La midweek edition january 18 20, 2017

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E DITION January 18-20, 2017

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Volume 27 - No. 6 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

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Palace clarifies Duterte’s martial law statement, slams media for ‘misreporting’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

MALACAÑANG, on Monday, January 16, hit media outlets for their supposed “misreporting” of President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent remarks regarding the declaration of martial law.

Over the weekend, reports cited Duterte saying that he would impose martial law if the country’s situation became “very virulent.”

“Kung gusto ko (If I wanted to), and if it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law if I want to. Walang makapigil sa akin (No one can stop me),” the president

said in a speech during an oathtaking ceremony of Davao City Chamber of Commerce officials last Saturday, January 14.

Duterte then added, “If I have to declare martial law, I will declare it, not because of invasion, insurrection, I will declare martial law to preserve my nation, period.”

In a statement, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that Duterte “has categorically said no to martial law.”

“He even made a pronouncement saying that martial law did not improve the lives of the Filipinos,” Andanar stressed.

“We, therefore, decry the latest

misreporting that the president will declare martial law simply ‘if he wants to’ or that ‘no one can stop the president from declaring martial law.’”

According to Andanar, such reporting “sow[s] panic and confusion to many” and is “the height of journalistic irresponsibility.”

He also added that Duterte was “clear” in saying that he would impose martial law “only under the premise that the country has deteriorated into an utter state of rebellion and lawlessness.”

“As president, he recognizes the challenges and limitations set by our Constitution in declaring martial law but he would

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Pacquiao asks DOT for P3-B to fund his match DATELINE USA Immigration activists against Marquez in PH FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

tell Trump admin: We are here to stay

ACTIVISTS rallied in support of immigrants’ rights on Saturday, January 14 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles as they have across the country in the weeks since the election of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States.

A number of the president-elect’s stated intentions, including his promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, have sparked impassioned responses from both liberals and conservatives who say America’s immigration policy is broken.

“We know for a fact that the first thing we need to do is secure the border,” Rudy Asercion, a committee member for the Republican Party in San Francisco told the Asian Journal during a phone call on Monday, January 16.

“You need to enforce immigration laws before you reform the system.”

He said that lawmakers need to focus on protecting citizens in light of prior instances of terrorism-linked violence. Gaining more control over the movement of people in and out of the country and removing up to 3 million undocumented residents with criminal convictions on their records from the U.S. has to be the first step in correcting immigration

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New US envoy affirms ‘solid’ ties with PH

THE United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim has affirmed the longstanding ties between Manila and Washington, Malacañang said. “[Kim] reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to the bilateral relationship with the Philippines, which he described as ‘solid,’” Presidential Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement on Sunday, January 15.

According to Abella, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had a “productive 45-minute meeting” with the U.S. ambassador on Sunday in Davao City.

Abella said Duterte and Kim met following the launching of the country’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

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ASEAN AT 50. President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Postmaster General Joel Otarra (right) unveil a new set of stamps commemorating the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations this year as well as the bloc’s 50th founding anniversary.

Andanar, Esperon to attend Trump rites

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

FILIPINO boxing champion and Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao announced that he is anticipating a rematch in the Philippines against Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez.

In a radio interview with DZMM’s Fastbreak, Pacquiao related that he asked Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo to fund his Senator Manny Pacquiao bout against Marquez that is reportedly scheduled for sometime in November.

“Approximately, sabi ko sa kanya [Secretary Teo] nasa 3 o 2.5 billion [pesos]. Kasi plano ko mag-rematch kay Marquez tapos dito ko dalhin si Marquez sa Pilipinas (Approximately, I told her we need 3 or 2.5 billion. I plan to have a rematch with Marquez here in the Philippines),” Pacquiao said.

He added, “Maganda kasi ‘pag kami naglaban, hindi takbu-takbuhan (Our fight will be good because there will be no running around).”

Teo confirmed that Pacquiao had asked her to help provide funds for his fifth fight against the Mexican boxer.

“Kinausap nga ako ni Manny Pacquiao, we talked and he said, humingi siya ng P3 billion for the fight (Manny Pacquiao indeed talked to me and asked P3

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by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

US president-elect Donald Trump

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Chargé d’Affairés Patrick Chuasoto will be joined by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar during the inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in Washington on Jan. 20, a Malacañang official said Tues-

day, Jan. 17.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Philippines aims to continue and strengthen its bilateral relations with the US under the Trump administration.

Esperon and Andanar will be President Duterte’s representatives to the historic event.

Duterte had decided to skip Trump’s inauguration.

“The Philippines and the U.S.

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Yasay: Philippines-Russia military alliance will not happen

Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said, recalling his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister MANILA, Philippines — A mil- Sergey Lavrov last month. itary alliance between the PhilipAt a news conference followpines and Russia will not work at ing their meeting in Moscow this time and age, the country’s last December, the two foreign top diplomat said on Tuesday, ministers were asked about the Jan. 17. possibility of the Philippines and “It will not happen,” Foreign Russia entering into a military alby PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

liance.

Lavrov said that Russia will be engaging with the Philippines in the area of defense cooperation “where we feel will be more realistic and for our benefit and contributing to the peace and stability of the world.”

Yasay added that the Philip-

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‘Governor’s Ball’ welcomes Miss Universe bets

by TESSA

MAURICIO-ARRIOLA ManilaTimes.net

CONFIDENTLY BEAUTIFUL Miss Universe candidates walk the ramp in the pageant’s swimsuit competition in Cebu City on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The 65th Miss Universe coronation ceremonies will be held on January 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

IT was truly an evening of beauty and grace at the Miss Universe Governor’s Ball on Monday, Jan.16 night as 86 candidates to 65th pageant gathered for their official welcome to the Philippines at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, with organization president Paula Shugart expressing deep admiration and appreciation for the nation.

Responding to the welcome

speeches of former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson and his son incumbent provincial chief Ryan Singson (whose family’s LCS Group is privately funding and producing the international event in the Philippines); as well as those of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. president Edgar Tejero, Shugart said: “To all our contestants, enjoy every moment to participate in Miss Universe [not

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A JANUARY 18-20, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Palace clarifies Duterte’s martial law…

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CONGRESS OF MERCY. Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto (above, left), apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, listens as Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (above, right) delivers his homily during the Holy Mass for the 4th World Apostolic Congress on Mercy on Monday at the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica in Intramuros, Manila.

Andanar, Esperon to attend Trump…

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are long-standing allies and we intend to further strengthen the bilateral ties anchored on mutual respect, benefit, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” Abella said.

The Philippine government also aims to establish a shared commitment to world peace as the Trump administration assumes office, Abella said.

“We will be performing our respective functions. The charge d’affaires will officially represent President Duterte,” he said.

Andanar said they would hold

side meetings during the U.S. trip.

“We will report to the president the inauguration and our side meetings once we get back,” he said.

The Palace officials were mum when asked if they would raise concerns on destabilization efforts against Duterte or seek an audience regarding the Philippine drug war, which raised concerns on human rights violations during the Obama administration.

“As per U.S. practice, heads of diplomatic missions represent

their countries in the inauguration. Charge d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto will be attending the inauguration,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

Duterte had deferred the nomination of a new Philippine ambassador to Washington until after the election of a new U.S. president.

He announced in August that he wanted Palace chief protocol officer Marciano Paynor Jr. to be the Philippine ambassador to the US because of his long experience in the foreign service. n

quez, it’ll be easy for us to shell out P3 billion),” Teo added.

Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum earlier confirmed that Pacquiao is set to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship against Australian Jeff Horn on April 22.

Arum, however, said the location of the match is not yet finalized.

“Once we have a location, then I’ll fly over to the Philippines to

meet with Manny and finalize everything on our side. But he is going to fight Jeff Horn,” Arum told ESPN. Pacquiao defends death penalty, cites Bible The boxer-turned-politician again invited controversy for recent remarks supporting the revival of the death penalty in the Philippines.

“The Bible says do not kill.

Pacquiao asks DOT for P3-B to fund his…

PAGE A1 t

billion for the fight),” Teo said in a radio interview with DZMM’s Pasada Sais Trenta.

According to her, the DOT would only grant Pacquiao’s request if he fights another big name boxer.

“I was telling him, ‘pag (Floyd) Mayweather o si Marquez, madali ‘yung i-sell, kaya namin ang P3 billion (if it’s going to be a fight with Mayweather or with Mar-

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nonetheless act accordingly if it warrants the preservation of the nation,” Andanar said.

Journalists group slams Andanar In response to Andanar’s clarification, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) criticized the communications secretary for his “utterly dishonest tack of blaming the media” over the supposed “misreporting” of Duterte’s comments.

The NUJP’s letter to Andanar pointed out that Duterte’s message has been accurately recorded on video by the government channel, RTVM. “We are saddened that you have chosen to eschew the hard work of – as your fellow communicator Sec. Ernesto Abella put it – creative imagination for the easier but utterly dishonest tack of blaming the media for accurately reporting your principal’s remarks that he may declare martial law even outside the clear justifications and limits set by the Constitution,” the group said.

The open letter, dated January 16, was posted on the group’s official website.

Replying to Andanar’s comment that the media headlines supposedly “sow panic and confusion to many,” the NUJP countered: “No, Sir, if anything, it is his words that ‘sow panic’ and your sorry attempts at creative imagination that add to the ‘confusion.’”

“You cannot falsely accuse the profession of misreporting by peddling brazenly outrageous lies. That is so beneath you,” NUJP added.

Senators react to Duterte Duterte’s recent remarks on martial law also drew mixed reactions from senators.

“Don’t worry about martial law declaration. I’m sure the president would make a lot of consultations before doing that. And he will be reminded about the constitutional provisions about martial law,” Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said.

Some senators also argued that there is no reason for the president to declare martial law.

“There is no basis to declare martial law. Rebellion has been tamed. No foreign army is steaming towards our shores to invade us. And as the President himself likes to brag, crime is down and the people are safe in their

homes and communities,” Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said.

Like Recto, Senator Risa Hontiveros noted that there is “no social and political base and/or support for martial law.”

“It has no place in a democratic society. I am afraid that President Duterte is only courting the people’s ire with his threats of dictatorship,” Hontiveros said.

Meanwhile, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV commented that Duterte should “just shut up on these martial law threats and just govern our country the way any responsible leader should.”

“All freedom-loving Filipinos should start preparing to fight another dictator,” Trillanes added. “Soldiers should also start reviewing their constitutional mandate.”

On the other hand, Senator Manny Pacquiao defended the president, saying that Duterte would not declare martial law as a self-serving act.

“He won’t declare if not for the country. He thought about it because of the severity of the problems of our country. Whatever his plans for the country, let’s support him,” Pacquiao added. n

Yasay: Philippines-Russia military…

PAGE A1 t

pines is not contemplating on having any military alliance with Russia, China or any other country.

Asked about the role of Russia in the Philippines’ independent foreign policy, Yasay said that the administration is only pursuing the mandate of the 1987 Constitution or “being friends with everybody.”

“Our interest with Russia is encompassing in the same way that our interest with China is also encompassing,” the Foreign Affairs chief said.

Yasay admitted that he had biases against Russia prior to his trip in Moscow last month.

“I was going to Russia with the mindset somehow that could not be dissociated with the Soviet Union but when I went to Russia all of these biases were gone,” Yasay said.

Meanwhile, an analyst noted

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, third left, talks to Russia’s Rear Adm. Eduard Mikhailov, fourth right, at the anti-submarine navy ship Admiral Tributs at the south pier in Manila, Philippines Friday, Jan. 6, 2017.

that Russia’s offer to sell small arms is relevant to the government’s goal of equipping the Philippine Army.

“This cooperation may be mutually beneficial: Russia makes

sales and the Armed Forces of the Philippines gets a ready source of weapons,” Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute deputy executive director Angelica Mangahas said. n

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From the Front Page

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 18-20, 2017

A

‘Governor’s Ball’ welcomes Miss Universe…

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only because]it is a life-changing experience [but because]you are doubly blessed to be here in the Philippines, home to our greatest fans and the kindest people you will ever meet—it is such a pleasure to be here.”

Shortly after, the now famous Filipina, who won the crown in describing herself as “confidently beautiful with a heart,” had her much-awaited moment on stage. Stunning in a gown made of delicate black lace, and in full Miss Universe regalia, she delivered an impromptu speech, expressing thanks for her dream come true.

“Two things that I love—the Philippines and Miss Universe— are coming together right here, right now and on January 30 where we will crown the new Miss Universe.”

Wurtzbach shared how she learned after winning the pageant that Shugart had also wanted to hold the contest in the Philippines again after 22 years.

“I asked her how do we get the ball rolling, and she said, ‘Why don’t you throw the idea out there and some people might take an interest in it and we can make it possible.”

“I’m really proud it’s happening here. I can’t think of a better way to end my reign as Miss

Universe.”

Wurtzbach drew laughter from the well-heeled crowd, when after saying she hopes the next Miss Universe is ready to inspire the world and carry on the organization’s advocacy, she teased, “We have 86 of the most beautiful women here from all around the world, and I know these girls—I can feel them looking at me, looking at the crown. Gusto nilang kunin ito!”

Enjoining the public to support the rest of pre-pageant activities, the beauty queen finally said, “Let’s show the world that it is indeed more fun in the Philippines.”

The Governor’s Ball, obviously named after Singson, was designed as an exclusive gala to provide an opportunity for “members of high society… to have a close encounter” with the candidates of the 65th Miss Universe. The event saw a mix of government officials, among them Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao (who proudly recalled to The Manila Times he was a Miss Universe judge in 2014); and several congressmen, governors and mayors, led by Manila’s Joseph Estrada; business lead-

ers including Kazuo Okada, San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang and Century Properties’ Jose Antonio; the Philippines’ Miss Universe queens Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margie Moran (1973); generations of Binibining Pilipinas winners led by MJ Lastimosa (2014); and showbiz celebrities Gretchen Barretto, Dawn Zulueta and Alice Dixson.

Over a sit-down dinner served by Via Mare, musical numbers were provided by the multi-awarded Madrigal Singers, and OPM artists Jed Madella, Radah, Frenchie Dy, and power belter Jona Viray, who ended the night with the 65th Miss Universe theme song, “Confidently Beautiful.”

The Governor’s Ball also served as a fund-raising event—with a P25,000 per plate ticket—for the projects of Pass It Forward (PIF), a philanthropic outfit that acts like a charitable “market place,” facilitating engagement between givers (individuals, corporations, and foundations) and receivers (charities). The organization was represented by PIF Managing Director Terry Alan Farris.

Noting that many tables were unoccupied despite the event’s success, The Manila Times asked organizers how much money was raised in total, but as of press time, LCS’ publicity group still had no figure available. n

New US envoy affirms ‘solid’ ties with…

PAGE A1 t

(ASEAN) this year.

“The U.S. ambassador congratulated the Philippines on its assumption of the ASEAN hosting and looked forward to a successful leadership,” Abella related.

During the meeting, Abella said Kim discussed the military and law enforcement cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.

“Furthermore, he also discussed military cooperation, particularly in the fight against terrorism, and the extent of US assistance to Mindanao,” Abella added.

Quoting Kim, Abella also took note that the United States will continue to support the Philippines.

“Citing cooperation in law enforcement, Ambassador Sung Kim stressed that the U.S. will continue to provide support, including intelligence exchange and in maritime security. It was a very productive meeting marked by an open exchange of ideas,”

FREED. Captain Chul Hong Park (left), a South Korean national, and 2nd officer Filipino Glenn Alindajao (2nd from left), two hostages released in Jolo Sulu, arrive in Davao City with Philippine Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza (2nd R). The duo was kidnapped on October 20 after rebels hijacked the cargo ship Dong Bang Giant while it was sailing near Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and the Sabah border. The ship was on its way to South Korea from Australia.

Pacquiao asks DOT for P3-B to fund his…

PAGE A2 t

Ang ibig sabihin kasi noon pag nagkasala ka sa akin hindi kita pwedeng patayin (In the past, it means that if you sinned against me, I cannot kill you). Let the authority handle that,” Pacquiao told reporters on Tuesday, January 17.

He took note that both the

Bible and the Constitution allow the imposition of the death penalty as punishment for heinous crimes.

“Siguro naman sa Constitution allowed yung heinous crimes na death penalty and then sa Panginoon naman, binibigyan ng Panginoon ang karapatan ang government (The Constitution allow

us to use death penalty for heinous crimes while the Lord also gives the government the rights) to use the capital punishment, which is the death penalty,” Pacquiao argued.

The senator also said that he is ready to lead a subcommittee in the Senate that would discuss the proposal. n

Immigration activists tell Trump admin…

PAGE A1 t

policy, according to Asercion.

He went on to echo Trump’s assertion that those who would be targeted by the administration for deportation were mostly criminals who might pose a risk to the safety of American citizens while adding unfair competition to the U.S. job market.

However, speakers at Saturday’s rally challenged that characterization.

“We are not taking away jobs from American-born workers, we are not depressing wages, we are not a drain on taxpayer dollars, ‘PRODUCTIVE MEETING’. President Rodrigo Duterte (right), accompanied by some Cabinet and we are not criminals,” Calimembers, meets the new US ambassador to Manila, Sung Kim (second from right), at the fornia State Controller Betty Yee Panacan presidential guesthouse in Davao City on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Malacañang photo told a densely packed crowd of both documented and undocuAbella said. the new U.S. ambassador to the mented Angelenos attending Last month, Kim met Duterte Philippines last year. Kim also Saturday’s event. when he presented his creden- previously worked as U.S. amShe went on to say that Calitials to the Philippine leader. bassador to South Korea from fornia has developed one of the Born in Seoul, South Korea, 2011 to 2014. (Dana Sioson / AJ- world’s most powerful econoKim replaced Philip Goldberg as Press) mies largely thanks to the work

of people who came to the U.S. from abroad.

Numerous studies show that an influx of immigrants typically provides a boost to local business in the places they choose to settle which can lead to job growth, according to Deepak Pateriya, chief of staff for the nonprofit Center for Community Change.

He and other speakers at Saturday’s rally said that Trump’s stance on immigration threatened to disrupt the livelihoods of contributing members of society.

“It’s important to distinguish between violent felons and criminals, and hardworking people who are trying to rebuild their lives,” Alejandra Valles, secretary-treasurer of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)’s United Service Workers West (USWW), told the Asian Journal after Saturday’s rally.

She said that many of those

who fear removal from the U.S. under the incoming Trump administration had committed no crime other than unlawfully entering the country. She added that in some cases, candidates for deportation were actually American citizens who had fallen victim to some sort of error in the legal system.

Members of the GOP have also expressed hope that Trump would proceed with caution on his plans to overhaul the immigration system.

“First, find out who really are the bad people,” Mel Alfarero, the founder of the Filipino-Americans Republicans of Los Angeles County (FARLAC), told the Asian Journal during a phone call on Monday. “I want him to study properly how these people will be deported.”

Both he and Asercion said that whatever measures the in-

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A JANUARY 18-20, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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US, Philippine forces to exchange experts tween the Philippines and the U.S. since President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a “miliTHE United States and Philip- tary and economic separation” pine militaries will conduct “sub- from Washington as part of an ject matter expert exchanges” “independent foreign policy.” at Clark Air Base in Pampanga On its website, Pacaf said the starting today up to January 25, exchanges would focus on caaccording to the Pacific Air Forc- pability related to the U.S. Air es (Pacaf).

Force’s ground-based satellite Upon the invitation of the Phil- imagery system known as “Eagle ippine government, the U.S. Air Vision.”

Force, U.S. Army and Armed The system provides “realForces of the Philippines (AFP) time, mission-critical imagery” service members will also con- acquired from commercially duct humanitarian assistance available satellites and is a key and disaster relief, Pacaf said. component of the U.S. Pacific Security officials have recom- Command’s foreign humanitarmended a “reduced” number ian assistance response. of joint military exercises beIn addition to improving huby Fernan

Marasigan ManilaTimes.net

manitarian and relief capabilities of both nations, the exchanges will promote increased interoperability between U.S. and Filipino forces and strengthen the military relationship between the two long-time allies, Pacaf said.

Headquartered at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Pacaf is one of nine U.S. Air Force major commands, and is the air component of U.S. Pacific Command.

Pacaf, which consists of 46,000 members including active duty personnel, Air National Guard, reserves and civilians, is tasked to provide air and space power to “promote U.S. interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.” n

Immigration activists tell Trump admin…

PAGE A3 t

coming administration launches to address the issue need to be properly debated and approved through the regular legislative process.

They say that outgoing President Barack Obama’s prior actions conferring protection from deportation to millions of undocumented residents in the United States overstepped the bounds of his authority.

On Monday, Trump reiterated his intention to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The 2012 executive order prevented immigration officials from deporting students brought to the U.S. as children by their families and granted those youth temporary work visas.

However, during a town hall meeting hosted by CNN on Thursday, January 12, House Speaker Paul Ryan said that Congress was not developing legislation that would effect the swift mass deportations the president-elect had proposed during his campaign.

“What we have to do is find a way to make sure that you can get right with the law,” Ryan told a woman who identified herself as a DACA recipient on Thursday. “We’ve got to do this in a good way so that the rug doesn’t get pulled out from under you and your family gets separated.”

In the face of mixed signals from leaders in Washington, lawmakers and educators in California had announced that they would not comply with any federal deportation efforts.

“You have to come through us before you get to our students,”

RESCUED. A Philippine serpent eagle is rescued by a village resident in Garcia Hernandez town, Bohol province. The rescuers have coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Bohol to take care of the bird. Inquirer.net photo by Leo Udtohan

US free to block China – Yasay

by Michael Joe

T. Delizo

ManilaTimes.net

Top photo shows Aquilina Versoza, executive director of Pilipino Workers Center in Los Angeles, leading a chant at the rally on Saturday, Jan. 14. Bottom photo shows Alejandra Valles, secretary-treasurer of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)’s United Service AJPress photos by Eric Anthony Licas Workers West (USWW), pumps up attendees.

Arlene Inouye, treasurer for the labor organization United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), told the Asian Journal on Saturday. “We are making it clear that we are opposed to the policies of Trump and DeVos, [the President-elect’s nominee for] secretary of education.” She, Pateriya, Valles and other advocates for immigrant and worker’s rights voiced trepidation regarding the people chosen by Trump to join his cabinet as well as the incoming administration’s vision of the future.

Alfarero and Asercion said it is too early to make judgments about the president-elect’s leadership.

As they prepare to attend his inauguration in Washington D.C. on Friday, January 20, they said the Fil-Am community must become more involved in the political process and be open to working with the president.

“We have to be engaged in order to get a reaction,” said Alfarero on Monday. “If you’re not engaged you’re not part of it.

(Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

THE Philippines will not stop the United States if it plans to block China from artificial islands in the contested West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said on Saturday.

He said the Western power also has its own interest in the international waters – a strategic sea lane through which more than half global trade, amounting to $5.3 trillion each year, passes.

“If it is the national interest of the US to prevent China from occupying disputed features in the South China Sea, they are free to do so as the area is within international waters,” the official told The Manila Times.

Yasay was responding to the remarks by US Secretary of State-designate Rex Tillerson during a confirmation hearing in Washington last week that China must be denied access to reefs it had reclaimed in the disputed waters.

“We’re going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops and, second, your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed,” the former ExxonMobil executive told US senators.

On Friday, China’s state-run media warned the United States there would be war if it moved to block China’s access to the islands.

“Unless Washington plans to wage a large-scale war in the South China Sea, any other approaches to prevent Chinese access to the islands will be foolish,” the Global Times said in an editorial.

China Daily took a similar line, saying: “It would set a course for devastating confrontation between China and the US. After all, how can the US deny China access to its own territories without inviting the latter’s legitimate, defensive responses?”

China’s official reaction to the comments was muted, with

Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.

foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang politely urging Washington to mind its own business.

“The South China Sea situation has cooled down and we hope non-regional countries can respect the consensus that it is in the fundamental interest of the whole world,” he said.

Tribunal ruling China has irreversibly destroyed seven South China Sea reefs and turned them into artificial islets, despite overlapping claims by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.

On the Philippines’ part, Yasay said the government would continue bilateral discussions with China to peacefully resolve the sea row and eventually implement a ruling of an international arbitral tribunal in favor of Manila.

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration nullified Beijing’s excessive claims in the disputed South China Sea in July 2016, upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) that gives the Philippines sovereign rights to areas within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

“We have our interest to protect and we are committed to resolve the issue to implement the arbitral tribunal’s ruling peacefully and in accordance with in-

ternational law,” Yasay said.

He added that a legally binding framework for the code of conduct of Southeast Asian nations and China in the South China Sea will be completed in the middle of the year.

The code of conduct may pave the way for the enforcement of the Philippines’ international victory, he added.

But the Chinese foreign ministry expressed confidence “the issue of the South China Sea won’t be discussed” under the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) this year.

“I believe you are all aware that the Philippine government has stated explicitly that during their serving as the rotating chair of Asean, the issue of the South China Sea won’t be discussed at Asean meetings,” the Chinese foreign ministry’s Lu was quoted as saying in a translated transcript issued on Saturday.

Yasay, however, said Manila had only decided not to raise the arbitration ruling, as it was a bilateral issue between Manila and Beijing.

“The South China Sea issue will likely be the subject of interventions during the Asean meetings but not the arbitral tribunal ruling. We will continue to urge the observation of the rule of law and the 1982 Unclos,” he said. n

Dateline PhiliPPines House opposition sees victory over death penalty bill Lagman says anti-death restoration to win big on conscience vote, win by slim margin in a party vote

by DJ

Yap Inquirer.net

MANILA — Opponents of the death penalty would win by a big margin if a “conscience vote” were to prevail in Congress, but only by a slim one if the vote was done according to party lines, opposition lawmakers said Tuesday.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, a leader of the “Magnificent 7” minority bloc, said he expected a long and contentious debate at the House of Representatives on the bill restoring the capital punishment for heinous crimes.

“As of now, if there is a conscience vote, then definitely [the death penalty bill] will not pass.

But the Speaker wants a party vote, which is a pressure vote.

This is why some members who are against the death penalty may be pressured not to attend session in order to deny a negative vote,” he told a press forum.

In such a case, “we still believe we can win but only by a slim margin,” said Lagman.

But Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Tuesday he was “very confident” that the measure would pass because of the strength of the majority coalition.

In an interview with reporters, the House leader said he expected the debates to last 30 days.

Although optimistic about the

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman

chances of the bill, Alvarez assured his colleagues in the supermajority that no action would be taken against those who would not support the bill.

Another leader of the opposition bloc, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, said other members of the supermajority were against the bill.

“Many of our colleagues, their positions come from their strong personal convictions. That’s why we expect them, in spite of their being in majority, to interpellate, including the Makabayan lawmakers, who are part of the supermajority,” he said.

Lagman noted that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now a deputy speaker and Pampanga congresswoman, under whose presidency the death

Inquirer.Net file photo

penalty had been abolished, was among those opposed to the bill.

He said other supermajority members, including PBA Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles, were against the death penalty, Lagman said.

In a statement, Nograles said: “I am pro-admin, however, I am also pro-life. I cannot support the death penalty bill.”

“I believe that Congress must prioritize legislation increasing the number of courts, prosecutors, and public attorneys so we can speed up the judicial process from the average of seven years for the first decision down to hopefully less than a year trial. It is my duty to play an active role in the debates and I hope that the debates will be factual,” he said. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

PH LAUNCHES CHAIRMANSHIP IN DAVAO CITY

Duterte calls for stronger ASEAN

A

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NOW MORE FREQUENT SERVICE.

by al JacinTo ManilaTimes.net

PH asks China to explain reported weaponry in reclaimed islands

by Michael Joe

T. Delizo

ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines has sent a number of “low-key” notes verbale to China to seek clarification on several issues, including the reported arms buildup on artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said on Tuesday.

In various television interviews, Yasay said “three to four” notes verbale were sent to China, even as Manila seeks to repair ties with Beijing.

“We make sure that our interests are properly protected so when a situation arises for us to issue a note verbale, we just do it as a matter of course without any fanfare,” he said.

A note verbale is an unsigned diplomatic document issued by a complaining country to another if there is a disagreement.

Yasay said, however, that filing such notes was not meant as a

protest, but to verify reports and discuss them with China.

“We are very vigilant about any actions or any acts that will be provocative or only serve to increase the tensions there,” he said. “We will always make sure that we will always take the appropriate action in protecting these rights.”

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies last month published satellite photographs of what appeared to be fortifications and weapons systems on seven man-made islets in South China Sea. In a separate interview with reporters, the country’s top diplomat stressed that renewing ties with China did not mean compromising the Philippines’ sovereignty rights over its 200nautical mile exclusive economic zone, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “We’re verifying the whole

thing and I will assure you that we are taking steps in making sure that the interest of the Philippines in protecting our sovereignty rights are upheld and so on,” Yasay said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza appeared to contradict Yasay, saying China’s militarization of the South China Sea was “very troubling” and neither peaceful nor friendly.

“Notwithstanding the warming of relations between our countries, the Philippine government would be remiss in its duty to protect its national interest if it does not protest, question and seek clarification from China on the presence of weapons in the Spratlys,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

“The actions of China in militarizing those disputed features are very troubling. They do not square with the Chinese government’s rhetoric that its purpose is peaceful and friendly.”

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Lowering age of criminal liability an anti-child policy, says solon by arTeMio

DuMlao Philstar.com

BAGUIO CITY — Ifugao lawmaker Teodoro Baguilat is urging members of the House of Representatives to fight the move to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to nine years old, saying that doing so will go against the best interests of the child.

“We just celebrated the Feast of the Sto. Nino and we, as a Christian Nation, believe that the path to our salvation is to see the world through the innocence of a child. Children deserve and need our guidance and support, not severe punishment,” Baguilat said.

He said the proposal, which is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda, is “cruel and unjust” and will not address the roots of juvenile criminality.

“Children should be treated with more compassion and understanding. Subjecting them to criminal prosecution for mistakes or wrongdoings that their young minds cannot yet discern will irreparably damage their future,” Baguilat said.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez filed House Bill 002 to lower the age of criminal liability, claiming that crime has risen

because children are being used as drug couriers.

Baguilat has called on the public to oppose the passage of the bill, which is one of the pet bills of Alvarez and the majority. The Lower House has been running an online poll to get the public’s pulse on the proposed measure.

“Instead of amending the law and lower the age of criminal liability, I believe that it will be more productive to strengthen the current Juvenile Justice and Welafare Act and provide more resources for the government agencies and local government units to effectively rehabilitate children in conflict with the law,” Baguilat said.

The Ifugao lawmaker enjoined families, schools, churches, and other civic organizations to work together to prevent children from getting into conflict with the law in the first place, through such actions as keeping them in school.

He echoed sentiments of other organizations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund, or UNICEF, which has been consistent in its opposition to the proposed lowering of the age of criminal responsibility.

“Reducing the minimum age of criminal responsibility goes against the best interests of the child and threatens the well-being of the most vulnerable children,” the organization said. n

CA refuses to stop $2B enforcement case by HR victims vs Marcoses

by TeTch

Torres-Tupas Inquirer.net

THE Court of Appeals dismissed the petition filed by the Marcos family seeking to stop the Makati City Regional Trial Court from proceeding with the case filed by martial law victims to enforce a US court’s ruling that awarded them US$2-billion in damages.

In a three-page resolution, the appeals court’s Special 13th Division through Associate Justice Ma. Luisa Quijano-Padilla denied the motion for extension filed by the Marcos family to appeal the May 20 and Aug. 3, 2016 orders of Makati RTC Branch 134 Judge Elpidio Calis.

Both orders denied their motion to dismiss the case filed by the human rights victims led by former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) head Loreta Ann Rosales, Joel Lamangan, Hilda Narciso, Priscilla Mijares and Jose Duran.

Petitioners cited heavy workload for asking for an extension to file their petition for certiorari.

They said they received a copy of the Makati RTC order on August 12, 2016, giving them 60 days or until October 11, 2016 to file a petition for certiorari.

But “due to urgent professional work including the preparation for the certiorari petitions filed before the Supreme Court questioning the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos, petitioners were unable to prepare their petition.”

Thus, the Marcoses prayed that they be given an additional period of 30 days from October 11, 2016 until November 10, 2016 within which to file their petition.

The appeals court, however noted that the high court en banc has issued an administrative order amending Section 4, Rule 65 of the Rules of Court.

It noted that the amendment deleted the clause that allowed

an extension of the period to file a petition for certiorari for compelling reasons.

“As it stands now, parties are only given an unextendible 60day period from notice of judgment or from notice of denial of their motion for reconsideration within which to file a petition for certiorari,” the appeals court said.

While the amendment did not make the filing of a motion for extension absolutely prohibited, the appeals court said it sees no reason to relax the rules in this case.

It pointed out that the heavy workload of the petitioners’ counsel is often “self-serving and as such, is hardly a compelling meritorious reason to deviate from the 60-day rule.”

Concurring with the ruling were Associate Justices Samuel Gaerlan and Jhosep Lopez.

In 1991, a complaint for damages was filed with the US Dis-

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Improved Service for Line 501: NoHo to Pasadena Express Metro’s Line 501 has been improved, with service every 12 minutes during weekday peak travel periods. Ride with us, and you’ll ?y down the carpool lane on the 134 Freeway with limited stops and easy connections to the Orange and Gold Lines. For detailed timetables or to plan your trip, visit metro.net/line501.

Federal Grant Helps Expedite Purple Line Extension Construction Federal funding of nearly $1.6 billion to help build the second phase of the Metro Purple Line Extension to downtown Beverly Hills and Century City was announced earlier this month. Metro is aiming to >nish the project by 2024 before a potential Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Find out more at metro.net/purplelineext.

Patsaouras Bus Plaza Station Project Construction Begins Construction has begun on a new transit busway station for the Metro Silver Line and other transit buses operating on the El Monte Busway. The new station will be located just south of Patsaouras Transit Plaza, next to US-101. As a result, the northbound US-101 Vignes St on-/o=-ramps are closed for approximately four months while the new station is built. Learn more at metro.net/capitalprojects.

Regional Connector Tunnel Boring Machine Arrival Work continues to move along on the Regional Connector Transit Project with the tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the project recently arriving in Little Tokyo. The two million pound machine will chew its way through the earth creating the tunnels that will link the Blue, Expo and Gold Lines. Learn more at metro.net/regionalconnector.

metro.net @metrolosangeles losangelesmetro

17-1440ps_gen-v-17-007 ©2017 lacmta

PRINCE OF PEACE. Devotees parade their images of the Santo Niño or the Holy Infant Jesus ahead of Sunday’s festivities in Tondo, Manila.

The Filipino devotion to the Holy Child stems from the rediscovery in 1565 by Spanish colonizers of an image of the Santo Niño brought

by Magellan to Cebu in 1521.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday called for a stronger region free of external interference, dependence and ignorance as he launched the Philippine chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) that coincides with the bloc’s 50th founding anniversary.

Duterte, who arrived in a pair of gray trousers, the sleeves of his barong rolled up just above the wrists, and wearing suspenders, stuck to his prepared remarks during ceremonies at the SMX Convention Center in his home city.

The President said Asean must be strengthened to attain peace, stability and “inclusive and innovation-led growth,” and become a “model of regionalism.”

But Asean must rid itself of dependence and ignorance, he said.

“For an Asean citizen, the Asean community must provide opportunities for a truly better life. This is a life that has broken the bonds of dependence and ignorance. This is a life that has given opportunities for selfimprovement. This is a life that is provided by a society transformed and reformed,” Duterte said.

“We express our shared determination to ensure stability and security from external interference in any form of negotiation in order to preserve our national identity,” he added.

The Philippine hosting of the 2017 Asean meetings has the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

There will be 118 Asean meetings in the Philippines this year.

Two of them will be summits of heads of states of the 10 Asean member-nations and dialogue partners.

There will also be 15 ministerial meetings, 31 senior officials’ meetings and more than 60

A JANUARY 18-20, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

ASEAN at 50

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is turning 50 years old this year. The 10-member organization will celebrate a milestone, from starting as a loosely constructed regional association at the height of the Cold War to becoming a stable organization that has overcome a myriad of challenges that have come its way.

Perhaps the biggest prize for ASEAN has been the preservation of peace, stability, prosperity and close relations among its members, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This stable bond has propelled ASEAN’s economic growth and has boosted its international profile.

President Rogrido Duterte on Sunday, Jan. 15 called for a stronger ASEAN free of external interference, dependence and ignorance as he launched the Philippine chairmanship of the bloc’s 50th founding anniversary.

“For an ASEAN citizen, the ASEAN community must provide opportunities for a truly better life.

This is a life that has broken the bonds of dependence and ignorance. This is a life that has given opportunities for self-improvement. This is a life that is provided by a society transformed and reformed,” Duterte said.

With the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” the Philippine hosting of the 2017 ASEAN meetings aims to have “inclusive and innovation-led growth,” and turn ASEAN into a “model of regionalism.

“We express our shared determination to ensure stability and security from external interference in any form of negotiation in order to preserve our national identity,” the president added.

The Philippines will be hosting 118 ASEAN meetings this year—including two summits with the heads of states of the 10 member-nations and dialogue partners—which will take place in various locations nationwide, including Metro Manila, Laoag, Pampanga, Legazpi, Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

“Fifty years, hence, we see ourselves much changed for the better. Lives have been improved.

The march towards sustainable development and inclusive growth continues to take place. And we have established amongst ourselves good neighborliness that allows for secure and stable relations. But we also see in ourselves the very same burning desire to move forward together based on shared values,” Duterte said in his speech.

Despite these achievements, some political pundits have challenged the organization to grow economically and politically, to have a more dynamic ASEAN Code of Conduct, and a facilitation of a deeper and more meaningful dialogue and consul-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

tation.

ASEAN must also address the brewing tension in the contested waters of the South China Sea. China asserts sovereignty on almost the entire South China Sea. China has been aggressive when it comes to territorial disputes. It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei) on the oiland gas-rich waters.

Despite obstacles set by conflicts among nations, ASEAN is moving forward to pursue higher goals.

The ASEAN community is sure to meet its vision of becoming an alliance that has withstood the test of time, assuring regional peace and stability for its people. Allies not only by common interests, but also by shared values and aspirations among its people, the ASEAN will set precedents for creating a solution to global challenges. (AJPress)

Thank you for your service, President Barack Obama IT was President Barack Obama who welcomed me and my family when we took our oaths as new citizens of the United States of America in 2012. It was during his presidency when I first exercised my sacred right and duty as an adopted daughter of America.

I have followed President Obama’s rise to the highest post in the land — watched him evolve from being a candidate up until he was catapulted to be the most powerful leader in the world. I have also watched his family — First Lady Michelle Obama and their two daughters Sasha and Malia during the eight years that they were in the White House.

You may not believe in his policy and ideology.

You may not agree with all his decisions, initiatives and actions. But looking past the prism of contentious and dirty tactics of politics, I hope you also

we came from, our age, educafind in you the respect and even tional attainment, economic staadmiration for the man.

The Fil-Am tus, religion, our gender, whom THANK YOU, President Barack we choose to love — for as long Obama, for being the leader who Perspective as we do our part in respecting my children can emulate in the and obeying the law, and giving way you carried your self with deour fair share for the good of the cency, integrity, humility, dignity, nation. and respect for all human beings.

THANK YOU for showing us THANK YOU for living a life that Gel sanTos-relos what the audacity of hope really exemplifies that thirst for the truth, is in the way you governed the country, amid all for learning, and the pursuit of excellence.

THANK YOU for walking the talk when you teach the criticisms and obstructionism from your politimy family about how America is a nation that is cal detractors. You ran your race in the best way strengthened by immigrants like us, welcoming us you can with grace, faith in God and in the goodto this exceptional country with your policies that ness and value of every person. You fought hard affirm the very principle held scared by the Con- so that those who have been blessed may be institution — equal opportunities and equal rights spired and motivated to reach out and help those for all regardless of the color of our skin, where who are in need, marginalized, and neglected by

society because you believe we are all on this journey together.

THANK YOU, President Barack Obama for your service to the country. I know you will continue fighting for us. I know you will continue to inspire us. Your legacy will live on in all of us as we do our part in giving back to this nation, to the world, to this planet as you have shown us in the past eight years.

May God bless you and your beautiful family as you start a new chapter in your life as a private citizen. *** 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

Govern well if you can, forget about martial law A DEVOUT and gentle friend has sug- Opinion gested that I lock up my laptop, look for a crevice in a rock somewhere, where (like a sea gull) I could bury my head while the storm blows, for Francisco TaTad a storm (he says) is coming, which would be quite nasty to everyone who believed in freedom.

Grave dangers are coming, he says— the Church would be persecuted, social and political institutions crushed, the media suppressed, journalists jailed or killed “while resisting arrest,” or assassinated by a newly organized corps of assassins. Beside this new Reign of Terror, the brutality of the drug war would be like child’s play; you’d be wishing all we had was the state killing machine that exterminated the small fry in the slums and in slippers, but never touched the big guys.

Out of respect for my friend, I had to tremble a little. But I instantly felt ashamed of myself. How could I? I have survived storms, floods, shipwrecks and tremblors, defied thugs on the campaign trail, disarmed goons without recourse to force or violence. I have taught my children what my parents had taught me, never to be afraid of anything that threatens harm to the body but not the soul. If I cut my tongue now, whose tongue will the tyrant cut when the time for cutting tongues comes? If I flee my country now, what will my grandchildren say when their friends start talking of their grandfathers?

But my friend said the new Terror would unleash evils we have not seen before. I thought this was pure exaggeration, except that I could not surmise the limits of his exaggeration.

Then I heard the President speak. This was Monday morning. I was being interviewed by TV host Howie Severino on GMA-7, when a tape was played of DU30’s speech last Saturday before the Davao City Chamber of Commerce. I could not believe what I was hearing.

As usual, the President was talking of his “war” on drugs, which has already killed over 6,200 suspects. The marching orders of the police are to “neutralize” all illegal drug personalities, and the police and the so-called “vigilantes” are doing all the killings. It isn’t at all like in Mexico or Colombia, where the drug cartels are armed to the teeth and engage government troops in gun battles. Bato de la Rosa’s troops are in no apparent danger of being pushed back by a superior counter-force of drug runners. It is a one-sided war. It could become “virulent,” as the President puts it, but only because of the extra-judicial killings, not because the drug lords would now come out in the open and inflict untold casualties on the police and the civilian population.

DU30’s idea of duty But this is not how the President puts it. “I have to protect the Filipino people,” he told his Davao audience. It was his latest double-speak. “It’s my duty. And I tell you now, if I have to declare martial law, I will declare it. Not about invasion, insurrection, not about danger. I will declare martial law to preserve my nation, period. Wala akong pakialam diyan sa Supreme Court. (I don’t care about the Supreme Court.) Because the right to preserve one’s life, and my nation, my country transcends everything else, even the limitations…Walang makapipigil sa akin—walang invasion, invasion.

(Nothing can stop me—no such thing as invasion, invasion.)”

This was certainly a mouthful. And the press dutifully and correctly reported it. But apparently realizing DU30 had exceeded himself, Malacañang accused the press of “misreporting” what the President had said. Chimed in Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar: “We…decry the latest misreporting that the President will declare martial law simply ‘if he wants to’

or that ‘no one can stop the President from declaring martial law.’ Such headlines sow panic and confusion to many.

We consider this kind of reportage as the height of journalistic irresponsibility.”

To this, a rejoinder from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said it was Andanar’s principal—DU30—-who was sowing panic and confusion to the public. Bull’s eye.

From the Senate, Minority Leader Ralph Recto dismissed DU30’s statement as mere bluster, without any constitutional basis and therefore not to be taken seriously. This was a breath of fresh air from the sterile, soporific and stagnant Senate. One hopes that with this statement, Ralph Recto has decided to step into the shoes of his revered patriarch, the late Senator Claro Mayo Recto, one of the greatest Filipinos that ever graced the Senate, a name worthier than that of many presidents.

Both Ralph’s analysis and prescription are correct. Like a country bumpkin who tries to impress his uneducated listeners with his big talk, DU30 is probably best ignored. But he occupies the highest seat of power in the land and claims the biggest media time and space for his profanities. How can the sensational and shallow mass media, which have all but forgotten the art and value of enterprise reporting and prefer to be spoon fed with political garbage from the cheapest source, ignore the zaniest things the President says? Is organized avoidance of DU30 even remotely possible?

What the press can do In the golden age of Philippine journalism, when patriots and intellectuals manned the ramparts of the Fourth Estate, newspapers and newspapermen of note took common positions on public issues and ran joint editorials against political abuses and any perceived official debasement of public mores and cultural values. Is such an idea even remotely possible today, when obscenity has become a national currency and the most widely self-advertised proponent

of the cheapest morality is anointed as the official guardian of morality in the entertainment world, and none of the sensitive organs of taste and thought are disturbed?

More to the point, after only six months, during which DU30 has turned the entire government into an echo chamber and a rubber stamp, why is he obsessed with the use of extra-constitutional means to control the State? What allows him to believe that he could equate anything he likes to do with “duty” and prescribe any cure he may concoct, even one that’s worse than the disease? The President’s real duty, to which he took a solemn oath when he assumed office, is to “preserve and defend (the) Constitution, execute (the nation’s) laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate (himself) to the service of the Nation.” Has he done all this, and found it not enough to satisfy his thirst for public service? Why is he talking nonsense about martial law?

Let’s quote it once more For the nth time, I will quote, in full, what the Constitution says when and under what circumstances, and how martial law may be invoked. Sec. 18, Article VII provides: “The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion.

In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit the report in person or in writing to the Congress.

The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside

by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.

“The Congress, if not in session, shall within twenty-four hours following such proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without need of a call.

“The Supreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen, the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ or the extension thereof, and must promulgate its decision thereon within thirty days from its filing.

“A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians when civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ. The suspension of the privilege of the writ shall apply only to persons judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected with invasion.

“During the suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be released.”

A stupid but binding provision We have to agree with DU30 that this provision emasculates and bastardizes the martial law provision of the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions. It reduces to absurdity the so-called Commander-inChief provision of the Constitution. It is absurd to expect the President and Commander-in-Chief to report to Congress, assuming it could still meet in the middle of an invasion or rebellion, when public safety can no longer be guaranteed, and ask Congress to decide whether or not the President and

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 18-20, 2017

A

PH asks China to explain reported‌ PAGE A5 t

In MalacaĂąang, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the Philippines would continue to pursue diplomatic approaches. “Aggressive and provocative diplomacy will bring us nowhere so we dealt with the issue formally,â€? Abella told reporters. “The Philippines will continue to assert its sovereignty over the disputed territory in the South China Sea while remaining consistent with the efforts of President Duterte to revitalize longstanding ties with China. As always, we shall staunchly support all efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,â€? he added.

In July last year, the Philippines scored a sweeping victory in an

international arbitration court that invalidated China’s historical claims to almost the entire South China Sea. But the Asian giant ignored the ruling and continued its apparent militarization in the strategic sea lane, through which pass over 65 percent of global trade amounting to $5.3 trillion each year.

Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, lamented that Yasay did not consider a diplomatic protest to strengthen the country’s legal position. “Fact that Yasay has not described [the note verbale as a diplomatic protest], in addition to his previous statements, in-

dicates that the Philippines may not have protested at all,� he told The Manila Times.

Ambassador Lauro Baja, former Philippine permanent representative to the United Nations, questioned Yasay’s motive in sending notes verbale. “When one country sends a note verbale, normally it should be a diplomatic protest. It’s quite strange, if not naive that you send a note verbale to verify something which you do not have exact fact from the other side, and expect that you get a fair and accurate reply,� he said.

Baja added that “in the normal flow of things, they don’t reply to this kind of note especially if the note contains facts that cannot be controverted.� n

CA refuses to stop $2B enforcement‌

NARCO-POLITICOS. President Rodrigo Duterte points to photos of government officials linked to drugs. The president threatened to kill provincial governors involved in drugs after saying the same to mayors last week, and ordered security forces to bomb kidnap gangs even if they held hostages.

MalacaĂąang photo

PAGE A5 t

trict Court of Hawaii against the Marcos estate. The complainants said they were the victims during the Martial law era.

Complainants invoked the Alien Tort Act as basis for the US’ jurisdiction over the complaint, as it involved a suit by aliens for tortious violations of international law.

In February 1995, the US District Court, presided by Judge Manuel Real, rendered a final ruling over the case awarding the plaintiff class a total of $1,964,005,859.90.

The final judgment was eventually affirmed by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in a decision on December 17, 1996.

The victims then filed a case Rule 38 Section 48 of the Rules recognized and enforced in the in court for the recognition of of Court which provides that Philippines through a case filed the US ruling as required under such foreign judgment has to be with Philippine courts. n

Govern well if you can, forget‌

PAGE A6 t

Commander-in-Chief is responding correctly to the situation. It was a group of political innocents under Cory Aquino, who were reacting to the stories about martial law though not to the horrors that had prompted Marcos to declare martial law, that gifted us this perverted “reform.�

We have to rewrite this provision. But the people, who are the real authors of the Constitution, must be the ones to do it. DU30 cannot do it because under the Constitution, he has no role to play in proposing constitutional revisions or amendments. The Congress and the people alone have the right to do so, but it must be a Congress whose members represent the electorate rather than the President. While this provision remains, the President’s duty is to respect and faithfully comply with it. For DU30 to say he will not be governed by it

is to say he is prepared to stage a coup against the Constitution, the government and people of the Philippines.

This is exactly what his communist partners are said to be plotting. DU30 must try to extricate himself from it. After six months of petty despotism, his concern should not be how to expand or extend the reach of his extra-constitutional powers. It should be to show that he has a moral, political and social philosophy and a program of government by means of which he can govern the nation well. Despite all the crooked surveys trying to assure him, and the bulk of ignorant and intimidated Filipinos, that a high percentage of unknown people are satisfied with him, we do not see a single reason why that should be, and we have not seen a single program or activity that promises life more than death to most Filipinos. (fstatad@gmail.com)

PAGE A5 t

Duterte calls for stronger‌

working group meetings.

The meetings will take place in various locations nationwide, including Metro Manila, Laoag, Pampanga, Legazpi, Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. ‘Respect sovereignty’ Along with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, the Philippines is a founding member of Asean, which was formed in 1967 at the height of the Cold War. Asean formed a free-trade area in 1992 and declared the establishment of the Asean Economic Community at the end of 2015. “Fifty years, hence, we see ourselves much changed for the better. Lives have been improved. The march towards sustainable development and inclusive growth continues to take place. And we have established amongst ourselves good neighborliness that allows for secure and stable relations. But we also see in ourselves the very same burning desire to move forward together based on shared values,� Duterte said in his speech. “We see the very same resolve to work together for a world that recognizes interconnectedness and respect for the sovereign independence,� he added.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening the Asean community. “Over the past five decades, the Philippines has supported Asean and contributed to its progress and achievement. We are all partners in Asean’s work,

in regional development, and in making positive change in the lives of our citizens,� Yasay said, speaking ahead of the President.

Militant groups however, criticized Asean as a foreign tool to pursue “neoliberal� economic policies.

The farmers’ group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said the launch of Asean 2017 was more than just “a showcase of the country’s world-class tourism and supreme hospitality, but ‘a stamp of commitment’ of the Duterte administration’s upholding of anti-people neoliberal economic policies promoted by the Asean and foreign economic powers.�

Focus on MSMEs Duterte also said the Philippines would pursue initiatives to strengthen the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 90 percent of Asean businesses, during the 2017 meetings.

Duterte said Asean should provide opportunities for its people by making the region more open for businesses and improving connectivity. “We must continue working on a bigger, more open, rules-based market for business and trade to thrive,� he said. “We must forge the increased people-to-people interaction through commerce, travel, education,� he added.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon said in an interview that the Asean Business Advisory Council would continue dis-

cussions on facilitating assistance to MSMEs through infrastructure and financing, among others.

The business council plans to enhance connectivity between Asean and its free-trade agreement partners through maritime infrastructure and routes. “A multilateral agreement is needed to have facilities, such as ports, among our [free-trade] partners,� he said.

Export opportunities At the sidelines of the launch, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol said the Philippine would pursue food export opportunities under the Asean Economic Community or AEC. “In Asean, our target initially would be Singapore because it is dependent on food imports. [We will export] pork, chicken, eggs, even vegetables. But we have to really source these things from Mindanao because of its proximity to Singapore,â€? he said.

PiĂąol said he considered the AEC “both as a boon and a baneâ€? especially for the country’s agriculture sector. “We are trying to discover now what is it that Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam would need from us‌if we don’t do that, there will be a trade imbalance. We will be flooded with [imported]products,â€? he said.

The government will ensure that farmers will be able to compete in the AEC, he said.

PiĂąol said support programs include solar-powered irrigation systems, a mechanization program, technology transfer and supply of hybrid seeds. n

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 18-20, 2017

BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY ournal

B

Tourist arrivals to hit 6.5 M this year

by Mary

GraCe Philstar.com

Aside from foreign tourists, the DOT is also targeting 73.3 million domestic travels within the country.

The government is also eyeing P407 billion and P1.954 trillion in revenues from the spending of foreign and domestic tourists, respectively.

The DOT’s Route Development Team, for its part, said it is continuing its efforts to open new routes, particularly shorthaul flights.

Erwin Balane, the team’s head, told The STAR. The DOT is eyeing to launch more flight connections with its Asian neighbors.

Trips to the country’s secondary airports have been increasing, as well.

Earlier, the DOT Route Development Team said it inau-

PaDin

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s efforts to improve the Philippines’ air connectivity with other countries will continue to stimulate increased tourist arrivals in the country this 2017, a senior official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Tourism Undersecretary for development planning Benito Bengzon told The STAR the country would achieve its 6.5 million foreign tourist target in 2017 on the back of improved accessibility.

“Growth will be fueled by improved air connectivity with more foreign and domestic airlines operating in our primary and secondary airports,” Bengzon said in a text message.

u PAGE B2

Amid protests, vanity tax bill loses luster

by Zinnia

b. Dela Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The International Monetary Fund raised its 2017 growth forecast for the Philippines on the back of strong macroeconomic fundamentals and expectations of a rebound in export earnings.

IMF resident representative Shanaka Jayanath Peiris said the multilateral lender has upgraded its gross domestic product growth assumption for the Philippines to 6.8 percent from 6.7 percent.

“The Philippines is expected to maintain its strong GDP growth momentum regis-

by nikko

DiZon Inquirer.net

AN online campaign against a bill that would tax beauty products and services won, after Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe announced he would no longer push for the measure meant to generate more money for the government.

“We also listen to the sentiments of the people who will be affected by the tax on the beauty industry,” Batocabe said at a press conference on Monday, Jan. 16.

Batocabe’s proposal to tax what he described as a “multibillion-peso beauty industry” drew a firestorm of protests within days, led by a social media campaign called #DontTaxMyBeauty.

He suggested the vanity tax bill in place of the excise tax on

Peña

tered in 2016 into 2017 at a pace of about 6.8 percent, supported by a fiscal stimulus as the budget deficit widens towards the three percent of GDP target,” Peiris said.

The IMF fully supports the government’s plan to widen the budget deficit target to three percent of GDP in the medium-term to boost infrastructure development.

The Philippines emerged as the fastest growing economy in the region after it recorded a 7.1-percent expansion in the third quarter of 2016, outpacing China’s 6.7 percent, Vietnam’s 6.4 percent, Indonesia’s five percent, and Malaysia’s 4.3 percent.

The growth forecast upgrade was also due

to a modest recovery in exports. “Exports are also anticipated to recover reflecting the pick-up in global growth and commodity prices,” Peiris said.

Peiris highlighted the need for additional revenue to finance further infrastructure and social spending.

“The medium term growth outlook would depend on the more uncertain global economic outlook and the passage of the administration’s tax reform proposals that would be important to continue to raise public infrastructure investment and social spending to benefit from the demographic dividend,” he said. n

BSP extends deadline for exchanging old peso bills

Currency (NGC).

However, all banknotes registered with the Bangko Sentral ng THE deadline for exchang- Pilipinas (BSP) by overseas and ing or replacing peso bills that immigrant Filipinos and foreignhave been demonetized and no ers from October 1 to December longer accepted as payment for 31, 2016 can still be exchanged goods and services has been within a year after registration.

The New Design Series (NDS) extended by the central bank to June 30, 2017, to give stakehold- banknotes were deemed demoners enough time to convert their etized by the BSP as of January 1, cash into the New Generation 2017 in favor of the NGC series.

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

Rep. Rodel Batocabe

petroleum products, which the Duterte administration wanted to implement to raise more money for the government.

At the press conference, the lawmaker said he understood that every tax proposal would

u PAGE B2

In a statement on Monday, BSP emphasized that the extended deadline was meant specifically for the benefit of following stakeholders: • authorized agent banks • provincial, city and municipal treasurers • overseas Filipinos • Filipinos immigrants • foreigners All NDS notes deposited with

the authorized banks on or before March 31, 2017 can be exchanged and deposited with the BSP until June 30, 2017.

For city, provincial and municipal treasurers all NDS inventory on or before March 31 can also be exchanged until June 30.

Overseas Filipinos, Filipino immigrants and non-residents can register up to P50,000 of the old

u PAGE B3

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AS NEDA AIMS TO DEVELOP HIGH-INCOME ECONOMY

PH needs investment equal to 30% of GDP

by MayveLin

U. CarabaLLo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines will have to ramp up its total investment spending to an equivalent of 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to achieve its goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2022 and a high-income one by 2040, the socioeconomic planning body said over the weekend.

As part of the target, the public share of investments must increase from 5.4 percent of GDP this year to 7 percent onward until 2022, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement.

The budget for public infrastructure alone beginning this year will be raised to 5.4 percent of GDP, which is equivalent to about P861 billion, while private investment is expected to contribute 18.6 percent of GDP, for a total investment equivalent to 24 percent of GDP, Pernia said.

“This is a significant improvement from historical lows, but this level will not be enough to help the country achieve its vi-

sion of eradicating poverty and becoming a high-income economy, where Malaysia is nearly right now, by 2040,” he said.

To achieve this vision, the country needs to bring total investments from 24 percent this year to 30 percent of GDP, of which 7 percent of GDP will be contributed by the public sector.

“Hence, an ambitious program focusing on infrastructure is necessary not only to raise the government’s contribution to investments, but also to fill the country’s massive infrastructure backlog that has been inherited from past governments,” Pernia said.

Boost infra budget to P1.9T by 2022 The government’s total infrastructure budget, both national and local, is projected to grow from P861 billion in 2017 to P1.898 trillion by 2022, or from 5.4 percent to about 7 percent of GDP, Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno has said.

“These record levels of spending will align our country with its more vibrant neighbors and put us on track to achieve our vision

of eradicating extreme poverty and transforming our economy into a high-income one by 2040,” he said.

Diokno reiterated, however, that the unprecedented levels of public spending in the years ahead can happen only if the government generates much more revenue than currently collected, an effort that will require major reforms in tax policy and administration.

Tax reform vital to growth plan With this, a tax reform program must be implemented to achieve this vision, according to the government’s economic managers.

Pernia, who is also director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said the government needs to implement broad and deep reforms in tax policy and administration in order to raise enough revenue to fund the government’s unprecedented public spending plan.

“Without the tax reform, we will not be able to fund the

u PAGE B3

Ayala seeks more greenfield projects in Philippines, ASEAN

by Kristyn

niKa M. ManilaTimes.net

Lazo

LISTED conglomerate Ayala Corp. (AC) said it is looking for more partnerships and acquisition opportunities, particularly in the development of greenfield projects, not just in the Philippines but also in select markets in Southeast Asia.

“We are always on the lookout for potential business opportunities internationally, for acquisition and development of greenfield projects both in the Philippines and [the]Southeast Asian markets,” AC told The Manila Times in an emailed statement.

Ayala has been actively scout-

ing for business opportunities in “attractive” markets in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia. Earlier this month, AC announced its power arm AC Energy Holdings Inc. struck a deal with UPC Renewables Indonesia Ltd. to develop, construct, and operate a 75-megawatt (MW) wind farm project in Sidrap, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The $150 million project will be developed by Indonesia-based special purpose company PT UPC Sidrap Bayu Energi. Ayala said AC Energy’s investment in the project amounts to $30 million.

The Sidrap project — expected to be completed by the end of 2017 — will be the first utility scale wind farm project in Indo-

nesia and the first greenfield offshore investment of AC Energy through its affiliate AC Energy International Holdings Pte Ltd., a Singapore private limited company.

AC is the umbrella conglomerate of the Ayala family, which holds the group’s businesses in power (AC Energy), water (Manila Water Company Inc.), telecoms (Globe Telecom Inc.), property (Ayala Land Inc.), semiconductors (Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc.), banking (Bank of the Philippine Islands), infrastructure (AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp.), automotive (Ayala Automotive), and BPO and education (LiveIt Investments Ltd.), among others. n

PEZA wants Malacañang relocated to Mauban, Quezon by raadee

s. saUsa ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) will propose to President Rodrigo Duterte to relocate Malacañan Palace to Mauban in Quezon province.

“Philip Xia, owner of F1 Hotel will donate 200 hectares for the proposed national government center, where we will relocate the Malacañang, and the three branches of government: executive, legislative and judiciary,” PEZA Director General Charito Plaza said last week.

The move will supposedly help decongest Metro Manila.

“Now it takes two and a half hours to get there, so, we can put up a railway system to make it faster, and Metro Manila will be a commercial, residential center.”

The PEZA is seeking to make a courtesy call on the President, as well as seek the help of the Japan International Cooperation

Malacañan Palace

Agency to finance a master plan for the scheme.

“Together with my big locators in PEZA, we will present to the President these new programs. So the offices of the three branches will be a one-stopshop,” Plaza said.

The PEZA has just approved the Mauban, Quezon-Greater Lu-

cena Integrated Economic Zone Project, to which Xia also donated about 1,500 hectares.

Xia intends to build an airport and a seaport, a manufacturing industry zone, an agriculture hub and a tourism hub. “That will cost $300 million to $400 million for the development of the area,” Plaza said. n

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Tourist arrivals to hit 6.5-M this…

PAGE B1 t

gurated China Eastern Airlines’ Wuhan-Cebu flights, the first local connection to that part of China.

According to Bengzon, more local spots are starting to emerge as more tourists have been looking for less traveled destinations to explore.

“Emerging destinations will provide more options for travelers, especially those looking for off-the-beaten path types,” he

said.

It is part of the DOT’s thrusts to develop more destinations to diversify the country’s tourism portfolio, as well as promote inclusive growth in local communities.

Bengzon said the DOT is also continuing its efforts to promote the country in new target markets.

“The DOT, meanwhile, will continue to look at opportunity markets that will help improve the country with a larger market

base,” he said.

Earlier, Bengzon cited Israel and Turkey as some emerging high-growth markets which the agency is aggressively tapping.

In 2016, the DOT’s foreign arrivals target was six million.

Official data from the DOT as of Oct. 30 showed that tourist arrivals in the country have already summed up to roughly 4.91 million, 11.65 percent higher than last year’s record of 4.4 million. n

Amid protests, vanity tax bill loses…

PAGE B1 t

be opposed by sectors that it would affect even as it was Congress’ duty to find ways to look for more sources of government revenue.

Now that he would no longer pursue his tax proposal, Batocabe urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs to “collect taxes more effectively and efficiently in the

oil and beauty industries.”

“For after all, these industries owe their large profits from our people. At the very least, they should pay correct taxes,” he said.

In pushing for the vanity tax bill in lieu of the proposed excise tax on petroleum products, Batocabe argued that an increase in oil prices would jack up prices of transportation and almost all ba-

sic goods and services.

“The vanity tax was proposed in good faith to spare our people the scourge of imposing excise taxes on petroleum. But then, we do realize from the sentiments that taxing beauty products would also adversely affect certain sectors, which according to some, would also deprive them of their basic happiness. Hence, this decision,” Batocabe said. n

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Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BULAon YOU’Ve probably seen a lot of these ads: “Settle your debts for pennies on the dollar!”, “Reduce your debts legally without filing bankruptcy!” “Stop bill collectors now and pay them only what you can!” Are all these just exaggerated claims? Or are any of these ads true? how can you protect yourself from being scammed?

If you’ve accumulated a lot of credit card and other debts and have found it difficult to make your payments, perhaps you would like to find a way out of debt without having to file for bankruptcy as much as possible.

After all, bankruptcy is often the last resort for most people when no other options exist. But how do you know who to trust before giving anyone your hard-earned dollars?

Unfortunately, bad things happen even to good, honest and decent people. And when you are in a situation where your bill collectors are hounding you day and night for payment, you may be tempted to accept the first offer of help from someone who comes along although you may not really understand what you are getting into.

FACT: Debt settlement companies are everywhere, often telling you things that are not true. You see them advertising in newspapers, on TV and on the internet.

I am sorry to say but a lot of these companies are “scams,” for lack of a better term. They

Community Journal

Debt forgiveness without bankruptcy? will tell you whatever you want to hear and making promises that they can’t keep. Once you hire one of these debt settlement companies, your phone will never stop ringing and they have no way to legally protect you because they are not attorneys (although a lot of them lie to you and claim that they are somehow affiliated with law firms). Don’t believe a word of what they tell you and be very careful, especially if this is a company that you have not met with face to face. A lot of these companies are out of state and once they have your money, you may not hear from them again.

Does this mean that all debt settlement companies are dishonest? No, that’s not what I’m saying. But you need to be very careful as there are a lot of unscrupulous and deceitful companies out there who want to take advantage of your misfortune. Before you hire a debt settlement company, make sure that you understand the agreement that you are signing. Over the years, I have heard hundreds of horror stories from clients who have put their faith and trust in a debt settlement company who made a lot of big promises that they could not eventually deliver. They charge large up-front fees before they do any work and in a lot of cases, they don’t explain to you exactly what services they will be providing. Most of them also do not tell you that the credit bureaus will still report your accounts as “late” on your credit report. Thus, if your credit will

be ruined anyway, wouldn’t you just be better off filing for bankruptcy so you can get out of debt much quicker without spending so much money?

This doesn’t mean that debt settlement is not an alternative to filing bankruptcy. In some cases, it is better than bankruptcy if settling your debts is the best way to protect your assets without having a bankruptcy on your record. Remember, however, that settlements are only available on unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills and department store cards, auto repo and foreclosure deficiencies. Also, you may need to file bankruptcy right away if there is an immediate threat to your property or income such as a lawsuit, wage garnishment, bank levy or foreclosure. And If it’s going to take more than 1218 months to negotiate settlements with your creditors, in most cases, bankruptcy might be the better way to go. In such case, you might want to seek the advice of an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can evaluate your situation and help you decide what is best for you.

For a free attorney consultation, call Toll-Free 1-866-4777772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

Disclosure of text messages, e-mails, and Facebook info of a spouse or significant other may constitute domestic violence Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes DOMeSTIC violence is abuse perpetrated against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, former cohabitant, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, the mother or father of your child, your child. Family Code Section 6211. Abuse is not limited to the actual infliction of physical injury or assault. Family Code, § 6203(b). A court may issue an order enjoining specific acts of “abuse” (§ 6218, subd. (a)), which are defined as, among other things, behavior that could be enjoined under section 6320. (§ 6203, subd. (d).) Section 6320, in turn, permits a court to enjoin a party from engaging in various types of behavior, including “disturbing the peace of the other party.” (§ 6320, subd. (a).) “[T]he plain meaning of the phrase ‘disturbing the peace of the other party’ in section 6320 may be properly understood as conduct that destroys the mental or emotional calm of the

other party.” (In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1483, 1497, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723 (Nadkarni ).) The phrase includes “destroying the mental or emotional calm of [a former spouse] by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails.” (Id. at p.

1498, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723.) The expansion of the term “disturbing the peace” to cover accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication has profound effect in every divorce and family law case.

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

the definition of abuse under the DVPA is not limited to the infliction of physical injury or assault. Id. at pp. 1498, 1501, 93 Cal.Rptr.3d 723.

In Marriage of evilsizor and Sweeney, husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to release personal data downloaded from wife’s cell phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order. In re Marriage of evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal. Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept.

9, 2015) Phrase “disturbing the peace of the other party” in injunction provision of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) includes destroying the mental or emotional calm of a former spouse by accessing, reading and publicly disclosing her confidential e-mails. Cal. Fam. Code § 6320. In re Marriage of evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal. Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept.

9, 2015) husband’s actions in releasing and threatening to release personal data downloaded from wife’s cell

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BSP extends deadline for exchanging…

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banknotes on the BSP website.

“All NDS banknotes registered from 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2016 shall be submitted for exchange with New Generation Currency banknotes within one year from date of registration at any BSP office,” it added.

Filipino immigrants and nonresidents must present additional documents when exchanging their NDS banknotes for the NGC bills.

“Aside from the original passport and printed confirmation notice, Filipino immigrants must present their birth certificate to support Filipino lineage, while non-residents must show proof of previous employment in the Philippines,” the central bank said.

For authorized representatives, a confirmation notice must be printed and presented to the BSP together with the original passport of overseas and immigrant Filipinos and foreigners, as well as an authorization letter and a valid ID of the representative.

The deadline for overseas Filipinos working in war-torn countries is until December 31, 2017, and they need not make any prior

needed increase in infrastructure spending beginning 2018,” he said.

The first package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program crafted by the Department of Finance (DoF) was submitted to the

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng The client is 64, a young senior. I say young because I consider seniors in their 60s as still active and robust. except for more white hair, they still feel like they are 30. The problem with being in the 60s is that 70 is just around the corner. Now when one becomes 70, after ten years you become 80. In your 80s, your hoping that Putin’s anti-aging pill is already in commercial production. Putin is 64 right now, just like this client. he has a pharmaceutical company in Russia that is doing in-depth research on mitochondria cells that focus on delaying aging and extending human life to 130. So, maybe this is why PeOTUS Trump wants to be his best friend. I wouldn’t mind being his best friend either if the Russian company actually makes this pill available for humans in the next 10 or even 20 years, I might still be around to benefit from it.

The client says that his net income is $3,500 and that he is separated from his wife. his rent is $600 for a room. he sends money to his brothers and sisters in his country of origin. The problem is that he owes $30K in credit card debt. he pays a minimum of $1K a month for the credit cards. he also has a car payment of $350. We don’t have to do more calculations here. The minimum payment of $1K for credit cards is almost a third of his next income. That is just way too much. he wants to get rid of his credit cards now that he is 64 so he can start saving some money. Well, it’s a little late to start saying money now but at least with the discharge of all of his credit cards, he can save $12K in the next 12 months, and $24K next year, then $36K, and then $48K. So when he turns 69, just before he becomes 70, he can have $50K saved up which he can use any way he wants. This is a lot better than keeping these cards, paying them $50K for the next four years, then still owe them the same principal of $30K when he turns 70. So, this is really a no-brainer, isn’t it? Would he rather have $50K in cash and not owe anything

at the age of 69, or throw away $50K in minimum payments and still owe $30K credit cards at age 69? he asks if his brother, whom he used as a reference for a personal loan and did not sign a personal guaranty, is legally liable for his debt if it is discharged in bankruptcy; of course not. The brother can only be made liable for his debt if the brother signed a written personal guaranty. Without a signed personal guaranty, the brother used as a reference cannot be sued because he has no legal liability to the creditor of the client.

Next, the clients are husband and wife who are 72 and 71, respectively. The wife made sure that I understood that she was only 71 and is one year younger than her husband who is 72. Yes, I got that. One year makes all the difference. I told her that I stopped counting 20 years ago and advised her to do the same. It’s useless to keep counting, what’s the big deal anyway? Who wants to know that you are now one year closer to leaving this earth; certainly not yourself.

Look at the picture of the Indonesian guy who is the oldest man alive at 145. I mean what can you do at 145? You’re practically a cadaver and blind.

Can’t hear anything. The quality of life is just zilch.

Clients owe $46K in credit card debt. Their social security is $3K a month. Rent is at $1,200. They have $1,800 left but their credit cards need a minimum of $1,500. how are they going to eat and pay for other necessities if they continue to pay $1,500 for credit cards? They can grow their own vegetables in their backyard -- if they had one. They rent an apartment with no backyard. husband says that he has all kinds of muscle pain and has a pacemaker, so that kills his plan to drive for Uber so he can raise another $,1500 to pay for their credit cards. he says they have already lived a full life, having traveled all over the world, using the cards. But they have paid the cards for the last 20 years a total of $360K, yet they still owe the very same $46K of credit cards today. I told them that they should have done their

Calendar of Events across

Chapter 7 20 years ago, so today they would have $360K in their portfolio earning them at least 5 percent or $1,500 a month, or $18K a year. That certainly helps now, instead of paying them a small fortune and still owing them the same amount of $46K. Should have gotten rid of these cards a long time ago.

They decide immediately to file for Chapter 7 to discharge the $46K of credit cards. Peace of mind without credit card payments is what they need now at 72 and 71.

The last clients were business owners. They are also seniors at 60 and 61. The owned a business that closed down in 2007. When the business closed, the company, which is an S corporation, owed an SBA loan of $49K, which is now $89K because of the accrued interest. SBA started to garnish the wife’s wages last week. She didn’t like the garnishment. I can’t blame her - who wants to get your hard earned wages taken at the rate of 25 percent of gross?

As PeOTUS says, that is a “bigly” deduction, NOT FAIR! And NOT NICe! In addition, they owe $90K of credit card debt plus another $30K of unsecured business debt. They ask if it makes sense to settle the accounts owed. I say what for? With a Chapter 7, you can wipe out all of the $210K debt, start fresh again with zero debt, all it costs is the attorney & filing fees, which are very reasonable. The settlement at half, for instance, would still cost $120K, which they don’t have. I mean, the settlement is very expensive compared to Chapter 7 legal fees. You wipe out $240K for almost not cost except legal fees. That’s the American way. Look at PeOTUS, his companies filed bankruptcy four times and he still the president-elect. That is one smart dude. VeRY SMART! *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

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 Free women’s self-defense class in Echo Park Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez invites you to a free women’s self-defense class with Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois on Saturday, January 21st. In partnership with MOTHER Movement and El Centro Del Pueblo, this workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at El Centro Pueblo at 1157 Lemoyne St., Los Angeles, CA 90026. Space is limited, participants must RSVP no later than Jan. 18 by calling (213)483-5151.

JA N UA RY 24

Workshop - Dementia: Up close & personal in Sherman Oaks, CA

registration, the BSP noted.

The NDS series consisted of P5, P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000 bills first issued on June 12, 1985. As of January 1 this year, these bills lost the status of a currency of legal tender and may longer be used to pay for goods and services.

While the NDS banknotes can still be exchanged without any corresponding charge with the BSP or its authorized agent banks and financial institutions, the bills will be totally worthless

by April 1, 2017.

According to the central bank, P979.9 billion worth of banknotes are currently in circulation of which 2.4 percent are NDS bills.

In volume terms, 295.7 million pieces of the NDS bills equivalent to 8.86 percent of the 3.34 billion pieces in circulation are up for replacement with the NGC series.

As of end-November 2016, the BSP said an estimated P23.3 billion of the three-decades-old were still in circulation. n

Congress in September last year and remains pending to date.

It proposes to lower personal income tax rates, broaden the value-added tax base, and adjust the excise taxes on automobiles and petroleum products.

Finance Secretary Carlos

Dominguez 3rd also said that his department welcomes the recent statement of Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, who chairs the house ways and means committee tackling tax reform, that the first package is likely to be approved by the panel this January. n

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Chapter 7 to discharge credit card debt, loans

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PH needs investment equal to 30% of…

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 18-20, 2017

The American Geriatric Care Management and Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA are hosting a workshop on Tuesday, January 24 called Dementia: Up close & personal, preserving family relationships at the onset of dementia. Learn how to handle the stress and challenges of family caregiving when alzheimer’s or dementia are too close to home. Manage the care of your family member by using the right language and approach. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Valley Economic Alliance (VEA) building, BFG conference room at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91204.

To RSVP, please call Lou at (310) 938-9393 or Mary Ann Omega at (818) 430-3972. Seating is limited. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

JA N UA RY 28

Historic Filipinotown Scavenger Hunt Explore the cultural gems of HiFi (Historic Filipinotown) by joining the 2nd HiFi Scavenger Hunt Fundraiser on Saturday, January 28 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m! Meet Filipino-specific challenges (from a Balut eating contest to dancing Tinikling to a hip hop beat!). You may find yourself meeting a little-known community hero, tasting a Filipino food challenge or receiving your very own Filipino nickname! You will be having a blast while building your bayanihan spirit by asking your friends and family and even your Facebook fans to donate money to sponsor your Team to take this challenge. You and your team choose your own fundraising goal! Funds raised by this event will go to the programs and services of 2 HiFi community organizations, Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) to provide vital services to families, workers and seniors in our community. Services include free or low-cost citizenship application assistance, human trafficking survivor support, civic engagement, wage theft claims assistance, cultural programs and more! Have fun, Discover Historic Filipinotown win prizes and support your community while doing it! Go to www.pwcsc.org/HiddenHiFi to sign up now. PWC is located at 153 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026.

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 JANUARY 18-20, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

Angels among us

“I think we all do have a guardian angel.

I believe they work through us all the time, and kind to each other.”

— Roma Downey

(Continued from last week)

TRUST your own instincts.

Your own personal experience will color the lens with which you view and relate with your personal guardian angel. God so loved the world, He sent His only son to redeem us from sin and death so we may gain eternal life — not unlike His angels.

Then He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and enlighten us. But on the micro, day-by-day level, God sent us our personal guardian angels from conception, birth, throughout our life and our passage from death to eternal life as a constant presence.

Come to think of it, every time an unborn life is cut down, the murder deprives an angel of his purpose. There is must be some cosmic angst and turmoil in the heavens. There must be anguish and pain, a disturbance, not only

Community Journal

on earth but also in the celestial realm. Some say God created so many angels, one cannot count the number of angels that can stand on the head of a pin.

But there is a caveat to this gift from the Almighty. One must accept the gift and use the gift of the presence of angels in one’s life for good and only good. One must be humble of heart to know that by ourselves we can do nothing of real value to ourselves or our loved ones and ultimately find God in our lives without asking in earnest for help from the spiritual, unseen realm of angels.

Yes, the key is to ask for help for one to receive it.

Also, one must never take the gift of a personal guardian angel for granted.

An angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it. It is your choice ultimately. The more angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life. (To be continued) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Disclosure of text messages, e-mails…

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phone constituted “disturbing the peace of the other party” and thus “abuse” which warranted restraining order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA). Cal. Fam. Code §§ 6218(a), 6300, 6320(a). In re Marriage of Evilsizor and Sweeney (2015) 237 Cal.App.4th 1416 [189 Cal.Rptr.3d 1], reh’g denied (June 24, 2015), review denied (Sept. 9, 2015) In Evilsizor, Ms. Evilsizor testified that it had been “incredibly incredibly difficult to deal with” the dissemination of her personal information, stating, “I have sleepless nights. I’m sick to my stomach.

My friends are mad at me, embarrassed as if I let him. I didn’t know he was even doing any of this. My parents are upset, you know. Why did I marry him?

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

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

Text messages, E-mails, Social media, and other electronic communication has become a common and inseparable part of today’s lifestyle. Accessing, reading, and publicly disclosing electronic communication of an ex, spouse, or sgnificant other has profound effect in every divorce and family law case. A finding of domestic violence

against a party can affect the rulings on custody and spousal support issues. If your divorce or family law matter involves your ex, spouse, or significant other downloading and disclosing confidential electronic communication, one has to consider taking appropriate action in the case to be protected from conduct which is regarded as abuse under the California domestic violence statute. *** 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 Supplement)

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

USCIS policy allows waiting beneficiaries of approved I-130 filed by Filipino World War II veteran father or surviving spouse to come to US ahead of their priority date UNDER the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) policy, USCIS will allow certain beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions to request a grant of parole so that they may come to the U.S. as they wait for their priority date to become current. The policy recognizes the contributions of Filipino veterans who served in World War II, and allows relatives of such elderly Filipino veterans and their spouses to come to the U.S. to provide care and support for them.

USCIS will consider requests for FWVP parole submitted for certain relatives who are the beneficiaries of approved family-based immigrant visa petitions filed by Filipino veterans or their surviving spouses. If the request for parole is approved, the beneficiary and his/her immediate family would be allowed to come to the U.S. and live in the U.S. while waiting for their priority date to become current, at which point they would be allowed to adjust to permanent resident status.

Those who may request parole under FWVP are persons 1) who are the beneficiaries of an approved I-130 Petition (including spouse and children); 2) whose petitioning relative is residing in the U.S. (or if deceased, was residing in the U.S. at the time of death); 3) who are waiting for their priority date to become current under the Department of State’s visa bulletin; and 4) whose petitioning relatives have established they are either Filipino World War II Veterans or are the surviving spouse.

Under FWVP, the Filipino World War II veteran must have served in World War II as a member of the Philippine Army, a recognized guerilla unit, the Philippines Scouts, or within any other component of the U.S. Armed Forces of the Far East (USAFFE). USCIS will review government records to verify the Filipino World War II veteran’s military service. The petitioner who requested parole for his relative beneficiary under FWVP will be provided an opportunity to establish the World War II service if it cannot be found in government records.

When the petitioning relative in the U.S. is the Filipino World War II veteran, individuals who obtain parole under FWVP include beneficiaries under any family-sponsored preference category.

When the petitioning relative in the U.S. is the surviving spouse of a Filipino World War II veteran, only individuals who are the child, son, or daughter of the surviving spouse who is also the child, son, or daughter of the Filipino World War II veteran can seek parole under FWVP. In cases where the petitioning relative is deceased, a beneficiary may seek parole under FWVP but first must seek humanitarian reinstatement of the approved I-130 filed on the beneficiary’s behalf.

Once the I-130 is reinstated, the beneficiary may seek parole under FWVP. It is important to note that the above requirements are preliminary requirements for eligibility under FWVP. The grant of parole by USCIS under FWVP is made on a discretionary, case-by-case basis. In addition, following the first 4 years of FWVP’s implementation, USCIS will evaluate whether FWVP should be phased out at the end of 5 years. It is accordingly recommended that you promptly seek the advice and assistance of an experienced attorney, who can confirm eligibility and present facts in support of the favorable exercise of discretion by USCIS in granting the parole request. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association.

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com.

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Museum retraces Asian American movement LOS ANGELES -- Roots: Asian American Movements in Los Angeles (1968-80s), a collection of over 250 photographs, posters, periodicals, and other artifacts reflecting an era of social and political awakening among Asian Americans, will be on display as part of the Chinese American Museum’s newest exhibition.

The groundbreaking exhibit opens Thursday, Jan. 19, and continues through June 11 and focuses on the constellation of individuals, organizations, campaigns, and age of change when people from different backgrounds formed a strategic alliance and created a new identity: Asian American.

“I started researching the Asian American Movement as a way to understand my own political identity. Because we are taught so little about Asian American histories in school, we have to seek them ourselves,” explains curator Ryan Wong.

“The rapid flow of people

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

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

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

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

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

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 18-20, 2017

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People and Events Museum retraces Asian American…

Feb. 1 is deadline to apply for Edison International’s $1.2-M scholarship program

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and goods across the Pacific, the movement for Black lives, and the profiling of Muslim and South Asian communities make this a moment of deep resonance with the 1970s,” he adds. “Looking at the Asian American Movement is not an exercise in nostalgia or historicization but a vital way to reclaim the strategies and possibilities that emerge from organizing.”

Although the Movement spread throughout the nation, Los Angeles emerged as a stronghold for pan-ethnic solidarity in the late ‘60s through the early ‘80s.

“Inspired by international Third World liberation movements, Asian American Movements were national in scope but locally driven,” CAM staff curator Steve Wong, who assisted in researching the collection, points out. “This exhibit examines how Los Angeles helped define what it means to be Asian Pacific American today.”

In 1969, as United States involvement in Vietnam continued to escalate, many Asian Ameri-

EMPLOYMENT

cans viewed the war as genocidal—an example of imperialistic expansion into the Third World.

Groups like Asian Americans for Peace, the Thai Binh and Van Troi Brigades (named after Vietnamese freedom fighters), and others were formed.

“Exploring the roots of APA activism through our exhibit is significant because APAs are perhaps one of the most dynamic, yet least visible, communities of color,” points out Sharon Chen, CAM’s Interim Executive Director.

“Through this exhibit, CAM aims to highlight the ways that APAs sought to define themselves while empowering their own communities. Through artifacts, photographs, and oral histories, we hope to bring new light to the stories of the APA social movement in L.A. that are still so important to us today.”

CAM will hold a membersonly preview from 5:30-6 p.m., on Jan. 19 followed by a reception open to the public from 6-9 p.m. Reservations are required and may be made by emailing

rsvp@camla.org by Jan. 16.

In addition to curator Ryan Wong, key figures who were involved in the movement and provided artifacts will be on hand to help launch the exhibition. They include Phyllis Chiu, Kathy Masaoka, Karen Ishizuka, Andre Ting, and Florante Ibanez.

This exhibition was made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Chinese American Museum, California Humanities, Munson and Suellen Kwok, Michael Duchemin, and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Community sponsors are Serve the People Institute, Visual Communications, UCLA Labor Center, Japanese American National Museum, API Equality-LA, Southeast Asian Community Alliance, Little Tokyo Service Center, Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress, Great Leap, GABRIELA L.A., UCLA Asian American Studies Center.

The Chinese American Museum is located at 425 North Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. For more information, please visit www.camla.org. n

EMPLOYMENT

ROSEMEAD, Calif. — High school seniors driven to make a difference through science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) still have time to apply for Edison International’s $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program.

Each year, Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, helps students dream big and achieve their academic goals by awarding $40,000 scholarships, paid over four years, to 30 high school students planning to major in STEM fields at four-year colleges and universities. Scholarship applications are being accepted through Feb. 1.

Eligible students must live in or attend a public or private high school in SCE’s service territory or attend an eligible high school surrounding SCE’s San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Visit scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars for a list of designated high

schools.

Applicants must plan to be a full-time undergraduate student majoring in one of the following STEM fields: mathematics, engineering, computer and information services, management information systems, natural resources and conservation and physical sciences.

“Edison International funds educational programs and scholarships because one of our priorities is helping to nurture scholars of tomorrow,” said Tami Bui, SCE’s principal manager of Corporate Philanthropy. “The Edison Scholars Program provides financial support that lets students attend colleges and universities they thought were out of reach, and allows them to focus on their studies rather than worry about how they’re going to pay for school.”

Since 2006, Edison International has financially supported 550 students’ higher education

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

SERVICES

by giving out nearly $6.5 million in scholarships.

Applicants must be a high school senior, have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. To apply and get additional eligibility information, students are encouraged to visit: scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars. Students from underserved communities and ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship recipients will be announced in April. Recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college.

Edison International’s support of charitable causes, such as the Edison Scholars Program, is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations, and dependents of Edison International and SCE employees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program. n

B JANUARY 18-20, 2017 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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

The Asian Journal

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 18, 2017

Fil-Am artist Rea Lynn de Guzman:

Reconnecting with her roots, heritage and history

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe / aJPress

ONE way to reconnect with one’s roots is by creating artistic pieces, whether in writing, sculpting, painting and more. In mixed-media installations, some people would think it is just a mish-mash of junk, but in reality, it is a collection of materials that has a deeper connection to the artist.

Minus words, artist Rea Lynn de Guzman conveys a message of how it is to be a Filipina.

“I draw inspiration from personal experiences and memories of growing up in the Philippines, attending an all-girl Catholic school as a child, revisiting my native country, reconnecting with family yet recognizing the disconnect, and reflecting on how all of these converge with my everyday life as an immigrant in the U.S...” she said. “As a Filipina-American artist, I am passionate about questioning inequality, power dynamics, stereotypical views and expectations on Filipinas and investigating their historical ties with colonialism and patriarchy.”

Born in Manila, Philippines in 1985, de Guzman’s parents separated when she was only six years old. Her father then immigrated to Italy to work.

She and her mother moved to the United States in 1999 when her late grandmother’s petition was approved. Unfortunately, de Guzman’s two other siblings were left behind because they had exceeded the age limit (21) to emigrate

with a parent.

They initially lived with relatives in San Diego then moved to the Bay Area, eventually settling in the Tenderloin, where she spent most of her formative years.

She shared that although she loved art when she was a child, she didn’t have the privilege of being exposed to it.

“I was initially a business major at the University of California Riverside. It wasn’t until I attended the City College of San Francisco, where I took art classes on a whim to fulfill some requirements, when I rediscovered my passion for art.

“My painting instructor saw some potential in my early work and encouraged me to pursue art. The CCSF art department nominated me for a scholarship, which enabled me to transfer to the San Francisco Art Institute. That’s where I gained further foundational skills, and found catharsis and more meaning in art; it helped me deal with the displacement and familial disconnect I experienced from my immigration to the United States from the Philippines at age 14. A few years later, I received my MFA from the School of the Art

Retaso Series

Institute of Chicago.”

De Guzman’s “Retaso” series reflects on how we view “the ideal Filipina” through the iconography of “Maria Clara,” specifically symbolizing the longstanding stereotype.”

“I am drawn by the materiality of the synthetic organza (organza as an ingredient in the ‘Maria Clara’ dresses, woven with piña fiber) and its subtle, sheer beauty, amidst its haunting/ghostly, and mysterious qualities. I focus on the synthetic to emphasize its fake-ness, echoing the expectations of the ‘Maria Clara’ embodiment in Filipinas.

“In addition, I select colors that evoke skin tone variations to highlight the spectrum of brownness to ‘Maria Clara’’s preferred whiteness as a mestiza, which has been equated to the ideal female beauty and status in the Philippines.

Essentially, I want the viewer to question these imposed stereotypes, to think about unbalanced power structures and hegemony in colonized

cultures. I want my work to empower Filipinas and inspire them to stop bleaching their skin and injecting glutathione. Shades of brown skin are beautiful and in no way shape or form inferior to whiteness,” she said.

At present, de Guzman is the first Filipina Teaching Artist Fellow at Root Division.

Root Division is a visual arts non-profit that connects creativity and community through a dynamic ecosystem of arts education, exhibitions, and studios.

“Through this fellowship, I will be teaching art to underserved children in the Galing Bata program at the Filipino Education Center in Bessie Carmichael Elementary School,” she excitedly shared.

Her advice to other struggling Filipino artists trying to make it in the mainstream?

“As an artist, I believe it’s important to be honest with yourself and to not force anything in the work. Engage with your interests and passion, obsess, create, research,

Rea Lynn de Guzman

experiment, play, fail, and try again.”

De Guzman will be in a group show called “Burnt Rice” with fellow Epekto Art Projects artists and select local Hawaii artists, at the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center in Hilo, Hawaii.

For more information, visit: www.epektoartprojects. com.

Visit her website at www.

After Maria Clara Sleeve

Piña offerings

Imahe (Image)

Details on the piña offerings

Photo by Ramon Pintado

readeguzman.com. *On cover: “Piña Offerings, Detail” “After Maria Clara’s Piña Fiber Sleeve, 2014.” Abaca fiber & spray paint on abaca pulp cast, 26” x 48” x 18” “Imahe, 2015.” Image transfers on synthetic organza sewn together, approx. 24” x 60” All photos by Mido Lee Productions

entertainment

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 18, 2017

Maxine Medina, an ‘empowered’ beauty 26-year-old Binibining Pilipinas is all set to win the Miss Universe crown

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

BiniBining Pilipinas talent scouts invited Maria Mika Maxine Peñaranda Medina to join the country’s foremost beauty pageant as early as 2012, but an existing advertising contract prevented her from entering the contest. Apparently, her endorsement brand was a direct competitor of one of the pageant’s major sponsors, making it impossible for then 22-year-old beauty to vie for the prestigious title.

She finally relented to the constant prodding of friends from the modelling industry and threw in her hat into the Binibining Pilipinas ring in 2016, winning no less than the Miss Universe-Philippines crown.

And in just two weeks’ time, Medina will compete anew for the ultimate title of Miss Universe, now proudly held by her predecessor, Miss Universe Philippines 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

With such big stilettos to fill at January 30’s grand coronation night, right here in Manila to boot, the press naturally had a field day at Medina’s “good luck send-off” this past week at novotel Manila Araneta Center. The foremost question on everyone’s mind was how the Philippine bet was feeling amid all the pressure.

Surrounded by those closest to her—her mom Marife, sister Ferica, boyfriend Marx Topacio, her fellow beauty queens, and the Binibinining Pilipinas organizers, led by chairman Stella MarquezAraneta—Medina was far from nervous nor anxious as expected.

On the contrary, she radiated with confidence and shared she is excited at the possibility of a back-to-back win with Wurtzbach in the presence of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Filipino people.

Beautiful host After almost a year of rigorous training under the guidance of Aces and Queens mentors, and personality development experts Dale Carnegie and John Robert Powers, Medina described herself as “empowered,” ready not only to do the flag proud at the pageant, but also to become a gracious host to the 80-plus strong delegation of candidates

Reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach crowns successor Maxine Medina on April 17, 2016 as the Philippines’ representative to the 65th Miss Universe pageant—will she pull off a back-to-back win?

Not only is Medina representing the country on January 30’s coronation night but she is also playing host to her fellow candidates from around the world; this batch visited in December for a week of promotions.

from all over the world.

Beautifully fulfilling her responsibilities so far—both literally and figuratively—Medina was asked if she sees a downside to being the host country to the pageant. There are those who say that playing host automatically earns a candidate plus points, thus making a less credible finish, impression-wise. “i still think it’s fulfilling to have the competition here in the Philippines,” she replied, choosing to brush aside the suggestion. “Everyone knows i’m fond of the outdoors, and happily, we’re going around the Philippines. This has actually been my goal that before i travel the world, i’ll go around the Philippines first.”

One thing the model-cuminterior designer especially wants to let her fellow candidates

experience—besides the warm hospitality of the Filipinos, the unique culture and traditional values—is the boodle fight.

“The best thing is, i will get to share with them the best food choices in our cuisine as well as the boodle fight. i’d like for them to try it! Eating without utensils— that’s going to be very challenging!” Medina enthused.

Meanwhile, asked how she feels over the President’s mandate for all government agencies to support the staging of the Miss Universe pageant but without spending a single centavo, she replied, “The fact that the President has said he will personally watch the coronation is the best indication of the government’s support.

Will i be nervous he is there?

Oh no, i’m very honored that the Continued on Page 5

features

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 18, 2017

Jerell Rosales catches his Hollywood break!

JERELL Rosales is a Filipino-American film and television director and writer who is currently at UCLA pursuing his master’s degree in filmmaking.

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Travel agents: Your virtual human travel apps

In today’s digital age when computers, tablets, and smartphones are the order of the day, travel isn’t the same as it used to be. Easy accessibility to the Internet and the various mobile application platforms aiding us in our daily needs make it possible for people to automatically turn to their electronic devices when planning a trip. And why not?

It’s so easy. Using any electronic device with Internet Jerell Rosales Photo by Joe Adams access allows you to search and MTV played a big role in how he compare airfares, lodging prices, cultivated his interest in media rental-car deals, etc. because and storytelling. Prior to UCLA there are countless sites like for his undergrad, he transExpedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, Priceline, TripAdvisor, KAYAK, ferred from Cal State Fullerton, Hotwire, AirfareWatchdog plus where he was very active with numerous airline and hotel sites the Pilipino American Student Association, even facilitating the that allow the would-be travelers to become their own booking Friendship Games in 2010. agents.

Jerell is a former hip hop Therefore, with the number dancer but has really focused of options available online, many in on his directing for film and people are beginning to think television. As we know, diversity that travel agents are becomis a big issue in Hollywood, and ing obsolete and are no longer useful in planning their vacation. seldom do you see Filipinos Right? Wrong. So very wrong! in front or behind the camera.

True, the onset of advanced Getting that break is always technology has tremendously the right combination of talent, impacted and influenced travel perseverance and luck. planning, but it has not negated However, Jerell has finally the need for travel professioncaught a wave that will make als. In fact, an in-depth industry him a Hollywood mainstay. It market research conducted by always starts off with one mainIBISWorld (a leading industry stream project and his feature research organization) showed that the travel agencies industry film debut called “High School Lover” is executive produced by is growing despite the rise of online travel websites. While this and stars actor James Franco. growth can be partly attribIt will be premiering on the uted to the fact that traditional Lifetime network, next month travel agencies have reinvented on February 4. The film stars themselves and are finding new Paulina Singer, Francois Arnaud markets and niches, the study (nBC’s “Midnight Texas” and showed that travel agents are Showtime’s “The Borgias”), Julia certainly not on the way out. On Jones (The “Twilight” Saga), and the contrary, travelers are more and more becoming aware that Lana Condor (“X-Men: Apocathey need the services of travel lypse”). agents. The following are just Rosales’ short films have some of the many reasons: been officially selected in 1. Travel agents have over 60 film festivals worldprofessional expertise. If you wide, hailed in the Huffington are looking for a hotel booking Post as a “demonstration of and flight for a simple weekend Rosales’ solid skill as a rising vacation, there’s no doubt you filmmaker.” He’s a two-time can easily arrange that on your UCLA Directors Spotlight Award own. However, if you are trying Continued on Page 5 to coordinate multiple flights in various locations on different dates, and require specific amenities and more, a travel agent can easily provide you with expert advice customized to your needs because they have the knowledge and the

expertise to assess your vacation needs and provide you with the best possible experience.

2. Travel agents can save you money. It may sound idiotic when you think about paying someone for something that you can handle on your own.

But booking a trip often proves to be extremely stressful, and time consuming. You can spend hours online searching for deals on flights and hotels, surfing one website after another in search of the best prices while coordinating your vacation schedule.

Travel agents, however, who are directly connected with travel suppliers are in the best position to get you better prices, in addition to the fact that they can sometimes provide you with additional perks such as VIP packages, room upgrades or restaurant reservations which you probably won’t get on your own.

3. Travel agents save time.

You have to admit it, when trying to make travel arrangements on your own you need to read through reviews of hotels, various accommodations, and sightseeing opportunities especially when you’re heading to a place you’ve never been before.

However, a travel agent can help you navigate through this oftentimes headache-inducing maze, can advise you on options available to you or can connect you with an expert colleague in less time than you would spend searching on your own.

4. Travel agents makes your trip secure. Travelers know that even after a trip is booked, things may not always go as planned. Sometime between the booking and the actual trip, something may come up that may require travel cancellation or rescheduling. In addition, anything from bad weather condition, a lost luggage or a family member getting sick can disrupt one’s vacation plans. If you made your travel arrangements yourself with online travel sites, you are left entirely on your own to deal with this eventuality.

But with a travel agent, you are assured that someone is always there to help you resolve any bumps that may occur during your trip and therefore make your travel experience a lot less stressful.

5. Travel agents offer convenience. Faced with countless choices and options for flights,

hotels, car rentals, tours and too many travel products available on numerous websites, travelers are finding it more and more difficult to navigate and decipher all the options available. Travel agencies are one-stop shops.

Just tell them exactly what you want and they can arrange everything for you the way you want it, less the headache and stress of doing the planning on your own.

6. Travel agents build relationships. There’s a great difference between price and value. While technology had its many advantages, one of its downsides is the noticeable decline in our interpersonal relationships. This is so true in the travel industry with the rise of online travel sites offering you the “best deals”. Travel sites are not looking to build a personal relationship – they are looking to make a sale. Travel agents, on the other hand, want to build a relationship that makes your experience with them count for more than one trip. They will not only help you book a trip, they will help you make the trip you will enjoy.

Flawless and successful travel plans lie in the details, and travel agents are experts when it comes to handling details.

They will not only find you the best fares and options according to your needs, but they are also there to help you travel like a tourist and finding unique life experiences that you will surely remember. needless to say, these people who are your virtual human travel apps are here to stay. *** Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years professional experience in the overseas tourism and travel industry.

He is currently the Director for Business Development and Marketing of GTT International/Majestic Vacations, one of the biggest airlines consolidators in the United States, and wholesaler of package tours worldwide. He also provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various FilipinoAmerican newspapers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York, and other Manila-based newspapers as well. For comments or questions, you may reach him at manilagan@gmail.com.

Steve Harvey: Miss Universe experience reminded me to stay true to my core beliefs

by Millet

Martinez Manaquil Philstar.com

In December 2015, Steve Harvey was the most hated man in Colombia, the Philippines and the whole Universe.

As host of the Miss Universe pageant, he slipped up big-time while reading the names of the runner-up and winner of the beauty pageant. He reversed their order, momentarily selecting Miss Colombia as the winner when the actual winner was Miss Philippines. Confusion and anger ensued.

“The world was eating me alive... In just 48 hours, I had nearly four billion impressions on social media... For five days till Christmas day, it was just horrible.

Death threats came. People rode by my house in SUVs, threatening to hurt my family. I could not let my children go anywhere. I had to have armed security guards at my gates. I got cursed out so many ways in Spanish that I thought I knew Spanish. I am certain I can’t vacation in Colombia anytime soon! I probably can’t even drink Colombian coffee,” he said then.

The most hated man of 2015 soon became, for me, a most lovable man as I spent sleepless nights over the past year watching Steve Harvey on very-latenight cable TV, hosting shows like “Family Feud” and “Little Big Shots.” Boy, this man is really funny. His facial expressions are capable of showing a whole universe of emotions. And it seems like he has a big heart. I felt this heart jump at me between the pages of his latest book, “Jump,” which I got from national Book Store.

The struggles Harvey has gone through aren’t funny. But they’re what made him strong and successful.

Today, Harvey is no longer just a comedian. He has also become a TV host, radio personality, producer, actor, singer and, yes: no. 1 new York Times bestselling author.

In his latest book, Harvey recounts his infamous Miss Universe moment.

He was excited when his

“Everybody has a Miss Universe moment,” said Steve Harvey. His came when he named Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as the winner when the actual winner was Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015.

Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega had to crown — and uncrown — Ariadna.

agent told him he would host the Miss Universe pageant, and he thought it would be the “pinnacle achievement of my career.”

Harvey knew how important it was for these women to bring home the crown. “It was about bringing home an honor to their families and countries.”

Harvey said that at the moment everyone had been waiting for, there were three women positioned in front. “I held the card close to my chest with my thumb covering the words ‘second runner-up.’ I announced Miss USA as the first runner-up.

“Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines were holding hands, saying a prayer: Miss Philippines in her royal blue gown, and Miss Colombia in a bronze sparkly number. Miss Colombia’s name was on the next card.

“I read the teleprompter the same as I had over the past three days: ‘And the new Miss Universe 2015 is’ — in my ear I heard, ‘Hold... hold... hold... nOW READ — ‘Miss Colombia!’

I exited the stage as the audience was screaming with delirium.

Miss Colombia put her hands over her eyes in disbelief before reaching for Miss Philippines and hugging her. The Miss Universe sash was put around Miss Colombia. Tears rolled down her face... Her cousin, a former Miss Universe, entered the stage with the crown in her hand. Paulina Vega crowned Ariadna Gutierrez Miss Universe. The audience was jumping and waving flags... there

were kisses and tears.

“Backstage there was chaos.

I heard in the earpiece: ‘We have to fix this.’”

Suddenly, Harvey could hear his father’s voice saying: “Be a man... Stick out your chest and handle it.” He heard his mother echoing: “You have to do the right thing by people, even if it hurts you.”

Harvey decided at that moment, he was going to be his mother and father’s son. “My parents taught me how to be a man in the face of adversity.” There was no time for finger-pointing or passing the blame.

“God had brought me to this moment, and I had to trust that He’d bring me through it. I forced my feet to take me back onstage. And believe me, it was hard. It took a full two minutes for the cheers and the music to die down. I started with: ‘I have to apologize.’ The contestants were laughing. They were thinking I was telling some kind of joke, as I’d done in rehearsals. Finally, I said slowly and clearly: ‘The first runner-up is Miss Colombia....

Miss Universe is Miss Philippines.’

At the end of his book, Harvey writes: “The Miss Universe experience reminded me to stay true to my core beliefs. I may be seen by many as successful. But the incident was a reminder from God that He can take it away at a moment’s notice. Everybody has a Miss Universe moment... and when you are bold enough Continued on Page 5

Moonlighting

Aboard a floating carnival

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 18, 2017

by Mylah de

What Sharon Cuneta hopes to achieve this year

leon

THE most interesting about spending time in an ocean voyage is that it is purely relative.

Like a fragment in space, a moment is in time.

We sailed in the lightness of an early summer when the sea was quiet and calm. The ship plowed into open seas, with a shade of vivid indigo as the horizon narrowed and widened, dipped and rose. The moon was illuminating the decks with its whiteness. Like a distant voice, the sea hushed, almost to a sigh, in a rhythmic exhalation as though it were asleep outside the gate of sound. “Oh, the elegance of nature, the wonder of space and the fragrance of the ocean!”

It was a Sunday night, people there who came in long rows, some of them singing their heads feeling light with strong drink. Already tequila was flowing, which is said to come from cactus, except that they didn’t remove the needles. Beer was abound — Corona, Heineken and one who joked it will make people smart, citing it even made Bud…weiser.

You’re on the water and you’re sea sick. The waves rock you in their hammock back and forth up and down. At first, it was a sweet cradling motion — until you start feeling like you have a hangover as big as Mount Everest.

You tried pure willpower. “I won’t get sea sick,” but nothing helped as your inside turned round and round, losing all your sense of balance. Flooding all your senses, nothing worked.

The sea made a sport of you, without any right in their making.

Mark that as your first evening, it meant to start with unadulterated fun.

Still, a good cruise provides entertainment, solace and humor. A respite from the hurryscurry of the everyday routine.

The element of surprise: you meet a person of the moment, who lives for the moment, but the effect is cumulative, minor characters and minor entertainment little pathos. Fun that made Tolstoy weep: “Who knows romance is in the air: there will always be the opportunities and importance of

features 5

by deni Rose M. afinidad-BeRnaRdo Philstar.com

a moment a single event, or connection. It teems with indigenous life, in a pace of living that is accumulated. You see life as a server of swift impressions rather than a coherent whole life seems richer, without its breadth and depth you see it multiplying with little impressions.”

You walk and settle on a chair around the deck and you reflect for a moment. An excruciatingly handsome face flash by, you’re “crushed” for a moment. Someone jostled you, you’re angry for a moment, someone smiles at you, you’re glad for a moment. Such are the daily feelings inside a ship, unlike the lingering precious, ductile feeling in your routine. A cruise provides a sure “escape,” as you see life’s unconscious symbols just as conscious symbols kill it. There’s freshness, spontaneity, and surprise; the very soul of a cruise are slices of life that do not make life itself.

The bits and color put together that do not make pictures, nor does a dissonance make music.

They are just spectacular meanderings that briefly glimpsed.

Since there has no beginning or end, simply viewing of life in passing it could be grand or drab to grab.

The interview with Captain Pierluigi Lanaro was a conversation transposed into written dialogue, if not monologues, provoked by questions and opinions – with the value of the richest remark. Everything he said whether funny or diplomatic came from a true Italian gentleman. He is the most important person in the ship and can not be expected to fraternize with passengers and crew. The Captain’s Elegant Ball, is the only time you see him, surrounded by his crew, his cordon sanitaire, people look at him in that old world elegance and dignity…respect, no selfies.

He has been with Carnival Imagination for 20 years and sailed with 60 million passen-

“TO continue losing weight and not gain it back,” the actress and “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” judge disclosed to Philstar.com.

Last month, the star gained praises for her social media post that showed off her slimmer figure. She confided in an interview with TV host Boy Abunda that she shed off at least 66 pounds through an “all-natural” method.

Her wish for the country this year is “Peace, especially in

politics, which I cannot stand in the first place.”

She also hopes for a great economy and more opportunities especially for overseas Filipino workers, so they can find jobs locally and “don’t have to leave anymore.”

Her message to her fans this year?

“I love you so much and please watch out for our projects. I know you’ve been waiting, I’m sorry, it’s taken me forever. We appreciate your support, your love. At 50, I should be retiring, but I’m really here Sharon Cuneta still for them.”

Maxine Medina, an ‘empowered’ beauty The author with Captain Pierluigi Lanaro

gers, served with inspired dishes washed down with liters of wine.

He said when you’re that confined, then you see everything…each trip brings new experience, everything in the ship is “too,” nothing is routine; his gift was sureness of instinct, his ability to focus on people in order to illuminate a sense of openness on larger issue: a whim of wit warmed by reserve of his patrician upbringing…but in a more tranquil vein. To this day, 20 years with the ship with such astonishing rectitude without counting the cost, simply because it has never occurred to him to do anything else, has exceeded dreadful expectations in the life span of a ships stewardship, relying on his own moral compass. He has answered every question, from who was the most difficult passengers, to the most delightful one, to his most harrowing experience.

He speaks with pride about his crew, their preparedness to anything and everything. His diverse plate included future cruises where people do not need to do homework before coming to a cruise and where everything spells gaiety and is yours for the taking.

His 20 years have given him soaring memories.. ***

com

E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@aol.

From Page 3

President will be there and he will be witnessing a back-to-back,” she confidently added.

Improvements A Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) staffer told The Times that Medina has shown exceptional improvements since she was crowned Miss UniversePhilippines in April, and that her confidence level has “doubled” through her training. Her fellow Binibining Pilipinas queens agree.

Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa related, “Everyone can see her improvements overall, and I know she knows it herself.”

Acknowledging the fruits of her hard work, Medina said, “I never thought of myself being a beauty queen, and now that I have embraced it to prepare for Miss Universe, I feel very empowered. Besides competing, I really want to inspire the youth through my own experiences, and I believe I can do a better job of that if I become Miss Universe.”

She further revealed that she has chosen the same advocacy as Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, that of AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention, but one that is more focused on the youth.

“My advocacy is about the youth who has HIV to be able to give them hope and help them live the life they should have despite their disease, especially in terms of education.” she said.

Should she win the crown, Medina also said she is very much willing to leave her life in the Philippines to fulfil her obligations in New York and around the world.

“It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I will devote myself to the title, for the country, for people everywhere as this is something that can really inspire others to dream big.”

Steve Harvey: Miss Universe experience...

From Page 4

to step off in faith, to jump, that is when you’ll soar.”

And yes, Steve Harvey told Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” — another very-latenight cable tv show that I regularly watch — that he is ready

to jump again, to host the Miss Universe here in Manila this January. To give his apologies once more. And to make us forgive and laugh with him once again.

Oops! Harvey has to make another apology though,

this time to Asian men, and that includes Filipino males.

For saying that white women would not find Asian men attractive.

Harvey has to know that the Filipino male is the captain of his so-very-macho soul.

Jerell Rosales catches his Hollywood...

From Page 4

Winner — honored as “one of the best films UCLA Film Festival has to offer” in 2012 and 2015 respectively.

During the first week of February, watch out for his interview on “Kababayan Today” on

LA18. For more info on Jerrel, visit his website: www.jerellrosales.com. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only

the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 18, 2017

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99 WAS

$0.99 67%

Green Bell Pepper

Lucky Me Instant Pancit Canton Asstd Flavors 2.2oz

WAS

1

2$

each

WAS

SAVINGS

WAS

WAS

$1.29 61%

9

WAS

*UHDW 7DVWH LQ &RƬHH (brown/white) 10pc

Chayote

99

¢

WAS

SAVINGS

$0.59 44%

WAS

1

1

2lbs$

2lbs$

WAS

WAS

$0.89 44%

1

SAVINGS

$0.79 37%

$

WAS

3

SAVINGS

$1.99 25%

2999 WAS

SAVINGS

$41.99 29%

4

$ 50

SAVINGS

$1.69 70%

Cantaloupe

SAVINGS

3 ladies Jasmine Rice 50lbs

SAVINGS

$11.99 17%

2 for

2$

$1.29 61%

Green Cabbage

3 lbs

1

SAVINGS

$16.99 18%

Nido Powdered Milk 800g

SAVINGS

lbs

SAVINGS

1399 $ 99

Red Bell Pepper

2$

lbs

1

SAVINGS

$0.39 36%

$ lbs

$

4 for

$1.19 72%

Regular Tomato

4

SAVINGS

$3.99 50%

Nestle Milo Powder 1.5kg

¢

$

WAS

$

3lbs

3

SAVINGS

2 for Moonfish

$

Satsuma Tangerine

69

¢

/lb

WAS

SAVINGS

$0.99 30%

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

San Miguel Purefoods Corned Beef 12oz

Boy Bawang Cornic Select variants 100g

Golden Saba Sliced Banana 16 oz

WAS

SAVINGS

$5.99 25%

4 for WAS

$

3

SAVINGS

$0.89 16%

2 for WAS

$

3

SAVINGS

$2.29 34%