LA Midweek Edition -- October 28 -- 30, 2015

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October 28-30, 2015

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Volume 25 - No. 84 • 3 Sections - 20 Pages

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China denounce US ship near Spratlys DATELINE USA from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Pres. Obama to attend APEC Summit in Manila

mANILA – United states President Barack obama will attend the Asia-Pacific economic Cooperation (APeC) summit next month in the Philippines, Washington announced tuesday, oct. 27. this will be obama’s second trip to the Philippines in over two years. In April last year, obama paid a two-day state visit to the Philippines and witnessed the signing of the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA), the legality of which is still being reviewed by the supreme Court. there is talk that obama wants to play basketball with filipino children if time will allow it but there is no official confirmation about this supposed request. meanwhile, President Aquino promises to be a “perfect host” to Chinese President Xi Jinping should he decide to attend the APeC summit in the country next month along with other heads of state, including President obama. sources said the Chinese have communicat-

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Filipina found dead in Las Vegas cryotherapy chamber died in ‘seconds’

A fILIPINA whose body was found tuesday, oct. 20, in a Las Vegas cryotherapy chamber, died in “seconds,” medical examiners told her family.

Chelsea Ake-salvacion, 24, was found dead last week at rejuvenice spa. she was discovered by her friend and colleague elise Iverson, the Las Vegas review-Journal reported.

After working a closing shift monday, oct.

19, she stayed to undergo a cryotherapy session herself. such sessions involve brief exposures to air temperatures below minus 240 degrees fahrenheit. the 24-year-old filipina “froze to death,” KsNV-tV Channel 3 reported, citing friends and authorities. she was believed to be inside the machine for more than 10 hours, according to the Nevada occupational safety and health Administration. she was declared dead at 1:30 pm on oct.

20, Coroner’s office staff said saturday, according to the review-Journal.

Ake-salvacion’s death has raised concerns

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by Pia Lee-BraGo and JaiMe Laude Philstar.com

WAshINGtoN/BeIJING – the Us Navy sent a guided-missile destroyer close to China’s man-made islands in the disputed south China sea on tuesday, oct. 27, Us defense officials said, a move that could heighten tensions over the strategic waterway.

In Beijing, China’s Vice foreign minister Zhang Yesui summoned Us Ambassador max Baucus to protest the Us action.

Zhang called the Us patrol “extremely irresponsible” and urged Washington to cease actions that harm China’s sovereignty and security interests, China Central television reported.

Beijing also indicated the move could prompt a stronger Chinese military presence in the area. the patrol represents the most serious Us challenge to 12-nautical-mile territorial limits China asserts around the islands and drew angry rebuke from Beijing, which said last month it would never allow any coun- The USS Lassen, a guided missile destroyer seen in this photo released by US Navy on Oct. 15, 2015, sailed inside what China claims as a 12-nautical mile

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(22-kilometer) territorial limit around Subi Reef in the Spratly Islands archipelago, an American official said Monday, Oct. 26.

PH presidential candidates weigh It’s not my job to in on FOI, corruption, tax reform defend Bongbong de Jesus Marc Jayson cayaByaB Inquirer.net

the presidential forum hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry provided a glance of the differing stance of the four leading presidential aspirants in 2016.

Inquirer.net gives a cursory look at how the four presidential aspirants– Vice President Jejomar Binay, mar roxas, senators Grace Poe and miriam Defensor-santiago–express their (L-R) Senator Grace Poe, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Vice President Jejomar opinions on the issues surrounding Binay

Inquirer.net file photo

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by Marvin

sy

Philstar.com

mANILA – Presidential aspirant sen. miriam Defensor-santiago said it is not her job to defend her running mate sen. ferdinand marcos Jr. over criticisms of his family. speaking at a forum of presidential candidates hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Pasay City tuesday, oct. 27, santiago said marcos could defend himself over alleged wrongdoings committed by his father, the late President ferdinand marcos, during his

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World Health Organization: Processed meat can cause cancer by aGnes

constante AJPress

ProCesseD meat – including ham, corned beef, bacon and beef jerky – can cause cancer, the World health organization (Who) announced monday, oct. 26, putting the meat in the same danger category as smoking

or asbestos. the agency’s International Agency for research on Cancer (IArC) in Lyon, france reached the conclusion after analyzing decades of research.

It evaluated more than 800 studies across several continents about meat and cancer, which looked at more than 12 types of cancer in popula-

tions with a wide spectrum of diets throughout the last 20 years.

Among its findings suggest that consuming 50 grams of processed meat per day, equivalent to about 1.75 ounces or two slices of bacon, heightens the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18 percent. “this is an important step in help-

ing individuals make healthier dietary choices to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer in particular,” said susan Gapstur of the American Cancer society, according to the Associated Press. the organization has recommended limiting the consumption of red and processed meat since

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Inquirer.net

NeArLY six months since losing to floyd mayweather Jr., manny Pacquiao is still holding out hope on a rematch with the now-retired boxing champion.

Pacquiao, in fact, told his fans that his camp is in talks for a second bout against mayweather.

“I don’t know yet who [will be] my opponent next, but we’re still negotiating right now about the rematch with floyd mayweather,” said the eight-division champion through a video Q&A with his fans on his facebook account. “hoping for that.” his promoter Bob Arum had already announced a proposed date for Pacquiao’s return to the

– Sen. Santiago

by JuLLiane Love and

Pacquiao: We’re still negotiating rematch with Mayweather

by Mark

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A

From the Front Page

China denounce US ship near…

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try to violate its territory in the Spratly archipelago, where seven outposts have been built. Beijing said it followed the movement of the US warship.

“You don’t need to consult with any nation when you are exercising the right of freedom of navigation in international waters,” John Kirby, the State Department spokesman, said at a news conference.

One US defense official said the USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef.

A second official said the patrol, which lasted a few hours, also included Mischief Reef.

The second official said the mission would be the start of a series of challenges to China’s territorial claims in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes.

COMPROMISE. Officials pose for a unity photo following the settlement in Davao City of the intense rivalry between two mayoral candidates, Cahar Ibay (second from right) and reelectionist Kits Guro (third from right), in Matanog town in Maguindanao. Iranun residents of China’s foreign ministry said Matanog town are confident they can exercise their right of suffrage next year without fear of getting trapped in hostilities between the “relevant authorities” monilocal partisan camps.

Philstar.com photo by John Unson tored, followed and warned the USS Lassen as it “illegally” entered waters near islands and reefs in the Spratlys without the Chinese government’s permisin government would be cut be- posting of information on the of- sion.

PAGE A1 t their presidency bid. cause of this,” Poe said. ficial websites is not a substitute “China will resolutely respond Binay said he supports the As for Roxas, the election sea- for the FOI bill,” she added. to any country’s deliberate provmove to reform the taxation sys- son is not the time to discuss the Charter change ocations,” the ministry said in a tem and lower the personal and issue of lowering income taxes.

Of the four candidates, only statement that gave no details corporate income tax. He said Skeptic about decreasing tax Roxas said there was no need to on precisely where the US ship the Philippines has one of the rates, Roxas thinks that reducing amend the constitution. sailed. highest income tax returns. income tax will also lead to reBinay, Poe and Santiago said Foreign ministry spokesman “We are the second highest sa duction of service, the improve- they are open to amending the income tax returns. Ang nang- ment of infrastructures and the charter to ease foreign restricyayari diyan, you are depriving economy people are benefitting tions in the economy, particularour kababayans the money they from. ly on Speaker Feliciano Belmoncan consume. Kasi mataas ang But as a senator in 2004, Rox- te Jr.’s proposal to amend the income tax returns. Ang ating in- as was among the proponents charter by inserting the “unless come tax returns in 32 per cent of the bill reducing tax and ex- otherwise provided for by law” na. Number 2 is it has come to empting minimum wage earners in the constitution’s economic a point, na yung those receiv- from tax. provisions. ing P500,000 ay kaparehas na Freedom of information “I fully support that move of lamang ng binabayaran ng mga Of the four candidates, only Speaker Belmonte; I’ve been very well-to-do, ng mga millionaires,” Poe and Santiago specifically consistent in every fora that I’ve Binay said. mentioned freedom of informa- been attending. I’ve been saying Santiago for her part also said tion (FOI) bill as a priority legis- that it’s high time that we have to the Philippine tax system is out- lation in their presidency. amend our constitution because dated and it is about time this Poe said she sponsored the it’s not attuned to the times anyshould be updated to reflect the FOI bill which passed on third more. One way of attracting forinflation of the country. reading in the Senate. eign investors and we really need “The Philippine tax system is “In the first 100 days in office, a lot of investors, an amendment 20 years old. It needs to be over- we would prompt Congress for of the constitution in order to adhauled. But major tax reforms bills to be passed with dispatch. mit foreign investors especially are best done at the start of each First is the freedom of informa- for the major sectors of our econadministration when the Presi- tion bill, which I have sponsored omy will certainly be a boost to dent has the clear mandate from and debated on in the Senate,” our economy,” Binay said. the voters. I promise to reform it Poe said.

“The first best solution is to within six months of my adminisSantiago said her first act as amend the restrictive provisions tration,” Santiago said. president is to pass the FOI bill. in the Philippine Constitution Poe also said it is time to “When elected, my first act is which have discouraged the enchange the taxation system to to have the Freedom of Informa- try of foreign investors into the give the public more savings. tion Act (FOI) enacted into law. country. Compared to its ASEAN“This would benefit a lot of This is an important tool to pro- 6 counterparts, the Philippines our countrymen. We’re one of mote public accountability,” San- has attracted the least Foreign the highest tax countries in Asia. tiago said.

Direct Investments. That is proof government has spent P600 bil“The Freedom of Information enough that we are lagging belion since 2011 and reducing tax- bill deserves to be passed first hind,” Santiago said. es would only take away P30 bil- if only to enhance transparency Santiago said she would be lion. I don’t think any programs and public accountability. The u PAGE A4

PH presidential candidates weigh in…

It’s not my job to defend Bongbong…

PAGE A1 t

20-year-rule.

“He will have to defend himself if he deserves to be vice president. I didn’t team up with him to defend him,” she said.

Santiago said Marcos is more than capable of taking on his critics based on what she had seen from him as a student and as a colleague at the Senate.

She said Marcos was her former student at the University of the Philippines College of Law. “From what I observed… he’s perfectly capable of intellectualizing the situation that he is in…

I have seen in class that Mr. Marcos is more than an average student. Maybe he does not devote enough time to his homework.

That is all that a former professor can say,” Santiago said.

Marcos has been hounded by allegations of massive corruption and human rights abuses committed by his father.

On allegations that Marcos was somehow involved in the alleged misdeeds of his father and his family, Santiago said she has yet to see any prima facie evidence to support these claims.

“There has been no allegation about him being the one who

personally committed crimes against his fellow Filipinos so I have no basis for condemning him,” she said.

“What about the father? Then we are going against the Bible that says: ‘The sins of the father should not be visited upon the children’ and I am a church-going Catholic,” she added.

Legal action Santiago urged Marcos’ critics to take legal action against him if they believe he has done something wrong.

“My recommendation is a formal allegation or complaint must be filed in court or before the fiscal and then in court so that we will see if there is any basis at all.

In any event, I don’t know of any

crime that has been committed by him,” she said.

Santiago said her decision to choose Marcos as her running mate was something that she thought about for some time.

“I have weighed these matters very carefully, I assure you. This man is trying to redeem himself.

Let’s give him a chance and if the other side turns out to be the case, that this man is guilty of something that is not sanctioned by our law or by our theology, then let us take the proper steps to ensure that he is punished accordingly. But we cannot punish on the basis of suspicion. That would not be fair and I cannot accept it as a lawyer,” Santiago said. n

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Lu Kang later told a daily briefing that if the US continued to “create tensions in the region,” China might conclude it had to “increase and strengthen the building up of our relevant abilities.”

Lu did not elaborate, except to say he hoped it did not come to that, but his comments suggested China could further boost its military presence in the South China Sea. “China hopes to use peaceful means to resolve all the disputes, but if China has to make a response then the timing, method and tempo of the response will be made in accordance with China’s wishes and needs.”

The Chinese embassy in Washington, for its part, said the concept of freedom of navigation should not be used as an excuse for muscle flexing.

The second US official earlier said the ship would likely be accompanied by a US Navy P-8A surveillance plane and possibly a P-3 surveillance plane, which have been conducting regular missions in the region.

Additional patrols would follow in the coming weeks and could also be conducted around features that Vietnam and the Philippines have built up in the Spratlys, the official said.

“This is something that will be

a regular occurrence, not a oneoff event,” said the official. “It’s not something that’s unique to China.”

White House spokesman Josh Earnest referred questions on any specific operations to the Pentagon but said the United States had made clear to China the importance of free flow of commerce in the South China Sea. “There are billions of dollars of commerce that float through that region of the world,” Earnest told a news briefing.

The US had not conducted a patrol within 12 miles of the features since China began building the reefs up at the end of 2013.

The US Navy last went within 12 miles of Chinese-claimed territory in the Spratlys in 2012.

The decision to go ahead follows months of deliberation and risks upsetting already strained ties with China, the world’s second-biggest economy, with which US business and economic interests are deeply intertwined.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of world trade passes every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims.

Euan Graham, director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney,

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A OCTOBER 28-30 2015 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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White House and Congress reach tentative budget deal day, as news of the possible accord spread, some conservative groups denounced the additional THE White House and con- spending as a betrayal, while gressional Republican leaders some liberal groups warned reached a budget agreement on against “the possibility that trims Monday, Oct. 26, that would re- in benefits would be agreed upon solve the stalemate over funding to pay for parts of the agreefederal programs, and could end ment,” according to the Los Anthe threat of another government geles Times. shutdown until the end of PresiThe package also would raise dent Barack Obama’s term. the nation’s borrowing limit and The two-year budget accord, avert the risk of a credit default, which will cost roughly $80-bil- which could come as early as lion, would increase spending Nov. 3. The compromise deal is somewhat on defense and do- also expected to protect Social mestic programs, raise the fed- Security and block price increaseral debt ceiling, and lift some of es on seniors who use Medicare the automatic cuts--known as se- beneficiaries, ending sudden questers--repeatedly denounced hikes in their premiums and deby Obama. ductible rates.

The deal is likely to face op“It’s a responsible agreement position from both right and left that is paid for in a balanced way sides of Congress. Earlier Mon- by ensuring that hedge funds

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

and private equity firms pay the taxes they owe and by cutting billions in wasteful spending,” a White House official said in a statement.

House Speaker John Boehner presented details of the pact in a closed-door meeting with rank-and-file lawmakers early on Tuesday, Oct. 27, hoping to advance it to a floor vote by the next day, and sending it to the Senate for passage.

Republican Rep. Paul Ryan, who is expected to be elected to the top job of House speaker on Thursday, Oct. 29, replacing the retiring Boehner, told Reuters that he was reserving judgment on the agreement until he reviewed its details.

Many who were surprised had doubted that the White House

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World Health Organization: Processed…

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2002. It suggests opting for fish or poultry, or cooking red meat at low temperatures.

Processed meat, which is modified either to extend shelf life or enhance taste, is smoked, salted, fermented, smoked, or cured. Among chemicals used to cure meat include nitrates and nitrites, which the body converts into cancer-causing compounds.

The IARC has labeled processed meat as a carcinogen, similarly to how cigarettes are labeled.

Still, this is not to say processed meat and smoking are equally dangerous: smoking remains worse than eating a bacon sandwich.

The IARC’s findings state that the chance of individuals developing colorectal cancer because of their consumption of processed meat is small, Dr. Kurt Straif of the IARC said in a statement. However, the risk increases with the amount of meat consumed.

In the United States, the overall lifetime risk of developing the cancer is about 5 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. But the WHO says eating a cold-cut sandwich on a daily basis would only raise the risk to about 6 percent.

In the United Kingdom, approximately 6 percent of individuals develop bowel cancer in their lives. If, in the UK, people

ate an additional 50 grams of bacon every day for the rest of their lives, their risk for would rise by 18 percent to about seven in every 100 people developing bowel cancer.

“This is still very relevant from a public health point of view, as there are more than 30,000 new cases per year [of colon cancer],” said Gunter Kuhnle, a food nutrition scientist at the University of Reading, according to the AP. “But it should not be used for scaremongering.”

The IARC found that red meat – defined by the WHO to include beef, goat, horse, lamb, mutton, pork and veal – is “probably carcinogenic to humans.”

Despite the linkage established in these findings, the agency did not make any specific dietary recommendations and said it did not possess sufficient data to indicate the amount of processed meat to be considered too dangerous.

Furthermore, doctors are not all advising against completely eliminating meat from the diet.

“It’s not that you can’t have any,” ABC News Chief Health & Medical Editor Dr. Richard Besser said. “But you want to reduce the amount of processed meat that you’re taking in. Go with broiling, with baking, those things will not release some of the chemicals.”

Red meat does have nutritional value and is a major source of

iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. The WHO said there was limited evidence that 100 grams of red meat per day boosts the risk of cancer by 17 percent.

“People should limit consumption of red meat and avoid consuming processed meat, but they should also have a diet rich in fibre, from fruit and vegetables and maintain an adequate body weight throughout life and limit the consumption of alcohol and be physically active,” Dr. Teresa Norat, an advisor to the WHO report, told BBC News.

After the new pronouncement from the WHO, the North American Meat Institute pointed out that the report ignored “numerous” studies with findings indicating no connection between meat and cancer. The new findings could impact the American meat industry, which is arguing against the linkage between their products and colorectal cancer, citing the illness involves other lifestyle and environmental factors, the AP reported.

Yet shares of the majority of meat companies experienced little change on Monday.

“I’m not expecting that [IARC] report to be a big issue going forward,” said Brian Weddington, a vice president of Moody’s Investors Service’s corporate financial group, according to Reuters. “I think there’s still going to be a lot of hot dogs sold tomorrow.” n

PESO ACT. President Benigno S. Aquino III signs into law the Amendments to the PESO Act during the 15th National Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Congress at the Reception Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Monday, Oct. 26. With the theme: “Pagdaloy ng Disenteng Trabaho at Maunlad na Negosyo, Kaagapay and PESO,” the PESO Congress seeks to develop an environment conducive to strengthening the PESO’s capacity to provide valuable contributions toward productive employment facilitation; creation of learning opportunities for drawing new insights for better employment services at the grassroots, and promotion of stronger camaraderie and cooperation among the PESOs. Also in photo are League of Provinces of the Philippines president Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr.; Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe; Manila City 1st Dist. Rep. Benjamin Asilo; Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz; Senator Juan Edgardo Angara; Davao City 1st Dist. Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles; Bulacan 4th Dist. Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica; PESO Managers Association of the Philippines, Inc. president Vissia Marie Aldon; DIWA Partylist Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar; and Pasay City Lone Dist. Rep. Imelda Calixto-Rubiano.

Malacañang photo by Lauro Montellano

Pres. Obama to attend APEC Summit…

PAGE A1 t

ed with the Philippines regarding its participation in the four-day event and have not given the impression that Xi would not be coming.

“I will try to engage all 21 in fruitful conversations,” Aquino said when asked about a possible meeting with Xi, during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines’ annual presidential forum held in Parañaque City.

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Manila is from Nov. 18 to 19.

Aquino said there is no scheduled bilateral meeting yet with Xi, and that the brief tete-a-tete with the Chinese leader on the sidelines of the APEC Summit hosted by Beijing last year was not really by accident. He said he is looking forward to having “cooperation” as part of the summit’s core objectives. “That is the goal,” he said.

“Currently, there is no schedule for a bilateral talk, but we are very open to it. But there are others that have already indicated that they want bilateral discussions, including those that will be coming on state visits before the launch of APEC,” Aquino added.

The President said an invitation has been formally transmit-

ted to Xi and that he expressed hope the Chinese leader would come.

“We were very supportive of China when they hosted. We assume that our big brother to the West will also be supportive. We have not yet received confirmation as to who will be attending,” Aquino said.

The President said he would tell Xi what he had conveyed to the latter’s predecessors – that the event would promote stability as well as foster better relations among countries.

“So if there is a central message that would be what I want to convey,” Aquino said.

The President said he has been emphasizing since 2011 when he went to China for a state visit the need for improved relations between the two countries despite the West Philippine Sea dispute.

Aquino said at that time, Chinese companies invested around $600 million in the Philippine economy while local companies put in about P2.5 billion in China.

He added China has been sending 200,000 tourists in the country annually as of 2011 as against 800,000 Filipinos going to China in the same period.

Culturally, the ties between the Philippines and China cannot be

ignored.

“The Chinese side has also pointed out the very long relationship. And obviously, it profits both to really be able to manage the issues that have a conflict between our two parties, and go back to a concentration on that which can be beneficial for both sides,” Aquino said.

The White House said President Obama is also set to travel to Turkey and Malaysia from Nov. 14 to 22.

In Turkey, the President will participate in the G-20 Leaders Summit.

In Malaysia, he will participate in the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit.

Obama’s visit to the Philippines and Malaysia underscores America’s support for Asia’s regional institutions.

These visits also will support the President’s efforts to expand opportunities for American businesses and workers.

APEC groups 21 member-economies namely: the Philippines, US, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Russia, and Vietnam. (Joseph Lariosa and Aurea Calica, Philstar.com)

Filipina found dead in Las Vegas cryotherapy…

PAGE A1 t

about the safety of cryotherapy treatment, which is used by athletes and celebrities but is hardly ever studied and not regulated by any agency.

“Cryotherapy is a safe treatment, it’s definitely safe but it’s not to be used alone,” Iverson said. “It was misused.”

The owners of Rejuvenice on Monday said they were “devastated by this accident” and are “voluntarily scrutinizing each and every one of our internal procedures to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.”

“All Rejuvenice employees undergo very strict and rigorous training, our cryochambers are never locked, and guests and employees are always supervised during the entirety of the treatment to ensure their safety,” the

company said Monday, according to the Review-Journal.

Because Ake-Salvacion used the chamber for personal use outside of business hours, Teri Williams, a Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) spokeswoman, said OSHA does not have jurisdiction over the case.

Several agencies also told the Review-Journal that they were not responsible for any investigations and pointed out that cryotherapy businesses are not regulated the same way medical clinics or salons are.

The Las Vegas publication further reported that Rejuvenice does not possess at least one business license required to have paying customers, Clark County records indicate.

The practice of whole-body

cryotherapy came under the spotlight during the NBA playoffs when basketball player LeBron James said he was addressing his injuries by using a liquid nitrogen freezing chamber that could reach temperatures as low as approximately minus 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

A March 2014 issue of Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine reported, however, that cryotherapy offers minimal significant improvement over the use of applying ice packs.

“Until further research is available, athletes should remain cognizant that less expensive modes of cryotherapy, such as local ice-pack application or cold-water immersion, offer comparable physiological and clinical effects,” researchers wrote.

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China denounce US ship near…

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said while there was likely to be a strong vocal reaction from China, its military response could be muted.

“I would expect it would be diplomatically shrill in its reaction. China has also in some ways backed itself into a corner by saying it will exert its sovereignty over the Spratlys,” Graham said.

The patrol could prompt China to do more to exert its sovereignty in the region through further

reclamations and greater militarization, he added.

Competing claims Both Subi and Mischief Reefs were submerged at high tide before China began a massive dredging project to turn them into islands in 2014.

Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, 12-nautical mile limits cannot be set around man-made islands built on previously submerged reefs.

Washington worries that China

has built up its outposts with the aim of extending its military reach in the South China Sea. China says they will have mainly civilian uses as well as undefined defense purposes.

Earlier this month an editorial in China’s Global Times newspaper, which is close to the ruling Communist party, condemned Washington’s “ceaseless provocations and coercion” in the South China Sea. (Pia Lee-Brago, Jaime Laude/Phiilstar.com)

PH presidential candidates weigh in…

PAGE A3 t

wary though on politicians who might use charter change at their “mercy.”

Poe said the constitution has to be amended to adjust with the changing economic landscape.

“The Constitution is a living and breathing document. It has to do with the times. I think their proposals for economic changes, we should certainly debate on it because I think of the things we need to encourage is foreign direct investment,” Poe said.

“There’s some very tight regulations in the ease of doing this in the country,” she added.

But for Roxas changing the constitution would not fix the problem, especially in attracting more Foreign Direct Investments.

“Changing the constitution will not fix the problem that exporters have with unpaid tax, vat tax credits. They paid value added tax (VAT) on their raw materials

that come in and when they reexport the product. It takes them months-if not years- to take, to receive the VAT refund,” he said.

“That means that that product, the cost of that product is much more expensive because in effect, they are money tied up in the VAT pre-payments that they made. What do you think the report to the home office is by the country manager? That’s what holds back foreign direct investment in our country,” Roxas added.

Corruption Roxas and the administration are agnostic when it comes to dealing with corrupt officials— even with their allies.

“We want to eliminate corruption irrespective of what the person’s chaleco is wearing. We are agnostic. We don’t look at their affiliation so long as its corruption, we are against it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Binay, the political

archrival of Roxas, said poverty, not corruption, is the moral problem that he would fight if he wins as president of the country.

The vice president is charged with slew of corruption charges and is facing graft indictment before the Ombudsman for allegedly rigging the procurement for the design and construction of the P2.28 billion Makati City Hall Building II, deemed the country’s priciest car park building.

Besides the allegedly overpriced car park building, Binay faces four other plunder and graft complaints before the Ombudsman over the alleged anomalies involving the Makati Science High School Building, the University of Makati, a Fort Bonifacio property, and over an allegedly anomalous land deal between the Alphaland and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, where Binay is long-running President. Binay decried political harassment by his accusers. n

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 28-30 2015

A

Young Fil-Am dad shot to death in Hayward, California

by Jun

nucum Inquirer.net

HAYWARD, Calif — A grieving Filipina mother is appealing to witnesses to step forward and shed light on the brutal killing of her youngest son and help the police in apprehending the perpetrator(s).

Patria Roxas, originally of Quezon City in the Philippines, was at a farmers’ market when she was told something happened to her 25-year-old-son, Darryl Peñafiel Roxas, in the early morning of Saturday, October 24 near the South Hayward BART station.

“They did not tell me at once what happened so I was thinking that Darryl was just involved in a simple car accident, a fight or at worse a DUI incident,” Roxas recalled.

Someone from the coroner’s office later went to her home in Castro Valley to inform her husband, who recently came out of the hospital due to a stroke, that Darryl was found dead from gunshot wound in the chest inside his own car at Barbara Court, Cole Point and Pacific Street in Hayward California.

Roxas’ daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Lisa Mendoza, together with Roxas’ daughters, Danica and Princess, broke the tragic news to her when she got home, and she has been listless and lost ever since.

“I would have accepted it if my son was just involved in a fight which resulted in him being mauled, or was cited for a traffic violation and even DUI (driving under the influence) and he would still be with us and his family.”

Ex-gang member Roxas admitted that Peñafiel used to belong to a gang when he was much younger and had been out of it though he remained friends with some gang members.

Victim of fatal shooting, Darryl Peñafiel Roxas.

Contributed photo

Peñafiel was a driver with East Bay Paratransit, ferrying clients to and from care homes and doctor’s clinics when his young life was cut short. He is survived by distraught wife, Lisa, who is pregnant with their second son and who stays home to look after their 14- month-old-son, King Angel.

From information gathered, Darryl was supposed to go to a San Francisco bar with friends that early morning but did not make it to the friend’s house.

He reportedly was spotted with a former high school girlfriend in his car when last seen alive in Hayward.

This said ex-girlfriend supposedly has a current boyfriend with whom she has a son and who belongs to a gang composed mainly of Mexicans.

Jealousy as motive?

It’s possible Peñafiel might have met with this ex-girlfriend that morning like he had done couple of times before, and jealousy might have been the motive for the shooting.

Nothing has been heard from either the former girlfriend or her supposedly current boyfriend.

“We cannot imagine why he

Filipina found dead in Las Vegas…

PAGE A4 t

Albert Ake, Ake-Salvacion’s uncle, told the Review-Journal the family disagrees with TV news reports stating she died due to an operator error.

“She knew exactly what she was doing,” Ake said, adding she had completed the procedure a number of times.

Lab results for the Ake-Salva-

cion’s autopsy report are expected to be available in six to eight weeks.

Through a publicist, Rejuvenice offered the following statement on Monday: “We are all incredibly saddened. “Chelsea was not only an employee, but a friend to most of us, and a wonderful person with a beautiful soul.” (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

had to be in South Hayward, which is far from where he and his family stay,” Roxas wondered.

“If what the witness said is right, why did that girl not ask for help or simply call 911 as soon as the shooting happened if she did not know the shooter? My son might have had a chance to live or at least have been helped after the incident.”

Roxas surmised that the girl might have been terrified, shocked, scared and/or too confused to move reasonably when it happened, but at least something should have been done to help his dying son.

“I felt real bad for my youngest child. In his last moments, no one was able to help him get immediate aid to even ease a bit the pain he was going through. We were not even given a chance to help him when he took his last breath.”

Appeal Roxas is appealing to the former girlfriend, her boyfriend, who cannot no longer be reached or located, witnesses or anyone who can give more information that can help in the police investigation, to get in touch with the Hayward Police.

“I hope that the case of my son is solved and not become mere entry of unsolved crimes. We have to give justice to his death not just for us who have known him all his life but, more so for his very young children, one of whom is still in his mother’s womb, who still have to know their father. We hope we can give them plausible answers when the time comes.”

Roxas added that she was counting on Peñafiel’s trusted friends to give more information as soon as they learn anything.

Darryl’s pregnant wife, Elizabeth Lisa Mendoza, started a fund drive on as Darryl aka Chino Burial Fund in the Go Fund Me to help this family.

“Gone from us is a good man with a big heart and a family in need of as much help as possible.

There is no donation too small.

Thank you all for your love and support through these difficult times,” the appeal stated.

As of this writing, more than a thousand dollars have been raised of the targeted $10,000 by 11 people in seven hours.

Those willing to help can go to Go Fund Me. n

National Family Caregivers Month In California there are approximately 4.4 million unpaid family caregivers. These are people who are taking care of parents, grandparents, or loved ones and many of them are also working outside the home.

This November, during National Family Caregivers Month, connect with AARP in Los Angeles as we share resources available to caregivers, tips on understanding The Care Act and learn more about how you can share your story through our I Heart Caregivers effort.

JOIN THE TELETOWN HALL

by entering this link into your browser search bar: http://bit.ly/AARPCaregiving.

THURSDAY NOV 12TH 7PM-8PM

This event is FREE and open to the public, no registration is required.

To learn more about this and other events visit: www.aarp.org/losangeles

UNDER ANDRES. Activists raise their clenched fists as they seek shelter under the Bonifacio Shrine in Manila.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Abby Palmones

White House and Congress reach…

PAGE A4 t

and Congressional Republicans could come to terms.

“Fiscal negotiations are ongoing,” said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as he opened the Senate. “As the details come in, and especially if an agreement is reached, I intend to consult and discuss the details with our colleagues.”

The White House praised the budget deal Tuesday, Oct. 27 as a “responsible agreement aimed at economic growth and security for the middle class.”

Congress must agree to new spending for an array of federal programs by Dec. 11 to avoid the risk of another government shutdown during the rest of Obama’s term.

An administration official said that the deal, which would potentially end the threat of another shutdown, is a “compromise” that proves bipartisan cooperation is possible.

“It is promising that Democrats and Republicans in Congress were able to come together to reach a strong agreement that would break the cycle of shortsighted, crisis-driven decisionmaking,” the official said in a statement.

The measure to lift the nation’s debt limit, currently at $18.1 trillion, through March 2017 would be tacked on to the budget deal, according to anonymous congressional aides.

If Congress does not act quickly to raise the debt ceiling, the federal government could begin moving into default next week because the Treasury Department would no longer be able to borrow money to pay Washington’s bills, reported Reuters. Funds have been mostly exhausted.

The two-year budget deal that was negotiated provides topline spending numbers. Appropriators will still have to hash out specifics by mid-December.

“The bipartisan budget package unveiled [Monday] represents real progress for hard-working families across the country,” House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.

For several weeks, Congress and White House aides have been meeting behind closed doors on a possible budget deal. The aim has been to roll back some of the steep sequester cuts that were earlier negotiated, after a 2011 debt ceiling showdown. Both parties have been wanting to undo the sequester cuts, for different reasons.

Republicans have wanted to halt cuts to the Pentagon, while Democrats have sought to ease reductions to domestic programs. Talks had dragged, as the two sides tried to figure out how to pay for the increased spending, said the LA Times.

“The deal would adjust spending caps for two years by a total

of $80 billion—$50 billion the first year and $30 billion in the second—equally divided between defense and nondefense spending,” according to an anonymous official familiar with the negotiations.

An additional $32 billion in spending over the two years will come from the overseas contingency account, bringing the total package to $112 billion. Republicans had suggested tapping that account before to boost military funding, but Democrats and even some Republicans argued it was an accounting gimmick because the emergency war fund was not intended for such a purpose.

The bulk of the costs would be paid for by trimming government programs and increasing federal fees on others, in ways that would cause political discomfort (regarding Social Security, businesses, the Affordable Care Act, etc.) on both sides of the partisan line.

“I hope that Democrats and Republicans will come to a resolution soon that is good for our country,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) earlier. “As I have been saying for years, it is past time that we do away with the harmful, draconian sequester cuts.”

A vote on the deal was expected to come as early as Wednesday.

Under the plan, higher borrowing authority would be in effect until March 2017. n

A OCTOBER 28-30 2015 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Proposition A GREAT fight is brewing among four opposing names who dare to covet the highest political rank in the Philippines. While the top presidential aspirants are strong contenders – each carrying a political track record – one test they have to accomplish is being the most business-friendly.

With a growing middle class, strong domestic demand, stable economic policy and GDP growth, signposts for the Philippine economy are generally in a positive outlook. What the country needs now is a leader who will hold a successful transition of power by 2016.

Elections are shaped by the involvement of corporate businesses. For a leader to initiate a successful leadership, he or she must encourage the support of business leaders.

The country’s largest business organization recently held a two-day conference on Oct. 26-27 to discuss how the government and business community can improve Philippine competitiveness and spur economic growth beyond 2016. Invited during the event were top presidential candidates, Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, Former Interior and Local Secretary Mar Roxas, Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago and Sen. Grace Poe. They took turns on the hot seat as they seized the opportunity to appeal to the country’s local business community and explain why they are the best candidate by outlining programs they will pursue if elected president. Among the programs discussed were priority bills, tax reforms, human capital and infrastructure investments, constitutional amendments and addressing corruption in the government.

Binay aims to alleviate corruption in the gov-

ernment and focus on poverty reduction by providing more jobs Filipinos. He allayed the current corruption allegations against him and said he leaves it to the courts to decide on the matter.

“The moral problem actually is not corruption, the moral problem is poverty. That is what I have to face, not a fight against all these allegations but a fight to alleviate poverty in the life of every Filipino,” Binay said.

Roxas will continue the current administration’s track record on anticorruption and public service. He also aims to address corruption in the government.

“We want to eliminate corruption irrespective of what the person’s chaleco is wearing. We are agnostic. We don’t look at their affiliation so long as its corruption, we are against it,” Roxas warned.

Santiago promised a nation that is more prosperous, people who are more united and institutions that are more stable by 2022. And to promote public accountability, Santiago vowed to have the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) enacted into law when elected as president.

Poe admitted that she has the least number of years in public service among the presidential candidates, but reiterated that she is capable to hold such position.

“Even if they say that my resume is quite lean compared to the others, in terms of my service in

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

the public sector, my resume is lean enough that I don’t have the added baggage that is not necessary to be successful in government,” Poe said.

Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said that as businessmen and citizens, they are looking at who will take action on his or her promises. He said that business executives were impressed with the plans laid out by the presidential aspirants.

“What we can say is we will record what they promised to us and if they win, we will hold them accountable for what they promised,” Ortiz-Luis said.

The event also highlighted success stories and global and regional trends on business competitiveness, including strategies for business and economic growth, developing a world-class infrastructure and advancing international trade partnerships.

This campaign season has no room for political candidates spouting platitudes. Economists will note that the quality of life enhances business climate. Because like ordinary citizens, the country’s business leaders are looking for someone who will turn pledges into actions and who can make a corruption-free society possible. (AJPress)

Usapang Todos Los Santos: When your time comes, would you choose to be cremated?

PERHAPS a lot of us Filipinos living abroad would have a collective memory of how “Todos Los Santos” was observed in the Philippines where many of us grew up. This would be totally different from the “Halloween” culture of today’s generation — no costumes or Halloween parades and party for us.

October 31 and November 1 would a time when we meet with family at cemeteries to remember our loved ones who have gone ahead of us.

However, in the past decade, we have seen a shift in the way people choose to be laid to rest. It is no longer an automatic burial of the remains; instead the option of being cremated has now been accepted by many Filipino families, both here in the United States and in the Philippines.

I had first hand experience on this when we sent off my brother David and my Daddy just in the past two years. This happened in the Philippines at the Sanctuarium near Araneta Avenue.

We had a “lamay” (wake) for them for a few days, with their remains in the caskets for family and friends to pay their last respects. As in the traditional wake, we had masses and eulogies, with people watching over the remains of our dearly departed 24/7, until it was time for cremation.

This is where the practice deviates from tradition. After the The Fil-Am final mass and blessing, the remains were brought to the cre- Perspective matory level. There was a final viewing but during this time, the body was already brought out of the casket and was made to lie down on a “stretcher” for family Gel SantoS-reloS members to pray over and bid them goodbye for the last time through a touch of the hand, a last hug, a last kiss, a last whisper of words of affection. Stems of flowers were also offered before the “stretcher” was rolled out to the crematory for incineration.

The process of incineration This is a detailed description of how it is done, as described by cremationresource.org: During incineration, the body is exposed to a column of flames produced by a furnace fueled by natural gas, oils, propane, etc.

As the corpse is placed in a casket or container (preferably prepared from a combustible material), the container burns down.

Next, the heat dries the body and burns it until it

is reduced to skeletal remains and bone fragments. It is then collected in a tray or pan (tiny residue may still remain in the chamber and mix with the particles from subsequent cremations) and allowed to cool for sometime.

Finally, the dried bone fragments are further ground into a finer sand-like consistency. The machine used for this pulverization is called cremulator.

On an average, it takes about one to three hours to cremate a human body, thereby reducing it to 3-7 pounds of cremains. The cremation remains are usually pasty white in color.

These remains are transferred in a cremation urn and given to the relative or representative of the deceased. If you do not have an urn, the crematorium may return the ashes in a plastic box or default container.

The convenience of cremation Some people indicate their will to be cremated through written documents or just through a solemn “bilin” to be respected and followed by

family.

Many, like my Dad and my brother, follow the traditional viewing practices before the body is cremated, and then the pulverized remains or ashes in the urn are interred in the cemetery.

Others choose to have their ashes scattered in the sea or other favorite places.

Some have part of their ashes kept in ornamental pendants and given to immediate family members.

There are those who choose to be cremated before memorial services as they wish to be remembered how they were when they were alive and strong by their family and friends.

Many kababayans living abroad also choose to be cremated because it is easer and cheaper to have their ashes be brought back home to the Philippines instead of their remains in casket.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS? Would you choose to be cremated when your time comes? *** 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

Insights on election cheating and corruption

“GREG, how true!”

This was the comment Street of a friend from Seattle upon reading my Talk piece, “Insights from a small town politician,” particularly the part about the need for “mobilization” (a eu- GreG B. MacaBenta phemism for vote-buying) in order to win an election.

As a result of that column, other savvy individuals have come forward with their own first person narratives of election cheating. At our parish in Pinole, California, a retired Philippine Constabulary colonel who said he had already found God, told me about the rip-roaring days back in Central and Northern Luzon when they made piles of money during the election season.

“We collected contributions from the jueteng lords,” he said. And added: “Of course, we did it all the time, but we got more during elections.” Orders from the top, he explained.

According to him, there were other fund-raising tactics, like kidnapping businessmen for ransom money.

“But that’s not the only way the PC got involved in the elections,” said the ex-colonel. “On election day, we would swoop down on a precinct, drive out the voters and fill the ballot boxes with rigged ballots.” Orders from the top, he explained again.

The ex-colonel’s tale made the New People’s Army’s PTC or Permit to Campaign seem almost legitimate. I commented that the new automated voting system appears to have addressed the problem of election cheating.

“Not quite,” said the ex-colonel. “A

friend of mine who is still in the active service, in the PNP, told me that there are ways around the system.”

I recalled that the vice-mayor who had provided insights on local elections for my last column had also told me something related to the automated election system, based on his own personal experience.

According to him, to ensure that the system would work fairly, he and other candidates were asked to participate in a test of the PCOS machine in their barangay precinct. Each one was attributed a hypothetical number of votes which they then marked on ballots and fed into the PCOS machine. The accuracy of the count was then confirmed by the machine. If the count had not matched the hypothetical votes cast, that would have been a red flag.

On election day, there was a problem at the barangay precinct in transmitting the results online. The election officers were constrained to bring the compact flash drive containing the results to the poblacion. When the votes from the concerned precinct were flashed on the screen, the numbers reflected were those in the test and did not conform with the number of voters in the precinct.

“That means the compact flash drive containing the test was the one fed into the machine in the poblacion,” said the vice-mayor.

According to him, it doesn’t take rocket science to conclude that a preprogrammed compact flash drive could

be fed into the PCOS machines in the poblacions in those instances when barangay precincts had transmission problems.

“Of course, that kind of transmission problem can always be arranged,” he said knowingly.

While Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista has assured the country that everything is being done – and will be done – to ensure a fair and accurate count, he could give no guarantee, as quoted by the Manila Times in a story filed on October 8, 2015: “How can you guarantee clean, orderly and honest elections? But we will do our best.”

Indeed, much depends on the honesty of the politicians, the political parties and the candidates themselves. Are there such virtuous creatures? Said the late US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, “Ninety per cent of the politicians give the other ten per cent a bad reputation.” And former Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev was more blunt: “Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.”

And here’s what presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago had to say about her colleagues in the Senate and the House of Representatives when they were set to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona for inaccuracies in his Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth or SALN (literally translated from her colorful Tagalog): “My first point, if the Chief Justice loses here, that means that those who win are honest people because they have condemned him because he is corrupt. Therefore, assuming that these representatives – because we repre-

sent the people, isn’t that so, that’s why we’re elected officers, we’re supposed to represent our constituency – if we judge him guilty because he is crooked, that means we are honest. Now, if all of us are honest – many of us are honest – why is the Philippines often, if not all the time – why is the Philippines always ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the whole world?

“That you should answer. You pretend to be clean. Now if our officials are really clean and the whole country is clean, why does transparency international always list us as one of the most corrupt countries in the world? We’re glancing at each other. Who among us?

“That is my first point. Second, why don’t you stop pretending, like actors… there are certain politicians whom we know are using loopholes in their SALN. The law says that whatever your deposits are at the end of December, the end of the year, you declare how much money you have in the bank – the others, they withdraw their money in November or December so that when they file their SALN, there’s hardly any deposit or they just have a couple of thousands because the rest has been withdrawn. When January comes, they deposit the funds again. My countrymen, you be the witnesses, why isn’t that being looked into?

“Second, palusot – or the second thing they resort to in the SALN loophole – all their assets – real estate, bank account, other assets, they put in other people’s names – that is very, very widespread – so, they appear not to have any assets because these have been placed under other people’s names. If they can’t use their wives or children, because the

law requires that those close to them should be investigated, they use distant relatives or even trusted friends. What a hypocritical accusation.

“That is the problem with this country. We’re all for honest government and yet the world condemns us as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. That’s why it’s difficult to win in any international election – in any international campaign – because the Philippines, among others, has a reputation of being a corrupt country. Others think, if that country is corrupt nothing good will come out of it, nothing good will grow from it.

“Why, isn’t there any one of you who hasn’t cheated on his SALN? Give me another life – Lord, give me another life and I will investigate everyone, one by one, in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. We shall see – I will also investigate myself.

“There are so many loopholes in that SALN, why didn’t anyone say something about them before. Why have you now suddenly become concerned about the loopholes? Well, if that is the case, then let us all just put our assets in dollars and – the purpose of the SALN will be perverted or corrupted. That is true.

But what about all the other loopholes?

Why have you become angry over the loophole only now? Why not before?

Because some of us have been using the loopholes – they just have not been impeached.”

Looks like, all we can do is pray for a clean, orderly and honest presidential election. Maybe His Holiness Pope Francis can canonize a patron saint for honest elections, in time for May 2016. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 28-30 2015

A

Dateline PhiliPPines

Indonesian fires? Light haze affects Metro

by Helen

Flores Philstar.com

MANILA – A light haze is affecting Metro Manila, but the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will not confirm that it is caused by Indonesian forest fires.

Robert Sawi, PAGASA assistant weather services chief, said it is unlikely that the haze in Manila came from Indonesia because winds blowing from the northeast are currently prevailing in the country.

The Department of Health is also looking into reports that two individuals have died due to the Singapore Central Business District, or CBD skyline is covered with a haze in General Santos City. thick haze.

AP Photo/Joseph Nair “It’s still being verified. It might not be related,” long-term, toxic presence of haze,” Seno noted, as Health Secretary Janette Garin said.

President Aquino also stressed yesterday that he cited Executive Order 489 that provides for the the country is not inclined to support a call to hold creation of IACEH, which will facilitate government Indonesia accountable for the haze that crossed response against environmental hazards.

Based on reports, the Indonesian Disaster Agenborders but would rather like to help the Southeast cy estimated that around 500,000 people have deAsian neighbor.

“Well, the haze affecting us… just happened veloped respiratory problems since the fires began recently. We’re actually asking our Department of in July. Millions of people are dealing with smoke Science and Technology to study the whole matter levels roughly 10 times the level the World Health and deliver recommendations as to what actions Organization considers hazardous.

Health Assistant Secretary Gerry Bayugo said we should take,” Aquino said at the annual presidential forum of the Foreign Correspondents As- they are investigating the reported deaths in General Santos because “not all deaths that occurred in sociation of the Philippines.

“Having said that, instead of castigating an the affected areas should be attributed to haze.”

“From time to time, there are people who die of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) brother-country, perhaps in the ASEAN summit, illnesses or some other reasons. What we must do we should really look for the wherewithal, the di- is to verify the cause of death,” Bayugo added.

The DOH earlier issued a health advisory on how rection, the attitude –attitudinal change whereby we can help Indonesia avoid creating this prob- those living in areas reached by haze should cope.

On Sunday, Malacañang also said that conlem,” the President added.

He said it would be the most “constructive” cerned government agencies were monitoring the thing to do rather than concentrate “on apportion- haze from Indonesia, including the departments on Environment and Natural Resources, Science ing blame.”

The labor coalition Nagkaisa also urged Aquino and Technology, Health, and Transportation and yesterday to immediately activate and order the Communications (DOTC). The local disaster risk Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health reduction management councils are also helping (IACEH) to draft programs that will address the monitor the situation.

Presidential Communications Operations Ofproblem’s impact on people’s health.

Gerard Seno, executive vice president of the As- fice Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said they were sociated Labor Union (ALU) and a Nagkaisa mem- looking into the long-term effects of the haze as ber, said the government should be ready with a he cited a PAGASA report that the thick haze obplan in case haze reaches Metro Manila and puts served in some areas in Mindanao was brought by equatorial winds enhanced by Typhoon Lando, at risk the lives of 12 million people.

At the House, Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas which hit the country last week.

He added that the DENR was looking into the said he would ask the Department of Health (DOH) for a comprehensive report on various health haz- air situation in Davao, Cotabato, Zamboanga and ards, especially those affecting women and chil- other monitoring stations in Mindanao.

PAGASA’s Sawi said the haze in Manila could dren, in the environment.

He lamented that the country was listed as be could be due to the pollution brought by motor having the highest female adult mortality rate in vehicles.

“This (yesterday) morning, data showed that Southeast Asia at 144 deaths per 1,000 and the fourth highest in child and infant mortality at 30 the visibility is between seven and 10 kilometers,” he said. deaths per 1,000 live births.

A visibility of less than five km is considered Seno said he would rather have the government prepare for an eventuality now than be heavy, less than eight km is moderate, and less than 10 km is considered light haze. sorry later on.

At 8 a.m. yesterday, light haze was observed at “The inter-agency committee on environmental health should respond quickly to the already affect- the PAGASA station at the Science Garden in Queed residents in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao. zon City, while moderate haze was spotted over We also wanted Philippine government to take the Zamboanga peninsula. (With reports from Sheila necessary action to prepare the vulnerable segment Crisostomo, Aurea Calica, Delon Porcalla, Mayen Metro Manila residents to cope with the possible Jaymalin, Paolo Romero, Artemio Dumlao

MIRIAM AND ADMIRERS. Supporters surround and take selfies with Sen.Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who is running for President in the 2016 elections, during a meeting on Monday, Oct. 26 at Ang Bahay ng Alumni on the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City.

Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

Lacson out of Grace-Chiz senatorial slate

by Patricia lourdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA – Former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday, Oct. 27 revealed that he is no longer a guest candidate in the senatorial ticket of Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Lacson said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart that Poe asked for his permission to be removed in her senatorial lineup to make way for former Optical Media Board chair and actor Edu Manzano.

“I think I am no longer in the slate of Senator Poe. It is fine with me. Sabi ko ‘fine with me,’ privilege naman ‘yun to be a guest candidate of any coalition,” Lacson said.

He filed his certificate of candidacy as an independent senatorial candidate but he is a guest candidate of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) and the United Nationalist Alliance.

READ: Lacson, Lapid son, other execs complete LP Senate slate | Binay confirms UNA Senate slate However, Lacson said that he will campaign for LP standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as he believes in the administration bet’s integrity and advocacy.

Lacson stressed that Roxas is the most qualified among the presidential aspirants in the 2016 national elections.

Former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is seeking a comeback in the Senate. He will be a guest candidate in the senatorial tickets of the Liberal Party and the United Nationalist Alliance.

Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV

“Siya lang ‘yung walang corruption issue, and I can personally vouch for his integrity. Second, siya lang ‘yung walang disqualification case na hinaharap. Third, siya lang ‘yung walang health issue,” Lacson said.

Poe has multiple disqualification cases while Vice President Jejomar Binay is facing corruption allegations. Although Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago claimed that she has overcome cancer, she refuses to reveal her medical records.

“What’s important to me is shared advocacy. Importante sa’kin ‘yung naniniwala ako sa kandidato. I will campaign with him, I will campaign for him not because I’m being told to campaign for him, but because I believe in him,” the senatorial candidate said.

In 2009, Roxas stood as a witness in the counter-affidavit that Lacson filed before the Department of Justice in connection to the Dacer-Corbito murder case. n

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Business News

PH expects to benefit from China rate cut Aquino still against proposals to cut income tax rates

by PaoLo

G. monteciLLo Inquirer.net

BEIJING’S interest rate cut late last week, meant to arrest the recent economic slowdown in China, may push investors’ cash into emerging markets with strong fundamentals like the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said continued reforms in China would help alleviate global jitters over economic prospects for the developing world.

“In the near term, we may see some rebalancing of flows toward US assets as well as emerging market economies that have strong macro fundamentals,” he told reporters Monday, Oct. 26.

“We will continue to monitor developments to see if there is need to adjust the stance of policy,” Tetangco said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. Inquirer.net file photo

Last Friday, Oct. 23, People’s Bank of China (PBOC), China’s central bank, slashed its key policy rates by a quarter of a percentage point. Reserve requirements were also reduced.

The twin moves follow an “ultra-dovish” stance recently taken by the European Central Bank, which forced investors to “fret the true health of the Chinese economy,” BPI economist Nicholas Mapa said in a note.

Apart from providing a boost

to economic activity, China’s decision also aims to help the country transition away from relying heavily on exports to drive expansion.

Tetangco said China’s moves would help ease fears of an abrupt growth slowdown in Asia’s largest economy. “These should be good for global market confidence.”

In the third quarter of 2015, China’s economy grew by 6.9 percent, the slowest since 2009.

Despite the deceleration, its gross domestic product (GDP) was still above most analysts’ expectations.

China’s economic slowdown has been a major source of concern for global investors, and these jitters have spilled over to smaller economies like the Philippines.

Last year, China accounted for about 14 percent of global GDP, up from just 4 percent 2000. n

PAL spending up to $700 M for new planes

by LoueLLa

D. DesiDerio Philstar.com

MANILA – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is spending up to $700 million next year for seven new aircraft as well as spare parts.

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista told reporters the firm is spending from $500 million to $700 million for new aircraft and spare parts.

Bautista said some of the planes would be leased, while the others would be purchased. “The financing of the airplanes will not be a problem. There are many companies who will be willing to finance us,” he said, noting the carrier’s profitability.

For this year, the carrier has already taken delivery of five new A321 aircraft.

The company is also evaluating a plan to purchase new aircraft to replace its Airbus A340s

by Louis

Bacani Philstar.com

MANILA – President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday, Oct. 27 maintained his opposition to proposals aimed at lowering income tax rates.

At the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines’s annual presidential forum, Aquino insisted that the proposed income tax cuts will decrease government revenues.

“I have to remind everybody that we are still operating under a budget deficit. You remove the revenues, you increase the deficit,” Aquino said.

The president also maintained that having lower income tax rates may affect the country’s credit ratings.

“You remove something, you don’t add something, there is an imbalance that in turn might have negative consequences that we would rather not have to undergo,” he said.

Aquino made his remarks ahead of the resumption of congressional sessions next week when lawmakers are expected

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the annual Presidential Forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines in October 2014. FOCAP forum is a traditional event where the President discusses key policies and answers questions on foreign affairs, politics, the economy and social issues from the foreign media.

Malacañang Photo Bureau

to tackle the proposed income tax cuts.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said he and Senate President Franklin Drilon will meet with Aquino before Congress reconvenes to discuss the issue.

Malacañang repeatedly said that the administration wants

a “holistic” tax reform and not “piecemeal” changes in the prevailing tax rates.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said a holistic tax reform will sustain a high economic growth trajectory that will enable the Philippines to join the ranks of high income countries. n

Binay makes campaign pitch to business leaders at 41st PBC

Binay said he is open to Constitutional revision to do away with policies that restrict entry of MANILA – Vice President Je- foreign investors in some major jomar Binay promised Monday. sectors of the economy.

“The Aquino administration Oct. 26 the business community all the good stuff as he makes promised much but unfortunatehis bid for presidency before lo- ly, it delivered very little,” Binay said, referring to the years in ofcal business leaders.

Speaking at the 41st Philip- fice of the current president as a pine Business Conference and “period of lost opportunities.”

“Five years ago, Aquino unExpo, Binay slammed the Aquino administration anew while veiled the PPP (public private laying out plans for the private partnership) program as its censector once elected president terpiece. This program has now become the epicenter of its failnext year. by richmonD

s. mercurio

Philstar.com

PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime Bautista told reporters the firm is spending from $500 million to $700 million for new aircraft and spare parts.

Philstar.com file photo

as the planes consume more fuel and are costlier to maintain.

Bautista said PAL would want to make a decision on whether to get the A350 or Boeing 787 to replace the A340s by year-end.

The carrier is acquiring new aircraft to be able to expand its services.

PAL’s passenger revenues

reached P81.75 billion in 2014 as it carried over nine million passengers.

The carrier is a first half, its passenger volume reached six million.

The company’s parent firm PAL Holdings Inc. posted earnings of P129.74 million in 2014.

Its net income reached P5.86 billion as of the first semester. n

ure. Most of the infrastructure projects remain in the drawing boards. This administration will bow out of this office with only one project completed,” he said.

Binay said despite the Philippines’ gross domestic product growth, poverty rate has worsened.

In addition, he said the country’s housing backlog has worsened despite a property boom while smuggling of agriculture products also became rampant.

“It was growth that happened

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B OCTOBER 28-30 2015 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Business news

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DA lifts temporary ban on US poultry imports importation ban are poultry meat, day old chicks, eggs and semen.

In a recently issued order, AgMANILA – The Department of riculture Secretary Proceso AlcaAgriculture (DA) has lifted the la said the department received temporary ban on poultry im- confirmation from the World ports from several states in the Organization for Animal Health US after these areas have been (OIE) that the above-mentioned cleared of highly pathogenic avi- areas are now free from bird flu.

This, in turn, was reported to an influenza.

The department is now allow- the OIE by the US Department ing the importation of domestic of Agriculture Animal and Plant and wild birds and their prod- Health Inspection Service.

Based on the evaluation of `the ucts from La Moure and Dickey County in North Dakota; Whitley Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Country, Indiana; Missouri and the risk of contamination from importing poultry and poultry Wisconsin.

Covered by the lifting of the products from such locations is

by Czeriza

ValenCia Philstar.com

“negligible.”

All import transactions of the above mentioned products will be allowed according to the existing rules and regulations of the DA, BAI, and the National Meat Inspection Service.

The OIE is an inter-governmental organization that informs governments of the occurrence of animal diseases and of ways to control these diseases.

It also coordinates the conduct of studies devoted to the surveillance and control of animal diseases and of harmonizing regulations to facilitate trade in animals and animal products. n

Binay makes campaign pitch to…

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despite the liturgy and incomIn its special report, “Understanding El Niño: What does it mean for commodity markets?” the World Bank said the drier conditions creates petence of this administration. a positive effect on the Philippines’ nickel mining sector.

Philstar.com file photo The economic growth could have been more robust if the economic management was better,” Binay said.

Binay said there is a need for a change in leadership as well as in structures hindering the rapid development of the Philippines.

Lower January-June rains have prices remain depressed.

Under the “Binay presidency,”

by Ted Torres The World Bank noted rice the Vice President said a massive already helped it ship 9.68 milPhilstar.com lion WMT over the period, up 25 prices declined by 7.5 percent in infrastructure program would be the second quarter of 2015.

MANILA – The El Niño weath- percent year on year. given primary attention.

El Niño is a weather pattern The Philippines has one of the er phenomenon will have a nega“This is key to tapping potentive impact on the country’s ag- world’s largest nickel reserves. which causes the winds of the riculture sector, but a positive It produced 330,000 metric tons equatorial Pacific to slow or rein 2014. The Chamber of Mines verse direction, in turn raising effect on the mining sector.

Debt In its special report, “Under- of the Philippines believes the the temperature of waters over a standing El Niño: What does it country’s 27 nickel mines could vast sea area of the Central and Relief mean for commodity markets?” produce 25 million metric tons Eastern Pacific Ocean. Higher the World Bank said the drier of nickel direct shipping ore an- temperatures cause below- or above-normal precipitation in conditions creates a positive ef- nually.

But producers are concerned many regions, especially in the fect on the Philippines’ nickel southern Hemisphere. The im- Atty. LAwrence yAng over the price slump. mining sector.

At the start of the second se- pact is most noticeable in South “Drier conditions during the TWO different clients both wet season could enhance baux- mester, China’s steel producers America, East Asia, South Asia, ite production in Malaysia and reduced demand due to their and Australia, while there is a landlords because they both modest impact in the northern own rental properties came to the nickel output in the Philip- weakening economy.

This condition has forced pro- hemisphere. see me last week with different pines,” it said.

El Niño episodes occur every problems.

Meanwhile, Nickel Asia Corp. ducers to either sell their prodThe conventional wisdom why Chief finance officer Emmanuel ucts to other countries or store two to seven years and last nine people buy rental properties Samson was quoted by Reuters them in their warehouses tempo- to 12 months.

Typically, they develop during has two points. First, the rental as saying the El Niño has a posi- rarily. The Philippines accounted for almost all of China’s nickel April-June and reach maximum properties will provide a steady tive impact on their operations.

“The dry weather means our ores and concentrate imports in strength during December-Feb- stream of monthly income to the ruary. The strongest El Niño on landlord. Second, the value of the mines can continue to be pro- the first half of this year.

In contrast, the country’s agri- record occurred in 1997-98. properties will eventually rise, ductive in October or November “According to most forecast- thus making the landlord rich in when the season of heavy rains culture sector is taking a beating.

Initial reports from the Depart- ing models, the current El Niño equity, like Donald Trump. The usually starts,” Samson said.

Normally, mining operations ment of Agriculture said crop may be the strongest since de- problem is that in reality many come to a halt during wet sea- loss may have reached over P3- tailed data have been available. things can go wrong with rental billion in the early stages of the It is expected to reach – and re- properties. For instance, rents son. main – in the “strong” or “very may not be able to cover the But the El Niño-induced dry El Niño.

The National Economic and strong” category throughout the monthly expenses, and there are spell may remain until the first Development Authority (NEDA) end of the southern hemisphere’s quite a few expenses particularsemester of 2016.

Nickel Asia expects ore exports has already recommended ad- growing season, and into early ly repairs and maintenance. If to hit a record of over 19 million ditional rice importations in the spring (and possibly summer) in this happens, instead of having wet metric tons (WMT), versus first semester of 2016 to ensure the northern hemisphere,” the a steady stream of monthly insupply reserves while rice import World Bank report said. n come, the landlord is faced with 17.9 million WMT in 2014.

El Niño: Negative on agri, positive on mining according to World Bank report

tials of the national economy. It will enable companies to operate more efficiently in an open regional market. It will unlock potential for agriculture sector and help bring down excessive food price regime that will create jobs and reduce poverty,” he said.

Binay also laid out all the good things the business sector wanted to hear such as improvements in the country’s telecommunications and transportation infrastructure, increasing and stabilizing of energy supply, and streamlining business permitting processes.

The government official and 2016 presidential candidate has also expressed his support for the reduction of corporate tax rates to make it at par with the rest of the region.

“This by far will serve as the best incentive for investments in our economy,” he said.

“There are more ideas for improving business environment.

I hope that you could invite me next year. I can come as President of the Republic of the Philippines,” Binay said to the business leaders. n

Landlords seek Chapter 13 relief financing a monthly loss. 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. 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 with 4 units, and the last $100K on another rental with 4 units.

At that time all real estate prices were sky high. So, although she made $300K on the sale of her 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 percent cash for

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

Community Journal

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes IN many professions, bonus is a material part of a professional’s compensation. It is often a challenge characterizing bonuses in the context of a divorce case especially if the bonus has not yet been received by the employee spouse as of the date of separation. Marriage of Finby involved a wife who worked as a financial advisor. Marriage of Finby, 222 Cal. App. 4th 977 (2013). The wife developed a list of clients she referred to as her “book of business.” Before the couple separated, the wife accepted a position of Wells Fargo Bank as a financial advisor. Part of the compensation was several types of bonus. One bonus was a transitional bonus contingent on the wife staying with Wells Fargo for 112 months and maintaining a certain production level. The offer also included a deferred recruitment award bonus and two production bonuses. The trial court ruled that the wife’s transitional bonus received before separation was community property but the rest was the wife’s separate property because they were not paid until

“…Underneath the bone-chilling poltergeist tactics his restless soul employed to reach out from beyond the grave, he was no more than a lonely soul whose young life was cut down so suddenly and so tragically one dark moonless night. …” beyond the scope of reason and known science to explain and things that are far beyond human intelligence to comprehend fully.

Quite plainly, there are things in this world that cannot be defined, completely understood and pegged in a nice, neat box.

The curious case of this murdered American soldier reaching out from the grave is probably one of them.

As a postcript decades later, Lacaba updated the account by verifying the information about Stephen Davies with the American Battle Monuments Commission (http: //www.abmc. gov/search/detailwwnew.php).

Something may have been lost in the spelling and translation during the sessions, for there were two entries for Stephen Davis (there was no e though in the Davis) — one was Stephen E. Davis, a US Air Force officer who was killed in Hawaii and whose remains were never recovered and a Stephen C. Davis. The latter was listed as Seaman, First Class, U.S. Navy, with Service # 3759920 and that he had entered the service in California. The approximate date of death was December 15, 1945 in Manila, Philippines.

Davis earned a Purple Heart Award posthumously. Just like the other Davis in Hawaii, there were no remains recovered. The name of Stephen C. Davis is inscribed in one of the hemicycles on the west side in the American Cemetery near Forbes Park and what used to be Fort Bonifacio, a military camp sold to private real estate developers during the

nineteen nineties and now known as The Fort in Global City.

There is absolutely no way to verify every minute detail of this cold murder case unless one is a tenacious private investigator with the mixed pedigree of a bloodhound and a bulldog. One thing that comes across clearly, at least to me, is that the ghost of Stephen C. Davis, whether real or conjured by hypnotic suggestion, didn’t seem to be obsessed with vengeance or justice although he did seem knowledgeable about his killer’s whereabouts. Underneath the bone-chilling poltergeist tactics his restless soul employed to reach out from beyond the grave, he was no more than a lonely soul whose young life was cut down so suddenly and so tragically one dark moonless night. Stuck in a nebulous, nether world between the living and the world beyond, nothing seemed to be as important to this murdered American soldier as being remembered. It didn’t matter even if the remembrance is by a motley crew of curious, total strangers.

With a sigh of relief over the realization that the spirit was neither malevolent nor malicious, Stephen C. Davis would probably have to deal with an incensed group of total strangers who would gladly take turns putting their hands around his poltergeist neck and choking him, if they could, for scaring them half to death while using the rest rooms.

The ghost simply wanted to call attention to his plight, to be-

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Is contingent bonus community property in a divorce? after separation.

The court of appeal reversed, holding that the wife’s right to retain a contingent portion of a bonus for bringing her “book of business” over to Wells Fargo was community property. The court of appeal further held that the partially earned production bonus was also partly community property. The court noted that the book of business was acquired during the marriage and that it gave the wife the ability to induce the clients to follow her to the new firm just like goodwill in a business of other professions such as doctors and lawyers. In addition, it has been well established even in other jurisdictions that customer lists of licensed professionals who are employed in a business or industry is divisible marital property. The fact that the bonus of the financial advisor wife was contingent did not preclude it from being a divisible community asset because they were conditions that were under the employee spouse’s control.

Marriage of Fonstein, 17 Cal. 3d 738 (1976), Marriage of Brown , 15 Cal 3d 838 (1976). The

employee spouse’s right to receive the bonus arose when she accepted the employment offer.

It is therefore important to look at the nature of spouse’s bonus in characterizing whether it is community property or separate even if the bonus was not received by the employee spouse prior to the date of sepration. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

***

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

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Landlords seek Chapter 13…

PAGE B2 t

a limited number of houses.

The first problem with the rentals is that they are negative 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, 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” in-

B

The curious case Calendar of Events across America of Stephen C. Davis: A ghost story

(Part 2 of 2)

Half a lifetime later and half a world away, I have forgotten much about the murdered American soldier. Buried in the mists of time, his story would have remained shelved, tucked away in my memory banks and promptly forgotten until I came across an account of that incident long ago on the internet.

Written by Virgilio Lacaba, I read a long, detailed article, perhaps a reprint, on “Strange Occurrences at the UP” and like a flood, everything came rushing back as though it happened yesterday. Weeks after the session, I remember being interviewed for an article in a then popular weekly magazine, Mr. & Ms.,

by Neni Santa Romana Cruz, a well-known Filipino writer who also happened to be the elder sister of a good friend from St. Scholastica’s College, the kind and gentle Chona Santa Romana, who incidentally and sadly, I learned much later, was herself a tragic victim of murder and domestic foul play, sometime in the late eighties. I had left the country for America by then and lost touch.

I do remember that during the interview for the article I have had to be careful in how the story is presented because I was living, working and studying in an academic environment, which by default should place reason and scientific explanation on everything that happens in the world.

Paranormal phenomenon is an entirely different ball of wax that supposedly rational beings do not normally subscribe to, something that would raise skeptical brows.

Yet I have found that life is not entirely rational, a lot of things don’t make sense and we have only begun to chip away at the great mysteries of life that lay before us. I am thus convinced that quite possibly, I am just one of the multitudes the world over who believe that there are things in the universe that are far

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 28-30 2015

stead, 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 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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O C TO B E R 26 - N OV E M B E R 2

Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) brings the best of a broad selection of Asian World cinema to Los Angeles from Oct. 26 - Nov. 2, 2015 in order to draw greater recognition to the region’s wealth of filmmakers, strengthening ties between the Asian and Hollywood film industries. With films from 50 countries across Asia, from Turkey to Japan to India and the Philippines, the AWFF focuses on cinema-lovers, especially fans of foreign and independent films. Screenings will be held at the ArcLight Cinemas and iPic Theater in Culver City, and VIP festival passes (including access to filmmakers lounge, professional panels, cocktail receptions, and screenings) are available. A special showing of Paul Soriano’s “Kid Kulafu,” the story of a young Manny Pacquiao, will also premiere on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 8pm at ArcLight.

For more information and ticketing prices, please visit http://www.asianworldfilmfest.org/.

O C TO B E R 3 1

HallowBack Halloween Dance Event This coming Halloween, come to the newest ultra-lounge located near Glendale’s Americana, the chic 103 LOUNGE (103 E. Broadway Ave., Glendale, CA, 91025, across Marshalls and Bloomingdale’s)! Brought to you by EMEX Events, ToneDef Music, Bounce Electronic Music & DJ School, with support from MISS PHILIPPINES USA, HALLOWBACK is a one-of-a-kind Halloween dance music/clubbing event. Featuring dance tunes from the mid 90’s until the year 2000 by DJs Mon Maramba and Josh Evangelista, and curated by Louie Ysmael together with Arnel Castillo, as well as local retro hero Ricky Fabre of ClubManila. Doors for this popular Halloween event will open at 9pm, so make sure you secure a spot on the dancefloor! 21+ only, with $10 entry fee. Reserved seating with bottle service and birthday specials/VIP areas available. Please email tonedefmusicph@gmail.com for more info.

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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)

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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

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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.

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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 2729, 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.

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

B OCTOBER 28-30 2015 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

ReminiSing with Becca Godinez LOS ANGELES – PeDRO, Philippine Disaster Relief Organization, on its 11th Anniversary Celebration - is delighted to announce a concert, dinner and dance event to be held on November 21, 2015. Headlining the concert is award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, producer and director, Becca Godinez in a much anticipated return to the concert stage.

Becca was the first female singer-songwriter of pop music in the Philippines. She not only wrote original songs for herself but co-wrote songs with other

famous artists. Aside from a successful music career, Becca is one of a few artists who have achieved a successful acting career as well. Few know that she is a theatre arts major with a minor in voice. In these last two years, Becca was seen onstage in a triumphant return to the theatre where her performance in “Flipzoids” received rave reviews from Los Angeles critics. Inspired by its success, Becca produced the play in Manila, bringing the LA production’s director and cast there last year. Praises were also accorded them by Manila re-

viewers. In October she donned a new hat; that of co-producer of the highly touted, “MasterPieces”, the 45th Anniversary tour of Ballet Philippines in Los Angeles and San Jose, CA. “I’m so ready to get back to music”, Becca said. “I’ve titled the concert, “ReminiSing” - a play on the word. I’ll be singing songs that through the years have touched, excited and moved me and there will be tunes that folks will remember well.” We hope she includes two of her gold-record songs, “Shining” and “Bakit Ganyan ang Pag-ibig”

The curious case of Stephen C. Davis…

PAGE B3 t

ing stuck in limbo or trapped in a dimension that defies time and space. Scaring mortals was one heck of a way to do it.

If you remember the movie “Ghost” there was one such paranormal being who was practically forced into mentoring Patrick Swayze’s character in the ways of poltergeists. The movie character is a disembodied soul trapped in one dimension. He inhabited a New York

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subway because he was pushed on the path of a train and died.

He was stuck and could not cross over to the other side because his time had not yet come.

So he spends his time morosely bent on mischief scaring the living daylights out of subway commuters.

Because his approximate death anniversary is supposedly December 15, Stephen C. Davis is again reaching out from the grave one more time from an-

other century, so that he may be remembered and included in prayers just once more until he reaches final closure and eternal rest. Do pray for him if you can.

If Stephen Davis’s story holds up, it is clear that to be forgotten as though one’s life didn’t matter is indeed tragic. *** 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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http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

in the mix. Becca thanks God for this wonderful opportunity and truly wants everyone to experience her fun-loving, crazy and expressive side.

It all began a few months ago when she was approached by PeDRO president, Mrs. Myrna Baculi. She asked if Becca would work hand in hand with PeDRO to help raise funds for their projects. PeDRO is a 501©3 nonprofit organization whose aim is to restore hope and to work with the underprivileged and underserved – to rebuild and restructure after disaster strikes. Becca met with the team, heard their goals, their mission and the success by which the funds they raise are put to good use. More importantly, Becca was impressed by the sincerity and dedication of the group as a whole.

The special evening will begin with dinner followed by Becca’s concert which features a live band and vocalists. Following her performance, music provided by Full Frequency Entertainment will surely entice the audience to dance the night away.

The concert’s concept and staging is a collaboration between Becca and producer Ted Benito of PAE, Live!

“ReminiSing with Becca Godinez” will be held at the Re-

Becca Godinez

naissance Hotel located at 111 Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach, CA. Tickets are $85 each and parking is free. Event begins at 6:00

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FOR RENT

FOR SALE

pm – attire is formal. For tickets please call B. Francisco at (323) 828-7648 or B. Miranda at (310) 600-5675. n

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

LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 28-30 2015

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B OCTOBER 28-30 2015 • LA MIDWEEK ASIAN JOURNAL

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

The Asian Journal

MDWK

Wednesday, OctOber 28, 2015

MAGAZINE

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Jenine nerecina

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cover story The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 28, 2015

Filipino and Fil-Am designers bring diversity to LA Fashion Week

Jenine with models after her show

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Gilbert

by Christina M. Oriel and allysOn esCObar / aJPress

For the fashion obsessed, New York, London, Paris and Milan are the places to watch for each season’s trends and styles, as the cities host “Fashion Week” events that highlight collections from established brands to emerging talent.

However, in recent years, Los Angeles has ventured into the mix as a hub of trendsetting fashion with its own set of Fashion Week events — even lasting for the entire month — aimed at bolstering the careers of such creatives.

This year, a handful of Filipino and Filipino-American designers took to the runway to showcase their respective lines; among them, Jenine Nerecina’s Cosmogyral, Veejay Floresca, Kristine Amarillo’s Tale For Esther, Joyce Penas Pilarsky and Pia Gladys Perey.

Finding a sartorial adventure with Cosmogyral The traveler, wanderer, adventurer, and wanderlust-these are the women whom the fashion brand Cosmogyral aims to connect with. With a unique collection designed for women of all ages and sizes, Cosmogyral (meaning “whirling around the universe”) is a fusion of dreams and reality, inspired by luxurydestination wear and Philippine culture.

The debut collection shown at LA Fashion Week 2015 is entitled Diaphanous, meaning “light, delicate, and translucent.” At the showcase held Friday, Oct. 9th at LA’s historic Union Station, models walked the elegant runway wearing nude-colored, light and airy dresses made of Piña fabric, the same as in a traditional Philippine Barong Tagalog.

The designer is 25-year-old Jenine Nerecina, who was born in Cainta, Philippines and taught to sew by her grandmother at a very young age. She and her family relocated to Lancaster, California, where at a young age she bought her first basic sewing machine and was making clothes regularly.

After high school, pressured to pursue a career in nursing or astrophysics, Nerecina decided to take an entirely different route-creating her own fashion line.

Inspired by Philippine culture, Cosmogyral combines three elements: evening wear, nature, and the sensuality of lingerie. The goal of the brand is destination and resort-wear, as in something one would wear when traveling to an exotic, luxurious country.

The brand’s goal is to endorse contemporary garments that are hand-made in Los Angeles, exhibiting high-quality products that promote the lavish Los Angeles lifestyle.

“My design mantra is taking three different things and using it as inspiration, and that’s how you come up with a good story,” Nerecina told the Asian Journal.

“I look at the things I love and that inspire me, and that’s how I find my aesthetic.”

Nerecina took fashion classes at Pasadena Community College, where she learned the basics of sewing, pattern-making, and other technical elements. Realizing design was her true passion, she then transferred to Woodbury University in Burbank, California,

Joyce Penas Pilarsky

Tale for Esther S/S 16

where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design to further her training and experience in the industry.

Cosmogyral was devised during Nerecina’s senior year at Woodbury, where she took a class that required her to draft a business plan for a theoretical brand of her own. After researching, designing, creating, and showcasing the thesis project in a one-woman fashion show, she decided to make her senior collection a new brand, promoting the line as her debut collection, Diaphanous.

“The design process, from research to development to illustration, draping fabric, and then making the garments, started back in the summer of 2014. The whole collection has grown from just six looks to 17, which were showcased at [LA] Fashion Week,” she said.

The favorite elements of her line are the “girly” embellishments in each silhouette, including the pleating and special Piña fabric she uses, ordered directly from the Philippines. “Pina is a sheer material, and it looks luxurious,” she remarked. “My whole collection is sheer, but you don’t think ‘sexy.’ I’m going for a nude, sensual look, definitely not conservative. My idea of ‘sexy’ is sensual, as in the sensuality of lingerie, without actually exposing.”

Cosmogyral is also inspired by elements of nature, as in the smallest details, from snake-skin and sheer, shimmering waterfalls, to the defined underlines of a mushroom, which she uses in dress-pleating.

“Find what inspires you,” she shared. “The tiny details of nature are always a good inspiration.”

On discovering her fashion role models, Nerecina said she simply does not want to be compared. “It’s hard to have your own style,” she said, noting prominent Filipino designers like Oliver Tolentino and Monique Lhullier.

“But it’s always about standing on your own.”

Nerecina credits her experience both in community college and in Woodbury’s design program for showing her the business side of being in fashion.

“As far as marketing, what I’ve learned is that nobody could market my brand better than me, since I created and know all about it,” the young designer said. “I would rather work 100 hours a week for myself, doing what I love, than 40 hours under somebody else telling me what to do. I would rather have everything under my own terms.”

She also shared about her journey getting into the LA Fashion Week 2015 showcase, which all started from submitting applications and having key connections through the Woodbury design program. As a young brand, the producer of Fashion Week decided to give her a sponsorship, allowing her to be a part of this year’s show.

Cosmogyral is only six months old, but is barely getting started as a Philippine-inspired fashion brand.

“My next goal is to travel with the brand and get into a showroom,” she said of her brand’s plans for the future. “But first, to have my own practical in-house studio, where clients can come in to see and try my designs. I can see my stuff being sold in specialty boutiques, not being super mass-produced.”

Looking at photos of her collection, she smiled. “I just want to keep creating stuff, to get celebrities to notice and wear my designs.”

Nerecina also shared her muse for Cosmogyral’s next collection: the 2010 Darren Aronofsky film, “The Black Swan,” with a darker, dramatic and romantic [black and wine-red] silhouette.

“The concept is that every woman has a good girl/bad girl side. It’s really about fighting with yourself,” she said.

“Family and friends, even my boyfriend called me bold, a go-getter, especially when it comes to promoting [the brand].

I didn’t really see myself like that before this whole thing started,” she said.

“It’s not in our culture to be bold. In Tagalog, they say ‘walang hiya’--literally meaning ‘no shame.’ If somebody said that to you, for Filipinos it’s seen as a bad thing. But we need to be taught that being bold and putting yourself out there is a good thing.”

Los Angeles Fashion Week Design Competition Up-and-coming designers from around the world came faceto-face on Saturday, Oct. 17 at “Design Warz,” a platform established by the Los Angeles Fashion Week Design Competition to give these creatives exposure and visibility.

The event organized by Lola Alexander Events and sponsored

by Nickii Jean Magazine, selected several finalists to participate in the competition: Veejay Floresca, Joyce Penas Pilarsky, Tale For Esther, Megan Smith, Faduma Sidow, Rosee & Babee, Rhaya Ratavosi, Venice Delola, Nikki Kouture, LaRae Wilson, Merocki, Nrtfashions, and Azulant Akora.

Floresca closed the show along with Viktoria by Tina Summers & Brandi Jones and Ashanti Syeni Douglas.

Veejay Floresca on the modern woman Veejay Floresca, who won the fashion week design competition in 2014, headlined this year’s event with a Spring/Summer collection that reflects her idea of “the modern woman.”

Each of the looks — sewn and made from patterns, shapes and silhouettes all done by Floresca herself — was inspired by “Studio 54 meets kimonos and taekwondo uniforms.”

“I was fascinated about the effortless look mixed with glamour.

Jenine Nerecina/Cosmogyral

Diaphanous, the debut collection of Cosmogyral, at LAFW 2015.

Pleated dress at LAFW 2015, inspired by the inner core of a mushroom. Photos by Manny Llanura

PGP S/S 16

PGP S/S 16

Pia Gladys Perey Photos by Vivien Killilea of Getty Images

Veejay Floresca

Veejay Floresca’s collection at Design Warz

I want to create a strong collection that embodies the modern woman,” Floresca remarked.

Floresca, who studied fashion design and merchandising from De La Salle — College of Saint Benilde in Manila, went on to London to finish a course in bridal wear and California for a master’s degree. She also participated in Project Runway Philippines, the International Competition of Young Fashion Designers in Paris and was noted as “The Next Face of Avant Garde.”

Currently based in San Francisco, Floresca has been known for her elegant bridal gowns, despite not planning to make wedding designs her main business. Apart from outfitting brides, Floresca said she is still growing as a designer, and plans to continue developing her patterns and silhouettes.

Though fashion is often regarded as a cutthroat industry, Floresca had this to say to budding designers: “Be true to yourself, create something new, do not copy, and make sure to develop your own style.”

Tale For Esther’s timeless elegance Tale For Esther, an LA-based brand created by Kristine Amarillo, reflects on timeless elegance with a romantic flare, focusing on embellishments, meticulous details and fit.

Amarillo, a professional pattern maker who studied fashion design and business management at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, launched Tale for Esther in 2014; since then, she creates two collections a year of ready-to-wear and evening separates for “a polished woman who values quality and innovation.”

“I want to create pieces that are not trend driven, rather pieces that are versatile so women can wear them over and over,” Pilarsky’s winning look Photos courtesy of Joyce Pilarsky Amarillo said, adding that Tale for Esther targets, “women [between] 25-40, who embrace their own uniqueness and self worth and women who fiercely love and live in equal measure.”

For the competition, Amarillo presented 16 looks — 20 pieces that ranged from special occasion separates to long dresses. The Tale for Esther show began with dark, somber tones, including an all-lace ensemble, complete with a long-sleeve blouse, calf-length skirt with fringe and ribbons laced at the cuffs.

“Everything is structured, Kristine Amarillo / Tale for Esther tight fitting and suffocating. I Photos by Ildiko Takata

wanted to recreate a romantic version of a straight jacket, hence the ribbon ties at the cuffs and added lace for an elegant touch.

The collection progress into airy, flowy and lighter fabrics, from long sleeves to backless, off the shoulder and embroidered pieces. I played around with surface design by mixing a myriad of laces together, hand sewn on top of each other to create texture,” she shared.

Joyce Penas Pilarsky Representing the Philippines in the competition, Joyce Penas Pilarsky set out to boast the beauty of materials found in the country, such as Piña fabric and silk cocoon.

While creating her line, Pilarksy visited the National Museum of the Philippines to gather historical information about her heritage, as well as Mindanao and provinces like Lumban for materials. From there, she was encouraged to create pieces balancing the rich history with modern styles.

Her final look of the night — a wide, striped skirt with lace patterns atop a black long-sleeve blouse and shorts — garnered roaring applause and reactions from the crowd.

At that moment, Pilarsky said, she felt that she would be crowned the winner of the show.

And she was, earning a $2,000 prize and four-page spread in Nickii Jean Magazine.

“This competition was a gift from God. I always say that in all that you do, just do your best and leave God the rest,” she said.

Embracing femininity with Pia Gladys Perey At the tail end of the month, Manila-based designer Pia Gladys Perey held a fashion show for her eponymous line (PGP) on Friday, Oct. 23 at the Sofitel Hotel.

Guests were treated to a sit-down dinner, as models clad in PGP creations strutted down aisles in between tables.

“We were aiming for a luxurious and elegant feel. We wanted to do away from the usual fashion shows and wanted it to be more experiential for our guests and bring something new, which is why we did a sit-down dinner,” Perey said.

Perey, whose ready-to-wear line is known for glamorous pieces with a romantic flair, has dressed celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian, Demi Lovato, Gabrielle Union and many others.

Photos by Emily Grunfeld

Her latest Spring/Summer 2016 collection, entitled “Defying Gravity,” brought that familiar PGP feel with dresses, in colors like peach or light blue, lined with the classic Grecian-inspired drapes. Yet, towards the middle of the show, models came out in more striking pieces, such as a glittering one-piece swimsuit in one instance or a jumpsuit that treads on flirty, yet graceful. “[The line is] combined with our newfound love for structured, but still feminine pieces made in neoprene,” she said.

Born and raised in Tagaytay, Philippines, Pia was exposed to fashion at an early age by watching her grandmother sew and make patterns. Though she did not receive formal fashion training, Perey worked at several fashion companies and opened her own factory that would manufacture clothing for other brands.

She finally started her own line in 2007 and debuted at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.

Unlike the stereotyped notion that high fashion is for certain type of woman, Perey said she designs pieces fit for women at any shape or size. Her dresses reflect the celebration of feminine curves through the body-hugging silhouettes, sharing that she is “mainly inspired by how resilient and versatile women are in every stage of her life.”

PGP is currently sold in parts of the Philippines, Australia, China, the Middle East, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and has plans to expand to other parts of the world, such as South Africa.

“We have also started some collaborations with some great brands from the Philippines, as well as a design and book collaboration Hollywood socialite Daphne Wayans,” she said.

Inspired by art, culture and lifestyle from the Philippines and beyond and matched with their innate creativity and dedication, Filipino and Filipino-American designers will continue to initiate trends and create fashion must-haves. Be it haute couture or commercial, avant-garde or defined, imagination or reality, these designers have weaved a dynamic prospect on fashion as they continue to make waves in LA and other capitals. *** **Special thanks to Lana Johnson of WJG Asia, Michelle Molina, Nickii Jean, and Coolside Entertainment

features Filipino American History Month celebration at the Glendale YMCA Hall Pasadena Lecture To Focus on

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 28, 2015

Glendale, California - the Filipino-American Business Association of Glendale and Soroptimist international of the Verdugos (SitV) jointly hosted a Filipino American history Month Celebration at the Glendale YMCA hall, which was attended by more than 100

people, Consul Rea from the Philippine Consulate General, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and Council Members Paula DeVine and Laura Friedman. there were arts and crafts displays, tastings of Filipino food, presentations by the LA Rondalla, piano and songs by

the Alejos, dances performed

by Malaya Dance Arts Group, Republiq Dance Studio, Philippine history, and a great fashion show of Filipiniana Designs by Lou Razon and Carl Andrada.

SitV President edith Fuentes emceed and kept the program running on time.

Fighting Cancer and Other Diseases Keith Block, M.D., author of Life Over Cancer, is known as the “father of integrative oncology.” On Wednesday, November 4, Dr. Block and his wife Penny Block, M.A., Ph.D., author of A Banquet of health, will be speaking at an event sponsored by Foodtrients.com. they will discuss the Block Model, which is designed to help you achieve optimal health and fight serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Audience members may ask questions about how best to design a personalized program of care through diet, fitness and lifestyle.

Seating is limited, so if you would like to attend, make your reservations now by calling Sandy at (626) 304-6900 or emailing corp.execast@gmail. com. Please leave your name and contact information (phone number and email address) and say that you are interested in attending Dr. Block’s Nov. 4 event, which will be held from 10:30am to 12:30pm on Wednesday, Nov. 4. RSVP’s must be received by Monday, Nov. 2 and tickets will be available on a first come basis.

Keith i. Block, M.D. combines cutting-edge conventional treatment with scientifically

based complementary therapies. he is currently Director of integrative Medical education at the University of illinois College of Medicine at Chicago and director of the institute for integrative Cancer Research and education, and the author of over 75 scientific papers and numerous articles.

Penny Block, M.A., Ph.D. is the co-founder and executive Director of the Block Center, one of the world’s leading cancer centers. She obtained her Ph.D. in BioBehavioral/Psychosocial Oncology from the University of Chicago in 2008.

*Advertising Supplement

‘AlDub’ posts record-breaking 41-M ‘Tamang Panahon’ tweets

by Aries Joseph

Inquirer.net

heginA

it’S official: the phenomenal tandem of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, also known as “Yaya Dub,” has posted a new twitter record.

Figures from twitter Asia Pacific showed that 41 million tweets were posted using the hashtag #ALDubeBtamangPanahon from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25. the tweet volume of the said hashtag has trumped AlDub’s previous record of 26 million tweets last Sept. 25 and the 35.6 million tweets sent during the Brazil vs Germany World Cup semi-final last July 8, 2014.

AlDub fans went into a tizzy at 2:24pm on Oct. 24 when Alden was singing “God Gave Me You” to Maine and the couple hugged onstage. During that scene, fans were posting 48,000 tweets per minute. twitter noted that there were three peaks during the #ALDubeBtamangPanahon conversation. the most shared tweet which used the said hashtag was posted by Maine, which had 74,000 retweets and was viewed nearly 2.4 million times on twitter.

Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza and Alden Richards. Inquirer.net photo by Gwendy Gayle H. Delos Santos

in a statement, twitter’s Vice President of Media, Asia Pacific and Middle east Rishi Jaitly said that they are glad that twitter and Periscope have become a part of the historic AlDub phenomenon. “the AlDub phenomenon continues to make history with a new global twitter record by taking a love story that’s captured the imagination of people all over the world and combining it with the tamang Panahon charity concert broadcasted live worldwide.”

“We are delighted that twitter continues to be a way for millions of Filipinos to keep up with the latest updates from news, culture and the world

and share the experience with others from across the country,” Jaitly said.

On her part, tAPe inc. Senior Vice President Jenny Ferre said that twitter acts like the “Cupid” for the reel-time lovers. “twitter has given us a home, a community where we, the team behind the show and the viewers and followers, can interact. this is a real-time love story: a love affair between ‘eat Bulaga’ and our viewers. twitter is the Cupid. this love gets stronger with every tweet, favorite, and retweet,” Ferre said. the event featured a soldout 55,000 seater Philippine Arena.

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entertainment

Vice Ganda admits ‘Showtime’ can’t beat ‘Eat Bulaga’

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 28, 2015

Youtube legend Ryan Higa comes to Manila

by Martin

YaMbao Philstar.com

MANILA—From the organizers of the massive Wanderland music festival and the producers of independent concerts for the alt set (French act Phoenix, London’s Bastille and of most recent note, Alt+J), Karpos Mul-

timedia brings Click Play: The Social Media Festival to Manila on Nov. 22 at the SMX Convention Center MOA, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Online video and content creation has become its own cultural tsunami (all thanks to YouTube, Vine, Instagram,

25 year-old American Ryan Higa (known to his millions of subscribers as NigaHiga) was one of the first major YouTube stars. With a slew of comedy sketches, music videos and pop culture commentary, Higa comes to Manila as one of the most effective YouTube celebrities to date.

among many other platforms) and in the mien of VidCon and Playlist Live (two of the biggest social media conventions headlined by the likes of Tyler Oakley and John Green, two of the online platform’s biggest stars), Click Play comes to Manila as a whole day social media festival dedicated to both inspiring and aspiring online content creators.

YouTube has conquered the digital landscape since it first launched in 2005, the platform has embraced the role of a breeding ground for the next generation of celebrity; comedian Grace Helbig (youtube. com/itsgrace) transitioned to her own cable-network talk show; content creator Tyler Oakley embraced the role of social media activist and red carpet presence, and author John Green of recent Hollywood hits A Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns as one of the original big-hit YouTubers.

Click Play embraces the nu-wave of social media stars; with billions of hits and millions of subscribers, #TeamInternet enjoys huge fan bases that embrace niche categories like video games, comedy, beauty, music, fashion and much more.

Continued on Page 5

by aries Joseph

Inquirer.net

hegina

“We can’t beat ‘eat Bulaga’, but we’ll still be here [to continue making] people happy.”

This was Vice Ganda’s admission on Saturday at the height of “eat Bulaga’s” most tweeted episode of its “kalyesere.”

AlDub’s “Tamang Panahon” event at the 55,000-seat Philippine Arena broke records on social media and probably making history as the most attended variety show on the noontime slot.

Vice Ganda said he’s thankful for “It’s Showtime” reaching the sixth year in the business.

He recounted “It’s Showtime” used to be a morning show and when network executives at ABS-CBN asked him and his co-hosts to be moved on the

Vice Ganda

noontime slot, he said back then he readily admitted he can’t beat “eat Bulaga.”

“We told our bosses we don’t want to be on the noontime slot. We can’t beat ‘eat Bulaga.’ even if we put our powers together, even if I make cartwheels infront of the

camera, we can’t,” he said in Filipino.

He said the ABS-CBN bosses told him they were moving “It’s Showtime” not to beat “eat Bulaga” but to join them in making more people happy.

“Samahan nyo lang sila sa pagpapasaya,” Vice Ganda said.

“It’s Showtime” used to be on the late morning slot before the defunct “Wowowee” of controversial host Willie Revillame.

Vice Ganda also advised fans of both shows not to fight, especially on various social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, because he said the hosts of “It’s Showtime” and “eat Bulaga” are friends in real life.

“In fact, they are our idols,” Vice Ganda said.

KC Concepcion, Anne Curtis grace UN anniversary event

by JoYce JiMenez Philstar.com

MANILA—KC Concepcion and Anne Curtis-Smith participated in United Nation’s celebration of their 70th anniversary.

Anne is UNICeF Philippines’ celebrity advocate for children, promoting to give children their basic needs like food and education.

UNICEF Philippines celebrity advocate Anne Curtis-Smith.

“earlier this year, I joined UNICeF Philippines and so far it’s such a learning experience for myself,” she said during the event which happened last Friday, Oct. 23 at the SM Mall of Asia entertainment hall.

She then promoted the “Heroes for Children Run,” a fund-raising event to support UNICeF Philippines’ different projects for the Filipino children that happened on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Anne also prepared a short performance for the celebration, and made a disclaimer saying “I’m not a good singer so bear with me!”

Goodwill Ambassador for World Food Program KC Concepcion was also present that night. The Kapamilya actress has been World Food Programme National Ambassador Against Hunger for seven years now.

“It has been such an honor, such a privilege to be surrounded by these real-life heroes,” she said. “It’s my pleasure and my happiness to be part of this community where I meet wonderful, intelligent and most importantly compassionate people who work from their heart.”

KC Concepcion during the special event to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the United Nations at the SM Mall of Asia on Friday, October 23. The ABS-CBN artist is a Goodwill Ambassador of United Nation’s World Food Program.

Philstar.com photos by Efigenio Toledo IV

“I hope someday you people will be part of our advocacy,” she added, talking to the crowd watching the event. She also prepared a song number to celebrate UN’s anniversary.

features

People and politics, Philippines style Moonlighting

Presidency sends aspirants dancing on pin heads. Running for president is like running for your life. Any help is welcome

by Mylah as one finds himself in a midst de leon of a campaign that brought out the worst in men, where nobody was even in control of events. But campaigning is a sweating that every candidate WelcOme to the elechas to go through, to get to tions, Philippine style in 2016. the noble business of governAs a lifelong spectator in an ing. Nothing has jerked the extremely politicized country jaundiced eyes of the nation in all these years, I can say that into a sudden incredulous nothing much has changed. force, as is continues to watch Politics had gradually vanthe elections closely, with ished into a world of obscene, unbridled enthusiasm, investbig money and bad manners.

The early presidential campaign ment and curiosity -- perhaps even with anger and disagreeundeniably and gravely takes ment. on a survival of the fittest. The The candidates’ jaded apsurge of the interest in the personalities of the presidential petite for campaign combat candidate has migrated into the (given their angry reactions to mutual pig sty politics which very air we breathe. feed tawdry headlines or It is a season of poisonous particularly unflattering stories) backbiting once more. Panare far from genteel tones. In dora’s boxes are opened in a other times, the media will be panoply of overblown multiple hooting and hollering, having plots, minute by minute drama a great time, while gloom dethat you can’t deride to a side show. Tabloids ooze with offers, scends on the other camp.

There will be news that sacrilegious insinuation and blatant unapologetic approbation. was rooting an insurance case, woven into that prurient In a season of false hopes, journalism jargon. But in every candidates head for bigger journalist’s heart, the unspoken hurdles and comparisons bedictum not just being “first” come inevitable.

but also getting the report “right” remains.

It will always be a competitive time frame among news reporters. Nobody blinks. For the record, I have covered three presidential elections: the late dictator mr. Ferdinand e. marcos, mrs. corazon Aquino and former President Fidel V. Ramos. The demands were real, be it for a delightful little ditty that emerged, or I am probably guessing, even a meaning look or the ambush of running interviews, parched for quotes—whatever it takes to craft an interesting new story.

The only thing missing were crystal balls, incense and some charm bracelets. Insiders form both camps are uncharacteristically never close mouthed unless it was a bad leak that blew on their faces. Deep in their hearts, the weary voter craves for the one who can fight impossible odds, in the name of peace and good governance. No more blood, bullets, caskets for the orphans and the media will just do what we are supposed to be doing.

And we don’t have to recoil and take a shower, after that! *** E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com

From Page 4

The biggest draw? Putting your own bid to become the next big YouTube or Vine star is as easy as one, two, three; shoot, edit and upload.

The festival will serve as an avenue of interaction that will encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences on current digital trends and techniques among its attendees. click Play is set to entertain with exclusive performances, interviews and on-stage fun and games. Get a chance to meet and hear what various online media personalities have to say about this bustling digital age. click Play is headlined by YouTube legend Ryan Higa (youtube.com/nigahiga), social media-bred Hollywood and television actor Ki Hong lee,

singer-songwriter David choi, sibling act cimorelli and much more. SuPReme sat down with Ryan Higa to talk about content creation, the future of YouTube and what’s next for his platform.

Philstar.com: As a filmmaker, producer, comedian and screenplay writer, what would you say is your favorite part in the content creation process?

Ryan Higa: my favorite and I feel the most important part is the screenplay writer. If I’m the producer of the film, I want it to be about something that I know the fans will enjoy.

You’ve been vlogging since 2006, and for the first generation of Youtube, one could say you were one of the pioneers of the present content cycle. What kind of

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 28, 2015

Mango Mix

How to start your day right

by Martin

Jason l. ita-as

SuRe, lot of us aren’t really morning people. To be honest, some of us would rather sleep in until it’s noon. But there are a lot of advantages to waking up early like having enough time to do everything you want to do and having enough rest to wake up fresh as a daisy the next day.

Here are a few ways to get your morning started right: Set a waking and sleeping schedule It may seem like a hassle, but keeping a set sleeping and waking schedule and sticking to it is good for both your mind and your body. Getting enough rest and waking up at the same time everyday can supply you with enough energy to tackle the day ahead. Try to avoid doing anything too addictive right before bed and set an alarm 30 minutes before your sleeping time so that you can start winding down and turning off your devices.

Stretch and drink Right after waking up, you need to do 2 things: stretch content do you think shaped and drink a glass of water. what we love to consume Stretching right after waking today? up can work out all the kinks in I feel YouTube content is your body that have collected very varied and each YouTuber while you’ve been turning and has his or her own style and content to please their own fan twisting in your sleep (plus it feels awesome). The glass of base. water is to replenish the liquids As a content creator, is it you’ve lost while you sleep important for you to disconthrough sweating. Both are nect once in a while?

It can be stressful during the important and great ways open up your mornings. creative process, so it’s good Have a hearty breakfast physically and mentally to take There’s a reason why people a break. say that breakfast is the most What’s the best advice important meal of the day. A you could give to an aspiring jam packed meal is the fuel YouTuber who wants to start you’ll need to get through your producing content in 2015? work, school, errands and any Do it if you enjoy it. Don’t other activity that requires a do it for the fame or money.

What’s next for Ryan Higa? load of energy. load up on protein filled foods to really get I hope to produce a movie your engine running so you can some day.

Youtube legend Ryan Higa comes...

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zoom past all the hard stuff in the morning and go slow and steady for the afternoon. eggs, meat and a good cup of coffee or orange juice is just the greatest after waking up.

Start your morning being busy Now that you’ve had your meal, it’s time to get your gears working. Im sure all of you would rather sit back and relax, especially if it’s the weekend, but there is merit in starting your day in motion.

Work out! Do a little running, yoga, boxing or something to give you a little sweat and get your blood circulating. If you’re not a big fan of exercising, get on your feet and do a little walking. Better yet, get those chores done. cleaning out your room, grabbing those groceries or polishing the silverware may not seem like much but you’re moving your body and getting your pesky to-do list done little by little. Reward yourself with a chill afternoon off, drinking something to cool you down and just relaxing over some movies or meeting up with friends.

Prepare everything the day before Preparing everything the evening before opens your morning worry free without any hassle or stress. This opens you

to more positive feelings and gives you an optimistic outlook as your day progresses. This especially helps when you’re busy 24/7. Woke up a little late and you’re in a panic? No worries. Your bag and work clothes are all set up for you to get to right after a bath. Supposed to drive your kids to a scout meeting? No hassles since you set up their lunches, snacks and clothes along with your weekend outfit yesterday.

So give it a try! What have you got to lose? And if you find out a morning person routine isn’t exactly what you want, you can always set your alarm a few hours later than most people do (except for work of course). *** Mango Tours is a provider of quality, affordable and convenient travel services that include low-priced airline tickets, customized Philippine and International Tour Packages, Cruises, Land Transfers, Passport and Visa Concerns. It is the #1 producer of reliable travel services particularly when it comes to Philippine travel arrangements to the Filipino-American community in the US Mango Tours is able to provide its customers with a number of travel options at affordable rates because of its consolidator contracts with over 11 airlines. Book your travel bookings with Mango Tours by calling its 24/7 U.S. toll-free number at 1-866-2-MANILA (1-866-2-626452). Visit www. mangotours.com to know more about its latest promos and travel offers.* *Advertising Supplement

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - October 28, 2015