La midweek edition april 12 14, 2017

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LOS ANGELES

M I D W E E K M I D W E E K

EDITION

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EApril D I 12-14, T I O2017 N

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Volume 27 - No. 30 • 3 Sections - 22 Pages

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

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Duterte calls on US to help fight terrorism in PH Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines and the United States should work together to address issues concerning terrorism, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte affirmed this week.

In his speech for the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Pilar, Bataan on Sunday, April 9, Duterte said the two countries’ long-standing relationship serves as the basis for bilateral cooperation against terrorism.

DATELINE

“As we fought together to stay above the enemy then, so we should help each other to address the threats that confront our societies, our region, and our world,” the president said.

He further added, “Now the menace of terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes such as the illegal drug trade have called into question, efforts uphold the responsibility to defend the common good.”

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Manila expressed agreement with

the president.

“Today the new challenge of terrorism has emerged,” U.S. Charge’ D’Affaires Michael Klecheski said.

“We must also remember the importance of standing together as what the Philippines and the United States have done for many decades.”

On the same day, the embassy warned its citizens in the Philippines to avoid traveling to the Central Visayas, citing an “unsubstantiated yet credible information” of kidnapping threats in the area.

“The U.S. Embassy has received

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unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces,” the Embassy posted on its official website.

It also reminded U.S. citizens of the recent Worldwide Caution which was released on March 7, indicating that “there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.”

According to the U.S. government,

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Robredo won’t object Marcos’ possible Cabinet appointment

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

USCIS hits annual H1-B visa cap

THE U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated 85,000 H-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2018, it announced in a statement.

The quota was met within five days since the applications opened on April 3, the federal agency said on Friday, April 7. This is the fifth consecutive year that the cap has been fulfilled in less than a week.

The program has allocated 65,000 slots for foreign workers and an additional 20,000 for the U.S. advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap.

The total number of H1-B applications received this year has yet to be announced.

Businesses in the United States use the H1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require specialized knowledge, such as science, engineering and computerrelated fields.

The agency will reject and return filing fees for all unselected cap-subject petitions that are not duplicate filings. It will, however, continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.

On April 3, USCIS said it would temporarily suspend premium processing for all H1-B petitions, including cap-exempt petitions, for

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US Marine’s conviction upheld for killing transgender Filipina THE Philippine Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld the conviction of United States Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for killing a transgender Filipina three years ago.

In a 48-page decision dated April 3, the CA’s special 16th Division affirmed the March 2015 ruling of the Olongapo City regional trial court (RTC) which found Pemberton guilty of homicide for the killing of Jennifer Laude in 2014. “[T]he instant Appeal is denied for lack of merit and assailed [Nov. 18, 2015] Decision and the [March 29, 2016] Order of the Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City, Branch 72 are hereby affirmed,” the CA decision read.

Pemberton’s motion for reconsideration has been junked by the lower court, prompting him to raise his case before the CA. In his petition, Pemberton argued that he killed Laude in self-defense after the latter allegedly molested him. He claimed that he was only defending his dignity and self-respect.

But the CA, in its ruling penned by Associate Justice Marlene Gonzales-Sison, stated that “the only reason why [Pemberton] at-

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President Rodrigo Duterte

by AJPRESS

BATAAN DAY. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes a war veteran during the 75th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan and Veterans Week at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan on Sunday, April 9.

PNA photo by King Rodriguez

PHILIPPINE Vice President Leni Robredo will not oppose any decision to appoint former Senator “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to a Cabinet position, her camp said on Monday, April 10.

Robredo’s spokesperson, Georgina Hernandez, made the statement amid speculations that President Rodrigo Duterte may appoint Marcos as the new Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief, following the dismissal of former Secretary

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Vice President Leni Robredo

Lascañas to testify PNP chief: No Holy Week break in drug war on drug killings

by CECILLE

SUERTE Philstar.com

by NIKKO

DIZON Inquirer.net

SINGAPORE — Retired police officer Arturo Lascañas, who fled the Philippines on Saturday, April 9 said on Monday, April 10 he would testify against President Duterte once a complaint was filed against him in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Wherever I am, I will stand by everything that I said [during] my second appearance [in] the Senate.

Everything I said was the truth,” Lascañas told the Inquirer.

The confessed leader of the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS) that killed drug users and pushers and other criminal suspects allegedly on orders from Mr. Duterte, when the President was the mayor of Davao City, is now in Singapore.

He said his coming to the city-state did not mean he was turning his back on his disclosures about the DDS and Mr. Duterte’s role in the killings in Davao.

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FELIPE

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the observance of Holy Week, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa warned drug pushers and addicts that there will be no break in the war against illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa said the PNP would continue the intensified campaign against illegal drugs even during Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday on April 15.

“No, walang stop.

Continuous, no letup, tuloy-tuloy,” Dela Rosa told a press briefing on Sunday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Dela Rosa said he does not encourage or discourage any police officer to do certain Catholic practices, like carrying the cross or acts of penitence.

“That’s a personal vocation according to their own volition. Kung gusto nila (if they want), go ahead,” he added.

More than a month after the launch of Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded, the PNP said that 107 drug suspects were killed in police operations, indicating the present campaign was “less bloody” than the previous one.

From March 1 to yesterday, Dela Rosa said a total of 107 drug suspects have been killed and 7,940 suspects surrendered in

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Filipinos in Syria ordered to return to Philippines MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs has raised alert level 4 over Syria, requiring all Filipino workers to return to the Philippines due to worsening situation there.

DFA spokesperson Charles Jose on Monday said that while no Filipino was hurt in last week’s chemical attack on a Syrian population, the Philippine government has declared mandatory repatriation to ensure their safety.

Jose admitted, however, that the repatriation order will not immediately be welcome news to the remaining 1,400 Filipinos in Syria. He said many Top government officials on Tuesday welcomed 282 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) fleeing the civil war in Syria.

Inquirer.net photo refuse to leave the war-torn state after

their employers offered to triple their salaries.

“Our Embassy will assist whoever would like to return to the Philippines,” said Jose, who is also the incoming ambassador to Malaysia.

More than 80 people have been killed in a suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in northwestern Syria.

Reports claimed that hundreds suffered symptoms consistent with reaction to a nerve agent believed to be released by the Syrian government. On Friday, the United States fired cruise

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A APRIL 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Duterte calls on US to help fight…

PAGE A1 t extremists have targeted public venues where large crowds gather, citing highprofile public events, tourism infrastructures, and public transportation systems, among others.

“U.S. citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as you make your travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times,” the embassy said.

The embassy also reminded its citizens of “taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines.”

Following the U.S. Embassy’s travel advisory, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that it received reports of a possible terrorist plot in the Central Visayas.

“We’re preparing for that. I was briefed by the regional director of the Police Regional Office 7 that they’re monitoring it, and they have the corresponding actions to thwart this threat,” Police Chief General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said in a press briefing on Monday, April 10, reminding Filipinos to stay calm. n U.S. Chargé D’Affaires Michael Klecheski

COOLING OFF. To beat the heat, a grandmother spends time on a hammock at the Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Monday, April 10.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Robredo won’t object Marcos’ possible…

PAGE A1 t

Ismael Sueno earlier this month over corruption allegations.

Emphasizing that the appointing of the members of the Cabinet depends on the president, Hernandez guaranteed that Robredo will “respect” Duterte’s decision.

“Ang sa atin naman, yung pagtatalaga ng miyembro ng Gabinete, alam natin at tinatanggap po natin na ito po ay desisyon ng Pangulo (We accept the fact that appointing members of the Cabinet depends on the President’s decision, which will be respected

by Vice President Robredo),” Hernandez told DZXL RMN Manila in an interview.

While no decision has been made yet, Marcos — if appointed

— would only be able to assume the role in mid-May, as the Constitution bans defeated candidates from serving any Cabinet post until a year after the election.

“Ang sa atin po basta po malinaw yung plano at yung kredibilidad at yung kakayahan ng taong itatalaga, sana po ay yun po ang ma-consider (As far as we are concerned, we are just hoping that the credibility, competence and the vision of the person would be the things considered),” Hernandez said.

In an earlier interview, however, Robredo described the possibility of Marcos getting a Cabinet position as “scary in the sense that he will again be given an opportunity to do what they did

before,” referring to the reign of his father, former President and dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“There have been several decisions already asking them to pay back whatever they got from the people but all of these judgments are not satisfied yet and now he is aiming for another Cabinet position and for me that is scary in the sense that he will again be given an opportunity to do what they did before,” Robredo said in a television interview last February.

Nevertheless, Robredo maintained that she would respect Duterte’s decision.

“It is always the president’s privilege whom to appoint in his Cabinet but my concern here is

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USCIS hits annual H1-B visa…

PAGE A1 t

up to six months.

“While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for a Form I129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker which requests the H-1B nonimmigrant classification. We will notify the public before resuming premium processing for H-1B petitions,” it said.

Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the

cap, and who still retain their cap number, will also not be counted toward the congressionally mandated FY 2018 H-1B cap.

The agency will continue to accept and process petitions filed to: extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the United States; change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers; allow current H1B workers to change employers; and allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position.

The Trump administration is

reportedly looking to crackdown on H1-B abuses, with the USCIS saying it would conduct site visits of petitioners suspected of misusing the program.

In a statement earlier this month, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it “will not tolerate employers misusing the H-1B visa process to discriminate against U.S. workers. U.S. workers should not be placed in a disfavored status, and the department is wholeheartedly committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting these claims.” (AJPress)

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A APRIL 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front Page

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PNP chief: No Holy Week break in drug war PAGE A1 t

4,973 operations.

From July 2016 until January 2017, a total of 2,555 drugs suspects were killed during the PNP’s campaign against anti-illegal drugs, excluding the number of drug personalities killed by still unknown assailants.

President Duterte, however, suspended Oplan Tokhang following reports that some scalawag policemen were engaged in tokhang-for-ransom, such as the kidnap and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo.

Oplan Tokhang was the centerpiece of the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs. It involved visiting houses of suspected drug offenders to convince them to surrender or undergo reha-

bilitation.

But after a month, Duterte ordered the PNP to resume its campaign against drugs last March as drug lords reportedly went back to business.

Last March 6, Dela Rosa said the PNP started implementing high value target (HVT) revalidated, Oplan Tokhang revisited and double barrel reloaded.

Under HVT revalidated, Dela Rosa said the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group replaced the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group that was dissolved amid accusations that some policemen used the war on drugs for shakedown operations.

He noted that under the rebooted Tokhang, policemen will be revisiting the houses earlier

subject to knock-and-plea of suspected drug users.

AFP, too The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue its operations against rebels and terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) during the Holy Week.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said no suspension of military operations has been issued for the Lenten season.

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año said soldiers were ordered to continue efforts to defeat the Abu Sayyaf and protect the public from NPA atrocities. (With Michael Punongbayan, Sheila Crisostomo, Louella Desiderio)

Lascañas to testify on drug…

PAGE A1 t

“I will stand by whatever I have said in the ICC or in the impeachment, if needed, up to my last breath because [everything] that I have said is the truth. I said all those things because I followed what God wanted me to do,” Lascañas said.

Safe house discovered He told the Inquirer on Saturday that he was leaving the Philippines because he had received information that people who wanted him dead had learned where his safe house was located. He did not elaborate.

He said he also had learned that lawsuits would be brought against him.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Monday that his committee on public order and dangerous drugs would recommend perjury charges against Lascañas for lying to a Senate inquiry on extrajudicial killings in Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs last year.

The Bureau of Immigration said on Monday that Lascañas showed a return ticket to immigration officers at Clark International Airport in Pampanga province that indicated he would be back on April 22.

Lascañas said, however, that his return to Manila was uncertain. He insisted that he had the right to travel.

Immigration officers did not stop Lascañas from boarding his flight to Singapore because there was no hold-departure order for him. Neither was he on the immigration bureau’s watch list.

Threat to his life Perhaps when I return, I will

consult my lawyers on what I should do. Because in the first place, I left because of the immiment threat to my life,” Lascañas said.

On Monday, the chief of the Philippine National Police, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, referred reporters to the “handler” of Lascañas for answers to questions about the former policeman’s flight.

“Who is his handler? Isn’t it Sen. (Antonio) Trillanes (IV)?”

Dela Rosa said.

Lacson said the family of Lascañas had left for Singapore even before he testified in the Senate for the second time on March 6.

He said he wanted to know who was paying for the trip and accommodations of Lascañas and his family in Singapore.

“It may be worth [finding] out who spent for his and his fami-

ly’s trips and accommodations in Singapore, which is an expensive place to stay,” the senator said in a text message.

Lacson got it wrong. The family of Lascañas traveled with him to Singapore on Saturday, not earlier.

In Singapore, Lascañas said Lacson should best understand his financial situation because the senator had gone through the same experience. “[Authorities] looked for him; a case was filed against him. There were people who believed in his innocence, that he was doing the right thing, that’s why they sympathized with him. That’s the same with me. There are people who believe in me and are taking pity in me. So there are people helping me,” he said.

Perjury charges Lacson said his committee would recommend perjury charges against Lascañas for turning around on his testimony about the DDS. When he faced a Senate investigation of extrajudicial killings in Mr. Duterte’s war on drugs last year, Lascañas denied the existence of the DDS. But on Feb. 20, Lascañas retracted his testimony in a news conference. He confirmed the existence of the DDS and admitted to hundreds of killings that he claimed were ordered by Mayor Duterte.

He said he denied the existence of the DDS last year out of fear for the safety of his family.

(With reports from Maila Ager, Christine O. Avendaño, Philip C. Tubeza And Julie M. Aurelio)

SCHOOL CHAIR DONATIONS. The students of Beatitudes Technology & Theology College in Brgy. Anabu, Imus City, Cavite, happily sit on the plastic chairs donated by Senator Cynthia A. Villar as they, along with teacher had a photo shoot with the senator. Villar has been providing to schools in Metro Manila and nearby places sturdy and durable school chairs made from recyclable plastic wastes. Aside from helping clean the environment, the recycling process also gives livelihood to communities.

Senate photo

Robredo won’t object Marcos’ possible…

PAGE A2 t

that the Marcoses have not paid for what they did to the country,” she said.

In response to speculations, Marcos said he is open to joining Duterte’s Cabinet.

“If the President asks you to serve in whatever capacity, hindi mo pupuwedeng tanggihan (you can’t refuse). Siyempre para sa bansa yan (Of course it’s for the country) and of course I’d be happy, I’d be proud, I’d be honored to serve in any position in the Duterte administration,” he said in an interview.

He admitted that Duterte has not offered him a position “I have not spoken to the president for a... few weeks now so, and never pa namin napag-usapan ang kahit na anong klaseng (we’ve never discussed any kind of) appointment,” he said.

Earlier, Duterte disclosed that he is not planning to appoint Marcos, saying it would affect the latter’s electoral protest against Robredo.

In June of last year, Marcos filed an electoral protest against Robredo before the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presi-

dential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

He accused the vice president of committing massive poll fraud after she won the seat only by a slim margin.

Sought for comments over Duterte’s statement, Marcos said, “I guess I’ll leave that to the lawyers to study, pero pagkaalam ko (as far as I know), it is only during an election that you are abandoning.”

“But don’t worry, I won’t stop until all the votes you gave me have been counted, and we will bring that out in the open,” he added. n

US Marine’s conviction upheld for killing…

PAGE A1 t

alibi, is a defense which can easily be concocted, as it is in this case.”

The order went on to say that Pemberton did not only level Laude unconscious, “but ensured his death by submerging his head inside the toilet bowl.” It dismissed the American’s claim that he had no intention to commit the act.

The court said this “clearly”

shows that Pemberton “intended the natural consequence of his wrongful act.”

“To our mind, placing Laude’s head inside a toilet shows that Pemberton never thought of Laude as a human being, but as a fecal matter due to his sexual orientation,” the CA stressed.

In its decision, the CA affirmed the RTC’s ruling which sentenced Pemberton to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment.

It also raised the civil indemnity and moral damages set by the RTC at P50,000 to P75,000 each.

PAGE A1 t nitions.

The Laude family, meanwhile, missiles on a Syrian air base conActivists and witnesses saw trolled by the Assad regime as a warplanes attacking Khan welcomed the CA’s decision.

Their lawyer, Kabayan partyretaliatory measure.

Sheikhoun, about 50 kilomeThe Syrian military denied us- ters (30 miles) south of the city list Rep. Harry Roque, described ing any chemical agents while its of Idlib, early on Tuesday last Pemberton’s conviction as “an ally Russia said an air strike hit a week, while many were asleep. affirmation of Philippine sovereignty.” (AJPress) rebel depot full of chemical mu- (Philstar.com) tacked Laude was that he was furious at him for pretending to be a woman, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Indeed, a plea of self-defense cannot be justifiably appreciated where it is not only uncorroborated by independent and competent evidence, but also extremely doubtful by itself,” the CA added. “Self-defense, like

Filipinos in Syria ordered…

Dateline USa

Death by 1,000 cuts: How Republicans can still alter your coverage

by Jay

Hancock

Califorina Healthline

THE Affordable Care Act’s worst enemies are now in charge of the vast range of health coverage it created. They’re also discussing changes that could affect a wider net of employment-based policies and Medicare coverage for seniors.

Republicans failed last month in their first attempt to repeal and replace the ACA. But President Donald Trump vows the effort will continue. Even if Congress does nothing, Trump has suggested he might sit by and “let Obamacare explode.”

In California, which has extended coverage to more than 5 million residents under the ACA, fear of losing those gains is a big part of the reason why many of the state’s political leaders, consumer advocates and labor unions are pushing plans for universal health care.

Nationwide, health insurance for the 20 million people who benefited from the ACA’s expanded coverage is especially at risk. But they’re not the only ones potentially affected. Here’s how what’s going on in Washington might touch you.

A 3-year-old lawsuit threatens many plans.

A suit by the Republican-led House challenges some subsidies supporting private plans sold to individuals and families through the ACA’s online marketplaces, also called exchanges.

It has already gained one court victory. By many accounts, it would wreck the market if successful, stranding up to 12 million without coverage.

“It’s the single-biggest problem facing the exchanges,” said Rachel Sachs, a health law professor at Washington University in St. Louis. “That would make insurers not only exit tomorrow but also not want to offer plans in 2018.”

The litigation involves lesserknown ACA subsidies that reduce out-of-pocket costs such as copayments and deductibles for lower-income consumers. These are different from the law’s income-linked tax credits, which help pay for premiums.

Filed in 2014, when Barack Obama was president, the suit could backfire by politically

harming the Republicans now in charge. House leaders have delayed the litigation and said they won’t drop the lawsuit but will continue the subsidies while it gets considered. The administration has not said how it plans to handle the lawsuit.

Policy confusion undermines coverage.

Even if Congress doesn’t repeal the ACA, the continuing battle makes insurance companies think twice about offering marketplace policies for next year.

The less clarity carriers have about subsidies and whether the administration will promote 2018 enrollment, the likelier they are to bail or jack up premiums to cover themselves.

Preserving the subsidies, which limit out-of-pocket costs for lower-income consumers, “is essential,” said Kevin Lewis, CEO of Community Health Options, a nonprofit Maine insurer.

“Markets don’t like uncertainty.

The ‘sword of Damocles’ hanging over our collective heads is unsettling, to say the least.”

Democrats say Republicans are sabotaging Obamacare.

Shortly after taking power, Trump officials yanked advertising designed to maximize enrollment in marketplace plans just before a Jan. 31 deadline. It was partly restored after an outcry.

Then the administration said it would scrap an Obama-regime plan of rejecting tax returns from individuals who decline to say whether they had health insurance — weakening the requirement to be covered.

Trump aide Kellyanne Conway suggested in January the administration might entirely stop enforcing that requirement — the part of the law most hated by Republicans. If officials persist with that message, plans could attract even fewer of the young and healthy members whose premiums are needed to support the ill. That would cause more rising premiums and insurer exits.

“More mischief can be done,” said Dr. Peter Kongstvedt, a health industry consultant and senior faculty member at George Mason University. “It is absolutely possible that some markets will end up with no carriers unless a combination of state and federal government act to preserve the market” with taxpayer money.

President Donald Trump

Trump officials will move to roll back ACA coverage even if Congress doesn’t repeal.

Tom Price, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, has signaled his intent to reverse parts of the ACA through regulation even if Congress doesn’t repeal the law.

For example, Price couldn’t unilaterally eliminate coverage for birth control or maternity care, both of which many Republicans object to on moral grounds or because of cost. But birth control might no longer be free as a preventive benefit. Maybe the administration would let states limit the number of prenatal visits in maternity coverage. Perhaps more employers could gain religious exemption from providing birth control.

Medicaid coverage for lowincome people could shrink.

Obamacare’s coverage expansion included government Medicaid coverage for folks with lower incomes. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia expanded Medicaid to most adults with incomes below about $16,000 for singles and $28,000 for a family of three — although eligibility varies.

Republicans want to reduce the growth of Medicaid spending and give more control over the program to states. Discussions for a Medicaid overhaul focus on replacing ACA provisions with fixed, less-generous federal grants to states.

The spending cuts advocated by the GOP would cause significant financial distress in California, where 14 million people, one-third of the population, are on the state’s version of Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal. Nearly 4 million of them enrolled under the Obamacare expansion.

Even if the ACA survives, it’s likely the administration will give

Binigay nila ang lahat sa iyo.

Ngayon, ikaw naman Sa pamamagitan ng ‘paid family leave’ maaari mong makuha ang bahagi ng iyong kita para alagaan ang iyong pinakaminamahal. Kung hindi ikaw, sino?

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states more say in who gets Medicaid coverage and how much.

Many Republicans favor work requirements for Medicaid recipients and raising out-of-pocket payments for patients.

Under the failed House replacement bill, the American Health Care Act, 9 million people in those states would have lost Medicaid coverage in 2020, estimated the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

At the same time, however, Republican support for the ACA’s Medicaid expansion is growing, which might mean overall cutbacks would be less severe or Medicaid coverage could increase among the 19 states that didn’t expand the program under the ACA. Some Republicans want to overhaul Medicare for seniors.

House Speaker Paul Ryan wants to restrain Medicare growth by giving members fixed, “premium support” payments to buy plans and possibly raise the age of eligibility. Both could lead to less coverage or greater outof-pocket expense.

But the proposal wasn’t part of the Republicans’ replacement bill. Changing Medicare likely would trigger loud objections from AARP and other powerful lobbies. And Trump doesn’t seem inclined to back a change.

“I don’t think … Trump wants to meddle with Medicare or Social Security,” White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said in January.

Job-based coverage could become less generous.

Although ditching Obamacare would end the requirement for large employers to offer health insurance, most companies would keep their plans as a way to attract workers, analysts say.

But that coverage could become less generous. The ACA limits employer-plan members’ annual out-of-pocket cost and also prohibits caps on annual and lifetime benefits. At the same time, it prohibits waiting periods for covering a new worker’s preexisting illness.

Any replacement law signed by Trump might not include those protections.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 12-14, 2017

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OpiniOn

Features

A call for piety

“MAY the virtues of kindness and benevolence that Christ exemplified serve as our inspiration to aid in the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen. Let the story of crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society,” said President Rodrigo Duterte in his Holy Week message to Filipinos this Lenten season.

Despite being a known critic of the Church, Duterte imparted his wish that Filipinos would experience a meaningful and purposeful Holy Week.

“This moment of renewal of our faith sends a message of solidarity to everyone regardless of our denomination. Despite our differences as individuals, may we always choose to embody compassion as Chris has personified,” he added.

As Filipinos flocked to churches on Sunday, April 9 to have their palm fronds blessed—in commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem— Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle reminded the Filipino faithful of how the tradition symbolized the acceptance of Jesus.

“Accepting the real Jesus is accepting His presence among the poor; those who get spat at and insulted in the society; those who kept silent even when they are being slapped. But they are the ones

who have dignity because only God knows the truth. And that’s how Jesus is, and that’s how we should follow Him,” Tagle said.

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ hold a fundamental place in the lives of most Filipino Catholics. It is central, not as an abstract belief, but rather as a medium of experience and tradition that provides continuity in life, structure in the community, and principled purpose for existence.

Remembering these events is more than a history lesson. To many devout Catholics, Holy Week is a chance to reenact the significant moments of Jesus Christ’s life. Pinoy Catholics reflect upon the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through prayers.

Some pray for good health and fortune, while others wish for deliverance. Some ask for a miracle, a few want to give thanks. Regardless of one’s

Editorial

desire behind his or her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith.

Regardless of one’s desire behind his/her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith.

This season’s message is simple: do right by others, through Christ’s example.

ManilaTimes.net photo

The life and times of Jesus Christ leave us with a great example to emulate. We are called to live like saints, not to make a mark in the world through suffering or death, but to appeal similar honest lives.

Saintly people live life the best way they can—to simply make a difference. (AJPress)

Reversing his long-held position, Trump strikes Syria: What changed?

Amid his historic 35 percent approval rating and an ongoing investigation into his alleged conspiracy with Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, President Donald Trump ordered a missile strike on Friday, April 7 in Syria without seeking Congressional approval, following news reports about Syria dictator Bashar Al-Assad slaughtering innocent civilians using chemical weapons on Tuesday.

According to news reports, at least 73 people were killed, 23 of whom were children, in the sarin gas attack in the rebel-held Idlib province.

This “decisive” act from Trump must have been “cathartic” for a lot of people all over the world who found the horrific murder in Syria unacceptable, and felt that something would have to be done to help the people of Syria who has been suffering in the past seven years. To date, close to half a million people have been killed in the civil war waging in Syria, with many civilians forced to flee their country and seek refuge in other countries, even when this escape could mean their deaths.

While CBS News polls show that a majority of Americans support Trump’s decision to launch the measured attack using 59 Tomahawk missiles in Syria, they are reluctant to get more involved in this “war” with the Middle Eastern nation.

More questions arise from Trump’s action. What made Trump change his long-held position in the Syria conflict after aggressively firing tweets for then President Barack Obama to not get involved in the Syria conflict?

Looking back, what were his thoughts about Obama’s possible motive in getting involved in

Syria? Flashback to October 2012: The Fil-Am “Now that Obama’s poll numbers are in tailspin – watch for Perspective him to launch a strike in Libya or Iran. He is desperate.”

In 2013, Obama wanted to launch air strikes against Syria in 2013 when Assad “crossed Gel SantoS-reloS the red line” following a chemical attack on the Damascus suburbs that killed up to 1,300 people.

However, Obama backed down, mainly because he could not get the British Parliament’s support, which deprived America of a key ally in any military action.

When Obama asked for congressional approval pursuant to the rule of law (and Congress voted against it), Trump tweeted: “AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA - IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE U.S. GETS NOTHING!” Obama then reportedly authorized the CIA to begin arming Syria’s rebels fighting Assad in 2013, and the U.S.-led coalition currently provides intelligence, supplies and training to rebel groups — a move that Republicans had criticized Obama for.

During the presidential campaign and even after being elected president, Trump continues to say that his policy is “America first.” In his first address to Congress, Trump said, “My job is not to represent the world…My job is to represent the United States of America.”

Just a week before Assad’s gassing civilians in Syria, Trump continued to maintain a hands-off position.

He said the U.S. diplomatic policy on Syria was no longer focused on making Assad leave power.

However, the Tuesday slaughtering in Syria shocked the world anew. When the news showed gutwrenching videos of people, including helpless babies, dying slowly and painfully because of the gas attack, public outrage all over the world made people ask what the most powerful nation would do to help the Syrian people.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley condemned the UN Security Council for failing to intervene in the Syrian civil war.

“When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action,” she said before the UN Assembly.

Following this, Trump said in a press conference at the White House: “A chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria, against women and small children, and even beautiful little babies, and their deaths, was an affront to humanity.”

“It had a big impact on me. It was a horrible, horrible thing. I’ve been watching it and it doesn’t get any worse than that,” he continued. “My attitude to Syria and Assad has changed very much. You are now talking about a whole different level. What happened yesterday is unacceptable to me.”

Trump said Assad had crossed not only the “red line,” but “many lines.” And on Friday, he

ordered the attack.

What changed?

He had seen thousand being gassed by Assad in 2013. He wasn’t moved then? He wasn’t changed then? Yes, he was not yet president then, but he did not need any classified intelligence reports to see the horrific images that everyone in the world saw four years ago.

Trump had also seen the many babies being killed as many Syrian families tried to escape from the war zone in Syria, which prompted the nations of the world to be in agreement to accept Syrian refugees for humanitarian reasons.

And yet during the presidential campaign, Trump demonized the Syrian refugees, instilling fear among the American people against these people and saying the U.S. should end the Syrian refugee program to protect the American people from terrorists using the Syrian refugee program.

Trump ran on the campaign promise of banning Muslims, and even made it his priority to fulfill this by signing an executive order to ban Syrian refugees indefinitely.

But, what changed? And moving forward, how would this epiphany translate to Trump’s foreign policy? What will be his long-term strategy in Syria and in the Syrian refugee crisis?

The world is watching. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

Cigarettes: The macho killers SOME years ago, I was asked to cre- Street ate an ad campaign to debunk the argument Talk that a non-smoking section in restaurants and other public places could spare non-smokers from the hazards of GreG B. MacaBenta second-hand smoke.

I depicted a public swimming pool where someone urinated at one end of the pool, causing all the swimmers to jump out. The headline read: “Does it make sense to have a non-pissing section in a public pool?”

Indeed, if urinating in a public pool can make others “rest in piss,” second hand-smoke in a public place can literally make folks RIP. While this may seem “punny,” the health risks posed by cigarettes and second-hand smoke are no joke. This harsh reality struck me after I read a paper written by Dr. Edilberto B. Garcia, Jr., president of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Inc., along with a news item about the anti-smoking campaign being waged by Vital Strategies, described as “a global health organization that seeks to accelerate progress on the world’s most pressing health problems.”

I think I’m familiar enough with the hazards of smoking. I used to smoke three packs a day. At the time that I still smoked, no health warnings or scare tactics could keep me away from my “yosi” – not even the fact that, on most mornings, I suffered from smoker’s cough and felt as if a cat had slept in my mouth

I spent my teenage years in the movie industry where smoking was a macho thing. Holding a stick between my fingers or letting it hang from my mouth made me feel like the rugged Marlboro Man in that classic Western-themed TV commercial.

Well, guess what. The Marlboro Man – in fact, four men who played that role in the commercial series - died of lung cancer caused by smoking.

Another macho man, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, who predated Manny Pacquiao in the world boxing hall of fame, was knocked out by lung cancer. He was a chain smoker.

It is no exaggeration to say that smoking is a Macho Killer.

Mercifully I quit smoking before the addiction could inflict any lasting damage on me. I can’t say as much about some of my friends and relatives. An inlaw has a severe case of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which he attributes to years of smoking. His elder brother died a couple of years ago from emphysema, with cigarettes suspected as the culprit. A lawyer friend managed to quit smoking, but it was too late. He died of lung cancer a few months after taking his last puff.

I could rattle off the names of celebrities who succumbed to lung cancer and other respiratory ailments caused by smoking, but that won’t necessarily convince people to kick the habit. The most common excuse is that quitting is

not easy or that it’s too late to stop.

There has to be a very persuasive, hard-to-resist reason to stop smoking.

My motivation was provided by my children.

I had four growing kids for whom I initiated a physical fitness regimen, as an alternative to the temptation of drug use. The tactic worked. Then one day, my eldest son chided me: “Papa, you’re exercising everyday but you’re smoking. Do you know that it’s bad for your health?”

The next day, I stopped. Cold turkey.

None of my children learned to smoke or do drugs and I haven’t touched a stick for almost 40 years.

For different folks, different reasons for kicking the habit can work. According Vital Strategies, the Department of Health reported that over a million Filipinos quit smoking from 2009 to 2015 – down from 17 million to 15.9 million – apparently due to the graphic warning on cigarette packs and the higher taxes on tobacco products.

But that’s still nearly 16% of the population who are at risk, not to mention those endangered by second-hand smoke. Clearly, there is a need for more aggressive anti-smoking action. This should include an executive order, said to be awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte, that will ban smoking in public places and will add more teeth to Republic Act 9211.

RA 9211 – “An Act Regulating the Packaging, Use, Sales, Distribution and Advertisements of Tobacco Products” is actually a “fence-sitter” law because, while it purports to “promote a healthful environment and protect the citizens

from the hazards of tobacco smoke,” the law also provides that “the interests of tobacco farmers, growers, workers and stakeholders are not adversely compromised.” Stake holders include Big Tobacco.

Said Vital Strategies President and CEO Jose Luis Castro, “Public health is best served when a comprehensive set of tobacco control policies are enacted to deter youth from initiating smoking, encourage current smokers to quit, and protect the health of non-smokers who make up the majority of the population.”

Castro added: “Graphic health warnings and the single, unified rate of tax on cigarettes have been positive steps forward, as have regional smoking bans, but a national smoke-free policy and – critically – higher tobacco taxes would help to deliver real reductions in smoking prevalence.”

If I might suggest: Also needed is a sustained and aggressive anti-smoking information campaign on both traditional media and social media, like the one successfully mounted in the US. As a result, in America, smokers are regarded as virtual pariahs.

I also think special attention should be given to second-hand smoke because it poses a more insidious hazard due to the false impression that being a nonsmoker necessarily spares one from the threat. In this regard, I think excerpts from the paper of Dr. Garcia can be very enlightening: “Every week in my clinic I see people harmed by secondhand smoke especially among infants, children and members of their household. The sci-

ence is clear – second-hand smoke can cause a range of harms including respiratory illness, impaired lung function, middle ear disease in children and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, while in adults it can cause lung cancer, stroke, and asthma attacks and delivery of low birth weight infants among pregnant women.

“We call it the invisible killer, because the harm isn’t just in the smoke you can see and smell - nearly 85% of tobacco smoke is invisible and odorless, but causes just as much harm.

“Even brief exposure causes harm.

Just 30 minutes of second-hand smoke increases risk of a heart attack. The national Global Adult Tobacco Survey showed that millions suffer exposure every month: 55% of all Filipinos report breathing second-hand smoke recently on public transport and 33% in restaurants, and 77% who work in a place with no formal anti-smoking policy are routinely breathing in this hazardous cloud of dozens of toxic chemicals.”

Did I say that the anti-smoking campaign has been successful in the US? Read this Google post and weep. Big Tobacco has simply shifted its focus to the Third World: “U.S. tobacco companies have a long history of deceit, deception and duplicity in their relentless pursuit of profit.

These companies have hooked generations of American smokers using the tools of manipulative advertising, disinformation campaigns refuting the health consequences of smoking, and political lobbying. In the process, they have grown into enormous multination-

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A

Dateline PhiliPPines

Duterte vows to bring home OFWS pardoned in Middle East

by AllAn And

BLESSING RITES. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle leads the blessing of palm fronds after his Palm Sunday Mass at Manila Cathedral. At the start of Holy Week, millions of Catholics flocked to churches to have their palm fronds blessed in commemoration of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem of Jesus.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

High pay, prices, jobs are top Pinoy concerns ECONOMIC issues such as higher pay, inflation and job creation were the Filipinos’ most urgent national concerns in March, results of a Pulse Asia survey showed.

Higher pay for workers remained the most urgent national concern of 43 percent of respondents, down by 2 percentage points from December 2016.

The next two economic concerns deemed urgent had the highest percentage increases with controlling inflation or price increases, up by 7 percentage points to 41 percent (from 34

percent), and creating more jobs, up by 8 percentage points to 39 percent (from 31 percent).

The survey, conducted from Mar. 15 to 20, asked 1,200 Filipinos aged 18 and above using face-to-face interviews.

Majority (30 percent to 52 percent) across geographic areas and socioeconomic classes higher pay for workers as the considered most urgent concern.

Other urgent concerns were fighting graft and corruption (still at 31 percent), fighting criminality (28 percent from 33 percent), reducing poverty (27 percent

from 33 percent) increasing peace in the country (18 percent from 23 percent), enforcing the law (16 percent from 17 percent), environmental degradation (15 percent from 11 percent) and rapid population growth (11 percent from 8 percent.)

Also cited as concerns were reducing taxes (11 percent from 12 percent), protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (8 percent from 10 percent), territorial integrity (remained at 6 percent), terrorism as well as changing the Constitution (both

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Palace still committed to improved ties with China

by CAtherine

s. VAlente ManilaTimes.net

MALACAÑANG on Saturday, April 8 allayed the “concern” of China over President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for the military to strengthen its presence in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In a statement, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said that the Philippines remains committed to improving its relations with China.

“The Philippines assures all claimant countries that we remain committed to improving and enhancing our relations with our neighbors and partners in the region,” Abella said.

The Palace official issued the statement after Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying expressed concern following Duterte’s order.

“We hope the Philippine side can continue to properly manage maritime disputes with China and safeguard together the sound and

stable situation of China-Philippines relations,” Hua said.

The Chinese official said her country would continue “defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and safeguarding peace and stability there.”

Abella said Duterte’s order was only meant to assure “the living conditions, safety and personal security of Filipinos in Philippine territory.”

u PAGE A8

nAwAl Frinston lim

Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Duterte on Monday, Paril 10 vowed to fly home overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who had been pardoned in different countries in the Middle East as he embarked on his first trip to the Gulf states.

“If given the clearance, I will fly them home. With me upon my return would be those who were given clemency or pardon,” the President said in Davao City shortly before leaving for the Middle East.

With his scheduled meeting with the leaders of three Gulf states, the President said an agreement aimed at providing more protection to OFWs against abuses was being considered.

Some 5,000 pardoned OFWs in the Middle East would be repatriated by the Philippine government, he said.

Meeting with monarchs Mr. Duterte, who will be meeting the monarchs of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, said his first visit was “a mission to forge deeper, more meaningful and more positive engagement with the Middle East.”

“There is much [at] stake [in] the Philippines’ relations with the Middle East. It is a global center of traditional energy resource.

It is a source of investment with the potential of much growth. It is an expanding [market] for key Philippine products and services and is home to the largest group of Filipinos working overseas,” he said.

The President is set to meet King Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh to discuss “ways to broaden cooperation in security and defense, trade and investments, antinarcotics, labor, energy, education and culture.”

In his meeting with Bahraini Emir Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Mr. Duterte said he hoped to expand the friendship and tap into converging interest to intensify trade and investment between Manila and Manama.

He said he would seek greater cooperation and collaboration with Qatar in his meeting with

President Rodrigo Duterte

Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha, particularly in the field of health and culture.

Peace in Mindanao “I will seek support to our efforts to bring just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” Mr. Duterte said of his first visit to the Middle East.

He is also scheduled to meet Filipinos in the three Gulf states.

“I am excited to see and thank them for the support for our efforts to bring reform and change in our country,” he said.

There are about 760,000 Filipinos living in Saudi Arabia,

around 60,000 in Bahrain and 250,000 in Qatar.

Aside from labor, foreign relations and economic cooperation, illegal drugs and terrorism may be among the topics that the President will discuss with the Saudi king during their meeting on Tuesday.

Like the Philippines, Saudi Arabia has to contend with the entry and use of illegal drugs among foreigners, including Filipinos, according to Consul General Iric Arribas. (With a report From Julie M. Aurelio)

PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY IMINUMUNGKAHING BADYET SA FY2018 Ang Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Awtoridad sa Transportasyon ng Kalunsuran ng Los Angeles County) ay magsasagawa ng isang pampublikong pagdinig sa iminumungkahing badyet nito sa FY2018 (Hulyo 1, 2017 Hunyo 30, 2018) sa 1:00pm sa Miyerkoles, Mayo 17, 2017. Ang pulong ay gaganapin sa MTA Board Room sa ika-3 palapag ng Gateway Plaza Building, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, na matatagpuan sa tabi ng Union Station sa downtown Los Angeles.

Upang humingi ng karagdagang komento mula sa publiko at mga apektado tungkol sa taunang badyet, ang mga talakayan tungkol sa badyet ay nakatakda sa Mayo sa mga Konseho ng Serbisyo ng Metro, Komite sa Pagpapayo ng mga Mamamayan, Komite sa Pagpapayong Teknikal, at sa Subkomite sa mga Pagpapatakbo ng Bus. Bilang karagdagan, ang social media, mga podcast, ang isang interaktibong kasangkapan sa badyet at isang website ay magagamit ng publiko sa paglahok sa proseso.

Ang mga interesadong miyembro ng publiko ay hinihimok na dumalo sa darating na pampublikong pagdinig o alinman sa binanggit sa itaas na mga pulong upang magkaloob ng testimonya. Ang mga taong hindi makadadalo ay maaaring magsumite ng nakasulat na testimonya na tinatakan ng koreo o ipinadala hanggang Mayo 12, 2017. Ang mga komento ay maaaring isumite sa paraang elektronikal sa budgetcomments@metro.net, habang ang pakikipagsulatan sa pamamagitan ng koreo ay dapat ipadala sa: Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012-2932 Attn: Michele Jackson Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng badyet ay maihahanda para sa pamamahagi sa publiko 15 araw bago ang pagdinig at maaaring makuha mula sa Records Management Center (RMC) sa pamamagitan ng paghiling sa e-mail sa RMC@metro.net. Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng badyet ay maaari ring kunin sa RMC sa Plaza level ng Gateway Building, o tingnan online sa http://www.metro.net.

CNS-2993672#

A APRIL 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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PALM FRONDS READY. A vendor prepares to sell palm fronds at Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City ahead of Palm Sunday, which begins Holy Week, the highest point in the Christian liturgical calendar.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

PAGE A6 t

Cigarettes: The macho…

al conglomerates. In recent years, as smoking has declined in the United States, they have begun to look elsewhere for growth.

“While cigarette sales fell by 4.5 percent in North America between 1990 and 1995, they increased by 5.6 percent in Eastern Europe and 8 percent in the Asia-Pacific region. By the turn of the century, per capita consumption in developing countries will be greater than that of developed countries, says the World Health Organization (WHO)…Multinational cigarette companies are flooding developing countries with ads that say smoking is exciting, glamorous and Western. The situation is only going to get worse as more wom-

en and children start smoking.”

I suggest that Vital Strategies should borrow the anti-smoking TV commercial in the US featuring a former Marlboro Man, Wayne McLaren, who died of lung cancer at age 51. After quitting his modeling assignment with Marlboro, he appeared in the anti-smoking campaign until his death.

Said McLaren, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times: “I’ve spent the last month of my life in an incubator and I’m telling you, it’s just not worth it.”

Vital Industries could name the TV commercial, The Macho Killers. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

High pay, prices, jobs are top Pinoy…

PAGE A7 t

at 3 percent from 4 percent).

The Duterte administration obtained major approval scores on national issues, except for reducing poverty (50 percent) and controlling inflation (45 percent), which was the second most ur-

gent concern of Filipinos in the survey.

Seventy-nine percent of respondents expressed highest approval of administration efforts to fight criminality (from 84 percent).

Pulse Asia noted that there had no significant movements in the

administration’s performance ratings between December 2016 and March 2017, except for the decline in the approval rating for its efforts to defend territorial integrity which was down by 8 percentage points to 57 percent (from 65 percent). (Inquirer.net)

Palace still committed to improved ties with…

PAGE A7 t

“The President’s position on the matter is clear and has nothing to do with politics. His instructions cover only existing Philippine facilities and Philippine territory,” he said.

In remarks during a camp visit in Palawan last Thursday, Duterte ordered the military to deploy troops and fortify unoccupied islands and reefs claimed by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. Duterte also bared a plan to visit Pag-asa Island, a municipality under Palawan province, and

raise the Philippine flag there on June 12, Independence Day. Abella clarified that Duterte merely wanted Philippine-occupied territory in the South China Sea to be “developed.”

“He wants to develop what we have already occupied,” Abella said.

On Friday, Gen. Eduardo Año, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, said the military would reinforce troops stationed on eight islands and a shoal, and could still take over territory within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive eco-

nomic zone.

“But we need to put up structures where our troops can stay. I cannot give you the numbers and location for security reasons,” said Año in a text message.

The Philippines controls 10 areas in the West Philippine Sea: Pagasa (Thitu) Island, Likas (West York) Island, Parola (Northeast Cay), Lawak (Nanshan) Island, Kota (Loaita) Island, Patag (Flat) Island, Panata (Lankiam Cay), Rizal (Commodore) Reef, Balagtas (Irving) Reef, and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. n

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A10

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

President Rodrigo Duterte

Pres. Duterte’s visit to Middle East to generate $650-M investments

by Roy

Stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Duterte’s visit to the Middle East this week is expected to generate more than $650 million worth of investment commitments, which would be registered as part of the second-quarter pledges under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

Peza Director General Charito B. Plaza noted that investors from Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia had given their investment commitments following the agency’s roadshow in February.

These pledges, which cover a wide range of industries from information technology to agriculture, would be firmed up with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), she said. The combined amount was much bigger than the $500 million she previously announced.

“Peza is in the front line of

u PAGE B2

Why Philippine rice crop should make headlines

by MaRgaux

SalCedo

Inquirer.net

HOW do you tell the world about how beautiful the Philippines is? Here’s a unique way: Tell them about the produce of our land.

If Colombia is known for coffee and Venezuela is known for cacao, what is the Philippines known for? It certainly shouldn’t be corruption or extrajudicial killings.

I was told that once upon a time, we were known for our

rice. In fact, agriculturists the world over came to the Philippines to learn how to achieve better production of rice from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Today, however, we are only the eighth largest rice producer in the world. Worse, in 2010, we became the largest importer of rice in the world.

But in spite of these statistics, the Philippines can still be known for its rice. How? By virtue of the unique rice varieties

u PAGE B2

TM

by Ben

o. de veRa Inquirer.net

THE peso hit an intraday high of 49.7:$1 and a low of 49.88:$1 after opening at 49.88:$1.

The close on Monday, April 10 was stronger than last Friday’s 50.08:$1. The peso had slid to the 50:$1 level, the weakest in over a decade, since Feb. 17.

The total volume traded more than dou-

bled to $1.12 billion from $504.5 million last Friday.

“Our traders receive report that the market seems to be encouraged by the good prospects of the government’s tax reform package and tax amnesty plan. As you know, we have expressed support of such a plan because from a monetary perspective, over the medium term, that is going to be a positive for price stability,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guini-

gundo said in a text message to reporters, referring to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III’s pronouncement last week that the government was eyeing massive tax amnesty akin to that implemented in neighboring Indonesia.

The Duterte administration’s proposed comprehensive tax reform program is aimed at funding public infrastructure buildup, which entails trillions in pesos in invest-

u PAGE B2

PH auto industry still second-fastest growing

by RiChMond

S. MeRCuRio

Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine automotive industry maintained its position as the second fastest growing market in Southeast Asia despite a slowdown in sales in February, but lost Latest data from the ASEAN Automotive Federation showed the Philippine its regional leadership in terms of moautomotive industry’s 17.4 percent growth in the first two months was the torcycle sales growth. second fastest increase in the region, next to Myanmar’s 35.9 percent yearLatest data from the ASEAN Automoon-year acceleration.

File photo tive Federation showed the Philippine

automotive industry’s 17.4 percent growth in the first two months was the second fastest increase in the region, next to Myanmar’s 35.9 percent yearon-year acceleration.

The Philippines moved up to become the second fastest growing automotive market in Southeast Asia in the opening months of 2017 after consistently being ranked third throughout last year.

For February alone, the Philippines

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u PAGE B3

Business news

B APRIL 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Del Monte streamlining operations in US

by Doris

Philippine heirloom rice at Madrid Fusion Manila.

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

FRESH from a $200-million fundraising, Campos family-led Del Monte Pacific Ltd. (DMPL) plans to streamline its operations in the United States, improve margins by exiting the nonbranded manufacturing business and focusing on its branded consumer business.

DMPL—which Oon Monday, April 10 raised the curtain for the dollar-denominated securities (DDS) trading platform of the Philippine Stock Exchange with the listing of $200 million worth of preferred shares sold to the domestic capital market—was also planning to expand to Latin America and continue to grow its businesses in Asia-Pacific.

In the Philippines, DMPL plans to increase its pineapple producNina Daza Puyat tion this year by 20 to 750,000 tons from year-ago level. This is faster than the 8-10 percent average growth seen in previThat is the importance of Ma- ous years as the company was drid Fusion Manila (brought coming from a low base in 2016, to Manila by Madrid Fusion/ when the El Niño dry spell adLourdes Plana, Arum Estrate- versely affected output. gias’ Inigo Cañedo and Mielle In a briefing after the listing of Esteban, and the Philippines’ De- its $200-million preferred shares partment of Tourism). on the local bourse, DMPL chief And Berna Romulo Puyat gets finance officer Parag Sachdeva it.

If the international chefs who come here pick up on our products, they should go home talking about “this great Philippine PAGE B1 t rice from Ifugao called Tinawon” ments, through additional taxes or “this rice that is purple in color on consumption, while also easfrom the Philippines’ Mountain ing the burden on personal and Province.” corporate income taxpayers.

Madrid Fusion Manila was “Infrastructure spending is a held from April 6 to 8 at SMX. winning proposition for everyCongratulations to Tourism Sec- one. I also believe that the counretary Wanda Teo, Department try’s sustained positive macroof Tourism (DOT) Director Verna economic outlook on growth and Buensuceso and the rest of the price stability helped convince the DOT team and private partners market that it needed to consoliMarisa Nallana, Joel Pascual and date and reconsider its unfavorJing Lagandaon for a successful able view about the peso. Despite Madrid Fusion Manila for the some political noise, the economy third year in a row. n is well on its track of demonstrat-

Why Philippine rice crop should…

PAGE B1 t

that our lands offer.

Heirloom rice According to Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat, there are over 300 varieties of heirloom rice in the Cordillera region alone. Puyat, since becoming part of the Department of Agriculture, has been going to the Cordilleras, where she has gotten well acquainted with indigenous varieties such as Chong Ak, a plump, rust-red and seed-coated variety.

Have you even heard of this variety? Don’t worry, not even some of our best chefs have.

So Puyat, who is in charge of the “regional lunches” for Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM), made the largest gastronomy festival in Asia a platform to promote Philippine rice. (The first day’s lunch with the theme “Rice” was curated by Inquirer/F&B Report’s Angelo Comsti, the second day was curated by Nina Daza Puyat, and the third day was curated by Town & Country’s Alicia Colby Sy.) The result has been a journey of discovery for both chefs and non-chefs.

Chef Miko Aspiras, speaker at Madrid Fusion Manila 2016, was elated with what he discovered when he created rice dishes for the MFM first day lunch. One of the items he created was sourdough made with fermented black rice.

“Imagine, we did not use yeast,” he said excitedly. “Fer-

mentation of the black rice was our leavener.”

Aspiras, working with chefs Peachy Juban and Kristine Lotilla, wowed audiences at the regional lunch by creating an “edible wall” with three desserts using rice: A mochi lollipop using Kalinga Apayao heirloom rice and puffed Mountain Province violet rice; a cookie feuille using heirloom brown rice; and an empanada with kiping (a leafshaped wafer made of rice paste that is a signature of Lucban, Quezon) made using four varieties of heirloom rice including South Cotabato black rice.

The three pastry chefs also created an interactive art installation featuring 22 desserts using Philippine rice, of course, including varieties of kakanin, and a horchata ice cream using roasted black rice.

Ambassadors These are things that excite chefs who, in turn, excite tourists who want to try their creations.

Rene Redzepi even went so far as to move Noma, four times named World’s Best Restaurant, to Mexico to discover exciting new produce to play with. Bibo in Madrid by Dani Garcia presents Peruvian ceviche to its customers, talking about the use of tiger milk as if they had known it all their lives.

Then the chefs and restaurants around the world become ambassadors of the countries whose products and cooking techniques they use.

said that while the US business under Del Monte Foods Inc. had seen some decline in sales volume, the group was “very confident about its performance in the coming years.”

In the next two to three years, he said plans would be in place to increase US revenue and cash flow, trim costs and improve operating margins.

“We are reviewing our strategic footprint, particularly on the plants and distribution network.

In the next 12 months, we will be making those calls to see where the opportunities to streamline our asset base are and that will be one of the major steps to improve our Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and gross margins.

US subsidiary DMFI has 12 manufacturing plants in the US and 12 to 14 distribution centers.

DMPL chief operating officer Cito Alejando said the priority would be to grow the branded consumer business in the US, which accounted for 80 percent of the group’s portfolio.

“That (branded business) is very profitable. Twenty percent (of the portfolio) is on the private label which we are considering

to exit because they give lower margins and our strategic thrust is to grow branded business,” he said.

The private label business refers to the manufacturing of unbranded products, typically for other companies that sell them under their own label.

The US business’ shift to a “branded business play,” Alejando said, would increase gross margins and provide the “oxygen” for advertising and promotion of the branded products.

The group also plans to streamline the logistics side of the business. Some of its distribution centers are being rented while others are outsourced. “That is being studied right now. Before the end of this calendar year, we will have news as to how we will rationalize our network,” he said.

The coming fiscal year, he said, would be all about increasing the branded businesses, including vegetables, fruits and tomato.

Outside of the US, Alejandro said DMPL would continue to expand operations, particularly in India and the Philippines.

In India, Sachdeva said the group would look at expansion opportunities, both organic and inorganic. n

ing its good performance despite the risky operating environment,” Guinigundo said.

The peso was the worst performing currency in the region during the first quarter, as it depreciated by an average of 0.88 percent whereas other currencies strengthened against the US dollar.

For Land Bank of the Philippines market economist Guian Angelo S. Dumalagan, “the peso’s appreciation might be attributed to profit taking ahead of the long weekend.”

“It might also be a reflection of foreign investors renewed interest in the Philippines, as evidenced by the surge in local stocks in the past few days,” Dumalagan added.

However, Dumalagan said that he deemed “the peso’s recent strength might be short-lived considering that the US is still generally on track to hiking rates two more times this year.”

“Expectations of more US fiscal stimulus might also lead to a generally weaker peso this year,” according to Dumalagan. n

Peso returns to 49:$1…

Pres. Duterte’s visit to Middle East to generate…

PAGE B1 t

the MOU signing of the investment pledges that it was able to get from the Middle East. After the MOU signing, they will come over to register their companies.

It will fall under the second quarter [investment pledges],” she said.

President Duterte will be in the Middle East starting Monday, April 10 raised until April 16 and

will visit Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. During his visit, the President will witness the signing of the MOUs between Peza and the foreign investors.

The investment promotion agency’s foray in the Middle East comes as Plaza targets to “triple or quadruple” investment pledges this year following a 26-percent decline in commitments in 2016 to P218 billion from P295

billion in 2015.

The pledges from Middle Eastern companies are expected to create a total of 21,170 jobs once these projects start operations here in the Philippines. Plaza deferred from naming the specific companies before the actual signing of the MOU this week.

When broken down, it would show that the bulk of the pledges will come from Saudi Arabia, ac-

counting for a combined $465.34 million. These are commitments for a total of seven projects, which, once in operation, will generate 15,770 jobs.

Qatar, on the other hand, will commit $175 million involving 10 projects that will bring new jobs to 4,400 people. Only one project is from UAE, promising $10 million worth of pledges that will create a thousand jobs. n

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

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA LOU’S story is always worth retelling. Lou Xiaoying is one remarkable Chinese woman who is a beacon of light, a ray of hope and a surge of warmth in a world that has grown dark and cold.

I wrote about Lou a few years back to shine a light on the life of a woman, who despite humble circumstances, managed to save the lives of babies salvaged from the trash heap, apparently discarded by women in compliance with China’s draconian one-child policy to curb its population growth.

Contrast Lou’s life with that of a 25 year-old New Jersey woman who claims she is not ready for her pregnancy, filmed her own abortion, with full make-up, lights and gazing at the camera and exclaiming with joy at the end of the procedure purportedly to “inspire” and show women that abortion is a positive experience. She even writes about it in one publication. Notice I refuse to give a shout out to her name or the publication’s name. Some bask in infamy and one can show displeasure by refusing to give a shout out.

The woman who is a wannabe actress of low-budget slasher horror movies which slaughter children works as an abortion counselor. She says, “I feel in awe of the fact that I can make a baby. I can make a life…” Sadly, it was a life that she chose to end coldly. The delusional woman, as if reading from a script even says at the end of the murderous procedure, “Yay, Cool! I feel good.”

She decides to keep a sonogram of the baby as a memento.

Did she even bother to ask the father of the child? Even more disturbing is the distinct possibility that she may have become

Business news

Two women, a boy and the jellyfish “…The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …” pregnant to create a prop so she can pull this contemptible youtube stunt and become an internet sensation. If she did, this makes it all the more egregious and revolting.

This stunt she pulled at the expense of an innocent life to grab her few minutes of dubious fame cries out for justice and she will be held to account. The laws of karma are irrevocable, sometimes swift, sometimes slow, but without bone marrow-deep repentance, comes without fail in due season.

There is still hope for humanity. The response had been worldwide revulsion and condemnation at the celebratory tone of her scripted abortion. At the very least, women who see abortion as a solution to a complex problem do so in a somber, quiet way, head bowed down, away from the limelight.

What has women’s liberation come to these days? Shallow, soulless creatures who call themselves women walk the earth. Fortunately, for every one of this kind of vile woman, there are thousands who shun the limelight and work quietly in the trenches fighting the evil of abortion, women I know like Gerri and Anna Maria and members of the Shield of Roses who have been quietly pounding the pavement, persuading women to consider adoption instead and knocking unceasingly on heaven’s doors with prayer and fasting to help in the struggle against the seem-

ingly prevailing culture of death and darkness.

But let’s get back to Lou. Her story is like a laser light and her story is worth repeating. She lived in the rural countryside in Eastern Zhejiang province. Picture her home. It is a humble hovel, its small yard littered with debris and recyclables. A little boy of 7 plays in the yard. Lou lived in that home with her husband Lin until he passed away 20 years ago.

When I first wrote about Lou in 2012, she was 88 years old and lay languishing of kidney failure in a hospital. Despite pain and impending death, Lou looks beautiful in repose. Her eyes sparkle with joy. A calm peacefulness is etched in her face. If she is still alive, she would be about 93 years old. It has been 5 years and an internet search again show no updates about Lou. At her age and condition, no news is good news.

Lou and her husband made a living scavenging the village trash for recyclables. It was a tough, backbreaking way of life trudging through the streets and sifting through other people’s often filthy and smelly discards.

Over the years, they picked up 30 abandoned babies from the trash heap. Of the 30 foundlings they saved, the couple kept 4 babies to raise themselves and the rest, they gave away to friends and relatives. They have one biological child, a woman, who

u PAGE B4

PH auto industry still second-fastest…

PAGE B1 t

dropped in ranking as the fifth fastest growing market due to a slowdown in vehicle sales while other countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar posted faster growth.

Overall, the region recorded a nine-percent increase in vehicle sales to 507,072 units for the first two months from 464,997 units in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the Philippine motorcycle market lost its position as the fastest growing market in the region in terms of sales growth as of end-February.

The ASEAN Automotive Federation data showed that motorcycle and scooter sales in the country was overtaken by Singapore.

Singapore’s sales posted an 11.2-percent year-on-year

growth while the Philippines recorded a 10-percent jump.

Overall, total motorcycle sales in the region declined 2.7 percent in the two-month period to 1.49 million units from 1.53 million units last year.

In terms of production, total number of locally produced vehicles in January and February stood at 22,651 units, while motorcycles reached 200,997 units. n

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 12-14, 2017

Calendar of Events across

B

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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 APRIL 14

Greenlining Institute Economic Summit in Oakland, CA On Friday, April 14, the Greenlining Institute’s 24th annual Economic Summit will boldly tackle local and national controversies as it focuses on the theme, “Racial Justice on the Frontlines.” With Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza moderating the opening discussion, community activists, political and business leaders will take on such challenging issues as gentrification, tech diversity (or the lack thereof), possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act and the impending arrival of Uber in downtown Oakland. It will be held at Oakland Marriott City Center at 1001 Broadway, Oakland, California. Registration opens 8 a.m., program starts at 8:30 and runs to 5:45 p.m. For more information, please visit www. greenlining.org.

APRIL 15

‘A Musical Odyssey’ in Cerritos, CA Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, Inc. and DreamAgeGroup presents Rudolf Paleaz Golez, an internationally acclaimed Filipino virtuoso pianist in “A Musical Odyssey” on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Other local singing talents will be present at the concert, such as recording artist Sean Collado, aspiring actress and singer Sheila Tejada, Sabrina Oxciano and Samantha Murray. Ticket prices are $35, $65 and $100. Proceeds of this performance will go toward the Pangansian Brotherhood-USA’s scholarship funds, which helps academically successful seniors who are college-bound in both the greater Los Angeles area and the Philippines. The performance will be at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts’ Sierra Room at 12700 Center Court Drive South, Cerritos, California 90703. Interested parties may contact project managers Dan E. Nino at (562) 921-5116 or denino1951@gmail.com; E. Mendoza at (623) 341-6247 or thedreamagegroup@gmail.com; Lino F. Caringal, Jr. at (714) 808-2642 or linojr.caringal@gmail.com; Bong Soriano at (909) 851-1493 or believe1156@gmail.com; Neil Estrada at (562) 301-9972 or bluezero2sixty@yahoo.com; or Feliz Lopez at (562) 572-2301 or fblopezinsurance@msn.com.

APRIL 20

CAUSE’s annual gala in Los Angeles Join Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) for its annual gala on Thursday, April 20. It will be held at LA Hotel’s California Ballroom at 333 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact kim@causeusa.org or visit www.causeusa.org.

APRIL 21

Fundraising event to benefit the first-ever Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum in Las Vegas The Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum (FAHAM) will host “Heritage Celebration - Filipinos Landing in California,” a fundraising event on Friday, April 21, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Dallas Ballroom of Texas Station Hotel and Casino. Festivities include a buffet dinner, arts exhibits, vendor booths, cultural entertainment a native fashion show, a Philippine history presentation, and dance performances. The cultural entertainment will be provided by the FAHAM Cultural Dance Group, Heart of Polynesia, Gina Kim Korean Dance Group, Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas, Sophia Ramos, Sharon Tanyag, and DJ Mike. Emcees will be Amie and Leo Belmonte. The donation is $50 / person. Attire is formal. FAHAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is currently America’s first Filipino American Museum, Archives, Legacy, Culture, Innovation Research Center, and Library Garden founded in Delaware by Mrs. Ditta Camomot, M.Ed., M.A. Its holdings are artifacts, ethological materials, and ecclesiastical, historical, arts and ephemera collections, as well as environmental projects. Texas Station is located at 2101 Texas Star Ln, North Las Vegas, NV 89032. For tickets and more information, please contact Salve Edelman at (702) 418-8968.

A P R I L 23

Afternoon of bowling and networking with Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA) proudly presents an “afternoon of bowling fun and networking” on Sunday, April 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Matador Bowling Lanes at 9118 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325. Enjoy the Sunday afternoon with fun, laughter and meet new friends. Please RSVP to Connie Mapue, secretary of FACC-GLA at (323) 337-7714. Fee for bowlers, $25 / person (FACCGLA members); $30/person for non-members. $15 / person for non bowlers

A P R I L 29

12th annual Sikad ng Bayan bike ride in Anaheim Hills, CA The Sikad ng Bayan (Cycling for the Nation) is an annual bike ride that raises funds to build preschools for less fortunate communities at Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages in the Philippines. It is a non-competitive ride that will be held on Saturday, April 29, where cyclists traverse the Orange and Los Angeles counties. And in true Filipino fashion, this fun ride culminates in a Pinoy-style luncheon where cyclists can get together and know more about Sikad. It will be held at the Yorba Regional Park (7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807). For more information or to register please visit www.sikad.org or call Rey D. at (562) 964-1445 or Robbie V. at (949) 351-8344.

APRIL 30

Filipino Cultural School to host “Sari-Sari Talent Show 2017” in Cerritos, CA Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will host its 2nd annual Sari Sari: Talent Show Fundraiser on Sunday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Josephine’s Cerritos (11305 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Filipino Cultural School, based in Cerritos, CA and other neighboring cities, is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization geared to the preservation and promotion of the Philippine heritage and culture. FCS has and continues to be open to all. Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are interested in Philippine culture are invited to attend. “Sari-Sari” is a Tagalog word for “variety,” and in this talent show, FCS aims to celebrate the diverse talents of our community members in forms of singing, dancing, spoken words, etc., along with some great Filipino food from the restaurant. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for ages 13 years old and above, and $5 for ages 12 years old and under. Door prices will be $15 for ages 13 years old and above, and still $5 for ages 12 years old and under (ticket prices do not include food). The raised funds for the event will go towards helping cover for the cost of venue, insurance, and materials for the FCS Summer Program. For information on how to purchase a ticket and also sign-up to perform in the show, please visit the website http://filipinoculturalschool.org. For any inquiries, feel free to contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@ gmail.com.

M AY 6

Philippine Consulate Outreach Mission in Carson, CA The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles will have an outreach mission in Carson, California on Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at the Carson Community Center Rm. 107 ABC at 801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90746. Services include passport applications (new and renewal), dual citizenship applications, notarization of legal documents, reports of marriage and reports of birth, and overseas voting registration.

Please note that all services are by appointment only; walk-in applications will not be accepted. Please stay tuned for the official notice of online application and scheduling from April 6 to May 5 at www.philippineconsulatela.org. For more information, please contact Riezl Locsin-Pe Benito at (310) 952-1743 or rpebenito@carson.ca.us. This mission is done through the Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles in cooperation with Assemblymember Mike Gipson (64th assembly district), City of Carson Councilmember Elito M. Santarina, Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce—SouthBay Los Angeles Area, Farmers Insurance, Carson Adult Day Health Care Center, Dreams and Visionaries of South Bay, Inc., and the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc.

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

Community Journal

B APRIL 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes GENERALLY, you must have resided in California for at least six months in order to file a divorce in this case. Under Family Code Section 2320, a judgment of marriage dissolution (divorce) may not be entered unless one of the spouses has been a “resident” of California for six months and of the county where the proceeding is filed for three months immediately preceding the filing of the petition. This poses a problem for divorcing couples that has not resided in California for at least 6 months. Couples that moved to California from other states or other countries are faced with this problem because they cannot get divorced until they satisfy the residency requirements. Even a bigger problem is when they need immediate temporary orders from the California Court regarding child custody, child support, management and control of community businesses and property.

The solution for this type of problem is filing nullity or legal separation petition rather than a divorce and amending the petition later on to convert it to a di-

Getting around the six-month residency requirement to file a divorce in California vorce once the residency requirement has been met by one of the parties. Millar v. Millar. Unlike a divorce, there is no residency requirement to filing an Annulment or a legal separation.

The advantage of this strategy is you would immediately have access to the courts and can ask the court for immediate temporary orders needed to maintain the status quo or preserve the marital assets. If domestic violence is involved in the case, the domestic violence issue can be heard in the same court room by the same judge that would be hearing the divorce case. In addition, service on the legal separation petition (to be amended later to a divorce) will also start the clock on the sixmonth “waiting period” for finality of a judgment terminating marital status, optimizing the time-frame within which the parties will be legally restored to “single” status. As far as the county where to file the legal separation or nullity, venue is proper in the county where either party resided at the time the petition was filed pursuant to CCP 395(a).

Once the parties have satisfied the residency requirements, the

Petition may be amended from legal separation to Dissolution without permission from the Court as long as notice is provided the opposing party under Marriage of Dick. The Petitioner would also be in a safer position if the intent to amend from legal separation/nullity to a divorce is stated in the initial Petition. ***

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article (Advertising Supplement) is not a solicitation.

Two women, a boy and the…

PAGE B3 t

is now past 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and already a widow, she saved one more baby from the trash.

She said, “Even though I was already getting old I could not simply ignore the baby and leave him to die in the trash. He looked so sweet and so needy. I had to take him home with me … My older children all help look after Zhang Qilin … I named him after the Chinese word for rare and precious.”

Lou’s story is riveting for its simple, unquestioning reverence for life despite living in stark poverty. She didn’t start out wanting to rescue foundlings but in 1982, her heart was touched when she found the first child, a baby girl, who was lying helpless and abandoned amongst the trash.

“Watching her grow and become stronger gave us such happiness and I realized I had a real love of caring for children …

These children need love and

care. They are all precious human lives. I do not understand how people can leave such a vulnerable baby on the streets. I realized if we had strength enough to collect garbage how could we not recycle something as important as human lives?”

Since 1978, the Chinese communist government has enforced, with few exceptions, its one-child policy. Families are prevented from having more than one child under pain of penalty. Those who abide by the rule are given bonuses and incentives. Boys are preferred in Chinese culture so that couples who want a son feel compelled to throw away infant girls. It is claimed that the policy prevented the birth of 400 million babies.

Lou’s life story bears resemblance to the story of the little boy and the jellyfish.

There was once a little boy walking on the beach. He noticed that as the tide receded, there were thousands of jellyfish being washed up and lay stranded

helpless on the shore. He picked them up one by one and began tossing each jellyfish back into the water, into the sea where they can survive and live.

A man also walking along the shore watched the boy in utter disbelief. To him, the boy was trying to do the impossible. Shaking his head, the man approached the boy and asked, “Hey, kid, what do you think you’re doing? You can never make a difference. There are thousands of jellyfish. You’ll only save a few of them.”

The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …”

Each precious human life saved certainly made a difference to that one life. ***

Editor’s note: This column is one in a series written by University of California President Janet Napolitano as part of a partnership with New America Media, whose members include this publication.

With letters of admission to the University of California in hand – and congratulatory emails in their computer inboxes – students across the state are contemplating their futures.

If you’ve been admitted to next fall’s incoming class, I want to personally congratulate you, welcome you to the UC family, and urge you to seize this golden opportunity.

This is an exciting time at the University of California. More California students are studying at UC today than at any other time in its history. The entering class this past fall was our most diverse class ever. And the number of students who transferred from community colleges jumped nearly 14 percent. We have high hopes that the class entering this fall will continue to build on this progress. We hope you will choose to become part of the best public research university in the world.

As a research university, UC offers unique opportunities to learn alongside a worldclass faculty that not only teaches but creates knowledge. If you choose to accept admission to a UC campus, you will have the chance to participate in cutting-edge research, tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Don’t let financial worries hold you back.

If your family’s income is less than $80,000 a year, and you qualify for financial aid, UC’s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan ensures you will pay nothing in tuition. Nearly 40 percent of UC undergraduates receive federal Pell grants.

And because we know that the cost of going to college is not limited just to tuition, we work

Debt Relief Atty. lAwrenCe yAng (Part 2 of 2)

HERE are some more misconceptions about bankruptcy that we did not discuss last week: 1. Will I lose my house?

Normally, debtors get to keep their residence as long as their equity in the house does not exceed the applicable homestead exemption. If the equity of the house is within the limits of the homestead exemption, then the house does not become part of the bankruptcy estate that is subject to trustee administration for the benefit of creditors. In other words, there is no risk of losing the house to the trustee in a Chapter 7 case. Real estate values are high now after losing half their values between 2007 and 2009 during the mortgage crisis created by Wall Street greed with their bundle mortgages. If you recall, it was easy to buy a house for a couple of years before the mortgage crisis. You could buy a house with zero down with no income qualification. All you had to do to buy a house then was have a name and social security number. You did even have to be alive. Even if you were buried six feet underground, as long as you had a social security number, there was a house of your dreams waiting for you to move into. In

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA

ESTATE and gift tax basics • Form 706 must be filed: 1) To elect portability regardless of the size of estate, to transfer deceased spouse unused exemption (DSUE) to surviving spouse; 2) Gross estate plus adjusted taxable gifts and specific gift exemption valued in excess of $5,490,000 if death take place in 2017 or $5,450,000 if in 2016.

• Exclusion amount. The DSUE from the estate of the predeceased spouse and basic Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is exclusion is the total exclusion SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To amount.

• The exclusion amount could send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ be applied to taxes due from lifeasianjournalinc.com time gifts and transfers at death.

• The return Form 706 and payment of tax is due within 9 months after death..

• Form 4768 is used to file an extension to file and pay estate and generation skipping transfer taxes.

• Form 709 must be filed by April 15 after making the gift.

• Form 8892 is used to file an extension of time to file Form 709 and payment of gift generation skipping transfer tax.

• Filing of gift tax return is generally not required if gift is not more than the annual exclusion $14,000 for gifts made in year 2013 through 2017.

• Gift splitting allows married couple to gift someone up to $28,000. Both couple must file gift tax return to show gift splitting

UC PRESIDENT TO ADMITTED STUDENTS: A UC education will open doors to your future President Janet Napolitano University of California

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

by Janet napolitano

hard to help keep the total cost of attending UC manageable.

If you’re worried about student loan debt, it’s important to know that half of our undergraduate students leave UC with no debt – and the other half graduate with an average of about $20,000 in student loans. That’s about what a new car might cost. But while the value of a new car decreases the second you drive it off the lot, a UC degree only increases in value.

Students across the socioeconomic spectrum attend and graduate from UC every year. Forty-two percent of our undergraduates are the first in their family to attend college.

Nearly two-thirds of UC undergraduate students complete their work toward a degree in four years, and 85 percent graduate within six years.

These statistics all illuminate why attending and graduating from UC could be a great decision for you. But it’s not just about graduation, it’s about aspiration. At this moment, a decision to attend UC could be the start of a lifetime of learning, and the catalyst for unmatched opportunities.

So I encourage you to seize the moment and send in your intent to register by May 1.

We look forward to helping you find and fulfill your aspirations at the University of California, and beyond.

Common misconceptions about bankruptcy fact, a lot of dogs with fake social security numbers were able to buy houses too. I kid you not.

I had many clients back then with minimum wage jobs who were able to buy $1.0M mansions. The idea was to keep the house for a few months then sell it for a profit. Since house prices kept on going up, the $1.0M mansion that you bought with zero down would be worth $1.2M in 3 months. After deducting holding costs of $30K, there was a cool profit of $170K to be made in 3 months. Practically everyone and their mothers became mini Trumps. Some would buy ten rental properties with the intention of selling them in a couple of months for a profit of $50K each. With ten rentals, you could make $500K in 6 months.

Do it twice in a year, and you could be a cash millionaire in one year. I had clients with rentals in Texas, Arizona, Florida, and of course here in California. They all became landlords. Then, the bubble exploded and real estate lost more than half their values at their peak.

Well, real estate values are now back up even surpassing their peak just before the bubble burst. So debtors now have to pay attention to what the current value of their houses are. It’s easy to get an appraisal of the current value of your house. You can go

on line and have an e-appraisal done in less than two minutes.

The homestead exemptions in California are $75K for a single person, $100K for a person with a qualifying relative who lives in the house, and $175K for seniors who are at least 65, or 55 but who earn less than $35K with the spouse. For instance, your house is now worth $500K and the balance of your first mortgage is $325K. You just turned 65 yesterday. Then, your house is exempt because the entire equity of $175K is covered because you are 65.

If you the equity of your house in just in excess of the homestead exemption, the better part of caution requires that you file a Chapter 13, not a 7. Chapter 13 trustees do not have the power to sell debtor houses but Chapter 7 trustees do have that power.

2. What happens to the cars?

There are two systems of exemption. You choose one of them. You cannot mix them both.

System one allows $3,050 for the equity of one car while system two allows $5100 for the equity of any number of cars. Let’s say you have a 2015 Mercedes Benz E 350 with a loan balance of $38K while the current value of that car is $35K. You also have 2015 SUV Land Rover with a loan balance of $45K. That SUV

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What’s new: Death of a taxpayer agreement even if gift split is less than annual exclusion amount.

• Estate is a taxable entity separate from the deceased person and is created upon death of an individual until assets final distribution to beneficiaries.

• Administration of the estate start from the time of death and continues to exist until the estate assets are distributed to the beneficiaries.

• Income earned during the administration period of the estate must be accounted and reported by the estate.

• Must file Form 1041 estate income tax return: 1) estate gross income is more than $600; 2)even if less than $600 if at least one beneficiary of domestic estate is a nonresident alien or NRA. • Estate allowable deductions that passes from the decedents estate include: funeral expenses paid out of estate, decedent debts owed at the time of death, marital deduction or property that passes to the surviving spouse, charitable deduction generally the value of the property that passes to a qualifying charity, and state death tax deduction (estate, inheritance, legacy, succession taxes).

What is IDGT or intentionally defective grantor trust?

• IDGT is an irrevocable trust frequently created to benefit grantors spouse and heirs.

• For income tax purposes in general, grantor trust is ignored.

Treatment for income and deductions belongs directly to the

grantor.

• The IDGT is funded by 1) irrevocable gift to the trust or 2) sale of asset in an installment sale to the trust; and are disregarded for income tax purposes.

• Advantages: Irrevocable gift to the trust by the grantor of appreciating assets 1) income is retained by the trust and passes to beneficiaries; 2) avoids transfer taxes on the assets if there is significant increase in value of the assets.

• Installment sale of appreciating assets to the trust by the grantor: 1) there is no taxes due from gain on sale of asset, treated as the grantor sold the assets to self; 2) receive an interest-bearing promissory note in exchange for the asset; 3) interest can be used to pay income taxes or leave in the trust increasing grantors gift; 4) there is no gift tax liability if value of the property sold is the same as the value of the promissory note.

Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, or a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

Community Journal

13th Annual Archdiocesan Celebration of Santacruzan in Los Angeles THE Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles invites you to its 13th Annual Santacruzan on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 2:45 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012).

There will be a free retreat for key participants, presentation of “Sagalas” – young girls and women comprising the Court of Honor for the Procession of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Eucharistic Celebration, Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Flower Offering, and a Procession accompanied by a “Banda Musiko.” The theme of the celebration is “Mary, Full of Grace, Virgin of Mercy!”

The celebration is capped with a Dinner-Dance (with ticket purchase) at Casa Italiana, 1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Please contact: Florie Pimentel at (818) 641-8690 or fpimentel08@ gmail.com; Eric Cordeta at (310) 9305443 or epcordeta@juno.com. n

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 12-14, 2017

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Common misconceptions about…

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is currently valued at $40K. Will you be able to exempt these two luxury vehicles if you filed for Chapter 7? Of course you can. Why? Because both cars have zero equity. In order to keep these two cars, you have to continue making timely payments even if you filed for bankruptcy and you may have to reaffirm the car loans. Some creditors do not require reaffirmation. Some do. For creditors who require reaffirmation, even if you are current on the car payment, they have the right to repossess if no reaffirmation was timely filed and approved by the Judge.

3. Can you keep your retirement accounts?

Generally speaking, retirement accounts are exempt up to $1.0M. So most debtors do not have any problem exempting their retirement accounts.

Most people do not have $1.0M of retirement funds. I tested the retirement exemption once a couple of years ago when client had almost $920K of retirement funds. He was given an early retirement at the age of 55 and he opted for a lump sum retirement

of $920K. His retirement account had ballooned into $920K because the stock market was on the rebound from the 2007 market crash. Once the money was paid to him he had 60 days to roll it into an IRA. Since the money was large and was had not yet been rolled into an IRA, I was concerned that the trustee might dispute the status of the funds as not being retirement funds since the $920K had not yet become an IRA, although debtor’s intent was to make it an IRA. He was still in the process of looking for a financial advisor.

Fortunately, the trustee did not dispute the applicable exemption that we used to cover the $920K. 4. Can you continue operating your business?

In Chapter 13, operating a business is absolutely no problem. In a Chapter 7, you can continue operating your business if certain conditions are met. If the business is a sole proprietorship, debtor must exempt the net worth of the business and must have liability insurance for the business that is enough to satisfy the

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

trustee that the insurance is big enough to cover any potential liability from a third party. If the business is an S or C corporation, LLC or partnership, debtor must exempt the value of his shares in the corporation, LLC or partnership.

(Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advise to any reader. There is no attorney client relationship established by this article with reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with Attorney. First general consultation is free.)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.”

— Romans 15:13

*** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

B APRIL 12-14, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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The Asian Journal

MDWK

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 12, 2017

The meaning of Holy Week

Palm Sunday is observed by Catholics in the Philippines every year.

soldier who pierced the side of the crucified Jesus. Longinus was blind in one eye, and as blood gushed from Jesus’ body, a drop fell into his eye and restored his vision eventually making him a believer of Christ and an enemy of rome.

‘Morion’ means mask, and was once a standard part of a roman soldier’s helmet. Thus, colorful roman costumes, painted masks and helmets characterize this uniquely Filipino festival. Apart from several parades, mask paintings, and processions, one of the most entertaining activities in the festival is a reenactment of Longinus’ story. Longinus runs around town, hiding inside houses and markets, climbing trees and lampposts, losing himself in the crowds of tourists just to escape the morions pursuing him. This festival culminates on Easter Sunday.

“Sinakulo” “Sinakulo” are Lenten plays narrating the life, suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To present the entire story, plays are held each night beginning from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

“Visita Iglesia” In the evening of Maundy Thursday, the Mass of the Last Supper is celebrated in churches all across the Philippines. After the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is put in an Altar of repose or “monumento.” After that churches remain open for visitors or as Filipinos would call it, the “Visita Iglesia.”

“Siete Palabras” or Seven Last Words The main activity on Good Friday is the “Siete Palabras” or Seven Last Words, starting in churches from 12 noon and ending at 3 p.m. when Jesus died. Then there would be a three-act liturgy, and a procession of religious images at the end. The religious images are often veiled in black and car-

ried through towns in carrozas (carriages). Its highlight would be the image of the dead Jesus.

In the evening, the Soledad Procession commences. The highlight of this procession would be the search of Jesus by the tres marias (Three Marias, referring to Maria Magdalena, the sinner turned saint; Maria Cleofe, mother of the apostle James the Younger; and Maria Jacobe, mother of the apostles James the Greater and John).

“Penitensya” Many Filipinos also participate in taboo practices, which the Catholic Church prohibits and does not endorse. These include “penitensya” or selfflagellations and crucifixions.

Especially in the province of Pampanga, devotees re-enact Jesus’ suffering by having themselves nailed to crosses.

This Kapampangan tradition began in 1955 after writer ricardo navarro came up with the play narrating Jesus’ story, and the actual crucifixions followed in 1962. Many also dress up as Jesus Christ, walking barefoot, and carrying life-size crosses around town for the entire day. In “penitensya,” hooded men whip their backs as a form of repentance for their sins. Thousands of locals and foreign tourists flock to see this extreme Filipino tradition every year.

“Salubong” On Easter Sunday, Filipinos celebrate the “Salubong,” a 4 a.m. vigil commemorating the meeting of the Mary and the risen Jesus. It is also a welcoming rite for the Son of God. The image of Mary will be brought to the image of Christ at a local church, where people throw flower petals and sing songs of glory. Everyone is happy that Jesus is alive again, and families celebrate by preparing feasts. (AJPress)

“Sinakulo” are Lenten plays narrating the life, suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To present the entire story, plays are held each night beginning from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

Interesting facts about Easter Sunday EASTEr is the Sunday that marks the end of the Holy Week and is greatly influenced by the Christian faith as it reminds believers to remember the sacrifice of the Son of God. Others think of it as a time of celebration with Easter eggs, bunnies and peeps. So to celebrate, here are a few interesting facts about Easter: • The name “Easter” originated from “Eastre,” the Anglo-Saxon goddess who symbolizes the hare and egg. From the very early times, the egg has been considered as the most important symbol of rebirth.

• The traditional act of painting eggs is called Pysanka.

• The white lily, the symbol of the resurrection, is the special Easter flower.

• The initial baskets of Easter were given the appearance of bird’s nests. The maiden chocolate eggs recipes were made in Europe in the 19th century.

• next to Halloween, Easter holidays paves way for confectionary business to boom. Each year, about nearly 90 million chocolate bunnies are made for Easter. Seventy-six percent of people prefer eating the ears of this yummy treat first.

• The most popular treat for the holiday though are jel-

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‘Hosanna to the Son of David.

Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Holy Monday On Holy Monday we commemorate Jesus’ return to Jerusalem with his disciples.

Along the way, Jesus cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit. Some scholars believe this cursing of the fig tree represented God’s judgment on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Israel.

Others believe the symbolism extended to all believers, demonstrating that genuine, living faith is more than just outward religiosity. True faith must bear spiritual fruit in a person’s life.

When Jesus arrived at the Temple he found the courts full of corrupt money changers. He began overturning their tables and clearing the Temple, saying, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of

In a country where roman Catholics make up 81 percent of the population, it is no surprise that Filipinos have numerous traditional events during Holy Week. In the early days, these traditions and practices religiously for people to reflect on their sins and the sacrifice Jesus Christ has made.

However, the onset of modern technology has introduced these traditions to other countries that they become more of a spectacle, with less emphasis on its significance. At present, these traditions are very much alive and practiced by Filipinos: Palaspas Palm Sunday is observed

by Catholics in the Philippines every year. It is a festive event wherein churchgoers raise their “palaspas” or palm leaves into the air, waiting to be blessed by the presiding priest. When mass is finished, people take their newly blessed palm leaves home. Many attach them onto their windowsills and roofs.

This is a Filipino belief that blessed palm can bring good fortune, as well as remove any negativity, in the household.

Filipinos often keep the palm prayer,’ but you have turned leaves till the next year. it into a den of thieves.” (Luke “Pabasa” 19:46) One of the traditions during On Monday evening Jesus is the reading of religious texts stayed in Bethany again, probor “pabasa.” The “pabasa” ably in the home of his friends, usually starts after the mass Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. on Palm Sunday. But it is also organized on other days of the Holy Tuesday Holy Week.

On Tuesday morning, Jesus The book of the passion of and his disciples returned to Christ is chanted in many differJerusalem. They passed the ent ways. The organizer of the withered fig tree on their way, “pabasa” prepares two books and Jesus taught them about for the readers. One group of faith. readers reads or chants one At the Temple, the religious verse and the other group of leaders aggressively challenged readers reads or chants the Jesus’ authority, attempting next verse.

The “pabasa” can last all to ambush him and create an day and all night and are usuopportunity for his arrest. But ally done next to a chapel, in a Jesus evaded their traps and pronounced harsh judgment on tent or “kubol.” In some places the best reader at a “pabasa” them. gets a small prize.

Holy Wednesday Most “pabasas” are public, The Bible doesn’t say what organized for the whole comthe Lord did on Holy Wednesmunity, but there are also day. Scholars speculate that private ones organized by after two exhausting days in Je- families in their homes. They rusalem, Jesus and his disciples invite relatives or friends to join spent this day resting in Bethany them.

A “pabasa” usually ends in anticipation of the Passover. on or before Good Friday.

Bethany was about two Continued on Page 3 What follows is the reading of “Siete Palabras” or the Seven Last Words of Jesus before he died on the cross. Everything is broadcasted on national television.

Moriones Festival Provinces like Marinduque celebrate the Moriones Festival. The festival is a weeklong event that commemorates the miracle of Longinus, the roman

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Or Christians, Holy Week is definitely a very sacred time of the year. Starting on Palm Sunday onto Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, it is a time to reflect on Jesus Christ’s journey to the Cross — beginning with his entry into Jerusalem, his lonely trek from the Upper room through Gethsamane, and ultimately to Calvary and the empty tomb.

So what makes each day holy, you may ask. Let’s explore the meaning of each of the solemn days of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday Palm Sunday celebrates the glorious and brilliant feast of the Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:1-18).

Zechariah had prophesied the entrance of the Messiah into Jerusalem, saying: “rejoice greatly … O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King comes unto Thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass”, Zech. 9:9. The contemporary Jews associated this prophecy with the expected Messiah.

This action of Christ testifies to His nature as Messiah, but with the definite declaration that His Kingdom was not of this world. The main road leading to Jerusalem was covered with palm trees. The multitudes, with palm branches in their hands, spread their cloaks on the road as a show of respect, crying out,

Filipino traditions and practices during Holy Week

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Others mark Easter Sunday as a time of celebration with Easter eggs, bunnies and peeps.

lybeans. Jellybeans were first made in the U.S. by Boston candy maker William Schrafft, who ran advertisements urging people to send jellybeans to soldiers fighting in the Civil War. Americans consume over 16 million jellybeans on Easter, enough to circle the globe three times over.

• The Easter Bunny tradition made its way to the United States in the 18th century. It is believed to have originated in Europe where it was actually the Easter Hare. Other Easter traditions include wearing Easter bonnets, making Easter baskets and having Easter egg hunts.

• The White House hosts an Easter Egg roll on the front lawn each year. This tradition was started by President rutherford B. Hayes in 1878.

entertainment 3

Iza Calzado gets dark in new film

by Jam

PascuaL

Albie Casiño moves on from fatherhood issue, focuses on new relationship

Philstar.com

There are two things the MTrCB’s X-rating could do to Jerrold Tarog’s new film and current locus of debate, “Bliss.”

On the one hand, it could act as a death sentence, effectively depriving a potentially large audience of a well-directed thriller. On the other hand, it could act as a badge of sorts, indicating a film so dark and messed up it forced a freaking governing body to play savior and protect the Filipino moviegoing public from pissing themselves, as they must have during their review.

Sitting in the theater of the UP Film Center, it seems the latter case is most true. The place is packed; the air of the venue is filled with whispers of intrigue, nervous chuckles, and excitement to watch a film that may not see the light of day.

The X-rating did the opposite of scaring people off — it could be that the MTrCB really shot themselves in the foot with this one. Simply put: those people wanted to see “Bliss.”

And from the feedback that’s been going around, we know that those people want other people to see this film, too.

I can’t say much without totally giving away the plot — beware now: minor thematic spoilers ahead — but in the interest of supporting local film, I’m going to try to prove why “Bliss” deserves to be shown, and why people deserve the choice to see it.

The film follows Jane Ciego (played by Iza Calzado), an actress disillusioned by the trappings of celebrity and the people she thought she could trust. Jane decides to be the executive producer of a film. It’s different from her usual teleserye work, the kind of movie that would take her career to the elusive heights of

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

Sleep cycle: Award-winning actress Iza Calzado stars in Jerrold Tarog’s newest thriller, “Bliss.”

critical acclaim. A serious on-set injury, however, puts her out of commission, forcing her to recover in a house seemingly designed to drive her insane, with an extremely effed-in-thehead nurse (played by Adrienne Vergara) to keep her company.

It is unclear to her what kinds of forces surround her, but they do not mean well.

Before the screening, Jerrold described his film as a “mindf***,” which is partially true. “Bliss” is a film that plays tricks on its audience, leaving viewers as confused as Jane is with her predicament.

Part of why this works is that “Bliss’s” story is a film within a film. To watch the narratives of each weave into each other, it becomes difficult to tell the difference between reality and fiction. An Inception reference is easy to make, but don’t take that as a diss — any adult (and I’m pretty sure most teenagers) can handle the mind-twisting that “Bliss” brings to the table, even if that cinematic trickery is fueled by an atmosphere of fear. At the very least, “Bliss” is a brainy change of pace, something different from the kind of hugot-driven entertainment I assume the MTrCB finds much easier to peddle.

The artistic merits of the film alone should be enough to validate this film’s existence — both Iza and Adrienne shine in their roles, with the latter so terrifying she makes the maid from Get Out look like Winnie the Pooh. But when it comes to what makes the film so frightening, the themes that aid “Bliss”

in its goal to mess with your head — that’s where it gets a little tricky. The film deals with a lot of uncomfortable realities such as (minor thematic spoiler alert and trigger warning) rape and psychological abuse, and it’s so unrelenting in its portrayal of these themes I found myself wondering what the difference is between a thriller and a horror movie. (I’m still not sure.) It’s understandable that MTrCB’s show of mercy would manifest in the slightly less damaging rating of r-18. however, we also have to keep in mind that it is the ability of good art — one could say its responsibility — to grapple with discomforting, hard-to-accept realities in order to tell the story of greater truths. This is something that “Bliss” does to great effect, employing shock and violence and trauma to portray how the human mind can be driven to craziness or despair, and how these states of mind can perhaps be conquered and overcome. The film illustrates a world fueled by deception, and through it, a character that displays an impressive amount of willpower to shatter the illusions surrounding her. how is that not relevant now, to us, living in a time in which lies and fake news conspire to rule the way we see the world? here is a truth: the only thing more insane than “Bliss” is the MTrCB’s previous attempts to censor it. We’re not saying it’s a perfect film. We are saying, though, that you’re more entitled to judge for yourself. You deserve that choice.

Janella Salvador to play mermaid in new film

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

DID you know that when Janella Salvador turned five years old, her mom Jenine Desiderio dressed her up like a mermaid?

“I have always been fascinated with mermaids,” admitted Janella who happily announced that in regal Films’ “My Fairy Tail Love Story,” with suitor (pa lang?) elmo Magalona as leading man (and Kiray as co-star), she’s playing a mermaid!

Janella was having merienda with movie writers a few days ago when Jun Nardo got a call from regal Matriarch Lily Monterverde who asked Jun to tell the movie press that “My Fairy Tail” would be submitted as regal’s entry in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Upon hearing the good news, Janella waved her hands in victory and screamed with joy.

But unlike other screen mermaids, Janella won’t be doing any boob exposure. Let’s wait and see what her costume will be.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 12, 2017

Janella Salvador has many reasons to be jumping with joy, one of which is her Regal Films starrer “My Fairy Tail Love Story” in which she realizes her dream of playing a mermaid (with suitor Elmo Magalona as her leading man). The photo shows Janella dressed as a mermaid for her fifth birthday with her mom, Jenine Desiderio.

Besides the regal movie, Janella and elmo (with Joshua Garcia) are also starring in Star Cinema’s “Bloody Crayons,” directed by Topel Lee, and in “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako,” an ABS-CBN teleserye.

More reasons for Janella

to be jumping with joy: Super Janella, a digital concert produced last March 5 by One Music Philippines, was successful while her eponymous debut album by Star Music got a Gold record and Platinum Awards.

AFTer he was cleared in the parenthood issue of Andi eigenmann’s four-year-old daughter Adrianna Gabrielle “ellie” Guck (surname is taken from Andi’s mom Mary Jane Guck/Jaclyn Jose), Albie Casiño has remained handsoff in the never-ending media word war between Andi and Jake ejercito, ellie’s confessed biological father. The issue has reached the court after Jake filed a case for joint custody.

In the long run, guess who will be the victim — yes, poor ellie who is helplessly caught in the crossfire.

In a pocket presscon for

The Complex, a web-serye which premieres exclusively on D5Studio (and onYouTube. com/D5Studio) on Black Saturday, April 15, Albie admitted that the experience has taught him not to disobey his parents, recalling that he was 15 when he met Andi (who is three years older) and they started dating when he was 16 until he was 18. At 17, Albie was already in showbiz earning his own keep, believing he was grown up and knew everything, Now he’s 23 and happy with his girlfriend, Fil-Am Michelle Arceo (recently declared first winner of Willie revillame’s Wowowin’s Gandang Filipina search), Albie said, “I’m more

Andi Eigenmann and Jake Ejercito, the real father of Ellie.

Albie Casiño

mature now” and therefore knows better.

“I’m here to support my girlfriend,” he claimed. he met Michelle last year when she came for a vacation and followed her when she went back to the States. Michelle came back to pursue a modeling career and try showbiz.

Directed by indie megman Prime Cruz, The Complex casts Albie as a 24-year-old nurse who left his hometown of Tacloban City for a fresh start in Metro Manila. explained Prime (Sleepless and Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B), “The Complex is a different kind of mystery-thriller, hooked more on mood and ambience and not just on jump scares.”

The meaning of Holy Week From Page 2

miles east of Jerusalem. here Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha lived. They were close friends of Jesus, and probably hosted him and the disciples during these final days in Jerusalem.

Just a short time previously, Jesus had revealed to the disciples, and the world, that he had power over death by raising Lazarus from the grave. After seeing this incredible miracle, many people in Bethany believed that Jesus was the Son of God and put their faith in him.

Also in Bethany just a few nights earlier, Lazarus’ sister Mary had lovingly anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume.

Maundy Thursday From Bethany Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to the Upper room in Jerusalem to make the preparations for the Passover Feast. That evening after sunset, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as they prepared to share in the Passover. By performing this humble act of service, Jesus demonstrated by example how they were to love one another.

Today, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their Maundy Thursday services.

Then Jesus shared the feast of Passover with his disciples.

As the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to fulfill the meaning of the Passover by giving his body to be broken and his blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from sin and death. During this Last Supper, Jesus established the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, instructing his followers to continually remember his sacrifice by sharing in the elements of bread and wine.

Later Jesus and the disciples left the Upper room and went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony to God the Father. he was later betrayed with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the

Sanhedrin. he was taken to the home of Caiaphas, the high Priest, where the whole council had gathered to begin making their case against Jesus.

Good Friday Christ’s journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death on Good Friday.

According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself.

Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of capital punishment.

Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns.

Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as roman soldiers nailed him to the wooden cross.

Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. his first words were, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

(Luke 23:34, NIV). his last were, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46, NIV) Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last and died.

By 6 p.m. Friday evening, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus’ body down from the cross and lay it in a tomb.

Black Saturday Jesus’ body lay in the tomb where it was guarded by roman soldiers throughout the day on Saturday, which was the Sabbath. When the Sabbath ended, Christ’s body was ceremonially treated for burial with spices purchased by Nicodemus.

Nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was a member of the Sanhedrin, the court which had condemned Jesus Christ to death. For a time, both men had lived as secret followers of Jesus, afraid to make a public profession of faith because of their prominent positions in the Jewish community.

Similarly, both were deeply affected by Christ’s death. They boldly came out of hiding, risking their reputations and their lives because they now realized Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited Messiah. Together they cared for Jesus’ body and prepared it for burial.

Easter Sunday On easter Sunday we reach the culmination of the holy Week. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the Christian faith. The very foundation of all Christian doctrine hinges on the truth of this account. early Sunday morning several women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna, and Salome are all mentioned in the Gospel accounts) went to the tomb and discovered that the large stone covering the tomb’s entrance had been rolled away.

On the day of his resurrection, Jesus Christ made at least five appearances. Mark’s Gospel says the first person to see him was Mary Magdalene.

Jesus also appeared to Peter, to the two disciples on the road to emmaus, and later that day to all of the disciples except Thomas, while they were gathered in a house for prayer.

The eyewitness accounts in the Gospels provide undeniable evidence that the resurrection of Jesus Christ happened.

2,000 years after his death, followers of Christ still flock to see the empty tomb, one of the strongest proofs that Jesus Christ actually did rise from the dead. (Source: Faith Church Online)

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 12, 2017

Celebrities share the joy of giving back TV personalities Bianca Umali, Paolo Contis and Sef Cadayona savored the joy of giving back on their birthdays in March.

As the newest World Vision Youth Ambassador, Bianca Umali flew all the way to Cebu and enjoyed a get-together with the child beneficiaries of

the organization as they busied themselves with hand painting activities, gift giving, as well as a dance party.

“It’s nice to see them have fun and learn at the same time.

I want to encourage children to read and gusto kong maranasan nila ‘yung childhood na creative through reading,” said

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If I could, I would look into the hearts of soldiers and try to know their stories. Why are they fighting? Who will tell them (if the reasons exist) who is going to kill them, or who they’re going to kill?

To understand a soldier’s life is to find out what he’s looking for — when he kills another man, who would kill him in return, which makes it useless. Pity is a word that has no Paolo Contis spends his birthday with the children meaning in war, it is as simple of Boys Town. as, you’ve got a gun, he’s got a the GMA Artist talent who gave gun. You shoot and he shoots — the quicker one hits his taraway books to little ones. get. When he kills you, it is as if Her fellow network artist, you killed him.

Contis, meanwhile considers When reporters describe the opportunity to help as the people dying in encounters, biggest gift he received on are they helping abolish war? his natal day. He spent it with What makes a man choose abandoned and orphaned chilto be a cop or a soldier? Very dren of Boys Town in Marikina City. Listening to their touching often, he is young, looking for excitement, to shake stories, the actor decided then him out of boredom or for a and there to commit to the purpose that he did not have advocacy. before. But soldiers are kind “I’ve been meaning to see people. A respectful son, an my own kids, but they’re curaffectionate father, a faithful rently in Cebu so I really have husband, an honest citizen who to plan when to visit. In the meantime, I’m glad to have met loves his country, and accepts it as a duty to defend it. He these children, kasi parang nawears his dog tag with a relikalaro ko na rin ang mga anak gious medal on his proud neck, ko,” he said.

Meanwhile, the students of Wawa National High School in Rodriguez, Rizal welcomed Meant To Be star Sef Cadayona with screams as he visited their campus. The students claimed to be avid fans of his primetime show and he expressed his gratitude for their support.

As a tradition, Cadayona

by Iza IglesIas celebrated his birthday by givManilaTimes.net ing back, and this year donated electric fans to the school. fAME and charisma have “Naisip ko lang na these long given celebrities the power students can focus easier if they to influence the public so that it are comfortable in class. Para is heartening to know, especially rin may maibigay naman ako o during this time of year, that may mai-contribute naman ako many of them make the effort sa pag-aaral nila. Our weather to do something good. They condition can be a serious become all the more admirable concern for the students, so I too when their acts of selflesshope makatulong talaga ito,” ness are done sans fanfare, only he expressed. (ManilaTimes.net) to be discovered when the deed has been done.

Such was The Manila Times’ experience at Christian relief and development organization World Vision’s 60th anniversary celebration in the Philippines, which revealed the kind hearts of celebrities Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Tippy Dos Santos and Sam Concepcion. Unknown to many, these three young personalities have gone around the country to visit poor communities on both personal capacity and as ambassadors of World Vision.

Exposed to the hardships of life through their immersions, Curtis-Smith, Dos Santos and Concepcion have been active for many years in child sponsoring, while sharing their time and talent with them whenever they can.

Built-in “I’ve been supporting World Vision since I was living in Australia—since 2008 to be exact. I’ve been trying to get as involved as I can be for nine years now. But it was only when I came to the Philippines in 2012 that I found the opportunity to become youth ambassador of World Vision, and I’ve been so happy to do it,” shared CurtisSmith.

“It just got the ball rolling and I decided I need to keep doing this because it’s a voice you want to have. I am also in the position where I have to be a good example to the young because I can reach a lot of people through my work and through the organization,” she added.

Curtis has sponsored three World Vision children, which ensures they get to go to school and eat nutritiously.

“I am trying to get my friends to sponsor as well.

The soldier carries a snap shot of his aging parent, or wife and his children, if not a sweetheart he left behind.

But why do we accept war like some inevitable evil?

Because it has always been like that. The violent Renaissance Age, the Roman Empire, the Golden Age of Greece…name a civilization that has been able to stop it. It dates back to the marvelous Christian civilization based on love, but produced more wars, than the others put together. Books tell us, weren’t Christian priests bless flags and troops before a battle? However, no priest has ever tried prevent an execution or a battle. There is no principle, philosophy or religion that can stop war (the hippies rejected war with flowers and LSD).

I asked the Heart Companion, a heart surgeon about how fair is it that the world rejoices when a heart substitutes one for another, but accepts the fact that thousands of strong people with healthy hearts are slaughtered like cattle for the sake of a flag or a hill?

We see photographs of soldiers, cops with faces blank with sadness and resignation. They try to convince themselves that they kill in the name of justice and freedom. what justice, (I’d like to ask)

young soldiers, with so much longer life to live. Instead of coming into the world, they are more likely to die at twenty, in an encounter. You come into this world to die in bed, when you’re old, where around there are green trees, clear river, and singing children.

Instead, they become a cult of killing and being killed. Why has no one ever explained why killing to steal is a sin, but killing if you’re wearing a uniform is the height of glory?

War, it is said, is basically something structured in which armed people shoot at other armed people. It has almost a shameless fairness — you kill one or I kill you. And as bullets speak, happiness vanishes, the holidays, milestones and the flowers are gone. The only thing left are rubbles, twisted metals and the putrid smell of death…as it fled.

Back home today, as they collect the dead, you know there are no surgical wars. There are no benign wars. How can you wage for peace without killing and maiming people— soldiers, cops and civilians, whether by accident or design? It’s a part of the pains of war, just as dying seems to be the destiny of every soldier. ***

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

Jasmine Curtis Smith, Tippy Dos Santos & Sam Concepcion share vision for a better world

Tippy Dos Santos sings to over 200 children at the Child Friend Space in Macasandig, CDO.

Jasmine Curtis with the students of Compostela Central School.

Sam Concepcion visits children in Cagayan de Oro whose homes were ravaged by Typhoon Sendong.

Recently I got my boyfriend to sponsor a child too. He’s starting now and learning to be involved with everything,” Curtis happily related of her businessman-surfer steady Jeff Ortega.

Her big sister, Anne Curtis has also been involved with several charity projects with Unicef as a celebrity advocate for children. According to Curtis-Smith, it was but natural she and her sister find ways to help others because of their mother’s example.

“It’s a normal thing for us already because we learned to give back to our community and to others in need because of our mother who did that for her family. We saw how she sacrificed time and money just to give back to her family here despite living all the way in Australia,” she explained.

“When we got older, at least when I was in high school, I asked myself, ‘How do I do that?’, because it was a characteristic of hers that was really remarkable for me and my Ate Anne. So I guess being involved is built in us already, ” she added. for Curtis-Smith, volunteerism brings fun and fulfilment to her life, and most importantly, it allows her to voice out the problems around the country from her celebrity status.

“Honestly, the happiness I get from this is just a bonus.

But more than anything else, I just want to be involved and be active and just create a voice for everyone who needs it too.

There are some who are shy to voice out they need help and we can give them the chance to speak up. If they can’t you have to do it for them,” she said.

Not for show While there continue to

be celebrities who use charity work for “good PR” as they say in showbiz, Concepcion and Dos Santos, on the other hand, would rather keep their involvement with World Vision as quiet as possible. friends for several years now, the two singers have also been involved with the Christian organization for seven years already.

“Most of our work with World Vision is not on social media nor are they shown on TV. There also isn’t any publicity about it because none of this is for show. We’ve been doing this since we were kids, and we’ve since become quite aware of what’s happening in our community. Being part of something like this—something that can change a child’s life—really gives you purpose,” Concepcion said.

“We’re doing this not because we’re celebrities, because I think [charity]is a value that was instilled in us by our parents.

You don’t need to be popular to do something like this so it would be great if parents can teach their children to help others when they can, because there is always something that will come up. As long you can do something about an issue—and it doesn’t need to be all about money—do it. Even if all you can give is your time, it can mean the world to someone else,” Dos Santos agreed.

The singer-actress is currently sponsoring two children, while Concepcion is helping three.

“The good thing is we know where our efforts go. We may not be able to change the world but we can help change a child’s life, and that’s what really matters,” Concepcion ended.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 12, 2017

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 12, 2017