081818 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

AUGUST 18-21, 2018 Volume 28 - No. 65 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

Palace: Pres. Duterte could resign if Marcos wins electoral protest Marcos urges Duterte not to resign, Robredo’s lawyer insists VP is qualified

by RAE

ANN VARONA AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte may step down if former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong�

Marcos Jr. were to be successful in challenging his 2016 vice presidential election loss, said the chief executive’s spokesman on Thursday, August 16.

Having entered office in 2016, Duterte’s presidential term ends in June 2022, but he has many

DATELINE

times talked about quitting.

He recently said Tuesday, August 14 that he was “ready to go� as he spoke about his frustration with the country’s illegal drug situation.

Duterte’s spokesman, Harry Roque, said at a press briefing on Thursday that Duterte had a “real, genuine wish to step down� if a qualified leader like Marcos was up for the job.

He said that Duterte saw Marcos as “one of the u PAGE A2

PDP-LABAN ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo Duterte strikes his signature pose with the ofďŹ cers of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) during the ďŹ rst anniversary celebration of PDP-Laban Cares and the PDP-Laban Leaders’ Reunion at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Building in Pasay City on Wednesday, August 15.

MalacaĂąang photo by Ace Morandante

Arroyo: ‘Sara Duterte will become an important national figure’

USA

by NATHALIE

ROBLES

AJPress

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

NBA permits Jordan Clarkson to play in Asian Games Fil-Am point guard to join Team Philippines after delay in approval from the NBA THE NBA decided on Tuesday, August 14 Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio that Jordan Clarkson of the Cleveland Cavaliers may play for the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games after previously ruling that NBA players couldn’t participate in the multi-sport event.

Twenty-six-year-old Clarkson, who is part Filipino on his mother’s side, was granted a “special exception� to represent the Philippines along with two Chinese NBA players, Zhou Qi of the Houston Rockets and Ding Yanyuhang of the Dallas Mavericks, in this year’s Asian Games, which will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

In an agreement with the International Basu PAGE A3

PHILIPPINE House of Representatives Speaker Gloria MacapagalArroyo said on Thursday, August 16, that Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio will be of national significance as a presidential daughter. “Judging by history really, Mayor Sara Duterte will become an important national figure,� the House speaker said.

In a report from ABS-CBN News, Philstar.com photo Arroyo said that presidential chil-

dren “have played a prominent role in national political life.� “I am one example. Noynoy Aquino is another example. The children of President Estrada are very active in national political life. Mar Roxas is also a descendant of a president,�

Arroyo said.

Following the known friction between the Davao City leader and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, this led the public to believe that Duterte-Carpio was behind the ouster of the former House speaker.

As reported by The Philippine

Star, the House speaker said that the disagreement between Alvarez and Duterte-Carpio influenced the lawmakers in their decision to vote for Arroyo. “It’s been public knowledge for some time about her differences with speaker Alvarez and some congressmen say that was taking into account in their decisions,� she said.

However, the former president also explained that a conflict has been brewing for some time and u PAGE A2

Solgen deems PH withdrawal from ICC constitutional

by AJPRESS

SOLICITOR General Jose Calida argued that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) adheres to the 1987 Constitution.

In a report from The Philippine Star, Calida urged the Supreme Court (SC) to dismiss the consolidated petitions filed by six opposition senators and the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC) for lack of merit.

Among those who expressed their disapproval were Sen. Leila de Lima, Sen. Francis “Kikoâ€? Pangilinan, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bamâ€? Aquino, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Sen. Risa Hontiveros Philstar.com photo and PCICC chief and former Commission on Human Interior and Local Government OfďŹ cer-in-Charge Eduardo AĂąo Rights (CHR) chief Loretta Rosales.

The opposition side argued that the withdrawal was u PAGE A4 DESPITE a warning from the Chinese Navy, Solicitor General Jose Calida Inquirer.net photo the United States will continue patrolling the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), a U.S. Defense official said on Thursday. gal drug-related offenses is not Randall Schriver, U.S. defense assistant

by AJPRESS enough to stop its proliferation. secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Afby DEMPSEY REYES He said that putting them behind ManilaTimes.net fairs, said patrols are part of their routine opDEPARTMENT of Interior and bars would not result in them erations in the South China Sea. Local Government (DILG) Offi- ceasing their operations.

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana He cited China’s occasional ‘transparency’ cer-in-Charge Eduardo AĂąo said “Kulang pa, kulang pa eh. in conducting its affairs in territories in the has called on the United States not to keep on Wednesday, August 15, that Drug lord ka, makukulong ka the looted Balangiga bells as their trophies contested sea. the death penalty would be a big lang; magagawa mo pa iyong opSuch demonstration of actions and chal- from a massacre, saying that returning the help for the government in its eration mo sa loob ng kulungan lenges by China, according to him, will have bells to the Philippines would redound to a campaign against illegal drugs. – aba, eh bakit ka matatakot hindi no impact or effect on how the U.S. operates stronger relationship between Manila and “Malaking tulong din sana ba. (It’s not enough. If you’re a Washington. at sea. kung mayroon din sanang, iyong drug lord and you get imprisLorenzana’s appeal came after Wyoming Last Friday, the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon hinihingi nating maipasang ba- oned, you can still operate in surveillance plane received a radio message lawmakers opposed returning the bells taktas, iyong death penalty para sa jail. You wouldn’t be frightened, from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) en by American forces as war booty after mga drug pushers and drug syn- right?)â€? AĂąo said.

Navy, asking the plane to fly away from the Filipino revolutionaries attacked U.S. soldicate,â€? (It’s a big help if what we He also added that under-theSubi (Zamora) Reef, where the Chinese built diers in Balangiga, Samar, in 1901, killing are asking for, the death penalty table monetary exchanges would Defense Secretary DelďŹ n Lorenzana Inquirer.net photo artificial islands and set up military installa- 48 of them. for drug pushers and syndicates send them out of prison.

The U.S. military retaliated and killed Americans in forging a lasting relationship would be passed,)â€? AĂąo said in a tions. “And then, later on, kung “I have every confidence we will continue hundreds of Filipino men, women and chil- with the Filipino people and truly symbolic briefing at MalacaĂąang. mababayaran mo pa at makakaof what their government has referred to in to fly, sail and operate where international dren.

In a report from Rappler, the labas ka, (And then, later on, you “The return of the Balangiga bells will the past as an ironclad alliance between our interior chief emphasized that law allows,� Schriver told reporters in a can pay and you would get out of be a strong indicator of the sincerity of the u PAGE A2 u PAGE A4 the current punishment for illeu PAGE A4

US to keep patrols in South China Sea

DILG chief: Death penalty will help anti-drug campaign Lorenzana to US: Don’t keep bells as war loot

, ĂŠ Â…>˜}iĂŠÂœvĂŠ-ĂŒ>ĂŒĂ•Ăƒ >ĂœĂžiĂ€Â˝ĂƒĂŠviit

(KKYLZZ! > [O :[ UK -SVVY 3VZ (UNLSLZ *( ([ [OL JVYULY VM [O :[ HUK 5L^ /HTWZOPYL (]L

^^^ SLHYUL[ LK\

7OVUL! , THPS! MPSPWPUV,'SLHYUL[ LK\ (JJYLKP[LK I`! (**:* HUK *,( c +LWHY[TLU[ VM ,K\JH[PVU (JJYLKP[LK

A august 18-21, 2018 • La WEEKEND asIaN JOuRNaL

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

From the Front Page

Palace: Pres. Duterte could resign...

PAGE A1 t better qualified leaders to succeed him.”

“If there’s development and [Marcos] will win the protest and he becomes the vice president, yes, [Duterte] will make true his word,” said Roque.

The president has expressed issue before with having to turn over his presidency to Vice Presi-

dent Leni Robredo who was not Duterte’s choice for the country’s second-highest post.

Leading the opposition Liberal Party, Robredo narrowly defeated Marcos in a separate election in 2016. Robredo took 35.1 percent of the votes, while the former senator took 34.6 percent.

But Marcos has alleged fraud on voting counts, prompting the

Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos Philstar.com photo

Supreme Court to order a recount which has been in the process since April. The process can take several years.

Marcos, who represents the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party which was founded by his father and Philippine dictator who ruled the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, thanked Duterte but said he did not want the president to leave office.

“I urge him not to leave the presidency as our people still need him for the better of our lives and our country,” said Marcos a statement.

On Friday, August 17, Robredo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal said that Robredo was qualified to serve as president and should be given fair consideration.

“Yes, Idol President, VP is qualified to be president because her qualifications are just the same qualifications you possess as required of a president under the constitution,” said Macalintal in a statement.

Responding to Duterte’s doubts over Robredo’s competence, Macalintal said that Robredo further deserves the same opportunity to demonstrate her abilities to the nation’s problems.

Macalintal added, “Hence, VP Robredo deserves the right to prove her qualifications and abilities to be president in her own style and approach on current problems of the country while you take a break and take that much-needed rest.” n

TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE. A Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) worker monitors traffic. Malacañang on Thursday, August 16, said the the MMDA might amend the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) scheme that the agency tested on Wednesday, August 15. The traffic scheme prohibits driver-only vehicles from passing through the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.

ManilaTimes.net photo

Arroyo: ‘Sara Duterte will become an important...

PAGE A1 t that the latest State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte only gave way for representatives to finally find a resolution.

She added, “Other congressmen also say there has been a problem brewing for quite some time and it all played out spontaneously during the SONA weekend.”

Duterte’s eldest daughter congratulated Arroyo when she won the speakership. However, she neither confirmed nor denied her role in Arroyo’s acquisition of power.

Other officials convince

Duterte-Carpio of national leader potential Aside from Arroyo, other public officials observed that Duterte-Carpio is qualified to become a national leader.

Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) president Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday also convinced Duterte-Carpio to vie for a Senate seat in the upcoming 2019 midterm polls.

The presidential party leader urged her to compete in the senatorial elections so that Mindanao will have a greater representation in the upper house.

“Her experience as mayor of one of the country’s highly successful cities eminently qualifies her to speak for Mindanao, for peace and order, for the environment and for the socio-economic upliftment of the marginalized sectors,” Pimentel said.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson likewise expressed his preference for the mayor, picking her among young potential leaders.

“Based on whatever political sense I have accumulated after my long years in government service, Mayor Sara stands out and is right in front of the pack,” he said. n

US to keep patrols in South China...

PAGE A1 t roundtable interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

The freedom of navigation operations (Fonops) was part of the United State’s overall approach to China and its global program, he said.

Schriver noted the U.S. Fonops are part of a “much broader principle” but require a comprehensive approach to the South China Sea. He assured Southeast Asian

countries who claim territories in the South China Sea that the U.S. State Department will provide them assistance in pursuing legal claims, as part of their government approach to the dispute.

The American official said Washington understands Beijing’s interest to pursue drills that exclude the United States in the disputed territories with Southeast Asian nations.

He cited the importance of

individual countries in making decisions and understanding China’s aspirations and intents for the Southeast Asian region.| He, however, said the U.S. could provide alternatives to China’s promotion of its interests.

“We can’t fork China’s initiatives,” Schriver said. “But we can offer alternatives and I think we can show that we will be a reliable partner.” (Dempsey Reyes/ManilaTimes.net)

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

DATELINE USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-21, 2018

A3

NBA permits Jordan Clarkson to play...

NEWLY PROMOTED AFP OFFICERS. Commission on Appointments Vice Chairperson Rep. Ronaldo Zamora (in barong), CA New Majority Floor Leader Rep. Abraham N. Tolentino (8th from right) and other CA members pose with the newly-promoted 52 General/Flag and Senior OfďŹ cers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines after the deliberation on their ad interim appointments at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday, August 15.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Over 300 newspapers denounce Trump’s attack on the press

by RAE

ANN VARONA

AJPress

HUNDREDS of newspaper across the U.S. on Thursday, August 16 joined together in calling out President Donald Trump’s diatribes against news media which he has more than once dubbed “the enemy of the people.�

Nearly 350 editorials were published Thursday, after the Boston Globe last week encouraged editorial boards to write and publish editorials to condemn what it described as a “dirty war against the free press.� “Thisrelentless assault on the free press has dangerous consequences. We asked editorial boards from around the country — liberal and conservative, large and small — to join us today to address this fundamental threat in their own words,� wrote the Boston Globe.

Trending on Twitter nationwide was the hashtag, #freepress.

In response, Trump on Thursday, sent out tweets saying that the “fake news media is the opposition party.â€? “It is very bad for our Great Country‌. BUT WE ARE WINNING,â€? tweeted Trump, before accusing the Boston Globe for “collusion with other papers on free press.â€?

Among the over 300 papers that sent their editorials were the Fresno Bee, the Orange County Register, the Denver Post, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the New York Times which described Trump’s labeling of the press as the enemy, “dangerous.� “In 2018, some of the most damaging attacks are coming

from government officials,� said the New York Times in its editorial.

The paper added that correcting mistakes were “core to our job.� “But insisting that truths you don’t like are ‘fake news’ is dangerous to the lifeblood of democracy,� added the New York Times. “These attacks on the press are particularly threatening to journalists in nations with a less secure rule of law and to smaller publications in the United States, already buffeted by the industry’s economic crisis.�

But a number of newspapers that have been critical of Trump did choose not to send out editorials. These included the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Washington Post.

Editorial page editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, John Diaz, explained the paper’s reason despite being in agreement with the Boston Globe’s deputy managing editor for the editorial page, Marjorie Pritchard. “It’s not that we take issues with the argument that Trump’s assault on the truth generally, and his efforts to diminish the free press specifically, pose a serious threat to American democracy,� wrote Diaz. “One of our most essential values is independence. The Globe’s argument is that having a united front on the issue — with voices from Boise to Boston taking a stand for the First Amendment, each in a newspaper’s own words — makes a powerful statement,� he added. “However, I would counter that answering a call to join the crowd, no matter

how worthy the cause, is not the same as an institution deciding on its own to raise a matter.�

The Capital Gazette, which lost staff members last month in a targeted shooting attack, said that Trump’s opinion was not something they saw as important. “It’s not the we disagree with concerns about the president’s language in speeches and on social media. We noted with regret the hurtful nature of his remarks last month calling most journalists dishonest even as we attended funerals for five friends and colleagues killed in the June 28 attack on our newsroom,� said the paper. “We’re just not coordinating with other news organizations because the president’s opinion, frankly, is just not that important to us,� added the Capital Gazette. “We are far more concerned about what this community thinks of us.�

Trump has labeled news media as “the enemy� many times since taking office. He first called news media “the enemy of the American people,� just amonth into his presidency.

Earlier this month, Trump blasted the media at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, calling it “fake, fake, disgusting news.�

Targeting specific outlets, Trump before called the New York Times and the Washington Post, “anti-Trump haters� that “do nothing but write bad stories even on very positive achievements — they will never change.�

He was also reportedly upset when first lady Melania Trump’s television on Air Force One was tuned to CNN. â–

PAGE A1 t ketball Federation (FIBA), the NBA said that its players may partake in the Olympics, the FIBA Basketball World Cup the Continental Cup and other associated tournaments, but the Asian Games are not one of them.

However, the NBA said in a statement that “due to lack of clear communication of that agreement between the NBA and the Chinese and Philippines Basketball Federations, and after further discussions with both Federations, the NBA has agreed to provide this one-time exception.�

The NBA’s decision to allow Clarkson, who was on the Los Angeles Lakers from 2014-2018, to play in the games is historic; since its origin in 1951, no NBA player has been allowed to participate.

Since his college days, Clarkson has been eyed by the Philippine men’s national basketball team to recruit him. In 2015, Clarkson was invited to the Philippines to oversee training for the Gilas Pilipinas program, and he has maintained a close relationship with the global Filipino community.

“The action of the NBA will no doubt cheer the hearts of Filipinos here and all over the world,� the Philippines’ national basketball federation said in a statement.

Clarkson, who holds dual citizenship in the Philippines and the United States, expressed joy to the news that he would be representing his maternal grandmother’s native country. “PUSO! My heart is full of gratitude for everyone who helped make this happen. See you all very soon!� Clarkson wrote on Facebook.

Behind the Olympics, the Asian Games, often referred to as the Asiad, is the largest multisport event in the world. Held every four years, the Asian Games bring together athletes from all over Asia to compete in 51 sports spanning nearly 400 events.

The Philippines basketball team initially withdrew from the Asian Games after 10 of its firstteam players and two coaches received suspensions and fines following an on-court brawl with Australia at a qualifying game for the World Cup last month. However, the Office of President Rodrigo Duterte intervened and the

Jordan Clarkson showed up at courtside during the latter part of Team Philippines’ Asian Games match against Kazakhstan on Thursday, August 16.

Philstar.com photo

withdrawal was later reversed.

Clarkson is one of 26 players on the Philippines’ basketball team, which handily beat Kazakhstan 96-59 in the opening game on Thursday, Aug. 17.

Clarkson will join the team next Tuesday when the team faces off against China. â–

PAUNAWA NA HINDI MAS MARAMI ANG MGA KANDIDATO KAYSA SA MGA KATUNGKULANG PAGBOBOTOHAN IPINAGBIBIGAY-ALAM, na alinsunod sa § 10229 ng Kodigo sa Halalan na namamahala sa 3DQJNDODKDWDQJ +DODODQJ 0XQLVLSDO VD /XQJVRG QJ %HOOÀRZHU QD LWLQDZDJ SDUD VD 0DUWHV 1RE\HPEUH

6D SDJVDVDUD QJ SDQDKRQ QJ QRPLQDV\RQ QRRQJ $JRVWR WDWORQJ NXZDOLSLNDGRQJ NDQGLGDWR DQJ NDUDSDW GDSDW SDUD VD WDWORQJ LQLKDKDODO QD NDWXQJNXODQ $QJ PJD WDRQJ QDJLQJ NXZDOLSLNDGR D\ VLQD 5RQ 6FKQDEOHJJHU 'LVWULWR QJ .RQVHKR

6RQQ\ 5 6DQWD ,QHV 'LVWULWR QJ .RQVHKR

5D\ 'XQWRQ 'LVWULWR QJ .RQVHKR

$QJ †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† QJ .RGLJR VD PJD +DODODQ DQJ .OHUN NXQJ JD\RQ D\ KLQGL PDDDULQJ WXPDQJJDS QJ SDJ ¿OH QJ DQXPDQJ SDKD\DJ QJ QDNDVXODW QD NDQGLGDWXUD QD LVLQXPLWH SDJNDWDSRV JDZLQ DQJ SDJKLUDQJ 0D\UD 2FKLTXL .OHUN QJ /XQJVRG 3LQHWVDKDQ $JRVWR

A august 18-21, 2018 • La WEEKEND asIaN JOuRNaL

Solgen deems PH withdrawal from...

PAGE A1 t a violation of Article VII Section 21 which states that “no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least twothirds of all the Members of the Senate.”

Calida responded through the report by emphasizing the clarity of the provision from the 1987 Constitution.

“Section 21, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution is likewise clear. Senate concurrence is only required when new international obligations are created in the form of treaties.”

He rebutted that the provision only covers the forging of international treaties. He argued that the withdrawal of one is not specified in the Constitution.

“The Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute does not create new obligations that would require the Senate’s involvement. Since the Constitution itself plots the boundaries of the Senate’s participation, there is no legal basis for petitioners’ theory that the concurrence is indispensable,” the report said.

He also stated on substantive

grounds that the withdrawal was within President Rodrigo Duterte’s power.

“The power to withdraw from a treaty is the sole prerogative of the President. The rationale for Senate concurrence in entering into treaties does not apply to withdrawal,” he stressed.

The solicitor general stated that the withdrawal was caused by ICC’s “unnecessary interference.” He argued that the criminal court violates the “complementarity principle and the primacy of national criminal jurisdiction.”

Calida supported this claim by citing the preliminary examination of ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda on the alleged extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s war on drugs. He added that domestic laws would suffice and ICC membership is actually not necessary.

“Domestic laws, particularly R.A. 9851 (Philippine Act Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocides and Other Crimes Against Humanity), adequately provide protection to the Filipino people for violations under the Rome Statute

Dateline USa

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

and International Humanitarian Law,” he said.

The government’s chief lawyer emphasized the benefits the country would gain from its disengagement with the international court.

“The withdrawal from the Rome Statute promotes the Republic’s paramount national interest, protects national sovereignty and preserves the judiciary’s independence,” Calida argued.

Office of the Executive Secretary Chief Salvador Medialdea, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Office of the Presidential Legal Counsel Chief Salvador Panelo and United Nations (UN) Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. supported Calida on the ICC withdrawal.

They all justified the notice DEAD BUTANDING. A “butanding” (whale shark) was found dead at a fish port in Navotas City on Friday, August 17. It was 8 meters long and sent by the Philippine govern- weighed 800 kilograms, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The cause of death has yet to be determined. ment to UN Secretary-General ManilaTimes.net photo by Aric John Sy Cua Antonio Guterres for the withdrawal of the country’s membership to the Roman Statute of ICC. The SC will hear the case in Neither we are using it against ernment is acquiring military oral arguments on August 28 at

by Christina Mendez China or anybody else because equipment from any country 2 p.m. n Philstar.com we are under-armed.” where it will be beneficial and Duterte claimed the U.S. has advantageous to the Armed PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte last night rebuked a top U.S. of- not provided enough military as- Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“While our acquisition of subficial for saying the Philippines’ sets to the Philippines—adding plan to acquire big-ticket military that the almost 50 years of alli- marines (from Russia) for the systems and weapons from Rus- ance between the two countries Philippines is still under study OVER 17 YEARS sia is unhealthy for the alliance bore no significant upgrade for and nothing is final at this point, the Philippine military. we emphasize that the defense with the United States.

While he maintains high re- department will procure equipThe Russian government also called out U.S. Assistant Secre- gard for U.S. President Donald ment that is most advantageous tary of defense and Pacific secu- Trump, Duterte expressed dis- for the AFP through the AFP rity affairs Randall Schriver for pleasure over the U.S.’ call for Modernization Program,” Anthe DND to “think very carefully” dolong said. his “outrageous” warning.

He also pointed out the pur“You state your case why you about the procurement because chase will be pushed through to are against my country buying it would not help the alliance.

In a statement issued through any country as long as the proRussian submarines… give me the reason why and make it pub- its embassy in Manila, the Rus- curement follows the proper and lic. You want us to remain back- sian government said Schriver legal procedure, meeting the re– whom it said was not privy quirements of its end users. ward?” Duterte remarked.

In the case of submarine proj“We are the only ones who to the defense cooperation beDarrick V. Tan, Esq. have none, yet you don’t give tween the Philippines and Rus- ect for the Navy, Andolong said us any (submarine),” Duterte, sia – should refrain from making the DND is not limiting its choicLicensed in California for es and will consider any and all addressing the U.S., said at the such comments. over 17 years Speaking at a defense and offers. gathering of the Hugpong ng Licensed in Nevada for Aside from Russia, the DND Pagbabago regional party in security roundtable at the U.S. over 12 years* embassy on Thursday, Schriver is also eyeing France and South Davao City.

UCLA, Bachelor of Arts, Political The President mentioned the warned the Department of Na- Korea as possible sources of its Science with Cum Laude honors issue as he was explaining why tional Defense (DND) against first ever submarine acquisition Southwestern University Law there is so much noise about hu- its plan to purchase submarines for the Navy.

School, Juris Doctor Andolong, however, assured man rights in connection with his and some military equipment Admitted to U.S. District Court, Central District of California drug war, saying “the U.S. do not from Russia, saying this would Schriver that the DND will honor Member, American Immigration like me.” be unhealthy for the U.S.-Philip- all its alliances and international Lawyers Association partnerships through the conDuterte remarked Schriver pines alliance.

Member, Consumers Attorney “We can not recall when Mr. duct of international defense and statement reflects the way the Association of Los Angeles U.S. treats a defense ally like the Randall Schriver was hired as security engagements.

Former Member, Board of advisor to the government of the The Philippines is by far the Governors, Philippine American Philippines.

“Is that how you treat an ally Philippines. Nevertheless the largest recipient of U.S. military Bar Association and you want us to stay with for defense cooperation between assistance in the region through *Inactive all time?” Duterte said. “What is Russia and the Philippines is a a variety of programs and initiathe problem on acquiring sub- matter of bilateral relations and tives, as compared to those promarines? Who are you to warn does not involve any third coun- vided by Russia and China, all in try in any way,” the Russian gov- support of the AFP’s modernus?” ization goals.

Duterte added the U.S. has not ernment said.

The defense cooperation beU.S. embassy spokesman Moli warned other countries in Asia from modernizing their military tween the Philippines and Rus- Koscina said that in the past few assets. He even undermined the sia, it said, is in “full compliance years, the U.S. has delivered milwith all existing international lions of dollars of planes, ships, capability of U.S. submarines. armored vehicles and small arms He was quick to say that he is arms control regimes.”

“We believe it meets strategic to the Philippines, while also not an enemy but just thinking of interests of the Philippine nation training Filipino troops. the welfare of Filipino troops.

“From Jan. 1, 2017 to the pres“I am not your enemy, I am and will definitely contribute to protecting my soldiers and po- the regional peace and stability,” ent, U.S. grants funded the delivery of military equipment worth lice,” he said. “What’s the prob- it said.

DND spokesman Arsenio An- over P5 billion ($95 million) to lem is using submarines when we cannot use it against you. dolong said the Philippine gov- the AFP,” Koscina said. n

US told: ‘Who are you to warn us on submarines?’

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR

CIVIL AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION • Breach of Contract and Fraud • Auto and Other Injury accidents

IMMIGRATION

• Family and employment based green cards • Business and Investor Visas • Deportation defense • Motions to Reopen • Appeals • Humanitarian Reinstatement of revoked petition • Naturalization • H-1B and student visas

FAMILY LAW • Divorce/Separation/Nullity • Property Division • Spousal Support • Child Custody and Support • Restraining Orders

CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90010

323-639-0277

Email: info@dtanlaw.com • Website: www.dtanlaw.com

Vegas man gets 34 years for killing Fil-Am ex-girlfriend LAS VEGAS – Brandon Hanson was sentenced to 34 years in prison for killing his ex-girlfriend, Makayla Rhiner, a 21year-old Filipino American in the west Las Vegas Valley.

Hanson was found guilty of stabbing Rhiner to death inside her garage last year.

The judge said Hanson stalked Rhiner, damaged her car, then went to her home with a hunting knife and a different pair of shoes.

“I think there are things you just won’t admit,” Judge Douglas Herndon said to Hanson.

“You didn’t just forget your phone and go over there with a hunting knife,” Fox5Vegas reported.

Hanson told the judge the drug Zoloft played a part in the murder:”While on medication, I did things I had never done before.”

The state had asked for life without parole, while the de-

fense asked for leniency. Makayla’s family said they were happy with the sentencing, but that it didn’t make anything easier.

Makayla’s mother, Lynn Pingol, said her daughter’s story is a tale of what happens when domestic violence cues are missed.

She said if anyone reads, or learns about her daughter’s story, she asks people to not hesitate to report people who are threatening violence to themselves or others. (Inquirer.net)

DILG chief: Death penalty will help...

PAGE A1 t

jail,)” Año added.

At present, only the House of Representatives approved of the death penalty covering drug lords and drug pushers. The measure is still in committee level at the Senate because more senators disapprove of the bill. President Rodrigo Duterte strongly supports the death penalty provision.

The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 otherwise known as Republic Act 9165 of-

fers life imprisonment as the most extreme form of punishment for illegal drug-related crimes.

The said act, drafted more than a decade ago, orders the State “to enhance further the efficacy of the law against dangerous drugs.”

It also bids the government to “pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances through an integrated

system of planning, implementation and enforcement of antidrug abuse policies, programs, and projects.”

The law states that those who are caught “importing, selling, manufacturing, and using illegal drugs and its forms may be fined and imprisoned for at least 12 years to a lifetime, depending on the severity of the crime”.

Capital punishment was still applicable 16 years ago when the act was made. However, it was abolished in 2006. n

Lorenzana to US: Don’t keep bells...

PAGE A1 t two countries,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

He added that he understood the resistance of officials from Wyoming, having lost American lives in the Balangiga incident.

Lorenzana, however, said the Filipinos suffered more than the Americans.

“It was a dark chapter in the shared history of our peoples, which should never be allowed to happen again,” he added.

“Let us not forget, however, that the time came when we set aside our differences and fought side by side against a common

enemy in World War II,” the defense chief said.

He then called again on the U.S. to return the bells.

“We call on the American people not to allow the bells to serve as trophies for atrocities that were committed by both sides on Philippine soil a very long time ago,” Lorenzana said.

He thanked US Defense Secretary James Mattis for his effort to write to the US Congress, saying it was “in the national security interest of the United States” to have the bells returned.

Last week, the US Embassy in Manila committed that the bells

would be turned over to the Philippines.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said the U.S. Department of Defense was coordinating with Lorenzana and his team for the expected return of the bells.

Two of the Balangiga bells are at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, while the third one is with the US Army in South Korea.

President Rodrigo Duterte, during his second State of the Nation Address last year, demanded the return of the bells. n

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

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 18-21, 2018

A

Voters to settle dispute over ambulance employee break times by

Alex leeds MAtthews Kaiser Health News

SMUGGLED SUGAR. Bureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña presents to the media misdeclared 10 container vans of sugar worth P15 million from Thailand seized at the Manila International Container Port on Thursday, August 16.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Man charged in road deaths of Filipino and Calif. highway patrol cop FAIRFIELD, California — A man was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter following a crash here Friday, August 10 that killed a Filipino man and a California Highway Patrol officer.

Sean Walker, 36, of Rocklin was charged and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, August 16 in Solano County Superior Court in Fairfield. Walker was driving recklessly, speeding, and was distracted by his phone, according to a report by SFgate. com.

Walker’s pickup truck crashed

into motorcycle Officer Kirk Griess, 46, and the man he had pulled over to a shoulder, Jaime Bueza Manuel, 49, from the Philippines. The impact crushed the Saturn to half its size. Walker was hospitalized and was released Friday, August 17.

Manuel, a resident of Vallejo, California, was driving a Saturn SUV when the CHP officer pulled him over around 9 a.m. Friday on westbound Interstate Highway 80 near Manuel Campos Parkway.

Manuel’s 20-year-old daugh-

Body of missing Filipino found in Michigan lake LEELANAU COUNTY, Michigan — The body of a missing Filipino man was found in Lime Lake in Leelanau County on Sunday, August 12.

The autopsy found no signs of foul play on the body of Gilbert Druja, 34, but the cause and manner of death can’t be finalized until the toxicology report comes back.

Druja went missing Friday morning, August 10, when his vehicle was found on at the MC Short Stop gas station in Maple

City, police said.

The vehicle was running and the gas pump nozzle was in the vehicle, according to a report by Upnorthlive.

Video surveillance footage shows the vehicle driving up to the pump around 3 a.m., and the driver walking away a short time later.

Investigators said Druja left the Leelanau Rustic Resort in Cedar Friday morning to travel back home to Chicago. (Inquirer. net)

Chinese bombers likely training for US strikes – Pentagon WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chinese bombers are likely training for strikes against U.S. and allied targets in the Pacific, according to a new Pentagon report that also details how Beijing is transforming its ground forces to “fight and win.”

The annual report to Congress, released on Thursday, August 16, highlights China’s growing military, economic and diplomatic clout and how Beijing is leveraging this to rapidly build its international footprint and establish regional dominance.

In the case of China’s air power, the report states that Chinese bombers are developing capabilities to hit targets as far from China as possible.

“Over the last three years, the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] has rapidly expanded its overwater bomber operating areas, gaining experience in critical maritime regions and likely training for strikes against U.S. and allied targets,” the document states, noting how China is pushing its operations out into the Pacific.

In August 2017, six Chinese H-6K bombers flew through the Miyako Strait in the southwest of the Japanese islands, and then for the first time turned north to fly east of Okinawa, where 47,000 U.S. troops are based.

The PLA may demonstrate the “capability to strike U.S. and allied forces and military bases in the western Pacific Ocean, including Guam,” the report says.

Largest ground force China is engaged in a decades-long build-up and modernization of its oncebackward armed forces, and military leaders have set a goal of fielding a world-class military by 2050.

President Xi Jinping last year ordered the PLA to step up efforts, saying China needed a military ready to “fight and win” wars.

The call has alarmed China’s neighbors, several of whom are embroiled in tense border disputes with the superpower.

According to the Pentagon, the PLA in April 2017 undertook a massive transformation of operational and tactical units as

part of its structural reforms.

With nearly a million troops, the PLA is the largest standing ground force in the world.

“The purpose of these reforms is to create a more mobile, modular, lethal ground force capable of being the core of joint operations and able to meet Xi Jinping’s directive to ‘fight and win wars,’” the report notes.

China’s military budget for 2017 was about $190 billion, according to the report, far behind the Pentagon’s annual budget of about $700 billion.

When the Pentagon released its annual report last year, Beijing dismissed it as “irresponsible” in predicting that China would expand its global military presence by building overseas bases in countries like Pakistan.

This year’s report reiterates that China will seek to establish new bases in countries such as Pakistan.

Key to this expanding footprint is China’s “belt and road” initiative that seeks to bolster ties with other nations through lending and infrastructure deals.

Taiwan ‘contingency’ The document also shines a light on China’s ongoing military preparations for a “contingency” in the Taiwan Strait.

Officially, China advocates for a peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but it has never repudiated the use of military force, the document notes.

“The PLA also is likely preparing for a contingency to unify Taiwan with China by force, while simultaneously deterring, delaying, or denying any thirdparty intervention on Taiwan’s behalf,” it states.

“Should the United States intervene, China would try to delay effective intervention and seek victory in a high-intensity, limited war of short duration.”

To the ire of regional neighbors, China has built a series of islets and ocean features into military facilities in the South China Sea. Beijing has now stopped substantial land reclamation.

“However, it continued to build infrastructure at three outposts,” the report says. (ManilaTimes.net with reports from AFP)

ter, Jamie Manuel, of the Philippines said her father moved to the U.S. 10 years ago to help provide for his family. She said he just finished putting her through St. Paul University in Manila, according to report by NBC Bay Area.

Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams alleged Walker’s behavior “was gross negligence.” That’s why prosecutors charged Walker with two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, one for each victim.

(Inquirer.net)

IF private-ambulance workers take a break from work, even for 10 minutes, it can mean the difference between life and death.

So, they routinely accept emergency calls during their meal and rest breaks — just as firefighters, policemen and other public emergency workers do.

But labor laws guarantee most California workers uninterrupted breaks, and multiple lawsuits are challenging whether private ambulance companies have the right to interrupt their employees’ breaks.

In November, voters will resolve the issue. Proposition 11 — a measure backed and funded by American Medical Response (AMR), California’s largest private ambulance company — would require private-ambulance employees to remain on call during their breaks.

“If a dispatcher calls and the closest ambulance is only a few blocks away, they’ll be reachable and ready to respond,” said Marie Brichetto, spokeswoman for the campaign advocating the ballot measure. “In times of emergency, seconds will make a difference.”

Proposition 11 also would require private ambulance companies to provide their employees with mental health coverage and training to respond to natural disasters, mass shootings and other emergencies.

The ballot measure would apply to the state’s estimated 17,000 private ambulance employees, including dispatchers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, who answer about three-quarters of the state’s emergency calls, according to a report by the state Legislative Analyst’s Office. The initiative doesn’t affect public ambulance workers because the labor codes governing rest and meal breaks apply only to private-sector workers.

Opponents of the measure, including a California lawmaker who works part time as an EMT, call it a “misleading” effort by the industry to save money on staffing — and get out of potentially bank-breaking lawsuits.

The initiative isn’t about public safety, but rather “trying to extract machine-level work from human beings,” said Mike Diaz, an AMR employee in Antelope Valley and president of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local 77.

For AMR, “the most efficient ambulance crew is one that is on a call for every hour of your 24hour shift,” he said. “We’re not machines. We need rest.”

The initiative grew out of a 2016 state Supreme Court ruling in Augustus v. ABM Security, which found that a California security company had failed to meet its legal obligation to provide breaks because its workers had to remain on call.

Given the similarities be-

tween the private security and ambulance industries, the case is likely to be applied to private EMTs and paramedics, the analyst’s report concluded.

AMR is already facing at least two lawsuits from employees who say they were denied breaks.

If the ambulance companies lose in court, they can no longer assume their employees are available during their breaks and would have to increase staffing — which could cost the industry around $100 million a year, the report said.

Proposition 11 is the industry’s effort to avoid that. The ballot measure also includes a provision that would effectively nullify the pending lawsuits.

So far, AMR is the only donor on either side of the measure.

The company has poured about $3.6 million into a committee to support the measure, and the committee has used about $3 million of that, mostly to get the measure on the ballot. AMR declined to comment for this article and referred inquiries to Brichetto, the Proposition 11 campaign spokeswoman.

Some ambulance companies have offered muted support for the measure, while others have remained silent.

Edward Guzman, CEO and general manager of the nonprofit Sierra Ambulance Company in eastern Madera County, said he supports Proposition 11. But

u PAGE A6

A august 18-21, 2018 • La WEEKEND asIaN JOuRNaL

Dateline USa

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

UK laments Philippines’ decision to quit ICC

by Patricia LourdeS Philstar.com

NO ‘SINGLES’ ALLOWED. Public utility vehicles and private cars with two or more occupants traverse the southbound lane of the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) near Camp Crame in Quezon City on Wednesday, August 15. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) held a dry run of the implementation of the high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOVL) policy along the major thoroughfare which bans driver-only vehicles in EDSA during rush hour, a move which was opposed by the Senate.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Amnesty International urges gov’t to stop ‘harassment’ of foreign activists RIGhTS group Amnesty International called on the Philippine government to respect the rights to freedom of expression and assembly of activists, including nonnationals, days after an elderly Australian professor was expelled from the country.

Gill Boehringer, who was expelled Tuesday, August 14, was the latest foreigner ordered out of the Philippines following Australian nun Patricia Fox, who has been fighting deportation since April after earning the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The 84-year-old Australian professor and human rights advocate was blacklisted due to his reported participation in a mass demonstration in 2015. he denied the allegation. his expulsion took place a month after three Methodist missionaries from Malawi, the United States and Zimbabwe left the country after they were ordered to leave by the Bureau of Immigration for supposedly engaging in political activities.

AI feared that the denial of entry to and expulsion of human rights

activists might create a negative effect on the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly by foreigners. “[They] may now decide to reduce their activities in the country for fear of the action the Philippine authorities might take against them,” it said.

The United Nations human Rights Committee stressed that “the general rule is that each one of the rights of the Covenant must be guaranteed without discrimination between citizens and aliens.”

“Based on this, the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly should be equally enjoyed by anyone in the Philippines, whether or not they are a citizen of the country,” the rights group said.

AI, moreover, urged the Philippine government to put an end to the supposed harassment of Filipino activists and expulsions of foreigners on the basis of their engagement in domestic protests.

It also called on the Department of Justice and the BI to ensure that people are not expelled from the country for the exercise of their rights to freedom of expression or their right to peaceful assembly.

“Non-citizens faced with an expulsion order must be able to put forward reasons against their expulsion and to have their case reviewed by the competent authority in a process where they have legal representation,” AI said. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

Viray

ThE United Kingdom has expressed its regret over the Philippines’ decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

Earlier this year, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the Philippines would be withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC. This decision came weeks after ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda began the preliminary examination — not an investigation — of the human rights situation in the country in connection with

Duterte’s crackdown against illegal drugs.

Speaking before a forum in Taguig City, UK Foreign Office Minister Mark Field said a rulesbased international system has had a positive impact on global security and prosperity, protecitng people and countries, as well as helping them achieve their potentials.

“And this is why we regret that the Philippines has decided to leave the International Criminal Court — an institution that we consider to be a cornerstone of the Rules-Based International System, because it makes all people safer,” Field said.

The British minister added that the UK has been working with its international partners to protect such rules.

“We believe that it needs the support of the whole international community and we are sure that the Philippines could make a great contribution,” he said.

On August 28, the Supreme Court will hold oral arguments on the petitions challenging Duterte’s withdrawl from the ICC. The oral arguments will cover consolidated petitions from minority senators and the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court. n

Manobo woman’s kin want Golden Tara returned

by Ben

Serrano Philstar.com

AS the United States government plans to return the historic Balangiga bells to the Philippines, relatives of the Manobo woman who found the Golden Tara in 1917 along Agusan River want the relic returned too.

The 13th century 21-karat Golden Tara, considered as one of the most important archeological discoveries in the Philippines, is now displayed at the Chicago Fields Museum in the US. It weighs 1.79 kilograms.

In an exclusive interview, Constancia Guiral and Danilo Isid, great grandchildren of Belay Campos—the woman who found the relic in 1918 along the Agusan River in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur, said they want to have the artifact returned to the country and preferably kept and safeguarded at the National Museum in Manila

or at the regional museum here “so the Filipino people can see it and will know.”

Guiral, now 66, said their family also wants a “finder’s fee” for the Golden Tara, an image of a hindu goddess believed to be proof that hinduism was existent in the Philippines before Ferdinand Magellan arrived. her great grandmother Belay, she added, found the image underneath an acacia tree along Agusan River after a storm in 1918.

“She and her sisters thought at first that it was a shining doll.

Later, the siblings and their parents started worshipping the Tara, and placed it on an altar,” Guiral recalled.

Guiral claimed that the image was stolen twice from them.

“Because all of them were unschooled, they did not know what to do. All they did was just remember that once the Golden Tara belonged to them,” she

added.

A group calling itself Golden Tara Community of Agusan organized by Filipino Lama Yeshe Lhundrup, a practitioner and devout Tibetan Buddhist, is planning a centennial celebration this year to commemorate the 100th year of discovery of the relic, which the Field Museum of Chicago renamed as Agusan gold image.

The group has elected historians Potenciano Malvar and Greg hontiveros as its top officers.

Lhundrup told The Star that the Golden Tara is not just an ordinary golden relic but has spiritual value that includes spiritual awakening and cleansing.

“Once back in the Philippines, it may signal or spark some spiritual renewal, enlightenment of many Filipinos based on hindu beliefs, an awakening of the Filipino nation long fallen asleep,” Lhundrup said. n

The 13th century 21-karat Golden Tara, considered as one of the most important archeological discoveries in the Philippines, is now displayed at the Chicago Fields Museum in the US. It weighs 1.79 kilograms.

Photo from Facebook.com/Shipwreckhunter

Fil-Am Army Green Beret dies in Afghanistan

by HeLen

FLoreS Philstar.com

QSPCMFN %&"-*/( 8*5) */463"/$& $-"*.4 "K** 2 )" '2Cf

A FILIPINO-AMERICAN member of the U.S. Army’s Green Berets has died from wounds sustained in an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Reymund Rarogal Transfiguracion, 36, of Waikoloa, hawaii, sustained injuries while on combat patrol in helmand province in southern Afghanistan on August 7, according to ABC News.

Born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Transfiguracion enlisted in the hawaii National Guard in July 2001, serving as a motor transport operator.

In 2008, the Green Beret was deployed to Afghanistan and the Philippines with the U.S. Special Operations task force.

Transfiguracion was selected for Special Forces training after returning from those two de-

ployments and was assigned as engineer sergeant to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. he was deployed to Afghanistan in March 2018.

Members of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces are also called Green Berets because of the distinctive military headgear they wear.

Transfiguracion’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star, two Purple hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge, the Army Times reported. he was posthumously promoted to sergeant first class and awarded the Bronze Star, Purple

Staff Sgt. Reymund Rarogal Transfiguracion

heart and Meritorious Service Medal.

According to reports, Transfiguracion was the fifth American military service member to be killed in Afghanistan this year. n

Voters to settle dispute over ambulance...

PAGE A5 t

he acknowledged there are some private companies that overwork their employees.

“Some of the urban providers … were running their people into the ground and not providing adequate rest or breaks,” he said. “There are players that will continue to do that because they don’t want to add extra units into the mix.”

This summer, Sierra added an additional ambulance and paramedics to its daytime rotation to respond to higher demand, and employees have a strong collective bargaining agreement that protects them from overwork or abuse, Guzman said.

Still, he fears that his smaller company could get slammed with lawsuits if Proposition 11 doesn’t pass. The measure protects Sierra “from unnecessary and expensive litigation,” he said.

County officials across the state cannot take political positions, but some worry that if the measure fails and lawsuits against the companies succeed,

the cost of hiring more ambulance workers could be passed on to them. Some counties hire private ambulance companies to supplement local fire departments and public ambulances.

“Somebody’s gonna have to pay for that,” said Cathy Chidester, director of Emergency Medical Services for Los Angeles County. “That [cost is] going to go back to the general public.”

Opposition to the ballot measure is largely unorganized but includes some unionized emergency response workers and lawyers representing the plaintiffs who are suing AMR. They argue that the proposition won’t change how private-ambulance employees operate, because their first instinct is to help people in distress.

“If I see something happen in front of me while I’m having my meal or rest break, I’m gonna respond. That’s our duty. That’s our calling,” said state Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez (DPomona), who works part time as an EMT. “We’re not gonna sit

there and watch somebody die just because we’re eating.”

Rodriguez and other opponents say the Proposition 11 campaign’s emphasis on public safety masks its true intentions: to maximize private companies’ profit margins.

“It’s a little misleading,” Diaz said.

EMT and paramedic workloads vary greatly depending on the county and employers. Diaz, who works in the Antelope Valley region of Los Angeles County, said his area is chronically understaffed. But Dandy Mendoza and Esther Nungaray, who work for American Ambulance in Fresno County, said they take an average of six to seven calls during a 12-hour shift — a number they consider reasonable.

“I don’t really have a strong opinion because I really like my job. I show up to take care of people,” Mendoza said. “I try to stay out of politics.”

This story was produced

by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. n

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 18-21, 2018

A

Dateline PJBChiliPPines conducts public interview of chief justice candidates

PH team wins silver and bronze at International Physics Olympiad THREE Filipino students became a nigh-unstoppable force at the 49th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), taking the country closer to gold than it has ever been at the annual worldwide competition.

Steven Reyes, who hails from St. Jude Catholic School (SJSC), bagged a silver medal for the Philippines. Meanwhile, Mikhail Torio from the Philippine Science High School-Main Campus (PSHS-MC) and Charles Bartolo from the Philippine Science High School-Central Luzon Campus (PSHS-CLC) each brought home a bronze medal.

Dr. Josette Biyo, Director of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), congratulated the team for placing 34th out of 87 delegations that participated in this year’s IPhO- achieving the best ranking in 13 years of participation. Reyes, Torio, and Bartolo ranked in the 88th, 68th, and 58th percentiles, respectively, out of a total of 396 student-delegates.

“The triumph of our IPhO Team is nothing short of remarkable. Our latest S&T HRD Stat Updates reveal that the number of physicists in the country decreased significantly, yet technological advances are fueled by physics-based researches. We hope they will continue their interest in the field and soon pursue a career in physics. I cannot emphasize enough the need for skilled physicists and their innovative application of physics to enable our economy to move forward swiftly,” said Biyo.

Each year, the IPhO gathers teams of secondary school students from around the world to compete against each other in a set of individual theoretical and laboratory physics exams.

This year’s problems involved the detection of gravitational waves, the ATLAS instrument at the Large Hadron Collider, and the physics of blood flow and tumor growth-- for the theoretical exam-- and paper transistors and the viscoelastic properties of a polymer thread-- for the experimental exam.

Accompanied by team co-

Bersamin was asked by JBC member Milagros Cayosa on the increase in the value of his assets.

THE Judicial Bar and Council He responded by disclosing the (JBC) on Thursday, August 16, allowance given to him for being conducted a public interview on a member of election tribunals.

“When you get to be a member the five candidates for the position of Supreme Court chief jus- of the SET or the HRET, you are given an allowance that is very tice.

The five candidates for the po- substantial also, we do not know sition are four Supreme Court As- if that is taxable or not, that imsociate Justices and a presiding judge. They are Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin, Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta, Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. and Judge Virginia Tejano-Ang. The panel was composed of Bearing the Philippine flag with pride. The Philippines Team at the International Physics Olympiad JBC members Milagros Fernan(L-R) Prof. Ian Vega, Mikhail Torio, Steven Reyes, Charles Bartolo, and Prof. Perry Esguerra.

Cayosa, Jose Mendoza, Toribio leaders Prof. Perry Esguerra and under Prof. Esguerra, Prof. Ilao and Senator Richard Gordon.

Prof. Ian Vega (both from the UP Vega, and Michael Solis of the The first candidate interviewed National Institute of Physics), Theoretical Physics Group and was Lucas Bersamin. He was apthe team competed in Lisbon, team co-leader Prof. Nathaniel pointed as Associate Justice by Portugal last July 21 to 29.

Hermosa of the Photonics Re- former president and now House To prepare for the competi- search Laboratory at the Nation- Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Artion, Reyes, Torio, and Bartolo al Institute of Physics. They also royo. He was said to retire on Ocunderwent intensive training u PAGE A11 tober 2019.

by aJPress

LUNGSOD NG CARSON PANUKALANG PAGBOBOTOHAN ANG PAUNAWA AY IBINIBIGAY SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na ang sumusunod na panukala ay pagbobotohan sa Pangkalahatang Halalang Munisipal na gaganapin sa Lungsod ng Carson, sa Martes, ang ika-6 na araw ng Nobyembre, 2018 Dapat bang pagtibayin ang isang panukala, upang mapatibay ang isang TSARTER NG LUNGSOD upang magkaloob sa mga Mamamayan ng Carson ng mas malaking lokal na kontrol, sa pamamagitan ng mga probisyong tulad ng: paglilimita sa awtoridad ng konseho na magpataw ng mga buwis, pagbabawal sa paboritismo at nepotismo, pagbabawal sa mga dispensaryo ng marijuana, mga regulasyon para sa muling pagpapaunlad ng mga kontaminadong lugar, pagtataguyod ng pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya, pangangasiwa sa mga epekto ng negosyong matindi ang paggamit ng trak, pagbabawal sa mga salungatan ng interes o mga interes sa pananalapi sa mga kontrata ng Lungsod, pagbabago sa paraan ng pagbabayad para sa konseho, pagpapataw ng mga limitasyon sa takdang panahon ng panunungkulan ng mga miyembro ng konseho ng lungsod?

Pinetsahan: Agosto 13, 2018 /p/ Donesia Gause-Aldana Lungsod ng Carson Klerk ng Lungsod/Opisyal sa mga Halalan

OO

HINDI

pacts on our financial standing,” Bersamin said.

Bersamin also advocated for the enhancement of the power of the JBC for vetting candidates for judgeship positions.

The next candidate interviewed was Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro. She was appointed also by Arroyo and was

u PAGE A9

A8 AUGUST 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OPINION

FEATURES

No giving up

HE is so exasperated with endemic, widespread corruption in this country, President Rodrigo Duterte sighed the other day, that he is considering stepping down. Crooks, he lamented, have resisted reform efforts and shrugged off the government’s pursuit of the corrupt.

In any crime, impunity reigns when there is no punishment. From the time of the Marcos dictatorship, the leviathans in the Philippine sea of corruption have managed to get away with mind-boggling plunder, and to this day continue to enjoy their loot.

The only lesson imparted by the sensational corruption cases in the recent past is that if you’re going to steal public funds in this country, you better steal big, because then you can afford the best justice that money can buy. It’s the same, it seems, in the war on drugs: penny-ante neighborhood drug pushers end up dead while those who smuggle tons of shabu into the country go scot-free.

If the big fish keep wriggling free, why should the minnows fear capture? Even when caught, justice is negotiable and the rule of law is a joke in this country.

After democracy was restored in 1986, the need for capacity building and strengthening institutions has been barely addressed by a succession of administrations. Bureaucrats designed layers of

red tape into processes for delivering basic services to encourage the payment of grease money. Political power is abused to collect fat commissions from contractors, with the crooks believing they are untouchable.

The justice system is one of the weakest links in the campaign against corruption. While reforms in the judiciary are largely outside the jurisdiction of the executive, the president can do his part in strengthening the rule of law by basing his appointments and promotions in the judiciary on merit rather than old school ties and political payback. The same goes for the prosecution service and the Office of the Solicitor General, which are under the executive branch.

Before the president makes good on his threat to give up and quit, there are still certain things he can do to institutionalize measures against corruption. Graft cannot be completely eliminated, but efficient deterrence is possible. A president cannot afford to give up in this fight. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

More American officials, institutions and citizens are rebuking Trump for silencing dissent and stifling freedom of speech tion of former CIA Director John Brennan’s his security clearance, just because he has been very vocal about his criticism of Donald Trump’s leadership, especially on the issue of the Russia probe.

In an opinion piece in the New York Times, Brennan wrote, GEL SANTOS-RELOS “President Trump’s claims of no collusion are hogwash, that’s why STOP. THINK. UNDERSTAND the president revoked my security the significance of this issue. clearance: to try to silence anyone There is a pattern here. And it in- who would dare challenge him.” volves YOU and your family. It is Retired intelligence officials so consequential to the future of get to keep their security clearthe United States of America. ances because they provide im“I would consider it an honor portant guidance and informaif you would revoke my security tion to those currently serving clearance as well, so I can add my the country with their years, if not name to the list of men and wom- decades, of experience working en who have spoken up against to keep our country safe. your presidency,” wrote William Following this was a letter H. McRaven in an opinion piece in signed Thursday, August 16 by 13 the Washington Post.

U.S. intelligence chiefs appointed McRaven, a retired Navy admi- by Republican and Democratic ral, was commander of the U.S. presidents in support of Brennan.

Joint Special Operations Com- They included former directors of mand from 2011 to 2014. He central intelligence, William Weboversaw the 2011 Navy SEAL raid ster, George Tenet and Porter in Pakistan that killed al-Qaeda Goss; former CIA directors, Mileader Osama bin Laden. chael Hayden, Leon Panetta and McRaven wrote the scathing David Petraeus; former directors piece in response to President of national intelligence, James Donald Trump’s abrupt revoca- Clapper; former deputy CIA di-

The Fil-Am Perspective

rectors, John McLaughlin, Stephen Kappes, Avril Haines, David Cohen and Michael Morell.

Robert Gates, the former director of central intelligence under President George H. W. Bush and the secretary of defense under both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, signed the letter on Friday.

They all called Trump’s move “an attempt to stifle free speech.”

Trump has warned that he is also revoking the security clearances of other high-ranking officials, stripping them of access to classified information. Nine of these officials under review have all criticized the president. Many have also been involved in the probe of the alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Meanwhile, in the Legislative branch of government, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution Thursday affirming that “the press is not the enemy of the people.”

“Resolved, that the Senate affirms that the press is not the enemy of the people; reaffirms the vital and indispensable role that

Fr. Alden Sison’s pastoral creativity and culturally competent servant leadership Part III of III of St. Genevieve High School’s transformative purpose of nurturing students’ potentials and building hearts

Rhizomes

PROSY ABARQUEZDELACRUZ, J.D. “Love today invites us to look beyond the short-term, taking a concern for the generations to come and not leaving them a legacy of easy solutions...It invites us to move forward without numbing ourselves to reality, without being ostriches burying their heads in the sand in face of failures and mistakes. Love invites us to accept that in our very weakness is all the potential needed to reconstruct our lives, to be reconciled with each other, and to grow.” - Pope Francis, Only Love Can Save Us, Homily May 25, 2012.

BISHOP Robert Barron delivered a homily at the ordination of the five deacons at the Cathedral of Angels in Downtown Los Angeles on August 11, 2018.

He recalled Fr. Larry Kelly (his spiritual mentor) and the important lesson he learned from him, which continues to inform his priesthood: “that within the bounds of law and morality, you are free to do what you can.”

Bishop Barron called it pastoral creativity. He emphasized to the deacons “to stay in God, in prayer, to reflect, and to serve.” He considered his 33 years as a priest, a

Fr. Alden Sison (pastor, center) with Manny Abunza (former coach, left) and Dan Horn (principal, right) taken in 2008.

Photo courtesy of St. Genevieve

life of adventure.

Like Bishop Barron who has over 30 years of priesthood, Fr. Alden Sison has been a priest for 32 years. Fr. Alden Sison was installed as St. Genevieve Church’s (St. Gen) pastor on Sept. 21, 2008, and he said, “I celebrate 32 years as a priest – unworthily – this Sept.

2018, God is good!”

In an interview with the Asian Journal on April 24, 2018, he shared his background, his spiritual mentors and his journey to the present.

I asked, “Are you related to Dr. Ramon Sison?”

He jokingly responded, “you mean the communist leader Sison,

referring to Jose Maria Sison?”

“No, I am not. I was told I could be related to the former Congressman Nancy Sison and Archbishop Juan Callanta Sison. The Sisons come from Lingayen, Pangasinan,“ he added.

Pangasinan is where salt and bagoong making and carving wood furniture are some of the livelihood sources. This sense of place seems to inform his current stewardship/leadership of St. Gen’s community. Why so?

Salt is a condiment used to flavor our food. Even granola has salt added to it to spike the flavors, but also to preserve its shelf life.

u PAGE A10

the free press serves to inform the electorate, uncover the truth, act as a check on the inherent power of the government, further national discourse and debate, and otherwise advance the most basic and cherished democratic norms and freedoms of the United States; and condemns the attacks on the institution of the free press and views efforts to systematically undermine the credibility of the press as an attack on the democratic institutions of the United States…,” stated the resolution.

This was in response to more than 300 newspapers that joined a nationwide effort to publish editorials on Thursday, fighting back against President Donald Trump’s vilifying and undermining the free press which he labels as “fake news” claiming these news media organizations cover him unfairly.

“This dirty war on the free press must end,” Marjorie Pritchard, the Boston Globe’s editorial page deputy managing editor, said in a press statement. “It calls for urgent action by those committed to free speech and the free press to stand against a White

House and its allies who are bent on eroding a pillar of an informed democracy.”

The president doubled down on his toxic rhetoric demonizing the media and tweeted: “THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA IS THE OPPOSITION PARTY. It is very bad for our Great Country...BUT WE ARE WINNING!” Remember what Trump said at the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention last month?

“Don’t believe the crap you see from these people, the fake news…Just remember, what you’re seeing and what you’re reading is not what’s happening.”

DO YOU SEE THE PATTERN HERE? Trump is silencing his critics, stifling Americans of their freedom of speech, and abuses his power to silence dissent.

AREN’T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE SPEAKING OUT AGAINST THIS? Are you condoning this President for his abuse of power?

Are you complicit in his transgression against our democracy?

READ AND DISCERN from the rest of the statement made by retired Navy Admiral William McRaven:

Street Talk

The problem with federalism: It’s the politicians, stupid!

GREG B. MACABENTA If the structure of the Philippine government is supposed to have been patterned after that of the United States, why wasn’t the federal system of America also applied to the Philippines?

The answer is in the fact that the U.S. was created from thirteen colonies that decided to federate, declare independence from Great Britain, fought and won a revolutionary war and subscribed to a single Constitution that acknowledged the autonomy and the partitioning and sharing of powers between the Federal government and the states.

The U.S. nearly became ununited or untied in 1861 when several Southern states, chafing over the issue of slavery and the sharing of authority and power with the central government, declared themselves the Confederate States of America. This precipitated a bloody civil war that ended only with the surrender of the confederacy in 1865.

On the other hand, the Philippines, was considered a single colony of the United States and was never regarded as separate or autonomous provinces or regions. Thus, it was constituted as a Commonwealth of the Philippines, with a central government, preparatory to being granted independence.

No thanks to Malacañang’s

resident communications genius, Mocha Uson, our citizens are still unsure what the heck the Philippine Legislature and President Rodrigo Duterte are talking about in the course of their campaign to replace the current centralized system of government with a federal system.

Proponents of federalism are, understandably, focusing on the benefits of this system of government, which is in use by several countries, among them the U.S., Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Russia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and, in Asia, Malaysia, India and Pakistan.

On the other hand, those who are resisting federalism have expressed both valid reasons, as well as concerns that come with fear of the unknown. Among those who have posed reasonable concerns are Duterte’s economic czars, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia But the fear of the unknown is, perhaps, the biggest obstacle to public acceptance of federalism.

This is exacerbated by what people already know about the actuations of those who may eventually be entrusted with implementing the change of governmental system.

The fact alone that certain politicians are calling for the scalp of Dominguez and Pernia, for expressing their reservations about

“Like most Americans, I had hoped that when you became president, you would rise to the occasion and become the leader this great nation needs.

A good leader tries to embody the best qualities of his or her organization. A good leader sets the example for others to follow.

A good leader always puts the welfare of others before himself or herself.

“Your leadership, however, has shown little of these qualities. Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation.

If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken. The criticism will continue until you become the leader we prayed you would be.” *** 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.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

federalism, is one principle reason to fear its implementation.

Said our neighborhood tricycle driver in Parañaque, “Hindi pa nga na-a-aprubahan ang pederalismo, umaabuso na ang mga gago! (Federalism has not yet been approved, those idiots are already becoming abusive)” Said one of his passengers: “Sa tutuo lang, mapagkakatiwalaan mo ba ang mga katulad ni (former Speaker Pantaleon) Alvarez at (former Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo) Fariñas na hindi maghahari-harian sa kanya-kanyang teritoryo? Kung sa kasalukuyang sistema, abusado na. Di lalo na kung autonomous na sila?” (In truth, can you trust people like Alvarez and Fariñas not to lord it over their respective territories?

Under the present system, they have already been abusive. What more if they become autonomous?)

Chimed in another passenger: “Hindi lamang si Alvarez at Fariñas. Lahat ng politiko. (Not just Alvarez and Fariñas. All the politicians.)”

To be blunt about it, the problem is not the concept of a federal system of government. It’s the politicians, stupid!

Following are some of the ways political overlords can – frankly, WILL – abuse their newly-gained autonomy under a federal system: 1. Multiplying, overlayering

u PAGE A10

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.

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

Northern California: New Jersey office: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 2500 Plaza 5, Harborside Financial Center, Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel: (212)655-5426 • Fax: (818)502-0858 Las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

CHRISTINA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

PH Air Force receives P807-m monitoring system from US

by AJPress The United States gave the Philippine Air Force a Special Airborne Mission Installation and Response (SABIR) system worth P807 million on Tuesday, August 14, at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

In a report from GMA News, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the surveillance system will cover the regions surrounding the country.

“For patrolling the West Philippine Sea, the east Philippine Sea, Philippine Rise and Sulu Sea; this is actually what I was telling you a while ago about the gap in our surveillance capabilities. Now we have it,” Lorenzana said.

SABIR is a “bolt-on, bolt off” avionics module that will serve as the Air Force’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system for the C-130 hercules aircraft.

In a report from Rappler, the U.S. government in a turnover ceremony donated the module that “upgrades the aircraft with advanced command and control, communications, computer, and surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities without sacrificing the aircraft’s primary function as a cargo plane.”

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim expressed the desires of the U.S. government to aid and support the country’s armed forces.

“We have a long-standing partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we have great

NEW SYSTEM. Philippine Air Force personnel check the newly installed Special Airborne Mission Installation and Response (Sabir) system to C-130 aircraft during the acceptance, blessing, and turnover of the Sabir system at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay on Tuesday, August 14.

According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Sabir system given by the United States will increase the PAF’s capability to monitor the West Philippine Sea, Benham Rise and Sulu Sea. The Sabir system is worth P340 million.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ Diosina

respect for the AFP so we wanna do our part as friend, partner, and allies to support the modernization efforts, in all sense particularly in the area of intelligence and reconnaissance, surveillance,” Kim said.

The U.S. embassy also noted that SABIR “will increase the Philippine military’s maritime domain awareness, airborne command and control, counter terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (hADR) capabilities.”

In a report from The Manila Times, the ambassador also noted several other uses of the SABIR system which includes countering illegal drugs in the country — the top priority of the Duterte

administration.

The SABIR system is part of the U.S. government’s Maritime Security initiative for Southeast Asian nations. Air Force Spokesperson Major Aristides Galang Jr. said that it will be operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing.

Aside from SABIR, the U.S. government also donated other military equipment such as Scaneagle drones and Cessna planes to support the modernization program of the armed forces.

Lorenzana stated that SABIR will be used once in a while only, but he cited other assets such as the aforementioned Scaneagle drones from U.S. and the TC planes from Japan that was donated to the Philippine Navy. n

JBC conducts public interview of chief...

PAGE A7 t

set to retire in October this year.

Cayosa emphasized the fact that de Castro will only be in office for six weeks. She said that if ever the “seniority rule” would apply De Castro would acquire the chief justice position. however, Cayosa also asked what De Castro will hypothetically accomplish given her short term.

“I believe that it will not be a problem,” De Castro responded.

She then revealed her accomplishments in her years in office.

Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta was also appointed by the current house speaker. he will retire in March 2022.

Peralta like Bersamin also received an allowance as a member of the electoral tribunal. Both jus-

tices also noted that they receive remuneration when they became chairpersons of the Bar examination Committee. Peralta was chairman of the Bar Committee in 2014 while Bersamin, in 2017.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. he will retire in March 2020. he was asked about the impact of the Supreme Court ouster of Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Renato Corona on officials.

“It’s a wake-up call for us to be always on our toes, and always be adherent to the constitution,” Reyes said.

Davao Judge Virginia TejanoAng is the presiding judge of Davao del Norte Regional Trial Court Branch 1 and the lone SC outsider. Tejano-Ang said that

she did not intend to apply for chief justice. She said she wanted to apply for Associate Justice but was surprised to find out she had applied for the vacancy of chief justice.

She said, “Pinaghirapan ko na ito. Nagpa-interview na ako sa inyo. Syempre, pwede na po.

Sayang naman po yung effort ko (I worked hard for this. You interviewed me. Of course, it should suffice. It is a shame to put my efforts to waste).”

The JBC wrapped up its interview of the five aspirants for the chief justice post on Thursday afternoon.

Following the Constitution, Duterte has until September 16 to fill the vacancy at the Office of the Chief Justice. n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 18-21, 2018

A

A10 August 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

Fr. Alden Sison’s pastoral creativity...

PAGE A8 t

It seems that Fr. Sison’s pastoral stewardship is to salt the surroundings, to make communities more viable and to create more alive ministries, able to build bigger communities. It may have come from his early exposure to the Columban nuns, spiritual mentors and nuns, who taught him culturally-competent ministries.

Humble beginnings of Fr. Alden Sison Fr. Sison grew up in Lingayen, Pangasinan. He was raised by his

grandmother, Florentina Arias, while his parents worked overseas. He went to St. Columban’s Academy, run by the Columban sisters, whose principles include “ministering to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing the universal love of God. Their mission is to facilitate the formation of vibrant faith communities and help struggling people regain their dignity, challenged by illiteracy, violence and injustice.”

In the 7th grade, his grandmother passed away, and he joined his

parents, Sid and Lilia Sison, who were overseas Filipino workers in the U.S. The family settled along Beverly and Rampart Blvds. in Los Angeles and he went to Virgil Junior High School.

He considers Fr. Ernest Hoerdemann a discoverer of his God’s calling. During that period, racial discrimination was on the rise, as its overt and covert features of shunning, bullying and alienation in the early 70s. While excited about his new surroundings and being in America, he felt like an anomaly, as a Filipino. He went with his family on Sundays, and at St. Kevin’s, he met Fr. Ernest Hoerdemann, an associate pastor who was previously assigned in Cebu. Fr. Hoerdemann took him to the Divine Word Missionary in Riverside, where he went to a year in high school.

Msgr. Patrick Collins, then pastor of St. Kevin’s, became his second spiritual mentor who further nurtured his God’s calling.

He asked him to consider Queen of Angels High School in Mission Hills. From there, he went to St. John’s College (now closed), housed in the same campus as the seminary.

At St. John’s, there was a lot of questioning, a process of discerning – is this the life for me?

“I had a confirmation of my interior calling, a community calling, supported by my mom, who prayed the rosary and many novenas for me. My mother has not ceased saying rosaries and novenas for me,” he said.

Recall what Bishop Barron’s mentor said on pastoral creativity and how a priest can do anything, as long as within the bounds of laws and morality? Fr. Sison learned important lessons on morality from the nuns who taught him.

“I learned my chemistry lessons from Sister Leo Francis of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who taught me patience; chemistry was not my strongest subject,” he said.

Sister Patricia Benson of the Sisters of St. Louis taught English and from her, he “learned how to respect women’s rights, how to promote women’s rights, and to draw a line on abortion, based on being a moral leader of the Church’s teachings. Sister Patrice had a very strong influence in sensitizing me to women’s issues in those early days.”

Sister Patrice Benson then moved to become a professor on

u PAGE A11

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ

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

House clears former Pres. Aquino of Dengvaxia controversy

by AJPress AFTER months of hearings, two committees of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, August 15, cleared former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of the issue regarding the 2016 dengue vaccination program and the use of the controversial vaccine Dengvaxia.

The Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chaired by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel and the Committee on Health chaired by Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan were the two panels that deliberated on the said issue.

In a report from The Philippine Star, the two committees stated in a draft report that the dengue vaccination program was deemed as a “judgment call on the part of the previous administration.”

“The action of the administration at the time to implement a dengue vaccination program was unquestionable,” the report stated.

The committees considered that the program was only intended to address the increasing number of those with dengue fever all over the country. They also emphasized the danger that the disease poses.

“Indeed, the morbidity and mortality data at the time showed that dengue has become a worrisome monster killing hundreds of Filipino,” the committees reported.

The panels also stated that the administration under President Rodrigo Duterte continued the vaccination program and even expanded it to Central Visayas.

The two committees also noted that there was a rush in the acquisition of the vaccines. The dengue vaccination program, according to them, “disregarded existing laws, rules and regulations.”

The two panels decided that the effectivity and safety of Dengvaxia remained “under review and study.”

The Dengvaxia controversy

Former President Benigno Aquino III answers a question during a press conference for the investigation of election offense complaints linked to the dengue vaccine program held at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Intramuros, Manila City on Thursday, March 15. Also in the photo is former Health Secretary Janette Garin.

PNA photo by Joey Razon

started when a number of children who received dengue vaccines were reported dead.

Several sectors believed that those children died because of Dengvaxia. As of April 2018, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 62 deaths.

The committees have yet to conclude whether the government’s immunization program caused the fatalities. However, they noted that proper authorities are handling the situation.

“There is no conclusive finding that Dengvaxia directly caused the death of inoculated patients. Cases have been filed and are pending before various jurisdictions to settle the issue,” the report said.

Sanofi, the drug’s manufacturer, continued to stand by the product’s efficacy and safety.

The report cited that the World Health Organization (WHO) approved of the vaccine but pointed out that there were risks for sero-negative persons or those with no prior dengue infections.

“Dengvaxia is believed to be effective only on person seropositive (with prior dengue), the committee said.

The house panels recommended the filing of “administrative and criminal cases against government officials, employees, and private individuals” responsible for the procurement of the said vaccine. Among those with

pending charges were the former president Aquino, former health secretary Janette Garin and former budget secretary Florencio Abad.

The draft report did not fly by without objections. Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bagao asked for a one-day delay in order to read it. They rescheduled the approval on Wednesday, August 15.

1.2 billion for Dengvaxia victims The committee on appropriations chairman and Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles urged the Senate to approve the 1.2 billion supplemental budget for victims of the dengue vaccination program. The House of Representatives passed the budget last June.

“My appeal is for senators to approve it before we go on recess this weekend. The Department of Health (DOH) has started patient check-ups and fieldwork in communities where children were administered Dengvaxia vaccination, so they need this budget that is exclusively allocated for such purpose,” Nograles said.

Nograles also said that part of the money would be used to seek all 900,000 children who went through the vaccination program to establish “baseline study and medical profile.” n

The problem with federalism...

PAGE A8 t

and overloading the bureaucracy – Everyone who has managed a company must be familiar with this dynamic. When you promote an assistant, he will ask for an assistant for himself. Soon, he will promote his assistant who will then want his own assistant, and so on. Apply that dynamic to a change from a centralized system of government to a federal system and you can bet that the tendency to multiply departments and overlayer and overload them will manifest itself. I believe Sonny Dominguez has a much bigger fear as applied to government expenditures.

2. Control over the system of justice – We have all witnessed how Alvarez, as House Speaker, threatened to DISSOLVE the Court of Appeals and to have several justices disbarred over a decision by the justices involving six Ilocos Norte officials. We have also witnessed how Duterte and the Legislature have virtually placed the Supreme Court under their thumb and how they succeeded in dislodging Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno. In a federal system, this abuse of power will surely happen as sure as night follows day.

3. Private armies and the imposition of a virtual police state – Duterte’s war on drugs will be replicated at the local level with a war against anything and anyone who dares to protest abuse of authority. If, under the spotlight of international condemnation, the thousands who have been salvaged by the police still have not found justice, does anyone believe localized salvaging and disappearances will fare any better?

At present, private armies are being maintained by political overlords. Federalism WILL formalize their existence.

4. Imposition of punitive and

frivolous taxes and business regulations – This is already happening even under the present system of government. A federal system will simply make the situation worse.

5. Wholesale graft, corruption and raiding of the treasury – The Commission on Audit has been rendered toothless in its efforts to extract accountability from national and local officials, starting from charging for ghost employees (which the Dutertes have been questioned about) to overpricing on public works projects and official purchases of materials and supplies. Autonomy will give the green light for raiding the treasury of each region.

6. The danger of secession – The Confederate States of America that the Southern states in the US attempted to establish should serve as a warning to those who still do not know how to handle the Moro secessionist sword of Damocles. In this regard, watch out for the Federation of Malaysia. It may be tempted to offer to include parts of Mindanao in the federation, given a chance. Remember Sabah!

I could go on and on but I think you get my drift. The capacity for stealing and abuse of power by local politicians is a known fact under the present system – the only difference is that there is a capo di tutti capi who sits in Malacañang, holds the purse strings and is commandeer-inchief of the armed forces.

Federalism will simply create more capo di tutti capi, just like amoebas and just like the Mafia, lording it over their respective domains. The powers of the man in Malacañang will presumably be decreased as those of the autonomous regions are officially granted.

You can almost see the pro-

ponents of federalism salivating over the powers that they will officially enjoy. Frankly, at present, some of them are already enjoying similar powers but unofficially – thus, the sick joke is that there already exists a Kingdom of Ilokandia, a Kingdom of Leyte, a Kingdom of Cebu and several kingdoms in Mindanao.

Applying kanto boy logic, such as the one often used by Duterte, some folks actually believe that having Marcos as a dictator was better than having Cory Aquino re-establish “democracy.” Their reasoning goes this way: During the Marcos regime, there was only one Big Chief Thief and all the others were Little Injun Thieves. Under Cory, thievery was “democratized” with many Big Chief Thieves and many Little Injun Thieves raiding the treasury A similar demented logic is being applied by those who prefer to maintain the current system of government which is that it is better to deal with a tyrant that you already know than face the prospect of many unknown tyrants.

But, in spite of all these dangers, there are very real benefits to be gained in a federal system of government. Ask the many countries that have flourished under the system.

But the devil is in the details.

And the devils are the politicians.

Of course, there are idealists who continue to pray and hope for politicians who do not steal, who have a noble vision for the country and who truly, genuinely, sincerely want to serve our people.

While I join these idealists in their prayers and hopefulness, the sad reality is that poor Diogenes is till holding out is lantern in search of an honest man. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

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.

MILLIONS WORTH OF SHABU SEIZED. Bureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña and Port of NAIA District Collector Carmelita Talusan (right) present to media the seized shabu and ecstasy with an estimated street value of P37.3 million on Wednesday, August 15. The shabu was concealed in a baby carrier, camera, and bar stool while the party drug was placed inside wooden toys.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 18-21, 2018

A11

Fr. Alden Sison’s pastoral creativity...

PAGE A10 t

tion and restructuring of our educational journey, which is presently underway, I have taken a very broad view about what our two schools [St. Gen Elementary and St. Gen High School] and our students, will need in the future to become good citizens, contributing members of our society and, most importantly, good Catholics who will walk in the light of the Lord for their entire lives. I am really very happy with the direction in which we are going and ask everyone in our community to give the good works that are underway a chance to bear fruit,” he wrote in their Church’s news bulletin.

At first, these two schools were under two distinct leadership models and competing directions.

By consolidating the two schools under Dan Horn, the principal of St. Gen’s high school, both schools are more collaborative, with the preschool feeding its graduates to the elementary, while the middle school graduates matriculate into high school.

Consider Charina Vergara, a single mother who is both a breadwinner and nurturer of her daughters. She still found time to head a fundraising event at St. Gen, sharing, “I am blessed with flexibility in my working hours and I have been volunteering for years at St. Gen, where I feel welcome. I consider St. Gen as our second home, with a sense of family and community.

The people are warm, friendly and respectful. I find that [my] volunteering [creates] a huge impact on my daughters to become high achieving, confident, and to perform well in school. I have noticed a big change in the way they run the school, a better organizational structure now. They offer opportunities for our children to grow their faith and develop leadership skills. Missy is an active altar server and she wouldn’t miss a Sunday nor be late for mass. She finds joy and delight in serving. She is happy at St. Gen. I took a video of how excited she was that she was going to go to SG for kinder.

[Years later], the excitement is still there.”

St. Gen.’s Fourth Sunday of Easter Church bulletin informed the congregation of the New SG Priests’ Residence and its open house on April 22, 2018. The pastor thanked the parishioners who made the purchase of this home for the priests possible. The Church’s community considers this a milestone of their “stewSt. Genevieve Church at the annual Assumption Day 2018 on the Feast of the Blessed Virgin ardship of treasure,” a $4 million Mary with Fr. Alden Sison and School Leaders Photo courtesy of St. Genevieve goal of their inspiration building literature at St. John’s and Fr. Sison minored in literature. He recalls the display of the Guttenberg Bible at St. John’s Seminary that was sold to finance the seminary needs. Only a photo remains of that rare antique bible, encased inside the second floor of the St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo.

He was ordained in 1987 by Cardinal Roger Mahony at St. Vibiana.

Of Fr. Sison’s journey during his Silver Jubilarian (25th year of priesthood), Angelus News wrote: “Father Alden Sison was born in the Philippines, in 1961. In his sophomore year at Notre Dame High School in Riverside, he entered Our Lady Queen of Angels High School Seminary and was ordained from St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo. He has a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a master of divinity. His first assignment was at Holy Family, Artesia, for four years followed by six years as associate at St. Bernardine of Siena, Woodland Hills. Father Sison was named pastor of Our Lady of the Valley, Canoga Park in 1997, and since 2008 has been pastor of St. Genevieve, Panorama City.”

His journey to cultural competence He credits Sister Marilena Narvaez of Sisters of Social Service as a good example of culturally relevant social ministry. He described her as fierce, undaunted and fearless and perhaps, may have pioneered the installation of Simbang Gabi masses in the Archdiocese.

She sent him to different churches to celebrate Simbang Gabi masses, “I had to go to nine consecutive evenings to nine different churches, from Dec. 16 to 24, and even to Santa Barbara to celebrate mass.” He also credits Cardinal Mahony of being supportive of this ethnic ministry.

In serving at different churches, first at St. Kevin’s, he observed that

Filipinos have several devotions, one of which is the Wednesday novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Because of that devotion, it solidifies their practice to attend church regularly.

By 1996, he became the youngest pastor, at 34 years old at Our Lady of the Valley in Canoga Park.

“I had to become culturally sensitive in my ministry. That includes women and because I am a Filipino, I also need to focus on ethnic ministries. In this church, it was populated by mostly Latinos as the white flight had begun from Canoga Park to Santa Clarita. The pews were emptying of whites. I focused on ministering to the Latinos and Filipinos and established the first Simbang Gabi, a novena of nine-day masses at 5:30 a.m. in 1998 at this church,” he shared.

“I also focused on developing ministries for the older parishioners and developed programs on how to unify the Anglos, Filipinos and Latinos,” he added.

It was not about building compartments, he said. Instead, it is about developing awareness of one another, like having masses together, a fiesta where everyone can participate and that became a milestone for the growth of the church’s population at Our Lady of the Valley.

“It was about building community, a functioning community with ministries that were alive. It was about opening the classrooms so they can meet and pray for bible study and prayer groups.”

By the 11th year, he was pulled out by Msgr. Gabe Gonzalez and transferred as pastor of St. Gen. A chance to bear fruit At St. Gen, Fr. Sison’s 10 years have not just preserved the core formations of faith, but he has enhanced its music ministry and faith formation groups.

He looks to improve structures where needed.

“In initiating the reorganiza-

Try a Little Kindness Song on the Monitor with Mr. Marlon Archey (Welcome Day for Freshman Emcee and Director of Athletics) Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz

campaign, with pledges to date at $3,503,129 from pledges/gifts of 1,091 families, as illustrated in their church bulletin of July 29, 2018.

At the Freshmen Welcome day, Fr. Sison led everyone in prayers.

He reminded everyone that as “you attend the field of games, listen to the whirlwinds of sounds and drums, it is Jesus Christ who animates us daily.”

Today, the school has boldly undertaken a strategic campaign for their Inspiration Building, now at $26 million, short of $4 million of their $30 million goal. This building will be the site of inspirational leaders’ talks to parents and students, but also where the students can freely express their music, cheerlead, dance, and perform their musicals like “Bye, Bye Birdie,” “The King and I” and “The Little Mermaid” and even their school events.

Pope Francis invites us to believe that “Only Love Can Save Us” and a universal love that seeks strategic long-term solutions for the next generations to come. It is similar to what I witnessed at St. Genevieve School and perhaps, soon from the 1,091 church-going families who had pledged and some who had already fulfilled their pledges.

Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario

Del Rosario hails rare Duterte remark vs China’s activities

by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Friday commended President Rodrigo Duterte for his recent remarks on China’s actions in the South China Sea. Earlier this week, Duterte said Beijing’s claim to airspace above artificial islands in the South China Sea “is wrong.”

“That is wrong because those waters are what we consider international sea,” Duterte said in a speech before an audience that included foreign guests.

“You cannot create an island, it’s man-made, and you say that the air above these artificial islands is yours,” the president also said.

Del Rosario, who led the Philippines in its arbitration case against China, said Duterte’s latest remarks would encourage and inspire Filipinos through his manifestation of positive leadership.

Duterte’s latest public criticism of China’s activities in the South China Sea was rare as he has refused to antagonize the country to strengthen relations.

“We want to respectfully commend President Duterte on his *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly recent remarks about China’s agcolumn for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” gressive and unlawful behavior in She has been writing for AJ Press for 10 years. the South China Sea,” Del Rosario She also 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, Costa Rica, Mexico and over 22 national parks in the US, in her pursuit of love for nature and the arts.

Philstar.com photo

said at a forum on rules-based order organized by Stratbase ADR Institute.

“If we truly adhere and respect the rule of law, we should actively seek to end any unlawful and aggressive attack to the rules-based international system,” Del Rosario said.

In his speech, Del Rosario noted that Beijing’s militarizatiom of the South China Sea remains one of the “most important and contentious external threats” in the region.

China has refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated its nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. Del Rosario also noted how China has “unwaveringly flexed its muscle to deprive us of our sovereign rights.”

The former DFA secretary reiterated that the Philippines should stand up for the rule of law and rally the support of other countries.

He suggested that the Philippines can seek for a United Nations resolution that would order China to abide by the tribunal ruling.

“Let us not be willing victims by supporting and fuelling China’s non-adherence to the rule of law.

Concomitantly, we cannot remain silent,” Del Rosario said.

PH team wins silver and bronze...

PAGE A7 t

received training and guidance from coaches Russel Odi (SJSC), Vinni Dajac (PSHS-MC), Rex Forteza (PSHS-CLC), and Lemuel Pelagio Jr. (PSHS-CLC).

The team competed in the 2018 IPhO with generous support from the Unilab Foundation, the Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc. (PSHS-

FI), PSHS-MC, PSHS-CLC, SJCS, and individual donors from the physics community. Dr. Reina Reyes, IPhO Team co-leader, expressed hope for the team to gain more institutional and funding support.

The Philippine team plans to send another delegation to the 2019 IPhO, which will be held in Tel Aviv, Israel.

A12 August 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 18-21, 2018

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

B

Journal

How an AAPI comedy show threatens the homogeneity of the largely white comedy world As diversity heightens in entertainment, Asian comics make their way

Lead stars Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano with Makisig Morales, Zaijan Jaranilla and Matteo Guidicelli.

ABS-CBN photo

LizQuen bid goodbye to ‘Bagani’ by

ManilaTiMes.neT

“IT was truly an epic journey,” said prime time stars Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil of their journey as heroes of fictional indigenous tribe Sansinukob, as they bid the show goodbye this week after an impressive run on ABS-CBN. With the aim of attracting viewers to learn about the early Filipinos through the fictional setting—researched arduously and lengthily before taping began—the pair feels honored to have been tasked with such an important mission to show the youth the core of the country’s culture. They also feel proud to have succeeded in doing so

with one of the biggest casts and production teams the network has ever put together for a prime time series.

On Saturday, Soberano and Gil led a thanksgiving party to celebrate the show’s final week, which ends Friday. Still keeping viewers at the edge of their seat, the last episodes of Bagani will see the heroes of Sansinukob facing a difficult dilemma as they fight evil to protect their home from destruction.

Since its premiere, Bagani has been well received by audiences, particularly hitting an all-time ratings high 36.2-percent on April 17, according to data from Kantar Media.

The show also won the hearts

of netizens with its hashtags trending worldwide on Twitter, while making the list of “one of the most talked about teleseryes” in the country in the first half of 2018, according to the Twitter Entertainment Index.

Launching an online version via Bagani World, users were further able to live out their favorite show as heroes of a digital Sansinukob. Replacing this website, however, once the show ends is “Bagani: Beyond Sansinukob” on ABS-CBN’s online reading platform, NoInk. “The journey continues there,” said the prime time heroes, as they express their sincerest thanks to the public for their support.

Dingdong calls out ‘Probinsyano’ for illegal use of family photos

by ChrisTina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

GMA Network Actor Dingdong Dantes has called out rival network ABS-CBN’s longest running prime time show “FJP’s Ang Probinsyano” for using and altering his family photos without permission.

In Facebook post on August 12, he wrote, “In two episodes of Ang Probinsyano, our wedding photo [with wife, actress Marian

Rivera]and a photo taken during Zia’s [their daughter] baptism were edited and featured without the consent of our photographer and our family.”

A video montage of the scenes where the said photos were used accompanied the actor’s statement, flashing the original Dantes family photos as inset. Indeed, the couple’s wedding picture featured beside Alice Dixon in the first clip; while their daughter’s baptism portrait had the faces

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

ON Sunday, July 29, a crowd of people gathered in the courtyard of the Santa Monica Playhouse, awaiting “Crazy Woke Asians,” a comedy show with an all-Asian lineup.

It was a sold-out night and the crowd was majority young Asian creatives who were chatting about pilots they were writing, auditions they were preparing for and short films that they just wrapped.

Historically, Asian writers, actors, filmmakers and musicians weren’t visible and, for the mainstream audience, they simply didn’t exist. For decades, Asian creatives have fought against the homogeneity of the entertainment world that severely limited the opportunities for people of color.

The world of comedy is no different. The opportunities to thrive as an Asian comic have been limited to minor, often stereotypical Asian roles on sitcoms and films.

But as the push for diversity

The comedy show was organized and hosted by comedians Kiki Yeung and Jason Cheny.

grows stronger, comedians in the Asian-American community are seizing the opportunity to create their own mark in the industry.

Hosted by comedians Kiki Yeung and Jason Cheny, “Crazy Woke Asians” strives to expand that influence and brighten the spotlight on the characteristics that make Asian comedy so special.

As it often is, socio-political

of Joko Diaz and Mickey Ferriols superimposed on his and wife Rivera’s bodies. Their daughter Zia’s image was left untouched, figuring prominently for the public to see.

According to Dantes, it was his and wife’s fan club, the DongYanatics, who brought the issue to his attention prompting him to take steps.

“I have been deeply thinking about disclosing my response to The diverse lineup of comics included Filipinos, Hong Kongers, Koreans and Vietnamese comics.

Photos courtesy of Kiki Yeung PAGE B2

topics — the #MeToo movement, the Trump administration and ethnic identity and being a person of color in America in 2018 — were heavily discussed and poked at throughout each comic’s set.

The fetishization of Asian women was brought up in a lot of sets, including Atsuko Okatsuka, whose fiery set garnered the most cheers.

Citing a study that said that Asian women are the most desirable, Okatsuka remarked, “So, men prefer Asian women...why?

They say we’re quiet, obedient and docile, and to those men, I ask: have you ever even MET an Asian woman? Try walking into an Asian woman’s home without taking off your shoes and see how docile she is.”

In the wake of the successful summer blockbuster flick “Crazy Rich Asians” (which features the first all-Asian cast since 1993’s “The Joy Luck Club”), there has been a major push for various PAGE B2

B August 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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

Vhong Navarro, Winwyn Dingdong calls out ‘Probinsyano’...

Marquez team up in ‘Unli Life’ by

ManilaTiMes.neT

VHONG Navarro and Winwyn Marquez are paired for the first time in Regal Entertainment Inc.’s entry to the 2nd Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino via the comedy “Unli Life.”

Talents of rival networks [Navarro is from ABS-CBN while Marquez is with GMA Network], their chances of working together were slim, but were very happy to get along the moment they met and started shooting with Director Miko Livelo.

With Unli Life as her first movie as a leading lady, Marquez considers it a blessing to have the popular comedian as her first-ever leading man. In fact, she admits that growing up, she used to watch Navarro all the time when he was still part of a dance group.

“Ngayon lang ako naka-work with a super-super literal big star,” the beauty-queen-actress enthused. “Pinapanood ko lang siya dati, pero working with him, he’s like a teacher but he’s also open to suggestions.”

She was also surprised to discover he is kind and humble.

“Nung makilala ko siya, ang bait pala niya, he treats everyone equally, walang ka-ere-ere and hindi siya mayabang. Kapag kinakabahan na ako sa set, tinuturuan niya ako kung anong dapat gawin,” Marquez adeed.

In turn, Navarro was impressed over his leading lady’s comedic skills considering she had never starred in the genre

PAGE B2 the public. However, I owe it to the DongYanatics, to other friends who also expressed their concern, and our family, to share our action regarding this,” the 38-year-old further explained.

He said they sent a letter to the show’s production team “in good faith to express my dismay and deep concern.”

He added, “Courtesy and fair practice must always be observed especially in an established industry like ours. But whether or not it is done within the entertainment sector, we should always be reminded of the basic etiquette for online photo use and sharing that includes asking permission and/or citing sources,” he reminded his followers.

“I do hope that this won’t hapBoth from rival networks, neither of this pair ever imagined teaming up for a movie. pen again to anyone,” he finally before. But then again, he notes Dinosaur Era, World War II, and expressed. that she is the daughter of vet- the flower power ‘70s Era, which Wrapping up his post, Dantes eran comedian Joey Marquez will all serve to help him prevent shared the following excerpts of so she must have timing in her the breakup from happening in the letter he sent to ABS-CBN: “I present time. jeans. appreciate that you found artistic “First time magkaroon ng inspiration from the original pho“Pero nagulat pa rin ako kasi sabi niya sa akin, ang mga ni- ganitong theme ng time travel tos. Unfortunately, there is the lalabasan niya puro kontrabida sa Philippine movies, and ma- inescapable consequence that lesiya. Tapos bigla siyang mag- ganda ang message niya—how gal and moral rights were violated papatawa eh ang galing niya sa a person is willing to go great here. And as you may very well timing. Hinahayaan siya ni direk lengths for love.” be aware of, established industry Unli Life also stars Joey Mar- practice is against such act as na natural ang lumabas sa kanya and ang galing! Anak talaga quez, Ejay Falcon, Donna Caria- it amounts to disrespect. Worst siya ni Tsong Joey,” Navarro ga, Jon Lucas, Isabelle de Leon, of all, as a father and husband, Alex Calleja, Kamille Filoteo, I cannot help but feel offended chuckled.

In Unli Life Navarro plays Red Ollero with James Caraan, and deeply hurt by such actions, (name of character) who is given Jun Sabayton, Anthony Andres, which happened not just once, a chance to get back the love of and Jun Urbano, with the special but twice. Basic rules of courtesy his life (Marquez) by going back participation of Dimples Ro- in this case dictate that you first in time with the help of a magic mana, Joem Bascon, Epi Quizon secure permission from the phowhiskey. But when he drinks and Jhong Hilario. It runs for the tographer and my Family,” part of the alcoholic potion, he finds duration of the PPP from August the letter read. himself transported to differ- 15 to 21.

As of press time, the Facebook ent time periods, including the post has already garnered 2,000

This photo taken during Zia’s baptism was superimposed with the characters from ‘Ang Probinsyano’.

Photos from Facebook/Dingdong Dantes

The edited wedding photo of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes was prominent during actress Alice Dixon’s scene.

reactions; 1,500 shares and almost 800 comments, most of which denouncing Ang Probinsiyano.

On Tuesday, ABS-CBN, released an official statement, apologizing to Dantes and claiming that a third party contractor supplied props to their show. “’FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’ apologizes to Dingdong Dantes and his family and assures that there was no intent to disrespect or offend him and his family in the use

of their photos in the program.

“The production team commissioned a third-party contractor to create the photo props used in the program. It was not aware that the original photographs used were those from Mr. Dantes’ wedding and the baptism of his daughter.

“The program is conducting further investigation to prevent a similar incident from happening in the future,” the whole statement read.

How an AAPI comedy show threatens the homogeneity of the largely...

PAGE B1 entertainment avenues to shed more light on Asians in show business.

Most people’s first exposure to Asian American comedy was in the early 1990s when Margaret Cho rose above the ranks in comedy, opening for Jerry Seinfeld, appearing on a Bob Hope special and a frequent guest on “The Arsenio Hall Show.”

But most people know the premier Korean-American comic from the short-lived 90s sitcom “All-American Girl.” (Audiences wouldn’t see another Asian sitcom cast until 2014 with ABC’s

“Fresh Off the Boat.”)

Joseph Herbert, also known as Jo Koy, is a half-Filipino American comic who got his start on BET’s “ComicView” and in television specials like Jamie Foxx Presents: Laffapalooza!” and comedy festivals like Just For Laughs in Montreal.

Appearing in small pockets of the world of entertainment, AAPI comics existed as tokens. We all know Margaret Cho, Jo Koy and Aziz Ansari, but it wasn’t until the last few years that Asian comics have come into mass prominence, creating and starring in sitcoms, films and Netflix specials.

Mainstream comedy, in particular, has been a racially homogenous arena, but big guns like Ali Wong, Ronny Chieng and Hasan Minhaj who have been hacking it out for years and have just recently come into prominence, ushering a new wave of Asian American comics in the standup, sitcom and improvisational comedy realms.

Room to Improv, an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) improv comedy troupe, energized the room with highoctane skits and classic improv exercises like “Do Ron Ron” in which players create a rhyming

song based on an audience-suggested word.

Room to Improv was established in 2002 by Elvin Lubrin through the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), which needed a comedy show to present at its yearly festival, and to offer AAPI aspiring actors and comedians a space of their own to hone their craft in a communal, team-building environment.

“Confidence is something that many Asian actors struggle with when they go on auditions, and that’s something that we try to work on here, to hopefully, help us be more introspective on that

front,” Filipino-American Earl Baylon, artistic director of Room to Improv, told the Asian Journal in a conversation with the troupe after the show.

Though the cultural landscape of entertainment seems to be shifting to more diversity and representation, especially for AAPI creatives, the nature of the industry is still individualistic, especially in the world of comedy where competition among standup comics, especially comics of color, is the wild west, according to Maikiko James.

“It’s very isolating, it’s so competitive and it’s why things like

#MeToo have happened,” James shared. “Like there’s only one spot at the table for us, so you tell yourself, ‘I’m going to put myself through all this bullshit in order to succeed, but there is none of that with this team and the community we perform with. And this is how Hollywood should be. Hollywood shouldn’t pit us against each other, and rather than have us fight for the one Asian role, expand the opportunities for Asians so we can all sit at the table.”

Crazy Woke Asians will host another show on Sunday, Sept.

30 at The Three Clubs in Hollywood.

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

FEATURES

Scene from Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad (When Love Came to Juan Tamad)”.

Photo courtesy of Cultural Center of the Philippines

‘Juan Tamad’ play to represent Philippines in World Theater Congress in Russia by

PHILSTAR.COM

TANGHALANG Pilipino, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), will showcase Filipino artistry and talent at the 12th World Theater Congress, happening on August 20 to 24 in Moscow, Russia.

The Congress and Theater Festival seeks to provide a major forum to discuss issues regarding the development of university theatres and changes in theater curricula and pedagogy in the 21st century. It aims to highlight recent debates, initiatives and innovative approaches that characterize university

theater and redefine its role, position, nature and action in the present world.

Delegates from 50 countries are expected to participate in the congress, with theater companies from Latvia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Russia and the Philippines presenting their theatrical pieces at the theater festival.

Spearheaded by CCP president Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, together with TP artistic director Fernando “Nanding” Josef, other CCP and TP officials, the Philippine theater company will have the world premiere of “Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad (When Love Came to Juan Tamad)” on August 23

at the Theater Center “Vishnevy Sad/Cherry Orchard” in Moscow.

The original Filipino theater play is based on Filipino National Artist Nick Joaquin’s short story “How Love Came to Juan Tamad,” which was included in the book “Pop Stories for Groovy Kids,” published in 1979.

Directed by Jonathan Tadioan, “Nang Dalawin ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad” explains why Mariyang Makiling forever nurses a broken heart and why Juan Tamad remains a pop idol.

Featuring TP’s very own Actors Company, the play puts a spotlight on the Filipino folk PAGE B4

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-21, 2018

DREAMS OF A FAIRYTALE WEDDING ENDED UP IN A NIGHTMARE OF BATTERY AND ABUSE. Anne entered the U.S. on a fiancé (K-1) visa, hoping to build a beautiful, love-filled life with her U.S. citizen petitioner. But the marriage turned into a nightmare, when the husband became verbally and physically abusive. Battered and abused, Anne reached out to leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch as Anne was able to escape the chains of abuse, through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition that the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel filed and was able to get a green card for Anne…on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

An abused bride self-petitions and finds redemption and freedom with the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) ANNE was certain she had found her prince charming after her U.S. citizen petitioner filed a fiancé (K-1) visa to get her to the U.S. She had started looking online, getting ideas for her dream wedding. Then, suddenly, her fantasy wedding turned into a nightmare, when her fiancéturned-husband started verbally and physically abusing her.

He would curse Anne and hit her for not being able to turn off the smoke detector fast enough;

or he would call her stupid for not knowing how to operate the TV remote; or tell her a can of soup should last her two meals; or threaten to report her and have her deported.

Anne’s life was miserable, and she felt hopeless, until she chanced upon leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel and his wife, Millie, at the Philippine Consulate in Hawaii.

The Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel helped Anne using

Diego Loyzaga clears name after criticized for cutting tree

namin ‘yun and kinlaro ko naman.

The ignorance of not knowing the whole context of the story pero KAPAMILYA actor Diego Loyza- magju-judge ka agad. Sad to say, ga cleared his name after netizens ilang beses na ko sinabihan tungcriticized him for cutting a tree. kol dito eh. Being in the limelight, In an interview with Philstar. people see you all the time. Everycom during the recent History thing you do will always be judged Con 2018 where he is a part of pero sana naman alamin muna the reality TV show “Celebrity natin lahat,” Diego said.

Car Wars,” Diego explained that The actor was saddened at how his controversial Instagram video people on social media always look actually shows him moving a tree for negative things. “Hindi talaga to plant more trees. mawawala yung mga mema eh,” Broadthink - AJ Ad_June2018_110_Layout 1 6/20/18 4:22 PM Page 1 “We’re moving the tree to plant he said. more trees, nasa likod ng bahay “Pansin ko lang, example dun

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

sa Instagram ko na hawak ko yung Vios Cup ko. You won’t see people, apart from my close friends, you won’t see ramdom people na magsabi ng ‘uy good job, Diegs. It’s sad to say na yung mentality natin hindi tayo magaling mag ‘good job pare,’ pero pagnakakita tayo ng mali, ang bilis natin magsabi ng ‘uy tignan mo nga ‘to, sinisira niya ‘yung puno,’” he added.

On his Instagram account, Diego recently posted a photo of him trying to cut a tree and captioned the photo: “Hardinero for the day,

age gracefully

Try These Cancer-Preventing Foods Cancer is responsible for 1 out of every 4 deaths in the U.S.A. One of the best cancerprevention tools for health is eating the right foods, but finding the motivation to eat right sometimes alludes us until we, or someone we love, is faced with a deadly disease.

Garlic, produces sulfur compounds and allicin. Sulfur compounds detoxify the body and help prevent cancer. Allicin thins the blood and reduces your risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. It’s best to eat garlic after it has been crushed so that these cancerfighting compounds can form. Dried garlic or roasted garlic doesn’t form as much allicin or sulfur compounds.

Raw crushed garlic is actually the healthiest way to go, but it can overpower some recipes. I like raw garlic in pesto, olive tapenade, gazpacho, and salad dressings. For other dishes, I prefer to use pressed or crushed garlic that is quickly sautéed but not cooked for more than 15 minutes.

In cruciferous veggies, cancer-fighting sulfur compounds lead to the formation of isothiocyanates, which neutralize carcinogens. So fill your plate with broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, mustard seeds, onions, radishes, watercress, and grapefruit in order to load up on this amazing FoodTrient.

Other FoodTrients that fight cancer are flavonoids like anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, quercetin, theaflavins, and catechins. These flavonoids inhibit cancer growth and tumor growth. They regulate cell health, cell replication, and cell death. They keep cancer cells from

proliferating. And they help cancer cells kill themselves. Flavonoids are found in berries, grapes, and other red and blue fruits and vegetables. They are also present in apples, chia seeds, onions, and citrus fruits. Dark chocolate, black tea, and green tea are also full of flavonoids.

Desserts can be a great source of flavonoids as long as you keep the sugar content to a minimum. Have a cup of tea with that treat and you’ll be getting catechins and theaflavins. Dark-chocolate covered slices of orange peel will boost your flavonoid intake.

So will a glass of red wine. Red wine also contains resveratrol, which fights cancer cells.

More cancercombating compounds include carotenoids and vitamin C. Orange fruits and vegetables are good sources of beta-carotene, so be sure to get plenty of carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, apricots, and papayas in your diet.

Lycopene is a cancerbusting carotenoid found in tomatoes.

People who don’t get enough selenium, a strong antioxidant, tend to have a higher risk for developing cancer. Selenium occurs in plants grown in selenium-rich soil, like Brazil nuts and mushrooms. More commonly, it occurs in animal flesh, especially beef liver, poultry, and shellfish.

Finally, spices like turmeric and ginger have compounds that can destroy cancer cells.

Thankfully, there are many fruits, vegetables, spices, and even meats that can help us all reduce our risk for developing cancer. It’s never too early or too late to stop cancer by eating the right FoodTrient-rich foods.

© 2018 by FoodTrients.com

BY GRACE O

GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks — The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won Gourmand’s ‘Best in the World’ Award for Innovation. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

B3

Antipolo get away.”

Netizens were quick to react on the Kapamilya actor’s photo, saying he should not cut the tree.

Diego then replied: “Patay na sanga lang po ang pinuputol. Para umosbong ng bago.”

Another netizen commented: “Easy to kill a life of a tree. Not good for everyone to see.”

“Easy to comment. Not good when you dont know the context or reason… cant agree w you more.

Thats why were taking advantage of the rain, pruning the tress for new foliage to grow. Not to men-

the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), where a person who suffers physical or mental cruelty can self-petition and get a green card.

Watch how Anne was able to escape her abusive “chains,” regain her freedom, and acquire her green card, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” –– on Sunday 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising supplement)

tion were planting more trees,” Diego replied.

In the end, Diego’s mom, Teresa, also commented on the thread to clear speculations on the photos.

“Prunning lang and clean up.

Taking advantage of the rain for new foliage. We have 9 Lansones, 12 guyabano, 7 avocados, about 30 langka and another 30 lychee trees to plant. Just 1 ipil-ipil had to go. Make room for more. We share your passion for trees. Thank you for your care,” the actress com- Diego Loyzaga Photo from Instagram/@diegoloyzaga mented.

B August 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

Health@Heart

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

Queries from readers Can tubal ligation be reversed?

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS LIGATION of the fallopian tubes, performed for birth control, can be reversed to allow pregnancy to take place, depending on how long a segment of the tubes were cut in the original operation.

If the segments removed are too long to precluded re-anastomosis (re-connection or bridging), then it can’t be done. The factors that will affect the success rate of pregnancy, following “reversal,” are: how old and healthy the patient is, the pregnancy history of the patient, whether the tubes were initially cut by a knife or electrocoagulation (the latter burns and injures the cut ends of the tubes and lessens the success rate), the experience and skill of the gynecologist in microsurgery, etc. The highest success rate (65 percent), according to Chief ObGynecologist Anthony Gentile, M.D., Ph.D., of Munster, Indiana, “is with reversal of tubes ligated with the thin hukla clip, and the lowest (less than 40 percent) with electrocautery.” Practically he same medical facts and limitations apply to vasectomy reversal, which can be done by a urologist to enable vasectomized men to be fertile again. Of course, pregnancy can be achieved without the use of the fallopian tubes, but using IVF (InVitro – “test tube”Fertilization).

Can appendicitis recur?

No, once the appendix is removed properly, appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) will not recur, because there is no more appendiceal tissue left to get inflamed. Sometimes, though, the patient may feel right lower quadrant abdominal discomfort similar to appendicitis pain days, or months, after appendectomy, but these pains could be due to post-operative adhesions or other causes brought on by other conditions. The prudent thing to do if pains recur is to visit the surgeon who performed the procedure.

Why is it dangerous to shake babies?

Shaking or jarring infants and babies could lead to broken bones and disruption of the spinal cord in that area, leading to sudden death. The neck of infants and babies is quite limp, literally weak, and unstable, that jarring or shaking the baby often lead to fatal neck injury due to severe hyperextension of the neck and severing the cervical spinal cord at the base of the brain. When holding an infant or a child, the head and neck should always be supported as “one piece” with the hand holding the back of the head, the neck and the upper back, acting as a “brace” that prevents the heavy head from falling back.

What to do when a child chokes?

When a child, or even an adult, chokes, there is only about 4 minutes to act to save the victim.

Sudden gasping for air and extreme anxiety during a meal or

while the child has an object in the mouth are the telltale sign that should alert us to the possibility of foreign body as the cause of the problem. If the foreign body in the throat is accessible, it should be removed instantly. If the foreign body is not obvious, heimlich Maneuver should be done immediately, without wasting time trying to decipher what the problem is. This is accomplished by going behind the victim, putting your arm around his upper abdominal area and applying repeated pressure against the abdomen towards you, like giving the victim a forceful bear hug. The idea is to press the stomach and let the air in the stomach push the foreign body upward and outward of the breathing pipe where the foreign body is lodged. In the case of a baby or small infant, put them on their tummy, with the face turned to one side, and put your hand underneath their upper abdomen and press against the stomach repeatedly until the foreign body jumps out of their throat. Another person, if available, should call for emergency medical help. If you are alone, do the heimlich right away, as you shout at the top of your lungs for help.

Can I take my friend’s blood pressure pill?

No, absolutely not, unless your physician, after interviewing and examining you, recommends the same pill to control your high blood pressure. It is not only illegal for your friend to “prescribe and dispense” medications if he was not a licensed physician but also very dangerous for you.

There are many types of high blood pressure pills. What is good for him may not be good or tolerated by you. Your friend’s good intention may backfire and do disservice to you by causing serious complications from taking the pills he gives you or advises you to take without consulting with your physician. This caveat goes true with any and all medications, even as “simple” as aspirin.

Are heartburns a form of heart attack?

No, heartburn is a misnomer, misleading and confusing. It has nothing to do with the heart, so it is not a form of heart attack. heartburns have been loosely used, even in medical circles, to denote stomach hyperacidity, gastric upset, or indigestion, especially following intake of spicy foods or drinking alcoholic beverages.

Does exercise increase appetite?

Contrary to popular belief or what we call “common sense,” exercise does not increase the appetite, more than what is normal for the person. As a matter of fact, regular exercise reduces appetite to a healthy level. This is a proven finding among those trying to lose weight, where exercise plays a vital role in the success of the regimen and the long term maintenance of healthier weight.

Not exercising could lead to weight gain.

Why are my toes are burning

with severe itchiness?

Obviously you have what we call Tinea Pedis (Athletes’ Foot) which is a form of fungus infection of the plantar aspect (bottom) of the feet and the toes. One of the latest medications very effective for this condition, which could drive people crazy with severe itchiness of the feet and toes, is terbinafine hydrochoride cream or tablets. Consult with your physician to help end your misery.

Can one get fungus infection from mani- or pedicure?

Yes, most definitely, and especially in the toes. The Tinea Pedis we talked about earlier can affect the fingernails, when a nail cutter and other instrument to remove cuticle are contaminated by the fungus in the toes or toenails of people with the infection. It is the responsibility of the beauty shops to prevent infection and the spread of infection among their customers. Washing the “instruments” and soaking them in recommended medical antiseptic solutions, or even in diluted form of chlorine use for laundry, can minimize, if not prevent contamination. Chlorine solution, for one, also kills the AIDS virus on contact. When beauty shops do not follow these safe and hygienic procedures, it behooves any of us customers to report them to the bureau of health or other appropriate governmental agency to protect the public. We must always be on our toes! ***

Life Coaching in a Different Perspective Stargazer

There is much talk about positive thoughts and ideas on how to live life. So many people share tips on how to live a happy life. Some say, pray harder, love harder. But is there really a perfect formula on life and living? honestly, there is no specific set of rules on how to live life.

For each person, the rules differ.

Circumstances revolving our lives affect how we approach living and loving. Simple people may have simplier wants. While the harder to please have more complicated needs.

Life musing #1: Practice gratitude Gratitude is the acknowledgment of someone’s good deeds to you or any blessing that comes your way. Although the word “thankful” is a synonym for gratitude, the latter has more impact or bearing. It connotes a deeper sense of sincerity with a want to return the good deed in whatever form. To be thankful is just to be happy about something. A person can be always thankful for another yet is not ready or eager enough to reciprocate the good deed.

To be grateful is to be able to reciprocate the good either to the giver or to another person. You are not grateful for Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac the good deeds someone has Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and done to you if you can afford chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to to bite the hand that had fed 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, and helped you when life was where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus hard. In simpler terms, having in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. gratitude is not speaking ill of He is a Fellow of the American College of someone who has helped you a Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, lot nor stabbing him/her in the and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular back with words unimaginable.

Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Gratitude is also not betraying Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) the trust given wholeheartedly humanitarian foundation in the United States. to you in the past.

Such is a common situation For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: in the Philippines, where it is scalpelpen@gmail.com

Musings on how to live life

part of our culture to help even beyond our means only to be badmouthed by the recipients of this charitable act in the end.

“Ikaw pa ang masama (you are the bad one),” in the very end.

Or loyalties change when there is naught and the vultures fly to another nest where they can feed on someone else’s food and be recepients of blessings.

“Pag wala ka na, iiwan ka na (When you are gone, you will be left).”

When that happens, it becomes a very ungrateful act. Be careful, karma is just around the corner. energies we sow and the energies we reap.

Practice gratitude with anything and everything you receive. Be it a small gesture, manage to return the good vibes by paying things forward, too.

To show gratitude, you may not return it to the doer himself but you may do it to others.

Life musing #2: Treat others with respect how do you want to be treated is how you actually treat others. If you treat others with respect, there will be little bickering because each opinion will matter. If you know the word respect, you will not judge what you see or hear but you will allow others to have room for standing up and picking up the pieces of their lives. respect is simply letting people be, to express whatever opinion he or she has or act in the manner that should not be judged. When you respect your loved one, you will honor his decisions, not necessarily support them but will not get in the way either. respect is not to impose on the other but allowing things to happen, whether good or bad.

Life musing #3: Practice humility Life is not always consistent. It is likened to a journey of

several roads, different seasons and varied conditions. Sometimes the ride may be smooth or at occasion bumpy and is never the same for two people. There are also instances that we reach the top and at times we hit rock bottom.

People fly high and think so much of their triumphs that they forget people and experiences that contributed to their success. But, you can also attain success even if you believe that you owe no one at all. however, you can never succeed in picking up the pieces of your life or standing up without the help of another. That...is a fact. You still need people going up or when you are at the bottom.

Always remember a humble person is always open and listens. The true mark of a successful man is one who wants to learn more and is open to suggestions, not one who brags about his achievements.

When you are grateful for your blessings and know how to respect people and be humble to the end, you will never be in vain.

I will leave you with my own quote which I follow to a tee: “Walk in silence, move with grace and leave wisdom in your trail.” *** Stargazer is a life coach, aura reader, psychic/clairvoyant, and lecturer on the paranormal. She uses the aura, energies & vibrations as focal points of her psychic readings. Using several techniques involving the psychological, spiritual, paranormal and her own experience of the intricacies of life, Stargazer makes one get in touch with his inner and understand life in a positive manner. Faith in God and belief in self is what Stargazer emphasizes on. Currently, Stargazer is a radio anchor of DZMM Teleradyo, the radio arm of ABSCBN. Her show “Pinoy Vibes” has been airing every Sunday morning since Sept.

2007. For more information, please visit http://stargazer.ph/.

Best fall haircuts for men and women

By Monet

Lu

The start of a new season means different things to different people. But as a hair expert, it primarily means one thing for me: new season equals new haircut.

As you embrace the arrival of autumn, it’s the best time to hit up the salon and get your fall season haircut. But before you do, check out these chicest hairstyles and cut. Based on my opinion, these are the six best “hair-looks” that are suitable for both men and women this season. Let me start with the ladies.

The bob cut Seventy percent of my customers would request this type of cut for either of the following reasons: a new phase in their life (a relationship status-change or a new job), want a new look to reinvent themselves, or just because someone they know— and like— is sporting it. Your reasons may or may not fall under any of the aforementioned categories, but you are definitely in the best season to get a bob cut.

There is one thing you need to remember if you’re interested in trying a bob like Keira Knightley, Ginnifer Goodwin or rachel McAdams. You have to be prepared for the attention—or the shock (if you had long hair)—that this haircut draws. Know that this cut makes a serious statement.

Don’t dare if you can’t take the heat. Also, you have to manage your hair’s density with this look, or else the bob will look like a mushroom.

Grown-out Lob According to Marie Claire’s “20 Chicest Lobs of the Year,” ‘The Lob was this year’s tour de force cut.’ But while it is lovely, it is also way too much work to blow out the strands as regularly as the LA traffic permits. Don’t

worry, I have good news! You can still grow your Lob and look like you just stepped out of the salon every time.

Ask your stylist to texturize your mane for body and movement. You can also add some beachy waves to this cut. That is what’s great about a grown-out lob, you can style it in a variety of ways and it still looks chic.

One renowned stylist’s reminder: “Use a combination of oil and hold products to blow dry,” he suggested, “and style with a flat iron to add bend.”

Choppy and messy Since we are on the subject of adding playful waves and body to your hair, let’s push it further with some carefully sliced strands. It’s razor-meetsgorgeous! You may check out Kim Kardashian for inspiration for this style.

If you think this should be your look for autumn, enhance the “messy” effect by using a curling wand on your waves. Use plenty of texturing sprays to out some volume at the roots.

The Mixie Mixie is portmanteau for midlength pixie. This haircut is best suited for fine to normal strands that are straight. I suggest this cut for those who aren’t ready for a super short style but want something short yet feminine.

For the men After the goddesses, we move on to the gods of a killer haircut.

And what easier way to describe the famous cuts is to name the celebrities who are sporting such looks. Allow me to borrow and coin the styles with their names.

The “Ryan Gosling” cut Google it if you don’t agree with me, but I must say this style is suited for any face or hair type.

Ask your stylist for something high and tight on the side. Make the top about an inch longer and polish the look by combing it with a matte pomade. I must warn you: this is a head-turner look. Proceed with caution.

The “Chris Pine” cut If you’ve seen “Star Trek,” you pretty much have an idea of your new look sans the highlights. rock the “Chris Pine” cut by going shorter and with much tight on the sides. And please make sure you go easy on the pomade or you just might become the next most eligible bachelor.

For curly hair I also have a recommended cut for those who have curly hair. This is also for those who want a more modest, subtle and less-attention-grabbing look.

If you’ve got curly hair and a more angular face, go with a round cut. You’re going to have to ask your stylist to cut about a

half an inch longer on top than on the sides for best results.

And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. These fall haircuts are sure to make you look trendy this season. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning 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 all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

‘Juan Tamad’ play to represent Philippines in World...

PAGE B3 tales, following the bizarre love triangle among the Filipino legendary characters Mariyang Makiling (Goddess of Love), Monte Banahaw (God of War), and Juan Tamad (the iconic character known for his laziness). The play is teeming with complex characters, with no one being purely a hero or a villain.

Not only is this production a mash-up of characters, the story explores the different faces of love – spiteful, narcissistic, revengeful and selfish - with a goddess falling for a mortal and a god breaking his boundaries

all in the name of love.

The iconic folk characters are re-introduced and given a “New Age-meets-Indigenous” look with eclectic and colorful costumes designed by Marco Viaña, complemented by the dynamic sound design and musical composition by TJ ramos, and choreography by ronelson Yadao.

Meanwhile, actor-director and former TP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan will be joining the delegation to present his paper on “The Practice of Theatre in the Philippines.”

The International University Theatre Association (AITU-

IUTA) organizes the biennial theater gathering. established at Université de Liège (Belgium) in 1994, the international theater organization aims develop and promote recognized postsecondary activity in theatre training, creation, research and theoretical and practical research, throughout the world, at the level of university or higher studies.

Designed by and for people from universities and other types of post-secondary learning institutions, the IUTA is a unique forum where teachers, practitioners, creators, scholars and theorists can share dis-

coveries and discuss common concerns. This year’s World Congress is supported by the Ministry of Culture of russia. established in 1987, Tanghalang Pilipino aims to develop and train actors, playwrights, and designers. With special emphasis on the production of original Filipino plays, it also aims to educate and awaken the cultural consciousness of the Filipino audiences through its regular performances and other related activities. The Tanghalang Pilipino season runs from July to March every year.

Fernando “Nanding” Josef is its current Artistic Director.

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

San Manuel Casino breaks ground on expansion with onsite hotel, world-class entertainment venue

THE San Manuel Band of Mission Indians officially began its major expansion project, marked

by Yaamava’, a celebratory event and groundbreaking ceremony, that was observed by dozens of community leaders, members, and guests.

With the expansion comes San Manuel Casino’s first onsite hotel, a world-class entertainment venue, and an array of state-ofthe-art amenities, including new dining experiences, retail and event spaces, and more.

Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Jerry Persa, chief executive officer of the tribe, and Loren Gill, general manager of

San Manuel Casino, were among the leaders who partook in the groundbreaking ceremony.

“We couldn’t be more humbled and proud to start this new project, one that embodies the new growth and revitalization of Yaamava’, meaning spring, a season that brings new life and boundless potential. This time of renewal is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the words of our ancestors to ‘never forget who we are or where we came from,’” Valbuena said.

Located an hour outside of downtown Los Angeles, San Manuel Casino continues to attract millions of guests a year with 4,800 slots and gaming options.

This project is a major step forward for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the surrounding community that brings employment opportunities

as well as enhanced entertainment experiences to our casino guests.

“From construction to completion, this project will add a high volume of employment opportunities,” said Jerry Paresa, chief executive officer of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, during the ceremony on Wednesday, July 25. “Breaking ground today provides us with the opportunity to create more jobs that benefit the region.”

The 3,000-capacity entertainment venue is meant to be a live performance theater, featuring a sizable stage, tiered and box seating options.

Gill, who has been general manager since 2015, said that an accomplishment he is proud of is the casino’s talent development.

“It has been a series of doing positive things over a three-year period. If I had to pick one, it

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 18-21, 2018 would be the recruiting, hiring, training and development of new people and helping them do great things. We also take the existing talent and help them grow their careers,” he said in an interview, adding “it is so significantly important to develop the team because we ask people to spend their time and money [here] and if they have a bad experience, they are likely not to come back.”

San Manuel Casino is among the top 10 private employers in San Bernardino County, supporting more than 4,900 employees.

With the expansion, Gill estimated about 1,200 new jobs could be created, but said “it can be even more than that” if the business continues to grow.

Additionally, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and San Manuel Casino pride themselves in philanthropic efforts to the greater community and organizations.

“Separate from the tribe’s philanthropy, [the casino] does a lot in the community to lift up people who need a little support,” Gill said. “It’s very important because we truly believe because we have been given so much, a part of us has to give back to the

Visiting Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first National Park, with Super Vacation WITH summer holiday just around the corner, many are beginning to materialize plans of what to do during the warm weathered break. Why not spend the sunny months outdoors in some of the United States’ — and even the world’s — most famous and beautiful national parks?

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming continues to be among the most visited national parks in the U.S., reaching over 4.1 million visitors in 2017, making last year the second busiest on record, according to the United States’ National Park Service.

Established on March 1, 1872

by U.S. President Ulysses S.

Grant, Yellowstone National Park became the world’s first national park, with numerous beautiful and awe-inspiring attractions within it’s 3,472 square miles.

Visit its world known geysers, including the legendary “Old Faithful” geyser which propels hot water roughly 150 feet into the air every 60 to 90 minutes. Also make a visit to its Yellowstone Waterfalls, its Mammoth Hot Springs, and Yellowstone Canyon among others.

And make sure you don’t miss out on seeing some of its many wild animals like birds and bison which begin to come out starting in July.

With Super Vacation, exploring and experiencing Yellowstone National Park is easy through their numerous travel package options which also brings travelers to other famous destinations like Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, and the photogenic Antelope Canyon with its unique vermilion-colored rock formations and Ponderosa pines.

Those looking for a shorter trip may want to check out their YMA6 option which lasts six days and covers five locations with two relaxing days in Yellowstone National Park. Their most popular packages though are their YSB-7 which lasts seven days covering seven destinations including two nights on the Las Vegas strip, and their YMB package options which can last up to eight days covering up to fifteen destinations with a

start at the historic Route 66.

So as summer quickly approaches, consider checking off many of the nation’s most famous destinations off your travel bucket list with Super Vacation!

Established in 1981, Super Vacation specializes in travel packages throughout the U.S. and Canada. To book, or get more information on their tours and rates, call them at (626) 571 2988, or visit them online at www. americaasia.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

B

San Manuel Casino recently broke ground on its new expansion project that features an onsite hotel, entertainment venue, and more.

community.”

Currently, the casino generates more than $1 billion in annual economic activity in the region and with the new expansion, that number will surely rise.

As for the casino’s long-term vision, Gill said that there are opportunities later down the road to build and develop more

of the surrounding land and properties.

“The tribe is now at a position where they really need to think about what does their community look like and how do they get their family members together on the reservation to provide quality housing and infrastructure for their future,” Gill said.

B August 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL

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

)ROORZ XV RQ

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-21, 2018

COMMUNITY $3&%*5 $"3% Journal

Federal judge orders the gov’t to accept new applications for DACA ON Friday, August 3, 2018, Judge John D. Bates of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order, declaring that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) must be restored.

President Trump attempted to terminate the program back in September 2017, but a broadbased coalition of academic and corporate entities (including the NAACP, Microsoft, and Princeton University) filed a lawsuit, challenging the rationale that the administration had used to justify the termination. The District Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering the U.S. government to continue to process renewals and begin accepting first-time applications once again. Judge Bates had reached the same decision back in April, but he stayed his order for 90 days to give the government an opportunity to present him with any cogent reason to end DACA. The government failed to persuade the Judge, who found the government’s rationale to be “arbitrary and capricious.�

If the government does not appeal, the ruling becomes final on August 23, 2018.

Friday’s ruling by Judge Bates comes just as another DACA lawsuit is gearing up for a decision, one which opposes the DACA program and which was filed right after Judge Bates issued his original order in April 2018. This lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, by seven states: Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, and West Virginia. The seven states lawsuit argues that all DACA grants should be immediately rescinded because they are unlawful. In their complaint, the states argue that “the executive unilaterally conferred lawful presence and work authorization on otherwise unlawfully present aliens, and then the executive used that lawful-presence ‘dispensation’ to unilaterally confer United States citizenship.� As a grant

Your Immigration Solution Atty. SArA CroSS & EriC WElSh of DACA provides no direct path to U.S. citizenship or even LPR status, it remains to be seen how the DACA program has accomplished what this lawsuit alleges. Ultimately, this lawsuit seeks to block the government from issuing or renewing DACA grants, so as to force the program to phase out completely within two years. If successful, this lawsuit would strip over 124,000 Texans of their ability to work lawfully, go to school, or remain in the U.S. with their families. Such an action would severely disrupt countless communities and businesses, likely causing significant harm to local and state economies.

Currently, the DACA program protects around 700,000 young people who would otherwise be deportable. President Obama created DACA in 2012 to provide some measure of relief to “dreamers,� the young people left unprotected after Congress had failed for almost two decades to pass the legendary “DREAM Act.� “Dreamers� are young people who grew up in America—attending school, obeying the rules, and behaving for all intents and purposes like any other American—but who cannot legalize their status because they were brought to the U.S. illegally, often when they were infants, unable to choose their lot in life. Once the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants an application for DACA, the recipient may remain in the U.S. and work lawfully for a period of two years, and that permission can be extended indefinitely by the DHS in two-year increments. The DACA recipient can obtain a social security number, and, in some states, a

driver’s license, and may qualify for in-state resident status for college tuition.

If DACA begins accepting new applications on August 23, 2018, any eligible applicant may apply, both those seeking a renewal and those applying for the first time. To be eligible, an applicant must: (1) have come to the U.S. before reaching his or her 16th birthday; (2) have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012; (3) have continuously resided in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 up until the present; (4) have entered the U.S. without inspection or was out of status on June 15, 2012; (5) be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; and, (6) be currently enrolled in school or have previously obtained a graduation certificate, degree or GED. In addition to the general eligibility criteria, there are certain disqualifying factors that may affect eligibility, including the existence of a criminal record or a derogatory immigration history. The DHS recently issued policy guidance, directing the USCIS—the agency that decides applications like DACA—to refer an applicant to immigration court (deportation) if an application is denied and the applicant is out of status. For these reason, it is critically important for any person interested in applying for DACA or any other immigration benefit to consult with a knowledgeable immigration attorney before applying.

C

%&#5 )&-1 -05+ 6<;!

/V^ +LI[ 5LNV[PH[PVU JHU J\[ `V\Y +LI[Z PU /(3- VY 4VYL ;OL HK]HU[HNLZ VM OPYPUN HU ([[VYUL` PUZ[LHK VM H +LI[ :L[[SLTLU[ *VTWHU` >OH[ [V KV PM `V\ KVUÂ?[ OH]L [OL JHZO [V WH` PTTLKPH[LS`

Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;>Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160; VViĂ&#x192;Ă&#x192;\Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;°Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x152;Ă&#x152;Â?iÂ&#x2021;`iLĂ&#x152;°VÂ&#x153;Â&#x201C; -Ă&#x160;- Ă&#x160;"

MORE THAN 5,000 CASES

***

REEVES IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration fi rms in the United States with offi ces in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Manila and China.

For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

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.

/Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â?Â&#x2C6;ÂŤÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;Â&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;½Ă&#x192; "°Ă&#x160;ÂŁĂ&#x160; /Ă&#x160;, Ă&#x160; 8* ,/t

(Advertising Supplement)

Pilgrimage to Some of ITALYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Highlights and Miracles of the Eucharist 6SLULWXDO 'LUHFWRU 5(9 -2(/ %8*$6 ĹĄ 1RYHPEHU WR 1RYHPEHU 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; 86$ 520( 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH Upon our arrival in Rome, our Tour Escort will welcome us to Italy. Rome is the heart, home and the spiritual capital of over one billion Catholics all over the world. After a short panoramic orientation of this Eternal City to us Roman Catholics, we will have our dinner and overnight rest at this great ancient City.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 3DSDO $XGLHQFH 5RPH This morning before we continue with our tour, we will have a Papal Audience.

Then after, we will visit the famous Coliseum and see the Forum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the world. Celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Peter Basilica St Joseph Chapel .Short stop in Trevi Fountain, before heading to our Hotel. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH %DVLOLFDV We will visit the Vatican Museum this morning and the Sistine Chapel to admire the awesome masterpieces of Michaelangelo, and even ancient Greek and Roman artists. the largest church in Roman Catholicism, St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basilica. Holy Eucharist at ST Mary Major, Followed by visit of the Basilica. We continue to visit the rest of the major Basilicas within the walls of Rome, and St. John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Wall. We will also pray at the Scala Santa or the Holy Stairs. St. Helena transported the steps from Jerusalem; the same steps that Christ ascended to receive Pilateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unjust condemnation.

DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN ROME (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY )UL

Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the stigmatization of St Pio. Church Will have Monthly Pastoral Program of Activities for the whole year. San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina from 28 July, 1916 until his death on 23 September, 1968. Enjoy the drive going to San Giovanni, after we check in our Hotel. vWe visit the Shrines of St Padre Pio of Pietralcina as well as the places associated with him, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace that contains his tomb. Here, we spend some time meditating, see his room, his confessional box and the cruciďŹ x that gave him his supernatural Crucifying stigmata, Celebrate Holy Eucharist (Hotel Gran Paradiso) DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN San Giovanni Rotondo (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6DW Ĺ&#x; 6$1 *,29$11, 52721'2 This Morning we visit the new and Modern Basilica of St Padre Pio, See his uncorrupt body. Celebrate Holy Eucharist Spend some time meditating in this awesome Basilica. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (Hotel Gran Paradiso)

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 6XQ Ĺ&#x; 6DQ *LRYDQQL 5RWRQGR /DQFLDQR /RUHWR MASS AND BREAKFAST. We arrive at Lanciano, famous for the Miracle of the Eucharist. Near the Piazza Plebiscito, the Miracle is inside the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. The miracle took place during the 8th century when a Basiline monk doubted the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. He found himself holding the host that had changed into Real Flesh and the Wine on the altar had changed into Real Blood. We continue our pilgrimage to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to see the famous sacred home of the most Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since 1294 the holy home has been located inside the Basilica of Loreto. Celebrate Holy Eucharist in Lanciano. DINNER AND OVERNIGHT IN Assisi.

'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 0RQ Ĺ&#x; /RUHWR $VVLVL Today we explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis of Assisi. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica lies the tomb of one of the most humble and beloved Saints of all times, St. Francis of Assisi, Holy Eucharist at the Crypt of St. Francis See the Basilica of St Clare, with her incorrupt body, and the little Church of St. Damiano and its CruciďŹ x from which Jesus spoke to Francis about his mission in 1206: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go, Francis, and rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.â&#x20AC;? We visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, located in the lower plains of Assisi, and the place where the miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi took place in 1240. The small Church of the Porziuncola is inside the Basilica itself. Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence for those entering this humble Church on August 1st and 2nd every year, with Confession, reception of the Eucharist and no attachment to venial sins. (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7XHV Ĺ&#x; $VVLVL 6LHQD )ORUHQFH We will spend half day in Siena. Begin in the old town center with a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Built in the 13th century, it is a treasure chest of the Renaissance art and dedicated to St Catherine of Siena. You will learn about the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history while admiring itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cathedrals, Museum, and libraries .Also you will admire the famous piazza del Campo, one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great medieval squares. Continue to Florence. (BB,D) We start with a guided walking tour of Florence, this fascinating city with its Piazza, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giottoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist.

Rest of the day free (BB,D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY :HG Ĺ&#x; )ORUHQFH 5RPH Leave Florence around 2PM Arrived Rome almost dinner time (BB.D) 'D\ Ĺ&#x; 1RY 7KXUV Ĺ&#x; 5RPH 86$ End of our wonderful Pilgrimage

Please call QTS Tour and Travel NOW at 1 (714) 288-0800 or (714) 761-6280 1095 N Main St. Suite O, Orange, CA 92867

C AUGUST 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Too many bills and not enough income? Find out how Chapter 13 debt adjustment can help ARE you struggling every month to pay your debts, especially your credit card bills?

Are you always worried about not having enough left over for your mortgage, rent, food and other basic living expenses after you make your monthly debt payments? Do you want your credit card payments to be more affordable and manageable?

One type of relief provided by our legal system to people in debt comes from Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. This is commonly known as “Chapter 13 Debt Consolidation or Debt Adjustment”.

It is generally available to individuals and small business owners. It is called a “consolidation” because it allows you to combine your debts into one monthly payment. But it is also called “debt adjustment” because in a lot of cases, certain debts included in

The Prophetic Voice ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS ONCE again, Jesus insists on claiming to call himself the “bread of life” in this Sunday’s Gospel (John 6:51-58). “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world, ” he remarks.

His words are consoling and reassuring, but are difficult to accept for many people in these days and age when the milieu in the Catholic Church is not favorable due to another devastating news of systemic abuse of thousands of minors by some priests and bishops over periods of times? CNN news reported that ”a new grand jury report says that internal documents from six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania show that more than 300 predator priests have been credibly accused of sexually abusing more than 1,000 child victims.”

How could people fully accept the words of Jesus as the bread of life from priests and bishops when the Catholic has been a source of ’death’ in thou-

making minimum payments ONLY each month is guaranteed to keep most people in debt for the rest of their lives. The reason for this, obviously, is the high interest rates that the credit card companies are charging you.

Atty. RAymond As much as 80-90% of your BulAon minimum monthly payment can go to interest alone and this is the Chapter 13 repayment plan why you will never get out of can be “adjusted” down or re- debt. Only a very small portion duced so that you do not have to of your payment goes to paying off the principal. Of course, the pay them in full.

Let’s say you owe $30,000 in banks and the credit card comcredit cards. Most credit card panies love this and are getting companies require a minimum richer every month at your expayment of 3% of the outstand- pense.

So, in our example above, let’s ing balance every month.. Thus, on the above amount, let’s say say it costs you $900 just to make that you are required to make to- minimum monthly payments on tal minimum payments of at least your credit cards. However, you $900 per month (3% of $30,000) are living paycheck to paycheck to keep your account in good and you are struggling very hard to make your payments each standing.

Now let me remind you that u PAGE C3

Minding Your Finances

Hope for the Catholic Church sands of child victims, taking their innocence and destructing their future? How could they put their trust in the leadership of the Catholic Church when some of their bishops failed horrendously to protect children from further abuse?

As a member of the clergy, I feel ashamed of these horrible acts of violence towards innocent children that my fellow priests committed and am absolutely disgusted by some of the authorities of the church. It will take decades before the Catholic Church can recover from pain and sorrow despite all its efforts to safeguard children from sexual abuse since 2005 when the US bishops approved the Charter to Protect Children and Young People.

The temptation for many people would be to abandon their Catholic faith and to keep mistrusting its institution. But should they lose their faith in Jesus, the bread of life for the world? Should they claim that their faith in Jesus is bigger than any institution or hierarchy?

Should they appreciate many of us priests and bishops who, although carry the ”sins of our fathers”, are faithful and dedicated to our vocation and ministries?

Granted that there are not enough apologies to make and millions of dollars to make res-

titution for the scandal of the Catholic Church, should we give up on its relevance and means of transformation in the lives of people and the world?

Would we shut off our eyes and minds completely to the positive contributions that the Catholic Church had made for the progress of humanity? Or should we still hope for its enduring life and renewal? The choice is ours to make.

Meanwhile, we continue to take on the Spirit of Jesus, the bread of life, within the circles of our families, friends, and neighbors. Church happens not only in worship places but also in the confines of our homes. Church happens when we offer our gifts and talents for the life and progress of the world, the society, and our fellow men and women. *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (19912001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

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

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

YES, definitely. Mistakes can get you audited by the IRS. Let’s discuss common mistakes that can get you into trouble.

1. Filing On Paper Paper-filed error rate is 21% compared to only 1% for e-filed tax returns.

2. Procrastination: Some people have a habit of waiting and waiting until April 15 to file…an extension. Rushing is a perfect reason to estimate numbers, an ideal situation to omit key data, a perfect storm for errors.

3. Guessing Numbers: Guessing deductions is dangerous. The IRS expects accurate numbers – numbers that match W-2s and 1099s. If you did freelance work but are missing a form 1099, don’t guess.

Call the issuer and get a copy of that 1099. If they give you a run

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS COUPLES get divorced for various reasons. California is a no fault state. The reasons why a couple is getting divorced are often irrelevant to the issues of the family law case. Divorce is often a difficult and negative experience for most families.

However, getting divorce may have some unintended benefits in the immigration law arena.

Four situations in which filing for divorce can be beneficial to your immigration case are as follows: Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens If you were petitioned for legal permanent residence by your U.S. Citizen parent as a married son or daughter 21 years old or over, you are classified in immigration law under family sponsored third preference (F3) which usually carries a long wait time. The wait time for Filipinos for example is currently 22 years. The priority date is normally the date the petition was initially filed by your U.S. Citizen

Can mistakes get you audited by the IRS? around, call again and insist on a copy. It’s important. The company sent a copy to IRS. If you don’t report the exact amount, you will get a notice. Guaranteed.

4. Using Round Numbers: You spend around $870 for an item and round it up to $1,000.

You spend $490 for another item which you round up to $500.

How does a return with round numbers appear to an IRS agent?

Let me tell you - it speaks of a taxpayer who is not thorough and does not keep receipts – an ideal catch for an audit.

5. Using Disproportionately High Deductions Deducting $8,000 in charitable contributions on a $60,000 income looks suspicious. It’s probably legitimate, so be sure to have documentation to back it up. And don’t use round solid numbers for reasons described above.

6. Failing to report All Taxable Income A missing W-2 or 1099 invites

a notice from IRS matching pro** gram. It will be* caught 100%.

Victor Santos Sy graduated Laude 7. Committing Math Cum Errors: from UE with a BBAerrors and fromraise Indiana State Basic math suspiUniversity with what an MBA.else Vic worked cions about could with be SyCip, Velayo (SGV - Use Andersen wrongGorres, on your return. tax Consulting) andonline Ernst & program Young before software or to establishing Sy calculations Accountancy Corporation ensure that are corin Pasadena, California. rect.

Consider going to a tax pro*** fessional.

He has 50 years * * of * experience in defending taxpayers audited Cum by the IRS, Victor Santos Sy graduated Laude FTB, UE EDD, BOE andand other from with a BBA fromgovernmental Indiana State agencies. publishing book onwith his University He withisan MBA. Vicaworked expertise - “HOW TO AVOID SURVIVE SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV OR - Andersen IRS AUDITS.”and OurErnst readers may inquire Consulting) & Young before about the book or email tax questions at establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation vicsy@live.com. in Pasadena, California. *** (Advertising Supplement) 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

4 ways filing for divorce can benefit your immigration case parents. If you get divorced, you revert back to single status and your category automatically becomes reclassified to first preference (F1) where the waiting time is substantially shorter. For example, for Filipinos the wait time under F1 category is 10 years shorter than F3 category. This means if your parents filed your immigration petition 12 years ago, then you can adjust to a green card now instead of waiting another 10 years.

Married sons and daughters of legal permanent residents If your parents are legal permanent residents, getting divorced will convert you back single status making you eligible to be petitioned by your legal permanent resident parents under the family based second preference (F2b) category if you are 21 years old or older or under the family based second preference A (F2a) if you are under 21 years of age.

For those who married after they were petitioned by their LPR parents (F2A and F2B), the petition is automatically revoked under operation of law the moment you get married and can-

not be reclaimed by a divorce.

In theory, it can be argued that filing a subsequent petition after your divorce under the same category inherits the previous petition’s priority date under 9 FAM 42.43 N10 and 8 CFR 204.2(h), Part 205. However, success of such argument is not clear since the old petition was automatically revoked the moment you married. The best thing that can be done in this situation is to have your LPR parent repetition you as an F2A or F2b even if you are unable to reclaim the previous petition’s priority date.

Conditional legal permanent residents in failed marriages For those who obtained their legal permanent residence status through marriage based petition by their U.S. Citizen spouse of less than 2 years marriage, the legal permanent residence status conferred is usually a “conditional legal permanent residence” valid only for 2 years.

The couple would need to sign and file a joint petition to remove this condition prior to the expiration of the 2 years or the conditional legal permanent resident

u PAGE C3

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

Community Journal

Should employees who “volunteer” to work off-the-clock be paid?

Q: I WORK as a nurse at a hospital that has a strict policy of no unapproved overtime, and no going on breaks unless we are relieved by another nurse. We are forced to skip our breaks if there is no reliever (which happens a lot because we are often understaffed). As for overtime, we don’t even ask for approval anymore since we risk being written up for “too much overtime.” We just clock out and go back to work to finish our charts. I recently complained to our supervisor but was told that if I “voluntarily” skip breaks or work off the clock, this is not the hospital’s problem. This seems unfair. Do we have remedies?

A: Yes. You should be paid for the extra hours you worked even if they are “off the clock.”

If these extra hours go beyond 8 hours per day, then you are entitled to the overtime rate of 1½ times your regular rate for any work in excess of 8 hours per day or two times your regular rate for any work beyond 12 hours per day. Also, you should be paid a one-hour premium for any missed lunch break, and another one hour-premium for any missed rest break.

A disturbing fact in your inquiry is that the employer considered your missed breaks and off-the-clock work “voluntary.”

In California, there are clear laws for volunteers and what constitutes “voluntary work.”

First of all, where there is an employment relationship between a worker and a company, that worker cannot be treated as an unpaid volunteer when performing her/his regular work for the employer during the employee’s work period.

In order to qualify as “volunteers” the persons must perform services for a civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation,

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng I REPRESENTED a foreign company with a $250,000-claim for a 40-foot container of manufactured goods that it delivered to the debtor, a California company, on December 30, 2014.

The debtor had been in Chapter 11 for a year before the trustee was able to convert the case to Chapter 7 on April 4, 2015. The client continued doing business with the debtor while it was in Chapter 11, shipping the latter millions of dollars worth of merchandise, and up to a week before the debtor converted to Chapter 7. When debtor converted to Chapter 7, it owed the client $250,000 of unpaid merchandise, and a trademark that the client had paid debtor $120,000 for.

The court had previously ruled in favor of the client for the $120,000 trademark, saying that it belongs to the client since they paid $120,000 for it. The trustee argued that the transfer to the client of the trademark occurred after the case was converted to Chapter 7, even though the client had paid $120,000 for it two years prior. Hence, the transfer was void. That issue went to the court on a motion, and the court ruled that the trademark

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. or receipt of compensation.

Moreover, they must offer their services freely and without direct or indirect pressure or coercion.

Finally, to qualify for volunteer services, the services must not be the same type of services the employee is employed to perform for the employer, and such volunteer work must take place outside the employee’s normal working hours.

California’s Court of Appeal clarified this issue about employees who “voluntarily” skip breaks or work off-the-clock: Valerie Alberts and her fellow nursing staff at two acute care psychiatric hospitals owned and operated by Aurora Behavioral Health Care (the employer), filed a class action against their employer claiming unpaid wages.

The employees claimed that the employer intentionally understaffed its hospitals but nevertheless required its nursing staff to remain at their posts and monitor patients unless relieved, resulting in employees being denied meal and rest breaks, which the employer failed to pay for as required by California law. The employer also required employees to complete assignments before leaving at the end of a shift, but discouraged or denied requests for overtime compensation and instructed employees to finish outstanding tasks off-the-clock.

The employer asked the court not to grant class action status to the case, citing one of its reasons as being that the employees “voluntarily” skipped their breaks or “voluntarily” worked off-the-

clock. The Court of Appeal rejected the employer’s position, stating that a “voluntary” act is an act being “unconstrained by interference; not impelled by outside influence.” The employer has instituted policies that limit its employees’ freedom to take breaks, such as chronic understaffing, making patient safety the “number one priority,” having “zero tolerance” for staff who take a break without first being relieved, and the nurses’ code of ethics, which requires that a nurse’s “primary commitment” be to the patient. These policies exploit a reasonable nurse’s ethical obligations, making missed breaks mandatory, not voluntary.

The court further noted that even if there is evidence that some employees voluntarily worked uncompensated overtime, such a “choice” is not permitted under California law. A nonexempt employee (like the nursing staff in this case) may not lawfully volunteer to work off-the-clock without compensation. The law requires payment for “all hours worked,” and overtime pay for “all hours worked” in excess of a 40-hour workweek. *** 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.]

u PAGE C4

4 ways filing for divorce can benefit...

PAGE C2 t

spouse would fall out of status.

The problem arises when the marriage is in trouble. Often it becomes difficult to obtain the cooperation of the US Citizen spouse specially when the couple has separated. US Citizen spouse often refuse to sign the I-751 for or appear at the I-751 interview if one is set by the USCIS. Filing for divorce would terminate the marriage and allow you to file a “waiver” of the joint petition to remove the conditional LPR status based on entering into the marriage in good faith. Terminating the marriage by filing a divorce is a requirement in order to file the “waiver.” It is important to time this correctly as soon as the marriage starts falling apart because by terminating the marriage early on, you might be able to file the waiver before the expiration of your 2 year conditional LPR thus allowing you to extend your LPR status in 1 year increments until a final decision is made in your case.

Married Aliens in Non-Immigrant Visas and those without Status For those who enter the US as a non-immigrant and are separated from their spouse but still married, filing a divorce would open up opportunities in case they meet a new significant oth-

er who is a US Citizen and who can petition them as an immediate relative. This is usually the fastest of process in obtaining legal permanent residence. In countries such as the Philippines where there is no divorce, many people come to the US to start a new life after they have been separated from their old spouse (often still married to them). Even if the alien over stays their status as a visitor, the alien can still adjust to that of a legal permanent residence if petitioned by a US Citizen spouse. If the alien was never inspected, the alien can still adjust to legal permanent residence if they are grandfathered under INA 245(i) and there are no special restrictions on their status.

To be grandfathered under INA 245(i), the alien must have been a beneficiary of a legal permanent residence petition filed no later than April 30, 2001.

Finally, a common concern of divorcing immigrants is “What happens if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?” The truth is you do not need your spouse’s signature to obtain a divorce in California. You only need to provide your spouse notice that you filed a divorce by personally serving your spouse the divorce petition and summons. In countries that are members of the Hague Conven-

tion, special procedures need to be followed to effect service. So yes it is possible to divorce your spouse even if your spouse is in a country that does not recognize divorce among its citizens such as the Philippines. For some immigrants, filing for divorce opens up opportunities in this land of milk and honey. *** 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 (Advertising Supplement)

C

Preventing abondonment of your green card due to travel abroad A GREEN CARD holder can travel outside the U.S. and return with some limitations. If a green card holder is outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, he may be considered to have abandoned his permanent resident status. Brief travel (such as for a vacation) normally will not affect permanent resident status. However, abandonment of permanent resident status is a potential issue for green card holders who have to leave the U.S. for an extended period of time (over 1 year) for one reason or another, such as to finish studies or work abroad. In such situations, how can a person avoid losing his green card?

If a person plans to be outside the U.S. for an extended period of time (over 1 year), an application for a reentry permit must be filed. A reentry permit establishes that one did not intend to abandon his green card, and it allows one to apply for admission to the U.S. after being outside the U.S. for up to 2 years without having to obtain a returning resident visa. Reentry permits are normally valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. A permanent resident can re-apply for subsequent reentry permits. Each subsequent reentry permit would be valid for 2 years.

As aforementioned, if one is outside the U.S. for an extended period of time without a reentry permit, he may be considered to have abandoned his green card. If a permanent

Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn resident has been outside the US for more than 1 year and attempts to re-enter the U.S., he may be referred to an Immigration Judge to determine whether he has abandoned his permanent resident status.

An application for reentry permit should be filed at least 60 days prior to the contemplated extended trip outside the U.S. While a person does not have to be present in the U.S. at the time his reentry permit application is approved, it is important to file it with sufficient time prior to the trip to allow time to receive the biometrics notice after the application is filed, and have biometrics taken. An applicant must provide his biometrics while in the U.S. If an applicant leaves the U.S. before biometrics are taken, the USCIS may deny the application.

What if a permanent resident has already left the U.S. and either has 1) been outside the U.S. for over 1 year or 2) been outside the U..S. for over 2 years with an expired reentry permit? The Department of State on its website advises to apply for a Returning Resident Visa. To qualify for a Returning Resident Visa, you must show a valid reason

why your stay abroad was extended, and that the reason for the extended stay was beyond your control or for which you were not responsible. Another (perhaps better) option would be to re-enter the U.S.--if U.S. customs denies admission due to abandonment of your green card, you will have an opportunity to argue before an Immigration Judge here in the U.S. that you did not abandon permanent resident status.

Obtaining a green card often is a difficult process. For some, it takes many years. It is accordingly important to take all steps necessary to maintain permanent resident status once attained. If you plan to be away from the U.S. for an extended period of time, or have been away from the U.S. for an extended period of time without a reentry permit, or a reentry permit that has expired, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney. *** 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. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Too many bills and not enough income?...

PAGE C2 t

month. As a matter of fact, you are always paying late and you are getting calls from bill collectors all the time. You are afraid that sooner or later, you will get (Advertising Supplement) sued by creditors and that your wages will be garnished. And then you’ll be in deeper trouble.

You’re sick and tired of being in debt and you realize that you need help. You’re confused and don’t know what to do. The only U.S. court for political reasons. thing you are sure about is that I filed a motion to allow the cli- you need some type of debt reent’s testimony by telephone. lief because you don’t see your The creditor objected that they financial situation getting better would not be able to observe the anytime soon. demeanor of the witness if he is Well, you may be a good canallowed to testify by phone. This became moot because the government also prohibited the witness from testifying by phone.

So, all the evidence we submitted for trial, including the declaration of the witness was thrown out the door on the day of trial because the witness was not around to testify and be cross-examined. In other words, we had no evidence, documentary or testimony, supporting our position at trial, while the other party had all its evidence coming in since its witness appeared to testify.

On September 12, trial promptly started at 9.30 a.m. and I was sitting there on my side all by myself (and God the Holy Spirit who is invisible but there nevertheless, giving me aid and comfort). The other side had two lawyers and their expert witness on international trade documents. First order of business, the judge said that the declaration of our witness was stricken off the record since our witness was not around to be cross-examined, meaning, we had no evidence!

Bankruptcy court rules in favor of client for $250K after trial

belonged to the client since they paid for it.

It did not matter that the transfer was made after conversion to Chapter 7, implying that debtor no longer had any legal or equitable interest on the trademark as of payment date. The court, however, left the issue of client’s claim for $250,000 hanging. A hearing was heard on this second matter after discovery was completed, and still the court could not decide one way or the other. The objecting creditor argued that the forty foot container did not exist and that the shipment was never made to the debtor, or even if the shipment was made, the debtor had paid the $250,000 in full.

Needless to say, I found the argument rather strange.

The client presented invoices signed by the owner of the company, the truck receipt for the 40-foot container, and an accounting summary showing a net unpaid amount of $250,000.

So, the court set just this issue, whether or not the $250,000 was owed to the client for trial on September 12, 2016.

Three weeks before the trial date, my client informs me that the foreign government, which owns the company has decided that the client, the president of the company, will not be allowed to appear and testify before a

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-21, 2018

didate for Chapter 13. Of course, individual situations vary. But generally, in Chapter 13, you only pay based on what you can afford each month. The court looks at your income and your monthly living expenses and determines if your proposed monthly payment is in your and the creditors’ best interests.

Thus, if the Court determines in this situation that all you can afford to pay each month is, let’s say, $300 or $400, this would be your Chapter 13 monthly payment. Depending on your income, you may pay for 3 to 5 years, although 3 years is typical for people with lower income.

Now you may wonder: “If I am only paying $300-400 per month for 3 years, that means I won’t be able to pay all my debts in full, correct? What happens to the unpaid balance after 3-5 years?”

Well, that is exactly one of the great benefits of Chapter 13.

First of all, you pay 0% interest on credit cards and most debts.

Secondly, once the court approves your proposed $300-400 monthly payment, that is all you would be obligated to pay.

After 3-5 years, all your payments are considered “payment in full” and the rest of your debts simply get wiped out. You can

u PAGE C4

C4 AUGUST 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Calendar of Events across

A

merica

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS AU G U ST 1 8

LA County’s Center for Financial Empowerment hosts financial seminar The County of Los Angeles Center for Financial Empowerment (CFE), housed within the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, is proud to celebrate the launch of BankOn Los Angeles County, a program designed to connect residents to safe and affordable financial products, regardless of their immigration status. In honor of the launch, the CFE will host Summer Saturdays, a free event series that will connect Los Angeles County residents to checking accounts and financial empowerment resources. The public is invited to attend the free events at the following CFE community partner locations: Saturday, August 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Barrio Action Youth and Family Center (4927 Huntington Dr. #200, Los Angeles, CA 90032). The CFE and BankOn financial institution partners will help consumers understand the benefits of banking and start the process of opening a checking account. Attendees can also learn about credit, how to save for college and get first-time home buying tips at financial education workshops while enjoying free ice cream!

AU G U ST 1 9

4th annual Kultura Festival: Filipino-American Food & Arts Festival in Chicago Kultura Festival, the Midwest’s premier Filipino-American food and arts event, will be held this year on Sunday, August 19 at Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade Bar (2363 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kultura Festival is in its fourth year, and is produced by food media and events group, Filipino Kitchen. Carefully curated to appeal to those who personally identify with Filipino culture and the merely curious or uninitiated, Kultura Festival aims to highlight the best in Filipino-American food and arts in Chicago and the Midwest.

Early bird tickets for general adult admission will go on sale at a discounted rate of $10 starting Monday, April 23. Only 100 discounted general admission adult tickets will be available for the Early Bird Special. Early bird tickets will be available for one week, or until supplies last. Early bird tickets to Kultura Festival for students, senior citizens, and children between six and 11 years of age will also be available for sale for $5. Children aged five or younger are admitted free at Kultura. To buy Early Bird Kultura Festival tickets, click https://ti.to/filipinokitchen/kultura2018. Stay tuned for more details on chefs, performers and all things Kultura Festival Chicago! For more information, please visit www.kulturachicago.com.

AU G U ST 23

Performance Artists Talk with Daito Manabe and Mikiko in Los Angeles Top Japanese DJ, designer, producer, creative genius Daito Manabe of Rhizomatiks + top choreographer and founder of Elevenplay, Mikiko Mizuno will be speaking. Mikiko was featured in 2016 America’s Got Talent. It will take place on Thursday, August 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles (6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028) at 5F Salon space (located at Hollywood & Highland). For more information, please contact (800) 516-0565 or visit https://www.japanhouse.jp. Admission is free.

AU G U ST 25

Fil-Am of SCV holds annual cultural festival in Valencia, CA You are cordially invited to Fil-Am of SCV’s biggest event of the year, its annual FACE (FilAm Academic & Cultural Enhancement) Program’s Cultural Festival on Saturday, August 25!

This year, the organization has partnered with the Santa Clarita Valley’s International Program.

This year’s theme is “KULTURA PILIPINAS, Kasaysayan at Sayawan”, celebrating the history of Philippine cultural dances. The popular and inspiring Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts dancers will beautifully interpret the renditions of Philippine history and culture through the art of dance. The event begins at 5 p.m. at West Ranch HS Theater (26255 Valencia Blvd, Valencia CA 91381). $50 for VIP Seats / $25 General Admission. For tickets & sponsorship information, please call: Cecile Ocampo at (818) 439-9392; Zeny Justiniano at (661) 645-0948; Josie Maglalang at (661) 607-5665 or Zony Gordon at (661) 312-3422. This event will benefit Fil-Am of SCV’s Scholarship Program and SCVIP’s Sister City Program for Sariaya City, Philippines.

AU G U ST 25 -26

Grand Opening of JAPAN HOUSE in Los Angeles The public is invited on Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26 to participate in tea ceremonies and ikebana floral arrangements, and see the Prototyping in Tokyo exhibition. Kids can take pictures and interact with Pepper, an adorable Japanese humanoid robot providing helpful information about JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles – roaming between the 2nd floor gallery and shop. He is capable of recognizing the principal human emotions and adapting his behavior to the mood of his interlocutor. He’ll make for the cutest robot selfie you’ve ever posted! Times are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Address is JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (located at Hollywood & Highland). For more information, please contact (800) 516-0565 or visit https://www. japanhouse.jp. Prototyping in Tokyo Exhibition: a Visual Story of Design Led Innovation at Japan House Los Angeles runs from Aug. 17th - October 10, 2018. Admission is free.

AU G U ST 28

“Phlavor of Success” in Van Nuys, CA “Phlavor of Success” on Tuesday, August 28 will feature and expert panel on food retail at the business mixer hosted by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) at the Van Nuys State Building Auditorium (6150 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 300, Van Nuys CA, 91401). Networking and light dinner at 5:30pm, program at 6:30-8:30pm. $15 for members, $25 for non-members, tickets available at www.faccgla.org Street parking, or $10 at State Building on Calvert St.

SEPTEMBER 8

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA hosts photoshop training “Adobe Photoshop Training” on Saturday, September 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. is a crash course for beginners to intermediate hosted by the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA). It will be held at BFG Boardroom (5121 Van Nuys Blvd), with instructor Peter Galace. Call to reserve your seat ($100) with Angelo Varsobia (818) 6469453 or Mary Trinidad at (661) 713-0014. Participants should bring their own computers, download a free version of Photoshop (https://bit.ly/2NYPbLW), and bring one USB thumb drive.

S E P T E M B E R 1 3 -1 9

Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration for MVGFC ’68 in Las Vegas CLECSN (now MVGFC) class of ’68 in Cabanatuan City, Philippines will have its golden jubilee anniversary celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada from Thursday, Sept. 13 to Wednesday, Sept. 19. For more information, please contact Eddie C. Talusan at (415) 583-1300 or Cindy Frando Reyes at (949) 705 - 9324.

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

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

Too many bills and not enough income?...

PAGE C3 t

consolidate all types of debts in Chapter 13: credit cards, personal loans, late mortgage or car payments, property taxes, income and other taxes, student loans, back child support, etc.

Compare the benefits of Chapter 13 (0% interest on credit cards and most debts, lower payments, reduced debt amounts, pay off debts in as little as 3-5 years) vs. trying to pay your debts on your own and paying the outrageous interest rates being charged by the banks and the credit card companies. You will be amazed at how much easier it would be for you to finally get out of debt with Chapter 13.

Maybe you need to rebuild credit and start saving again. Or perhaps purchase a home one day like what others have done.

Your financial future may be at stake. Don’t procrastinate. If your debts have become unmanageable and you need legal help, find out whether Chapter 13 may be beneficial to you.

Now let me remind you that mak-

ing minimum payments ONLY each month is guaranteed to keep most people in debt for the rest of their lives. The reason for this, obviously, is the high interest rates that the credit card companies are charging you.

As much as 80-90% of your minimum monthly payment can go to interest alone and this is why you will never get out of debt. Only a very small portion of your payment goes to paying off the principal. Of course, the banks and the credit card companies love this and are getting richer every month at your expense.

So, in our example above, let’s say it costs you $900 just to make minimum monthly payments on your credit cards. However, you are living paycheck to paycheck and you are struggling very hard to make your payments each month. As a matter of fact, you are always paying late and you are getting calls from bill collectors all the time. You are afraid that sooner or later, you will get sued by creditors and that your wages will be garnished. And

then you’ll be in deeper trouble.

You’re sick and tired of being in debt and you realize that you need help. You’re confused and don’t know what to do. The only thing you are sure about is that you need some type of debt relief because you don’t see your financial situation getting better anytime soon.

Well, you may be a good candidate for Chapter 13. Of course, individual situations vary. But generally, in Chapter 13, you only pay based on what you can afford each month. The court looks at your income and your monthly living expenses and determines if your proposed monthly payment is in your and the creditors’ best interests. *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

Bankruptcy court rules in favor of client...

PAGE C3 t

The creditor called their expert witness to testify. I objected that he was not a percipient witness.

The judge agreed with me. They insisted that their expert witness would testify on the redaction of information on the bill of lading and customs entry. I saw the loophole and I withdrew my objection to the testimony of their expert witness. My plan was to bring our evidence in by crossexamining the witness as an adverse witness. Lo and behold, I was able to cross-examine the witness for two hours with pinpoint precision on all relevant documents using his expertise against the other party. This is what happens when God the Holy Spirit is helping you out.

They tried to salvage the damage done by a series of direct questions to their own witness. But it was too late.

Just before noontime, the judge gave his ruling. He said that this was indeed a strange case as

there was no witness for my client to testify and there was no evidence to support our position.

But during the cross-examination, the evidence slowly crept in.

By a hairline, the judge ruled in favor of my client for $250,000.

For me, this was a miracle, indeed. I had zero chance of winning this case but at the last minute, the situation reversed itself with God’s help.

87-year-old senior seeks Chapter 7 relief The second client is 87 years old.

We filed his first Chapter 7 case 20 years ago when he was 67 and his wife was still alive. They owed about $50,000 in credit cards 20 years ago.

Those were all discharged and they built up their credit again.

However, they now owe about $20,000.

The wife passed last year. They were able to travel the world in the last 20 years. But since the wife has passed away, he doesn’t feel like paying the $20,000 any-

more. He’s just tired of paying for it. They used the cards to travel the world, but that was their last time around.

Last week, one credit card sued him for $10,000. With his social security at $1,000 a month, there really is no money to pay the cards. So, the only logical step is the get rid of his cards with a Chapter 7 discharge.

The client is still able to drive around by himself at 87. He has chronic back pain and has four stents in his heart arteries, but he still praises the Lord for his relatively good health! *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

People and Events Af3irm South Bay holds open mic at Native Sol

LONG BEACH, CA –– Af3irm South Bay, a transnational feminist organization invites women of color and women identified spoken word artists to perform on Wednesday, Aug 22 at 7pm at Native Sol, 2018 E. 4th st in Long Beach (across Art Theater of Long Beach).

The “VOICE OF SISTERHOOD” open mic will focus on the importance of family and the value of keeping families together especially those who are refugees seeking asylum in the United States.

Af3irm South Bay said that it seeks to make the community

aware that children will experience trauma once they are separated from their family. “ Children need to be reunited with their families and not to be placed in detention centers.”

Those who are interested in performing in the open mic may email southbay@af3irm.org.■

Asian Business Association hosts energy efficiency info session HOW do businesses cut costs through energy saving equipment and methods? Find out how! Join the Asian Business Association (ABA) on Wednesday, August 29 for a superb information session on Energy Efficiency.

Energy Upgrade California is a statewide educational initiative empowering Californians to take energy management actions. By being energy efficient, businesses can operate and grow without the heavy burden of high utility bills. Join to learn tips to save energy and money in your household and business.

Refreshments, giveaway items,

and energy tips will be provided!

The event is FREE and open to all businesses and community

members. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rosemead Community Center at 3936 Muscatel Ave. Rosemead, CA 91770. ■

California: Don’t let the beep steal your sleep FROM Adelanto to Zzyzx, Californians have been protected for years, thanks to 2011 legislation that brought carbon monoxide (CO) protection to the forefront of home safety.

In 2011, the California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Protection Act (Senate Bill 183) went into effect, requiring CO alarms in newly constructed single- and two-family homes, as well as all existing single-family homes.

Since then, the law has been expanded to cover all multi-family dwellings. As a result, CO alarms have helped save countless lives, and a majority of states have followed suit with similar legislation and code adoption.

However, alarms don’t last forever, and seven years after this groundbreaking legislation, First Alert, the most trusted brand in home safety*, along with health and safety officials, have issued a timely reminder to the public: the need to replace CO alarms as they approach expiration.

As part of its ongoing education efforts, First Alert is partnering with fire departments and safety organizations throughout the country to bring awareness to the importance of replacing alarms as they expire.

“The California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act marked a turning point for protection for California residents, but with busy lives and other pri-

orities, it’s easy to take life-saving measures like installing CO alarms for granted once they’ve been implemented,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert, a leader in residential fire and CO detection devices.

“The anniversary of this act is a timely reminder of the importance of protecting what matters most, and an ideal opportunity for us to celebrate the lives that have been saved over the past seven years by making safety a top priority.”

Known as the “silent killer,” CO is a colorless and odorless gas that is impossible to detect without a sensing device. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, CO poisoning is a leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States and is responsible for an average of 450 deaths each year. Any fuel-burning appliance, including heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances and cooking sources using coal, wood, or petroleum products, are all potential sources of CO. It’s critical to have appliances inspected by certified licensed technicians, educate loved ones on the dangers of carbon monoxide, and develop a family escape plan in the event of a CO emergency.

CO poisoning can cause symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, chest pain and vomiting that mimic those of many

other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. In severe poisoning cases, victims can experience disorientation, unconsciousness, long-term neurological disabilities, cardiorespiratory failure or death.

While alarm lifespans may vary by model and manufacturer, back in 2011, a properly maintained CO alarm had a lifespan of approximately five to seven years. Therefore, CO alarms installed when California’s CO law came into effect are likely now due for replacement. As an extra safety measure, most First Alert CO alarms feature end-of-life warning to alert residents to the need for replacement. The endof-life signal differs significantly from the 85-decibel horn heard in an emergency or during regular testing of the alarm. It also differs from the low-battery chirp, and usually consists of 3-5 short sounds. Check the back of the alarm, as well as the alarm’s user manual, for specific information on these different signals.

“If you can’t think of the last time you installed a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, chances are, it’s time to replace your old ones,” Wey said. “Installing new alarms, testing them regularly and having and practicing an escape plan are important measures you can take to help protect your family and home. First

u PAGE C5

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-21, 2018

C5

The Filipino confectioner who delivers cake pops to hospital patients

Fil-Am sugar artist Albert Daniel partners with Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center to gift cake pops as parting gifts to maternity ward patients

Filipino Albert Daniel of Albert’s Petite Sweets visited Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center on Wednesday, August 15 to visit new moms and share his cake pop creations.

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

GIVING birth is life’s greatest phenomenon, and not just for the parents welcoming a new, little bundle of joy into their family.

For many hospital maternity ward staff, the great pleasure of being an important part of each family’s delivery of a new family member never tires.

That’s why Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center decided to partner with Filipino-American sugar artist and chocolatier Albert Daniel of Albert’s Petite Sweets to make and deliver cake pops as a parting gift to all the families in the maternity ward.

“We are very pleased and humbled that they are sharing this unique moment and this joy with us and letting us be a part of their joy and happiness, and we wanted to show our appreciation in some way and it feels like this is a great way to do it,” said Azita Pournaghmeh, director of maternal child services of Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center.

Pournaghmeh said that they chose to gift cake pops because food is a “symbol of celebrations.” She added that the first few patients who received the cake pops earlier this month were “quite pleased,” and the staff is looking forward to gifting them to more patients.

“I think [these cake pops are] wonderful, beautiful and I can’t

Albert Daniel’s cake pops that were given to new families at the hospital.

describe it in words,” Guillermo Samano of Santa Ana, whose family was one of the first to receive Daniel’s cake pops.

Of his creations, Daniel said he “didn’t know my cake pops had that ability to really make an impact on someone’s day or life to where it resembles something really important to them. It makes me even more happy and proud and excited to be a part of their journey.”

Albert’s Petite Sweets began presenting families with the cake pops this week, and the hospital is looking forward to continuing the partnership.

“He’s been such an artist and so accommodating to us and trying to go with our instructions and suggestions so we’re looking forward to a long-term relationship,” Pournaghmeh said of Daniel.

Chasing the American Dream Daniel, 40, was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States in 1987 when he was 9 years old.

Like many Filipinos, he was expected to become a medical professional, studying Recreation Administration at Cal State Long Beach to work with children with disabilities and geriatrics.

But after internships and seeing some patients pass away, he realized this wasn’t his passion, so he became a personal trainer, much to his family’s dismay.

Daniel continued to work as a personal trainer for 14 years. As a way to say thank you to his clients and colleagues, he decided to gift them cake pops, which he first saw at Starbucks and

Albert Daniel gives a cake pop to the Samano family, who is among the first patients to receive the confection as the beginning of the partnership between Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center and Albert’s Petite Sweets.

thought, “Hey, I could do that.”

He had never baked before, and he initially loathed the 10hour process of baking cake pops. But his attitude changed when he saw how his clients reacted to the gifts.

“I actually hated it at first and didn’t think I would do it again, but when I saw that it brought so much joy to my colleagues on the day that I gave them, I thought, whoa, I didn’t think it could make them feel that way. I felt like I’d brightened someone’s day, and I liked that I brightened someone’s day,” Daniel said.

Fueled by that experience, he decided to sharpen his baking skills and capitalized on his re-discovered love for creating, establishing “Albert’s Petite Sweets” from the ground up.

And, again, his parents weren’t pleased with this career shift.

But that changed as soon as he saw almost immediate success as a sugar artist. His first client was former NFL player and TV commentator Michael Strahan right before he became a co-host for “Live! with Kelly and Michael.”

From then, his business “escalated,” evolving a small operation in a one-bedroom apartment into a successful business that caters to Disney, Marvel and Netflix, among other companies.

“As an immigrant, it is expected that you are excelling in the medical field, whether you’re an engineer, a doctor or a nurse,” Albert said. “It’s very robotic almost, this expectation, that if you go out of that norm or out of that box, you’re frowned upon.

But if you do exceptionally well,

then that’s the game changer.”

Now, his family is extremely supportive of Daniel’s business and impressed by the success he has garnered in the few short years of its existence.

Though he has many bigname clients, Daniel said that his partnership with Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center is unique in that he gets to be a part of the miracle that is

Albert Daniel visits the Dang family, who is celebrating their bundle of joy.

Photos courtesy of Jessica Chen / Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center

childbirth.

He pointed out that on his usual deliveries, he simply shows up, delivers the product and leaves, but when he delivered to the hospital, he felt particularly elated to see the families’ reactions to his gift and truly saw the impact of his creativity.

“I’m very grateful to have this gift of creativity that I’m able to make somebody happy with my cake pops in addition to what’s happening in their life and to be chosen to be a part of something special and something bigger than me. That makes me really happy,” Daniel shared. ■

California: Don’t let the beep steal...

PAGE C4t

Alert offers the most advanced CO sensing technologies and latest safety features available, in hardwired, wall mount plug-in and tabletop versions.”

The last few years have seen significant advancements in technology, extending the lifespans of some to CO alarms to 10 years. First Alert offers 10-year sealed battery CO alarms that eliminate the need for battery replacements. First Alert’s extensive safety portfolio also includes other CO alarm models to meet the needs of any household. For example, battery-powered tabletop models like the CO710 feature a 10-year battery and digital temperature display, with an easy-to-read, backlit LED screen.

Other options offer both smoke and CO protection, such as the PRC710V, which offers voice alerts to inform consumers of the location of the specific danger. Another option is the plug-in CO605 model, which plugs into any standard electrical outlet and offers a battery back-up in case of power outages.

In addition to replacing CO alarms as they reach expiration,

Wey recommends the following tips and tools for keeping yourself and loved ones safer from the dangers of carbon monoxide: Important safety steps • Install alarms. CO alarms are the only way to detect this poisonous gas. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing alarms on every level of the home and near each sleeping area for maximum protection. Also make sure the alarms are installed at least 15 feet away from sources of CO to reduce the possibility of nuisance alarms. It is also important to test alarm monthly and change batteries every six months, unless the alarm is powered by a sealed, 10-year battery.

• Test alarms regularly. All First Alert alarms are equipped with a test/silence button for easy testing.

• Never use generators indoors. In the case of a power outage, portable electric generators must be used outside only (at least 15 feet from your home).

Never use them inside the home, in a garage or in any confined area that can allow CO to collect.

And, be careful to follow operat-

ing instructions closely. Also, refrain from using charcoal grills, camp stoves and other similar devices indoors.

• Be mindful of the garage.

Never leave a vehicle running inside an attached garage, even if the door is open, it is hazardous, as CO can leak into the home.

• Have fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly. Arrange for a professional inspection of all fuel-burning appliances (such as furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters and space heaters) annually.

• Plan Your Escape –To develop an effective escape plan, walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Identify two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Practice your home emergency escape plan at least twice a year and make sure to plan a meeting spot. That way, if there is an emergency, everyone knows where to meet.

• Call 911. If an alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and move to fresh air. Then call 911 and do not go back into the home until the home is inspected and cleared. ■

C AUGUST 18-21, 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com â&#x20AC;¢ (818) 502-0651 â&#x20AC;¢ (213) 250-9797

60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INTERNATIONAL.

,1 3$571(56+,3 :,7+ 7+( '(3$570(17 2) )25(,*1 $))$,56 2) 7+( 3+,/,33,1(6 %$/,.%$<$1 0$*$=,1( ,6 12: ',675,%87(' $7 /2&$/ $1' )25(,*1 3+,/,33,1( (0%$66,(6 &2168/$7(6 2)),&(6 $1' 28732676 72 &203/(0(17 285 (;,67,1* ',675,%87,21 &+$11(/6 68&+ $6 %22.6725(6 +27(/ $1' 5(6257 52206 +263,7$/6 %$1.6 &/,1,&6 5(67$85$176 6+236 75$9(/ $*(1&,(6 (9(176 $1' 68%6&5,37,216

^chiV\gVb#Xdb$Vh^Vc_djgcVa

[VXZWdd`#Xdb$6h^Vc?djgcVaEjWa^XVi^dch

l l l# W V a ^ ` W V n V c b V \ V o ^ c Z # X d b

il^iiZg#Xdb$Vh^Vc_djgcVaXdb

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

MARKETPLACE

& SHOWROOM September 2018 priority dates

Immigration Corner

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY:

ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. In fact, for September 2018, some categories retrogressed, in the visa issuance dates for employment based categories.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.

First Preference

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

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

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

February 15, 2008

November 15, 2006

December 1, 2017

July 22, 2016

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

December 15, 2007

April 22, 2007

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

August 1, 1995

June 1, 1995

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

December 1, 1995

June 1, 1995

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

Second Preference Advanced Degree (Masters)

Current

January 1, 2013

Third Preference

Professional/ Skilled Workers

July 1, 2017

November 1, 2016

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

July 1, 2017

November 1, 2016

*** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and 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 re-enactments) 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 attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw and Twitter @GurfinkelLaw Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

Business Quote of the Week “I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.”

- John D. Rockefeller, CEO of Standard Oil

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-21, 2018

D1

D AUGUST 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Marketplace

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

More business groups back economic managers’ call to weigh cost of federalism

In this July 3 photo, consultative committee members former Senate President Nene Pimentel, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno and former Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura attend a meeting before submitting the draft federal constitution to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Philstar.com file photo by Edd Gumban

MANILA, Philippines — Several business groups joined the call of Philippine economic managers for fiscal prudence, more dialogues and a well-considered approach in the proposed shift to federalism.

Last Sunday, August 12, seven business groups expressed support to the country’s economic managers who urged the Congress to weigh the costs and risks involved on the proposed shift from a unitary to a federal system of government.

On Tuesday, 19 more organizations joined the call including: Alyansa Agrikultura, Asia Pacific Real Estate Association, Bankers Association of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Institute of Corporate Directors, Investment House Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, National Real Estate Association, Organizations of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines, People Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Constructors Association, Philippine Institute

of Certified Public Accountants, Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc., Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Tax Management Association of the Philippines, UP School of Economics Alumni Association, and Women’s Business Council Philippines.

“We encourage full, open, and dispassionate dialogues on this proposed shift in form of government, keeping in mind its long-term impacts on future generations of Filipinos. As always, the business community stands ready to work with our political and economic leaders to bring about sustained and inclusive economic growth in the country,” the groups said.

In its initial statement, the business groups cited reports of alarming cost if the government would undergo the shift to federalism.

The National Economic Development Authority warned that

the cost would reach P130 billion while state-run think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies said it would cost P72 billion.

The groups also expressed concern over the fiscal deficit, which is estimated to reach 6.7 percent of the gross domestic product. This would be way beyond the 3-percent target of the country’s fiscal managers.

Such fiscal imbalance may have an effect on the economy and the Duterte government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, the groups said.

Earlier this week, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte would consider the inputs of business groups on federalism.

“This is, of course, an input that the president will consider. And we’re hoping that the legislature (that) will tackle charter change will also consider the position of the business community,” Roque said on Monday, August 13. (By Patricia Lourdes Viray / Philstar. com) n

2018 GDP goal still achievable — DoF MANILA, Philippines — Several business groups joined the call of Philippine economic managers for fiscal prudence, more dialogues and a well-considered approach in the proposed shift to federalism.

Last Sunday, August 12, seven business groups expressed support to the country’s economic managers who urged the Congress to weigh the costs and risks involved on the proposed shift from a unitary to a federal system of government.

On Tuesday, 19 more organizations joined the call including: Alyansa Agrikultura, Asia Pacific Real Estate Association, Bankers Association of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Institute of Corporate Directors, Investment House Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, National Real Estate Association, Organizations of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines, People Management Association of the Philippines, Philip-

pine Constructors Association, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc., Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Tax Management Association of the Philippines, UP School of Economics Alumni Association, and Women’s Business Council Philippines. (By Mayvelin Caraballo / Manilatimes.net) n

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

Marketplace

LBC Express buys majority stake in Malaysian affiliate to benefit the Company by contributing to the global revenue stream of the Company,” it said LOGISTICS and remittance in a filing.

Last March, the group gained service provider LBC Express Holdings Inc. said it now con- full control of four affiliates in trolled Malaysia-based LBC the United States, particularly in Mabuhay after it purchased 925 Saipan, New Jersey, California million shares in the latter for and Hawaii. These affiliates are LBC Mabuhay Saipan Inc., LBC $461,782.

LBC Express told the local Mabuhay North America Corp. bourse on Wednesday that the in New Jersey, California-based acquisition translated to 92.5 LBC Mundial Corp., and LBC percent ownership in LBC Ma- Mabuhay Hawaii Corp.

In a separate disclosure, LBC laysia, which is also engaged in Express said net income in the the courier business.

“The acquisition is expected first half surged 170 percent to

by Ma. Lisbet

K. esMaeL Manilatimes.net=

P1.19 billion from P443 million in the same period last year.

Service revenues climbed 18 percent to P5.78 billion, while revenues from its logistics business increased 19 percent to P5.194 billion driven by volume growth in its logistics services.

This lifted the group’s gross profit by 18 percent to P1.964 billion from last year’s P1.667 billion.

Meanwhile, operating expenses went down 4 percent to P996 million.

Shares of LBC Express rose 3.01 percent to P15.04 each. n

OFW remittances down 4.5%

Worker repatriations, lower mideast deployments blamed for decline in June inflows

by DaxiM

L. Lucas

Inquirer.net

THE government’s decision to repatriate thousands of Filipino workers suffering from abusive work conditions in the Middle East took an immediate toll on the amount of dollars being sent home as the first half of 2018 ended, the central bank said on Wednesday, August 15.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said that personal remittances for June declined by 4.9 percent to $2.6 billion compared to the same period last year.

During the same month, cash remittances coursed through banks fell by 4.5 percent yearon-year to $2.4 billion. The countries that registered the biggest declines in cash remittances in June were the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

“The overseas Filipino workers repatriation program of the government may have partly affected the remittance flows for the month,” the central bank said.

In the first two months of 2018, a total of 4,149 OFWs were repatriated from UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

For 2017, preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration showed that the number of deployed land-based workers also dropped by 3.28 percent to 1,614,674 year-on-year, while that of the sea-based workers fell by 14.62 percent to 378,072.

Cash remittances coming from

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that June remittances declined by 4.9 percent to $2.6 billion compared to the same period last year.

File photo by Inquirer.net

the United States, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, UAE, Japan, Qatar, Germany, Hong Kong and Canada accounted for more than 79 percent of total cash remittances for the first six months of 2018.

For the first half of the year, however, personal remittances from expatriate Filipinos totaled $15.8 billion, posting a 2.8 percent year-on-year growth.

Personal remittances from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more grew by 2.5 percent to $12.2 billion, while transfers from seabased workers and land-based workers with short-term contracts likewise increased by 3.4 percent to $3.2 billion for the same period.

For the first semester of 2018, cash remittances from expatriate Filipinos coursed through banks recorded a 2.7-percent growth from the same period a year ago to reach $14.2 billion. Cash remittances sent by land-based

workers and sea-based workers rose by 2.5 percent and 3.4 percent to $11.2 billion and $3 billion, respectively.

Personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (gross earnings of overseas Filipino workers with work contracts of less than one year, including all sea-based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (all current transfers in cash or in kind by workers with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-to-household transfers between Filipinos who have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and nonresident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return). n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-21, 2018 D

D AUGUST 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

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

Marketplace

Jollibee Foods Corporation earnings up 16.1% in first half

After pizza, Shakey’s wants bigger slice of the food pie

by Doris

Among President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign promises was to bar the abusive practice of hiring employees on short-term contracts.

Philstar.com photo by Joven Carande by ian

nicolas cigaral Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Homegrown food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. on Tuesday, August 14 reported a 16.1 percent rise in its earnings in the first half of the year.

In a regulatory filing, JFC said its net income surged to P4.05 billion while earnings per share grew 15.5 percent in the first six months of the year.

In the second quarter, the

company’s profit jumped 15.1 percent to P2.25 billion compared to the same period last year.

JFC also said its investments for future growth “remained robust.” In the January-June period, the JFC Group opened 192 stores that serve the company’s hugely popular sweet-style spaghetti and fried chicken, 115 of which were established in the country while 77 were abroad.

JFC—which has a market capitalization of more than P293 bil-

lion—has allotted P12 billion in capital expenditures for 2018, up 33.3 percent from last year.

JFC recently grabbed the headlines after the Department of Labor and Employment ordered the company to give more than 7,000 workers permanent employment status. The fast-food giant has maintained that all of its employees are regular.

Shares in JFC were up P3.40 or 1.26 percent to close at P273.40 each at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday. n

4G availability in Manila lowest in East Asia — report by richmonD

mercurio Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Already being among key cities in East Asia that have the worst average 4G download and upload speeds, Manila is also at the bottom in the region when it comes to 4G availability, according to a new report from research firm OpenSignal.

The report said 4G availability in Manila ranked last among 12 cities in East Asia that represent a key business and economic hub in their respective countries.

The OpenSignal report examined data from a 90-day test period between March and May. Of the 12 cities covered by the report, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh, and Manila recorded

a 4G availability score of below 80 percent, with Manila posting the lowest score among the three countries.

Seoul ranked first with a 4G availability score of 97.9 percent, followed by Tokyo with 96.3 percent.

“The two leaders were some way ahead of the next city in our measurements,” OpenSignal said.

Bangkok came in at third with 92.1 percent 4G availability, followed by Hong Kong with a little over 90 percent rate.

Of the other cities measured,

five were in the 80 percent to 90 percent range for LTE reach.

These are Taipei, Singapore, Jakarta, Yangoon, and Kuala Lumpur.

In a report last month, OpenSignal also measured the average 4G download and upload speeds across 12 major cities in East Asia.

In the report, Manila’s 4G download speed was found to be at 16.9 megabits per second (Mbps) or below the global average. Phnom Penh and Jakarta were the slowest at an average 4.9 Mbps.

LTE is the type of 4G, or fourth generation mobile type of technology, that delivers faster connection for a mobile internet experience that is up to 10 times faster than 3G. n

WE ARE

HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:

Customer Sales and Service Representative Fax résumé to:

info@asianjournalinc.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 18-21, 2018 D

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

PO family-led Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (Spavi) is preparing to evolve into a multibrand restaurant operator by amending its charter to allow the acquisition of other dining outlets beyond flagship pizza parlor Shakey’s.

Spavi could grow organically with just the Shakey’s brand, adding 18 to 20 new stores every year in the next three to five years, but “another brand can come into the fold, so that immediately will be a big plus,” company president and CEO Vicente Gregorio said in a press briefing after the stockholders meeting on Thursday, August 16.

“We foresee having a portfolio of complementing brands that have the ability to grow and are scalable and (having) just the right number of brands,” he said.

Shareholders approved the change in the articles of incorporation that previously stated the operation of only the Shakey’s brand as its primary business.

The new charter, which is still subject to approval by the Securities and Exchange Commis-

File photo by Inquirer.net

sion, gives Spavi the flexibility to acquire, operate and franchise other brands.

“We receive a lot of offers but we want to do it carefully. We want to do it right,” Gregorio said.

“Offhand, for a single brand, we continue to show very good growth in sales and we think this can be sustained in a year or two easily. But the acquisition plans can come in time on the basis that we do have a very nice target and if done right, then the financial feasibility seems to be of less risk,” he said.

Spavi, which trades as “PIZZA” on the local stock exchange, operates 217 Shakey’s stores, nine of which opened in the first half.

The country’s leading pizza parlor chain, which is also the country’s single-largest restaurant brand with an estimated market share of 26 percent, expects to end the year with 228 stores.

For the whole of 2018, Spavi expects to post a low doubledigit growth in net profit. This suggests that business will grow faster in the second half, as the company’s net profit grew by only 7 percent year-on-year in the first semester to reach P725 million.

The company encountered margin pressures in the first semester due to rising raw material costs but historically, the second half provides a breather.

“We’re not overly alarmed yet because we have scheduled to increase the price in the second half and the market, we believe, is able to absorb such price and the (operating) efficiencies we are working on will help improve our margins,” Gregorio said.

Spavi expects to implement an average price increase of 1-2 percent this second semester, following a 3-4 percent increase in March. n

BIR urged to check unpaid taxes of foreign shippers by louella

DesiDerio Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will seek the help of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to check unpaid taxes of foreign shipping lines.

This follows the DTI’s request to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to look into excessive charges of foreign shipping lines on Philippine importers and exporters.

In a statement on Thursday, August 16, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the DTI would “call on the BIR to investigate unpaid taxes arising from these charges.”

He said the DTI commends the PCC’s quick response to the request to review excessive charges imposed by international ship-

ping lines.

“We thank the PCC led by chairman Arsenio Balisacan and the commissioners, for listening to the plea of exporters and importers. We must put an end to this unfair practice of charging excessive fees as these charges increase the cost,” he said.

During a recent meeting of DTI and PCC officials, a study on potentially avoidable international shipping costs and other charges was presented.

The study showed certain fees imposed by some international shipping lines should be considered as part of foreign carriers’ operations and covered under freight costs.

In addition, the study recommended that excessive costs should not be passed on to local exporters and importers, especially if there is no contractual

relationship with the foreign carriers.

Such costs are seen to make Philippine exporters and domestic producers less competitive as the costs of imported raw materials and intermediate goods become higher.

Filipino consumers are also affected by these charges as they have to pay a higher price for products for final consumption.

As the PCC continues to look into the matter, the DTI is exploring other ways for government to put an end to excessive charges being imposed.

“We are calling on all international shipping lines to put a halt to these unnecessary charges as these are unfair. Meanwhile, we also call on exporters and importers to insist on ‘freight collect’ as this is more advantageous,” Lopez said. n

D AUGUST 18-21, 2018 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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