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ED ITION April 6-8, 2016
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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
Volume 26 - No. 28 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages
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Brown signs $15 minimum wage measure into law $10.50 on Jan. 1, 2017 for businesses with more than 25 employees, $11 in 2018, and an GoV. Jerry Brown made his- additional $1 per year after untory on monday, April 4, when til 2022. Businesses with 25 or he signed legislation that made fewer employees have an extra California the first state in the year to comply. the law also alnation to set its minimum wage lows the governor to temporarto $15 per hour. ily pause the hike depending on “this is about economic jus- economic conditions and budget tice,” Brown said prior to sign- deficits. ing the bill at the ronald reagan Los Angeles mayor eric Garstate Building in Downtown Los cetti, who approved in 2015 an Angeles, according to the Asso- ordinance to boost Los Angeles’ ciated Press. “It’s about people. minimum hourly wage to $15 by It’s about creating a little, tiny, 2020, touted the legislation on amount of balance in a system monday. that every day becomes more “today California leads the unbalanced.” nation once again, passing a Under the plan, California’s historic minimum wage inhourly minimum is scheduled crease that will help lift millions to rise from the current $10 to of hardworking men and womby agnes
constante AJPress
DATELINE
en out of poverty,” he said in a statement. New York on monday also passed legislation to gradually boost its statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour. But before the raise is applied statewide, the new minimum will be implemented in New York City first. “Proud to sign into law $15 statewide minimum wage and the strongest paid family leave policy in the nation,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo tweeted after he signed the bill at a labor rally in New York City. for many filipino workers, the passage of the law is a victory. Joanna Concepcion, executive director of filipino migrant Center, a non-profit organization
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USA
AsIDe from his musical accomplishments with Grammy award-winning group the Black eyed Peas, Apl.de.ap is making his mark in the world by preventing premature filipino babies from going blind. through the Apl.de.ap foundation International’s Campaign for filipino Children, the Black eyed Peas member has partnered with the Vision Center at Children’s hospital Los Angeles (ChLA) to help treat and diagnose premature filipino babies who develop retinopathy of prematurity (roP). roP is a rare eye condition that causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina from excessive oxygenation. If not tended to within 48 hours of birth, it could lead to blindness. Last fall, the foundation delivered its first retCams (retinal imaging systems to screen for roP) to the southern Philippines medical Center in Davao.
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Activists protest in LA, demanding justice for Kidapawan farmers
by Ian JamotIllo AJPress
the olongapo regional trial Court (rtC) on monday, April 4, dismissed the petition for bail and motion for reconsideration of convicted Us marine Lance Corporal Joseph scott Pemberton for the death of filipino transgender
Joseph Scott Pemberton
Jennifer Laude. the dismissal, however, led the court to reduce his sentence from 12 to 10 years in prison. “Wherefore in view of the foregoing, the Partial motion for reconsideration of the decision promulgated on 01 December 2015 and the motion to be Admitted Bail pending motion for reconsideration
are DeNIeD for lack of merit,” a portion of rtC Branch 74’s decision reads. the murder occurred last october 11, 2014, when Laude met Pemberton, a Us marine from Boston, massachusetts, at the Ambyanz disco bar in olongapo. thirty minutes after checking in at Celzone
High court throws out DQ pleas by tarra
QuIsmundo Inquirer.net
BAGUIo CItY — It’s final: sen. Grace Poe can run for President. removing the legal impediment to Poe’s candidacy, the supreme Court on tuesday, April 5, decided with finality to allow the senator to seek the land’s highest post, throwing out reconsideration pleas that the Commission on elections (Comelec) and critics had filed to push for her disqualification. During its first summer en banc session here this
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Pacquiao, Bradley ready to go by FrancIs
t.J. ochoa
Inquirer.net
LAs VeGAs — If both fighters could have their way, there’s no need for April 9. manny Pacquiao and timothy Bradley are ready to strip down to their boxing shorts and get it on right this very moment. Pacquiao and Bradley are scheduled to mix it up a third time on saturday, April 9, at mGm Grand here with both camps saying saturday might be a little too far away to decide who wins their trilogy. “What people don’t realize is that the hardest part is the waiting,” said Bradley, who is coming off a sensational knockout of a washed-up Brandon rios, during a radio interview monday, Timothy Bradley
AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
1
Presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe
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papers’ by Ben
o. de Vera Inquirer.net
mANILA — the Bureau of Internal revenue (BIr) will look into reports that a number of filipinos and local firms were among those on the so-called “Panama papers” list of people linked to u PAGE A2 offshore financial dealings of the rich and famous. “I have not read the Panama papers yet. If ever, it is a guide for the BIr where to look to determine if there is any tax liability or not” among those personalities and companies listed down, Internal revenue Commissioner Kim s. Jacinto-henares said in a text message tuesday, April 5. “this is where the global standard requiring exchange of information with regard to tax matters will come in to provide assistance,” henares added. the reports state the names of Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee marcos and her three sons were in the Panama papers—based on documents from a law firm in the Cen-
It’s final: SC says Poe can run
Los ANGeLes — A methodist Church pastor, a Latino human rights advocate and more than 50 other community activists held a rally in front of the Philippine Consulate here on saturday, April 2 to condemn the bloody dispersal of farmers seeking relief from the drought in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. roy Padilla, a pastor at rosewood United methodist Church (UmC) in Los Angeles who spoke at the rally, praised the UmC in Kidapawan for supporting and providing sanctuary for the farmers, saying the church “helped people take a stand in their faith and in their love for others.” “this should be done by everyone who believes that justice can be achieved by serving those in need,” said Padilla. “(the farmers) only wanted a better life.” the farmers sought government help for drought-stricken communities affected by
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AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
Court junks Pemberton’s appeal, BIR to look reduces jail sentence to 10 years into ‘Panama
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Apl.de.ap honored for work combating blindness in Filipino babies
The Las Vegas MGM Grand Lobby was the site for the formal arrival of eight-division world boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley on Tuesday, April 5. The two fighters will face each other for the third time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, April 9. Pacquiao is expected to retire and focus on his political career in the Philippines after the fight.
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A APRIL 6-8, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Brown signs $15 minimum wage measure… PAGE A1 t
dedicated to organizing and mobilizing low-income and working-class Filipinos in Southern California, said the group welcomes the passage of laws that would boost the incomes of struggling, hard-working families. “Many Filipino immigrants in Southern California work multiple jobs in order to place food on the table, pay for health care and other basic necessities on top of supporting family members in the Philippines,” Concepcion told the Asian Journal. “We have seen the detrimental effects this can cause to the health and wellbeing of many Filipino families and children facing economic hardship.” In the Asian community, one business organization says that the wage is expected to hurt for small business owners, particularly in the short run. “Going from $10 to $15, that 50 percent [increase] for a company or small business [is] a big
difference,” said Dennis Huang, executive director of the Asian Business Association, a nonprofit organization representing Asian American business owners. One good aspect of the legislation, Huang said, is that the wage increase is mandated statewide, rather than varying in different cities. However, he said he expects that the price of goods for business owners will increase to cover the higher wages, noting that businesses compete on these prices. Huang added that higher wages also equate to increased worker’s compensation, which is an additional expense for businesses. As for the six years businesses are given to pay employees $15 per hour, Huang said it would have been better if companies had more time to meet the wage requirement. “I think its a good idea to space it out, but I do think it’s a little bit tighter for small businesses. It takes a little time for them to
adjust for this,” he said. Other business owners, like financial adviser Cynthia Tan, whose firm is based in Los Angeles, welcomed the new legislation. “I’m a believer in increasing the minimum wage. I believe in providing benefits. If you take care of your employees they will take care of you,” Tan said. As a financial adviser, Tan works with business owners to reduce their taxes. She said that although payroll taxes rise along with higher wages, businesses are able to write it off on their taxes. “One of the ways of [reducing taxes] is to increase payroll. The bottom line is, when I talk to different business owners, ultimately the question is: Who do you want to pay? Uncle Sam? Or would you rather give benefits to the employees?” she said. In the state legislature, Filipino-American Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Alameda) who
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AWARDED. President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Lakandula with a rank of Grand Cross (Bayani) on Luen Thai Philippines Chairman Willie Tan in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Monday, April 4. Malacañang photo by Lauro Montellano Jr.
Court junks Pemberton’s appeal…
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Lodge, Pemberton left the motel and the staff found Laude’s naked body near the toilet bowl. Autopsy revealed that “asphyxiation by drowning” was the cause of death. Harry Roque, the private lawyer of Laude’s family stated, “we are happy that Pemberton’s Motion for Reconsideration was not fully granted, and we are happy that the decision remains – that Pemberton is guilty of killing Laude.”
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Although the Laude family was relieved after the court denied Pemberton’s appeal, they did not welcome the reduction of his sentence. “We are not pleased with the lighter penalty granted,” Roque said as he stressed that the penalty of six to 10 years still disqualifies Pemberton from seeking parole. Judge Roline Jines-Jabalde of the Olongapo RTC Branch 74 said that Pemberton’s jail sentence should be lowered by two
years due to mitigating circumstances of passion and intoxication, according to reports. “The accused shall suffer six years to 10 years in prison with full credit for the period of his preventive imprisonment pursuant to Article 29 of the Revised Penal Code,” the ruling read. The court originally ordered Pemberton’s detention at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City after a ruling on March 29, affirming the decision to convict him of homicide. n
BIR to look into ‘Panama…
tral American country—released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) last Monday. Also on the list of the ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database was Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, a son of ousted President Joseph Estrada.
The ICIJ’s new investigation revealed leaked internal files containing information on 214,488 offshore entities connected to people in more than 200 countries and territories. The ICIJ, however, noted that it “do[es] not intend to suggest or imply that any persons, companies or other entities included in
the ICIJ Offshore Leaks Database have broken the law or otherwise acted improperly.” According to Henares, “the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Exchange of Information requires a jurisdiction to provide information to other
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PROJECT BASED WAITING LIST TO OPEN MAY 2, 2016 Accepting Applications The Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (HACLB) will be accepting applications for its Project Based Communities starting Monday, May 2, 2016 and will remain open until further notice. The HACLB administers the City’s Project Based Rental Housing Assistance Programs in support of specific developments located throughout the city. How Do I Apply: You may complete an application online at www.longbeach.gov/haclb/apply. Please call the Automated Information Telephone Line for more information — (562) 570.6309. If a desktop computer is not readily available to you please visit one of our satellite locations listed below to complete your application APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH OFFICE
Pagtanggap ng mga Aplikasyon Ang Awtoridad ng Pabahay para sa Lungsod ng Long Beach (Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, HACLB) ay tatanggap ng mga aplikasyon para sa Mga Komunidad na Nakabase sa Proyekto (Project Based Communities) nito simula sa Lunes, Mayo 2, 2016 at mananatiling bukas hanggang magkaroon ng karagdagang paunawa. Pinangangasiwaan ng HACLB ang Mga Programang Tulong sa Paupahang Pabahay na Nakabase sa Proyekto (Project Based Rental Housing Assistance Programs) ng Lungsod bilang pagsuporta sa mga partikular na pagpapaunlad na matatagpuan sa kabuuan ng lungsod. Paano Ako Mag-aaplay: Maaari mong kumpletuhin ang isang online na aplikasyon sa www.longbeach.gov/haclb/apply. Mangyaring tawagan ang Linya ng Telepono ukol sa Awtomatikong Impormasyon para sa karagdagang impormasyon — (562) 570.6309. Kung walang desktop computer na magagamit kaagad, mangyaring bumisita sa isa sa aming mga satellite na lokasyon na nakalista sa ibaba upang makumpleto ang iyong aplikasyon WALANG MAKUKUHANG APLIKASYON SA TANGGAPAN NG AWTORIDAD NG PABAHAY SA LUNGSOD NG LONG BEACH
Satellite Locations / Mga Lokasyon ng Maliliit na Tanggapan All City of Long Beach Public Libraries Long Beach Senior Center Cal Rec Community Center United Cambodian Community Houghton Park Community Center Silverado Park Community Center Filipino Migrant Center
1150 E. Fourth Street 1550 Martin Luther King Blvd 2201 E. Anaheim St Suite 200 6301 Myrtle Ave 1545 W. 31st Street 2125 Santa Fe Ave
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Requests for reasonable accommodations based on a disability should be made in writing to the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, Attn: Fair Housing Coordinator - 521 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90802. Ang mga kahilingan para sa mga makatwirang akomodasyon batay sa disabilidad ay dapat isagawa sa pamamagitan ng pag- sulat sa Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, Attn: Fair Housing Coordinator - 521 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90802.
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From the Front Page
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 6-8, 2016
A
It’s final: SC says Poe can…
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SENATE INQUIRY ON MONEY LAUNDERING. Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto confers with Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile before the continuation of the Senate investigation on the $81-million money laundering controversy on Tuesday, April 5. During the hearing, Recto asked representatives of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) if the controversy has affected the remittances of overseas-Filipino workers, for which the BSP replied that there is no evidence yet of any effect on the cost of remitting money to the Philippines. Senate photo by Albert Calvelo
BIR to look into ‘Panama…
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jurisdictions with regard to tax matters, otherwise they will be blacklisted.” “That is why it is not correct to say that tax haven countries will not be able to provide assistance,” Henares said. The Philippines is among the 132 members of the OECD-led Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, which on its website claims it is “the premier international body for ensuring the implementation of the internationally agreed standards of transparency and exchange of information in the tax area.”
Panama, a tax haven, is also a member of the Global Forum. But in an April 4 statement, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría said “just a few weeks ago, we told G20 finance ministers that Panama was backtracking on its commitment to automatic exchange of financial account information.” “The consequences of Panama’s failure to meet the international tax transparency standards are now out there in full public view. Panama must put its house in order, by immediately implementing these standards,” the OECD said. Last year, Henares said the Philippines has joined 89 coun-
tries that would implement the OECD-led “Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information in Tax Matters” or Common Reporting Standard (CRS). The OECD earlier said over 50 countries “have committed to a specific and ambitious timetable leading to the first automatic information exchanges in 2017.” In the case of the Philippines, the CRS will be implemented by 2018, according to Henares. The BIR already has an ongoing pilot project with the Australian Taxation Office to help the Philippines prepare for it, Henares had said. n
supported the move, said the legislation would have a positive effect on Californians living in poverty and on Filipinos residing in the state. “For small businesses, when minimum wage earners get
more money in their pockets, they’ll be taking that money and spending it in the economy, at retail stores and at Filipinoowned businesses. It will be good for businesses. But overall, it’s more productivity for these workers and employers. It’s
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who has been consistently topping preelection surveys. While details of the ruling have yet to be released, the denial of the motions for reconsideration meant the high court had opted to uphold the majority decision, which said the Comelec had committed grave abuse of discretion in canceling Poe’s COC. It has yet to be clear whether the justices held a revote on the merits of the case, particularly the thorny citizenship and residency questions that had hung over Poe’s candidacy. In the March 8 landmark ruling penned by Associate Justice Jose Perez, the court said Poe “is a qualified candidate for President in the May 9 elections,” as she is natural-born and met the 10-year residency requirement for presidential candidates. The court ruled that Poe, while a foundling of unknown parentage, was natural-born, as the 1935 Constitution had intended to include abandoned babies under this class of citizens despite the lack of an explicit provision on such inclusion. Born in 1968, Poe is covered by the prewar Constitution. The court also ruled that Poe, who became an American citizen in 2001 but reacquired her Philippine citizenship in 2006 and then renounced her US allegiance in 2010, had satisfied the
10-year minimum for the domicile of a presidential candidate, saying the reckoning date of her return to the Philippines should be May 24, 2005. Poe had returned to the Philippines on that day, fully intent at reestablishing domicile in the Philippines and uprooting her family from the United States, the court ruled. Poe’s critics contended that Poe may not be considered a natural-born citizen, and that she fell short of the residency requirement, having declared in her 2012 COC for senator that she reestablished domicile in the Philippines only in June 2006. The respondents also cited the lack of a clear majority in the high court ruling, given separate votes on the citizenship and residency issues. While the court voted 9-6 to cite Comelec in grave abuse of discretion, seven justices voted to declare that Poe is naturalborn, five dissented, and three did not take part. The court also voted separately on the residency question, with seven in favor and six against affirming that Poe had satisfied the residency requirement. Only a majority vote—or eight out of the 15 high court magistrates—makes a ruling a legal precedent, the respondents had asserted. n
Pacquiao, Bradley ready to…
PAGE A1 t
April 4, (Tuesday in Manila). Bradley said he’s working to get his mental game sharp for the bout, saying “I lose my mind sometimes in the ring.” “I get crazy and wild but that’s just the nature in me,” he added. “But as long as I control that beast, I’ll be good.” Pacquiao wrapped up another busy training day on Monday in Los Angeles before leading a 30car convoy to the neon-bathed desert oasis, where he will try to put a flourishing end to his Hallof-Fame career by way of a sensational victory over Bradley. “If only it’s possible, we’d hold the fight tomorrow so we can tell healthier employees. These are who’s the real winner,” said asall good things that small busi- sistant trainer and longtime Pacness owners should want. The quiao pal Buboy Fernandez. Pacquiao had another full day positive outcomes that studies show far outweigh any negative of workouts on Monday, April 4, ones. It’s a win-win for the state starting with an early-morning of California,” Bonta told the run at Griffith Observatory and a training session at Wild Card Asian Journal. n
Brown signs $15 minimum wage measure… PAGE A2 t
year, the high court junked all three motions for reconsideration against the high court’s March 8 ruling that had upheld Poe’s qualification as a presidential candidate, a court source told the Inquirer. The separate pleas, filed by the Comelec, a joint appeal by former Government Service Insurance System chief legal counsel Estrella Elamparo, former University of the East law dean Amado Valdez, former Sen. Francisco “Kit” Tatad, De La Salle University professor Antonio Contreras, and third one filed solely by Valdez, were all thrown out. Court spokesperson Theodore Te announced in his press briefing Tuesday that the court would make an official announcement on the motions on April 9, exactly a month before the May balloting. The court is also expected to release separate opinions that the justices will write on the final ruling by that time. However, Te did not disclose details of the decision. Poe’s critics and legal experts have been calling for a speedy resolution of the case, given the consequences on the electoral process. Tuesday’s ruling permanently voided Comelec’s resolutions that canceled the certificate of candidacy (COC) filed by Poe,
gym. If his corner has its way, Pacquiao will get little more workout on fight week as trainer Freddie Roach and strength coach Justin Fortune try to taper his workouts off here. “I don’t want him to do anything on Wednesday and Thursday,” said Fortune. “Come Saturday, he’ll be jumping out of his skin.” Roach wants to limit Pacquiao
to light workouts and light runs. “But he’ll negotiate. Let’s see,” said Roach. Bradley said he has a lot “of new tricks under his sleeve” for the match but was very vocal about getting himself mentally strong for the fight. Helping him tame his inner beast is Teddy Atlas, who Bradley said will be the key difference between now and the first two
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A APRIL 6-8, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline USa
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SCOTUS upholds law counting total population in voting districts by Agnes
ConstAnte AJPress
THE Supreme Court on Monday, April 4, unanimously upheld that the traditional method in which voting districts are created – based on total population – is constitutional. The lawsuit that challenged the rule was brought on behalf of Sue Evenwel, a Republican county official from East Texas (from L-R): Robbie Fabian; Mel Avanzado, Esq.; Fritz Friedman; Ted Benito; Apl.de.ap; Audie Vergara; Dr. Thomas Lee, CHLA; Michael Sampiano, who claimed that the way indiPhotos courtesy of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles CHLA; Sonia Delen. viduals are counted when drawing districts was “diluting” votes of citizens like herself. Conservatives wanted districts to be based only on voting-age populations. “As history, precedent, and practice demonstrate, it is plainly permissible for jurisdictions to measure equalization by the total population of state and local legislative districts,” wrote Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the majority decision. Had the high court ruled otherwise in the case (Evenwel vs. Abott), power would have been shifted to Republican, rural disDr. Thomas Lee of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) with Apl. Apl.de.ap with his spot on the hospital’s celebrity charity wall tricts, and away from Democratic de.ap urban areas, Richard Hasen, an expert in election law at UC Irvine Law School, told the Associated Press. It would have also PAGE A1 t Campaign for Filipino Children, then see the training of other eliminated many representatives For these efforts, CHLA recent- shared the impact of delivering Filipino doctors in cities like from areas surrounding Los Anly honored Apl with a spotlight the RetCam to the Philippines. Davao.” geles and Houston where many on the hospital’s celebrity charity “There [were] only four exAbout 30 percent of premawall, becoming the first Filipino isting RetCams in the Philip- ture babies in the Philippines to be recognized. pines prior to the equipment we develop ROP each year, but by “[This issue] is close to my brought to Davao. It’s the fifth training at least six to 20 medical heart because I myself am le- RetCam in the Philippines, for a practitioners in each of the four PAGE A3 t gally blind. I know the difficul- population of 120 million,” Delen partner hospitals the foundation times he and Pacquiao fought. ties of growing in the Philippines said. “There are at least 34 Ret- has identified, 4,380 premature “I think one of the advantages and with sight [problems], it is Cams in California alone.” babies can be saved from the of having [Atlas] is that he can 10 times harder,” Apl said durDr. Thomas Lee, division chief impairment, Lee told the Asian analyze Manny Pacquiao and ing the unveiling of his spot on for the Vision Center at CHLA, Journal. see where his faults are and see the wall on Thursday, March 24. added that the foundation has Apl.de.ap Foundation Inter- what we can execute,” Bradley “It’s a privilege, it’s an honor to partnered with the Philippine national Executive Director explained. “Every fighter has be part of this mission, and I feel Academy of Ophthalmology to Ted Benito and members of the faults and we just look to capilike it’s only the beginning of this train doctors to diagnose and foundation’s executive commit- talize on his faults.” partnership.” treat ROP. So far over 60 doctors tee, Mel Avanzado, Robbie FaHaving Atlas is like “having a Apl.de.ap (whose real name is have undergone training. bian, Fritz Friedman and Audie cheat sheet for a test.” Allan Pineda Lindo) was raised “What makes this program Vergara were also present at the Bradley said he doesn’t exin Angeles, Pampanga, before so wonderful is that we’re go- ceremony. pect Pacquiao to be less of the he was adopted and moved to ing to leverage technology. All The foundation is on track to fighter he was when he domiLos Angeles to receive treat- the technology that we have on provide RetCams to hospitals in nated weight classes despite his ment for nystagmus, a condi- our phones — the cameras and Iloilo and Pampanga later this advancing age and a surgically tion that causes involuntary the video — can actually go into year. repaired shoulder. rapid eye movement. On top the neonatal intensive care unit “[I]n the poverty stricken “We don’t expect anything of having vibrating eyeballs, (NICU),” Lee explained. “Once areas where our kababayans less from Pacquiao because he’s Apl is nearsighted and legally that RetCam is in the NICU, the can’t afford to get diagnosed or got a lot riding on this fight,” blind, which all contributed to doctors can treat and diagnose have their eyes checked, this Bradley said, referring to the hindrances to learning and self- those children appropriately and is definitely very important, es- fact that Pacquiao would want to esteem and confidence issues what’s wonderful is that they can pecially in the outskirts of the cement his legacy with a smashgrowing up. be taught remotely from doctors Philippines…,”Apl said. (Chris- ing victory. Sonia Delen, chair of the and experts in Manila, who can tina M. Oriel / AJPress) Pacquiao and Bradley split
Apl.de.ap honored for work combating…
are immigrants who aren’t citizens. The decision comes as a victory for the Asian Americans, who constitute about 6 percent of the population in the United States, according to a 2011 report by the Pew Research Center. “We are pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court agrees that in our democracy, elected officials do not only represent the people who voted for them or the people who are eligible to vote, but everyone in the community, including children and other notyet-eligible voters,” Mee Moua, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, said in a statement. “Particularly in this election year, the ruling is a timely reminder that those who cannot or do not vote are still impacted by government: they attend public schools and universities, walk and drive on public roads, and depend on so many more government services. This is a huge win for our democracy and today’s decision ensures that all members of society are represented by our government.” Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, noted in a statement that 20 percent of Asian Americans in California – or nearly 1.2 million children and adults – are not yet US citizens.
“Had the Supreme Court ruled that district lines need to be drawn based only on eligible voters, 2.3 million Asian Americans in California would have been discounted, including immigrants and youth who are not able to vote,” he said. Edward Blum, the conservative activist who launched the suit, said he was “disappointed that the justices were unwilling to reestablish the original principle of one person, one vote for the citizens of Texas and elsewhere. But the issue of voter equality in the United States is not going to go away,” the Los Angeles Times reported. The top court, however, did not vote on whether it would be constitutional for states to adopt such a rule if it chooses to do so. The Obama administration argued such a move would be unconstitutional. “Whether a state is permitted to use some measure other than total population is an important and sensitive question that we can consider if and when we have before us a state districting plan that, unlike the current Texas plan, uses something other than total population as the basis for equalizing the size of districts,” said Justice Samuel Alito, who concurred with the decision but wrote a separate opinion. n
Pacquiao, Bradley ready to…
AJPress photo by Robert Macabagda
their first two bouts. There was a huge controversy in the first bout, which many experts felt Pacquiao really won. But Bradley doesn’t believe the critics. “Going into this fight, I just
feel that I’m clear headed,” Bradley said. “I don’t have all these demons around me. No matter how you look at it, we’re going into this fight 1 and 1. I’m ready for this opportunity.” n
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Dateline USa
USCIS now accepting H-1B petitions for 2017 filing organization’s primary office. When listing a “home office” as a work site location on Part 5, question 3, USCIS will consider this a separate and distinct work site location. H-1B petitioners must follow all statutory and regulatory requirements as they prepare petitions in order to avoid delays in processing and possible requests for evidence. USCIS has developed detailed information, including an optional checklist, Form M-735, Optional Check-
list for Form I-129 H-1B Filings, on how to complete and submit an FY 2017 H-1B petition. The optional checklist for FY 2017 will be available within the next week. Cases will be considered accepted on the date USCIS receives a properly filed petition with the appropriate fees. For more information on the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program and current Form I-129 processing times, visit the H-1B FY 2017 Cap Season Web page
or call the National Customer Service Center at 800-3755283 or 800-767-1833 (TDD for the hearing impaired). We encourage H-1B applicants to subscribe to the H-1B Cap Season email updates located on the H-1B FY 2017 Cap Season Web page. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Facebook (/uscis), Twitter (@ uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon. n
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Go Metro to see the Dodgers Want to reach Dodger Stadium faster this season? Go Metro from Union Station or the South Bay and connect with the Dodger Stadium Express. Your Dodger ticket is good for the fare! For more information, visit metro.net/dodgers. Metro Seeks Input on 2017 Fiscal Year Budget Metro’s annual budget sets transportation priorities across Los Angeles County for the coming year. Metro will continue gathering comments on the FY17 budget at the Regional Service Council Meetings in May and the public hearing on May 18, before formal adoption by the Board of Directors. For meeting information or to provide your comments, go to metro.net/budgetcomments.
Activists gather in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles to condemn the bloody dispersal of farmers seeking relief from the drought in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. Photo by Kayden Riambon
Activists protest in LA, demanding justice for…
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El Niño. They formed a human barricade blocking the national highway to dramatize their call for relief, such as rice subsidies. Two were killed and many others were wounded after police forces opened fire at the farmers, many of them from the Lumad tribes, and their supporters on April 1. Some of the farmers took refuge at a United Methodist Church compound and have remained there as of press time. Padilla said the government that was supposed to help the farmers “became the oppressors.” “As Central Americans and Latinos in the United States, we denounce all acts of violence (against those) demanding their basic human rights such as food,
land and water,” said Nancy Zuniga, a Los Angeles-based community organizer for the Human Rights Alliance for Child Refugees and Families, who also spoke at the rally. “What we just saw is a government that would rather kill its people and let them starve than let them stand up for their rights,” said Romeo Hebron, Southern California regional coordinator of BAYAN USA. “We have to demand that the people get their needs met, that they can feed their families.” Terrie Cervas, secretary general of GABRIELA USA, described the dispersal as “horrendous and despicable.” Among those violently dispersed on April 1 was Bangsamoro activist Bai Ali Indayla, the keynote speaker at the GABRI-
ELA USA’s National Congress in New York two weeks ago. Nap Pempeña, vice chairperson of AnakbayanUSA, said it was ironic that farmers in the Philippines, one of the world’s largest producers of rice, end up not having enough rice to feed their families. “They face hunger, abject poverty and landlessness,” said Pempeña, who lambasted land grabbing by foreign multinational corporations and called for a genuine agrarian land reform. Meanwhile, two other LAbased organizations, Alliance Philippines and Bantay PilipinasUSA, released a statement condemning the incident. “We stand with the oppressed farmers in Mindanao,” said Art Garcia of Alliance Philippines. (Nimfa U. Rueda/Inquirer.net)
Sexual Assault Awareness In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness month, Metro reminds you that the LA Metro Transit Watch security app is a quick, easy and anonymous way to communicate directly with law enforcement about suspicious activity or quality of ride problems at a Metro station or onboard a bus or train. Remember, if you see something, say something. Go Metro to Work Looking for an easier and faster way to get to work? Go Metro! There’s a station or stop closer to your employer than you think. Metro offers a program that gives incentives to your employer and a relaxing commute to you. Call 213.922.2811 to get started.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – US Citizenship and Immigration Services on April 1 began accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2017 cap. US businesses use the H1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require highly specialized knowledge in fields such as science, engineering and computer programming. The congressionally mandated cap on H-1B visas for FY 2017 is 65,000. The first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed for individuals with a US master’s degree or higher are exempt from the 65,000 cap. USCIS expects to receive more than 65,000 petitions during the first five business days of this year’s program. The agency will monitor the number of petitions received and notify the public when the H-1B cap has been met. If USCIS receives an excess of petitions during the first five business days, the agency will use a computer-generated lottery system to randomly select the number of petitions required to meet the cap. USCIS will reject all unselected petitions that are subject to the cap as well as any petitions received after the cap has closed. Premium Processing H-1B petitioners may still continue to request premium processing together with their H-1B petition. However, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its current premium processing practice based on the possibility that the H-1B cap will be met in the first five business days of the filing season. In order to prioritize data entry for cap-subject H-1B petitions, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing no later than May 16, 2016. Filing Petitions H-1B petitioners are reminded that when the temporary employment or training will be in different locations, the state where the company or organization’s primary office is located will determine where they should send Form I-129 package, regardless of where in the United States the various worksites are located. If temporary employment or training will be in different locations, the address on page 1, part 1 of Form I-129 is for the
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OpiniOn
Features
Coincidence
DESPITE a stern warning by China, this year’s anticipated Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercises among 9,000 American and Filipino forces, pushed through. The Balikatan exercises, which began this week, will feature war exercises, naval drills and humanitarian activities. “A big country with vital interests in Asia, the United States should first clarify the targets of its Pivot to Asia strategy, which so far has featured no more than unscrupulous inconsistency between fear-mongering deeds and peace-loving words.” China’s official news agency Xinhua said in a commentary. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dismissed China’s warning saying that the two-week event is not in any way related to the impasse in the South China Sea. “It’s not focused on a particular incident but rather capacitating our armed forces to deal with a whole lot of exigencies,” said Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, western command chief and exercise director for the Philippine side of the Balikatan 2016, in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday, April 4. Australian troops will also participate in the Balikatan exercises, while other countries, including Japan, Canada, and other Southeast Asian states, will observe the activities. The bilateral relationship between the United States and the Philippines shares a long history. It began during the first half of the 20th century, when the Philippines became a US colony. In
1946, the Americans ultimately recognized Philippine independence and surrendered full authority, supervision, and sovereignty of the country to the Filipinos. Since then, the Philippine-American ties remained intact up to this day through the Mutual Defense Treaty Act of 1951. Since the inception of the treaty, both countries mutually benefitted from each other’s sources and locations. With the Balikatan exercises still ongoing, the ties have remained sacred, especially since the US is the largest source of military aid for the Philippines. This commitment to help defend each other from the aggravation of external forces is proven at present after the US expressed its support to the Philippines amid the rising tension between over the rights of Spratlys Islands which is believed to have rich reserves of oil and natural gas. Coincidence or not, both the Philippines and the US stand to benefit in these military exercises, not only to improve their enduring relationship, but to be ready just in case a belligerent scenario arises. This relationship is bound by humanitarian values and moral responsibility to ensure peace and security not just for their own people, but for every citizen of the world. (AJPress)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Wisconsin primary: Game changer in US politics? HILLARY CLINTON and DONALD TRUMP — they are the The Fil-Am front-runners in the Democratic and Republican races, respec- Perspective tively. But as of press time, these two candidates may not win in the state of Wisconsin, if the polls will be our indicators. But whatever the result may have been as Gel SantoS-reloS you read this piece, let us discuss how crucial the Wisconsin primary may be as each party chooses its nominee for president. Republican Party Leading up to the Wisconsin primary, Donald Trump experienced perhaps the most challenging weeks of his campaign. The Republican Party establishment has been openly trying to stop his momentum, and some GOP elites have given full support to Ted Cruz. Trump has been criticized after he said in an interview that women who have had an abortion -when it is illegal -- will have to be punished. This a position is incongruous to the GOP position that women are victims in this situation, and that the medical practitioners shall be the ones who will have to be punished for abortion. Trump changed his position three times in a span of three hours, raising doubts about his policies. Trump was also hit hard for his foreign policy
position when he said countries like Japan or South Korea should be allowed to build nukes to protect its own security, a policy that negates the goal of the international community to make the world safer by aiming to make it nuke-free. Cruz may be up in the polls in Wisconsin, and a loss there for Trump would just make it harder for him to get the magical 1,237 delegate number needed before the Republican National Convention in July. If Trump does not reach 1,237, he may have to hurdle a contested convention, where the party will implement rules that may nominate another candidate, despite him winning the most number of states. Democratic Party Bernie Sanders has been polling very well in Wisconsin and if he wins in the state, this will be his seventh win in the past eight primary contests over front-runner Hillary Clinton. This victory may continue to give Sanders the momentum to win in the delegate-rich state of New York on April 19, which may snowball to California and other states. Sanders was born in Brooklyn, New York, but Hillary Clinton has made New York her adoptive
in New York, such lead has been diminishing, and may turn the table toward a Sanders victory. Part of Clinton’s lead in the delegate math is the heavy support she has been getting from superdelegates (partyelected officials, not ordinary voters). Bernie Sanders’s strategy is to convince these superdelegates to shift their votes to him if the voters of states they represent choose Sanders as their nominee. ABANGAN! *** Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton
state. She owns a home there and has served as senator before she was appointed Secretary of State by President Barack Obama. Through Clinton has kept the lead over Sanders
Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are 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
Should we worry about a terrorist attack? FOLLOWING the March 22 bombings Street in Brussels, Belgium, spokesmen of the Talk Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines immediately issued official state- GreG B. MacaBenta ments to the effect that there were “no validated terrorist threats in Metro Manila.” One of the major dailies promptly ran the headline, “No terror threats in Metro, says PNP,” and described the statement of the authorities as an “assurance.” In fact, there was no such assurance of the absence of a terrorist threat – simply the absence of reliable information about such an eventuality. The only assurance given by the PNP was that its “security forces and the intelligence network are continuously monitoring and doing their jobs.” That is the best we can expect from them. To those who scoff at the capabilities of our Philippine intelligence infrastructure, it helps to know that the quiet, unassuming clerk in your local city hall or barangay or the friendly assistant in that Philippine consulate abroad may, in fact, be an imbedded intelligence operative. These folks may be taking note of any suspicious meetings or conversations you are engaged in. I am told that the days of Marcosian disappearances are over and that the likelihood of being picked up for subversive activities is remote – unless you live in the rural areas or are a very high profile activist.
But please, don’t take my word for it. Rodel Rodis, a lawyer friend in the San Francisco Bay Area and a vocal critic of abuses in past Philippine administrations, related an intriguing incident in a posting on social media. Someone had gone up to Rodel claiming to be a former intelligence agent assigned to tail Rodel and to find an opportunity to do him harm. According to Rodel, he didn’t think the fellow was worth taking seriously - until he read the man’s name in US media. The fellow was being deported for “human rights violations” as a Philippine undercover operative. The man had been telling the truth! Indeed, I wouldn’t underestimate the capabilities of our intelligence community. When the PNP and the AFP say that their agents are on the job, that’s a better reassurance than when you drive up to the parking area of a mall in Metro Manila and the security guards go around your vehicle with a mirror attached to a pole, ostensibly checking its underbody for a hidden bomb. A determined terrorist with a whole armory of explosives would get past those security guards undetected. So, how serious is the “terrorist threat” in the Philippines and in places like Metro Manila, in the wake of bombings in Paris, Brussels and other major cities? For a US resident and a frequent traveler like me, quite frankly, it is as
serious as the threat in any big city in America. Perhaps, the only difference is that the intelligence community in America may be much better trained and concededly much better equipped to monitor suspicious activities among red-flagged foreigners, as well as permanent residents and citizens with “unusual backgrounds.” I use the term “unusual” for lack of a more precise understanding of what the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security consider a red flag among the millions who populate the USA. My own impression, however, is that the kind of near-seditious statements routinely made by local politicians, columnists and social media pundits that go in one ear and out the other of Philippine authorities, would raise serious concerns in the US. We have such an unbridled mass communications environment in the Philippines that the line between freedom of speech and licentiousness is often breached. If you ask me, as a media person, I prefer the Philippine situation over the Big Brother monitoring in the US. A freer press, in spite of abuses, is preferable to the feeling that your every movement and every statement, your every email and every mobile phone call is being closely watched. This is not to say that this is exactly what is happening in the US. But the possibility that it is, in fact, happening, already serves as a deterrent. It is pretty much the feeling you get when you encounter a full stop sign in the middle
of nowhere in California. For some uncanny reason, when you choose to disregard the stop sign, a highway patrol officer suddenly appears. Believe me, it often happens. And yet, in spite of such a hightech intelligence environment, recent events in the US have shown that there is no airtight guarantee against a terrorist attack. The threat is not simply from foreign travelers with evil intent but also from home-grown “sleepers” who might suddenly be activated by their handlers and transformed into suicide bombers. It is easy to say that the bombing at the Boston Marathon in April 2013 and the December 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California happened because of a “lapse in intelligence,” but the harsh truth is that there is no fail-safe protection against individuals who are prepared to give up their lives in the course of murdering innocent people. If you are the kind who worries about these things, Google will tell you that “In the period from 2000 to 2007 (terrorist) attacks killed nearly 400 Filipino civilians and injured well over 1500 more, more casualties than caused by bombings and other attacks in Indonesia, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, or Britain during the same period.” That would make the Philippines a “high risk” country. However, I am not aware of any new advisory issued to US citizens by the US embassy about travel to the Philippines, aside from one released in December last year. That advisory was about visiting
critical areas in Mindanao. The same warnings have been given by the British and Australian governments to their nationals. I frankly have no worries about traveling to Manila and even to Mindanao, in spite of media reports of ISIS recruitment and training activities. Of course, there is always the possibility of stray bullets or shrapnel unexpectedly coming my way, but, where I live near the city of Richmond in the San Francisco Bay Area, the possibility of getting caught in a crossfire between gang members is just as real – or just as remote. I recall how my family worried about my planned trip to the Atlanta Olympics in July 1996, the day after a radical exploded a bomb at the Centennial Olympic Park, killing one person and injuring 111. I told my wife that after the bombing, the Olympic premises would be the safest place in America. In sum, in a world where terrorism has become a daily threat, life must go on. Just cooperate with the strict airport security personnel, play along with the earnest efforts of the security guards at the malls and watch your language when you notice that quiet, unassuming clerk in city hall or at the Philippine consulate casting furtive glances at you. And, remember, vigilance and its corresponding inconveniences are the price we must pay for our security. This may sound like a joke, but at any airport, I would think twice about saying “Hi” to my son-in-law. His name is Jack. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
US-PH military exercises begin as China issues warning by iAn JAmotillo AJPress
THE United States and the Philippines began the annual “Balikatan” exercises on Monday, April 4, after China issued a warning against “outside interference” in relation to the ongoing territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Over 8,000 US and Filipino troops, including 80 Australian forces, will participate in the 11-day war games dubbed as “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder), from April 4 to 15. The military drills will involve several intense exercises including simulation events, an amphibious landing and strengthening the combat skills of the soldiers. “The Balikatan exercise is designed not to address a particular concern but the whole lump in the spectrum of warfare,” Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, Philippine military exercise director, said in a news conference. China’s state media, Xinhua, recently reported about the Chinese government warning outsiders entering the disputed islands in the South China Sea, which the country is claiming. US Defense Secretary Ash Carter is scheduled to visit the Philippines next week to observe the annual Balikatan exercises and monitor several US navy ships. He will be the first top US defense official to observe the war games after the two allies started holding joint military exercises. Carter’s visit concurs with the implementation of a new military agreement between the two countries, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and will be highlighting this year’s Balikatan.
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 6-8, 2016
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Mar still convinced he’s doing well, despite poll standing by Alexis
RomeRo Philstar.com
“Our alliance is strong. The United States is committed to this relationship and these are not empty words.... peace in Southeast Asia depends on our cooperation,” Lieutenant-General John Toolan, commander of US Marine Corps forces in the Pacific told Philippine media. He also added that the exercises would help the allies improve maritime security and maintain regional stability. The ongoing territorial dispute includes several islands in the South China Sea namely the Paracels Islands, the Pratas Islands, Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands. Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the waters, in which the Philippines has sought international arbitration on the disputed islands. Major General Rodolfo Santiago, assistant exercise director, however, said that the drills were designed to practice “generic scenario[s]” and were not targeted toward any specific country, in the midst of China’s aggression in the South China Sea. n
BAYUGAN CITY — Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II is still convinced that he is doing well even if he remains a laggard in pre-election surveys. Roxas said his survey numbers have been consistent and are not that far from those of his rivals. “I started with four percent while my rivals had 50 percent. Now, all of our scores fall within the line of two and they are ahead only by a few points,” Roxas told reporters on Monday, April 4. “I think we have a good standing,” he added. Roxas believes his track record will be his edge in the upcoming elections. “We have seen the reaction and the reception of our countrymen based on our clean track record and we have a platform that is not based merely on promises,” he added. Roxas is still trailing in sur-
Liberal Party presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II ranked third in the Bilang PilipinoSocial Weather Stations mobile survey. Philstar.com/AJ Bolando, File photo
veys despite the endorsement of President Benigno Aquino III, who has consistently posted high satisfaction and trust ratings. Roxas ranked third in the Bilang Pilipino-Social Weather Stations mobile survey conducted on March 30. He and Vice President Jejomar Binay were tied with 17 percent in the survey, which had
1,200 survey respondents. Sen. Grace Poe topped the mobile survey with 34 percent followed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte with 31 percent. The survey had sampling error margins of ±4% for national percentages, ±7% in Metro Manila and Visayas, and ±8% in Balance Luzon and Mindanao. n
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BUSINESS& COMMUNITY Journal
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the prestigious SGV and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), said FDIs continue to trek MANILA — One of the coun- to the Philippines despite the try’s most influential business negative publicity regarding the adviser believes foreign direct hacking of the Bangladesh Ceninvestments (FDIs) remain unaf- tral Bank and the entry of some fected by the money laundering of the stolen money into the Philissue involving Rizal Commercial ippine banking system. Banking Corp. (RCBC). He pointed out that the largest Washington Z. Sycip, however, German financial institution, Allisaid caution should be exercised anz AG, entered into an arrangein dealing with the issue of casi- ment with PNB Life Insurance nos. Corp., an affiliate of Philippine Sycip, the man who founded National Bank. by Ted
Torres Philstar.com
Likewise the biggest bank of Japan, Bank of Tokyo- Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. (BTMU), acquired 20 percent equity in Security Banking Corp. “Clearly those two events show that foreign investments have not been affected by the casino issue. My concern is investments, real money coming in the system,� Sycip, who seats in dozen of corporate boards, said. Likewise, he does not see any problems with the country’s
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More business hubs rising by richmond
s. mercurio
Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippines is on the brink of a major property overhaul as a record number of business hub constructions outside the country’s capital has peaked anew. About 53 to 55 business districts and IT parks are currently being developed outside Metro Manila at present which are easily worth hundreds of billions of pesos, according to Leechiu Property Consultants chief executive officer David Leechiu. “We are undergoing an un-
precedented boom in the provinces in terms of construction and real estate development. Never has that ever happened on the scale we’re doing it now in the history of the Philippines. The 53 to 55 business districts under construction is totaling about 41,000 hectares of idle property that are being transformed now to massive townships,� Leechiu said. Although the bulk of these developments is still led by the Ayala’s, the Sy’s, and Andrew Tan’s group, a number of rich families in the provinces are also going on their own investment spree
to push progress in these up and coming hotspots. “It’s not just the big developers’ story anymore, although SM, Ayala and Megaworld are still the three largest township developers. It’s now all these local taipans in Davao, Cagayan De Oro, Bicol – all the local rich that are plowing hundreds of millions, if not billions of pesos of investment in their communities,� Leechiu said. The Leechiu Property Consultants’ latest report showed Pampanga as having the most number of ongoing master planned
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BPI interested in RCBC?
by IrIs
Gonzales Philstar.com
MANILA — Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is looking at the possibility of acquiring a majority stake in Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), the Yuchengco-owned bank at the center of the $81million money laundering heist that is now being investigated by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, industry sources said. If the deal pushes through it would be a major banking consolidation that would put the third largest lender closer to the biggest bank in the country, Syowned Banco de Oro Unibank. The stock market was abuzz with talks of the possible acquisition on Friday, sending share prices of RCBC to close higher that day at P30 per share after reaching a high of P30.60 per share. This was higher than Thursday’s close of P29.65 and Wednesday’s P29.10. BPI shares, meanwhile, closed at P88.65 on Friday, April 1, up from the previous day’s P87. The STAR sought comments from two ranking officials from the Ayala Group but was unable to get any. “I’m sorry, I cannot comment,” one official said. As of end-September 2015, BPI is third largest lender in terms of assets, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas with P1.158 trillion while RCBC, eight on the list of 37 universal and commercial banks, has P410.3 billion in assets.
“An acquisition for BPI would move the bank higher on the list,” said an industry source. In 2012, BPI also entered in talks to acquire a majority stake in Lucio Tan-led Philippine National Bank, a move that would have allowed the Ayala-led bank to penetrate a bigger FilipinoChinese market. The talks, however, collapsed in 2013. This is not the first time that RCBC has been at the center of merger and acquisition talks since the money laundering heist issue broke in February. Last week, there were also talks of a merger between BDO and RCBC but officials denied this.
“RCBC is in the spotlight now because it’s vulnerable,” one banker said. RCBC is under investigation for its involvement in the money laundering scandal after $81 million stolen from the Bangladesh Bank entered the Philippines via the bank’s Jupiter, Makati branch through alleged accounts of several individuals including businessman William Go. The bank has already filed charges before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office against Maia Santos-Deguito and senior customer relations officer Angela Torres for falsification of commercial documents after they allegedly tampered with the accounts of Go. n
Megaworld income grows 10% to breach P10 billion
backed by adequate land banking and carefully-thought master plans. We have already mastered MANILA — Megaworld, the the art of township developAndrew Tan-led developer of in- ment,” said Megaworld chief fitegrated urban townships and the nance officer Francis Canuto. biggest lessor of office spaces, Consolidated revenues went up saw its core net income breach 9.37 percent to P44.81 billion. the P10-billion mark. The leasing business has been In a disclosure to the Philip- the fastest growing segment pine Stock Exchange (PSE) yes- with rental income expanding by terday, the company said core 23.46 percent. earnings grew 10.58 percent to Leasing income from malls, P10.4 billon on strong revenues commercial centers and offices from its townships. increased to P8.73 billion last “We already have a strong ros- year from P7.07 billion in 2014. ter of townships across Luzon, “Our rental business had been Visayas and Mindanao that are growing exponentially the last five years. We are confident that we will reach the P11-billion target by the end of this year as we see continuous growth in consumer spending as well as further expansion of BPO companies, particularly in key growth areas in Visayas and Mindanao where Megaworld is already present,” Canuto said. “What we want to put focus on now is how to further grow our rental portfolio, which is integral to being a township developer. Malls and offices are key components of an urban townby IrIs
Gonzales Philstar.com
ship,“ he said. Among its township projects include the 18.5-hectare Eastwood City in Quezon City, 25hectare Newport City in Pasay City, 50-hectare McKinley Hill, 34.5-hectare McKinley West, 15.4-hectare Uptown Bonifacio and the five-hectare Forbes Town Center all in Fort Bonifacio. Other townships include the 28.8-hectare Mactan Newtown in Cebu, 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park and the 173-hectare Sta. Barbara Heights (both in Iloilo), the 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island, the 1,300-hectare Twin Lakes in Tagaytay, the 12.3-hectare ArcoVia City in Pasig City, the 561hectare Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna, 11-hectare Davao Park District in Davao City, the 62-hectare Alabang West in Las Piñas City, the 350-hectare Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite and The Upper East and Northill Gateway (both in Negros Occidental); a 35.6 hectare property beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando, and Westside City in the Entertainment City in Parañaque. n
Easy ways to curtail California’s drought
When El Nino and Snowpack fail AS the results of the annual California snow survey revealed below average snowpack and disappointing results from the highly anticipated El Nino, California’s historic drought rages on. Now, more than ever, California residents need to exercise their power to conserve water – especially as we head into the warm summer months. Energy Upgrade California, a state initiative dedicated to educating Californians about energy savings, provides the following easy tips to help residents conserve water. The below watersaving tips are relevant yearround, regardless of conditions: • Fill the dishwasher all the way – When you fill the dishwater fully before running it, you use less water and energy per dish. Remember to scrape remaining food off plates instead of rinsing them before loading them into the dishwasher. • Plug the sink when washing dishes – Plugging the sink or using washbasin to clean up by hand can limit the amount of wa-
ter that is wasted. • Say yes to showers – Showers use less water than baths. Just keep an eye on how much time you spend lathering up in there. • Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator – Running hot water over frozen foods to thaw them out wastes a lot of water. You’re better off defrosting them in the refrigerator overnight. • Turn off water when brushing your teeth – Shutting off the tap while you’re shaving or brushing your teeth means less water is wasted down the drain. • Avoid running the tap for drinking water – Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool. • Check plumbing fixtures for leaks – Small household leaks can add up to gallons of water lost every day. Check your plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems to ensure you’re not unwittingly wasting water. For more information, visit www.energyupgradeca.org. n
More business hubs…
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developments outside Metro Manila with eight under construction, followed by Davao and the cluster of Laguna/Cavite/Batangas with seven each. Bacolod and Cebu, meanwhile, have five each, while Baguio has four. Leechiu said development of these new business districts does not only reinforce business, industry, and tourism in the provinces, but also attracts residents. “These developments cater to the overseas Filipinos who were coming back here and want to
live and own property in the Philippines,” he said. “Prior to these business districts developing, the overseas Filipinos were quite reluctant in investing in the Philippines because things are so undeveloped in the provinces. But now with these townships they’re seeing development happening at a rapid scale and they are able to say these projects are similar to what they’ve used to in the Middle East, in Canada, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and therefore they are starting to put money in real estate,” Leechiu said. n
FDI unaffected by money…
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banking system in lieu of the laundering issue. “Wash” as he is respectfully referred to, is a board member of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and serves as consultant to BDO Unibank Inc. and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank). He also praised Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., saying compared to any central bank governor, he has done a fantastic job, aside from steering the country through the many difficult global and regional financial crises. “Whatever the BSP does is good for the country; Whatever Tetangco feels is good for the country, I will go with him,” the revered accountant said.
Sycip said once we have investments tied in the casinos, regulators may have to think twice about closing them. But it is a different if we have to tighten regulations regarding casinos. “We can not kill the goose that lays the golden egg.” Earlier, Tetangco said the central bank has the legal authority to run after violators of banking laws and regulations as well as those who fail to comply with minimum regulatory standards on governance, risk management and market conduct. He said the strength and soundness of the banking system is underpinned by the efforts of the BSP and other government agencies to pursue financial stability as a prudential objective focusing specifically on the potential build up of systemic risks. n
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Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng IMAGINE that you lived 2016 years ago in Jerusalem and that you were one of the new converts of Jesus Christ. You’re a 50-year old man or woman who was a gentile. You are a retailer of garments with a stall in a busy retail district of Jerusalem. The news was aplenty about the 33-year old prophet whom the Jews in Jerusalem say is their messiah, the promised one, who is to be their king who would free the Jews from the tyranny of Rome. You didn’t really care much about the Jews because you were a gentile minding your own business, with a sales permit signed by Pontius Pilate allowing you to do business in the Roman province of Jerusalem. But you have a Jewish friend who invited you to hear Jesus speak. When you arrived at the place where Jesus was to speak, many people were there waiting for Him. About 5,000 people, men, women and children were sitting around waiting for the man called Jesus from Nazareth who performs miracles, healing lepers, blind people and paralytics. He is even reported to raise people from the dead! Your curiosity is piqued. Is this Jesus a magician? His followers say that Jesus has said that He is the son of the one true God, Yahweh, Jehovah, Adonai, El Shaddai, El Elohim. Is he really the son of the one true God? These are the thoughts going through your mind. The headlines in the Jerusalem times mention many incidents where Jesus is reported to completely heal ten lepers in Galilee, a paralytic in Capernaum, a man born blind outside the temple at Jerusalem and two blind men at Capernaum! You’re thinking this Jesus is one cool dude, how can he heal these people, time and again, unless He is who He claims to be, son of
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA WE all have known of friends, family and complete strangers who passed away quite unexpectedly over the course of our lifetimes. There seemed to be no warning signs. All the deep, dark emotions of shock, grief, denial and finally, calming, quiet acceptance must have washed over those left behind like a devastating tsunami wave as they come to grips with the finality of death. No one is exempt. Death does come like a thief in the night. And in many life stories, mercifully so … They were there one moment, living, breathing, smiling and so full of life. In the blink of an eye, they were gone. And just like that, it was over. It leaves one with a profound sense of mortality – that final end game. We derive comfort in knowing that those we know of and care about may have lived good lives and are now free of all the pain and strains of human bondage. Death, after all, makes it possible to finally come home. And yet, while we are alive and kicking, most of us who are aware of our own mortality must strive to make the most of our lives. We try to make each day count. We try to live purposeful lives as best we can. But it is not always easy. It seems we are always at the throes of uncertain times. Can anyone remember a time that was not uncertain? Most of the things that weigh us down or at the very least, ruffle our feathers, will come from within us, from our own heads and hearts, as we process the external world from one day to
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes IN a divorce proceeding, people sometimes have a misconception that the only assets or properties that have to disclose assets and properties situated in California. Even worst, sometimes parties even think that since an asset or property is situated in a different country or state, that property is not community property and not subject to division in California family court. One has to understand the general community property presumption in California. Property acquired
Community Journal
He is risen!
the one true God? You’re thinking maybe it’s about time you stopped worshipping molech who you sacrificed your firstborn son to, a year ago; molech, the bug-eyed false god who demands the sacrifice of children. Maybe this molech is just a giant fly? And you’re thinking that you must be a complete moron for sacrificing your first-born son to a giant fly; looks like your PHD in molecular theology was all for naught. When Jesus arrived at the gathering of 5,000, all, including you were hungry. You saw Jesus raise a basket of two loaves of bread and two fish and heard Him ask His Father to bless it. From there, you saw the bread and fish multiply until all 5,000, including you were fed with bread and fish. How can this be, how is this possible, this man is not a magician, you surmised, this man must truly be the son of the one true God! The last headlines you read was that Jesus had raised the following from the dead: Jesus resurrects the widow’s son at Nain – “And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, weep not. And He came and touched the bier, and that bare him stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say unto thee, ARISE,’ and he that was dead stood up, and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother.” In yet another instance, Jesus raises the daughter of Jarius from the dead: “But when the people were put forth, He went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.” And recently, Jesus is reported to have raised his friend Lazarus who had been dead for four days: “And when He thus had spoken, and He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth, and he who was dead came forth bound hand and foot with graves clothes, and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus said unto them, loose him and let him go.” Last week, Pontius Pilate, at the instigation of the Pharisees, the chief priests of the Jews,
had condemned Jesus to death by crucifixion. Pilate had asked Jesus if he claimed to be the king of the Jews and Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Pilate saw no fault in Jesus but succumbed to what the Pharisees wanted because that was the politically correct thing to do. It was a Jewish matter, a local matter of the Jews and he washed his hands of what he had done. It wasn’t his fault, he thought, condemning an innocent man to death. The Jewish Supreme court comprised of their religious big wigs, the Sanhedrin, wanted his death. Jesus is getting way too popular with the Jewish hoi polio. He claims to be the Son of God, a blasphemy. He has to die. Now the news is that JESUS WILL RESURRECT ON THE THIRD DAY AFTER HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS. So last Sunday morning, you visit the tomb of Jesus and you see that the giant rock covering his tomb had been moved, His body was no longer there. What happened? Did Jesus truly resurrect from the dead? You hear the buzz. His followers are saying that they have seen and met the risen Christ! You go to Jerusalem and indeed you see Jesus, alive and well. He shows you the puncture wounds on His hands. He is gloriously alive in front of you!! INDEED, YOU PROCLAIM: HE IS RISEN! “…The angel said to the woman, do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell his disciples that He has risen from the dead.” — Matthew 28:6
*** 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)
Retooling coping techniques 101 I’ve used up all my sick days, so I’m calling in dead.
— Graffiti
the next. Oftentimes, our bodies simply follow the lead. If we recognize this mind-body-spirit dynamic, perhaps we can retool the coping skills we need to adapt to tough, troubling times and still come out whole. The mind-body-spirit connection is real. How often have we heard of this about stress? It is not what we eat but what is eating us. Stress is a silent killer. It is not unusual to read or hear about people in the prime of life— sixty, fifty, forty and even thirty year old men and women who drop down dead without warning because of strokes or massive brain aneurysms—the body’s reaction to unrelenting stress that typically characterize modern life. There are increasing numbers of horrific news accounts of ordinary people who felt they have reached the end of their ropes. Driven by severe depression and complicated by addictive drug intake, many end up killing themselves. Sadly, there are increasing numbers who murder their families in one fell swoop before killing themselves. Whatever the circumstance, murder is never the answer. There are a few simple stressbusting techniques we can adapt and perhaps, give us a few more good years out of life. Become a presentist. Learn to focus on the present to savor the joy of the moment. Regretting the past and worrying about the future only increases stress. For as long as we are alive, stress
is like a chisel that is meant to shape our characters as real human beings. The most adjusted people have learned to deal with their own stresses. When life becomes too stressful, find a quiet place to pray and meditate. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was stressed too and He would always find a place to be by himself and pray, specially when he has ministered to the crowds, teaching them, healing them and feeding them by the thousands. He would slip away and pray with a few of his apostles. As a God-man, he needed to recharge his internal batteries with prayer and meditation. And so should we. The best times are in the early morning hours when no one is stirring—not even the mouse. Hie off to a quiet corner and get your bearings straight for the day. Listen to the silence as it quiets your mind. Imagine your mind as a blank computer screen with your stresses in teeny tiny bundles which you then drag and drop into a mental trash bin and emptying it out into the netherworld of cyberspace. Poof — all gone! It is astonishing what this quiet half hour can do for us in the quality of our physical and spiritual life each day. Take a break in the middle of a workday. Eat a light, balanced lunch — without hurrying, preferably with good company you enjoy. Slow down deliberately. Find the humor in situations and laugh often. Laughter and exer-
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Disclosure and characterization of overseas assets in divorce before marriage is the acquiring spouse’s separate property, as is property obtained during marriage that can be traced to a premarital acquisition. Family. Code. § 770(a). Rents, issues and profits” of separate property are separate property. All property acquired during marriage and before separation, other than by gift or inheritance, is presumptively community property. Family Code §§ 760, 771(a), 772; Marriage of Bonds (2000) 24 C4th 1, 12, 99 CR2d 252, 258; Marriage of Lehman (1998) 18 C4th 169, 177, 74 CR2d 825, 828. Pursuant to Family.Code. § 760, community personal or real property is consistently defined
no matter where situated. Family Code §760 defines “Community property” as “Except as otherwise provided by statute, all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” As such, out-of-state community property is community property for all purposes, including intraspousal management and control fiduciary obligations. It does not matter if the property is located in another state or another country. For the same reason, the parties to a divorce case is required to disclose all property, separate
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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 6-8, 2016
Calendar of Events across
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ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS APRIL 9
Prisoners of War Day at the Filipino Veterans Education Center All WWII veterans and families, please join us as we commemorate the historic 74thanniversary of Prisoners of War Day and the Fall of Bataan, the Day of Valor, on Saturday, April 9th. In the spirit of reconciliation, friendship and international cooperation, let us leave the past behind us as we move forward with joined hands to attain peace for all mankind. The formal Commemoration and remembrance ceremony will start at 2:00pm in the Filipino Veterans Education Center, at the War Memorial Performing Arts Veterans Building (401 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA 94102). This event is open to the public. Please RSVP RudyAsercion@gmail.com; naffaasf@gmail.com. Tel: 415 564 6262.
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Chino Hills Multicultural Festival Inspired by last year’s successful celebration of the community’s diversity, the Rotary Club of Greater Chino Hills Foundation will host its second Multicultural Festival on Saturday, April 23, from 3 to 9 pm, at the Chino Hills Community Center (14250 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709). Admission is free. There will be food booths, live entertainment, music, dance and performances by an array of participants. Sponsorship and advertisement packages are available for non-profit organizations to fundraise, and for businesses interested in market their products and services. For more information, contact rotary.chinohills@gmail.com or visit www.chinohillsrotaryclub.org. Contact: Ted Alvarez (909) 456-0359, tedalvarez@verizon.net; Tessie Lightholder (909) 576-4152,tessielightholder@gmail.com, or Ginny Mondonedo (951) 212-4624, vmondonedo55@gmail.com.
APRIL 30
COSC celebrates 27th Anniversary The Candonians of Southern California (COSC), under the leadership of their newly elected president, Mrs. Elizabeth Gacula Singh, will celebrate their 27th Anniversary on April 30 at the Doubletree Hotel-Monrovia (924 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For questions and those interested, please email thecandoniansofsocal@gmail.com.
APRIL — SEPTEMBER
Pilgrimages to Eastern Europe, Mexico and India Amazing Pilgrimages for the Jubilee Year of Mercy! All are welcome to join Fr. Joe Joseph of Holy Trinity Church for the spiritual and fun-filled experiences of EASTERN EUROPE (April 17- 30): Poland, Czech., Austria, Hungary, Medjugorje; COLONIAL MEXICO/ OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (June 20 - 27): Mexico City, Theotihuacan, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Ocotlan, Xochimilco, Guanajuato, San Miguel De Allende, Guadalajara, San Juan De Los Lagos, Cristo Rey, Zapopan, Tonala; and INDIA (September 15 - 29): Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kerala. For more pilgrimage information and detailed flyers, please contact Bernadette at bcorp1114@hotmail.com OR call 323-344-1548 & 323-547-6618.
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
B APRIL 6-8, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
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Powerful lessons from China’s richest man
The Kite Runner Prof. enrique M. soriAno (Part 1)
LAST week was a relatively tough but gratifying week for my family as we were practically living in a suitcase for 6 nights while traversing Osaka, Manila and Hong kong. My Family Business coaching work in Japan and a speaking engagement in Hong Kong to celebrate Julie’s Bakeshop’s 35th Anniversary were the highlights of the twin overseas trips. While in Hong kong which is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, I decided to research on the success lessons of Wang Jianlin, China’s newly minted Richest Billionaire with a fortune of $40.7 Billion. Wang is almost 4X richer than our local taipan, mall
king Henry Sy. In a Business Insider report, Wang Jianlin, a former People’s Liberation Army soldier who is now a real estate mogul and the world’s largest cinema chain operator, is the richest person in China and he’s caught in a riches race with Hong Kong business magnate Li-KaShing to become the wealthiest man in Asia. Wang, born in Sichuan Province in 1954 just after the Communist revolution, spent the first few decades of his life in anything but luxury. In 1970, Wang entered the military, where he remained until 1986 when he took a city government job in the city of Dalian in Liaoning Province. Wang became chairman of Wanda in 1989 at age 35. His fortune more than doubled following successful public offerings of his real estate firm Dalian Wanda Commercial Prop-
erties, which has 125 shopping plazas and 68 five-star hotels, and Wanda Cinema Line, one of China’s largest movie theatre chains. According to a Forbes Magazine report, Wang bought 20% of Spanish soccer team Atletico Madrid and purchased the U.S. organizer of Ironman Triathlons for $650 million. Wang’s Dalian Wanda Group purchased U.S. movie theatre chain AMC Entertainment Holdings for $2.6 billion in 2012 and took it public in December 2013. His Wanda Group teamed up with the Auchan Group to invest 3 billion euros, or $3.3 billion, in a business and entertainment center in Paris. The project will be the largest ever in France by a China company, and will include an indoor and outdoor theme park, stage show, hotels, and business and conference centers.
The problem with probate
What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA (Part 1)
MAJORITY is concerned with saving money on their taxes, but ignore planning to avoid estate taxes, which can consume at least 40% of a family’s taxable estate before it can be passed on to the children. With proper estate tax planning, you could avoid probate and save wealth in estate taxes. Estate planning is simply how you want your assets distributed to your heirs after you die with as little time and expense as possible. There are two major estateplanning challenges that must be addressed: 1. How to avoid probate. 2. How to reduce estate taxes. How to avoid probate court: The purpose of probate is to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries, decide if the Will is valid, take care of the financial responsibilities, and only affects those assets that are titled under your name for which there is no designated beneficiary, after you have passed away. Instructions in the Will
are typically carried out through probate court. While there may be times when probate is necessary, there are problems with the probate court public process. How to avoid or reduce federal estate taxes: A person’s estate includes everything that they own at the time of death, including life insurance death benefits. One way to save estate taxes is by using the revocable living trust. Problems with Probate 1. Time: It takes an average of nine to 24 months to probate an estate. If there are a lot of assets, or any complications, the time could be longer, sometimes even years. 2. Costs: It is estimated that average cost of probate could be as high as 10% of the value of the estate. If the estate can be probated for half that amount, it is still a cost that can be completely avoided. 3. Control: The estate is controlled by the probate court. A Will is your instructions to the court, but because of possible contesting of the will or defects, the court may not follow your request. Your heirs must get court approval before they will have access to your estate. 4. Publicity: All probate court records are open to the public
for their inspection or copying. That includes all accounting and financial information, i.e., how much your estate is worth, how much you owe, and who you are leaving your estate to and how much you leave them. You may not want all of this information to be part of the public records. For these reasons, we usually recommend that probate be avoided by use of a revocable living trust particularly if you own real estate. Assets held in a revocable living trust are distributed according to the trust instructions regardless of the instructions in your Will without court supervision. It is also recommended to execute a durable financial power of attorney if you are the trustee of your own living trust. In accordance with IRS Circular 230, this communication is not to be considered a “covered opinion” or other written tax advice and should not be relied upon for IRS audit, tax dispute, or any other purpose. ***
The French investment is part of an aggressive push by 60year-old Wang to move Wanda beyond its roots in China’s real estate business. The company has in recent years expanded into entertainment, particularly film and sports, and committed billions of dollars to overseas investments. The project in France will be located next to the Charles de Gaulle Airport, about 10 kilometers from downtown Paris. Some 14,000 jobs will be created once the facility begins operation. Wang’s recent book, a compilation of public speeches entitled “The Wanda Way,” claims to give an inside look into his managerial philosophy and the values that turned his company into a giant conglomerate with big global ambitions. Here are some nuggets of advice from Wang as detailed by Sophia Yan in a CNN report: 1. Get tough in the army Wang joined the Chinese military as a teenager in 1970. His gruelling training involved epic
marches that took the soldiers through “knee-deep stretches of snow.” He recalls, “We were deprived of everything. In the snow, we had to dig our own hole to spend the night. Anyone who faltered could forget about being chosen to move up that year, or earning your Exemplary Fighter award.” This experience built his “teeth-gritting spirit and a desire to fight until the end,” he says. Wang suggests there’s a direct relationship between a military background and success, pointing out that many top Chinese entrepreneurs previously served in the military. 2. Differentiate and innovate, like Starbucks “The first key is to understand how you can differentiate yourself from others and be innovative,” Wang said. “For instance, everyone knows how to sell coffee, but Starbucks redesigned the coffee-making process, innovated the business model and became a successful chain business.”
Wang disputes the idea that only high-tech companies can lead the way forward -- “No matter whether you are in a traditional or an emerging industry, as long as you’re capable of innovating the existing business model, you can reap super profits.” Part 2 will continue next week (sorianoasia@gmail.con) ***
Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business Advisor, Book Author, Executive Director of Asean-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein Advisory and Program Director for Real Estate and the former Chair of the Marketing Cluster of the ATENEO Graduate School of Business. He is slated to deliver a talk on Philippine Business and Franchising Opportunities. The first talk is in NY on Feb 1 at the Philippine Consulate and Boston on Feb 4 at the Harvard Campus and in LA. The talk is organized by the Philippine Consulate in New York, in coordination with the Bagong Kulturang Pinoy (bkpinc.org), the Harvard Philippine Forum, TFC with Asian Journal as media partner. For those interested to attend, pls email nzuelke@gmail. com. Prof Soriano’s business articles can also be accessed at www.Faminbusines.com.
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cise produce endorphins in our brain that make us happy and healthy. Once in a while, try taking a nap during lunch breaks instead of eating. Machines need to power down. And so do we. Downtime is just as important in recharging one’s batteries. Hold your calls. Carpe diem! Be ready to admit it when you need help. At the root of the most serious problems is foolish, foolish pride — hubristic pride, being the worst of them all. The fallen angels had this kind of pride. The ego will prevent us from asking for help — effectively dragging us to a whirlpool of denial until stresses and problems have us on a stranglehold. It takes courage and humility to finally admit that we need help. When we get down on our knees and humbly ask for the grace and the strength to finally snap out of it, seek help as soon as possible. It can be our spouse, a friend, a professional or someone we can trust to help us sort out our problems and support us Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides in doing something constructive accounting and tax services to individuals, about them. corporations, LLCs and business entities. Deep emotional or psychoThe Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers logical problems are the worst audited by the IRS and other governmental burdens for they can weigh us (Advertising Supplement) down and seriously threaten our agencies.
entire wellbeing and also affect the lives of those whom we care about. Unload the burden of a heavy heart. Allow time to mend and heal a broken heart or it will bury us six feet deep. Know thyself. Gauge what we can and cannot do, both in our personal and professional life. Do not set unrealistic pie in the sky goals. We can choke ourselves to death when we bite more than we can chew. Resist overextending ourselves. The mortgage crisis is caused by millions of borrowers overextending themselves and the financial titans allowing such foolishness to go unchecked. Each human being is created for a specific purpose in life. He who finds his purpose early enough and fulfills it saves himself from unnecessary and unwanted frustrations and crushing disappointments. Filter the messages that bombard us daily. The constant barrage of messages and suggestions from songs, news, features and advertisements from the media and the internet is designed to make us feel inadequate so that each one of us as a consumer will buy a product or service. We can listen, if we have to,
but we must always think for ourselves. Give no one the power to even suggest we are unworthy or inadequate as human beings who need to buy something in order to feel whole. Media and the internet serve a purpose—for good or ill. Together, they are a potent force and we will all do well to keep it at bay. Use self-editing filters, because media agenda-driven messages have the most awesome power to influence thought, feelings, self-image and behavior. There is always the MUTE OR OFF button. We are still the BOSS. Knowing what we can do within our own set of circumstances will save us a lot of angst from wanting to do that which is beyond our capacities. When we begin to relax and REFUSE to be driven by the ego, it is uncanny how life permits us to naturally flow into that glowingly wonderful state of peace and contentment, where our abilities fit with WHAT WE WANT TO DO AND more importantly, WHAT WE HOPE TO BE, like a hand in glove. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
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PeoPle & events
LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 6-8, 2016
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Disclosure and characterization… Calling all U.P. grads: Spring get-together is on April 30
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and community, including those outside the state. During the marriage, the parties’ fiduciary duties require full and accurate disclosure of true and full information affecting community property transactions. FamilyCode. §§ 721(b), 1100(e). In addition, disclosure duties arise upon separation in anticipation of dissolution, nullity or legal separation. The post-separation disclosure duties extend to all assets and liabilities in which either party has or may have an interest or obligation, regardless of community or separate property characterization, and to current earnings, accumulations and expenses. These duties “arise without reference to any wrongdoing.” Family.Code. §§ 721(b), 2100(c), 2102(a)(1); Marriage of Feldman (2007) 153 CA4th 1470, 1475–1476, 64 CR3d 29, 33; Marriage of Brewer & Federici (2001) 93 CA4th 1334, 1342–1344, 113 CR2d 849, 854–855. Parties to a divorce case has a duty to provide full and accurate disclosure of all assets and debts including those in other states and other countries. Failure to disclose
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could result to certain legal consequences to the non-disclosing parties including sanctions and attorney’s fees. If you are contemplating a divorce and you own assets and properties outside the state or country, its best to retain the representation of an experience family law attorney. ***
Non-profit alumni association UPAAGLA hosts event in North Hills, CA
U.P. Grads, come and bring your friends and family to “U.P. Spring Fling 2016” on Saturday, April 30, at 3-9pm. Come and join us for food, fun, music and party games while networking and reconnecting with friends and family from your campus days. All of these for free! One Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified need not be a member of UPAAFamily Law Specialist. He was President of GLA to attend the event. Everythe Philippine American Bar Association. He is one is welcome. a member of both the Family law section and The event is hosted by the UniImmigration law section of the Los Angeles versity of the Philippines Alumni County Bar Association. He has extensive of Greater Los Angeles (UPAACPA experience prior to law practice. LAW GLA) and will be held on SaturOFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located day, April 30 at 15255 Knapp St, at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, North Hills, CA 91343 between CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail 3pm to 9pm. UPAAGLA has lined kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website up musical performers, prizes for at Kenreyeslaw.com. the various party games, as well *** as a sumptuous spread of FiliPlease note that this article is not legal advice and is pino food. not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to For more information, visit our provide only general, non-specific legal information. website www.upaagla.org and This article is not intended to cover all the issues come see what the organization related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that has been busy with. Photos from apply to your matter may make the outcome different the Induction Gala, Quarterly than would be anticipated by you. This article does Meetings and updates on our create any attorney client relationship between you fundraising projects for scholarand the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This ships are also available on the article is not a solicitation. (Advertising website. Call (213) 880-3305 if Supplement) you have more questions.
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UPAAGLA is comprised of a varied and enthusiastic mix of medical professionals, musicians, lawyers, animators, realtors, photographers, accountants, businessmen, engineers and many more. We encourage everyone to attend this uniquely special event casual affair where you may meet of find classmates for camaraderie or even new business opportunities. Just who could be at the Spring Fling? Current President is Arnel Joaquin, President-elect Mutch Cariño, 1st Vice President Nati Mercado, 2nd Vice-President Yvee Guevarra, Recording Secretary Angie Alvarez, Corresponding Secretary Maribel Catala, Treasurer Gil Guinto, Assistant Treasurer Melette Lampino, Auditor Dick Cu, and PRO Bobby Canseco. On the Board of Directors are Annie Nepomuceno, Benny Uy, Bob Shroder, Carina Pilapil, Ethel Rubio, Evelyn Andamo, Ivy Bautista, Jess Española, Maning Rivera, Maria Drees, Mario Kasilag, Sonny Gancayco, Steve Firme, Tina Escueta Martin, Tish Sigman and Dr. Fely De La Cruz. n
Guests enjoy a musical performance by the Harana Men’s Chorus from a recent mixer hosted by UPAAGLA
Smiling faces abound at UPAAGLA: 2nd Vice President Yvee Guevarra, Board Member Ivy Bautista and past President Vicky Gancayco Photos by Wanderlust Creatives
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B APRIL 6-8, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL
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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 6, 2016
Don Ellis Aguillo, graphic artist & illustrator
Expressing himself in a way the world hasn’t seen by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress
ONE would think that artists are “a dime a dozen,” creating the impression that when one draws, paints and/or create something, you can be labeled as an “artist.” In reality, only a small number can be called that, and that honor does not come lightly. One’s style and reason for doing such art comes to play. An artist can’t just paint a picture and not know the meaning behind it. It’s like a comic book or a graphic novel — there has to be a story. Graphic artist and illustrator Don Ellis Aguillo defines such style, describing it as “a marriage between graphic novel/comic book,” adding that it has “painterly sensibility.” His creations are not merely copies of his favorites from the comic book world, but rather an update to pull them into the current times. Born in 1984 in Quezon City, Philippines, Aguillo’s father, Fred, (who is from Cagayan in Northern Luzon) migrated to the United States to work as an
engineer. His mother, Heidi first went to work in the United Arab Emirates before following his father. Later in 1989, Aguillo traveled to the US with his brother to Pennsylvania. The art of Aguillo Art came natural for him at a young age. Explaining that he always had an affinity for it, he found ways to incorporate it into his schoolwork. “The meticulous nature and attention to detail made for a great foray into sciences and so at a young age. Though I was artistic, I was convinced I would follow [footsteps] to pursue something in the medical field,” he said. “It took freshman year at Penn State University to realize I need to let that go and pursue the dream that was in my heart — which was illustration and design.” He also added that his early inspiration was his brother, who was always a step ahead of him artistically in their younger years copying cartoons from TV and comic books. “When he set down his pencil, I continued on,
For more information about Don Ellis Aguillo and his work: Web: www.donaguillo.com Facebook: www.facebook. com/donaguilloillustrationdesign/ Instagram: @theinkwellrunsdry / @marvelworld Deviantart: http://daguillo84. deviantart.com exploring color, line and composition in a recreational way on my own through elementary, high school and eventually graduating with honors in fine arts.” Today, Aguillo’s influences come from both art worlds— Caravaggio, Leonardo Da Vinci, Edgar Degas and Jack Vettriano from the classical; and Simone Bianchi, Joe Madureira and Chris Bachalo from the modern, comic book world. “Though I pay attention to line, I think my work deals more with color and light, trying to make fantastical creations, situation, environments and characters that are grounded in the familiar physics of this one,” he said. Keeping a connection to his culture and roots In spite of his non-Filipino art inspirations, Aguillo is firmly connected to his roots. Apart from being a graphic designer and illustrator by trade, he is also a 3rd degree black belt martial arts instructor, and a dancer with the Parangal Dance Company of San Francisco. His work has also been part of the dance troupe’s marketing collaterals, and has been part of Kularts’ Kwentohan: Superheroes Edition series in SoMa. “Being Filipino-American definitely factored into my haven taken up part as a chosen field in many ways,” he shared. “There was a lot of pressure, especially being sensitive to my parents’ struggle to come to the US in the first place and observing their full commitment to their life’s work, to eventually take up law or medicine (or something equivalent) in order to achieve a level of prestige with my professional life. I realized that if I didn’t follow my heart, so to
speak, with art, that part of me would die, and it wouldn’t honor or give integrity to their struggle, to pursue something half-heartedly.” It does not mean, however, that there weren’t any challenges along the way. In fact, Aguillo believes that being taken seriously as an artist in this day and age is an ever-evolving challenge. “Things from anticipating budgeting for freelance work, to evaluating my own work for its worth in a market has been tough for me as I pour my heart and soul into every creation, otherwise I won’t pursue the project. I think it’s also a wonderful challenge to be in such a saturated market because it forces you to continue learning your strengths, new developments and most importantly, where you are weakest in your skill and expression of your sensibilities and perception of the world. It’s a constant, but welcome, struggle, to offer something different, new, fresh, but also cultural important and relevant. You can’t always be successful at it, but continuing on and developing that ability to offer that perspective to the world is what is valuable to the art.” At the moment, Aguillo and his friend, fellow artist, Rafael Salazar are continuing to devel-
ope the Kwentohan: Superheroes Edition series with Kularts, seeing it as a vehicle for giving the disenfranchised and dwindling Filipino population of the SoMa district a voice and a place in its own popular culture. “We want to continue developing that visual world and its characters and narrative and see where that goes in the future,” he said. Also, the two friends and other resident artists in San Francisco are pursuing a publication under the name, “In Hiatus,” which will spotlight snippets of larger graphic novel works
Photos courtesy of Don Ellis Aguillo
that they’ve developed. These graphic novels all follow themes of journeys, near and far, their significance in their lives. It will span several genres — political commentary, sci-fi, sword and sorcery, modern noir and classical superhero tales. As for aspiring artists, Aguillo advises them to continue creating, in spite of the challenges that may come their way. Keep creating, and if you don’t feel you are a creator, then try learning a discipline or craft through which you can express yourself in a way the world hasn’t seen yet.”
Is Kendal Jenner ‘secretly dating’ Sarah Geronimo hopes to Fil-Am Laker Jordan Clarkson? settle down in her early 30s A FEW days after her photos with One Direction lead vocalist Harry Styles at Saint Barths became widespread, rumors spread that Kendall Jenner is dating Fil-Am and Los Angeles (LA) Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson. According to People Magazine, the supermodel was spotted recently with 23-year-
Kendall Jenner and Jordan Clarkson
old Clarkson at The Nice Guy, a bar in West Hollywood. “They have been secretly dating for months and they are super into each other,” People Magazine quoted a source as saying. “He is super sweet and a total gentleman and Kendall loves that.” According to reports, it was none other than Kendall’s sister Khloe Kardashian who paired
them. The “Keeping up with the Kardashians” cast are not new to hooking up with NBA players. Khloe herself is married to LA Laker Lamar Odom while her elder sister Kim was married to Atlanta Hawks player Kris Humphries for a few months until their divorce in 2011. (Gianna Francesca Catolico/Inquirer.net)
SARAH Geronimo denied that she’s already engaged and living with boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli. “Maraming naglabasan. Nagli-live in na daw kami, buntis daw ako at engaged na kami. Wala, wala,” she said in an interview with push.com. Although she revealed that she hopes to settle down in her early 30s. The two were together last Holy Week when Matteo celebrated his birthday in Cebu and opened his restaurant “Trattoria Da Gianni.” The Popstar Princess was also asked about moving out of their home, which according to reports was because of her mom Divine. She denied moving out of their home, but became mum when asked to confirm about the rift with her mom. “Gusto kong gawing private yung ganyang issue. Okay lang ba na huwag na natin pag-usaAP file photos pan?” she asked the members
Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli
of the press. On a happier note, Sarah has signed a two-year contract with ABS-CBN. For her new contract, the singer-actress hopes to have
projects that “mayro’n akong ma-i-impart na magandang lesson sa mga tao, inspirasyon. Hindi lang ‘yong magpakilig o magpatawa.” (Joyce Jimenez/ Philstar.com)
features
Angelica Magsaysay Cheng: ‘Guardian Angel of Zambales’
than a minute and instinctively kicked her way out of the totally “Angel” Magsaysay Cheng, wrecked vehicle bare feet for fear businesswoman, housewife and of an exploding vehicle. Angel the eldest daughter of former regained consciousness when two three term governor Hon. she smelled the fuel fumes that Vic Magsaysay of the province of was also suffocating her. Her will Zambales, is the latest to throw to live for her family gave her the her hat into the political arena extra strength to kick and break among the famous Magsaysay the rear window glass of the SUV clan of Zambales. She is destined as the doors were jammed and to continue the Magsaysay legacy would not open. As she struggled of public service to the people of to get out of the wreck, she was Zambales. Angel is running for eased out by a small dark figure Vice governor of the province of a curly haired man asking her of Zambales this coming May 9, if she was alright. Angel was sure 2016 local elections. that this was an Aeta or an Agta. Why would a happy houseThe Aetas are the indigenous wife blessed with three children people of Zambales who lived in and a devoted husband (a pulthe rugged mountains and forests monary doctor) and a successful of Zambales. They are curly business woman want to enter haired, dark skinned and usually politics when she literally could less than five feet tall. The small not ask for anything more? Angel man helped him out of the wreck, began to tell her interesting story and up the hill as other rescue to answer this question. Aside people arrived and took over from being a Magsaysay, born the situation. As the accident into and raised by a seasoned aftermath quickly unfolded and politician, Angel said that her Angel was flown to a hospital in reasons were more than these. Manila and attended to, no one It turned out that a major life asked or even noticed the small changing experience actually man who first helped Angel. She opened her heart to accepting of course asked everyone where the challenge of her father, forthis person was, or his name mer governor Hon. Vic Magsayso she could thank her. none say. Angel relates that she was but Angel could remember the the first mobile accident “casual- presence of this small man at the ty” of the 93.77 kilometer Subic- accident site. Angel realized that Clark-Tarlac expressway (SCTeX) nothing short of a miracle actually shortly after it opened in 2007. happened. As Angel had more On easter Sunday. driving alone time to survey her own body with from SBMA to Manila at the medical help around her, she SCTeX, a burst tire caused Angel realized that not a single bone to lose control of her SUV and in her body was broken and that plunged into an 18-foot ravine she was just badly shaken but along the highway. This indomilargely conscious and not hurt at table and petite mother (5’1” in all. except for some bruises and height) lost consciousness for less glass splinters that got imbedded by German
P. Palabyab
in her arms and legs, she was alive and healthy. Judging from the wreck and the fall from the 18-foot ravine, it would be almost impossible for a person not to get seriously hurt or even die from that accident. Angel truly believed that it was a miracle and a wake-up call for her. A second chance in life this time with deeper meaning of more love of sharing to more hearts and souls and not just within the family and friends but for those who needed and deserved the caring and love; the Zambalenos . This was now clearer to her heart to head to god’s calling for service. Angel confesses that she was not a very religious person prior to this accident. She was just an ordinary god fearing Christian but the aching to give was now evident. Then came the second part of her story that explained everything. As a devotee of the Ina Poon Bato since she was 13 she relates to us a background of the Miraculous Image of the Virgin Mary the Ina Poon Bato of Botolan, Zambales. The story of Ina Poon Bato dates way back and started with an Aeta folktale. Angel’s mother, the former Rosellyn enciso was a devotee of the Ina Poon Bato who used to venerate the image and bring it house to house to be prayed upon. The Aeta folktale relates that the original stone image of Ina Poon Bato was discovered by the Recolletos missionaries among the Aetas when they came to Christianize them in Zambales during the Spanish colonization era (1521 to 1898). Before their conversion, the Aetas were mostly pagan people who worshipped stone images for their own gods. The Recolletos were amazed to discover from them a stone image of the very likeness of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The Recolletos took the image and it became known to all as the Ina Poon Bato, the Aeta’s image of the Virgin Mary. The Recolletos were told by the Aetas that the image was discovered by the aborigines from the ashes of the fire that gutted their chieftain’s house. As told to the Recolletos, one day
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The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 6, 2016
Angelica Magsaysay Cheng
the Aeta Chieftain ordered for his men to hunt for food. At the end of the day, the hunters came back empty handed except for a wooden image that they brought home from the unsuccessful hunt. Angered by the hunters’ failure and perhaps hunger, the Chieftain took the wooden image and flung it to the fire that was started for cooking. A fire ignited and burned the whole settlement to the ground. The Aetas found the wooden image of Ina Poon Bato from the burning embers and the ashes of the Chieftain’s house. They were surprised that the wooden image did not burn. Instead, it became “fossilized” into the beautiful stone image of the Virgin Mary that the Recolletos found among the Aetas. This is now called the “Ina Poon Bato” that Angel’s mother, Rosellyn enshrined in the new Cathedral built with the help of The Magsaysay Family, devotees to be promoted for veneration. The image has been popular among the Zambalenos but promoted to devotees around the world who were recipients of miracles attributed to her intercession. The story came full circle with our first question thrown at Angel, on why she decided to enter politics. Here are the series of connections: first, the missing Aeta who first helped her out of the wreck in the 2007 accident at SCTeX; second, the miracle of her surviving the accident; and third the Ina Poong Bato image that was discovered among the Aetas. Angel took the life chang-
ing experience as a message from her mother to continue venerating the Ina Poong Bato that the Aetas gave to the Recolletos. It was a wake-up call for Angel to serve god and His people, the people of Zambales and the underprivileged especially. The appearance of the Aeta who was never identified and found after the accident tied it up together. everyone has his or her own story. This is Angel’s. no wonder the experience led and pushed Angel to serve better her Zambales constituents and people who are in need in general. Thus this petite housewife from Castillejos, Zambales, born on April 20, 1965 began her public life as a charity worker, volunteer, organizer and devotee of Ina Poon Bato. During the last nine years since her accident, as President of Ina Poon Bato Foundation, Angel has been promoting the devotion and veneration to the image of the Virgin Mary of the Aetas. She is the Treasurer-Secretary of the Vicente Magsaysay Foundation, a non-profit foundation with many charities and scholarship program for the poor and the underprivileged. As her husband is from Marikina City, she was took it upon herself to be the organizer of the Ondoy Feeding Program and Medical Mission (Marikina City) that was organized to feed the victims of disastrous typhoon Ondoy in 2009. Families in relocating centers in Marikina City were visited by volunteers and
were served hot food. A Medical Mission was also held in partnership with Taiwanese organization, Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corp. In 2011, Angel organized the Medical Mission (Subic, Zambales). This was a surgical and dental medical mission and medicine drive for the residents of Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales. In 2012, she organized the Habagat Feeding Program (Masinoloc, Zambales) and also in Marikina City. This was an Independent Feeding program organized to feed the families, who fell victim to the wrath of the typhoon Habagat in Masinloc, Zambales. Volunteers went to various relocating centers, which housed numerous families and distributed warm and freshly cooked food. In 2013 she organized a similar feeding program for the victims of typhoon Odette in Masinloc, Zambales. She also organized a feeding program for the victims of typhoon Maring in Marikina city on the same year. Angel started the Christmas gift-giving to indigent kids of Masinloc, Zambales. Her biggest and most challenging charitable work to date involved the Yolanda Medicine Drive (Tacloban, Samar and guian) in 2013. This was an independent Medicine Drive organized for the benefit of the victims of typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Samar and guian. The medicines were distributed immediately just two weeks after the disaster. Cash donations, Continued on Page 5
Talc powder and ovarian cancer: Is there a connection? features The recent US jury verdict was on whether J&J withheld information about the potential risks; more research appears Carol Banawa’s ‘Bakit Di Totohanin’ needed to establish a definitive link featured in hit CW series ‘Vampire Diaries’ 4
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 6, 2016
by Anne
A. JAmborA Inquirer.net
THE safety of one of the most ubiquitous personal products recently spurred concern worldwide when a US jury verdict linked the regular use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower talcum powder to a woman’s death from ovarian cancer. Jacqueline Fox from Birmingham, Alabama, claimed she used Johnson & Johnson Carol Banawa’s “Bakit Di Totohanin” was playing in the background during this scene in the “Vapire Diaries.” Baby Powder and Shower to Shower for feminine hygiene actor Ian Somerhalder and the They used, “BAKIT DI TOTOpurposes for over 35 years. show’s cast for featuring her HANIN”? I am in disbelief right Three years ago she was diagsong. now but very grateful!” she The song was first released nosed with ovarian cancer. She said. died October last year at 62. She also thanked the show’s in 1997 under the album In February this year, a Mis“Carol.” (Inquirer.net) music supervisor Chris Mollere, souri jury awarded $72 million in damages to her family. Fox’s is one of 1,200 lawsuits in the United States currently being brought against the American multinational company, from consumers who claim they were not informed of the risks of talcum powder. But are the risks posed by using products containing talc real? Before throwing out your favorite eyeshadow or dusting powder, according to the Scientific American, scientists said the evidence of a real danger “is inconclusive at best.” Talcum powder, made of the planet’s softest mineral, talc, contains magnesium, silicon and oxygen. It is used in a variety of cosmetic products, including powders used to absorb moisture or to cut down friction. In its natural form, talc contains asbestos, a known carcinogen. However, all talcum products used for homes in the United States have been asbestos-free since the 1970s. But while the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not allow talc-based products BOOK AUTHOR WITH IMELDA. Emmanuel “Jolly” Riofrir, author of the coffee table book “Imelda: Unpublished Photographs of the Former First Lady of to contain asbestos, cosmetic the Philippines,” presents a copy of the book to the book’s subject, former Firat Lady now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, during a visit at products do not need to be her Makati apartment on March 8. For inquiries or to purchase the book, please call Emmalie Books Inc. at (818) 383-9081 or visit its website at www. reviewed or approved before emmaliebooksinc.com. hitting the store shelves. Health Magazine said that in a study from 2009 to 2010, the FDA tested random retail outlets in the Washington, DC metro area and bought a variety of cosmetic products containing talc. No traces of asbestos were found in all products across a wide range of prices. Still, that does not prove that all talc-based products in the market are asbestos-free. Different kinds The American Cancer Society (ACS) pointed out that it’s important to distinguish between talc that contains asbestos and talc that does not contain asbestos when talking about cancer links.
THE classic song “Bakit Di Totohanin” popularized by Carol Banawa was used in one of the scenes of the hit US supernatural series “Vampire Diaries.” In episode 716 of the said show, the song played in a scene featuring Elizabeth Blackmoore (Valerie) and Paul Wesley (Stefan). Banawa expressed her gratitude to the showrunners on Instagram. “They have aired it already!? #thevampirediaries used my song in one of the scenes for the episode 716. It was a scene between Stefan and Valerie?
Moonlighting by mylAh de
leon
ALL roads lead to Las Vegas this Saturday, April 9, as Filipino boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao faces Timothy Bradley once again. The spirit of boxing cannot be easily defined, because long after the score has lost importance, we remember how the fights were. Long after the date has faded, we remember how the bouts had been—the color, mood, speed, style, lightning jabs and dynamite lefts. People also get reminded about the courage, fatigue, challenge, the grace, adversaries that boasted, who knelt dazed in the end zone. One by one, the great fighters dropped to their knees before Pacquiao—Barrera, Marquez, Morales, Solis and Diaz. Didn’t he dismantle De La Hoya into humiliation? The pride of England, Hatton, was flattened out cold in round 2 before his head hit the canvas. And how could we forget Cotto, his pretty face swollen like a pumpkin? It’s no wonder Pacquiao was dubbed The Destroyer or Mexican Assassin. However, the most gratifying title given to him is Kamao ng Bayan (The Nation’s Fist). It is a known fact that whenever Pacquiao fights there is no crime or violence in the the Philippines. Killing stops and
Can powder particles in women’s genital areas make them sick?
Talc that contains asbestos can cause cancer when inhaled; hence, some studies suggest higher risks of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases among talc miners and millers. Other studies, however, found no increased risk of lung cancer. The studies on miners and millers are complicated, says the ACS, since talc in its natural form can contain varying amounts of asbestos and other minerals. But the use of cosmetic talcum powder so far has shown no increased risk of lung cancer. But what about the ovaries? Since some women use talc powder for feminine hygiene purposes, there have been suggestions that talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer if powder particles—after application in the genital area or sanitary napkins, diaphragms or condoms—travel through the vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes to the ovary, and cause inflammation. Dr. Adetunji Toriola, a Washington University epidemiologist at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, told Scientific American that such an association is scientifically plausible. “We know that inflammation increases ovarian cancer risk,” he noted. “We know talcum powder causes inflammation. The question is, does talc cause cancer by causing inflammation in the ovaries?” ‘Possibly’ The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization, classified talc that contains asbestos as “carcinogenic to humans.” And, based on limited evidence from human studies of a link to ovarian cancer, IARC classifies the perineal (genital) use of talc-based body powder as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The word “possibly” has raised concern among consumers, especially after the court ruling. But the American Cancer Society says more research is needed on the topic. A 2014 report by the Na-
Inquirer.net photo by Cheche V. Moral
tional Center for Biotechnology Information—where 61,576 postmenopausal women were followed for a mean of 12.4 years without a history of cancer or bilateral oophorectomy—concluded that “perineal powder use does not appear to influence ovarian cancer risk.” The scientific evidence linking ovarian cancer to the use of talc powder is not overwhelming. The Johnson & Johnson trial, however, was on whether the company withheld information from its consumers about the potential risks of talc powder, and not about proving its safety or danger. There is still very little known about ovarian cancer, the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. At present, there is not even a screening tool for the disease. Science, so far, has only been able to show its risk factors. This, according to some scientists, is probably why people are so keen to believe there is a connection between talc and ovarian cancer. In response to the verdict, Johnson & Johnson issued a statement to CNN saying its products are safe. “The recent US verdict goes against decades of sound science proving the safety of talc as a cosmetic ingredient in multiple products, and while we sympathize with the family of the plaintiff, we strongly disagree with the outcome,” said Carol Goodrich, Johnson & Johnson spokesperson, in a statement sent to CNN. On its website, Johnson & Johnson states that its talc-based products, based on studies made by the FDA, are asbestos-free: “Various government agencies and other bodies have also examined talc to determine the potential for any safety risk, and none have concluded that there are safety risks. In fact, no regulatory agency has ever required a change in labeling to reflect any safety risk from talc powder products.”
Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao: A true gentleman
Boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao with Fernandico Gonong and the Moonlighter at the Wild Card Gym
thieves take a break. Well, a heart attack can happen here and there, as the whole nation pauses to watch him fight. Critics collectively agree his speed and power are gifts for the man who grew up in such poverty and often slept on a cardboard box. Poverty’s gift of hunger, endurance and the capacity to suffer in order to survive, were the keys to success that honed him to his glorious state today. The essence of boxing is what we seek to capture and record. It might be the decisive moment which makes the bout last in your memory, or perhaps the mood of a place they have not seen except in the photographs and stories we convey. Like every fight, voices soared building the crowd into a hysterical frenzy. It was pride
for that little big Filipino, to see him come so far. His victories are a source of extreme national pride because we all knew he was not just fighting for himself—he was fighting for a nation. At an after fight press conference when he bagged his seventh belt at the MGM Grand, we asked him this question: “So, Mr. Pacquiao, what else are you living for?” His reply was typical of his gentle nature, gentle, giving and forgiving. This, coming from a man whose job involves violence and infliction of injury. This has always been the main center of every story I wrote about him (and there were lots). We already know that people look up to him as they Continued on Page 5
features 5
Lessons from long-distance relationships Mango Mix
Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao: A true...
by Martin
From Page 4
Jason L. ita-as
IT can be easy to see all of the disadvantages of a long-distance relationship: the distance, the lack of constant interaction and the pain of missing a loved one. But despite all of its hang ups, they can be balanced out by some of the good things that come from being far apart. Here are a few reasons that show why a long-distance relationship is not necessarily a bad thing: Your time together becomes more special In a long-distance relationship, any time you have together becomes crucial in strengthening your bonds. The moments you have with each other may seem like a precious commodity, but the fact that it does not occur often can help increase the value of these visits. It can help test the love you have for each other while also making those rare visits feel more special. Traveling becomes a big deal Traveling to some people may just be for something and activity best reserved for simple relaxation and worry-free vacationing. But for people locked in a long distance relationship, travel becomes a special and exciting time to return to the arms of the one you love. Lots of planning and preparation goes
into scheduling, planning and executing visits so you can enjoy birthdays, anniversaries and more together. Planning dates becomes a big deal Unlike normal couples who treat dates as just regular meetups sometimes, a date planned between two cross-country lovers is often on a different level. From walking to their fave food stalls to an all out romantic dinner at a swanky resto, the time spent together is something they’ll both cherish and grow from if they truly love one another. You realize how much your significant other means to you It’s a lot easier to neglect people and their feelings if you know you can see or visit them anytime you want. For longdistance couples, however, the feeling of togetherness and love they have for each other is often amplified by simply not seeing or being with one another for a long time. Upon leaving back home from a few days of being together, they will often realize
trek to his home when he returns for yet another successful boxing match in the United States. Their hearts filled with faith, hope, their pains and their needs. He hardly says “no” to anyone, but that was a couple of years back, during the heydays of his boxing career. Today, we realize the eshow much they miss each other. sence of his answer to my quesThis can help them see what a tion. We see his new world, big part they are in each others new accomplishments, expeclives and can make the relationtancy and possibilities. We also ship mean a lot more. see the dreams that enriched, “Absence makes the heart influenced and dignified the grow fonder.” While spending Filipino soul and how faith susas much time with each other tained him, which he embodied. is important, sometimes loving Among the principles that one another from a distance can he adheres is that, “Money does give you a new perspective of not always buy results but it’s why you love and care for one the kindness and compassion for another. Try to balance presa fellow human being, dignity, ence and absence so that you courage and hope, the readidon’t make your partner feel too ness to come to terms with life smothered or rejected. surprises…Maraming sorpresa *** ang buhay.” Mango Tours is a provider of quality, affordable and Every Christmas, New Year, convenient travel services that include low-priced airline anniversary and birthday celebratickets, customized Philippine and International Tour tions, he says that “for all these Packages, Cruises, Land Transfers, Passport and Visa happy events that bring forth Concerns. It is the #1 producer of reliable travel services numerous gifts, kind thoughts, particularly when it comes to Philippine travel arrangeprayers, unassailable devotion ments to the Filipino-American community in the US and loyalty is the awareness that Mango Tours is able to provide its customers with a all these will vanish without the number of travel options at affordable rates because complete love and understandof its consolidator contracts with over 11 airlines. Book ing of Mrs. Jinky Pacquiao and your travel bookings with Mango Tours by calling his children‘s love.” its 24/7 U.S. toll-free number at 1-866-2-MANILA He wants nothing more (1-866-2-626452). Visit www.mangotours.com to except that tod see his children know more about its latest promos and travel offers.* grow up loving one another *Advertising Supplement especially their mother. He also wants pure joy and a sense of honor when they grow up. In addition, Pacquiao wishes only peace and goodwill towards to offer herself to serve the everyone in his country, not people of the province as its Vice only for the constituents that he Governor this coming May, 2016. represents in Congress. This is a higher calling that she The US Boxing Writers Ashopes her husband, Alfredo Sen- sociation, has honored him as ga Cheng, M.D., and her three the Fighter of the Decade. Time children, Alexandra Margueritte magazine put him on the list Magsaysay Cheng (28), Michelle of the most influential people. Beatrice Magsaysay Cheng (24) Pledges abound including surgiand Alfredo Vicente Magsaysay cal and medical missions from Cheng (22) would understand. doctors. Godspeed and good luck This writer had already done “Guardian Angel” of Zama lot of cover stories with fawnbales. ing, hyperventilating banners
Angelica Magsaysay Cheng... From Page 3 Medical supplies and Medicines were collected and brought to Tacloban, Samar and Guian. Cash Donations were used to purchase medicines that were needed by the victims. She was voted into as the private sector representative of the Board of Regents of the Ramon Magsaysay Technological Institute this 2015 for which she has resigned from to give way to a bigger calling of service to the people of Zambales.
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 6, 2016
In these projects and position Angel successfully organized, implemented and held, she displayed her leadership skills, people skills and above all love for the people she served. From her life-changing experience, Angel’s metamorphosis from a devoted housewife, mother, successful business woman and civic and charity worker/leader to a public servant is about to be completed. The Angel of Zambales has decided
which sent some of my more reserved colleagues gasp. All he wants is peace and goodwill towards everyone, anchored on the dictum of faith, hope and charity. He returns for yet another boxing match here on retirement, and he champ said, “I
can not say that I am going to retire. I don’t want to say that, because I don’t know what’s the feeling when you leave boxing.” And once again, an entire nation will hold its breath. ***
E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 6, 2016
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