123017 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

December 30, 2017-January 2, 2018 Volume 27 - No. 105 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Luxury SoCal beachside resort accused of human trafficking, exploiting interns Interns came from PH, other Asian countries AN upscale Southern California oceanfront resort has been accused of human trafficking violations and exploiting its foreign interns, a majority of whom are from the Philippines and other Asian countries.

On Friday, December 22, hospitality labor union Unite Here Local 11 (Unite Here), filed a complaint with the U.S. State Department on behalf of the resort’s former interns Falak Rashid, 23, and her fiancé Wahid Rahman, 24, against Terranea Resort located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

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Duterte earns ‘Person of the Year’ recognition for drug war

by AJPRESS AN international non-governmental organization has named Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte 2017’s “Person of the Year” for his controversial campaign against illegal drugs.

The title was given by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which annually recognizes an individual who “has done the

most in the world to advance organized criminal activity and corruption.”

In a statement released Thursday, December 28, OCCRP said its panel— which is composed of nine corruptionfighting journalists, scholars and activists—chose Duterte “on the strength of his brutal war on drugs.”

OCCRP highlighted that the “blunt, swaggering and profane” president has “vigorously implemented his pledge to

use any tactic necessary to stop drug use” in the Philippines.

It also cited Duterte’s “disturbing” comparison of German Adolf Hitler’s annihilation of three millions of Jews to his bid to “slaughter” three million drug addicts during one of his speeches in September last year.

Duterte was the runner-up for OCCRP’s “Person of the Year” award in 2016 but the title was given to Venezu-

elan President Nicolas Maduro.

This year, the Philippine leader beat out runners-up South African President Jacob Zuma and recently ousted Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe for the title.

Drew Sullivan, editor for OCCRP and one of the judges for selection, said the Philippine president has “made a mockery of rule of law in his country.”

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Supreme Court orders gov’t execs to answer petition against martial law extension

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Facebook is accused of helping leaders, such as Rodrigo Duterte, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, spread their politically charged messaging online. Also pictured is the company’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Facebook under fire for aiding Duterte’s campaign

SOCIAL media giant Facebook, that has touted itself as a “tool for democracy,” is in the crosshairs in the United States for supposedly aiding the electoral campaigns and propaganda of some populist leaders around the world, including President Rodrigo Duterte’s in the Philippines.

Facebook’s co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg was first confronted about his company’s role in the rise of U.S. President Donald Trump’s rise to power in September this year. He vehemently denied the social net-

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THE Supreme Court (SC) en banc on Friday, December 29 has directed executive and legislative officials to answer a petition questioning the constitutionality of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao.

In its order to comment, the high court declared the petition to be sufficient in both form and substance.

Among the respondents are Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and Armed Forces chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

The SC gave them a “non-extendable” period of 10 days to reply to the petition.

“Considering the allegations contained,

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NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE. “As always, I wish for a progressive and peaceful country, and for the prosperity of our countrymen,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in his Christmas and New Year’s message for Filipinos. Amidst all the merriment, the president asked for Filipinos to pause and remember those who lost their lives fighting for the integrity of the country, for those who lost their homes and their loved ones in the recent war, for those who are far from their families, and for those are not as fortunate and blessed as “most of us.”

Malacañang photo

Teo: ‘Negative global perception’ a challenge for PH tourism While saying that it is not hard to envision the Philippines as a top travel destination, Tourism Secretary Wanda TulfoTHE supposed “negative global per- Teo admitted that “misconceptions” of ception” of the Philippines remains to the country have been affecting the nabe a challenge for the country’s tourism tion’s tourist arrivals. industry, according to the Philippine DeAccording to Teo, the perception of the partment of Tourism (DOT).

Philippines as “a center of natural calamby DANA

SIOSON AJPress

ities such as typhoons, flash floods and earthquakes” influences the number of foreigners who want to visit the country.

She also cited threats to peace and order, especially in the southern Philippines, as among the factors that contribute to the negative perception of the

Duterte: 2017 ends ‘from Paolo Duterte, Manases one sorrow to another’ Carpio sue Trillanes

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

dent Rodrigo Duterte said the last

by EDITH REGALADO days of 2017 felt like a series of Philstar.com WITH a string of tragedies that sorrows.

During a disaster briefing on struck parts of the country this DAVAO CITY, Philippines — holiday season, Philippine Presiu PAGE A4 Barely two days after vice mayor Paolo Duterte tendered his resignation, the presidential son filed a civil suit against Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV before the regional trial court (RTC) here.

The case stemmed from Trillanes’ allegations that Duterte and his brother-in-law, lawyer Manases Carpio, were involved in the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) last year. Carpio is the husband of presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor In this photo made from a video by Aclimah Disumala, Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, villagers cross Sara Duterte. raging flood waters in Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga Pennisula, southern Philippines. A tropical Paolo filed a separate charge storm has unleashed flash floods and set off landslides in the southern Philippines leaving dozens of people dead.

Philstar.com photo by Aclimah Disumala against Larry Hermoso for alleg-

edly accusing him on social media of being a drug smuggler.

Both cases were raffled to RTC Branch 15 of Judge Mario Duaves.

Although President Duterte, Paolo’s father, still has to act on the letter of resignation, it reached Malacañang Tuesday, December 26. The President has 15 working days to act on it. If he fails to do so, the resignation is deemed approved.

While waiting, Paolo is considered “on leave.”

The RTC workers here refused to give the media copies of the complaints, citing a court policy that allows only the parties to access the documents.

But it reportedly has some-

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Tourism Chief Wanda Teo

Inquirer.net photo

A december 30, 2017-January 2, 2018 • La WeeKend aSIan JOurnaL

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

From the Front Page

Duterte earns ‘Person of the Year’...

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is the Person of the Year for 2017, according to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an organization that has for six years recognized the individual who has done the most in the world to advance organized criminal activity and corruption.

Photos from OCCRP.org

“While he is not your typical corrupt leader, he has empowered corruption in an innovative way.

His death squads have allegedly focused on criminals but, in fact, are less discriminating,” Sullivan added.

He also claimed that Duterte has “empowered a bully-run system of survival of the fiercest.”

“In the end, the Philippines are more corrupt, more cruel, less democratic,” Sullivan further said.

The eradication of illegal drugs in the country was among Duterte’s major campaign promises that paved way for his landslide victory during the 2016 presidential election. Since launching his so-called drug war, thousands of drug suspects have been killed, earning condemnation from human rights advocates.

Based on his administration’s yearend report, there were 3,967 “drug personalities” who died in anti-drug operations.

The figure, however, has been disputed by Duterte’s critics and international rights groups, which pegged the death toll at around 12,000 since the campaign’s launch last year.

“Philippine officials put the real number of drug users at 1.8 million, but Duterte has overseen the killing of more than 7,000 and possibly as many as 12,000. The statistics are hard to pin down because Duterte’s National Police suppress all critical reports,” OCCRP’s statement read.

OCCRP further claimed that the police are “spared from any accountability or legal consequences for a campaign that has left bodies in the streets.”

Amid criticisms, the Duterte administration had repeatedly insisted that it values right to life and does not tolerate abuses. n

DANGEROUS. An operative of the Quezon City’s District Special Operations Unit loads into a vehicle illegal firecrackers seized from sellers along Mindanao Avenue, Under the law, the use of powerful firecrackers such as Super Lolo, Whistlebomb, Goodbye Earth, Atomic Big Triangulo, Piccolo, and Judas’ belt are not allowed.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Supreme Court orders gov’t execs to answer petition...

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the issues raised and the arguments adduced in the petition, it is necessary and proper, without giving due course to the petition, to require the respondents to comment on the petition and prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) or writ of preliminary injunction,” the SC order read.

The petition was filed by members of the House of Representatives’ so-called “Magnificent Seven,” led by Albay Representative Edcel Lagman. Other petitioners include Akbayan Representative Tom Villarin, Caloocan 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice, Ifugao Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat, Jr., Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano, Capiz 1st District Emmanuel A. Billones, and Northern Samar Representative Raul Daza.

Lagman hailed the high court’s order to comment, saying that it meant their petition passed the first hurdle at the SC. “This augurs well for the petition which has survived the preliminary gauntlet which petitions have to pass through in the high court,” Lagman said.

In their petition, the opposition lawmakers asked the high court to issue a TRO against Congress’ approval to retain the military rule in Mindanao until December 31, 2018.

They argued that the re-exten-

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (left) exchanges pleasantries with House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during the special joint session of Congress on Wednesday, December 13. The Senate voted 14-4 while the House voted 226-3 in favor of extending martial law in Mindanao and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus until December 31, 2018.

Senate photo by Ariel Cagadas

sion should be declared “null and void” because there is “no actual rebellion” in the area, and that a second extension itself violates the Constitution. They expressed fear that it may lead to “extensions in perpetuity.”

The lawmakers also accused Pimentel and Alvarez of “unduly constrict[ing] the period of deliberation and interpellation on the subject extension so much so that the president’s request for extension was approved without basis and with inordinate haste.”

The continuing threats posed

by Islamic State (IS)-inspired terrorists and local terrorist groups, including their recruitment efforts, were among the grounds Duterte cited for his extension request.

Congress approved the oneyear extension of martial law after the Senate voted 14-4 and the House voted 226-23 in favor

of extending military rule in the area on December 13.

Malacañang said it is prepared to defend its position before the high court.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque pointed out that both legal and factual bases of the martial law extension “have been clearly established based on the security assessment by our ground commanders.”

“The Legislative and Executive departments have already decided that the further extension of martial law in Mindanao is necessary to quell the remaining terrorists who brought destruction to Marawi and its neighboring communities,” he added.

Malacañang also assured that Duterte will not allow perpetual extensions of martial law, adding that endless military rule is “patently unconstitutional.” n

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2017-JANUARY 2, 2018

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Luxury SoCal beachside resort accused...

PAGE A1 t According to the complaint, the couple from Kolkata, India were “lured with false or misleading promises to the United States to participate in a bogus ‘internship’ program,” together paying thousands of dollars and taking on debt to participate in what they were promised would be an educational experience in the culinary arts. Instead, they were reportedly put to work as ordinary employees.

The case alleges that the luxury resort has been substituting entry-level line cook positions — designated as “Cook III” — with migrant workers on J-1 visas, which offer cultural and exchange opportunities in the U.S. through programs like summer work travel, student exchanges, and internships among others.

Most of the J-1 visa workers are from the Philippines, said the complaint.

Jon Tuason, a U.S. citizen who grew up in the Philippines, was recruited by the company while a culinary school student in the Philippines, and became an intern at Terranea Resort in 2015.

Tuason told the Los Angeles Times that he spent approximately five months in the room service kitchen before being allowed to transfer to the cold kitchen. He spent the rest of his internship making salads and peeling fruit.

“I felt like a manufacturing machine,” the Los Angeles Times quoted Tuason saying. “I knew it was going to be hard work — I was expecting that. But I was at least expecting to learn something from it.”

Some interns like Rahman and Rashid come from India and other Asian countries.

United Here asserted that by 2017, the resort had employed around 45 interns across its kitchens, replacing much of its entry-level cook workforce. The interns were said to have had the same tasks as regular Cook III workers, but had to pay large placement fees, were paid less, and did not receive benefits or raises.

“We believe that the threat of losing a visa pressures people to stay quiet and raises serious concerns with the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and Fair Labor Standards Act,” Unite Here spokesman Andrew Cohen told the Asian Journal.

He added, “Though this is not a typical trafficking case, these laws protect against the types of abuses Wahid and Falak say they experienced at the Terranea.”

Jessie Burns, a spokeswoman for Terranea, told the Los Angeles Times that the allegations were baseless, adding that the resort has been offering culinary internships through the visa program since 2011, with over 160 students having completed the yearlong program.

“We are very proud of the students who have trained and who have gone on to launch their own culinary journey,” the Los Angeles Times quoted Burns saying. “Some of our interns have successfully opened their own restaurants, and become sous chefs and chefs at other resorts.”

That was the hope of Rahman and Rashid — both recent culinary graduates from the International Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata — who saw the internship program as a way to further their career and bring them closer to their goal of open-

ing a restaurant back home.

Terranea Resort boasts a 102acre estate of natural beauty, nearly 600 guest rooms and suites, and eight dining options that “range from gourmet cuisine to casual fare — all set against the Pacific Ocean.”

The couple found out that they were selected for the program set to begin August 15, after completing a few Skype interviews with representatives from the program sponsoring International Educational Exchange (IEE) agency, and representatives from the resort.

The complaint said that the two were promised a valuable educational experience through working in a variety of kitchens and departments, learning various cuisines, and learning about the resort’s operations as part of their internship placement plan. They were also promised opportunities to take part in cultural experiences like trips to places like Disneyland.

The plan also ensured that they would not be filling a labor need.

Rashid and Rahman said they were instead quickly put to work making pizzas, flatbreads, and salads for customers. A knife safety video, an explanation of how to read kitchen tickets, and a summary of recipes were the only training materials the two received. Any additional guidance they got was primarily from other interns.

The couple further said that they did not receive promised help in finding housing. Rather, they were put in touch with a current employee who suggested zip codes and cities to search through on the internet

EXODUS. Commuters patiently wait for a chance to board a bus that will take them home at a bus terminal in Quezon City. Hundreds of passengers bound for the provinces flocked to the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday, December 28, hoping to reunite with their loved ones in time for New Year’s Day on Monday, January 1, 2018.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Glee Jalea

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Teo: ‘Negative global perception’...

country.

“The DOT continues to face challenges of uplifting tourism amidst perceived security and safety problems. Another factor is the perception of the Philippines as the center of natural calamities such as typhoons flash floods and earthquakes,” Teo said during the Tourism Crisis Management Symposium on December 12.

Despite declaring the Marawi crisis over, martial law in Mindanao has been extended until December 31 next year due to threats posed by the communist New People’s Army, Islamic extremist groups and local terrorist groups.

Philippine President Rodrigo u PAGE A4

Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao in May amid the attacks of Maute rebel group in Lanao del Sur. The government declared the war over in October.

“Despite the overwhelming support the president received from the southern local and regional communities plus the personal testimonies of our southern kababayans that all is well, that the government’s move actually provides stability, the global perception is still —global perception was very, very vague,” Teo said.

She then urged stakeholder to help the country address such issues to improve the country’s global perception.

“We cannot blame those who

Facebook under fire for aiding Duterte’s...

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work’s involvement in catapulting Trump to the White House.

“I don’t want anyone to use our tools to undermine democracy. That’s now what we stand for,” Zuckerberg said in a live video on his platform. “The integrity of our elections is fundamental to democracy around the world.”

But Facebook CEO has not escaped criticism for creating a team that has gone around Several people with tight connections to Facebook, some as early investors, some as countries in the thick of political former officials, are going public with a critique of the company and social media more change to train politicians how to broadly. They say Facebook and social media systems undermine democracy and exploit maximize the social networking the human psychology to get people addicted to their platforms. In response, Facebook says it is “working hard to improve.”

Philstar.com photo site as a campaign tool.

Facebook for politics Bloomberg in a December 21 report bared Facebook’s political unit that has allegedly involved itself in digital propaganda.

“Facebook has embedded itself in some of the globe’s most controversial political movements while resisting transparency,” the report said.

As early as 2011, Facebook has positioned itself as a campaign tool as it “has asked the U.S. Federal Election Commission for blanket exemptions from political advertising disclosure rules.”

In 2015, Facebook’s team lead

by Katie Harbath, “a former Republican digital strategist who worked on former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s 2008 presidential campaign,” went to Argentina.

Harbath’s team trained “politicians and leaders how to set up a campaign page and get it authenticated with a blue verification check mark, how to best use video to engage viewers and how to target ads to critical voting blocs.”

Harbath, in a statement sent to Bloomberg, said: “We’re proud to work with the thousands of elected officials around the world who use Facebook as a way to

are outside looking in if the international community perception is one with chaos and instability. It is our duty as stakeholders of this nation to figure out how we can correct this misconception,” Teo said.

“This is why crisis management, much like sustainability, is our shared responsibility,” she added.

According to the DOT, tourism industry contributes to almost 20 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Government data also recorded 4.47 million international arrivals to the Philippines from January to August 2017. This is higher compared to the 4.04 million during the same period in 2016. ■ communicate directly with their constituents, interact with voters, and hear about the issues important in their community.”

Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, who received training from the team, now “[streams] campaign rallies live on Facebook and, once elected, announced his entire cabinet on the site, complete with emojis.”

Also in 2015, Poland President Andrzej Duda likewise opted to livestream his inauguration on Facebook.

Familiar? Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte also streamed his inauguration through Facebook in June 2016.

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A december 30, 2017-January 2, 2018 • La WeeKend aSIan JOurnaL

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

Adopted Fil-Am, 36, meets UN experts warn vs martial law abuses biological dad for first time GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — From age six, half-black and halfFilipino Natosha Brown knew she was born in the Philippines and adopted by an American family.

She finally met her birth father at age 36.

Brown never tried to find her biological family. But to find out why one of her two teenage daughters was sickly she signed up for 23andMe, a

genetic testing service. Researchers at 23andMe found nothing in Brown’s DNA suggested her daughter has “bad genes� from her. She did find out she shared a “high percentage� with an unknown relative, whom she hesitantly contacted. The cousin she didn’t know told her, “I know who your daddy is� and how to contact him.

Natosha reached William

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Half-black, half-Filipino Natosha Brown didn’t know her birth father lived in California.

Inquirer.net photo

Woolery, her birth father, who then flew from California to North Texas to meet her and her family.Brown, her husband and her daughters got to know Woolery. The company 23andMe flew Brown to New York City for Thanksgiving where she met her four sisters. “I don’t know if they know how much we appreciate just having that time [in New York City]. It was amazing just to soak them in and get to know them and to see how alike we are,� she told Patch.com. “That’s what I’ve been amazed with.� She said the Woolerys had been looking for her for 36 years.

William Woolery had lost contact with her birth mother.

Brown said she talks to him several times a day. “He’s like my new best friend,� she said. “He absolutely is.� n

TWO United Nations experts have warned against growing “militarization� in Mindanao, claiming Congress’ extension of martial law until the end of 2018 could worsen human rights violations especially in indigenous lumad communities.

In a statement, UN Special Rapporteurs Victoria Tauli-Corpuz and Cecilia Jimenez-Damary said the ongoing militarization of Mindanao was “having a massive and potentially irreversible impact on the human rights of some of the island’s indigenous lumad communities.� “Thousands of [lumad]have already been forcibly displaced by the conflict and have seen their houses and livelihoods destroyed,� the special rapporteurs said. “They are suffering massive abuses of their human rights, some of which are potentially irreversible. We fear the situation could deteriorate further if the extension of martial law until the end of 2018 results in even greater militarization,� they added.

Corpuz and Damary urged the Philippine government to observe its obligations under international law to protect the human rights of indigenous peoples, even during armed conflict.

They said authorities must ensure that all human rights abuses are stopped and that “there is justice and accountability for past attacks.� “This includes killings and attacks allegedly carried out by

members of the armed forces against the indigenous communities,� they added.

Corpuz is the UN special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. Damary is the UN special rapporteur on internally displaced people.

President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law over Mindanao on May 23 following the attack on Marawi City by the Maute group.

In July, it was extended by Congress up to the end of 2017.

Congress approved a one-year extension until December 31, 2018 before going on a Christmas break. The extension was approved in a five-hour marathon joint session on December 13.

Opposition lawmakers have questioned the martial law extension before the Supreme Court, arguing that there was no actual rebellion to justify it as the Marawi war was declared over back in October. ‘Unfounded suspicions’ Corpuz and Damary claimed the lumad, the indigenous people of Mindanao, were being attacked by military forces on the basis of “unfounded suspicions� that they were in league with militant groups, and because they were resisting mining activities in their ancestral lands.

They claimed 2,500 lumad had been displaced since October, and that lumad farmers were allegedly killed by military forces on December 3 in Barangay Ned, South Cotabato. “Forcing indigenous peoples

Duterte: 2017 ends ‘from one sorrow...

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Wednesday, December 27 in Lanao del Norte, Duterte lamented the deaths and damage brought on by typhoons and other recent unfortunate incidents in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Napakalungkot sabihin (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very sad) to say we will end 2017 with a bang of so many deaths, ranging from carelessness to accidents and the typhoons. There seems to be a sorrow prevailing in the country today,â&#x20AC;? the president said.

At least 240 people were killed after typhoon Vinta (international name Tembin) battered the southern Philippines over the weekend, causing landslides and flash floods. According to government officials, around 13,000 families remained in evacuation camps on Christmas Day.

Prior to typhoon Vinta, typhoon Urduja (international name Kaitak) also ripped through Visayas and Mindanao, claiming at least 41 lives.

In his speech, the president vowed to the victims of calamities that the government will â&#x20AC;&#x153;fast track everythingâ&#x20AC;? to bring normalcy back in the affected areas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was not a good Christmas day for all of us, thinking that there are persons suffering. . .

From one sorrow to another ako,â&#x20AC;? he added.

The president himself spent his Christmas break assisting his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, in consoling the relatives of the 38 individuals who died after a fire broke out at the NCCC Mall on Saturday morning, De-

cember 23 that set the building ablaze for the next 32 hours.

Duterte said he had to stay up until the early morning of December 24 to break the news to families that there was â&#x20AC;&#x153;zero chanceâ&#x20AC;? of survival for the 36 people trapped inside the burnt mall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I stood until morning time in just one place because my daughter begged off, Inday Sara, to make the announcement na hindi daw niya â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sabi niya, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pa, hindi ko kaya,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (she cannot, she told me â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pa, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;)â&#x20AC;? the president said.

He went on to say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told her, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well, I have been mayor for so long a time and I am not new to this kind of situations where you have to break the news.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I dread it

to leave their homes has an incalculable impact on their very lives and ways of living â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one that risks erasing their culture and existence from the heritage of the Philippines, eventually forever,â&#x20AC;? the special rapporteurs said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The very culture and ways of life of indigenous peoples are intimately entwined with their ancestral lands and environments,â&#x20AC;? they added.

Corpuz and Damary said it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;vital to protect peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights even after they had been displaced.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The humanitarian needs of displaced indigenous peoples must be fully satisfied. It is paramount to implement solutions that allow the displaced [lumad]to return to their ancestral lands with guarantees of safety, dignity and protection,â&#x20AC;? they said.

UN criticism has angered President Duterte.

In August, Duterte lashed out at UN special rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard after the latter urged the government to make sure 17year-old Kian delos Santosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; death was â&#x20AC;&#x153;the lastâ&#x20AC;? amid the brutal crackdown on illegal drugs in the country.

The President earlier invited Callamard to go to the Philippines to look into the drug-related deaths recorded under his watch.

Callamard however rejected several conditions set by the Duterte administration for her visit. (ManilaTimes.net)

every time I do it but you just have to tell them the truth.â&#x20AC;?

On December 25, during Christmas day itself, at least 20 people were killed and 15 others were injured after a bus crashed with a jeepney in Agoo, La Union. Among the casualties were three minors and a five-month-old.

Days earlier, a ferry with 251 people on board capsized during bad weather off Quezon province, killing at least eight people.

According to local authorities, the M/V Mercraft 3 was sailing toward the port of Polillo from Real, Quezon when huge waves hit the vessel and caused it to sink.

The ferry, which is licensed to carry up to 286 people, was allowed to sail despite the bad weather due to typhoon Vinta as there were no storm warnings in the area that day. n

Paolo Duterte, Manases Carpio...

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thing to do with Trillanesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accusation that Paolo and Carpio are both members of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Davao groupâ&#x20AC;? that reportedly influences the release of cargo and even contraband from the BOC. Their names were also mentioned during a Senate inquiry on the P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China last year, which slipped through the BOC but was later seized in Valenzuela City.

Although both Paolo and Carpio attended the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing last Sept. 7, they invoked their right to remain silent. In an earlier statement, Carpio admitted having visited BOC because, as a lawyer, he represented many clients who have transactions with the bureau.

Carpio said Trillanes was imputing malice in saying that his appearance before the BOC was because of smuggling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is just a desperate rumormonger who happens to be a

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Resigned Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte Inquirer.net photos

senator,â&#x20AC;? Carpio said.

Aside from the two, â&#x20AC;&#x153;fixerâ&#x20AC;? and whistle-blower Mark Taguba tagged city councilor Nilo Abellera Jr. as a member of the Davao group that allegedly facilitates the release of illegal shipments.

Carpioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, Mayor Sara, belittled Trillanesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; claim that her brother Paolo resigned in an ef-

fort to evade being investigated by the ombudsman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kana si Trillanes mema lang na. Para lang me masabi (Trillanes is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mema.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; He just wants to say something),â&#x20AC;? Sara said Monday.

She said the investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman would continue even if the official concerned has resigned. n

Facebook under fire for aiding Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s...

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Bloomberg said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the Philippines, it trained the campaign of Rodrigo Duterte, known for encouraging extrajudicial killings, in how to most effectively use the platform.â&#x20AC;?

Training Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team The U.S. media outfit referred to Duterte as a strongman leader who follows Putinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s propaganda strategy, using Facebook for political leverage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Facebook is a global company and it was ground zero for this [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and Duterte playbook, long before Zuckerberg was playing naive about fake news,â&#x20AC;? MSNBC said in a December 27 report.

The Philippine leader has repeatedly expressed admiration of his Russian counterpart who is known for broad use of the military force and for silencing dissent.

Human rights organizations, meanwhile, estimated 16,000 deaths under the Duterte administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bloody campaign against illegal drugs. Duterte has also imprisoned his top critic, Sen. Leila de Lima, with charges of involvement in the drug trade.

In January 2016, Facebook â&#x20AC;&#x153;flew in three employees who spent a week holding training session with candidates that include Duterte,â&#x20AC;? MSNBC reported.

This was roughly two months after Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;after repeated de-

nials and pleas to stop coercing him to runâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;declared that he is indeed gunning for the top position. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But giving tips to a few campaigns in constitutional democracy can be different in giving tips to this authoritarian Duterte,â&#x20AC;? an MSNBC host said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And Facebook learned that quickly. In fact, after his team got that Facebook briefing, his allies went into overdrive: Pushing fake news and fake accounts, along with wide campaigns,â&#x20AC;? the media outfit said.

The allegation of gaming Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s algorithms with false information and pretend users hounded the Duterte campaign and eventually, the administration, as the loudest voices on social media were eventually given offered seats in national government.

A leading figure in Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media campaign was adult performer Mocha Uson, now an assistant secretary for the presidential communications group.

Uson constantly defended and promoted Duterte to her millions of followers on Facebook and has positioned herself as an alternative source of information to the news media.

The Senate has held a hearing on fake news October this year.

But the one-day probe missed crucial questions and issues, dedicating time instead for senators instead to air their grievance

over allegedly being a target of â&#x20AC;&#x153;fakeâ&#x20AC;? information and for socalled digital influencers to defend their online activities.

Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; so-called endorsement Among the first and the notable fake news propagated during Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign was the alleged badge of support given

by Pope Francis to the firebrand leader, whose two decades of mayoral stint in Davao was marred by alleged human rights abuses and rampant killings.

MSNBC pointed out that the same strategy of using fake papal endorsement was used in the U.S. national elections, for nowU.S. President Donald Trump.

Duterte, like Trump, also had less constitutional limits for launching an online campaign, as the Philippines is a democratic country with the freedom of expression among its valued freedoms.

Duterte, in his inauguration, â&#x20AC;&#x153;banned journalistsâ&#x20AC;? from covering the event in the venue, opting to stream it on Facebook.

Journalists reflect on Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role MSNBC sought the side of Filipino journalist Maria Ressa who raised the issue of fake news proliferation with Facebook management.

Ressa told MSNBC: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Facebook needs to moderate its greed, clean up the toxic waste and be

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UNICEF ready to send supplies, teams for ‘Vinta’ survivors

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

RIZAL DAY. The country is set to commemorate the 121st death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal on December 30. Rizal was arrested by the Spaniards for his alleged involvement in a series of revolts in the late 1800s. On the morning of December 30, 1896, Rizal, then 35 years old, was shot by a ring squad at Bagumbayan (now known as Luneta).

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

UN warns Philippines over ‘massive’ impact of military ops on Lumads in Mindanao by ian

nicolas cigaral Philstar.com

TWO United Nations experts have warned the Philippines over what they call “massive” impact of military operations on indigenous people in Mindanao, with the extension of martial law for another year seen to escalate militarization in the southern region.

In a statement dated December 27, UN special rapporteurs Victoria Tauli-Corpuz and Cecilia Jimenez-Damary said the ongoing militarization in Mindanao has “massive and potentially irreversible” impact on human rights of some Lumads.

“Thousands of Lumads have already been forcibly displaced by the conflict and have seen their houses and livelihoods destroyed,” the UN experts said.

“We fear the situation could deteriorate further if the extension of martial law until the end of 2018 results in even greater militarization,” they added.

According to Corpuz and Damary, they were particularly alarmed by figures suggesting 2,500 Lumads had been displaced since October.

“The very culture and ways of life of indigenous peoples are intimately entwined with their ancestral lands and environments,” they said. “Forcing indigenous peoples to leave their homes has an incalculable impact on their very lives and ways of living – one that risks erasing their culture and existence from the heritage of the Philippines, eventually forever,” they added.

They also expressed concern over reports that Lumad farm-

ers had allegedly been killed by military forces on December 3 in Barangay Ned in the province of South Cotabato.

“The Government of the Philippines must ensure that military personnel do not engage in violations of the human rights of indigenous peoples,” the special rapporteurs said.

“We urge the Philippines to observe its obligations under international law to protect the human rights of indigenous peoples, including in the context of armed conflict,” they added.

With 240-27 vote at a joint session, it took Congress less than half a day to approve President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2018 to defeat jihadist militants and communist rebels operating there.

Last month, Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed-wing, the New People’s Army, as terrorist organizations.

The declaration, which came after a breakdown of peace talks following a series of guerrilla attacks, had raised concerns among activists in the national democratic movement that legitimate organizations could be targeted as supporters of terrorism.

Membership in or support of a national democratic activist organization does not mean joining the CPP or its armed unit.

Meanwhile, Duterte earlier threatened to bomb Lumad schools that he said were run by communists to influence the youth to rebel against the government.

The national democratic movement believes that imperialism,

Luxury SoCal beachside...

PAGE A3 t

and mentioned a building other J-1 interns stayed at but had no vacancies. Upon arriving in the U.S. for their internship, the two were forced to spend their first night at another hotel, according to the complaint.

The complaint also said they were required to buy their own supplies like specific branded knives, and shoes. All in all, the couple’s expenses for the program exceeded $12,000, much of which required them and their families to borrow money.

Unite Here seeks reimbursement for Rashid and Rahman, and that the State Department conduct an investigation of Terranea’s internship program.

Other J-1 visa program participants have complained, saying that they were paying to receive culinary training only to be put to work in the kitchen, said Cohen.

“Permanent kitchen staff also complain that they have to show the J-1 interns how to do basic parts of the jobs just so the kitchen can function,” he added.

“We unfortunately see all kinds of abuses of temporary workers. It’s common for companies to exploit the vulnerabilities these programs can create, and while there have been well-documented cases of J-1 visa holders being exploited, it is very unusual to see these many J-1 interns in a single hotel,” said Cohen.

The resort found itself in another class-action lawsuit earlier this year for failing to pay workers for full hours worked, pay meal and rest breaks, and reimburse for kitchen supplies. Back in 2011, Terranea settled a $1.1 million class-action lawsuit that said the resort was not paying minimum wages or for overtime as required by law. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Facebook under fire for...

PAGE A4 t

accountable for its role as the new gatekeeper to information.”

VERA files, for its yearend report, also observed that most of false claims in 2017 were peddled by Duterte himself.

The information was also spread by his known allies such as Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and former Presidential Spokesperson and now Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Presidential Communications Office likewise echoed the fake claims.

Duterte was similarly a main benefactor of fake information being spread on the massively popular online platform.

Fertile ground for Facebook The Philippines is a huge market for Facebook with 33 million users, many of whom besides using the platform for hours daily are also registered voters. It is not clear how many of those are fake accounts built to defend the president and attack his critics.

The social networking giant’s revenues are mainly from digital

advertising. Its business model allows individuals, businesses, organizations and politicians to target specific user profiles by the thousands or millions with ads.

Just last month, Facebook entered the Philippine economic landscape by coming in as a player in government’s bid to provide faster internet connection to Filipino users.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Department of Information and Communications Technology signed a landing party agreement with Facebook, which would be called the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure to improve speed and accessibility, as well as reduce the cost of broadband internet in the country.

Facebook plans to construct and operate a submarine cable system that will land in the cable stations in Baler, Aurora and Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union on the western part.

The Philippines currently ranks near the bottom in Southeast Asia in terms of download speed.

(Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com)

a feudal agricultural system and “bureaucrat capitalism” has kept most of the Philippines poor despite the country being rich in natural resources.

Early this month, advocacy group PAN Asia Pacific reported that the Philippines recorded the highest number of killings related to land conflicts and struggles in 2017 amid a government crackdown on rural communities. n

Patag

THE United Nations Children’s Fund said that it stands ready to send relief supplies and deploy field teams in the wake of Tropical Storm “Vinta.”

In a statement, the UN agency said that relief materials are ready to be distributed in the wake of Vinta, the powerful storm that left at least 164 dead and 176 missing, according to the data of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Among the relief supplies are water and sanitation supplies, water kits for families, large water tanks for community use, water purification tables, jerry cans and tents.

Vinta left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on the morning of December 24, after battering the Mindanao region and triggering landslides in Cagayan de Oro City, and in several towns in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay provinces.

Initial reports from different local government agencies put the death toll at more than 230, but the NDRRMC said that it is still verifying the numbers.

“Our heart goes out to the children and families affected and made vulnerable by storm Vinta at this time of the year when majority of Filipinos are getting ready to celebrate Christmas,”

A policeman assists a girl in a styrofoam box in crossing a flooded street in Cagayan de Oro City last week. Several areas were flooded after the Cagayan River swelled due to heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Vinta.

Philstar.com photo by Gerry Lee Gorit

Lotta Sylwander, head of the UNICEF operations in Philippines, said. “[We] stand ready to support the government and partners to address risks on children’s life and health and alleviate suffering of affected communities as best as we can,” Sylwander added.

Children, Marawi victims priority The UN agency also stressed the importance of addressing the needs of children who were affected by the typhoon.

“In any emergency, children are among the most vulnerable and are at heightened risk of contaminated water, lack of food and epidemics, and other haz-

ards which often follow in the wake of a natural disaster,” the UNICEF said.

It noted that there are reportedly 268,000 people affected by the storm, of whom 160,000 had had to leave their homes to seek safety.

The UNICEF also said that the state of those displaced by the war in Marawi City remains a “particular concern as the camps they were staying in were badly hit by the storms and tents have been destroyed.”

The international humanitarian agency has an ongoing recovery programs for the at least 50,000 children affected by the five-months long war. n

A december 30, 2017-January 2, 2018 • La WeeKend aSIan JOurnaL

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De Lima welcomes 2 US senators’ appeal to uphold human rights

by JocelyN

R. uy

Inquirer.net

OppOsitiOn sen. Leila de Lima on Wednesday, December 27, welcomed the appeal of U.s. senators John McCain and Benjamin Cardin for president Donald trump to reaffirm their country’s commitment to human rights at home and abroad.

De Lima thanked the senators for addressing the deteriorating human rights situation across the world, including the wave of extrajudicial killings in the philippines under president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. “i thank the two good senators for boldly raising the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law while other public officials choose to be mum on the matter,” De Lima, who has been given international recognition as a human rights defender, said in a statement from her detention quarters in Camp Crame.

As the world marked the 69th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights early

Sen. Leila de Lima

this month, McCain and Cardin wrote a letter to trump expressing concern over his administration’s apparent failure to reaffirm the country’s pledge to uphold human rights. the senators criticized their country’s silence on international human rights, which they said

Philstar.com photo

was “strikingly apparent” during trump’s recent trip to Asia.

“Our delegation failed to raise major human rights concerns or name dissidents who languish in dark prisons across the region for no other reason than their brave defense of democracy and human rights,” they said. n

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SAFE NEW YEAR. This girl shows the safer way to usher the new year, as her mother sells horns of varied colors, shapes, and sizes at Riverside market in Las Piñas City. Las Piñas is among the cities that implemented a ban on the use of firecrackers, aiming to record no firecracker-related injuries or casualties.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

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UniteD states secretary of state Rex tillerson has lauded the philippine government for its stance against north Korea’s nuclear weapons development program. in a phone call on Friday, december 29, tillerson thanked Foreign Affairs secretary Alan peter Cayetano for the philippines’ “strong leadership” as it called on north Korea to disarm its nuclear warheads. “the secretary (tillerson) thanked secretary of Foreign Affairs Cayetano for the philippines’ strong leadership in opposing the Democratic people’s Republic of Korea’s unlawful nuclear and missile programs, particularly in its role as 2017 Association of southeast nations (AseAn) Chair,” the Us state Department said in a statement.

During the 31st AseAn summit, president Rodrigo Duterte and Us president Donald trump issued a joint statement con-

PH Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Inquirer.net photo

demning north Korea for not complying with the United nations security Council resolution on denuclearization.

Duterte and trump also urged all countries, including members of the Association of southeast Asian nations (Asean), to openly oppose north Korea’s weapons program as well as downgrade their diplomatic and economic engagement with the country.

At the same time, tillerson also pledged continued support from the Us for both the stabilization efforts in war-torn Marawi City and counterterrorism operations in the philippines.

“Both sides agreed to work to increase bilateral cooperation under the Us-philippines alliance on these and other pressing issues in 2018,” the statement read. n

Death March survivor, symbol of unsung PH fighters, dies at 100 sAn FRAnCisCO — A san Francisco Bay Area man who survived the infamous 1942 Bataan Death March and symbolized the thousands of unheralded Filipinos who fought alongside American forces during World War ii has died. He was 100.

Ramon Regalado died on Dec. 16 in el Cerrito, California, said Cecilia i. Gaerlan, executive director of the Bataan Legacy Historical society, which has fought to honor Regalado and others. she did not have a cause of death.

“He really embodied the qualities of the greatest generation and love for country,” she said.

Ramon Regalado died on Dec. 16 in el Cerrito, California, said Cecilia i. Gaerlan, executive director of the Bataan Legacy Historical society, which has fought to honor Regalado and others. she did not have a cause of death.

“He really embodied the qualities of the greatest generation and love for country,” she said.

Regalado was born in 1917 in the philippines. He was a machine gun operator with the philippine scouts under U.s.

Army Forces when troops were forced to surrender in 1942 to the Japanese after a grueling three-month battle. the prisoners were forced to march some 105 kilometers to a camp. Many died during the Bataan Death March, killed by

Ramon Regalado

Japanese soldiers or simply unable to make the trek. the majority of the troops were Filipino.

Regalado survived and slipped away with two others — all of them sick with malaria. they encountered a farmer who cared for them, but only Regalado lived.

Afterward, he joined a guerrilla resistance movement against the Japanese and later moved to the san Francisco Bay Area to work as a civilian for the U.s. military. in his later years, he gave countless interviews to promote the wartime heroics of Filipinos, who were promised benefits and U.s. citizenship but saw those promises disappear after the war ended.

Inquirer.net photo

More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers served with U.s. troops in World War ii, including more than 57,000 who died. the veterans have won back some concessions, including lump-sum payments as part of the 2009 economic stimulus package. in an October ceremony in Washington, remaining Filipino veterans of World War ii were awarded the coveted Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award.

Gaerlan said Regalado did not make the trip due to poor health, but he got his medal in December in an intensive care unit in Richmond, California.

He is survived by his wife Marcelina, five children and many grandchildren. (Inquirer.net)

NO TO TOXIC FIRECRACKERS. Members and supporters of non-government organization Ecowaste Coalition march down the streets of Malate district in Manila, making noise with pots and pans, whistles, and guitars, to drumbeat their call for a safe and non-toxic New Year’s Eve celebration.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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Vice Pres. Robredo’s wish for 2018: No more divisiveness and killings, fewer calamities

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

YEAR OF THE DOG. A woman displays a dog statue in her shop in Binondo, Manila. Under the Chinese calendar, 2018 will be the year of the dog, one of the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac.

ManilaTimes.net photos by Mary Dagoy

Unlike Palace, DND aware of China expansion in South China Sea by aJPress IN contrast to Malacañang’s earlier statement, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) claimed knowledge of China’s reported expansion of military presence and enhancement of construction in its artificial islands in the South China Sea. According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the DND is aware of China’s activities in the disputed waters. He also said that the government has a “West Philippine Sea Task Force” that monitors the developments in the area.

Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times on Monday, December 25 reported that Beijing has “reasonably” expanded its man-made islands along the South China Sea this year.

According to the report, the construction projects covered about 290,000 square meters (72 acres). The projects reportedly included new facilities for underground storage and radar facilities.

Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow at the National Institute for the South China Sea, told the Global Times that the islandbuilding in the contested waters

FOR Philippine Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, 2017 has not been a good year for Filipinos. That’s why she hopes that the coming year would be better for her fellow countrymen.

In a media interview on Thursday, December 28, Robredo shared her New Year’s wish for the country: a more united Filipino people, fewer calamities, and zero violence and killings.

“Sa akin, hindi lang siguro isa, pero una, katahimikan para sa ating bansa. Pangalawa, sana mabawasan na iyong mga sakuna. (For me, it’s not just one, but first, peace for our country.

Second, I wish there will be less calamities),” she said.

She continued, “Maiwasan na iyong away, maiwasan na iyong patayan; at magkaisa tayong mga Pilipino. (I wish we can avoid fighting, killings; and that Filipinos will become united).”

Robredo, a vocal critic of the drug war, has repeatedly called in the past to put a stop to the killings of thousands of suspects amid the implementation of the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

The vice president also remarked that the year 2017 “didn’t end very well” for Filipinos due to the recent natural calamities that struck different parts of country this December.

“Parang hindi naging masyadong maganda iyong pag-

Asked if security officials were aware of the locations of Beijing’s enhancement activities on its artificial islands, Lorenzana, in an interview with Philstar.com, said: “Of course! We have known where they reclaimed and what improvements they have been doing.”

CSIS/AMTI photo

not only improved the public service capacity of China but “also maintained its sovereignty over the islands.”

“The relationship between China and other Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines, has calmed in recent years, providing a golden opportunity for China to upgrade these areas,” Chen added, as quoted from the report.

Asked to comment on the reported expansion, Malacañang said: “We don’t know where

these works are. We continue to rely on China’s good faith.”

The DND, however, told the Philippine Star that security officials are aware of China’s activities.

“Of course! We have known where they reclaimed and what improvements they have been doing,” Lorenzana told the newspaper.

“The latest report was that the Chinese continue to improve their reclaimed islands — two

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Vice Pres. Leni Robredo Photo from the Office of the Vice President

tatapos ng taon para sa ating lahat. Sunud-sunod iyong mga sakuna na nangyari, at iyong nakakalungkot doon, maraming namatay. (The year didn’t end very well for all of us. There were calamities that happened

one after the other, and what’s saddening is that many people died),” she said.

Last week, typhoon Vinta (international name Tembin) battered the southern Philippines,

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A december 30, 2017-january 2, 2018 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL

OpiniOn

Probing a tragedy

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Features

THERE are many compelling reasons why the current government effort to determine the facts and the truth of what really happened at the Davao City NCCC mall fire must not fail to find satisfactory answers and explanations.

High among the reasons is the fact that 38 young people perished in the disaster and so many families were stricken. Many of the stories, especially of young couples just starting their families, are heartbreaking.

The deadly fire must also be seen against the hard reality that it is one of a series of tragedies that fortuitously struck our country during Christmas time, dimming a festive season with sadness. We know institutionally how to handle natural and man-made disasters.

It is not irrelevant that this tragedy happened in the home city of President Rodrigo Duterte, and in the premier city of the Philippine South — Davao City.

Finally, it is significant that all the victims of the blaze were young workers in the callcenter facility in Davao City of a U.S. market research firm. Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a major industry in the Philippines, generating some $25 billion a year in revenues.

All these circumstances naturally add to national and international interest in the probe for a coherent explanation and resolution of this dreadful tragedy.

The public will not be satisfied with just random and anecdotal reports in the media about what and how the tragedy happened. Public interest will not stop with just the harrowing tales of those who died and those who survived the disaster.

More important for many is why. What caused

the tragedy? Did building safety negligence or violation of regulations figure in this presumably preventable disaster?

President Duterte, while visiting and condoling with the families of the victims, vowed Tuesday to get to the truth about the deadly blaze.

“I assured them… that the truth will come out,” the president said.

“That is what they are asking for.

Just the truth of what happened.”

The justice and labor departments have ordered separate investigations into the disaster.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has said the justice department would investigate with a view to bringing criminal charges against those who are liable or culpable.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said on Tuesday, december 26, that the labor department was launching an inquiry separate from the justice department’s investigation.

“We want to find out the cause of the fire and if there was compliance with safety and health standards,” he said. An association of labor unions declared that the high death toll and the extent of the blaze suggest that rules and regulations governing fire exits, sprinkler systems and other safety measures were not followed.

For her part, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio told the media that the city government would press charges if warranted by the results of the investigations.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

At this point, the bare facts of the disaster are spare and not fully connected.

The fire broke out in the four-story NCCC Mall shortly before it opened to shoppers on Saturday, December 23. But the blaze killed 37 people who were working in a 24-hour call center for US-based market research firm SSI, that was located on the top floor of the building.

It is commendable that at this point work has proceeded to professionally identify the charred remains of the victims. Proper steps are being followed before the remains are released to relatives.

Meanwhile, the public has to content itself with some of the stories coming from the heart of the

tragedy, like that of 25-year-old Renzi Nova, who spoke to her family as the fire raged last Saturday.

She told her mother by mobile phone: “Ma, there is a fire here. If something happens to me, I love you all.”

The tragedy does not stop with the living mourning the dead.

In the piercing words of the ancient Greek tragedian Aeschylus: “Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.” Would that a successful inquiry into the Davao City blaze bring such wisdom. (ManilaTimes.net)

New Year’s eve challenge to President Rodrigo Duterte

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS I WAS planning on writing something inspirational to close this year but the recent headlines in the Philippines have made a lot of Filipinos — not only in the Philippines, but here in the United States and elsewhere in the world — unsettled.

ABS-CBN News reported on Thursday, December 28: “Two people died while two others were wounded after policemen and village guards fired at the wrong vehicle while chasing a shooter in Mandaluyong City.”

This is the part of the report that has been troubling: “Law enforcers mistook an AUV that was carrying shooting victim Jonalyn Ambaon for the getaway vehicle of her assailant,” ABS-CBN News quoted Senior Supt. Moises Villaceran Jr., Mandaluyong City police chief.

ABS-CBN News further reported that “police investigators did NOT find firearms at the victim’s vehicle, which was riddled with bullet holes. The victims tried

opening their vehicle door and shouted that they were in an emergency but this did not stop the gunfire, according to one of their kin.”

This news is but part of the disturbing fact that under the Duterte administration, a lot of lives have been lost under the war on drugs, in the hands of law enforcers who are supposed to protect people and follow the rule of law. This news is a testament to that alleged culture of violence and impunity that has been denounced by people all over the world.

Looking forward to “real change” in 2018, and believing in the good intentions of President Rodrigo Duterte, allow me to share this open letter of appeal posted by my good friend and tireless Fil-Am community leader Ago Pedalizo on social media: An Urgent Appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte Malacanang Palace, 1000 Jose P Laurel Sr, San Miguel, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Your Excellency, The Philippines has recognized the importance of human rights when it voted in favor of adopting United Nations’ 1948 Resolution

to promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Filipino American human rights advocates in the United States subscribe to these principles and they can be a powerful force for good.

The Philippines placed promoting human rights at the center of the government’s framework of principles and policies. Promoting human rights and democratic governance was embodied in the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.

The framers of the constitution also created the Commission on Human Rights to protect the human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as of Filipinos residing abroad as a response to the gross violations of human rights of the Marcos dictatorship from 1972 to 1981.

Respected Nationalist, Jose W. Diokno, as chairman of the Philippine Presidential Committee on Human Rights advocated to internalize reverence for human rights through vigilance like research and education on violations of human rights.

Amnesty International recently published reports about the extrajudicial killings of over

7,000 persons suspected of dealing in illegal drugs or being simply drug addicts since you took office, with a third of these credibly attributed to actions by the PNP and/or state actors.

The U.S. Department of State’s 2017 Human Rights Report also stated that “police and unknown vigilantes have killed more than 6,000 suspected drug dealers and users’’ in the Philippines between July and December 2016, a period during which extrajudicial killings ``increased sharply’’; and allegedly undertaken by vigilantes, security forces, and insurgents.

You promised to kill 100,000 drug dealers and addicts, and as president, have repeated these numbers and even ten times this number—contrary to our democratic processes in which made it possible for you to become President of the Philippines.

Incitement to violence and discrimination is prohibited under international law.

The right to life is the most important human right of all, and is a fundamental right of all living persons. Enforcement of the Philippine laws is your sworn duty. Police must apply non-vio-

lent means before resorting to the use of force, and carry out their duties in a way that ensures full respect for human rights, among them the right to life, liberty and security of all persons The unlawful and deliberate killing carried out by order of officials or with the state’s complicity or acquiescence is an extrajudicial killing and is a crime under international law. Your administration must investigate and prosecute allegations of extrajudicial executions.

We ask you: • To condemn all extrajudicial executions and other unlawful killings and call on law enforcement officials to abide strictly by international law and standards on the use of force; • To ensure prompt, independent and impartial investigations into all reports of use of lethal force by the police, extrajudicial executions and other unlawful killings; • To ensure that those responsible are brought to justice through a fair trial process; • To provide programs to rehabilitate drug addicts which is a proven way to stem illegal drug trafficking and usage.

In the loving spirit of the Christmas season, we thank you for your kind attention to these matter of grave importance to us and our people.

Ecumenical Advocacy Network on the Philippines (EANP) by Tim McGloin and Paul Bloom Filipino American Human Rights Alliance – Chicago (FAHRA-Chicago) by Jerry Clarito and Juanita S. Burris, Co-Chairperson Filipino American Human Rights Alliance – Los Angeles (FAHRA-LA) by Art Garcia Filipino American Human Rights Alliance – San Francisco (FAHRA-SF) by Ago Pedalizo Filipino Community Journalists of Chicago Justice for Filipino-American Veterans (JFAV) Mariano A. Santos, Member of the Knights of Rizal HAPPY AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR TO ALL! *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

“Why our faith is the faith of the unexpected, a religion of surprise”

Rhizomes

PRoSy abaRquezDelacRuz, J.D. “But that is the way God gives.

His gifts are never quite what we expect, but always something better than we hoped for. We can only dream of things too good to be true; God has a habit of giving things too true to be false. That is why our faith is a faith of the unexpected, a religion of surprise.

Now, more than ever, living in times so troubled, facing a future so uncertain, we need such faith.

We need it for ourselves, and we need to give it to others. We must remind the world that if Christmas comes in the depths of winter, it is that there may be an Easter in the spring.” – Fr. Horacio de la Costa, Ph.D, a Jesuit WHILE going over 52 Rhizomes articles for 2017, these are some of the reflections I gathered from different subjects, which could be teaching moments and lessons that we can all learn from, to empower us in 2018.

A. Give all of yourself to your art, your mission at hand, at that given moment of creative self-expressions. Say no to all that will distract you from creating and achieving.

“Picture this, the singers now have our hearts in their hands, as they alternately do solos, ensemble, and then, together: ‘And the world will be better for this/That one man, scorned and covered with scars/Still strove with his last ounce of courage/To reach the unreachable star,’ while Celine Fabie sang verses of Ang Bayan Ko, ‘Pilipinas kong minumutya/ Pugad ng luha at dalita/Aking adhika/Makita kang Sakdal Laya.’

Her soprano voice lingered, as if a dream unfulfilled and a love unrequited.

“What happens next? The last verse Makita Kang Sakdal Laya (To Witness your True Freedom) converged with To Reach the Unreachable Star, in a haunting soprano voice, which extracted a primal longing, a feeling for our birth country to be truly free, from all vestiges of bondage, to misguided measures of success,

to incorrect principles of governance, from an unreachable space of creativity and musicality in music, to now genius manifested, and the crowd leaped to standing ovation, literally, shouting bravos.”

I wrote above on Dec. 19, 2016. Yet, by Dec. 27, 2017, their masterful pianist, conductor and composer, Ryan Cayabyab, endearingly referred to as Mr. C, was recognized with the Best Musical Score, as part of “Larawan,” a movie musical’s 6 wins at the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Picture and Best Actress.

The adage goes that it takes a master to extract masterful performances from other artists and that is true for Mr. C, as with his Ryan Cayabyab Singers, which performed in two nationwide tours in 2017, throughout the U.S. B. As much as we are part of the tree of life, we are also part of the tree of rise. We must embrace the responsibility of going through the seeming chaos of our personal challenges, in

order to resolve the issue offered by these challenges and consequently, achieve a zone of peace.

Why — in going through that narrow gate, we are blessed with the innate wisdom on what we need to form within ourselves to elevate our character and thereby, a much closer connection with the Divine.

Recall the film “Hidden Figures” and even reading the book?

Recall what Margot Lee Shetterly wrote: “My investigation became more like an obsession; I would walk any trail if it meant finding a trace of one of the computers at its end. I was determined to prove their existence and their talent in a way that meant they would never be lost to history.

As the photos and memos and equations and family stories became real people, as the women became my companions and returned to youth or returned to life, I started to want something more for them than just putting them on the record. What I wanted was for them to have the grand, sweeping narrative

that they deserved, the kind of American history that belongs to the Wright Brothers and the astronauts, to Alexander Hamilton and Martin Luther King Jr. Not told as a separate history, bust as part of the story we all know.

Not at the margins, but at the very center, the protagonists of the drama. And not just because they are black, or because they are women, but because they are part of the American epic.”

The author found through her archival research how these women embraced discrimination and inequality challenges during their time, and used those challenges as opportunities to improve themselves and thereby, their chances of getting their much-deserved promotions in NASA. C. To be citizens of America means we have a duty to be guardians of its democracy.

We must insist on standards of truth, fairness, evidence gathering and justice. Justice cannot be achieved by fantasy or fiction.

In the United Kingdom, the po-

lice were bribed to look the other way, to not enforce the laws, while hacking was in progress (starting with an audacious bid of News of the World by Rupert Murdoch in 1981) and gag monies provided to those who complained. This dark culture of wrongdoings took years to be stopped and perpetrators brought to justice decades later with Rebekah Brooks arrested by British police on July 17, 2011 for hacking violations.

Free speech has boundaries; that is, speech must not do any harm. We cannot allow a president to make policies and executive orders based on zero evidence. With no evidence that terrorists came from these seven countries (Muslim-dominated nations of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia) that President Donald Trump identified, his executive order is highly prejudicial, capricious and unsound. As such, the judge reasonably blocked this order.

In turn, we, the citizens of this republic, must take a stand that we believe in our norms. As Ben-

u PAGE A9

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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OpiniOn & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DEcEmbER 30, 2017-JANUARy 2, 2018

A

“Why our faith is the faith of the...

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jamin Wittes, a Brookings Institution expert on legal affairs, told The Atlantic’s Jonathan Rauch, “The first thing you’re going to blow through is not the laws, it’s the norms.

“By ‘norms,’ he means such political and social customs as respecting the law, accepting the legitimacy of your political opponents, tolerating speech you disagree with, performing civic duties like voting and staying informed, treating public office with dignity, and not lying. Fervently and frequently, the Founders warned that the Constitution would stand or fall on the public’s commitment to high standards of behavior—what they called republican virtue. James Madison said “parchment barriers” could not withstand the corruption of democratic norms.”

D. To practice good health and wellness, we must first be healthy, whether as ordinary citizens, professionals, acupuncturists, nurses or doctors. We gain credibility while involved in a professionally organized medical mission, only if we ourselves practice what we preach.

Part of the habit of ‘fortifying the immune system’ includes cooking meals with mostly organic produce or preparing salads from homegrown, pesticide-free, organic lettuce and tomatoes. I discovered that drinking organic milk no longer creates lactose intolerance, unlike regular milk.

Studies show that 80 percent of the immune system lines the gastrointestinal tract. This means, if you control the gut, you control the health of your body. Christine Gonzalez, N.D., Ph.D. introduced the role of healthy nutrition in preventing diseases and cancers. In her book, “Yes You Can Prevent & Control Cancer,” she stresses that the “wrong food is the most important factor in the promotion of disease.” She wrote about some of the anti-cancer superfoods, the right foods one must have as part of healthy living and preventing diseases.

Research has shown that “cruciferous vegetables provide protection against certain cancers, such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. These vegetables stimulate the production of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens.”

She cites the research studies done at John Hopkins University where laboratory animals were fed cruciferous vegetables and

exposed to a dangerous carcinogen, aflatoxin, a type of mold found in peanuts. These animals had 90 percent reduction in their cancer rate.

Why? The vegetables increase these animals’ productions of glutathione peroxidase, one of the most important protective enzyme systems in the body.

Dr. Maria Araceli De Guzman (a volunteer of Philippine Medical Association – Northern California) is married to Joe De Guzman, and both were part of the medical mission in Dumaguete in Jan. 2017. Dr. Joe obtained his bachelor of science in chemistry at UCLA, masters in arts and dance at SF State, masters in Kinesiology, and a Ph.D. in applied physiology at Columbia University and a post-doctorate in the biochemistry of muscle metabolism in UC Berkeley. He works as an exercise physiologist, trainer, and consultant in the fitness industry. He taught wellness classes as part of the medical mission.

He described how the Filipino diet has excess salt (i.e. bagoong, patis), which can cause hypertension; the kakanin (rice cakes, pastillas, biko, suman) that has excessive sugar and our dishes that have excessive fat (like lechon).

Yet, he laments that the Philippines has the most nutritious fruits and vegetables with plenty of antioxidants (cabbage, ampalaya, sweet potato, malunggay and more) and those do not need additional butter and fat. He stressed the need to drink coconut water, instead of Coke with nine teaspoons of added sugar.

“I feel sorry for the people’s nutrition and lack of good physical activity. We are designed to move. We must move. We are all [descended] from Africa and we are designed to do hard, physical work. There are enough good things in the Philippines to have a good life,“ he said.

E. “One’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Edward Gero was Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in the play, “The Originalist.” The civil discourses between Justice Scalia and Cat, the law clerk, showed high levels of respect, that it was much more than a display of theatrics.

When the play was first shown on the East Coast in 2015, the New York Times and the Washington Post gave high marks to “The Originalist,” a generous in-

terpretation of Justice Scalia, the character. Bethesda Magazine wrote that 19,000 folks saw the play. The rapt audience listened to every word, hoping to “read the tea leaves,” and to gain an insight into the Supreme Court’s upcoming judgment.

That year, 2015, Washington was into any conversation about politics, as it was a year before the presidential elections. The play was performed to a “hot room temperature” audience.

Gero refers to this “high art” play as “one that is not purely entertainment, but has a teaching moment, an invitation to reconsider what is true, an invitation for transformation, to suspend our own, to perhaps go outside our own box, to listen. The court is a great Socratic classroom, the best synthesis of arguments on both sides, let me consider this argument, then a counter-argument, and with the thesis and the anti-thesis, the synthesis, resulting in not a “No, but,” instead, “Yes, and. We are more than our belief systems,” Gero emphasized. Gero prepared for this play for a year, reading federalist papers, and listened to the oral arguments of Obergefell vs. Hodges during the day. He attended lunch at Scalia’s chambers that day, and after their meal, he encountered a fortune cookie message, which read: “One’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes.

My three year old granddaughter, Princess, likes to say: “I did it! I did it!” and after, she claps her hands. Can we perhaps have more moments to cheer creative self-expressions? Of involvement? Of participation? Of responsible citizenship? And maybe declare a Happy New Year with a faith that expects daily miracles to happen? *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.”

She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine.

Her training and experiences are in science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

POPULAR MEAT. Workers prepare their products in downtown Quiapo in Manila on Wednesday, December 27. Ham has become a favorite among Filipinos for the traditional Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve feast, and the New Year’s Eve celebration called Media Noche.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Unlike Palace, DND aware of China...

PAGE A8 t

are within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) and one in the Kalayaan Island Group,” he added.

Earlier this month, a U.S. thinktank released a report showing that China has installed a highfrequency radar system and oth-

er facilities at the northern end of Fiery Cross Reef — locally known in the Philippines as the Kagitingan Reef — in the Spratlys.

According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), China also continues to build defence “fortifications” on Mischief (Panganiban) and Subi

(Zamora) reefs.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano downplayed the think-tank’s report, saying that China has not occupied any new area in the disputed region and has only been “building in areas they already occupy.” n

A10 december 30, 2017-january 2, 2018 • La WeeKend aSIan jOurnaL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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DOH confirms 53 dengue cases even after Dengvaxia vaccination As this developed, the DOH also said it would not take part in the investigation to be conductPhilstar.com ed by an expert panel into the MANILA — At least 53 children Dengvaxia vaccination program who were given the Dengvaxia implemented since April 2016 to vaccine in Central Luzon still de- ensure transparency.

In an interview with The Star, veloped dengue, although they “either recovered or were still DOH Assistant Secretary Leonita on their way to recovery,” the Gorgolon, concurrently the deDepartment of Health (DOH) dis- partment’s director for Central Luzon, cited statistical estimates closed on Friday, December 29.

by Ding

anD

Cervantes sheila Crisostomo

that of the 205,058 vaccinated children in her region, about 410 are expected to contract dengue in the next five years, possibly including severe cases.

Of the 205,058 children, only 188,187 were given the second dose while 175,573 were administered the third and final dose, Gorgolon said.

She said surveillance conducted by her office since the first week of this month showed the 53 students were from public elementary schools under the supervision of government health personnel.

“The number was gathered from hospital reports from all over Central Luzon,” she said.

Cindy Canlas, DOH medical program coordinator for infectious diseases, also disclosed plans of the department to provide families of children given Dengvaxia shots with organic anti-mosquito lotions for free to protect them from the disease.

Canlas said the DOH is still choosing the kind of lotion that must be listed in the Philippine National Drug Formulary.

Sanofi Pasteur, manufacturer of the Dengvaxia vaccine, had earlier admitted that the vaccine was not advisable for those who never had history of dengue as this would expose them to severe dengue cases when bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.

Meanwhile, Gorgolon clarified anew that the death of a girl who also was vaccinated with Dengvaxia in Mariveles, Bataan was ascertained to be not related to Dengvaxia.

Gorgolon stressed the importance of immediately reporting to health authorities any illness that would be related to dengue among the vaccinated kids.

“There is (a) misconception that dengue cases call for blood transfusion. In its initial stage, only hydration would be needed for recovery,” she said.

As regards the investigation into the issue, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he convened the expert panel this week but gave assurance that the agency would not interfere with the probe.

“It is better if we will not be part of the panel. We don’t want anyone to think that we may influence the investigation because the panel will give recommendations,” he said in an interview. n

RUSH HOUR. Workers make firecrackers at a factory in Bocaue, Bulacan on Tuesday, December 26, hoping to fill the huge demand for pyrotechnic products that Filipinos use to greet the new year.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Davao mayor denies being an endorser of fire-stricken NCCC Mall by allan

nawal Inquirer.net

DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio on Thursday, December 28 broke her silence over what she described as questions about her impartiality in connection with the NCCC Mall fire, which killed 38 people.

“There have been suggestions that I should inhibit myself from the investigation of the NCCC mall fire because of an endorsement contract,” she said in a statement.

But she said she could not inhibit herself because she was not even a member of the investigation team of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

“For the record, I am not part of the investigation team,” she said.

Carpio said she never volunteered to be part of the investigators.

“And under normal circumstances, a city mayor does not sign fire investigation reports of the BFP,” she added.

She also denied being an endorser for NCCC Mall.

“Also, I am not an endorser of the NCCC mall, but I have a commitment with Choice Mart, which is another company of NCCC su-

This photo, taken on Dec, 23, 2017, shows firefighters attempting to put out a fire at the NCCC Mall mall in Davao City. Thirty-eight people were killed in the fire.

Inquirer.net photo by Manman Dejeto

permarket,” she said.

She also responded to criticisms, mostly on social media, about her response to the crisis.

“Nobody can question how I did my work as mayor in helping the family of the victims, the BFP, the NCCC, and SSI officials,” she said.

SSI is the Survey Sampling International Philippines, a call center that occupied part of the mall.

“The way my staff and (city social services) handled everything during the evening of December 23 until today prevented chaos and hysteria among the victims and Dabawenyos in general,” she added.

She lamented that the some people were using the incident to find fault with her.

“I welcome any investigation on how I did my work in this particular matter,” she added. n

SWS: 96% of Filipinos welcome 2018 with hope MANILA — About 96 percent of Filipinos will welcome 2018 with hope instead of fear, based on the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Friday, December 29.

The score is considered the highest since the question was first asked by SWS in 2000, surpassing the 95 percent achieved in 2002, 2011 and 2016.

In the survey conducted among 1,200 participants from Dec. 8 to 16, only four percent said they would enter the New Year with fear, the lowest recorded score since 2011.

After dipping to 89 percent in 2009, the rating recovered to 93 percent in 2010 and stayed in the 90s level ever since.

The latest survey showed hopefulness for the new year rising in all socio-economic classes, climbing to 97 percent among classes ABC, 96 percent among Class D and 97 percent among class E. Results from one-on-one interviews also showed that hope for 2018 is greater among those who expected a “happy” Christmas this year.

Hope for the new year among those who looked forward to Christmas rose by two points – from 96 percent in 2016 to 98 percent in 2017, while it fell by four points among those who expected a “sad” Christmas – from 92 percent to 88 percent.

Of the 46 percent of Filipinos

who made resolutions for 2017, 12 percent said most of their New Year’s resolutions have been fulfilled.

Senate ratings The Senate ended the year with a “very good” satisfaction rating, while other top government institutions obtained “good” marks, the SWS fourth quarter survey showed.

In the same December poll, at least 69 percent of Filipino adults were satisfied and 14 percent dissatisfied with the Senate’s performance, yielding a net satisfaction score of +56, which is classified by the SWS as very good.

A majority or 59 percent also expressed satisfaction with the work of the House of Representatives while 16 percent were dissatisfied, resulting in a net satisfaction rating of “good” +43.

The Supreme Court (SC), on the other hand, received a net satisfaction rating of a good +37, with 54 percent of Filipinos saying they were satisfied with the high court’s performance against 17 percent who said otherwise.

As for the Cabinet, 53 percent approved of its performance while 15 percent disapproved, resulting in a net satisfaction score of +38, also classified as good.

The Senate’s +56 net satisfaction rating rose by one grade from good to very good, up by

10 points from +46 in September.

It rose by one grade from good to very good in Mindanao, at +67 from +44. It also rose by one grade from good to very good in balance Luzon, at +54 from +44. But it stayed very good in the Visayas, at +53 in December, hardly moving from +52 in September. In Metro Manila, it stayed good at +46 or up by three points from +43 in the previous survey.

Improvements in the Senate’s net satisfaction rating from September to December occurred in almost all socio-demographics. It rose by one grade in both urban and rural areas, in all classes, among both men and women and at all educational levels.

For the House of Representatives, net satisfaction rating went up nine points but stayed good at +43 in December from only +34 in September.

It rose by one grade from moderate to good in balance Luzon at +42 from +28 previously, and went up by one grade from good to very good in Mindanao at +52 from +39 in September.

It also improved by one grade – from moderate to good in Metro Manila at +34 from +29. It also stayed good in the Visayas at +41 in December despite dropping by five points from +46 in September. (Helen Flores, Jess Diaz, Paolo Romero/Philstar. com)

Vice Pres. Robredo’s wish for 2018...

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leaving at least 240 people dead.

Prior to typhoon Vinta, typhoon Urduja (international name Kaitak) ripped through Visayas and Mindanao, claiming at least 41 lives.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it is also monitoring clusters of clouds east of Mindanao as of early Friday, December 29.

According to the weather bureau, the clusters of clouds are likely to develop into a low-pressure area that could enter the Philippine area of responsibility on or before New Year’s Day. PAGASA said the low-pressure area may later develop into a tropical depression.

Lamenting the deaths of Filipinos due to the recent typhoons despite the government’s efforts to aim for zero casualties, Robredo said it’s time to reassess the government’s disaster preparedness.

“Matagal na nating pinagtatrabahuhan na zero casualties sana tayo sa mga sakuna, pero iyong tanong ngayon, bakit ang daming namatay? Tingin ko panahon ito para i-assess ulit kung ano iyong mali na ginagawa natin. (We have been working for a long time on achieving zero casualties in times of disaster, but my question now is, why were there so many deaths? I think it’s time to reassess what we’ve been doing wrong),” she said.

The vice president also la-

mented the supposed divisiveness between Filipinos. She expressed hope that things will be different in 2018.

“Tingin ko hindi naging maganda iyong 2017 as far as pagkakaisa is concerned. Masyadong polarized iyong mga Pilipino noong mga nakaraang buwan at nakaraang taon. (I think what happened in 2017 wasn’t good as far as unity was concerned. Filipinos were too polarized in the past year),” Robredo said.

“Sana mag-iba na iyon sa 2018, kasi iyong susi lang naman para umasenso tayo bilang isang bansa ay iyong magkaisa tayong lahat (I hope this will change in 2018, because the key to progress as a nation is national unity),” she added. n

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Journal Stars and their New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions Google: Song lyrics, pageants top Filipinosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; online searches for 2017

by Lhar

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

BEFORE we usher in the new year, resolutions will be made, but will they be kept?

Just like ordinary people, ce­ lebritiies make their resolutions too and feel just as hopeful they will see their promises through.

So what are some of the celeb­ ritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; resolutions for 2018? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will spend my money wise­ ly,â&#x20AC;? resolves Derrick Monasterio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No more impulsive buying. I feel that I have not been a wise spender. I buy things just because nagandahan ako pero hindi ko naman magamit. In 2018, mas matipid na ko. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be kuripot,â&#x20AC;? he declares with a laugh.

The other half of DerBie, Bar­ bie Forteza, promises she will be more organized with her stuff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I tend to misplace a lot of things because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m careless. Kung saansaan ko binibitawan ang gamit ko. When I need them already, hindi ko na makita. This coming year, I promise that I will be more mindful of my things. I have, in fact, bought organizers for my things. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how determined I am to fulfill my resolution,â&#x20AC;? she enthuses.

Making resolutions has been tradition for Ruru Madrid every

Lovi Poe

Barbie Forteza and Derrick Monasterio

Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid

New Year. In 2016, he promised he will be serious about body building and he really worked for it. He religiously trained and became a fixture at the gym, so that before long, everyone saw the fruits of his labor.

Now considered one of GMA Networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest hunks, he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just so thankful that I was able achieve what I have resolved to do in the beginning of the year.

Now, I will focus more on improv­ ing myself when it comes to my craft. The Best Actor award I re­ ceived this year from PMPC Star

Awards became my inspiration to strive harder in delivering good performances to show people that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really worthy of the re­ cognition I got.â&#x20AC;?

This year also saw Andre Pa­ ras going back to his other love, basketball. He now plays for AMA in the D League, and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happier he is able to enjoy the best of both worlds. In terms of showbiz commitments, he has â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sunday Pinasayaâ&#x20AC;? and a new series as part of the cast of Ruruâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starrer, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sherlock, Jr.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution is to always be hungry when it comes to acting and also basketball, so that while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m young, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to explore everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;kumbaga, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung mga hindi ko pa nagagawa,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Kapuso prime actress Lovi Poe is determined to be more free­spirited this coming year.

She says she feels that life has become something of a routine for her, whether in showbiz career or her personal life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve become so uptight from doing the same thing over and over again,â&#x20AC;? she explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This 2018, I just want to go with the flow and enjoy the ride, I guess.

I believe I need to loosen­up a little.â&#x20AC;?

Rather than making new yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PAGE B5

Julie Ann San Jose

ManilaTimes.net photos

TOP music hits, viral stories, global events and television shows were among the topics that inter­ est Filipinos, according to global search engine Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Year in Searchâ&#x20AC;? list.

Landing on the top spot of Filipinosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; most searched topic on Google is the lyrics of Luis Fonsiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mega hit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despacito.â&#x20AC;? The song made headlines in October after reaching the 4 billion views mark, making it the most watched video on YouTube worldwide.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second spot goes to the lyrics of Bruno Marsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ver­ sace on the Floor,â&#x20AC;? a hit from the

Grammy winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;24K Magicâ&#x20AC;? album.

Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trending topics list in the Philippines also reflects Filipi­ nosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; persistent love for pageantry.

Maxine Medina, who represented the Philippines at the Miss Uni­ verse pageant in 2016, is 2017â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top trending female personality.

Joining her on the list are other beauty queens namely, Binibin­ ing Pilipinas­International 2017 Mariel de Leon, Binibining Pilipi­ nas­Universe 2017 Rachel Peters, and Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres.

Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina ManilaTimes.net photo PAGE B2

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

‘Ang Larawan’ wins film fest Best Picture plum Vic Sotto feels like a first-time dad again

by MAridol

rAñoA-BisMArK Philstar.com

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

“ANG Larawan” — the movie adaptation of the English play, “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” by National Artist Nick Joaquin – won the Best Picture award in the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi Ng Parangal held on December 27 at the Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

Joanna Ampil, the lead actress of the film produced by a group headed by singer-actress Celeste Legaspi, was named Best Actress, beating Jennylyn Mercado (“All Of You”), Erich Gonzales (“Siargao”) and Dawn Zulueta (“Meant to Beh”) in the race.

Derek Ramsay won the Best Actor award for his role in “All Of You”.

Siargao was declared 2nd Best Picture, which won for Paul Soriano the Best Director Award earlier in the ceremonies. The Ramsay-Mercado starrer won 3rd Best Picture.

Only five of the eight entries were nominated in the Best Picture derby. The other two were “Ang Panday” and “Deadma Walking.”

Best Supporting Actress was Jasmine Curtis for “Siargao”, while Edgar Allan Guzman was declared Best Supporting Actor for his role as best friend to Joross Gamboa’s character in “Deadma Walking”.

As reported by the MMFF executive committee, the first-day gross receipts of this year’s festival exceeded the earnings of the 2015 edition which has so far posted the highest figures, totaling more than P1 billion at the end of the twoweek all-Filipino movie showing nationwide.

MMFF spokesman Noel Ferrer said foot traffic also tripled from last year’s, attributed to the return of more commercially viable entries

BRAVO! The women behind ‘Ang Larawan’ celebrate the musical’s Best Picture Award at the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi Ng Parangal at the Kia Theater. From left: Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi, Dulce and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.

ManilaTimes.net photo by John Micah Sebastian

compared with the indie film-dominated festival in 2016.

Here is the complete list of winners: Best Picture: “Ang Larawan” 2nd Best Picture: “Siargao” 3rd Best Picture: “All Of You” Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: “Ang Larawan” Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: “Ang Panday” Best Actress: Joanna Ampil, “Ang Larawan” Best Actor: Derek Ramsay, “All Of You” Best Director: Paul Soriano, “Siargao” Best Supporting Actress; Jasmine Curtis, Siargao Best Supporting Actor: Edgar Allan Guzman, “Deadma Walking” Special Jury Prize: Nick Joaquin (Posthumous) and Coco Martin Full-Length Film People’s Choice Award: “Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad” Best Screenplay: “All Of You” Best Child Performer: Baeby Baste, “Meant to Beh”

Best Cinematography: “Siargao” Best Theme Song: “Alon” by Hale, Siargao Best Editing: “Siargao” Best Visual Effects: “Ang Panday” Best Musical Score: “Ang Larawan” Best Production Design: “Ang Larawan” Best Float: “Deadma Walking” Children’s Choice Award: “Ang Panday” Short Film People’s Choice Award: “Noel” Short Film Best Picture: “Anong Nangyari Kay Nicanor Dante?”

Male Star of the Night: Derek Ramsay Female Star of the Night: Erich Gonzales Hosting the awards night were Paolo Bediones, Cindy Miranda and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, who was one of two leading ladies of Martin in Ang Panday.

The other leading lady was Mariel de Leon.

Google: Song lyrics, pageants top...

PAGE B1 Meanwhile, Xander Ford, formerly known as Marlou Arizala, a former Hasht5 member, is this year’s top trending male personality. The Internet sensation became the talk of the town, and subject of social analysis, after undergoing plastic surgery to enhance his looks.

Interestingly, Xander Ford topped the list that mostly included Korean male stars such as “Love in the Moonlight’s” Park Bo Gum, boy group Children of Empire member Park Hyung Sik, “Train to Busan’s” Gong Yoo, “Weightlifting

Fairy’s” Nam Joo Hyuk, and “God of War’s” Kim Joo Hyuk.

Further proof of the enduring popularity of Korean pop culture among Filipinos is this year’s list of trending television shows. Goblin, “The Legend of the Blue Sea,” Love in the Moonlight, Weightlifting Fairy, and “While You Were Sleeping” were among the top trending Korean TV shows that made Filipino viewers swoon.

While this year’s list proves how much Filipinos love entertainment, it also showed that they stayed vigilant on national issues. Topping the trending news items is Presi-

dent Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address. Searches related to the military’s operations against the Maute Group in Marawi City and the Martial Law declared in the area were also trending searches on Google this year.

“In a way, the Year in Search offers us a glimpse of what we liked as a people, what issues affected us, what sparked our interest, and everything in between that appealed to our emotions the past year,” said Google Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs Gail Tan. (ManilaTimes.net)

FATHERHOOD is not new to Vic Sotto. He has five children with four different women.

But when he gave away Paulina, which he calls his ex-bunso, in marriage last January, having another child a month ago (by wife Pauleen Luna, who gave birth to Talitha), is as thrilling as being a first-time father.

“My ex-bunso is 26. So this one (being a dad to Talitha, his daughter with Pauleen) is a new experience,” Vic said at the presscon of “Meant to `Beh!,” his entry Philstar.com photo to the annual Metro Manila Film “Meant to `Beh!” stars Vic Sotto, Dawn Zulueta and JC Santos.

Festival. ”Differences will always be ing on the situation.

You sense the excitement in there,” he observed. “What’s “I discipline when I have to. I his voice — the kind that stems important is you accept each spoil when need to.” from bringing forth a new life other and there’s enough room for Now that most of his children and facing the challenges it re- change and adjustment.” are grown up, Vic has distanced quires. Yes, he has his share of Bonding moments, he added, himself from their affairs. He lets sleepless nights, especially when need not be expensive. Vic plays them decide on their own, and baby Talitha utters what he calls the simple card game “1-2-3 only steps in when they seek his are sound effects each time she Pass!” to make his children happy advice. stretches her tiny body. The baby and keep the family intact.

After all, Vic has done his best sleeps in her parents’ room, so He believes in disciplining to raise children who have beVic and Pauleen know every move children, the way he did when come the responsible adults that she makes. his eldest son Oyo and daughter they are today.

Still, Vic and Pauleen never Danica (now married to Marc PinVic’s main focus now are his complain. After all, family for gris) were children. But Vic thinks grandchildren, whose welfare is at Vic is “importanter,” as he told there is no substitute for sitting the top of his mind each time he “Meant to `Beh!” leading lady down with your children and dis- comes up with a new film. While Dawn Zulueta. cussing problems with them. he is at it, Vic is only too glad to Vic’s pro-family stance is not “When he was a lot younger, go back to square one and feel just lip service. He practices what Dina asked me to take Oyo with the excitement of raising another he preaches at home. Believing me at home so I can discipline child whom he plans to raise well, that a family is only as strong as its him. Malikot kasi siya,” Vic re- so she will grow up to become pillars — the mom and dad — Vic called. as responsible and respectable makes sure he is always there for His parenting style swings from as her older siblings have turned his children. disciplinarian to spoiler depend- out to be.

Liza Soberano takes number one spot in ‘100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2017’

by KAtrinA

HAllAre Inquirer.net

KAPAMILYA actress Liza Soberano showed that Filipina beauty truly stands out as she topped a list of the most beautiful faces for 2017.

Soberano claimed the top spot in “The 100 Most Beautiful Faces 2017” released by Independent Critics, led by film critic TC Candler as revealed in a YouTube video on Monday, December 25. Soberano bested 90,000 female celebrities from around the world This makes her the first Filipina to be hailed as the most beautiful since the list started in 1990.

Previously, the actress placed second on the list (2016), behind English model and actress Jour-

dan Dunn.

Other notable local celebrities who made the list are Kim Domingo, who took the 98th spot; Nadine Lustre who was placed 78th, and; Kathryn Bernardo in 60th place, marking her third appearance on the list.

Aside from ranking the most beautiful, Independent Critics also released “The 100 Most Handsome Faces of 2017” list, which included model Daniel Matsunaga taking the 88th place; Soberano’s love team partner Enrique Gil at 61st place, and; actor James Reid, who placed fourth.

As stated on its website, the Independent Critics searches for “grace, elegance, originality, daring, passion, class, poise, joy, promise, hope” in finding the

Liza Soberano

Philstar.com photo

most beautiful people from almost 40 countries to be included in its lists.

Pia Wurtzbach says comment on wanting gay child ‘misinterpreted’ by riCKy lo Philstar.com

MISS Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach on Wednesday, December 27, apologized to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community over her comment on wanting a gay child.

Wurtzbach, who said she was shocked to see negative reactions regarding her recent interview with ABS-CBN’s “Tonight with Boy Abunda” took to Twitter to say that she does not mean to offend anyone when she said she wanted a gay child. She also said her comment was “misinterpreted.”

“Please don’t misinterpret what I said. I have high regards for the LGBT. It was just a fun interview, guys! Meant no disrespect at all.

Mahal ko kayo! Happy holidays everyone! #GoodVibesLang,” Wurtzbach wrote in her tweet. “[Namisinterpret] lang po (I was just misinterpreted). Meant no malice at all. I didn’t mean to offend anyone. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding,” she added.

On Tuesday, December 26, Wurtzbach was asked by Abunda why she wants to have a gay child. The former beauty queen answered that gay children take

Pia Wurtzbach

Philstasr.com photo

care of their aging parents really well.

“Because I really believe na aalagaan ka nila kapag matanda ka na (they would take care of you when you grow old). Not to say na hindi ka aalagaan kung straight ‘yung anak mo (this is not to say that you would not be taken care of if your child is straight), but based on my experience, iba mag-alaga ‘yung beki (a gay person has an extraordinary way of taking care of you),” Wurtzbach responded.

“And gusto kong ma-experi-

ence ‘yung merong excited na bihisan ako, na ayusan ako, alagaan ako. Parang magiging best friend ko. Nai-imagine ko na‘yung anak ko, best friend ko, at beki siya (And I want to experience having someone who is excited to dress me up, to do my make-up, to take care of me. He would be like my best friend. I imagine my child would be my best friend, and he’s gay),” she added.

This comment of Wurtzbach earned mixed reactions from netizens. Some said her remark speaks about her stereotypical perception of the LGBT community which “belittles” them.

Others defended her.

Wurtzbach then said that she would treat the incident as a lesson.

“Lesson learned: always always be cautious with what you say,” she wrote.

The beauty queen is an advocate of HIV awareness and a known supporter of the LGBT community. She recently called out the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and some members of the media for disclosing the HIV status of one of the suspects in a buy-bust operation in a hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Xian Lim, Kim Chiu, amazed by northern lights, enjoy dog-sledding in Finland by niñA

Guno Inquirer.net

KIM Chiu and Xian Lim enjoyed a cold Christmas in Europe where they witnessed the northern lights in Finland.

The on-screen love team strolled through the cobbled streets of Copenhagen and took pictures among the iconic, colorful houses in Nyhavn.

They headed north to Finland where they were all wrapped up in the negative-degree weather.

The 27-year-old actress described it as her “first super snow experience.”

The Kapamilya actors were lucky witnesses to the aurora borealis, which usually appears between April and August.

Chiu shared that she had lost hope on seeing the northern lights

thought the colors were just edited)! It is really dancing!”

The “Ghost Bride” star described the range of emotions she felt while seeing the natural light show. “Nakatulala, nakakaiyak, nagulat ako (I was dumbstruck, crying, shocked).”

The 28-year-old actor-singer had just one word for the experience: “Amazing.”

Continuing their adventure, the pair went dog-sledding in negative 19-degrees Celsius weather.

They also bonded with the dogXian Lim and Kim Chiu gos who gave them a ride.

Photo from Instagram/@xianlimm “Sorry for being so heavy,” when their tour guide told them it wrote Lim in an Instagram post was cloudy. with the dogs.

She couldn’t help gushing While the two have been roover the experience. “It is truly mantically linked, no confirmation magical! Totoo nga sya akala ko has come from either one on their edit lang yung colors (It’s real, I relationship status.

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

Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2017-JANUARy 2, 2018

B

How Jasmine Curtis got her ‘Siargao’ body she likes “big curls” like those of “game of thrones” star Jon snow, the younger Jonny Depp, or her DurIng Anne Curtis and Er- “siargao” co-star Jericho “Echo” wan Heussaff’s recent wedding in rosales. new Zealand, guests noticed that “It was very nice working with Anne’s sister and maid of honor, Echo. He’s very brotherly. MaalaJasmine Curtis, lost a lot of weight. ga s’ya na actor. He’ll talk to you Is it because of her latest movie about the script. He’ll talk with the and Metro Manila Film Festival director, he’ll get involved.”

Jasmine Curtis flaunts her bikini body in (MMFF) entry “siargao”?

Siargao. Instagram/@Jasmine Curtis Smith PAGE B5 “Hindi naman!” Jasmine said with a laugh during a recent interview with Philstar.com.

Although she thinks that being a surfer girl in “siargao” helped tone her physique, she attributed her sexier curves to having no house help for months. “the shock on the body was intense since I’m doing a lot of house work now. It’s a workout!”

Jasmine revealed in the interview following her launch as endorser of hair care brand Pantene. she said that her two dogs and two-bedroom flat are there to keep her busy sweating out. “so far, kaya naman. And also I’m enjoying the feeling of living alone and the goal is to live independently because one day what if I decide to try it out abroad?” cajoled the actress, who is preparing herself for auditions, rejections and living alone when she tries it out in Hollywood someday. she clarified, though, that she is not leaving the Philippines soon.

“During a long break from local showbiz, I might go to Hollywood or be inspired to go there. I just want to be open with my career.

Kasi naghahanap din ako kung sa’n ako pinakabagay. At hindi ko rin maiiwan ang Pilipinas. It’s still a home to me. Gusto ko lang mag-try ng ibang bagay.” so far, she is enjoying her career and her bikini-worthy “siargao” body. “this year is a big adjustment so na-shock ‘yung body ko. But I’m trying to gain a little weight because I’m also not comfortable being so thin,” she professed.

According to her, Pantene helped protect her hair from being damaged by seawater while 67,5 +(@: ( >,,2 c -964 (4 74 filming “siargao.” +,=65:/09, :; “On days when I don’t have a :<0;, ( */(;:>69;/ *( glam team, I feel uncomfortable.

Pero on days na I want to feel comfortable, kahit walang ayosayos, go lang. Nakasuklay naman ako!” Jasmine enthused.

E=D H6><DC & she admitted that for men, ,_WPYH[PVU! 5V]

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

TWICE, HE APPLIED FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA. TWICE, HE WAS DENIED. FIND OUT THE FINAL SCORE THIS SUNDAY, ON CITIZEN PINOY! Joseph (center) was initially petitioned as a minor child of a green card holder, but his visa was refused at the interview because he admitted to drug use. When he aged out, his petition was reclassified to F-2B. At his second interview, he was denied for the same reason.

His mother, Josie (right), and his sister, Evelyn (left), felt hopeless. They were running out of options, and were desperate. It felt like Nanay Josie’s promise of having the family reunited in America would just remain a dream.

Mother and daughter consulted with leading U.S. attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, after seeing a case similar to Joseph’s that was featured on Citizen Pinoy. Atty. Gurfinkel went to the U.S. Embassy in Manila and becomes a major contributor to a landmark decision and policy change that benefitted Joseph and many more.

Watch a mother’s promise fulfilled on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)

Image and body makeover stories that give ‘vanity’ a new meaning Health & Wellness

E=D H6><DC &

Imee Ong-maghanOy It’s been said many times, many ways: vanity is a bad thing.

I agree with reservations.

Over the years, in my line of work as an aesthetician and a medical spa owner, I have come to realize that it is actually our perception of vanity that gives the word a bad rap. Merriam Webster defines “vanity” as the “inflated pride in oneself or one’s appearance.” While I agree that having an ‘inflated’ pride leads to a feeling of superiority, I also believe that one’s appearances play a huge factor in a person’s overall outlook. simply put, it’s how you view yourself (and others) that determines if one is vain or not.

A classic example of this is in taking care of yourself; i.e. eating healthy, having good personal hygiene, maintaining a skincare regimen. these are lifestyle practices that are good for you. Doing them religiously would result in a pleasing appearance and ultimately, an overall positive outlook. Oftentimes, people mistake “feeling good about yourself” as vanity or an unnecessary emotion — it’s not. In fact, it has been mine and my company’s advocacy to change the way we view personal care and overall wellness. As the slogan in our promo video says it, “Loving your skin and loving the body you’re in.”

And what better way to prove this philosophy than by telling my readers about the image and body makeover stories that I’ve been told over the years. Here are some of the inspiring stories that make my job and advocacy totally worth it.

“Loving your skin” the quote, “Aging is a fact, looking your age is not,” can never be so far from the truth in lives of Cel santos and Lynn Bautista, both loyal clients of Image spa MD. Cel and Lynn are in their 40s but they look 20 years younger, thanks to making skincare a part of their routine.

“I’ve been a client for four years and the monthly facial treatments

Cel Santos, 44, used skin tightening and glutathione.

Arvin Mendoza, 42, has received glutathione, facials and microneedling.

Hydee Abraham did the 20/60 Rachel Donaire went from a program to go from a size 10 from size 10 to size 0. to size 2.

keep my skin clear smooth and soft and the skin tightening treatment keeps me looking young,” Cel shares.

Lynn talked about redeeming one’s self-esteem and how “feeling good about herself” made a difference in her life. there was a point where she felt fat and “unpretty.” she started weight management through slim shots (intramuscular injectable that contains Human Chorionic gonadotropin designed for healthy weight loss) and lost 10 pounds.

After that, she tried the skin tightening treatment which reduced skin “puffiness” and her “double chin.” she now regained her selfconfidence and is thankful that she made the right decision to achieve her ideal weight and love the face she sees in the mirror every day.

“Loving the body you’re in” Life and science agree that mothers are among the toughest people in this world. Don’t even get me started with the fact the childbirth is one, if not, the most painful experiences we endured and survived. Being a mom is a 24/7 job and with it comes all the challenges that we face daily. so if there’s another thing mothers have in common; it is that we don’t back away from a challenge. rachel Donaire, Haydee Abrahan, and Charina Vergara are three of the toughest moms — who have overcome challenges — I have the honor of knowing. they’ve proven that being a mom shouldn’t stop you from wanting to feel good

Lynn Bautista, 40, received skin tightening and slim shots treatments.

Richard Maghanoy, 50, got slim shots to go from 190 lbs to 170 lbs, used glutathione for as energy booster, and received facials and skin tightening for skin rejuvenation. In photo with Richard is wife, Imee Ong-Maghanoy.

With Image Spa MD’s 20/60 program, Charina Carrera went from a size 10 to size 2.

about yourself. In fact, it should motivate you to take care of your body.

All three of them went through the 20/60 challenge (to lose 20 pounds in 60 days) and succeeded with flying colors and fitted clothes!

Charina (a marketing executive and mom of two) dropped four sizes down from a size 10 to a size 2. Haydee, a photographer, is great behind the camera and now even looks amazing in front of it, due to her incredible transformation from a size 10 to a size 4. Just like Charina, she’s been maintaining the same weight for two years now. rachel, a professional athlete and wife of world-boxing champion nonito “the Filipino Flash” Donaire, swears by slim shots as the cause of her gorgeous makeover. Her initial goal was to get back to her to her prepregnancy weight which is 120 pounds, yet she ended up being even lighter than she’s ever been her whole life: from 120 down to 109 pounds – a size that’s perfect for her built and active lifestyle.

“Real men take care of their health” Are medical and body spas only for women? nO, according to these heterosexual men who believe that real men should not feel any less of a man for being conscious of their health and appearance, instead feel manlier for being on top of their overall wellness.

Meet Arvin Mendoza. He won facial treatment gift certificates from Image spa MD. He decided to give it a try and he never looked back. He also takes glutathione shots that help boost his metabolism and energy.

“Aside from wanting to feel better, I also want to make sure that I look equally young-looking as my wife,” Arvin says. richard Maghanoy, my husband and the COO of Image Body spa, also swears by these facial and skin tightening treatments as the source of his youthful glow.

“Men should do this, not just women. growing older is inevitable but looking good is in our control,” he says. richard turned 50 this month and does not look a day over 40.

I find it awe-inspiring whenever I see people embracing health and wellness and making aging gracefully something to look forward to.

(If you want to hear more stories – or even better, try these treatments yourself, visit Image Spa MD for a consultation). *** Imee is an established aesthetician, a business owner and a managing partner for Image Spa MD and CEO of Image Body SPA. She has a degree in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine. Image Spa is now one of the most reputable medical spa facilities in LA and has branches in Rancho Cucamonga and Encinitas for Image SPA MD and Image Body SPA-West Hollywood. Imee has been in the aesthetics industry for over 20 years.

(Advertising Supplement)

*6<765

B DECEMBER 30, 2017-JanuaRy 2, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOuRnaL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS Q: What is holiday heart Syndrome?

Prevalent during holidays, this symptom complex is mainly characterized by cardiac arrhythmias (heart rhythm irregularity), mostly due to alcoholic binges. The excitement brought on by the festivities and ingestion of a lot of caffeine (coffee, chocolate, cola drinks) during the holidays could also play a role in this syndrome. The symptoms are transient, unless the person has other complicating health problems.

Q: Last Christmas I was happy and also sad. Why? The feeling is called Christmas Blues, or Holiday or Birthday Blues.

This is not uncommon. The sadness could be due to sorrowful memories of past events recalled during this season, or feeling sorry for yourself, some family members, friends, or even strangers for certain negatives occurrences or misfortunes in your or their lives, personal problems, financial worries, some guilt for things you did or failed to do, or some things you want to do but couldn’t. Any of these can explain the sadness one feels during a festive occasion like the Christmas season. This is usually seasonal and temporary, unless the problem causing it lingers on Q: Is MSG safe?

Eating food with “Betsin” (MSG: Monosodium Glutamate, flavor enhancer) could cause a condition known as “Chinese Food Syndrome,” which could sometimes mimic a heart attack. It causes chest pains, facial pressure, and burning sensations throughout the body, sometimes with dizziness or fainting, which are mostly temporary. This phenomenon is a pharmacologic reaction to Monosodium Glutamate, a popular white powder food seasoning used in cooking. The symptoms are due to individual sensitivity or reaction, and are dose-related. Most people are not bothered by MSG, but some react to it more severely. Although death is very rare, some people could actually be allergic to it and die from it. Those who develop any of the symptoms enumerated above after eating food cooked with MSG should clearly request chefs or cooks in restaurants, at home, or anywhere else not to use MSG in preparing their food. Because of

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Queries from readers Boy Abunda and Jonas Gaffud launch books in Southern California

this syndrome, many Chinese (and other) restaurants today no longer use MSG. If in doubt, ask the manager or waiters, and instruct them accordingly.

Q: at 72, can Viagra still improve my performance?

Your feat, albeit not as perfect as you want it to be, is amazing.

Majority of men, even 20 years younger, are unable to do it as often as you do. Weakly perhaps, but not weekly. Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is a marvelous pill, truly a giant step for man, that would help, but you must consult with your physician to make sure you are not on any form of nitrates (heart medications), which is dangerous when taken in combination with Viagra, and that you do not have any health risk that will contraindicate the use of this very effective pill for erectile dysfunction.

Q: I have bleeding after sex, what is wrong?

Trauma is the most common cause, especially among virgin females. Infection can cause cervical inflammation, abrasions or excoriations that bleed on contact.

Hormonal problem or cancer can also lead to vaginal bleeding. If you have bleeding, even staining, every time you have sex, then it is most prudent for you to seek consultation with a gynecologist.

Recurrent vaginal bleeding, with or without sex, is abnormal and should be investigated to make certain no serious medical condition exists.

Q: Can fright kill?

Yes, sudden or extreme fright can, among other possible effects, lead to an instant and steep rise in adrenalin (and other neuro-chemical) level in the blood circulation, leading to dangerous or fatal arrhythmia (heart irregularity) called ventricular fibrillation followed by cardiac arrest. This is especially true among those with heart disease to begin with. Death by fright is not very common but it does happen.

Q: Do pets help sick people in their recovery?

Yes, pets, like dogs for instance, greatly help patients recover from their illness. Medical literature is replete with reports where even terminally ill people gained greater strength and more will to live when their pet is near them. The security, unconditional loyalty and love of “man’s best friend” have infinite medicinal value to the suffering patient, much like the love and compassion of human loved ones. And more often than not pets, especially dogs, are more loving, forgiving, and loyal than even some of our

friends and relatives.

Q: Why do my feet swell in the evening?

Edema (swelling) of the legs and feet, when present all the time, could be due to excess salt intake, heart failure, kidney disease, BeriBeri (vitamin B-1 deficiency), some tropical parasitic infestations, and other even rarer diseases. Since yours happens only in the evening, and since you stated in your email that you were otherwise in perfect health, then I suspect the edema to be due to some leg vein insufficiency, where the valves in your leg veins are somewhat incompetent allowing back flow of blood and pooling of blood in your lower extremities by gravity. Elevation of your feet at least 4 inches higher than your knees whenever you can, especially when you get home at night, will help the venous circulation of your legs and minimize, if not eliminate, edema. Low salt diet, and wearing support stockings (when you are on your feet) will also help. The best is for you to have a medical check-up by your physician if the swelling persists.

Q: are eyeshades beneficial?

Yes, dark glasses to protect our eyes from the glaring brightness of any source, like the sun and its UV rays. These rays (UVA and UVB), and laser lights cause eye damage (cataracts, etc.) premature skin aging, and skin cancers. Using eyeshades daily and staying under a shade or umbrella to reduce sun exposure are healthy behaviors.

Polarized dark glasses with UV ray protection are best, with our without prescription. Consult with your optician or ophthalmologist to find out what is best for you. ***

By Monet

Lu

TWO heads are better than one — but three would make the best combo in promoting self-development and perseverance. Celebrity aesthetician and known leader in face and body treatment Olivia Quido-Co (aka Ms. O), owner of O Skin Med Spa, opened her clinic to host the book launch of two of the most influential personalities in the entertainment industry.

Asia’s King of Talk Boy Abunda and Beauty Queen-Maker Jonas Gaffud picked the perfect venue to promote their books.

I’ve known Olivia to be very warm, hospitable and always willing to give back to the community.

She is loved especially by her staff and her endorsers. Boy Abunda, being one of her endorsers talked about his book saying, “I am a work-in-progress, but I am living my dream… I’d like to be able to do more, be able to teach, write more books...”

His book, “It’s Like This: 100+ Abundable Thoughts that will make you think and rethink what you’ve always thought about your life” contains nuggets of wisdom, quotes and life-affirming essays.

It highlights significant lessons from Abunda as he shares his life filled with love and abundance.

The book is now available in TFC The main objective of this column is to stands and bookstores. educate and inspire people live a healthier Another Filipino author and lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, known beauty pageant trainer and achieve a happier and more productive life. who wanted to make a difference Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in through his written word is Jonas our article are general medical information and Gaffud. He has produced a Miss not intended to be applicable or appropriate for World, a Miss International, and anyone. This column is not a substitute for your a Miss Universe for the Philipphysician, who knows your condition well and who pines over his 16 years of training is your best ally when it comes to your health. women. His book entitled “The *** Crown: Your Essential Guide to Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Becoming a Beauty Queen” talks Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and about how he trained beautiful chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 ladies all these years (and their at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he stories as well). holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, Lion Heart TV writes, “The is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of Crown will prove essential to the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine both pageant aspirants and keen College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley spectators, with its discussions Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the on competitions’ crucial matters chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a such as dealing with the height 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United problem, question and answer States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com tricks, and sashaying in heels 101. It also provides the Aces and Queens checklist and tons of tips on preparing for the big event.”

2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and 2013 Miss Universe

Third Runner Up Ariella Arida, both Gaffud’s protégés, were also present during the launch to show their support to their trainer. They are also loyal clients of O Skin.

Many Filipinos came to meet their beauty queen-idols and grabbed the chance to ask questions and take pictures.

It was a fun and rewarding experience for the fans and our kababayans who drove to Cerritos, and stand in line (that reached all the way to the mall entrance) to be able to see their favorite celebrities. It is very thoughtful of Olivia to host these kinds of events. She wanted to do more of this so that Filipinos could get a chance to meet their idols – something they rarely get to do.

Both book launches proved to be a successful event. These are very timely books that are packed with practical wisdom, made not only for women but for anybody who dares to dream and are determined to achieve them. Much like Olivia who is one of the most determined, God-fearing and kind-hearted people I know.

Olivia started small by renting a tiny room to practice skin treatments. That was in 2003. Today, she presides over two thriving, full-service O Skin Med Spa locations in the LA area. She’s proud to say her practice has proudly served literally thousands of happy, extremely satisfied clients including A-List Hollywood celebrities like Grammy Award winner Patti Austin and Telma Hopkins.

Her spas have become the go-to skin care resource for renowned photographers and makeup artists, as well as Filipino celebrities,

Ai-ai delas Alas, Richard Gutierrez, Ruffa Gutierrez and many more. She also has TV beauty segment in “Adobo Nation” called, “Beauty by Ms. O.” It is featured every Sunday at 6:45pm through Kapamilya TFC. Last Thanksgiving, she had a mega sale and her beauty products sold out like pancakes – a proof that she has not only earned her clients’ trust, but the product really speaks for itself.

I’ve known Olivia and her family for a while and I am inspired by how much God has blessed her for being passionate, generous and willing to give back to the FilipinoAmerican community.

Olivia is married to her equally talented husband, Jason Co, who is very supportive and a loving father to their beautiful children namely, Faith (8), Timothy (6), and twins, Toby and Julia (3).

To Boy Abunda and Jonas Gaffud: Congratulations on your respective books! And to my dear friend Olivia, I am very proud of you. I wish you all the best in your business and personal life. May you continue to be the way you are because good people like you make this world so beautiful. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

HONORING RIZAL. Hungarian Ambassador József Bencze and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Executive Director Ludovico Badoy unveil a historical marker of Dr. Jose Rizal’s ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’ translated into Hungarian at the Rizal Shrine inside Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

Hungarian ambassador lovestruck with Jose Rizal’s ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’

by Ghio

onG

Philstar.com

THE Hungarian ambassador has fallen in love with the poem “Mi Ultimo Adios” or “My Last Farewell” written by Dr. Jose Rizal and hopes his fellow citizens would also get to learn more about the national hero.

“Every Hungarian…(who will) visit here in Manila, I hope they will come to the Rizal Museum... to see Rizal’s life,” Dr. József Bencze told reporters as he and officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveiled a marker for “Mi Ultimo Adios” in Intramuros, Manila.

Bencze, a police general and a poet, translated the poem and said the process gave him a “very fantastic feeling.”

Rizal wrote the poem before his execution on the grounds of Bagumbayan or what is now Rizal Park on Dec. 30, 1896.

He described the poem, which he finished translating in around

two days, as “a very real vision” of Rizal as he bid goodbye to his family, friends and country before he died by firing squad.

“When I finished the translation and read it to my colleagues for the first time, when I finished reading everyone was crying... the poem is really fantastic,” he said.

By translating “Mi Ultimo Adios”, Bencze wanted to show the “Hungarian style” of “honoring Rizal and respect for the Philippine people.”

This is the 16th marker bearing the translation of Rizal’s last poem in another language, which also includes Arabic, Italian and Chinese.

Bencze “fell in love” after reading “Mi Ultimo Adios” upon noticing the markers bearing translations of the poem in other languages, NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy said.

“When the ambassador visited the Rizal shrine in Fort Santiago for the first time, they fell in love, they got to know more

about the national hero and then he went to the garden, saw the different translations from different countries… and when he read the ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’, he fell in love with it,” he said.

He also noted that the NHCP, along with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), promotes awareness about Rizal through the Centro Rizal situated in Philippine embassies.

Badoy said “it’s about time” for people, especially the youth, “to put into their minds the love for our country and our people.”

“Especially now, it is really a challenge not only for the parents but for all of us to impart this to the youth,” he said.

The NHCP said various programs will be held in celebration of Rizal Day on Saturday, which include medical services, job fair and discount caravan.

President Duterte is expected to lead the commemoration of Rizal’s death anniversary.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2017-JANUARy 2, 2018

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Baron Geisler shares his Never too late to pursue showbiz dream New Year’s resolutions

by Bot

Glorioso Philstar.com

IN his latest Instagram posts, actor Baron Geisler has bid farewell to his old self and has avowed to change in 2018.

“Goodbye old me!!!! I’m embracing this New Year at hindi hangin at phone ang laging hawak. Dapat lumawak parang si Bioman,” he said in one of his posts.

In the first post, he can be seen making a selfie while half naked in front of a mirror.

In the latest post, he shared his other New Year’s resolution.

“Ngayon taon iwasan na ang mga negavibes na tao!” he said.

He appeared to have also smeared the faces of two companions in the picture.

It can be recalled that last October, Baron was arrested after allegedly causing a scene in a bar in Quezon City.

In 2013, he has also been sentenced to serve a maximum of two years in prison for groping the daughter of actors Wil-

Her name may not ring as many bells but Fe Saligumba has always been on TV, film and digital platforms, which will make one instantly say, “Ah, that’s her,” upon mention of a particular scene in either a teleserye or TVC. Want some proof? Well, if you are tuned in to the ABS-CBN primetime series “The Good Son” night after night, then you have probably seen her portray as the lawyer of Mylene Dizon’s character raquel and Joshua Garcia’s Joseph. She, too, played a teacher in A Love to Last, a doctor in Coco Martin’s topbiller “Ang Probinsyano”, as an office staff in the daytime series “Ikaw Lang Baron Geisler Philstar.com photo ang Iibigin” and as a cardiologist liam Martinez and Yayo Aguila in “My Dear Heart”. in a bar.

She also did bit roles on Will Baron be out of trouble in GMA 7’s “Ika-6 na Utos”, “Alyas 2018? Will he have more projects robinhood”, “The Millionaire’s next year? Will he take these Wife”, “My Faithful Husband, New Year’s resolutions seriously? Marimar” and “Destiny rose”.

(Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Ber- Her long list of acting projects is nardo/Philstar.com) pretty impressive since most, if

not all, of them promote family values. Same with the TVCs, they speak of quality brands.

According to Fe, her interest in acting started in her elementary years and it grew stronger when she became part of the theater guild in high school. She didn’t stop pursuing her dream even after tucking a degree in Mass Communication from St. Paul’s University in Quezon City.

“I consider the Jollibee TVC, the Kwentong Jollibee Date, as my biggest commercial (appearance) because I didn’t expect it to go viral. So, it was followed by two more episodes uploaded on YouTube,” Fe told The Star during her recent visit. “That Jollibee TVC was aired last Mother’s Day.” Of course, Fe will never forget her first TVC for Quick Chow Noodles, wherein she was one of the extras. “I am thankful for that ‘raket’ because it gave me the opportunity to be in a commercial.”

Another stint followed and this time, she played a lead role in a Globe Telecom TVC.

How Jasmine Curtis got her...

PAGE B3 She also appreciates director Paul Soriano’s unique directing style. “He would bring the two of you to talk and discuss the scene.

Hindi ‘yung kung ano ‘yung nasa script, eto na ‘yung ishu-shoot natin. He asks what actors think, what we can revise and make better. It’s a very collaborative work and it’s a good experience!”

What can moviegoers expect from “Siargao”?

“Pain and the feeling of hope and love. Also expect the great shots in the water!” said Jasmine.

According to her, the film’s outfit hired a Siargao-based cam-

eraman who takes world-class shots in the water.

“Masaya kasi lahat ng tao du’n (Siargao) community ang feeling. So, kung may hindi kilala, tatanungin ka nila kung okay ka…everyone makes everyone feel safe. So, it’s a place that makes you feel you’re part of a community, much like La Union or Baler…Very welcoming and accommodating.”

Fe Saligumba gets to play different roles in TV series, movies and TVCs Photos by Ver Paulino If there is something she learned from making the movie, it is to look like a more natural surfer.

She said she started surfing last year, thanks to her non-showbiz boyfriend, Jeff Ortega, who taught her to ride the waves.

Stars and their New Year’s...

PAGE B3 resolutions, Glaiza De Castro has wisely decided to work on her promises from previous years.

“I’ve been making resolutions, but I always fail to fulfill them, and before I know it, it’s New Year again. I’ll make another resolution at hindi ko rin nagagawa.

Puro umpisa lang. So now, I’ve decided to just do my best para matupad ko na yung dating resolutions.

“Kick the bad habits.” That’s what fine Kapuso leading man Mike Tan wants to do in 2018.

He admits it’s not easy to let go of them but, “I’m making a conscious effort to be very consistent in practicing good habits instead of the bad ones. Pinaninindigan ko talaga. I need to do it because mahirap pangatawanan ang resolutions. Iniisip ko, it’s also for me, for my improvement as a person.”

Like Mike, Julie Ann San Jose will also strive to become a better person. That’s her New Year’s resolution. She believes there is always room for improvement in everybody’s life. “We’re not perfect, I’m not perfect,” Julie Ann quips. “I of course know where I

Andre Paras

Mike Tan

ManilaTimes.net photos

am lacking and that is where I’ll work on to improve or to change even. I want to be a better individual than I was last year. I want to do better, to explore and to innovate myself more.”

Fe Saligumba

What turned her life around was her winning the Solane Mother of the Year at the Mrs. Philippines Globe in 2014. “That was the beginning of projects pouring in without me expecting that one day I would also be landing acting assignments.”

Does she have any regrets about pursuing her acting passion a bit late in life?

“None at all because I know that everybody does not stop dreaming regardless of age or stature (in life) that’s why I cannot say that I am too late to realize my showbiz dream. I am just thankful that I am now enjoying what I love to do ever since I was young,” said the now 41-yearold Fe who also revealed that not all people are blessed to be lucky in career and in love. She admitted to have gone through rough relationships. “Still, I am grateful that my children are doing okay.” She has two sons and a daughter.

Meanwhile, Fe is looking forward to starting her own perfume business. She is planning to name it Lolly Belle. “I love different scents so it would be nice to put up something that interests you.

In my case, from the business name alone ako na ang nag-isip na alam kong babagay sa perfume business.”

Fe also has upcoming projects that include the new digital series titled “High” for ABS-CBN with GirlTrends member Sam rimando. She, too, will soon be seen in the utility advertisement of Meralco and Pharma. Her recent commercials were Globe Telecom (Hunchback Saga), Wanda Gravy, Honest Bee and Grab. By the time you read this, she will probably be busy on the set working with director Jeffrey Hidalgo for an indie film.

With Fe’s hands full of projects these days, it only proves that no one is ever too late in making a dream come true.

B DECEMBER 30, 2017-JanuaRy 2, 2018 • La WEEKEnD aSIan JOuRnaL

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Your Immigration Solution ATTY. NANCY MILLER & ANDA C. KWONG 2017 has been a breakthrough year for the victims of sexual assault; so much so that Time Magazine has named â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Silence Breakersâ&#x20AC;? (whom they call â&#x20AC;&#x153;the voices that launched a movementâ&#x20AC;?) as the Person of the Year. Bravo to the many individuals coming forward with sexual harassment and sexual assault stories against those who had abused their positions of power to silence their victims. Some for years. As a floodgate of cases is opening against well-known celebrities, producers, politicians, religious leaders, and news reporters, it is important to remember that not all perpetrators and not all victims are famous. One in four women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, and in eight out of ten rape cases, the victim knows the perpetrator. But, as this year has shown, no one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the undocumented and the noncitizen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; needs to remain silent.

There is law to help.

Sadly, many undocumented people have felt silenced for years, whether against employers, spouses, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;friends.â&#x20AC;? If and when an undocumented victim is ready to come forward, the first step is to ensure that s/he is safe, and has a place to stay.

Once a safety plan has been established for her and her children, the immigration aspects can be addressed; whether the individual is in removal proceedings before an immigration judge or not. There are also ways to reopen cases if the individual has already been ordered removed from the US. Some forms of immigration relief for victims of sexual assault include protections under the Violence Against Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Act of 1994 and Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act. An undocumented spouse or child of a U.S. citizen (â&#x20AC;&#x153;USCâ&#x20AC;?)

Time to stop the silence: Sexual assault and immigration or permanent resident (â&#x20AC;&#x153;LPRâ&#x20AC;?), or a parent of a USC, who is battered or subject to extreme cruelty may file a self-petition.

There are requirements that the spouse or child have resided with the USC or LPR abuser, was battered or subject to extreme cruelty during the marriage, the marriage was entered into in good faith, that she has good moral character, and that she is otherwise eligible for the petition. She does not necessarily still need to be married to the abuser, as long as she can show there was a connection between the termination of marriage and the abuse. There are other instances that may apply if there is no longer a valid marriage.

Additionally, not everyone will have hard proof of the abuse, but there may be ways to show that it exists through circumstantial corroborative evidence.

Another potential avenue for relief is applying for a nonimmigrant visa (â&#x20AC;&#x153;NIVâ&#x20AC;?) as a victim of an enumerated crime, such as sexual assault or rape. Even an attempt to commit either of these crimes may be sufficient depending on the circumstances. Before requesting a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Uâ&#x20AC;?

NIV, law enforcement must sign a certification that the victim has been or is being or will be helpful to either the prosecution or investigation of the crime. The public policy idea behind this relief is that encouraging those without status to come forward and report crimes increases the general publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety. A similar NIV, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tâ&#x20AC;?, is generally for those who have been subject to the use of force, fraud, or coercion for trafficking (including but not solely sex trafficking).

Those who qualify need to show that they are physically present in the US on account of the trafficking.

Furthermore, while asylum law is complicated and has stringent requirements, there is

case law guidance on domestic violence-based asylum. One of the requirements of asylum as it pertains to sexual violence is that the applicant belongs to a particular social group where its characteristics are immutable.

Claims have been successful where the applicant is a member of a group of married women unable to escape their relationships in Guatemala. Another successful claim is for victims of female genital mutilation. Sexual assault and rape may closely align with existing case law, and an advocate will tie the personal facts of the case, country conditions, and all other relevant factors in order to present the strongest arguments.

Step-by-step, we can work together to begin the healing process, such that the silenced may move forward to grasp life and live freely. There is a plethora of resources available to victims of sexual assault and rape. Depending on the facts of the case, there may also be immigration relief that applies. If you believe that you or someone who you know may be abused, consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration lawyer.

There is help, and the time for silence is over. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration ďŹ rms in the United States with ofďŹ ces in Pasadena, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com website: www.rreeves.com *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lima, Peru and Machu Picchu 0D\ WR 0D\ would go to pick it up himself. That was the news May 21 (Monday - Day 1) Los Angeles/Buenos Aires, Argentina (LA 601 agent Bergoglio phoned when he was elected as the Pope to cancel Newspaper delivery.

LAXLIM 2130 -0750) Finally we will visit San Ignacio de Loyola church, the first adobe church and the most ancient one in May 22 (Tuesday - Day 2) Buenos Aires, it was built by the Jesuits in 1675 and Buenos Aires (LA 7901 0931 1556) Meet our tour escort, panoramic tours on the way to a declared Historic Monument in 1942. He assumed the position of Superior in this Order until he was elected restaurant for Lunch, at EL Porteno Restaurant, located overlooking the river in Puerto Madero then as the Pope. to Hotel. (D) Tango Show with dinner this evening.

May 24 (Thursday - Day 4) Buenos Aires/Lujan Visit the Basilica of Lujan with Lunch Private Services May 23 (Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Day 3) Buenos Aires Half day city tour of Buenos Aires, will give us an idea with English Speaking Guide - Full Day (8hs 120 kms) about the Demographic,Architectural and Historic Depart from hotel toward the city of Lujan, situated 68 km. from the city of Buenos Aires. This locality, characterisitics of Buenos Aires.

Sightseeing includes the Principal spots of the City, considered sacred, developed around the Sanctuary Like Plaza De Mayo,La Rosada,The Cathedral,Avenue of the Virgin of Lujan, and always a center of 9 of July, Theater Colon, Obelisco, National Congress, pilgrimages. Each year in October, there takes The Neighborhood of â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Bocaâ&#x20AC;? with its traditional and place an important pilgrimage of the young in the colorful â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ciminito Streetâ&#x20AC;?,Plaza San Martin, Recoleta direction of the monumental church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan, which faces the Plaza Belgrano.

Cemetery And the Gardens of Palermo.

Afternoon tours recreates the life and work of Pope The actual cathedral, with gothic lines, began Francis,during this tour we will discover the real Jorge construction in 1889 but was concluded in 1937.

Mario Bergoglio also known as Pope Francis. He has Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an impressive architectural example as much always been focused on the simplicity of his way of for its facade as for its interior design. Aside from living .He was born in 1936 in the middle or lower appreciating the majestic cathedral, during the tour class neighborhood like Flores, son of italian worker, expect to visit the Historic Colonial Museum, located in the old church that contains a valuable collection his father was a railroader, a humble man.

Our first stop is at the neo classical San Jose De of arms and uniforms, objects of art history, colonial Flores Church, where he used to pray as a teenager. silversmithing, indigineous and gaucho arts and the Nearby this Church we can find the house where the Museum of Transport that presents a vast collection of Pope and four siblings grew up with their Parents, carriages, airplanes and the first steam locomotive of the country, named â&#x20AC;&#x153;La Portena.â&#x20AC;? During the course Regina Maria Sivori and Mario Bergoglio.

In this area we will also admire Maria Auxiliadora of the visit, there will be lunch at a local restaurant.

Basilica and San Carlos Borromeo Church where the In the afternoon begin the return toward the city of Pope was baptized Christmas of 1936, here you can Buenos Aires and finally the hotel. (B,L,D) appreciate the font. In the 70th Anniversary of his baptism, the church hung a frame with the copy of May 25 (Friday - Day 5) AM departure Buenos the record of the parish book, where you can see his Aires to Lima, Peru (2428 EZELIM 0750 1050) sacramental record (you will be able to see it during Arrive in Lima. A transportation Service with a guide the evening mass). A curious thing about this church will pick us up from the airport and transfer us to is that Carlos Gardel frequented this church and was our Hotel Lunch, will be in a local restaurant, try the part of the choir at the beginning of the 20th century, delicious Pollo a la Brasa.

After Lunch will start the tour en route to downtown. you can see a memorial plaque.

The Image of Maria Auxiliadora is also important, for We will first go to the Birth house of San Martin De San Lorenzo because Lorenzo Massa was inspired Porres, currently an institution of Social Assistance to by the blue cape of the Virgin to design the team´s the underprivileged that bears his name. t-shirt. This t-shirt was worn by Los Forzosos del There is a small Museum dedicated to St Martin, the Almagro, the first name the team received. These chapel located in the room where he was born and colors have identified the club through history. Then then the dining room, where lunch is served free to the elderly.If you wish to bring any donations, it will be we continue to San Antonio Church.

Heading downtown, the tour passes by the Jesuit very appreciated and welcome.

College of El Salvador, where Bergoglio taught We will visit the Saint Rose of Lima Church. Visit Santo literature and psychology in the 1960s, and Salvador Domingo Convent ,where the first Peruvian Saints are University which he later oversaw. We will also pass Buried: Saint Martin De Porres and Saint Rose of

by Santa Catalina church, which was the first women Lima. Dinner then return to the hotel.

Monastery in Buenos Aires City and one of oldest and May 26 (Saturday - Day 6) Lima Fly to Cusco most prestigious convent.

The tour ends at Plaza de Mayo where we will walk (LA 2043 LIMCUZ 1455-1612) around the area and see Buenos Aires Archbishopric After breakfast, guided tour of both the colonial and where Bergoglio lived until he was elected pope, the modern sections of Lima, City of Kingsâ&#x20AC;?. Colonial Metropolitan Cathedral, which looks more like a Lima includes a visit to the Main Square, located in the classical Greek temple than a typical Catholic church. heart of downtown to view the Government Palace, There, Bergoglio eventually presided as the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Town Hall, The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Desamparadosâ&#x20AC;? Train Station ,the archbishop. Inside the imposing building there is the old streets with their vice royal mansions and Moorish tomb of the South American independence hero Jose style balconies, the Bishop Palace with its beautiful de San Martin. A new Museum will be set up in one of balconies and the Cathedral of Lima. (Its outstanding the halls to the left of the central nave of the temple, features are the choir stalls, the Churrigueresque the name will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jorge M. Bergoglio Cardinalâ&#x20AC;? .The Chapel of the Immaculate, the main altar and a Christ exhibit will include personal and liturgical objects that made of carved ivory). Then walk towards the Aliaga he used during the archbishopric, like ornaments, House â&#x20AC;&#x201C; viceregal house delivered by Francisco cassocks and a pastoral staff that the bishops wear Pizarro to one of his captains (Jeronimo de Aliaga) as a representation of their pastoral function. Here you when the city was established â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a jewel of colonial will also find the ring that identified him as a cardinal, architecture currently inhabited by family members.

Continue your tour by visiting San Francisco with he decided to give it away to the Cathedral.

Then we will pass by Roverano Passage, the first one its convent (considered to be the most important in the City and where we find Romano Hairdresserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, religious monument of Lima, built in 1542 in Baroque the one that the pope frequented during 20 years. A style and consecrated in 1673) and the museum short distance away we find the news agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where of colonial art, cloisters and catabumbs. Your drive he daily bought the newspaper, and on Sundays he through Lima will pass by several Colonial squares,

churches and mansions, and then you will continue to the Modern Districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, for a glimpse of life in this huge city, as well as its beautiful parks, modern buildings and great ocean views. After lunch transfer to the Airport for the flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

In the evening you will be transferred to local restaurant for Dinner show.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner May 27 (Sunday - Day 7) Lima - Cusco (Pls Schedule Sunday Mass) Early morning, transfer to Sunday Mass.

Rest of the morning Free time. Take the remainder of the morning to nap or relax as you adjust to Cusco high altitude.

In the afternoon your guided tour of the Inca Royal City of Cusco starts in the very impressionable Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by a beautiful stone arcade. In the Plaza is the Cathedral, with outside façade in Renaissance style is in contrast to its Baroque and plateresque style of its interiors.

The Convent of Santo Domingo was built above the most important Inca Temple, the Temple of the Sun, or Koricancha. Near the City of Cusco, you will visit the Inca Fortress Sacsayhuaman, made up of three gigantic terraces, superimposed in a zigzag form.

Qenqo, was a religious centre formed by a singular flowering of calcareous rock. It has underground galleries and a semicircular amphitheater with a series of stone seats.

Nearby is a Tambomachay, well known as Baths of the Incas, a place dedicated to the cult of the water, formed by aqueducts, channels.

Stop at Pisac Market for a display of colorful native craftsmanship, enjoy Lunch in Urubamba and head for temple of the sun.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner May 28 (Sunday - Day 8) Cusco - Sacred Valley Your tour will start en route to the Sacred Valley, Where you will visit Awanakancha, a farm of South America camelids and showroom of textiles, where local families show the entire traditional process of weaving and making garments. You will then visit the Pisac citadel, a town shaped as a partridge, which is known for two reasons: for the craft market established between colonial buildings and for housing one of the most impressive complex of agricultural terraces of the valley. The market has scores of stands that exhibit and sell products manufactured by the residents of the area.

You will then have lunch at the agreed restaurant and will arrive in Ollantaytambo, a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions. Pachacutec (1438-1471) conquered the town, destroyed it and built a new one, absorbing it as part of his empire.

The Ollantaytambo fortress is a huge archaeological complex which, although it bears the name of fortress, it was actually a tambo, a leisure city used to accommodate the delegations that traveled long distances. Without a doubt, it is one of the most monumental works of the Inca Empire.

Accommodation at Casa Andina Private Collection Urubamba â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Superior room.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch *Important â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tonight, please pack an overnight bag for your journey to Machu Picchu. Due to luggage restrictions aboard the trains to/from Machu Picchu, passengers may only take 1 small bag weighing no more than 5 kg (11 lbs.). The rest of your luggage will be taken to Cusco city and will be stored at your selected hotel. You will retrieve your luggage on May 30

Marian Pilgrimage France, Spain & Portugal

6HSW WR 6HSW ĹĄ 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5HY -RKQ 'X\ 1JX\HQ the sisters of charity of Nevers. St Gildard convent Sept 8 - (Saturday - Day 1) USA/PARIS Transatlantic flight from USA to Paris (CDG )Meals is her final resting place. After she was blessed with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, serve on board.

St. Bernadette retired in Nevers. She received her religious habit in 1866. Continue to Paray-Le-Monial Sept 9 - (Sunday - Day 2) Paris (CDG) Arrived Paris CDG, Then after we clear immigration for Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) and collect our Luggage,. you will proceed to your hotel and have mass and dinner. Overnight in Paris. Sept 13 - (Thursday - Day 6) Paray-Le-Monial (D) After Breakfast, you will tour Paray-Le-Monial. Your first stop is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Sept 10 - (Monday - Day 3) Paris Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations here you will celebrate Holy Eucharist. Then you will in the world, also known as the City of Light. Full day tour and admire the Romanesque basilica and see touring with local guide, including visit of the Eiffel the Chapel of Apparitions. After the Basilica, you will tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Sacre proceed to the Monastere e la Visitation. Visit the Coeur, The chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de reliquary of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque at the Bac is the site of Marian Apparitions and contain the Chapel of Visitation. Still to see and visit after lunch reliquaries of St. Catherine Laboure and St. Louise De is the Park of the Chaplain and the Chapel of St. Marillac. The shrine of St. Vincent the Paul is within Colombiere. Dinner & Overnight (BB, D) walking distance, a few blocks from Rue De Bac, visit the chapel which houses the relic of St. Vincent the Sept 14 - (Friday - Day 7) Paray-Le-Monial / Lourdes Paul. Overnight in Paris (BB/D) After breakfast you will continue your pilgrimage to Lourdes. Lourdes, celebrating 160 Years of Sept 11 - (Tuesday - Day 4) Paris/Lisieux After breakfast, Full day in Lisieux, home of St apparitions of Blessed Virgin to Bernadette. Still one Therese, who at age 15, entered the convent and of the great pilgrimages shrines in the world, visited became Carmelite nun, she took the religious name by thousands of pilgrimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Arrive in Lourdes in the of St Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy face. late afternoon, orientation to the shrines and spends The spirituality of her little ways was not about some time in the sanctuary. Dinner & overnight. extraordinary things, but rather about doing simple (BB, D) things of life well and with extraordinary love. She believed and taught that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything is Graceâ&#x20AC;?, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sept 15 - (Saturday - Day 8) face and presence could be experienced in every Lourdes person and situation of our lives, if we just attend You will have early morning bath at the healing water with love and expectancy. She died at the age of 24 of Lourdes. Then return to the hotel for breakfast. believing that her life was really the beginning for There after attend Holy Mass at the Grotto. continue God, promising to spend her heaven doing good on the day with a walking tour of the shrines and earth, her promisedâ&#x20AC;? shower of Rosesâ&#x20AC;? began and places associated with the life of St. Bernadette. have become a torrent in the church ever since. Spend some time meditating on the passion of our Return to Paris, Dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. Lord through more than life size exotic way of the sacrament and prayers. Afternoon will be free time for Overnight in Lisieux (BB, D) private devotion. Dinner/overnight (BB, D) Sept 12 - (Wednesday - Day 5) Sept 16 - (Sunday - Day 9) Lisieux / Nevers / Paray-Le-Monial After Breakfast, Continue your drive to the Lourdes / Zaragoza picturesque Loire valley to Nevers, visit the convent After Breakfast, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue your drive towards of St. Gillard, where St. Bernadetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incorrupt body Zaragoza, Spain. Visit the shrines of Our Lady of miraculously preserved since her death in 1879. Pillar, the 2nd most popular pilgrimages sites in At the conclusion of the eighteen apparitions of Spain. See the Magnificent altar in the Basilica, built the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, St. Bernadette lived on site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to for 12 years as a member of the congregation of the apostles St. James, before her assumption into May 29 (Tuesday - Day 9) Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu After Breakfast Board the Vistadome train and travel through the sacred Valley of the Incas on the way to Aguas Calientes, then Hop on the Bus headed to the Citadel, explore Machu Picchu with a Guided tour and admire the seven Wonders of the World, enjoy exploring the sites.

Upon arrival at Machu Picchuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aguas Calientes Station, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll meet your guide and will take a 30-minute shuttle-bus ride to Machu Picchu, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lost City of the Incasâ&#x20AC;?. The ruins are located in a lush jungle and are believed to have been built in the mid-15th century by Inca Pachacutec. Lost in history, it was not discovered until 1911 by the merican explorer Hiram Bingham. Enjoy a guided tour of the fabled ruins.

Now Recognized as a member of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a marvelous and famous citadel which combines the visual and spiritual force of magnificent natural scenery with the natural diversity of a historic sanctuary. Machu Picchu is recognized as a Cultural and Natural Patrimony of the World which rises to an altitude of 7,900 feet above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu Mountain in two separate areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; agricultural and

urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations) and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses).

Although the constructions show different levels of architecture, the religious buildings exhibits a high degree of perfection. The construction was generally in stone and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu or straw. The walls lean slightly inward to protect against earthquakes.

Later, board the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch.

Overnight at Casa Sel Sol boutique Hotel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Standard room.

Meals include: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner.

heaven. Dinner/overnight Zaragoza (BB, D) Sept 17 - (Monday - Day 10) Zaragoza / Salamanca After breakfast you will embark on a trip to Salamanca. You will have a short stop and panoramic tour of Avila. Upon arrival in Salamanca, you will visit the Old Cathedral and tour the city. Dinner /overnight Salamanca (BB, D) Sept 18 - (Tuesday - Day 11) Salamanca / Fatima After Breakfast, you will spend the first half of the day touring Salamanca. You will visit the new cathedral with a short stop at Plaza Mayor for lunch. After lunch you will continue to Fatima, the famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Upon arrival you will have a short orientation tour of the Sanctuary. Attend the nightly Candlelight procession at the Shrine. Dinner and Overnight Fatima (BB, D) Sept 19 - (Wednesday - Day 12) Fatima Breakfast, then Visit the Museum dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by Mass at the Apparitions chapel, Full day Guided tours includes the Shrines ground, visit of the tombs of Francisco and Jacinta in the Basilica, In Aljustrel and Valinhos, you see the two homes of the shepherds, site of Our Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth apparitions. Stop at the Parish church where the seers were baptized, and the cemetery where Francisco and Jacinta were once buried. You will do the station of the Cross. We encourage everyone to spend some time in the Blessed Sacrament, which is open every day. Dinner/ overnight FĂĄtima. (BB, D) Sept 20 - (Thursday - Day 13) Fatima / Lisbon After breakfast ,you will proceed to Lisbon with stops at Santarem to visit the church of the Holy Miracle containing the Glorious 13th century Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem .Then you will do a panoramic city tour of Lisbon, with a visit to the Basilica of St Anthony de Padua, St Jeronimoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monastery and the famous Belem Tower. Dinner/Overnight Lisbon (BB, D) Sept 21 - (Friday) Early AM transfer to Lisbon Airport for flight home to USA Full of wonderful memories of Our Pilgrimage

meters in the middle, on which they placed two large wooden boards. Thus, the Incas could isolate the city and protect themselves by removing them.

Later take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, head to the train station and board the Vistadome train Ollantaytambo station. On arrival, you will be transferred to your selected hotel in Cusco city.

Accommodation at Hilton Garden Inn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Superior Room Meals included: Breakfast, dinner at the hotel *Important â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The visits to Huayna Picchu have a restricted access to 400 passengers per day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 200 at 7:00 a.m. and 200 at 10:00 a.m. This entrance is subject to availability and the guests have to choose and inform their preferred scheduled with time in advance. Guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; information such as complete May 30 (Wednesday - Day 10) Machu Picchu name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and pre payment are required to purchase the to Cusco After having breakfast today, you will meet your guide entrance fee. Entrance fees to Huayana Picchu and at the lobby of the hotel and will enjoy a second visit Machu Picchu are non refundable/non endorsable. to Machu Picchu.

You may climb the Wayna Picchu (entrance fee May 31, 2018 (Thursday - Day 11) End of the included), which means â&#x20AC;&#x153;Young Mountainâ&#x20AC;? as opposed tour, flight schedule as below to Machu Picchu. Its ascent takes approximately an 6:10 am Transfer to airport to board your flight to Lima hour and its top attraction is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Temple of the Moonâ&#x20AC;?, Cusco - Lima- Lax (LA2054 CUZLIM 0840 1010) a complex of underground constructions probably Upon arrival, connect with your international flight used for the elite. You may finally go to the Inca Bridge, LAX ( LA600 LIMLAX 1220 1900) an amazing stone construction which served to enter Welcome Back home to USA or exit the citadel that has an empty space of several

C DECEMBER 30, 2017 - JANUARY 2, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon ARE you seriously in debt and thinking of filing bankruptcy as a last resort?

Individuals who have accumulated excessive debt are often left to ponder whether bankruptcy is their only realistic way to get out of debt. However, they hesitate to do so because of all the negative things they’ve heard about bankruptcy.

Sometimes, these people feel that somehow, they’ve lost, failed, or that they will never have a chance to rebuild their credit again.

Because we are living in a society where having a lot of credit cards has become the norm, they also can’t imagine themselves without credit cards. They often tell me: If I lose all my credit cards, what will I use in case of an emergency? But this is the wrong question to ask.

The truth is that credit cards only give us a sense of false security. Why? Because these plastic cards create the illusion of having money that you actually don’t have in your bank account, that’s why. That is exactly how most people end up spending their money before they even earn it.

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS THE Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was recently enacted into law, impact various issues in a divorce case. These changes are effective beginning 2018 through 2025.

Spousal Support. Spousal Support will no longer be deductible by the paying spouse and will not be taxable income to the supported spouse for post 2017 divorce judgments and support orders. This will benefit the supported spouse in that the spousal support will be tax free income to the supported spouse. This does not affect existing orders and judgments for support entered prior to 2018. Prior to 2018, spousal support was tax deductible to the payor and taxable income to supported spouse.

Is bankruptcy the only realistic way for you to get out of debt?

And they wonder why they are broke every pay day no matter how hard they work.

If you find yourself over-extended and have tried living on a budget, doing financial counseling, etc. and still have not made great progress in repaying your debts, I applaud you at least for your efforts. However, your plan must be a realistic one or you will simply end up getting frustrated.

When you have incurred more debt that you can possibly repay, perhaps filing bankruptcy may be the only way to get debt relief. And in most cases, it’s not as complicated and as bad as what your creditors would like you to believe. As a matter of fact, most people who file for bankruptcy do just fine. They rebuild their credit after a few years and a lot of them are able to buy homes just like everyone else. Filing bankruptcy doesn’t have to be the end of the world. It is only a new beginning for those who really need it.

Suppose you have attempted to negotiate with your creditors to work out an affordable repayment plan but they simply would not work with you? Although you’ve told them repeatedly that you cannot afford to pay the entire amount, they refuse to cooperate and continue to threaten you with filing a lawsuit, obtain-

ing a judgment and perhaps even garnishing your wages (which you know you cannot afford).

What else can you do? This may leave you no other option but to seek debt relief through our federal bankruptcy laws.

If you are drowning in debt, don’t wait until things get worse or you may regret not having acted sooner. Waiting until the last minute also doesn’t give you enough time that you need to find a good attorney who can protect your interests.

Remember that like doctors, not all lawyers are the same. You need a competent legal representative who understands the debt collection and bankruptcy laws and has had the experience of handling a lot of cases like yours.

Hiring the wrong attorney can only make your situation worse.

For a free office consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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2018 tax changes that affect divorcing couples Dependency Exemptions.

The new law suspends personal and dependency tax exemptions effective 2018. This is not favorable to the parent who has sole or primary physical custody of the child because under the law prior to 2018, that parent can claim the dependency exemption for the child in a divorce case. However, this loss may be offset by the higher standard deduction available for 2018 which is $24,000 for joint filers and $18,000 for heads of households.

Child and Family Tax Credit.

Child tax credit is increased to $2,000 from $1,000 per qualifying child beginning 2018. This would benefit parents with sole or primary physical custody of the child. Further, up to $1,400 of the child tax credit can be refundable if it exceeds the par-

ents’ tax liability. Prior to 2018, this credit was not refundable.

However, the child tax credit begins to be phased out once the parents’ adjusted gross income reaches $200,000 or $400,000 for joint filers.

Mortgage Interest deduction.

It is common among divorcing couple to buy the other party’s interest out of a community property home through refinancing. Beginning 2018, mortgage interest on loans used to acquire principal residence and a second home is only deductible up to $750,000 (down from $1 million prior to 2018) beginning with loans taken out in 2018. Further, interest on home equity loans are no longer tax deductible regardless of when the debt was taken out. This would be a disadvantage to the party keeping the

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

Tax Tips VictoR Sy,

cPA, mBA

OUR recommendations of tax moves before year-end is a little different because of President Trump’s major tax overhaul and the time – or lack of it - to implement tax savings ideas in just before 12/31/17.

Tax rates are going down, standard deductions are going up, and property taxes and state taxes are capped; therefore, consider pulling deductions into this year and pushing income into next year.

1. Prepay your January mortgage installment in December to deduct an extra month of mortgage interest that you might not be able to deduct on your 2018 return.

2. Prepay property taxes due next year to avoid maximum $10,000 cap in 2018. Property tax bills generally go out in the fall with half the taxes due by early December and the other half due by April. If your state and local taxes will be greater

Year-end tax moves by December 31, 2017 than $10,000, pay the April installment before the end of this year.

3. Pay your January state estimated taxes in December to deduct this year instead of next.

4. If you’ve been planning to buy a car, do it before the end of the year to avail of sales tax this year.

5. Take advantage of expiring deductions for home office, depreciation on a personal computer required for the job, dues to professional societies and subscriptions to journals and trade magazines, business entertainment expenses, such as sports tickets or green fees, and membership dues for clubs organized for business.

6. Make gifts to charities whose benefits will likely decrease on Jan 1.

7. Harvest your capital losses to offset capital gains.

8. Postpone and defer receipt of income until 2018 to take advantage of the lower tax rates.

Individual marginal tax rates are shifting lower, so you’ll generally pay less taxes on the same

amount of earnings in 2018 compared with 2017.

9. Consider holding off on sending invoices so the payments come in 2018 if you are self-employed.

10. Pass-through entities such as S corporations, LLCs and partnerships will get a new 20% deduction in 2018 so consider deferring income and accelerating deduction. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental

agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@ live.com.

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Christ must be a part of Christmas and our daily lives to have a life with joyful meaning IT has been forty plus years that I have witnessed and celebrated the birthday of Christ in America, a nation built on JudeoChristian traditions. Over those four decades, I have seen the gradual transformation and obvious commercialism of Christmas that may have contributed to the decline of its true essence, as the name of Christ is gradually separated from CHRISTmas. To be politically correct, people — including Christians and Catholics —greet or decorate their workplace or homes with “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” greetings, instead of the traditional “MERRY CHRISTMAS” signage. I often wonder why people are afraid or hesitant to say “Merry Christmas” whereas some non-Christians, like our Muslim brothers or sisters, are unabashedly proud to wear their hijab, niqab or burga, as a part of their garments. Although America was founded as a Christian nation, it appears that it is shying away from those Christian beliefs and traditions.

Now, the vocal minority nonChristians who want America to

The Metamorphosis

eRnie d. delfin forget its glorious past by demanding the deletion of Christ’s name and all things that pertain to Him. These demands include but not limited to the banning of prayer in schools and other public places, Christmas trees, stars and decorations; and even the Ten Commandment signs in public! And they are winning slowly but surely. Removing such reminders of our faith, regardless of one’s religion, and challenging our rights to practice them or pray, I believe, has some direct correlation with lawlessness and crimes committed in our country today.

People who conveniently remove Christ from their Christmas celebration probably means that He may not be really pres-

ent in their lives during the other months of the year. To be a believer and follower means doing our best to follow His teachings and admonition. What we do daily becomes a habit. That’s faith in action, exemplified by the way saints live their lives. Christ was not only a revolutionary individual but also a great servant leader during His time on Earth.

He was not just great teacher but our Savior by dying on the cross, to redeem us from our sins.

The story of Jesus — from His birth in Bethlehem in a lowly manger to His death in Calvary and His Resurrection on the third day — is the greatest story ever told. Our faith in Christ gives us hope and hope gives us life.

Without HIM, our human life will be meaningless.

Christmas is a season that motivates us to think more of others, hence we take precious time to buy and wrap many gifts for our loved ones, family and friends.

And we do our best and take precious time to “feed the homeless, clothe the naked, give drink to the

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2017 - JANUARY 2, 2018

Employment protections strengthened under new laws in 2017 THIS is our yearly wrap-up of some of the new laws that were created or that took effect in California in 2017 to continue to protect employees: California Prohibits OnDuty and On-Call Rest Breaks The high court ruled that an off-duty rest break means a time during which an employee is relieved from all work-related duties and free from employer control. Such off-duty rest breaks must be provided. Thus, generally, and for most employees, California law prohibits on-duty and on-call rest breaks. During required rest breaks, employers must relieve their employees of all duties and relinquish any control over how employees spend their break time. Otherwise, employers must pay an extra hour of pay per day that a rest break is not provided.

Gender Pay Equality Law Expanded Beginning 2017, an employer shall not pay employees at wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of a different race or ethnicity for substantially similar work, and performed under similar working conditions, even though employees may have different titles or work at different sites.

Additionally, an employee’s prior salary cannot, by itself, justify any disparity in the employee’s compensation.

Domestic Worker Bill of Rights Made Permanent In 2017, the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights law became permanent. This law entitled personal attendants, such as nannies and caregivers, to over-

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. time pay for work beyond 9 hours per day or 45 hours per week.

New Minimum Wage Increases For any employer who employs 26 or more employees, the minimum wage shall be $10.50 per hour from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.

It will increase to $11.00 per hour starting January 1, 2018.

Employers with 25 or fewer employees will raise their minimum wage in 2018 from $10.00 per hour to $10.50 per hour.

California Supreme Court Affirms Employees’ Right to One Day’s Rest in Seven A day of rest is guaranteed for each workweek. A “workweek” is defined as any seven consecutive days, starting with the same calendar day each week. Thus, a workweek means a fixed and regularly recurring period, e.g., Sunday to Saturday, or Monday to Sunday, and not a rolling period of any seven consecutive days. Employees working shifts of six hours or less every day in a workweek is exempted from the day of rest requirement. But, if, on any one day, an employee works more than six hours, a day of rest must be provided during that workweek.

An employer must not induce its employees to forgo rest to which he or she is en-

titled. Employees who work 7 straight days must be paid according to California’s principal overtime laws, including paying an overtime premium for work on the seventh-day.

Paid Sick Leave Extended to In-Home Supportive Services Employees Beginning July 1, 2018, an employee who provides inhome supportive services who works in California for 30 or more days within a year from the start of employment are entitled to paid sick leave.

These employees provide personal care and domestic services to persons who are aged, blind or disabled and who live in their own homes.

Toilet Facilities Must Be Identified as All-Gender Beginning March 1, 2017, all single-user toilet facilities in any business establishment, place of public accommodation, or government agency must be identified as all-gender toilet facilities. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at nocost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

(Advertising Supplement)

A client wants Chapter 7, but can he avoid the presumption of abuse?

A CLIENT wants Chapter 7, but can he avoid the presumption of abuse?

The client is 55, married with a son and daughter who have just entered college. His income is $5,600 gross a month. The wife’s income is $5,500 gross a month.

So, the combined gross of his household of four is $11,100 a month. His income was actually higher than $5,600 a month until four months ago. Four months ago, his gross income was $6,700 a month. He suffered an income reduction of $1,100 mostly due to the evaporation of overtime. The employer decided to hire another person. That killed the overtime pay. He doesn’t own a house but with two children in college, there are a lot of additional expenses that did not exist before.

For instance, he had to provide his son with a new car for college. He also gave his daughter a new car for college. Both cars are being leased. He himself is paying for a late model car, and his wife also drives a new car. Therefore, the client is paying for four new cars. At $500 per month for each car, the car payments total $2,000 per month. Car insurance for four new cars is almost $1,000 a month. So, four cars plus insurance, is about $3,000 a month.

Even if the household’s gross income is $11,100 a month, after taxes and other payroll deductions, net take-home pay for the household is about $8,000. After $3,000 of car payments, what is left is $5,000 for rent, food and other necessities. Rent is $1,500 so what is left is $3,500. Gasoline for four cars is at least $1,000, so what is left is $2,500. There are still food, medicals, and other stuff that have to be paid. After everything is paid, there’s really no disposable income left to pay for credit card debt, if any.

Unfortunately, client owes $40,000 of credit card debt. The wife owes only $10,000 of credit cards. The client’s $40,000 in credit cards require at least $1,200 of minimum payments to keep them current. Wife’s $10K of credit cards require at least $300 of minimum payments.

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng

There is no $1,200 and no $300 of disposable income left. So what happens now?

Well, certainly husband starts to default on the $40K, but the wife is still valiantly paying her $300 to keep her $10,000 of cards current. The client prefers to get a Chapter 7 fresh start and not pay any portion of the $40,000. The wife prefers to not file Chapter 7 for her $10,000.

This is a good decision because $10,000 of cards is still manageable for them if the husband does get rid of his $40,000. Instead of $1,500, they only have to produce $300 to keep her cards current. If the husband is able to discharge $40,000 in Chapter 7, then the household would have reduced their credit card debts from $50,000 to $10,000 a reduction of 80 percent. That should be close enough to a fresh start for the family with only the major debtor spouse filing a Chapter 7.

But can client actually qualify for Chapter 7? If you consider that the median income for a family of 4 in California is $6,800 a month and compare that with client’s household income of $11,100, you can see that there’s going to be a problem overcoming or avoiding the presumption of abuse under the means test for Chapter 7. However, even if client’s income of over the median for a family of 4, if he has additional allowable deductions, he might still qualify for Chapter 7. For instance, if the client takes care of a parent by giving that parent $1K a month, the entire $1K is deductible; or, if there is a nondischargeable tax debt that is being paid by installment of $500 a month. That is also deductible. So just these two items can squeeze client through the means test if applicable because they can make any disposable

income on the means test disappear altogether.

This kind of case requires a lot of detailed examination of what client’s monthly expenses are. It looks like the client has a 401Kloan repayment of $500 a month.

In Chapter 7, the repayment of $500 cannot be deducted in the means test. But in Chapter 13, the $500 a month 401K-loan repayment is deductible in the means test analysis. I like to call this 401K-loan repayment paradox. Let’s say the presumption of abuse arises in this case and the disposable income that pops up is $500 a month. The client will not qualify for Chapter 7 because he has $500 of disposable income monthly. But in Chapter 13, we can deduct the $500 401K-loan repayment. Removing the $500 401K-loan repayment in Chapter 13 would actually make the client’s disposable income zero in Chapter 13, making client’s plan payment zero!

If this case is filed as Chapter 7, documentation of expenses must be complete. The $1,000 being sent to the mother must be fully documented. Otherwise, the U.S. Trustee may file a motion to dismiss for abuse of bankruptcy law. At that time, the client will have the option of converting to Chapter 13. So there is some gambling involved here. If the client has good documentation of expenses, he may be eligible for Chapter 7.

I just had a hearing on a Chapter 7 case where I informed the client that there was a possibility that because her income was over the median for a family of two, there could be some headwinds with the U.S. Trustee asking about her expenses. The client was 70 years old. She still works and makes $75,000 a year.

She sends $2,000 a month to her 72-year-old husband who lives abroad. He doesn’t work and has diabetes and hypertension.

The client was fortunate that her case went through smoothly without questions from the U.S. Trustee even though her income was over the median. This is a

u PAGE C4

2018 tax changes that affect...

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community property home who typically would buy out the other spouse through a refinancing or home equity loan.

Estate and Gift Tax Exemption. The estate tax exemption was raised to $11.2 million per individual beginning 2018. Prior to 2018, the estate tax exemption was $5.49 million per individual.

This is a major win for divorcing couples with significant assets.

Couples with assets over $5.49 million would typically need to use both spouses’ estate tax credit totaling $10.98 in order to avoid paying estate taxes upon their death. The problem arises

after a divorce when each spouse will be limited to $5.49 million.

With the estate tax exemption raised at $11.2 million per individual, this would exempt 99% of divorcing couple from having to pay estate taxes in case of death. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client

relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries of an I-130 petition filed by a deceased relative DEAR Attorney Tan, My US Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed the I-130 petition after I came to the US in 1999 as a tourist from the Philippines. Since my arrival, I have lived in the US and have been out of status. Since I was petitioned as an unmarried adult daughter, I was advised that I had to wait several years to get a green card. Recently, my mother passed away.

Can I still get a green card through my mother’s petition? -H.P. Dear H.P., When your mother passed away, the I-130 that was approved on your behalf was revoked by operation of law pursuant to 8 CFR Section 205.1. However, depending on the facts of a particular case, all is not lost. You may be eligible to get a green card pursuant to INA Section 204(L).

Under INA Section 204(L), relief from an automatic revocation of an I-130 petition is available to certain surviving relatives. Surviving relatives who are eligible to seek 204(L) relief include a 1) principal or derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a deceased permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, and 2) derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen where the principal beneficiary has died.

Section 204(L) relief is also available to derivative beneficiaries in I-140 employment-based petitions where the principal beneficiary has died.

Another requirement for Section 204(L) relief is that the person seeking relief must have “residence” in the US. What is meant by “residence?” It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place. At least one beneficiary must have resided in the U.S. when the petitioning relative died, and must continue to reside in the U.S. when seeking Section 204(L) relief.

It is worth noting that all beneficiaries of a petition can benefit from Section 204(L) relief as long as at least one of the beneficiaries meets the residence requirement. Further, although “residence” is required, Section 204(L) does not require actual physical presence in the U.S. when the relative died.

In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card. You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your US Citizen mother. Further, you appear to meet the residence requirement in that you have been in

the US since your arrival in 1999—you resided in the US when your mother passed away, and currently reside in the US. A check of the USCIS visa bulletin indicates the priority date for the I130 petition filed by your mother on your behalf is current, so you can file an I-485 adjustment Darrick V. Tan, Esq. of status application, requesting reinstatement of the I-130 petition filed by your mother pursuant to Section 204(L).

As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I130 petition was approved. Section 204(L) relief therefore is broader than Humanitarian Reinstatement of a petition under 8 CFR Section 205.1, which can only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner him/herself has died, and after approval of an I-130.

Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly. It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney.

“As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I-130 petition was approved.”

*** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. *** 3LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

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C4 DECEMBER 30, 2017 - JANUARY 2, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL Your Neighborhood Estate Planning Attorney ATTY. GRACE GAIL CARA The American Alzheimer’s Association reported that every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s, more than 5 million Americans are living with the disease, and 1 in 3 seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

But what legal impact do such diseases mean for me and my loved ones? What does it mean to be incapacitated?

Incapacity means that a person cannot make reasonable financial or personal decisions for themselves. Do you have a plan in place if you later become incapacitated? Do your children or family know about these plans?

If you have not planned for the possibility of becoming incapacitated, there may be severe consequences for you and your loved ones.

Often, your family and friends will be faced with difficulties that arise from not appointing anyone to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity.

They may struggle paying your bills, making healthcare decisions on your behalf, and handling other personal matters.

The best way to deal with incapacity and ensure that your loved ones will not go through any difficulties in the future is to plan for it while you are of sound mind.

First, think about whatever issues may arise if you were to lose capacity. Think about the choices you would like to make or have control over. For example, how do you want your finances managed? Your estate or property handled? What medical decisions do you want: withhold all life sustaining treatment or prolong life? Most importantly, whom do you trust enough to make these decisions on your behalf?

Second, consider all your options. The time to plan for the future is while you have mental capacity. There are many options to consider.

But why is this so important?

Conservatorships In the event that you do not have mental capacity and have not appointed an agent to handle your financial affairs or personal care, there is the option of a conservatorship. A probate conservatorship, as we call it in California, allows the court to appoint an individual or professional (conservator) to act on that person’s (conservatee) behalf.

Planning for incapacity Advantages to a conservatorship include: more protection from abuse because the court supervises the conservator and structure provided in managing a person’s affairs and assets. By requiring an inventory listing of a conservatee’s assets and accountings of all transactions, conservatorships are helpful when a conservatee does not want to accept assistance.

However, conservatorships have disadvantages. The court is heavily involved in your personal affairs. This can result in expenses including attorney’s fees, filing fees, and investigator fees. Further, the proceeding is public, and your assets are subject to public record. And while conservatorships provide for structure in managing one’s assets and affairs, a conservator must constantly have court approval for certain transactions.

This in turn requires additional fees and hearings and results in constant delays when completing transactions. Oftentimes, the process deprives a conservatee of their total independence and is many times opposed by the very person it is meant to benefit.

As such, it is important that you plan ahead, while you have capacity, and think about what you want to happen should you become incapacitated. There are other options to avoid conservatorship that can help in your planning.

Durable Power of Attorney for Assets A power of attorney is a legal document made by you (the principal) giving authority to a person you choose (your agent), to make legal decisions on your behalf. It allows your agent to retain legal authority in the event that you lose mental capacity.

Specifically, a financial power of attorney allows you to give your agent the power to make financial decisions according to your wishes.

You can choose to have this power be immediate or springing. Immediate gives the agent the power to manage your money, even while you have capacity. Springing is only effective upon the designated time of incapacity, usually when a physician certifies you incapacitated.

The advantages to a durable power of attorney are that it is an inexpensive and relatively easy way you can manage your financial affairs in the event of incapacity. But what if I already have a joint account with a person of my choosing? Joint bank accounts allow for the joint owner to have legal access to the account for

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Christ must be a part of...

social justice and peace are soretheir own use. A durable power of PAGE C2 t attorney does not allow an agent thirsty and visit those in prison” ly needed in many parts of our to use the principal’s bank ac- (Matthew 25:36-46). Even dona- planet. This columnist in his own count for their own personal use. tions to charities and churches modest ways, is also contributing Further, their authority/powers surge during this Christmas his time, talent and treasure in a terminate upon the principal’s season. Practicing century old few volunteer works: like Catholic death. As such, your assets will tradition, families and friends Church Peace & Justice Ministry remain your own and with your get together to celebrate this joy- and Prison Ministry ( www.rcbo. estate. Further, a durable power ous occasion of Jesus’ birthday. org./group/restore), also with of attorney is revocable. This Service to others becomes more Gawad Kalinga (www.gk1world. means you can amend or revoke/ common and has become a tradi- com), and to our Rotary organization (www.rotary.org). I chalterminate your agent’s powers at tion for many families.

Serving othany time while you have capacity.

However, there is still the dis- ers without exadvantage that a durable power pecting anything of attorney is subject to abuse by is a universal an agent. The agent who has ac- truth that keeps cess to a principal’s money may countless of nonnot be as honest as hoped. This profit organizais the reason it is so important to tions to continue plan ahead and choose an agent t h e i r m i s s i o n volunteeryou know is trustworthy and ca- of pable of handling your affairs. ism and servicAdvanced Health Care Direc- ing the needs of others from America to Africa. lenge our dear readers who are tive (AHCD) Similar to a durable power of For instance, last Dec. 17, CNN not yet doing any Service Above attorney for finances, one for again honored Ten Heroes of the Self to please consider volunteerhealth care (or an AHCD) allows Year, who have unselfishly did ing in their communities in any your appointed agent to make extraordinary acts of compas- humanitarian organizations. Dodecisions regarding your health sion to others without expecta- ing so will make one’s life worth and according to your wishes. tions of being compensated. The living and fulfilled, and real JOY Further, this legal document only timing just about a week before will be its fruits.

Lastly, may I (again) share my works once you lose capacity, Christmas was inspiring that or unless you state otherwise. motivated me to heed the chal- Christmas prayer that was origiIn an AHCD, you give your lenge of Subaru’s CEO to donate nally composed more than20 agent broad or limited powers some money to the CNN heroes’ years ago: My Christmas Prayer like the right to access any of causes to be matched up to half It’s Christmas Day again your medical records. You can a million dollars. I just hope all specifically instruct your agent the other networks or multi-na- and I feel all alone — except on what healthcare instruc- tional companies will also honor with my thoughts, reliving where tions you wish to be followed, other heroes so that every month I have been, where I am now and like if you wish to withhold life we are reminded and inspired where I want go from here. Alsustaining treatment, if you that there are still many people though I am a man, I can’t help want your organs donated, or who immerse themselves in the but become nostalgic with misty if you prefer to cremated, etc. service towards others. As past eyes, while composing this unIn essence, the benefits of hav- Rotary International president orthodox Christmas prayer.

Oh Lord, Redeemer of the ing a durable power of attorney Cliff Dochterman proclaimed, or AHCD are obvious and one “Real Happiness is Serving Oth- World, is this what it takes to be should make an effort to plan ers,” a philosophy that hundreds alive? To witness or undergo for their future while they have of thousands of Rotarians heed, the endless depravations, and the mental capacity to do so. believe and practice everyday tribulations of humanity? Why can’t all your children be happy This allows for the next throughout the world.

However, with countless ba- and at peace not only in dreams step in the planning process.

Third, see an attorney. Once sic human needs that are unmet and words but also in reality? For you are fully aware of what globally there is still a massive since I’ve flown from parental planning you would like, con- need for people to become Ser- nest, I think I have seen more hutact your Friendly Neighbor- vant Leaders, to lessen the human man sadness and struggles than hood Estate Planning Attorney suffering and tragedies in our the “joy and hope” that Christto help you and your loved one world. More works of charity, mas traditionally brings. plan for incapacity. If your loved one needs long-term care, it is important to seek an attorney knowledgeable in this field. build bigger ones, and there I PAGE C3 t *** Grace Gail Cara, Esq. is an Estate Planning borderline Chapter 7 case that will store all my supplies of grain. attorney at Elder Law Services of if there was inadequate docu- And I’ll say to myself, “You have California. She can be contacted at (310) mentation of expenses could plenty of grain laid up for many 348-2995 or grace@elderlawcalifornia. have been dismissed or con- years. Take life easy, eat, drink & com. The opinions expressed in this verted to Chapter 13. Each case be merry.” “But God said to him article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the has different circumstances and “You fool! This very night your Asian American Journal. The information so may have different endings. life will be demanded from you.

If you need debt relief, set an Then who will get what you have presented does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as appointment to see me. I will prepared for yourself?” This such. analyze your case personally. is how will it be with whoever (Advertising Supplement) “Then he said this is what I’ll stores up thing for themselves do. I will tear down my barns & but is not richtowards God.”

During this festive season celebrating the Nativity of the Savior of Men, it has always amazed me that people do unusual things to bring out their brotherly concern toward another; it continuously puzzles me why can’t your people show signs of love and charity every time? Tradition says, I was told, that’s the way it was, that’s the way it is, and that the mystery of Christmas time. And I asked in my prayer, “But Lord, why not?”

Dear God, I know I am just one creature who does not always understand and conform with what I see in this world, help me that in my desire to be a successful and strong leader, I may also be compassionate and loving person, that this Christmas and in the coming years, I may become more sympathetic and understanding with those around me despite their divergent views of the world we share, as I fervently pray that other people would also your light and do what is right and not what is just convenient. This is my prayer for the world and for all mankind.

Dear Lord, please hear these prayers from my heart and soul; I implore you especially that my health and my general well-being as well as those I care and love will be at its peak; that the basic material things that are necessary to be happy and fulfilled be provided for; that my hopes, fears and dreams in life are shared lovingly with all my brothers and sisters in Christ, and that my life here on this Earth will have real purpose and meaning.

Oh dear Lord, my Savior, hear me --- this is my CHRISTMAS PRAYER!

“Jesus tells us that the love for others — foreigners, the sick, prisoners, the homeless, even our enemies — is the yardstick by which God will judge our actions, our eternal destiny depends on this.” - Pope Francis

*** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com websites: www.gkerc.org www.edelfin.globalgn.com

A client wants Chapter 7, but...

Luke 12-21 (The parable of the foolish rich man told by Jesus) ***

Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

People and Events

UCLA Pilipino alumnus Bobby Rimas receives outstanding leadership award

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.

LOS ANGELES Paralegal Association’s (LAPA) Past President Bobby Rimas received an “Outstanding Leadership Award” at LAPA’s Annual Holiday Benefit Gala which was held on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at the Pasadena Hilton.

The award was given to Rimas from the LAPA Board of Directors in “appreciation for (his) dedication and commitment to the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.” Mr. Rimas was totally surprised by the kind gesture and told attendees how honored he was with this unexpected recognition.

The following are some of Rimas’ achievements as it relates to the legal profession: He has been a practicing paralegal for the past 20+ years, held many positions at LAPA, including: Six years as president (2011 to 2013 and 2015 to 2017), making him the association’s longest-serving president; holding various Committee Chair positions, such as LAPA October Conference Committee Chair, the Pro Bono & Community Services Committee Chair, and Board Advisor in 2014, and more; planning and spearheading several of LAPA’s “Paralegal Day” mixers that were recognized by the Los Angeles City Mayor’s office; Mr. Rimas planned and spearheaded LAPA’s first ever LAPA TECH, LAPA’s Technology Mixer which is now going to be an annual LAPA tradition; and under his leadership, LAPA received the National Association of Legal Assistants’ “making a difference” award that recognizes “the honorees for their inspiring and selfless contributions.”

He has taught as an Adjunct Associate Professor at California State University, Los Angeles at the College of Professional and Global Education where he taught Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property and Immigration Law. He has also taught various paralegal courses at West Los Angeles College, Fullerton College, and Fremont College. As a teacher within various paralegal programs, he was a constant advocate for the

paralegal profession and LAPA. This past July, Rimas was a presenter of the Employment Law and Immigration Law seminars at the National Association of Legal Assistants’ 42nd Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

He earned his undergraduate degree in history at the Univer-

sity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and his paralegal certificate at the UCLA Extension Attorney Assistant Training Program.

Rimas also serves as the Public Relations Director for the UCLA Pilipino Alumni Association where he previously served as Chair and Scholarship Director.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2017 - JANUARY 2, 2018

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C DECEMBER 30, 2017 - JANUARY 2, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

& A wonderful yearend

Immigration Corner

gift for your family

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ AN important part of Christmas and New Year is buying gifts for loved ones and making resolutions for the coming year.

Filipinos are busy filling their balikbayan boxes with pasalubong, to send to their families “back home.” The pasalubong may consist of clothes, food items, electronics, or other useful items, given as a way of “sharing one’s blessings.”

However, many Filipinos forget about what could be the most important “gift” for their family members: legalizing their status, or finding a way for their family members to immigrate to the U.S. and be reunited, under the same roof, not only during Christmas, but all year round. I know that

some people have been separated from their family members for many years, because they have not done anything about their immigration situation. Yet, if you ask the family members back home, they probably believe that nothing that could be bought in any store would mean as much as the family being together.

If you have not yet done anything about your immigration situation, and are spending yet another lonely Christmas and New Year in the U.S., maybe now is the right time to give the real gift a family wants – being together in the U.S. Or at least make a New Year’s resolution to finally take steps to either legalize your status and/or bring your family to America.

On behalf of myself and my law office, Manigong Bagong

Taon sa inyong lahat! *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

2017 GDP growth seen at 6.5 to 7%

by DORIS

DUMLAO-ABADILLA Inquirer.net

THE Philippines can attain a full-year economic growth of 6.5 to 7 percent in 2017 on the back of improved government spending and export performance, investment house First Metro Investment Corp. said.

The country posted a betterthan-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.9 percent year-on-year in the third quarter. This brought the average nine-month growth in 2017 to 6.7 percent, despite coming from a high base last year—a presidential election year—during which GDP grew by 6.9 percent.

“With the growth momentum

back in third quarter and a strong start in the fourth quarter, we think our early forecast of 6.5 to 7 percent GDP growth for 2017 will easily play out,” FMIC said in its December issue of “The Market Call,” a publication jointly published with the University of Asia and the Pacific.

The economy was off to a fast start in the fourth quarter, with government spending likely maintaining its fast pace and expanding by double digits in the last two months of the year, the research said.

The research noted that infrastructure and capital outlays by the government had sped up by 17.8 percent in October. Government spending surged by 28

percent year-on-year, setting the stage for even faster GDP growth in the fourth quarter, FMIC said.

“Supporting this quickening pace, exports growth remained positive, while foreign investments continued to rebound as it soared by 70 percent in August,” the research said.

Annual inflation rate has also slowed to 3.3 percent in November from 3.5 percent in October, providing more confidence to consumers, it noted.

“All these put an acceleration bias for the economy, following through a better-than-expected GDP growth in Q3,” the research said.

FMIC said the economy should PAGE D5

Business Quote of the Week “The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.”

— Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft Corporation

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 30, 2017-JANUARY 2, 2018

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D december 30, 2017-JANUArY 2, 2018 • LA WeeKeNd ASIAN JOUrNAL

Marketplace

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Peso touches 49: $1 level on increased forex inflow EU, Philippines to continue strengthening trade investment ties

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA — The European Union (EU) and the Philippines are set to further bolster trade and investment ties in the coming year amid previous issues concerning human rights and President Rodrigo Duterte’s tirades against the regional bloc.

“Overall, EU-Philippines trade and investment relations continue to grow in 2017 and are seen to increase further in the second half of the year. Specifically on investments, a more open regime to foreign investors will usher in more foreign companies in the Philippines that will aid in job creation and execution of big infrastructure projects of the government,” the EU-Philippines Trade & Investment 2017/2018 report said.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen said the economic bloc expects trade and investment to help the Philippines achieve inclusive growth.

“Indeed, the EU and its industry have a positive agenda that is values-based and comes with an open dialogue to ensure nobody is left behind in strengthening these trade relations. I look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of effective supply chains so the Philippines can take advantage of its position in the region and of its competitive skills and people. This in return will provide for jobs and inclusive growth, create opportunities for smaller businesses, and eliminate poverty

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen

and hunger. It will bring the Philippines to upper middle income level sooner,” Jessen said.

For his part, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) president Guenter Taus said his group remains committed in promoting the EU-Philippines economic ties through the facilitation of market access and the creation of a level playing field for both local and foreign businesses.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the Philippines recognizes the EU as one of its important partners towards prosperity and progress in the country and in the region.

“The EU, one of the largest regional blocs in the world, continues to be one of the valuable partners of the Philippines in achieving the desired inclusive growth that leads to shared prosperity for all,” Lopez said.

Total trade between the EU and the Philippines grew 17 percent

ThE peso on Wednesday, December 27 touched the 49:$1 level before closing at 50.04, 10 centavos stronger than it was before the Christmas holiday break.

At the Philippine Dealing System, the peso reached an intraday high of 49.96 and a low of 50.05 to $1 after opening at 50.03. It closed at 50.14 to a greenback on Dec. 22.

After a two-day break, the peso closed at its strongest since June 19’s 49.91 to $1, after which it slipped to 11-year low levels before recovering toward yearend.

The total volume traded slid to $523.1 million from $740.8 million last Friday.

In a note to clients, Metrobank Philstar.com photo Research said it expected the during the first half of 2017 to $7.8 peso-dollar pair to trade within billion, indicating good trade rela- the range of 49.80-50.50 to $1 tions between the two economies this week. despite the controversies.

For Bank of the Philippine EU imports from the Philippines Islands vice president and chief in particular continued to expand, recording a 36 percent year-onyear expansion, making the EU the second biggest export destination for Philippine-made products next to Japan.

Meanwhile, the EU is the fourth INDIANS working abroad conlargest supplier to the Philippines.

Germany is the Philippines’ larg- tinue to send more money home est trading partner within the EU, than their counterparts from followed by Netherlands, France, other countries, according to the UK, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Ireland World Bank figures on migration and remittances. India topped and Austria.

Together, these countries ac- the list with $68 bn of remittance count for almost 90 percent of EU- inflows, followed closely by China Philippines trade, the report said. ($63.93 bn).

Philippines is the third highEU investments in the Philippines also continued to grow, with est remittance receiving country the bloc accounting for 45 percent in the world. Remittances are a of total foreign approved invest- mainstay of Philippine economy ments in the Philippines during the as they are seen as a “driver of ‘domestic demand ’in the first quarter of 2017.

economist Emilio S. Neri Jr., the peso’s strength was “unsustainable and largely a result of what looks like a temporary tightness in domestic liquidity arising from the recent RTB (retail treasury bonds) issuance of the Bureau of the Treasury.”

The Treasury this month raised P255.4 billion from its sale of fiveyear RTBs to small investors, the government’s biggest RTB sale to date.

“The market also appears to be too pessimistic about the expansionary impact of the US tax reform package. We should see a correction toward the 51:$1 level

by February 2018, if not earlier,” Neri added.

For another economist at a leading bank, the peso strengthened as “traders were pointing to foreign flows into the local equity market, which is still on Train-related buying,” referring

to Republic Act No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act. President Duterte last week signed into law package 1A of the Train, which starting January next year will slash and restructure personal income tax rates that stayed the same for two decades, while also jacking up or slapping new taxes on the consumption of oil, cigarettes, sugary drinks and vehicles.

“Expectations for faster growth going into next year with the tax break for lower wage earners are seen to drive consumption further, while infrastructure spending is seen to boost investment numbers and improve efficiency,” the economist added.

Also, remittance flows are also seen helping boost the pair as the dollar per se is moving sideways, according to the economist. (Ben O. De Vera/Inquirer.net)

India is the top remittance receiving country in the world; PH third

Infographic courtesy of Asia News Network

country.

Pakistan usually sees a high remittance inflow from all over the world and economists state that the remittance inflow increases during the holy month of Ramazaan when Pakistanis around the world send home high amounts of money for charity and donations as well.

Remittances are a major contribution to Bangladesh’s economy and it has increased over the years as many Bangladeshi emigrant workers significantly soared. Vietnam is at sixth position and remittance market in Vietnam is growing steadily.

Considered as low skilled workers the remittances from Indonesians around the world are seen as a buffer to the country’s balancing payment.

Sri Lanka depends on remittances for it is the second largest source of external financing in

the country. It is the eighth highest remittance receiving country in Asia.

Other Asian countries that receive remittances are Nepal (6.97bn), South Korea (6.74bn), Thailand (5.21bn), Japan (4.48bn), Myanmar(3.46bn) and Malaysia (1.62bn).

For Asian countries, the most remittance inflow is from the Gulf area which has been a key destination for South Asian workers especially. According to the UN, Asia is the highest remittance originating region with 77 million migrants; with 48 million remaining within the region.

Remittances are seen as crucial to help the Asia’s developing countries achieve the Sustainable Development goals for their impact on global economy and political landscape.

Worldwide more than 200 million people live and work outside their countries. (Inquirer.net)

PH gov’t embarks on ambitious infra program by maRy

GRace Philstar.com

Padin

MANILA — An inclusive economy with a thriving middle class is the vision of the Duterte administration for the Philippines.

To achieve this goal, President Rodrigo Duterte has launched a massive infrastructure program to spur economic growth and address the country’s needs.

The government’s unprecedented infrastructure program, dubbed Build Build Build, is projected to require up to P9 trillion in investments and will prioritize 75 game-changing projects nationwide.

Being the steward of the country’s fiscal policies, the Department of Finance (DOF) and its attached agencies have the crucial task of ensuring there are sufficient funds for an infrastructure program of such magnitude.

The DOF vowed to beef up the state coffers and provide sufficient financing sources for the Build Build Build program.

Among these initiatives is the push for the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), which is broken down into five packages, according to Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran.

The first package has recently hurdled the bicameral conference committee in the Congress, as contained in the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act. It is up for implementation next month after it gets the approval of President Duterte.

“First, we are pushing for the tax reform. We just finished the first package and there are four which we are preparing for discussion in the next few years,” Beltran said.

According to the 2018 General Appropriations Act, the projected revenue under the TRAIN Act is projected to reach P134 billion in the first year of its implementation. however, the final ratified version approved by both chambers in

Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran Philstar.com photo

Congress is estimated to yield only about two-thirds of the amount.

But Beltran expressed confidence the government would be able to make up for the lost opportunity to generate more revenue through the subsequent packages under the CTRP. “Yes we still have four packages left, and we will try to generate more from the packages. And the packages that are left are no so controversial unlike the first one.

In the first quarter we will submit the second package,” he said.

Aside from tax reform, Beltran said the DOF and its attached agencies, particularly the two largest revenue-generating offices, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau Customs (BOC), are instituting tax administration reforms.

In particular, Beltran said both agencies are pushing for modernization to help improve their efficiency in collecting taxes.

“We are computerizing both bureaus, connecting them to databases that will enable them to improve tax administration,” he said.

These tax administration reforms, according to Beltran, helped boost the BIR and the BOC’s revenues in the first 10 months.

Based on data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), the BIR’s collection from January to October rose 11 percent to P1.44 trillion PAGE D3

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Businessmen calm nerves as Duterte’s untested TRAIN goes for full speed

by Roy

Stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net

For many industries, the year ahead would bring lots of changes in the way business is done—and not all of it is good.

Malacañang recently peddled its “biggest Christmas gift” to the country, saying it would benefit 99 percent of current taxpayers.

Yet, it’s a gift rejected and even derided by some.

Last December 19, President Duterte signed republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law amid reservations from some members of the business community.

While the President vetoed some provisions of the first package under the administration’s banner tax program, much of it remains intact: a lower personal income tax for many Filipinos, but higher consumption taxes starting next year.

All throughout the haggling in Congress, some business groups have warned of the implications of the first package. While they agree with the intent of giving Filipinos a higher take-home pay, they wonder: at what cost?

For one, the Train Act will increase consumption taxes on sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and cars, among others. While an increase in excise taxes seemed inevitable, the question for the most part of the year was the extent of the increase.

The automotive industry, which expected to cap the year with 450,000 unit sales, was still figuring out how much it could sell

next year, especially now that cars would be more expensive.

The general comment among company officials was that higher taxes would hurt demand.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp.

(TMP), the largest car company in the country, was already expecting a dip in sales. TMP president Satoru Suzuki said he was seeing a 5-10 percent decrease in total company sales in 2018—hoping only for a recovery in the following years.

Car companies were, in fact, bracing for higher excise taxes on all price brackets. Yet, in the new law, more affordable cars like Toyota’s Vios would be facing higher taxes. Luxury cars, on the other hand, would pay less taxes.

“I cannot understand the intention why [they would] motivate the rich people,” Suzuki said.

The beverage industry would also bear the brunt of the law.

The Train Act would impose a P6/liter tax on beverages using caloric and noncaloric sweeteners and P12/liter on beverages using high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

The Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines (BIAP) wanted the tax rates to be based on sugar content, instead of a per-liter basis.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc., which is behind one of the most popular beverage brands in the country, would reformulate its soft drinks mix next year, saying this would help the company save on costs. From the current formula of 60-percent sugar and

40-percent HFCS, the company would soon shift to using 100percent sugar.

And then there’s also the higher coal excise tax, a move which many feared would further aggravate the already struggling business environment. This provision was absent in the House of representatives’ version, appearing only in Senate Bill 1592.

Even the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which has been generally supportive of the Train initiative, opposed it.

George Barcelon, the outgoing president of the country’s largest business group, said that an increase—no matter the extent—should be avoided because the country was already “poorly situated” in terms of the competitiveness of its power costs.

Congress has agreed to raise the coal excise tax in the first year of implementation to P50 a metric ton from the current P10, and then P100 in the second and P150 in the third and succeeding years.

“Many have left some years ago due to high and unpredictable power costs and policies,” Barcelon had said.

He said he can only hope the implementation period would give the business community more time to adjust, say a five-year period instead of three.

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) have voiced out the same concerns.

PH gov’t embarks on ambitious...

PAGE D2 from P1.29 trillion in the same period last year. The BoC, for its part, collected P366.7 billion, up 14 percent from P321.3 billion last year.

According to Beltran, the tax administration measures are expected to improve the share of the BIr’s tax collection to the country’s gross domestic product by 0.2 percentage and the BoC by 0.1 percentage points. over the long term, he said the improvement in tax administration is projected to boost tax effort by one percentage point. on the other hand, the gov-

ernment’s tax reform measures, over the long term, is seen to generate an additional two percentage points in the share of the government’s tax collection GDP. Tax administration and tax reform, combined, would result in three percentage points increase in the tax effort.

“Since we are now at 14 percent (tax effort), we will be at about 17 percent by the time the term of the administration ends,” Beltran said.

Meanwhile, the DoF official said non-tax revenue also play a vital role in the DoF’s revenuegeneration schemes.

“We are also looking at other

non-tax revenues. We are encouraging government offices to review their fees and charges. We have a committee in the National Tax research Center that does this. They assist government offices in reviewing their fees, and we recommend adjustments if the actual cost of providing those services is higher than the fee that is being paid,” Beltran said.

“We are also trying to improve the earnings from our investible funds and government assets. We want to make sure that government assets are used efficiently. So we are trying to get an inventory of all the government assets and manage them better,” he said.

The Philippine Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry posted the highest number of job openings in 2017 with a total of over 130,000 job vacancies.

Inquirer.net photo

BPO still biggest job generator in PH

by Mayvelin

U. CaRaballo ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — The Business Process outsourcing (BPo) sector remains the country’s biggest job generator, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said.

DoLE said the BPo industry posted the highest number of job openings in 2017 with a total of over 130,000 job vacancies.

DoLE’s PhilJobNet recorded a total of 133,300 vacancies for call center agents from January to December 2017.

The months of August and September posted the highest number of vacancies at 21,986 and 21,858, respectively, DoLE said.

DoLE’s Bureau of Local Employment identified the top 20 vacancies in the DoLE job portal as office clerk – 756, service

crew – 756, non-formal education teacher – 359, food service dispatcher – 300, salesman – 295, health consultant – 200, staff nurse – 159, and production/factory worker – 150. other jobs included in the list are sales and marketing assistant – 130, company nurse – 128, market salesperson – 122, sales associate professional – 100, cashier – 98, truck driver – 97, facial/skin treatment consultant – 96, quality inspector – 94, and casino dealer – 90.

During the holiday season, DoLE recorded new active vacancies such as food service dispatcher, along with health consultant, market salesperson, cashier, truck driver, quality inspector, and casino dealers.

DoLE said employment opportunities and other labor market

information that are not disseminated in usual job fair sites, such as schools, malls, city, or town halls, could be found at PhilJobnet.

“Filipino jobseekers, who are at least 15 years old, may register in the PhilJobNet. Employers can also use PhilJobNet to invite registered job applicants for the job interview on a desired date and have the option to print an applicant’s profile,” DoLE said.

DoLE said the PhilJobNet service is free of charge for both job applicants and establishments. Its facilities can also be accessed at the Job Search kiosks, an ATMtype stand-alone equipment, at DoLE attached agencies and regional offices, Public Employment Service offices (PESos), and selected schools throughout the country.

In terms of other financing schemes, the DoF official said the Duterte administration has been striving to attract more investments from the private sector through public-private partnerships (PPP) and loans from other countries and institutions through official development assistance (oDA).

“The administration is more open (to PPPs) because it is open to unsolicited proposals from the private sector. A private sector entity that wants to set up a PPP can submit its proposal through the PPP Center,” Beltran said.

The country’s improving friendship with its Asian neighbors also

resulted in investment and loan pledges.

For instance, both China and Japan have pledged $9 billion worth of investments and development assistance each, while South Korea also committed to extend $1 billion in concessional loans over the next six years to finance key infrastructure projects in the country.

Meanwhile, other multilateral agencies, such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank also continue to provide funding assistance for the country’s priority programs.

All of these efforts and financing schemes, Beltran said, would contribute to the Philippines’

infrastructure development thrust and benefit the public due to lower borrowing costs.

Based on a list provided by Beltran, 48 of the 75 flagship infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration are being eyed for oDA financing. of the 48, three are confirmed to be funded by China, three by Japan, two by Korea, and one by the World Bank.

Two other projects were identified under the PPP scheme, while 14 will be funded by the government through the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The government has yet to determine the financing scheme for the 11 remaining projects.

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FMIC, UA&P expect PH growth to hit target ‘Attract more investors by removing touch points’

by MayveLin

U. carabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine economy likely sustained its strong growth pace in the last three months of the year, an investment bank and a private university said in a joint report, pointing to infrastructure spending as the main driver.

“With the growth momentum back in [the] third quarter and a strong start in [the] fourth quarter, we think our early forecast of 6.5 percent to 7 percent GDP (gross domestic product) growth for 2017 will easily play out,” bank First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said in the latest issue of The Market Call.

A 17.8-percent rise in government infrastructure and capital outlays for October and 28 percent growth in national expenditures during the same month set the stage for even faster fourth quarter economic

growth, they said.

The Budget department has said that government resources were primarily used for priority public works, transport and communications projects, including completed deals under the Public Works department and consultancy and civil works for light railway projects under the Transportation department.

“Supporting this quickening pace, exports growth remained positive, while foreign investments continued to rebound as it soared by 70 percent in August,” the report noted.

Total export sales remain consistent with the current positive trend, it added, growing by 4.3 percent in September.

FMIC and UA&P believe exports will be buoyed by strong demand from the United States, the European Union, China and India and thus continue contributing to Philippine growth.

“Recall that in third quarter,

external demand provided an additional boost resulting in faster growth. In addition, the peso’s real depreciation of 7.2 percent in November from the 2016 average (as measured by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ real effective exchange rate) supports our view of future exports expansion,” the report said.

It also noted that inflation had slowed to 3.3 percent in November from 3.5 percent a month ago, which should provide more confidence to consumers.

“All these put an acceleration bias for the economy, following through a better-than-expected GDP growth in third quarter,” it added.

The economy grew by 6.9 percent in the July-September period. Results for the second quarter were also revised upwards and year-to-date growth, at 6.7 percent, has kept the country on track to hit a 6.5-7.5 percent target.

PH to tap China for Agus rehabilitation, Japan for LNG hub

by Mary

grace Philstar.com

Padin

MANILA — The government plans to tap China’s assistance for the P54 billion Agus-Pulangi hydro power plants rehabilitation project.

In a statement, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the government has decided to include the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi hydro power plants in the second basket of projects to be submitted to China for possible financing assistance.

“For the medium term, we are upgrading or rehabilitating the Agus power plants. And we have sought financing from China to implement the project,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said the rehabilitation of the five Agus-Pulangi power plants in Mindanao would increase

their capabilities and extend their service life by 30 more years.

Dominguez said the government is also in talks with potential Japanese investors to supply LNG receiving stations as part of the integrated LNG facility project.

Under the project, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) will build a LNG facility to replace the Malampaya natural gas reserves before its run out of reserves by 2024.

“By the mid-20’s, when we are going to run out of the Malampaya reserves, we are ready with our LNG facilities. We are talking to Japanese businesses and the Japanese government to set up LNG receiving stations,” Dominguez said. According to Dominguez, the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi power plants and the construc-

tion of a new LNG facility would ensure stable power supply in the country.

Agus operates at roughly 60 percent of its capacity, while the Malampaya gas field in Palawan supplies up to 50 percent of the energy requirements for Luzon.

Meanwhile, National Power Corp. (Napocor) president Pio Benavidez told Dominguez the first facility to be rehabilitated among the Agus-Pulangi power plants is the Agus 6 as it is the oldest facility with the biggest output. This would be followed by Agus 2 and Agus 7.

Benavidez said the rehabilitation could take four to five years and would involve the replacement of old transformers, as well as old electrical equipment.

After the rehabilitation, total capacity would reach more than 1,000 megawatts, he said.

continue to accelerate in the fourth quarter as government spending continued to expand while exports would likely rebound from a relatively feeble third quarter notwithstanding some impact from the devastating hurricanes in the US in September.

The depreciation of the peso against the US dollar is also seen

EMPLOYMENT

to translate to better export earnings alongside the synchronized upswing in the global economy.

“Inflation should remain at 3.3 percent in December, but we do expect a sharp jump in January with the Congressional approval of higher fuel taxes, sin taxes (alcohol, beer, and cigarettes), a new tax on sugar-based beverages, a slew of other taxes, and less exemptions for VAT (value added

baLLesteros ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines should get rid of many touch points for initial public offerings (IPO), bond subscriptions and other investments in order to entice more people to invest in the local market, BDO Capital and Investments Corp. said on Tuesday, December 26.

In a statement, BDO Capital President Eduardo Francisco said too many touch points were discouraging players from investing, adding that subscribing to equities and bonds have become inconvenient because of the numerous documents, forms, and identification details required.

“Our Monetary Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission [and the] Philippine Stock Exchange are open to new ways to raise the number of investors and make it more available to the masses. We have seen them liberalize rules, but we need to propose new products or solutions,” Francisco said.

In a span of five years, Philippine companies were able to raise over P1.7 trillion from five to eight

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In a span of five years, Philippine companies were able to raise over P1.7 trillion from five to eight IPOs and 10 to 15 corporate bond offerings annually.

ManilaTimes.net photo

IPOs and 10 to 15 corporate bond offerings annually.

Retail investors also stepped up, especially for local equity and fixed income deals, and now account for 50 percent to 70 percent of volume compared to about 60 percent to 70 percent in previous years.

“Although the scenario has gotten better, the number of IPOs and bond issues in the country still pale in comparison to other emerging economies in the region,” BDO Capital said.

“While participation from retail investors has increased, most of

the investors are coming from the more affluent retail, leaving a huge untapped market, such as overseas Filipino workers and the unbanked sector,” it added.

Local capital markets should also welcome new platforms and models from global peers, particularly solutions minimizing documentation, that can be adopted.

“Foreign players with platforms abroad are welcome to bring it here. Fintech solutions are also welcome and we can work with the regulators to get approvals,” Francisco said.

Malware threat from cryptocurrency boom

by Ma. Lisbet

esMaeL Manilatimes.net

PERSONAL computer (PC) users should be vigilant against cybercriminals amid a growing cryptocurrency market, a top cybersecurity firm said.

In a statement on Wednesday, December 27, Kaspersky Lab said its researchers had identified a new cyber threat wherein attackers used pirated software, such as photo and text editors, to hijack PCs for the purpose of mining cryptocurrencies.

“While the cryptocurrency market continues to burst with enormous increases in the number and value of investments, more and more criminals are also keeping an eye on its development. The fact that this excitement has captured so many people plays into their hands, making it easier to tax),” the research said. cheat general users who are not President Duterte recently IT-savvy individuals,” it said. signed into law the Tax Reform on Cryptocurrency is a form of Acceleration and Inclusion (Train), digital money used to promote a tax reform program that is seen efficient money transfers. to support the “build, build, build” “Criminals are using different program of the government and tools and techniques, such as a faster economic growth in the social engineering campaigns, or years ahead. by exploiting cracked software, to FMIC expects the BSP to start affect as many PCs as possible,” raising interest rates in the first Kaspersky said. quarter of 2018.

It explained that attackers were

2017 GDP growth seen at 6.5...

PAGE D1

by angeLica

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money used to promote efficient money transfers.

Philstar.com photo

copying domain names of real entities to catch users’ attention.

Once the software is downloaded, the user receives an archive that also contains a mining program.

Alexander Kolesnikov, malware analyst at Kaspersky Lab, said this act of illegal cryptocurrency mining “reduces the device’s system performance, which inevitably affects the user experience in general”.

“Plus it increases the victim’s electricity bill — not a major outcome of being a victim of this fraud scheme, but still an unpleasant one,” he added.

Kaspersky said that users should download software only

F0R RENT

from proven sources and install a reliable security solution to protect their PCs from cyberthreats.

The country’s monetary authority, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), earlier this year released Circular 944 thatprovides rules and regulations concerning virtual currency exchanges versus money laundering and terrorist financing.

“We have actually allowed the use of cryptocurrency in remittance services, but we also impose obligations to fulfill anti-money laundering commitments,” BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. told reporters in October.

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