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Volume 24 - No. 49 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

december 22-28, 2017 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

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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, presiden-

tial 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 PAGE A2

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. President Rodrigo Duterte turns over a check worth over P100 million to Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) Director Dominador Chiong Jr. during his visit to hemodialysis patients at the VMMC in Quezon City on Wednesday, December 20. The president further committed to provide P50 million to the medical facility every month.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

Philippine VP poll recount to begin in February 2018

USA

DATELINE El Cerrito swears in first Fil-Am, LGBT mayor from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

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 the city’s 100 year history, Gabriel Quinto is the third El Cerrito City Mayor Gabriel mayor of color. those Quinto 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

by AJPress

Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Bongbong Marcos

Inquirer.net photos

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 mid-february,” macalintal said in a forum held at Cafe Adriatico in ermita, manila.

PAGE A3

Opposition congressmen received zero infrastructure budget

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

tWeNtY-foUr members of the house of representatives who have been critical of the administration of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte received no infraPAGE A2 structure 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 thIs year’s economic and security partnerships for their “steadfast critical dissent between the Philippines and the United states and perceived waywardness,” have been “robust,” according to Philippine Am- were given zero appropriation for bassador to U.s. Jose manuel romualdez. their infrastructure projects in the In his year-end report at the Philippine embassy in Washington D.C. on tuesday, December 19, romualdez highlighted the positive reforms and trends in the Philippine economy. the diplomat noted that the country’s economy expanded by more than six percent in the past nine quarters, which he said can be attributed

by Dana SioSon to a number of factors—including the “strong AJPress growth in exports, improvements in public spending, and boosted performance in traditionally INsteAD of his detention well-performing areas such as the manufacturing cell, former senator ramon subsector and services sector.”

“Bong” revilla will celebrate for U.s.-AseAN (Association of southeast Asian Christmas eve with his family Nations) Business Council President and Ceo Alex in Cavite. feldman, the Philippines’ “impressive” economic this comes after the sangrowth is seen to attract U.s. companies to invest diganbayan first Division in the country. partially granted the former “the impressive economic growth that the senator’s furlough to spend Philippines has experienced over the last year and the holiday with his family in the predictions that it will continue into 2018 are their residence in Bacoor City, the types of economic fundamentals that have at- Cavite. tracted over $3.3 billion in American foreign direct In a resolution released investment to the Philippines,” feldman said. thursday, December 21, the

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

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 in- 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. frastructure funds.

Photo from Instagram/@jinkeepacquiao “the zero allocations are projectPAGE A3

Revilla allowed to spend Christmas Eve outside jail

PAGE A2

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

u PAGE A3

Former Senator Bong Revilla

Inquirer.net photo

Pres. Pacquiao in 2022? Duterte supports it

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

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 nag-usap, 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.

“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

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

u PAGE A2

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From the Front Page

El Cerrito swears in first Fil-Am, LGBT...

PAGE A1 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.

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 Fil-Am, 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)

CHRISTMAS RUSH. Passengers take their flights to celebrate the holidays at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City on Wednesday, Dec. 20. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) earlier said it expects a total of 20 million passengers this vacation, higher by 1.8 million from the previous year’s 18.3 million passengers. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Diokno: PH withdraws MCC...

PAGE A1 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 Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno Inquirer.net photo investments in citizens, as stated Marawi City. in its official website.

The Palace official also made it The Philippines received a $434 million grant from the MCC clear that the move has nothing in 2010, which expired in May to do with the Philippines’ failure 2016. The country has been list- to meet the MCC’s performance ed as a “candidate country” for a standard this year in terms of controlling corruption and of ensecond grant.

But on Tuesday, December suring the rule of law.

In the MCC 2018 scorecard 19, Malacañang announced that it has pulled out its application to released last month, the Philipfocus on the rehabilitation of the pines scored zero in controlling war-torn Marawi City in Mind- corruption and -0.01 in ensuring the rule of law. The country’s anao.

“We have opted to withdraw percentile ranking in the lowfrom the second Millennium income group category was 50 Challenge…The decision to with- percent.

Roque likewise clarified that draw was because of the urgent priority of the administration to the Philippine government has no objections to any of the condirebuild Marawi,” Roque said.

In a briefing, the Palace of- tions set by the MCC in granting ficial explained that the MCC the aid, and that the decision to grant would not cover projects withdraw, has nothing to do with that could be used for rebuilding 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

Pres. Pacquiao in 2022? Duterte...

PAGE A1 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

PH-US economic, security ties ‘robust...

PAGE A1

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

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Philippine Ambassador Babe Romualdez during his presentation of credentials at the White House last November 29.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Ambassador Romualdez

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. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

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Young Fil-Am woman named mayor of Daly City

by Rose

‘VINTA’ IN MINDANAO. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Division chief, Dr. Esperanza Cayanan, gives an update on the location of Tropical Storm “Vinta” in a press conference held at PAGASA Weather Forecasting Center in Diliman, Quezon City on Thursday, Dec. 21. “Vinta” has maintained its speed and direction as it continues to move towards eastern Mindanao.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Filipino doctor in US granted probation in sexual assault case

by Rae

ann VaRona AJPress

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 Gangcuangco in No-

vember 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 the Connecticut Post. n

Philippine VP poll recount to begin in...

PAGE A1 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 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 million 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 margin of 263,473 votes during 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,” Macalintal said, pointing out that “nobody has won in the recount of ballots since the [start]of the automated election in 2010 until now, because counting machines do not commit mistakes.”

He continued, “Those who claim that something went wrong during the counting of votes were candidates who cannot accept defeat or pretend to be knowledgeable about the elections.” n

Opposition congressmen received zero...

PAGE A1 ed 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

President Rodrigo Duterte is flanked by lawmakers as he leads the Ceremonial Signing of the 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, December 19.

Malacañang photo by Albert Alcain

shows their desire for autocracy, for dangerous dictatorship. The healthy exchange of opposing views is crucial in a democracy,” Baguilat said.

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

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 be 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

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

the ceremony at City Hall — her mother, Josefina, and father, Carlito, 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 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 “level-headed 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

Revilla allowed to spend Christmas Eve...

PAGE A1 anti-graft court allowed Revilla to leave his detention cell at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center no earlier than 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 24.

Revilla, who is facing plunder charges in connection with the alleged misuse of pork barrel funds, was directed to return to the detention center before 9 p.m. of the same day. In addition, the former senator was ordered to shoulder expenses to be incurred by the police escorts.

In a separate resolution, his chief-of-staff Richard Cambe was also granted a 10-hour furlough to celebrate the holiday with his family in Imus City,

Cavite, under conditions similar to the former senator’s.

Revilla is accused of receiving P224-million ($5.1 million) in kickbacks through Cambe from ghost projects using the senator’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel.

The two have been detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City since June 2014.

Earlier this month, Revilla filed a motion asking the Sandiganbayan to allow him to leave his detention from 11 a.m. on December 24 until 8 p.m. on December 25 and at 11 a.m. on December 31 until 8 p.m. on January 1.

“In view of recent events and the health conditions of his father, Senator Revilla Sr., accused

Revilla needs the comfort and security of his family. There is nothing more important for accused Revilla in the these trying times than the love and support of his family,” his motion read.

The prosecution, however, argued that granting the furlough would give a negative impression to the public that the former senator is “a favoured detainee.”

“No less important, if this Honorable Court accedes to accused Revilla’s request, it will grant him a special privilege that is not accorded to an ordinary prisoner and unduly create an impression to the public that accused Revilla, being a high-ranking public official, is a favoured detainee,” the prosecution said in its motion dated December 14. n

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Dateline PDuterte hiliPPines changes tune anew, says he supports same-sex marriage

HOUSE OF A MILLION LIGHTS. Thousands of people flock to a home on Mark Street at Filinvest in Cainta, Rizal to see the “House of a Million Lights” showcasing the pomp and pageantry of Christmas in the Philippines.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

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 on Wednesday, December. 20, 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 sol-

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 entered 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 prePAGE A7

Reuters pushes back, insists it gave Duterte’s office time to air side

by AudRey

moRAllo Philstar.com

In this Aug. 24, 2017 photo, President Rodrigo Duterte is clad in full battle gear as he visits the war-torn Marawi City for the third time to boost the morale of government troops from the Joint Special Operations Task Force Trident.

Malacañang photo by Simeon Celis

diers 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 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. n

MAniLA — Award-winning news agency Reuters pushed back Thursday, December 21, against insinuations that its reporting on a police station in Quezon City manned by cops from Davao City was irresponsible for failing to get the government’s side. it said President Rodrigo Duterte’s office was given enough time to air its comment.

Reuters journalists Clare Baldwin and Andrew R.C. Marshall detailed in a report how Quezon City Police District station 6, where policemen from Duterte’s hometown of Davao City operated as a unit, launched deadly anti-drug raids over the past year.

These operations, the report said, made the station the “most lethal” in Quezon City after its officers killed 108 suspects from

Reuters news agency pushed back against insinuations that it acted irresponsibly in failing to get the government’s side in its story detailing how a police station where cops from Davao City operated as a unit became the deadliest in Quezon City.

Philstar.com photo by Joven Cagande

July last year to June 2017, accounting for 39 percent of the city’s total deaths.

The allegations prompted Harry Roque, a spokesperson for the president’s office, to pan the

news organization, which he said gave them only one hour to respond to the story’s contents.

“That was a foul report. Reporter demanded our version PAGE A7

A

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December 22-28, 2017 • Oc/Ie ASIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

Gangsters

Features

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 socalled “ninja cops” who are permanently silencing potential witnesses

against them. Purging 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

Peace-maker

Philstar.com photo

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

FoRmeR SpeakeR JoSe C. de VeneCia JR. 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

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

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

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-

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. n

On the Dengvaxia debacle, Bro. Luistro betrayed his flock Commentary

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 allow any kind of vaccination of the publicschool 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 department 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 cancer-related 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 anti-HPV 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 secretary when President Duterte’s first health secretary, Paulynn Ubial, launched in August a school-based mass antiHPV 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 antiHPV 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 vaccines (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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A

Deaths of two children blamed on Dengvaxia Senators commit to passage

of Bangsamoro Basic Law

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 October 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 hemorrhagic 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 of-

by Gaea

Parents claiming their children died after receiving Dengvaxia are accompanied by Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta at the Department of Justice on Tuesday, December 19.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

ficials or personalities.

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

Duterte changes tune anew...

PAGE A5

dominantly 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)

Reuters pushes back, insists it...

PAGE A5 within the hour,” Roque said Wednesday. he doubled down on his criticisms of the news agency on Thursday, calling the report an example of “very bad journalism” as the organization did not get the side of the government.

Roque, however, admitted that he had not yet read the story.

Reuters pushed back on Thursday and essentially belied Roque’s assertion.

“The claim that Reuters gave the president’s office just an hour to respond is untrue,” the wire agency said in a statement.

Reuters said that questions were sent to Duterte’s office a week before the publication of the story, and it confirmed receiving the queries.

The agency said it followed up with phone calls and emails, but the president’s office never responded to its questions.

This is not the first time that Reuters released an article critical of the government’s ferocious war on drugs, a central component of Duterte’s anti-crime and

anti-corruption platform during the 2016 presidential elections that propelled him to the country’s highest office.

On November 27, it published an investigative story basically debunking police claim that suspects killed in a village in Manila offered violent resistance as they were being arrested.

The story, complemented with a security camera footage, detailed how cops in plain clothes cleared an alley in Tondo district before shooting a drug suspect.

During Senate hearings on the alleged liquidation squad that operated in Davao City during Duterte’s term there as mayor, a witness narrated how the town’s cops carried out the killings upon the orders of the tough-talking leader.

Since July last year, between 7,000 to 12,000 have died in the government’s war on drugs, but government authorities disputed this figure. Senior officials have also denied allegations that the president is condoning rights abuses in his administration’s drug war.

ber 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

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

A

December 22-28, 2017 • Oc/Ie ASIAN JOUrNAL

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

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the asian journal entertainment magazine

december 22-28, 2017

may 30-june 5, 2014 www.asianjournal.com

2

december 22-28, 2017

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 non-

perishable 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 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 purple-colored sticky rice cake), bibingka (coconut-rice cakes), and of course,lechon (whole roasted pig), which if not made at home, is 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 Fil-Am Christmas to a traditional American Christmas,” said Nadia Gapur, a Sacramento-based FilAm.

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Artwork by Jillian Peñalosa

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.

How to have a hassle-free, Christmas, more fun in the Philippines! drama-free celebration

by JennifeR SoRiano AJPress

by KlaRize Medenilla

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

I recently received a message from Generosity, kinship and family are a relative who moved to the U.S. in the air. Christmas decorations from the Philippines earlier this always put a twinkle in your eye, no year. matter what your age. Christmas She said she was feeling Day gatherings are meant to be homesick and that the American fun-filled celebrations for gift Christmas season is not as merry exchanges, elaborate lunch/dinner as compared to how Filipinos spreads and reconnecting with celebrate it back home. loved ones that you perhaps I’m sure many Filipinos who haven’t seen in a long time. are abroad share the same feeling.

Although Christmas Day But, wherever you are, you need going. If you want to have a celebrations are meant for nephews, titas and titos and lolos to remember that Christmas is cordial, easy-going Christmas fellowship and happiness, it can be and lolas. So rather than burning the most wonderful time of the celebration — and I’m sure that’s quite stressful and can go wrong your bank account, coordinating year.

While you may not be able to everyone — avoid discussing very very, very quickly. Here are some Secret Santa, White Elephant celebrate it in the Philippines this divisive topics that could alienate tips to ensure that your family’s or other creative gift exchange year, remember that there’s always some of the guests. Christmas is Christmas Day gathering goes gifts could be a more affordable a next year. smoothly and with no hassles. alternative; and that way, everyone all about friendly communion and To help you plan your next getting along with all your loved Stick with themed outfits gets a gift.

Christmas vacation, here are ones, even those whose political Since copious photos on Secret Santa, for example, some reasons why celebrating the ideologies may differ from yours.

Facebook are pretty much entails putting all the names of holidays back home is worth your expected in any Filipino family the participating members in a hat So, keep it lighthearted and, for now, forget about your misgivings week-long or month-long vacation gathering, there’s always pressure and each person picking one at over the GOP tax bills and your hot leave. for what to wear. Picking the random. You only buy one gift for Kids singing your favorite right outfit can be stressful, that person, and you all exchange takes on immigration policy and Christmas carols just remember the real reason for but Christmas is the perfect gifts on Christmas Day. There are I remember being ecstatic the season: togetherness. occasion to set a fun dress-code many different ways to do Secret every time December hits the Host a potluck and announce a theme for the Santa: you can set a minimum or calendar.

Because it is during this Christmas is definitely most party. Ugly Christmas sweaters maximum price limit, you can have time you would hear kids sing stressful for whoever is hosting are always a classic. You can even each person post a wishlist of what well-loved Christmas songs such as the family celebration. There’s raise the stakes and hold an Ugly they want on a Facebook group “Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit”, “Pasko Na a lot of pressure in the food Christmas Sweater contest to or you can just let each Secret Naman”, “Christmas In Our Hearts”, really get everyone’s creativity Santa get whatever gift they want spread, so to help out the host “Jingle Bells” and many more. family, organizing a potluck could going. Other themes appropriate for that person. That’s the fun of Simbang Gabi (dawn Masses) bring some ease. As stated in the for Christmas are pajamas (up the Secret Santa! You can tailor it to Christmas season in the Thanksgiving feature, it might ante with pajama onesies), Santa your family’s unique preferences.

Philippines begins early as the help — and be fun — to set up a hats, flannel or, simply, red and Avoid political talk month of September.

These Facebook event or Google Sheet green. Have fun with it!

I mentioned this in our nine-day traditional dawn Masses page to organize who’s bringing Organize gift exchange Thanksgiving feature, but it needs start on December 16 and end what. This could bring out a wide games like Secret Santa or to be said again: avoid talking on Christmas Day. Some say, that variety of tasty treats — and it’s White Elephant about politics! In general, talking completing the Simbang Gabi—by easier on the host family.

Buying gifts for the whole politics isn’t appropriate for most attending all nine Masses—will Tailor the celebration to family is stressful, especially for a social gatherings. But Christmas is grant wishes. who’s coming to the party Filipino family which includes an all about kinship and it’s important Puto bumbong and bibingka For family parties, this isn’t endless list of cousins, nieces and to keep the lively, friendly vibe A perfect way to cap your early usually a problem. It’s usually the morning habit during the Simbang same crowd that shows up and Gabi is to treat yourself to a warm you all have kept some kind of soft and chewy treat by eating tradition for your typical family puto bumbong and bibingka! get-togethers. That being said, if Bibingka is made from galapong your family is religious, saying a (rice dough), baked in a special prayer before everyone digs into the food is a common tradition for clay pot, lined with a piece of banana leaf, with live coals on top Christian families. Even setting up and underneath. Puto bumbong a fun little play detailing the birth meanwhile is a made from purpleof Christ could remind guests of colored ground rice cooked in the real reason for the season.

However, if your party crowd is bamboo tubes that are placed on a custom-made steamer-cooker. a little more variable with people of different religious backgrounds These Filipino treats are best paired with varying degrees of piousness, with hot chocolate.

Creative parols (lanterns) Illustrations by by Jillian Peñalosa Continued on Page 3 AJPress

Belen (Nativity scene)

Inquirer.net photos

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 much-loved barbeque, anyway?

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 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.

december 22-28, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

3

Stocking stuffers we’re eyeing 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.

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

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 sina-

mak (spiced coconut vinegar) • 1 tablespoon of calamansi • 1 tablespoon of sugar • Microgreens or edible flowers for garnish

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

Yana Gilbuena

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

Photo by Celeste Noche

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 popup 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.

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffers for those with a sweet tooth? Look no further than these packaged candy cubes from Sugarfina. “Penguin” Party ($8.50) is a box of penguin-shaped gummies flavored like peaches. “Santa” Gingerbread Cookie Bites ($8.50) are miniature cookies in creamy white chocolate and infused with cinnamon and sugar. “Reindeer” Noses ($8.50) are sweet, raspberry-flavored gummies dressed in nonpareils. Whether they’re for children or adults, these holiday-themed candies are sure to please and hit the spot!

AJPress photos by Rae Ann Varona with styling by Christina M. Oriel

How to have a hassle-free...

From Page 2

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 non-Christian 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.

december 22-28, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

4

Coco Martin: The actor, director and producer

by Pablo

a. TaRiman Philstar.com

A cheering applause greeted the showing of the trailer of coco Martin’s directorial debut, “Ang Panday,” which is based on the carlo caparas story franchise.

A distinct visual style is a feast to the eyes, but the uncommon touch is that the film travels effortlessly from fantasy to present-day reality. “i wanted this film to be in touch with presentday life even if it is commonly associated with fantasy. i worked closely with my writer and i felt the project is better off with that personal concept which is strictly my idea. everything has to be real. There are enough scenes that will thrill the kids, but i also made sure the adult moviegoers can connect as well.”

Still, he admits he does not know how to react when addressed as direk coco Martin.

More confessions: “nothing came easy in this project and to top it all, i wore three hats as producer, director and actor. in the first, i am constantly signing checks to cover production expenses. in the second, i have to see to it the needs of the cast are taken cared of. Then i have to think about my role and relate to the rest of the characters. Then

by Robbie

Pangilinan Philstar.com

the show and then expand it to bigger markets. “i might get a local celebrity AnJAneTTe Abayari, who as a co-host, i want to make it now resides in the U.S., is trying interesting and different every everything — from a new TV show time,” adds the Bb. Pilipinasto a new lifestyle.

Universe 1991 who has an She is currently conceptualizing international capital broker a 30-minute TV show called “AJ’s dealership career here.

Adventures”, which will focus on AJ is working in a company Southern california. called 1 heart care giving Services, “it will feature places to go to a private home care and medical because Southern cali is so big. services company that opened it will be one part tourism, then 14 years ago. She is the client care we will have an advice segment manager in charge of making sure on beauty and wellness (as well the clients and the caregivers are as) lifestyle. We will also feature working together smoothly. personalities and local businesses,” Anjanette Abayari ABS-CBN photo “The owner is a Filipina, her says Anjanette (also fondly married name is Bell Menberd, called AJ), who is best known for career in the Philippines. but she hails from Bacolod so we her portrayal of Filipino superhero AJ also wants to highlight the Coco Martin is obviously following in the footsteps of FPJ by not only starring in but also Darna at the height of her acting Filipinos in Southern california in Continued on Page 5 directing and producing “Ang Panday”, his 2017 MMFF entry.

it just dawned on me, ‘Ganito 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 blockbuster. i want a film that moviegoers can claim as their own after it hit the theaters.

That is my idea of fulfillment as a director and not just to make money.”

The actor said his directorial work was made easy with good people working around him.

“Many years while working with direk Dante Brillante, i realized i wanted to become a director later in my career. So, in every movie i did whether indie or mainstream, i observed people around me and find out how they contribute to the finished product. Of course, directing is a totally different work. But what made it easy was the people who were more than willing to give me endless support. i could feel the love as well the trust and respect on the set. They were all that i needed to keep me going as director. When i am not sure about one thing, i consult them like part of family.

Tita Susan (roces) was always behind me with some reminders.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYMENT

Anjanette Abayari tries everything in lifestyle show

Philstar.com photos

The children in the 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.

EMPLOYMENT

Vic Sotto ready for his first Christmas with daughter Talitha

by Ricky lo 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 niya si Talitha.”

Being breastfed by Pauleen, Baby Talitha sleeps in a crib attached to her parents’ bed.

“Mabait si Talitha,” said Vic. (The baby was named after a baby girl brought back to life by Jesus. Talitha is an Aramaic word that means Little

Vic Sotto and wife Pauleen Luna during the baptism of their daughter Talitha.

girl.) Hindi siya iyakin pero maingay.

When she wakes up, she stretches her body and makes a sound na parang naghihikab, ahhhhh!!! She has to be fed every two hours.”

Asked who does the changing of the diaper, Vic said it had to be Pauleen.

“Ako lang taga-bili ng diapers,” he joked. “Actually, it’s easy to change the diapers. You just tape here and tape there, ayos na. What’s tricky is cleaning the baby when she makes poo-poo or makes wee-wee.”

The couple wasn’t able to celebrate Pauleen’s 29th birthday last nov. 9 because she was in the hospital recuperating from delivering Talitha by caesarian section three days earlier (nov.

6). Because Pauleen is a Marian

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Philstar.com photo

devotee (and so is Vic), they added Maria as the baby’s second first name (Talitha Maria Luna Sotto).

There’s also a Maria in Talitha’s parents’ names — Marvic Sotto and Marie Pauleen Luna.

On christmas eve, Vic and Pauleen will celebrate with Vic’s other children and their families: Danica and husband Marc Pingris and their two children; Oyo Boy and wife Kristine hermosa and their four children; Paulina and her husband; and Pasig city councilor Vico. christmas Day is reserved for the in-laws or with the other Sottos reuniting at the home of Sen. Tito Sotto and wife helen gamboa in White Plains, Quezon city.

Asked how many more children Continued on Page 6

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 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 stable nature, the circle and all its derivatives — the orb, the sphere, the globe and every structure on earth and in the universe with a core, circumference and radii emanating from the core — can teach and even help us to understand much about nature, about ourselves and human life and its cycles and seasons, from the most profound to the most mundane levels.

From the micro to the macro 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

Health@Heart

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

–Albert Einstein 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 from the heart. The action in turn, strengthens the muscles of

the heart and maintains blood pressure at healthy levels. nature moves in cycles. While the earth’s atmospheric cloak adheres to the surface because of the gravitational pull of the earth’s mass, the hydrologic cycle will continue to maintain our seas and give us rain to sustain all planetary life — that is, for the time being —unless something unforeseen and catastrophic, like a rogue asteroid with the earth’s name on it as its target, upsets and upends this delicate and rare homeostatic balance.

If and when that happens, as scientists theorized is the reason 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

december 22-28, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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.

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, 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

Is your drinking water safe?

exposed to pollutants. Anything on the ground or in the air can end up in the water. Some of PhiliP S. Chua, these things can cause health MD, FaCS, FPCS problems when you drink the water including pollutants like Around 71-72 percent of bacteria, lead, and nitrates. There the Earth’s surface is covered by water. The oceans hold about 96.5 are other pollutants that aren’t percent of all water on this planet. dangerous, but cause bad odors and tastes or stain your sinks, such The human body is between as iron, manganese, and chloride.

50-75 percent water, about 57-60 (Hormones, antibiotics, steroids, percent in an average adult and pesticides, other medications about 75-78 percent in infants, and cleaning chemicals are also dropping down to 65 percent by contaminants in 80 percent of age one. our brain and heart are our streams.) The united States 73 percent water and the brain, Environmental Protection Agency 83 percent, body fat, 10 percent, (uS EPA) has established Safe and muscles, 75 percent. Some drinking Water Standards, based organisms contain up to 90 on research and water testing. The percent water.

While we can survive a month Safe drinking Water Standards state what amount of each of without food, we won’t survive these pollutants is acceptable in more than a week without water. your drinking water.” (details are Indeed, water is essential to all on its website.) …”When a public living things, including animals, water supply fails to meet the plants, and to farming, other Safe drinking Water Standards industries, etc. Clean water is not for bacteria or a similar pollutant, only of major importance to our they are required to notify you health but to our survival. This is especially true for our drinking and and advise you to boil your water before drinking it. Public drinking cooking water.

How much water on earth is water suppliers are required by law to conduct regular tests of their potable? drinking water. The water must of the 71-72 percent water meet the uS EPA’s drinking Water on earth, which is massive, only almost one (1) percent is available Standards.”

Are water filters available for and usable as drinking water. More homes? than 97 percent of Earth’s water There are various water filters is salt water in seas and oceans, available in the market, from and about 2 percent is frozen in table top, to under the sink, and glaciers and icecaps, and some to central water tank filters. There in the atmosphere, salt water are 2- to 7-stage water filtration lakes and rivers. So, less than one systems. The 7-stage basically percent is what we have for our includes reverse osmosis, use. As the world’s population with Alkaline remineralization grows, potable water might, Filter and uV Sterilizers for centuries from now, become a precious limited commodity, more microorganisms. All these are commercially available for homes. valuable than oil, diamond, or Boiling faucet water is one gold, possibly a cause of future way to further remove mineral wars to ensure survival in our contamination (crystal sediments) planet. and microbes.

Why is EPA important?

What is Zero Water filtration The EPA is one of the most system? valuable governmental agencies.

Zero Water tabletop pitcher, It regulates water standard and canister, or portable tumbler safety to protect and provide filtration system is a 5-stage the public clean water. Here are ion exchange filter that totally some information from the uS EPA: “Because your drinking water eliminates total dissolved solids, but not microorganisms. After comes from natural sources, it is

prosperity! of Magnesia, 10. So, normally we water in his treatment regimen, *** do not need more alkaline blood drinking alkaline water under Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac than 7.45. our body automatically normal situation is a waste of Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and water goes through the Zero money. Billions of people on earth adjusts and balances our chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to Water filter, the TdS reading is zero. have been healthy for centuries electrolyte and pH non-stop, 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, This, in essence, transforms the depending on what we eat or without alkaline water. Eating a where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus chlorinated (microbe-free) faucet drink, unless we abuse ourselves lot of vegetables, nuts, less red in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. water to distilled water. untreated meats, and staying away from or are ill. So, save your money He is a Fellow of the American College of water from wells, filtered by Zero and enjoy a happy and healthy tobacco, alcohol, and soft drinks Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, Water system, will not eliminate lifestyle. Go on cruises, instead. will balance our body pH to more and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular microorganisms. The 5-6-7 stage Here’s wishing you and your healthy levels, between 7.35 to Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) systems, with reverse osmosis, loved ones a joyous Christmas 7.45, a bit on the alkaline side. humanitarian foundation in the United States. membrane filter, and uV lights will. Level 7 is neutral. Seawater has a and a magic new Year of Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com What is TDS? good health, love, peace, and pH of 8, baking soda, 9, and Milk This refers to the Totally dissolved Solids (inorganic salts like calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates, and traces of organic substances and heavy metals) in water, which give water a bitter or salty taste, and bad odor. TdS does not include microbes. The EPA standard for TdS is 500 mg/liter or parts per million (ppm). using a small TdS meter I bought for less than $20 on amazon.com, I tested the TdS level of water in Las Vegas, Chicago, Quezon City and Cebu, and found them well below 500 mg/L. non-mineral bottled water has TdS levels less than 200 mg/L. distilled water, like Absolute, has zero TdS. distilled water, devoid of all minerals, is not ideal for D EC E M B E R 27-29 regular daily drinking. It is used in machines, like CPAP, in irons, Ateneo de Naga High School Class ’67 celebrates cleaning baby utensils, etc., and 50th anniversary in Naga City in delicate scientific/laboratory instruments, etc., to prevent The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) High School Class 1967 is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017 from December 27 to 29 with various activities lined up for its 153 alumni memdeposits, corrosion, and damage. bers. (ADNU is a leading Jesuit university in the Bicol region located in Naga City, Camarines Is bottled water safe?

Sur, Philippines). The activities include the publication of its 50thAnniversary Yearbook, a coffee In general, bottled water table book which features the individual life stories of the class members after high school, produced by reputable companies tributes to their mentors, and various articles about school life in the 1960s. Also scheduled for is safe. The occasional incidents in the middle of the year is a golf tournament which — aside from fostering camaraderie — will third world countries where faucet essentially be a fund-raising activity for planned alumni projects such as a medical mission to a water was used to fill up empty remote provincial town, scholarships, and donations for other worthy causes. This year’s reunion (used) bottles, recapped, sealed, will be at the ADNU main campus in Naga City with various fun and commemorative activities and sold are reminders for us to be lined up for the occasion. All batch members, wherever they are domiciled, including those vigilant and careful. When ordering residing in foreign countries, especially those in the USA and Canada, are enjoined to contribute their life story articles for the anniversary book as soon as possible, to participate in the various bottled water, ask the waiter not identified activities and outreach projects, and attend the grand homecoming in December. For to open the bottle; do it yourself coordination and for details about the events and activities, please email or call up any of the to be sure the seal is not broken. following batch members: Jojo de Jesus (email: jvdejesus6@yahoo.com; cell: 09772114750); When I am in doubt, I use my TdS Nilo Ezequiel (email: nilo.ezequiel0977@gmail.com; cell: 09257200926; Antonio Sibulo, MD meter to check. Below 100 is fine (email: assjrmd@gmail.com). with me.

Is alkaline water necessary?

D EC E M B E R 28 For daily regular drinking, Immigration forum in Anaheim, CA alkaline water is not necessary. occasional use is fine. unless a Global Law Centers will be hosting an immigration forum on Thursday, December 28 from person has an illness that makes 6 to 8 p.m. It will be held at Brookhurst Community Center (2271 Crescent Ave., Anaheim, CA the blood more acidic where the 92801); admission is FREE. The forum is about employment-based immigration, information physician might include alkaline regarding fast-track work visas ( H-1B1, TN, E-3), green card by Marriage, family-based immigration, employment sponsorship for green card, and work visas after graduation. Candidates with H-1B, TN, F-1, OPT & other visas issues are encouraged to attend for FREE immigration consultation & immigration assistance. For more information, please contact Global Law Centers at (714) 657-7460 or www.globallawcenters.com.

Calendar of Events across

America

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

Anjanette Abayari tries everything in...

From Page 4

are both Ilongga so I feel at home with her. I enjoy working with the company because they are very inspiring. I prayed to have a job that gives back, then my friend called me to ask if I would be interested to work for this company. I never thought of doing something like this but I said maybe this is the answer to my prayer so I tried and so far I like it,” shares AJ who has been with the company for four months.

Known for being a sexy actress, AJ keeps her body fit and beautiful by working out at least an hour three times a week. She is now doing workouts with the guidance of boxing trainer Marvin Somodio.

“It’s my first time ever doing

5

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.

AJ has two boys — 10-year-old Aden and seven-year-old Ashton — who she says are both growing up too fast.

“I want to slow down their growth if I could. They are doing great in school — Aden is up to 93 percent off his grade level in the whole nation and Ashton is in

the upper 90 percent. Ashton is into sports while Aden is into the arts and he wants to be a software developer. He’s only 10 but he asked me if I could send him to a coding school for summer,” shares AJ. Aden once asked her, “Mom can we go back to the Philippines and live there for a while?” AJ wants to go back next year and she is eyeing projects like commercials or ads. She also wants to do a cameo.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for so long. In the uS, it’s normal to have a former Wonder Woman do a cameo, so ‘yun ang gusto ko,” AJ says with a laugh. Watch out, Anjanette is coming back in 2018.

D EC E M B E R 3 1

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

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

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

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

december 22-28, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

6

‘Ika-6 Na Utos’ celebrates a year of success

by Ver

Paulino Philstar.com

After a year of airing on national tV, Kapuso Network’s “Ika-6 Na Utos” remains the No. 1 afternoon series. the drama is not only a tV success as it also consistently tops the list of trending topics on twitter with the confrontation scenes in the series going viral on Youtube and facebook.

“Ika-6 Na Utos” lead stars Gabby Concepcion, Sunshine Dizon and ryza Cenon continue to feel blessed over the unexpected success of their series.

“I’m very happy and I feel blessed because the show is a toprater and award-winner. So I’m very thankful to GMA 7 because it gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent as an actor,” said Gabby, who plays rome in the teleserye.

“We’re really overwhelmed with this acvhievement and I consider ‘Ika-6 Na Utos’ as a blessing and I’m proud for being part of it because it’s tough playing Georgia. It’s really physically draining,” shared ryza.

Sunshine, on the other hand, is thankful that “Ika-6 Na Utos” has been extended until next year. “thankful, grateful and blessed, ‘yan ang nararamdaman ko, all of us including direk Laurice (Guillen) and the production team. Kaya huwag kayong bibitaw dahil marami pang confrontation scenes and pasabog na magaganap,” Sunshine said of

(L-9Untitled by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo; Diario de Manila by Juan Luna; Captured Cosmos by Nena Saguil

enrique Gil buys Old Masters in bulk by edgar

o. Cruz

Naga City. enrique purchased online Luna’s watercolor study for the At the rate enrique Gil is GMA 7’s award-winning afternoon TV series lead stars (from left) Ryza Cenon, Gabby Concepcion and Sunshine Dizon. cover of Diario de Manila Nov. 30, acquiring Old Master artworks, edukCircle Awards; and Asian Star what viewers can expect from her 1894 issue of a winged creature in he will soon be in the ranks of Prize for Gabby in the 12th Seoul character emma. flight battling Japanese warriors. the biggest art collectors in the International Awards.

Since it started airing on Dec. Known for his european Philippine entertainment industry Director Laurice shared 6, 2016, “Ika-6 Na Utos” has been motifs, Hidalgo rendered Untitled with the likes of richard Gomez, during a recent set visit at the recognized by several award(Undated), a rare graphite sketch Julius Babao, Aga Muhlach and Celebrity Sports Plaza in Quezon giving bodies for its stars’ stellar in mint condition of a landscapeJoey de Leon.

City that she’s happy that the performances, some of which are cum-seascape of a very rural scene When it comes to fine tastes Best Actress for Sunshine Dizon, Best cast has received awards for the that spread from gourmet cuisine dotted with a nipa hut, coconut show. “the ratings will speak for Actor for Gabby Concepcion and to master paintings to multi-karat trees and bamboo bushes. itself, nagustuhan ng mga tao ang Best Supporting Actress for ryza in Pre-figuring her well-known diamonds, nobody beats enrique performances nila, not only the the seventh OfW Gawad Parangal; cellular style as viewed from a who puts his television, film and show’s lead stars, but also the Most Outstanding filipino Actress microscope, Saguil’s Captured advertising top-bracket income supporting cast, that’s why they in tV in Gawad Amerika Awards into high-return investments. this Cosmos (1964) shows vari-sized were recognized by various awardfor Sunshine; Best Daytime Drama spheres, vortices, dots and makes enrique as the country’s giving bodies,” she said.

Series, Best Drama Actor (Gabby), bubbles in white, red, black and youngest celebrity connoisseur Also part of the cast are Zoren Best Drama Actress (Sunshine), cobalt blue, expressing a deep at 25.

Legaspi, rich Asuncion, Daria Best Child Performer (Angelica sense of spirituality.

A seven-figure bulk deal, ramirez, Pen Medina, Carmen Ulip) in the 31st PMPC Star Awards Serafin Serna’s A Man in Native enrique acquired six paintings by Soriano, Odette Kahn, Marco Alcaraz, Old Masters including a Juan Luna, Costume and A Woman in Native for television; Best Actor for tV Mel Martinez, Vince Gamad, Arianne a felix resurreccion Hidalgo and (Gabby), Best Actress (Sunshine), Costume (1955), vivid oil on Bautista and Chynna Ortaleza.

Best Supporting Actor (Mike tan), canvas of the half-body portraits a Nena Saguil on the second day “Ika-6 Na Utos” airs Mondays to Best Supporting Actress (Angelika of royalties in pre-colonial of the ongoing Heras (Pamana) Saturdays after “eat, Bulaga!”.

Dela Cruz and ryza) in the seventh costumes.

Old Masters, Contemporary and Simeon Saulog’s Untitled National Artists exhibit by Bicol (1967), watercolor of stallions on Antique Arts and Craft at the the run.

Carmen Hotel, Peñafrancia Ave., Philstar.com

Erich Gonzales to end year with triumphant heart

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

Erich Gonzales

Philstar.com photos

In tiptop shape and thriving in showbiz, everything is going great for erich Gonzales. Part of the 2017 Metro Manila festival entry “Siargao,” she told In the Know at the movie’s press conference that she learned so much in the past year, especially after going through a major breakup.

She started over by deciding to switch to a fresher take on showbiz projects, preferring roles that are bolder and direct to the point. In Siargao, for example, she is heartbroken blogger who flees to the Inquirer.net photo teardrop-shaped province.

“Maraming makaka-relate sa character ko kasi marami rin naman nagdaan sa ganoong klaseng pagsubok pero pinapakita talaga rito yung proseso ng pagdadaanan doon,” she said of her role.

Obviously, erich has many similarities with her character’s story, which is why she admitted she had so much “hugot” in her portrayal. She was quick to clarify that her heart has mended and healed, and that she was “whole again” while doing the movie.

“Naka-move on na po talaga ako noong ginagawa ko ang pelikula at wala na ako hang up.

Masaya na po talaga ako ngayon and I intend to keep it that way.”

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

From a bling-bling-studded rapper, millennial Enrique Gil turns Old Masters collector

facilitated by curator-cum-art dealer Jay Cuarto, he reopened in 2006 the ‘60s famous antique dealership of his departed father, Jesus Cuarto Sr. “I am humbled to be given this opportunity to take on my father’s legacy and to live up to his name,” Jay pays tribute to the Cuarto patriarch.

‘Siargao’ highlights love and environmental awareness by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

tHe Surfing Capital of the Philippines finally takes front and center in a full-length movie as noted director-producer Paul Soriano’s first Metro Manila film festival entry.

Simply titled “Siargao,” it stars Asia’s Drama Prince Jericho rosales, and popular actresses erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Considered a complete diversion from Soriano’s preference for biographies “Kid Kulafu (2015), “thelma” 2011 and serious topics “Dukot” (2016), “A Journey Home” (2009), Siargao further sees the director in his first light romanticdrama and travel-themed work. the movie follows the story of a woman who tries to find, reinvent and rebuild herself in the beautiful island.

“It was very light [to shoot], very peaceful, and I really had the most fun shooting this film out of all my films,” Soriano related.

More than showcasing and promoting the beautiful island and its majestic tourist spots, the director also made sure to use the opportunity of a nationwide festival showing to create an awareness that the booming tourism spot that is Siargao needs environmental protection.

“Now that we have this voice and this media attention, we also want to make sure to put the message across that let’s take care of Siargao. Let’s take care of its beauty and its beaches. Let’s respect the locals and let’s not saturate it,” he explained.

Diego, Laura and Abby fresh from a public outburst and on the verge of quitting his band, 32year old high-profile musician Diego Punzalan (rosales) takes a trip to his province of Siargao to take a break from the public eye and rethink his career. there, he meets 29-year old Laura Molina (Gonzales), a perky but sassy fashion and beauty vlogger.

She had just been dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Mikey, from whom she declined a wedding proposal. She went to Siargao on a solo trip to nurse her broken heart and challenge her fear of risks and independence.

With tension and chemistry

Jericho Rosales in a scene in “Siargao”

running high between the pair of lost souls, Diego challenges Laura to step out of her boundaries as they explore the place he once called home.

Meanwhile, returning to his hometown also means going back to face the issues Diego left behind, including Abi Williams (Curtis), his former fil-Australian flame, the muse of many of his older love songs, and the girl with whom he shared a deep and heartbreaking history.

As such, in this small and secluded surf town where time moves slowly, and people come and go—sometimes, never leaving— the unlikely triangle of Diego, Laura, and Abi find themselves returning to their past decisions and mistakes while uncertain about the future that lies ahead.

Where the tides change quickly, and the ocean never stays still, they learn to take chances, and learn that, perhaps, commitment might be the biggest risk they will ever have to make.

Gonzales and Curtis shared how preparing for the movie went beyond the acting but also meant working on beach bodies.

“Pinaghandaan po talaga na­ ming yan. Dumating ako sa punto ng buhay kona ‘kung hindi ko gawin ngayon, kailan pa?’ I mean I’m ready for it naman, hindi naman na po tayo bata pa,” said a very slim Curtis. “ever since naman po sa teleserye ko na ‘Katorse’, medyo mature na din naman po iyon. Ako naman lagi ko naman pong sinasabi na basta kasama po sa story, okay lang mag-flaunt ng konting skin,” she added.

Curtis on the other hand explained, “Basta komportable ako sasarili kong katawan. Pag picture

kasi pwede pang ianggulo, sa film mas conscious lang ako pero with this naman kasi, this is a story within the island, kaya I can’t argue my way out of that. It’s a commitment I had to make.”

Gonzales, for her part, also couldn’t be happier that she’s returning into the big screen after four years and with her first-ever title MMff entry.

“Well it’s nice to be back and to do a movie na nakaka-excite itong story mismo. And then syempre yung setting niya, one of the most beautiful destinations in the country and swerte tayo napasali din siya sa MMff,” she said.

Meanwhile, trying and getting rejected in the MMff thrice, Director Soriano is happy he finally made it.

And he is looking forward to one particular aspect of playing in the festival.

“Personally, I’m looking forward to finally having one of my films watched by a lot of people.Yun lang.

Most if not all of the films I’ve done in the past, my audiences are very niche. It would be nice to see the cinema more than 50 percent full.

Sanay ako sa 10, 20 or 30 people lang watching my film,” he said. finally, rosales said that they don’t aim to be on top but only hope that people will get to watch and appreciate the beauty of the film.

“Let’s face it, with the MMff now, alam na natin kung ano ang top 1 and 2. But we are proud of this film. We don’t even think about awards. every project is an achievement already. And this is a great film. What’s not to like about people hanging out in the beach, with good acting, a good storyline? this is a film that you must see,” rosales ended.

Vic Sotto ready for his first Christmas with...

From Page 4 did he and Pauleen plan (or hope) to have, Vic said, “It depends. If none, OK na rin. We leave it all to God kung ilan ang ibigay Niya sa amin.”

Meanwhile in “Meant to Beh”, chubby-cheeked five-year-old Bae-by Baste (born Sebastian Benedict Granfon) is out to prove that he’s more than just a cute little face on television and that his time has come to be in showbiz spotlight.

“He delivered all his lines and gave us a very good performance.

Baste will surprise everyone because in this movie, he was able to do everything — from singing,

dancing, acting to comedy. He’s a natural born entertainer,” said direk Chris.

Vic, who took the kid under his wing since the latter joined show business over two years ago, added that considering his age and that he is still learning to read, Baste was able to deliver what was asked of him. He said the five-year-old was able to grasp the concept of making a movie and is already conscious of what acting is all about.

“At first, we were just thinking that he would just say a few lines and do minimal acting because he’s never had experience shooting a movie. He’s used to what we do

in ‘eat, Bulaga!’ that we just let him sing. I was really surprised. We were all surprised that he has a talent in acting even if he still cannot read the script.”

Credit also goes to Baste’s mother, Shiela, who tirelessly read the script and practiced her son on how to deliver and act his lines correctly. She said it was difficult at first, especially when Baste had a hard time pronouncing long tagalog words, but everyone in the production had been patient about it.

Mommy Shiela and Baste have been inseparable since they moved to Manila from General Santos City almost three years ago.

december 22-28, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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december 22-28, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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