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Volume 11 – Issue 11 • 16 Pages

DE C E MBE R 2 2 - 2 8 , 2 0 1 7

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

El Cerrito, Calif. swears in first Fil-Am, LGBT mayor El Cerrito’s first Fil-Am and LGBT councilmember became the city’s first Fil-Am and LGBT mayor on Tuesday, December 19 during the reorganization of the city council at El Cerrito City Hall.

In all of El Cerrito City Mayor Gabriel Quinto the city’s 100 year history, Gabriel Quinto is the third mayor of color. Those before him were El Cerrito’s first African American city council member and mayor Letitia Moore who served in 2004 and 2008, and Chinese-American Mayor Ann Cheng who served in 2011 as the first Asian American to hold the position as well as the youngest.

As Quinto takes on his new position, here are some facts about him.

NorCal local Born in Berkeley, California, Quinto went on to graduate from El Cerrito High School in 1979.

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Filipino doctor in US granted probation in sexual assault case

A FILIPINO doctor who was charged a year ago with sexually assaulting his 53-year-old male patient in Bridgeport, Connecticut was placed in a special probation program on Tuesday, December 19, according to a report.

The judge agreed to grant former Bridgeport Hospital physician, Louie Mar Gangcuangco, his request for accelerated rehabilitation which is a pretrial program available to those accused of nonviolent crimes.

Both the victim and the prosecutor also agreed with the decision.

“I had been prepared to go forward today with the trial but the victim has decided he [wanted] to get on with his life,” said the prosecutor as reported by the Connecticut Post.

Under the one-year probation program, Gangcuangco’s original charge of 4th-degree sexual assault may be dismissed, granted he does not get re-arrested during the probation period.

The patient said he was assaulted by

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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

PH-US economic, security relations ‘robust,’ says envoy

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

try’s economy expanded by more than six percent in the past nine quarters, which he said can be attributed to THIS year’s economic and security a number of factors—including the partnerships between the Philippines “strong growth in exports, improveand the United States have been “ro- ments in public spending, and boosted bust,” according to Philippine Ambas- performance in traditionally well-persador to U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez. forming areas such as the manufacturIn his year-end report at the Philip- ing subsector and services sector.”

For U.S.-ASEAN (Association of pine Embassy in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, December 19, Romualdez Southeast Asian Nations) Business highlighted the positive reforms and Council President and CEO Alex Feldman, the Philippines’ “impressive” trends in the Philippine economy.

The diplomat noted that the coun- economic growth is seen to attract U.S.

PH Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez Inquirer.net photo

companies to invest in the country.

“The impressive economic growth that the Philippines has experienced over the last year and the predictions that it will continue into 2018 are the types of economic fundamentals that have attracted over $3.3 billion in American foreign direct investment to the Philippines,” Feldman said.

He added that “major initiatives to improve the business environment” and “efforts to ease restrictions on foreign ownership in key sectors” also

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PH tax reform bill signed amid criticisms

by PHILIP

C. TUBEZA Inquirer.net

SAYING it was his administration’s “biggest Christmas gift” to the public, President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, December 19, signed a tax reform bill that critics claimed would lead to increases in the prices of oil, power and other products, and further burden the poor.

Surrounded by congressional leaders, Mr. Duterte signed the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act that exempts most workers from paying income taxes while raising P120 billion in revenue.

“This is the administration’s biggest Christmas gift to the Filipino people, as 99 percent of the taxpayers will benefit from the simpler, fairer and more efficient tax,” the president said in his speech.

He said one of the TRAIN’s most significant breakthroughs was exempting from income tax workers earning below P250,000 starting Jan. 1.

The TRAIN Act, the first package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, aims to raise funds for the government’s ambi-

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MILITARY ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo Duterte confers the Order of Lapu-Lapu on one of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel during the 82nd anniversary celebration of AFP at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday, December 20. Assisting the President is Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Malacañang photo by Alfred Frias

Diokno: PH withdraws MCC application due to policy independence

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

IN contrast to an earlier statement from Malacañang, a Cabinet official said that the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has pulled out its application from an independent United States poverty reduction agency due to policy independence.

Earlier this week, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque affirmed that the Philippine government’s decision to withdraw its application for a second grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has nothing to do

with the perceived interference from the U.S. Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, however, said in a state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) report that was not the case.

Diokno claimed that the decision to withdraw was made in accordance with the administration’s independent foreign policy, saying that the president wants to implement projects “without external intervention.”

He further noted that funding offers from donors should be given “out of the goodness of your heart” without any consequence.

“Kung gusto mong magbigay, magbigay ka out of the goodness of your heart pero ‘wag kami paki-alamanan. (If you want to help give it out of the goodness of your heart but don’t meddle with us),” the budget secretary said on Wednesday, December 20.

The MCC is an independent U.S. foreign aid agency that provides grants to promote economic growth in poor countries that are committed to good governance, economic freedom and investments in citizens, as stated in its official website.

The Philippines received a $434 mil- Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno

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Inquirer.net photo

Pres. Pacquiao in 2022? Duterte supports it Duterte changes tune anew, says

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, Dec. 17, attended the 39th birthday celebration of Senator Manny Pacquiao in General Santos City. Joining them in the photo are Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee and their children.

Photo from Instagram/@jinkeepacquiao

IF there is someone Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wants to succeed him, it would be boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao.

In his remarks during the senator’s 39th birthday celebration on Sunday, December 20, Duterte expressed support for Pacquiao as he remarked that the senator is capable of becoming the country’s next chief executive.

“Sabi ko sa kanya one time

noong kami lang dalawa nagusap, gusto kita gawing president. Alam ko kaya mo (One time in a private talk, I told him I want him to be president and said he could do it),” the president said.

This, however, was not the first time Duterte expressed support to Pacquiao for a possible presidential run in the 2022 elections.

Last year, Duterte also tagged Pacquiao as “president-to-be.”

Duterte then lauded Pacquiao’s public service.

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he supports same-sex marriage REVERSING his stance, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country.

Speaking before the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Davao City on Sunday, December 17, Duterte suggested the possibility of legalizing the union between same sexes in the Philippines, as the current law provides that marriage is only between man and

woman.

“Ako gusto ko (I want) samesex marriage. Ang problema we’ll have to change the law. But we can change the law. Eh ang batas kasi (Because our law states that) marriage is a union between a man and a woman,” Duterte said in his speech.

As stated by the Executive Order (E.O.) 209, marriage is “a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman en-

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A december 22-28, 2017 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page

PH-US economic, security...

PAGE A1 t make the Philippines “an even more attractive destination for American corporations.”

Feldman mentioned, in particular, the Philippine government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, which aims to construct P8 trillion-worth of road networks and other infrastructures to enhance the mobility in different parts of the country.

According to Romualdez, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration has a goal to invest over U.S.$170 billion in six years.

By 2022, he said the government is expected to spend nearly U.S.$38 billion, or 7.4 percent of GDP, on infrastructure alone.

“Our economic managers emphasize the multiplier and expansionary effects that investment in infrastructure and construction,” the envoy said, adding that investments will be put toward “the modernization of urban areas in Manila, while incentivizing greater investment in the rural areas.”

In the same briefing, Romualdez also remarked that officials from both countries have begun preliminary consultations on the proposed bilateral Free Trade

Agreement (FTA) between Manila and Washington.

The U.S. served as the Philippines’ third largest trading partner and the second biggest market for Philippine exports in 2016. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that the U.S. accounts for the 11.6 percent or $16.427 billion total trade of the country last year.

Apart from economic matters, Romualdez further noted that the partnership between the Philippines and the U.S. in terms of security has been strong this year.

“It is said that security and economic development are two sides of the same coin. Our partnership with the U.S. on political and security issues are just as robust as the economic relationship I just mentioned,” Romualdez said.

The envoy noted that there had been a lot of information sharing and other types of cooperation between the two countries in matters concerning the Philippines’ implementation of anti-illegal drugs campaign this year.

Romualdez also took note of Washington’s “close” and “timely assistance” to the Philippines in its past operations to liberate Marawi

City from Islamic State-affiliated terrorists.

According to him, counterterrorism and counter-narcotics will be among the primary focuses of the countries’ bilateral cooperation for 2018. He also stressed that it is in the interest of both Manila and Washington to eradicate threats posed by terrorism and illegal drugs trade.

During the briefing, Romualdez likewise reaffirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to work with its allies in addressing threats and challenges in the region, including the South China Sea dispute and tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

Romualdez said that the Philippines remains “gravely concerned” over North Korea’s provocative actions “which only serve to raise tension in the region.”

“We support relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions imposed sanctions against North Korea,” he said.

Concerning the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the envoy expressed optimism that the conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC) would help in attaining peace and stability in the area. n

Diokno: PH withdraws MCC application...

PAGE A1 t lion grant from the MCC in 2010, which expired in May 2016.

The country has been listed as a “candidate country” for a second grant.

But on Tuesday, December 19, Malacañang announced that it has pulled out its application to focus on the rehabilitation of the war-torn Marawi City in Mindanao.

“We have opted to withdraw from the second Millennium Challenge…The decision to withdraw was because of the urgent priority of the administration to rebuild Marawi,” Roque said.

In a briefing, the Palace official explained that the MCC grant would not cover projects that could be used for rebuilding Marawi City.

The Palace official also made it clear that the move has nothing to do with the Philippines’ failure to meet the MCC’s performance standard this year in terms of

controlling corruption and of ensuring the rule of law.

In the MCC 2018 scorecard released last month, the Philippines scored zero in controlling corruption and -0.01 in ensuring the rule of law. The country’s percentile ranking in the lowincome group category was 50 percent.

Roque likewise clarified that the Philippine government has no objections to any of the conditions set by the MCC in granting the aid, and that the decision to withdraw, has nothing to do with the supposed interference from the U.S. “No, none at all, not at all. Not this instance. It was really just that Marawi happened. We did not expect it and it’s going to be very costly rebuilding,” the Palace official said.

While the Philippines has canceled its application for a second MCC grant, Malacañang expressed optimism that the U.S. government “fully understands

the decision to reallocate our funding priority for this year and that this will not, in any way, adversely impact our eligibility for another round of compact assistance in the future.”

The MCC, for its part, confirmed the Philippines’ withdrawal from the aid package.

“The government of the Philippines has decided not to move forward with the development of a second MCC compact,” the U.S. agency said in a statement.

The “MCC is proud of the achievements of our first compact with the Philippines, and both MCC and the United States are proud of our longstanding positive relationship,” it added.

The agency also announced that it has selected Timor-Leste for a five-year grant program designed to spur economic growth and reduce poverty, and Gambia for a threshold program or a smaller grant program focused on policy and institutional reform. n

PH TAX REFORM. President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a photo with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III (second from left seated), House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (rightmost seated) and other lawmakers following the Ceremonial Signing of the 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, December 19.

Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet

PH tax reform bill signed...

PAGE A1 t tious infrastructure program.

“Revenues from the TRAIN Act will fund our priority projects to ensure a quality education, including free tuition in state universities and colleges, quality healthcare, social protection and conditional cash transfers, improved infrastructure to the “Build, Build, Build” program and the reconstruction of Marawi,” Mr. Duterte said.

‘Progressive’ tax system He said the law also dealt with overdue corrections in the tax laws and introduced a more progressive tax system for the rich and the poor.

The President directed the Department of Finance to submit to Congress Package 2 of the tax reform program, which deals with corporate income tax early next year.

“Next year would mark the beginning of a new, simplified and fairer income tax system,” said Sen. Sonny Angara, chair of the Senate ways and means committee.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the TRAIN Act would raise P120 billion, 70 percent of which would go to infrastructure, including military infrastructure, and 30 percent to “social services and mitigating measures.”

Roque said the law also simplified taxes for small and micro taxpayers with the payment of a flat tax of 8 percent on gross

sales in lieu of income and percentage taxes.

Lower estate tax The TRAIN also lowered estate taxes. Taxpayers would now have to pay a fix rate of 6 percent for the net estate with the standard deduction of P5 million, he said.

“Donors’ taxes is also now at a fixed rate of 6 percent over and above P250,000 yearly, he added.

Roque said the law modified the value-added tax (VAT) and made it “fairer” after it repealed 54 special laws that provided nonessential VAT exemptions.

The law, however, exempted medicines for diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension from VAT while the purchases of senior citizens and people with disability also remained exempted.

Roque said oil excise taxes would have a staggered increase of up to P6 per liter over a threeyear period while there would be lower rates for essentials, such as diesel, kerosene and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

Vehicles The automobile excise tax was set at 4 percent for vehicles worth up to P600,000; 10 percent for vehicles between P600,000 and P1 million; 20 percent, between P1,000,000 and P4,000,000; and 50 percent for hybrid cars.

Purely electric vehicles will still have zero excise tax.

Sugar-sweetened beverages will have a P6 per liter tax for drinks containing caloric or non-

caloric sweetener; P12 per liter for drinks containing high fructose corn syrup, or combination; three-in-one coffee and milk will be exempt.

A 5-percent gross receipt tax would also be imposed on cosmetics while the excise tax on coal was also increased, raising concerns that this would lead to higher electricity rates.

The increase was from P10 per metric ton to “P50, P100, and P150, respectively, for 2018, 2019 and 2020, covering both domestic and imported coal,” Roque said.

“This will translate only to a very small increase in terms of the price of electricity,” he said.

Mining excise tax was doubled to 4 percent while the tobacco excise tax was increased to P32.5 per pack between January and June 2018, P35 from July 2018 to December 2019, P37.5 in 2020 and 2021, and P40 in 2022 and 2023, “followed by annual indexation of 4 percent.

DST, dollar deposits, stocks Roque said documentary stamp tax (DST) increased 50 percent to 100 percent, except for property, savings and nonlife insurance.

“Foreign currency deposit units increased from 7.5- to 15percent final tax on interest income. Capital gains of nontraded stocks increased from 5- to 10percent to 15-percent final tax on net gains only,” he said.

“And stock transaction tax increased from 0.05 to 0.6 percent of transaction value. So it’s only 0.1 increase,” he added. n

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Dateline USa

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 22-28, 2017

A

Young Fil-Am woman named mayor of Daly City

by Rose

GaRcia-Paquette Inquirer.net

DALY CITY, California — A Filipino American woman city councilor made history Monday, December 11, when she was named by a three-member council board as the new mayor of this city, which has a huge Filipino population.

New mayor Juslyn Manalo was chosen unopposed and sworn in during a turnover ceremony at the city council’s chamber, replacing incumbent Mayor Glenn R. Sylvester, ending his one-year watch. She is the first Filipino American woman to occupy the post.

Councilmember Raymond Buenaventura is the new the vicemayor. Councilmembers Judith Christensen and Michael Guingona were absent during the nomination and turnover rites.

“This moment is surreal and something special to me,” Mayor Manalo said immediately after being sworn into office by State Assembly Member Phil Ting, (19th Assembly Dist.). “I thank the community and every single person here who put me (in the position).“ Manalo told Inquirer.net that her priority is to focus on the economic development of Daly City, “particularly, hotels, business offices, housing and human services.”

“I am so thankful for this opportunity; it brings forth new ideas to boost the city’s economy and housing development opportunities, “ Manalo said.

A ‘people person’ The mayor’s family attended the ceremony at City Hall — her mother, Josefina, and father, Car-

Councilor Juslyn Manalo being sworn in as mayor by Assemblymember Phil Ting. Inquirer.net photo

lito, were seated in front with the audience along with her sister, Carley Ann, and Manalo’s husband, El Palamo.

During an exclusive interview, Mommy Josie, as she is commonly called, recalled the mayor’s humble beginnings and community participation.

“My daughter was actively involved in community service during her school days, “according to ‘Mommy Josie’ Manalo. “She graduated with a degree in Asian American Studies and Public Administration from the San Francisco State University.

Born and schooled in San Francisco from pre-school to college, 37-year old Juslyn, is a real “people-person” even when she was a small child, said her mom. “She would share her meal with her classmates and showed a deep understanding of poverty.”

Mommy Josie added that Juslyn was a former cheerleader

El Cerrito, Calif. swears...

PAGE A1 t

Quinto then briefly went down to Southern California to study at Long Beach State University where he graduated with his B.S. in Radio, TV, and Film in 1983.

Pangasinan roots Quinto’s late father Santiago, and his mother Isidra, are originally from the province of Pangasinan, Philippines.

Santiago Quinto, was in World War II where he served in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Filipino Battalion in the Battle of New Guinea.

Community involvement Before being elected into council in December of 2014, Quinto had already built experience in public service through political and community empowerment volunteer work. His resume includes working with the Sierra Club Bay Chapter, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, and as an Obama delegate in 2012. He was also an Alternate of the Marin Clean Energy Board.

In El Cerrito specifically, Quinto has served as a member of Human Relations Commission and the Committee on Aging. He is also involved as Council Liaison to Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission, the League of CA Cities/ Environmental Policy Committee, the Association of Bay Area

Government as a delegate representing El Cerrito, and the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee.

Quinto also serves on the Executive Board of the East Bay Division - League of CA CIties; is an Executive Board Member of the API Caucus and LGBT Caucuses of the League of CA Cities; is on the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club Bay Chapter in which he represents San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties; and is the Vice President of the West Contra Costa County League of Women Voters.

He is also the elected Delegate on the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County representing West Contra Costa County.

Diverse team backing him up Aside from being the first FilAm to become mayor of El Cerrito, Quinto was sworn in by fellow FilAm, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Benjamin T. Reyes II. Reyes was the first ever Fil-Am judge to ever serve on the Contra Costa County bench, and was the second Fil-Am judge to serve in the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties.

Assuming role of Mayor Pro Tem is Rochelle Pardue-Okimoto, El Cerrito’s first biracial councilmember. Pardue-Okimoto is African-American and Caucasian.

(Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Duterte changes tune anew...

PAGE A1 t tered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life.”

But the president expressed that he does not have “any problems making it marrying a man, marrying a woman or whatever is the predilection of the human being.”

He continued, “If that is the trend of the modern times, if that will add to your happiness, I am for it. Who am I?” The president also assured the LGBT community in the country that he will not tolerate discrimination against all sectors of society.

In the same speech, Duterte likewise said he is willing to appoint members of the LGBT community to his Cabinet, giving them until the second week of January to choose their nominee.

“Now find me the brightest dito sa Pilipinas (here in the Philippines). Bigyan ninyo ako ng bright na tao (Give me a bright person).

He might be gay, he might be lesbian. I’d like to nominate or appoint somebody upon the nomination,” Duterte said.

He added, “You nominate the representative from the LGBT sector kasi (because) I fired the entire [Presidential] Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), the head for traveling so much in so short a time, as if he was using the money of the people like his own.”

Earlier this month, the president had fired all the commissioners of the PCUP, headed by its former chairman Terry Ridon, because of their alleged unnecessary trips and supposed failure to hold meetings.

It is not clear, however, which government body Duterte was referring to when he made the remark about appointing a member of the LGBT community to his Cabinet.

“I’d like a gay there somewhere

or a lesbian… You nominate somebody who is honest, hardworking.

And I would like to show that any, any ma-bakla man o ma-tomboy (gay or lesbian) can—well, can always work just like an ordinary human being,” Duterte said.

During his taped TV appearance on “Gandang Gabi Vice” in 2015, Duterte told gay television host Vice Ganda that same-sex marriage is “good,” adding “everyone deserves to be guaranteed happy.”

But in his speech before the Filipino community in Myanmar earlier in March this year, Duterte insisted that marriage in the predominantly Catholic Philippines is between a man and a woman.

He clarified, however, that he respects the lifestyle of the people in the LGBT community, sharing that some members of his extended family are gay.

Following Duterte’s recent bid to legalize same sex marriage, some Catholic Church leaders in the country reiterated their stance against it.

In a statement, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes maintained that the Catholic Church will never approve the union between same sexes. He also called on the Filipinos to never allow its legalization.

“The trivialization of marriage is one of the fundamental reasons [for] the breakdown of individuals and human society,” Bastes said.

In a separate statement, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) also voiced its objection as it noted that such union was against the central teachings of both Christianity and Islam.

“Union between the same sex, for instance, directly contradicts a central teaching of Islam and Christianity—that marriage is only between a man and a woman,” the PCEC said. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

and currently,the chairwoman of SamTrans Bus. City officials back Manalo San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa told Inquirer.net that “We are witnessing a reorganization where I see that she has more potential.”

“I think she’s gonna make history tonight,” Canepa said, while describing Manalo as “levelheaded and very good.”

Outgoing Mayor Glenn Sylvester, meanwhile, said: “I have complete confidence in her; we have the same projects and ideas and I believe she will continue the plan toward more affordable housing, more retail (stores) to provide revenue and raise the city’s minimum wage to $12 an hour. “ Vice Mayor Buenventura, for his part, said that Manalo “is more than capable in doing this job. I am ready to support her.” n

HOLIDAY RUSH. People flock to street stalls in Baclaran in Pasay City to shop for Christmas gifts for loved ones on Sunday, December 17.

The Christmas holiday rush has brought heavy traffic in most areas of the metropolis.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Filipino doctor in US granted...

PAGE A1 t Gangcuangco in November of 2016 when going in to get a heart exam. The doctor allegedly grabbed the patient’s genitals, pinched his nipples, then invited him out to eat.

Gangcuangco — who has maintained a non-guilty plea — agreed to the probation program on Tuesday, but said what he hoped for was an “outright dismissal.”

In a statement he gave to Rappler, he said he was “maliciously accused” by the patient and described the day of the incident being very busy with “at least 15 people at any one time at the medical clinic.”

“The rooms at the clinic also do not have locks. My room that day was right in front of the nurse’s

station and at least three other patients were scheduled to see me that afternoon,” he added.

Gangcuangco argued that the patient, after having abnormal lab results from a yearly checkup, required a groin exam.

“He even scheduled a followup appointment with me after three months,” said Gangcuangco in the statement.

He added that the reasons for the accusations were made clear after a background check by an investigator found that the patient had an “extensive criminal history of violent crimes, including multiple counts of murder.”

Gangcuangco said his lawyer told him that the patient allegedly wanted hundreds and thousands of dollars to let the case go.

“Because of my silence, I had been painted to be the villain in this story; but in reality, I am the victim here,” the statement read.

The Connecticut Post quoted the 53-year-old victim Tuesday who said, “I’m just not convinced he is remorseful.”

“He had no permission, he shouldn’t have done it and I just hope he doesn’t do it again,” the patient added.

Gangcuangco’s lawyer, Sean Barrett, said Tuesday that Gangcuangco had lost his job at the hospital due to the charges, and will be returning to the Philippines when his visa expires.

“He has lost his position as a result of the case and up until then he had led an exemplary career as a physician,” said Barrett as reported by theConnecticut Post. (Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

A december 22-28, 2017 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

US slams China for ‘unacceptable’ ongoing militarization in South China Sea

THE United States has denounced China’s reported continuous militarization in the South China Sea, calling Beijing’s construction activities in the disputed waters “unacceptable.”

“It is not an acceptable – it’s not acceptable to us that these islands continue to be developed, and certainly not for military purposes,” said U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday, December 12.

Speaking before the 2017 Atlantic Council-Korea Foundation Forum, Tillerson said U.S. government told Chinese officials that Washington is hoping to “find a way to freeze” the militarization in the region.

“And we have differences, such as the South China Sea and China’s building of structures, militarization of these structures, and how that affects our allies in the region as well in terms of free and open trade,” Tillerson said.

He added, “As we’ve said to

the Chinese, we hope we can find a way to freeze this particular activity. Whether we can reverse it remains to seen. But it is not an acceptable.”

Last week, a U.S. think tank released a report showing that China has installed high-frequency radar system and other facilities at the northern end of Fiery Cross Reef—locally known in the Philippines as the Kagitingan Reef—in the Spratlys.

In its report dated Thursday, December 14, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) also claimed that China continues to build defence “fortifications” on Mischief (Panganiban) and Subi (Zamora) reefs.

This, despite Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vow last year that Beijing did “not intend to pursue militarisation” in the region.

But the Philippine government, for its part, downplayed the AMTI’s report as it pointed out that China has not occupied any new area in the disputed region and

has only been “building in areas they already occupy.”

The Philippine government also noted that China is not the sole country conducting activities within the contested waters.

“In the old areas, we’ve monitored that a lot are still building in areas they already occupy. In Pag-asa [Island] we’re repairing.

Malaysia, Vietnam, China are repairing but everyone is saying it’s defensive,” Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

“We’ve never said that they have stopped [building] or that there is nothing happening. What we are saying is, they are not occupying areas that are not inhabited, meaning, they are not occupying new areas,” he added.

Defending its construction, China, meanwhile, insisted that it is completely normal to “conduct peaceful construction and build essential defense equipment on its own sovereign territory.”

(Dana Sioson/AJPress)

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

BBL BRIEFING. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (right) fields questions to members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission during the briefing on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law on Wednesday, December 20. The bill would establish the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, which would replace the existing Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Also in photo are (R-L) Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, chair of the Senate Committee on Local Government, along with Senator Juan Edgardo Angara and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

Transgender individuals allowed to enlist in military

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AS the court case advances, transgender people will be allowed to enlist in the United States military starting January 1, thwarting President Donald Trump’s effort to ban transgender troops.

On Monday, December 11, a federal judge denied a request

from the Trump administration to delay an order that required the military to start accepting transgender military enlistees at the start of 2018, citing “vague claims.”

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the District of Columbia previously blocked the policy that banned transgender individuals from serving in the military, citing a lack

of fact-based reasoning behind the presidential memo, as reported by the Asian Journal in October.

“The court is not persuaded that defendants will be irreparably injured by allowing the accession of transgender individuals into the military beginning on Jan. 1, 2018,” she wrote in her ruling on Monday.

“Especially in light of the re-

teenth Amendment.

In his original tweet ancord evidence showing, with nouncing the ban, Trump wrote specifics, that considerable that the military “cannot be work has been done, the Court burdened with the tremendous is not convinced by the vague medical costs and disruption claims in [the administration’s] that transgender in the military declaration that a stay is need- would entail,” claiming he was consulted by “my Generals and ed.”

Kollar-Kotelly previously cit- military experts.” (This was deed concerns that the ban is un- spite the Pentagon later saying constitutional, violating rights it was not notified of the ban to due process and equal pro- prior to the announcement.)

According to a RAND Cortection guaranteed in the Four-

poration study, there are more than 6,500 transgender military personnel and that the estimated medical costs for transgender troops would only amount to 0.004-0.017 percent of the total health care spending of the Defense Department.

Following the judge’s ruling on Monday, the administration is exploring legal options to try to move forward with the ban, according to a White House official. n

Marquez claims rejecting $100-M for 5th Pacquiao fight by

dino Maragay Philstar.com

NO amount of money can convince Juan Manuel Marquez to fight archrival Manny Pacquiao for the fight time.

Not even a jaw-dropping $100 million.

Marquez recently claimed he turned down a huge offer from investors to once again tangle with Pacquiao in a bout to be staged in the Philippines.

“There was an offer for a fifth fight against Pacquiao in the Philippines for $100 million dollars, and I refused in order to keep my honor and the glory of the fourth fight from 2012,” the Mexican legend recently told ESPN Deportes.

Marquez, who recently retired from boxing, just sees no point in stepping in the ring again with Pacquiao. After a close trilogy, Marquez registered the most convincing result of their storied rivalry when he knocked Pacquiao out cold in 2012.

It was Marquez’s greatest vic-

tory, and the 44-year-old former fighter stressed he’s already contented with what he has achieved.

“It ($100 million) is a lot of money — but honor, pride and what we did is more important than doing a fifth fight,” he added.

“Let’s pretend that the fifth fight would happen. How about if I get robbed in the fight, we do not know what can happen, he’s capable of hitting me with the right shot and hurting me badly.

So I would place myself at risk,” Marquez continued.

While Marquez has already called it quits, Pacquiao, for his part, is far from done, eyeing to come back sometime next year.

The Filipino icon is looking to bounce back from a loss to Jeff Horn last July.

He’s also open to another bout with Marquez. But the feeling isn’t mutual.

“The glory and what we did in 2012 is worth more than that amount they were offering,” Marquez said. n

Pres. Pacquiao in 2022?...

PAGE A1 t

“As a senator, you have demonstrated the qualities of a true leader — someone who believes that in order to make the Philippines a better country, we have to keep our people on top of our priorities. I am glad that you are with me in this mission,” Duterte said.

He also praised the boxing icon for bringing glory to the Philippines in the world of sports.

“You have brought so much pride and joy to our country for being a world champion in the field of boxing. The determination you have shown and the humility you embodied in the midst of glorious triumphs are worthy of emulation by our countrymen,” Duterte added.

During the May 2016 election, Pacquiao won the senatorial race after getting more than 15 million votes. He has emerged as one of the staunch supporters of the current administration.

Prior to the senatorial post, Pacquiao has served as a congressman of Sarangani province.

McGregor wants ‘true fight’

There had been reports about mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor as Pacquiao’s potential opponent but the Irishman has indicated that he’s not interested in a boxing match.

In an interview with TMZ last week, McGregor said that he wants to enter the octagon in his next match and not the squared ring.

“I think a true fight is what I want to do next,” McGregor said.

“MMA next.”

Earlier in August, McGregor suffered a technical knockout loss in his boxing match against undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. In a social media post last November 23, Pacquiao teased a possible match next year against McGregor when he used the hashtags “2018” and “real boxing match.”

“Happy Thanksgiving! Stay fit my friend. #realboxingmatch #2018 @thenotoriousmma,” the Filipino boxer posted on in his Instagram account along with a photo of the UFC Lightweight Champion. n

MUNTINLUPA TURNS 100. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued a commemorative coin in celebration of Muntinlupa’s 100th founding anniversary as an independent municipality on Tuesday, December 19. Valued at PHP100, the centennial commemorative coin features the city’s landmark and symbols, among them the new Muntinlupa City Hall, the City Seal, and the Muntinlupa Centennial Logo.

PNA photo

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 22-28, 2017

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Philippine VP poll recount to begin in Feb 2018 by aJPress ThE Philippine Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), is set to begin the recount of votes for vice president in February 2018 in connection with former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s electoral protest against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

According to Robredo’s counsel, Romulo Macalintal, the PET will start collecting ballots in Camarines Sur on January 22, with the “revision” slated for the second week of February.

“Collection of ballot boxes in Camarines Sur alone will start on January 22. Examination of ballots is expected to start midFebruary,” Macalintal said in a forum held at Cafe Adriatico in Ermita, Manila.

This will be followed by revisions in two other pilot provinces Iloilo and Negros Oriental—which were tagged by Marcos in his poll protest as the “best provinces” where he could prove the irregularities in the vice presidential race.

In his poll protest, Marcos accused Robredo of benefiting from “massive electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularities” during the vice presidential election in 2016.

The revision stage is the third part of an electoral protest, in which the questioned ballot boxes will be opened and votes

Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Bongbong Marcos

Inquirer.net photos

lion votes during last year’s automated elections, saying that “when the recount begins, the real results will come out.”

But Macalintal is confident that Marcos will not overturn the CALL FOR PAY HIKE. Employees of the National Food Authority hold a rally in Mendiola, Manila to urge the government to increase the margin of 263,473 votes during minimum wage to P16,000 a month for government employees.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mary Dagoy the revision of ballots as Robredo would also have her share of “claimed votes.”

“In this case, [a] miracle will not happen for Mr. Marcos,”

by Dana SioSon AJPress Macalintal said, pointing out that “nobody has won in the recount INSTEAD of his detention cell, of ballots since the [start]of the former Senator Ramon “Bong” automated election in 2010 until Revilla will celebrate Christmas now, because counting machines Eve with his family in Cavite. do not commit mistakes.”

This comes after the Sandihe continued, “Those who ganbayan First Division partially claim that something went granted the former senator’s furwrong during the counting of lough to spend the holiday with votes were candidates who canhis family in their residence in not accept defeat or pretend to Bacoor City, Cavite. be knowledgeable about the In a resolution released Thurselections.” n day, December 21, the anti-graft court allowed Revilla to leave his detention cell at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Inquirer.net photo Center no earlier than 11 a.m. on Former Senator Bong Revilla Sunday, December 24. kickbacks through Cambe from ing more important for accused Revilla, who is facing plunder ghost projects using the senator’s Revilla in the these trying times charges in connection with the Priority Development Assistance than the love and support of his alleged misuse of pork barrel Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel. family,” his motion read. funds, was directed to return The two have been detained The prosecution, however, arto the detention center before at the PNP Custodial Center in gued that granting the furlough 9 p.m. of the same day. In ad- Camp Crame, Quezon City since would give a negative impression dition, the former senator was June 2014. to the public that the former senordered to shoulder expenses Earlier this month, Revilla filed ator is “a favoured detainee.” to be incurred by the police es- a motion asking the Sandiganbay“No less important, if this honcorts. an to allow him to leave his deten- orable Court accedes to accused In a separate resolution, his tion from 11 a.m. on December Revilla’s request, it will grant him chief-of-staff Richard Cambe 24 until 8 p.m. on December 25 a special privilege that is not acwas also granted a 10-hour and at 11 a.m. on December 31 corded to an ordinary prisoner furlough to celebrate the holi- until 8 p.m. on January 1. and unduly create an impression day with his family in Imus City, “In view of recent events and to the public that accused Revilla, Cavite, under conditions similar the health conditions of his fa- being a high-ranking public offito the former senator’s. ther, Senator Revilla Sr., accused cial, is a favoured detainee,” the Revilla is accused of receiv- Revilla needs the comfort and se- prosecution said in its motion ing P224-million ($5.1 million) in curity of his family. There is noth- dated December 14. n Parents claiming their children died after receiving Dengvaxia are accompanied by Public will be recounted and tallied.

During the revision of ballots, uncounted votes as a result of human error will be claimed as valid votes.

Among common human errors include checking or halfshading the oval corresponding to the name of the candidate.

“These [ballots] are what we called ‘claimed ballots’ under the Intent Rule Doctrine, meaning there was an intention on the part of the voter to vote for this particular candidate,” Macalintal said. he added, “And in all decisions made by the Supreme Court, [votes with] check marks or any indication that there was the intention of the voter to vote for a particular candidate, [are] considered valid votes.”

Last October, Marcos claimed that he was robbed of four mil-

Revilla allowed to spend Christmas Eve outside jail

Deaths of two children blamed on Dengvaxia

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

WhILE the Philippine Department of health (DOh) claimed that there have been no confirmed Dengvaxia-related deaths, families of two children who allegedly died due to the dengue vaccine appeared before the Justice Department on Tuesday, December 19.

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta assisted the parents of 10-year-olds Christine Mae De Guzman and Anjelica Pestilos, who both died months after being administered the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine under the government’s mass immunization program.

“Those claiming that Dengvaxia has not resulted in the death of the students who were injected with it are lying. It’s clear that somebody had already died,” Acosta said in a press briefing.

According to De Guzman’s father, Nelson, his daughter Christine had no history of a dengue infection. he said that Christine was administered Dengvaxia on April 16, 2016 through a school vaccination project at Sisiman Elementary School in Mariveles, Bataan.

“While we were being asked for information, we were told that we should be thankful to the government because the anti-dengue vaccine is free. If we would get it from private hospitals, it would cost around P4,500 to P5,000,” Nelson’s affidavit read.

But on Oct. 11, 2016, his daughter developed a severe headache and fever, and was later rushed to the Bataan General hospital on Oc-

Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta at the Department of Justice on Tuesday, December 19.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

tober 14 where she was diagnosed with severe dengue.

De Guzman died the following day.

Pestilos’s parents Ramil and Liza, on the other hand, said their daughter Anjelica also received a shot of Dengvaxia last September but died this December 6. They claimed that their daughter also never had a previous dengue infection.

While the diagnosis on the clinical abstract of Anjelica showed she suffered severe systemic lupus erythematosus, PAO forensic expert Erwin Erfe said that she showed symptoms of severe hemorrhagic dengue, such as edema, rashes, bleeding and low platelet count.

“When we reviewed her clinical abstract, there is a manifestation that Anjelica died of severe hemor-

rhagic dengue,” Erfe explained.

Earlier this week, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II released an order giving the PAO the authority to “represent possible victims of Dengxavia-related injuries, illnesses and deaths.”

Aguirre also directed the PAO “to extend free legal assistance in civil, criminal and administrative cases to all possible victims of Dengvaxia-related injuries, illnesses and deaths.”

Acosta, meanwhile, said that the PAO has yet to finalize which charges could be filed against officials or personalities.

“We just started building up cases and gathering evidence. We haven’t finalized yet what charges could be filed against whom. But

SioSon AJPress

TWENTY-FOUR members of the house of Representatives who have been critical of the administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte received no infrastructure funds for the year 2018, an opposition lawmaker said on Wednesday, December 20.

Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman said he and other members of the group Magnificent 7, as well as other solons known for their “steadfast critical dissent and perceived waywardness,” were given zero appropriation for their infrastructure projects in the newly-signed 2018 budget.

“Vengeance plus caprice equal zero allocations for authentic opposition Representatives and other targeted legislators in the house of Representatives,” Lagman said.

The remaining members of the Magnificent 7 include Representatives Edgar Erice (Caloocan), Teddy Baguilat (Ifugao), Raul Daza (Northern Samar), Emmanuel Billones (Capiz), Gary Alejano (Magdalo), and Tom Villarin (Akbayan).

Lagman did not name the other congressmen who were denied infrastructure funds.

“The zero allocations are projected to punish and silence opposition legislators even as it is their constituencies who are deprived of the benefits of infrastructure development,” Lagman

added.

According to him, the slashing of funds was done in the bicameral conference with the Senate, “reportedly upon instructions of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.”

“Why punish citizens and communities for the earnest and valiant efforts of their Representatives to maintain responsible dissent as the bedrock of democracy?” he asked. he then stressed that their respective budgets would not fund “pet projects” but were intended for “essential infrastructure” under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program itself.

“What would be adversely affected are the construction of roads and bridges, highways leading to tourism destinations, diversion roads to decongest traffic, flood protection like dikes and seawalls, and public buildings.

What is worse is that highways and bridges for completion in 2018 would be left hanging and unfinished,” Lagman said.

In a separate statement, Baguilat, also a member of the Liberal Party (LP), described the budget slash as an act of “revenge” that will harm citizens.

“Exacting revenge on the genuine opposition solons by removing projects dedicated not to them but to their citizens shows their desire for autocracy, for dangerous dictatorship. The healthy exchange of opposing views is crucial in a democracy,” Baguilat said.

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Opposition congressmen receive zero infrastructure budget

by Dana

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Stressing that the “constituents in Ifugao are taxpayers too,” Baguilat pointed out that the slashed allocations would have been been used to improve national roads to the rice terraces and poor upland communities.

Earlier this week, Duterte signed the 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA), or next year’s P3.767-trillion national budget. A copy of the GAA, however, has yet to be publicly released.

An InterkAskyon report dated Tuesday, December 19 identified seven lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc and five from LP who were denied infrastructure funds.

From the Makabayan bloc, lawmakers include Representatives Carlos Zarate (Bayan Muna), Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), France Castro (ACT Teachers), Emmie de Jesus (Gabriela), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis), and Sarah Elago (Kabataan).

LP members, meanwhile, include Representatives Bolet Banal (Quezon City), Kit Belmonte (Quezon City), Francis Gerard Abaya (Cavite), Vicente Alcala (Quezon), and Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Island).

InterAksyon also identified District Representatives Antonio Floirendo (Davao), Imelda Marcos (Ilocos Norte), Aurora Cerilles (Zamboanga del Sur), Valentina Plaza (Agusan del Sur), and Milagrosa Tan (Samar) as among lawmakers who suffered the budget slash. n

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A6 DECEMBER 22-28, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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FEATURES

OPINION

Gangsters

AT LEAST 90 “gangsters” involved in corruption in the Philippine National Police (PNP) would be fired, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the other day.

A common reaction to the announcement was: why only 90? It must be just the first batch, with the 90 mostly members of the PNP officer corps.

The President surely believes that there are more than 90 “gangsters” in the police service. He had once described the PNP as “rotten to the core.” Besides corruption, cops have been implicated in criminal activities including kidnapping, carjacking and drug trafficking. The President’s so-called narco list includes police officers including generals. In his bloody war against illegal drugs, vigilantes executing civilians are widely suspected to be the so-called “ninja cops” who are permanently silencing potential witnesses against them. Purg-

ing the PNP of such scalawags is overdue.

The President should not limit his anti-corruption purge to the PNP. It can be extended to other agencies notorious for corruption such as the Bureau of Customs. The Department of the Interior and Local Government also has disciplinary powers over barangay offices. In local governments, the President can prod his political allies to conduct similar purges. A thorough housecleaning is always welcome as the nation rings in a new year. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

No peace among nations, unless there is peace among the religions

Peace-maker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C.

Philstar.com photo

various parts of the world.

We noted that these initiatives should help to reconcile the politico-religious, ethnic and communal conflicts that have raged over the centuries and again exploded in our midst in the first years of the 21st Century in Lebanon, Palestine, Chechnya in Russia, Mindanao, Southern Thailand, Aceh in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kashmir, Northern Ireland, Sudan, Nigeria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

We wrote about these problem areas extensively in 2007 in our presentation at the ASEAN Leaders Summit in Cebu City on January 13, 2007 when we were Speaker of the House and Chairman of the ASEAN InterParliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

Of course since then progress had already been made in Aceh, Chechnya, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and in the Catholic-Protestant conflict in Northern Ireland.

In the Philippines, the local inter-faith counterpart was the Bishops Ulama Conferences in Mindanao, where Catholic and Protestant Bishops held occa-

DE VENECIA JR.

sional consultations-meetings with the Muslim Ulama leaders, and who were quite helpful when we assisted negotiations for the successful MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) talks wich which led to a formal peace agreement in 1996 and in the many early rounds of the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) peace negotiations which followed afterwards.

Truly, we believe more than ever these Bishops-Ulama meetings in Mindanao should be reactivated today and held from time to time to assist Government in dealing with the politico-religious conflict, insurgency, and violent extremism issues in Mindanao, which led to the bloody Marawi uprising, and which, thank God, President Duterte and the Armed Forces have finally subdued at great cost. Complex problems in other parts of Mindanao remain, thus the rationale for Congress’ extension of the declaration of Martial Law for Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2018.

As part of the world community’s efforts to support moder-

ate groups and isolate religious extremists, the U.N., individual governments and religious-civil societies began to promote interfaith dialogues, as mandated by a U.N. General Assembly resolution which we in the Philippines initiated in 2005.

We believe that multi-religious understanding could be the only basis for the long-term security of the global community, and the only basis for global peace that will endure.

For there is some truth in what we said then and we say it again: there can be “no peace among nations unless there is peace among the religions.”

In our next column, we will try to revive our old proposals in letters we sent then to the King of Saudi Arabia and Iran’s two highest officials, the Supreme Religious Leader and the President of Iran on the need to revive the centuries-old historic Sunni-Shiite talks, a most difficult undertaking, but the indispensable key to the solution of genuine peace in the Arab world, the Middle East, and parts of Asia and Africa. ■

WE were at the United Nations headquarters in New York last week where we watched with admiration our articulate Philippine Ambassador to the U.N. Teodoro Locsin, Jr. deliver a well-researched speech on Refugees and Human Rights at the U.N. General Assembly.

He spoke of the 10 million Filipinos “working in every corner of the world; many in perilous places; throughout our history we have opened our own doors to waves of refugees, when other countries have turned them away.”

He cited “white Russians fleeing Communism in Russia (at the time); Loyalists fleeing fascism in Spain; We took in Jews fleeing Europe, Vietnamese boat people, and Nationalist Chinese, offering them citizenship. We offered unconditional asylum to Rohingyas in Myanmar, not once but twice, most recently by President Duterte, who said he ‘would not

Jose De Venecia Jr., Special Envoy for Inter-Cultural Dialogue

Commentary

On the Dengvaxia debacle, Bro. Luistro betrayed his flock

RIGOBERTO TIGLAO BRO. Armin Luistro, the previous regime’s education secretary, is as much to blame as President Aquino and his health secretary, Janette Garin, for risking the health and even lives of over 800,000 Grade 4 pupils inoculated with the faulty Dengvaxia anti-dengue vaccine. Its manufacturer Sanofi itself last month admitted that its product could worsen those who had never been ill with dengue before.

While embracing the faulty Dengvaxia, Luistro in 2015 blocked a vaccination program to counter a much deadlier disease in the country, cervical cancer, which kills much more Filipinos than dengue.

On March 28, 2016, Luistro issued Memorandum No. 50, ordering that Dengvaxia be administered to “all Grade 4 learners, nine years old and above, currently enrolled in public elementary schools in the National Capital Region, Region III, and IV-A (Calabarzon).”

“Regional directors, school division superintendents, and other school officials are enjoined to provide full support in the conduct” of the mass vaccination program, the memo read.

The Department of Health (DoH) has no authority to order the education department to al-

mind refugees, filling the country to the brim’.”

We told Ambassador Locsin we were reminded of our own address at the U.N. Security Council in 2004, when we proposed the establishment of an Inter-Faith Council at the U.N. to replace the U.N. Trusteeship Council, since we agreed almost all the Trust Territories in the world have already became independent. But this could not be done without

low any kind of vaccination of the public-school students it supervises. It is the education secretary’s sole prerogative.

If Luistro had not ordered his department to undertake the Dengvaxia vaccination program, Garin would have had to rely on community health centers to implement it, which in the past had been extremely slow in undertaking such mass vaccination. Some 800,000 schoolchildren would not have been vaccinated so swiftly, probably just 80,000 and she and Aquino would not be able to justify to the public why 1 million doses of Dengvaxia were ordered costing P3 billion.

A new administration – with a new health secretary – with no pecuniary interest in Dengvaxia that cost billions of pesos, would have suspended the program that was so rushed that it reeked, at best, of criminal negligence.

Using the religious images Luistro would be familiar with, he betrayed his flock, the students under his care as education secretary.

Astonishing support Two things make Luistro’s support of the Dengvaxia program quite astonishing.

First, before joining government, he had been president for four years of the De La Salle University, which has a College of Medicine. This college had been doing research on dengue for many years, and was even awarded P20 million in 2014 by the science and technology de-

amending the Charter of the U.N., a most difficult exercise. We succeeded partially in any case. As a compromise, the U.N. created an Interfaith Unit in the Office of the U.N. Secretary General to take care of inter-religious initiatives and issues.

Since then, Interfaith discussions, previously taboo in the U.N. system, are today regularly held at the U.N. and in the associated interfaith conferences in

partment for such studies.

Did Luistro even bother to call his former colleagues to give him a memo on Dengvaxia’s safety and efficacy? No. He was apparently told by Aquino to implement the Dengvaxia program, and he said, “as soon as possible, sir.”

More importantly, Luistro before had demonstrated he could just ignore any of the health department’s vaccination program if he had questions on it.

In 2015, he blocked that department’s mass vaccination program, also for Grade4 schoolchildren in the country’s 20 poorest provinces to inoculate them against the human papilloma virus (HPV) which has been scientifically proven to cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in women and anal cancer and testicular warts in men. (Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancerrelated deaths here and in the world. In the Philippines, more than 6,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year. HPV infection causes more than 99 percent of cervical cancer cases among women.)

The health department eventually abandoned its efforts to get Luistro to authorize its antiHPV program. It had to rely on the health centers under the local government units, so that to this day less than 50,000 schoolchildren have been vaccinated against the virus.

Fortunately, Luistro was no longer education secre-

tary when President Duterte’s first health secretary, Paulynn Ubial, launched in August a school-based mass anti-HPV vaccination program targeting 700,000 nine-year-old girls in 47 provinces, with Education Secretary Leonor Briones’ enthusiastic support.

Anti-HPV Luistro didn’t even bother to explain why he blocked the anti-HPV program. However, columnist Rina Jimenez-David reported in August 2015 that Luistro in a phone conversation had told her: “I did not rule out the HPV vaccine program.

I merely asked for more time to study it.” But Luistro never completed his “study” so that the health department just gave up on trying to convince him, and shelved the entire program entirely.

If Aquino was determined to improve the health of Filipinos, as he justified his rush to implement his Dengvaxia plot, then why didn’t he order Luistro to support the program against cervical cancer, which has been far more deadly than dengue?

David also reported that Luistro told her: “I talked with Secretary Garin and asked her if we could have more time to discuss the logistics and the science behind the program.”

His comment is astonishing, if placed in the context of his total support for Dengvaxia, which he obviously didn’t bother to study “the science” behind it.

In 2015, the anti-HPV vac-

cines (Gardasil and Cervarix) had been commercially available for nine years, produced by two competing big pharmaceutical firms, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline. They were approved and even recommended by the World Health Organization for routine mass vaccination. Over 100 countries use the anti-HPV vaccines.

This is in sharp contrast to Dengvaxia, which became commercially available only in 2015 and hadn’t been recommended by the WHO for mass vaccination programs. It was used by only one country in a mass vaccination program– Brazil – when Aquino ordered P3 billion worth of the vaccine.

In 2016, just a bit more than 1 million dosages of Dengvaxia had been injected into people, 300,000 in Brazil and 800,000 in the Philippines – in contrast to the 100 million doses of the anti-HPV administered all over the world.

Moralistic beliefs The anti-HPV vaccines had been approved in early 2015 by both our Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Formulary Executive Council when Luistro claimed that he would still need to study whether it was safe.

In contrast, the FDA was rushed—and pressured—to approve Dengvaxia three weeks after Aquino met in December 2015 with its manufacturer’s executives. The FEC only gave it a one-year approval, and required that it be used only in a

phased manner.

This purported man of God, who’s back as president of De La Salle University, obviously was lying on the reason why he blocked the anti-HPV vaccination program.

As columnist David and several others have disclosed, the real reason for his opposition— which should teach government never, never to appoint a cleric to a key position—is his moralistic belief that vaccinating women against HPV, which is transmitted mostly through sex, will make them promiscuous. It would also, in Luistro’s mind, encourage homosexuality as HPV is also transmitted through anal sex.

Luistro should be condemned not only for the Dengvaxia fiasco but for the many thousands of deaths in the next few years that could have been prevented if he had junked his moralistic ideas on sex and homosexuality, and allowed mass vaccination with the anti-HPV vaccines.

Deaths due to dengue are about 1,000 yearly; those due to cervical cancer are more than 2,000. Worse, of course, is that dengue is a usually self-limiting illness, and most of the time can be overcome with proper medical care for replacement of the body’s fluids. Cervical cancer on the other hand is mostly a death sentence.

This is the kind of Yellow cleric that Aquino had unleashed on the country. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 22-28, 2017

Duterte says Philippines won’t be a regional center of ISIS

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines would never become a province of extremist group ISIS, President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday, as he praised soldiers who fought during the Marawi siege.

“We will not allow those who subscribe to the Daesh ideology to succeed,” Duterte said during the 82nd anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo.

“We will never allow the Islamic State to make the Philippines its regional center,” he added.

ISIS-inspired local terrorists occupied Marawi City for more than four months starting May 23, prompting Duterte to place the entire Mindanao under martial law. More than 160 soldiers did during the siege, the longest urban war in the country since World War II. Duterte declared Marawi liberated from terrorists last October but has not lifted martial law in

Mindanao because of supposed threats in other provinces. Congress has voted to extend military rule in the island until the end of 2018.

Duterte commended the soldiers and policemen for their sacrifices that led to the defeat of terrorists in battle-ravaged Marawi.

“I salute the brave men and women of our Army, Air Force and Navy for their courage, dedication and sacrifice to liberate Marawi from the clutches of extremist terrorists and communist insurgents,” the president said.

“Having said that, may I also extend my gratitude to the police and the other uniformed men, personnel in government who fought alongside with you,” he added.

Duterte said the death of Isnilon Hapilon, believed to be the former leader of ISIS in the region, had bolstered his administration’s resolve to eliminate all terrorist groups in the country.

“Although we have already

Senators commit to passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law

by GAeA

KAtReenA Philstar.com

CAbiCo

MANILA — Some senators have voiced support for passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law at a public hearing on the proposed law Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate sub-committee on BBL chair, promised that the measure will be ready for plenary debate by March 2018.

“Marathon hearings” will be conducted starting January, he added.

The BBL implements the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The measure seeks to create a new region in place of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which will have more autonomy but will also remain a part of the Republic of the Philippines.

“As a Mindanaoan, I promise you, ladies and gentlemen, that I will give my utmost priority [for] the passage of this measure,” Zubiri, who is from Bukidnon, said.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said that the passage of the Bangsamoro law is no longer a matter of debate. He pointed out, however, that lawmakers must ensure that the proposed law — the draft of which was prepared by a Malacañang-created commission and presumably reviewed before being endorsed to Congress by the Palace — must adhere to the Constitution.

President Rodrigo Duterte, the country’s first president from Mindanao, had earlier promised to shepherd the bill through Congress, which has shown a willingness to vote according to his policy statements.

“I do not think that it will hurdle constitutional barriers...I’ve been reading it repeatedly,” he said on Tuesday, however.

This was a step back from Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address in 2016, when he urged Congress to pass the law and correct a historical injustice to the Moro people.

“We all want this,” Pimentel, a Mindanaoan, said.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon likewise expressed the

minority bloc’s support for the actualization of BBL. Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, who was present at the hearing, is hoping that they will “come out with a total output, not only of the Senate, but of the Filipinos.”

MILF not threatening to go to war over Bangsamoro Law Should Congress fail to pass the proposed law, the Moros would go to war, the chief executive warned.

The 16th Congress failed to pass BBL during the Aquino administration and neither the MILF nor the MNLF — factions of which support the passage of the law — went to war. Collaboration between the government and the MILF against bandits and drug traffickers in Moro communities has also expanded since then.

Moro leaders have been saying since 2015, however, that passage of the law will help temper resentment and delayed development in the region.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front vice-chairman Ghazali Jaafar, who is also chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, said some sectors may lose faith in the peace process if the government does not fulfill its commitment to implement the Comperehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

He said earlier this month that these groups had been radicalized as “proposed solutions” on the historical injustices done to the Moros remain unimplemented.

Some “frustrated” groups, according to Jaafar, have sought support “even to the point of disregarding the sources,” including those who received help from ISIS in order to develop their fire-fight capability.

“These groups started to become radicalized and developed the mindset that the only solution to the resolve the Bangsamoro issue is through the use of force,” Jaafar said.

“After losing faith because of the way how the government handle the peace process, they shifted strategy [which] is subject of debate among Muslim learnered (sic) whether this conform[s] to Islam,” he added. n

New guidelines on use of P1-B OFW fund signed

by PiA lee-bRAGo And

PAolo RomeRo

Philstar.com

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday, December 19, signed the new guidelines on the use of the P1-billion fund for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The new guidelines were prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)’s Office of Migrant Workers Affairs after Congress approved President Duterte’s request to increase the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Fund from P400 million to P1 billion and the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) from P100 million to P200 million for 2018.

Cayetano said with the new guidelines on the use of ATN and LAF, the DFA is now in the position to more effectively respond to the growing number of distressed OFWs. Cayetano had ordered a review and revision of the guidelines after the President announced the budget augmentation for the DFA “to allow more flexibility in their disbursement, to expand the scope of the services covered and to be more responsive to the needs of our distressed kababayans abroad.”

“The rationale behind the revised guidelines is for us to be able to help as many and as much without sacrificing the quality of our service.

“The LAF may be availed of by a distressed overseas Filipino who is unable to engage the services of private counsel, and who is in a country where there is no system of legal aid or public defenders, or where there is no access to counsel de officio, or any lawyer provided by the foreign host government,” he added.

The ATN Funds, on the other hand, will be used to cover welfare assistance and repatriation of distressed, sick and deceased Filipinos abroad. It also includes the cost of cremation or embalming, transport of remains to the Philippines and burial assistance.

Under the new guidelines, the DFA will not only provide care packages and basic supplies for Filipinos on death row and those serving life sentences abroad, but will also shoulder the cost of compassionate visits by their next of kin to the country of incarceration. n

begun to rebuild Marawi City and rehabilitate conflict-affected areas, our fight is far from over.

We will remain vigilant as we continue our intensified military (operations) against the remaining terrorist groups,” he said.

“I now return the favor to our troops who made the supreme sacrifice, suffered injuries and went beyond the call of duty. Be assured that the government will support all of your endeavors as we realize a stronger and more resilient government.”

Duterte assured soldiers that the government would take care of their families and provide everything they need to fulfill their mandate. n

LAMPS OF HOPE. Inter-Agency Task Force for Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) Secretariat head Lisa S. Go checks on the lamps which were turned over to Task Force Bangon Marawi. Based on the Department of Energy’s E-Power Marawi unconventional program, a number of solar street lights will be installed before the holidays in the transitional shelter site, while the rest will be used in the main battle area in Marawi City, as part of government efforts to rehabilitate Marawi.

PNA photo

Deaths of two children...

PAGE A5 t

we’re looking at possible criminal, civil and administrative cases,” she explained.

The PAO chief, however, expressed the belief that the vaccine’s manufacturer had the biggest liability.

“There are many betrayers who keep on passing the blame on others. In my own opinion, Sanofi is liable. They started the problem,” Acosta remarked.

She then hit Sanofi for failing to “put the warnings” of the health risks posed by Dengvaxia on the product’s packaging.

“You have the biggest responsibility. Without you, this mess could not have happened,” she added.

A

“Sanofi, you better shut up.”

Last month, the DOH suspended its vaccination program after Dengvaxia manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur released an analysis which found out that “for those not previously infected by dengue virus… in the longer term, more cases of [the] severe disease could occur following vaccination upon a subsequent dengue infection.”

The government’s mass immunization program was first implemented in April last year under then-DOH Secretary Janette Garin during the administration of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino. It was continued

by Aquino’s successor, President Rodrigo Duterte.

More than 730,000 school children were administered Dengvaxia since its launch last year, according to the DOH. But in a statement, current Health Secretary Francisco Duque III insisted that there were no confirmed deaths related to Dengvaxia so far.

“So far, I have not received any report that directly links Dengvaxia… There are 12 reports (of adverse events) but they are all alive.

They have recovered,” Duque told the Philippine Star on Tuesday.

According to him, there are three “events that give rise to severe dengue infections.”

“Number one, you have prior infection of dengue and number two, you were vaccinated. Number three, you were bitten by an infected mosquito and developed

dengue (after vaccination). These are the events that we look for in validating cases,” Duque said.

He assured, however, that the DOH will not ignore any possible deaths or severe dengue cases related to the controversial vaccine.

Concerning the cases of De Guzman and Pestilos, DOH Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle said the deaths of the two children caused

by Dengvaxia were unfounded claims.

According to Valle, the children had underlying conditions—like a heart ailment—that led to their deaths.

“There were different diagnosis and the clinical abstracts are very difficult to link to Dengvaxia. We cannot really directly link the vaccine to these cases,” Valle told the Philippine Star. n

A december 22-28, 2017 • NeW YOrK ANd NeW JerSeY ASIAN JOUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

DECEMBER 22-28, 2017

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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 22 , 20 1 7

How Fil-Ams carry on Filipino Christmas traditions

by Rae ann VaRona

AJPress CHRISTMAS Day is fast approaching and for many in the U.S., that means hustling to finalize Christmas gifts, finding the perfect tree, and sending out family Christmas cards. For the millions of Filipinos living in the U.S., it also means making sure balikbayan boxes are arriving on time to their loved ones back in the Philippines, placing lechon orders, and hanging up the parol.

The Philippines is famously known for having the longest Yuletide season, with stores decked out in Christmas decor, and new and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Christmas songs playing in homes, malls, offices, and public transportation as early as September.

In the U.S., where holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving take up the beginning “Ber” months — as many Filipinos refer to September onward as — Fil-Ams have their own ways of kickstarting an early season.

For one thing, there’s the famous balikbayan box, which Fil-Ams start sending out in September to arrive in loved

ones’ homes in the Philippines

by December. It’s no surprise that balikbayan shipments spike during Christmas time, according to the Port of Manila.

As any experienced boxer would say, packing a balikbayan box comes with a few techniques. Inside the boxes that often stand at two feet tall, are carefully curated and strategically organized nonperishable items like shoes, Betty Crocker cake mixes, toothpaste, soap, American chocolates, Nutella, American chips, pasta, Spam, and other various canned goods. Shampoos, conditioners, perfume, and other liquid items are put in plastic grocery bags. Fragile items like fine china, dinnerware, and jewelry are carefully wrapped in t-shirts which act as cushioning. The remaining gaps are then filled with things like toilet paper and paper towels, stuffed toys, and more pieces of clothing.

And then there’s the Spanish influenced holiday tradition of Simbang Gabi (night/dawn Masses), a nine-day series of Masses leading up to Christmas Day. Every year from December

16 through 24, many Fil-Ams join in the Philippine tradition of attending the holiday services, with the most devoted attending all nine days.

“My grandma told me that when you complete Simbang Gabi, you’ll have good luck for the next year,” said Coleen Esguerra, a Fil-Am from San Diego, California.

“I know of a great aunt of mine that completes it every year.”

In Southern California for example, hundreds of Filipinos, primarily Catholic, gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown Los Angeles to kick off the Mass tradition. The service ended with a parade of parols (Philippine star-shaped lanterns) which were then blessed.

While not everyone may complete the full nine days, it is without a doubt that everyone shows up at Noche Buena (the Good Night). Noche Buena, essentially a Filipino Christmas Eve celebration, is the biggest reunion of the year for many Fil-Am families. It isn’t uncommon for families to have relatives visiting from as far as the Philippines — Esguerra’s

Artwork by Jillian Peñalosa

two cousins and aunt from the Philippines come over every year.

And as the lively Tagalog holiday song “Kay Sigla ng Gabi” or Noche Buena suggests, food is a major part of the night with relatives proudly bringing their own specialties to the table.

Like at other Filipino gatherings held throughout the

year, dishes like pancit, chicken adobo, pinakbet, kaldereta, and lumpia make up the table spread. But no ultimate Noche Buena is complete without items like hot tsokolate (hot chocolate) made with tablea (chocolate tablets) from native Philippine cocoa beans, salabat (warm ginger tea) which is

especially popular as the sun comes up, queso de bola (large Edam cheese ball),hamón (ham), puto bumbong (a margarine and brown sugar topped purplecolored sticky rice cake), bibingka (coconut-rice cakes), and of course,lechon (whole roasted pig), which if not made at home, is Continued on Page 5

Home for the holidays, almost

By MoMaR

G. ViSaya

AJPress

WE were in Manila for about two weeks, thanks to the invitation of the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board and the Philippine Consulate General New York.

It was Thanksgiving Week, and our local hosts made sure that we didn’t miss Thanksgiving back in the U.S.. In real time, we had our hearty Thanksgiving Feast, which was also our welcome dinner. It was held at Grind Bistro in BGC (Bonifacio Global City), owned by New York-trained Cristina Imperial Carl and her husband Steven. They

Belen (Nativity scene)

Provenciano, one of the restaurants along Maginhawa Street has a small bahay kubo in front of the restaurant where bibingka and puto bumbong are prepared the traditional way.

Inquirer.net photos

Christmas, more fun in the Philippines!

by JennifeR SoRiano AJPress

WHILE the days leading to Christmas Day are usually festive, there is no denying that this season makes one wistful and sentimental.

I recently received a message from a relative who moved to the U.S. from the Philippines earlier this year.

She said she was feeling even baked a beautiful cake for us homesick and that the American to celebrate the holiday.

Christmas season is not as merry The following morning, the as compared to how Filipinos friendly waitstaff at Marriott Cafe celebrate it back home. reminded us that there was going I’m sure many Filipinos who to be a Thanksgiving Dinner that are abroad share the same feeling. evening, complete with turkey and But, wherever you are, you need the works. We smiled and thanked them for the hospitality, but we told to remember that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the them we were off to Davao that year. While you may not be able to afternoon. celebrate it in the Philippines this For our breakfast buffet, they year, remember that there’s always probably noticed how most, if not a next year. all of us, would pass through the To help you plan your next salad and pastry stations, look over Christmas vacation, here are the pasta and Chinese area and always end up on that corner of the some reasons why celebrating the buffet setup, where there are heaps holidays back home is worth your of dilis and danggit, tocino and tapa, week-long or month-long vacation leave. garlic fried rice and itlog na maalat.

Kids singing your favorite We called it the Breakfast of Christmas carols Champions and it has a little of A luncheon spread at Claire de la Fuente’s Dampa Restaurant along Macapagal Avenue.

I remember being ecstatic AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya Continued on Page 5

TURKEY EMBUTIDO

With cranberry sweet and sour sauce By

yana GilBuena

inGredients: • 1 small shallot, finely chopped • ½ cup of celery, brunoised • ½ cup of carrots, brunoised • 2 tbsp freshly ground pepper • 2 lbs of ground turkey • 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce • 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce • 3 tablespoons of sweet soy • 1 teaspoon of soy sauce • 2 slices of spam ¼” thick, in batons • 2 century eggs, deshelled (regular hard boiled eggs can be substituted) • 1 cup rice flour, sifted (cornstarch can be substituted) • 1 cup panko • 1 egg, beaten

• 2 cups canola oil (vegetable oil can be a substitute) • ½ cup of chopped garlic, fried • 1 can of whole cranberry sauce

• ½ cup of pinakurat or sinamak (spiced coconut vinegar) • 1 tablespoon of calamansi • 1 tablespoon of sugar • Microgreens or edible flowers for garnish

“Filipinos have the propensity to be more generous, especially during Christmas.”

every time December hits the calendar. Because it is during this time you would hear kids sing well-loved Christmas songs such as “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit”, “Pasko Na Naman”, “Christmas In Our Hearts”, “Jingle Bells” and many more.

Simbang Gabi (dawn Masses) Christmas season in the Philippines begins early as the month of September. These nine-day traditional dawn Masses start on December 16 and end on Christmas Day. Some say, that

completing the Simbang Gabi—by attending all nine Masses—will grant wishes.

Puto bumbong and bibingka A perfect way to cap your early morning habit during the Simbang Gabi is to treat yourself to a warm soft and chewy treat by eating puto bumbong and bibingka!

Bibingka is made from galapong (rice dough), baked in a special clay pot, lined with a piece of banana leaf, with live coals on top and underneath. Puto bumbong meanwhile is a made from purpleContinued on Page 5

instructions: 1. Toss shallot, celery, carrot and ground turkey in a bowl to combine; add fish sauce, oyster sauce, sweet soy and soy sauce and pepper. Massage well.

2. Preheat oven to 425F. 3. In a small pan, test your embutido mix by frying a small spoonful. Add salt if needed.

4. On a flat surface, layout a 12” X 12” piece of aluminum foil.

Spread your turkey mixture flat and even on the center about ½” thick. Put the two century eggs and spam slices in the center and roll into a log, using your foil as a wrap. Make sure they’re even and all the ends are closed.

5. In a baking pan, put your embutido log in the oven for 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature to be 165F before taking it out.

6. Meanwhile, heat 2 cups of canola oil in a wok or deep pan.

In a separate sauce pot, add the cranberry, spiced coconut vinegar, calamansi and sugar. Put on low/ simmer heat. Stir occasionally.

7. Once the log is out of the

oven, remove foil and let cool. In two separate plates, put rice flour and panko accordingly. Do not mix. Coat your log with rice flour first, then add the 1 beaten egg as another coat, then coat with panko. Fry in oil until brown on all sides.

8. Cut the log on a bias and drizzle the cranberry sauce on generously on top and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers and fried garlic. *** Yana Gilbuena, a Filipino-born, critically acclaimed global nomadic chef, started Salo Series to share with the world the vibrant

food culture of the Philippines. The Salo Series hosts Filipino Kamayan dinners, in which food is served on communal tables decked with banana leaves, and guests are asked to eat with their hands. In her American tour, Yana hosted pop-up dinners in 50 states in 50 weeks, as well as across Canada, Mexico, Colombia and her home country, Philippines. She is a 2017 Stone Barns Exchange Fellow and has also been featured in major publications such as The New York Times and National Geographic. She’s been published in The Cherry Bombe Cookbook, Feed the Resistance and is self-publishing her own: No Forks Given this February 2018. This global culinary nomad aims to further her mission and aims to host a Salo on every continent.

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

The January 2018 Priority Dates

An Asian Journal Magazine

3

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY d Ec E m b E R 22 , 20 1 7

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

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 is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California

FAMILY CATEGORY:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

October 1, 2007

January 1, 2005

First Preference

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

Second Preference

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

February 1, 2016

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

September 1, 2007

July 1, 2006

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens

June 15, 1995

March 15, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens

March 1, 1995

September 1, 1994

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date Current

LABOR CERTIFICATION: Second Preference

Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

August 1, 2016 January 15, 2016

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

August 1, 2016 January 15, 2016

and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the

outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

day life even if it is commonly associated with fantasy. I worked A ChEERINg applause greeted closely with my writer and I felt the project is better off with that the showing of the trailer of Coco personal concept which is strictly Martin’s directorial debut, “Ang my idea. Everything has to be Panday,” which is based on the real. There are enough scenes Carlo Caparas story franchise.

A distinct visual style is a feast that will thrill the kids, but I also made sure the adult moviegoers to the eyes, but the uncommon can connect as well.” touch is that the film travels Still, he admits he does effortlessly from fantasy to not know how to react when present-day reality. “I wanted this addressed as direk Coco Martin. film to be in touch with presentPhilstar.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA

hERE’S my prayer as we approach the end of 2017: May the next chapter of our individual life stories in the coming year include the grace of discernment to finally figure out our life’s purpose and the courage and (Advertising Supplement) strength to fulfill it.

A circle is perhaps the perfect geometric structure there is.

Although some would claim the triangle or a square to be better structures because of their More confessions: “Nothing stable nature, the circle and all its came easy in this project and derivatives — the orb, the sphere, to top it all, I wore three hats as the globe and every structure producer, director and actor. In on earth and in the universe the first, I am constantly signing with a core, circumference and checks to cover production radii emanating from the core expenses. In the second, I have — can teach and even help us to to see to it the needs of the cast understand much about nature, are taken cared of. Then I have to about ourselves and human life think about my role and relate to and its cycles and seasons, from the most profound to the most the rest of the characters. Then mundane levels. it just dawned on me, ‘Ganito From the micro to the macro Continued on Page 4

Coco Martin: The actor, director and producer

by Pablo a. Tariman

Her “American Dream” shattered when her case was denied and her two attorneys told her the only solution was to just “hide.”

Mariel (left) was devastated when her adjustment of status was denied after USCIS concluded she was out of status.

Distraught and lost, especially after her first two lawyers’ only advice was to “hide,” Mariel decided to consult with “Attorney-of-Last-Hope” MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL who sought reconsideration and was able to get Mariel her elusive green card in record time.

Watch Mariel’s dream come true on a encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Like riding a bicycle: Circles, cycles and movement “ Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

–Albert Einstein levels, every creative urge on every level, in the intellectual and the physical realms, begins as a thought and if tenaciously pursued and fleshed out by one’s strength of will, proceeds from concept to completion as a circle.

Even in the mundane reality of living an ordinary life from day to day, circles and cycles mark the patterns of our lives, from sunrise to sunset. Note nature’s seasons and cycles of birth and death, of sleep and wakefulness, of ebb and flow, of the waxing and waning of the moon and of the quarter million year rotation of the solar system around the core of our home galaxy, the Milky Way and in the grandest of levels, the movement of a nearly infinite number of galaxies in the universe, the edge of which only the Creator knows.

On the minutest level, the astounding movement of electrons around a nucleus and the wondrous flow of the human bloodstream to and from the heart are cyclical.

As science has found out, blockages, either man-made or natural to the flow or movement in the processes existing in nature at all levels, can create anomalies, abnormalities and mutations, resulting in pain and illnesses in the human body and if uncorrected, result in diseases, debilitation and ultimately, death.

This presents a strong argument for regular exercise and consistent movement in our daily lives at any age. Movement pumps the blood flow in the neurons of our brain and in the capillaries in our extremities to and Continued on Page 6

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY d Ec E m b E R 22 , 20 1 7

On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

2017 Holiday revelries and community celebrations

BoBBy T. yalong ThE advent of the holiday season has incessantly ushered in isochronous celebrated organizational events that more than added sparkle and dazzle to the already highly spirited universal occasion. For what good is the much-awaited season of the year without portentously observing it with utmost grandiosity and ostentatious fête?

My December calendar ran out of space to squeeze in to fit the copious integer of holiday events and mounting invitations that left me in an almost feeble predicament which affair to prioritize. Surely many supporters of the Filipino-American community organizations suffered the same.

So far, here’s a partial list of the multitude of events that enjoyed maximum social media exposure especially in Facebook.

“Give hope, Give Love This Christmas,” December 2 @ Perlas First to unbolt and spread good cheers was Take The Stage’s 2nd annual fundraising event “Give hope, Give Love This Christmas” on December 2 at Perlas Restaurant along Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, New York. Initiated by siblings hans and Shane Garcia with cousin Kiel Calonzo collectively of the teen band Take The Stage, the project was given rightful support by their equally compassionate parents hannah Murphy, Sam Garcia, and Elmer Calonzo.

The all-volunteer gig attracted a huge number of guests with munificent hearts that filled the venue to the rafters. Ably performed

by One 9 Six Band, Meet The Revels,

Coco Martin is obviously following in the footsteps of FPJ by not only starring in but also directing and producing Ang Panday, his 2017 MMFF entry.

Philstar.com photo Recognition ceremony during PACCAL’s Christmas Party

Coco Martin: The actor...

From Page 2

JCI-NYC Icon of Impact Awardees with JCI Officers

Take The Stage, Gail Banawis, Rianne Avendula, Artemio John Tecson, Jerome Orillaza Robielos, Josh & Ally Acoustic, Ivan Polanco, Zaida Rio, and Excelsa De Jesus, the full-house fundraiser was hosted (and also performed) by Geo Ed Rebucas.

Additional funds were raised through an auction courtesy of Blizzie Mangente Elevado and Jeanette Marco and effectually auctioneered by DJ Chinita.

Transparency and integrity best described the submitted financial report by the organizers that provided credence, built trust, and further encouraged supporters to adhere to the organizer’s advocacy.

Proceeds of the successful benefit concert funded the youngters’ advocated mission Feed hungry Minds in Barangay

Members of Friends Indeed USA at the Red Poinsettia Grand Ball

EMPLOYMENT

PACCAL Christmas Party & Recognition Night

Malabnig and Barangay Mapako in Guinobatan, Albay in Bicol by way of distributing packed meals, school supplies, slippers, new and used clothing, and other basic commodities.

10th Red Poinsettia Grand Ball, December 3 @ Astoria World Manor In celebration of its 10th Year Anniversary, Red Poinsettia Charitable Foundation, Inc., Friends Indeed USA, Philippine hearts and hopes Society, Inc. (PhhOSO), and other Servecare Missioners Group, masterfully schemed, circumspectly executed, and lucratively commemorated this year’s Red Poinsettia Grand Ball at the Grand Ballroom of Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens, NY on Sunday, December 3.

Authoritatively spearheaded by

Leonard Co’s GSFAA community models

EMPLOYMENT

pala kahirap mag-direk at magproduce.’”

But he points out that when you are passionate about what you are doing, the difficulties are easy to overcome. “I don’t treat this latest film as plain and simple work. My heart is in it and so is my hard-earned money. I aim to produce something that will sit well with my audiences and not just to be treated as another Dr. Laura Garcia and Nanding Mendez at JCI- blockbuster. I want a film that moviegoers can claim as their own NYC Icons of Impact awards night.

Nena Kaufman Smith and Raymond after it hit the theaters. That is my Smith with able support and idea of fulfillment as a director and assistance from their associates and not just to make money.” colleagues, net proceeds of the gala The actor said his directorial will fund the 2018 medical, surgical, work was made easy with good dental, and humanitarian missions in people working around him. the Philippines.

“Many years while working with JCI-NY Icons Of Impact, direk Dante Brillante, I realized I December 3, 2017 @ Yale Club of wanted to become a director later NYC in my career. So, in every movie I The prestigious organization of did whether indie or mainstream, young professionals that compose Junior Chamber International-NY I observed people around me and Chapter has consistently attracted find out how they contribute to an impressive assemblage of freshthe finished product. Of course, minded and well-driven millennials directing is a totally different who build its strong foundation with work. But what made it easy keen focus. was the people who were more held at the posh Yale Club (50 than willing to give me endless Vanderbilt Ave., New York, NY) support. I could feel the love as the formal occasion was warmly well the trust and respect on the welcomed by its 2017 Chapter set. They were all that I needed President Alex Droganeau while President Carlos Cabrera presented to keep me going as director. the 2018 Chapter Board. The When I am not sure about one sumptuous dinner was made even thing, I consult them like part splendidly opulent by a tandem of family. Tita Susan (Roces) was rendition of Dennis Sy and Jenn always behind me with some Cuneta.

Continued on Page 6 reminders. The children in the

SERVICES

cast also contributed a lot. They had become good actors through the months of working with them in a teleserye. Of course, I forbid playing during the shoot. But after the take, they can do what they want.”

It was a big surprise that he realized his leading lady, Mariel de Leon, could actually act. “During the negotiation, I actually asked Tito Boyet (Christopher de Leon) and Tita Sandy (Sandy Andolong) if they could entrust their daughter to me in this project.

They were very supportive. During the actual shoot, I realized Mariel needed very little coaching. She delivered like a real pro.”

On the whole, direk Coco said he gave all he could to make this project really worthy the moviegoers’ time and money.

“I did not go into this project to make me feel good as director. I did every frame of this film with the movie audiences in mind.

They kept me grounded when I reported to the set. I wanted to make sure everyone can relate and to have a good time in the theater. What they will see in my film is the sincerity and the desire to project the Filipino family as a fountain of inspiration in good or bad times.”

“Ang Panday” opens in cinemas on Dec. 25. It stars Jaime Fabregas, Gloria Romero, Julio Diaz, Elisse Joson, McCoy de Leon and Awra Briguela, among others.

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY D Ec E m b E R 22 , 20 1 7

Simbang Gabi: A revered Filipino Christmas tradition “SimbanG Gabi”, which literally means “evening or night mass” is a Filipino Christmas tradition. As a devotional practice in the tradition of the novena, it is a series of nine evening Masses usually celebrated during Advents from December 16-24, in preparation for Christmas Day. Simbang Gabi originated from the Missa Aurea (golden mass or angel’s mass) practiced by the roman Catholic Church. The tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars at the start of the Catholic evangelization of the Philippines, specifically to allow farmers to hear mass before going to the fields in the morning. originally, Simbang Gabi Masses were held in the early hours of the morning — around 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. — when roosters crowed to announce the dawning of the new day, thus the name misa de Gallo. Today, it is still celebrated the same way in most places in the Philippines as the roman Catholic churches across the nation open their doors shortly before the break of dawn and church bells would ring to summon welcome the faithfuls to the Simbang Gabi mass.

In celebration of of Simbang Gabi — which is a preparation for Christmas — most churches are decorated with colorful lights and beautiful parol lanterns to welcome the churchgoers.

In addition, a nativity scene is displayed in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. Shortly after the mass, traditional delicacies awaits the church goers, there are food stalls right outside the church, popular favorites are bibingka, puto (rice cakes), puto bumbong, suman sa Pasko, suman sa ibos, and usually served with tea or coffee. Hot pan de sal (breakfast rolls) are also very popular.

by Klarize Medenilla AJPress

Today, even in this digital age, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues not only in the Philippines but also observed in many Filipino communities overseas.

Simbang Gabi is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a way for us to worship and praise God. It is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, in commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. For many, observing Simbang Gabi is a way of offering sacrifice and requesting blessings from the Lord, as they believe that if one completes nine dawn masses, their wishes will be granted. Furthermore, this religious tradition encourages community development and camaraderie among parishioners through a common effort of prayer, celebration, fellowship and charity. Finally, for Filipinos living overseas — especially in the United States — observing Simbang Gabi helps maintain a connection with their roots in the Philippines. over the years, Filipino communities in the United States have made changes in the way that Simbang Gabi is celebrated with some parishes observing the tradition around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m instead of during the early morning in order to accommodate

the needs of the members of the community.

But no matter the language, the place or the time this revered Filipino tradition is observed and celebrated, when you pray and attend the Simbang Gabi, you realize how truly universal, significant and important the Christmas spirit is for every Christian. Simbang Gabi in its very essence provides a very strong indication of the depth of faith among the Filipino people. *** Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years professional experience in the overseas tourism and travel industry.

He is currently the Director for Business Development and Marketing of GTT International/Majestic Vacations, one of the biggest airlines consolidators in the United States, and wholesaler of package tours worldwide. He also provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York, and other Manilabased newspapers as well. For comments or questions, you may reach him at milagan@ majestic-vacations.com

How Fil-Ams carry on Filipino...

From Page 2 pre-ordered in advance.

Beyond the food, there are the typical Christmas activities most families enjoy, but with unique Filipino nuances.

“Seeing parols and the food definitely differentiates a FilAm Christmas to a traditional American Christmas,” said nadia Gapur, a Sacramento-based FilAm. There’s the Christmas music of Holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells” or “White Christmas”, but also of classic Filipino songs like “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit (Christmas Is Coming)” or “Pasko Sa nayon (Christmas in the village)”. There’s the Christmas tree, holly, and garlands, but

also the colorfully lit parol— an iconic Filipino Christmas symbol. Then there’s the gift giving in which kids finally receive their presents, but only after showing respect for their elders through the gesture of pagmamano.

“Also having karaoke is super Filipino,” Gapur added.

For many Fil-Ams, including Esguerra, incorporating Philippine holiday traditions are an ode to how they’re celebrated in the Philippines.

“The feeling is different, and the whole Christmas spirit is more pronounced in the Philippines,” said Esguerra. “When Filipinos say that Christmas decorating starts in September in the Philippines, they are telling the

truth. Everyone in the Philippines takes Christmas on another level, and I love it.”

But like any Christmas celebration, Fil-Am or not, celebrating the holiday is about making new personal traditions with loved ones. This is the case for Filipina travel and lifestyle blogger Camie Juan who just recently moved from the Philippines to new york.

“It’s going to be our first Christmas together and without our families. We just plan to stay home and cook a nice dinner together, very laid back, maybe watch a Christmas movie,” said Juan.

“We’re looking at it as like starting our own traditions now that we’re married,” she added.

Home for the holidays...

From Page 2

everything mentioned above, with an addition of a longganisa or a big spoonful of corned beef and two eggs, sunny side up.

Thankfully, this little breakfast tradition we were able to do at the Seda Hotel and Pearl Farm in Davao as well, with a few minor variations. our lunches were memorable as well, particularly in Davao.

At Hijo resorts, the world’s only beach resort and nature park within a banana plantation, our hosts prepared a farm-to-table luncheon using ingredients that were easily sourced within the resort, using traditional ways and spices that are not widely used anymore.

We were served dishes from the indigenous Kalagan tribe. Lani Sta. Maria, operations head of the

How to have a hassle-free, drama-free celebration

resort told us that there are about a thousand members of the Kalagan tribe who live in the community so they thought it would be proper to include some of their dishes in the menu.

We had a river cruise along the Madaum river before we had our luncheon and we saw the mangroves, small fishing boats that the local tribesmen use and a number of kingfishers, which live in the forest and the mangroves. The 4.5-kilometer river gets its name from the word madalum, which means deep (15 feet deep).

The next day, our buffet was on board a boat as we explored Talikud and Samal Islands, en route to Pearl Farm, our home for the evening. on our menu was a lechon biik or lechon de leche, the most succulent lechon there is.

Then our chef on-board prepared seafood dishes for us, among them a salt-encrusted whole fish.

We also feasted on the fruits and dessert, including a durian-topped cake.

At the Malagos Chocolate Farm, we were introduced to a chocolate-flavored humba. It was good but it wasn’t a big hit. Maybe chocolate works way better with

bacon and not with braised pork belly.

And as some of us extended for a few days, I had a chance to meet some friends and family over sumptuous meals.

A must during this time of the year is the seasonal dessert fare bibingka and puto bumbong. Some restaurants have actually created a station or an area where someone is in charge of cooking these delightful snacks.

After a hearty dinner with friends at Provenciano along the booming restaurant-lined Maginhawa Street, we sampled their puto bumbong and the craving just hit the spot. While traditionally served before (or after) Simbang Gabi, this delicacy has become an all-year-round snack for some since there are now restaurants which have put it on their menus.

It is the happiest season to be in the Philippines with family and friends but for many of us, doing so is a luxury and one that doesn’t happen often. That is why we treasure the moments we are back in the homeland - no matter how short they are - because it is quality time that matters most.

EvEryonE loves the holiday season, and for good reason.

Generosity, kinship and family are in the air. Christmas decorations always put a twinkle in your eye, no matter what your age.

Christmas Day gatherings are meant to be fun-filled celebrations for gift exchanges, elaborate lunch/dinner spreads and reconnecting with loved ones that you perhaps haven’t seen in a long time.

Although Christmas Day celebrations are meant for fellowship and happiness, it can be quite stressful and can go wrong very, very quickly. Here are some tips to ensure that your family’s Christmas Day gathering goes smoothly and with no hassles.

Stick with themed outfits Since copious photos on Facebook are pretty much expected in any Filipino family gathering, there’s always pressure for what to wear. Picking the right outfit can be stressful, but Christmas is the perfect occasion to set a fun dress-code and announce a theme for the party. Ugly Christmas sweaters are always a classic. you can even raise the stakes and hold an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest to really get everyone’s creativity going. other themes appropriate for Christmas are pajamas (up the ante with pajama onesies), Santa hats, flannel or, simply, red and green. Have fun with it!

Organize gift exchange games like Secret Santa or White Elephant Buying gifts for the whole family is stressful, especially for a Filipino family which includes an endless list of cousins, nieces and nephews, titas and titos and lolos and lolas. So rather than burning your bank account, coordinating Secret Santa, White Elephant or other creative gift exchange gifts could be a more affordable alternative; and that way, everyone gets a gift.

Secret Santa, for example, entails putting all the names of the participating members in a hat and each person picking one at random. you only buy one gift for that person, and you all exchange gifts on Christmas Day. There are

Illustrations by by Jillian Peñalosa

many different ways to do Secret Santa: you can set a minimum or maximum price limit, you can have each person post a wishlist of what they want on a Facebook group or you can just let each Secret Santa get whatever gift they want for that person. That’s the fun of Secret Santa! you can tailor it to your family’s unique preferences.

Avoid political talk I mentioned this in our Thanksgiving feature, but it needs to be said again: avoid talking about politics! In general, talking politics isn’t appropriate for most social gatherings. But Christmas is all about kinship and it’s important to keep the lively, friendly vibe going. If you want to have a cordial, easy-going Christmas celebration — and I’m sure that’s everyone — avoid discussing very divisive topics that could alienate some of the guests.

Christmas is all about friendly communion and getting along with all your loved ones, even those whose political ideologies may differ from yours. So, keep it lighthearted and, for now, forget about your misgivings over the GoP tax bills and your hot takes on immigration policy and just remember the real reason for the season: togetherness.

Host a potluck Christmas is definitely most stressful for whoever is hosting the family celebration. There’s a lot of pressure in the food spread, so to help out the host family, organizing a potluck could bring some ease. As stated in the Thanksgiving feature, it might help — and be fun — to set up a Facebook event or Google Sheet page to organize who’s bringing what. This could bring out a wide variety of tasty treats — and it’s easier on the host family.

Tailor the celebration to who’s coming to the party For family parties, this isn’t usually a problem. It’s usually the same crowd that shows up and you all have kept some kind of tradition for your typical family get-togethers. That being said, if your family is religious, saying a prayer before everyone digs into the food is a common tradition for Christian families. Even setting up a fun little play detailing the birth of Christ could remind guests of the real reason for the season.

However, if your party crowd is a little more variable with people of different religious backgrounds with varying degrees of piousness, it might help to keep the party secular.

To some people, Christmas has become a pagan celebration surrounded by gift-giving, yuletide decor and an excuse to invite people over to a party.

Toning down on the religious decor and playing up more nonChristian elements of the holiday is ideal for a more secular crowd.

Leave your dirty laundry at the door Just for one day, forget about your sister that owes you money or your cousin with whom you fought on Facebook over politics.

‘Tis not the season to be petty or argumentative so let it go for now because the holidays aren’t meant to hash out issues that could lead to potentially explosive encounters. The worst time to discuss ongoing family issues over Christmas dinner. If there are any grievances you simply can’t get over, or if someone tries to provoke you, be the bigger person and don’t give in. organize a time after the Christmas party for these matters that could ruin the party.

Christmas, more fun in the...

From Page 2 colored ground rice cooked in bamboo tubes that are placed on a custom-made steamer-cooker.

These Filipino treats are best paired with hot chocolate.

Creative parols (lanterns) Filipino Christmas is lively and colorful. This is why during this season, bright and twinkling parols (lanterns) adorn almost every house in the country. The parol represents the star of Betlehem which guided the Three Wise Men to the manger of the newly-born Jesus Christ.

Belen (nativity scene) Aside from the parols, another popular decoration in the Philippines during Christmas season is the belen (nativity scene).

The belen depicts the Holy Family during the birth of Jesus Christ, displayed mostly at churches, homes, schools, and various establishments.

Noche Buena Celebrations aren’t complete without a gathering of family and friends over a sumptuous meal. This is what noche Buena (Christmas eve dinner) is all about— togetherness, love, and gratitude.

Who can resist that sparkly lechon (roasted pig), the once a year hamon (ham), and the creamy queso de bola (ball cheese), the sweet Pinoy-style spaghetti and the Sampled a variety of dishes and drinks from Taho from Marriott Cafe, Kare Kare from Romulo Cafe, welcome cold chocolate shots at Malagos Resort and a native Kalagan dish at Hijo Resort.

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya much-loved barbeque, anyway?

Parols (lanterns)

Receive and give gifts As a kid who grew up in the Philippines, Christmas was (and still is, I think) my favorite time of the year. Back then, I always received more gifts during Christmas than I do on my birthday, which happens to be a couple of weeks before Christmas.

People are happier and are most generous during this time of the year. As a little kid, I kept on thinking that this is Jesus’ manifestation of love for me; that instead of Him receiving gifts for His birthday, He just let me gave them all—regardless if I was naughty or nice that year.

As I grew older, I learned that gift-giving is deeply inculcated in

Inquirer.net photo

the Filipinio Christmas tradition, especially when you are a ninong/ ninang (godfather/godmother).

Sociologist niño Tobias told inquirer that, “Filipinos have the propensity to be more generous, especially during Christmas.”

“Hospitality is a way of sharing yourself with other people. We enjoy giving, that’s why Christmas in the Philippines is exaggerated. you see, even the poor will spend just so he can give,” said Tobias.

“We want to make other people happy. This trait, which is primarily reflected by our hospitality culture, trickles down to how we celebrate the holiday season,” he added.

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY D Ec E m b E R 22 , 20 1 7

25th Rizal Youth Awards recognizes outstanding young Fil-Am students of Metro DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Seventeen (17) young FilipinoAmerican students from various schools in Metro DC are this year’s honorees of the 25th Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy last December 15.

The students, who are in Delas Alas (Maid of Honor), Sharon elementary, middle school, and Cuneta-Pangilinan (Matron of Honor), John Kenneth Monterubio, high school, underwent a two-step process to be selected, including Richard “Alden” Faulkerson Jr. and the submission of personal essays Sancho Vito Delas Alas (Best Men), on topics related to the Philippine Arolas Amahit, Bayani Agbayani, National hero’s life.

Ogie Alcasid, Lito Alejandria, Gerry “The Embassy’s support for Catama, Carlos Antonie Cayanan, the Rizal Youth Awards stems

By Monet Lu Kevin Dalisay, Heildenberg from the national belief that the Dimarukot, Ariel Manalo, Jerald youth represents progress. The IT was magical. A moment Guillen Napoles, Piolo Jose Philippines, home to more than 35 so surreal and poignant that it (Groomsmen), Socorro Adam, brought memories of both pain and Lenlen Rogacion, Regine Velasquez- million individuals under the age of 15, has always been mindful of redemption; of love that’s found Alcasid, Lovely Abella, Malou De the youth’s potential and that the after the heart has been broken Guzman, Barbara Ambas Forteza, Government has the responsibility one too many times. Walking Bianca Carlos, Abby Bañares-Co, to cultivate their gifts and instill down the aisle on her off-shoulder The couple of three years happily exchanged Rufa Mae Magallanes, Valeen values in them,” said the Philippine princess cut ball gown that featured “I do’s” on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Christ the Margarita Montenegro, Cielito Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, intricate beading on the bodice King Church in Greenmeadows, Quezon City. Fernandez, Shanna May Retuya, and accentuated by a unique, hand Marilou Santiago, Eugene Domingo, Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, in his Photo from Instagram/@ Gerald Sibayan keynote address. painted veil edge, Ai-Ai delas Alas is Joan Fagara-Delas Alas and Rechie “Jose Rizal had a lot of faith in the blushing bride who proved that is by designer Frederick Peralta, Del Carmen (Bridesmaids), Mr. the youth.

Through his timeless and was a gift to to Ai-Ai by friend this love is “riper” this time around, Marvic Sotto and Ms. Pauleen Lunaworks, he perpetually encourages Marian Rivera. and the “right one” for her.

Sotto, Candle; Mr. Dingdong Dantes young Filipinos to do their part The entire ceremony was The pastel-themed wedding and Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes, and to welcome adversity.

There well-attended by celebrity guests of Ai Ai delas and Gerald Sibayan Veil; and Mr. Joseph Calata and Ms. was not a question in his mind that such as Alden Richards, Marian was held at Christ the King Parish Marnely S. Calata, Cord (Secondary you – young, creative and bright in Green Meadows, Quezon City on Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Randy Sponsors), Stephen Sibayan (Bible Filipinos - will be able to surmount Santiago, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Bearer), Gabriel Sibayan (Coin Velasquez, and Barbie Forteza.

Vic Some of the industry’s brightest Bearer), Seth Andrei Delas Alas (Ring any challenge and make your nation proud”, Minister Chuasoto Sotto, Pauleen Luna, Piolo Pascual, stars and personalities graced the Bearer) and Ambella Sibayan and further emphasized. and Pops Fernandez were also at the highly anticipated wedding, along Angela Sibayan (Flower Girls).

Mr. Ramon Antonio Paterno, with family and close friends of the wedding. Megastar Sharon Cuneta It was a beautiful wedding co-founder of Dr. Jose Rizal Youth also attended the wedding as couple who all wanted to witness but more importantly, it’s a Awards Day, also delivered an matron of honor. the special moment that marked beautiful story. It’s about losing inspirational message addressed The principal sponsors were Mr. and finding hope. It’s one that is the start of Ai AI and Gerald’s Eugenio R. Abunda Jr. and Ms. Cory happily ever after. not exempt from pain and doubts It’s no secret that Ai Ai had two Vidanes; Atty. Jejomar “Jojo” Binay (especially from the naysayers and Mrs. Analita del Mundo-Ramos; who think a May-December affair failed marriages: first to Miguel Vera, and the second to Jed Salang, Mr. Henry Chua and Ms. Susan Co; will never work). But that’s where From Page 3 Mr. Bobby Co and Ms. Lolit Solis; which lasted only a few months. the “sickness” and “poorer” part of Mr. Delfin De Dios Jr. and Ms. Nancy marriage will be tested. I wish Ai But Ai-Ai said she is now sure that from the heart. The action in turn, she’s marrying for the right reasons, Yang; Mr. Butch Espino and Ms. Ai and Gerald will stand the test of strengthens the muscles of the Maribel Espino; Sen. Richard Gordon time and remain in love with each admitting that the first marriages heart and maintains blood pressure were stained with wrong intentions. and Ms. Fely Dela Cruz; Mr. Felipe other no matter the circumstances. at healthy levels.

In an interview she said: “At that Gozon and Mother Lily Monteverde; To Gerald and Ai Ai, the start of Nature moves in cycles. While time I had hidden agenda because Mr. Alex Lim and Ms. Susan Lim; your “forever” has begun. May you the earth’s atmospheric cloak third parties were involved at gusto Mr. Robert Ogie Mendoza and Ms. continue to live for each other’s adheres to the surface because of Melissa Rubio-Mendoza; Sen. Ralph happiness for the rest of your lives.. kong mang-inis. Nakarma tuloy the gravitational pull of the earth’s ako. You know, kapag sinimulan mo Recto and Cong. Vilma Santos-Recto; *** mass, the hydrologic cycle will Mr. Willie Revillame and Ms. Cristy ng mali, matatapos na mali. This Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning continue to maintain our seas and Fermin; Gov. Chavit Singson and time, I have my life in order, it’s my celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of give us rain to sustain all planetary Ms. Julita B. Cayanan; Mr. Antonio P. first real and right marriage, and Monet Salon salons across Southern California life — that is, for the time being Tuviera and Ms. Avin Arayata; and I’m marrying all out of love. Gusto and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is —unless something unforeseen Bro. Mariano “Mike” Velarde and Ms. known as an all-around artiste who produces and catastrophic, like a rogue kong makasama si Gerald habang Geraldine Desiderio-Garcia; and Bro. sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as asteroid with the earth’s name on buhay. This time, there’s forever.”

Bo Sanchez. Ms. Ana Puno, who is a I watched the video of Ai Ai unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is it as its target, upsets and upends tearing up as she walked down the friend of mine, was also one of them also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural this delicate and rare homeostatic and was accompanied by Bong aisle. She wore a simple tiara, and beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution balance.

Prada Lim. a silver drop necklace. She looked to discoloration . To contact Monet, please If and when that happens, as The entourage consisted of stunning and very happy. According visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at scientists theorized is the reason the following: Sophia Andrea to pre-wedding reports, her gown monetsalon@aol.com dinosaurs were wiped out 65 million years ago, it would be a complete cycle. It would be ADIOS to human life as we know it. Fortunately, such occurrences happen in geologic time, in millions of years.

The prophets of doom heralding climate change, backed by some pseudo scientists) include themes of global cooling or global warming (take your pick). For a number of years, they have been trying to scare the living daylights of present day earth inhabitants with stark doomsday scenarios.

Someone claimed with arrogant certainty a few years back that because of global warming the polar ice caps would be completely gone by now. The seas will rise and cities along the coast will be plunged in chaos. Guess what?

The ice caps are still there and the polar vortex of the past year which brought one of the most severe and bitter winter seasons in memory belie such claims.

The fact remains there is no predicting the weather or for that matter, the end of the world with absolute certainty and infallibility.

Blushing Bride Ai Ai delas Alas stuns in her pastel-themed wedding

Recipients of the 2017 Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards with Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission (3rd from left, middle row), Ms. Aylene Mafnas, President of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (4th from left, middle row); and Mrs. Gloria Federigan, PAFC Board Member and Chair of the 2017 Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Committee (2nd from left, middle row).

to the young awardees centered on Rizal’s passion for history, fight for liberal reforms, advocacy of education as the path towards prosperity and progress, and vision of an enlightened nationalism.

“In conclusion, Rizal’s message is a message of hope for he has addressed you, the youth, as the hope of the fatherland. Finally, discover your roots, learn your history, take pride in your cultural heritage and above all, love your country,” Mr. Paterno told the awardees.

Minister Chuasoto, together with Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) President Aylene Mafnas, awarded the certificates of recognition to the outstanding students in a simple ceremony

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Climate is part of science that is still evolving. There is nothing settled about it. We can track its patterns and draw some educated guesses so we can prepare for catastrophic disturbances to mitigate destruction. The world is a sphere and there is still so much about our planet that needs to be discovered.

Who knows when the next Krakatoa or Vesuvius will erupt and spit out so much sulfur to envelop the world for years that temperatures drop significantly because sunlight is blocked. It has happened before with Mount Pinatubo and other volcanoes along the Ring of Fire through the centuries. The only thing certain is that volcanic eruptions will happen again. We just don’t know when.

Who knows when the Big One for California will happen? It is not a matter of if but when. That is a given. The last big one in San Francisco was over a hundred years ago and scientists say California is due for the next big one.

Who knows when the next Katrina will come and wreak havoc? Who knows the direct path tornadoes will take? All we know is that there are things that humans can predict with some degree of accuracy but on the whole, there are things that are random and beyond the realms of prediction.

One thing that is becoming clear is that nature has become part of a global political agenda. I consider such thought manipulations suspect. When nature is being used by groups to advance dubious political motives so that laws can be enacted that will essentially line the pockets of certain economic interests and thus ensure political power, it is time to tune out of the madness and see it for what it is. We need to maintain equilibrium in the face of untruths.

When it comes to nature,

graced by the awardees’ respective families, PAFC officers and members, and several guests.

The program was even made more exciting by the guitar and violin performances of selected students, and the traditional reading of the winning essays.

Ms. Maurese Owens, PAFC’s Public Relations Officer, formally ended the program with a reminder to the awardees to remember all those who have helped them be the people they are, echoing Rizal’s advice that who does not look back from where they came from will never reach their destination.

The Rizal Youth Awards is an annual recognition program spearheaded by the PAFC, in partnership with the Philippine Embassy. what will be, will be. Its cycles are dictated by something much more powerful than any human mind can conjure. Earth’s 23.5 degree tilt which dictates earth’s seasons as it spins like a wobbly top along its orbit around the sun, which in turn orbits the center of the Milky Way readjusts and is tweaked according to some cosmic cycle.

In a way, the life of our living, breathing planet is reflective of human life from birth to death.

The human story is cyclical. Every civilization goes through periods of beginnings, progress, full flowering, decay, stagnation and ultimately, death. Planet earth will die too along with the sun, one day, the human race and all living carbon-based creatures will be gone by then.

As a historical footnote, there are clear indications the American story, as a result of its increasing divisiveness and seismic shifts in its values and national psyche, has has gone through a protracted period of decay and stagnation phase of its cycle. For three decades, America may have lost its way as it drifted away from its core Christian values made manifest through its decadent culture.

This may have played out already. By God’s grace and miracle for millions who bent down their knees and prayed fervently and asked for divine intervention, a new beginning is sprouting.

The promise of resurgence to new life and an era of hope and worthwhile accomplishments is dawning.

MAY 2018 BRING US GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE, HEALTH AND PROSPERITY! May these blessings fill our hearts with overwhelming gratitude to God and create kind, humble and loving hearts in each of us. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

2017 Holiday revelries...

From Page 4 Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award were National Chaplain Kim Lanbert and Governor General Dennis Kramer while Ambassador Bel Molina did the presentation of Governorship.

Remarkable messages were delivered by JCI-NY Project Chair Ashley Lavilla, Guest Speaker Don Boyajian of the 21 Congressional District Candidate, and Vice-Consul Khrys Corpuz of the Philippine Consulate General, NY. JCI-NY’s awards paid tribute to the exceptional achievements of revered figures and distinctive personalities who shared the evening’s highlight via a very notable ceremonious staging.

The “Young Icons of Impact” honorees were Christopher Okada for Achievement in Commercial Real Estate, and Yuh Line-Niou for Public Office, Representative in Legislation.

Potri Ranka Manis & Kinding Sindaw Melayu Heritage for “Advocacy in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Tradition,” and Jorge Ortoll for Excellence in Asian-American Theater, Arts Advancement & Children’s Welfare were proud recipients of Special Awards.

“Icons Of Impact” awardees were Dr. Alicia Almendral for MultiDisciplinary Medical Practice & Innovative Entrepreneurship, and Dr. Ime Cruz-Banting for Medical Profession and Progeria Advocacy.

The “Distinguished Icon of Impact” titles were bestowed upon

Icon of Impact awardee Lumen Castan eda with supporters and friends

Paraluman “Lumen” Castaneda for Teachers Educational Mentorship & Public Service Leadership, and Dr. Laura Garcia for Clinical Mentorship and Leadership in Professional Nurse Advancement. Simbang Gabi Sa Konsulado, December 5 to 13, 2017 Filipino heritage and tradition were invigorated and refreshed during the annual celebration of the Simbang Gabi Sa Konsulado (originally a dawn mass or misa de gallo) at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Consulate capably spearheaded by Olive Magpile, Cultural Officer of the Philippine Consular Office in New York.

The nine consecutive evening masses were jointly sponsored by different Fil-Am organizations throughout the tri-state area and capped with scrumptiously prepared Filipino native delicacies served at the Philippine Center lobby after the service.

St. Anne’s Parish Simbang Gabi (December 15 to 23, 2017) An annual community Simbang

Gabi (dawn mass) at St. Anne’s Parish Church (along 3545 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City) is ongoing and will last until December 23 with devotees and parishioners around the area actively participating.

Overall coordinator Jenny Castaneda assigned each day to a group who will be in-charge of the set-up, mass, and the salu-salo (a simple reception after the service) that closes with a Christmas Party.

PACCAL Christmas Party & Recognition Night, December 13, 2017 @ Eastern King Restaurant After having served and thrown Christmas parties for seniors (Bayonne Senior Center, PACCAL Neighborhood Center, and Harborview Senior Housing), the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) took time to enjoy the holidays for its own. Held at the newly opened Eastern King Restaurant (Route 440 corner Danforth Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07305) the social gathering was Continued on Page 7

Anjanette Abayari tries everything in lifestyle show

By Robbie

Pangilinan

Philstar.com

ANJANeTTe Abayari, who now resides in the U.S., is trying everything — from a new TV show to a new lifestyle.

She is currently conceptualizing a 30-minute TV show called “AJ’s Adventures”, which will focus on Southern California.

“It will feature places to go to because Southern Cali is so big. It will be one part tourism, then we will have an advice segment on beauty and wellness (as well as) lifestyle.

We will also feature personalities and local businesses,” says Anjanette (also fondly called AJ), who is best known for her portrayal of Filipino superhero Darna at the height of her acting career in the Philippines.

AJ also wants to highlight the Filipinos in Southern California in the show and then expand it to bigger markets.

“I might get a local celebrity as a co-host, I want to make it interesting and different every time,” adds the Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1991 who has an international capital broker dealership career here.

AJ is working in a company called 1 Heart Care Giving Services, a private home care and medical services company that opened 14 years ago. She is the client care manager in charge of making sure

times a week. She is now doing workouts with the guidance of boxing trainer Marvin Somodio.

“It’s my first time ever doing boxing, this is different oh my God, it is really hard. The first time, after 30 minutes, I wanted to give up. I was barely catching my breath and it was just footwork. But it’s a really great workout,” says AJ who also wants to try jiu-jiutsu.

AJ wants to do boxing as regularly as her cardio and strength training. She eats one big meal and the rest are small meals to keep her metabolism going.

Anjanette Abayari ABS-CBN photo AJ has two boys — 10-year-old the clients and the caregivers are Aden and seven-year-old Ashton working together smoothly.

— who she says are both growing “The owner is a Filipina, her up too fast. married name is Bell Menberd, “I want to slow down their but she hails from Bacolod so we growth if I could. They are doing are both Ilongga so I feel at home great in school — Aden is up to 93 with her. I enjoy working with the percent off his grade level in the company because they are very whole nation and Ashton is in the inspiring. I prayed to have a job that upper 90 percent. Ashton is into gives back, then my friend called sports while Aden is into the arts and me to ask if I would be interested he wants to be a software developer. to work for this company. I never He’s only 10 but he asked me if I thought of doing something like this could send him to a coding school but I said maybe this is the answer to for summer,” shares AJ. my prayer so I tried and so far I like “I’ve been wanting to do that it,” shares AJ who has been with the for so long. In the U.S., it’s normal to company for four months. have a former Wonder Woman do a Known for being a sexy actress, cameo, so ‘yun ang gusto ko,” AJ says AJ keeps her body fit and beautiful with a laugh. Watch out, Anjanette is by working out at least an hour three coming back in 2018.

Philstar.com

FoR once, Vic Sotto is breaking ”tradition” for Talitha, his month-old daughter with wife Pauleen Luna.

Usually, Vic and partner (this time Pauleen) would leave for abroad for a much-needed break from the holidays, especially now that he is back in running at the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) with ”Meant To Beh” (with a new director for a change, Chris Martinez; co-produced by Vic’s own company M-Zet Productions with octoArts Films and APT entertainment), a feel-good domestic comedy that reunites him with Dawn Zulueta more than two decades after they starred in the fantasy TV series “okey Ka, Fairy Ko”.

“Pauleen and I cannot travel yet because Talitha is still an infant, masyado pang maliit,” Vic told Funfare in a one-on-more. “Hindi naman puwedeng kaming dalawa lang because Pauleen might suffer from separation anxiety. Last week when ‘eat, Bulaga!’ celebrated its Christmas party, Pauleen was there but she was in a hurry. Gusto nang umuwi kaagad dahil nami-miss daw

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2017 Holiday revelries...

Mendez and Dr. Laura Garcia booked their staff and friends to one of New York City’s most popular From Page 6 Worn and displayed by entertainment venues, BB King (237 community models and professional West 42nd Street in Manhattan), and attended by its officers, members, mannequins the fashion show was treated them to a hearty all-you-canguest seniors, and prominent adroitly annotated by skillful show eat-brunch. community leaders. impresario erno John Fernandez Featured performers that day The evening’s merriment was Hormillosa and ably emceed by were the best Beatles copycats... highlighted with the awarding of Sonny Austria. The models were Strawberry Fields, the ultimate “Certificate of Recognition” from the coiffed by Victor Palmos, Danica Beatles tribute band headlined office of Assemblywoman Angela Yvanoff Julian, Irene Zapanta, and by members of the original hit McKnight of the State of New Jersey Verush Benitez while music was Broadway musical “Beatlemania” and “Certificate of Appreciation” provided by Joji and Nonoy Rafael. composed of Tony Garofalo (as from PACCAL to deserving officers, Last year’s titlists Leah Frain John Lennon), Billy J. Ray (as Paul members, and volunteers.48th (Mrs, Garden State), Ramona S. McCartney), John Kurba (as George GSFAA Anniversary, December 16, Gapasin (Mrs. Hudson County), Harrison), and Michael Belluci (as 2017 @ Renaissance Newark Airport and Rebecca Samanyaphon (Mrs. Ringo Starr).

Hotel Jersey City) effortlessly sashayed The band’s two-set gig of The Garden State Fil-Am and glamorously treaded the ramp fully loaded Beatles hits drove the Association’s “Making Spirits as they executed their farewell walk. audience wild and groovy from the Bright” holiday celebration at Meanwhile, Medy Solero Hidalgo up-beat music and sentimental the Renaissance Newark Airport was crowned Ambassadress of reminiscence of the top billboard Hotel last Saturday, December 16, Goodwill and Sabrina Ramos was music of the 60s. Nostalgic that it was another rousingly successful presented with Miss Teen GSFAA was, “Love Me Do,” (the Mop Heads’ event. Its President Francis Sison 2017. first ever single that topped the UK left no stone unturned to ensure a A number of revered community Chart in 1962) and a cut from the sensational affair. leaders were exceptionally Beatles’ first album, “Please Please And just when you thought the honored with distinctive awards Me,” surprisingly injected a baffling annual celebration was all about and recognitions marking dose of dopamine to the whole dining and dancing think again! As if the association’s remarkable audience that rose their adrenalin to one doesn’t know that when Francis accomplishments. uncontrollable height.

Sison is the guy in the event’s totem Fiesta in America Christmas But the thrill didn’t just end pole, a fashion show showcasing Treat, December 16, 2017 @ BB King there. exciting prizes were raffled Leonard Co’s collection won’t be far Swaying against the tempo of that generated ear-to-ear grins and from happening. the traditional Christmas party, Fiesta beams among Fiesta in America in America’s big bosses Nanding members for nobody went home “Ako lang taga-bili ng diapers,” empty-handed. Strawberry Fields he joked. “Actually, it’s easy to Beatles Brunch was a Holiday change the diapers. You just tape experience worth treasuring! here and tape there, ayos na. What’s “Fight The Fight, Love is Cure,” tricky is cleaning the baby when she December 22, 2017 @ Manila To New makes poo-poo or makes wee-wee.”

York The couple wasn’t able to Another fundraising concert celebrate Pauleen’s 29th birthday is slated on Friday, December 22, last Nov. 9 because she was in at Manila To New York Steakhouse the hospital recuperating from (89-08 Queens Blvd., elmhurst, NY) delivering Talitha by Caesarian with proceeds to benefit Childhaus, section three days earlier (Nov. a temporary shelter for indigent 6). Because Pauleen is a Marian patients from different provinces devotee (and so is Vic), they added Vic Sotto and wife Pauleen Luna during the Maria as the baby’s second first with cancer. baptism of their daughter Talitha.

Performers who willingly name (Talitha Maria Luna Sotto). obliged and donated their talents for There’s also a Maria in Talitha’s niya si Talitha.” parents’ names — Marvic Sotto and Being breastfed by Pauleen, Miss Teen GSFAA 2017 Sabrina Ramos with a noble cause are: Jerome Robielos, excelsa De Jesus, Ryan “The Latte Becky and Suriya Samanyaphon Marie Pauleen Luna.

Baby Talitha sleeps in a crib Childhause Fundraising Poster Boy,” Pipay Pascual, Shaira Catabay, on Christmas eve, Vic and attached to her parents’ bed.

Kim Frias, Christine Morales, eva Pauleen will celebrate with Vic’s “Mabait si Talitha,” said Vic. (The Cantalejo, and Rocsan Mendoza. other children and their families: baby was named after a baby girl Guest bands include Brusko’s Sydney brought back to life by Jesus. Talitha Danica and husband Marc Pingris Guevarra, Wak’s Kosang Rick, Take is an Aramaic word that means Little and their two children; oyo Boy The Stage, Meet The Revels, and and wife Kristine Hermosa and Girl.) Hindi siya iyakin pero maingay.

NU 7. their four children; Paulina and her When she wakes up, she stretches December 28, 2017 @ 5:00 husband; and Pasig City Councilor her body and makes a sound na PM - UNIFFIeD Christmas Party at Vico. Christmas Day is reserved for parang naghihikab, ahhhhh!!! She Connoly’s in Maspeth, New York the in-laws or with the other Sottos has to be fed every two hours.”

For comment and suggestions reuniting at the home of Sen. Tito Asked who does the changing please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.

Sotto and wife Helen Gamboa in of the diaper, Vic said it had to be com.

White Plains, Quezon City.

Pauleen.

Feed Hungry Mind beneficiaries from Guinobatan, Albay

Vic Sotto ready for his first Christmas with daughter Talitha

By Ricky lo

An Asian Journal Magazine

An Asian Journal Magazine

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