also says the Supreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by a citizen, “the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation… and must promulgate its decision thereon within thirty days from its filing.” Through Proclamation 216, Duterte originally declared martial law and suspended the writ privilege for 60 days on May 23, 2017, in the wake of the “siege of Marawi” by the combined forces of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf extremist groups. The proclamation denoted the siege as a “rebellion” to comply with the constitutional requirement, and Congress and the Supreme Court both approved it. With Congressional approval, the period was first extended for six months until end-December 2017. Although the Marawi siege had been quelled by October, the security forces recommended a second extension, for one year, citing various justifications that didn’t seem to accord with Section 18. However, the extension easily sailed through Congress and was again upheld by the Supreme Court. In his letter-request to Congress, dated last December 6, Duterte wrote:

“A further extension of the implementation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao will enable the AFP, the PNP, and all the other lawenforcement agencies to fully put an end to the ongoing rebellion in Mindanao and continue to prevent the same from escalating in other parts of the country.” He said that during the extended martial law period in Mindanao, “we have achieved significant progress in putting the rebellion under control, ushering in substantial economic gains.” Despite these gains, he noted, the security assessment submitted by the AFP and the PNP highlights “certain essential facts which indicate that rebellion still persists in Mindanao and that public safety requires the continuation of martial law in the whole of Mindanao.” For instance, he said the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Daulah Islamiyah (former Maute group) and other groups which “seek to promote global rebellion” continue to defy the government by perpetrating hostile activities. He mentioned four bombing incidents during the extended period of martial law. Duterte also cited “342 violent incidents” alleged by the AFP to have been carried out by

the CPP-NPA and the continuing kidnap-for-ransom activities of the ASG. All of these, he said, “merely illustrate in general terms the continuing rebellion in Mindanao.” He promised to submit “a more detailed report on the subsisting rebellion in the next few days.” Doesn’t this statement suggest that the indicators Duterte cited are insufficient to establish an actual rebellion threatening public safety? Yet, without waiting for the “detailed report,” Congress approved the requested extension. Based on their statements to the press, the chiefs of the AFP and the PNP however seem to have different takes on the martial-law extension: Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., the new AFP chief, vows stricter implementation of the extended martial law “to prevent another Marawi.” For his part, PNP director-general Oscar Albayalde says the extension will assure the people of Mindanao another full year of peace and security against the “imminent threat of violence from extremist and communist terrorist forces.” Note that both officials point, not to actual or ongoing rebellion, but to potential or imminent threats of violence, which no longer justify martial law decla-

ration. Come now Sen. Franklin Drilon and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, who voted “No” to the extension, citing its lack of factual and constitutional basis. Their insights as seasoned lawyerlegislators should be given due consideration, along with Sen. Chiz Escudero’s credible assertion that Mindanao achieved economic growth “not because of martial law but because of (the Duterte administration’s) allocation of resources where Mindanao got bigger attention.” Martial law, Escudero stressed, “cannot be the new normal for Mindanao.” Drilon insisted that “there is no actual rebellion or armed uprising in Mindanao which can justify the declaration of martial law” in that part of the country. He revealed that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, during the closed-door security briefing for senators last Monday, had described the martial-law extension as “a psychological war, to quell an armed uprising.” He also recalled that the AFP had classified the local terrorist groups as merely “a peace and order problem today.” Likening martial law to antibiotics, Drilon said these are “resorted to only when ordinary over-the-counter drugs have ceased to work.” Unlimited re-

sort to such powerful medicine, he added, “desensitizes the body and eventually no longer becomes effective in providing the protection that it was designed to give.” Presumably recalling what he heard at the closed-door security briefing for House members Tuesday, Lagman also averred there are no constitutional and factual bases for the extension. He concluded rebellion does not persist in Mindanao and public safety is not imperilled. “An extension of martial law and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus,” he warned, “will prolong inordinately the regime of martial law to a total of 951 days [2 years and 4 months].” This, he added, “contravenes the prescription of the 1987 Constitution delimiting the period of martial law to a short duration, since the original proclamation should not exceed 60 days.” When Lagman and other oppositors bring the issue again to the Supreme Court, the latter should thoroughly review if this third extension is really sufficiently based on facts, beyond the security forces’ self-serving inputs. Can the people hope that the Tribunal will reconsider its ruling last year, that it has no power to review the decision of Congress granting President Duterte’s request? (Philstar.com)

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december 21-27, 2018 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

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DECEMBER 21-27, 2018

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY D EC E M B E R 2 1 , 20 1 8

“I won’t be home for Christmas”: How OFW families celebrate the holiday season by Nathalie

Robles aNd Ritchel MeNdiola / AJPress

IT is not easy to work far from the place you call home. But this ‘fear of missing out’ lingers especially on a special day like Christmas — when streets are decorated and jolly and everyone seems to spend this season with their families and loved ones. According to Philippine Statistics Authority, over 2.3 million Filipinos will be celebrating Christmas apart from their families this year. The unsung heroes, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), all over the world brave the

loneliness and the distance to sustain the needs of the families they left behind in the Philippines. Some might get to come home during the holidays, but most of them might not, given their circumstances. Their families do their best to celebrate Christmas in a way that feels like they’re still together — by conquering the winter chill with good old-fashioned Filipino spirit. No matter how bad Rachel Rivera wants to go home, she cannot. As an OFW, her vacation days are very limited so it doesn’t

seem practical to spend the holiday season with her family if the trip would be expensive and time consuming. Of course, she misses her family in the Philippines. But she cannot afford to throw her job away because it pays more than what she can earn back home. That is a sacrifice she continually makes to ensure a better future for her family. Her family isn’t happy with the setup, either. They miss their bubbly and fun Rachel who would always jumpstart the holidays by gathering them all in one place and be the life of the party. She would urge the young ones to stop playing for a while so they could start with their festivities. She would ask the elders to prepare their gifts to the younger members of the family. Now that she is distant, there is a feeling that something is missing. But thanks to technology and its innovative nature, she can spend time with her family even if distance does not seem to be in their favor. Through video-messaging applications, she can easily participate in the

AJPress illustration by Godwin Gasacao

Christmas festivities by being on the other side of the screen. It is a little inconvenient, the family admits. But for Rachel and her family, it is better than nothing. They have created a new tradition so that Rachel can be a part of the celebration -- she prepares her own Christmas meal and ‘joins’ the family dinner via technology. They would laugh, joke and talk about almost everything. As a family, they too worry about Rachel. They often think about whether she eats on time or sleeps enough. They never fail to remind her to take care of herself. They would pray for her daily. They know that if things would go beyond their control, they only have to trust the God above. Even if she herself cannot grace the halls of the place she called home, the gifts she sends become her substitute. Canned food, clothes, chocolates, toys and gadgets for all her relatives would make their way to the family’s doorstep by Christmas through a balikbayan box. Her cousins would send her pictures of the nieces and nephews enjoying the toys she sent, while her aunts and uncles pose for the camera, showing off the clothes she gave them. All the smiles on their faces and wholesome expressions of gratitude are enough to keep Rachel going. “All my sacrifices will soon be worth it,” she said. Even if she can’t be home for Christmas this year, she is saving

The Mendiola family

up to return to the Philippines for good. For Diana Mendiola, whose husband is a Filipino seaman currently situated in Malta, Europe, celebrating Christmas apart is a normal occurrence, having already experienced this for over 10 years. “It still gets a little lonely,” she said. “But it’s nothing we can’t handle.” As soon as December rolls around, she and their two daughters, Dennise and Hannah, start decorating their three-story house. It’s nothing too grand, just the usual holiday fixtures like bright lights, a Christmas tree in the corner of their living room, and a parol lantern outside their home. Christmas Eve is a busy time for her. She prepares for the night’s festivities with a holiday menu that can feed her immediate and extended family — the ever-present hamonado and keso de bola; spaghetti; fried chicken; lumpiang shanghai; and her specialty, buko salad. “I like making buko salad because it gives variety to the menu,” she said.

After attending Misa de Gallo at their nearby parish church, she and her family start eating as soon as the clock strikes 12. That’s when she contacts her husband, Edward, as well. “We use Skype to communicate so he can see everyone else,” she said, explaining how their tablet gets passed around among family members so everyone can offer their greetings and holiday wishes. “That’s how he catches up with the rest of the family,” she added. To compensate for his absence, Edward usually sends Christmas gifts that everyone opens during the call so he can see their reactions. Diana and her daughters also show off the Christmas decors around the house and provide a play-by-play account of the ongoing festivities to ease the homesickness. In Diana’s household, Christmas is a family affair. Despite the holiday made even colder by the empty head-of-the-family seat, the love and happiness shared by Diana’s other family members are enough to keep them warm and cozy this season.

Celebrating Christmas in America as new immigrants: Filipinos share their stories of beating the holiday blues By KlaRize

MedeNilla AJPress

WE associate the holidays with many things. Presents under the Christmas tree. Yuletide songs playing everywhere we go. But most importantly, the holidays are about family, and as Filipinos, family time during the holidays is a must. However, geographic distance and financial roadblocks make that impossible for some FilipinoAmericans who may not get to travel back to the motherland to spend the holiday with their families. More so, spending the holidays in a brand new, unfamiliar country can feel lonely and foreign. But there are ways to make the most of the holidays despite the change in residency. Here are how some Filipino immigrants cope with spending Christmas in their new homes. Filipino-American Los Angeles

couple Nina and Michael recently moved to the United States and are making a conscious effort to join nearby family members and bring in the flavors of home to their first American Christmas. “As new immigrants, we’ve sought out family close by—for us, they’re like home in a new land. More so during the holidays,” the couple told the Asian Journal. “We are cooking homegrown favorites together—latik, Pinoy tamalos, longganisa, puto and the kids will be making [a] gingerbread house from scratch, while we enjoy American favorites like ham and steak. Feeling very grateful to have family with us, and reveling in the love of family this Christmas season, wherever we may be.” Baguio-native Rodolfo Salazar moved to LA in 2017 and will be spending his second Christmas outside of the Philippines and away from most of his family.

Having no relatives who live in California, he said that his first Christmas was “lonely” compared to his celebrations back home, which included nearly a hundred friends and family. “My first Christmas was very lonely and very depressing,” Salazar, who lives in Northridge, said with a sigh. “I didn’t really do anything but I called my brothers over FaceTime and spent a little time with them. But it really just made me sadder that I wasn’t with them. When you spend a lot of time with family, and then suddenly [find yourself] alone, it’s really shocking.” Although he said he’d “like to forget” about his first Christmas, this year, he made a conscious effort to make Christmas 2018 even better. “I feel better about it this year because I made friends with some of my neighbors and they invited me to spend [Christmas]

with them!” he said. “It’s funny because when I told them about how awful and lonely my last Christmas was, they said, ‘Why didn’t you tell us? You could have come over!’ So, I decided that to help them out with Christmas dinner and spend time with their family.” Although his neighbors may not be his blood relatives, he said that they feel like family and that even though you may not spend Christmas with your own relatives, you can “find family” anywhere. “It’s starting to feel like more of a home now,” Salazar said of living in California. “The more people I meet and the closer I get to some of the friends I made, the less lonely I feel. Even though I miss my family back home, I’m not so worried [about feeling lonely] anymore.” Administrative assistant Aida Apelacio moved from the Philippines to California in 1993

and has spent nearly every Christmas in the U.S. without her immediate family. Although she now has extended family in the United States, she, like Salazar, described that first Christmas without her family in 1993 as “really, really lonely” and “extremely sad.” “It was unexplainable, especially for me because I am really close to my brothers and sisters and my mom. When I had that first Christmas without them, it was really so hard and I really missed them a lot,” Apelacio told the Asian Journal in a phone interview. In addition to missing her family and loved ones back home, Apelacio noted that she also misses the massive monthslong event that is Christmas in the Philippines which, as most Filipinos know, begins in September. “There’s nothing else like it. It

really is a special time of the year,” Apelacio said. “The small children singing Christmas carols around the neighborhoods, the different foods that they have over there and the Christmas parties we used to have over there. It was really, really fun and [a] very unique experience, and it is really beyond words.” Apelacio, who is now married and living in Artesia, California, now takes advantage of the telecommunication advancements that have been introduced in the last 25 years to communicate with her family back home, especially during the holidays. “It’s a lot easier now since we have all these social media like Viber, Messenger or Skype so our family feels less far away and we can feel less lonely. It would have been nice to have that before, but I’m glad we have it now,” Apelacio adds with a laugh.

Celebrating noche buena miles away By Nathalie

Robles aNd Ritchel MeNdiola AJPress

FILIPINOS are known for their love for food and fellowship, and noche buena — which is Spanish for “night of goodness” — is the epitome of both of those combined. Typically after the last Mass of Simbang Gabi, families go back home to a large spread adorning the dining table. Though families may have created their own traditions, among the noche buena staples include favorite Filipino dishes such as lechon (roasted whole pig), pancit, barbecue, rice, adobo and native rice cakes (kakanin — biko, sapin-sapin, bibingka, puto bumbong, or cassava cake). However, Western influence has brought in spaghetti or fruitcake,

and a fusion of Filipino with international dishes. Here are some of the noche buena spread favorites: • Hamon/hamonado - Ham, (from the Spanish jamon). Pork marinated in pineapple juice, sugar, salt and spices; then baked. • Keso de bola - Literally, a ball of Edam cheese (a semi-hard cheese from Netherlands), usually with a red paraffin wax covering. • Bibingka - Flat cake cooked in banana leaves with salted egg, kesong puti, served with butter and grated coconut. • Lechon - Roasted pig, pork belly, chicken, fish — it means anything that’s roasted over coals. But in Filipino households, it is always the lechong baboy (pig) that rules over the table. • Leche flan - The Filipino version of a creme brulee — but better. A mixture of egg yolks,

condensed milk, fresh milk and sugar; this sweet concoction is steamed and topped with caramelized sugar. • Macaroni salad - Although every Filipino has their own version, this dish starts with the same ingredients — pasta, mayonnaise and chicken. Others add carrots, celery, cheese and sometimes pineapple. • Spaghetti - Filipino-style, that is. Made with tomato sauce and paste, ground beef or pork, cheese and a little sugar to sweeten the taste, the spaghetti is a Filipino staple in parties and for noche buena. In some households, Christmas is a time for the families to reunite all relatives with their kin and clan depending on the number of family members. For a more close-knit type of family, they usually organize a reunion since this is the time of the year where most members are available. Some sort of production number whether a dance or song performance is assigned to the younger members of the family AJPress illustration by Jillian Peñalosa as a form of

entertainment. However, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) often feel farthest away from home during the Yuletide season. The Philippines is famous for making a big deal about Christmas — celebrating it as soon as the “-ber” months start, so it can be a little, if not a lot, jarring to spend it in another country, away from home and your loved ones. OFWs usually make do with their resources and imagination so their holidays can have that distinct Pinoy feel. For Regine Santelices, who’s celebrating her second Christmas in Dubai this year, one way to do this is by having a Filipino noche buena feast. “Ours is the typical Filipino noche buena feast,” she said. “People here usually prepare menudo, fried chicken, Pinoy spaghetti, smoked ham,crispy pata, lumpia, and fruit salad.” To battle homesickness last year, she called her family residing in Pasig City through Skype. “There wasn’t any specific time for Skype since it was hard to get signal here. I tried different apps to call them but none of those worked except Skype,” she said. However, since Dubai banned the instant messaging app this year, she had to look for other alternatives so she can continue

Regine Santelices and her fellow OFWs in Dubai during their noche buena celebration last year.

being in touch with her family. “I applied for a plan — international voice call for 300 minutes per month,” she said, adding that “I’m saving up minutes to call them this Christmas.” Aside from having Filipino cuisine and contacting her family to fill her stomach and her heart respectively, she also mentioned the Christmas party that the Filipino community in Dubai throws annually as a noche buena tradition, as well. “The good thing about Dubai is that there are a lot of Filipinos,” she said. She added, “Even if you’re far away from your family, the fellow OFWs you’re with will somehow make you feel like you’re part of their family. Their Christmas party usually consists of gift exchanges, grocery raffle, and karaoke. “The one we anticipate for is

the raffle for groceries. They give away rice, personal effects such as bath soap and the like, and other essential things. The cost of living here in Dubai is very high so this is important to us,” she said, sharing that she got a free rice supply for a month last year. According to Regine, the feeling of sadness is still there — “it’ll take some time to get used to,” she admitted — but she remains positive, and promises to make the most out of the Christmas celebration this year. Whether you celebrate noche buena among family and friends or in your new home away from home, the Filipino camaraderie and love for food are amplified during this evening. Though the meal’s central focus may seem to be on the feast being served, the real reasons for getting together are the ever-present laughter, storytelling and love.

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Immigration Corner

January 2018 priority dates The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

February 15, 2008

March 01, 2007

(2A) Spouse and Second Preference minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder

December 01, 2017

November 08, 2016

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

December 15, 2007

June 22, 2007

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

June 01, 1997

July 22, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

April 22, 1997

September 01, 1995

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

FAMILY CATEGORY: Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

“ABANDONED” PETITION SUCCESSFULLY REOPENED 10 YEARS LATER BY ATTY. MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL. Elsinore (left) was petitioned by his father back in 2001. However, when his younger sister, Elvie (center), checked the petition status online in 2005, she found out it was denied due to “abandonment.” USCIS had sent a notice to petitioner’s old residence requesting additional documents, but the petitioner never received the notice because he had moved, and therefore did not respond. Their first lawyer’s motion to reopen was denied for being untimely, so their mother, an avid viewer of “Citizen Pinoy,” suggested they retain leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA ONE of the things that make living in this land exciting is coming to an appreciation of the culture, the language and the origins of certain phrases that are repeated like a refrain year after year when Christmas comes. I have often wondered who Virginia was and what was the reason Francis Church made famous the line, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” But lest we forget. The generosity of Santa Claus and everyone all around us comes from the love of God who sent His only begotten Son as a gift to the world. CHRIST IS the reason for the season and every season. Forget the Grinch who would like to steal the joy of Christmas and the Scrooges who would rather shrivel up and die than give love on Christmas Day. There are unseen and unseeable wonders of Christmas that live in the hearts of many Filipino-Americans year round who squirrel and stash away gifts and send them in balikbayan boxes. There are millions worldwide who work and save

CHRIST IS the Reason for Every Season “No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.” —Francis P. Church and remit to make Christmas for their families abundantly blessed. Yes, indeed, there is a Santa Claus that lives in the hearts of each and every one of us who makes the spirit of Christmas alive and well. The weather is highly unusual in most parts of the world this year but if you tune in to sky watchers’ websites and internet segments devoted to science, the heavens are putting out spectacular light shows seen during midnight and the early morning hours. The auroras about 50 miles above the poles are probably breathtaking. At no other time during the year is the line, “Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.” more appropriate to ponder than at Christmas time when all the splendors of

the world around us, if we look carefully and listen well, take on special meaning. Enjoy the Christmasseason. By now, friends and loved ones back in Philippines would have received the balikbayan boxes filled with goodies that we have been dutifully squirreling away and generously sending since September this year. Remittance companies have never been busier as we send the much appreciated dollars that go a long way in making Christmas merry across the miles. The spirit of giving seems to burn brighter in women during the season. As a rule, women do Christmas. If you are the woman of the house, my best guess, is that you make Christmas happen in your family by doing practically everything from shopping

First Preference

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

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. ***

Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a

to wrapping to cooking to decorating. If your mate pitches in and helps you, you are one of the lucky ones. Women have complicated their lives far more than they care to admit to themselves. We need to simplify. We need to take stock

of all the good that has come and quietly nurture a grateful heart. More than likely, all we have is all we need. We need to forget all the what-might-havebeens because these are like excess baggage that makes the journey on life’s road even more

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

August 1, 2017

June 22, 2017

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

August 1, 2017

June 22, 2017

prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook. com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @ GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

cumbersome, even torturous. I personally like to imagine my troubles, real or imagined particularly come Christmas time, tied in neat little bundles on the computer screen of my mind that I can drag and drop to the little Continued on Page 6

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Travelogue: (SeCoND of 4 parTS)

Discovering the less known gems of Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro On the PEP Front

The Diocletian aqueduck is still in use today

People, Events, Places

‘Mary, Marry Me’ follows the story of two estranged sisters — the ex-girlfriend and fiancée of one man, Sam Milby. Photos courtesy of TINCANp

‘Mary, Marry Me’ turns in many firsts for Toni and Alex

BoBBy T. yalong LOOKING back: A mixed emotion of excitement and fear enveloped my being while packing my bags for my trip to Central Europe but everything bad written and said about Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro were all fallacious … for the Balkan places are peaceful, safe, and fascinating,

By Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

CELEBRITY siblings Toni and Alex Gonzaga have done almost every kind of project together — from endorsements to hosting gigs and even TV shows. But it turns out that there’s one more item to tick off their bucket list — to star side-by-side in a major movie project. It is therefore understandable that their official Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2018 entry “Mary, Marry Me” holds a special place in their hearts. “I’ve always wanted to work with Alex, gusto kong makita paano siya katrabaho sa film The Diocletian Palace at saka yung dynamics namin because in real life, we’ve instead. always had this strong bond More about Croatia: The history and chemistry and I just want to of Croatia could be traced back in see how it will reflect on the big the 7th century when people from screen,” the elder sister revealed the north eastern side of Europe at the movie’s grand media settled along the Adriatic Sea and conference. started to establish their community However the timing nor the until it became a kingdom in the material never seemed to be right 10th century. The periods from for the sisters, even when Toni the 15th to the 17th century first pitched “Mary, Marry Me’s’ were manifested by acrimonious concept some three years ago. struggles with Ottoman Empire for “It all started in my head, but supremacy and existence… but I don’t want to take full credit for in 1991 Croatia finally regained the movie it’s become now kasi its independence after being napalago na siya. It started with incorporated with Yugoslavia for the wanting na, parang ang sarap Continued on Page 6

A breathtaking view of a Neum coastal village

Klis Fortress in Salona, Croatia

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gumawa ng family movie and then romcom movie in one. Finally, it all fell into place this year for Alex and me,” Toni humbly shared. Long-time MMFF fans “Mary, Marry Me” is the story of Mary Jane (Toni) and her estranged younger sister Mary Anne (Alex) who is set to marry the former’s ex-boyfriend Pete (Sam Milby). Despite the initial hesitation, Mary Jane’s commitment to make up to her sister enable her to set aside uneasiness toward her exboyfriend as she agrees to plan their wedding. “It’s a perfect blend of what you always see in a romcom and in a family movie – there’s so much heart, there are so many laughs but at the end of course there are even more realizations,” Toni proudly noted. Making Mary, Marry Me extra special for the siblings is the fact that it is both their first time to join the annual festival. “I remember nung bata pa kami ni Alex, we would go to Sta. Lucia, hindi pa kami artista nun. Makikipila kami, ang kadalasan naming pinapanood ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll,’ ‘Crying Ladies,’ pinapanood lang namin dati yung mga filmfest entries so we’re just really thankful and grateful that Continued on Page 6

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The 2018-19 Junior Discovery Competition Winners, Andrew Arloro & Jeffrey Yang (Violins) during rehearsal (left) and after their performance

Music to our ears and hearts: The Children’s Orchestra Society begins 50th concert season anniversary

NEW YORK CITY — The prestigious Children’s Orchestra Society (COS), founded by the late Dr. Hiao Tsiun Ma (father of renowned cellist Yo Yo Ma and Dr. Yeou-Cheng Ma), kicked off their milestone 50th Concert Season Anniversary with the 50th Annual Winter Concert last Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Seymour Weiner Theatre, Long Island High School for the Arts in Syosset, NY. The Winter Concert featured the Society’s Kinder Orchestra, Sinfonia, JSE, YSE, ESE, Wind Ensemble, and Rhythm Ensemble who performed the last movement of Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherazade, and the 2018-19 Junior Discovery Winners, violinists Andrew Arloro and Jeffrey Yang, who played Sarasate’s Navarra for two Violins with Orchestra — much to the delight of their family and friends in the audience. Music is a universal language, one that brings healing and happiness to people of all ages and cultures. Learning this powerful language helps develop motor skills, memory and coordination in toddlers and young children, and teaches life skills such as perseverance, creativity, cooperation and teamwork to young adults. This child-centered and wholistic music education is at the heart of The Children’s Orchestra Society. The Children’s Orchestra Society is currently headed by Dr. Yeou-Cheng Ma who serves as executive director, while her husband Michael Dadap (Filipino guitarist, composer, conductor and 2007 Pamana ng Lahi Awardee),

Pinoy celebrities and their bluest Christmas By Ricky Lo Philstar.com

THROUGH the years We all will be togetherIf the fates allow — from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Unfortunately, “the fates” don’t always allow all of us to be together, not even only during the Christmas season when the absence of a loved one, whether gone for good or gone abroad, is more acutely felt. Year in and year out, stars have been interviewed about their “white” Christmases and happiest Christmases. For a change, Funfare asked some stars about their “bluest” Christmases. • Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte: All my four The 2018-19 Junior Discovery Competition Winners, Andrew Arloro & Jeffrey Yang (Violins) Christmases as a college student during rehearsal (left) and after their performance at the Ateneo were all blue. If referring to “saddest,” however, my bluest Christmas was the first one I spent after my mother, Betty Go Belmonte, passed away. Not only was it the first one in which she was not with me but it was also the first one spent away from my family because I decided not to come home for Christmas while I was in Grad School in London in order to save money. The Children’s Orchestra Society’s Young Symphonic Ensemble (YSE) with Dr. Yeou-Cheng • James Yap: Dapat every Ma and Michael Dadap Christmas ay masaya kasi Christmas is for and with the 19, 2018 (Thursday) 7:00pm. serves as artistic and musical family, di ba? No, I won’t have a The evening will feature COS director, and principal conductor. blue Christmas this year. Masaya Senior Discovery Winner Darren The COS Board of Directors pa rin naman kahit na…’yon na Yang (Bass), Guest Artist Ray includes another famous Filipino, nga! Chen (Violin), and all orchestras Loida Nicolas Lewis, who is also a • Roselle Monteverde: This is conducted by Michael Dadap. pianist and advocate for culture something I want to think about The Program includes Rimskyand the arts. because as far back as I can Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Next on the COS calendar remember, my saddest Christmas Koussevitzky’s Bass Concerto, and is their 50th Annual Spring was when I was nine years old. more. Graduation Concert on May 18, I wanted to have a walking doll To avail of early bird or group 2019 (Saturday) 4:00pm to be held as a gift from my parents but I discounts for the COS Discovery at the Seymour Weiner Theatre, never got it. However, after that Gala at Carnegie Hall, please call Long Island High School for the all my Christmases have been 718.888.0635 or email Info@ Arts. wonderful. ChildrensOrch.org. Capping the Society’s • Carlo J. Caparas: After For more information on The milestone concert season is the Children’s Orchestra Society, please Donna’s farewell, dark blue 50th ANNIVERSARY DISCOVERY Continued on Page 6 visit www.ChildrensOrch.org. GALA at CARNEGIE HALL on June

Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Gabby Concepcion, Ruffa Gutierrez, Kuh Ledesma, Jaclyn Jose, Albie Casiño and Kyline Alcantara Philstar.com photos

James Yap and his five-month-old daughter Francesca Michelle.

Quantum Films producer lawyer Joji Alonso with Jessy Mendiola and Jericho Rosales, stars of “The Girl in Orange Dress”, her company’s 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry.

Carlo J. Caparas at the grave of his wife Donna Villa (inset) at a memorial park in Cebu.

Three generations, Roselle Monteverde, her mom Mother Lily Monteverde and daughter Brigitte.

Agot’s white Christmas

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Calendar of Events across

By MARINEL

CRUZ

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Simbang Gabi at Saint Anne Roman Catholic Church in Las Vegas Come and join Simbang Gabi at 8:30 p.m. from December 15-23 (except on Sundays at 5 p.m.) at Saint Anne Roman Catholic Church located at 1901 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104. Complete nine days novena Mass with Christmas carols and a community feast! For more information, please contact the parish at (702) 735-0510 or Cris Pelayo at (702) 2456235.

CHRISTMAS is always a happy time for Agot Isidro. But, when asked about her fondest holiday memory, she shares, “Mine happened many years ago, when I was still a little girl. I still clearly remember the Christmas when our dad just

got home from Switzerland, and we all wore the jackets that he brought home for us. Feel na feel ko na may white Christmas kami!” “This holiday season, I will be in Korea with my Agot Isidro family,” she said.

Photo from Instagram/@agotisidro

CHRIST IS the Reason for Every...

From Page 3 trash bin icon and simply empty them all out into cyberspace never to be seen again— or at least, for the time being. Christmas is a time for remembrance of things past, mostly the good ones. It is a time for editing out and leaving the unwanted footage on the cutting room floor those memories that

are best left forgotten. It is a time to say “thank you”, a time to draw lessons from the year about to draw to a close and to use a new and fresh supply of God’s gift called TIME, given in equal measure to all men, rich or poor, from one glorious day to the next. May we all be centered in Christ this season and beyond. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

*** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc. com. To read past articles, click on the link Online: http://issuu.com/ asianjournaldigitaledition or you can do searches in the least invasive search engine duckduckgo or bing or yahoo even before google.

Pinoy celebrities and their...

From Page 5 has been the color of my every Christmas. (Carlo’s wife Donna Simbang Gabi at St. Bridget Church in Las Vegas Villa died of cancer on Jan. 27, 2017.) Bishop George Leo Thomas will celebrate Simbang Gabi at St. Bridget Roman Catholic • McDonald’s Philippines Church on Saturday, December 22. Mass will begin at 5 p.m. followed by a potluck at the courtyard of the church. The church is located at 220 N. 14th St. Las Vegas, NV 89101. For president George Yang: My more information, please call Andre at (702) 498-2934. “bluest” Christmas was in 1985. My father passed away in November that year. For the If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the first time, the family was not details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com complete to celebrate Christmas. • Qualibet CEO/ philanthropist Pinky Tobiano: My bluest Christmas was the year when both my Mom and I had cancer together. Seeing how on Toni’s real name, Tin, and the recalled. From Page 4 my family was hurting and in 20 years later, kasama na kaming word “can”, which connotes she For the past years, Soriano’s pain, hiding their tears from us, dalawa na isa sa papanoorin ngacan also produce movies, was Ten17p has produced awardas they were trying to be strong yong Pasko,” Toni reminisced. born. winning independent and for me and my mom…that was Producers too Finally, Toni shared the hope mainstream films such as As for Toni, their movie marks “Transit,” “Thelma,” “Kid Kulafu,” she has not only movies but other my bluest Christmas. But today, my Mom and I are both survivors another first for her: to wear the projects for her new production “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis,” because of my family’s love…the producer’s hat. company as well. “Siargao,” and, most recently, greatest miracle of Christmas. “Mary, Marry Me” is the first “I know people would “First Love.” • Kuh Ledesma: The bluest movie of her new production instantly think about tincans with “So he said, ‘This has to be Christmas for me was when I company, TINCANp, a subsidiary this name. But when I researched under another film outfit. If Toni was already separated from of her producer husband’s about it, there’s so many useful wants to do her concepts, she Louie (Gonzalez) and I let Ten17p. ways to recycle tin can, puwede has to have a production for the “We gave birth to it [TINCANp] kind of movies that she likes.’ siyang maging paso, pencil holder (our daughter) Isabella spend Christmas with him because they because when the movie was at iba pa. And I’ve always been a fan of didn’t see each other much. It finally finished, it so glossy and “So the way I see it, from feel-good romantic movies so was the only lonely Christmas mainstream, it’s vibrant. It’s a a small idea, anything can be he suggested to branch out to for me but now, having Christ brand na buhay na buhay and developed into something else, my own production outfit that in my life, I hardly get sad no lively and when they started by using your creativity. And will allow me to do just so,” she matter what the occasion is. It is putting the logo of Ten17p Mary, Marry Me is just the start,” furthered shared. in believing that He (Jesus) will parang it didn’t seem to fit,” Toni she ended. And so TINCANp — a play

D EC E M B E R 22

‘Mary, Marry Me’ turns in...

never leave me nor forsake me. • Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez: Blue Christmas would be if I am away from my family. For me, Christmas is for family representing the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the Holy Family. • Ai-Ai delas Alas: Hindi Pasko ang bluest ko but New Year because my father died on Dec. 31 and my mother naman Dec. 30. I see to it na masaya ang Pasko namin kasi birthday ni Lord. Christmas is my and my children’s favorite time of the year. • Gabby Concepcion: I was away from the Philippines for 13 years. I came home to see my father and was hoping to spend Christmas with him for the first time in 13 years. He died in September that year. • Ruffa Gutierrez: My bluest Christmases were those I spent in Istanbul, Turkey, without my family by my side. My ex-husband never celebrated Christmas so it was naturally a lonely time for me. I would always look forward to visits from my parents and talk to them every day. Mas masaya ang Pasko sa Pilipinas! There’s really no place like home. (Ruffa’s

marriage to Yilmaz Bektas was annulled.) • Kyline Alcantara: My first ever Christmas here in Manila was my bluest kasi galing po ako ng Bicol at sanay ako that I would be with my grandparents every Christmas. But when I got here and I celebrated my first Christmas without them, nanibago po ako at na-miss ko sila. Na-miss ko po ’yung aginaldo nila, hehehe!!!, mga luto nila every Christmas, mga yakap nila. I really miss them po. • Albie Casiño: My bluest Christmas was easily in 2010. My (paternal) grandpa Daddy Ben died on Dec. 14 and Christmas has never been the same since then. • Joji Alonso: My bluest Christmas was when I spent half of the day lending support to a client who was imprisoned for a non-bailable crime. Even if the people there tried to make things appear normal (sharing food, laughing, etc.), ramdam mong mabigat ang pakiramdam. I was specifically affected by the innocent children who didn’t even understand what was going on. • Jaclyn Jose: This is my bluest Christmas. You could not imagine how blue it is. It’s dark.

Travelogue: (Second of 4 parts)... From Page 4 most of the 20th century. In July 1, 2013, Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union after a decade of negotiations…but still uses Croatian kuna (currency code=HRK / currency symbol = kn) as its monetary unit and not euro. Fast forward: After arriving in Croatia (Dec. 24, Friday), specifically in the coastal city of Opatija, adventure started the following day with a visit to Pula, (a seafront city on the tip of Istrian Peninsula), and Rovinj (a stunning fishing port on the west coast), and on Sunday, December 25, we targeted the City of Split. On the way to the City of Split It was early Sunday morning when we checked out of Grand Hotel Adriatic and bade Opatija adieu as we headed to Split, Croatia’s second largest city with glorious architectural sceneries and a haven for excellent gourmet. Along the way, we passed by Rijeka (Reeh-ye-kah), a principal seaport and the country’s 3rd largest city. It will be recalled that Rijeka’s soccer team won Second Place in the highly contested 2018 Soccer World Championship. Yes, soccer is a big sport that side of the world. Majority of Rijeka’s population are Croats along with a small number of Bosniaks, Italians, and Serbs and the city has a strong local sense of identity in which the autochthonous inhabitants are referred to as Fiumans. After an hour and a half on the road, we stopped at the City of Rab, a multi-awarded tourist destination that sits on a narrow

Stairway to heaven in Klis Fortress

silver of land protruding towards the mainland. Bounded by ancient city walls and recognizable by four church towers that form the familiar outline, depicting Rab as a ship with four masts: the bell towers of the churches of St. John, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Andrew the Apostle, and St. Justine. Residents believed that St. Christopher, Rab’s patron saint, saved the island from attackers thus earning the right to have his skull preserved in a reliquary within the Rab cathedral. After a light snack, we went back on the road but had to make a stop again (after another hour and a half) for lunch at Restaurant Macola along the highway in Korenica. Their native cuisine is normally salty…from soup to any meat dish. It could be because they are constant consumers of sweet coffees and salty foods are just perfect corrective balancer (just my practical analysis). Later, what could be an interesting site to visit than the City of Zadar, an ancient urban town that is older than Rome, according to Byzantine Emperor and travel writer Constantine Porfirogenet. The serene yet attractive city along the Adriatic Sea is home to the world-famous Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), an experimental musical instrument (invented by Zadar architect Nikola Basic in 2005) which plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. The heavy downpour that whole day failed to dampen our curiosity to experience the strange sounds (like baleen whales)

produced by the sea organ that was awarded with the top prize Ex Aequo of the fourth edition of the European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2006. Soaked and dripping wet (despite sheltered by an umbrella I instantly grabbed for 80 HRK ($12.25) at a nearby grocery store, we boarded our tour bus with much relief and comfort. We could have explored more of the scenic place had it been a sunny day. Excitement had not totally died down as we passed along picturesque mountains and panoramic shorelines, which was made even more thrilling upon the sight of an striking fortress nestled atop a lofty hill as we passed by Salona, an ancient city and the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The 3rd century medieval Fortress of Klis is a small stronghold built by the ancient Illyrian tribe Dalmatae and became the royal castle and seat of power by many Croatian kings. It’s interesting to note that the Klis Fortress was the famous fictional city in the Game of Thrones series introduced in Season 4 when Daenerys Targaryen and her army marched towards Meereen. By around 4:00 PM we finally reached the City of Split, a blend of ancient and modern, and checked in at Atrium Hotel, a luxury getaway in shades of beige and dark grey with proximity to the city’s largest shopping center, the Joker Mall. Dinner was at the seaside-style Epetium Restaurant in Stobrec, just fifteen minute-drive from our hotel, where we feasted on fish and meat selections with fresh garden salad,

Split, Croatia at top glance

Vacation chateaus and villas in Zadar’s coast

Zadar’s world famous Sea Organ

View of Rijeka, Croatia from Trsat Castle

Rijeka’s magniﬁcent riviera

white and red wine, and, of course, coffee. The following day, November 26, we checked out of the hotel after the 7 AM breakfast. Imagine how tiring it was to unpack and repack our suitcases, not to mention the hand carried ones, just after an overnight stay. It didn’t take long before we arrived at our destination: the historical UNESCO Heritage Site of Diocletian Palace, another ancient king’s residence built for the Roman emperor Diocletian (284305 and the last pagan emperor) at the turn of the 4th century AD. Today, the said palace forms about half of the old town of Split, Croatia. Considered to be one of the most imposing Roman ruins, the Diocletian Palace is certainly the main attraction of the city and one of the best-preserved monuments of the Roman architecture in the world. History reveals that in November of 284 AD, Diocletian (full name: Gauis Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) a forceful Roman General seized power and declared himself the new emperor. One of his earliest orders was to divide the Roman empire into two: the eastern part for himself and the western part for his colleague, Maximian. He ended the period known as the crisis of the 3rd century and worked hard to rehabilitate Rome to its former glory by making changes in key regions. He persecuted Christians, crucifying more than any other emperor and imposed the traditional polytheistic religion (the worship or belief in multiple deities

which are usually assembled in a pantheon of gods and goddesses). The Diocletian Palace prides of some interesting sites: the Peristyle, which is the center of the Palace, the Cardo which is one of the main streets through the Palace, and the Cellar. The Cellar is a familiar location since it is a Game of Thrones filming site where Daenerys kept her dragons when she was in Meereen. Also, inside the vast preserved Palace are varied stalls and kiosks selling memorabilia and souvenir items… while most of the upper portion of the ruins was turned into a residential area. Historians believed that Diocletian died from community suicide on December 3, 312 due to deep despair and illness. After our tour of the Diocletian’s magnificent ruins we were given our own free time to sightsee more of the place and had lunch. My wife Venny and I decided to brave the noontime precipitation and opted to stroll along the busy Riva Boulevard where numerous cafes, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops abound. At the cul-de-sac we stumbled upon the Prokurativa (the Republic Square), an expansive quadrangular public open space facing the Cathedral of St. Marco… an exact replica of Venice’s St. Mark’s Square. Later on, we chose Terminal E Restaurant from among the several eateries lined along the coastal side for its wide range of pizza options, cozy atmosphere, and well-maintained place. Ovenfresh mozzarella pizza, baked pasta, and cappuccino more than compensated our exhaustion and

starvation. Since there was still an hour left to wander, we crossed the nearby marketplace to hunt for souvenir items and fancy stuff while waiting for our bus. Noticeably, items were tagged almost the same in New York City. By around 1:30 p.m., we’re on the road once again…this time to Dubrovnik, Croatia. On our way, we crossed the Neum border (a town and municipality in HerzegovinaNeretva Canton of the Federation of Bosnia) under strict passport inspection. A bit of info: The Neum agreement is an unimplemented treaty between Croatia and BosniaHerzegovina signed in November 22, 1998 granting free passage of transit traffic between the territory of Dubrovnik and forming a pene-eclave of Croatia and the remaining Croatian territories through the Municipality of Neum. We were lucky, according to our tour guide… since the examining officer was lenient enough and just briefly scrutinized of our travel documents… an infrequently occurrence in the border. At last, after traveling for a little more than 4 hours (covering 165 km. or 102 miles) from Split to Dubrovnik, we arrived at Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel around 5:30 p.m. (our residence for two days) drained and nearly worn out but still feeling excited for tomorrow’s new adventures. Next issue: Exploring Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and Montenegro. For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY D EC E M B E R 2 1 , 20 1 8

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY D EC E M B E R 2 1 , 20 1