LA Midweek Edition -- February 17 -- 19, 2016

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February 17-19, 2016

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

Volume 26 - No. 14 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

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South China Sea, business opportunities take center stage at US-ASEAN summit

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USA World leaders create

FroM The AJPreSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

US deports Filipino human rights violator

A FILIPINo man who admitted to conducting surveillance for a law enforcement task force in the Philippines linked to the disappearance of a number of opposition politicians was deported to the Philippines last week by US Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICe), according to a news release from the agency. regor Cadag Aguilar, 42, was escorted

by ICe enforcement Regor Cadag Aguilar and removal operations (ero) and arrived in Manila mid-day Wednesday, Feb. 10, Pacific Standard Time. his repatriation follows his arrest on Jan. 5, 2015 in Union City in Northern California.

Aguilar originally entered the United States

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CORONA CARMAGEDDON

Motorists told to plan ahead when the 91 Freeway closes for the weekend

The riverside County Transportation Commission (rCTC) is putting out this message for all freeway travelers in riverside County: Plan ahead, avoid the area or stay home during starting this Friday, Feb. 19 at 9 pm to Monday, Feb. 22, 4 am. This is to avoid the possible traffic jam that will take place when they close the eastbound and westbound 91 Freeway (between the 71 Freeway and Interstate 15) in Corona.

Transportation officials will close all lanes in a 6-mile stretch of the Inland area’s busiest freeway. Called the Corona Carmageddon,

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PH preparing to auction off Marcos jewels PhILIPPINe authorities pledged Monday, Feb. 15 to auction off as soon as possible millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery recovered from late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his family.

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), created to recover the millions stolen by Marcos and his allies, has also launched a website aimed at retrieving hundreds of art masterpieces believed to have been obtained by the Marcos family with “ill-gotten wealth,” said commissioner Andrew de Castro.

The renewed effort comes as

Parties agree on business network initiative peaceful resolution by allysOn

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AJPress

The first-ever two-day summit with President Barack obama and 10 Southeast Asian leaders kicked off on Monday, Feb. 15 at the Annenberg retreat at Sunnylands in rancho Mirage, California. The standalone meeting between the White house

and leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN) is meant to be a crucial step in the US effort to “rebalance” foreign policy toward the Asia-Pacific, to improve relations with Southeast Asian allies, and to address key issues including maritime security, Islamic State extremists, and the South China Sea.

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Pacquiao under fire for homophobic statements

stance on territorial disputes in the South China Sea. “The United States and ASeAN AFTer a day of discussions on are reaffirming our strong comeconomic issues and trade, the mitment to a regional order where Association of Southeast Asian international rules and norms Nations (ASeAN) switched gears and the rights of all nations, large on Tuesday, Feb. 16, by work- and small, are upheld,” US Presiing toward reaching a common u PAGE A4 by agnes

COnstante AJPress

by aJPress

BoXING champ Manny Pacquiao apologized on Tuesday, Feb. 16 after he said that those who are in same-sex relationships are “worse than animals.”

In a recent interview with TV5 network, Pacquiao — who is running for Senate under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) — was asked to share his views on same-sex marriage.

“It’s just common sense. have you seen any animal having male-to-male or female-to-female relations?”

Pacquiao, who currently serves as a congressman for the Sarangani province, said in Tagalog. he went on to say “if you have male-to-male or female-to-female [relationships], then people are worse than animals.” responding to the backlash, Pacquiao issued an apology on social media for his remarks, saying he was “just telling the truth of what the Bible says.” he, however, said his stance on same-sex marriage

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US-ASEAN SUMMIT. President Barack Obama greets President Benigno Aquino III at a meeting of ASEAN, the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, Calif. on Monday, Feb. 15. Obama and the leaders of the Southeast Asian nations are gathering for two days of talks on economic and security issues and on forging deeper ties amid China’s assertive presence in the region.

Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais

Filipina arrested for abandoning VP Binay keeps lead; Bongbong tied with Chiz newborn in West Covina by helen

by Christina

FlOres

Philstar.com

Vice President Jejomar Binay remained the top choice of voters to be the country’s next president based on the latest poll conducted by the newspaper BusinessWorld and the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

File photo/Boy Santos

!

MANILA — Despite a two-point slip, Vice President Jejomar Binay remained the top choice of voters to be the country’s next president based on the latest poll conducted by the newspaper BusinessWorld and the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

Meanwhile, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is now tied in first place with Sen. Francis escudero in the vice presidential race.

Binay, standard bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), got 29 percent in voter preference in

1

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THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18-24

Presyong Sulit!

Ferdinand Marcos’s son and namesake takes the lead in the race to win election in May as the country’s next vice-president.

De Castro said authorities hope to auction off most of the jewels before President Benigno Aquino 3rd steps down in June and a new president and vice-president take over. “regardless of who is in power after June 2016, it is our duty to dispose of the jewellery as soon as possible,” he told Agence

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A FILIPINA transient was arrested on Monday, Feb. 15 for reportedly abandoning her newborn baby in a Subway restroom in West Covina, California.

Surveillance video released by the West Covina Police Department shows Mary Grace Trinidad enter the Subway sandwich shop at 8:07 am on Monday, February 15. After getting a cup from an employee at the register, Mary Grace Trinidad’s booking Trinidad appeared to fill the cup and then photo from a previous arrest made her way to the restroom. on Jan. 3, courtesy of the West

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Covina Police Department.

A FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

World leaders create business…

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The 10-nation axis (the world’s seventh largest economy) is also crucial for the growth of many American companies, including US firms, who are the largest foreign direct investors in the ASEAN region--America’s fourth largest export market--and contribute over half a million jobs in the US, reported Al Jazeera. It is the first summit meeting held on US soil.

Other nations’ heads of government present at the summit included presidents from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines.

President Benigno Aquino III and members of his Cabinet arrived in California on Monday morning for a brief visit. They were welcomed at the airport by a senior protocol representative from the US State Department; Jose Cuisia Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the US; and Consul-

ate General Leo Herrera-Lim. The Philippine delegation consists of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr., Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Climate Change Commissioner Emmanuel de Guzman, reported The Philippine Star.

The first retreat session of the ASEAN-US Summit was themed, “Promoting an Innovative, Entrepreneurial ASEAN Economic Community.”

“Early in my presidency, I decided that the United States, as a Pacific nation, would rebalance our foreign policy and play a larger and long-term role in the Asia Pacific. And this has included engagement with Southeast Asia and ASEAN, which is central to the region’s peace and

prosperity, and to our shared goal of building a regional order where all nations play by the same rules,” Obama greeted leaders in his opening remarks.

“This summit marks our seventh meeting. At your invitation, the United States joined the East Asia Summit, and together we’ve made it the region’s leading forum for addressing political and security challenges.”

Obama also highlighted accomplishments of the US-ASEAN meetings: forging a new Strategic Partnership, increasing trade and economic partnerships, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and boosting overall trade between the US and ASEAN nations.

“Our sustained engagement is delivering concrete results that benefit all of us--momentum that we can build on here at this summit,” he said. “Here, we can advance our shared vision of a regional order where international

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WASTE MANAGEMENT. The provincial government and the natural resources department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) intensified anew a bilateral advocacy for community involvement in solid waste management. Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and Forester Kahal Kedtag, who is regional secretary of ARMM’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), revived the campaign. The event was sealed with Kedtag’s symbolic turnover to the governor of trash bins to be used in educating the local communities on proper segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes as part of the ARMM government’s environmentprotection thrust.

Philstar.com photo by John Unson

Pacquiao under fire for homophobic…

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remains unchanged.

“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt. I still stand on my belief that I’m against same-sex marriage because of what the Bible says, but I’m not condemning LGBT. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God Bless you all and I’m praying for you,” he said in a video posted to Facebook.

Reactions Pacquiao was widely criticized by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and various personalities.

In a series of tweets, Comedian Vice Ganda highlighted Pacquiao’s extramarital affairs and called him a “false prophet.”

“Ang pagpatol sa parehong kasarian ay masahol pa sa hayup? E ang pakikiapid habang ika’y may asawa anung kababuyan ito? Pakisagot, Manny!

(To engage in sexual relations with the same gender is worse than animals? Then what do you call sleeping with other women while you’re still married?

Please answer, Manny!),” Vice

Ganda wrote.

Though Vice Ganda accepted Pacquiao’s apology, he said “but I will still not vote for him. Manny for boxing not for Senate.”

Singer Aiza Seguerra, who identifies as transgender, slammed Pacquiao as “an ignorant, bigoted hypocrite.”

“You might’ve done our country proud but with your statement, you just showed the whole country why we shouldn’t vote for you,” Seguerra said in an Instagram post, adding “You made me lose all respect that I had for you, Mr. Pacquiao.”

Ladlad, a Filipino organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Filipinos, advised Filipinos not to vote for Pacquiao, as his statement “betrays a shallow understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, nay, even the very basics of science.”

“To say that animals are better because males of the species sniff and have sex only with females of the species is to be ignorant of the fact that homosexuality is found in all forms of creation— from plants to animals, and yes, even to people,” the group’s

statement read.

Actress Lea Salonga wrote on Facebook, “I’m just going to leave this right here. Homosexuality is found in over 450 species, homophobia is found in only one. Which one seems unnatural now?”

Hollywood celebrity blogger and TV personality Perez Hilton also slammed the boxer for his “horrific” and “barbaric” comments.

“Look, if your religious beliefs prevent you from accepting same-sex marriage, that’s on you. That’s YOUR idea of propriety,” Hilton wrote in a blog post.

“But there’s absolutely no call to demonize and denigrate gay people by comparing them to animals just because their love is something YOU’RE unable to accept.”

Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. — whom Pacquiao lost to last May — said “we should let people live their lives the way they want to live their lives. To each his own,” according to TMZ Sports.

Meanwhile, Vice President and presidential aspirant Jejo-

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A

Filipina arrested for abandoning…

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The 37-year-old Filipina stayed inside the restroom for 10 minutes and left the establishment through its front doors. A customer said that he saw Trinidad leave, dripping a trail of blood, and informed an employee.

Witnesses heard cries from the restroom and saw an umbilical cord hanging out of the toilet. A newborn baby boy was found sitting upright, half-submerged in the toilet.

“They saw an umbilical cord leading into the toilet. When they looked inside the toilet they found the baby,” West Covina Police Spokesman Rudy Lopez said.

According to reports, Trinidad gave birth in the restroom and left the placenta in the trash can.

Following the discovery, a Subway employee called 911, describing the cries from the newborn and blood left by the

mother.

“We tried to keep her in and she just walked out. There’s a crying baby in the restroom,” a female employee told a dispatcher.

Subway employees and customers tended to the newborn until paramedics arrived on the scene and rushed the baby to Queen of the Valley Hospital.

The baby was in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care and remains in critical condition, as of press time. He is expected to survive.

Police found Trinidad nearby at the Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service shop. She was later taken to the hospital for treatment, and will be booked on suspicion of attempted murder and child abandonment once released. Lopez said bail will be set at $2 million.

Trinidad also has a $30,000 narcotics-related warrant outstanding for her arrest. She was

arrested on Jan. 3 for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police records.

The police department circulated Trinidad’s booking photo from the previous arrest to “bring more awareness to the Safe Surrender Baby Law,” which allows parents or persons with lawful custody to safely surrender the infant to any fire station or hospital within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked.

The sandwich shop is located in a Filipino-concentrated shopping center, where employees of various businesses said Trinidad has been a local transient for years. She frequently begged for food and money in the area.

“I’ve done this for 36 years. I thought I had seen everything,” Lopez said. “I have no words to describe how I’m feeling about this.” n

PH preparing to auction off Marcos…

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France-Presse.

The long-hidden collection, seized in three batches after Marcos was overthrown in a popular revolt in 1986, has been cited by critics as proof of how his family enriched itself while the nation sank deeper into poverty during his 20 years in power.

Former first lady Imelda Marcos amassed a huge collection of jewels, valuable art and shoes even as other Marcos relatives and allies gained fortunes, critics have said.

De Castro said appraisals by auction houses put the value of the seized jewellery at more than a billion pesos ($21 million).

Although ownership of part of the collection is still being contested by the Marcos family in court, the government is free to sell of the bulk of the jewels, de Castro said.

The PCGG described the jewels as “diamonds-studded tiaras, necklaces, brooches, earrings, belts and other gems (including a) 25-carat pink diamond”.

The government is now working to set a date for the public exhibition of the recovered artifacts and their eventual sale.

The commission on Monday also launched a website listing great artworks that the Marcos family are believed to have obtained.

The website, www.missingart.

ph includes works by great artists including Henri Matisse, Edgar Degas and Rene Magritte that still have to be recovered.

De Castro said more than 200 artworks are still missing and the website is intended to help in their recovery as well as to increase “awareness” of the family’s crimes.

The government estimates that Marcos and his allies stole about $10 billion when he was in power. The PCGG has recovered less than half of that, de Castro said.

The son of the late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is running for vice president, raising fears the family will regain its influence. (ManilaTimes.net)

US deports Filipino human rights…

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on a visitor’s visa 15 years ago and overstayed, which led him to be placed in removal proceedings.

He admitted that from 1998 to 2001, he served as a surveillance agent for a law enforcement task force in the Philippines that targeted rival political figures, according to the ICE news release.

He claimed he was unaware of the task force’s illegal activities in that time period, but testified that one of his surveillance targets disappeared and was assumed dead.

Aguilar further testified that

his superiors told him members of the task force depended on his surveillance to abduct and murder a political figure, and that he heard superiors instruct task force members to torture abducted individuals, according to the agency’s release.

“This day has been in the making for more than a decade, but it should leave no question about ICE’s resolve to hold human rights violators accountable for their actions,” ICE Deputy Director Daniel Ragsdale said in a release.

“The successful outcome of this case is owing to the outstanding work by ICE attorneys and ERO

officers who were determined to see justice served. We simply won’t stand by and allow the U.S. to serve as a safe haven for those whose actions have caused incalculable harm to others.”

Aguilar was ordered to be removed in 2010 by a San Francisco judge, after the exhaustion of all his appeals.

Since fiscal year 2004, the ICE has arrested more than 360 individuals for human rights-related violations under various criminal and/or immigration statutes, according to the agency’s news release. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

THE L SIGN. A man flashing the L sign poses for a picture with Jejomar Binay when the latter dropped by SM Mall of Asia to buy eyeglasses.

The man seemed to be sporting the “Laban” sign of the Liberal Party.

Inquirer.net photo by Marc Cayabyab

VP Binay keeps lead; Bongbong tied…

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the SWS survey taken from Feb. 5 to 7.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of PDP-Laban narrowed Binay’s lead, rising by four points to tie for second place with Sen. Grace Poe, an independent candidate, with 24 percent.

Duterte’s score rose from 20 percent in January, while Poe’s rating was unchanged.

Liberal Party (LP) standardbearer Manuel Roxas II fell to fourth place with 18 percent from 21 percent last month.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago of the People’s Reform Party obtained four percent from three percent previously.

Despite unresolved questions about her residency and citizenship, Poe regained the lead in Pulse Asia’s presidential survey, conducted from Jan. 24 to 28.

Binay, Roxas and Duterte were tied in second place.

Marcos ties with Escudero Marcos, son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, obtained 26 percent voter preference in the February survey from 25 percent in January.

Marcos is Santiago’s running mate.

Escudero – runningmate of Poe – lost the lead for the first time since the BW-SWS pre-election

survey was conducted in September last year.

Escudero saw his score dropping to 26 percent in February from 28 percent previously.

Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo took third spot with 19 percent from 17 percent.

She is followed by Duterte’s running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano with 16 percent from 14 percent.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan II of UNA obtained six percent, down by two points from eight percent last month. He is followed by independent vice presidential bet Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who received five percent from three percent in January.

The survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 validated voters nationwide and has sampling error margin of plus or minus three percentage points.

Poe still optimistic Poe remained optimistic in spite of her failure to move up in the latest SWS survey and vowed to work even harder to relay her platform of governance to the electorate.

“We use the surveys to constantly take stock of our campaign strategy and moves. We will continue going around the country to personally meet with

the people and lay down our platforms and agenda on how best to serve the Filipinos,” Poe said on Tuesday, February 16.

Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, said they would continue to inform the electorate that she is still a candidate in the forthcoming elections.

The camp of Poe previously aired its concern that many voters were of the impression that she was already disqualified as a presidential candidate after the Commission on Elections came out with its ruling last December against her.

Same strategy Meanwhile, Duterte’s camp said they are confident of victory in the May polls.

“We went up four percent points. It’s only the start of the campaign. We should not be scared because we are fighting a good cause for the country and for our people,” Peter Laviña, Duterte’s campaign spokesman, told The Star in a text message.

Laviña added that they would not change Duterte’s campaign strategy to boost his ratings, meaning he will continue to show his real attitude. (With reports from Marvin Sy, Paolo Romero, Alexis Romero, Robertzon Ramirez and Non Alquitran)

A FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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Fight for war vets, Aquino urged by nimfA

U. rUEdA

Inquirer.net

LOS ANGELES — FilipinoAmericans have urged President Aquino to take up the cause of Filipino veterans with US President Barack Obama, and assert Philippine claims to the South China Sea at a summit of US and Southeast Asian leaders here.

The President attended the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-US summit that began on Monday, Feb. 15 at a resort oasis in California.

A handful of Mr. Aquino’s supporters, mostly garbed in yellow and bearing heart-shaped balloons, held a welcome rally and a motorcade near Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 14.

Art Garcia, national coordinator of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans; Eric Lachica, executive director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, and veteran Franco Arcebal called on the President to urge Obama to fulfill his promise to speed up the process of bringing family members of World War II Filipino veterans to the United States.

Responding to pressure from immigrant rights groups, the Obama administration announced a new policy in July last year to expedite this process.

Filipino veterans, however, were still awaiting the promised guidance on the application process.

“It’s been seven months but the guidance hasn’t been released

OFF TO CALIFORNIA President Aquino, escorted by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri, troops the line during send-off ceremonies at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 onMonday. The President attended the Asean-US summit in California.

yet. That’s one of our problems.

The veterans’ widows have been calling me asking for updates. I hope this issue gets addressed while we’re still alive,” said the 92-year-old Arcebal.

At the same time, Arcebal urged Mr. Aquino to “be brave” in defending the Philippine claims to the West Philippine Sea. “We want to boost the President’s resolve to carry on the fight,” he said. “Veterans like us are getting annoyed. What they’re doing is invasion.”

China, which claims 90 percent of the 1.35-million square mile South China Sea, last year undertook rapid reclamation around at least seven reefs in Spratly Islands in the sea, based on satellite images. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan partly claim the sea.

Malacañang photo

Bernie Ganon, assistant executive director of the nonprofit Filipino American Service Group Inc. (Fasgi), said her group was glad to welcome Mr. Aquino in Los Angeles.

“If there’s forever, then that would be President Noynoy,” Ganon said in her brief remarks at the rally on Century Boulevard, about half a kilometer from the international airport.

The welcoming party included the President’s second cousin Andrea Aquino and a few members of her family who are based in Anaheim, California.

Several community leaders, including known supporters of presidential candidate Grace Poe and vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, were supposed to be part of the welcoming party, but many of them did not show up. n

Motorists told to plan ahead when the…

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the 55-hour closure is being done to allow crews to perform three major construction activities, including the demolishing the west side of the Maple Street Bridge over the 91, and to install support beams for the new flyover over ramp bridge westbound. Crews will also be paving the new eastbound 91 alignment near I-15.

RCTC explained that the full closure of the freeway ensure the safety both of the construction crews and traveling public by eliminating cars and construction equipment on the road at the same time. It also makes the work faster, avoiding long-term closures.

“By fully closing the roadway, we will be able to consolidate these significant construction efforts into one weekend, rather than multiple weekends

or extending this over a month of weeknights,” said RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer in a report by Fontana Herald News.

“Consolidating the work activities within one weekend will reduce the number of closure hours by more than 50 percent. The project’s design-build method allows for flexibility in planning work, such as this weekend closure.”

With anxiety rising among those who cannot avoid traveling during the closure, there are alternative routes that they could take via the 57, 60 and I-10. There’s also the small possibility that they may cancel construction due to inclement weather, as there’s a slight chance of showers Thursday, Feb. 18 into Friday, Feb. 19. However, RCTC Deputy Executive Director John Standiford said on Monday, Feb. 15, that they don’t expect to call

off the closure.

“We’re keeping an eye on it,” he said in an interview with The Press Enterprise, “but I don’t anticipate it being an issue.”

On the lighter side, people are trying to take things lightly. A new unofficial Twitter account, @Coronamaggedon, is being run anonymously and is aiming to prepare—as well as entertain— residents and commuters. It includes tweets like “Good morning all! Are you prepare[d] for me to come Friday night?,” as well as tips on where to shop, eat or get a bike in Corona during the closure.

The shutdown is part of a $1.4 billion makeover to add toll lanes, all-purpose lanes and sweeping connector ramps. RCTC said that the project is on schedule, and lanes could open in early 2017. (AJPress)

OUT IN THE OPEN. A couple becomes the center of attraction during the “Casamiento de Cagsawa,” a free mass wedding held at Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay province. The event was organized by the local government in partnership with Pag-Ibig Fund during the celebration of February as Love Month and the Cagsawa Festival.

Inquirer.net photo by Mark Alvic Esplana

Supreme Court justice’s death leaves vacancy in high court

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

SUPREME Court Justice Antonin Scalia, known for his fiery, sharp rhetoric and ultra-conservative views, died in his sleep, as confirmed by the US Marshals Service and the Supreme Court.

He was 79.

Scalia died in his guest room at the Cibolo Creek Ranch in Texas while on a hunting trip, according to a statement by Texas Governor Greg Abbot. He was found dead on Saturday, Feb. 13.

People at the ranch summoned a Catholic priest from Presidio, 30 miles away, to administer last rites to the Catholic justice, reported the Los Angeles Times.

“It appeared as though he had passed away in his sleep,” said Elizabeth O’Hara, a spokeswoman for the Diocese of El Paso.

Scalia had served as a justice in the Supreme Court since 1986. He was well known for his sharp intellect and fancy for verbal combat, often intimidating lawyers with his opinions and lengthy speeches, heavily-worded dissents, and caustic attacks on modern liberalism. His style of conservatism was described as “rigid,” and some would say “angry,” “out of touch” with progressive America.

As a justice, Scalia was known for interpreting the Constitution by its original words and meaning, not with contemporary thinking. He once said they liked a “dead Constitution,” not a “living” one that evolves. He believed in the constant changing of laws, but no changes for the Constitution itself through judges’ rulings, and said his job

was to “preserve an enduring Constitution.”

President Barack Obama paid tribute to Scalia as a “brilliant jurist who influenced a generation of judges, lawyers, and students.

[Justice Scalia] will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court.” “[Scalia was] a giant of American jurisprudence, who almost singlehandedly revived an approach to constitutional interpretation that prioritized the text and original meaning of the Constitution,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky).

Scalia was a “brilliant man with a probing mind,” praised Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), “[even though] we disagreed on so many issues.”

Even the strongly-worded Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump lauded the justice for his “reverence for the Constitution and his legacy of protecting Americans’ most cherished freedoms.”

As for the vacancy in the high court, Obama’s next urgent task is to find a replacement. Justice Scalia’s unexpected passing set up a major confrontation between the president and the Republican-led Senate, which has already vowed to block any nominee.

Obama called for a “timely vote” in a Senate led by Republicans, who argue that the choice should be left for the next president.

“I plan to fulfill my constitutional responsibilities to nominate a successor in due time,” Obama told reporters from the ASEAN

summit in California. “These are responsibilities that I take seriously, as should everyone. They are bigger than one party. They are about our democracy, and they’re about the institution to which Justice Scalia dedicated his professional life, and making sure it continues to function as the beacon of justice that our founders envisioned.”

Often when facing a Senate controlled by the other party, the President will seek a bipartisan nominee. However, the stakes are high for Obama to nominate a liberally-sound candidate who aligns with his views, with the Supreme Court facing big-ticket issues this year; including abortion, climate change, immigration rights and gun control.

Behind the scenes, the White House administration had started to review a list of names for the president’s counsel office and Justice Department to have at the ready.

In his eight years as president, Obama has made two successful nominations for the high court: Sonia Sotomayor to replace David Souter in 2009, and Elena Kagan to replace John Paul Stevens in 2010.

Iowa Sen. Charles E. Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said that it has been “standard practice for nearly 80 years that presidents not name Supreme Court choices in a presidential election year.”

“Given the huge divide in this country…it only makes sense that we defer to the American people who will elect a new president to select the next Supreme Court justice,” Grassley said. n

World leaders create business…

PAGE A2 t

rules and norms, including freedom of navigation, are upheld, and where disputes are resolved through peaceful legal means.”

The first day’s touched on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a freetrade deal signed by Obama earlier this month, and currently includes four of the ASEAN nations with more on the way, according to US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. The controversial TPP is also intended to further reduce barriers to trade, but has prompted outcry over “restrictive copyright language and expanded rights of corporations to sue nations whose regulations get in the way of profits,” reported The Desert Sun. The second retreat session on the following day revolved around “Protecting Peace, Prosperity, and Security in the Asia-Pacific.”

China’s growing boldness and influence in the region has concerned ASEAN leaders, including the Philippines and Vietnam,

which are both involved in territorial disputes and want the US’s support for security.

The lack of consensus over Chinese policy currently divides ASEAN’s member nations, who all want to handle the China situation differently without angering leaders.

On Day 2 of the summit, leaders met for a working session, where Pres. Obama was seated between representatives from Singapore and the Philippines.

The result of an hours-long meeting included a joint US-ASEAN statement, the “Sunnylands Declaration,” which calls for “Mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and political independence of all nations by firmly upholding the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter and international law.”

A new initiative, the US-ASEAN Connect, was also announced by Obama. The US president said the “network of hubs” is meant to

Parties agree on…

PAGE A1 t

dent Barack Obama said at the end of the summit, according to Reuters.

“We discussed the need for tangible steps in the South China Sea to lower tensions including a halt to further reclamation, new construction and militarization of disputed areas,” the president said.

Washington and ASEAN members agreed that territorial disputes in the region should be resolved peacefully and through legal means, according to Reuters. However, both parties did not reach a common stance on the conflict.

In a joint statement, the US

and ASEAN restated principles of cooperation between the two, such as “mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and political independence of all nations … and a shared commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.”

The Philippines is among nations with claims at stake, along with others including Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

On Tuesday, Vietnam’s prime minister called on the US for a greater role in island-building and preventing militarization in the Sea, the government said, according to Reuters.

Premier Nguyen Tan Dung on

Pacquiao under fire for…

PAGE A2 t

mar Binay defended Pacquiao, saying the public should understand where Pacquiao is coming from.

“Tanong niyo na lang kung anong explanation ni Cong.

Pacquiao. Pero we have to go back who is Manny Pacquiao now. Maka-Diyos na maka-Diyos si Manny Pacquiao (Just ask for Cong. Pacquiao’s explanation. But we have to go back

to who is Manny Pacquiao now.

God-fearing, Manny Pacquiao is very God-fearing),” Binay said.

Despite Pacquiao’s controversial remarks and continuous absence in Congress, he remains a popular candidate for a Senate seat.

He will reportedly hit the ring for the last time on April 9 against Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas.

He is expected to retire and focus on his political career. n

help connect business entrepreneurs and international investors.

“I believe this summit has put US-ASEAN on a new trajectory that will carry us to greater heights in the decade ahead,” Obama told reporters on Tuesday at the summit’s end.

After the summit, Aquino was scheduled to be in Los Angeles for a working visit, where his activities included addressing the Los Angeles World Affairs Council at the Intercontinental Hotel, receiving an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree at Loyola Marymount University, and meeting with the top executives of three big LA-based companies (Walt Disney International, Western Digital Corporation, and AECOM’s Enterprise Growth Solutions).

“Our kababayans in the US and I are looking forward to welcoming him once more to the United States. We’d like to wish him a successful visit,” Cuisia told Radio Television Malacañang. n Monday, suggested that the US uses a stronger voice and “more practical and more efficient actions,” Reuters reported.

But some ASEAN members, including Cambodia and Laos, have close economic ties to China.

China has accused the United States of looking for maritime hegemony in Asia.

“The United States is not and will never be a spokesman for an independent organization like ASEAN on any issue. It is time for sober-minded ASEAN nations to distance themselves from U.S. interference,” read a report by Chinese news agency Xinhua.

“It is China’s unswerving stance that the disputes over the South China Sea should be settled through direct one-on-one negotiations and consultations between China and the countries concerned,” according to the same report by the agency.

However, Washington claims its interest in the disputed region is preserving freedom of navigation, Reuters reported.

Freedom of navigation “must be upheld, and unlawful commerce should not be impeded,” Obama said, adding that the US would “continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, and … support the right of all countries to do the same.” n

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A

Dateline PhiliPPines

Remains of 13 Pinays in Iraq hotel fire repatriated

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — The remains of the 13 Filipinas who died in the Capitol Hotel fire in Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq were repatriated to the Philippines on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday, Feb. 15.

The Philippine embassy in Baghdad, which is also negotiating with the employer for more financial assistance to the victims’ families, facilitated the return of the OFWs who worked as massage therapists in a spa located at the hotel basement.

All 13 died of suffocation.

The DFA also found that only four of 13 were active members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as it appeared that they were deployed to Erbil through irregular recruitment channels. Only the families of the OWWA members are entitled to the benefits provided by the agency for such cases.

DFA and OWWA officials received their bodies at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and transferred six to the domestic terminal for onward shipment to their families residing in Mindanao.

The formalities covering the shipment of remains of the vic-

MASS WEDDING. About 169 couples who have been living together without the benefit of marriage joined a mass wedding in the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan on Sunday, Feb. 14. The brides wore long, white dresses and floral headdresses while the grooms were in red knee-length pants and cream polo shirts with leis around their necks. The Valentine’s Day mass wedding was sponsored by the Pag-IBIG Home Mutual Development Fund and the city government, led by Mayor Arthur Celeste.

Philstar.com photo by eva Visperas

The remains of the 13 Filipinas who died in the Capitol Hotel fire in Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq were repatriated to the Philippines on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Philstar.com/file photo

working on repatriating two tims to Mindanao were complet- OFWs employed in the same ed early Sunday morning. establishment but were on their Their employer, the DFA said, day off when the incident happaid the cost of shipping the hu- pened. man remains from Erbil to MaThe Kurdistan regional govnila and offered to shoulder the ernment gave assurance that a funeral costs of 12 victims after thorough investigation of the one of the families opted to use fire will be conducted and its funeral insurance. result shared with the Philippine It added that the embassy is government. n

Ateneo dean appointed as Hague arbitrator

by PaTricia LourdeS

Viray

the nomination as he could help resolve disputes with his 25 years of experience in the field.

MANILA — Ateneo School of “To be part of this panel is a Government Dean Antonio La good achievement professionally Viña has been appointed as a but that’s not even the reason for member of the Permanent Court joining it. I genuinely just want of Arbitration in The Hague, to help people and planet,” the Netherlands.

Ateneo dean said.

La Viña was appointed upon The Ateneo dean served as the the nomination of the Philippine spokesperson of the Philippine government. He will be a memdelegation to the 21st Conferber of the Specialized Panel of ence of Parties in Paris last year. the Arbitrators of the internationLa Viña worked with the World al tribunal for environment and Resources Institute in Washnatural resources. ington for eight years prior to “It’s not really a big deal; es- Ateneo School of Government Dean becoming dean of the Ateneo sentially I am just one of around Antonio La Viña served as undersecretary of School of Government.

20 experts in the world who are the Department of Environment and Natural The Philippines has an ongoin a pool that can be chosen by Resources from 1996 to 1998. IISD ing arbitration case against Chiparties to an environmental arbina before the Permanent Court ural Resources and the Depart- of Arbitration. The international tration,” La Viña said.

He was nominated by the De- ment of Foreign Affairs. tribunal is expected to release a La Viña noted that he agreed to decision on the case by May. n partment of Environment of NatPhilstar.com

Bishops: We’re not endorsing any candidate

by Tina

SanToS Inquirer.net

THE CATHOLIC Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is not endorsing any candidate for the May 2016 polls, its top official reiterated on Tuesday, February 16.

CBCP president Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas also clarified that Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. merely asked for prayers and not for his endorsement when the latter visited him over the weekend.

“He just asked for prayers,” Villegas told reporters when asked about the visit. “I answered him I will pray for him.”

Told that other people might see it as blessing the vice presidential candidate with an endorsement, Villegas said: “(They should) ignore their wrong thoughts.”

The CBCP earlier maintained that the Catholic Church would never endorse a candidate, but added that the laity, with the help of dioceses, should do their part in educating voters.

Villegas said voters should heed their conscience and Church teachings in electing the country’s next leaders.

“As the political engine is revved for the presidential elec-

CBCP President Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

Inquirer.net file photo

tions, we urge our lay persons to be actively engaged in the apostolate of evangelizing the political order,” Villegas said in a pastoral letter.

“While the CBCP and the Catholic Church in the Philippines will never endorse a particular candidate or a particular party, leaving the consciences of voters sovereign in this respect, in keeping with long-accepted moral teachings of the Church, we commend efforts such as these to arrive at a collective discernment on the basis of Catholic standards and principles, that are not necessarily sectarian,” he added.

But despite non-endorsement of candidates, the Lingayen-

Dagupan archbishop said the Church could contribute to political education by conducting debates and public fora.

“We encourage debate among the candidates, and we hope that our dioceses will organize public fora and debates that allow the public to familiarize themselves with the positions, platforms, plans, beliefs and convictions of our candidates,” Villegas said, noting that these gatherings should be “permeated by a genuine sense of fairness, consecration to the truth and charity.”

In a statement, Marcos said the meeting with Villegas, which was held at the Arzobizpado Lingayen-Dagupan, happened last Saturday during the fifth day of his “Unity Caravan” in northern Luzon and lasted for 30 minutes.

But Marcos said they did not discussed politics. “We talked about everything, we talked about my family, we didn’t talk about politics,” he said.

“We discussed everything under the sun, except politics. He blessed me. And I am very grateful for that,” he said.

The lawmaker expressed gratitude to Villegas for accommodating him and his group despite the Catholic prelate’s busy schedule.

“He was very gracious to accommodate us …he just came from Manila,” Marcos said. n

A FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Business trip

PRESIDENT Barack Obama welcomed leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday, Feb. 15, to discuss terrorism, maritime security, trade, and climate change.

“Economic growth that is inclusive, creating opportunity for all; mutual security and the peaceful resolution of disputes; human dignity, including respect for human rights, and development that is sustainable — that is our vision. That’s what brings us here together today,” Obama told the ASEAN heads of state.

President Benigno S. Aquino III was among the attendees of the two-day summit, which included leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The first US-ASEAN summit aims to strengthen the partnership that the US has forged with ASEAN since 2009, and will further advance the administration’s rebalance to Asia and the Pacific. This new multilateral initiative also aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, fight corruption, empower citizens, and utilize new technologies to make governments accountable and effective.

“This ASEAN-US Special Summit is providing us an excellent opportunity to exchange our views and also provide direction for our officials in order to implement the outcome of previous ASEANUS Summit in view of further strengthening our strategic partnership for the promotion of durable peace, stability, and prosperity for the future benefits of our nations and peoples,” Obama said.

According to Philippine Ambassador to the US

Jose Cuisia Jr., the summit is an opportunity for leaders of the ASEAN and the US to have candid conversations about issues of mutual concern.

Cuisia also highlighted that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the US have never been more vibrant. He added that the two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security, climate change, violent extremism and economic engagement.

“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-US relations, we highlight the durability, comprehensiveness, and dynamism of our ties. We have always been supportive of the rebalance to Asia-Pacific policy of the United States as it is an opportunity to deepen further our alliance in various areas of cooperation,” he said.

Following the US-ASEAN summit, Aquino embarked on a working visit to Los Angeles where he had a series of meetings with officials of Walt Disney International, Western Digital Corporation, and AECOM’s Enterprise Growth Solutions. Before leaving the US, Aquino also met with members of the Fil-Am community to share with them good news from the Philippines.

This may be Aquino’s final visit to the United States as Philippine president. With limited experience in foreign policy and an apparent preference for concentrating on domestic issues, Aquino has managed to thrive with his official trips abroad.

The history of state visits goes back several hun-

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

dred years. These formal visits are an important part of international diplomacy—to reinforce excellent relations, and intensify cooperation and exchanges between economies. There will never be a lack of subjects that need to be addressed between governments. Issues to be discussed such as economic balancing, security challenges and maritime cooperation, (of bilateral and global importance) should constantly be looked upon. Main-

taining peace and stability is always a priority so that each country can focus on their own domestic issues.

State visits between important countries is an opportunity, not just for the attendees, but to each leader’s constituents as well. While Aquino’s state visits have yielded positive results, perhaps the trickier part of the process is making the outcome survive, years after the summit. (AJPress)

Why you should apply for US citizenship now MANY kababayans in America, even those among my own circle of family and friends, take their sweet time before taking the first step toward naturalization to become U.S. citizens. This, despite the pains and struggles of obtaining their Permanent Resident card (green card) so they can legally live and work in the U.S. Some have separation anxiety — that sadness of letting go of their Filipino citizenship and professing loyalty to a country other than the Motherland. Others are worried about the cost of filing for naturalization, while there are those who just forget about it until their green cards are about to expire.

If you and your family have made the decision to permanently live in the US, there are reasons why you should apply for citizenship sooner rather than later.

On The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” Pinoy Panawagan legal counsel Atty. Lou Tancinco shares the important reasons why, which I hope can help you make that urgent decision: 1. Family unity Green card holders or non-US citizens who are

permanent residents may petition their unmarried children as well as The Fil-Am their spouses. However, unlike US citizens, they are not allowed to Perspective petition their parents, their married children and their siblings.

Being a US citizen provides them the ability to petition more family members including their Gel SantoS-ReloS future spouses or fiancées. Also, US citizens may petition their minor children and spouses faster (about 12 months) as compared to green card holder petitioners.

Filipino immigrants who are family-oriented would prefer to be naturalized as US citizens rather than wait to be reunited with their family members.

2. Avoiding separation Once a green card holder migrates, the permanent resident status is not really “permanent” in the sense that it may be revoked for cause by the US Department of Homeland Security.

This happens when an immigrant is convicted of a removable/deportable offense, even if family members are all US citizens.

This happened to a longtime Filipino immigrant who was arrested for a traffic violation but was later found to have a criminal history. The criminal convictions he had were deportable offenses and resulted in his deportation from the United States; consequently, he was separated from his US citizen spouse and children. This situation could have been avoided if the immigrant was a naturalized US citizen at the time of conviction.

To prevent any unintended immigration consequences, it would be best to apply for US citizenship as soon as the immigrant meets the eligibility for naturalization.

3. Civic engagement Filipinos are the second-fastest growing minority group, and integration to the adopted land becomes critical. Naturalized US citizens are given access to voting, political rights and can seek equal protection of the law. A naturalized US citizen may hold elected positions that will not only protect the interests of their constituents but also

Food on the table

When an effiTHERE are many urcient Thai livestock gent reasons why agriDemand and poultry operaculture has to be a mator sought and got jor priority of the next and Supply incentives to partadministration. Most of ner with locals, the our people are in it and Board of Investare poor. We cannot ments was criticized hope to deal with our severely. The Thais poverty problem without Boo ChanCo could have helped addressing agricultural locals improve productivity and be concerns.

To be a farmer is to be consigned to more price-competitive before ASEAN poverty. At least, that seems to be true integration. Now the Thais can just with most of our farmers. No wonder come in and we better be ready to comthe average age of our farmers today pete with them.

Then there is NFA and its import mois said to be around 57. Their children would rather take their chances in the nopoly. We took the easy way out and asked to be exempted from opening our slums of Metro Manila.

Food on the table is also a hot ur- market a few more years. Yet, there is ban issue. We are not competitive for doubt we will be any more competitive foreign investments in job creating in- at the end of the requested period.

Kiko Pangilinan did what he could to dustries because our labor cost is high.

And our labor cost is high because our reduce the debt of NFA, now said to be food cost is high… higher than in Thai- larger than the budget for national defense. NFA’s monopoly to import rice land or Vietnam.

Through the years, various adminis- should have been scrapped because it trations and politicians have said a thing benefits only a few well connected peror two about helping our farmers and sons, in and out of government. The boosting our agricultural productivity. fact there is still rampant smuggling of A few laws have been passed, including rice shows the economics of our rice one that is supposed to modernize our policies is wrong.

Then there is this cartel in garlic and agricultural sector. But positive results onions which was busted by a DOJ antiare meager.

In the current presidential campaign, cartel task force led by Justice Asec we hear of candidates saying the exact Geronimo Sy. The DOJ findings resame things said before. But no one is vealed the close relationship between bold enough to talk about doing what bureaucrats and cartel operators. The consumers and the farmers are still beought to be done.

Indeed, no one is really talking about ing victimized by these cartels.

Given all these glaring problems, the how to help make our agricultural sector more competitive in the light of ASEAN presidential candidates should have trade liberalization. Worse, politicians said a thing or two about how they will approach agriculture. I heard Duterte talk of even more protectionism.

say something general about putting an emphasis on agriculture.

Duterte hinted money is being wasted big time by the Department of Agriculture and he wants to produce more visible results for every peso spent. That’s true. Scams abound at DA. Remember the fertilizer scam and other scams utilizing pork barrel funds?

But even Duterte doesn’t have a big picture view of the problems. He promised specific solutions to some problems in a program he calls “Back to the Basics.” Here are some of the things he wants to do: – Identify which regions or provinces of the country would be suitable in the production of the needed food items.

This would entail a nationwide study to produce an agriculture guide map which would indicate soil suitability, climatic conditions and rainfall patterns so that farmers would know what to plant.

I wonder if this isn’t something that’s already there because if not, those bureaucrats at DA must have been sleeping on their jobs big time.

– Irrigation services must be considered a vital government obligation to support the growth of the Philippine economy, just like the network of roads being used for free. The country’s rice farmers should be supported by providing them free irrigation water and should be allowed to manage their own irrigation systems for themselves without being obliged to pay for the irrigation fees.

This is nothing new, but not implemented well in the field.

– Food terminals complete with cold storage facilities will be established in

their community.

4. Federal employment A naturalized US citizen may be afforded opportunities for federal employment with better benefits.

Many Filipinos have joined the US military and have become US citizens giving them the ability to petition family members and enjoy military benefits.

5. Ease of travel This is probably the least important in terms of the reasons for becoming a US citizen but interestingly, some Filipinos carry pride in holding US passport when traveling to other countries.

Certainly, there are more than these five reasons to apply for US citizenship. The motivation may be toward immigration integration but it does not take out the “Filipino” in the immigrant.

With success or failure, the Filipino naturalized US citizen will still be perceived as a Filipino in his/her adopted land. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

key production areas to serve as the delivery point for the farmers’ produce.

From there, the food items will be distributed to other areas where these are needed in a concept called “Food Positioning.”

The last time I heard this sort of plan was from former Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap. But despite the strong support he enjoyed with former PGMA, he got nowhere close to realizing this.

Duterte address the bottlenecks.

– Basic infrastructures to facilitate the transport of food and agricultural products from the key production areas to the market will be given priority by a Duterte presidency.

We have heard this before and it only produced very rich politicians and favored contractors of badly built “farmto-pocket” roads.

– Farmers in areas which cannot grow food products will be supported by a Duterte presidency by introducing crops suited to the area with the needed technical and funding support.

Another “no-brainer” but makes us wonder why past presidents failed to make this happen significantly enough.

It is unfortunate that Duterte, whose value is his bias for action, doesn’t seem to have a big picture strategy of how to address the agricultural sector. I asked UAP agri-business Prof Rolando Dy about agriculture as an election issue and he said the new president must be able to address the following: – How will he promote private investments in the countryside which is sorely lacking since Cory Aquino?

– What is his plan for NFA as a professional logistics agency, earning money, not losing lots of money?

– How will he diversify Philippine agriculture and fishery... a laggard in ASEAN in exports?

– Who executes the programs? All government (NG and LGUs)?

– How will the high rural poverty (two out of five rural folks are poor) be addressed by these programs?

– What is his criteria for appointing DA/DENR/DAR/DTI/DOST/DILG secretaries, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors who will execute these programs?

Having secretaries with good management background is good, but a general will not win the war. He needs colonels, major and captains to execute plans. Execution is a serious Filipino weakness.

–Who will monitor the performance of the departments following their committed key result areas? And their impact on farmers income and rural poverty?

One other big problem no candidate wants to tackle is how to make agrarian reform really benefit farmers and our food production objectives. We just keep on banging our heads against a solid wall of agrarian reform failure through the years.

The problem with Duterte, as one economist advising him said, is his failure to internalize the issues. But at least he is headed in the right direction.

The economist, a retired ADB official and UP professor, is concerned about Duterte’s lack of focus on economic issues and sharpness in framing inequality and poverty as key parts of his platform.

It isn’t just Duterte. All the presidential candidates are in the same hole.

They have to convince us they have what it takes to ensure there will always be food on our table. We don’t have good choices right now and I’m doubtful we will have a good choice by May. *** Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com.

Follow him on Twitter @boochanco.

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Susan Roces, little Grace Poe and Fernando Poe, Jr.

Dateline PhiliPPines

Philstar.com file photo

Susan: Grace is not my niece

by Marvin

Sy

Philstar.com

MANILA — Veteran actress Susan Roces on Tuesday, February 16, denied rumors that her sister Rosemarie Sonora and the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. were the biological parents of her adopted daughter Grace Poe. Roces brushed aside the rumors while campaigning for the presidential bid of Poe at La Paz Public Market in La Paz, Iloilo.

“What they are saying about Grace being the daughter of my sister, if it were true, why would I hide this?” Roces said.

“I was with my sister every day in those days and I never saw her pregnant. That was 1968, the year I got married. Later, she also got married. During that time Rosemarie was very busy doing television shows and was very visible. She was never pregnant,” Roces added.

It was in Iloilo that Poe was reportedly left as an infant at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in 1968. Poe was eventually adopted by actor Fernando Poe Jr. and Roces. The identities of her biological parents remain unknown.

The visit of Roces to the La Paz Public Market and Central Market was the first leg of the campaign sortie of Poe and her running mate Sen. Francis Escu-

dero in Iloilo.

Roces arrived early morning in Iloilo. When she reached the La Paz Public Market, she greeted the stall owners and had breakfast at a popular café inside the building.

Over a bowl of local delicacy batchoy, mangoes and suman, Roces told reporters about how she wanted to give as much of her time to campaign for her daughter.

“As much as I can, I want to participate because as a senior citizen, we have our own advocacies – never give up, keep on going,” she said.

Roces also said that she is leaving it up to God to decide what would happen with her daughter, who is appealing to the SC her disqualification as presidential candidate.

Poe was disqualified by the Comelec on grounds that she did not meet citizenship and residency requirements.

Under the Constitution, a presidential candidate must be a natural-born Filipino and must have a 10-year residency in the country immediately preceding the election to be qualified.

Since Poe is a foundling and lived in the United States for several years, her citizenship and residency are being questioned.

Meanwhile, Sen. Vicente Sotto III expressed confidence that the Nationalist People’s Coalition

(NPC) would eventually endorse the tandem of Poe and Escudero.

At a press conference in Iloilo, Sotto said there is basis for his optimism as the NPC decided to hold the blessing of its regional headquarters in Aklan today when Poe and Escudero are campaigning in the province.

The NPC is considered the second biggest political party in the country after the Liberal Party.

But the NPC has not yet decided who to support for the presidential elections.

Sotto, a member of the NPC, said that the party is having a difficult time deciding because many of its members are supporting different candidates.

“We are very careful here because the last thing we want is for the leadership to come out with a decision and not all of the members are consulted then we would explode,” he explained.

“From 1992 up to the present the NPC has been solid no matter who the president is. It is very difficult to come up with a decision at this time especially with the race being very close.”

Last Monday, Senate President Franklin Drilon said that he believes the NPC would end up adopting a free zone policy when it comes to the matter of who to support for president and vice president in the forthcoming elections. n

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016

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A FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016

COMMUNITY Journal

GMA Network doubles profit in 2015

4 tips to live better in retirement

THE conceptions and realities of retirement have changed a great deal over the past several decades, giving many seniors misgivings about the future.

But your golden years can be happy, healthy and productive, say experts.

“For many individuals, confusion, fear and an overwhelming sense of powerlessness accompany the prospect of growing old in America. The good news is that we have power to address these concerns,” said Scott Page, author of the new book “It’s Never Too Late: Getting Older, Wiser, and WorryFree in our Golden Years.”

Are you retired or approaching the end of your working

life? Are you concerned about an older parent or loved one?

Here, Page offers expert tips on living better: Living ideas Reducing housing expenses can have an extra upside. For example, downsizing your empty nest offers you the benefit of less house to maintain. Moving to a region of the country cheaper than your current area may take you somewhere sunnier, warmer and better suited for aging.

Another popular way to live more frugally is to consider taking on a roommate. “Coliving arrangements like the ‘The Golden Girls’ are becom-

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by LoueLLa

D. DesiDerio Philstar.com

Is e-commerce busting the malls?

MANILA — Broadcast firm GMA Network, Inc. expects to have ended 2015 with net earnings breaching the P2 billion mark.

GMA chairman and chief executive officer Felipe Gozon told reporters the firm’s net income after tax is seen to have reached “more than P2 billion” in 2015.

The digital age is prompting stores to innovate

Nordberg, head of research of KMC Mag Group, the Philippine associate of global THE advent of e-commerce British property advisory firm is just changing the retail Savills. property landscape, not at all Nordberg said e-commerce threatening to bring brick-and- would certainly have a stronmortar stores to extinction, real ger impact on the retail market estate analysts believe. in the long term, as retail sales On the home front, Filipino are going to be more on the onconsumers will still prefer to line side. shop at the malls, at least in the But then, he stressed, such short term, according to Antton u PAGE B2

by Catherine

taLavera ManilaTimes.net

The expected net earnings for 2015 is well-above the P1.01 billion net profit reported by GMA for 2014.

GMA’s net profit amounted to P1.8 billion in the January to September period last year, up by almost 80 percent from the P1 billion in the same period in 2014.

Gozon said election-related spending is seen to have helped the company realize higher net profits last year.

For this year, he said the company ex-

pects its net profit to surpass 2015’s with spending for election-related advertisements seen to be a major growth driver for revenues.

“At the moment, we are getting more placements than our competitors,” he said.

The broadcast firm, which intends to continue to grow its business, is also working on its digital TV operations this year.

Gozon said that while GMA is ready to

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PH bags $44M in sales from US food show

food products.

Philippine specialty food makManilaTimes.net ers participated in the 41st WinTHE Philippines had bagged ter Fancy Food Show (WFFS) on $44-million worth of negotiated January 17 to 19, which is the sales and received 540 inquiries largest food and beverage trade during a food show in the West show in the US West Coast, acCoast of the United States, which cording to the Center for Interthe Department of Trade and In- national Trade Expositions and dustry (DTI) has the makings of Missions (CITEM) the export a potential regional market for promotion arm of the Departby Kristyn

ment of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Under the general brand Food Philippines for easier recognition, some 17 home grown food makers that joined the trade fair promoted premium quality processed fruits, frozen and canned tuna, ethnic food, condiments, sauces and mixes and snacks.

niKa M. Lazo

LOS ANGELES

TAIPEI

Trade Commissioner Nicanor Bautista said the 540 inquiries and $44 million in negotiated sales were a record for the Philippines in the three years since taking part in the WFFS. He said specialty food products are gaining the attention of major American importers, distributors, manufacturers, and

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B FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

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Gov’t lowers 2016 GDP growth target by ben

o. de vera Inquirer.net

PPP, foreign ownership bills seen benefiting PH

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

ECONOMIC bills recently approved by the two houses of Congress will be beneficial for the Philippines, the Department of Finance (DOF) said in its latest Economic Bulletin.

The department, in particular, pointed to Senate Bill 3023, which lifts foreign ownership restrictions on adjustment, lending and financing companies, and investment houses; and House Bill 6331, which seeks to institutionalize and

strengthen public-private partnerships (PPPs).

“The approval of the Senate Bill 3023 … is a positive development as talks are ongoing on possible [Philippine] participation in TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership], and other trade agreements,” the department said.

The TPP agreement was signed early this month by the United States, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Peru.

Philippine participation, the Finance department said, would

significantly benefit the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that account for the bulk of domestic businesses.

The passage of House Bill institutionalizing and strengthening PPP on final reading at the House of Representative, meanwhile, was described as encouraging as it would improve investments in infrastructure.

“Investments in infrastructures including farm-to-market roads are essential to achieve inclusive growth and will boost domestic economy,” the Finance department said. n

GMA Network… PH bags $44M… PAGE B1 t

launch its digital TV operations this year, the company is not in a hurry to start amid concerns on how such move would translate to revenues.

“It is difficult to monetize. It is better to study (the) situation first,” he said.

Asked about new suitors, he said GMA continues to garner interest from parties that have already made offers to the network earlier.

Among the parties who have expressed interested to invest in GMA are former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and boxing champ and Sarangani representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.

Earlier, GMA conducted talks with businessman Ramon Ang for the latter’s acquisition of a 34 percent stake in the network, but the parties did not proceed with the transaction.

Discussions with Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. for an investment in the network likewise bogged down. n

PAGE B1 t

retailers.

Such development underscored the potential of the West Coast as a market for Philippine food products, he added.

“Given the warm reception social enterprises and their specialty food products received in the WFFS, Food Philippines looks forward to the continued promotion of specialty food products with added social dimension in other food and beverage trade shows abroad,” Rosvi C. Gaetos, CITEM executive director, said.

“We are also considering a participation in the Summer Fancy Food Show to sustain the impression we have made in WFFS, and continue positioning the Philippines as a source of high-value, fresh, healthy and natural food products,” the CITEM official added.

CITEM said the best-selling items at the show were virgin coconut oil (VCO), coconut sugar, frozen tuna, banana chips, frozen saba or cooking bananas, organic muscovado sugar, upland and Jasponica rice, and sea salts.

Buyers were mostly looking for natural, organic, fair trade, and healthy products that meet international standards.

Food Philippines is a branding initiative of the DTI-CITEM which serves to unify the promotional efforts of the government in overseas trade exhibitions and events to project one brand, one image, and one voice. n

EXTERNAL risks brought on by a slowing Chinese economy and cheaper oil led the government to cut the economic growth target for this year to 6.8-7.8 percent from the previous 7-8 percent.

According to Rosemarie G. Edillon, National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) assistant director general, the target average growth range for 2017 is projected between 6.6 and 7.6 percent; for 2018, 7-8 percent; and for 2019, 6.97.9 percent.

External developments were the primary reason for the slight downgrade in the growth goal for this year, especially the slowdown in China and the decline in the price of oil, Edillon said in a press conference following a meeting among representatives of the interagency Development Budget

Coordination Committee.

As a result, the government has also cut its exports and imports growth targets to 5 percent (from 6 percent) and 10 percent (from 12 percent), respectively, based on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual projection.

As for challenges on the domestic front, Edillon cited the risks brought on by a prolonged dry spell due to the El Niño weather disturbance, although she noted that it was being addressed since the latter part of last year.

Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad pointed out that, despite the external challenges, the economy continued to be more driven by domestic demand.

Edillon noted that domestic demand grew 8 percent last year, enabling the GDP to expand by 5.8 percent. n

4 tips to live better in…

PAGE B1 t

ing more popular with single or widowed seniors. It helps save money and can be beneficial for socialization and support,” said Page.

Make money You can rake in extra income that doesn’t feel like work. Review your talents and hobbies.

Are you an excellent baker, a talented woodworker or musician?

“Seniors often have a lot of time on their hands, and they may be able to transform hobbies or interests into a way to make a little money,” says Page, who points out that such activities can also be an excellent way to stay engaged and active, keeping minds and bodies vibrant.

Saving tips Don’t be shy about using the age card. After all, you have worked hard for it. Senior discounts are available at restaurants, stores, on travel, adult education classes and gym memberships, and sites like Restaurant.com or Groupon have special bargain days for seniors.

You can also save by eliminating unnecessary expenses.

For example -- do you still need that landline telephone? Can you bundle certain services to help reduce costs?

Do an inventory of your possessions to determine which objects to keep and which to discard or sell. Free worksheets, available at scottpage.com/free-tools, can

help you make smart decisions.

Connect with friends Consider planning meals with a support network.

“Maybe Sally takes Monday nights, Judy takes Wednesday nights and Sarah takes Friday nights,” said Page. “Cooking for more than one person encourages community, and can be costeffective if everyone is sharing in the responsibility.”

Maintain an active social media presence online to stay connected to friends and family.

Those with the same interests as you are just a mouse click away.

With smart strategies you can free yourself from worry about aging, while getting wiser over time. (Statepoint)

Is e-commerce busting the…

PAGE B1 t

should not be a threat to the property markets, but rather an opportunity for the physical stores to innovate.

“The retail sales are going online more and more,” Nordberg observed. “However, I don’t see it necessarily as a threat for the property markets, since it is just changing the nature of retailing and the physical stores into showrooms. Property markets just need to be innovative to earn from it.”

American commercial real estate firm CBRE has been tracking the development of e-commerce for several years.

In a recent report, CBRE said retail sales around the globe would still be stronger this year, vis-à-vis e-commerce sales.

“Stores and malls play a fun-

damental role in people’s lives by fulfilling immediate needs and providing leisure and entertainment opportunities,” the CBRE report said. “Hence, we do not see the growth of e-commerce as a threat to the sector.”

Based on CBRE’s How Consumers Shop Survey 2014, 87 percent of consumers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) still visit stores to buy their products.

CBRE noted that aside from e-commerce, social media applications is now becoming essential for retailers, especially in the fashion industry.

“In the face of an increasingly rapid and effective e-retail world, malls and stores are using omni-channel strategies to create customer engagement,” CBRE said. “The best-run malls

are (even) adopting business-tobusiness apps to communicate real-time footfall information to retailers.”

CBRE said successful malls and town centers should require two-way digital communication strategies for websites, smartphone apps, social media, games and email marketing for closer client engagement.

Lisa Pomerantz, senior vice president of global communications and marketing at New York-based Michael Kors brand, cited the mobile application Snapchat, as a way to reach out to consumers.

“We’re always looking to tell our brand story on the platforms our fans are using and loving,” Pomerantz said. “Snapchat provided a unique opportunity to

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Community Journal

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016

Business owner files chapter 7 Calendar of Events across due to $1.0M labor lawsuits

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng Business owner with $1.0M labor lawsuits CLIENT is 65. He operates a service-oriented business with 3 outlets in strip malls. He has been in business for 8 years. Of the 3 outlets, two are losing money, while the third has some profit that subsidizes the loss of the first two, and provides client with some disposable income that is barely enough to cover his monthly living expenses. The gross receipts from one outlet, is about $10K a month. 40% goes to rent, 50% goes to labor, so what else is left?

The gross receipts from the second outlet is $4K a month, barely enough to cover rent. The third outlet, which turns a profit keeps client from becoming a homeless person and puts food on the table. So, it’s not a great business, but allows client to survive. He has no retirement accounts, no 401K or pension, and expecting minimum social security when he turns 66 next year. In other words, client still needs to keep the business going beyond retirement, just so he can live a decent life in a rented home. He doesn’t even own a house.

The problem with client’s business is that a service, is performed by individuals who are not technically speaking, employees. When the service is rendered, client takes a cut from the receipt and gives the rest to the individual who performed the service. Let’s just say that these individuals are more independent contractors than employees. Business owners, if they can get away with it, prefer the independent contractor to the employee. Independent contractors are paid on a per customer basis. If a customer walks in and the service is performed, client just gives the independent contractor his share of the payment for services rendered. If there is no customer, there is no salary to pay. In addition, there is no overtime pay to worry about.

For instance, trucking companies prefer to have their drivers buy their own trucks so they can classify them as independent contractors. As independent contractors, drivers do not qualify for employee benefits and do not get paid a salary. Instead, they get a check for each delivery they make. At the end of the month, they prob-

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 1 of 2)

“AFTER all the news vans are gone from the crime scene, after the vacuous words of any sitting president have been said, after all references to the story are buried in the inside pages and eventually ground to a halt on the internet, and when the grieving families of victims have no more tears to shed, there is no answer to the question ‘WHY?” Do you still remember the Boston Marathon tale of murder and mayhem on a lovely spring day just a few years ago?

Two young Muslim Chechen brothers, who together with their families came as refugees 10 years ago and who lived much of their lives on state welfare allegedly committed this heinous assault on American soil.

The older terrorist died in a volley of gunfire and after being run over and dragged allegedly by his own brother. The surviving younger brother claim that they, particularly his brother who was the ringleader of the bombing, was angered by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and are defending attacks on Islam. He is doing time for his crime yet he and his family are without remorse.

They murdered 3 innocent bystanders: a boy of 8, a 29 year old woman who was a restaurant manager, a 23 year old Boston University grad student of math and statistics from China and a well-liked 26 year old campus police officer at MIT. The officer was killed by multiple gunshot wounds while in his squad car. Another police officer was gunned down. More than 180 people were injured and maimed while more than a dozen spectators have lost their limbs. So many people’s lives were turned upside down by these malcontents.

There has been no let-up in violence. Who can forget the heartbreaking murder of innocents in Newtown by a deranged misfit raised by a misguided parent?

Our hearts are heavy and there is a collective pall of gloom among the general population.

Sadly, violence is a feature of modern life. A cursory glance at the day’s news everywhere

Seniors seek chapter 7 relief for $48k credit card debt

ably get about $10K. From that amount, they deduct their operating expenses. Whatever is left is their net profit for that month.

Are truck drivers employees of the trucking company or are they independent contractors? The same thing can be said for UBER drivers. They own their cars. But UBER gets them the passengers and cuts them a check for each ride. I have clients who make $2K a month gross with UBER doing part time driving. Some make $4K a month gross. Are UBER drivers, employees of UBER or are they independent contractors?

The IRS uses the “control” test.

If the business owner has control over most of the time of the individual, that individual is deemed an employee, not an independent contractor. Going back to client, he has 4 individuals who perform the advertised service for client’s business. He takes a cut from the gross receipt, then, gives the balance to the individual. There are no set “work” times (9 to 5). If a customer comes in at 9.30 pm, the individual performs the service for the customer and then client and individual split the gross receipt for services rendered. Client has operated his business using this method for 8 years. Certainly, he considers the individuals independent contractors, and for 8 years, the individuals appear to agree. But recently, all 4 individuals filed 4 separate state court lawsuits for overtime and back pay with each claiming $250K of unpaid overtime and back pay!! That’s $1.0M of overtime of back pay. Where will client get $1.0M? If he had $1.0M, he would probably just close his business and retire somewhere in the world where no one knows him and where he can live like a king. Maybe in the Caribbean or some remote island country where there’s plenty of sunshine everyday, and live the rest of his life in peace. Last he checked, he only had $1K in his business checking account. He’s just short $999K. Client opts for Chapter 7 for a fresh start to discharge the $1.0M lawsuits. But can bankruptcy wipe out claims for unpaid overtime and back pay? It sure can. They are not exempted from discharge; therefore, they

are dischargeable. Even if plaintiffs attempt to prove that these claims are not dischargeable under say, “intent to cause damage” or “fraud”, client would prevail because client’s intent was to enter into a business contract with these individuals and these individuals voluntarily and freely agreed to this business relationship between client and them.

Client did not put a gun on their heads to force them to perform the service. It’s clearly a business relationship that worked for both client and plaintiffs for 8 years.

Seniors with $48K credit card debt The next client is 68 with equity in his residence of $150K but owes $48K of credit card debt.

He started getting social security of $1,800. His wife gets social security of $1,200. After the house payment of $1,500 and necessary expenses, there is no money left to pay minimum credit card debt of $1,400 monthly. This is a no brainer. Client and wife opt for a fresh start as seniors to discharge $48K of credit card debt, which they carried for 20 years.

They only paid $312K of interest in 20 years and they still owe the same $48K. If they did a chapter 7 even 10 years ago, they still would have saved $156K of interest!! Since client is 68, his equity exemption is $175K. That is more than enough to cover his equity of $150K, so there’s no problem with his house. He keeps everything he owns, but got rid of $48K of credit card debt. It’s a great deal and gives them a fresh start in their retirement, and in another 3 years, their credit score will be over 620. In 5 years, it will be 690. In 7 years, 720. In 10 years, there is no record of their chapter 7 petition filing.

As it is written: “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God (Adonai/ El Elohim) has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 *** 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) 2841142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

Pressure cooker violence around the world indicates that nothing much seems to have changed. We seem to be stuck on some kind of groove from hell. Man’s own inhumanity to man continues unabated and is still at an all-time high.

In 2010, Omar Thornton, a black driver of a beer distribution warehouse, was recorded on video stealing beer from the Connecticut company he was working for. Confronted with the evidence, he was given the choice to quit or be fired, instead, he pulled out a gun hidden in his lunchbox and blasted away at his superiors, who happen to be all white, and according to one victim who survived the carnage, as “cold as ice” fatally killed eight good people and injured two others before killing himself. The race card was immediately pulled out as a motive among the pundits trying to put a racial spin on the tragedy. The fact remains that one evil man wiped out the lives of eight good, productive people and forever marred the lives of those around him.

There’s a common thread — one man driven by religious fanaticism, rage, jealousy, paranoia, desperation, depression over economic pressures, family problems or just plain deranged, decided he can’t take it anymore and instead of committing suicide, decide to inflict murder and mayhem killing several others, either his own family members or total strangers.

In 2009, there were more than 7 mass murders committed by ordinary people, with a total casualty count, including the murderers themselves, of more than 60 people before the first 100 days of the year were over.

It is 6 years later and this tragic social phenomenon is still trending upwards.

Pundits and talking heads predict that as the percentage of the unemployed continues to hold steady as we stay in the grip of a stubborn economic downturn, we can expect more of this type of horror. God forbid.

The trend for mass killings is global. Breivik who killed 77 Norwegians in 2011, most of whom were teen-agers is in jail serving a paltry 21 years. His only regret is not being able to kill more.

Ever since the Columbine mass murder perpetrated by 2 young misguided misfits garbed

in black trench coats more than 10 years ago, things haven’t been the same. There were copycats exhibiting lemminglike behavior since then.

Evil glamorized by repetition and attention-getting drama seems to have morphed into many other incidents in North America and elsewhere, resulting in incalculable, untold pain and suffering among families of the victims.

Who can forget the theater killings in Colorado? Who can forget the great pain inflicted by the Virginia Tech mass murder which snuffed out the lives of 32, including Cho, the killer, who was a quiet, deranged malcontent who never quite fit in.

Many noted that perpetrators of this troubling trend were often the quiet ones. We are now told to watch out for the quiet “pressure cooker” types, those who never cause a ripple, are withdrawn and spend hours on the internet and who find ways to circumvent the many state gun laws in place and and explode with volcanic intensity and wipe out those around them.

A young mentally troubled gun enthusiast from Alabama, depressed over his life and who kept mostly to himself, killed 5 members of his own family and 5 other total strangers at random in a barrage of gunfire before taking his own life.

He was a Vietnamese immigrant named Jiverly Wong, aka Vuong, a quiet, social misfit, driven by severe paranoia and frustrated over his “poor life” and poor English skills, gunned down 12 others in an immigrant center, 10 of whom came from 8 countries and who were students just trying to learn English as a second language.

One was a Filipina, Dolores Yigal, then, a recent immigrant who was studying so she could find a job. One was a long time substitute teacher named Roberta King. One was an Iraqi woman who survived 3 car bombs in her native Iraq and left behind a devastated family, a daughter at the Sorbonne in Paris and another daughter, a Fulbright scholar. All these lives were cut off by one sorry excuse for a human being in one fell swoop.

Among ordinary families from all strata and from nearly every ethnic group, there has also been a rash of killings among fathers

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America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS F E B R UA RY 2 0

PCCHS/ PUPLHS 1996 Golden Jubilee The Philippine College of Commerce High School Laboratory Batch 1966 (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines) will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee from February 20-21 in Manila, Philippines. According to the President of the PCCHS Batch ‘66 Alumni Association, ROLAND ATIENZA, about 55 batchmates from Australia, Canada and USA have confirmed attendance to the Homecoming and 50 from Manila local chapter. Activities lined up for the Golden Jubilee Celebration are as follows: February 20, 2016 -- 6:00-12:00 pm. Formal Program/Dinner at the Banahaw Ballroom, The Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City, Philippines February 21, 2016 -- 8:00 am - 9:00 pm - Visit the ANAWIM Home for the Abandoned Elderly, Montalban, Rizal Province (Fellowship/Lunch/Donate basic needs of the elderly) - Tour of Manila (Former PCCHS in Lepanto, Intramuros Tour (old churches and Cathedral, Rizal Park, Fort Santiago) - Dinner/Cultural Show, at Barbara’s, Intramuros February 22, 2016 - BREAKUP GROUP (To Palawan, Laguna and respective hometown provinces of the guests) For inquiries, please contact the following members of the CORE group: Agnes T. Sule #09165567000 suleagnes@yahoo.com, Roland Atienza #09062947156 atienza8@yahoo.com, Rebecca T. Sayed 09064032624 rebecca.sayed@yahoo.com, Lourdes T. Flores lulutflores@yahoo.com, Rebecca Sayed rebecca.sayed@yahoo.com.

Take the ‘Journey to Success’ at Cal State LA WHAT: Asian American and Pacific Islander students and families are invited to California State University, Los Angeles for “Journey to Success,” a college exposition open to high school and community college students who are interested in Cal State LA. “Journey to Success” will feature workshops on how to prepare and pay for college, information on CSU requirements for admission and application processes, and representatives from Cal State LA and other CSU campuses to answer questions. The outreach event will include free parking, breakfast, special giveaways, college resources and student panels. The college expo is sponsored by the California State University’s (CSU) Asian American and Pacific Islander Initiative.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm WHERE: The Golden Eagle Ballrooms at Cal State LA. (5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA) For more information and details, please go to calstate.edu/journeytosuccess or call the Office of Outreach and Recruitment at Cal State LA, (323) 343-3839.

MARCH 4-6

GK USA National Summit 2016 There is no better time for Gawad Kalinga (GK) to present the Philippines as the new land of opportunity, with a steadily rising economy--the fastest growing in the world next to China, according to Bloomberg--and alleviating poverty. GK continues to evolve as a movement, starting with philanthropy expanding to sustainability, and creating hybrid, innovative systems to end poverty. The Summit will provide an opportunity for Filipinos, GK volunteers, partners, and millennials to reconnect with their homeland, contribute to their country and social entrepreneurship, and help to build bridges for a thriving nation. Asian Americans will have a taste of the emerging market of world-class, affordable Philippinemade products, such as Bayani Brew, First Harvest Peanut Spreads, Human Nature beauty products, and Theo Philo chocolates. Support GK’s humanitarian efforts to provide home and livelihood to the poorest of the poor, and learn about GK, GK USA, and GK Enchanted Farm programs. The Summit will take place from March 4-6, 2016, at the Radisson Midtown at USC, Los Angeles (3540 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007). To register, please visit gk-usa.org.

MARCH 5

“An Enchanted Evening” Dinner-Dance for Gawad Kalinga As part of the GK USA National Summit, you are cordially invited to a dinner-dance, themed “An Enchanged Evening,” to benefit programs of Gawad Kalinga and GK Enchanted Farm. The Dance will take place on Saturday, March 5, 7:00pm, at the Radisson Midtown at USC, Los Angeles (3540 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007). The cost is $100, with formal attire. The all-night program will include dinner, induction of the GK-USA Board of Directors, remarks from the Chairman of the Board, and all-night dancing. For more details on sponsorship packages for Gawad Kalinga builders and feeding programs, as well as GKEF programs and scholarships, please visit gk-usa.org. For tickets, please visit gk-usa.org/dinnerdance.

M A R C H 1 1 -A p R I L 1

Eagle Rock High School Monthly Open House Tours Eagle Rock High School invites the community to International Baccalaureate Open House Tours, from 8-10am during the spring semester on March 11; and Friday, April 1.

Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades 7-12, and was the first school in the LAUSD to be authorized to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (grades 7-10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (grades 11-12), a project-based program for concept and content-based learning to promote global mindedness and service to others. The IB Open House is open to all interested students, and will include an introductory presentation in the ERHS library, followed by campus tours, classroom visits, and a short question-and-answer period. To register for the Open Houses, please visit www.erhs.la, and click on the “IB Open House Registration” link. Please email Mylene Keipp mylene.keipp@lausd.net for more information. We look forward to your visit!

MARCH 12

Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. Grand Marshals Gala The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) will launch the commemoration of the 118th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on Saturday, March 12 with the Grand Marshals Gala at the Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Boulevard in Astoria, Queens, New York 11102). The gala will take place from 7:00pm until 12:30am, honoring Dr. Leonidas “Ned” Pulido and wife Carmencita “Menchie” Pulido, who were chosen as the Grand Marshals of the 2016 Philippine Independence Day Parade in June.

Gala tickets are $100 per person, with formal or Filipinana attire. Please contact the Chairwomen of the Grand Marshals Selection and Gala Committee, Ollie David (732-499-7995) and Helen LaBarbera (516-581-8830), ir OUDCU President Dr. Prospero Lim (347-248-5106) for gala invitations and more information. Interested parties may also call any of the Committee Co-chairs: Drs. Emilio and Fely Quines (347-254-2945), Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo (201-869-4044), Dr. Ely Parico (908-265-1293), Dulce Barangan (516-343-8592), Lauren Martinez (347-284-9886), Thelma Cabralda (631-331-5891), Zita Lapena (917-454-9344), Nida Cortez (646-649-5531), or Angie Molina (917-478-6754) or any of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

FACC-SLAA Induction Gala The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce for South Bay Los Angeles Area (FACCSLAA) presents the annual fundraising gala and induction of its board members, to be held on Saturday, March 12 at 6:00 pm, at the Holiday Inn Los Angeles Gateway-Torrance (19800 S Vermont Ave. Torrance, CA 90502). Philippine Consulate General Leo Herrera-Lim will be the inducting officer, with guest speakers Assemblymember Rob Bonta and former Assemblyman Warren Furutani. Attire for the dinner is Filipiniana/formal. The gala dinner is also a fundraiser for the FACC-SLAA Scholarship project of the chamber raising funds for deserving, eligible Filipino American students who are business (or related) majors in colleges and universities in the South Bay area. Four scholars who will each receive a $500 scholarship award. Fil-Am students applying for the scholarship should have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average, low income/financial need, have no criminal record, must submit a one page essay on why the student is applying, and must be willing to volunteer or intern at FACC-SLAA for 80 hours. The deadline to apply is on Feb 15 to apply. Interested students, please email facc.slaa@gmail.com or fekoons@aol.com. Tickets for the FACC-SLAA Induction and Fundraising Gala are $60 each. Please email facc.slaa@gmail.com for more information, or contact President Cynthia Tan (310) 748-9688 or Fred Docdocil, VP Programs (310) 619-8101.

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

B FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes MANY people try to file and open their own divorce case without an attorney in an effort to save on legal fees. Often, the self-represented divorce litigant would seek the assistance of the court facilitator’s office in preparing the papers to open their own divorce case. However once the divorce case is opened, many self-represented petitioners are not able to finish their divorce case to judgment for various reasons. The most common reasons are the following: Improper Proof of Service of Divorce Petition Self-represented litigants are not familiar with the code of civil procedures on how initial pleadings should be served on the opposing party and the notice requirements. As such the Court is unable to exercise jurisdiction on the other party until proper service on that party is done properly.

Failed to prepare and exchanged required financial disclosures California family code requires that both parties exchange complete and accurate financial disclosures.

Proof that these financial disclosures have been exchanged needs to be filed in Court. The court will not enter judgment on a divorce case unless the financial disclosure requirements are satisfied.

What’s New Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA 1. YOU are required to file a California tax return if your gross income exceeds: a. Single - $16,256 (no dependent). b. Head of household $27,489 (with one dependent). c. Married filing jointly $32,514 (no dependent).

Taxpayers with dependents or who are aged 65 or over have higher filing thresholds. You

Community Journal

How to complete divorce papers Default Judgment does not conform with the Petition for dissolution If the respondent has been defaulted and the petitioner is moving for a default divorce judgment, the default judgment must conform to the divorce petition. If the two does not conform to each other, the court will often reject the judgment.

Child Support requested is not guideline Child support in California is based on guideline. Sometimes the self-represented litigant will try to ignore child support or seek a child support order that is not based on guideline. This will result on the judgment being rejected by the Court.

Pension and Retirement plans were not joined Some pension and retirement plans (such as local government retirement plans) need to be joined in the divorce action if there is a community property interest in these plans. Selfrepresented litigants are not aware of these rules and often ignore this requirement.

QDRO was not prepared to divide Pension and Retirement plans Certain pension and retirement plans that are covered

by ERISA requires a qualified domestic relations order to be divided (QDRO).

Self-represented litigants often ignore this requirement. As a result, the plan is not divided.

Unequal division of community property in default divorce cases

If there is no settlement agreement, then the court has to divide the community property and debt equally between the parties. Often, self-represented parties will try to propose or prove up an unequal division of community property and debt usually in their favor.

Trying to save on legal fees by handling your own divorce case could turn into a nightmare if your case has issues that needs to be handles a certain way. It is like trying to fix your own plumbing problem if you have no plumbing experience, it could end up costing you more.

If you opened up your divorce case but cannot seem to finish it due to some issues, it is best to seek the help of a highly qualified family law attorney. *** 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.

(Advertising

California tax update for individuals what’s new for 2015 tax returns

turned 65 at the end of 2015 if you are 65 by January 1, 2016.

2. Head of Household (HOH) filing status taxpayers are required to file form FTB 3532 beginning taxable year 2015 to determine if qualified. If you do not qualify and you claim HOH, you will receive a notice of proposed assessment.

3. Taxpayers who do not itemize deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, medical,

contributions and other personal deductions can use the following standard deductions: a. Single, married filing separate - $4,044 (from $3,992). b. Head of household, surviving spouse, married filing joint - $8,088 (from $7,984).

4. Personal exemption credits have increased as follows: a. Single, married filing separate, head of household - $109

u PAGE B5

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Pressure cooker…

Community Journal

are unable to cope with mounting financial pressures. And yet to merely focus on economics as The murder suicide rate among the root of this troubling phePAGE B3 t who have decided to kill them- families is on the rise, thankfully nomenon is shortsighted and selves because of their failures not in epidemic proportions just misses the whole point. and are taking their whole fam- yet as to cause panic.

(To be continued next week) Perhaps, some of this is fueled ily with them. On rare occasions, *** by the effects of crumbling so- Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is it is a mother who does it.

Sometimes, the sick and the el- cial and cultural mores. Or this SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To derly decide to take matters into could simply be the effects of send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ their own hands and end it all. the economic downturn. Some asianjournalinc.com

Is e-commerce busting the…

PAGE B2 t

take our All Access Kors strategy a step further, allowing us to share intimate, behind-thescenes moments from our runway show with fans around the world.”

E-commerce is a complimentary feature of the retail sector, said Janlo de los Reyes, manager of research and consultancy at global property advisor Cushman and Wakefield Philippines.

De los Reyes said e-commerce offers consumers the convenience of shopping without leaving their homes, but pointed out that this won’t endanger the malls business.

“No, I don’t think it will be a

EMPLOYMENT

threat to the retail property sector,” De los Reyes said. “People still want to inspect the goods they are purchasing.”

He noted that e-commerce offers products that are mostly classified as “non-perishable goods,” such as clothing, which means consumers would still opt to buy other goods at the malls.

From another perspective, Claro Cordero Jr., head of research and consultancy in the Philippines of global property services firm Jones Lang Lasalle, said e-commerce would even give impetus to the resurgence of the logistics and warehousing property sector, complementing the now more

active retail sector.

Julius Guevara, director for research and advisory at global property advisor Colliers International, shares this sentiment about virtual retail trade.

“This is a growth market that we’re very bullish about,” Cordero said. “We think that it would not only impact retail, but it could also positively impact the logistics and industrial market.”

He noted that some developers are considering the e-commerce trend.

“But I don’t know what their particular strategies are,” he said. “Moving forward, this is a sector that we need to pay close attention to.” n

EMPLOYMENT

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016

B

California tax update for individuals…

PAGE B4 t

(from $108). b. Married filing joint, qualified widow(er) - $218 (from $216). c. Blind or seniors aged 65 or over – add $109. d. Dependents - $337 (from $333) each.

5. Dependent/s Social Security Number (SSN) beginning taxable year 2015taxpayers claiming an exemption credit must write dependent/s SSN in line 10 of Form 540 or line 8 on of Form 5402EZ. 6. Earned Income Tax Credit (Cal EITC) refundable credit of up to $2,653 is available beginning 2015 tax returns to California households with adjusted gross income of a. Less than $6,580, if no qualifying children b. Less than $9,880, with one qualifying child c. Less than $13,870, with two or more qualifying children.

The credit is available to taxpayers with earned income (exclude income from self-employment) within California and lived for more than six months.

7. Disaster Losses beginning taxable year 2014 and before January 1, 2024 loss sustained from city, county in California proclaimed by the Governor to be state of emergency, taxpayer may deduct disaster loss.

8. Taxpayers may make voluntary contributions to two new funds a. State Children’s Trust Fund for the Prevention of Child abuse (bill number AB 924) b. Prevention of Animal Homelessness & Cruelty Fund (bill number AB 485) 9. Financial Incentive for Seismic Improvement under bill SB 102 beginning taxable year 2015 taxpayer can exclude from income any amount received as loan, loan forgiveness, grant, credit, rebate, voucher, or other financial incentive as long as the amount is issued by the California Residential Mitigation Program or the California Earthquake Authority.

10. Other Credits a. Natural Heritage Preservation Credit. Credit carryover has been extended to 15 years or until exhausted w h i c h e v e r

EMPLOYMENT

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comes first for qualified contributions made on and after January 1, 2015. b. Enterprise Zone (EZ) Sales or Use Tax Credit. Taxpayers can claim EZ sales or use tax credit carryover from previous years but cannot generate the EZ sales or use tax credit on or after January 1, 2015.

11. Extend the Time for Payment of Taxes for Corporations Expecting Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carry back file form FTB 3593 to extend the time for payment of taxes for immediate preceding tax year 2015 if a corporation or exempt organization expects NOL in tax year 2016.

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The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. The firm celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2015.

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B FEBRUARY 17-19, 2016 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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The Asian Journal

MDWK

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.

MAGAZINE

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cover story Filipina in charge: California Appointments Secretary Mona Pasquil

2

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 17, 2016

by Agnes ConstAnte /AJPress

IN California’s Appointments Office, there are more than 12,000 applications in the system from individuals seeking to serve on various state boards and commissions.

But before any of them either secure a high-ranking position or get turned down, they are screened by California Appointments Secretary Mona Pasquil, 53, a Filipino-American who has served in her current role since 2011.

“It’s an adventure,” Pasquil said of serving her role under California Gov. Jerry Brown. “‘[The governor] has really challenged us to go out to find the best and the brightest who will want to serve in this administration.”

As the Golden State’s appointments secretary, Pasquil spends much of her time finalizing positions, talking about slots that need to be filled, and working with appointees who may be having issues.

She and her team also invest time in traveling up and down California, talking to various groups about the opportunities available to serve in the government.

Growing up, Pasquil says she had her eye on becoming a public servant, as the first Filipina elected to the California legislature.

Life, however, didn’t play out that way.

Before Pasquil assumed her current position, she was heavily involved in public office and spearheading political campaign efforts.

From 2008 to 2009, she served as chief of staff to California Lt. Gov. John Garamendi.

She also previously served as political director for former California Gov. Gray Davis’ gubernatorial campaign, California political director for Al Gore’s presidential campaign, deputy political director for John Kerry’s presidential campaign and western political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs under former president Bill Clinton.

Most notably, she became the first Asian Pacific Islander and Filipino-American woman to serve as acting lieutenant governor when Garamendi was elected to Congress in 2009.

For this feat, she was awarded a Presidential Citation by former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Pasquil served in the position from 2009 to 2010, at which point former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Abel Maldonado to replace Garamendi.

While she was acting lieutenant governor, Pasquil recalls a young girl and her mom coming into her office as part of the school tour. The girl was in awe at the office and told her mom she didn’t know girls could have that kind of office.

This particular moment inspired Pasquil to remember the importance of mentorship, particularly for females, whom, she notes, often aren’t aware of opportunities to serve in the government.

“Life many times presents different opportunities for us.

One of the things I did learn is I felt like my calling at the end of the day was to be...nimble and get a lot of things done,” she said.

While working in government, Pasquil has had the opportunity to meet notable individuals including the Dalai Lama and Helen Thomas, a well-known journalist during John F. Kennedy’s presidency.

But also on her top three list is a young man formerly involved in gangs earlier in his life, who she met through her involvement in the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project, a Sacramento-based organization that

Photos courtesy of the Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.

California Appointments Secretary Mona Pasquil

One evening after Brown’s inauguration, Brown’s executive secretary, Nancy McFadden reached out to Pasquil, asking her if she had ever thought about serving in the governor’s hosts leadership conferences for administration, specifically Asian Pacific youth in California. suggesting she work in appointWhile virtually nobody believed ments. the young man would succeed, Truthfully, Pasquil says that Pasquil and the organization at the time, that was the only did. department she would consider Years later, Pasquil came working in. across the same man, who had “[This] just happened achieved much success. He had because, I think, of relationgraduated from UC Berkley and ships that I built over the years was working with ex-gang mem- and the mentorship of Nancy bers in the public defender’s McFadden to have the opportuoffice. nity for her to think of me in this “Had I not been in a place position and ultimately share in that Capitol, starting this with the governor that I should program for young Asian Pacific have it,” she said.

Islander kids, I never would have During the first two years, been able to help him or any Pasquil said she would leave other young people like him,” the office at around 8 or 9 pm, she said. as Brown has appointed fewer By becoming appointments people to boards and commissecretary, Pasquil says she has sion than his predecessor. had the opportunity to continue “That was pretty tough, but mentoring other people. Her it meant making sure that we calling for the position came were getting things done and shortly after Brown was elected [boards and commissions] estabto office in 2011, which was lished,” she said. also around the time she got Today, more than 2,500 married. appointments have been filled Shortly after that, she rein various agencies, such as the ceived a call from Maeley Tom -- California Public Utilities Coma member of the California State mission, Health and Human SerPersonnel Board and an Asian vices and state Highway Patrol.

American who mentored her Pasquil no longer departs from -- urging her to consider serving her office as late as she used to in Brown’s administration. when she first became appointAt the time, entering the ments secretary, but she says political realm was not in her time management still proves plan. Instead, she wanted to challenging. focus on her consulting business That, and having to turn and spend time traveling with down applicants, because many her husband. But she agreed to of them are qualified, she said. submit an application anyway.

“The toughest part for me

Photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary’s University

is having to say to people, ‘We didn’t pick you this time, but let’s stay in touch’,” Pasquil said.

But the most rewarding part of her job, Pasquil says, is finding individuals doing exceptional things for their communities and those who aren’t expecting such a request from her office.

In December of last year, Pasquil made her way to UC Riverside in Southern California, where she demystified the process it takes to become an appointee under Brown’s administration. At the university, she noted that there is a lack of applicants from the Riverside area, with only 800 out of the 12,000 applications her office hailing from Riverside County.

She further pointed out that there are always fewer women applicants than men, and urges those who might be piqued by the idea of public service – including Filipinos – to contact their elected officials, including herself.

“This state is great because of the phenomenal mosaic and tapestry that makes up California. If we are not there as part of that tapestry, then we have failed the few generations that have come before us. It’s imperative for all of us to think of ways in which we can make our community and our state and our country better,” she said.

Pasquil is a third-generation Fil-Am who attributes her success to being a people person, and to her ability to acknowledge her mistakes and move on.

But perhaps more importantly, she credits where and who she is today to having been Continued on Page 5

Grammy awards: A night of epic entertainment 3 tributes and electric performances Pia Wurtzbach takes the New York runway by storm Bruno Mars takes home 3 Grammys The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 17, 2016

By Allyson

EscobAr AJPress

thanked family and those who worked on THE 58th annual Grammy the album. He added, Awards, recognizing and celebrat- “This is for hip-hop.” ing outstanding achievements Compton-based in the music industry, was a big Lamar had one of the night for artists including Taylor most powerful and Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Bruno talked-about perforMars. mances of the night, At the Premiere Grammy with onstage images Awards Ceremony, most of the 83 of jail cells, a giant fire awards in various categories were and tribal dances, and handed out. Only eight awards the word “Compton” were presented live on CBS, superimposed over an along with a string of memorable image of the African performances that included Taylor continent. The rapper Filipino-American singer Bruno Mars took home three Grammys, Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Adele, emerged in chains to including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Remixed Recording (NonClassical), and Record of the Year for his funky hit with producer Mark Pitbull, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber perform a medley of Ronson, “Uptown Funk.” and Jack Ü (Diplo and Skrillex), his songs “The BlackPhoto posted by Bruno Mars on his Instagram account and many more. A performance er the Berry” and

by Rihanna was cancelled at the “Alright,” from his award-winning Rock quartet Alabama Shakes last minute due to bronchitis. album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” won the best rock performance Taylor Swift took home prestiIt was also a night of music’s with “Don’t Wanna Fight,” which gious album of the year award for biggest tributes. Lady Gaga paid was also named best rock song “1989,” during the live ceremony an eclectic tribute to the late of the year, and the group won on Monday night, held at the David Bowie; Stevie Wonder sang best alternative music album for Staples Center in downtown Los “That’s the Way of the World” “Sound & Color.”

Angeles. It was her third Grammy with Pentatonix in honor of Earth, The cast of Broadway’s win of the day. (She also took Wind and Fire’s Maurice White; “Hamilton” performed the hiphome Best Pop Vocal Album for Bonnie Raitt, Gary Clark Jr. and hop musical’s opening number, “1989” and Best Music Video for Chris Stapleton came out to hon- which was broadcasted live from “Bad Blood,” featuring Kendrick or R&B pioneers Ruth Brown and the Richard Rodgers Theater in Lamar.)

B.B. King, and Jackson Browne New York City. “Hamilton” also “As the first woman to win and the remaining members of took home Best Musical Theater album of the year at the GramThe Eagles sang “Take It Easy” Album. mys twice, I want to say to all the for Glenn Frey, who died on Jan. Adele, whose new record young women out there, there 18. Luke Bryan, John Legend, “25” will make next year’s are going to be people along the Demi Lovato, Tyrese and Meghan Grammy’s cut, had a rare weak way who will try to undercut your Trainor also performed a medley performance when the sound success or take credit for your of Lionel Richie’s hits, later joined cut out during her live rendition accomplishments or your fame,” by the singer himself. of “All I Ask.” “The piano mics Swift said in her acceptance The Hollywood Vampiresfell on to the piano strings, that’s speech, which some believe is a -which includes Alice Cooper, what the guitar sound was. It response to rapper Kanye West’s Johnny Depp and Joe Perry--also made it sound out of tune. Sh*t lyrics about her in his new single, made their fiery television debut, happens,” Adele tweeted later, “Famous.” introduced by Dave Grohl. The brushing off the unavoidable “But if you just focus on the group paid homage to the leader technical difficulties. work, and you don’t let those of Motorhead, late singer-songFilipino-American singer people sidetrack you, someday writer Lemmy Kilmister.

Bruno Mars took home three when you get where you’re goBreakout performances Grammys, including Best Pop ing, you’ll look around and you’ll included a pop duet by country Duo/Group Performance, know that it was you and the singers Sam Hunt and Carrie Remixed Recording (Non-Claspeople who love you that put Underwood, as well as a riveting sical), and Record of the Year for you there,” she added, “and that mashup of “Hollow / Let It Go” his funky hit with producer Mark will be the greatest feeling in the by newcomer artists Tori Kelly and Ronson, “Uptown Funk.” The world.”

James Bay. prestigious accolade, presented 28-year-old rapper Lamar, Singer-songwriter Chris Staat the end of the night by fellow who earned a record of 11 pleton was awarded best country Super Bowl performer Beyoncé, is nominations, received his fifth album of the year win for “Travel- Mars’ fourth Grammy Award.

Grammy of the day for best rap ler,” while Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking “This is dedicated to the fans album for his acclaimed “To Pimp out Loud” was named Song of right here. We wouldn’t be here a Butterfly.” the Year. The British artist also it weren’t for the people danc“First off, glory to God, that’s received his first Grammy ever ing in this song,” Mars said in his for sure,” said Lamar, who also for best solo pop performance. speech. “This is for ya’ll.”

THE reigning Miss Universe has been setting the New York stage on fire for the past few days.

Aside from walking in a Carmen Marc Valvo dress at the Red Dress Collection 2016 event on ThursPia in a Carmen Marc Valvo dress day, Feb. 11, Pia Wurtzbach has also strutted the runway in a Sherri Hill designed formal evening wear.

Clad in a derriere baring blue gown, the Filipina beauty walked fiercely and elegantly along with other models.

Red Dress fashion event was produced by the American Heart Association to raise awareness on heart disease in women.

Aside from sharing photos of her on the runway, the 26-year-old beauty queen also shared a photo of her with American supermodel and actress Carmen Dell’Orefice at the backstage. (Alixandra Caole Vila/Philstar.com)

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach at the Sherri Hill Fall 2016 show in New York.

Photos from Miss Universe Facebook page

entertainment Jericho Rosales, 20 years later 4

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 17, 2016

by remy

Umerez Inquirer.net

STAR Magic hosted a thanksgiving party recently for Jericho Rosales, who is celebrating his 20th year in show business this year. Soon after winning in “eat Bulaga’s” Mr. Pogi tilt, he became a part of

Star Circle in l997 and ABSCBN has become the actor’s home ever since.

In his younger years, people saw him as one of the Hunks, along with Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Carlos Agassi and Bernard Palanca.

He also showed interest in

FIL-AM CREATION AT THE GRAMMYS. Kaya Jones, formerly of the group The Pussycat Dolls, wears a gown designed by Filipino designer Alexis Monsanto to 58th Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Monday, Feb. 15.

Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador | SIPA USA

It takes guts to be Panday From Mr. Pogi to best actor awardee.

music by forming a band called Jeans.

The Asian release of the hit drama series, “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” with Kristine Hermosa, amplified the actor’s popularity. He gained a solid fan base in Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and South Africa and appeared in a TV series, “Kusinero,” in Malaysia.

More television and movie projects honed echo’s acting skills, including a remake of FPJ’s “Ang Panday.” In 2011, another soap with Kristine Hermosa, “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” was nominated as best telenovela in the International emmy and New York film festivals. He also starred in “Kahit Isang Saglit,” partly shot in Malaysia, costarring Carmen Soo. For the indie movie, “Alagwa,” Jericho bagged the best actor award from the Urian and Famas. He expressed regret for not having been around to receive the best actor trophy for his portrayal of a dying man in “Walang Forever” in the MMFF last December. He is doubly happy that the movie with Jennylyn Mercado also scored well at the box office.

Richard recounted that he watched “Panday” as a kid.

“Panday is a very Filipino superhero,” the actor related.

Well, it really takes guts “My family and I are fans of to follow in the footsteps of an FPJ. My mom and dad were iconic hero like Fernando Poe close to FPJ.” Jr. even before winning the Still, Richard Gutierrez plum role, Richard has always seems undaunted by the proslooked up to FPJ as a “largerpect of playing “Panday” in than-life idol.” “If ever I get to the new TV5 primetime series, talk to Tita Susan (Roces, FPJ’s which premieres on Feb. 29. widow), I will tell her that it is a “When I signed up for the job, I initially felt the pressure,” huge honor to play Panday, and to be mentioned in the same Richard told the Inquirer in an breath as FPJ.” exclusive interview. “But after Lifestyle change a few days of taping, I started From the get-go, he knew owning the character. I want to that he had to completely come up with my own version change his lifestyle. He admitof ‘Panday.’”

Carlo J. Caparas, creator of ted, “I had to be prepared mentally, physically, spiritually.” the komiks hero immortalized He hits the gym as often

by FPJ on the big screen, told the Inquirer that Richard was his as he can, frequently for two only choice for the latest retell- hours, twice a day.

“I lift weights in the morning of “Panday”—which is part ing and do cardio at night,” of a multibillion, multiplatform he said of his grueling workout deal he inked with Viva big sessions. “I run on the treadmill, boss Vic del Rosario five years play basketball or do boxing in ago. the evening.”

“Among the male stars of He is also on a Spartan diet. his generation, Richard has the right qualities for Panday,” said “There’s no secret. I just avoid all the bad stuff. less fat, sugar, the komiks novelist-film direcsalt. I eat carbs every other day. tor. “like the late FPJ, Richard I need it for energy when I have is also enigmatic. He keeps taping.” his personal life private. He is Doing a fantasy series is a man of few words, too.” He also wants Richard to take over no walk in the park, conceded Richard, who previously toptwo classic FPJ roles: “Durubilled another Carlo J. komiks gin si Totoy Bato” and “Ang serial, “Kamandag,” on GMA 7.

Maestro.”

by Bayani

San Diego Inquirer.net

Jr.

Richard Gutierrez as Panday

“I’ve done many fantaseryes in the past. I know that it can be tough.”

For “Panday,” he has his work cut out for him because he is portraying three characters (Flavio in the origin story; Miguel in the Spanish era; and Juro in the modern setting).

“It’s challenging but exciting; you really get to play with your roles,” he explained.

“But when all three characters meet… that would be tricky.”

He is also doing double duty because tapings for the fourth season of the family’s e! reality show, “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez,” will start soon.

“The show will feature me at work on the set of ‘Panday.’”

Moonlighting

ize itself, love must violate the rules of our world” (from “The de leon Labyrinth of In 1936 as the world was preparing to blow itself apart, King edward VIII enacted his own drama when he abdiPerhaPs the heart is not cated from the throne to marry just a sort of Valentine, or only non-royal Wally simpson. It the beating thing in a chest was a basic story then and that sustains life. It is also the today has barely changed. at well, spring of all faith, hope present it is only the details, and love—all the musings on the personalities, the stakes the human heart’s meanings they pay for—and as we now and metaphors, even humor, see— the ages and death of the that jump starts the imagination about its significance as the most lovers, differ, but love remains a common factor in deciding popular symbol. one’s fate. as hemingway said, Is a heart filled-life mean it “right decisions are the right is in the right place? Year after decisions wrongly made.“ year of Valentine’s Day plunges In spite of the absence us on players and references to heartache, heartbreak, heartless- of the vow, lovers can exness, heart of darkness, change tract a profound bond from their hearts—the elements of of heart…makes something in compassion, patience, regrets, our breasts lurch or recoil. surprise, forgiveness, surprise— a poet once asked, in what from a chemistry of an atom ways has the heart changed called love. since King solomon courted To be under the spell of new wives with his love songs love, I’ve learned through the and Vatsayana collected toyears, is to be ruled by the posgether in his Kama sutra some sibilities of the unknown. ancient hindu recipe for good The beloved was the best loving and a cleric at eleanor of aquiantaine’s court penned The part of the day that made my heart dance. For better rules of Courtly Love? or worse, love is bewitching, But by what level, what tenacious and can flourish in its language would one use to describe a romance that breaks absolute rhapsody , indivisible, without duration, infinite in its all the rules and had gone attributes, as it broadens the pretty far… exhausting the heart to grow—warm with eccategories of the forbidden? stasy that can thrive in primitive Nobel laureate Octavio Paz in longings and sudden fugitive his masterpiece “The Labyrinth convulsions of lust, even without of solitude” wrote: “To realby Mylah

huge caresses that unmistakable accompany romance.

It is not the relationship that has been declared to others, or perhaps even said loudly between ourselves, it is not symbolized by a diamond or even by a simple bond of gold.

It is not defined by time or even the space while we are apart on his medical missions or when we are together. rather, it is mutual affection, reaffirmed each time we reach out to one another in pure bliss, each time we tell the truth, each time one of us is there to support or comfort each other, each time we share a newly uncovered insight or emotion.

It is a spiritual union continually revealed in each new level of trust, in each new layer of vulnerability—in each new depth of love. It is a commitment rediscovered as each day we each find out who we are and how much our love is capable of giving.

It is unconditional giving and true marriage of spirit, whose ceremony of union is found in each and every moment we love one another, whose anniversary is found in each and every day in which love grows. If you are looking for something permanent, what is? If you need 100 percent pure love, you need not mix that with marriage. I am a modern woman. Never mind the wedding! ***

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

California Appointments Secretary Mona...

features 5

The heart has its reasons

From Page 2 raised in a Fil-am household. Pasquil is the eldest of five children -- she has one sister and three brothers, and all five of them had jobs when they were young.

“We were always taking care of our elders, we were always surrounded by the manongs…We always grew up hearing their stories and it had a great impact on all five of us,” she said.

They quickly learned the value of money and importance of supporting each other in pursuing their goals, and grew up with a sense of their Filipino culture.

“That foundation of family and hard work and recognizing their hard work is something, that is a part of who I am and I think about it every day. You have to have that drive and that appreciation for your hisPhoto courtesy of the Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. tory and your story,” she added.

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 17, 2016

Mango Mix

5 primary wedding themes

by Martin

Jason l. ita-as

WeDDINg themes are increasingly common now -from embracing the couples’ inner nerds to channeling nostalgia. People often go all out for this once-in-a-lifetime day. While finding something unique and interesting to make your wedding even more special is a great way to make the moment even more memorable, there’s something to be said about simple weddings too. a simple wedding theme can be as elegant and as memorable as any large-themed one as it often gives focus to the couples in question rather than their surroundings, making for an intimate and personal setting. here are a few wedding themes that are not overtly ostentatious, but are still impactful: Hitched on the beach Probably one of the most popular choices for globetrotting couples all around the world, the beach wedding is simple, picturesque and refreshing. having the ceremony on an open beach or a chapel near the sea gives the people attending the event a feeling of freedom with the open space and the sound of the waves. Throw in some driftwood decor and some beautiful flower.

Foreign styles adopting a foreign style to your wedding is a great way to add some flair to the celebration without going over the top. Pick a country you both love and borrow some elements from the culture that you can incorporate into your special day. Think about how the catering, decorations, outfits and cake can be used to match with your international theme. some of the popular choices for countries to emu-

late during weddings include the colorful India, the vibrant Caribbean, elegant Japan and the cheery Mexico. Lots of planning is required for this one so it’s best to coordinate with your wedding planner early on.

Wed for the holidays holding your wedding during the holidays can make the occasion extra special while also cutting down the need to buy separate decorations. The holiday itself in question will act as your theme. You can choose from a white Christmas, a heart-filled Valentine’s Day or maybe a firework-filled New Years. This can make it easier to remember the date for anniversaries and can make it simple to gather relatives for the ceremony as they usually come together easier during holidays.

Countryside nuptials What could be more romantic than the soft winds blowing through a wheat field as you enjoy the warm rays of the sun? While not necessarily full of wheat and sunflowers, the countryside is a beautiful place with the potential to become a memorable wedding venue. It’s better to have the ceremony in a fresh, open area, on a nice sunny day with lots of rustic and simple decorations, such as wooden chairs, tables and an arch with

flowers.

Blast from the past These days, recycling ideas from the past is tres chic and fashionable. Do your research and pick an era from the past you can emulate during your celebration. You can pick between the roaring ‘20s flapper styles or maybe kick it up a notch with the fabulous ‘50s style. anything that’s classy and a little demure is a perfect setting for this special event that will bring you and your partner together no matter what era you’re in.

These themes are very simple to pick up, but it’s the planning and execution that will make your wedding an event truly unforgettable. It’s your day, so you owe it to yourself to make it the most amazing one in your lifetime.

*** Mango Tours is a provider of quality, affordable and convenient travel services that include low-priced airline tickets, customized Philippine and International Tour Packages, Cruises, Land Transfers, Passport and Visa Concerns. It is the #1 producer of reliable travel services particularly when it comes to Philippine travel arrangements to the Filipino-American community in the US Mango Tours is able to provide its customers with a number of travel options at affordable rates because of its consolidator contracts with over 11 airlines. Book your travel bookings with Mango Tours by calling its 24/7 U.S. toll-free number at 1-866-2-MANILA (1-866-2-626452). Visit www.mangotours. com to know more about its latest promos and travel offers.* *Advertising Supplement

6

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - February 17, 2016

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