083017 - Los Angeles Midweek Edition

August 30-September 1, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 70 • 3 Sections - 24 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Over 800,000 DACA recipients in fear of deportation IN less than a month, many young immigrants will find out where their future in the United States lies, as President Donald Trump makes a decision on whether or not to continue protecting them from deportation.

Through an executive action signed by Obama in August 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has protected over 800,000 young people who were brought to the United States illegally, from being deported. The program gives two important things — protection from deportation, and a work permit. Both expire after two years and are subject to renewal.

Trump was strongly vocal about rescinding Obama’s executive actions during the campaign trail, but to many people’s surprise, he also showed moments of solicitude towards DREAMers. “We’re going to work something out that’s going to make people happy and proud,” he said in a Time magazine in-

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JUSTICE VOWED. Zaldy de los Santos (second from right) and wife Lorenza (right) do the signature fist bump with President Rodrigo Duterte and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption chief Dante Jimenez at Malacañang’s Malago Clubhouse.

Duterte met the parents of slain teenager Kian de los Santos on Monday and vowed to deliver justice. The president has assured that justice will be served for the death of their son, who was allegedly gunned down by Caloocan City police in an anti-drug raid.

Malacañang photo

Palace: Conditions for Callamard visit remain

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE conditions previously set for the visit of United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions Agnes Callamard to the Philippines had not changed, Malacañang clarified on Tuesday, August 29.

Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella issued the statement after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte invited Callamard anew to the country and investigate the alleged summary killings and human rights abuses in connection with the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“I’m sure that the president is very

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vited the rapporteur to visit and assess the situation in the country. His invitation, however, comes with conditions, including a public debate with Duterte and that the UN special rapporteur should take an oath to “confirm her intention to be truthful.”

But Callamard said these condi-

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Duterte: ‘Marcoses willing to return ill-gotten wealth’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE family of former President Ferdinand Marcos has expressed willingness to return their alleged ill-gotten wealth back to government, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, August 29.

Citing an unnamed spokesman, Duterte claimed that the family is willing to “open everything” and return the wealth—including a few gold bars—which were accumulated during the two-decade rule of the late dictator.

“I won’t name the spokesman… the family said they will open everything and hopefully return those found [by the PCGG that should be returned to the Philippine government],” Duterte said during the oathtaking of new appointees at Malacañang.

He added, “They said, we are [willing] to open [the books] and bring it [ill-gotten wealth] back, including a few gold bars. Just a few [gold bars], but they will return it.”

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Palace welcomes US ambassador’s concern over Kian’s death FOR a change, Malacañang on Wednesday, Aug. 23 welcomed the U.S. expression of concern over a death in the government’s war on drugs.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim’s statement calling for an investigation of the death of 17year-old Kian delos Santos in Caloocan City was in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for a thorough investigation of the teenager’s death.

clear about the conditionalities. And if she meets up, then it will have to be according to those conditionalities,” the Palace official said in a media conference.

Since Duterte took office last year, Callamard has been a vocal critic of his administration’s so-called drug war.

Last December, the president has in-

UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions Agnes Callamard Inquirer.net photo

An employee of the Presidential Commission on Good Government holds a set of jewelry from the so-called Hawaii Collection, one of the three sets of the Marcos jewelry, during appraisal. The Hawaii Collection was seized by the U.S. Bureau of Customs upon the Marcos’ arrival in Hawaii in 1986 and is now under the custody of the Philippine Commission on Good Government or PCGG.

NATIONAL HEROES DAY. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes after laying the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the National Heroes Day Commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday, August 28. Also in the photo is Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

Poll: President most caring, decisive official

MANILA – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is the most loving, caring, and decisive among the country’s top five government officials, according to a recent survey conducted by by political management and lobbying firm Publicus Asia.

Publicus Asia’s pilot Pahayag survey tested the people’s perception on Duterte, Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, in terms of the “Love, Care and Solidarity” index, and the “Decisiveness Index.”

Survey respondents were asked to choose which among the five officials they think is most loving, caring, and Malacañang opened its doors on Tuesday, Aug. 29 to children displaced by fighting in Marawi

Inquirer.net photo

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City.

Philstar.com photo by Alexis Romero

Maute patriarch dies after blood pressure shoots up PH urges North Korea to halt missile tests

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE detained father of brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute, who led the attack on Marawi City, passed away on Sunday, August 27, according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

BJMP spokesperson and Senior Insp. Xavier Solda said Cayamora Maute, 67, died past 3:00 p.m. in a government hospital after his blood pressure shot up.

“The initial report that we received was that his blood pressure shot up,” Solda said in an interview.

According to Solda, Cayamora was “in critical condition” when he was rushed to Taguig-Pateros District Hospital from Camp Bagong Diwa.

“Our nurse was constantly monitoring his situation and he was brought to the hospital, which is nearby, after his pulse rate dropped,” he added. “I still don’t have his death certificate and so I

can’t say if he was declared dead on arrival.”

Solda said that Cayamora’s official cause of death has yet to be declared but noted that the Maute patriarch was already diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis before his detention.

Cayamora was arrested in June 6 in Davao City. Also arrested with him were his second wife Kongan Balawag, daughter Norjanah, and son-in-law Benzarali Tingao; as well as their driver Aljon Ismael,

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by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

MANILA — The Philippines on Tuesday, Aug. 29 called on North Korea to halt its dangerous and provocative actions following its missile launch that flew over Japan.

The missile launched at 5 a.m. Manila time, traveled around 2,700 kilometers and reached a maximum height of 550 kilometers as it flew over the island of Hokkaido, according to Seoul’s Joint Chief of Staff.

“We call on the DPRK to halt these dangerous and provocative actions, which heighten tensions, increase instability and the risk of miscalculation,

and could possibly endanger lives,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Cayetano recalled the statement released by the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations released August 5 on the developments in the Korean Peninsula.

In their joint statement, the ASEAN foreign ministers called on Pyongyang to comply with its obligations under the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

The Philippines’ top diplomat stressed that the 10-member regional bloc remains committed to peaceful resolutions of conflict.

“While we are ready to do our part, provocations

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From the Front Page

Poll: President most caring...

PAGE A1 decisive.

The annual poll was conducted among 1,500 respondents from key cities nationwide from August 7 to 9 through face to face computer-aided personal interviews. The results were released on Monday, August 28.

Duterte got 90 percent decisiveness rating, while Robredo got five percent. On the other hand, Sereno, Pimentel and Alvarez all got one percent.

“In this day and age, I think decisiveness is the way to go in order to get things moving in this country,” said Publicus Asia founder and chief executive officer Malou Tiquia.

The president also scored the highest in terms of love, concern, and care for the country among the top government officials, earning 82 percent, 79 percent and 79 percent index ratings respectively.

“Maybe the results on Duterte are glaring because he is the top decision-maker. They might see

his cursing as a reflection of his anger and exasperation,” Tiquia added.

Robredo only got 13 percent in terms of being loving; 17 percent in being concerned, and 16% in being caring.

She was followed by Pimentel with ratings of both one percent for being loving and caring, and two percent for being concerned.

Only one percent of respondents deemed Alvarez as caring.

The chief justice, meanwhile, got zero percent in all three categories.

“As to Sereno, either the respondents do not know her or they don’t know the nature of her job,” Publicus Asia, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Lilibet Amatong explained.

Among the five most recent Philippine presidents, Corazon “Cory” Aquino had the highest votes as loving leader (38 percent).

She was followed by former Presidents Joseph Estrada with 27 percent, Fidel Ramos with ten

percent, Benigno “Noynoy Aquino III with nine percent, and Arroyo with five percent.

Aquino, meanwhile, remains the most concerned with a rating of 33 percent, followed by Estrada (30 percent), Ramos (11 percent), Aquino III, (ten percent) and Arroyo (five percent).

In terms of approval and awareness, respondents were asked to assess the performance of the officials individually.

When it comes to awareness rating, Duterte got a perfect 100 percent. Robredo scored 87 percent, Sereno 45 percent, Pimentel 69 percent, and Alvarez 49 percent.

As for approval rating, Duterte got a total of 88 percent, Robredo 60 percent, Sereno 51 percent, Pimentel 66 percent, and Alvarez 57 percent.

“This survey tests the emotional quotient of the leaders… There are leaders who are trained all their lives to be a leader but cannot connect to the masses…We want to introduce EQ as a frame,” Tiquia said.

FINAL RESPECTS. Catholic priests lead the half-kilometer funeral procession of the remains of Kian de los Santos. The casket stopped by the police station where the three policemen who killed the teenager were assigned. The killing of 17-year-old de los Santos last week triggered rare protests against Duterte’s controversial but popular campaign to eradicate drugs, with critics saying it highlighted rampant rights abuses by police enforcing the crackdown.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Palace: Conditions for Callamard...

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tions set by the president were “inconsistent with the Special Rapporteur Code of Conduct and Terms of Reference for country visits.”

“As far as we can tell, he has not said that conditions are waived,” Abella added.

A day before, a fuming Duterte hurled fresh expletives against Callamard after she posted in a social media that the death of 17year-old Kian Delos Santos should be the last in his drug war.

“T*** i** niya, sabihin mo. Huwag niya akong takutin. P***** i** niya. G*** pala siya eh. Taga-saan ba ‘yang buang na ‘yan (Tell her son of a b****. She should not intimidate me. Son of a b****. She is a fool),” the president told reporters in Pampanga when asked

about his reaction to Callamard’s statement.

In a Twitter post last week, Callamard extended her condolences to the family of Delos Santos and of other drug war victims, using the hashtag “makehisdeathlast.”

She also described Duterte’s campaign as “cruel.”

The irked president further accused Callamard of speaking up without having no idea about the context of drug menace in the Philippines.

“Papuntahan mo siya dito.

Tingnan mo ang sitwasyon. Do not ever give me that kind of sh**.

Republika ng Pilipinas ito, hindi teritoryo ng France (Let her come here. Look at the situation. Do not ever give me that kind of sh**.

This is the Republic of the Philippines, not a territory of France),”

Duterte added.

Callamard lamented Duterte’s expletive-laden response.

“I regret President Duterte’s response to my condolences to Kian Lloyd delos Santos’ family.

Kian and others like him deserve dignity and justice. His family and families like his demand our respect and empathy. Not expletives,” she said in a Facebook post.

The UN rapporteur further stressed that it is the Philippine government’s obligation to ensure that “all unlawful deaths at the hands of the Police are independently, impartially, effectively, and promptly investigated.”

She also affirmed her “keen interest and commitment to undertake an official visit to the Philippines.” n

Palace welcomes US ambassador’s...

PAGE A1 “(The) U.S. ambassador’s expression of condolences echoes (the President’s) sentiments. U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim tweeted his condolences and hopes that ‘the investigations lead to full accountability,’” Abella said in a statement.

“In a similar vein, President Duterte has issued instructions for a full and impartial investiga-

tion of the matter and hold those responsible accountable before the law,” he added.

Kim was the first foreign envoy to speak out on the death of the teenager, which has sparked public outrage against abuses in the President’s war on drugs.

Duterte dismissed police intelligence reports tagging Delos Santos as a drug runner, saying

these still had to be verified.

“Intel is intel. If there is no probative value, you cannot use it in court or to the people,” Mr. Duterte told a press briefing.

Delos Santos was killed by Caloocan City police officers on Aug. 16. The police portrayed the Grade 12 student as a drug runner who was killed after he fired at the arresting officers.

(Philip C. Tubeza/Inquirer.net)

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Mayweather retiring ‘for sure’ after Mcgregor fight Pacquiao-Horn rematch in ‘jeopardy’

statement that rematch would be held again in Brisbane, Australia on November 12.

LAS VEGAS — After defeating “When Bob Arum saw media Conor McGregor via a technical reports out of the Philippines that knockout in the tenth round of representatives of Manny Pactheir match on Sunday, August quiao were trying to get the fight 27, Floyd Mayweather Jr. said in Manila, Arum gave Manny Pache’s retiring “for sure.” quiao until Saturday, August 26 to Now with a 50-0 for most wins confirm that he would recommit without a loss or draw, Mayto fighting in Brisbane,” Lonerweather said his fight with the one gan said. of the biggest stars of the Ultimate He said that Pacquiao “has yet Fighting Championship (UFC) to reconfirm and as such now has was his last. put the Horn rematch in jeopar“This was my last fight,” the 40dy.” year-old Mayweather said during “On that basis, Top Rank, the post-match interview. “For DUCO promotions, Tourism sure. Tonight was my last fight.

Events Queensland and Brisbane Tonight I chose the right dance marketing are now reassessing GOLD MEDAL WINNER. Filipino equestrian Colin Syquia’s triumph atop Adventure E in the 29th SEA Games show jumping individual competition somehow pricked the hosts’ pride. The Malaysian riders were a gold away from a six-gold sweep when Syquia and his partner to dance with.” their options,” Horn’s promoter champion mount stole the show, beating out two hometown bets for the championship at 3Q Centre in Rawang on Monday, Aug. 28.

Manny Pacquiao, who lost to added.

SEA Games pool photo Mayweather in their match last Arum, for his part, stressed imyear, has expressed interest to possible for the rematch to hapsettle a score with the undefeated pen in the Philippines as they are boxer. Their rematch, however, contractually obliged to stage it in seems unlikely to happy as MayAustralia. He is reportedly set fly weather reaffirmed his retirement. to Manila this week to get a defiLOS ANGELES – The Festival beauty of our culture as contribu- the contributions of Fil-Ams to “I think we gave the fans what nite answer from Pacquiao. they wanted to see,” said MayPacquiao lost his World Boxing of Philippine Arts and Culture tions to our greater community Los Angeles, and held the festival weather, who’s usually criticized Organization (WBO) Welterweight (FPAC) will return to Echo Park and our shared history,” Emano at the heart of LA – Grand Park. said.

In 2016, FPAC “came home” and by his defensive style but went out title to Horn through a unanimous Lake anew on October 14, 2017.

“The festival represents a lot of was held at Echo Park Lake in HisFPAC is the flagship project of aggressively against Mcgregor. decision last July 2. n the Association for the Advance- things to many. But, we harken toric Filipinotown.

This year, with the festival bedecided not to do so, saying he ment of Filipino American Arts back to one of its fundamental reasons for being – representaand Culture (FilAm ARTS), a ing held at Echo Park Lake for the would possibly create a new office to deal with graft and corrup- Southern California-based non- tion. Over a quarter of a century second year in a row, FPAC paPAGE A1 profit that aims to promote the later, it remains as important as trons can expect a diverse lineup As of last year, the Presidential tion in the government. of talented musicians, vocalists, “[The] PCGG is focused on the arts and diverse cultural heritage ever,” he said.

Duterte said he would create a Commission on Good GovernThe Annual Festival of Philipof Filipinos through arts services, dancers, visual artists and more.

Marcos wealth.

I wanted to abolteam to negotiate and facilitate ment (PCGG) was able to recover pine Arts & Culture (FPAC) was Headliners, artists, speakers, and the turnover of the wealth. He $4 billion of ill-gotten wealth ish it but people might say I abol- presentation, and education.

The popular festival is the larg- first conceptualized in 1990 as presenters will be announced in pointed out that he will accept acquired by Marcos and his cro- ished it as it was on the verge of discovering something,” the est and longest-running Filipino part of the Los Angeles Cultural the coming weeks. any explanations from the Mar- nies. cultural celebration in Los Ange- Affairs Department’s Festivals FPAC is a free event; no admiscoses “whether or not it is true.”

The agency was created in president remarked.

He went on to say, “I [will] just les. Audiences can expect to enjoy Program, an arts program de- sion is needed for entry. FPAC is He also revealed that back chan- 1986 to go after an estimated nel talks between the government $10 billion-worth of cash and as- name it good government but traditional and contemporary Fili- signed to address the diverse and sponsored in part by the: National and the political family are on- sets reportedly plundered by the there is already an existing one. pino food, music, performances, multicultural population of the Endowment for the Arts, Califorcity. Organized by about 100 art- nia Arts Council, California CounMaybe an anti-graft [agency] and arts, and crafts. going. The president, however, Marcoses.

Organizers emphasized the ists and community leaders, the cil for Humanities, LA County Arts could not say how much would be The president said he initially I am looking for somebody to relevance of the arts, especially first FPAC took place at Los Ange- Commission, City of LA Departreturned to the government. wanted to abolish the PCGG but handle.” n given the current socio-political les City College on Mother’s Day, ment of Cultural Affairs, LA City climate in the U.S.. According to May 14, 1992. Around 3,000 fes- Council District 13 CM Mitch FilAm ARTS board member Win- tival goers braved the aftermath O’Farrell, LA CD14 CM Jose Huiston Emano, at a time of seem- of the L.A. riots that occurred the zar, LA CD15 CM Joe Buscaino, ingly open divisiveness in our week before, and came together Toyota, McDonald’s, the Asian PAGE A1 “I wish to assure our kababay- ing that it had been prepared to country, FPAC is significant now, to celebrate Filipino arts and cul- Journal, Island Pacific, and Herbsuch as this latest missile launch ans in Japan that our Embassy in protect people’s lives. ture. more than ever. alaria. should stop to help us put in Tokyo and our Consulate GenerSince then, FPAC has grown “FPAC allows us both to reinFor more information, please He said he will call for an urplace an environment that would al in Osaka are prepared to assist gent meeting in the United Na- force within our own but, also to bigger and stronger, moving up to visit http://bit.ly/FPAC2017 or call be conducive for dialogue,” Cay- them should it be necessary,” he tions to discuss further action, share with our non-Filipino neigh- various venues like Cabrillo Beach (213) 380-3722. For sponsorship etano said. strongly demanding stepped up bors, the richness of our arts, the in 1994, and Pt. Fermin Park in and vendor opportunities, please said.

Cayetano has instructed the abundance of our talent and the 2001. In 2015, FPAC celebrated email info@filamarts.org. n Japanese Prime Minister pressures against North Korea.

Philippine Embassy in Tokyo to Shinzo Abe told reporters that He said Japan will be prepared monitor the situation and to en- the Japanese government had to “respond to all situations,” sure the safety of approximately been “completely” aware of and under the bilateral alliance with “It taught me what it’s like to 242,000 Filipinos working and is monitoring the North Korean the United States, to protect peowork alongside my American PAGE A1 living in Japan. missile launch on Tuesday, not- ple’s safety. n contribute in a way I want to students and peers. I’m just as terview where he was Person of contribute — that being in the much a part of their lives as they nonprofit industry.” the Year. are mine.”

Like Ng, many DACA grantees “They got brought here Juan Escalante, a self proat a very young age, they’ve have benefited from being able fessed “coffee drinker, NPR fan, worked here, they’ve gone to to support themselves financial- media and tech enthusiast,” school here. Some were good ly, obtain driver’s licenses, get and undocumented immigrant, students. Some have wonder- access to healthcare, and fur- shared an open letter to Trump ful jobs. And they’re in never- ther themselves in life through on Medium.com that got shared never land because they don’t being able to get instate tuition by many on Twitter. know what’s going to happen,” and work.

“Mr. President, just as your “It’s been a source of relief parents wanted you to succeed, he added.

But as the old adage says, ac- and source of ability to build a and just as you want your chiltions speak louder than words, future I want to have,” said Ng dren to succeed, my parents took and many are closely watching who graduated from the Univer- a great risk for my future,” wrote recent actions inside the White sity of California, Irvine with a Escalante in the letter. “It’s House. As DACA’s fifth year an- B.A. in Political Science. what families do. My family and Over 16,722 are Asian Ameri- I do not have a pathway towards niversary winds down, the Sept.

5 deadline given to Trump and can immigrant youth, according citizenship, not today, tomorhis administration has people on to a press release by AAJC. row, or ever. That is why DACA Aside from allowing DREAM- is so important.” edge.

Led by Texas attorney general ers to participate in the labor If Trump does end up cancelKen Paxton, Republican state force, garner better wages, and ling DACA, bigger questions as attorneys general from Louisi- pursue higher education, the to how he would do so become ana, Alabama, Nebraska, Ar- program has also been benefi- more critical. As of now, there kansas, South Carolina, Idaho, cial for the economy. is no clear way of knowing what The largest study to date for will happen.

Tennessee, West Virginia, and Kansas, exhorted the Trump DACA recipients, conducted by “Anything is possible. It’s administration to halt the DACA the Center for American Prog- very unpredictable,” said Ng on program. If the federal govern- ress, found that at least 72 per- what the future holds. ment fails to withdraw DACA by cent of the top 25 Fortune 500 Immigration lawyer J Craig the September deadline, a legal companies employed DACA Fong at Fong & Aquino LLP, recipients. These companies has been practicing law for challenge would be filed.

According to a 2014 Pew Re- include Apple, General Motors, about 35 years, and has handled search Center estimate, close Amazon, and Wells Fargo — all DACA cases since the program’s to 1.1 million unauthorized accounting for $2.8 trillion in inception. Fong told the Asian immigrants are eligible for annual revenue.

Journal that advising what next Many advocates have taken to steps recipients should take is DACA benefits since Obama’s signing. About 800,000 (78 social media to voice their stand risky right now, as there is no percent) of them have received against the rescinding of DACA telling what exact actions Trump deportation relief and work per- through hashtags #DefendDA- will take. mits through DACA. Around CA and #HereToStay. Included Furthermore, giving advice 588,000 renewals have been is- are personal stories of undocu- to a whole group isn’t the best sued since 2012, with more due mented immigrants. way to go as each case is differ“If DACA is repealed, I would ent — not everyone came to the as many recipients’ two years be out of a job immediately and United States the same way. approach.

Anthony Ng, a policy advo- I won’t be able to teach my stuAdvocates like Fong and Ng cate on immigrant rights at the dents,” reads a story by Saba agree that staying informed is Asian Americans Advancing Nafees on the website of FWD. the best way to approach the Justice Los Angeles (AAJC-LA), us, a non-profit advocacy group situation. “Sit tight and watch has been a DACA recipient since that focuses on immigration re- for announcements,” said 2012 and said the program gave form in the tech community.

Fong.

Nafees was born in Pakistan, him relief knowing he wasn’t “We’re just making sure that going to be a target of deporta- but grew up in Fort Worth, Texas we’re preparing for anything and is currently doing her PhD our community needs,” said tion.

“It made me feel like I’m liv- at Texas Tech University where Ng. “We’re going to protect and ing a normal life,” said Ng to she looks to understand genetic fight for the immigrant commuthe Asian Journal. “I’m able to diseases through math. nity.” (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

“I owed them for the Pacquiao fight. I had to come straight ahead and give the fans a show. That’s what I gave them,” he added.

In his social media account, Pacquiao extended his congratulations to Mayweather.

“Respect to McGregor for taking a chance but congrats to Floyd on #50!” the Filipino boxer tweeted.

Horn promoter frustrated Jeff Horn’s promoter is apparently losing his patience with Pacquiao, who still hasn’t reconfirmed his planned rematch against the Australian boxer.

“To say he (Pacquiao)’s having second thoughts is pissing me off,” Dean Lonergan of Duco Promotions told The Daily Telegraph.

“If he carries on again, it would be my advice to move on and forget about him. We’ve already booked the venue for November 12.”

Last week, Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo announced that their rematch will possibly take place at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan sometime in December.

This contradicts Top Rank Promotion’s Bob Arum’s earlier

FilAm ARTS announces 26th Annual FPAC on Oct. 14 Arts & culture festival returns to Echo Park Lake anew

Duterte: ‘Marcoses willing...

PH urges North Korea to halt missile...

Over 800,000 DACA...

Maute patriarch dies after blood pressure...

PAGE A1 who was later released.

The Maute patriarch’s body was brought back to the BJMP complex “for short viewing of his immediate family.”

In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that Cayamora’s death is an unfortunate incident, not only for the Maute family but also for those who were affected with the terrorism in Marawi.

“This is an unfortunate incident for his family, but more so to the

victims of terrorism in Marawi and their relatives who are awaiting justice and expecting that Mr. Cayamora would answer/ atone for his involvement in Marawi rebellion,” AFP chief Eduardo Año said.

As of Thursday, August 24, the death toll in Marawi crisis has reached 770—of which 596 were terrorists, 129 were government troopers, and 45 were civilians.

The Maute terrorist group attacked Marawi City on May 23, prompting Duterte to declare Martial Law in the entire Mind-

Cayamora Maute

Inquirer.net photo

anao. The extended military rule is slated to expire by the end of the year. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

‘Bautista impeachment won’t affect Marcos poll protest’

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA - The impeachment complaint filed against Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista will have no effect on the ongoing electoral protest filed by losing candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against Vice President Leni Robredo, her lawyer said.

“It has no effect,” Romulo Macalintal, one of the legal counsels of Robredo, said in an interview.

Marcos filed last year an electoral protest against Robredo, accusing her of massive electoral fraud. Marcos is seeking the manual recount and judicial revision of the votes in 36,465 precincts and the annulment of results in 2,756 other precincts.

Macalintal maintained there is no factual basis to doubt the results of the 2016 elections, noting that Bautista cannot by himself manipulate the results of the elections in favor of certain candidates.

The complaint filed against Bautista is based largely on the allegations of his estranged wife Patricia Cruz that he amassed illegal wealth.

Macalintal stressed the alleged evidence of hidden wealth of Bautista did not mention any act committed by the poll chief that had compromised the results of last year’s elections.

He also noted that Cruz never mentioned any alleged “commission” or “referral fees” received by Bautista for purposes of cheating or rigging the elections in favor of any candidate.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guazon also called on critics of Bautista not to connect the charges against the Comelec chief to the credibility of the 2016 elections “because there is no conspiracy.”

She also said the poll body even ordered a probe against automated election technology provider Smartmatic during the 2016 election.

Former Negros Oriental representative Jacinto Paras and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio filed the complaint against Bautista.

It was endorsed by Reps. Gwen

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista Philstar.com photo

Garcia of Cebu, Abraham Tolentino of Cavite and Harry Roque of Kabayan.

Apart from alleged misdeclaration in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth, the complainants also cited as ground for the criminal liability of Bautista the hacking of the Comelec website that led to the leakage of voters’ database as found by the National Privacy Commission.

They accused him of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust in the complaint, which was immediately endorsed by three representatives.

Wife may testify House majority floor leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas earlier raised what he saw as a novel issue in the case due to the legal doctrine of marital privilege in the rules of court that prohibits a spouse from testifying against the other.

But Topacio contested the opinion of Fariñas. Topacio argued that there is an exemption to such general rule on spousal privilege, citing the 2005 ruling on the case of Alvarez v.

Ramirez.

“In the case, the Supreme Court said that the main purpose of the said rule is the preservation of domestic harmony and tranquility. Now then, if there is no more domestic peace to be preserved, the reason for the rule ceases and the wife may testify against the husband,” he

explained in a statement.

“In the case of the Bautistas, it cannot be gainsaid that they have been estranged for some time and in fact, have filed cases against each other. Therefore, spousal privilege no longer applies,” he added.

Topacio said this means Bautista’s estranged wife may testify in the impeachment proceedings.

Poll employees warned vs rallying Guanzon also cautioned Comelec employees against joining rallies in support of Bautista.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Guanzon said government employees are prohibited from holding rallies during office hours.

“If you will just wear red shirt to show your support for the chairman, it is OK – but to rally and shout inside the Comelec building, that is a violation of civil service rules,” she added.

Guanzon also advised Comelec directors against encouraging their subordinates to join rallies in support of Bautista.

“There are even lawyers who shout as if they are in the market. We are public officers and we should conduct ourselves with dignity and behave,” she added.

Guanzon maintained that there is nothing personal in the demand of the six Comelec commissioners for Bautista to immediately take a leave of absence or resign.

She said Bautista could no longer perform his duties because of the numerous issues he is facing.

For instance, the National Printing Office was forced to stop the printing of ballots for the coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections because Bautista has yet to sign the necessary memorandum of agreement.

Guanzon said Bautista need not worry because the six Comelec commissioners are capable of managing the poll body. And when they issued a statement calling on Bautista to take a leave, they were merely looking after the interest of the Comelec. n

REMEMBERING THE BRAVE. A family prays for the soul of their departed loved one at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Sunday Aug. 27 ahead of the country’s observance of the National Heroes Day. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Duterte eats balut, barbecued chicken to dispel flu fears

by CatHerine

s. Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, Aug. 28, led a “boodle fight” of chicken dishes to show that it is safe to eat poultry products amid the avian flu outbreak in the province.

Former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and local government officials joined Duterte in the boodle fight.

Served on top of a long table covered by banana leaves were chicken barbecue, fried chicken, fried duck eggs and balut or duck embryo.

Duterte said the government has been successful in containing the bird flu outbreak in parts of Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.

“I assure the public that the poultry products in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija are safe for consumption and that we, in government, are undertaking efforts to stamp out the outbreak and minimize its impact in the country,” Duterte said in his remarks.

Duterte commended the officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) “for their quick and decisive action in squarely confronting and containing the avian flu outbreak.”

Poll: President most caring...

PAGE A2 Duterte meets Kian’s parents, assures justice Also on Monday, the president met with the parents of Kian Delos Santos, a Grade 11 student who was killed during an antidrug operation in Caloocan City after allegedly pulling a gun on police officers.

“During their meeting, the President reassured that there will be no interference in the case citing that only due process will prevail and that the handling

of the case will be fair,” the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said in a statement.

In a video interview with Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson, Kian’s mother, Lorenza, said Duterte assured them a speedy resolution of the case.

“Pinangako naman po niya sa amin na sa lalong madaling panahon ay tutulungan niya kaming malutas ang kaso dahil hindi po niya papayagan kung sinuman

He thanked the officials and the people of the provinces of Pampanga and Nueva Ecija “for their solidarity and cooperation in quickly stamping out avian flu in the affected areas.”

The president also acknowledged the more than 300 soldiers and police officers for their help in culling infected fowl and enforcing a quarantine.

The avian influenza outbreak was first reported in a poultry farm in Barangay San Agustin in San Luis, Pampanga, in April. The outbreak was announced only on August 16.

A farm in Jaen and another in

u PAGE A7 daw po iyong nagkasala ay dapat maparusahan (He promised that he will help us with a speedy resolution of the case because the guilty must be held liable),” she said.

Lorenza added that they are less worried now about the case after meeting with the President.

Kian’s father, Saldy, said they feel “more secure” after the meeting.

“Panatag na. Nawala na iyong takot sa buhay namin. Iyon lang po. Masaya (We don’t fear for our lives anymore. That’s it. We’re happy),” he further remarked.

(Dana Sioson/AJPress)

A6 AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

Drug war 2.0

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

FEATURES

“HOW will I succeed?”

This was the question President Rodrigo Duterte emphasized when he humbly admitted to his constituents that he cannot fulfill his promise of eradicating the drug problem in the country in just six months after assuming office.

The president said he was shocked by the magnitude of the drug menace and that the crackdown would have to continue until the end of his six-year term. Knowing that he has newfound enemies in generals, policemen and other government officials who are accused of being involved in the drug problem, Duterte vowed that a more unrelenting war on drugs will commence.

“Now, you die. If you are a mayor, a congressman, a governor, if you get killed, sorry. That is my order,” the president warned. “I hope that I can get rid of it before I go out of my office. I hope I will witness it. Dahan-dahanin ko lang ‘yan sila (I will do it slowly).”

Despite continuously drawing flak from human rights groups in the country and abroad, Duterte refused to listen to his critics and accused them of trivializing the problem.

Reports show that thousands have died since the government launched its war on drugs. However, figures from the police and civil society contradict each other. Government officials claim that only about 3,000 drug personalities have been killed in police operations, while human rights advocates have placed the death toll at around 9,000.

On Monday, Aug. 28, Duterte met with Saldy and Lorenza de los Santos, the parents of a 17-year-old boy who was killed in a police operation in Caloocan last Aug. 16.

Their son, Kian Loyd, was accused of peddling drugs and was allegedly killed in a shootout with police. The death of Kian sparked protests and renewed condemnation over the war on drugs from concerned citizens around the world.

The three police officers, who accused Kian of resisting arrest and resorted to killing the teenager, are now in police custody and will face various government agencies tasked to further investigate the incident.

For his part, Duterte promised the de los Santos couple that he would do everything to ensure an early resolution of their son’s case and to make sure that the policemen accused will be punished.

Despite efforts by Duterte to vociferously fight the drug crisis in the country, many still refuse to see its success. Because for them, guilty or not, the staggering numbers of people who have been killed also comes with growing level of violence and impunity in the country.

The gruesome photographs of blood-soaked corpses of alleged drugs suspects are constantly

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

shown with headlines on media almost everyday.

This shows how there is a level of desensitization to the violence among a certain segment of the population.

This brutal anti-drug crackdown is painstaking,

and often thankless. Perhaps what it needs is to re-assess the problem and propose policy recommendations for a radically different approach— one that will not inflict fear among the citizenry but ignite civic participation instead. (AJPress)

Trump’s pardoning of Sheriff Apaiao supports the unconstitutional tactic of racial profiling against people of color

AS the nation commiserate with Texas The Fil-Am for the record rainfall and flooding brought Perspective about by hurricane Harvey, President Donald Trump announced that he was pardoning former Arizona Sheriff Joe GEL SANTOS-RELOS Arpaio, who was convicted last month of criminal contempt for the way he illegally profiled, hunted down, and jailed undocumented immigrants, particularly Hispanics, in his jurisdiction in Arizona.

Trump’s motive in timing this anticipated announcement was to have “higher ratings,” knowing that people are glued to their TV sets to be updated about the storm and how they can help the people of Texas.

Responding to critics, Trump suggested that the Justice Department had political motives during the Obama administration for charging Arpaio while the former sheriff was only doing his job to combat illegal immigration.

Trump supporters believe the president did the right thing in pardoning Arpaio, reinforcing their hard line stance against immigrants living and working in the United States illegally.

Trump also said his action was no worse than late-term pardons issued under the last two Democratic presidents.

While granting pardon was part of the executive prerogative exercised by previous presidents, Trump granted the pardon before the sentencing of Arpaio. The former Arizona sheriff has not served one day in jail for the criminal offense he was found guilty of, and as his critics pointed out, Trump effectively bypassed the usual practice of the Justice Department review process before granting presidential pardon to Arpaio.

As the New York Times (NYT) reported, Trump asked Attorney General Jeff Sessions and White House counsel Donald F. McGahn II months ago if Arpaio’s case could be dropped. The president was told that it could not be, but that it was well within his presidential authority to pardon Arpaio.

The 85-year-old Arpaio has served for 24 years as sheriff of Maricopa County, and as the NYT reported, has built a reputation throughout the United States “for harsh conditions in his county jail, and for cracking down against undocu-

mented immigrants.”

Arpaio blamed the Obama administration for losing in his reelection bid for a seventh term last year, because of criminal contempt charges that were filed against him on Oct. 26 for persisting with profiling Latinos.

“I thought he was treated unbelievably unfairly,” Trump contended during a press conference in the White House.

“He would have won the election, but they just hammered him just before the election,” Trump argued.

Arpaio backed Trump during the 2016 presidential election.

What is racial profiling and why is it important for us Filipinos in America?

The American Civil Liberties Union defined it this way: “Racial profiling is a longstanding and deeply troubling national problem despite claims that the United States has entered a “post-racial era.”

It occurs every day, in cities and towns across the country, when law enforcement and private security target people of color for humiliating and often frightening detentions, interrogations, and searches without evidence of criminal activity and based on perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion. Racial profiling is patently illegal,

violating the U.S. Constitution’s core promises of equal protection under the law to all and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. Just as importantly, racial profiling is ineffective.

It alienates communities from law enforcement, hinders community policing efforts, and causes law enforcement to lose credibility and trust among the people they are sworn to protect and serve.

We rely on the police to protect us from harm and promote fairness and justice in our communities. But racial profiling has led countless people to live in fear, casting entire communities as suspects simply because of what they look like, where they come from, or what religion they adhere to.

Racial profiling affects a wide array of communities of color. More than 240 years of slavery and 90 years of legalized racial segregation have led to systemic profiling of blacks in traffic and pedestrian stops. Since September 11, 2001, members of Muslim, Arab, and South Asian communities have been profiled by airline personnel, federal law enforcement, and local police.”

The Constitution of the United States’ 14th Amendment Section 1 stipulates: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the

jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

WE FILIPINOS who have naturalized, or are living in the country with all legal papers are protected by this law.

While the Arpaio, Trump and his supporters may argue this tactic of racial profiling may help solve the problem of illegal immigration, those who are in the country legally may be denied of their civil rights just because they look and sound “different” from “typical” Americans. Being persons of color, we, too, may be subject to racial profiling if the Arpaio-Trump “doctrine” is to be normalized and followed, no matter who you voted for in the last election. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Filipinos abroad hit by racist remarks

Postscript

FEDERICO D. PASCUAL JR. THIS being a crazy world, it sometimes happens that a tourist, an immigrant, or an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) finds himself subjected to disparaging remarks about his country, ethnicity, or accent. How does he handle it?

The subject cropped up again after a Canadian woman yelled at an elderly Filipino couple on a Vancouver train last week to “Go back to the fu****g Philippines” after hearing them, she said, talking in Tagalog too loud.

How would/should a Filipino react? It depends on the person and the situation. Many friends said they would answer back if the slur were directed at them, but would just give the offender a menacing look if the words were flung in a general way (“medyo padinig lang”).

But a Pinoy’s demeanor would likely be subdued if he had immigration concerns, like if he were a TNT (tago ng tago)

in the U.S. The standard advice to newcomers intending to overstay is for them not to talk too much and to keep out of trouble, avoiding even traffic incidents.

This blessed meekness while waiting to inherit the earth is the opposite of the response of the uncle of a Batangueño colleague in California who called in his “barkada” and readied guns after white supremacists harassed his family that had just moved to a largely white neighborhood.

When the KKK-type gang tried to set afire a cross in his yard one evening, the “barkada” rushed out, firing over the heads of the scampering intruders. My friend’s uncle was never molested again, but he relocated after six months.

Some old-timers in the San Francisco Bay Area have told us that Caucasians usually do not want to tangle with Asians, especially Vietnamese, and that they are deathly scared of bladed weapons. We never bothered to verify this, but are ready to believe it.

We got to talking about racist slurs, not only because of

the big number of displaced persons seeking refuge and of some likely havens, such as the U.S., putting up isolationist walls, but also because of that incident in Vancouver where a Filipino couple was insulted.

• ‘Go back to the fu****g Philippines’ As reported in a HuffPost story by David Moye, the couple was told by a white Canadian woman to get off the city’s SkyTrain and go back to where they came from. The Filipinos and their tormentor were not identified in the news.

The story was accompanied by a video taken by Ashley Klassen, who posted it on Facebook and described the incident as “probably the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen. Unfiltered Vancouver racism.”

The woman who yelled at the Filipinos was visibly somewhat shocked when other passengers reacted and told her to herself get off. She insisted that she shouted at them because they were speaking Tagalog rather too loud.

The man had apologized, explaining that that was how they normally talked in the

Philippines. The woman retorted angrily, “I was born and raised right here,” and added, “Go back to the fu****g Philippines!”

A Filipino Canadian, Paula Correa, also posted on social media a video of the incident, because, according to her, she wanted her fellow Canadians to see what happened.

She told local radio station CKWX: “Social media provides an illusion that these things happen in other places, in other countries – in the USA, for example. But it can happen in the very place we call our home and it does happen, and it did happen.”

In the video, some passengers were seen coming to the couple’s defense, including a teenager who told the woman yelling at them, “Get the f**k off the train! You’re racist!”

“I am not racist,” the woman replied. “I asked them to talk a little lower.” She got off before police officers, who were called, arrived. She was later tagged as a 75-year-old “known to police for documented anger-related issues in the past.”

Filipinos are the third largest

subset of Asian immigrants in Canada after the Indians and Chinese. One of the fastest growing groups, they number around 663,000. Btw, Philippine Airlines flies the ManilaVancouver-New York route four days (M-W-F-Sa) a week.

• Is Pinoy chatter annoying at times?

Note that the woman said the couple was talking in Tagalog too loud. She could have been genuinely annoyed, although that was not an excuse for yelling racial remarks at them.

There may be no law fixing the decibel level at which a person should converse, but a good rule to follow is to be considerate when talking in a crowded closed area, especially with people of mixed ethnicity.

In 2012, a group of 69 Filipino nurses won a $975,000 settlement against the Delano Regional Medical Center near Bakersfield, California, whose officials allegedly mocked their accent and ordered them to speak only English – and not their native language – in the premises.

The lawsuit alleged violations of the Civil Rights Act. Hospital

officials insisted they did nothing wrong, but settled the suit after two years only because that made financial sense.

The nurses complained that they suffered “constant harassment and humiliation” when they spoke, or talked with family members on the phone. They were allegedly banned from speaking Tagalog and other dialects in break rooms, hallways and the cafeteria.

Elnora Cayme, who worked at the hospital for more than 27 years, said: “They were always telling us, ‘Ssshhh. English only. English only.’ I felt embarrassed, ashamed… I was so angry we were being followed by housekeepers and security guards.”

Wilma Lamug, employed at the hospital for 10 years, said: “Sometimes, we were speaking English, but due to our accent and diction, they thought we were speaking something else.”

The hospital said its policy while providing healthcare was to use either English or the patient’s preferred language — with the goal of protecting patients. (Philstar.com)

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 30-SEpTEMbER 1, 2017

A

Passengers stopped at airport for bringing in bullets, gun

by Benjie

Vergara ManilaTimes.net

More bullets have been seized over the weekend at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) despite the announcement and warnings by authorities of the country’s premier gateway.

A handgun was seized from Caticlan-bound Silvestre Mendoza roque, 52, who claimed that he forgot to remove the Caliber .45 Llama Minimax subcompact firearm with 16 rounds of ammunitions and two magazines from his bag. roque was later turned over to the PNP-Aviation Security Group and may face charges for violation of r.A. 10951 due to expired firearm license and having no permit to carry (PTC). officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said that Jean Lolita Abad Manipud, 45, was stopped when six

bullets of Caliber 380 was found inside her balikbayan box along with 27 pieces of Caliber .45 hidden inside a matchbox.

When the office for Transportation Security (oTS), interrogated her, Manipud claimed that she inadvertently packed the illegal stuff with her belongings. The items were confiscated but she was allowed to take her United States flight for humanitarian reasons.

A well-wisher from Cauayan, Isabela, was intercepted at the NAIA terminal 3 after a 5.56mm bullet was found in her wallet.

Aurora Castigo said that she always carries the bullet as an amulet.

Another well-wisher, Jonathan Zulueta of San Miguel, Tarlac, brought a Caliber .45 as an amulet when he entered terminal 3.

Police seized a Caliber M14 bullet found hanging around the neck of Kalibo-bound Antonio Navarosa, 62 who said that he

was made to believe that carrying a bullet can ward off evil.

Mary Chan Caligan Perreras of Magalang, Pampanga also believed that an amulet made of Caliber .38 ammo may also counter bad luck. Police found the bullet inside her coin purse.

Another well-wisher was stopped at the entrance of terminal 3 when a Caliber M16 ammo was found inside his backpack. Mark Dave rosqueta of Gamu, Isabela told police investigators that the bullet was his amulet.

All of the confiscated bullets were turned over to the aviation police while its owners were released and were allowed to go home and take their flights except rosqueta.

MIAA general manager ed Monreal has repeatedly appealed to all passengers, wellwishers and send-off parties to avoid bringing illegal items to the airport. n

Duterte eats balut, barbecued chicken...

PAGE A5 San Isidro in Nueva ecija were also infected by the virus, later found to be of the H5N6 strain that could transfer to humans.

To help the industry recover, the president said the DA would assist poultry raisers in Pampanga and Nueva ecija “to defray their losses through interventions such as loans and capacity-building trainings.”

Duterte said he would request extra funding from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corpo-

ration for the poultry industry.

“But again, let me just say to you that we are very sorry to disturb your livelihood, the events here because we had to do it.

It’s the duty of the government to safeguard really, the spread of the avian flu,” he said.

The government has released P29 million to compensate poultry farmers in San Luis, Pampanga and in Jaen and San Isidro, Nueva ecija, Piñol said on Monday.

“The P29 million is the first

payment to be released of the total P43.31 million which the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will release to all farmers in the area whose fowls were killed,” the Agriculture chief said in a post on his Facebook account.

The Agricultural Credit Policy Council also turned over to the rural Bank of San Luis P20 million which will be released as assistance to farm workers and farmers affected by the outbreak. n

CHICKEN BOODLE. President Rodrigo Duterte (left), accompanied by former president Gloria Macapagal (center) Arroyo, representative of Pampanga’s second district, and Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda (right) eat chicken and balut (duck embryo) in San Fernando, Pampanga to calm public fears following an outbreak of avian flu.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

HELP FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited Marawi City evacuees in Iligan City on Sunday, Aug. 27 distributing hygiene packs to families displaced by more than three months of fighting between the military and the terrorist Maute group. Arroyo, who now represents the second district of Pampanga province in the House of Representatives, visited evacuees at the National School of Fisheries in Barangay Buru-un and at the Sta. Elena Evacuation site, both in Iligan.

ManilaTimes.net photo

De Lima willing to bargain with Duterte over drug war killings

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

“Mr. President, lock me in jail for as long as you want but please just stop the killings.”

This was the bargain Senator Leila De Lima is willing to make with Philippine President rodrigo Duterte, Fr. robert reyes told the Inquirer.

De Lima celebrated her 58th birthday on Sunday, August 27 while in detention at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

A fierce critic of Duterte, the senator has been condemning the administration’s “brutal” crackdown on narcotics that resulted to allegedly thousands of summary executions and human rights abuses.

De Lima was arrested in February over drug-related charges but fellow opposition members described her as the administration’s first political prisoner.

According to reyes, De Lima remains in high spirit.

“Senator Leila said she thanked God for giving her 58 wonderful years,” reyes said.

“She is enraged by what is happening, especially the drug killings, but she said she would not

be consumed by negativism.”

As for her birthday wish, the senator said that she praying this year will be the first and last time she celebrates her birthday in detention.

De Lima added that she wished for “vindication” as well as freedom “not only from the injustice of my detention under the Duterte regime but also freedom from the lies and slander on my womanhood and person.”

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, also a vocal critic of the administration and De Lima’s political ally, described the mood at the custodial center as “festive.”

“I told her that this too shall pass and that she has a larger mission ahead of her,” Trillanes said, adding that he also told her they were still “actively pursuing her case.”

Apart from Trillanes, also present were former Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, former tourism secretary ramon Jimenez, former budget chief Florencio Abad and daughter Julia Abad, Ging Deles, former presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles, and former education secretary Bro. Armin Luistro.

Albay 1st District represen-

Sen. Leila De Lima

Senate photo

tative edcel Lagman, former Akbayan representative Ibarra Gutierrez, and former Civil Service Commission chairperson Karina David also joined the celebration.

Former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III reportedly visited De Lima a week before her birthday. n

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

Uber ‘working hard’ to meet LTFRB conditions by reicelene JOy ignaciO ManilaTimes.net

SUSPENDED transport network company Uber Philippines said it is making an effort to meet the conditions set by the government to allow it to resume operations at the earliest possible time after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) imposed a hefty fine of P190 million on the company.

“We’re working hard to meet the conditions for the lifting of the suspension and hope to resume operations as soon as possible,” Uber said in a statement over the weekend.

On Friday, August 25, the LTFRB said it would lift Uber’s suspension if the company pays the P190-million penalty. The proceeds will be remitted to the national treasury.

The LTFRB suspended the ride-sharing service for violating an order prohibiting the acceptance of applications of transport network vehicle services (TNVS).

The fine of P190 million was based on the Board’s computation of the company’s daily earnings, which range from P7

Uber Philippines General Manager Laurence Cua explains the beauty of ridesharing during Presss briefing held at Makati Shangri-La. Photo by Roger Rañada

million to P10 million.

In addition, Uber was ordered to extend financial assistance to its drivers affected by the suspension in the amount of P20 million daily until the service resumes operations.

Senator Grace Poe said that amount should be enough to make Uber rethink its actions.

“The payment of a hefty P190-million penalty as a precondition before it can resume operations should be enough to make Uber rethink its actions and reevaluate its strategy in testing the extent of government regulations,” Poe said.

“Likewise, I welcome the P20-million financial assistance Uber has to pay its drivers daily, which also serves as a form of penalty,” Poe added. n

Peso slumps to new 11-year low It was the peso’s weakest performance since Aug. 24, 2006 when it closed at 51.6 MANILA, Philippines — The against the greenback.

The result came a day after peso slumped to a new near 11-year-low on Friday, August the government reported eco25, just as the Bangko Sentral nomic growth slightly accelerng Pilipinas reported a wider ated to 6.5 percent in the secbalance of payments (BOP) ond quarter from 6.4 percent deficit last month that showed the prior three months.

The result was above marmore funds leaving the counket expectations and should try.

The local currency weakened have strengthened the peso. to 51.49 to a dollar at the end Instead, the currency has of week, down from 51.35 the depreciated against the dolprevious day. u PAGE B6

by Julian

OcampO Philstar.com

More foreign banks want to operate in PH File photo by Inquirer.net

by Ben

O. de Vera Philstar.com

MORE foreign banks are eyeing to establish presence in the Philippines, including representative offices, because of the sound and stable banking system here, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said.

Eight Asian banks have expressed interest in putting up operations in the country, although they have yet to submit documentary requirements to be considered as

officially applying for entry, Espenilla told reporters.

Some foreign banks and financial institutions, which included non-Asians, meanwhile, have submitted documents to apply for representative offices.

“Representative offices are mainly focused on marketing. They are also important because representative offices are also useful in drawing in investments into the country,” Espenilla said.

The BSP chief said foreign lenders usually first test the domestic market through

their representative offices.

“It’s a light presence because it’s for marketing only. But if they see a really good market demand, it may progress into a branch application,” he said.

In 2014, then President Benigno Aquino III signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 10641, which allowed the full entry of foreign banks.

Under RA 10641, foreign lenders can account for a maximum of 40 percent of the banking industry’s assets.

u PAGE B4

Duterte promises ease of doing business to investors

by Julian

OcampO Judy QuirOs

vestors “do business with ease.”

He commended ALI and the Philstar.com Alcantara group — owned by the family of Finance Secretary DAVAO CITY — President Sonny Dominguez — for underRodrigo Duterte has reassured taking the 25-hectare Azuela the business community that his Cove residential and commercial administration was doing every- project, which showed that the thing to create a conducive envi- government and the private sector “can achieve stronger ties” to ronment for investments.

Speaking on Friday, August 25 create more jobs.

The president said the joint at the launch of a P20-billion joint venture project between Ayala venture was also expected to inLand Inc. (ALI) and local prop- crease land valuation and open erty developer Alcantara Group opportunities to make the econof Companies in Davao City, omy more vibrant and sustainDuterte said the government had able.

Around 6,500 workers would taken steps that would make in-

FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

( Mt Carmel, Mt Beatitude, Mt.Tabor, Cana, Capernum, Nazareth, Mt. of Olives, Old & New Jerusalem, Bethlehem Qumran, Masada, Jericho )

Dec 3 to 14, 2017

Spiritual Director: Rev. Fr. Alvin Cachola

be hired in the construction phase alone, he said.

According to ALI, about 7,120 jobs will be generated when the project starts to operate. The project was expected to President Rodrigo Duterte unveils Azuela Cove’s master plan employ 13,000 during its launching in Lanang, Davao City, on Friday. Assisting p e o p l e f r o m the President are Ayala Land Inc. chair Fernando Zobel de Ayala construction to and Alsons Corp. director Editha Alcantara. Also in the photo is full operation.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. Malacañang photo In a stateu PAGE B4 ment, Jun Bisnar, vice president

Havan�, Cub� May 22 to 29, 2018

May 22, 2018 (Tuesday - Day 1) Los Angeles to Havana, Cuba Depart from LAX to Havana, Cuba. Upon arrival in Havana, meet our guide and transfer to the hotel for dinner.

May 23, 2018 (Wednesday - Day 2) Havana, Cuba Our day will begin with mass at the Cathedral of Havana located in the center of Old Havana. After mass, proceed for a city tour of Old Havana with an experienced local tour guide. The tour will take 4 DEC-Day 2 - (Mon) - Arrive at Ben Gurion airport Tel-Aviv/Tiberias place on foot and you will visit all the squares of Old Havana. Take in the astonishing beauty of the After you have finished Immigration, collect Luggage then Meet our guide and driver. Transfer to Tiberias , Dinner /overnight Gai Beach Hotel historical buildings, sculptures, and monuments. After lunch you will have free time to bargain at the 5 DEC-Day 3 - (Tues) Cesarea /Haifa San Jose Craft Market. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 3 DEC-Day 1 - (Sun) LAX/TLV On board meals are served

There was a certain man in Caesarea” Drive north to the sparkling port city of Haifa, viewing Caesarea en route, the city built by Herod. In Haifa, we will ascend Mt. Carmel; home of the two prophets Elijah and Elisha, Visit the Stella Maris Church celebrate Holy Mass in the main Altar, after enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean, continue to Tiberias for dinner and overnight. Gai Beach Hotel (BB,D)

May 24, 2018 (Thursday – Day 3) Havana, Cuba This morning, we will visit the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. This religious complex is the most extensive of those surviving in Old Havana. Here you will attend mass. After mass, you will meet with the 6 DEC-Day 4 - (Wed) - Tiberias/ Cana/ Nazareth Holy Eucharist at the Church of annunciation “And Mary said, Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your nuns and assist with projects of the day. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the evening you will assist word” We head to Cana of Galilee, where Our Lord performed the first miracle – changing water into wine at the wedding feast. Here, we’ll a Cuban cultural demonstration. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) invite couples to renew their marriage vows. Continue to Nazareth, Celebrate Holy Eucharist at the Church of Annunciation, visit St Joseph workshop. We return to Gai Beach Hotel for our dinner and overnight. (BB/D)

07 Dec-Day 5 - (Thurs) Mt Tabor/Mt Beatitude/Capernum/ Sea of Galilee/Tabgha

We drive to Mount Tabor, celebrate Holy Eucharist at the church of Transfiguration, Visit Mt. of Beatitudes the site of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus preached to the people. enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, home of Our Lord during his ministry. After visiting the Synagogue where he taught, proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Gai Beach Hotel for our dinner and overnight. (BB/D)

May 25, 2018 (Friday – Day 4) Havana, Cuba You will have mass at the Convent and Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. After mass, you will continue to assist the nuns. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. This evening in Havana, we will plan an exciting tour of the historical complex of Castillo del and La Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana. If the timing and weather conditions permitted, you will witness the special nightly cannon at the fortress. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

08 DEC-Day 6 - (FRI)-Jordan valley/Jericho/Bethany/Jerusalem

May 26, 2018 (Saturday – Day 5) Havana, Cuba Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. After, you will visit the Abel Santamaria School for the blind, located on the grounds of an old military base. The school aims to integrate the children into mainstream schools as soon as the child is ready through an outreach program which continues to support children at their secondary schools. You will spend time meeting the students 09 DEC-Day 7 - (Sat) - Jerusalem (old City) - Via Dolorosa and teachers. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Cintio Vitier Community Project Center, where arts Holy Sepulcher Church “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place of a skull, which was called in Hebrew Golgotha” Enter the old city of Jerusalem, Sing a hymn in the Church of St Anne and view the pool of Bethesda. Visit the Chapel of Flagellation, Programs of all types including painting, ceramic and dance hosted. You will learn about this community project and hear from Lithostrotos, where the soldiers played the Game of Kings, and Arch of the “Ecce Homo”. Follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) to the the director of the program, Pedro Pulido. End your day with a panoramic drive through Modern Havana riding in old classic cars holiest shrine in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, visit Golgotha and the tomb of Our Lord. This afternoon drive to Mount Zion, from the 1950’s. Be sure to have your camera ready for this unique experience. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Drive the Jordan Valley to Jericho, the oldest inhabited city in the world. View the Mount of temptation, where Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert. Visit the ancient ruins of the wall. Drive through Wadi Welt to view St George’s Monastery. Continue to Bethany celebrate Holy Eucharist, and then visit the tomb of Lazarus. Arrive in Mount Scopus; enjoy the first view of Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight at Notre DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB,D)

to visit the upper room, revered as the site of the last supper. Then survey the Dormition Abbey’s, St. Peter in Gallicantu, where Peter denied Jesus three times. Dinner and overnight at NOTRE DAME Vatican Hotel (BB.D)

10 DEC-Day 8 - (SUN) - Mount of Olives/Gethesemane/Bethlehem/New City

Holy Eucharist celebration at the Church of all nations Main altar Arrive at the Mount of Olives and enjoy the beautiful view of Jerusalem. Visit the Chapel of Ascension, Pater Noster Church and the Dominus Flevit Church”God wept “& walk the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethesemane and the Church of all Nations. This Afternoon drive to Bethlehem, a city whose name the whole world recognizes ,visit the Church of Nativity, the manger, Church of St Catherine, The Grotto of St Jerome, and the shepherds fields. Dinner and overnight at NOTRE DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB ,D).

May 27, 2018 (Sunday – Day 6) Havana – Las Terrazas – Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Havana. Then you will be transferred to Las Terrazas for a tour of the community. Visit the neighborhoods, their schools, artists and community projects in the area. You will then continue to Vinales. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and rest. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

May 28, 2018 (Monday – Day 7) Vinales Valley Start the morning off with mass at a local church in Vinales. Then you will have a sightseeing Visit the Western Wall , the only part of the Herodian temple still standing and the most sacred place in the world for Jews. We drive to Dead tour. There is an opportunity to visit a Tobacco Farm and learn how to expertly roll a cigar. You will Sea, the lowest spot on earth. Visit Qumran; see the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Continue to Masada, visit Herod’s also have the chance to visit an interesting site called the Prehistoric Wall and to take a Boat Ride fortress and the Jew’s last stronghold against the Roman. Return to Jerusalem Overnight Notre Dame Vatican Hotel (BB,D) through underground caves known as The Indian Caves. Then visit Finca Agroecolgica El Paraiso 12 DEC-Day10 - (TUE) Jerusalem New City where you will have lunch. After you will visit the gardens with the breath-taking views. Return to the hotel where you will have Return to the new City, Including the Temple Model to see a scale model of Jerusalem as it was during the time of Jesus. Here we will have a dinner. (Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 11 DEC-Day 9 - ( MON) - Jerusalem/Dead Sea/Qumran/Masada

better understanding between old and New Jerusalem. Next to Ein Karem, birthplace of St John the Baptist, visit the Visitation church where Mary proclaimed her famous “Magnificat Overnight NOTRE DAME VATICAN HOTEL (BB,D)

13 Dec-Day 11 - (WED) Jerusalem/TLV/LAX

Breakfast rest of the morning Free time early PM dinner has to check out from the hotel, around 8:30 PM flight from TLV/ LAX in the 13 Dec flight depart TLV at 1:00 Am Dec 14,2017 ( end of Service )

May 29, 2018 (Tuesday – Day 8) Vinales – Havana – Los Angeles Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home as your trip comes to an end. (Meal: Breakfast)

B AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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PH is Asia’s unofficial LNG trading hub – Cusi

by Jordeene

Sheex Lagare ManilaTimes.net

Town mates and Friends:

Please join us in celebration of our

508/ '*&45" TU '06/%*/( "//*7&34"3: 0' #"4$ JO -"4 7&("4 /&7"%" When: Saturday, October 7, 2017 Where: Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, 400 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 Prepaid Dinner Buffet ticket only: $65 per person Please make check payable to: Aludiya Lagmay-Ganzon 8119 Mary E Ellen Avenue, North Hollywood, California 91605 - or Priscilla Castaneto-Ruedas 6851 Dale Street Apartment # 16, Buena Park, California 90621

Nazario Perlas: Precy Castaneto- Ruedas: Lito Tambo:

nazario.perlas@yahoo.com pcruedas@yahoo.com lito.tambo@sbcglobal.net

Ludy Lagmay-Ganzon: Mila Tadina: Josie Dolor Etrata: Mary Ann Arichea–Caunan:

lganzon@gmail.com mrtadina@yahoo.com wilpenn@yahoo.com macaunan@ha.ucla.edu

*Discounted Room rates available at Gold Coast Hotel & Casino until September 3, 2017: Code: ABA2017

THE Philippines is the de facto liquefied natural gas (LNG) transshipment for Asia for some time now, even if the preferred transshipment point for the region in Singapore.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told reporters that an exporter of LNG has been using the Port of Subic as transshipment point, but declined to name the country of origin citing privileged information.

He pointed out the need to take advantage of the situation to spur economic growth, despite the limits posed by infrastructure, capitalization and technical know-how.

Cusi emphasized the importance of going for the goal of becoming an LNG hub in as it would bring in business, create jobs, and build investor confidence in the Philippines.

In May, a survey by consultancy firm Deloitte showed Sin-

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi is pushing to realize the dream to make the Philippines a liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub in Asia, noting its potential to become one.

Pictured here is the Malampaya gas field which is expected to be depleted by 2024.

Photos from Shell

gapore was the preferred Asian LNG trading hub.

A poll of energy sector leaders had 80 percent of the respondents tagging Singapore as most likely

to become an LNG regional trading hub in the next five to 10 years.

China and Japan were also favored as potential LNG trading centers. n

SM confirms talks to invest in Goldilocks by doriS

dumLao-abadiLLa Inquirer.net

THE country’s most valuable conglomerate SM Investments Corp. confirmed on Tuesday ongoing discussions to diversify into the fast-food business through a potential investment in Goldilocks bakeshop chain.

Asked to comment on an Inquirer report dated Aug. 29 about discussions to buy Goldilocks, SMIC told the Philippine Stock Exchange it’s in “preliminary discussions for a possible equity investment, joint venture or other cooperation arrangement with Goldilocks Bakeshop.”

“However, the said potential investment is pending and subject to regulatory approval by the Philippine Competition Commission,” SMIC said.

PCC is the country’s anti-trust body which is mandated under the Philippine Competition Act to review mergers and acquisitions to ensure that these deals will not prejudice the interest of the consumers. The PCC is mandated to review deals valued at P1 billion or above.

“Goldilocks will be a good addition to the growing retail brands that SM carries to serve customers in a way that integrat-

ed its retail business to service various products to the public,” said Marvin Fausto, fund expert at COL Financial.

The prospective entry into the Goldilocks chain is seen to add a new format to the SM group’s retail business, already the biggest in the country. This is likewise seen as a brand with potential to grow its overseas presence as well as to expand further through franchising.

Goldilocks is a 51-year-old privately-held restaurant chain run by the Yee family, with stores estimated at over 500, based on the company’s website. Apart from its nationwide footprint, the group has set up shops in the US, Canada and Thailand.

Revenues as of 2015 amounted to P7.86 billion, out of which it generated net profit attributable to equity holders of parent amounting to P225 million.

For its part, SM Retail has a total of 2,357 stores under its portfolio, comprising of 58 department stores (The SM Stores), 1,709 specialty stores, 50 SM Supermarkets, 44 SM Hypermarkets, 170 Savemore stores, 41 WalterMart stores and 285 Alfamart stores as of end-June.

The entry of the SM group in Goldilocks is also seen to be a big

Goldilocks president Richard Yee

boost to the restaurant chain, the group being the biggest developer of shopping malls in the country.

Goldilocks was founded in 1966 by sisters Milagros and Clarita and their sister-in-law Doris, decided to open a small bakeshop along Pasong Tamo Street in Makati. A third sister, Maria Flor, suggested that they name the enterprise “Goldilocks“, after the character in a fairy tale, intending to make brand recall easier and also because the name suggested luck and prosperity.

There have been previous attempts by other restaurant groups to acquire Goldilocks in the past. Over a decade ago, Pancake House – then led by the Lorenzo family – initiated discussions to acquire this chain but the talks did not prosper. n

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SM Prime eyes 10 new malls in 2018 Rain, Marawi fighting, weak peso dampen business expansion — BSP

by AngelicA

BAllesteros ManilaTimes.net

HENRY Sy-led property developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is planning to add 10 new malls across the country next year, higher than its annual target of five to six malls.

“Every year, we’re opening five to six [new malls]although I think next year it would be more because they’re opening smaller malls next year,” SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) Senior Vice President for Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Cora Guidote told reporters on the sidelines of a forum organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines on Friday.

“We’re close to about 10 malls next year,” she said.

In addition, the company is expanding some of its existing malls, one of which is its largest development, the SM Mall of Asia Complex.

“Mall of Asia complex, for in-

by Ben

o. de verA Inquirer.net

stance, something like 407,000 square meters, they’re expanding up to about 630,000 sqm, so MOA’s expansion mall equates to one mall already,” Guidote said.

“Also, they’re updating a lot of the facilities,” she added.

SM Prime said its target was to launch five malls in 2017. Two have already been launched, SM CDO Downtown Premier in Cagayan de Oro and SM Cherry Antipolo in Rizal. Next month, the

company will be launching SM City Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

“In Palawan—I think [we’ll be launching by the] second week of September,” the official said.

The two others set for opening are SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown in Cagayan, and SM Center Lemery in Batangas.

SM Prime is the listed real estate developer of the Sy family under conglomerate SMIC. n

Peso slumps to new...

PAGE B1 t

lar for two straight days.

Nevertheless, the peso’s movement mirrored that of the Indonesian rupiah and Malaysian ringgit on Friday, weakening after a string of good US data released overnight.

Investors usually flock to the greenback, the world’s safe haven, at the sign of stability in the world’s largest economy.

Broadly though, the BSP said the peso’s recent weakness against the dollar is still not a cause of concern despite it trading at levels not seen since before the global financial crisis of 2007.

A weak peso works both as an advantage and disadvantage for the Philippines. On one hand, it boost remittance and business process outsourcing (BPO) earnings for Filipino families, whose consumption account for more than 70 percent of the economy.

On the other, it increases the value of imports, which then trickle down to faster inflation.

As of July, prices of basic goods and services rose 3.1 percent, falling at the middle of BSP’s 2-4 percent target this year.

Balance of payments Part of the reason the peso is weakening is due to higher imports as the economy’s needs grow with its expansion. BSP cited this on Friday when it re-

ported that the BOP slumped to an eight-month low of $678 million deficit in July.

“The higher deficit was attributed to foreign exchange operations of the BSP and to payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations,” BSP said in a statement.

BOP measures all the inflows and outflows in the economy during a particular period. A deficit means more funds left the country than entered.

Foreign exchange operations usually pertain to BSP’s intervention in the peso to ensure it does not fall or rise excessively.

“BSP’s foreign exchange operations remained driven by market demand for foreign exchange largely to finance capital goods imports,” it said.

From January to July, BOP stood at a deficit of $1.384 billion, more than double this year’s forecast of $500 million.

“The BSP expects that the recovery in merchandise exports and higher-than-expected remittances and BPO revenues would mitigate the current account and the over-all (BOP) for the whole year,” it said.have the pension (benefit) which is the greatest in terms of amount every month,” Dooc said, noting the SSS disburses over P100 billion an-

nually to pay pension benefits.

He also cited additional disbursements covered by the pension fund, including the death, disability and maternity benefits, among others.

“The risk is very substantial, so the issue there is will it be a viable business proposition to the insurer?” Dooc said.

As such, the SSS chief said the proposal is to tap a consortium, or to urge private insurance firms to pool their funds together.

“It should be a consortium or a pooling, because we need a huge capacity for the insurer.

The current capitalization of insurance firms now is P550 million per company, how many lives can that cover?” he said.

According to Dooc, the SSS is now in talks with the Actuarial Society of the Philippines, which will study the proposition and assess its viability.

“The ASP is already studying it, we have one informal and one formal meeting. They will revive their social security committee,” Dooc said. n

AMID a less buoyant business sentiment in the third quarter, fewer firms in the industry sector expanded operations, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

“The percentage of businesses with expansion plans in the industry sector for the third quarter of 2017 decreased slightly to 32.8 percent from 34.6 percent in the previous quarter,” the BSP said in a report.

The BSP’s latest business expectations survey (BES) showed that the overall confidence index (CI) declined to 37.9 percent during the July to September period, the lowest level in three years, mainly due to dampened demand during the rainy season, the ongoing fighting between government forces and ISIS supporters in Marawi City as well as the weaker peso.

In the third quarter, “agriculture, fishery and forestry, and mining and quarrying recorded stronger expansion plans while those of manufacturing, and

Rain blankets a haze over buildings at Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, in this undated photo. The Bangkol Sentral ng Pilipinas said rain, the Marawi fighting and a weak peso were dampening business expansion in the third quarter of 2017.

Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma

electricity, gas, and water were slightly lower from a quarter ago,” the BSP said, In terms of employment, the BSP said businesses’ outlook for the fourth quarter “improved due largely to the more positive sentiment of the services and wholesale and retail sectors offsetting the less optimistic outlook of the industry and construction sectors.”

The third-quarter BES showed

higher optimism for the October to December period, as the next quarter CI jumped to 51.3 percent from 42.7 percent in the previous quarter.

Historically, businesses expect more rosy prospects during the Christmas holiday season.

As such, “more firms will continue to hire new employees than those that indicated otherwise” during the fourth quarter, the BSP said. n

DICT pledges support to Philippine startup community

by JAnvic

MAteo

Philstar

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — An official of the Department of Information and Communications Technology has expressed support to the development of startup companies in the Philippines, saying this offers an opportunity to address various problems faced by the country.

In his message delivered during the opening of a conference on technology startups here on Thursday, August 24, DICT Undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim stressed the need to support innovative and creative ideas of those in the startup sector.

“We have seen no shortage of ingenuity, creativity and passion from Filipinos all over the country and all over the world,” said Ibrahim in his keynote during the 5th Geeks on a Beach conference.

“We now have the opportunity to enable the country to maintain its excellence in global ICT

Representatives from the government and private sector provided a report on the state of the Philippine startup sector.

Photo file Philstar.com

service delivery and enable the shift to becoming a robust digital economy,” he added.

The DICT official admitted challenges in the ICT sector, but stressed that the newly-created agency is trying to address issues such as infrastructure and connectivity for Filipinos.

“We are now faced by very dynamic changes in the ICT landscape with innovation now seen as a major economic driver for cities and nations. We welcome this challenge as we support the community in exploring how local governments can now adapt

to the innovation mindset,” said Ibrahim.

“DICT will continue its efforts to support the Phl startup ecosystem as we continuously address the needs of its stakeholders,” he added.

This year’s Geeks on a Beach conference brought together some 400 participants from the government and private sector to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the technology startup companies.

Among the speakers include successful Filipinos from Silicon Valley, who discussed their experiences in working in the global center of the largest tech companies and most successful startups.

Panels featuring representatives from the government and private sector also provided a report on the state of the Philippine startup sector, as well as the different initiatives and efforts to make the environment conducive for startup companies in the country.n

B AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNALCommunity

Calendar of Events across

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Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept.

2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.

S E P T E M B E R 1 5 -1 7

Liliwenos reunion in Las Vegas, NV Calling all Liliwenos living all around the world! There will be a three-day reunion in Las Vegas, NV starting with a picnic on Friday, Sept. 15 at Silverado Ranch Park. On Saturday, Sept. 16, it is a dinner/dance party at the Palace Station (2411 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102) at 5 p.m. The attire is semi-formal and costs $50 / person. Souvenir t-shirts cost $10 regardless of size. Deadline of payment for both the reunion and t-shirt cost is August 31 to be sent to Ms. Nerri Monteagudo at 9252 Bronze River, Las Vegas, Nevada 89149. On Sept.

17, participants are free to explore the Strip and other Vegas activities. For more information, please contact Bob and Nerri Monteagudo at (702) 339-3838; Carmen P. Manguin (702) 526-8005; Loida Borgonos at (201) 654-5482; or Fred Polistico at (818) 527-3476.

O C TO B E R 1 4

26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

18th annual Asian Small Business Expo in Alhambra, CA On Saturday, Oct. 14, the 18th annual Asian Small Business Expo will be held at the Almansor Court Conference Center (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801), featuring free workshops, exhibitors, networking opportunities, and more! Jonny Hwang, founder of 626 Night Market, is the featured guest speaker with special guest, Jerome Horton, chairman of the California Board of Equalization. It is FREE to attend! The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. For more information, please visit http://www.apisbp.org/expo.html.

O C TO B E R 1 4

26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

O C TO B E R 2 1

NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.

D EC E M B E R 27-29

Ateneo de Naga High School Class ’67 celebrates 50th anniversary in Naga City The Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) High School Class 1967 is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017 from December 27 to 29 with various activities lined up for its 153 alumni members. (ADNU is a leading Jesuit university in the Bicol region located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines). The activities include the publication of its 50th Anniversary Yearbook, a coffee table book which features the individual life stories of the class members after high school, tributes to their mentors, and various articles about school life in the 1960s. Also scheduled for the middle of the year is a golf tournament which — aside from fostering camaraderie — will essentially be a fund-raising activity for planned alumni projects such as a medical mission to a remote provincial town, scholarships, and donations for other worthy causes. This year’s reunion will be at the ADNU main campus in Naga City with various fun and commemorative activities lined up for the occasion. All batch members, wherever they are domiciled, including those residing in foreign countries, especially those in the USA and Canada, are enjoined to contribute their life story articles for the anniversary book as soon as possible, to participate in the various identified activities and outreach projects, and attend the grand homecoming in December. For coordination and for details about the events and activities, please email or call up any of the following batch members: Jojo de Jesus (email: jvdejesus6@yahoo.com; cell: 09772114750); Nilo Ezequiel (email: nilo. ezequiel0977@gma

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

More foreign banks wants to...

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So far, the BSP has allowed 10 Asian banks to fully operate in the country, namely: Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

Singapore’s United Overseas Bank Ltd. South Korea’s Shinhan Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea, and Woori Bank Taiwan’s Cathay United Bank, Chang Hwa Bank, First Commercial Bank, Hua Nan Bank, and Yuanta Commercial Bank Co. Ltd. tions, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Agence Francaise de Developpement, the IFG said.

Meanwhile, another $21.8 million in non-lending programs are also in the pipeline under the COBP, the IFG said. The programs include support for project prep-

arations and capacity building of various government agencies.

According to the IFG, the ADB has also agreed to look into cofinancing arrangements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Philippines’ flagship infrastructure projects, such as the proposed Philippine National Railways Malolos to Clark Railway and the PNR Commuter South Line project.

“On this aspect, the ADB agreed to help the Philippines beef up its capacity and readiness in handling and financing infrastructure projects, particularly on the construction of the country’s railways,” the IFG added.

The ADB has also agreed to hold quarterly meetings with Philippine officials to ensure that the bank’s country partnership strategy is aligned with the ad-

ministration’s priorities, according to the IFG. “The bank has also responded positively to our request to increase the Philippines’ lending envelope and provide more grants and technical assistance,” the IFG said.

Finance Secretary Dominguez had been appointed last May as chairman of the ADB Board of Governors.

Earlier, the bank committed its support for the Philippines’ infrastructure program.

ADB president Takehiko Nakao said improving the transportation infrastructure is one of the ADB’s priorities in the country.

He said the lack of adequate infrastructure remains one of the more significant constraints to the Philippines’ growth prospects. n

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Clients with wage garnishment, huge sales tax, freak accident seek bankruptcy relief

FREAK accident liability I want to discuss the client with the freak accident first. The first client is 45. This is really a very unusual case. In fact, I have never encountered a case like this before in the last 30 years.

The client has a rental condo that needs plumbing repair because of a water leak coming out of the walls. He hires a plumber that he knows from work. The plumber determines that the leak is coming from a water pipe that is inside the wall, so he cuts a hole through the wall big enough for him to work on the leaking pipe.

He uses a blowtorch to seal the leak. The blowtorch accidentally sets the inside of the wall on fire.

They try to stop the fire from spreading. They fail to stop the fire from spreading. The condo burns down. The fire spreads to the other condos in the building. Eventually, the entire building is on fire and is destroyed.

The building has a master insurance that covers the repairs for building so the building is reconstructed and everybody gets their condos back in shape. So what is the problem for the client if the insurance has paid for everything and all the damage caused by the fire? The problem, of course, is that the insurance company will sue the client to recover whatever they can and the client does not have liability insurance for the fire. I don’t know what else to call this but a freak accident. This is potentially a multimillion liability for the client in the future.

If the client qualifies for Chapter 7 relief then he has no worries anymore because it will just wipe out all of his potential liability for the damage caused. If he does qualify, he can wipe this out and have a fresh start. What we can learn from this accident is that if you should have a plumbing problem and the plumber uses a torch, you better stand behind him with a big fire extinguisher! So, just in case the same thing happens, you can immediately use the fire extinguisher on the fire to kill it and prevent your house from being burned down by a plumbing problem.

Wage garnishment The second client is 63. She had car repossession some time ago.

As far as she knows, the repo deficiency was about $25K — must

have been an expensive car with that kind of deficiency. She has just received a wage garnishment order for $40K based on the repo deficiency judgment! She still works and earns a gross of $5K monthly. How does the wage garnishment work? It will take 25 percent of her gross wages, or $1,250 a month until the $40K is fully paid at a legal interest of 10 percent a year. She can’t live with such a big deduction from her wages. She won’t be able to pay her rent of $1,100 if the garnishment is done. She also owes about $30K of credit cards.

She needs Chapter 7 relief to stop the garnishment, wipe out the judgment of $40K and all of $30K of credit cards. She will get a fresh start without the burden of accumulated debt. She will be able to reestablish credit immediately. She still has a car payment. She will also be able to get new credit cards as soon as she is done with her bankruptcy because there are banks that specialize in giving new credit cards to debtors who have just come out of bankruptcy.

Huge sales taxes The third client is 66. He operated a business for several years but did not pay sales tax for his products as they got sold.

He owes $120K of sales tax. He closed his business last year.

However, before he closed his business, he was audited by the State and it was determined that he owed $120K in sales tax.

Well, that’s bad news. Nobody wants to owe $120K of sales tax at the age of 66; in fact, no one at any age would want to owe that much in sales tax. I mean, at 66, you get full benefits from social security but if you owe $120K of sales tax, then your social security will just go to pay the sales tax.

Now, what kind of retirement is that? That would be like living in the twilight zone, wouldn’t it?

Now the question is, are sales taxes dischargeable in Chapter 7? In California, sales taxes are dischargeable. The reason they are dischargeable is because they are transactional taxes. They are not taxes, which are held in trust by the debtor. If they were held in trust by the debtor then there would be a fiduciary relationship that was breached and that would make the tax not dischargeable.

So sales taxes are not excepted

Debt Relief

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAgLAyA WHAT does it cost to be kind to others?

We often think that being kind costs us something — whether it is time, money, connections or any of what we consider to be our personal resources becoming depleted.

But have we ever thought at all about the physical and psychological benefits of acts of kindness that flow right back to us? It’s one of those mysteries of the amazing human body.

Recent medical studies indicate that both the giving and receiving of kindness have positive effects on a person’s well being. It helps produce oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that boosts our immune system and causes other good residual effects on blood pressure and the body’s general homeostatic balance. In women, it has positive effects on childbirth and lactation. Studies now seem to prove that it can help in autism and the ability to handle social anxieties.

This feel-good substance is produced in the human body by laughter and exercise and apparently, as medical studies are showing, also by acts of kindness, specially the pure ones, those that are done without any thought of payback or return.

Oxytocin running in our bloodstream is good for the heart and the mind as it counteracts the effects of free radicals wreaking havoc in our bodies as we go through the ravages of the aging process. It does not mean however, that kindness and the oxytocin it produces insures us against aging. All humans will get old and die eventually. C’est la vie.

It just means that the residual effects of habitual kindness can substantially slow

from discharge, therefore they are dischargeable. The caveat is that the legal prerequisites to discharge the sales tax must be met.

Credit cards If you owe credit card debt that eats up a significant portion of your net income, it’s time to get rid of them now with a Chapter 7 wipe out or a Chapter 13 reorganization. It’s time to get a fresh start and become productive again. If you owe $30K of credit cards, the minimum payment is $1K a month just for interest payment to keep them current.

In three years, you will pay $36K of interest but still owe $30K of principal. Get out of financial quicksand now with Chapter 7 or 13. Owe nothing but keep all your assets, your house, your cars, your retirement accounts and everything else you own and more of your net income for your future financial well being and the financial well being of your family. Even Walt Disney filed for Chapter 7 twice before he became successful. Hershey also filed for Chapter 7 before his Hershey chocolate business became successful. Orange County also filed for bankruptcy to protect itself a decade ago. Several Catholic dioceses filed for bankruptcy protection from child molestation lawsuits just several years ago. So, if there is too much debt, bankruptcy is a prerequisite for future success and productivity.

It’s the right step to take and the simplest and best solution to take.

Disclaimer: The foregoing is an expression of opinion and is not meant to be legal advice to any reader. There is no attorneyclient relationship established by this article with the reader. If you want to discuss your situation, you have to set an appointment to consult with Attorney Yang. The first general consultation is free.

“JESUS CAME AND SPOKE TO THE DISCIPLES, SAYING, ‘ALL AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH.’ MATTHEW 28:18 *** 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.

The power of kindness “Oxytocin, known as the love hormone, can flow naturally with such a simple gesture as a hug.”

down the aging process along with a good diet, and regular age -appropriate exercise.

Of course, wisely steering clear of moving vehicles, toxic relationships and such known elective, addictive poisons such as cigarette smoking, drugs and alcohol all help to arrive at a high quality of life in one’s sunset years.

In the same way joy shows in our faces, so does grief – perhaps, the latter, even more so, can become deeply etched.

During the greed of the nineteen eighties and nineties that spawned such film characters as Gordon Gecko, the saying was, “He who has the most TOYS, WINS!” In contrast, during this current supposedly more informed yet not necessarily wiser age of information, the saying is likely to read. “He who has the most JOYS, WINS! Those of us who live in big cities and are subject to the stresses of the fast pace and killer demands of modern life to “perform and deliver” in our home and work environments are more than likely to suffer from diseases and infections. It’s the curse of big city living and the rat race.

Because of such demands that can exceed individual human capacities, many feel exhausted and cannot think beyond their personal needs and wants.

Remember too that this is the “Selfies Generation.” The trend these days in social media is to focus on the self. Many are becoming stars in their deluded minds and in the web firmament thinking that the number of “likes” they get is proof positive of their popularity and social status.

The result is that many are becoming hardwired and focused on just their individual images to the

exclusion of others. This self-obsession—today’s equivalent of the biblical golden calf of idolatry— strangely leads to depression.

Those who have seen the light, however, and have decided that kindness is beneficial to others as well as themselves, practice it quite naturally, most times, without fanfare. After all, genuine kindness is often quiet and does not need to go viral.

But when acts of kindness captured on video do go viral because a disinterested third party uploaded the clip on the internet and is viewed by millions around the world, this becomes a teachable moment when kindness can become a ripple in a pond.

Kindness without an agenda can inspire others to be kind to the people in their immediate spheres of influence. It can inspire some to be kind to those that orbit around them daily at home and at work. You could say that kindness, like the flu, is truly contagious. Unlike the flu virus though, kindness is good all around.

A caveat though…… The hormone oxytocin is not a panacea for all kinds of social anxiety problems. Too much of it when taken by prescription, like any other substance on earth taken to extremes, can cause ordinary people to become oversensitive to the emotions of others resulting in a skewed perception of reality.

Perhaps, the best ways for this love hormone to flow in one’s bloodstream are still the natural ways through laughter, exercise and kindess. n *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

munities around the country as we remain a reliable partner in nation building,” he added.

According to its project briefer, ALI will initially shell out about P8 billion for the project’s first phase between 2017 and 2021.

This will cover land development and retail construction, devel-

opment of Ayala Land high rise condominium Phase 1 and St. Luke’s Medical Center.

The company will spend another P12 billion starting in 2021 for the development of the Cove, additional towers and retail construction. n

Duterte promises ease of...

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and chief operations officer of ALI Vismin Group, said the company had been “committed to enrich the way we live and enhancing land nationwide.”

“We focus on inclusive growth, sharing our expertise as a full line property developer to com-

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Disclosure of text messages, e-mails and Facebook info of a spouse or significant other may constitute domestic violence

DOMESTIC violence is abuse perpetrated against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, the mother or father of your child, your child. Family Code Section 6211. Abuse is not limited to the actual infliction of physical injury or assault. Family Code, § 6203(b). A court may issue an order enjoining specific acts of “abuse” (§ 6218, subd. (a)), which are defined as, among other things, behavior that could be enjoined under section 6320. (§ 6203, subd. (d).) Section 6320, in turn, permits a court to enjoin a party from engaging in various types of behavior, including “disturbing the peace of the other party.” (§ 6320, subd. (a).) “[T]he plain meaning of the phrase ‘disturbing the peace of the other party’ in section 6320 may be properly understood as conduct that destroys the mental or emotional calm of the other party.” (In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723 (Nadkarni ).) The phrase includes “destroying the mental or emotional calm of [a former spouse] by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails.” (Id. at p. 1498, 93 Cal. Rptr.3d 723.) The expansion of the term “disturbing the peace” to cover accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication has profound effect in every divorce and family law case.

In Nadkarni, a former wife alleged that her ex-husband had accessed her private e-mail account while she was away on a business trip, then attached copies of the e-mails to documents filed in proceedings regarding custody of their teenaged children. In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal. Rptr.3d 723. She sought a permanent restraining order, but the trial court denied it without a hearing after finding that the DVPA did not cover situations in which there was no physical harm alleged. The appellate court reversed and remanded the matter to the trial court for a hearing. It held that the definition of abuse under the DVPA is not limited to the infliction of physical injury or assault. Id. at pp. 1498, 1501, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723.

In Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney, husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to release personal data downloaded

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes from wife’s cell phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order. In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal.Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) Phrase “disturbing the peace of the other party” in injunction provision of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) includes destroying the mental or emotional calm of a former spouse by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential emails. Cal. Fam. Code § 6320. In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal.Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) Husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to release personal data downloaded from wife’s cell phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA). Cal. Fam. Code §§ 6218(a), 6300, 6320(a). In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal.Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) In Evilsizor, Ms. Evilsizor testified that it had been “incredibly incredibly difficult to deal with” the dissemination of her personal information, stating, “I have sleepless nights. I’m sick to my stomach. My friends are mad at me, embarrassed as if I let him.

I didn’t know he was even doing any of this. My parents are upset, you know. Why did I marry him?

I didn’t know that things were going—I didn’t know. Yeah. It’s been incredibly challenging to live with.” She further testified that she had suffered shock and embarrassment and feared for her safety because of the disclosure. Evilsizor also was concerned about Sweeney’s threats to reveal information to the Internal Revenue Service about “things [she] didn’t do.” The court con-

cluded in the Evilsizor case that even if Sweeney legally obtained Evilsizor’s information, an issue left unresolved, it was authorized under the DVPA to enjoin the disclosure or threats of disclosure of the information to protect Evilsizor’s peace of mind. The court ordered Sweeney be “prohibited from using, delivering, copying, printing or disclosing the messages or content of [Evilsizor’s] text messages or e-mail messages or notes, or anything else downloaded from her phone or from what has been called the family computer except as otherwise authorized by the court.”

Sweeney also was prohibited from trying to access or otherwise interfere with Evilsizor’s internet-service provider accounts or social-media accounts. Text messages, E-mails, Social media, and other electronic communication has become a common and inseparable part of today’s lifestyle. Accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication of an ex, spouse, or sgnificant other has profound effect in every divorce and family law case. A finding of domestic violence against a party can affect the rulings on custody and spousal support issues. If your divorce or family law matter involves your ex, spouse, or significant other downloading and disclosing confidential electronic communication, one has to consider taking appropriate action in the case to be protected from conduct which is regarded as abuse under the California domestic violence statute.n

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

This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

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Reporting requirements for US citizen abroad

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA U.S. citizens are generally taxed on their worldwide income regardless of where the income is earned or received. A U.S. citizen who earns income in a foreign country may also be taxed on that income by a foreign host country thereby leading to double taxation. Below are the three tax provisions alleviating potential inequity: • Foreign-earned income exclusion • Housing cost exclusion (or deduction) • Foreign tax credit (or deduction) Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. U.S. citizens who work in a foreign country are allowed to exclude up to $101,300 of gross income earned in that country for 2016. To qualify for the foreignearned income exclusion, you must satisfy both requirements: • have a tax home in a foreign country for instance Philippines. Your regular place of business is the Philippines.

Philippines is your tax home.

• meet either the bona fide residence test, you must be a bona fide resident of a foreign country for an uninterrupted period which includes an entire tax year or the physical presence test, you must be physically present in the foreign country during at least 330 full days during 12 consecutive months. If you stay in the Philippines for an uninterrupted period which includes an entire tax year or if you are physically present in the Philippines during at least 330 full days during 12 consecutive months, you qualify for this requirement.

A determination of whether you qualify is based on all the facts and circumstances including your intention, length of stay in the Philippines, nature and duration of employment, establishment of a home in the Philippines, and nature, extent and reasons for temporary absences from the foreign home. If you choose to exclude your foreign earned income, you cannot take a foreign tax credit or deduction for taxes on excluded income, an additional child tax credit and/or earned income credit.

The foreign earned income exclusion is filed by completing the appropriate parts of Form 2555.

Since it is voluntary, your choice to exclude foreign earned income remains in effect for that year

and all years unless you revoke it.

Housing Cost Exclusion or Deduction. You may also claim an exclusion or deduction from gross income for your housing amount if you meet the following requirements: • Have foreign earned income.

• Your tax home is in a foreign country.

• You qualify for the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test.

The housing exclusion applies only to amounts considered paid for with employerprovided amounts while the housing deduction applies only to amounts paid for with self-employment earnings.

Like the foreign earned income exclusion, the housing cost exclusion or deduction is filed by completing Form 2555.

However, a separate election is required for each exclusion claimed. You may choose to revoke the exclusion for any year.

Foreign Tax Credit or Deduction. The credit and deduction are intended to relieve U.S. taxpayers of double taxation on foreign source income. The election is made on an annual basis. If a U.S. citizen incurs or pays income taxes to a foreign country, he may elect to deduct them in determining his taxable income, or take them as a credit against his U.S. tax. The election must be made as to all foreign taxes of the tax year. The credit will be limited to the percentage of the total tax that the taxable income (before deduction for personal exemptions) from foreign countries is of the total taxable income.

Other Reporting Requirements.

Please note that any person or entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and estates having a financial interest in, or signature or other authority over, bank accounts, securities, or other financial accounts having an aggregate value exceeding $10,000 at any time during the calendar year in a foreign country, shall report such a relationship. Although there are some limited exceptions, filing requirements also apply to taxpayers that have direct or indirect control over a foreign or domestic entity with foreign financial accounts, even if the taxpayer does not have foreign accounts. For example, a corporate-owned foreign account would require filings by the cor-

poration and by the individual corporate officers with signature authority. Failure to disclose the required information to the U.S. Department of the Treasury may result in substantial civil and/or criminal penalties.

In addition, the Internal Revenue Service also requires information reporting under applicable Internal Revenue Code sections and related regulations, and the respective IRS tax forms are due when your income tax return is due, including extensions.

The IRS reporting requirements are in addition to the U.S. Department of the Treasury reporting requirements stated above.

Therefore, if you fall into one of the below categories, or if you have any direct or indirect foreign interests, you may be required to file applicable IRS forms.

• File Form 8938: For individual or entity with ownership of foreign financial assets and meet the criteria • Form 5471: If you are an officer, director, or shareholder with respect to certain foreign corporations attach Form 5471 to your income tax return by the due date including extensions for that return.

You are a foreign-owned U.S. corporation or foreign corporation engaged in a U.S. • trade or business, Form 5472; • You are a U.S. transferor of property to a foreign corporation, Form 926; • You are a U.S. person with an interest in a foreign trust ,Forms 3520 and 3520-A; or • You are a U.S. person with interests in a foreign partnership, Form 8865.

Failure to timely file the appropriate forms with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service may result in substantial penalties. n *** Disclaimer: Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication is neither intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. *** Al-os & Associates Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities. The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies.

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People and Events

United Bicolandia now primed for the 43rd Penafrancia fiesta in Los Angeles

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

The image of of Our Lady of Penafrancia inside its “andas” borne on the shoulders of the voyadores during a segment of the foot/fluvial procession in a previous Penafrancia fiesta in Los Angeles.

Photos by Joelan Brillo

LOS ANGELES, California -- United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) is now primed for its celebration of next month’s 43rd annual Penafrancia festival in this city with the formation of the fiesta executive committee and the completion of the details of the nine-day schedule.

The festival done in Naga City back home in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia, one of the biggest Marian events in the Philippines, is celebrated by the Bikolnons from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon. The Los Angeles version was first observed under the auspices of UBLA in 1974 by hardly a hundred devotees that now have grown to be a crowd cruncher participated in by thousands of revelers to become one of the biggest-attended Filipino gatherings in Southern California.

To head the 2017 LA activities, UBLA president Eddie Sabocor recently appointed former president Lanie Berrie as over-all executive chairman and Marjorie Balce as vice chairman.

The traditional novena rite kicks off the festival on Friday, Sept. 8, with the so-called “traslacion” which is the transfer of the Penafrancia image from its side-altar shrine to the main altar of the church venue, there to remain during the next eight novena nights. On the ninth day on Saturday, Sept.

16, the image will be moved to Lincoln Park for the

whole-day fiesta itself. A more detailed description of the fiesta will be announced next week.

Subchairmen of the major committees have been named as follows: scheduling, park permit, setup & tent layout, Lanie Berrei; park & stage decoration, Tony Martires; altar & andas decoration, Arnel Bailon; pagoda decoration, Adversario, Mendes & Fulgentes families; pagoda setup & dismantling, Eddie Sabocor; liturgy & religious rites, Lem & Fe Amit; choir, Chris Avendano; foot & fluvial procession, Louie Betito, Butch San Jose & voyadores; cultural presentation, Yeye Martires; mass donors, Aida Brizuela; benefactors & banners, Tess Orcini.

Main church venue is the Los Angeles Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4954 Santa Monica Blvd., LA, where the first 8-night novena will be prayed; contact person, Lanie Berrei (818) 2813169. Satellite novena venues are: South Bay area, St. Anthony Catholic Church, 710 E. Grand Ave. El Segundo, CA, contact: Vic Martires (310) 618-0837. West Covina area, St. Martha’s Catholic Church, 444 N. Azusa Ave., La Puente, CA, contact: Linda Angeles (626) 641-5938; and Long Beach area, St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church, 9740 Foster Road, Bellflower, CA, contact: Evelyn Granada (562) 298-3839. On the 9th fiesta whole day all devotees and guests will converge on Lincoln Park, 3529 N. Mission Road, LA, CA 90031. n

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 30, 2017

Margot Bautista Henry, Ceo and Founder oF Matina Putting Filipino pride into personal style

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe / aJPress While working in the banking industry for years, Matina CeO and Founder Margot Bautista henry found herself looking to replenish her wardrobe. She sought to support Filipino-made, or designed clothes she could wear to work, but somehow her search in the United States fell short.

“My searches would always come up with Filipiniana clothing, terno, or any variety of the Filipino national garb or costume — which, of course, i could not (would not!) wear to my corporate job,” Margot shared. “i recognize[d] that i must not be the only one that has search for this, being that i am not the first, nor the only, first-gen Filipino immigrant that has probably had the same yearning.”

The desire to express her Filipino pride and own personal style and journey was the start of Matina, an online store that sells clothing and accessories designed by Filipino designers.

The idea of the store came to Margot during one of her yearly trips to the Philippines in 2016 with her husband and five-month-old son. Apart from being on maternity leave, she also took the time to reflect on what she wanted to do when she was done with her MBA at the University of Washington.

“My career prior to the store was in finance. i worked at Bear Stearns, and Credit Suisse for well over a decade, after my undergrad at the University of Asia and the Pacific in Manila. What inspired me was hearing about the success of a variety of local, up-and-coming designers that have sprouted in Manila.

“One of my best friends, Pia See, is one such designer. her brand, Unif0rm, has very quickly garnered a cult following, and so much demand was coming from all over the world, especially from Filipinos in the

U.S. i did a little bit more research, and discovered that the same was true for a multitude of other designers. There was U.S. demand, but no quick and easy way to fulfill it. “i realized that i was in a unique position—i am well connected with Pia, and there is a big gap in the market that has yet been unfulfilled. it was time to put my MBA to use and figure out this supply chain puzzle,” she shared.

Filipino-designed, worldclass apparel Matina is one of the fastest-growing U.S. based online stored featuring world-class apparel by Filipino designers, curated for life in the U.S. and beyond. Opened in August 2016, the online store has doubled its sales each month — with the exception last March wherein they have outdone their best month five times over.

“We are doing exceptionally well, and will keep looking to stay on this trajectory of growing and expanding,” she said.

Margot also shared that she personally chooses the pieces that they sell, according to what she would wear.

“Being that my clientele is very similar to me, i think i am a pretty good barometer of what would do well at the store, and so far this has worked wonderfully,” she said.

Mainly, Matina carries the Unif0rm brand, whose designs capture the style and grace of the Filipina so well, according to Margot. “i have gotten so many comments and messages of how happy the customers are that they found the store, and that they are so in love with the styles. They are truly unique, in that they are basic pieces, never trendy, and will never go out of style,” she said proudly and added, “ i have chosen other designers, thus

Matina CEO & Founder Margot Bautista Henry with her son, Charlie.

far, that are similar in quality, timeless in styles, yet striking in their design aesthetic. The Filipino woman is one of a kind in that they put great care and thought into what they want to get across about who they are, with the way they carry themselves, and the way they dress.

This is not to be mistaken with trying to control how they are perceived—but it is more allowing what they want you to know about them.”

Apart from Unif0rm, Matina also features other designers like Anika, Florence Fling and ethnique, which are all owned and run by Filipino women.

Other lines to look forward to are Studio Curator and Crisp.

To be clear, Matina focuses on fashion by Filipino and Fil-Am designers, rather that pieces that are Filipino-inspired or carries the “native” or national look.

“Matina features designers that are Filipino. Their work may or may not be Filipino-inspired. i think this is an important distinction because we are not positioning ourselves as a store selling Filipino-themed items, rather we are a Filipino

brand, seeking to fulfill the need of the Filipino-American to be able to wear world-class and high quality apparel that has a little piece of home with them that they can show off and be proud of,” Margot explained.

Filipino roots Born in Davao City in 1978, Margot and her family moved to Manila shortly and went to school all the way through college. “i grew up spending my childhood summers in Matina, a town in Davao, hence the name of the store. i felt it was important to have the name of my store be something very personal and meaningful,” she shared. “Matina summers remind me of my maternal grandmother, who was a lawyer, an educator, and the most influential figure in my life. She was well loved and revered by those who knew her.”

Margot then moved to San Francisco in 2001, and went to UC Berkeley for a one-year international Marketing program before starting a career in banking. She is now based in Seattle with her husband ian

and son, Charlie.

Matina moving forward The store is continuously changing and expanding, being that pieces are not mass-produced to ensure that high quality remains. This, Margot says, is what makes Matina different from other online clothing companies.

“Matina is definitely not a fast fashion boutique. We carefully curate the designers and the quality of our items,” she said. “it is by no accident that we picked designers that do not produce en masse, and therefore are priced correctly for what the customer is getting. The clientele that we serve is discerning, and understand & appreciate the value of the pieces that they get from us.”

Clearly, the biggest challenge Matina has is keeping up with demand, since designers are independent and do not mass-produce. But Margot believes that they are moving

forward by scoping out other talented Filipino designers who are in the same caliber as the ones they carry now.

For now, Margot’s advice to others who are thinking about establishing their online fashion store is not to “overthink” it.

“Don’t try to create the perfect plan because starting your own business on paper looks very different from what really happens. Start small, and be patient with yourself—it is when you are nimble that you get to figure out what the kinks are and work through them so that when you are big, you would know what works,” she shared and then added, “Know what you are good at, and find a place to put that energy. Find your niche, live and breathe it.

You will know the truth by the way that it feels. As they say, seek what sets your soul on fire and you will not lose your way!”

Check out Matina at www. shopmatina.com.

Kris Aquino working with Willie Revillame for TV comeback

by Christina

alPad ManilaTimes.net

NOW it can be told: TV host Willie Revillame is helping Kris Aquino get back on television.

On Thursday, Aug. 24 Aquino surprised her 3.1 million followers on photo-sharing social media platform instagram when she posted a group photo with Willie Revillame, his core team and her business manager Arnold Vegafria taken at a hotel in Mandaluyong. her caption—“i had a productive 5 hour meeting w/ my future BOSS & his core staff. exciting times ahead. Good night” —further fueled the rumor that Aquino would be co-hosting Revillame’s current game show “Wowowin” on GMA Network.

Vegafria documented the meeting in his own instagram account and wrote, “A productive meeting with @krisaquino @willierevillame.”

To recall, Aquino left ABSCBN, her home network for 22 years, in 2016. Speculations circulated that she would transfer to rival network GMA-7 after a series of talks but besides

Table Mountain, South Africa

Laksa in Singapore

Venice Boardwalk, California

How traveling strengthens the relationship of millennial couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

Kris Aquino

Willie Revillame

from 2005 to 2010, further noted that Aquino’s manager Vegafria has first approached Revillame because the TV hostactress want to be Revillame’s “female version.”

Nevertheless, Revillame revealed that he is helping Aquino because he loves her, because she is the daughter of the late President Cory Aquino and because she is a good person.

“Wala siyang mean bone sa katawan,” Revillame added. he also said he can relate to Aquino as they are both often misinterpreted.

Revillame also revealed that Aquino has been a topic in his meetings with GMA executives Felipe Gozon, Jimmy Duavit, Bobby Yalong and Annette Gozon.

The Manila Times contacted talent manager, producer and Miss World franchise holder Arnold Vegafria to ask for further details regarding the meeting but he said through a Kris Aquino (center) and her manager Arnold Vegafria (rightmost) meets with TV host Willie Revillame text message “he doesn’t want (second from right) and his core team.

Photo from Kris Aquino’s Instagram account to comment.” a one-time block-timer travel show (“Trip Ni Kris”), the former TV host has not had any further project at the station.

On Friday, Aug. 25, Revillame revealed to Jojo Gabinete of showbiz portal Pep.ph that he is willing to help the 46year-old, “Tutulungan ko siya, tutulungan ko talaga siya.”

The host, also a former talent of ABS-CBN when he hosted noontime show “Wowowee”

OVeR the past decade or so, traveling has become more and more a part of the Filipino lifestyle, most especially among millennials. in fact, those born between the years 1982 to 2002, hardly view traveling as a luxury like past generations, but believe it to be a necessity.

Proof is found in their social media posts where travel is never excluded from trending topics.

For millennials, traveling allows them to take full advantage of their generation’s “YOlO” mantra—that is, the trendy “You Only live Once” attitude—literally opening them to a world of experience.

And in the case of celebrity millennials and real-life couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez, traveling has a huge bonus of steeling their relationship. indeed, isn’t seeing the world with the one you love a truly wonderful experience?

Young and Daez have gained a huge following on social media through their video blogs—or vlogs—where they generously share their escapades in and out of the country. The pair, who only confirmed their six-year relationship back in February, quickly became an inspiration among other young couples whose relationship goals include wan-

Mikael Daez and Megan Young

dering the world together. in an exclusive interview with Manila Times, the GMA Network artists generously shared how they first fell in love with traveling, then with each other, with each journey bringing them closer together.

He’s a traveler, she’s a non-traveler According to Young, she was never big on traveling until she started hanging out with Daez some years ago with a group of friends.

“The first time we traveled together was to hong Kong in 2010. We weren’t boyfriend and girlfriend yet, and we planned the trip with a group of friends,” recalled the 27year-old former “non-traveler,” who, in 2013 ironically went on to become Miss World. “There

Photos from their Instagram accounts

was a seat sale and we each got a roundtrip flight for only P4,500!”

Back then, Young admitted she was especially scared of traveling on her own, particularly when her trips required transfers in other countries.

Traveling with Daez, who always seemed to know what he was doing from check-in through immigration and takeoff, however, gave her a sense of calm, so much so that when she had to travel on her own, she would even call him to ask how to work out her transfers at stopovers. in contrast, Daez had always been curious about traveling, growing up in family where his parents always had to go on trips.

Continued on Page 6

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 30, 2017

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features

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 30, 2017

Bea Alonzo reminds netizens: No negativity

by NathaLie

tomada Philstar.com

BEA Alonzo takes her social media use seriously with this simple rule: No negativity.

It may not be that simple though as haters abound online, who may even deserve a piece of your mind.

For the 29-year-old actress though, she makes sure she gets to live her “No negativity” mantra by thinking hard before each and every post she makes on her IG account.

“If I want to post just because galit ako or I have this sudden urge to post out of anger or annoyance, I won’t do it,” Bea said in a media interview after she was launched as the Filipino ambassador of the ASUS ZenFone 4 series of smartphones.

“I think about what I post before I do it. You have a huge responsibility if you have a lot of followers, especially if they’re younger than you because, of course, they look up to you. You have to be responsible for every little thing that you will upload and

Bea makes sure she gets to live her ‘no negativity’ mantra by thinking hard before each and every post she makes on her Instagram account.

share because you don’t want to be a bad influence on them, right?” added the actress who has 3.1 million IG followers.

In dealing with online bashing, Bea claimed that sometimes, she uses the block button and sometimes not, letting the commenters be.

Except for one. “(One commenter) talked about my mom not looking like me. I told her my mom is

the most beautiful (woman) in the world. Then I blocked her,” she recalled with a laugh. “That was my first and last.”

More and more celebs are opening up their private lives through social media, and Bea is no exception.

Hers may not be the most well-curated Instagram account out there but “what you see in my IGis really what you’re seeing in real life.”

She added, “I’m speaking for myself but as much as I appreciate a well-curated wall, I want people to see me as candid (as possible).”

Nevertheless, she believes that the extent of public meddling and intrusion into the lives of celebrities will depend on how much they will allow it.

“If you post something that’s a bit controversial, you don’t expect other people not to meddle. You should expect them to ask questions,” Bea said. “But if through your actions you tell people, ‘Oops, akin lang to ha?’ I’m sure everybody will respect (that).”

Billy Crawford says ‘no thanks’ to stag party by mJ

maRfoRi ManilaTimes.net

THAT’S Billy Crawford’s take on having a stag party before his wedding to gorgeous fiancée Coleen Garcia. The host is passing up this one-time pass for a last hurrah to single life saying at 35 years old, he’s experienced all of it by now.

“Nalipasan na ata ako,” he laughed. “I’m too old for it na. Dati I used to go out every day with my best friends Jay-R and Kris [Lawrence] and end up out until about 10 to 11 in the morning. Ngayon, masaya na ako nakikitambay sa bahay ng kung sino, kwentuhan lang with real friends.”

Speaking of his BFFs, Billy is happy his schedule has opened up to join them in “Soul

Brother,” a three-way concert happening on September 15 at the Kia Theater.

Apparently, they’ve been mounting this concert for six years!

“Matagal na talaga namin naisip pati nga album plano namin eh so we had to do it.

Kailan pa di ba? I am just so happy matutuloy na.”

The concert is going to be a pure bromance show that will double as his friends’ going away party for him before Billy says, “I do.”

Refreshingly, manly as they all are, this trio isn’t ashamed to show their affection for one another. Billy had a sweet message for Jay-R and Kris before they ended in a group hug during this interview with In The Know.

Super Vacation / America Asia Travel Center, Inc. offers unforgettable getaways at reasonable prices WITH summer now in full swing, this also means that vacation season is almost in full effect. With so many places to visit and so many agencies to book with, planning a trip can be overwhelming and worrisome.

However, Super Vacation / America Asia Travel Center, Inc. vows to take away all the stresses that come with vacation planning to promise fun and memorable experiences.

One of the country’s leading vacation package providers, Super Vacation offers a boatload of tour packages from a wide variety of tours in the United States as well as long-haul trips to Europe and Asia — at very reasonable prices.

U.S. tours will be led by tour guides who have at least 10 years of experience and speak fluent English and Chinese.

Most tours in the continental U.S. also include transportation in one of the company’s stateof-the-art deluxe coach buses.

“We always have the customers’ best interests in mind and we like to offer them an unforgettable experience but at a reasonable cost,” President Helen Koo said. “We make sure we hire the safest drivers, book 3-star hotels and hire very experienced tour guides. Above all, we want our travelers to be safe and enjoy their vacation.

We know they work hard and we want to make their vacation as easy going as possible.”

During the summer months, vacation goers may

opt for the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park, for which Super Vacation offers four to seven-day tours. They also offer Yellowstone packages that travel to other breath-taking destinations like the Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Antelope Canyon and Mt. Rushmore among others.

Another popular package is a three-day tour to Las Vegas and West Grand Canyon which offers a perfect balance between the kinetic energy of Sin City and the peaceful serenity of the Grand Canyon.

For those looking for an island getaway, Super Vacation offers a unique Hawaii tour package that focusses on the natural wonders of The Aloha State like Maui, the Big Island and parts of Oahu.

And these are only a few packages from the company’s extensive tour catalogue, which includes U.S. tours in the East Coast, Caribbean and Mexican cruises, grand European tours and the ever-popular China tour.

America Asia Travel Center, Inc. was founded in 1981 with three employees and started off as a standard travel agency, booking flights and hotels and tour packages reservations. The company expanded in 1986 when it purchased its first 56seat tour bus, establishing itself as the first Chinese-operated bus charter company in the U.S. Now branded as Super Vacation / America Asia Travel Center, Inc., the company has

more than 170 employees in 16 regional offices throughout the U.S., Canada and China and serves more than 200,000 travelers a year. Today, they own and operate more than 20 touring vehicles including 10 56-seat deluxe coaches.

In addition to offering such a wide range of vacation packages, America Asia Travel Center, Inc. is one of the most reliable agencies with a customer-first policy providing top-quality service.

“We provide customers with all the knowledge, but we also make sure to provide them with high-quality services. The person-to-person relationship is very important to us,” Koo said.

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The company is your friendly one-stop for all your vacation needs like making reservations for flights, cruise lines, and hotels. Book now!

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A showbiz marriage that works

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

Billy Crawford with BFFs Jay-R and Kris Lawrence

“I love you mga beshie. Hahaha!

Seriously, I’m just so happy that you guys have been there in every step of my life.”

IN showbiz where marriages (some of them anyway) are believed not to last, the union of Diana Zubiri and FilAussie model Andrew “Andy” Smith is well on its way to happily-ever-after. During the first birthday celebration of their daughter Aliyah Rose Continued on Page 5 Diana Zubiri and husband Andy Smith with their children Joaquin and Aliyah Rose.

Philstar.com photo

entertainment 5

‘100 Tula’ director to online critics: I’m free to respond

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 30, 2017

by Nathalie

tomada Philstar.com

ment’s drug war sparked by the death of 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos during anti-ilDIRECTOR Jason Paul legal drugs police operations in Laxamana is “very happy” that the past week. (The president his film “100 Tula Para Kay has already vowed to punish the Stella” has grossed P95M in cops with the full extent of the one week, making it the highlaw if proven guilty.) est earner among the roster of Laxamana is taking issue features in the first-ever Pista ng with it because he said he’s Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP).

Produced by Viva Films, the able to separate his politiJC Santos-Bela Padilla starrer is cal beliefs from his art. “Ako, nagagawa ko separately like, also the just-concluded filmfest’s Audience Choice awardee for example, in ‘100 Tula Para Kay Stella,’ it actually has an and one of three movies enjoying an extended run in cinemas. anti-war on drugs message kahit leaning ako kay Duterte. Di The others are “Patay Na Si ko naman ginagawang propaHesus” and “Bar Boys.” ganda ang pelikula ko. I’m for “We’re very happy bediversity of political ideologies. cause it had a low budget for I will have characters who are a mainstream film (mainstream pro and anti. But, you know, because the producer is Viva). these people will go, you’re a Let’s say the story is familiar hypocrite etc., etc., because you but we don’t have a popular have that character. They don’t loveteam. Bela Padilla and JC get that aspect that I don’t are not really known as box-office drawers. And it’s a romantic politicize (my films). I don’t have an agenda.” drama not a rom-com which is To moviegoers who will hold typically patronized by people. his political beliefs against him, So, we didn’t expect this kind he said, “If they want, we will of reception from moviegoers because of those factors,” Laxa- provide them a list of directors (who have) similar political mana told The Star in a phone leanings as them, then yun yung interview.

The film’s box-office perfor- panoorin nila.”

Another criticism leveled mance didn’t appear affected as against him is that he doesn’t well even after the 29-year-old handle “constructive criticism” film writer/director had a bit of a Twitter tussle with some critics well.

“The other thing is, also early this week. The exchanges on Twitter, I’ve been monitoring are public. Without naming reviews and I’ve read negative names, Laxamana said that he ones although most are posiis being “attacked” online due tive. But what’s misleading (with to his political leanings and bethe viral critical posts) is they’re cause he has been responding to comments which he deemed trying to make it appear that I’m responding to each negaare factually inaccurate. tive review, which is not true,” “I was known as a (President) Duterte supporter during he explained. “Nag-select lang sila ng i-ilan na ni-respondihan the campaign period. So, ko (They’ve selected a few that they’re trying to bring that I’ve responded to) and made up to try to demonize the it appear that I couldn’t accept film, parang ‘wag niyo suporcriticism. Pero ang dami kong tahan ang film kasi ganyan pinalampas.” ganyan (because of this and According to him, those that that). Nag-invent na sila ng mga statement na, ‘Pro-War on did merit a reaction from him were comments that he found Drugs yan (the film) so pro siya “factually wrong.” He cited the sa killing ni Kian’ eh wala naexample of one commenter who man akong sinasabi pro ako asked why in “100 Tula,” which dun. It has become political has Pampanga as the main on one hand,” the director setting, characters were having lamented, referring to how the a pool party. “So, I replied, film is being linked to the newbecause it’s a criticism based on est controversy in the govern-

A showbiz marriage that...

“100 Tula Para Kay Stella” — directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, topbilled by JC Santos and Bela Padilla (below), and produced by Viva Films — is the top-grossing film of the just-concluded Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

the wrong assumption about people from the province.”

One netizen asked why his film had “emojis.” Since 100 Tula is set in the early 2000s, he said these were the smiley icons from Yahoo Messenger, the popular online messaging service that time.

Laxamana cited another comment that said his film had so many loopholes. “So, I responded and di naman ako galit. Gusto ko lang talaga malaman kung ano ang tingin niya na loopholes. I replied, (‘Sige nga. Enumerate.’)... Kasi if tama naman pala na may loophole, then OK, if tingin ko naman hindi siya loophole, then I’m going to have a conversation about it.”

Some negative comments on Twitter included they will boycott his future films.

Artists including filmmakers, however, deal with critics and haters in different ways. They either react, block, ignore or change the privacy settings of their social media accounts. For Laxamana, “I will not bash, but I will respond.”

“But, I think, all that’s happening now is based on the assumption that the artist or the filmmaker cannot respond, which I disagree with. You are free to criticize, I am free to respond.”

“They’re trying to make Continued on Page 6

From Page 4 last Aug. 13 at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan (Libis, Quezon City), the mostly showbiz wellwishers were all praises as they watched Diana and Andy hop from table to table for photo ops.

Believe it or not but in their two-year marriage (they were wed at a Christian wedding at the Sampaguita Events Place garden), Diana and Andy have never fought, considering that they come from different cultural backgrounds.

Boring? Not really.

“Not that we always agree on everything,” Diana told Funfare. “May konting away din, very petty lang, pero madaling naaayos because we usually meet halfway. Never na the petty-petty leads to malaking away because we always resolve whatever little issues are involved. The cause is about time…you know, I’m used to Filipino time and Andy is just getting used to it.

He’s always punctual.”

His being half-Filipino (maternal side; dad is Australian) helps Andy understand Filipino custom. Raised in Adelaide, Australia, Andy came for a visit and so fell in love with the country… and, of course, with Diana…that he decided to stay.

“Mabait siya,” Diana said of Andy. “He is caring, loving and a disciplinarian, maalaga hindi lang kay Aliyah kundi pati na rin kay Joaquin.

Magkasundo sila ni King (Joaquin’s nickname).” (Joaquin is Diana’s eight-year-old son from a past relationship; Joaquin’s biological father is dead.) “I’m happy that King is doing great in school. He’s an honor student in Grades 1 and 2.”

The couple doesn’t let the green-eyed monster rear its ugly head between them.

Andy is not seloso,” shared Diana, “and neither am I. Ganoon kami ka-secure sa isa’t-isa.”

Thankfully, Andy under-

stands the ins and outs of showbiz where most of his friends come from. He has tried acting (guest performer) in the GMA shows “Encantadia” and “D’Originals”.

Asked if she and Andy are bringing up their kids the Filipino way or the Australian way, or both ways, Diana

said, “Our way. Mahigpit but not too much. We spoil them with toys but only to a certain extent, never sobra. We have house rules. No TV or iPad, but not totally. We also let them watch TV but not too much depende sa kabaitan nila. Sugar days are only on Wednesday and Sunday.”

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‘100 Tula’ director to online critics...

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 30, 2017

Hmart Torrance 1st anniversary customer appreciation event Free gifts and Spin the Lucky Wheel events and more

A LEADING international supermarket chain, Hmart Torrance is to hold 1st anniversary customer appreciation event from September 1 - 3 (only 3 days).

To celebrate its anniversary, Hmart Torrance will have free tasting event that all ethnicities and ages can enjoy. Balloons and face painting events will be held for children from 2pm to 5pm (Saturday and Sunday only).

Also, Hmart Smart Card members, with purchase of $50 or more, will be able to receive mugs as free gifts and get a chance to participate in the ‘Spin the Lucky Wheel’ event from 11 am to 7 pm.

Other stores inside Hmart such as Amore cosmetics, Optical & eyewear store, and etc will present its own 1st anniversary event as well.

Hmart Torrance said, “Hmart would like to give special thanks to our valued customers for supporting and loving us.

We have prepared a variety of events and promotions, so please come and enjoy!”

For further information, please contact Hmart Torrance. (Tel. 310-974-6880, Address: 4340 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505)

From Page 5

it appear that I’m stopping people from criticizing,” he added, “Wala naman akong pinipigilan but you can’t strip away my right to respond as well. That’s my stand.”

When asked if this has affected him, Laxamana admitted, “Medyo affected ako in the sense kasi na maraming nagtatanong na mga press. But it’s not the first time it happened to me. So, medyo sanayan lang din.”

Meanwhile, the young director will helm two new indie projects — a rom-com (starring Rhian Ramos and Zanjoe Marudo) and an inspirational musical (featuring Devon Seron).

He praised the week-long

PPP for giving a wider platform to films that are “laudable but walang chance... kasi di ba indies are rarely shown nationwide?”

He continued, “At the same time, I like the fact that (PPP) doesn’t discriminate against mainstream, indie or regional like there’s ‘Patay Na Si Hesus.’”

The Cebuano roadtrip comedy “Patay Na Si Hesus” is PPP’s second top grosser.

As a proud Kapampangan (whose previous directorial outings like the 2013 “Babagwa” and the 2014 “Magkakabaung” plus the 2016 film he wrote, “2Cool 2Be 4Gotten,” had showcased his hometown’s language), Laxa-

mana considers “Patay Na’s” success as a “victory for us regional filmmakers. (Director Victor Villanueva) has proven that language is not a barrier.

I feel empowered by the film’s achievement.”

As of its sixth day in theaters, PPP reached a total gross of P127M. The brainchild of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), PPP incidentally marked the one-year leadership of its chairperson Liza Diño. Laxamana said, “Ang exciting ng PPP to think it’s just the first year it’s been tried by Chair Liza. I look forward to the next ones and the other possibilities it can create.”

How traveling strengthens the bond of...

From Page 2

“My parents had to travel a lot when we were young but they couldn’t bring us along because we’re nine siblings in all. It was just too expensive,” related the 29-year-old actor and program host. “I became curious about traveling since then so when my brother and I were old enough to pay for our (Advertising Supplement) trips, we kept going wherever we could. That started it all for me.”

Thinking back to his first trip with Young, Daez said,

by Ronnie CaRRasCo iii or Inday to her close friends “I think Megan was just OK ManilaTimes.net way back in college (she was with traveling when we went four semesters ahead at FEU, IS sultry diva Verni Varga to Hong Kong. She had never College of Masscom). Already suffering from Alzheimer’s really traveled alone or even quite an established name in disease? just with friends so I noticed the lounge circuit, Inday would how somewhere in the middle The buzz over the last week often skip English 11 (Shakewas that the Cebuana singer— of the trip, she got homesick speare) classes in the afternoon for her family. We were there who is also hailed “The Vamp” to head out to her nightly sing- for five days, and comforting of OPM—had been diagnosed ing stints at a plush hotel on with early-onset Alzheimer’s her, I think that became the ice Roxas Boulevard. disease, which is a form of breaker for us as well.”

It is understandable that dementia.

As they both carried on Verni is said to be reeling from With such news, Vignettes with their careers, traveling also the disease, which is commonly became more frequent from could not help but remember Verni Varga ManilaTimes.net photo associated with the elderly.

Verni’s supposed guest perforthem separately—Young for Even the age for early-onset of the Miss World pageant and Days later, an apologetic mance in Michael Pangilinan’s Alzheimer’s we hear is 65, and concert at Teatrino in July 2016. Verni had admitted to having her eventual yearlong reign, the singer is still much younger and Daez for travel segments completely forgotten about She had earlier confirmed with than that. the date. We would surmise show producer and colleague in a number of GMA Network Sad news indeed, but here’s programs.

Jobert Sucaldito that she would that early manifestations of the hoping that Inday will sucdisease were beginning to set perform her signature song “Even for Miss World, there cessfully fight her this difficult in back then.

“Take Five” for the guesting was anxiety for Megan when it condition, which has no cure as came to traveling, but eventuVignettes has known Verni but never showed up on conof yet.

(Ignacia Mabug-at in real life, cert night. ally she became more open to it especially since she also saw me traveling on my own if she was somewhere else, doing my own thing,” Daez added.

With Young’s responsibilities as beauty queen taking her away from the Philippines—and Daez—for long periods of time, the two made sure that they did something special whenever she would get back.

“That’s when we became travel buddies,” they chimed, leaving out the part when they officially got together, but counting some 20 destinations within the Philippines and around the world as their points of destination. Young and Daez have been to Subic, Zambales and Dasol, Pangasinan; Japan, China and Maldives; the United States, Canada, Scotland and other parts of Europe to name a few.

Asked about their most memorable trip together, they completely agreed on South Africa.

“I think our South Africa trip last year was the most memorable because it was the most well planned trip we had. The others were always spontaneous. That was the first trip— and the only trip so far—that we planned more than a month ahead,” Daez explained.

“We were in Singapore for four days then we went to South Africa for 10 days,” Young offered. “So we traveled for two weeks, which is also the longest trip we’ve ever taken together. It was my dream Safari trip—we climbed Lion’s Head in Cape Town then went to Table Mountain. It was mostly hiking that time. Then we attended a friend’s wedding, which was one of the reasons why we went there and built a trip around the occasion.”

DIY travelers When choosing their destination, the couple consults the internet like most millennials do. As such, they call themselves “DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Travelers” who plan, manage and book their flights, accommodations and itineraries online.

“Choosing where to go to is super random for us. Like if we see an article that excites us, then we try to plan a trip around that. For example, we saw an article and a video

Sultry singer suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s

Scotland

La Union

about this Japanese omelet or the omurice, so we researched the best place where they make it, and although we haven’t done that yet, we’re planning to do side trips to make the most of it. We also sometimes look at Google Maps and figure out which place we haven’t been to and just say, ‘I want to go there’,” Young giggled.

And while most travelers choose to go to popular tourist spots, Young and Daez prefer to explore undiscovered places and once there, head to where the locals usually go.

“For sure, we’re the adventurous type and not the touristy type—not that there’s anything wrong with that. We also don’t mind getting sweaty or dirty unlike other people who make sure they’re really dressed on their trips. We find that to be a waste of time, but again, not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s really all about preference,” Daez noted.

Young agreed, adding, “We have vlogs but we’re not conscious of what we wear. So sometime he’s like, ‘Come on let’s go,’ and I’d just change into shorts and a shirt. We don’t really travel in fashion.”

Moreover, as DIY Travelers, the couple pointed out that while others may think money is no object for celebrities like themselves, they are bargain hunters like most tourists these days, often on the look out for promotions be it for airline tickets or accommodations.

“We try to play it in the middle when we travel,” Young explained. “That is, if we save on housing, we know we’ll have a little extra for good flight seats and vice versa. Like everyone else, we set aside money for travel and calculate everything. I save up for our

Photos from Mikael Daez’s Instagram account

trips and am happy to do it because it’s really something we enjoy doing.”

For his part, Daez said, “More often than not, we are very low maintenance. We don’t mind staying in a budget hotel. We don’t need to eat out in a fancy restaurant. We actually like eating in local eateries. As for saving up, I also have a fund for traveling, and I set aside cash for it every month.”

Traveling hearts With their countless adventures, Young and Daez believe that traveling has played a major part in strengthening their relationship for the past six years.

“We have a lot of fun traveling together even though we also have small misunderstandings on our trips. It’s during our travels that I learn more and more about Mikael,” Young shared.

“I agree,” Daez seconded.

“Traveling has helped us to get to know each other better.

Individually, as a millennial, I think traveling also helps to get to know yourself too. Because when you’re at home, you’re in your comfort zone, but when you travel to an unfamiliar place, you learn to adjust to the weather, the culture, take care of yourself because you find yourself in a different situation.”

While the two still evade the question of getting married, they have already vowed to travel to more places and their dream destinations together. For Daez, it’s Antartica, and for Young, Morocco.

“There are so many places we still want to visit because the world is full of endless destinations,” Young enthused.

“And we know every trip will bring us closer together,” Daez ended.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 30, 2017

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - August 30, 2017