LA Midweek Edition -- October 14 -- 16, 2015

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LOS ANGELES

M I D W E E K

EDITION

www.asianjournal.com www.ajdigitaledition.com

October 14-16, 2015

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Volume 25 - No. 80 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey

USA

DATELINE Calif. governor signs health for all kids bill FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

IN May 2016, California will become the fifth state to allow undocumented children from low-income families to enroll in comprehensive health care. Gov. Brown signed legislation on Friday, Oct. 9, that will allow 170,000 undocumented children to smoothly transition from restricted scope Emergency Medi-Cal (the state’s name for Medicaid) to full-scope coverage, by removing barriers to re-applying or re-enrolling. It will also let children with severe and chronic illnesses stay in specialty care. Once undocumented children enroll in comprehensive Medi-Cal, they will be able to take advantage of preventive services and not have to wait until a medical emergency to seek care. Earlier this year, the governor allocated $40 million for health care coverage for undocumented children through the Health for All Kids program initiated by Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, while committing an allocation of $132 million for each subse-

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Automatic voter registration in California approved Set of bills to change voting processes, improve turnout

WITH record-low turnouts in one of the most populous states in the nation, California is making it even easier for people to become active registered voters. Governor Jerry Brown signed a measure on Saturday, Oct. 10 that would eventually allow Californians to be automatically registered to vote when they go to the DMV to obtain or renew their driver’s license. Assembly Bill 1461, which also includes an option to opt out of registering, was introduced in response to the dismal 42 percent voter turnout in last year’s statewide election in November, according to the Los Angeles Times. The bill, along with 13 others the governor signed, will “help improve elections and expand voter rights and access in California,� Brown’s office said in a statement. According to California Secretary of State

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UY AND TINA SANTOS Inquirer.net

THE EARLIEST birds came in various forms and sizes, with diverse interests, credentials and sometimes outrageous promises. But they shared a common aspiration: to become President of the Philippines. One of the presidential aspirants

described himself as a “crime buster� who had P26.12 trillion in reward for recovery of the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth, deposited in trust in the national treasury—enough to wipe out the Philippines’ debts and send the children of all Filipinos to school for free. Another, a perennial candidate, promised to become the first Presi-

CRISOSTOMO Philstar.com

MANILA – Makati Mayor Junjun Binay is seeking reelection despite the ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing him from government service and perpetually disqualifying him from holding public office. Binay said there is no reason for him not to file his certificate of candidacy (COC). “Experts on election laws are saying there is no reason for me not to file. I will definitely file my COC this week,� he told reporters when he accompanied his father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, in filing his COC for president with his running mate Sen. Gregorio Honasan Monday, Oct. 12.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila, were former congressman and exTechnical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) chief Augusto Syjuco Jr., lawyer Elly Pamatong and businessman Ephraim DefiĂąo, who came dressed like a cowboy. The three beat Vice President Je-

dent from Mindanao who would take back from China the entire West Philippine Sea. And there was a 73-year-old aspirant who flaunted his age and wisdom and four doctor’s and two master’s degrees as some of his qualifications for the top government post. Among the earliest to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) in the

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Australia looking to send refugees to PH by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

WITH asylum seekers from remote Pacific islands attempting to reach Australia illegally by boat, the country has engaged in talks with the Philippines for their possible relocation, Australia’s immigration minister said Friday, Oct. 9. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton declined to release details of the deal, but a report from The Australian stated it could cost more than 150 million Australian dollars ($108 million). Furthermore, multiple reports have stated there has been verbal confirmation between officials from both countries that the deal would move forward. The Australian reported that Bishop met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario on the sidelines of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, and received verbal assurance that the refugee agreement would materialize. Similarly, a report from The Daily Telegraph quoted Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton saying: “We have had bilateral discussions with other countries including the Philippines at an official level, at a

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Comelec, DFA urged to extend overseas PH backs US plan absentee voting registration deadline to sail Navy ship by JADEN

GARCIA Philstar.com

MANILA – A Filipino migrant group has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Foreign AffairsOverseas Absentee Voting Secretariat (DFA-OAVS) to extend the registration of overseas absentee voters (OAV), which ends on Oct. 31, 2015. “We understand that the OAV registration will be ending on October 31. However, there are more

overseas Filipinos who have manifested their willingness to register so that they can vote for the incoming national elections,� John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said. Monterona said since OAV registration requires personal appearance, many overseas Filipinos in the Middle East and other regions have difficulty in reaching the Philippine diplomatic post due to work and financial constraints Though there are scheduled field mobile registrations, Mon-

terona said that they should also be conducted outside the major cities to reach more Filipinos. Last week, the Comelec and DFA-OAVS announced the extension of the reactivation of overseas voters who have failed to vote during the two previous succeeding elections, until December 31. “We welcome the Comelec and DFA-OAVS decision to extend the reactivation period until December 31. But many OFWs will be more than happy if the overseas

Junjun bent on seeking reelection despite Ombudsman ruling by SHEILA

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near Chinese island

MANILA – The Philippines on Tuesday, Oct. 13 backed a reported US plan to challenge China’s territorial claims by deploying a Navy ship close to a Chinese-built island in the South China Sea, saying it was important for the international community to safeguard freedom of navigation in the disputed waters. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the US plan of sending a Navy ship within 22 kilometers (14 miles) of the artificial island in the Spratly Islands “would be consistent with in-

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The ombudsman ruling was issued last week in connection with the alleged overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. The mayor said he has yet to receive a copy of the ruling. He has 10 days from receipt to file a motion for reconsideration. “What we are worrying now is that there is an evil design here. Before, suspension; now, removal from office. It is very obvious that there is a plan to keep our family out of government service,� he said. Blue certification Despite allegations of wrongdoing against the Makati mayor, the Commission on Audit (COA) lauded the city government for

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

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its accomplishments last year. State auditors said Makati received a “Blue Certification Award” from the ombudsman for its high level of compliance with “ease of doing business standards for business-friendly and anti-fixing processes.” COA said the completion of the controversial Makati Science High School building was among the city government’s major achievements. In an annual audit report released over the weekend, state auditors said 11 departments or offices of the locality were issued ISO certification “due to its continuing effort and delivery of quality services.” “The city was also a platinum awardee of ISO 37120 on Sustainable Development of Communities by the World Council on City Data, which measures a

city’s social, economic and environmental performance,” state auditors said. The audit team said the National Competitiveness Council, composed of representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the private sector in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development, gave Makati the most competitive city award in the 2014 Cities and Municipalities Index. Makati was also awarded with the e-Readiness Leadership Award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and Technology and the DTI “for its initiative in integrating information and communication technology to hasten the delivery of public services, improve revenue collection and promote transparency in its systems and

operations.” Infrastructure projects The COA report said Makati funded 70 infrastructure projects worth P4.035 billion. Records show 53 projects or 75.71 percent have been completed consisting of public schools, public buildings, sports facilities and health centers. “During the year, four major buildings were finished… the three-story San Isidro Community Complex, the Carmona Sports Complex, the Makati Science High School building and the Rizal Health Care Center. Of the 53 completed projects, 48 were land improvements consisting of drainage improvement, road concreting and blocking,” state auditors said. The COA report also cited the city government for its P520-

jomar Binay, who arrived at the Comelec central office before it opened its doors at 8 a.m. Monday, the start of the five-day registration of candidates for the May 2016 general elections. Binay, accompanied by an entourage bigger than the Comelec three-companion rule, sealed his partnership with Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, who was joined by his wife and chief of staff in filing his COC for Vice President. 37 presidential candidates A total of 37 people have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for president, seven for vice president and 25 for senator since Monday, Oct. 12. In an interview with reporters, Syjuco said he was running for President as representative of Filipinos who were “angry and disgusted” with corruption in the government. “I have never in my 73 years seen a government as corrupt and as incompetent as this particular government,” said Syjuco, who is facing graft charges in the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged overpricing of training materials worth P61 mil-

ternational law and a rules-based order for the region.” The US newspaper Navy Times reported last week that the Navy may soon receive approval for the mission to sail close to the island. Such a US Navy move would bolster Washington’s stance that the artificial islands being built by China do not constitute sovereign territory and build a legal case under international law for the US position, the newspaper said. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs warned that “failure to challenge false claims of sovereignty would undermine this order and lead China to the false conclusion that its claims are accepted as a fait accompli.”

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ministerial level, over a number of months and the foreign minister obviously spoke with her counterpart in New York.” According to Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, spokesperson for the DFA, a meeting between del Rosario and Bishop covered areas of the countries’ bilateral relations, with a focus on working toward a comprehensive partnership, Inquirer reported. Asylum seekers have long been a controversial political issue in Australia, although the country has never experienced the influx of refugees currently entering Europe. Australia refuses to take u G8>< 8+ in refugees who try to reach its

“It is important for the international community to safeguard freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,” it said. “This is of paramount concern to all countries. Aside from China and the Philippines, four other governments lay claim to a part of or the entire South China Sea, a busy passageway for a bulk of the world’s commerce and military vessels. Washington has a policy of not taking sides in the territorial disputes, but says it’s in its national interest to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of the conflicts. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying expressed serious concern last week over the planned US Navy deployment. ■

Comelec, DFA urged to extend…

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voters’ registration will also be extended until the 2nd week of January 2016,”Monterona said. He said that Migrante chapters will be sending OAV extension letter request to Comelec and Philippine diplomatic posts. Monterona said all Migrante chapters, allies and networks of OFW groups were in fully mobilized to reach out OFWs, urg-

“I have made a lot of mistakes in my life to have learned. So I believe I have the maturity, the background and the wisdom,” he said. “And one more thing, I don’t have a political party. I don’t have excess baggage to carry. There are no people I have to reward when I become President except the people themselves,” he said. Pamatong Pamatong, one of the regulars in presidential elections, vowed to reclaim the disputed West Philippine Sea and end China’s incursions on Philippine territory there. “I will be the first Mindanaoan President,” Pamatong told reporters. Danilo Lihay-Lihay, who described himself as a “crime buster” and an “informer” of the Supreme Court on the ill-gotten wealth cases against former President Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies, promised to pay all the country’s debts and make Philippines crime-free. Lihay-Lihay also vowed to donate two-thirds of his monetary reward amounting to P17 trillion to the people and to eliminate the value-added and individual income taxes. ■

Australia looking to send refugees to…

PH backs US plan to sail Navy…

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lion during his term at Tesda. Syjuco also said he was running for President so he could work with all the other presidential candidates to stop Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas from “grabbing and stealing the presidency.” He said the elections were being manipulated to make it appear that Roxas was doing well in his bid for presidency. “This is already a psy-war prep to show people that if Roxas can go up to 8 percent to second place, he can go up another 8 percent to first place and win,” Syjuco said. Better candidate He said he was the better candidate because nobody had his qualifications. “I have four Ph.Ds, I have two master’s degrees, I am an economist, among other things. I am also a political analyst. I am the oldest living highest-ranking officer of the 1971 constitutional convention,” he said. He also claimed that he created the Office of the Ombudsman, originated the accountability of public officers, and authored the laws on dual citizenship and overseas voting.

ing them to register especially during the remaining Fridays of October. As of September 2015, as per Comelec-DFA-OAVS statistical report, there are 1,103,809 registered voters overseas. Middle East and North Africa registered voters 475,729, Asia Pacific with 278,060, North and Latin America with 222,661, and Europe with 127,359. ■

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shores by boat and instead pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea, which has a detention center on Manus Island, to hold them. Australia currently has a $29 million deal with Cambodia, which it struck last year, to resettle refugees. However, with only four refugees having moved there, the agreement has been called a waste of money. The Cambodia plan has received further criticism from human rights groups that claim the country, given its history of poverty, corruption and human rights abuse, is not an optimal new home for refugees. Similar concerns have been raised for the Philippines.

“It is just shameful that a developed nation like Australia would refuse these refugees and instead move to have them relocated to a struggling, developing country like the Philippines,” said Renato M. Reyes Jr., secretary general of Philippine advocacy group Bayan. The Associated Press reported that Dutton addressed guarantees of safety Australia could offer refugees who settle in the Philippines, which is combating terrorism and violent kidnappings. “We can provide the same guarantees that we can to Australians that travel to the Philip-

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Fired Fil-Am nurse unionist meets with Obama by JON

MELEGRITO Inquirer.net

WASHINGTON, D.C. – To Allysha Almada, a 28-year-old Filipino American registered nurse, the past three months feel like a roller coaster of emotions. She even had a meeting with President Barack Obama. And the ride’s not over yet. First, there’s the excitement of leading a campaign to unionize 1,200 nurses at the Huntington Memorial Hospital where she works, one of the largest hospitals in the Los Angeles area. After failed attempts to secure management’s support, Almada and her fellow RNs decided a year ago they needed a collective voice to reverse what they saw as a dangerous erosion of patient safety. So they’ve asked the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CAN/NNU) to help them form a union. An outspoken advocate of quality patient care, she’s been a compelling presence at pickets and press conferences. In July, she appeared jointly with prominent public officials and church leaders in community meetings. Her words were quoted widely in newspapers. Her image even appeared in an ad seen all over the city on public buses. “Save one life you’re a hero,” the ad said. “Save a hundred you’re a nurse.” At every chance she gets, she talks ardently about poor conditions at the hospital, chronic short staffing, inadequate supplies, the urgent need for im-

provements and the nurses’ repeated demands for change. Intimidation and retaliation But the change that followed her organizing activity wasn’t something she expected. She and another co-worker got fired. Management said both nurses violated hospital policies. But to Almada and her supporters, it looked more like retaliation. “They are trying to silence and intimidate us,” she said. “They don’t want nurses to have a voice.” At a rally called to protest the firings, Almada asserted: “I put my whole soul into caring for my patients, and management knows this. I’ve worked as a nurse educator, sat on a committee of nurse leaders who bring patient care concerns to management; I have special training in trauma and open heart. I care deeply about providing the best possible care, and that’s exactly why I spoke up to help ensure that RNs are supported. The next thing I knew, I was being fired.” CNA/NNU has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to overturn the terminations. That was in early August. She says she’s “sad” that the hospital – where she was born, where her mother (also a nurse) has worked for more than 30 years, where she volunteered as a teen doing office chores – has kicked her out of her “second home.” She still remembers the “thrill” of graduating from nursing school five years ago and being hired right away as a nurse’s aide

in Huntington’s Intensive Care Unit. Feeling down, Almada knew deep inside the only way to go was up. But what followed next was totally unexpected. One day in September, she was reading an email on her cell phone: “The President cordially invites you to attend the White House Summit on Worker Voice to be held at the White House on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at nine o’clock in the morning.” At first she thought it was a joke. But it was true. Two weeks later, she was shaking hands with the President of the United States. But before flying to Washington, D.C., she was presented with a “Courage Award” at the Pasadena City Hall, in “recognition of her bravery in continuing to speak out for safe patient care and the right to organize a union.” Meeting Obama For Almada, who’s never been to the White House, meeting Obama personally was another thrilling moment. “I still can’t believe it,” she said, still giddy from the encounter that seemed like a dream. “I was excited and nervous when I handed him a stethoscope as a gift from my fellow nurses.” The message engraved on it reads: “Listen to Nurses.” And that’s what the president and other top administration officials did. They listened to Almada (who represented CNA) and other workers from across the country talk about, as the White

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million allocation for education, including the purchase of educational or instructional materials and school uniforms under the project Free and Relevant Excellent Education. “These educational or instructional materials and school supplies were distributed to 87,809 public school students of the City – 6,409 from pre-school, 49,003 elementary and 32,397 high school students,” state auditors said. “As a result, there was a decrease in the drop-out rate by .58 percent and 1.52 percent in the enrollees of elementary and secondary schools, respectively, from the immediately preceding academic year,” the audit team added.

Feeding program, health care State auditors said Makati City also rolled out a supplementary feeding program for undernourished school children. Free lunch was provided daily to 4,493 underweight elementary pupils for 120 days. The COA report said Makati launched the Palanan health care facilities on a 24/7 concept to offer services such as general outpatient department, consultation, pre-natal checkup, family planning services, minor surgery and basic laboratory services among others. State auditors said there was a decrease in the malnutrition prevalence rate in the city from 1.82 in 2013 to 0.64 in 2014. The city again bagged the Nutrition

Honor Award, the highest award given by the National Nutrition Council. There was an increase of 120,051 in the 33 barangays as Makati Health Plus Card members during the year, the audit team said. For dogs Even dogs benefited from the city’s programs and projects, according to COA, which reported that out of 20,431 dogs, 76.2 percent or 15,561 were given free anti-rabies vaccine. State auditors said Makati was able to give burial assistance to 640 families who requested assistance while a total of 24,782 residents were also enrolled at the PhilHealth Para sa Masa Program. (With reports from Michael Punongbayan)

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House release puts it, “how they can make their voices heard in their workplace in ways that are good for the workers and businesses.” While in Washington, Almada spoke at a press conference with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The presidential candidate announced his sponsorship of the “Workplace Democracy Act,” a legislation that would help restore workers’ rights to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. “Because of what happened to me in Huntington, we need a bill providing more protections against retaliation,” she said. During her three days in the nation’s capital, Almada also joined AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka in a press briefing. She described the hospital’s vicious, anti-union campaign. Then she walked the halls of Congress meeting with U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff and Judy Chu, and top aides to Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. “It’s very empowering for me to share the stories of Huntington nurses and what we’ve been through,” she said. Filipino Pride During a break from her Capitol Hill visits, she pauses to reflect on the past three months and what

they’ve meant to her. Reminded that October is Filipino American History Month, she recalled with pride the Delano Manongs who fought for workers rights. “Our history of struggle and resistance is a source of strength for me,” she said. “I just know we have to stand up for what is right and speak out against any form of unfairness and injustice.” She credits her parents for raising her to be independent and open-minded. “They encouraged me to think for myself, to voice my own opinions even if they disagreed with how I express them because they still have a little bit of that don’t-rock-the-boat mindset,” she said. “My mom, however, won’t hesitate to speak out about something she feels strongly about. She just says it more politely.” As to her union organizing, Almada’s family supports her all the way. “Of course they are concerned,” she said, “when I tell them how terrified I am when a big security guard approaches and stops me from handing out leaflets to my fellow nurses on their way to work.” Taking charge Almada’s mother, Rhea, is nonetheless in awe of her daughter’s spunk and self-confidence. “Alyssha has always been a take

charge person, dating back to pre-school,” she recalled. “She’d be the one lining up the kids, telling them what to do. In high school, when a project needs to get done and no one is stepping up, she always took it upon herself to make sure it’s completed. And now with the nurses, she’s doing the same thing because she deeply cares. I just wish management would allow nurses to freely organize themselves in a fair way instead of being so vindictive.” The eldest of two daughters (her younger sister is also a nurse), Almada admitted she got her dad’s stubbornness and her mom’s brains, that’s why she was not giving up the fight. “They instilled in me a sense of duty, which I have carried to this day,” she said. “Yes, I still get scared going up against union busters. But I’m more scared of having to regret later on not doing anything at all. Fear of regret, that’s it. I don’t want to wake up every morning for the rest of my life knowing I could have done something yet l chose not to. For now, Almada’s heady roller coaster ride continues; she’s still riding high as she braces for yet another thrill in her life. She’s getting married in a couple of weeks. ■

Automatic voter registration in California…

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Alex Padilla, around 6.6 million Californians who are eligible to register to vote are not registered. Padilla supported the legislation as a way to increase voter participation. “The new Motor Voter Act will make our democracy stronger by removing a key barrier to voting for millions of California citizens,” Padilla said on Saturday. “Citizens should not be required to opt in to their fundamental right to vote. We do not have to opt in to other rights, such as free speech or due process.” The new registration process will not be offered until the state completes work on a new voter registration database called VoteCal, which is expected to debut around June 2016, at the start of the presidential primary election. VoteCal would automatically register applicants when they visit a DMV office to get a new license or renew an expiring one, unless they decide to opt out. The data collected by the DMV will be provided to the Secretary of State’s office, which would verify a CA resident’s legal eligibility to vote before registering them. Drivers also have the option to cancel their voter registration any time. Currently, driver’s license applications ask people if they want to register to vote. If interested, people are supposed to be given a paper registration form to fill out. Voting rights activists, however, say that does not always happen. “It’s removing the first barrier to voting, which is registration,” said Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), who authored the bill. “It’s going to lead to millions more Californians being registered to vote, which means more people we can talk to.” CalPRIG Executive Director Emily Rusch agreed that the

voter registration bill was muchneeded medicine for an ailing, sometimes ineffective system. “A well-functioning democracy depends on the participation of its citizens,” said Rusch, noting that the registration gap is most severe among younger people. According to data, only 52 percent of eligible youth voters (between ages 18-24) were registered to vote before the last election. AB 1461 also follows a move made by Oregon earlier this year to adopt the nation’s first automatic voter registration law, said The Associated Press. Over the weekend, Brown also signed a bill (SB 439) that permits county elections officials to offer conditional voter registration and provisional voting at satellite offices during the 14 days right before Election Day in November. The measure would make voting more convenient, according to Sen. Benjamin Allen (D-Santa Monica), who authored the bill. The measure cannot be implemented until VoteCal database is operational, but is expected to make voting more convenient. Another new law Brown signed will allow voters who use voteby-mail ballots to drop them off before Election Day in secure boxes located throughout the community, such as in shopping malls, libraries, and other public locations. These secure drop-off locations would make it easier to cast ballots, officials say. The measure by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) will require the Secretary of State to develop guidelines for the use of drop-off boxes, including security measures, by Jan. 1, 2017. Pavley noted a big problem with voting in Los Angeles County, which has 10 million active voting residents and only one drop-off location. “This may have contributed to the fact that only 38 percent of

voters in LA County used [voteby-mail]…nearly 20 percent lower than any other county in the state,” Pavley said. AB 363, another bill that was signed, will speed up election returns by allowing county elections officials to begin counting votes before the close of the polls on Election Day. Other new rules require the state to pick up the tab for election recounts, rather than requiring candidates to pay for them. The new Motor Voter Act for automatic registrations will take effect on Jan. 1. Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Los Angeles applauded the new program meant to bolster voter turnout for the upcoming primary. “We are grateful the leaders in the state are taking an active role in improving our democracy, particularly at a time when some states are making it more difficult to register to vote,” said Stewart Kwoh, executive director of Advancing Justice - LA, in a statement. “Despite an increase of Asian American registered voters statewide, only 59 percent of those eligible are registered to vote. We hope the new Motor Voter Program increases this number.” Advancing Justice - LA also expressed its disappointment in Brown’s vetoing of AB 182, a bill co-sponsored by the legal and civil rights organization. This measure would have made it unlawful for local jurisdictions to draw districts in a way that dilutes votes from California’s vibrant communities of color. “Just as it is important to get people involved in the democratic process, it is equally important that the votes they cast are meaningful,” said Deanna Kitamura, supervising attorney for Advancing Justice - LA’s Democracy Project. (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

Calif. Governor signs health for all kids…

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quent year. “When I began the effort to expand health care coverage to undocumented Californians, many people said it couldn’t get done,” Sen. Lara said in a press release. “Just a year later, we are covering all undocumented children, becoming the largest state to do so.” He said the victory will send a message across the country “that says compassion should always trump bigotry when we’re talking about our immigrant population.” Lara noted that President Obama’s Affordable Care Act excluded undocumented immigrants. Tanya Broder, a staff attorney with the National Immigration Law Center in its Oakland office, said she was happy that California took this step.

“I look forward to continuing the conversation about the need to cover everyone in California,” she said. That conversation is expected to resume early next year when Lara’s SB 10 bill, aimed at providing health coverage to the state’s 1.5 million or so undocumented adults, will be taken up by the legislature. The bill will provide health care coverage through a capped Medi-Cal enrollment program, and seek a federal waiver so undocumented residents can purchase health insurance on the state’s online marketplace exchange, Covered California, using their own money. The other states that currently provide comprehensive health care to children, regardless of their immigration status, are Massachusetts, Illinois, Wash-

ington and New York, as well as the District of Columbia. Earlier this year, Sacramento, Contra Costa, and Monterey counties, along with the County Medical Services Program that serves 35 small and rural counties in California, launched pilot programs to provide limited health benefits to their remaining uninsured, regardless of their immigration status. “Californians increasingly recognize it is more efficient and effective to offer primary, preventive and specialty care on the front end rather than just expensive emergency and episodic care when it may be too late,” observed Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, a statewide health advocacy coalition. (Viji Sundaram/ New America Media)

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OPINION

FEATURES

Defensive

MILITARY superpower China is not afraid to flex its muscles as it once again asserted sovereignty over its reclaimed islands in the South China Sea. It warned any country against taking “risky and provocative action” by attempting to come within 12 nautical miles of the islands. “We ask relevant parties to speak and act discreetly, respect China’s sovereignty and security interests, and do not make any provocative moves,” Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hua Chunying said. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent this stern warning following a planned deployment of US Navy ships in territorial waters claimed by China. Earlier, the US Pacific Command (USPACOM) presented the White House and Pentagon leaders the option to conduct a freedom of navigation exercises off of the disputed territory. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that the US would, “fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as US forces do all over the world.” The Philippines welcomed this development and echoed the clamor for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Charles Jose said that if the US “decides to send naval vessels within 12 nautical miles of the

reclaimed low-tide elevation features in affirmation of this objective, this would be consistent with international law and a rules-based order for the region.” China and the Philippines have competing claims to some parts of the South China Sea. China claims the largest swathe of the strategic water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei) on the strategic waters. Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim. The ITLOS is an intergovernmental organization created through the directive of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Dec. 10, 1982. Ironically, China is a signatory of the UN charter,

Editorial

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which is governed by the rules and principles of general international law. Under the UNCLOS, all parties have agreed to “due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and oceans which will facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment.”

To ensure the general peace and to obviate the recourse to force, all parties involved should be reminded of their adherence to international law. In international conflicts such as the South China Sea dispute, multilateralism should be the detente before affected parties turn to belligerent forces. The principles representing international law are simple, they are based upon universally accepted values and moral standards to achieve global peace and order. (AJPress)

Kababayans react to law allowing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients CALIFORNIA has joined Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont when Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that legalizes assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. Beginning January 1, doctors can prescribe medication to end a patient’s life if two doctors agree the person has only six months to live and is mentally competent to make such decision. Supporters of the bill said the measure would help end-stage cancer and other patients to die with less pain and suffering, allowing people who are terminally ill to die with dignity and greater comfort. Those who oppose the law contend that unscrupulous caregivers or relatives could pressure vulnerable patients to take their own lives. As a compromise with lawmakers who were worried about unintended consequences, such as the targeting of the poor, elderly and disabled, the law will expire after 10 years unless extended. Our kababayans around the world have mixed reactions about this law and here are some of their comments: Ramon Yadao from Manila stated: “Yes. My life. My terms.” Rowena Orejana from New Zealand said NO, sharing the following reasons from the website NZCatholic.com, articulated by Dr. Peter Saunders, the campaign director of the United Kingdom-based Care Not Killing Alliance. “In the UK, there are four reasons why politicians are against the bill. The first is public safety. ‘If you change the law, you inevitably end up putting pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives out of fear of being either a financial or emotional burden upon others. And so it’s been all about protecting the vulnerable

people, particularly those who are elderly depressed, or who are The Fil-Am disabled or sick,’ he said. The second is that the status Perspective quo is okay. He said the law is clearly defined and in cases where there are justifiable causes, few end up in jail. ‘The best laws are those that give clear-cut bound- GEL SANTOS-RELOS aries. We say, you must not travel above 100km/h on the highway. We don’t say it’s 100km/h unless you’ve got a sick child or you’re late for a really important appointment,’ he said. ‘It’s clear. Then, we deal with cases of those, after proper investigation, that have [a] legitimate excuse.’ He said there are limits to personal freedom. ‘We are not entitled to the freedoms which undermine the reasonable freedoms of others. Changing the law for a small group of determined people actually removes legal protection from a much wider group of vulnerable people who then become prey to those with an interest in their deaths,’ he stressed. The third reason, he said, is when there is good palliative care, requests for assisted deaths are rare. The fourth is the fact that opposition comes from a lot of different groups. Dr. Saunders said legalising physician-assisted suicide is not a slippery slope but more of a ‘mission creep’ or an ‘incremental extension’. ‘Sympathetic doctors will try to widen it. If you think about their main arguments, choice and compassion, those could apply to a wide range of people.’ He said people will put a value on human life, whether or not it is still financially or emotionally

viable. ‘It’s the relative costs of chemotherapy, palliative care and lethal drugs. Is that a temptation that we want to put in front of our legislators?” he asked.” Leandro Quinatana from Hawthorne, California intimated: “If living with extreme, unendurable pain, an individual should have the legal option to end his life in a civilized and dignified manner.” Teta Limcangco from Manila tweeted: “This is a tough question but at the end of the day ..it still boils down to one’s conscience. IMHO… I doubt if that bill will pass here coy. RHbill nga, pahirapan pa.” Alvinture8 from Manila also tweeted: “I prefer natural death, I still believe in miracles.” Amber Khan, a doctor from New Jersey, wrote: “I do believe in life and I believe in God. I don’t believe in taking over the role of God. The multibillion dollar Pharmaceutical Pain Industry can make [the] end of life comfortable, till it is the end of life! Every life will come to its natural end. Would I ever want to suffer? No!!! But will I kill myself or put that burden on another person? ABSOLUTELY NOT! As a doctor, over the years I have learned that people have a very different threshold for pain, suffering, or even patience. Please be mindful and ask yourselves that once euthanasia is legalized, who will determine that it is ok to end a person’s life, when pain and its perception is so subjective! When every doctor has a different threshold for dealing with patients who are suffering? Do you want me to kill you because

you are taking too much of my time, my emotions, and my endurance? And then, remember, that the Hippocratic Oath, that we as doctors, take to heart, and what drives us to take care of every life, regardless of anything, including our own safety i.e. driving in a blizzard with unpaved roads or regardless of the fact that we will never be paid because you don’t have insurance, will mean nothing! So Dear advocates of euthanasia, kill yourselves! Deal with the consequences. Or let your loved ones live with that burden! Do not make your doctor your scape goats! Or seek an expert field of amazing Pain Management Doctors. Your Insurance covers it. YES! It is your life. It is on your terms! Extreme pain? You want to end your life in a dignified manner by asking a doctor to drown you with Morphine? Where is the dignity there? So please, before you all start with the right to die because you can’t take it, or you can’t let your family suffer, think about the implications, the manipulation by family members when a patient can’t speak for themselves, or even the convenience of a doctor who now will be given the power not to just save lives, but takes lives! Talk about the God Complex!!!!! And keep in mind, once euthanasia is legalized, you won’t ever be able to trust your doctor. One of the last breeds of humans, still living and fighting every day for their patients at the expense of everything and everyone in their lives. “ *** >\c JXekfj I\cfj `j k_\ XeZ_fi f] K=:Ëj È9Xc`kXe^ 8d\i`ZX%É M`\nj Xe[ fg`e`fej \ogi\jj\[ Yp k_\ Xlk_fi `e k_`j Zfclde Xi\ Xi\ jfc\cp k_fj\ f] k_\ Xlk_fi Xe[ efk f] 8j`Xe AflieXc Xe[ 89J$:9E$K=:% =fi Zfdd\ekj# ^f kf nnn%K_\=`c$8dG\ijg\Zk`m\%Zfd# _kkgj1&&nnn%]XZ\Yffb%Zfd&>\c% JXekfj%I\cfj

Philippine politics, the movie WE probably won’t live long enough to Street see it, but there could yet be a feature film Talk on Philippine politics, in the tradition that has apparently been established by the film, Heneral Luna, GREG B. MACABENTA which depicts Philippine history’s most prominent personalities as transactional, self-serving and self-preserving individuals. Heroes with feet of clay. But unlike the biopic about Gen. Antonio Luna, I hope that the makers of Politikang Pilipinas will treat it like the Japanese film classic,Rashomon, with satirical touches such as those in Manuel Conde’s Juan Tamad Goes To Congress. The film directed by Akira Kurosawa told the story of a man’s murder and the rape of his wife from the perspective of four people, each version different from the others. Conde’s satire, on the other hand, was about the den of crooks and charlatans that everyone wants to get elected to, in a pre-Hispanic setting of datus and maharlikas. It was obvious whom Conde was satirizing. The actor who played the datu could have passed for a twin brother of then President Carlos P. Garcia. Rashomon, on the other, drove home the point that the truth is in the eye of the beholder-narrator or the writer-historian.

In today’s media-saturated environment, the truth about Philippine politics and its various characters and personalities is in the version presented by the demolition specialist or the professional apologist – but most of all, the truth is in the eye of the journalist, based on that person’s political, ideological or financial persuasion. Thus, the need for a Rashomon treatment. Take the Aquinos for instance, with two presidents (Noynoy Aquino and Cory Aquino), several senators (Ninoy, Butch, Tessie Oreta and Bam) and assorted public officials in the clan. Ninoy, who was assassinated at the Manila international airport after having declared that the Filipino was worth dying for, has virtually been declared a national hero. But in a Rashomon type of retelling of Philippine history, Ninoy’s father, Benigno Aquino, Sr., could be portrayed both as a statesman who served the Philippine commonwealth with distinction and as a Japanese collaborator who was tried for treason by the American liberation forces. Cory, who has practically been elevated to sainthood by her admirers “for restoring Philippine democracy,” could also be portrayed as a wealthy housewife who was thrust, ill-prepared, into the presidency; who, by her incompetence, allowed members of her family

to enrich themselves and who presided over a new Philippine constitution to which many of our country’s economic and political ills may be traced. Noynoy – Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III - our current president, may be different from the classic Rashomon characters, because in this case, while there are contrasting perceptions of him by supporters and detractors, he has an entirely fanciful perception of himself that is not necessarily grounded in reality. Thus the Rashomon-style treatment of his presidency will depict him as a knight in shining armor who saved the country from the clutches of the evil couple, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and set it on the Straight Path (Tuwid na Daan) to economic progress and corruption-free governance. In that version, all the problems of the country, well into the sixth year of Aquino’s presidency, will be blamed on the Arroyos and her minions. To add a Conde-style satirical touch to that version, even the defeat of GILAS by the Chinese basketball team will be blamed on Arroyo (i.e., Arroyo played footsies with China over the Spratleys which Noynoy denounced and which caused the rift between China and the Philippines, which in turn motivated the Chinese basketball team to trounce the Philippine contingent). On the other hand, the not-so-flattering portrayal of Aquino will be all

about his being a palpak and manhid (incompetent and insensitive) Malacañang occupant whose working hours are limited to the brief period between waking up and going to sleep, and who leaves it to his Rasputin, Budget Secretary Butch Abad, his former bodyguard, Gen. Alan Purisima, and his kabarilan, kaklase and kapartido (shooting buddies, classmates and political partymates) to ransack the country’s coffers and run the government to the ground. Appropriate Condelike depictions of Metro Manila traffic, NAIA Terminal One and the MRT, intercutting with scenes of Filipinos in a torture chamber, will be incorporated in this version. Then, of course, there will be Aquino’s perception of himself: well-loved, incorruptible, unerring, completely innocent of the Mamasapano massacre, the unconstitutional Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the stag party at the Liberal Party event in Laguna, featuring half-naked girls. He will be shown with both hands in a prayerful pose, lily white from habitual washing, and above his head will be a saintly halo plus a balloon that declares, “It’s their fault!” Who else will be depicted in Politikang Pilipinas? Vice-President Jejomar Binay will be portrayed by Senator Antonio Trillanes as the King of Kurakot and by Makati residents as their Supreme Benefactor. Mar Roxas will have be depicted as Aquino’s loyal reformist

and champion of Tuwid na Daan while his critics will portray him as the Prince of Palpak and poster boy for government incompetence. Senator Grace Poe will have the most interesting Rashomon-style portrayal of all. As an American. As a Filipino. As a Filipino American. As a foundling and adopted daughter of FPJ and Susan Roces. As a biological daughter of FPJ and Susan Roces. As a love child of President Ferdinand Marcos and Rosemarie Sonora. As the Great White Hope for the Philippine presidency. And as the Great Pretender. The last will have the famous song of the Platters as background music. Senate President Franklin Drilon will also have a multi-faceted portrayal in the literal rather than the figurative sense. He will be shown with several faces attached to his enormous frame. As an Arroyo loyalist. As an Aquino loyalist. And as a loyalist of whoever wins the presidency. A fourth face will show him as Mae Paner alias Juana Change. How will Francis Tolentino and Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya be portrayed in the movie, Politikang Pilipinas? It seems to me that there will be different versions of them, but none will be flattering. Trillanes, on the other hand, will portray himself as a hero while everyone else will depict him as a heel. And finally, the Filipino people – how

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8.

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

It’s final: Duterte won’t run for president in 2016 by YUJI

VINCENT GONZALES Inquirer.net

AFTER months of speculation, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, Oct. 12, said he will not run for president in next year’s polls. In a letter dated Oct. 12 and addressed to “friends and fellow Dabawenyos,” Duterte stressed that he has no ambition of seeking the highest position in the country. “I am sorry to disappoint those who spent much and worked hard and long in support of me as I went around the espousing the benefits and advantages of federalism,” Duterte said. “I therefore beg for everyone’s kind understanding and acceptance of my sincerest apologies. After all, there was no ambition for me to aspire for the presidency. The country does not need me. I find no need for it too. I guess it is fate that wills that our long journey together should end this way,” he added. Duterte reiterated his plans to retire from government service in 2016, but added that he may

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seek reelection if his daughter Sara Duterte will not agree to run as mayor. “Time and again, those who believed in me, and in the cause that I advocated, and continued to advocate, advised me to go for the country’s presidency because that is the destiny that awaits me. But I believe that my destiny is to end years and years of public life in the service of Davao City and ev-

ery Dabawenyos,” Duterte said. The tough-talking mayor has repeatedly said in various occasions that he will not run for president, but also asked for more time for “soul-searching.” “When all is said in the wake of this decision, perhaps we could find comfort in the thought that this is indeed a beautiful day to end a wild dream,” Duterte ended. ■

Court of Appeals okays prosecution of accused in 2007 Glorietta 2 blast by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

THE Court of Appeals has given the go signal to prosecute the accused in the October 19, 2007 Glorietta 2 blast that left 11 people dead and over 100 people injured. In a 16-page decision, the appeals court 10th division through Associate Justice Mariflor Punzalan-Castillo dismissed the petition filed by respondents Engr. Ricardo Cruz, operations manager of Metaline Enterprise and Miguel Velasco Jr., the company’s foreman. The two are among those charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) with a crime of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Multiple Homicide, Multiple Physical Injuries and Damage to Properties.

Metaline Enterprise was the contractor of Makati Supermarket Corporation. It was contracted by the Ayala group to install the ventilation system at the basement of Glorietta 2. The appeals court is within the Executive, through the prosecutor and the Secretary of Justice, the function of determining if there is probable cause to file a case in court. “The determination of probable cause for purposes of filing information in court is essentially an executive function that is lodged at the first instance, with the public prosecutor and, ultimately, with the Secretary of Justice,” the appeals court said. “The prosecutor and the Secretary of Justice have wide latitude of discretion in the conduct of preliminary investigation and their findings with respect to

the existence or non existence of probable cause are generally not subject to review by the Court,” the appeals court said, adding that there is no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the DOJ. The appeals court also dismissed the argument of the two that they were not among those originally charged by the complainants–Multi-Agency Investigation Task Force Glorietta, then prepared by P/Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman. The appeals court added that the petitioners also used the wrong remedy in taking the case straight to the Court of Appeals. “Again, what the petitioners should have done was to file a petition for review before the Secretary of Justice of the denial of their motion for reconsideration by the panel of prosecutors,” the Court said. ■

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Australia looking to send refugees to…

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pines each year, the expats that live in the Philippines and across southeast Asia or other parts of the world,” he said. Bernard Kerblat, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees representative to the Philippines, said Australia realized the poor conditions of asylum seekers in Manus Island and Nauru, after which it reached the deal with Cambodia last year. “But there were questions raised about the appropriateness of the agreement,” Kerblat said, according to Inquirer, noting that Australia has been handing its commitment to the 1951 Refugee

Convention to another state. “Assuming that Australia is speaking with the Philippines on this, there is already a problem when Australia pushes the refugee back to the sea and park them in those two islands,” Kerblat added. While Dutton did not reveal details on the number of refugees that could be resettled or a timeframe on the deal, he confirmed Friday that Australia is talking to multiple countries. “We have been very open to discussions for a long period of time with those partners because we have been very clear about the fact that people on

Nauru and people on Manus who have sought to come to our country illegally by boat won’t be settling in Australia,” Dutton told reporters. “We have a bilateral agreement with Cambodia. If we can strike other arrangements with other countries, we will do that.” Dutton added that the country will continue to negotiate with the Philippines because there “is good faith on both sides.” “If we can strike an agreement that is in the best interests of our country and from the Philippines’ perspective, their country, we will arrive at that point,” Dutton said. ■

Philippine politics, the…

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will we be portrayed in the movie? In a paper I delivered back in 1984 at the Asian Advertising Congress in Seoul, Korea, I described the Filipino as praying in the Spanish manner, savoring Chinese food, watching American shows on Japanese-made TV sets, but deep down, possessing a uniquely Filipino soul. The Pinoy is the perfect subject for a Rashomonstyle motion picture. We are a study in contrasts. At once beautiful, bright, cheerful and optimistic and constantly griping, disheartened and looking

persecuted. The epitome of hospitality and of criminality. God-fearing and completely undisciplined. The majority wallowing in poverty but packing the malls and eating out even on weekdays. Demanding a corruption-free government but expecting to be paid or bribed for our votes. Indeed, only a multi-faceted (figuratively) people like us could enjoy and survive Philippine politics in which, like the Romans in Nero’s colosseum, we comprise both the crowd yelling for blood and the hapless Christians being fed to the lions. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

9(

Business News

Jollibee makes biggest overseas Philippines has ‘rare kind of investment in American burger chain economic resilience’ – Moody’s by DORIS

DUMLAO-ABADILLA Inquirer.net

FILIPINO-owned Asian fastfood giant Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) has made its biggest overseas investment to date by buying into the American company that owns and operates fast-growing premium burger chain Smashburger. Through wholly owned unit Bee Good Inc. (BGI), Jollibee has entered into a deal to acquire 40 percent of Denver-based Smashburger Master LLC for $99 million. This deal includes an option to increase its interest by another 35 percent between 2018 and 2021 as well as the balance to take up the remaining 25 percent between 2019 and 2026, the local fast-food giant disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday. Smashburger is a burger chain based in the US known for 100 percent certified Angus beef burgers that are smashed on the

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grill to sear in the juices, creating what has been described as “upscale quality burger served at a great value.” Smashburger is “one of the best tasting burgers in the US,” the local company said. “This acquisition will make JFC’s presence in the US more significant, going beyond the Filipino market and serving

mainstream consumers in the $100 billion US burger market, a food segment which is estimated to be almost three times larger than the pizza, sandwich or coffee segments in terms of sales,” JFC chair and founder Tony Tan Caktiong said. The US burger chain—noted as one of the fastest growing brands in the US—currently has 339 restaurants worldwide and in seven foreign countries with sales of about $339 million in 2015 or equivalent to 12 percent of JFC’s worldwide sales for the same period. The acquisition of the initial 40 percent was based on a $335 million enterprise value and is expected to be closed within 2015. The purchase of the remaining shares is dependent on the achievement of certain financial targets. For JFC, this deal is also seen to make the US one of its most important markets and drivers of long-term growth. ■

Maj. Gen. Tony Taguba calls attention to family caregiving during Filipino History Month SAN FRANCISCO – AARP was proud to sponsor the Filipino American History Month CelebrationSunday, Oct. 4 at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco for the second consecutive year. More than 2,800 attendees celebrated the Bay Area’s vibrant Filipino American community. AARP Community Ambassador (Ret.) Major General Tony Taguba was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony and called attention to the challenges of family caregiving. After his elderly parents became ill, Gen. Taguba and his siblings were ill-prepared to care for them. Faced with tough decisions about their declining 88IG :fddle`kp 8dYXjjX[fi I\k% DXa% >\e% Kfep KX^lYX Xk k_\ =`c`g`ef 8d\i`ZXe ?`jkfip

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by LAWRENCE

AGCAOILI Philstar.com

MANILA – Debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service says the Philippine economy remains resilient to the current headwinds buffeting neighboring countries and emerging markets as a whole. The credit rating agency cited the country’s rare kind of economic resilience against a challenging global environment and pointed out the Philippines is well ahead of other emerging markets in terms of managing external adversities. Moody’s cited the country’s strong domestic consumption, healthy external payments position, stable banking sector, rising contribution of private-sector investments to growth, increasing per-capita income, benign inflation, and declining debt burden. “The Philippines’ Baa2 government bond rating reflects the economy’s resilience to the current headwinds buffeting neighboring countries and emerging markets as a whole,” Moody’s said in its latest report on the Philippines. It expects the Philippines, com-

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pared with other emerging markets, to remain less affected by external shocks, such as market volatility arising from the pending tightening of US monetary policy, weak global demand, and slowdown of China and other major economies. “The Philippines’ susceptibility to event risk is low, reflecting a robust external payments position, strong local demand that insulates funding conditions for

the government from external financial shocks, and a banking system that poses limited contingent risks to the government,” it said. The highly favorable credit opinion by Moody’s signals the Philippines’ investment-grade sovereign credit rating is well secured. The country is keen on keeping its credit rating within the invest-

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New California laws will make needed reforms to increase bicycle safety and provide flexibility for grieving families SACRAMENTO – Governor Jerry Brown signed into law two Assembly bills, AB 28 and AB 433, by Assemblymember Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) after they received bipartisan support in both the Assembly and the Senate. AB 28 will give bicyclists the option of replacing a standard issue red reflector with a flashing or solid red light that can be mounted on the back of a bicycle. “California has among the highest bicycle fatality rates in the nation, a disproportionate number of which occur at night,” stated Chu. “This bill will allow bicyclists to increase their visibility while on the road and may help reduce the number of fatalities.”

AB 433 will maintain a family’s California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) eligibility and grant amount, when a child in the family dies, for the remainder of that month and the following 30 days. “The primary goal of the CalWORKs program is to move families with children out of poverty and towards self-sufficiency,” Chu said, “This bill will help ensure that a family receiving CalWORKs is granted common sense flexibility that does not inflict further financial hardship following the loss of a child. Providing grieving parents’ peace of mind from worrying about whether or not they will be able to take care of their families is the least we can do.” ■

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Debt Relief

health and dwindling finances, they managed to care for them the best they could. To help others, Gen. Taguba became an ATTY. LAWRENCE YANG AARP Community Ambassador to advocate for caregivers and their families. Client 1: Garment factory “It’s a topic we don’t openly CLIENT presents himself as a discuss, but family caregiving businessperson, who has been in is a national public health issue the garment business since 2002. that affects 44 million houseHe has a factory with ten employholds in the country,” said Gen. ees where he pays his sewers a Taguba. “Families must have little over the minimum wage. the difficult, but necessary conWhen business was good, his facversation about the needs of tory was humming along. Orders family members and start planfor his garments were pouring in. ning how to cope with day-toHe never did have enough capital day decisions required to care K_\ fg\e`e^ Z\i\dfep f] k_\ =`c`g`ef 8d\i`ZXe ?`jkfip Dfek_ :\c\YiXk`fe Xk k_\ 8j`Xe 8ik to operate his business so at first Dlj\ld fe FZkfY\i + `e JXe =iXeZ`jZf% for loved ones.” ■ he relied on credit cards. When that was not enough, he was able to get several small business loans from commercial banks. When that was not enough, he got a hard money high interest loan of $200K. Unfortunately, he also personally guaranteed each and every loan that the company got. Lately, the business has not been able to pay the debts on time, and he’s been getting a lot of collection letters and phone calls. Several letters threatened lawsuits. I asked him if the business was still profitable. He said no. It’s been losing 4 to 5K a month. He said just to continue operating and meet payroll, he had to get a HELOC against his residence for $80K last month. It looks like his back is against the wall. To make matters worse, two material suppliers have filed lawsuits abroad against him and the business to collect $60K each of invoices that have not been paid for six months. I then proposed a Chapter 11 only if he thought that the business could later on 88IG :fddle`kp 8dYXjjX[fi I\k% DXa% >\e% Kfep KX^lYX X[[i\jj\j k_\ Xl[`\eZ\ Xk k_\ fg\e`e^ Z\i\dfep f] k_\ =`c`g`ef 8d\i`ZXe ?`jkfip turn a profit if reorganized. He Dfek_ :\c\YiXk`fe Xk k_\ 8j`Xe 8ik Dlj\ld fe FZkfY\i + `e JXe =iXeZ`jZf% G_fkfj Yp Afe I\e[\cc said he didn’t want to do the business anymore and wanted a peaceful life now that he was 65. He wanted to close the business. The problem of course is that viduals. An investment-grade exposure to the export sector,” he had personally guaranteed all G8>< 9( t ment- grade category given its sovereign credit rating may help Moody’s said. the debts of the business. This benefits to the general economy attract job-generating investMoreover, Moody’s also high- means that pretty soon, all of the and to ordinary citizens. ments. lighted the growing confidence creditors of the business will be A credit rating within the “inIn zeroing in on the country’s of the private sector, which is suing him to collect on his pervestment-grade” territory (in banking sector, Moody’s noted reflected in rising investments sonal guaranty. We added up the contrast with ratings within the its ability to cushion external and which help boost incomes of business debts that he guaranspeculative category) signals ad- headwinds. Filipinos. teed and came out with a total of equate ability and willingness of “The banking system is virtuOn the fiscal front, Moody’s $500K! Client was personally on a government to pay liabilities as ally immune to contagion from said the country’s fiscal strength the hook for half a million for the they fall due. external shocks. It is largely de- continued to improve due to the debts of business. Such a rating helps reduce posit funded – aided in part by consistent decline of the debt After analyzing his financials interest rates on borrowings not steady flow of remittances-and burden, which means improv- and assets, fortunately for clionly of the government but also exhibits a lack of dependence ing manageability of the govern- ent, I told him that he could do a of private enterprises and indi- on external funding and low ment’s liabilities. ■ Chapter 7 to wipe out the $500K

“

Business owners seek bankruptcy relief without any risk of losing his house and all of his personal assets. Since he was 65, his homestead exemption is $175K. With the $80K HELOC he got last month, his equity in the house was $150K, which is well within the exemption amount. But he can’t get rid of the $80K of HELOC since that’s a voluntary mortgage on his house. He asked if he could go into business again after the bankruptcy? I said “Yes, certainly.” He would be debt free once the discharge is entered, and his credit score will increase every year. Client 2: Coffee shop Client presents himself as a relatively new businessperson. He bought a retail outlet in a mall serving “Boba drinks” and other desserts. He started only two years ago. He got a 2nd

Chapter 7 bankruptcy when his first business venture failed. So, I said, you’re in good company because Disney is so successful now worldwide and does billions of $ of business yearly despite the fact that Mr. Disney also filed for Chapter 7 relief at the start of his business career. It gave him the fresh start that he needed and it will give client the fresh start without accumulated debt that he needs. Client 3: Health care facility Client presents herself as the owner-operator of 3 health care facilities with 12 employees. The make a long story short, the business has been losing patients. In addition, Medicare demands a reimbursement for overpayment of $150K. She’s also borrowed last resort high interest loans for $100K for payroll, and has been looking for investors for new money to continue operating. I suggested a Chapter 11 reorganization because the facilities had equity of about $300K altogether and they do have some interested investors who have the funds to put in but need a little more time and convincing. Chapter 11 is the ideal solution. Even if you don’t have a business, you may have racked up credit card and other debt over the years. If you’re stuck in the minimum monthly payment mode, you will never pay them off. So, now is the time to seriously consider a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 to give you a fresh start without accumulated debt. You owe it to yourself and your family to put yourself in firm financial footing now for future prosperity by getting rid of accumulated debt now. Call my office for an appointment and I will interview you personally. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

You owe it to yourself and your family to put yourself in firm financial footing now for future prosperity by getting rid of accumulated debt now.

Philippines has ‘rare kind of economic…

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mortgage from his house of $40K to buy the improvements and equipment from the previous owner. He also signed a new lease with landlord for 5 years at $3K a month. Unfortunately, gross receipts were just a little over $3K a month. Therefore, buying the business was a very bad decision. To continue operating for 2 years, he borrowed $80K of credit card debt. He hasn’t paid the rent for two months and has just received a letter from the landlord saying that if he does not update the rent by Oct. 30, landlord will file a lawsuit for eviction and demand the entire balance of the rent of $108K. He asks if landlord can do this? Of course he can. Since client breached the contract, landlord can accelerate the rent for the next 3 years and demand payment of the entire balance of $108K! So, with the lease balance of $108K, plus credit card debt of $80K, client needs to wipe out $188K of unsecured debt to get his fresh start in life without accumulated debt. He decides that Chapter 7 will provide him the relief from the consequences of a bad business decision. I assured him that it was the right thing to do. After all, Walt Disney filed for

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VIGAN has plenty of other points of interest to offer. Go see Chavit Singson’s “Baluarte” or “fortress” —it’s name emblazoned on a rise for all to see. As of this writing, Chavit has a collection of exotic animals which include about nine tigers and a lion, ostriches, deer, a yellow snake, ducks, a stable full of miniature horses and on the softer, gentler side, a butterly garden of over 500 varieties. It’s open to the public and there are still no entrance fees at this time. All you need do is to tip the guides generously for the time and trouble it takes to bring you around. Be warned that not everyone is given the privilege of touring the innards of his private house. It’s a selective process and largely the luck of the draw. The grapevine tells me that occasionally, the man who is seen frequently with Manny Pacquio, if he is in the mood, conducts the tour himself. I suppose that depending on the timing, the volume of the crowds and how you come across to the guide on the day you visit, you may be given the chance to explore Chavit’s Baluarte, which is appropriately named. It sits atop a strategic high point of Vigan real estate, that can give advance warning of the approach of enemies from the ground and air, in times of war while affording a magnificent nearly 180 degree view of the horizon where the sky and the South China Sea merge and meet seamlessly in deep shades of shimmering blue during quiet times. Chavit’s older house sits on a bluff and can be accessed by stairs carved in stone from the reception area where Aries, our guide, gave us a comprehensive tour of Baluarte and its features. There’s a lot of thought that went into this house and it shows. Chavit Singson is the colorful, controversial self-proclaimed “Tiger of Ilocos” and two color photo cut-outs of Chavit cuddling with two of his pet tigers meant to greet visitors to his enclave make sure you remember that image of power, strength and wile clearly. You somehow wait and listen for the movie soundtrack of Rocky’s

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Begone to Vigan! Chavit’s ‘Baluarte’

‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’

— Mark Twain

“Eye of the Tiger” to play off the sound system dramatically to complete the presentation. There’s nothing of the sort though. For the moment, you forget the controversy he was embroiled in, the “Jueteng gate” that helped topple one Philippine presidency years ago as you explore his lair, or come to think of it, perhaps this is just one among others. After all, a really smart tiger in a jungle full of foes, must have two strongholds at least, one public and another one, far beyond probing eyes. Baluarte was still a work in progress about 5 years ago. The concrete, multi-storied turretlike, round, glass-walled structure — a Viganesque version of the Tower of Babel under construction at the time, standing on its toes to kiss the skies, is now complete and is part of the attraction for curious tourists. But the older house itself is interesting, holding insights to the owner’s personality, eccentricities, taste and preferences. Its size is unimposing and its proportions just right using the principles of classic bilateral symmetry and wide open spaces. It’s glass walls allow as much light as it can take. The principles of feng shui is practiced here, or so it seems. It uses huge mahjong tiles as décor on its wrap-around glass walls while climate controlled air conditioning keeps the temperature just comfortable. A life size stuffed toy tiger sits draped atop the grand piano. A multi-gallon aquarium of exotic fish blends unobtrusively, quietly with the surroundings while a stand of black-faced computers line one side. A stack of books on a side table by the sofa on a surprisingly wide range of classical subjects give an insight to the man’s intellectual pursuits. Or it can all be for show, depending on your persuasion and perception of the

man himself. The tiger is a wily creature after all that can size up its quarry with quick accuracy. There is a sparkling pool, waterfall and a gazebo. The water supply and plumbing system must be top grade or all that green sweep of the land would turn to brown crud in the oppressive tropical heat, not to mention the stink that would reek from the animal droppings, if water were scarce. Everything is neat and clean and odor-free. Credit the man for his intelligence and thorough planning. Manicured, velvet green lawns and trim grounds on the basin below where well-fed animals are kept by a bevy of trained keepers, attendants and groundskeepers attest to that. A chapel stands just before the approach to the house and grounds itself. You can’t help noting a rich man’s toy— a bright yellow 2-man submarine gathering dust like a fish out of water— splayed hopelessly just beside the cooped up South American alpaca probably wondering what the heck he is doing in Vigan instead of grazing an Andean mountainside. Ostriches strut about chasing a flock of ducks on the grounds. A “tiger” such as this one with the financial clout and strong and loyal political base can always hold his own jostling and moving with the powers-that-be while surrounding himself with a coterie of armed bodyguards for self-preservation. It takes serious money to build, maintain and preserve a place such as Baluarte. To his credit, he shares the place for the public to enjoy as well. Altruism? Perhaps. Ego massage? You decide. Begone to Vigan. With its old and new facets, it is well worth the trip. * ** EfkX 9\e\1 Dfe\kk\ 8[\mX DX^cXpX `j JMG f] 8j`Xe AflieXc GlYc`ZXk`fej# @eZ% Kf j\e[ Zfdd\ekj# \$dX`c dfe\kk\%dX^cXpX7 Xj`XeaflieXc`eZ%Zfd

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Calendar of Events across

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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 F : KF 9 < I ( , $( /

C\^`feXi`fj [\c KiXYXaf `e 8d\i`ZX Ki`\ee`Xc :fem\ek`fe The Legionarios del Trabajo in America, Inc. will hold its 18th Triennial Convention, October 15-18, 2015, at the Clarion Inn and Suites in Stockton, CA (4219 Waterloo Rd, Stockton, CA 95215). For more information, please contact Cora Gines at (209) 957-0217 / (209) 4065438, or Elena Gabriel at (209) 598-1436.

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:8E8 `e >Xc`c\\ :flgc\j I\ki\Xk The CANA Marriage Renewal Movement will have their 59th couples retreat at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Fullerton, CA (2932 Nutwood Ave Fullerton, CA 92831) on Oct. 16-18. It is a 3-day experience designed to revitalize the interpersonal growth of the couple towards each other and God. Through a particular method of communication and dialogue, they discover their “coupleness” and couple power in a new way. The retreat starts on Friday evening with registration and orientation at 6 pm, and ends with the celebration of Eucharist on Sunday evening. We request a donation of $300 per couple to cover hotel accommodations, meals and snacks. No one is refused the opportunity to attend the retreat because of lack of funds, but prior arrangements must be made. Registration is still open, please contact Alain or Cecile Graziani (818 421-6505), email cnagraziani@charter.net, or St Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Office (909) 595-9545.

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LE@K<; C89$LJ8 *)e[ 8ee`m\ijXip The UNITED LAB-USA will celebrate their 32nd Anniversary on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Royal Garden in Cerritos. The association is headed by Rey Guieb, President. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other questions, please call Felix Belen, outgoing president at (626) 839-0736.

L<IDDD: $ D\[`ZXc 8clde` 8jjfZ`Xk`fe @eXl^liXc 9Xcc The University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center - Medical Alumni Association of Southern California (UERMMMC - MAASC ), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which participates in many humanitarian projects and medical missions to barangays in the Philippines, will hold its Inaugural Ball and Dinner=Dance on October 17, 2015 at the Manhattan Beach Marriott (1400 Parkview Avenue; Manhattan Beach, CA 90266). Proceeds from the event will benefit underserved areas and families in Lucena, Quezon and District 2 of Pampanga (Lubao, Sasmuan, Guagua, Floridablanca) who are in need of medical and surgical care. The theme of the Inaugural Ball will be “A Black and White Event.” The evening starts at 6:00pm. Tickets are $90 per person and are tax deductible; VIP packages ranging from $500 and up are also available. For more information, please call Dr. Teri Pastor at 310-707-8480, Gloria Legaspi at 951-496-0536 and Lucy Babaran at 818-395-9348. We thank our guests and sponsors for their generous support!

=8::F: )(jk 8eelXc >8C8 Join the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County on Saturday, October 17th for an evening of casino games, recognition of local business owners, inspiring presentations, and entertainment at the 21st Annual GALA, “Monte Carlo Night,” at the Wyndham Hotel (12021 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840). Registration and networking starts at 5pm. There will be cocktails and classic casino games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and wheel of fortune available to guests from 5:30 to 7pm. Arrive early to take advantage of casino-style games and the photobooth (provided by OC fotobooth) before our main program and dinner starts. For RSVP tickets, sponsorships and vendor tables information, please visit www.faccoc.org.

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=`c8d 8ik 8c`m\ :fd\j kf JXe ;`\^f FilAm Art Alive! is proud to announce the first annual San Diego event bringing together amazing local Filipino-American artists, entertainment, food vendors, and more surprises. FilAm Art Alive! will be on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at Sushi On A Roll (1620 National Ave. San Diego, CA 92113) restaurant from 2-6pm. The Art Miles Murals Project in partnership with Philippine Art Miles is thrilled to join the festivities with the magnificent “Fishes of the Ocean” mural, a 250-foot section from the 6-mile longest mural visiting from the Philippines. The mural is presented by On The Spot Artist Association, headed by Rolando De Leon of Quezon City. “Fishes Of The Ocean” is a part of UNESCO’s 70th Anniversary celebration. This FREE event will feature interactive art of various mediums, food vendors, live entertainment, folklore and dancing, and much more! For further information and questions about FilAm Art Alive!, please contact: filamartalive@gmail.com, or Laarni Thornton at 619.781.2727. Visit our Facebook for more details: www.facebook.com/FilAmArtAlive.

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DXe[XZXc )-k_ 8ee`m\ijXip ;`ee\i$;XeZ\ MANDACAL (Mandaluyong Civic Group of Southern California) would like to invite you to attend its 26th Anniversary Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Embassy Suites Glendale (800 North Central Ave. Glendale, CA 91203). The event is a sit down dinner with live music by the Hill Tops Band #1, providing your favorite dance music from 5pm until midnight. There will be raffle prizes and many fabulous door prizes to be given away. Come enjoy a night of great food, excellent music, and pure fun with your family and friends! Tickets are $55 each. For tickets and information, please call: Becky 818-572-3261, Espee 626-3833621, or Julie 858-337-9224.

9f_fc :_`c[i\e 9XdYff <ej\dYc\ `e :feZ\ik Presented by Bible Christian Fellowship Church, the one-of-a-kind Bohol Children Bamboo Ensemble, hailing from Alicia, in Bohol province, will perform at various locations during their first-ever tour in the US. 23 young performers from Katipunan Elementary School and the Bohol community will perform using traditional bamboo instruments, including a ukulele, drums, flutes, and bass. There will also be special guests, inspiring music, and traditional dances of the Philippines. For many of these young performers, it is their first time to visit the US, and they are eager to share their talents with the community. The show on Saturday, Oct. 24 will take place at Rosemont Elementary School Auditorium (421 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm; on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Bible Christian Fellowship Church (456 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm; and on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA - 3200 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm. Light refreshments will be served. Ticket prices vary from $10, $25, and $50. For tickets and more information, please call 213-249-6672.

?\cg`e^ ?Xe[j DXii`X^\ <ei`Z_d\ek J\d`eXi Couples, please join for the Marriage Enrichment Seminar on Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 5pm at Helping Hands Adult Day Health Care (9051 Woodman Ave, Arleta, CA 91331). Featuring fun games and prizes, biblical teachings, and engaging interactions relevant to couples’ everyday life. Price for couples is $50, and $20 for single participants. Call Henjie Pimenta at 818-486-7481 for more information.

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GXZf :Xk_fc`Z ?`^_ JZ_ffc :cXjj f] (0-+ I\le`fe sa Amerika” at the Gold Coast Casino & Hotel (4000 Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103) in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 25-27, 2015. Reminisce with your schoolmates from 50+ years ago and re-live memorable high school days! Reconnect with your old friends and make some new ones! This is the first reunion gathering in the US since our 50th grand reunion. For more information, please contact: Dan Hidalgo - danielh616@hotmail.com; tel. (914) 3100864 / (914) 740-7028. Ester Tadeo Celestino - cesarucelestino@yahoo.com; tel. (201) 4330727/ (551) 574-8511. Minda Cuario Cameron - meandatwo@aol.com; tel. (813) 633-5642. Ed Bondoc - bondoced@yahoo.com; tel. (415) 342-9877. Gertrudes “Nette” Descallar Collyer - mycolly@roadrunner.com; tel. (818) 767-8175.

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People and Events Do you need to be living in separate residences to be considered ‘Separated’ from Southern California encourages to go human your spouse under the California family law? residents Agencies Across Southern California Kick-Off Community Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES FAMILY Code 760 provides that all property acquired by the spouse during the marriage is community property. That means each spouse has a half interest on any assets that are acquired during the marriage, with certain exceptions, since it is generally characterized as community property. On the same token, Family Code 771(a) provides that earnings and accumulations of a spouse while living “separate and apart” from the other spouse, are the separate property of the spouse. How about the situation where the couple continues to live together due to economic reasons like roommates. Is a couple living “separate and apart” under family code 771(a) when they continue to live together in the same home even though they no longer live their lives like married couple? The California Supreme Court, in a recent case In re Marriage of Davis, 61 Cal 4th 4th 846 (2015), held that the phrase “living separate and apart” in the California family code refers to a situation in which spouses are living in separate residences and at least one of them has the subjective intent to end the marital relationship, abrogating In re Marriage of Johnson, 134 Cal. App.3d. 148. Prior to this decision, the date of “separation” occurs only when the parties have come to a parting of the ways with no present intent to resume their marriage and their conduct evidences a complete and final break in the marital relationship. The Court would consider all of the relevant evidence regarding whether the parties’ conduct evidences a complete and final break in the marital relationship. Living in separate residences, although a factor to be considered, was not

required for a separation. In re Marriage of Davis involved husband and wife married in 1993. The couple had 2 children. Couple stopped having sexual relationship in 1999. Wife moved to another bedroom in the house either in 2001 or 2004. Husband and wife attended children’s activities but used separate cars. On June 1, 2006 wife announced she was “through” with the marriage. Wife believed couple were acting simply as roommates after 2006. Wife increased her earnings after this date while husband left his job. Parties continued to live in the marital home and went on vacation together. Wife filed for divorce in 2008. Wife moves out of the marital residence on July1, 2011. Wife alleges date of separation of June 1, 2006. Husband alleges a date of separation of July 1, 2011. The trial court and the court of appeal found June1, 2006 as the date of separation. The California Supreme Court reversed the decision holding that living in separate residences “is an indispensable threshold requirement for a finding that spouses are “living separate and apart” for purposes of section 771(a). The interpretation aligns with the common understanding of the words, the statutory history of the provision, and legitimate public policy concerns. The In re Marriage of Davis decision now requires the parties to be living in separate residences as a prerequisite to a separation. In IRMO Davis, the California Supreme Court looked into the plain meaning of the statute, the legislative intent and history of the statute, and the case law in interpreting the term “separate and apart.” The California Supreme Court looked into the wording and legislative intent of family code 771(a) by tracing it back to a 145 year old predecessor statute enacted in 1870 “ An Act to Protect the Rights of Married Women in Certain Cases.” Section 4 of the 1870 act provided a procedure for a wife who was “living separate and apart” from her husband to sell her

real property without joining with her husband by stating in a declaration ”her own place of residence that is “separate and apart from her husband” which strongly suggests that the statute was directed at a situation where the spouses had physically separated and the wife in fact had her own residence. The Supreme Court also relied on the holding in the Norviel case which held that living apart physically is an indispensable threshold requirement to separation, whether or not it is sufficient, by itself to establish separation. Although the Davis case has adopted a bright line test in determining date of separation, it also acknowledge that there may be “exceptional circumstances” when a couple is under one roof but still separated. This was noted in footnote 7 in Davis and the concurring opinion written by Justice Liu and joined by Justice Werdergar. Davis has listed facts that do not qualify as exceptional circumstances. The date of separation is one of the most litigated issues in a divorce case since it directly affects the characterization and division of community property. This case changes that analysis and may create problems in its practical application to the realities of contemporary families. ***

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Outreach and Advertising Campaign to Promote Roadway Safety and Encourage Walking and Bicycling

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) announced the launch of Go Human, a community outreach and advertising campaign with the goals of reducing traffic collisions in Southern California and encouraging people to walk and bike more. Appearing on freeway billboards, buses and bus shelters, the Go Human campaign is a collaboration between SCAG and the health departments and transportation commissions from six counties in the region – Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura. “Increased safety is a value that guides our commitment to improving mobility in the 21st century,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Go Human is an exciting, unprecedented effort, with the participation of many cities and counties, to deliver an important message about our vision to keep people safe – no matter how they choose to get around.” California has the nation’s highest number of fatalities involving people walking and bicycling, and traffic collisions are one of the top causes of injury and death in the Southern California region. Go Human raises public awareness of the rules of the road through English and Spanish advertising on radio, billboards, buses, bus stops and social media. Go Human utilizes a series of ads where figures in everyday road signs are replaced with images of real people walking and bicycling. By conveying that these aren’t just signs, Go Human reminds us that our actions and decisions, when driving, walking and bicycling, impact real people. The Go Human campaign comes at a time when the nature of streets and types of travel on them is changing dramatically. Bicycling across Southern California increased 70 percent between 2007 and 2012, and in places like Santa Monica, where growing demand has been matched with investment in bike

facilities, bicycling has increased more than 300 percent. Investment in walking and bicycling infrastructure is anticipated to grow with more than half a billion dollars being invested across the region by 2020. “Three years ago our region adopted a transportation plan that doubled investment in active transportation, and our cities and counties are making good on that commitment,” said Hasan Ikhrata, SCAG’s Executive Director. “Not only do we have cities like Los Angeles launching its Vision Zero initiative and new mobility element, but there are dozens more. Go Human provides the education, awareness and encouragement to accompany the changes that we are all starting to see in our communities and on our streets.” More than half of the 191 cities in the Southern California region have been pursuing funding opportunities to create safer and more attractive streets for walking and biking. The growing emphasis on active transportation is driven in part by local leaders’ interest in improving public health. The region’s population suffers from high chronic disease rates related to physical inactivity such as obesity and hypertension. Many doctors and public health experts, including the Surgeon General of the United States, are encouraging people to walk more. “Sedentary lifestyles have had a profound impact on health and have contributed to the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in our communities today, leading to premature death and the loss of many years of life. Engaging in regular physical activity such as walking or bicycling helps maintain a healthy body weight, provides major protective effects against obesity and chronic disease, and improves mental health and quality of life,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “Go Human not only reminds us to look out for one another on the road, but also encourages us to unplug, walk a little bit more and

bike a little bit more in our local communities. This will benefit our health and the local economy, too.” By encouraging Southern California residents to walk and bike more, SCAG’s Go Human Campaign plays a key role in this transformation. As cities around the world have shown, walking and bicycling are an efficient means to move people and connect commuters to public transit. In the SCAG region, approximately 38 percent of all trips are less than three miles, a distance that can easily be covered walking or bicycling. Go Human encourages residents to consider walking or bicycling for these short trips. The Go Human campaign is funded by a $2.3 million grant from the 2014 California Active Transportation Program. In addition to the advertising campaign, Go Human will roll-out a series of events in partnership with local communities across the region beginning in May 2016. These events will include open street gatherings and demonstration projects designed to allow residents to temporarily envision and experience roadways that are designed for people and not just cars. These events will also create opportunities for residents to provide input and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. All marketing materials for Go Human are available for cobranding by local cities, agencies and organizations interested in participating. Please visit www. GoHumanSoCal.org for more information and to request materials. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. About SCAG SCAG is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities and more than 18 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to plan for a livable and sustainable Southern California now and in the future. For more information about SCAG’s regional efforts, please visit www. scag.ca.gov. ■

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HallowBack Obituary of Rufo Vic Gaza Halloween Dance Event

RUFO Vic Gaza (aka Vic) passed away on September 25, 2015 in Surigao City, Philippines of myocardial infarction. He was 69 years old. Vic Gaza is survived by his spouse Leticia Gaza; his daughter, Lyn Pacificar; and grandchildren, Soraya and Gavin. A memorial Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles, on October 17, 2015 at 1 pm. Memorial donations are appreciated and can be addressed to Leticia Gaza.

EMPLOYMENT

THIS coming Halloween, come to the newest ultra-lounge located near Glendale’s Americana, the chic 103 LOUNGE (103 E. Broadway Ave., Glendale, CA, 91025, across Marshalls and Bloomingdale’s)! Brought to you by EMEX Events, ToneDef Music, Bounce Electronic Music & DJ School, with support from MISS PHILIPPINES USA, HALLOWBACK is a one-of-a-kind Halloween dance music/clubbing event. Featuring dance tunes from the mid 90’s until the year 2000 by DJs Mon Maramba and Josh Evangelista, and curated by Louie Ysmael together with Arnel Castillo, as well as local retro hero Ricky Fabre of ClubManila. Doors for this popular Halloween event will open at 9pm, so make sure you secure a spot on the dancefloor! 21+ only, with $10 entry fee. Reserved seating with bottle service and birthday specials/VIP areas available. Please email tonedefmusicph@gmail. com for more info. ■

EMPLOYMENT

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CANA in Galilee Couples Retreat

THE CANA Marriage Renewal Movement will have their 59th couples retreat at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Fullerton, CA (2932 Nutwood Ave Fullerton, CA 92831) on Oct. 16-18. It is a 3-day experience designed to revitalize the interpersonal growth of the couple towards each other and God. Through a particular method

of communication and dialogue, they discover their “coupleness” and couple power in a new way. The retreat starts on Friday evening with registration and orientation at 6 pm, and ends with the celebration of Eucharist on Sunday evening. We request a donation of $300 per couple to cover hotel accommodations, meals and

snacks. No one is refused the opportunity to attend the retreat because of lack of funds, but prior arrangements must be made. Registration is still open, please contact Alain or Cecile Graziani (818 421-6505), email cnagraziani@charter.net, or St Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Office (909) 595-9545. ■

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JOSH IN CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND PHOTO BY SMALLZ & RASKIND/THE CW © 2015 THE CW NETWORK, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 14, 2015

VINCENT RODRIGUEZ III

On facing challenges as an Asian American actor and scoring a lead role in CW’s ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ by ALLYSON ESCOBAR / AJPRESS “YOU do crazy things when you’re in love.” At least that’s what Filipino-American actor Vincent Rodriguez III believes: that love is an all-consuming and powerful thing--especially when you absolutely love what you do, it can make you crazy. “I walked into my first day of acting school and the teacher asked us, ‘Is this what will give you life? Is this the part you want to play in society?’ And then I asked myself, ‘What else could I possibly be doing?’ From then on, I knew exactly what I always wanted,” he said. “If you want something badly enough in life, you work hard to go get it. It’s not an easy path--it is arguably the hardest journey you will ever have. But in the end, it’s worth it.” Finding home in the theater Rodriguez was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in what he calls the “Second Philippines of the World:” south

suburban Daly City. He is the youngest and only boy of four, with three older sisters all born in Manila. “I was the bunso,” Rodriguez told the Asian Journal. “My sisters are all smart, musically talented, and into theater. I [had] really powerful role models growing up.” Motivated by a desire to try and learn new things, at a young age Rodriguez was involved in track and field, taekwondo, and martial arts. Later he became very active in his high school’s drama department, where he quickly found his love for musical theater. After graduating from high school and a year in junior college, Rodriguez enrolled at the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts (PCPA) in Santa Maria, California, and began to pursue acting as more than a hobby, but a full-time career. “My family was always supportive of me, but it was not an

Vincent Rodriguez III in Irving Berlinʼs White Christmas Photo courtesy of Lee Wallman

Photo courtesy of Billy Bustamante

The “Slut,” a coddled egg dish

easy journey,” he said. “My dad didn’t always think I could make this [acting] into a viable career. When it came to showbiz-ness, he wanted me to be a businessman.” “But that initial resilience pushed me to be a harder worker, and has made me even more passionate about what I do.” After finishing musical training in acting, voice, and dance, Rodriguez ventured to Los Angeles for his first successful audition, becoming a member of the ensemble (and later principal understudy) in the first national tour of “42nd Street.” “It was my first professional role,” he recalled. “I really put my whole self into it, and I began to relish in the joy of being an entertainer.” Pursuing his dreams in the theater, Rodriguez moved to New York City to audition for numerous acting, singing, and dancing roles. He eventually joined the companies of “Thor-

oughly Modern Millie,” “Xanadu,” “Honor,” “Pipe Dream,” as well as the original cast of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” in Toronto and Boston. “Half of my career was in the ensemble, and then the other half I played feature parts, joined national tours and other New York productions, and was asked to sing on cast recordings,” Rodriguez said. Most recently, he joined the 1st national tour of “Anything Goes,” appeared on CBS’ “Hostages,” and workshopped for Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire’s new musical, “Waterfall.” He also sang ensemble in a cast recording of the stage production of Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Wanting to share his life lessons with other aspiring actors, Rodriguez became a teacher back at his alma mater, PCPA. He taught professional technique, song interpretation, dance workshops, and other aspects of the musical audition process. “It’s not about making people into professional actors, or to be like me. For me as a mentor, it’s about helping the person to see what their potential is, and to learn how to use the theater as a form of expression, or as a gateway to who they really are,” Rodriguez noted. The young actor’s extensive background and resume boasts a double black belt in martial arts, CrossFit, stage combat, rollerskating, billiards, and even magic tricks. “A good amount of my previous jobs required special skills [like dancer, comedian, magician], and on TV, they can write these skills into the show,” he said. “The cool thing is that the writers know my special skills are Photo by Leon Le Photography things I’ve learned to do grow-

The lunchtime crowd at Eggslut

ing up. I knew that my interests would help color my career as an actor.” One of Vincent’s most recent, favored theatrical roles was in the 2014 off-Broadway revival of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s “Here Lies Love,” a disco-rock musical about the life of Filipino former First Lady Imelda Marcos. “I met Ruthie Ann Miles, who was playing the lead, and she encouraged me to audition,” he recalled. Along with Miles, Rodriguez understudied other distinguished Fil-Am actors, Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos) and Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino), and played the DJ for a month. “Here Lies Love” eventually led Rodriguez to the right people--including film director Marc Webb (“The Amazing Spider-Man”)--and to his first audition as a TV series regular: playing ex-boyfriend Josh Chan in The CW’s new musical-comedy, “‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’... Many of the actors involved with the show--including Santino Fontana, best known as the voice of Hans in Disney’s “Frozen”-have a theater background. In true musical-fashion, the writers have prepared a killer comedic soundtrack with different musical styles and genres, from 1940s Hollywood to 90s R&B. Rodriguez is excited to use his Broadway theater experience on the TV screen. “Yes, I will be

singing,” he said excitedly. Crazy parallels, crazy in love Being Filipino-American and making waves both onstage and onscreen, Rodriguez faced many challenges as an actor. “The Filipino community is big into entertainment, karaoke, performance culture. At first, pursuing theater and other talents were more like hobbies for me, until I began taking them seriously,” he said. “And my family noticed too; it wasn’t just a hobby anymore.” When Rodriguez first auditioned for the title role in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” directed by Marc Webb (who initially discovered the actor through his character in “Here Lies Love”), he knew the part was special. Esteemed writers Aline Brosh McKenna (“The Devil Wears Prada”) and Rachel Bloom (from “Robot Chicken” and YouTube’s Rachel Does Stuff) are a part of the project, and it has a primetime spot (Monday nights at 8:00pm) on the CW network. The show follows Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a successful, miserable young woman who impulsively leaves her job as a real estate lawyer in New York in search of love and happiness in West Covina, California--also the suburban hometown of her Filipino ex-boyfriend. “‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ exContinued on Page 3

VINCENT RODRIGUEZ III

On facing challenges as an Asian-American... From Page 2 plores this idea of feeling crazy over someone,” said Rodriguez, adding that the show includes themes of family, friendship, and finding home away from home. “When you’re in love, it’s fun, ridiculous, and exciting.” “As the show progresses, you learn what makes Rebecca that way--she’s just a normal girl in love. Each of us have been in a place where we’ve been infatuated with someone or the idea of someone, the idea of love, and we’ve all done pretty crazy things because of it.” “There’s such a crazy parallel between my character, Josh Chan, and who I am as a person,” he admitted. “From Josh’s personality, his family and friends, and how he grew up--it’s kind of scary.” Josh Chan is basically “a SoCal Asian bro,” Rodriguez described. Coming from a family of mixed parents (Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish, just like Rodriguez), Josh--the one that got away--is also finding his place in reality and romance. “You’re going to meet Josh Chan, find out that he’s Filipino, and see his family values,” Rodriguez shared. “The Chan family dynamic is very true to form--it feels very real to my own family.” “It’s exciting to see Filipino culture being portrayed in the mainstream,” he added. “I always wanted to be the ASIAN guy” At the 2014 PaleyFest Fall TV Preview, main actress Rachel Bloom said she wanted the location of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” to be in Southern California, based off her own childhood experience living inland. “We knew we wanted it to be a fish-out-of-water story, but most of those happen in the Midwest or on the East Coast,” Bloom said this month in an interview with Vulture, adding that she and McKenna were drawn to the number of chain businesses and cultural diversity that San Gabriel Valley is known for. “We also liked how multicultural Southern California was, which is…what new suburbia is,

features

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 14, 2015

Sumo All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Offers its renovated Banquet Hall for parties SUMO ASIAN BUFFET AND GRILL in San Fernando Valley proudly announces the opening of its renovated BANQUET HALL that can seat a maximum of 300 people. FOR THOSE WITH HUGE EVENTS COMING UP SOON ESPECIALLY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON THAT REQUIRE MULTIPLE SEATING, call (818) 887 2688 for special rates and group discounts. SUMO is located at 21610 Victory Blvd. Woodland Hills CA 91367.

Rachel Bloom as Rebecca and Vincent Rodriguez III as Josh in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Photo by Lisa Rose/The CW -- © 2015 The CW Network, LLC.

and will continue to grow and be—people from all different cultures going to the same Applebee’s.” Since the show is set in a suburb notorious for Asian American (and especially Filipino) families, the writers were careful to make sure actors accurately represented the culture and diversity of West Covina. “We always wanted the male lead to be Asian,” Bloom shared, “because I grew up with Asian bros, and I hadn’t seen that represented on TV.” Rodriguez is proud to be among a growing number of Asian American series regulars on fall TV. “It’s an honor,” he remarked. “It means that we’ve evolved, that we’re at a new place when it comes to television. It’s breaking ground.” “You know how there’s always ‘the Black guy,’ or ‘the Mexican guy?’ I always wanted to be the ASIAN guy, the mirror of society,” Rodriguez said. “As a Filipino actor, I always wanted to be a part of the growth of Asian-American representation on TV and onstage. Now I feel like I’m a part of that journey to exposing modern, cultural America.” He added, “I’m hoping that my presence in this show will open up the minds of the Filipino community, especially young Filipino men.” Rodriguez also applauded shows that put Asian-Americans

in the forefront, such as ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat,” which successfully portrays both the stereotypes and the injustices experienced by the minority community in a fresh, comedic way. “There are always extremes that exist with all ethnicities, and it’s nice to be a part of a show that explores these identities, and portrays who we really are: people with a specific background and a place,” he said, regarding comedies [like “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”] that put Asian-Americans in starring roles. “We’re showing the world our reality--sometimes, that can be painful and uncomfortable. But it can also be funny.” Be who you are To aspiring actors, musicians, dancers, and entertainers of every color, Rodriguez offers a simple piece of advice that is reflected throughout his new show: be who you are. “Be open to yourself, to new experiences, to your interests, and never let anyone tell you you can’t do something. As an actor, you get to create who you want to be, and become who you really are. Be kind to yourself, strive to be the best in whatever you choose to do. Love your life, and live it joyfully, fully, and authentically.” It just might make you a little crazy.

The holidays are just around the corner. Calling ALL COORDINATORS for sizable family parties and office holiday events seeking an ALLYOU-CAN EAT BUFFET PLACE place offering superb food selection, ambience and great location at competitive pricing, look no farther. SUMO IS THE PLACE. It offers a whole range of sushi, seafood and Asian fusion cuisine that is the talk of the town. Book now and inquire about their big group discounts for large parties — (818) 887 2688.

SUMOʼs Teppanyaki and grill section gives a lot of bang for the buck. They offer great rates: $11.49 for lunch from Monday through Friday and $17.99 for dinner from Monday through Thursday. Call them for details. Senior Citizens Discount of 10% is given to those 65 and above with valid ID. Diners have noted that on Mondays and Tuesdays, this discount is bumped up to 20% only during certain promotional seasons. SUMO is located at 21610 Victory Blvd. Woodland Hills CA 91367. It sits in a corner of a big shopping and dining complex where there is ample parking space.

features

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 14, 2015

MOONLIGHTING by MYLAH DE

LEON

ONCE upon a time, when life has been short on happily ever afters, they counted on love. But it is said that love is a

An old love story spell so exquisite that everything conspires to break it. There was an interesting humanity in their small, simple, love tale. They were not married, but in spite of the vow’s absence, a tale tiptoed on profound bond. You can extract the elements of compas-

sion, patience, regret, surprise, forgiveness and compound it to form -- the chemistry of an atom called love, as Kahlil Gibran articulated. By what level, what language would one use, to describe a romance that breaks all the rules and goes pretty far—exhausting the categories of the forbidden? A catastrophe in the landscapes of the heart was written on a masterpiece (a piercing irony) by the Nobel laureate Octavio Paz in The Labyrinth of Solitude: “to realize itself, love must violate the rules of our world.” How could anyone forget an old flame? Love does not appear with any warning, it is an inevitable event you can not control. No time to think if you’re head-

MANGO MIX

ing for a soft landing or a rough ride. You fall into it is as if pushed from a high diving board, it is like getting hit by a huge truck, yet not mortally wounded. Love is being sick to your stomach, high one minute, low the next. Starving hungry but no appetite, hot and cold from excitement, full of hope and enthusiasm with bouts of depression that wipes you out. As it pains and heals, comforts and restores, it brings the smile to your face and makes you excruciatingly cheeky and intolerably giddy. She had crowned a beauty queen, assisted by the country’s most eligible bachelor. He was poisonously handsome, excruciatingly polite with impeccable breeding. His playboy exploits made him a tabloid piñata and God’s gift to women. His existence was

hinged on the best schools and affluence and noblesse obliges. She had fallen completely and madly in love with the playboy. Sometimes it is bewildering to her, but her joy was boundless. She cannot put words into the feeling and enchantment of it all. She had the stamina for all the ups and downs that passion delivered. Sometimes she wondered if two people, and the rules of convention between them can sum up the energy that being in love requires. If you love each other so utterly, love will survive! For years, she had interviewed, written about people that navigate the shoals of what was taboo in the affairs of the heart. She had seen friends hopes dashed in heartbreak, buried by the baggage of human bondage. She had also seen couples

march starry eyed to the altar, convinced that true love can conquer all. By what level, what language would she use to describe a romance that breaks all the rules and had gone pretty far—exhausting categories of the forbidden, when love is clouded over, or surrounded by moral mists? It is a shift in perception, a return to love with deeper depth going back into the world we knew when we were still connected to our softness and innocence. It is the deepest level of our being, informed by love, but interpreted gently with hope and faith, and sense of wonder. That is easily retrieved because perception is a choice. Have a truly romantic weekend gentle readers. ***

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

5 reasons why selfies can be good for you

by MARTIN

JASON L. ITA-AS

IT might seem vain or selfabsorbed for people to constantly post pictures of themselves onlines, but there are certainly good things that come from taking selfies as well. Here are a few reasons why taking selfies may actually be a good thing: It teaches you to be confident Taking selfies doesn’t necessarily mean vanity. It could just be a person’s way of saying “I love my look right now and I want you all to know.” Prom selfies, makeover selfies, pre or post performance slefies. All these are ways people show the world that they can pull off a look and work it. It can teach them to learn to believe in themselves both visually and emotionally. Learning to love yourself When you take selfies, you often find something you dislike

about your own face. You hate your sunken eyes. You dislike your dark skin. You don’t think the freckles in your face look good on you. But there will also be those times where you take a great selfie and you suddenly find yourself filling up with pride. “This is totally my good side” “I love how my eyes look” “I didn’t know I look amazing in blue”. While you find reasons to dislike your look, you also learn to appreciate yourself little by little. Capture the emotion Have you ever taken a vacation selfie? What about one before or after a concert? Or how about a selfie right after you’ve slipped on the engagement ring (and maybe showing it off along with your face)? You’ll often remember the great gush of joy, the overwhelming sadness or how stylish you felt watching your own face in the picture and reminiscing vividly

how it must’ve felt. Self-expression and exploration A collection of selfies can be a reflection of your inner person. Do you love taking selfies with food or drinks? Maybe you’re a foodie. Is your face always accompanied the faces of your friend group? You could be very friend oriented and social. Have selfies with your cat or dog? You could be an animal lover. Sometimes your selfies can tell you a few things even you night not have known about yourself. Gives you an artistic side Sure putting a few filters over a picture isn’t exactly artistic, but with the amount of photo editing programs and apps out there people can learn about lighting, photo warmth and much more. Some people also learn things like what kind of photo subjects are the the most interesting when

put into different angles and such. People can learn to take amazing photos with just a simple smartphone nowadays. So go ahead, take a confidence boosting, artistically inclined selfie! Just try to keep it in moderation and don’t fill albums or social media feeds with them. *** Mango Tours is a provider of quality, affordable and convenient travel services that include low-priced airline tickets, customized Philippine and International Tour Packages, Cruises, Land Transfers, Passport and Visa Concerns. It is the #1 producer of reliable travel services particularly when it comes to Philippine travel arrangements to the Filipino-American community in the US Mango Tours is able to provide its customers with a number of travel options at affordable rates because of its consolidator contracts with over 11 airlines. Book your travel bookings with Mango Tours by calling its 24/7 U.S. toll-free number at 1-866-2-MANILA (1-866-2-626452). Visit www. mangotours.com to know more about its latest promos and travel offers.* *Advertising Supplement

Let’s choose our Philippine leaders by exercising our right to vote in 2016! If you are a Filipino citizen, or a natural-born Filipino citizen but lost Philippine citizenship due to naturalization in a foreign country, you may now petition for the reacquisition of Philippine citizenship. The deadline to apply for dual citizenship is Oct. 31, 2015, which is a requirement for voter registration. The dual citizenship application is available online but you still need to be present at the oath taking. In addition, due to work or school schedule, if you are having difficulty going to LA Philippine Consulate during weekdays to submit your Dual Citizenship Application

and/or register to vote, we have made arrangements to schedule a Saturday Philippine Consular visit to do Oath Taking and Voters Registration, as follows: WHEN: SATURDAY, Oct 24, 2015 TIME: 11:00AM TO 3:00PM VOTERS REGISTRATION: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM DUAL CITIZENSHIP OATH TAKING: 1:00 to 3:00 PM WHERE: 445 S. Fairoaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105 LUNCH will be served Please contact Cora Aragon Soriano at 213.999.1993 if you have any questions or need any assistance.

‘X Factor’ UK judge Simon Cowell calls filipino girl group ‘amazing’ by AMANDA

BERNADETTE ARAMBULLO Inquirer.net

FRESH from the news of how Filipino Amy Vachal wowed the judges at The Voice, a set of Filipino sisters impressed the judges and audience at another reality show, this time across the Atlantic. The Cercado sisters, also known as 4th Power, started their performance for the latest episode of The X Factor, by striking a pose and hitting the high notes of Christina Aguilera’s “Show Me How You Burlesque.” Soon enough, they got a standing ovation from the hard-to-please judge and producer, Simon Cowell. The group seemingly blew the competition out of the water with their rendition of the pop hit. Rita Ora, who also serves

Filipino sisters Almira (27), Mylene (23), Irene (25) and Celina (19) continue to make waves in the ʻX Factor UKʼ.

as a judge in the reality show, described 4th Power’s performance as “absolute perfection.” “I think you are phenomenal. You know what, you and I can create magic together,” said their mentor Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, giving them a spot in the Six-Chair Challenge, which is one of the toughest rounds in the competition.

4th Power’s audition for the show, a rendition of Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj’s “Bang Bang,” has hit 18 millions of views as of press time. It looks like Filipino talent taking the international stage is on the rise yet again. And just like the rest of the world, we can’t wait to see what is up next.

features

Asian Business Association honors leaders in business community alone, the organization has held events focusing on trade trends, the art of negotiating, women business pioneers, the dynamic development of Downtown Los Angeles and more. “We do these programs with the sole purpose of providing our members with access, advocacy and engagement. We have value-added programs to help them develop their contacts and gain a better business perspective,” Huang said. The night kicked off by recognizing the event sponsors, including Toyota, Union Bank, Southern California Edison and US Bank, among others. Actor/ writer/producer Mei Melancon and actor James Kyson served as the emcees, while musician Paul Dateh entertained the crowd with his hip hop-inspired violin arrangements. Korean-owned company CJ America, Inc. took the Business Enterprise of the Year award for its diversified operations in food service, bio & pharma, homeshopping & logistics and entertainment & media. “I know firsthand how much work growing a company can be. It takes not only hard work

and dedication, but also business savv[iness] to get to where HUNDREDS of professionals, CJ America is today,” said Toni business owners and community Ko, founder of NYX Cosmetics leaders gathered on Tuesday, and Butter Ventures, LLC, who Oct. 6 for the Asian Business was one of the award presentAssociation’s (ABA) 39th Annual ers. Awards Banquet. Among CJ America’s venHeld at the Globe Theater tures are Korean food brand at Universal Studios Hollywood, Bibigo, bakery TOUS les JOURS, the evening recognized five indicultureplex CGV theaters and viduals and businesses that have KCON, the largest Hallyu concontributed to the growth of the vention in North America that Asian business community in Los drew in 50,000 attendees this Angeles and beyond. year. “We selected these individu“I believe there are many als and organizations because of other Asian companies worthy their business success and their of this award as well, so I want contributions to our economy,” to take this as an encourageDennis J. Huang, executive ment for our company to strive director and CEO of the ABA, to do better…This brand allows said. us to enhance cultural diversity In his opening remarks, in America. I want to thank CJ Huang noted that in the past employees for their passion and five years, Asian-owned firms in hard work — without them, it the United States have grown would not be possible for us to from 1.2 million to 2 million achieve our vision,” the compa— 600,000 of which are located ny’s CEO Choi Joon-hwan said. in California. New media production With more than 700 memcompany Wong Fu Productions bers, the ABA promotes eco— founded by Wesley Chan, nomic development by hosting Ted Fu and Philip Wang — was a series of conferences, seminars named Media Company of the and workshops throughout Year. the year. In the past 10 months “It’s a little easier to tell my family [and] friends that we make videos online and it doesn’t sound as shady anymore. To be in a room with professionals, we make YouTube videos and that means something now,” Chan said, joking that even though he didn’t go to business school, he got a business award. Since meeting in college 10 years ago, their following has grown to over 2 million subscribers and 300 million views globally. In addition to growing their base on YouTube, Wong Fu also attracts major corporations like Subaru, AT&T and Wells Fargo Asian Business Association held its 39th Annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Globe to produce high-quality videos. Theater in Universal City. AJPress photos by Ding Carreon “There aren’t that many Asians out there in entertainment or in mainstream media, so that’s what we’re all about — we have a role and influence on the new generation. It’s crazy that kids are now growing up with two Asian families on TV, an NBA star that’s an Asian American and unlimited time to watch Asian American faces on YouTube. It’s a great time,” Wang said. Los Angeles’ first Korean American council member (and Farzana Nayani, programs and membership Dennis Huang, executive director and CEO of only the second Asian Ameridirector of the ABA. the ABA by AJPRESS

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 14, 2015

Senior Vice President Darrell Brown accepts Corporation of the Year on behalf of US Bank

can), David E. Ryu, received the ABA Chairperson Award. Ryu, who was elected to represent the city’s 4th council district — covering areas such as Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Hollywood, Los Feliz, in July, began his speech by sharing his immigrant story and how he got into local politics. “When my parents came, it wasn’t streets paved with gold. It was really, really hard. I couldn’t remember the time when my parents weren’t working two jobs. My parents were well-educated; they went to the Harvard and Yale of Korea, but when they came here, that didn’t matter,” Ryu narrated, adding that his mother, a nurse, and his father, a teacher, had to take whatever jobs they could get. Though he didn’t grow up well-off, Ryu said his parents emphasized the importance of education, which motivated him to attend the best public schools and then UCLA for college, where he started off as pre-med. “[My parents] wanted me to be a doctor, not to be rich and famous, but they knew that no matter where you go in the world, if you can’t speak the language or understand the culture, you will always need a doctor. They wanted to make sure that I could myself and my family,” Ryu said. However, three years into undergrad, Ryu realized he couldn’t be a doctor but still wanted to help people, so he told his parents he was going to be a social worker. “Growing up, I never thought I was poor and I always

Richard Chacon, director of supplier diversity and development at Union Bank, delivers his acceptance speech for Advocate of the Year.

Los Angeles city councilman David E. Ryu was recognized with the ABA Chairperson Award. In July, Ryu became the first Korean American to serve on the LA City Council and only the second Asian American.

Wesley Chan and Philip Wang of Wong Fu Productions accept the award for Media Company of the Year.

wanted to help people,” he added. After college, he worked for a series of advocacy non-profits, the United Nations and Los Angeles County, where he was exposed to issues like public health, housing and transportation. “My story is not my story. [It] isn’t the Korean American…It’s the American story. It’s very important that we share our experiences…because from diversity, from differences, we become stronger,” he concluded. US Bank — the nation’s fifth largest bank — was recognized as Corporation of the Year for its work in community investment, grants and corporate contributions (a total of $286 million in 2014) and supplier diversity. “I also look at [this] award as a reminder of what we must do tomorrow, what we must do the next day to create a healthy society [so] the private sector can sit at the same table as the

non-profit sector, as politicians and academics because those four together can [help] society,” US Bank Senior Vice President Darrell Brown said. Receiving the last award for Advocate of the Year was Richard Chacon, director of supplier diversity and development at Union Bank. “We do this for a passion and love for what we’re doing. We can make a difference in our community. In terms of the Asian community, I’m happy to say that almost half of our minority spend is with Asian companies,” Chacon said. To end the night, a few lucky attendees won raffle items, such as a Vizio television, Herman Miller chair, and roundtrip plane ticket. “This night has been a testament to the tireless work and effort that goes into supporting our community and small business owners,” Melancon said.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 14, 2015

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pcs for

/lb

day O ct 1521

WAS SAVINGS $ Beef Shoulder Clod $4.99 40%

WAS SAVINGS $ Japanese Amberjack Hamachi $1.99 25%

99

Wedn es

99c

Chayote

SAVINGS

WAS

$0.99 67%

SAVINGS

$0.79 58%

Favorites! Choose Your Balikbayan Box Fillers! y r t n a P Made in BRAZIL

10

3$

for

2.99

WAS

SAVINGS

44%

47%

Hereford Super Chunky Corned Beef 12oz

3

WAS

16%

Theme Park Passes

7

Smart Phones

...and many more!

GIVEAWAY PURCHASE TIER AND ITEMS VARY PER STORE. QUALIFYING AMOUNT FOR THE FREE GIFTS IS BASED PRE-TAX TOTAL PURCHASE ON SINGLE RECEIPT. CORPORATE OFFICE 20819 CURRIER ROAD, WALNUT, CA 91789 (909) 594-8080

PANORAMA CITY 8340 VAN NUYS BLVD. UNIT A , PANORAMA CITY, CA 91402 (818) 895-2423

CERRITOS 11481 SOUTH ST. CERRITOS, CA 90703 (562) 809-8889

CANOGA PARK 20922 ROSCOE BLVD. CANOGA PARK, CA 91304 (818) 857-3400

WAS

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

33%

6

29%

Jayone Seaweed in Box

3.99

$

$

WAS

6.99

$4.99

$9.99

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

20%

4

2$

for

99 c WAS

WAS

16

2$

for

WAS

WAS

$2.49

$1.49

$13.99

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

Nestle Pure Life Water 24pack/.5L N VERMONT LA 627 N. VERMONT AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA 90004 (323) 671-1020

34%

20%

Inday’s Best Value Pack 1L

S VERMONT LA 229 S. VERMONT AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA 90004 (213) 674-2980

Datu Puti Vinegar 1 L

WEST COVINA 1512 E. AMAR ROAD WEST COVINA, CA 91792 (626) 964-4858

$1.99 SAVINGS

OXNARD 4833 S.ROSE AVE. OXNARD, CA 93033 (805) 874-4980

37%

Nescafe Original 3in1 Coffee from the Phils 36/20g

SAVINGS

30%

WAS

30%

Meiji Hello Panda Chocolate/ Mogu-Mogu Juice Drink Asstd Flavors 6pack/320ml Strawberry 9.1oz

43% Colusa Calrose Rice (brown/white) 15lbs NATIONAL CITY 2720 E. PLAZA BLVD. NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950 (619) 475-1025

“WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE SALES PROMO WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. WE ALSO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REPLACE ITEMS WITH PRODUCTS OF APPROXIMATE VALUE. NO RAIN CHECKS. PROMO GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER COUPON OR PROMO. PRICES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. GIVEAWAYS NOT VALID FOR CUSTOMERS WITH DISCOUNT.”

5

4$

for

WAS

SAVINGS

37%

29% J&J Chippy BBQ Valuepack 7.06oz

Boy Bawang Mixed Nuts 100g

$4.79

$4.29

WAS

$1.39

SAVINGS

2.99

99 C

$1.39

$4.99

$

Hormel Spam 12oz

99 C

WAS

WAS

Magic Flakes Crackers in Tub 800g

Hottest Gadgets

Nuri/Mabuti Sardines 90g

$8.99

2$

30%

25%

$2.49

for

WAS

34%

$

Lucky Me Pancit Canton VP Assorted Flavors 6pack

2$

for

SAVINGS

20%

Mi Sedaap Mi Goreng 5/90g

Flat Screen TV

SAVINGS

WAS

SAVINGS

WAS

$3.99

SAVINGS

5.99

1.99

$1.79

WAS

$3.79

Hereford Luncheon Meat 12oz

$

2.99

$

$2.99 33%

Manco Pride Corned Beef 12oz (Trapezoid)

2$

for

for

WAS

$5.59

SAVINGS

5

2$

$

WAS

$5.99

Trip to the Philippines via Philippine Airlines!

1.99

$

Calpico Mini’s 4pack (Grape/ Original/Strawberry)

32.99

$

WAS

$39.99 SAVINGS

18% IP Jasmine Rice 50lbs

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