LA Midweek Edition -- November 04 -- 06, 2015

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November 4-6, 2015

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

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US-bound Filipino latest victim in DATELINE USA AAPI groups file alleged bullet planting scheme at NAIA briefs in support of from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

affirmative action

oVer 160 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups have filed amicus briefs calling for equal opportunity and for the supreme Court to uphold affirmative action policies.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), the Asian American Legal Defense and education fund (AALDef), and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), filed three separate amicus briefs urging the high Court to uphold the affirmative action policy at the University of texas at Austin (Ut-Austin). “such broad support for race conscious admissions policies sends a clear message that AAPIs overwhelmingly support these policies and will not be used as a racial wedge to disenfranchise other communities of color,� said Laboni hoq, litigation director at Advancing Justice -- Los Angeles. the briefs were filed on behalf of over 160 organizations that support equal opportunity and affirmative action in higher education, and they represent the large diversity within

by agnes

Constante AJPress

A 77-year-old filipino-American bound for Los Angeles was the latest victim in an alleged “laglag-bala (bullet planting)� scheme targeting passengers at Ninoy Aquino Inter-

national Airport (NAIA) on tuesday, Nov. 3. santiago PeĂąaflorida was stopped after Department of transportation and Communications-office for transportation security personnel saw a bullet inside his backpack on the x-ray scanner, Inquirer reported.

PeĂąaflorida, who had come to NAIA for a connecting flight from Iloilo Airport, said no bullet was detected in Iloilo. he refused to have his bag opened and examined until after media arrived, after which a .32caliber bullet was found. he was then brought to the PNP Aviation security

WAshINGtoN, D.C. – fifty years ago this month, the Us passed a landmark immigration bill that opened doors to Asians and Africans who have been largely excluded from entering the country before. Before this law, only 50 filipinos, for instance, were allowed each year to immigrate to the Us. But the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) effectively changed a quota system based on national origin, which mainly favored people from european countries. After that year, the number of immigrants from Asia dramatically increased, eventually enabling millions of filipinos to make the United states their new home.

Yolanda and Johnny Arzadon of Alexandria, Virginia, were among them. Availing of INA’s “skilled worker� preference, the Arzadons didn’t have any problem getting their green cards in 1969, the year after the law’s implementation. As an architect, Johnny was immediately hired by a Washington D.C. architectural firm, while Yoly found employment in

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Poe camp denies ‘withdrawal’ letter

by JeffeRson

antipoRDa ManilaTimes.net

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Fil-Ams reflect on impact of 1965 US immigration reform law

Group for questioning and missed his flight.

A list of similar cases has been publicized throughout the last several weeks where filipinos and foreigners alike have fallen victim to what is locally known as the “laglag-bala (drop-

EXTRA PROTECTION. Passengers waiting for their flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 go to great lengths to protect their luggage by having these wrapped in plastic to prevent anyone from planting bullets (“tanim-bala�) in their baggage. The tanim-bala scam involves airport inspectors who allegedly place bullets in the luggage of passengers and then ask them for bribes to be spared from arrest.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

A stAtemeNt announcing the alleged withdrawal of sen. Grace Poe from next year’s presidential race was quickly quashed by her spokesman who said the e-mail message that circulated on tuesday, Nov. 3 was fake. “there is absolutely no truth in the bogus email being circulated that sen. Poe has withdrawn from the presidential race. sen. Poe remains steadfast in her bid to seek the presidency so that she can further her platforms of good governance, inclusive growth and improving the competitiveness of our country. As mentioned before, clearly some of her opponents will resort to all types of left-handed approaches to derail her candidacy. some of her opponents are becoming so desperate that they are already resorting to all types of smear campaign tactics like this,� a statement

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Philippines under US commander says sailing past Chinese fire for unsolved isles not a threat killing of journalists

by RobeRt

by Ryan

D. RosauRo

Inquirer.net

ILIGAN CItY – the Philippines is one of four countries that are at the center of a global campaign for freedom of expression even as the local journalism community has just lost another member to unidentified killers.

Jose Bernardo, a reporter and broadcaster for dwBL radio station in manila, as well as a reporter for dwIZ radio, also in manila, was shot repeatedly by one of two men riding a motorcycle outside a restaurant in Quezon City on saturday, oct. 31 and died later in hospital, police said.

No suspects have been arrested in the attack,

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buRns anD ChRistopheR boDeen Associated Press

BeIJING — the Us Navy’s challenge last week to China’s sovereignty claims in the south China sea was not designed as a military threat, the head of Us Pacific military forces said tuesday, Nov. 3 in a mostly upbeat speech about prospects for preventing Us-China disputes from escalating to conflict. speaking in the Chinese capital, Adm. harry B. harris Jr. cited a recent statement

by Us Defense secretary Ash Carter that the international order “faces challenges from russia and, in a different way, from China, with its ambiguous maritime claims,� in-

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Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., US Navy Commander, US Pacific Command walks past a photograph showing an island that China is building on the Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea, as the prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on maritime security strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. The US Navy’s challenge to China’s sovereignty claims in the South China Sea was not designed as a military threat, Harris said Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, in a mostly upbeat speech about prospects for preventing US-China disputes from escalating to conflict.

AP file photo by Cliff Owen 5IVSTEBZ 8FEOFTEBZ t /PW

Presyong Sulit Savings!

Presyong Sulit!

Beef Hind Shank

Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan.

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Inquirer.net file photos

Khan most likely final opponent of Pacquiao

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Filipino Eggplant

According to the telegraph, negotiations are going smoothly for the bout that’s likely to be BrItoN Amir Khan is back at staged in Las Vegas. “I’m sure the kid [Khan] would the top of the list of manny Pacquiao’s possible opponents for take the fight,� promoter Bob what could be the filipino icon’s Arum told the telegraph’s Galast fight on April 9 next year. u PAGE A2

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SEAFOOD CITY AD1

A NOVEMBER 4-6, 2015 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

US-bound Filipino latest victim in…

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ALERTED. President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with heads of agencies concerned Monday, Nov. 2, to investigate the alledged tanimbala incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Present during the meeting are PNP-Aviation Security Group Chief Supt. Pablo Francisco Balagtas, PNP Chief Ricardo Marquez, Airport Gen Manager Jose Angel Honrado, PMS Head Julia Abad, Cabinet Sec. Jose Almendras, DILG Sec. Mel Senen Sarmiento, DOTC Sec. Jun Abaya and other cabinet members.

Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea

Poe camp denies ‘withdrawal’…

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attributed to Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela City (Metro Manila) Mayor Rex Gatchalian, read.

A transcript of the senator’s interview at the Senate quoted her as saying, “Wala pong katotohanan yan. Sa katotohanan nga po, patuloy ang aming pagtatrabaho para maihatid ang mensahe sa kung anong magagawa natin para makatulong sa ating mga kababayan [There’s no truth to that. The truth is, we continue to work to deliver the message about what we can do to help our countrymen].”

Poe said she has no plans of having the incident investigated.

“There are many other things that need attention than this. I don’t think I’ll waste my time trying to trace where this came from. What’s more important is that the people would know that this is not true,” she said in Filipino.

The bogus e-mail message was sent to reporters covering the Senate. The sender used the e-mail account grace_poe16@ yahoo.com.

Statements and advisories from Poe’s camp are usually sent out using a Gmail account.

The email read: “Bagamat inaasahan ko ang ganitong mga

pag-atake at paninira na gagawin sa aking pagkatao, matagal kong pinag-isipan kung nararapat pa bang ipaglaban ang minsang naudlot na pinangarap ng aking namayapang amang si Fernando Poe Jr. [I had expected this smear drive against my person, and I asked myself if it is right to continue the fight of my late father Fernando Poe Jr.] “Tao lang ako at nasasaktan; at pati na ang aking pamilya ay nadamay dahil sa ginawa kong desisyon na lumahok sa eleksiyon. At sa harap ng puntod ng aking ama, pinanalangin kong bigyan ako ng lakas ng loob na makapagdesisyon ng tama [I am only human and I get hurt; even my family is affected because of my decision to take part in the 2016 elections. And before my father’s grave, I prayed that I be given the strength to make the right decisions].

“Sa lahat ng nagmamahal sa akin, nais ko pong ipabatid sa inyo na hindi na po ako tatakbo sa pagkapangulo sa halalang darating. Masakit sa akin ang desisyong ito ngunit kailangan kong gawin ito para na rin sa aking pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay [To all who support me, I want to tell you that I am no longer running for President in the coming

elections.

This decision was hard to make but I had to do it for my family and loved ones].”

The senator’s father, the popular FPJ, ran against Gloria Arroyo in 2004, but lost, allegedly a victim of cheating by the Arroyo administration Disqualification cases have been filed against Poe by radio commentator Rizalito David, former senator Francisco Tatad and at least two others with the Commission on Elections.

The Senate Electoral Tribunal is also hearing a similar complaint filed by David.

All the complainants questioned Poe’s qualification to run for President, particularly her citizenship and residency.

Gatchalian said the bogus e-mail was just part of a black propaganda against Poe, who is leading both pre-election surveys for President and Vice President.

“As mentioned before, clearly some of her opponents will resort to all types of left-handed approaches to derail her candidacy. Some of her opponents are becoming so desperate that they are already resorting to all types of smear campaign tactics like this,” he added.

ping bullets)” or “tanim-bala (planting-bullets)” scam. This alleged scheme involves planting bullets in travelers’ baggage and threatening lawsuits unless they give money. Airport personnel are allegedly behind the scam, Rappler reported.

The Aviation Security Group says has resulted in 30 recorded cases of illegal possession of ammunition from January to early November this year. Last year, there were 12 cases; in 2013, there were 21; in 2012, there were 20, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group Supt. Jeanne Panisan told reporters at a press briefing.

Legislators respond to scam Lawmakers have called for an investigation into the alleged scheme and Malacañang has vowed to put an end to the scheme.

“Government is there to make sure everything will be in order.

Whatever is happening there, we’ll look into it. We assure the public that we will go after whoever the culprit is,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, according to Manila Bulletin.

Sherwin Gatchalian, a member of the tourism committee in the House of Representatives, said the ongoing incident is becoming an “international embarrassment” and warned that perpetrators are “not afraid to prey on foreigners.”

In a statement, Sen. Francis Escudero said NAIA personnel should stop “assassinating” Filipinos passing through the airport, as in the case of former Senator Ninoy Aquino who was shot and killed at the airport tarmac in 1983.

“Planting bullets in the baggage of Filipinos and tourists passing through the NAIA is a great disservice to the memories of the late senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. who died from the bullets fired by dishonorable men,” Escudero said.

“The government must seriously act now to stop these figurative assassinations of Filipinos and tourists. We must hold accountable to the fullest extent of the law these dishonorable airport officials and personnel,” he added.

Among lawmakers seeking a probe into the scheme are Sens.

Miriam Defensor Santiago and Alan Peter Cayetano, who announced Friday, Oct. 30, they filed resolutions for an investigation into the matter.

Santiago proposed the creation of a task force to investigate “alleged illicit activity” of state agents.

Cayetano proposed improving surveillance by upgrading the airport’s 20-year-old analog cameras with IP surveillance videos, implementing a 48 hour rule where airport officials must catch culprits of scams and send them to prison within 48 hours or resign, and implement a rule where supervisors rotate so as to reduce the time and opportunity for theft and extortion in airports, Rappler reported.

Santiago said that the scam could affect tourism, instill fear in foreigners and decrease the public’s trust in law enforcement.

Jess Martinez, assistant head of the Media Affairs Division of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), said the fear of the traveling public is unsettling

but understandable.

“MIAA assures the public that all concerned agencies are closely looking into this already.

Surveillance has been enhanced ever since reports were brought to the attention of management,” she told Philstar.

President Benigno Aquino III has been called on to fire MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado because of the scandal, but Malacañang said its priority is to identify the problem correctly -- not fire Honrado.

“Because we only have what media is reporting.... That’s why the president wants to cast a wide net. Let’s look at the entire picture,” Lacierda said.

Honrado, who is Aquino’s cousin, was appointed by the president. He said he would not resign unless Aquino instructs him to do so.

Victims of the alleged “laglag-bala” scam Among victims of the scheme were Lane Michael White, a 20year-old American missionary, and Filipino balikbayan Rhed Austria de Guzman.

White was supposed to be on a flight to Palawan but spent six days at the NAIA Terminal 1 police aviation facility. On Sept. 17, he accused airport personnel of allegedly planting the bullet in his baggage and trying to extort P30,000. White was only released after posting P40,000 bail.

On the way to Los Angeles on Sept. 18, de Guzman said she was forced to give P500 to two NAIA personnel at Terminal 2 upon the discovery of two bullets in her luggage. She denied the bullets were hers, according to Rappler, but paid airport personnel after

Mayweather as the most lucrative option, the eight-division world champion is willing to take on anybody that Arum will pit against him in the ring.

The Sarangani representative has repeatedly said he’s ready to fight Khan, whom he had sparred with at Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, or other fighters like Danny Garcia and Terrence Crawford.

Garcia, the former WBA and WBC light welterweight king,

holds a 31-0 card with 18 knockouts while Crawford, the 28-yearold WBO light welter titlist, totes a 27-0 record with 19 KOs. Though Khan is on holiday in India, the Bolton fighter confirmed to Davies that negotiations with the Pacquiao camp are indeed going on.

“Talks are going really well,” said Khan. “They (Pacquiao’s team) are speaking to my team, so I have just left it to my team.” n

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Khan most likely final opponent of…

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reth Davies Monday night, Nov. 2. “Khan, his uncle Taz and his lawyer could be getting on a plane and coming over to Las Vegas and we could thrash this thing out.”

Khan’s name resurfaced after Floyd Mayweather Jr. reiterated that he won’t be coming out of retirement for a rematch with Pacquiao, whom he beat by decision last May. Though Pacquiao considers u PAGE A5

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From the Front Page

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 4-6, 2015

Philippines under fire for…

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APPOINTED. President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with Commission of Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza and her staff for a photo opportunity at the Reception Hall of the Malacañang on Monday, Nov. 2. The United Nations General Assembly has approved Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s nomination of Mendoza as Under-Secretary-General for Internal Oversight Services.

Malacañang photo by Joseph Vidala

US commander says sailing past…

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cluding Beijing’s claim to nearly all of the South China Sea. However, Harris said the decision to send the USS Lassen, a guided-missile destroyer, into the South China Sea last week near Subi Reef, within the 12-nauticalmile (22-kilometer) territorial limit claimed by China, was meant to demonstrate the principle of freedom of navigation.

“I truly believe that these routine operations should never be construed as a threat to any nation,” Harris said, according to his prepared remarks. “These operations serve to protect the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.”

China protested the Lassen patrol, calling it a “deliberate provocation,” and sent two warships to shadow the US vessel and issue warnings. Although China labeled the action illegal, international law allows warships to transit other countries’ territorial seas under the principle of “innocent passage.”

Harris said the US does not want disagreements to interfere with opportunities for building closer military-to-military ties with China. He cited recent advances, such as a Military Maritime Consultative Agreement on measures to improve safe military operations in the Asia-Pacific.

Harris has been outspoken in his criticisms of China’s land reclamation in the South China Sea. In March, he said China is “creat-

ing a great wall of sand” that is causing serious concern about militarizing reefs and artificial islands in an area of competing territorial claims by several nations. China and five other governments claim the South China Sea either in part of in whole.

The US does not recognize the man-made features, including Subi Reef, as legitimate islands entitled to territorial seas, and US officials say they plan to patrol nearby them on a regular basis to enforce that view. China has reclaimed approximately 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of land in the Spratly island chain since last year, and is now adding harbors, housing and airstrips.

Harris spoke Tuesday to Stanford University students studying at Peking University in Beijing.

He is in Beijing on his first visit as commander of US Pacific Command, which is responsible for US military operations throughout the Asia-Pacific. International media were not invited to the speech.

In his remarks, the admiral was mostly upbeat in his assessment of prospects for improving relations with China, saying he did not subscribe to the pessimistic view that a conflict was inevitable. While saying that as a military commander he is required to “look through a darker lens and drink through a glass halfempty,” he emphasized areas of mutual US-China interest and ways in which the two countries are cooperating.

“I agree with many of my Chinese counterparts who have emphasized cooperation over confrontation,” Harris said, according to a copy of his prepared remarks provided to reporters traveling with Defense Secretary Carter in Malaysia.

“I continue to have personal and candid conversations with Chinese military leaders, which is why I’m in China this week,” he added.

Harris’ remarks reflect in part the Obama administration’s emphasis on deepening US economic, diplomatic and military relations across the Asia-Pacific — a so-called “pivot to the Pacific” after years of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. US relations with China, however, have been complicated by what the US sees as opaque Chinese military intentions and aggressive moves in the South China Sea. Although mistrust remains on both sides, engagement is increasing. Along with recent agreements meant to prevent unintended incidents between their ships and planes, the two militaries have ratcheted up exchanges and dialogue at bilateral and multilateral forums.

Last month, a 27-member US Navy delegation toured China’s sole aircraft carrier at dock and visited a Chinese navy submarine training academy. That was in return for a weeklong visit by 29 Chinese naval officers to the US in February, the first time China had sent a large delegation. n

which also wounded a restaurant worker, and authorities said they were checking whether it was linked to Bernardo’s work as a journalist.

The global freedom of expression campaign runs from Nov. 2 to Nov. 23.

In December 2013, the United Nations declared Nov. 2 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Nov. 2 is All Souls’ Day in Christian countries, including the Philippines.

Nov. 2 was chosen because it was on that date that two reporters of Radio France Internationale (RFI), Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, were killed in Mali in 2013.

Nov. 23 marks the sixth year after the attack that claimed the lives of 58 people, 32 of them journalists, in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province, in the Philippines. The Maguindanao massacre was the worst single attack on the press.

In a statement, the Brusselsbased International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), a global organization representing more than 300,000 journalists, said its annual campaign, along with other freedom of expression networks, sought to “hold world governments and de facto authorities accountable for impunity records for crimes targeting journalists.”

“Murder is the highest form of these crimes but all attacks targeting journalists that remain unpunished must be denounced…

There can be no press freedom

US-bound Filipino latest victim in…

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they allegedly threatened to document the incident on her travel records.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, Nimfa Fontamillas, 65, was stopped from boarding her flight to Singapore after a bullet was found in her bag through the x-ray scanner; on Oct. 25, Hong Kong-bound overseas Filipino worker Gloria Ortinez, and Japanese tourist Kazunobu Sakamoto, were arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition. Sakamoto also posted P80,000 bail.

All three individuals denied that they owned the bullets.

Some passengers detained were released upon finding that bullets were blank, while others were taken to court for refusing to pay fines, BBC reported.

Bullets as charms Not all travelers stopped for possessing bullets have denied owning them.

On the same day 77-year-old Peñaflorida was detained for the bullet found in his luggage, three females were stopped for possessing ammunition.

Milagrosa Cadiente, 48, was stopped at NAIA for having a bullet in her wallet. She said she was aware bullets are prohibited at the airport but forgot to take the “charm” out of her bag, Inquirer reported.

“It is just stupid to put people in jail for having one or two bullets. They have to understand that Filipinos carry them as charms,” Cadiente said.

Another woman, Rowena Otic, 33, who was not a traveler but was dropping off her sister, was stopped at the airport for possessing two .38-caliber bullets. Otic told reporters she carried them to

ward off danger but forgot to remove them from her handbag.

“I also thought only passengers were inspected and arrested for having bullets,” she said.

Marilou Rose Espinola, 27, who was bound for Bacolod, was also stopped for possessing ammunition. She admitted to putting the bullet in her bag but said she did not know it was banned at the airport.

Travelers wrap luggage, OFWs threaten to reduce remittances, NAIA workers deny allegations Airport terminals are offering luggage wrapping services for P160 per bag, while travelers have also opted to seal their bags at home with packing tape to avoid falling victim to the scheme.

Meanwhile, OFWs abroad are threatening to slash the amount of money they send back home as a means of pressuring the government to stop the bullet scam.

“OFWs and our families should act decisively versus the laglagbala that victimizes our fellow OFWs, thus we need to launch a campaign that will pressure the government to put an end to this extortion scheme at NAIA airports,” John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East regional

coordinator, said in a statement.

Although airport personnel have been accused of perpetrating the scheme, NAIA porters who help travelers carry luggage say they have been affected by the allegations.

“The passengers must understand that this is our livelihood and we will not do anything to lose their trust,” Porferio Lavado, 42, who has been a porter at NAIA for 17 years, told Inquirer in Filipino.

Inquirer reported an incident witnessed between a female passenger at NAIA and porter who offered to help her with her luggage.

“Get away from me,” the publication reported the female telling the porter. “I don’t want you to plant any bullet on me.”

The porter said he used to help about 20 passengers in 24 hours.

However, as of Monday, Nov. 2, he was helping less than 10 since reports of the scam went viral on social media.

“We rely on [passengers] to survive,” Lavado said.

“We have everything to lose and nothing to gain if we went around planting bullets like they accuse us of,” he added. n

SEAFOOD CITY AD2

where journalists work in fear,” the IFJ said.

Four countries The IFJ campaign puts specific emphasis on the Philippines, Mexico, Ukraine and Yemen owing to the gravity of the situation in these countries.

According to the IFJ, on a global scale, only one in 10 cases of media deaths are investigated.

“Impunity not only endangers journalists, it [also] imperils democracy and the right for the public to know. It is more than time for bringing those who kill the messengers to justice and we must relentlessly hold governments accountable for this,” said Jim Boumelha, president of the group.

He urged IFJ affiliates to get involved in the campaign “to show solidarity to those who struggle for telling the truth and their loved ones.”

“The calendar gives us enough reason to remember. But every killing is enough reason to rage,” said Rowena Paraan, chair of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

Maguindanao massacre In the Philippines, the IFJ notes that not a single killer has been convicted for involvement in the Maguindanao massacre. More than 190 people are accused in the crime, 18 of them surnamed Ampatuan.

“The [Maguindanao] massacre remains the key focal point of the Philippine media’s battle with impunity, but it must be stressed that the killing of journalists didn’t start on

A

Nov. 23, 2009, nor did it end there,” the IFJ said.

“The fallout for the media continues—as do journalist murders with shocking regularity… which makes the country the deadliest for journalists in Southeast Asia,” the group said.

The NUJP has recorded 32 journalist killings since the 2009 massacre, five of these in 2015.

These brought to 169 the number of journalist killings since 1986 when the Philippines regained press freedom after the fall of strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

“This year there was a small breakthrough when the two accused masterminds in the killing of journalist Gerry Ortega were arrested in Thailand on unrelated charges. They have since been deported to and detained in the Philippines while awaiting trial for their role in the 2011 murder of Ortega,” IFJ said, referring to the arrest of former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes.

Threats by text In the case of Bernardo, police said on Monday that the broadcaster had received “threatening text messages” before he was shot on Saturday.

Bernardo’s cell phone was submitted to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for “digital forensic examination,” the report said.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police, said investigators had yet to determine whether the attack on Bernardo was related to his work.

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Dateline USa

AAPI groups file briefs in support of…

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AAPI communities, including Arab, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander organizations.

“With long histories of serving the most vulnerable members of our community, these organizations range from large, pan-Asian national organizations and professional associations, to student and grassroots groups,” continued Hoq. In addition, the briefs represent 53 individuals, including higher education faculty and school officials.

The filings are in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s second review of Fisher v. University of Texas, reported NBC News.

Caucasian student Abigail Fisher was rejected when she applied to UT-Austin. Her initial lawsuit, heard by the United States District Court in 2009, alleged that UT-Austin’s affirmative action policies prevented her from gaining admission.

The Supreme Court justices heard the case in 2013, but sent it back to the Fifth Circuit to see if UT-Austin had used other ways to achieve diversity in its campus before it used race as a factor.

The next year, the Fifth Circuit determined that the university used “race-neutral methods (e.g.

“Top Ten Percent” Plan), and still did not achieve the diversity it sought.” Therefore, it “upheld the use of race as part of a holistic admissions approach, which is constitutional under current law.”

The Fisher case also relied heavily on the claim that Asian Americans were discriminated against by UT-Austin’s admissions policy.

In its brief, however, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) argued that nothing on the record showed that the school’s admissions process disadvantaged or

discriminated against that demographic.

Asian Americans in UT’s freshman class has risen from 6 percent in 1986 to 23 percent in 2014.

“Supporters of Fisher have mischaracterized UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy,” AALDEF executive director Margaret Fung told NBC News in an email statement. “It can benefit Asian Americans through an individualized review of applicants that avoids harmful stereotypes based on the ‘model minority’ myth.”

The use of race in a holistic review of applicants is “constitutional, and nothing in UT’s policies indicate any cap, quota, bias, or other kind of negative action, formal or informal affecting Asian Americans or any other group,” AALDEF’s brief argued.

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders--a unique cross-section of identities and experiences that spans a range of comparative privilege and disadvantage-benefit from this individualized approach to admissions, as do African Americans, Latinos, and Whites,” the brief read.

The AALDEF amicus brief also distinguishes between the two distinct concepts of negative action and affirmative action, noting there is “no evidence in the record of discrimination” by UTAustin.

The amicus brief filed by Advancing Justice argues that an applicant cannot be evaluated holistically without the consideration of race, according to the group’s press release.

In UT-Austin’s holistic review program, where test scores play a dominant role in the admissions process, it is crucial to consider race because the tests disproportionately limit access to educational opportunities for minority students, Advancing Justice claims.

The brief also shows how ra-

cially conscious admissions programs opened the doors of higher education for AAPI students, after a century of discrimination and exclusion to their communities and families. These programs and opportunities have continued to benefit many AAPI students, who face significant educational barriers today.

The groups also looked at disaggregated data from the US Census Bureau, revealing large disparities in educational attainment among Asian American ethnic groups.

Based on the data, the educational attainment of Hmong, Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans is the lowest among Asian American ethnic groups, and similar to those of Latinos and African Americans.

Only 61 percent of Hmong Americans have a high school diploma, while only 12 percent of Laotian Americans have graduated from college.

“Supporters of Fisher have mischaracterized UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy. It can benefit Asian Americans through an individualized review of applicants that avoids harmful stereotypes based on the ‘model minority’ myth,” said AALDEF Executive Director Margaret Fung.

“We recognize that Asian Pacific Americans, like other groups, have endured cases of discrimination and lack of opportunities which continue to impact us today. The low numbers of minority groups in the legal profession, government, and corporate leadership underscore the need to remove barriers to higher education and increase diversity,” agreed George C. Chen, president of NAPABA. “Courtrooms, law firms, and law schools must be filled with people of different backgrounds so that we can better understand and respect the diversity of the American public.” (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

to beat” based on surveys but it is still too early to tell who is the biggest threat to Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid spokesman Ibarra Gutierrez 3rd said also on Tuesday.

The coalition spokesman said they are focused on their own platform.

“In all honesty, we are not giving much attention to what is

happening to the camp of Sen. Grace or other camps for that matter. At this point, like what we did at the start after PNoy [President Benigno Aquino 3rd] endorsed Seretary Mar, we are focused on our own platform, we are focused on our own explanation and delivery of daang matuwid [straight path] down to the level of the barangay [villages] in

Poe camp denies ‘withdrawal’…

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“These sinister minds have begun using all types of mediums to spread lies and confusion.

They started with baseless barrage of disqualification petitions to condition the minds of the people, then blast text messages spreading lies, and now bogus emails,” Gatchalian said.

‘Person to beat’ Sen. Grace Poe is the “person

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Fil-Ams reflect on impact of 1965 US… PAGE A1 t

the federal government.

They both retired five years ago. But they continue to be involved as volunteers and leaders in various organizations doing charity work and community service. Johnny helped form a Filipino organization of engineers and architects, while Yoly led several initiatives to present Philippine arts and culture to mainstream audiences.

Family visas After getting themselves established in 1969, the Arzadons petitioned for their four children to join them a year later: Joseph, 8; Jhett, 11; Junior, 13; and Rey, 17.

They had been living with their grandparents in Moncada, Tarlac. With INA, priority was given to families so that immigrants could sponsor their children and relatives.

“It was so much easier then,” Yoly, 68, recalls. “We came at the right time when there was a need for our professional services. We felt very welcomed.”

Adds Johnny, 71: “And we wanted to make sure our kids get a good education. If we didn’t leave the Philippines, we’d be struggling to make both ends meet. Providing our children a better life was our primary goal.”

Johnny grew up poor in a farm in Tarlac.

The Arzadon children, now in their 50s, are all successful professionals in their own right.

The oldest is an architect, like his father, and the youngest is a dental surgeon, whose passion is humanitarian service. Joseph, 54, heads the non-profit Virginia-based Medical Mission of Mercy (MMOM), which provides free medical, surgical and dental services to the underprivileged.

Every year, MMOM organizes a volunteer team of doctors, nurses and medical experts who spend two weeks in towns and barrios in the Philippines.

“Our whole family is involved in this mission,” Yoly says. “It’s our way of giving back to our kababayans who don’t enjoy the same benefits we have here, like basic health care. I’m so proud of my children for their spirit of compassion and concern for the wellbeing of others. Although we sent them to the best schools and they have good-paying jobs, our children have not forgotten where they came from.”

Only in America Five years after passage of the INA, there were 343,060 Filipi-

Yoly and Johnny Arzadon, who arrived in the U.S. in 1969, consider themselves beneficiaries of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act. Photos by Jon Melegrito

nos in the US In 1990, that number rose to a million and a half.

Today, there are nearly four million Filipinos, the second largest Asian immigrant group, but among the fastest growing in the nation.

While most Filipino immigrants settled in California and Hawaii, a relatively smaller number – like the Arzadons – chose to live in East Coast. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area attracted many Filipino professionals, like Yoly, to work in the federal government.

“I’m just now beginning to appreciate what the 1965 immigration law means to our family,” she adds. “We have been so blessed with many opportunities in jobs and education. As they say, only in America.”

Broken immigration system Although the 1965 legislation abolished discriminatory national origin quotas and ushered in a time of tolerance and acceptance, the US today has “grown increasingly xenophobic and distrustful of many of the same immigrants that were once welcomed at our borders,” says Katrina Dizon, a Filipino American policy analyst with the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC).

“Divisive rhetoric has fueled public policy that continues to hurt and alienate immigrant communities through a broken immigration system that continues to keep families separated for decades.”

Among them is Filipino World War II veteran Rudy Panaglima, 85, of Arlington, Virginia. “My wife, Pura, and I have been waiting for my two sons to join us,” he says. “It’s been more than 20 years.”

Panaglima, who was a 13-yearold runner with the Philippine guerillas, remains hopeful his children will come soon, especially after President Obama took executive action to fast-track their pending visas.

At a recent briefing in Capitol Hill sponsored by SEARAC and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Dizon and several speakers reflected on the significance of the 1965 legislation.

They included immigrant rights activists and congressional leaders, like US Reps Xavier Becerra (CA-34); Raul Grijalva (AZ-3), Mike Honda, (CA-17), CAPAC Immigration Taskforce chair; Barbara Lee (CA-13), and Ted Lieu (CA-33).

An amazing year “The year 1965 was an amazing year,” said Rep. Becerra.

“People from every part of the world and from all walks of life came to America. Their diversity is what makes our country great.

But there’s something wrong with our immigration system today. I hope it doesn’t take another 50 years to fix it.”

Added Erin Oshiro, director of Immigration and Immigrant

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

OpiniOn

Features

Entrapment

IS it really more fun in the Philippines? In 2014, the government has recorded 34 million domestic and international arrival and departures at the country’s premier gateway. Despite a “worst airport” tag, it is a welcome development.

But if you ask 56-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Gloria Ortinez, she would blatantly say “No.” After her recent balikbayan trip, Ortinez was prevented from leaving the country after an Office of Transportation Security (OTS) allegedly found a bullet for a carbine rifle in her hand-carried bag.

Ortinez was bound for Hong Kong to resume her employment. She was barred from leaving the country and was detained after failing to pay P80,000 ($1,900) bail on charges of illegal possession of ammunition filed before the Pasay prosecutor’s office.

Lane Michael White, a 20-year-old American missionary, shares Ortinez’s sentiments. White and his family were in the country last month to look for a lot in Palawan where they can build a church for their congregation. The family trip was disrupted when the OTS allegedly found a 22-cal. inside White’s baggage. White was held at a detention cell for six days after he was charged for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. White, who is from Florida, insisted that the bullet found in his luggage was “planted” and that an airport officer tried to extort P30,000 ($640) from him to avoid legal problems. “They can lie to people but not to God. I stand by my statement. If my being jailed was needed to make the truth come

out and save other people, then being in jail was worth it,” White shared.

Ortinez and White shared the same ordeal that apparently has been going on for two decades. A reliable source told ABS-CBN News that the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) scam has gone unabated for the past 20 years. The source also disclosed that airport security screening personnel are allegedly employing ‘spotters’ to help them find the ‘perfect’ passenger to victimize.”

“The source said, before the tanim-bala modus operandi was exposed and reported by the media, the group normally victimized more than 20 passengers a day, raking hundreds of thousands of pesos from passengers who do not want to be hassled,” ABS-CBN News further reported.

The reported cases of “tanim-bala” have caused a pandemonium. On social, media airport passengers are now posting photos of them wrapping their bags in plastics and duct tapes or other embellishments to secure their own pieces of luggage.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to investigate the bullet-planting incidents. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was also tasked to probe and conduct “a thorough, in-depth, and comprehensive investigation and case build-up” on the scam that has

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

gained international attention.

Aquino convened a meeting on Monday, Nov. 2 to verify the allegations and formulate long-term solutions.

“These are assumptions that we need to validate.

That is why we need to look at all the assumptions that were put out. We want to make sure that what measures that we are going to come up with are measures that in the long run would ensure the safety of each and every passenger and guarantee

their security as they use the terminals,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

The impact of these recent incidents poses a great concern for travelers who are eyeing the Philippines as their destination this holiday season. The national government and its concerned agencies must immediately resolve this extortion scam to ensure passenger safety for local and foreign air travelers and restore confidence in the country’s aviation system. (AJPress)

The ‘Laglag Bala’ scheme and the state of paranoia at NAIA: more fun in the Philippines?

ONE of the things we Filipinos living abroad always look forward to and are excited about is the ability to travel back to the Philippines and feel “at home” in our Motherland, where we feel welcome, safe and taken care of. However, the recent headlines about the alleged “bullet planting” (laglag bala) scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has created paranoia in the minds of not only Filipinos, but of the international media and travelers as well.

As Balitang America has reported, even the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is now warning its staff members of this scheme, used by perpetrators within NAIA to extort money from passengers.

The UNDSS says in a statement: “Staff members are advised to keep your luggage with you, lock your luggage and consider wrapping your luggage in plastic as an extra precaution.”

As of press time, the Philippine National PoliceAviation Security Group says that there have been 30 alleged cases of this “laglag bala” cases this year alone. Balitang America further reports that according to the The Manila International Airport

being traumatized by the expeAuthority, there have been five casrience. Her post became viral es of this bullet planting scheme in The Fil-Am and she was even interviewed the last two weeks alone. by several media outlets in the However, these passengers, in- Perspective Philippines. cluding foreigners, contend that Her personal experience was they were “framed”, and that the very much like what the others one or two bullets that the airport after her have gone through. In inspectors claim to have found a report by Steve Angeles on in their luggage upon inspection Gel SantoS-reloS Balitang America, Rhed shared were not theirs, but were planted by these inspectors in an effort to extort money that last September, she was returning from Batangas to California. She was then wheelchair bound from them.

Such is the case of Rhed de Guzman, a kababay- when she went through security inspection.

Rhed alleges that porters and airport security an from Santa Ana, in the Los Angeles area of California. Rhed happens to be the sister of my claimed to have found bullets in her luggage. “inaanak sa kasal”. The de Guzmans are decent, These airport personnel allegedly told her that to hardworking people. My “inaanak” sa kasal are avoid being detained, she just would have to pay both lawyers and one is even a judge in the Philip- 500 Pesos, which is about $12, to make the issue go away. pines.

Rhed knows these bullets are absolutely not hers, We had the de Guzman family over for lunch a month ago and that is when we talked about the but because the whole process was scary and she “laglag bala” scheme reported in the local me- was even emotionally lost because her mother was dia. To our surprise, Rhed turned out to be the then terminally ill, she decided to give the money person who first reported on social media about they were asking for so she could hop on that plane

and not miss her flight back to California.

However, she knew in her heart what happened was wrong, and so she started positing about her ordeal on social media so that the government could do something about it.

“Hindi dapat nangyari ito kasi nasa Pilipinas tayo…kapwa Pilipino…Bakit nangyari ang ganito?

Tapos akalo ko noon titigil na kasi nakuwento ko na sa social media…Wala lang rin pala…Marami pang kaso, sunod sunod,” Rhed laments in the Balitang America report. She is ready to file a formal complaint soon.

“Stupid”, embarrassing, frustrating, in addition to the paranoia are some thoughts that kababayans now express about this scheme. They wonder why the government has not been able to be on top of the situation. How could this happen inside NAIA? (To be continued) *** 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

Revolution now? How and who?

I HAVE just read, with extreme fasci- Street nation, a discussion paper published by Talk Norberto B. Gonzales, secretary of national defense and national security adviser under former President GreG B. MacaBenta Gloria MacapagalArroyo. It has a title that immediately grabs you: Revolution Now? After going through the piece, the question that immediately comes to mind is: Revolution? How? And who?

The paper proceeds on a very idealistic premise. It proposes a peaceful, bloodless revolution even as it warns against the intrusion of sinister forces that, according to the writer, are already preparing for a power grab, given the current state of discontent in our country.

It also acknowledges that two previous “revolutions” had been mounted – the one in February 1986 that ejected the Marcos dictatorship and the one in 2001 that caused the “forced resignation” of President Joseph Estrada. The first only saw “the restoration of old oligarchic rule” and the second “failed to change the unjust systems.”

There was in fact a third “revolution” of sorts. Not the failed EDSA Tres that Estrada’s supporters tried to mount but the one that catapulted Benigno S. Aquino III to the presidency. Like the first two mass movements, the last one was launched with high hopes for meaningful change in Philippine society. And, like the two, the results have been distressing – which, apparently, is why “Revolution Now” is being proposed.

Now limping towards the end of his

six-year tenure, Aquino and his administration are clearly the object of this new clarion call for change. Aquino’s promise of “Kung walang kurap, walang mahirap” (Where no one is corrupt, no one will be poor) has become nothing more than a bad advertising slogan.

His Tuwid na Daan (Straight Path) style of governance has been like a provincial dirt road, bumpy, with potholes aplenty and anything but straight.

I actually do not doubt that Noynoy Aquino and many (or at least some) of those who drafted him to run for the highest office in the land had the most noble of intentions. In fact, it must be acknowledged that those noble intentions have seen some meaningful improvements in our country.

But like a badly tailored suit with one arm longer than the other and the buttons not properly sewed on, the Aquino government has only been consistent in its inconsistency, whether it is in the dispensation of “justice” or in the apportionment of largesse drawn from the national treasury or in acknowledging faults and taking responsibility for mistakes and not passing on the blame to everyone but itself.

Indeed, Aquino’s presidency has aptly confirmed the adage that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

One reason, of course, is the fact that – like all past Philippine presidents – Aquino was quickly surrounded and continues to be surrounded by individuals and power blocs with special interests to protect and larcenous agendas to promote, as well as incompetents and deadwood. And, in fairness to him

and his predecessors, the total system – political, social, economic, cultural – is designed to frustrate the best laid plans of mice and presidents.

This brings me back to the idealistic paper prepared by Norberto Gonzales, who we may recall, was one of the pillars of the much-maligned Arroyo government that Noynoy Aquino ostensibly replaced.

With due respect to Gonzales and to the National Transformation Council, to which he plans to present (or has presented) his treatise, the following questions needs to be asked by simple-minded individuals like myself: 1. Who will lead the “revolution”? Who will spearhead the establishment of a “revolutionary transition government,” dissolve Congress and the Comelec, write a new Constitution, reconstitute the Supreme Court and “overhaul the entire justice system”? It would help if the proponents were to present a list of these sterling individuals who, like Caesar’s wife, are beyond reproach, the better for the citizenry to vet them.

Will they be able to withstand the vicious scrutiny that has characterized legislative inquiries and media commentaries? Do they have any past associations that raise red flags? Do they have proverbial skeletons in their closets or, at the very least, have they been cleansed of past transgressions like Saul after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus?

2. Who will constitute the “unicameral consultative assembly” that will

serve as the “legislative advisory body of the revolutionary government”? Will they not be the same powerful families, warlords and political dynasties who currently rule over the fiefdoms that constitute what passes for the Republic of the Philippines? And will they not “aspire to win at all cost” to remain in power, thus perpetuating “the root of evil in our electoral system”?

3. Will this revolution be able to uproot the “old oligarchy” peacefully, without any bloody resistance? Will the wealthy families and business conglomerates that control virtually every aspect of life in the country be willing to let go of their privileged status without any struggle?

4. Will the overhaul apply mainly to the system of government or will it in-

clude a total cleansing of society and the interest groups that make it up, including the clergy?

5. Granting that peerless, perspicacious, selfless and noble leaders can be thoroughly vetted to constitute the revolutionary council that will overhaul the system, how will they deal with those who are less noble, like rotten apples threatening the rest? Will they apply the Duterte solution? And wouldn’t that be bloody?

I’m sure I’m not the only one eager to know the answers to these questions. I’m sure, too, that if these questions can be satisfactorily addressed, many of us will willingly, enthusiastically march to the beat of revolutionary drums. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 4-6, 2015

A

Comelec starts hearing nuisance bets’ cases SWS: More Filipinos went hungry in Q3

by Sheila and

CriSoStomo mayen Jaymalin Philstar.com

MANILA – A 75-year-old man asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, Nov. 3 to allow him to pursue his presidential candidacy after the Law Department started hearing the cases of 266 people disqualified from the 2016 polls.

Alfredo Tindugan assured the Comelec that he could sustain a nationwide campaign through the use of social media.

“Hopefully I would be allowed to run because I would spearhead a divine government – a government dedicated to justice, a humane society, love, equality and prosperity,” he said in Filipino during the Comelec’s preliminary conference.

On the other hand, presidential aspirant Rizalito David criticized the Comelec for including him in the list of potential nuisance candidates.

He belongs to a legitimate political party – Ang Kapatiran, he said.

“It seems that there are people

who erred in appreciating our documents,” he said.

“We are treated as nuisance because of the letter that was not even supported by a board resolution. It was really meant to muddle the issue (of my candidacy).”

He was referring to the letter that the Comelec sent to Norman Cabrera, the president of Ang Kapatiran.

Cabrera belongs to a breakaway group comprised of only 12 people.

His candidacy is backed by the party’s secretary-general, who signed his certificate of nomination and acceptance, he added.

Thirteen candidates for vice president and 128 for senator are also facing disqualification.

These aspirants received letters from the Comelec asking them to explain why they should not be declared as nuisance candidates.

Señeres for president OFW Family Club Rep. Roy Señeres might be the fifth presidential candidate in the Comelec list.

Until yesterday, he had not received any notice of hearing from the Comelec on his possible

Philippines under fire for…

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Mayor said investigators had learned that Bernardo was not a regular reporter at dwIZ. According to earlier reports, Bernardo told his family that he was going to Quezon City to meet someone.

A witness said Bernardo was parking his motorcycle in front of a restaurant on Zabarte Road, in Barangay Kaligayahan in Novaliches district, when a man walked up to him and shot him in the head and body.

After the shooting, the gunman walked to a motorcycle driven by another man and the two sped away, heading toward Caloocan City.

If the attack was job-related, Bernardo would be the 170th journalist to be killed in the Philippines since 1986.

In the line of duty In Mexico, 50 journalists have lost their lives in the line of duty since 2010. Of these cases, 89 percent remain unsolved, the Mexican National Human Rights Commission said.

In Yemen, the IFJ has recorded 15 journalists killed since 2011.

Ten of the journalists died in 2015. None of the perpetrators has been brought to justice.

In addition, 14 reporters remain captive as a consequence of the fighting between the Houthis, the Saudi-led coalition and al-Qaida terrorists.

In Ukraine, the IFJ cited eight killings, 125 intimidations, 322 assaults, 162 attempts of censorship and 196 cases of impeding journalistic activities since 2014.

Of 54 investigations launched, only three cases have reached the courts.

In 2000, the body of Ukrainian journalist Georgy Gongadze was found beheaded in a forest outside Kiev.

In 2015, the IFJ recorded 86 journalist killings throughout the world.

Last year, a journalist was killed every 10 days, the IFJ said.

Most of the journalists—94 percent—were men, and citizens of

disqualification from next year’s polls, Señeres told The Star in a telephone interview.

“I have not received any notice from the Comelec so far and hopefully I will not receive one,” he said.

Señeres is confident that he will be among the candidates to be allowed to participate in next year’s polls since he has a recognized political party to back him in the nationwide campaign.

He is running under Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka, a duly accredited political party of the Comelec, he added.

The former ambassador and the PPM’s senatorial candidates filed their certificates of candidacy before the Comelec last month.

Only five were deemed qualified among those who filed their COCs for president, the Comelec said earlier.

The four candidates are Manuel Roxas II of the Liberal Party, Vice President Jejomar Binay of United Nationalist Alliance, independent candidate Grace Poe and Miriam Defensor-Santiago of the People’s Reform Party. n

the countries where they were killed. Only 6 percent were foreign correspondents.

The group said 41 percent of the slain journalists worked for newspapers.

South Asia In South Asia, India and Bangladesh are also countries of special concern. Of the 86 journalist killings this year, 23 are in the region.

India has seen six journalist murders this year while five bloggers have been killed in Bangladesh.

“In Bangladesh where the press is not free, bloggers fill the gap of informing the public,” Jane Worthington, deputy director of IFJ Asia-Pacific, said.

In 2014, 39 journalist killings were recorded in the region, with Pakistan topping the list with 14, also the highest in the world.

(With reports from Jaymee T. Gamil in Manila and from AFP)

MANILA – More Filipinos became hungry in the third quarter of the year, with 15.7 percent of households or about 3 million Filipinos saying they experienced hunger at least once, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

In the survey released Monday, Nov. 2 the polling agency said hunger incidence went up in the last three months compared to 12.7 percent in the second quarter of the year, while 13.5 percent was recorded in the first quarter.

While slightly fewer families, at 1.6 percent, said they experienced “severe hunger,” the degree of “moderate hunger” in households leapt from 10.8 percent in the second quarter to 15.7 percent in the third quarter.

Mindanao had the most cases of reported hunger at 21.7 percent, followed by 18.3 percent of those in Metro Manila. About 14.7 percent of the population in Balance Luzon also experienced hunger,

In this 2007 photo, children play on the street in Cebu City, Philippines.

while hunger incidence was only 9.3 percent in the Visayas.

First published on BusinessWorld on Sunday, the SWS conducted the survey from September 2 to 5 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide as a nationally represented sampling.

Respondents were asked if

the different parts of the Philippines,” Gutierrez said in a media forum Pangasinan survey A survey conducted by the private pollster Data Advisors said Poe would win by a mile if the

elections were held today in the vote-rich province of Pangasinan.

The survey was conducted among 1,500 registered voters in the three cities and 44 municipalities in Pangasinan from September 25 to 29.

The survey, which has a mar-

their family “experienced hunger and did not have anything to eat” in the last three months.

The year-round self-rated hunger, however, continued to decrease. In 2014, a total of 18.3 percent of households experienced hunger while 19.3 percent reported the same in 2013. (Philstar.com)

Fil-Ams reflect on impact of 1965 US…

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Rights of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC): “The INA lifted the exclusion of immigrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and changed the face of today’s American population.”

Since the INA, said Oshiro, the Asian American population has increased ten-fold, and Asian Americans are now, and will continue to be, the fastest growing racial group in the nation.

The Asian American population is projected to double from 5 percent to 10 percent of the United States population by the early 2040s.

“It’s incredibly important that we invest in Asian American communities, and recognize that with our growing political power, we have the opportunity to truly impact the future direction of our nation,” Oshiro added.

“However,” Michael W. Kwan, national president of the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA), noted, “despite the historical success of the INA, our communities still continue to face immigration hurdles.

Family members of Asian Americans continue to wait for decades to be reunited, Kwan said. Over 1.3 million undocumented Asian American immigrants remain hidden in the shadows for fear of deportation; and due process eludes individuals in detention and deportation proceedings.

“We must repair our immigration system to support immigrant communities and create fair and humane immigration policies that protect our communities rather than keep our families divided,” Kwan concluded.

A nation of immigrants Noting the widespread immi-

Poe camp denies ‘withdrawal’…

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Burger Mac/CC BY

gin of error of plus or minus 2 percent, found that 44.5 percent of Pangasinan will vote for Poe followed by Vice President Jejomar Binay (24.4 percent) and Roxas with 18.3 percent. Some 11.1 percent voters in Pangasinan prefer Sen. Ferdinand Marcos

Jr. to run for the presidency.

Poe led in all legislative districts but was strongest in the vote-rich 3rd district (49.7 percent) which compromises the towns of Bayambang, Malasiqui, Calasiao, Mapandan, Santa Barbara and San Carlos City. n

grant-bashing that has become prominent in the current presidential debates, Christopher Kang, national director of the National Council on Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), said, “This kind of rhetoric only marginalizes new Americans and those who would like to become Americans. We must remember that the United States is — and will always be — a nation of immigrants, and we urge lawmakers to fight for comprehensive immigration reform for our families and our communities.”

Dizon remains optimistic that another landmark immigration reform legislation will be passed soon.

“The overwhelming number of Americans are for it,” she says.

“As a 1.5 generation immigrant and recently naturalized US citizen whose family also struggled to navigate this country’s complex immigration laws, I stand in solidarity with the millions of men, women and children who are undocumented, live in fear of deportation, continue to be separated from their families, and lack any form of relief or path to citizenship. We have come so far from where we were as a country when the INA was passed fifty years ago.” (Jon Melegrito/Inquirer.net)

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COMMUNITY Journal

B

Business News

Uniqlo aims to be No. 1 in PH, eyes 120 stores by 2020

by KRiStyn

niKa m.

ManilaTimes.net

Lazo

JAPANESE brand Uniqlo is targeting to be the No.1 fashion retailer in the Philippines on the heels of a five-year plan to establish its name in the country.

“Our five-year goal is 120. By 2020, I want to have 120 stores here in the Philippines,” Katsumi Kubota, chief operating officer of Fast Retailing Philippines Inc., said at the sidelines of 17th Asia Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition late last week.

“We will try to be No. 1 in this country by 2020 in terms of the business, in terms of the affinity of the people,” he added.

Established in 2012, Fast Retailing Philippines is the local arm of Japan-based Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. It operates the Uniqlo stores in the Philippines.

The company opened its first regional store in Cebu last

month, its 25th store. Most of its outlets are concentrated in Metro Manila.

The company previously planned to establish 200 stores in the Philippines in five years.

But the target was reduced to 120 stores nationwide including regional sites such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Bacolod.

The Japanese fashion retailer is tapping the young and growing middle class Filipinos.

“The Philippine population is young and growing. Compared to Japan, we are old and decreasing. Of course, we can see the statistics, but being in there is different,” Kubota said. “[For the Philippines,] I really have to touch the middle class. I cannot only focus on the upper class. I want to cater from A, B, C… That’s what we want to do here, because this is the mass of this market,” he added.

Kubota said the group will focus first on cultivating Uniqlo as a leading brand in the domestic market before bringing other brands into the Philippine market.

“For the year, we are trying our best, but we still have a lot to go so that the Filipino people would understand what Uniqlo truly is. Before we accomplish that, I cannot bring in our other brands.

I’m not just selling a brand. What I’m trying to do is establish true Uniqlo first. Then, if I have such fundamental, I can bring GU and Theory and all of our brands,” Kubota said.

Being No.1 in the Philippines also means overtaking local fashion brands like Bench and Penshoppe.

Fast Retailing brands include the freedom fashion and Japanese kawaii label GU, as well as Theory, HELMUT LANG, and PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, and J Brand. n

PH not ready for Asean integration – MVP

by Richmond

S. meRcuRio

Philstar.com

MANILA – Ready or not, the Philippine business community has no choice but to face tougher competition from its regional counterparts.

As the deadline for the Asean Economic Community (AEC) nears, business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan said the Philippines remains unready for the economic unification of the regional market.

“No, we’re not ready. .. People keep talking about integration but what does it really mean? I’m not saying it will not happen in one day, but not in our lifetime.

Let us be realistic that it won’t happen because politics will intrude,” Pangilinan said.

“Like sugar, it is cheaper to import sugar, that will be good

Jollibee to open in Japan, Europe, Australia by 2017 “Currently, we are present in two, and in the next two years we will see Jollibee in four conJOLLIBEE Foods Corp. (JFC), tinents,” Dennis Flores, JFC vice a homegrown fast food chain, is president for international marlooking to expand to four conti- kets, said during a speech at the nents from its current presence 17th Asia Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition late last in Asia and North America.

by KRiStyn

niKa m.

ManilaTimes.net

Lazo

week.

“We are doing our best to open our first stores in the UK and Italy next year, and soon in Australia and Japan. We will continue our journey with Jollibee as a truly global brand,” he added.

u PAGE B2

World Bank urges Philippines to simplify business regulations the Philippines tend to be cumbersome and limit the growth of innovative entrepreneurship and MANILA–- The Philippines investments.

“Indicative estimates suggest could rake in additional investments of at least P5 billion to P10 the high cost of doing business billion from the private sector an- is clearly a toll on the country’s nually should it simplify business inclusive growth agenda. We regulations, according to the don’t have exact numbers, but if we have simpler regulations, World Bank.

In a briefing last week, World we are seeing anywhere from at Bank Philippine office senior least P5 billion to P10 billion in country economist Karl Kendrick new investments that can come Chua said business regulations in in,” Chua said.

by Richmond

S. meRcuRio

Philstar.com

Manuel V. Pangilinan

for Filipino consumers but you will displace four million people from their jobs. If you’re a sitting president, can you afford that, turn away four million of your people without the livelihood?

You cannot. It will be suicide. And

any sitting president, whether in Indonesia or Malaysia, will have the same issues,” he added.

Pangilinan chairs the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., Metro Pacific Investments Corp., and Manila Electric Co. n

Chua said current Philippine business regulations also contribute to large scale informality which prevents the country from creating more and better jobs that could reduce poverty at a faster rate.

He said simplifying business regulations could unleash the potential of the private sector, particularly the small and micro businesses which are important contributors and beneficiaries of inclusive growth. n

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Community Journal

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Landlords seek Chapter 13 relief

Debt Relief

thus making the landlord rich in equity, like Donald Trump.

The problem is that in reality many things can go wrong with Atty. LAwrence yAng rental properties. For instance, rents may not be able to cover TWO different clients both land- the monthly expenses, and there lords because they both own rent- are quite a few expenses particual properties came to see me last larly repairs and maintenance. If week with different problems. this happens, instead of having The conventional wisdom why a steady stream of monthly inpeople buy rental properties come, the landlord is faced with has two points. First, the rental financing a monthly loss. Facing properties will provide a steady continuous monthly losses, landstream of monthly income to the lord will either have to pay for landlord. Second, the value of the the monthly loss from his own properties will eventually rise, pocket, or borrow money to fi-

nance the loss. A $1,500 monthly loss translates to an annual loss of $18,000. Landlord is then squeezed between a rock and a hard place. Should he continue being a landlord and lose another $100K in the next 5 years?

And another question is, if the equities in the properties are rising, can the increase in equities offset the yearly loss? Let’s say that after 5 years of eating the yearly loss of $18,000, landlord is out $90K but on the 5th year his/her equities in the properties have increased by $200K, then landlord will be ahead by $100K on the 5th year.

On paper, that seems to be a logical way of looking at it. But in real life, it’s not that easy to keep on eating the annual loss. This is what happened to my first landlord client.

Chapter 13 to abandon rentals In her case, she sold her residence about 8 years ago, just before the burst of the housing bubble. She made a net of $300K from the sale of her residence.

She then put $100K down on a new residence, $100K on a rental nerships with the European with 4 units, and the last $100K Union (EU) and was given ben- on another rental with 4 units. eficiary country status under the At that time all real estate prices EU Generalized System of Pref- were sky high. So, although she erences Plus (EU-GSP+). made $300K on the sale of her EU-GSP+ grants the Philippines, as beneficiary country, tariff free exports for more than 6,000 products.

Meanwhile, JEC focuses on broadening cooperation in the areas of creative industries, tourism, sustainable development, aerospace, and aeronautics.

“The aerospace and aeronautics sector is an area that both PH and France are eager to pursue,” said DTI Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. “This is a growing sector with huge potential for the Philippines to become an aerospace hub in the field of aircraft maintenance and production. We welcome the commitment to deepen existing cooperation between the civil aviation agencies of the Philippines and France and the companies in the aerospace sector,” Cristobal said.

Likewise, both countries acknowledge the commitment to achieving the objectives for the forthcoming Conference of Parties 21 (COP21) which France will host. COP21 focuses on adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

To highlight the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable development, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) representatives met with urban planning companies involved in ‘smart cities’ development such as Dassault Systems, Vivapolis and Archetype.

The next JEC meeting will be in Manila in 2016. Preparatory seminars and conferences will be conducted to advance and implement cooperation measures on participating in the global supply chain for aerospace; collaboration on the creative industries sector; responsible tourism, “eco-tourism” and the relationships between tourism and development; participation in the global supply chain for agriculture, animal health, responsible food and protection of fishery resources; and the fight against the effects of climate change and natural disasters, among others. n

France to hike investment in Philippine aviation

by Voltaire

Palaña ManilaTimes.net

FRANCE is keen on investing further in the Philippine aviation industry, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory Domingo.

Domingo told reporters that there will be more purchases of aircraft parts from the Philippines by multiples within the next 15 years.

“By more than tenfold for the next 15 years,” the trade chief said. Domingo recently completed a trade mission to France.

He said more facilities are expected to be put up in the country accompanied by an increase of orders because the Philippine aerospace industry is becoming a significant contributor in the supply value chain globally.

However, he did not divulge the names of companies that are planning to put up maintenance, repairs and operations (MRO) in the country.

The domestic aerospace industry contributed an estimated 0.15 percent share of the 2013 gross domestic product, which is projected to increase to 0.57 percent of GDP by 2022.

The sector contributes 2,200 jobs in direct employment, generating an estimated $10 million as salaries of direct and allied workers. It expects to generate $1.5 billion in revenues in the next 10 years.

While in Paris, Domingo met with French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Mathias Fekl to reconvene the Philippines-France Joint Economic Committee (JEC) after a 12-year hiatus. The PHFrance JEC was established in 1994 and was last convened in 2003.

The high-level meeting follows through a political commitment between President Benigno S. Aquino 3rd and French President Francois Hollande when the two heads of state met in September 2014 and February 2015.

Domingo welcomed the reactivation of the Philippines-France JEC, saying that this was an integral part of the Philippines’ overall strategy for Europe.

The Philippines has been aggressively pursuing trade part-

Jollibee to open in Japan…

PAGE B1 t

Flores said JFC now had over 3,000 stores across its restaurant brands. The Jollibee chain alone has 1,000 stores, of which 130 are outside the Philippines.

The company is targeting 300 store openings this year, 200 in the Philippines and 100 abroad ̶ mostly in China. As of end-June JFC had 3,001 stores – 2,374 in the Philippines and 627 overseas.

The core strategy of its international expansion to pick markets where there is a concentration of Filipinos.

“Knowing that Jollibee is wellloved by Filipinos, reaching out to them wherever they are is logical for us. We took a conscious decision to prioritize going into markets with significant Filipino populations,” Flores said.

“We see this deep love from them, from our customers wherever we may go, may it be Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the US or Kuwait. The markets I’ve talked about primarily cater to Filipino customers. But we have also ventured into non-Filipino markets or what we call mainstream markets. These are countries where a majority of our customers are non-Filipinos,” he added.

JFC has “three main pil-

lars” where the group expects greater demand. These markets include the Philippines, China and the US. JFC’s global expansion is in line with a five-year plan to grow its net income and revenues by double digits to place the company in among the world’s top five quick service restaurants (QSR).

Citing Bloomberg data, JFC said it is the largest in Asia and the 10th largest in the world in terms of market capitalization.

JFC Chief Financial Officer Ysmael Baysa has said the company’s target to hit the Top 5 QSR goal was doable in seven years due to the organic growth of new and existing stores as well as acquisitions of new businesses abroad.

JFC has capped two major deals this year, including a joint venture to franchise 1,459 Dunkin’ Donuts stores in China by 2020 and the acquisition of a 40 percent stake in US-based burger joint Smashburgers. n The firm’s capital expenditures amount to P9.1 billion this year, 68.5-percent higher than the P5.4 billion actual spending in 2014.

In the first six months of 2015, JFC grew its net income by 7.2 percent to P2.7 billion as revenues increased by 9.5 percent to P47.85 billion. n

old residence because the price was sky high, she also bought her new residence, and the two rentals also sky high. Now, 7 years hence, there’s no problem with the new residence, which has equity of $400K because her new residence is in a high demand area where foreigners are paying 100% cash for a limited number of houses.

The first problem with the rentals is that they are negative

“

I just want to retire now without this problem.” “I want to get rid of the two rental properties, but I want to keep my residence, this is what I want to do.”

After analyzing her situation thoroughly, I suggested a Chapter 13 to abandon the two rentals at the right time. One rental had to get foreclosed first, or a “deed in lieu of foreclosure” instead, whichever is faster; otherwise, her secured debt level would be over the limit for Chapter 13.

She could then abandon the other rental in her Chapter 13 plan.

She could not file a 7 because her equity in the residence was $400K. In any event, the Chapter 13 will implement her desire to get rid of the rentals without owing any money on them. Because she has large equity in her residence that is over $175K, she would have to pay her unsecured debt of $30K over 60 months without interest resulting in a plan payment of about $500K a month. After 60 months she would be debt free but she would be immediately free of the two rental properties without further liability. This is exactly what she wanted, to retire without financial problems.

Chapter 13 to stop foreclosure and keep rentals In the other case, client sold

Facing continuous monthly losses, landlord will either have to pay for the monthly loss from his own pocket, or borrow money to finance the loss. every month because she has many rental expenses: property management, constant repairs, gardening, maintenance, taxes, and the mortgage payments are hefty. She’s negative almost $2K a month for 8 units. The second problem is that after 7 years, the properties have no equity.

Therefore, after 7 years she lost $168K to pay for the monthly loss of $2K, and she also lost her $200K downpayment, making a grand total loss of $368K for 7 years! Now, she wants to retire and be rid of the rental properties because as she said “I already lost all of my $120K savings, and the $200K downpayment, I have to keep on borrowing money to cover the loss,

”

her house five years ago and used her net proceeds of $100K to buy a 4-unit apartment. She rents out 3 units and lives in one unit. She breaks even monthly.

The problem is she’s having a really hard time paying the first mortgage because husband retired last year. The bank modified her mortgage after her husband retired but the modified amount is still a burden for her. Now she wants to make one last attempt to further modify the mortgage payment. The problem is the bank has set a foreclosure sale for the property in 10 days. She has not paid the mortgage for 12 months and now has a large default of $100K. However, she wants to stop the foreclosure because she believes that she will be able to get a reasonable modification shortly. Certainly, the only way to stop the foreclosure on its tracks is with a Chapter 13 petition.

“Now after six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.

His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” – Matthew 17:1-2 *** 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.

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Whatever happened to ‘Happily Ever After’? Calendar of Events across

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 1 of 3)

THIS series of articles seem relevant and appropriate in the wake of the mass murder of 9 Christian students in Umpqua Community College in rural Roseburg in Oregon by a demented, twisted young man just in the last month.

Politicians with an agenda were quick to make political hay of the tragic event. This is why career politicians are going the way of the dodo. Empathy and sympathy, the genuine kind, are quickly set aside to push gun control with the thinly disguised end game of subverting second amendment rights mandated by the Constitution. The college where the perp carried his heinous, dastardly deed was a gun-free zone. Does it occur to most that gun-free zones are the habitat of the deranged which in effect, make sitting ducks out of intended victims?

Unless and until the world becomes a utopia where everyone is an angel with no evil thought and there is no further need for law enforcement, walls and doors, I believe everyone should be given the chance and the wherewithal, both physical and spiritual, to defend themselves from the tyranny of evil.

There is a consistent pattern here — as plain as the speck on one’s nose — for those with clear eyes, a keen sense of historical perspective, plain common sense, and more importantly perhaps, with no self-serving agenda to push. These people are sick. At the root of the matter of every atrocity in recent times that deranged gunmen who had no qualms about killing others before they kill themselves is the deplorable state of mental illness so many Americans are afflicted with these days.

This is, perhaps, the reason there are so few happily-everafter stories these days that can make the collective heart of the human race glad. In just one act, one sick, demented soul can cause so much incalculable grief.

Stories make up the fabric

“

“ … All the lonely people Where do they all come from? … All the lonely people Where do they all belong?…”

—Eleanor Rigby, Lennon-McCartney

of human life. Each life story is one thread in this vast cosmic tapestry of billions of stories all of humanity is weaving from one generation to the next.

We are born in this world with our own unique set of circumstances. We like to believe that each of us is created for a purpose wired into our DNA, like a GPS directing us to a destination — a state of being — whatever that may be.

In the age old fairy tale of “Sleeping Beauty,” Princess Aurora’s life was protected by Three Good Fairies: Flora, Fauna and Merryweather. They have gifted her and her Prince Charming with

out swinging with our blessed swords slaying our dragons every time they rear their ugly heads. Until finally at the end of all earthly struggles, we become happy and content as we stride off into the sunset, victorious and fulfilled. Well, there you have it – the final frame of a movie. There’s that happily-ever-after ending to the life stories we seek.

Alas! How we wish most of life’s stories end happily. These days, instead of happily ever after endings, we have sad stories, cautionary tales, even horror stories to drive us out of our wits’ end. It’s like being trapped in our seats, strapped tight, in the Theatre of the Macabre and watching grim Tim Burton stories unfolding onscreen on repeat mode.

What is causing all this darkness, all this loneliness that seems to affect so many people in the world today? You scratch your head and wonder who let those rabid monstrous creatures out from the gates of hell? It seems the gates are wide open, unleashing all the evils that can be conjured from a witch’s brew simmering in a big black cauldron over the fires of hell. All the evils are unleashed from Pandora’s box with just one thing left at the bottom of the box — HOPE. There is an onslaught of overwhelming assaults that come in all forms from just everywhere, facilitated by the startling phenomenon of social media and the ease of anything going viral through the internet. This warped, perverse world we live in today seems to delight in mischief and mayhem. (Continued next week) ***

We are born in this world with our own unique set of circumstances. We like to believe that each of us is created for a purpose wired into our DNA. the weapons to fight off the evil of the villainess, Maleficent.

In real life, from princes to paupers, most people like to think that they too have been given gifts that serve as shining weapons when they do go through those dark periods in every season of life. The darkness can range from just being lonely and isolated for periods of time to the more extreme and detrimental negative emotions that drive people to insanity or worse, to suicide.

We want to have those weapons to deal with those inner struggles in order to do battle with deep, dark depression and fend off those eerie voices that urge the afflicted to inflict selfharm or even worse, to kill others as well. The “dark night of the soul” seems to be occurring with more alarming frequency these days.

We would like to become courageous, even bold, as we come

”

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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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 N OV E M B E R 1 -3

Calapan Central High School Reunion Please save the date for the 60th anniversary year of Calapan Central School in Oriental Mindoro.

Where: Oakland, CA When: November 1-3, 2015.

Contact: Luz Yu (luz_yu@yahoo.com)

N OV E M B E R 7

FPAC 24 - “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” Save the date! The 24th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012). and will feature contemporary and traditional Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. FPAC is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. This year’s theme for the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event is “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” a Tagalog phrase meaning “looking backward, looking forward, and celebrates the rich experiences of being Filipino American. As a community we honor the culture paved by our ancestors, and move forward with a grateful understanding of our Filipino American history. This is the spirit that keeps FPAC going. Please check www.filmarts.org for more event updates. For Sponsorship Inquiries please contact us at 213-380-3722; or info@filamarts.org. For exhibitor (food and business) information, contact John Swing at jswing@esipa.org. #FPAC24

N OV E M B E R 5 -1 4

16th San Diego Asian Film Festival To celebrate its sweet 16th, the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) is proud to welcome and pay tribute to entertainment and film legends and pioneers during its 10-day film festival, from November 5 - 14, 2015. Presented by Pacific Arts Movement, the SDAFF is the largest showcase of Asian cinema on the West Coast, with more than 130 films and programs from 20 countries. This year, the SDAFF presents the West Coast premiere of documentary TYRUS, paying tribute and welcoming entertainment legend Tyrus Wong, a 105-year-old Chinese American artist who is best known for inspiring the artwork in Disney’s original classic Bambi. Other contemporary pioneers in entertainment such as Ken Jeong and Eugene Lee Yang will be present. The film festival will take place at the Ultrastar Mission Valley at Hazard Center (Main Theater & Box Office), 7510 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108. For all screenings at Ultrastar, tickets can be purchased at the Ultrastar Mission Valley box office (Member $9, General $12) starting October 30. Student/Military/Senior and Group discounts are available at the door. Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night tickets are $15 for General, $12 for Members. Limited All-Fest Passes are available for $250. For ticketing info, film program/gala awards night details, and a full schedule, please visit festival.sdaff.org or contact 619.400.5911 | info@pacarts.org.

N OV E M B E R 1 4

Saint Martin of Tours Fiesta Invitation to Taaleños to host the celebration of the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours, the Patron Saint of Taal, Batangas, on Nov. 14. Holy Mass will be offered at 10 am at 401 Spur Trail, Walnut, CA 91789, followed by a potluck luncheon to be hosted by expats from Taal.

A ‘Silent Auction’ is planned to raise funds for the repair and beautification of the Old Catholic Cemetery. Musical entertainment will be provided by Tony Mijares of San Jose, Calif. Please contact potluck coordinators Lorna and Eddie B. de Sagun (626) 780-8272, and the following to confirm your attendance: Baby Patolot (626) 202-3172, Jeannette C. Ilagan (626) 922-4330 or Lydia V. Solis lvsolis@aol.com.

N OV E M B E R 28

Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Excellence Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award For Excellence In Medicine, Education, Arts & Literature and The Youth When: Saturday, November 28, 2015, 1-6 pm Where: Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens, NY Hosted by: Knights of Rizal - New York For More Information, please contact: Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba, Esq., KCR Commander, Knights of Rizal - NY E-mail: SUBALAW@aol.com

D EC E M B E R 3

AAPA Awards Gala Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) will host The Achievement Awards & Graduation Gala, honoring prominent leaders who trailblaze and inspire others to become leaders, and celebrating the 2015 graduating class of AAPA Mentees. The theme is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.” The gala will take place on Thursday, Dec 3 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Hilton San Gabriel (225 West Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776).

Expose your brand to the professional community who are your customers, clients, potential employees, entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders. Your support will directly benefit the AAPA mentees in the program. To purchase a ticket or ad, the cost is $50 each (limited time only); full/half/quarter page ad sizes are available in full color. Please visit http://aapaawards.eventbrite.com/ for more details and to RSVP by Nov. 13. Please get involved by emailing lia.andika@aapamentoring.com.

D EC E M B E R 5

Santo Nino de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance The Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801). For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 997-1026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779.

M AY 27-29, 2 0 1 6

PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global Reunion Attention all graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Commerce: join us in our FIRST GLOBAL REUNION being organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association, USA Inc. scheduled on May 27-29, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We promise a weekend of fun-filled activities, of friendship and camaraderie as we reminisce our best memories during our high school and college days. There will be lots of entertainment, singing and dancing and photo opportunities with your classmates and friends.

For more information, please contact any of the following: Loi Herrera at 562-544-8210 or loiherrera@yahoo.com; Monette Santillan-Rivera at 818-970-8317 or Monette_santillan@ yahoo.com; Rose Mejia at 323-997-3838 or Rosemariemejia@kw.com; Marissa Sugay-Palanca at 818-281-7460 or marispalanca@yahoo.com; Rose Maghari at 661-794-8906 or rmaghari@gmail.com; Sally Mendoza at 323-695-0235 or sally.mendoza616@yahoo.com; Honeylette De Leon at 562-480-5743 or honey@worldclassfreight.com; Virginia Herbito at virginiaherbito@gmail.com; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 or connieacosta1@att.net; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-880-5808 or vee@cristobalcpa.com; Jun Mapoy at 323-627-5326 or jcmapoy@yahoo.com.

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Modifying child and spousal support obligation after a divorce

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes DIVORCED parties are sometimes ordered to pay child support and spousal support in the divorce judgment. The support orders are generally based on the parties’ financial situation and custody arrangements at the time of the settlement or trial.

However, what if your income decreases after the divorce or what if your spouse’s income increases after the divorce due to a promotion or a better paying job? Do you have the right to modify your support obligation?

If your income has gone down substantially from the time that the child or spousal support determination, you may be able to file a modification of your support obligation. Losing a job or having less income constitutes a material change of circumstances that would allow the court to modify down your support obligations.

Child support in California is based on a guideline formula.

One of the factors that is considered in the guideline formula is your gross income. Usually the court would look at several months or even an average of the last 12 months of income. If your average income has decreased,

you may be able to modify your child support to a lower amount.

Bear in mind that there are other factors that come in the equation such as the amount of actual timeshare you spend with your child and the income of the other parent. If the other parent’s income has gone down, this may adversely affect your child support obligation.

Spousal support may also be modified unless you stipulated in a divorce judgment that it is non modifiable. However, spousal support are usually calculated differently than guideline. The court will look at other factors in deciding whether to modify this.

Those factors are listed in family code section 4320.

If you are unemployed, the other party may be expected to try to impute income on you.

However in light of the recent cases in California, they would have to prove that you had the ability and the opportunity to obtain employment.

If your income has gone down or your spouse’s income has increased as a result of a new job, a promotion, or you got laid off or hours cut, it may be possible to modify both your child sup-

port and spousal support obligation. Without modifying the order, the current order will continue to be in effect and the same amount will accrue regardless of whether your income declined or your spouse income increased.

It is important to file a post judgment request for order to modify support as soon as your financial situation changes. *** 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)

People and Events

AARP salutes veterans for their dedication and commitment to service

WASHINGTON, DC – AARP is saying thank you to the countless veterans and military men and women who have done so much to serve and protect through a special promotion in honor of Veterans Day. From November 2nd through November 16th, AARP will offer a discounted membership rate up to 20 percent off for veterans, their families and anyone interested in joining or renewing. A portion of the member dues will be used to help support various Veteran’s organizations in local communities across the country that provide vital support services to courageous American heroes.

“Asian Americans have valiantly served our country since the War of 1812,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience. “The individuals who served in the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team (the most decorated service in the entire history of the U.S. military), the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 407th Air Service Squadron, the 987th Signal

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

AARP salutes veterans…

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Company, the Philippine Scouts, the 1st Filipino Battalion, and the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), and those who served more recently in Iraq, Afghanistan and the world over have demonstrated courage and sacrifice. All our Military men and women are heroes to be commended.”

Individuals who sign up through the Thank a Vet campaign will also have the opportunity to write a personal thank you note to be shared with veterans throughout the country.

This is an additional way for AARP members to share their support and appreciation for the brave men and women who have served their country.

For more information or to take advantage of this limitedtime discount on AARP memberships, call (888) 744-3332 or visit www.aarp.org/thankavet.

About AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as

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healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse.

We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www. aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org. n

PeoPle & events

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 4-6, 2015

Philippines presents trailblazing experience in regulating lead in paint

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Philippine narrative on addressing the issue of lead in paint is one that is characterized by the inclusive approach adopted by the government in formulating regulations, the leadership role played by the private sector, and the vigilance of civil society.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC emphasized this narrative in presenting the Philippine experience in the adoption of a national policy to phase out lead in paint in order to protect human health and the environment.

The presentation was made at the forum entitled The Elimination of Lead in Paint: How Countries Can Take Action, sponsored by the Canadian Government, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organization (WHO), and the United States Government, held on 29 October at the Canadian Embassy. The event was part of the activities for the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action that ran from October 25 to 31, and was attended by

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diplomats, US Government officials, UNEP/WHO officials, and civil society representatives.

The Philippine presentation described the general legal framework governing toxic substances in the Philippines under the umbrella of Republic Act 6969. It then traced the multi-stakeholder process of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in working with the private sector and civil society towards a national regulation adopting the international threshold limit for lead in paint.

This regulation sets a three-year phase out period (2013-2016) for lead-containing architectural, household and decorative paints, and a six-year phase out (2013-2019) for industrial paints.

The presentation also outlined the leadership role of the private sector in the process, including the industry’s drive towards green innovation and leading the discussions on proper lead paint remediation. The vigilance of civil society in monitoring compliance with the regulation

was also underscored, as well as its role in creating more awareness about lead poisoning.

The Philippine narrative was lauded by participants of the Forum as a best practice that could be shared and replicated elsewhere.

According to the Lead Paint Alliance convened under the auspices of WHO and UNEP, paint that contains lead additives poses a risk of lead poisoning, especially for young children. No level of lead exposure is considered safe, and the environmental, health and economic impacts of lead are grave. Children exposed to lead in homes, schools and toys are reported to have developed lifelong learning disabilities, anemia and disorders in coordination and language skills.

The Forum at the Canadian Embassy was one of the activities organized during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to create awareness over the risks posed by lead in paint and what countries around the globe can do to reduce this threat to the environment and to human health. The

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Philippines, together with Canada, Kenya and Uruguay, was invited to share its experience in developing and enacting lead paint legislation.

The presentation was developed by the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau, together with the Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers and civil society represented by the EcoWaste Coalition and the International POPs Elimination Network. It was delivered by Minister and Consul Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga of the Philippine Embassy.

In a statement, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. congratulated the DENR-EMB for its work on toxic substances, under the leadership of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and DENR Assistant Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna.

“The Philippine Government remains committed to our collective objective of eliminating lead in paint. This is our pledge to our environment and to the health of our people, and that of our children’s children,” Ambassador Cuisia also said. n

B NOVEMBER 4-6, 2015 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 4, 2015

Nilo Alcala: An emissary for music

by Prosy AbArquez-DelAcruz, J.D. / AJPress

“All we do as writers [composers] is carve away at the mountain of reality and then pass on the pick and shovel to the next in line.”

— Nestor Vicente Madali (NVM) Gonzalez, National Artist of the Philippines, 1997. tively, the reader can decide for himself. And the poem ends on a very hopeful note, as it describes ‘life beyond words’ springing forth from these burnt pages or leaves,” Alcala said.

With a week to finish the assignment, Alcala articulated the cycle in which he “digested this poem, mediated on it for several days without thinking about the music,” before piecing together a new poem — a “ritualistic burning of the words,” he noted.

“My poem surprisingly retained the essence of the original, which was for me a burning of the old, and a rebirth of something new,” he said. “And it didn’t take long after coming up with the edited text that I started to hear the music in my head, and in my imagination it was a mystical, ritualistic burning of these symbolic words. It felt like my subconscious (or something or someone larger than me) was supplying the music to these words. I believe it took me just three hours to write everything, which I tell you is very rare, I hope it happens all the time.

It’s one of those pieces wherein a composer can say it almost wrote itself.”

Adeptly sharing his origins from the Philippines “where there are 7,107 islands depending on high or low tides,” he spoke of “diverse indig- enous groups, each with their own vocal tradition of ornamentations or appoggiaturas,” a soul palette that inspired him to compose “Ceremonial BurnMelvir Ausente, Nonoy Alsaybar, Novem Cabios, Mike Zuñiga, Mary Anne Garcia, Nilo Alcala, Robert Shroder, Don Martin Sagarbarria, Jett Galindo, Saunder ing.”

“Now after the first perChoi at AT&T Theater in Los Angeles.

Photo by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

“How can we tell if it is really poetry? …the question is bestowed the same answer defining just the basic character of poetry as we see this genre today, … its more critical demands on subtlety, indirection, fresh insights and the special use of other literary instruments like thematic tension, understatement, ambiguity, tone control, among many other intricate sophistications; these finer – spun minutiae are explained and understood in a more spontaneous and natural way in the course of the discussions on the submitted poetry.”

Edith L. Tiempo, National Artist for Literature in the Philippines, 1999.

To an audience with sophisticated tastes and stock

knowledge of colorful sound palettes, Nilo Alcala came into his own.

He was amongst his colleagues of composers and the community of Los Angeles’ musicians. In the form of sacred chants — as if an offering, much like an ascent up the mountain or a summiting of one’s imagination, perhaps — Alcala earned bravos during “COMPOSERS LIVE!” held at the AT&T Theater in Downtown Los Angeles last Oct. 15, 2015.

Animated, articulate and affectionate towards his colleagues (Dale Trumbore, Matthew Brown, Moira Smiley, Jeff Beal, and Shawn Kirchner), Alcala represented the giants of music and poetry in the

Philippines, through his original composition, “Ceremonial Burning,” to what NVM Gonzalez would imaginably describe as “a definitive structuring of the self, whose words bear their quiet authority.”

Process of composing ‘Ceremonial Burning’ For the Filipino composer, quiet authority comes from hard work, discipline, higher education, sustained training and musical expressions.

Alcala was still in graduate school when he was handed a composition assignment, a poem by Wendell Berry, “An Autumn Burning.”

“The poem talks about him, as a writer/poet — having to burn pages of wasted words — whether literally or figura-

Photo by Hydee Ursolino Abrahan/Studio 1003

formance in class…I decided to make the text 100 percent my own..so I crafted this new text…this time about burning or letting go of fears and ill/negative thoughts. It ends with the speaker, having sort of a rebirth and possessing a newfound courage,”Alcala continued on his process of composition.

First, the erasure of words, much like the ceremonial

burning of leaves; then, seeing what was essential, he went through his own ceremonial burning of fears to give birth to his own words. Much like the ceremonial burning of the leaves -- clearing the land of debris from past crops to make way for new shoots -- Alcala did his own ceremonial burning of fears, resulting in this epic composition.

Continued on Page 3

Nilo Alcala: An emissary for music From Page 2 In “Ceremonial Burning,” he writes: I have fears to burn Thoughts too ill to let pervade.

I know a flame that quickens inside must purge these wraiths.

I fan this flame and it craves for more kindling.

This torch of courage burns them, nothing escapes.

And when the embers have died, There’s new light… from the ash.

Behold this blaze inside my heart.

Manga Pakalagián (Ceremonies) With past commissions from organizations, such as the National Music Competition for Young Artists of the Philippines, Asia Europe Foundation and Metro Manila Concert Orchestra, Alcala was soon commissioned

by Grant Gershon of the Los Angeles Master Chorale to create a piece.

The process itself took 10 months, beginning with intensive research and interviews with Master (Guru) Danongan “Danny” Kalanduyan, a legendary kulintang artist and a National Endowment for the Arts awardee.

The Guru lent Alcala reading materials and several audio CDs

of kulintang repertoire, which he studied carefully. After four interview sessions, mostly in San Francisco, and more research on kulintang, he composed “Manga Pakalagián.”

“The piece draws from the kulintang aesthetic of having multi-layers of rhythmic motifs that serve various functions – as main melodic rhythm, middle ground rhythm, background rhythm. As traditional kulintang ‘rules’ of playing give leeway to improvisation, so does segments of this choral work to the kulintang player,” he said.

The result: a suite of three choral works that highlight how the Maguindanao people of the Southern Philippines integrate kulintang music in ceremonies or rituals for welcoming and honoring guests; thanksgiving during harvest; and invoking invincibility in a pre-battle/war ritual.

“It will close with the kulintang ensemble and the chorus coming together in a mélange of rousing traditional melodies and rhythms with brief segments of kulintang improvisation --- all underscoring an imagined ancient battle,” he noted.

Higher education An Asian Cultural Council grantee, Alcala is a recipient of a Billy Joel Fellowship at Syracuse University where he earned a master’s degree in music

(majoring in composition) and received the Irene L. Crooker Music Award.

In a sit-down interview one Sunday at the White Memorial Church’s Music Room, Alcala described a special instance while still a student at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

He recounted how sounds “came to him” for a composition called “Dancing Delusions.”

“I got to a dead-end at 2 am. I slept then, woke up at 4 am from a dream with a full orchestration in my head: the flute, the violin, the marimba, the cello, the percussion, the whole chamber ensemble. I proceeded to notate the music on my software. I could sense that I should not take 100 percent credit for it. I believe that any creative product, any art form, any good thing comes from something or someone larger than the artist — a Divine source,” he said.

But, at Syracuse University, his professors taught him not to simply depend on inspiration.

He was trained to be consistent and disciplined in the craft.

“Our teachers trained us to have various compositional technique as tools, and to treat composing as we’re fishing. Not all days would be productive but we should just show up to

features

3

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 4, 2015

Nilo Alcala clapping for his composer-colleagues.

work anyway, like a regular job,” he said, joking that he will treat himself to ice cream once his composition is completed.

The musical genius in the making Though endowed with genes of musicality, from both fraternal and maternal roots of musicians, Alcala tried to distance himself from music by first completing a bachelor’s degree in developmental communications at UP Los Baños and after, working at a non-profit for street children.

But, his talent for music could not be hidden, as family and friends encouraged him to apply to the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Music.

At UP, he took brief lessons from Kanapia Kalanduyan, Guru

Composers Live! event at AT&T Theater: Matthew Brown, Grant Gershon (LA Master Chorale artistic director), Nilo Alcala, Dale Trumbore and Brian Lauritzen (Classical KUSC host) Photos by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D.

Danny Kalanduyan’s brother.

Alcala was fascinated with the Indonesian gongs, called gamelan, Thailand gongs, called piphat, and kulintang, the Philippines’ own bossed-gong ensemble.

“I was enamored by the shimmering, metallic sounds of the kulintang — not well-tempered, and thus totally different from Western scales. That was foreign to me at that time…and these gong traditions expanded my soundscapes,” he said.

At UP, he graduated magna cum laude and received the Gawad Tsanselor Natatanging Mag-aaral (Chancellor’s Outstanding Student) award.

Since then, Alcala has become a soloist and composerin-residence of the renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, which performed his works at the Florilege Vocal de Tours (Tours, France), the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (Arezzo, Italy), and numerous international events including the 2013 American Choral Directors Association National Conference (Dallas, TX), the 9th World Symposium on Choral Music (Puerto Madryn, Argentina), and America Cantat 7 (Bogota, Colombia). He was also awarded the Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honor) from the Office of the Philippine President in 2009 and has won the POLYPHONOS Young Composer Award from The Esoterics in Seattle and

the 2nd Prize Asian Composers League Young Composer Award in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Debut On November 15, Alcala’s “Manga Pakalagián” will be performed by the Grammy-nominated, 60-strong Los Angeles Master Chorale, along with Subla, a Kulintang group, and a solo by Sal Malaki, a celebrated FilipinoAmerican tenor based in Los Angeles.

First, it was legendary Lea Salonga followed by the Philippine Chamber Singers of Los Angeles. Now Nilo Alcala’s epic composition will be performed to an expected audience of over 2,200 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

“Manga Pakalagián” is Alcala’s living poem, which fits Edith L. Tiempo’s description of poetry, a piece replete with “thematic tension, understatement, ambiguity, tone control, among many other intricate sophistications.”

The world premiere of “Manga Pakalagián” completes the final chapter of the Chorale’s LA world commissioning series. Highlighting the concert are premieres by other prolific composers who have successful careers crossing over from film to concert halls, including the legendary Paul Chihara and Emmy Award-nominated “House of Cards” composer Jeff Beal.

4

features

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 4, 2015

Viva’s Vic Del Rosario joins TV5 There were unconfirmed reports before that Vic del rosario, better known as Boss Vic in the entertainment industry, will take over the entertainment department of TV5. Last October 14, 2015, TV5 has given its official statement about the matter:

TV5 is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vic del rosario, as its chief strategist for entertainment for TV5.

Boss Vic, as he is known in the industry, has been a leading figure in the entertainment media since founding Viva Films in the 1980’s. Under his steward-

ship, Viva has grown to become one of the country’s leading brand in quality films, television shows, music, books and live theatre productions. TV5 President and CeO Noel C. Lorenzana welcomes Boss Vic to the Kapatid Network and notes the collaborative work that Cignal/TV5 and Viva has forged lately with the launch of Sari-Sari Network. Lorenzana says, “we highly value his expertise and experience in producing blockbuster films and shows through the years and we are optimistic that this new partnership would bear similar success in the future.”

Boss Vic will handle all entertainment shows, including those which will be line-produced for TV5. he will also be in-charge of the Network’s content strategy.

Boss Vic, for his part, said that “he is excited with the limitless possibilities that this partnership between two industry leaders in showcasing the creative talents of the Filipino to the world.” “Viva has always pioneered in bringing new talents and creative concepts in ways that the public would highly appreciate so we owe it to our audiences to bring them the best and most interesting shows that they can take to heart and claim as their very own,” he stressed. he said that TV5 and the collaborative spirit that he found in his working with the MVP group, “gives impetus to the Network’s goal of reaching out and providing the best in entertainment programs to every Filipino wherever he or she may be in the world.”

TV5 programs can be watched all over the US through DIreCTV. With banner shows such as the PBA (which airs LIVe with primetime replay on Kapatid TV5), Aksyon News, happy Truck Ng Bayan, My Fair Lady, Kano Luvs Pinay, No harm No Foul, Young hearts, #ParangNormal Activity, and LolaBasyang.com, the Kapatid Continued on Page 5

Mixed Rice Omelettes by

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IngredIents • 1 packet hakubaku Mochi Mugi (60g) • 3 cups of rice • 8 strips of bacon cut into small pieces • 1 red and yellow bell pepper, cored and finely chopped • 1 chopped onion • 1/4 cup of ketchup • Salt and pepper • 8 eggs

recIpe 1. Prepare rice according to package. Before setting rice to cook, add one packet of Mochi Mugi and an additional ½ cup of water. Let cook and mix well. *Note: Be sure to add an additional ½ cup of water for every packet of Mochi Mugi used.

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8. repeat steps 5-7 to make four mixed rice omelettes.

Source: Intage, Inc. - SRI Data 2015 ** Japanese Food Composition Database 2010

24th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture comes to El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historical Monument Hip Hop Artist Odessa Kane returns to LA with special performance FILAM ArTS recently announced its lineup for the upcoming 24th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC). FPAC will return to downtown Los Angeles, at the beautiful el Pueblo De Los Angeles historical Monument, on Saturday November 7, 2015 (10am -6pm). The festival is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. Audiences can expect to enjoy traditional and contemporary Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture.

This year’s theme for this Filipino-American event, is “Balik Tanaw, Pananaw Bukas” a Tagalog phrase meaning “Looking Back, Looking Forward.”

While rooted in the native tongue of the motherland, this year’s theme celebrates the rich experiences of being Filipino American. “every year, for the past 23 years, FPAC has provided an opportunity for our community to creatively honor and celebrate our culture with a view toward a grateful understanding of our Filipino American history,” stated Winston emano, FilAm Arts Board Member. “This is the spirit that keeps FPAC going.

But, beyond that, it’s a big Filipino party for us and for all our Southern California neighbors.”

The Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) was first conceptualized in 1990 as part of the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department’s Festivals Program, an arts program designed to address the multicultural constituency of the city. Organized by about 100 artists and community leaders, the first FPAC took place at Los Angeles City College on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1992, where 3,000 participants braved the aftermath of the L.A. riots that occurred the week before. ££ÉäÈÉ£x°

Rondalla Club of Los Angeles

Gingee

Odessa Kane

Since then, FPAC has only grown stronger and bigger, moving to Cabrillo Beach in 1994, then to Pt. Fermin Park in 2001a. This year FPAC will take place at the official birthplace of the City of Los Angeles where Filipino Americans can trace their heritage in the city to its founding.

“Many may not know that there were originally 12 pobladores enlisted to settle and establish el Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la reina de Los Ángeles de Porciúncula” added emano.

“That 12th poblador was a gunsmith from Manila named, Antonio Miranda rodriguez. FilAm ArTS honored his contribution

in an art exhibit that was hosted here at el Pueblo. We’re happy to return and bring his story to our festival audience.”

FPAC will also highlight the groundbreaking work of Fili- pino American Larry Itliong, a leader in the United Farm Workers movement and a labor organizer during the 1960s.

This year’s festival will present Larry Itliong with an award of excellence; the Itliong family is expected to attend and receive the award on his behalf.

“Larry Itliong’s work with Cesar Chavez represents a proud moment of social justice for all Californians and inspiraContinued on Page 5

Moonlighting

bloodiest coup de stat in Pres.

Cory Aquino’s reign; got told off de leon by a prince; and tucked a super playboy celebrity into bed.

This is my job.

News magazines are serious industries, catering weekly or I WRITE all the time.

It’s a metabolic necessity for twice a week to the needs of me to put words down. For me, a public that wants to be told it is more fun than anything else what’s new and what it should to feel that tactile, physical plea- know about. In catering to that sure. I am not one of those who need, I did not do justice to that despairs about printed words, as reality because no matter what happens during an interview, they are the primary carriers of ideas. But, when I get impatient, once it ends, I can’t think of any depressed or overjoyed, I simply other loyalties than to the pressure of an immediate deadline write. and to the style and tone of Armed with a ballpen and the editor. Between circulation yellow tablet, there is an itch to figures and advertising revenue, write anywhere -- in my room, somewhere the subject is lost. airplanes or beauty parlors.

In all of my articles over the I would explode if I couldn’t years, I’ve always searched for scribble. the truth or essence behind I practiced target shooting with Ramon Tulfo, fainted inside each person, story or experience. Ironically it sometimes the death chamber; walked came from something I’d all over a thousand corpses in previously ignored: an unthe Ormoc City flood tragedy; comfortable silence, a small ran around with the intrepid misunderstanding, some scatphotographer Edong Reyes tered thoughts that had been between hails of gunfire in the

by Mylah

compressed into a soundbite or something dramatic I’ve chosen to ignore.

We spent time working on our stories. But actually, the story came from waiting for just one moment of truth or authenticity; after all, you can tell a lot about a person or experience in a minute. The question is, however, how can one choose the right minute?

I write at home, on the bed, even as everyone tells me I am going to ruin the bed.

My two small grandchildren would crawl on the bed, run around and put their arms around my neck.

I had to have that! With my pointer, I’ve learned to point and peck on my iPad. I don’t know how to use the keys, but I just poke and poke as the letters come out. But what is as certain as the sun is that this is what I will do for the rest of my life! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

channel is set to bring happiness to Filipino-American families 24/7.

Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International are currently being viewed in the United States, Canada, Middle East and North Africa (Afghanistan, Algeria,

Bahrain, Chad, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, yemen, West Bank, Gaza Strip and Palestine), Guam, Austra-

24th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts...

From Page 4 tion for artists, especially those from its two larger communities,” stated Emano.

Festival patrons can expect a diverse lineup of talented musicians, vocalists, dancers, visual artists and more. In headlining position, FPAC will host an exclusive performance from TFC artists: Tateng Katindig (pianist), Joan Almedilla (vocalist), and Matthew John Ignacio (cellist).

FPAC will also welcome headliner Odessa Kane. A celebrated hip hop MC, Odessa Kane will bring his unique Filipino-Mexi-

can-American perspective to FPAC for a must-see performance at the fest.

Additional FPAC performing artists include: 7th LTR, Bibak, Gingee, honor Flow Productions, Karen Joyce herrera, Kayamanan Ng Lahi, Louise Marie Cornillez. Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts, Martial Arts w Nick Papadakis, Morgan Ashley, Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble, Philippine Choral Singers, Prime Note Ensemble, Rondalla Club of Los Angeles, Rocksteady, SIPA Dance Crew and Tinig Choral

5

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 4, 2015

Little ways you can save money Mango Mix

by Martin

Jason l. ita-as

ThEy say the money makes the world go round. In a sense, it does. Everything we need and want can be obtained with money. Money is a system that gives order to the otherwise chaotic law of the world.

Without it people would have to resort to survival of the fittest type of mindset, devolving into violence.

But lack of money can be a big problem as well. With prices rising as demand increases, you’re gonna need to learn how to save up so you can live happy. Luckily, we have a few tips to help you shave off some savings from your typical lifestyle: Your own cup of coffee Daily trips to the local cafe might wake you up in the mornlia, Papua New Guinea and ing, but it sure does a number hong Kong. To be updated on your wallet in the long run . with the latest happenings and events of Kapatid TV5 and Try buying a sturdy coffee cup and making your own coffee.

Aksyon TV International, visit It’s cheaper and is catered to www.kapatidinternational.com your personal taste. Try experior www.facebook.com/kapamenting with blends, sugar and tidinternational. *Advertising Supplement milk to find a mix that’s just for you. write it down so you have your own personal recipe. Get a little boost of energy without depleting the greens in your pocket.

FPAC is a free event, no Pack food properly admission is needed for entry.

After fulfilling your snack FPAC is sponsored in part attack, sometimes you just get by the: National Endowment too lazy to close it back up for the Arts, California Arts properly. This can lead to more Council, California Council for than one scenario (think ants, humanities, LA County Arts Commission, City of LA Depart- food going stale and groceries getting spoiled) where you’re ment of Cultural Affairs, LA wasting money by wasting City Council District 14 huizar, food. Don’t leave that stuff out Toyota, Western Union, AARP, in the open! Buy some cling LA 18, The Filipino Channel wrap so you can lock in the / ABS-CBN (and others). For freshness and flavor of food. more information, please visit www.filamarts.org or call, (213)- Invest in containers that can lock in leftovers and other 380-3722. *Advertising Supplement store bought foods. you’ll find

Viva’s Vic Del Rosario joins TV5 From Page 4

features

Twice upon a time

yourself needing to buy less in no time.

Take extra care of your things you won’t need to buy a lot of new things if you’re careful with the things you already have. Always treat your things with love and care. Always pack your items neatly to avoid losing things. Cleaning your devices at regular intervals can help keep the dust and grime from caking and destroying it.

Avoid handling things roughly or placing them in precarious positions or areas. The more you take care of your things, the less likely they are to break.

Less breaking means less buying replacements.

Time your showers While you may enjoy your nice, long showers with hot water to drown away your worries or sleepiness, you forget sometimes that your water and electricity bill might be going on overdrive. Try to get everything bath related in 5-7 minutes. Set up your bathroom so that you don’t have to rummage for your special soap or shampoo. For a fun way to time your baths, play your favorite song/s worth 5 minutes. Its a great way to know how long you’ve been in the water while enjoying some music (keep it away from shower territory

though.)

Pack your own food Same case with the coffe tip, packing pre-made food is great way to eat without shelling a dime. If you’re careful about the choices to, the meal can be both filling and healthy.

Always eating at the local fast food joint or can be bad for your tummy as well as your money saving. Plus, buying ingredients is a lot less expensive than full meals at a restaurant.

So go on! Research some quick recipes and make some good food that you don’t have to pay for.

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

6

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - - November 4, 2015

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