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August 8-11, 2015

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:_`e\j\ ZfejkilZk`fe fe `jcXe[j kf Zfek`el\ DATELINE USA ASEAN, US, Japan step up pressure on China FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

LA City Council halts Uber, Lyft from picking up passengers at LAX

THE Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday, Aug. 5, overrode a recent decision by airport commissioners that would allow ridehailing companies Uber and Lyft to pick up passengers from Los Angeles International Airport.

The companies are allowed to drop off passengers at the airport but are prohibited from pickups.

The move to temporarily stall Uber and Lyft was spearheaded by Councilman Paul Krekorian, with backing from five other councilmembers who cited that â&#x20AC;&#x153;significant questions remainâ&#x20AC;? in regard to the companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Mother of slain Calif. girl doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blame Fil-Am suspectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mom SAN FRANCISCO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Laura Jordan, mother of slain 8-year-old Madyson Middleton, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t angry at the mother of the 15-year-old suspect, Adrian Jerry Gonzalez. Jordan doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blame her at all.

Madyson went missing on July 26 and was found dead in a recycling bin at the Santa Cruz, California apartment complex where she and her mother lived. Gonzalez, who was accused of kidnapping, raping and killing her was arrested and will be tried as an adult.

Only hours after Gonzalez made his first court appearance in the rape and slaying of

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by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

KUALA LUMPUR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; China said Friday, Aug. 7, it has finished its land reclamation work in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea but would press on with plans for construction on the newly created islands.

Beijingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s island building activities have brought growing condemnation

from its neighbors and the United States.

A Southeast Asian diplomatic source said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his counterparts on Friday, Aug. 7 during a ministerial forum of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that construction on reclaimed lands would continue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;China has already stopped. You look, who is building? Take a plane

and look for yourself,â&#x20AC;? Wang told reporters on the sidelines of the meeting when asked about the reclamation work.

Wang said the construction projects would include lighthouses, medical and emergency rescue facilities and meteorological and marine installations, the source added.

China has sparked alarm by expanding tiny reefs in the flashpoint sea and

by HELEN

FLORES Philstar.com

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Administration presidential candidate Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II is keeping his options open in the event Sen. Grace Poe declines the offer to be his running mate.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, on the other hand, revealed Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is being considered by his party, United Nationalist Alliance, as a possible running mate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is one of those being considered by our search committee,â&#x20AC;? Binay said.

Roxas, for his part, declined to name the others being considered to be his running mate.

He only said Poe has the right to determine when she will decide on his offer to run as his vice presi-

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dent.. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like it has a deadline or what. Look, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a filing date, one day, one week, one month before that or near that is not material. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not treat it like a play by play, who talks to whom, what was agreed upon when,â&#x20AC;? Roxas said on the sidelines of the League of Provinces of the Philippines Assembly in Pasig City yesterday.

by AGNES

CONSTANTE

AJPress

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Downtown LA shows promise with new developments M. ORIEL

AJPress

IN recent years, more residential buildings, retail centers and restaurants have sprung up in downtown Los Angeles, an area that has mostly been regarded as a place to work and has lacked a bustling after-hours culture.

However, these days, drive around and new developments have injected more life into the area. LA Live, Fig and 7th with a City Target and more highend retail shops and restaurant row on 7th are some notable examples. The Arts District has drawn in upscale restaurants and a nightlife culture. Nearly block after block is undergoing some sort of construction. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even

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Mar options open; Binay eyes Miriam

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a deadline right? It will be in October.

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rush it just like that,â&#x20AC;? he added.

When asked if he has a Plan B in case Poe rejects his offer, Roxas replied: â&#x20AC;&#x153;C, D, E and F.â&#x20AC;?

Poe, who topped recent surveys for presidential and vice presidential bets, is being wooed by the Liberal Party-led administra-

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Filipino community hails OneWest/CIT Group merger

by CHRISTINA

constructing military posts on some of them to shore up its disputed territorial claims to most of the sea.

China came under mounting pressure yesterday over its land reclamation, with both the US and Japan criticizing it for militarizing the disputed waters.

US Secretary of State John Kerry raised the issue during a meeting with

a Whole Foods slated to open in November on the ground floor of the 8th and Grand residential project in the Financial District.

Call it downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renaissance, if you will. Soon it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be seen as just a 9-5, weekday center, but rather one that operates on a 24/7 basis like its metropolis counterparts in other areas of the country.

This shift was the topic of discussion at the Asian Business Association of Los Angelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first real estate forum on Thursday, July 30, where professionals familiar with the developments spoke on a panel about what to expect in the coming months.

A second-quarter report from the Downtown Center Business

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AFTER the finalization of CIT Group Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $3.4-billion purchase of Pasadena-based OneWest Bank on Monday, Aug. 3, leaders from both financial institutions celebrated the merger at Filipino supermarket Island Pacific in Panorama City, California. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great day,â&#x20AC;? said

John Thain, chairman and chief executive of CIT Group at the event on Tuesday, Aug. 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great day for us, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great day for Island Pacific, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great day for the Filipino community. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been very supportive of us and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been very supportive of them.â&#x20AC;?

Federal regulators approved

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PH loses Fiba bid in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;double overtimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Infrastructure lack leaves a nation of broken hearts

by MUSONG

R. CASTILLO

Inquirer.net

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S no coming home for basketball this time.

Pitching to host the 2019 Fiba World Cup using the emotions and passion of a basketball-crazy nation, the Philippines lost out in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;double overtimeâ&#x20AC;? decision to China on Friday night, Aug. 7 that had the Filipino delegation of top government officials, lawmakers, businessmen, sportsmen and a Hollywood celebrity leaving the venue in Tokyo with

a broken heart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The host of the 2019 Fiba World Cup is â&#x20AC;Ś. China,â&#x20AC;? was the announcement made by Fiba president Horacio Muratore after pulling out what looked like a placard with the name of China from a huge envelope at the end of the Fiba Central Board meeting that lasted more than two hours.

China presented its final bid by hitting the Philippines where it is weakestâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in infrastructure,

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A AUGUST 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Chinese construction on islands…

PAGE A1 t

Wang on the sidelines of ASEAN meeting.

The annual gathering, which concludes today, also includes US, Russia and other countries from across Asia.

In a rare show of unity on dealing with China, the regional bloc demanded a halt to the Asian giant’s reclamation activities in

disputed waters. The maritime issue dominated the opening of the meeting on Tuesday, with host Malaysia chiding China for refusing to have the matter discussed.

But Wang and Thai Foreign minister general Tanasak Patimapragorn said China and the ASEAN have already agreed to speed up consultations on a Code

of Conduct for South China Sea. Beijing had shown little interest in having a Code of Conduct, but in 2013 agreed to engage in “consultations” on the issue, and not full negotiations.

“Countries bordering the South China Sea should... speed up the COC consultations and actively explore preventative measures for managing maritime risks,” Wang told reporters.

Blame game Also on Friday, Aug. 7, the US and China clashed over who is to blame for rising tensions in the region.

In blunt but diplomatic terms, Kerry and Wang suggested that efforts to ease tensions over competing claims remained a contentious work in progress despite hopes for movement on ways to resolve them at the forum.

Kerry urged China to end provocative land reclamation projects in the South China Sea. Wang, meanwhile, sent a strong message that those without claims, such as the US,

should allow China and the other claimants to deal with them on their own.

“Secretary Kerry reiterated his concern about rising tensions

over disputed claims in the South China Sea and China’s large-scale reclamation, construction and militarization of features there,” a senior State Department offi-

cial told reporters.

“He encouraged China, along with the other claimants, to halt problematic actions in order to create space for diplomacy.”

Southeast Asian foreign ministers warned Tuesday after they met in Kuala Lumpur that China’s moves were raising regional tensions, with the Philippines slamming Beijing’s “unilateral and aggressive activities.”

State Minister Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s envoy to the talks, yesterday told delegates to the forum he had “deep concern over... large-scale land reclamation, the construction of outposts and their use for military purposes,” according to a Japanese government statement.

Tokyo is locked in a confrontation of its own with Beijing over disputed islands in the East China Sea. Beijing claims control over nearly the entire South China Sea, a key shipping route thought to hold rich oil and gas reserves.

The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei – all ASEAN members – also have various claims as does Taiwan, many of which overlap.

China’s neighbors have increasingly chafed at what is seen as mounting violations by Beijing of a regional pledge not to take actions that could stoke conflict.

Danger acknowledged In Manila, defense spokesman Peter Galvez said the ASEAN call

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From the Front Page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 8-11, 2015

A

LA City Council halts Uber, Lyft from picking…

PAGE A1 t

Asian Business Association (ABA) Los Angeles Executive Director Dennis Huang, ABA board member Jason Kim (partner at Blank Rome LLP), Rishi Thakkar (vice president of real estate at Asset Avenue), Claudia Lin Margolis (US-China business practice leader of Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC), Ryan Spruston (senior associate and project manager at architecture firm Gensler), Arty Maharajh (vice president of research at DTZ), Linda Lau (president of Global Law Group), and ABA board member James Huang (president and CEO of BRC Advisors)

Photo courtesy of the Asian Business Association

Downtown LA shows promise…

PAGE A1 t

Improvement District (DCBID) revealed that over 10,000 residential units are now under construction, with the average apartment rent amounting to $2,475.

In the past 15 years, around $21 billion has been invested into downtown — $9 billion for commercial use, while $7.3 billion was put toward residential projects, AssetAvenue Vice President of Real Estate Rishi Thakkar shared.

The breakdown of the investments (which also includes billions in transit and arts and entertainment) shows an effort to make downtown a “24/7, millennial, transporation-rich” part of LA, Thakkar added.

“We’ve seen a significant reduction of crime, [particularly] violent crime and that perception has contributed to people wanting to be in downtown,” said Ryan Spruston, senior associate and project manager at architecture firm Gensler. “Another notion is that downtown is a more active place. There are a lot more people on the streets day and night and it has made a difference in how people perceive the city…As more people are working and living there, we get a picture of a much more complete city.”

Creative companies are now

setting up working spaces in downtown, a traditionally corporate working center, Spurston also pointed out. With abundant residential options, more affluent, educated individuals are considering it as a place to live.

A DCBID survey in 2013 found that the median age of downtown residents was 34 years old; median income was $96,700; and 76 percent of respondents earned a four-year undergraduate or graduate degree.

Another trend in the downtown development is that in addition to local investors, foreign sources have also contributed.

Linda Lau, president of Global Law Group, shared how 600 foreign investors poured $11 million into the Oceanwide Plaza (a high-ride condominium, hotel and retail project next to Staples Center) through the EB-5 visa program. Under EB-5, immigrant investors are able to obtain a green card if they invest at least $500,000 and create at least 10 jobs for US workers.

About 90 percent of the EB-5 quota has been used by Chinese investors, given the demand of projects in areas like Southern California. The program caps the number of visas 10,000 annually.

To date, 18 Pacific Rim-based

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Wayne Ratkovich, president and CEO of The Ratkovich Company, which focuses on urban development projects. Its most recent undertaking is The BLOC in downtown Los Angeles, where Macy’s Plaza used to be.

compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, background checks for transportation network company (TNC) drivers and environmental requirements.

Krekorian and City Councilman Paul Koretz on Wednesday said they sent a letter to the board in May about the issues, but that the commissioners did not respond.

“Given the security and safety concerns unique to the airport and the surrounding area, it is our view that TNCs (transportation network companies) currently lack the necessary regulatory framework to do business at LAX,” they wrote. “We would therefore oppose any potential agreement between LAWA (Los Angeles World Airports) and TNCs that does not incorporate a regulatory framework substantially similar” to that imposed on taxi companies.

Koretz further questioned whether TNCs are picking up passengers in low-income neighborhoods.

“TNCs are going to wind up at the airport. The real question is: Are we going to do any regulations?” Koretz said, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

Koretz’s position on the issue received support when the Los Angeles Times reported on Tuesday, Aug. 4, that at least four Uber drivers who were ticketed

by Los Angeles International Airport Police have criminal convictions that would ban them from operating a taxi in Los Angeles.

Court records indicate that the men have been convicted of

child exploitation, driving under the influence, identity theft and manslaughter.

Whether or not the companies will be allowed to pick up passengers at LAX is an issue being closely followed not only be individuals who fly in and out of the airport, but by other cities also debating on allowing or barring ride-hailing at their airports.

California’s Public Utilities Commission oversees TNCs, but did not weigh in on rules for them at LAX. Other airports, such as San Francisco International Airport and John Wayne Airport in Orange County, allow for pick-ups.

If Uber and Lyft are permitted to pick up and drop off passengers at LAX as taxis and shuttles do, the airport would become the largest in the United States to authorize such operations.

LAX is the most profitable and closely guarded part of the traditional taxi industry’s stronghold in Southern California, the Times reported. Taxi leaders have battled to prevent companies like Uber from operating there, claiming they create unfair competition since drivers are held to a lower standard than licensed taxi drivers, according to the Times.

Background checks for ridehailing service drivers, for instance, do not include a fingerprint scan.

Taxi representatives, who have suffered losses since Uber and Lyft – which are normally cheaper – started operating two years ago in Los Angeles. They will be fighting for more stringent requirements like fingerprint-

based background checks and insurance requirements.

“We’re focused on things that we think will make passengers and the airport more safe,” said William Rouse, general manager of Yellow Cab of Los Angeles and president of the Taxicab Paratransit Assn. Of California, the Times reported. “But we don’t have any guarantee that even one punctuation mark will change in these regulations.”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has pushed to permit the services at LAX, saying that “transportation network company service is an important part of my plan to improve the passenger experience and build the world-class airport that Los Angeles deserves.”

In his State of the City speech in April, he said ride-hailing would be made available by this summer.

In a statement, Uber spokesperson Michael Amodeo said Los Angeles residents desire safe and affordable transportation options like Uber.

“We look forward to working with airport officials and city leaders to bring ridesharing to LAX by summer’s end,” Amodeo said.

Ruling against the companies in an 11-2 vote, councilmembers have prompted a 20-day period in which they will discuss regulations. Councilmen Mike Bonin and David Ryu voted against the motion, while Gil Cedillo and Joe Buscaino were absent from Wednesday’s meeting. (Agnes Constante / AJPress with reports from FOX 11, Los Angeles Daily News and Los Angeles Times)

A AUGUST 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USA

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Pope urges Church to embrace remarried Catholics

by Agnes

Constante AJPress

POPE Francis urged priests on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to extend a “real welcome” to divorced Catholics who have remarried and accommodate the families with “doors wide open.”

Because of the potential effects on the children of Catholic parents, Francis said the Church must be more merciful toward them rather than treat them as though they had been excommunicated.

“Though their unions are contrary to the sacrament of marriage, the Church, as a mother, seeks the good and salvation of all her children,” Francis said during his general audience remarks in Rome, according to MSNBC. “As these situations especially affect children, we are aware of a great urgency to foster a true welcome for these families in our communities. For how can we encourage these parents to raise their children in the Christian life, to give them an example of Christian faith, if we keep them at arm’s length?”

Francis said the children of Catholic parents who have remarried outside the Church should

not have to bear the “additional weight” of feeling like outcasts in local parishes due to their parents’ failed first marriages, according to Reuters.

Catholics who divorce following a church wedding and do not remarry are allowed to receive communion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church maintains that divorcees who tie the knot again are living in sin and cannot do so “as long as this situation persists.” However, it states that “priests and the whole community must manifest an attentive solicitude, so that they do not consider themselves separated from the Church, in whose life they can and must participate.”

Many remarried Catholics have found comfort in the Pope’s words, with hopes of leniency on restrictions on their participation.

“This is not a new indication,” said Carlo Marroni, a Vatican expert at the Italian financial daily II Sole 24 Ore, according to the New York Times. “He is saying what the Gospel says; he is welcoming to everybody. He did not mention the possibility to open the confession or the communion to them.”

The sensitive issue of how

the 1.2-billion member Church should treat divorced Catholics will be a major topic of discussion at a meeting at the Vatican in October regarding family with bishops, cardinals and church leaders. For three weeks, attendees will debate social issues, including same-sex civil unions and divorce.

Some analysts predict that Francis may attempt to push to allow divorced and remarried Catholics to receive communion, despite opposition from Vatican conservatives, the Times reported.

Francis’ remarks aren’t the first he has made in favor of greater flexibility in the interpretation of the Christian doctrine, and he US NAVY CONCERT. The Pacific Fleet Band plays a concert at the Robinsons Mall in Roxas City, Philippines as part of Pacific Partnership has taken positions on a number 2015. The concert was held in conjunction with the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy’s (T-AH 19) visit to the country for of issues that differ from his prePacific Partnership 2015. Pacific Partnership is in its tenth iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and decessors. disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

US Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Christopher E. Tucker The Washington Post, for instance, noted that the pope said Christians have misinterpreted scripture and “must forcefully reject the notion that our being created in God’s image and given dominion over the earth justifies carbon pollution plants dump in for some states to develop more

by Allyson Escobar absolute domination over other AJPress the air.” renewable energy projects to creatures.” (With reports from California, for instance, has trade the emissions reductions Christian Science Monitor, MSIN the final stretch of his term, NBC, Reuters, The New York President Barack Obama un- led the nation with similar tough with their neighbors. regulations to cut greenhouse “The EPA rules are going to Times, The Washington Post) veiled a major climate change gas emissions warming up the drive a lot of renewable energy plan over the weekend that aims planet. Officials said Monday that investments in the rest of the to largely reduce greenhouse their existing climate change procountry, including Western states gas emissions at coal-burning grams—practically eliminating that border California,” said Tom power plants through the next 15 coal from energy systems—have Darin, senior director of Westyears. put the state on course to meet ern state policy for the American “Today after working with with EPA standards, years ahead Wind Energy Association. states and cities and power com- of schedule.

Obama’s climate proposal alpanies, the Environmental ProEarlier this year, California ready faces fierce opposition tection Agency (EPA) is setting Governor Jerry Brown issued an from lawmakers and Midwestern the first-ever nationwide stan- executive order that would conand Southern industry groups dards to end the limitless dump- tinue the low-emissions trend, that rely heavily on coal. They say ing of carbon pollution from setting a target of a 40 percent regulations will bring job losses power plants,” Obama said at a reduction (from 1990 levels) by and economic harm. Critics also White House event on Tuesday, 2030. said that the plan will bring “unAugust 4. “Washington is start“[The Clean Power Plan] is go- welcome increases in electricity ing to catch up with the vision of ing to expand the markets that prices.” the rest of the country.”

California policies have worked “It will make the cost of elecThe proposal, entitled the to establish,” said Mary Solecki, tricity higher for millions of Clean Power Plan, will force western states advocate for EnviAmericans,” said Republican states to address climate change ronmental Entrepreneurs.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio at the AP file photo as a real and serious issue affectThe new climate change regu- Freedom Partners Summit in began after Homeland Security ing the entire nation. lations are expected to cut the California.

The major plan is the final ver- electricity sector’s greenhouse Investigations (HSI) received a Even before the rule was anlead from the US-based National sion of regulations by the EPA, gas emissions 32% below 2005 nounced, many states announced Center for Missing and Exploited which Obama called “the biggest levels by 2030, according to EPA plans to fight it, including some Children about suspected child most important step we’ve ever estimates. The rules, issued un- vows to take the administration sexual exploitation activity linked taken to combat climate change,” der the federal Clean Air Act, to court over the new rules. Sento a social media account belong- in a White House video on social give each state its own pollution ate Majority Leader Mitch McComedia. “We are the first genera- reduction goal and allow each ing to Shirley. nnell urged states not to comply The Philippine National Police tion to feel the impacts of climate local government to choose the with the plan in a letter to all 50 and HSI office in Manila substan- change, and the last generation measures it will use to comply. governors. tially contributed to the investiga- to be able to do something about Solar and wind industry trade “This plan is all pain and no it.” tions, the US embassy said. groups said the Clean Power gain,” said Luke Popovich, vice Under the plan, the federal Plan could foster more regional “As a result of our partnership president of communications for government will require states cooperation, with great potential with the PNP Anti Cyber-Crime u PAGE A7 Group, we were able to locate and that rely on coal-fired power obtain damaging evidence from plants to meet specific carbon the victims that proved Shirley emission reduction standards, coerced them to send sexually ex- based on their individual enerplicit images,” HSI Attaché Ran- gy consumption. The plan also includes an incentive program som Avilla.

“Our joint effort resulted in the for states to get a head start on AT the first Republican presidential debate of the 2016 race on judge sentencing Shirley to addi- meeting federal standards on the Thursday evening, August 8, in Cleveland, 17 candidates battled early deployment of renewable tional years in prison,” he said. it out for three hours on the stage—and all eyes were on billionShirley was arrested in Febru- energy and low-income energy aire and headline-maker Donald Trump, who took each question efficiency. ary by special agents with US with comfortable ease, and even fired back at Fox News mod“Power plants are the single Immigration and Customs Enerators, stealing most of the talking time. Many contenders such biggest source of harmful carforcement’s HSI at Los Angeles as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Rand Paul bon pollution that contributes International Airport as he was and Chris Christie delivered strong, impassioned performances, to climate change,” Obama said. about to depart for Vietnam to debating on everything from immigration to government surveil“Until now, there have been no visit minor girls he had communilance. federal limits to the amount of cated with on social media. n

Obama unveils major climate change proposal Nationwide plan to reduce greenhouse gases at power plants

US hails PH help on pedophile

by Niña

P. Calleja Inquirer.net

THE United States embassy in Manila has hailed the cooperation of agencies in the Philippines that helped land an American pedophile charged with child pornography in prison.

A US District Court Judge sentenced 64-year-old Ronald Carey Shirley to 20 years in federal prison on June 29 after he pleaded guilty to child pornography charges, admitting he used social media to solicit girls in the Philippines and Vietnam to send US Embassy. him sexually explicit images of The investigation into Shirley themselves.

This Week in Review US

GOP debate

Disneyland not expanding into newly bought property

OFFICIALS cleared up rumors of Disneyland expanding into the newly-acquired 15 acres of land beside its Anaheim Disneyland Resort, saying the property would not be used to expand rides or attractions. The records documenting the purchase of two large office buildings across from Disneyland and a hotel on South Harbor Boulevard set off a flurry of speculation from hopeful fans. Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Iger said in March that there will be “plans” to expand the theme parks, but the new land purchase is designed to be used for warehousing and building more parking lots, according to the company.

“If we ever do an expansion, it would be within the footprint of the existing park,” said Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown.

Tennessee movie theater attack ON Wednesday, August 5, a man carrying a fake gun and a hatchet entered a movie theater in the suburb town of Antioch, Tenn. and attacked several moviegoers, injuring them before police and SWAT enclosed on the scene. The man, 29-year-old Vincente David Montano, was shot and killed by officers after threatening and attacking them with his ax. Montano also had pepper spray, lighter fluid, a lighter, and a propane can in his possession. He had been committed to a mental health institution several times in his past.

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Dateline USA

Downtown LA shows promise with new…

PAGE A5 t

companies have set up offices in downtown LA, according to Arty Maharjh, vice president of DTZ. “We used to look at downtown as two office nodes, Bunker Hill and Financial District, but it’s become very broad-based now.

What we consider downtown [to hold] office, live, work and play has expanded to Chinatown, Arts District, Little Tokyo, and the Fashion District,” Maharjh said.

Wayne Ratkovich, president and CEO of Ratkovich Company, which specializes in developing

Obama unveils…

PAGE A6 t

the National Mining Association.

“That’s why state leaders across the country are coming to the same conclusion–that we should not sacrifice our power system to an unworkable plan built on a faulty interpretation of the law.”

In a conference call with the press, Gina McCarthy, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said the plan would cost a total of $8.4 billion, with total benefits expected to be $34 billion to $54 billion.

“Some special interest critics will tell you that it can’t be done,” McCarthy said on Sunday, August 2. “They’ll say we have to focus on the economy at the expense of the environment.

They’ll tell you EPA’s plan will turn the lights off and send utility bills through the roof but they are wrong.”

In 2012, coal supplied 37 percent of nationwide electricity; compared to 30 percent from natural gas, 19 percent from nuclear power plants, 7 percent from hydropower sources such as dams and 5 percent from renewable sources such as wind and solar, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

A senior administration official said that Obama is likely to make the case that climate change is a “moral, economic and national security obligation” in the coming months before the last quarter of his presidency.

Expecting a tough fight, the White House will launch an “allout climate push” led by the President and cabinet officials to widely market the plan. In the coming weeks, Obama will also travel to Nevada to speak at the National Clean Energy Summit and later become the first sitting President to go to the Alaskan Arctic. (With reports from CNN and Los Angeles Times)

urban influx and rehabilitation projects, delivered the keynote speech at the forum.

“It seems to me we are witnessing the development of a city, not just with the construction of office buildings,” he said. “The market has been turned loose, the opportunity for the 15 years stretching from 2000 to 2015 is one in building a true city.”

The company’s latest project is to transform the former Macy’s Plaza in downtown into The BLOC, a Metro accessible, pedestrian-friendly retail center.

The $180 million renovation — featuring 496 upgraded rooms at the Sheraton Hotel, a renovated Macy’s, more retail shops and restaurants and a 33-story office tower with rooftop garden lounge — is expected to be completed this fall. The property was purchased by the company and its partners in 2013 for $240 million.

“We expect to make The BLOC one of significant contributors to downtown,” Ratkovich said. “[It has] the makings of a very profitable project.” n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 8-11, 2015

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OPINION

FEATURES

Belated call

SEVERAL members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations finally called this week for a halt to reclamation activities in the South China Sea – weeks after Beijing announced it had completed its reclamation. ASEAN action on raging issues can move slower than the wheels of Philippine justice, so the statement of concern expressed by several members of the grouping including forum host Malaysia can be considered progress enough.

The statement, which has yet to be formalized by the grouping, comes too late to stop something that is already finished. At the ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, China’s foreign minister also made clear yesterday that with the reclamation completed, construction of facilities on the artificial islands they have created in the South China Sea would continue.

China is building a 3,000-meter runway on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef, 740 nautical miles from its southern shores, which analysts warn will be used to project Chinese military power in disputed waters. A think-tank believes China is preparing to build a second airstrip on another artificial island.

ASEAN’s resistance to issuing a common statement on the issue was one of the factors that drove

the Philippines to seek United Nations arbitration. The country is asking the arbitral tribunal to define its maritime entitlements under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which allots a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone to each coastal nation. Bangladesh won two similar cases it had brought before the same UN tribunal against neighboring Myanmar and India.

Both Myanmar and India complied with the UN ruling. On the other hand, China, which is a signatory to UNCLOS like the Philippines, has refused to even participate in the UN arbitration and has questioned the tribunal’s jurisdiction over the dispute. ASEAN, whose individual members have different degrees and types of cooperation with China, has failed to come up with a common stand on the issue. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

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Fil-Ams and other kababayans react to VP Binay’s ‘True State of the Nation’s Address’ VICE President Binay delivered what he called to be the “True State of the Nation Address” at the Cavite State University, following the official sixth and last SONA of President Noynoy Aquino. Binay used this platform to lambast the Aquino Administration and its alleged failure to serve the people, and took a swipe at his opponents in the race to Malacanang, especially Aquino’s anointed one, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, and Philippine politics’ newbie but polls frontrunner Senator Grace Poe. Kababayans from different parts of the world react to Binay’s TSONA, and here are some of their dissenting opinions: How can he straighten things up when he can’t even fix his moral compass by resolving the corruption charges he is embroiled with. Apparently, he will only make things worse. — John Rey E. Cabrera First he tried to win Poe, but when he was denied - Grace Poe has no experience. He tried to persuade the people that the present administration is on the right track nasa matuwid na daan, and he was waiting for Pnoy’s endorsement of him, but Pnoy chose Roxas - now he has so many against the administration. And why he is attacking the present administration too much, Pnoy is no longer his rival in the coming presidential election. Binay is of course already fully damaged, and the only way to clean up himself is just to answer all the allege accusation to him in the blue ribbon committee. — Jaime Enriquez Kung ako ang nasa kanyang katayuan ngayon, mananahimik na lang ako, no dramas, no alibis, no trash talks and so on and so forth.. A public office is a public trust. His public address is nothing, just a reflection of his mind coming out. — Chris Regudo Arcelao A well respected Fil-Am community leader

based in Washington DC. Atty.

Arnedo Valera is one of the Ex- The Fil-Am ecutive Directors of the Migrant Heritage Commission, a Fil-Am Perspective organization that helps and advocates for the rights immigrants in the United States, wrote an open letter to VP Binay, and here are GEL SANTOS-RELOS some excerpts: Sana ay ginamit mo ang tinatawag mong “TSONA” bilang pagkakataon upang maipaliwanag mo sa taumbayan kung paano ka nagkamal ng limpak limpak na kayamanan at ari-arian na ngayon ay naging batayan ng isyu at kaso ng korupsyon laban sa iyo at sa iyong pamilya. Ito ay isang malaking dagok hindi lamang sa iyong karangalan kung hindi pati na rin sa tanggapang inyong hinahawakan sa pamahalaan.

Ang kailangan ng ating bansa ipang mahing Pangulo ay isang taong may kredibilidad at integridad, hindi lamang sa loob ng ating bansa kung hindi sa pandaigdigang komunidad na ating ginagalawan. Ang kredibilidad at integridad ng liderato ng ating bansa ang siyang magbibigay ng patuloy na katatagan sa politikal at ekonomiya ng ating bansa. Saklaw nito ang mga permanenteng solusyon sa usapin ng kagutuman , paghihirap at kawalan ng hanapbuhay ng nakakarami.

Ikaw ay nagpusong mamon na hindi ka pinasalamatan sa huling SONA ni Pangulong Aquino.

Pero hindi ka karapat dapat na pasalamatan, dahil sa loob ng apat na taon na ikaw ay nagsilbing gabinete, wala ka naman talagang ginawang bago at epektibong panukalang polisya para sa administrasyon, maliban sa iyong pangsariling paghahanda na ikaw ay maging susunod na pangulo ng ating bansa.

Sa loob ng higit na apat na taon ikaw ay nanilbi-

hang kabinete ni Pangulong Aquino bilang Presidential Adviser for OFW Affairs at Council Chairman ng Housing & Urban Development, wala akong narinig o nabasang bagong panukala sa iyo o nagawang mga akmang solusyon sa usapin ng human and labor trafficking ng ating mga mangagawa sa ibayong dagat, lalong lalo na ang ating mga guro sa Amerika. Wala kang sinasambit na bagong solusyon sa kawalan at kakulangan ng pabahay sa mga naghihikaos na nakararami nating kababayan. Sa halip ay ginamit mo sila sa iyong pamumulitika at para kaawaan ka at makakuha ng simpatiya sa hinaharap mong malakihang kaso ng korupsyon.

Masakit isipin na kinulayan mo pa ng pulitika ang kagitingan ng SAF44 sa trahedya ng Mamasapano .

Kasama kang inatasang sumalubong sa kanilang mga bangkay habang binigyan sila ng pagtanggap bilang bayani ng ating bayan. Wala akong narinig sa iyo na puna at may prinsipyong paninindigan tungkol sa trahedya ng Mamasapano. Ni hindi ka rin nagbanggit ng iyong paninindigan laban sa terorismo na hinaharap natin sa Mindanao.

Tinutuligsa mo ang BBL (Bangsa Moro Basic Law). Ano ba ang iyong alternatibo at paano mo ba palalakasin ang tawag ng autonomiya ng ating mga kapatid na Muslim sa Mindanao, na hindi naisasakrpisyo ang teritoryong integridad ng ating bansa, tungo sa pangmatagalan at komprehensibong usapin ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao. Wala rin akong narinig na konkretong solusyon mo sa Mindanao .

Sa usapin ng Tsina, gusto naming marinig ang iyo ang pagkondenada sa mga agresibong ginagawa ng Tsina sa pag-agaw ng bahagi ng ating teritoryo.

Hinihintay namin ang pagtulak mo sa koletikbong pag-uusap at paghanap ng matibay na solusyon sa nasabing isyu. Ngunit ang patuloy mong tinutulak ang usaping”bilateral” na walang malinaw na batayan at prinsipyo sa likod ng pamanaraang ito.

Ang isang gustong maging pangulo ng ating bansa ay hindi lamang dapat na may kredibilidad at integridad, kundi kailangan din siyang manindigan sa kanyang paniniwala upang magbigay ng pagsusuri at lunas sa ating mga pangunahing suliranin at isyu na hinaharap ng ating bayan.

BINAY SUPPORTERS were quick to defend their candidate. On Binay’s Facebook Page, here are some comments in support of Binay: Binay deserves to be a guest speaker because he is the vice president of the country. In the past this was never happen! where the freedom of expression is seem not a norm today because of politics.

Everybody deserves to be heard even your foe you ought to listen. — Peligrino Bernasor Jr. Too much bullying being implemented by Pnoy and cohorts. It’s clear that they will go to the extent to prevent vp binay. So scared, and I pity them. — Benny Agdepa Now it made me think that there’s something they got scared with Binay ... Mga baho ng administration lalabas lalo na pagmaging presidente na c Binay …. — Anita Aribal Isa po kayong tunay na ihimplo patungo sa pag tahak ng maulad na pagbabago..samasama po tayo vp binay..2016 binay para sa pangulo:-).

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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Message: No more nuclear bombs and lost tomorrows “LET no more children fall victim to an Rhizomes atomic bombing.”

– Children’s Peace Monument, Hiroshima, Japan.

“Based on their own experiences PROSY ABARQUEZand carrying in their DELACRUZ, J.D. hearts the voices and feelings of those sacrificed to the bomb, the hibakusha called for a world without nuclear weapons as they struggled day by day to survive. In time, along with other Hiroshima residents and with generous assistance from Japan and around the world, they managed to bring their city back to life.” Peace Declaration, Hiroshima, Japan, August 6, 2011 “Here and now, as we offer our heartfelt consolation to the souls of those sacrificed to the atomic bomb, we pledge to join forces with people the world over seeking the abolition of the absolute evil, nuclear weapons, and the realization of lasting world peace.”Mayor Matsui Kazumi, City of Hiroshima, August 6, 2014.

Seventy years ago, on August 6, 1945, the United States of America, dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima at 8:15am, wiping out the entire city.

The United States, according to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial brochure, decided to drop the bomb on Japan to bring the long World War II to an end (started in 1939 and ended 1945,

shortly after the atomic bomb was dropped).

An order was issued to bomb Nagasaki, Niigata, Kokura and Hiroshima. Hiroshima became a target, as it did not have an Allied prisoner-of-war camp.

On August 6, 2015, 55,000 folks attended the 70-year anniversary of the atomic bomb, and at 8:15am, moments of silence were observed.

Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima, addressed the crowds, where 100 countries’ representatives attended, including the US Ambassador to Japan, Caroline Kennedy.

Mayor Matsui advocated that the time is now, to take action on nuclear weapons disarmament.

We must seek cooperation from countries with nuclear weapons and from countries without nuclear weapons and “work towards a world without nuclear weapons,” Prime Minister Shinz,” Abe said.

NHK World reported that nations with nuclear weapons have stockpiled 15,000 nuclear weapons around the world.

Setsuko Thurlow, a survivor of Hiroshima, who was only 13 years old when she was mobilized to help in the military facility, has been traveling globally to talk about nuclear weapon disarmament.

“This is the nuclear age and it [nuclear weapons] is a universal problem. No human being should ever experience [what was experienced in Hiroshima] and the inhumane, immoral and cruel nuclear bomb. Children suffered from the cruel acts of adults.”

Why the interest in Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park?

I have had an interest to visit Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park, since I heard the stories of Carlo Delacruz, my unico hijo, when he was 11 years old.

He visited Hiroshima, Japan, along with his classmates and teachers from Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies.

His stories stayed deep in my memory chambers, as they had both conveyed sadness, transformative hope and aspirations for humanity’s world peace.

He described the tattered dress and a rusted bike.

I too visited Hiroshima, Japan with my classmate, Remedios Baclig.

The somber gray clouds accompanied heavy rains with strong winds, as we walked the perimeters of the Peace Memorial Museum.

It was as if the heavens poured out its sorrows and its blessings for the survivors of Hiroshima.

When the bomb hit Hiroshima, families died instantly. Some were riding the bus on their way to school, while other school children were demolishing buildings, to make room for fire lanes and air bomb shelters.

Others had seared flesh on their

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backs, torn limbs, missing body parts.

Some developed leukemia and radiation diseases, including protruding black fingernails. Black rain poured down from the skies.

A total of 350,000 residents died, some of whom were South Koreans, Chinese and Americans. Few survived, while inside the basement of a rest house, now a souvenir shop.

NHK World reported on August 6, 2015 that today, 200,000 survivors live outside of Hiroshima, some with cardiac problems, and still others, with lingering skin diseases.

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“The absolute evil that robbed children of loving families and dreams for the future, plunging their lives into turmoil, is not susceptible to threats and counter-threats, killing and being killed. Military force just gives rise to new cycles of hatred.” – Peace Declaration, August 6, 2014.

I went to the children’s memorial, where I rang the bell and said a prayer for all 6,000 young boys and girls who were gone too soon, robbed of their tomorrows.

In the 2014 Peace Declaration, a 12-

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Opinion & Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 8-11, 2015

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Message: No more…

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year-old boy in junior high said, “Even now, I carry the scars of war and the atomic bombing on my body and in my heart. Nearly all my classmates were killed instantly. My heart is tortured by guilt when I think how badly they wanted to live and that I was the only one who did. Having somehow survived, hibakusha still suffer from severe physical and emotional wounds.”

At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, I publicly shed tears, along with others from other parts of the world, who viewed the museum artifacts, aka cultural properties: a toddler’s torn pink sundress, a rusted tricycle, a bombed-out helmet, a frayed canvas bag, eyeglasses with a broken eyepiece, bombed-out armoire, melted roof sheets, and paper cranes folded by Sadako Sasaki, who was exposed to the A-bomb when she was 2 years old.

Ten years later, Sadako was hospitalized at Red Cross Hospital for leukemia. At the hospital, she learned of a 5-year-old girl who died from leukemia. She wondered if she too would have the same fate. A thousand paper cranes folded by school students in Nagoya were delivered to her hospital to uplift her spirit.

When she received them and heard about the legend, “fold 1000 paper cranes and your wish will come true,” Sadako kept up with folding paper cranes. “Let me get well,” and with each paper crane, her desire to live and prayers were folded in. After an eight-month hospitalization, she died.

Her classmates decided to memorialize her and other children who perished. Their efforts spawned a movement and over 3,000 schools around Japan sent money and letters, saying, “Please use this to help build the monument.”

Do you know that Hiroshima still receives about 10 million folded cranes each year? Because of that sheer volume, paper shreds from those cranes are incorporated in souvenir cards given to Museum Visitors, where they can write about their experiences in seeing the exhibit and then, mail to their loved ones from that site?

“Let no more children fall victim to atomic bombing.” And perhaps, we can update their wish to our world’s aspiration, “Let no more families fall victims to nuclear bombings. Let there be worldwide peace.”

Japan, once a colonial empire builder and an aggressor of WWII, is now a global peacemaker.

The Little Boy in Los Angeles Janet Rodriguez Nepales and I were at the film premiere of “The Little Boy” on April 14, 2015 at LA Live’s Regal Cinema in Los Angeles, when the horror of Hiroshima was re-lived for me. The film showed cultural artifacts from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial: a red globe (bomb initiator) on scorched-city concrete debris, with statues of families burnt to death, the bomb code-named Little Boy. “The Little Boy” is a film about a young boy’s resolves to bring back his father, a US soldier who fought World War II in the Philippines. The little boy’s faith was activated and strengthened by doing acts of mercy: feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, burying the dead, including befriending Hashimoto, a JapaneseAmerican, who bore America’s prejudices of that WWII period. The film beautifully chronicles how the biased prejudices of diseased minds can be changed by immersion in another person’s life, curiosity, and sharing a genuine friendship. The film garnered an enduring applause and bravos from

Hiroshima Memorial Cenotaph for A-bomb victims

the Los Angeles’ audience.

The world has a choice: annihilation or sustained love for peace?

Must we become war orphans of nuclear bombs and lost tomorrows or should we build friends around the world, promoting the love for life and peace?

Mayor Matsui Kazumi wrote: “We will do our best. Mayors for Peace, now with over 6,200 member cities, [we] will work through lead cities representing us in their parts of the world. We will steadfastly promote the new movement stressing the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and seeking to outlaw them. We will help strengthen international public demand for the start of negotiations on a nuclear weapons convention with the goal of total abolition by 2020. Japan is the only A-bombed nation. Precisely because our security situation is increasingly severe, our government should accept the full weight of the fact that we have avoided war for 69 years thanks to the noble pacifism of the Japanese Constitution.”

Everyone can be a Hibakusha (A-bomb survivor), experiencing the total devastation of their communities through nuclear weapons. We are all vulnerable, unless we truly accept our legacy of life and love for peace and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

We can do what these survivors are imploring us to do, to put an end to stockpiling or manufacturing nuclear weapons.

We have that capacity right now to ratify the Iran’s nuclear weapons permanent abatement deal, secured by Secretary of State’s John Kerry and US President Barack Obama.

The question remains, will the US’ House of Congress and Senate heed the call for world peace, coming from Hiroshima?

Folded cranes are symbols of peace and we would rather continue sending these to Hiroshima, Japan, than be the scooped-up dust on the grounds of scorched-earth cities around the world, that once before, we called home. Nuclear disarmament is our world’s universal problem and it is in our capacity to make sustained peace by working harder for peace, rather than our triggered, default action toward wars. *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for Asian Journal Press for 8 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in the field of science, food technology, law and community volunteerism for 4 decades. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the Philippines, a law degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and a certificate on 21st Century Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She has been a participant in NVM Writing Workshops taught by Prof. Peter Bacho for 4 years and Prof. Russell Leong. She has travelled to France, Holland, Belgium and Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

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A

A10 AUGUST 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHILIPPINES

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

A second opinion on the state of our nation Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. (Speech given on Wednesday July 29 at the Asia CEO Talks forum, Marriot Hotel.)

In the letter of your chairman, Mr. Richard Mills, I was told that I am given the liberty to speak about whatever topic I feel would be compelling.

Well, I thought about that for a while and I think that at this particular point in time nothing proves to be more compelling than indulging in a reflection about the current state of our country. We heard the other day the President’s own version of the state of our nation in his 6th and final State of the Nation Address, where he brandished to Congress and the people the gains of his “Daang Matuwid” blue print for administration.

Now then comes a rather expedient time for post hoc public reactions, annotations, comments, from the entire captive audience, Filipino or otherwise, from experts to armchair analysts, from cheerleaders and wellwishers down to plain trigger-happy bashers.

But rather than engage in a critical discourse and give you a negativetoned counter, or Contra-SONA, allow me to present rather some sort of draft SONA, or administration blueprint, of a make-believe or hypothetical President made at a maiden SONA or at a miting de avance. One that presents another diagnosis of our country, a second opinion if you will, and wherein would contain the plans and programs required to remedy and respond to the state of problems in which we found ourselves and the country as that President leads and assumes the highest and most powerful office of the land.

And please let me emphasize the words hypothetical, not hopeful, expectant, but less wishful thinking, lest I be quoted out of context and suddenly be reported, as it has been reported before we come here, to have announced a surprise early presidential bid. But if in case it happens, you will be able to see it nowhere else but here in the Asia CEO Forum, and you’ll be able to say, you heard it here first.

A nation that has become great again My vision of our country is one that can overcome its economic and social challenges by drawing on our own strengths and drawing on our unity. It is a vision of the Philippines that is prosperous, rich in opportunity, and home to happy, morally upright, and productive citizens whose lives are meaningful because theirs is a just society, because theirs is a nation that has become great again.

Business should take the lead in nation-building and poverty reduction I will immediately work to restore in all Filipinos the lost sense of pride in themselves and pride in being citizens of the Republic of the Philippines. We had at some point in our history that pride, that sense of nationhood but we see it to have gone astray and we have lost it.

This administration should govern our country with special attention to the needs of the more than 26% of our population who are the poorest, and the almost 70% who are called “unpoor” but actually mean that they live only precariously above the poverty line.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is where you come in.

I would like to focus on two things that I believe we need to finally banish these discouraging statistics, unavoidable facts which persist despite our best efforts to change them.

First, I believe business should take the lead in nation-building, in poverty reduction, in developing our shared future. You have demonstrated in your work your ability to do so with your wealth, your skills, and your imagination in raising our economy to a level that has attracted positive elements. But it has happened under a system that has distributed the benefits inequitably.

The success of our nation depends on national unity, but it is hard for me to imagine how unity can be even be possible when nearly 97% percent of our people do not feel they are sharing in our so-called “economic miracle.”

And share in it they must. Not simply because for those of us of privilege and wealth, caring for the needs of our communities and our nation is the correct, upright thing to do, but also because it is in our best interests.

It is alarming to note that, despite our economic gains of recent years, at least 3,700 Filipinos leave for jobs abroad every single day. Nearly one in 10 of us are already abroad, meeting our families’ basic needs with the earnings from foreign jobs. It is distressing to see the most desperate of our people even consigned to the streets, or falling prey to sexual or other forms of exploitation simply because of a lack of opportunities.

These people are our workforce, and our market. They are our greatest resource, a resource that only grows in strength and does not diminish if it is used for the benefit of all.

Asking business to lead us in nation-building is a tall request, and one that government cannot rightly ask if it is not willing to equally share the burden, or take the lead. Which brings me to the second, but no less important point: How can government help business do business?

It is perhaps understandable if many doubt whether government actually has the ability to do that, because recent problems have revealed shortcomings in our efforts to eliminate corruption and improve performance. The P62.3-billion Conditional Cash Transfer Program, directed at

the poorest of our poor Filipino families, has not helped all that it could because of leakages, because of weaknesses in the implementation, and because of lack of clarity in principle and in concept as to what the program was meant to achieve.

The modest efforts towards upgrading our armed forces have been hampered by anomalous deals and irregular transactions with suppliers of questionable competence. Every day, hundreds of thousands of commuters – our workers, our students, our shoppers – face the challenges of using an aging, inadequate commuter rail service that has become unreliable under the best of circumstances, and actually dangerous to life and limb at its worst.

Sound fiscal management has provided the Philippines with billions in accumulated savings, yet deploying those carefully-collected resources into infrastructure, improving the nation’s defense and law enforcement capabilities, and other basic development has proved more difficult than it should rightly be. And as a result, opportunities to create jobs, to create new areas for business growth, and to expand consumer and investment markets have been lost.

Government as well as business must change. The “trickle-down” concept of economics, pursuit of profit for profit’s sake with the expectation that the benefits will eventually find their way to the lower levels of our society, is a failure. It is something I sensed a long time ago, while still a student at university. In a study that we made on the Marshall Plan, which had as its central principle, a trickle down theory: throw money at the problem, if you had enough money it would trickle down to the poorest and you would have taken care of it. While there, I wrote a paper proposing that it is good economic policy, and ultimately profitable strategy for business, to balance those profits with a concern for the common good.

In recent years, many other have woken to the same realization, from political leaders, to learned and respected economists, and most recently even Pope Francis, who has offered strong words. In 2013, in his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium,” he argued that “trickle down” economics wrongly demand “a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power.” And as recently as this past July 10, while visiting Bolivia, he condemned the unbridled greed of naked capitalism: “Once capital becomes an idol and guides people’s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socio-economic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys the human fraternity, it sets people against one another and, as we can clearly see, it even puts at risk our common home: the planet Earth.”

Capitalism as we know it, whether we like it or not, is becoming socially unacceptable.

Do not take it as a damnation of the capitalist society or the capitalist principle. But merely to say that government must take and must institute and have a mechanism that actively pursue the principle of distribution of wealth. I think even the most recent rock star of the economics fraternity, a gentleman by the name of Piketty, on his large and rather hard-going book on capital, again seems to have confirmed the same observation that growth in value of capital is never matched, if left to its own devices, by the growth in value of each individual in that economy.

By focusing on poverty, we focus on the fundamental strength of this nation, and our greatest resource, our people. It will require government and business working hand in hand.

But neither business nor the great population of Filipinos can have confidence in a government that does not demonstrate the competence and the ethical commitment to good performance. I was disappointed that in the SONA that we heard a couple of days ago, he neglected to mention the Freedom of Information Bill, a freedom of information bill that he actually can take note.

I believe in the FOI, because I believe it is a tool to build trust—something that we have to rebuild in our country as we have been set in a political system and even in a social system where we must take sides against each other. The FOI is a tool that encourages government to carry out its mandates honestly, competently, and with due regard to all stakeholders in critical issues and challenges facing the nation. Government cannot, after all, exhort those it serves to practice discipline and follow the law if it does not set the example by respecting the separation of authority and responsibilities of the individual branches of government, or to utilize collaborative tools like the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, or LEDAC, or pursue long-overdue peace arrangements with enemies of the state with a sincere objective to improve the lives of all who are affected by any such conflict.

Neither the people nor you, as leaders of our vibrant business sector, can have the confidence and trust in the competence and commitment of government as a partner in advancing the nation if doubt is created by perceptions of corruption, of lack of ability, or of favoritism towards special interests.

The FOI will help erase those doubts, but it is only part of the answer.

If the next administration is to succeed, meritocracy must be the guiding principle. The next leader should surround himself or herself with the best of the best in the Cabinet. Our country is blessed with such great human talent and we must engage that great human talent in the service of nation-building. Meritocracy must govern all appointments, not

only in high-level appointments, but throughout the entire bureaucracy.

Meritocracy will guide the organization and leadership of even the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police as well. Our nation’s internal and external security, peace and order in our cities and neighborhoods, is a critical concern for all us, government, business, and private citizens—all the same. Under the next administration, leadership roles in the police and armed forces that will be regarded with the gravity they deserve: As roles with vital responsibilities, responsibilities that can only be met by leaders who have demonstrated integrity, have demonstrated skill, and experience, and who believe, as I do, that inasmuch as promotion to a position of greater authority is an endorsement of one’s abilities and good service, it is also a call to duty and not a reward to be passed frequently from one officer to another.

These critical top leadership positions in our Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP will no longer be subject to the “revolving door policy”, wherein, again, for political considerations just make up a queue and say you will be the head for six months, next, next, next, immaterial of what your performance has been or if you have shown any special qualities that put you above the rank and file, that put you above all the other officers who also are vying for the same position.

Our military and police leaders have great responsibilities, and must earn the trust and confidence of their men and women in uniform if they are to lead effectively. And that they cannot do if they cannot be assured of stability and continuity in command. Frequent changes in leadership undermine morale, and make instilling discipline from the top, where it should start, difficult if not impossible. The next administration, leaders of the uniformed services will be chosen according to demonstrated skill and experience, and will be retained for as long as they can serve, and continue to make a positive difference.

But in order for our leaders in uniform to fulfill the duties we demand of them, they must have our support, and be given the tools they need to carry out their tasks. Just as government should strive to help business do business, under the next administration we will do our utmost to pay tribute to our courageous and hardworking men and women in uniform in deeds, and not only words.

Modernizing the AFP is an objective that should be pursued with vigor, but with reason. It is unreasonable to pursue modernization without having a clear doctrine addressing national defense and reduction of internal threats. It is unreasonable to pursue modernization while overlooking the basic needs of servicemen and their families for fair pay, and meaningful benefits delivered efficiently and with a minimum of procedures. It is unreasonable to pursue modernization by seeking bargains on other nations’ obsolete, second-hand equipment and materiel. It is unreasonable to pursue modernization using a complicated, time-consuming procurement process that is at risk of corruption and abuse.

Modernization of the armed forces under any successful administration will build trust and confidence in government and the armed forces alike, because it will be exactly that – modernization. We should seek to equip the armed forces with only the best tools and systems – not others’ hand-me-downs – and to eliminate middlemen and lengthy processes that can be corrupted, we will, we should, wherever possible, pursue the needed upgrades through government-to-government deals.

Where that is not possible, and with the FOI as the peoples’ assurance that transactions are carried out with integrity, we will seek only the best suppliers with proven track records through transparent, consistent bidding processes.

I would like also now to take a few moments to touch upon and focus on the topic of “peace and order.” As I’m sure you are all aware, the threat of crime and a general lack of discipline is harmful to our economy, diverts resources away from productive endeavors, and reduces our quality of life.

A successful administration will have meritocracy that will be applied to our law enforcement and judicial sectors with no less vigor than the rest of the government. Because again, it is as much a matter of trust as it is “getting the job done.” Proper equipment and training, and the fair, firm, and consistent maintenance of discipline will encourage greater respect for the law, as will improving the efficiency and consistency of the judicial system.

By focusing on meritocracy, efficiency, and integrity in government, in national defense, and in law enforcement, this government will lay the firm foundation needed to “democratize capitalism” and to encourage the sharing of the fruits of our collective effort with all Filipinos. It is the firm foundation that we need to be able to ask you, the business leaders of our country, to take the lead in nation-building for all Filipinos.

It is the firm foundation we need to be able to help you in that role, and to create a business environment of more opportunities for investors, an environment in which innovation, competition, and customer choice, value-added, drives our growth, and an environment in which businesses and consumers alike can be confident in fair, consistent, and uncompromised regulation.

So that we can have peace and order reign in our land, we must find ways to end internal conflicts and long-standing rebellions. The next resident must initiate peace nego-

tiations with all who wish to stand against us – the MILF and other Muslim groups, and the New People’s Army and its Communist compatriots. And we will achieve this peace by building self-respect and mutual respect, addressing the root causes of conflict while protecting the rights and opportunities of all Filipinos.

Power and water supply, traffic and transport issues, other challenges Let us shift now our focus to some of the specific challenges our nation faces.

The Philippines has the dubious distinction of having the most expensive electricity among all the ASEAN nations, the second-highest in all of Asia, next to Japan. Part of this cost can of course be attributed to our heavy reliance on imported fuels, and out-dated, inefficient power generation systems.

Another significant contributor to our very high electrical costs, however, is the unjustifiable perception shared by government and the power sector that all risks and losses can be passed on to the end consumer.

Electricity, of course, is not free, nor should it be. It requires resources and effort to produce and to deliver to consumers, and it is altogether appropriate that those consumers pay a price for it that reflects the true costs of production and distribution, and yes, a fair profit for producers and distributors as a worthwhile reward for their efforts.

What is not appropriate is to pass on to consumers costs not directly connected to the production and delivery of the commodity they are purchasing. Costs such as corporate income taxes. Costs such as capital expenditures for the development and roll-out of a prepaid electricity program that already provides electricity distributors with the bonus of guaranteed, up-front income, and further traps poor consumers in a subsistence-level existence. Costs such as “system losses” due to inefficiency, poor maintenance, or outright thievery. Cost such as the electricity used to power the electric generator’s or distributor’s own facilities.

Costs such as more than P5 billion in excessive generation charges levied against electric customers more than a year ago, but thankfully declared invalid and ordered returned.

Again, addressing these matters cannot be done with a single-dimensional approach. Any successful administration can and will work to develop more sensible rules, and create a regulatory framework that not only encourages and facilitates inputs from all affected stakeholders, but relies on them in a way that reflects the democratic nature of our society.

By the same token, we recognize that we must also strive to provide greater opportunity for growth and innovation, by providing a consistent, ruleof-law based business environment, and by giving our strong support to development of alternative sources of electricity, using resources the Philippines is blessed with, such as geothermal, solar, wind, and biomass and any other emerging technology that we may take advantage of.

Solving our chronic power supply problems not only opens new opportunities in the power sector, it will be a big step towards the creation of the elusive inclusive economy, and greatly enhance the Philippines’ productivity at all levels.

Other countries have taken a shortcut to lowering power rates by subsidizing electrical costs. I think that is something that we have to look at very closely and possibly is a mistaken approach to the problem, and cannot lead to the same productivity and cost reduction that equitable but strict regulation and an attractive level playing field can provide. There must be no subsidies under the next administration – but there will be close monitoring and engagement with the industry.

Although studies vary in their perceptions of the scope and degree of the problem, it is a growing shared concern among scientists and policymakers that the entire world is moving quickly towards a water crisis. Over the past couple of months, we have seen a glimpse of what’s to come in California, where vast stretches of the state are unable to obtain fresh water in any form at any cost.

Studies in the Philippines confirm we are not immune to this risk: “Peak water,” the point at which our consumption exceeds our resources to replenish supplies, is estimated sometime between 2030 and 2050.

Already we feel the effects of an El Niño-triggered drought in some parts of the country, while other places such as Mindanao regularly experience shortages during long dry spells.

Under the next administration, we must not wait like California for the crisis to be upon us before acting to secure our future water needs. We must take steps to encourage more investment in water supply systems, and I believe an area that has great promise in desalinization, a tried and tested technology already being regularly used in different parts of the world.

Desalinization technology is not of course without its challenges; the systems themselves are costly, and consume a great deal of energy. But I believe we must find ways to attract investment in that area, and that by doing so, help the technology to improve, to become more efficient, and to lower costs. Even if it is costly at first, the alternative—no water at any price—is simply unacceptable.

Thanks to the duopoly we have allowed to capture this vital part of our national infrastructure,—telecommunications—we are forced to tolerate service that is consistently rated as some of the worst in the world, and some of the highest-priced. A reliable, competitively-priced telecommunications system whose performance is

on par with our partners and competitors throughout the region is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of national security.

I feel it is more productive to approach problems from as positive a perspective as possible. But that is very difficult when it comes to the problem of telecommunications infrastructure, because consumer anger is so widespread. Frustration with poor telecommunications services cuts across all segments of society– I’m sure there’s at least one or two, or quite probably more, of us in this room who have recently, maybe even today, been annoyed and inconvenienced by a poor signal, or a lack of coverage, a dropped call, missed messaging. It is 2015, ladies and gentlemen, the technology exists.

Why do we suffer under these conditions?

For reasons that I have never been able to fathom, prepaid load on cellular phones has an expiration date.

This only happens in the Philippines.

You go to Malaysia, no such thing occur. You go to Thailand, no such thing occur. You go anywhere else where there is a cellular phone system, no such thing occur. Is it perhaps because most load is used for text messages, which cost virtually nothing for the telcos to transmit?

A good president must ensure telecommunications services are improved, and provide value to their users. We should work with the patriotic Agham Group of Scientists for the People, whose assessment is that the provision of text messaging services should and can be provided for free, at very little if any real cost to the companies. We must also direct that a critical review of industry pricing structures and practices be carried out, and abusive or otherwise unjustifiable practices corrected. I will also explore ways in which greater competition in the industry can be encouraged, perhaps through a law similar to the recently-enacted law permitting the entry of foreign banks, or changes to the so-called ‘economic provisions’ of the Constitution.

We are all, no doubt, very familiar with the ongoing woes of Metro Manila’s light rail transit system—serious safety and reliability issues, poor maintenance, overcrowding, allegations of corruption—and I know that you are all familiar with these so I will not belabor the point.

In fact, we should acknowledge that some small progress is being made. I think more progress is made if one does not wait five years to begin the work, so the next administration must hit the ground running. We all know how safe and comfortable nearby rail systems such as in Singapore or Hong Kong are compared to our own. The only thing stopping us from having the same system in our country, in our cities, is ourselves.

Traffic congestion goes hand-inhand with overworked public transit systems, and both present the same problem to all of us: They have a serious negative impact on our productivity and on the bottom line. I saw recently a calculation, an estimate, as to what are the actual peso costs to the very bad traffic situation in Manila and the calculation was at P2.4 billion a day. I think that all of us here who have sat in our cars, frustrated at the lack of progress going from one place to another, will find that that estimate is just about right.

Fixing the trains will take some engineering effort, but traffic congestion can at least be partly solved by enforcing discipline on our roads.

Discipline comes from the top, which is why the meritocracy-based, nonpolitical standards I mentioned earlier for choosing leaders in the police and military is so important: Corrupt and erring lower-level officers cannot be corrected by superiors who are not above reproach. The next administration must ensure that discipline is the rule throughout every rank of law enforcement. When the law enforcers become the law-breakers there is a serious problem in the system.

Of course, government must contribute to the effort, and to that end the next administration should focus on expanding the transportation infrastructure, as well as providing better training and proper equipment to law enforcement and for the orderly conduct of our transport system.

We cannot speak about the problems that plague the country without talking about port congestion. I am pleased that the amendments to the Cabotage Law have finally been enacted, and I urge the government and Philippine businesses to take full advantage of it. Yes, it does increase competitive pressure, but I believe it opens up new opportunities as well.

We have also recently learned that Manila’s port area is vulnerable to strong earthquakes. It makes sense then to encourage traffic to spread to other ports, which is what the next administration must do – for example, Subic and Port Irene for goods bound to or from Central and Northern Luzon, and Batangas for deliveries in Southern Luzon.

Infrastructure building must be a central part of the government’s efforts to improve the economy. One of the challenges we must overcome if we are to build a greater nation is to find ways to meet our enormous need for infrastructure of all kinds.

We have now a limited number of large companies – highly-qualified and successful companies, to be sure – who build our large-scale infrastructure projects, and while they do good work, it is clear more participation is needed. The next administration must find ways to attract new investors and partners to help build the infrastructure we need. The government has belatedly recognized the lack of infrastructure development and public investment. We had over the past few years been spending at the rate of 2.5 percent of our GDP on infrastructure development. And because it had been clearly shown that we cannot

make the economy expand and grow and create jobs if we do not improve our infrastructure development plan, then there was a policy decision that we would increase the government expenditure in infrastructure development to 5 percent of GDP. However, government also—following the recommendations of the World Bank study where it said 50 percent of the personnel of the Department of Public Works needed to be removed—so with an increase of double of our expenditure but with halving of the capacity of the Department of Public Works, then clearly it cannot work.

And this kind of system where we have the government, where the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing, again brings us to this kind of situation. As I said this is a belated realization but it is a simple problem that does not have a simple solution. It must start from the very beginnings of the creation of policy and carried on through the implementation of that policy.

We must find ways to attract new investments and partners to help build the infrastructure that we need.

And that is why I think we have come upon a very important juncture when we speak about infrastructure development: we are at the moment in my committee in Public Works, we are presently finishing the amendments to the PPP Law. There is great promise if we can actually get the system to implement large national projects on PPP bases, where we can transfer the costs of capital to the private sector and even the financial risks to the private sector, whilst giving the private sector to gain profit.

And now, I’ve saved the best part for last, let us talk about tax policy.

Undoubtedly, you businessmen, that is your favorite subject.

My administration—should it happen— will push for the adoption of the gross income tax policy for businesses. Just as excessive human intervention poses a risk to government procurements, collecting tax revenue has become similarly compromised.

Under that administration, corporations will pay reasonable, fixed taxes computed on their gross income, with companies fairly categorized according to their type and size.

Practices such as negotiating a bribe to receive a reduced tax assessment will immediately become a thing of the past under such as system.

Managing an equitable and efficient tax system – or anything else I’ve touched on today – will not be possible without a meritocracy-based, professional civil service and judiciary. A strong and independent judiciary is a vital necessity, a partner in all our efforts to provide greater opportunities for our people, to maintain our peace and security, encourage discipline, and maintain a productive level playing field for every business and every entrepreneur.

But it is a partner that many would say is missing, and has been for many years now. The next president, if it is I, will welcome that partner back to our nation, by applying the principles of meritocracy to the judiciary. It is a judiciary that is free from the whiff of corruption and totally above reproach, because its people are employed and rewarded in ways that recognize their competence and good performance, and provided with respectable livelihoods for the important work they do on behalf of our nation.

In my remarks today, I have tried to remind us all of our duty to our fellow-man, the vast population of the Philippines who do not share in the benefits we are able to create, yet makes those benefits possible and could increase them almost beyond measure just if they are given a fair opportunity. I have touched on the gap in trust created between a government that performs poorly and inefficiently and the people it is meant to serve.

I have highlighted areas – areas familiar to every one of us on a personal level, such as utility services, telecommunications, transportation, power-generation – in which our policies have hampered our growth and development. And I have, at least in brief terms, suggested ways in which the rule of law can be better enforced and in which taxes can be assessed more equitably and ethically, and more consistently.

The strength of the nation is in its unity, but unity cannot be achieved if the leader of the nation serves both the nation and his party. We must leave politics in its proper place.

I take the same view as President Manuel L. Quezon when he said: “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.”

This is something that all our leaders should be well reminded of. Therefore, the next president must resign from his party and be a unifying president – after all, we do not elect a “President of the Liberal Party,” or a “President of the Nacionalista Party,” but a President of the Republic of the Philippines, whose duty is no less to the citizen who did not vote for him than it is to his most ardent supporter. And in a non-partisan role, one should work with all political parties to strengthen the party system, an area of our democracy that is weak and ineffectual.

Once again the concept of meritocracy: I believe that in a meritocracy, the rule of law becomes second nature. In a meritocracy, we can focus on the real answer to that question: What would I do if I were president?

Strong nations need strong foundations, and a successful presidency must emphasize service to the vast majority of our people – not in handouts, but in opportunities to easily join the meritocracy where we can build together.

Thank you very much and good afternoon. God bless us all. Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas. Mabuhay ang Asian CEO Forum. (ManilaTImes.net)

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 8-11, 2015

A11

Dateline PMMDA hilippines can’t enforce anti-smoking

PNP: Awards for SAF men just delayed THE Philippine National Police justified the exclusion of two Special Action Force commandos involved in the Mamasapano operation from the list of awardees during the 114th police service anniversary attended by President Benigno Aquino III on Friday, Aug. 7.

In a statement issued just hours after the ceremony, the PNP said the “proposed” awards to be given to PO2 Romeo Cempron and Superintendent Raymund Train needed to be studied thoroughly as they will be given two of the highest service medals that can be bestowed to any police and military official.

“We also initially intended to honor the courage and sacrifice displayed by some of those involved in ‘Oplan Exodus’ which was the reason why the Committee on Individual Awards chaired by the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management deliberated and processed some of those who participated in the operations,” Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, read in a press briefing.

“However, it requires lengthy process and a thorough evaluation for which reason the review could not be completed on time despite our best efforts. For these reasons, these awards were not included in the program today,” the statement said.

This was after Inquirer.net reported that Malacañang allegedly ordered removed Cempron and Train from the list of officers to be conferred with Medal of Valor (Medalya ng Kagitingan) and Medalya ng Kabayanihan (PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal), respectively, based on the memorandum on the “Result of the Selection of Awardees” from the PNP Directorate for Plans.

A source said because the President reportedly did not want a reminder of the ill-fated operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, the Presidential Management Staff ordered the PNP to take out awardees involved in the Mamasapano incident from the awarding ceremony in Camp Crame on Friday morning.

Days before the PNP anniversary, another SAF source said Cempron’s family had been invited by the PNP in the ceremony

ban – Court of Appeals

nances of local governments in Metro Manila have not deputized the MMDA to ban smoking, the Philstar.com CA said.

MANILA – The Metropolitan “Respondent-appellant Manila Development Authority MMDA, in issuing its resolution (MMDA) cannot ban smoking in implementing R.A. 9211, arpublic places and on streets in rogated upon itself powers and the metropolis, the Court of Appeals ruled Friday, Aug.7.

Dismissing a petition of MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, the CA upheld a Mandaluyong regional trial court decision that the MMDA cannot enforce the provisions of Republic Act 9211, the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2013 since it is not a member of the Inter-Agency Committee-Tobacco, which was given the exclusive power and function to administer Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor provisions of that law. to accept the award for the slain ation and vetting process by the “Respondent-appellant MMDA officer. But on Tuesday, the SAF committee are ongoing and shall is also not stated as one of those was told that the awarding of render the honor due them at members of IAC-Tobacco,” the the most appropriate time,” the decision declared.

Cempron had been called off.

“Rest assured that the deliber- statement further read. n Even the anti-smoking ordiby Edu

and

Punay Mike Frialde

functions which are not given to it by law,” read the CA decision..

“Accordingly, respondentappellant MMDA’s resolution implementing R.A. No. 9211 is invalid and ineffectual.”

The CA rejected Tolentino’s

u PAGE A15

A12 AUGUST 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHILIPPINES

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Grace Poe: I am a Filipino

Disqualification case questioning her citizenship filed

by Jerome

Aning Inquirer.net

“I AM a Filipino by birth, abode and choice,” Sen. Grace Poe declared on Thursday, Aug. 6, following the filing of the first challenge to her citizenship aimed at ousting her from the Senate and eliminating her from next year’s presidential race.

Poe welcomed the disqualification case filed in the Senate

Electoral Tribunal (SET) by Rizalito David of Ang Kapatiran (The Brotherhood) party, who lost a bid for a seat in the Senate in the 2013 elections.

“It is an opportunity for the truth to come out and for this issue to be resolved once and for all,” Poe said in a text message.

The front-runner in the presidential polls said the filing of the case gave her a chance to put the questions about her citizenship

and residency to rest.

“I am a Filipino by birth, abode and choice,” she said.

Ang Kapatiran, however, distanced itself from the disqualification case against Poe, saying David brought it on his own.

“The case is not a party position,” Norman Cabrera, Ang Kapatiran president, told the Inquirer.

Asked if Ang Kapatiran would eventually support David’s suit, Cabrera said the party had no legal experts who handled citizenship cases.

He said the Philippines’ top lawyers had differing opinions on the controversy involving Poe’s citizenship.

“It’s better the citizenship issue be raised by the nemeses of [Senator] Poe after she files her candidacy,” Cabrera said.

Noble intention David confirmed that his party was not involved in the case he had filed against Poe. He said he acted alone and was driven by “noble” intentions in bringing the case, as questions about who had the motive and the means to bankroll the petition persisted.

“I want to emphasize that my party has nothing to do with my petition,” said David, who was accompanied by a handful of supporters in filing the case.

“I feel they have an orchestrated response against my petition while I am alone, with no lawyer, in this fight for truth,” he said.

Help from friends David first tried to file the petition on Wednesday but backed off because he did not have P50,000 to pay the filing fee required by the SET. On Thursday, he said “a lot of friends” came to his support and he finally got enough funds to proceed with the filing.

David said he paid the P50,000 filing fee and a P10,000 cash deposit and the SET received his case.

But he refused to name his financial contributors.

“All of those who helped me are private individuals. I have plenty of friends in the private sector,” David said.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, whose camp raised the same questions about Poe’s citizenship and residency earlier, denied having a hand in the case.

In his petition, David said:

REINFORCEMENT. Filipino security men stand guard as Australian guided missile frigate HMAS Sydney is docked at Manila’s south harbor pier on Oct. 22, 2012. Three years later, on Wednesday, August 5, two landing craft heavy vessels donated by Australia arrive in the Philippines.

Inquirer.net file photo

‘Daang matuwid needs 20 years’

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA – Malacañang Friday, Aug. 7, stressed that the ruling Liberal Party (LP) would need to be in power for 18 years or even two decades before the good governance reforms of President Aquino bear substantial fruit.

“You can be assured that it u PAGE A13 will get better if we follow daang matuwid (straight path). That is the reason why the President has been very firm in pushing for continuation,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told journalists.

By the 18th year the good governance reforms “should have taken root,” Lacierda, a close friend and ally of LP standardbearer Mar Roxas, said.

He insinuated that the groundwork for good governance has been laid down.

“We are putting out here good governance and it’s up to the people to choose every six years.

This 2016 is the first referendum, the first re-election of daang matuwid,” Lacierda added..

The Palace is endorsing Roxas for president and is hoping that neophyte Sen. Grace Poe would give in to their request to be LP’s vice presidential candidate, because both are committed to good governance as well.

He also took a jab at Vice President Jejomar Binay, who he accused of campaigning in his recent provincial sorties instead of working for the country’s good.

“What has he done for the past five years? I would just like to re-

mind him,” the spokesman said.

Statesman vs politician Malacañang said Aquino should not be compared to Marcos when they talk of the 20-year period that the LP has to rule in order to solidify the changes made under the good governance agenda.

Aquino’s statesmanship, according to Lacierda, has become the distinguishing mark between him and Binay, titular head of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance.

“A statesman thinks of the next generation. The politician thinks of the next election. President Aquino is that statesman who thinks of this generation and the next,” he said.

“That’s why you’ve got six years of governance under President Aquino that will end in 2016. If we have Secretary Roxas as our president from 2016 to 2022, that’s more than 10 years.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio

Then, you extend it (and) you have practically 20 years,” Lacierda added.

He urged Binay to stop comparing Aquino with the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who controlled all three branches of government.

Binay said he had earlier cautioned Aquino from having former Supreme Court chief justice Renato Corona impeached.

Corona was appointed as chief justice by ex-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in March 2010 – an act described by many as a midnight appointment. Although it was upheld by the high court twice, Aquino refused to honor it and called on his congressional allies for the impeachment.

“It’s kind of ludicrous for Binay to compare Aquino to Marcos. The (Aquino) family suffered greatly under the Marcos regime – the father being a victim of martial law,” Lacierda said. n

AP file photo

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio to visit the Philippines

A SPANISH Timberwolf is coming down to the tropical bliss of the Philippines.

Ricky Rubio, the whirling Catalan derby of the Minnesota Timberwolves, is set to visit the Philippines for his two-country tour.

Spain’s national point guard announced on Twitter he would be in the Philippines on Aug. 20

to 23 for the RR9 Tour before visiting Dubai on Aug. 24 to 28.

“Happy to announce that I will be on an International Tour this August visiting the Philippines and Dubai. #RR9TOUR,” Rubio posted on Twitter.

Rubio is on the forefront of the Timberwolves young core with reigning Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins and 2015 No. 1

overall pick Karl Anthony-Towns while learning under the tutelage of 2004 MVP Kevin Garnett.

Not only will Rubio be on a simple visit, but it’s a check mark on his bucket list to travel to the Philippines.

“Bucket list: visit Philippines!!”

Rubio tweeted along with a check emoticon. (Bong Lozada/inquirer.net)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 8-11, 2015

A13

House urged to restore 28 deleted BBL provisions

by Paolo

Romero Philstar.com

POLICE ANNIVERSARY. President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, Aug. 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez.

Malacañang photo by Benhur Arcayan

PAGE A12 t

Grace Poe: I am a…

“This petition . . . is seeking to unseat respondent Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares from the Senate . . . [because her] noncitizenship and nonresidence are grounds of ineligibility for a member of the Senate, thus, a member can be disqualified to continue as senator on these grounds.”

David said Poe should not have been allowed to head the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) in 2010 because she was not a Filipino citizen at the time.

Comelec case coming He said he would file another case for election offense against Poe in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) next week.

“I appeal to [her] to just focus on the process instead of throwing charges against me that I am paid or a politician or politicians are behind me. I have a deep self-respect and I will not allow myself to be used by anyone,” he said.

Poe topped the 2013 senatorial election, polling 20,337,327 votes, or 50.66 percent of the total votes.

David finished the race in 30th place, with 1,035,971 votes, or 2.58 percent of the total votes.

Under SET rules, any registered voter who seeks to disqualify a senator for ineligibility

or disloyalty to the republic must file a petition for quo warranto within 10 days from proclamation. But if the basis is citizenship, the petitions may be filed any time during the senator’s tenure.

If the ground is loss of the required qualifications, the petition may also be filed at any time during the respondent’s tenure, as soon as the required qualification is lost.

‘I never lied’ Poe said she never lied about her circumstances, adding she would not fool the people who had voted for her and the rest of the Filipinos.

“I assure the 20 million-plus fellow Filipinos who voted for me, as well as the rest of the country, that their confidence in me is not misplaced. I remain truthful to our countrymen,” she said.

Poe, left in a Catholic church in Jaro, Iloilo province, after birth and adopted by movie actor Fernando Poe Jr. and his wife, actress Susan Roces, maintains that she is a natural-born Filipino.

The parents of a foundling found in the Philippines are presumed Filipino, according to a primer from her office. Hence, she is a natural-born Filipino by presumption and those who claim otherwise should prove

their assertion.

Poe later acquired American citizenship, but she said she renounced it before a public officer in 2010, before she took on the job as head of the MTRCB. Since then, she had not used her US passport, she said.

The primer from her office also stated that when she repatriated, she was deemed not to have lost her Filipino citizenship, which was natural-born Filipino.

As to questions about her residency, Poe said she decided to live in the Philippines in 2005 following the death of her father in December 2004.

Deciding whether to run The disqualification case against Poe comes as she studies whether to seek the presidency in next year’s national elections.

She has surged past Binay in the presidential polls to become the front-runner despite not being a declared candidate.

The ruling Liberal Party is wooing her to come aboard as the vice presidential running mate of its standard-bearer, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Poe, however, appears not inclined to run for Vice President, saying if she is running, she will run only with Sen. Francis Escudero, a close friend.

On Thursday, Aug. 6, Escu-

u PAGE A15

MANILA—The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has formally asked Congress to restore at least 28 provisions in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that the House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee deleted prior to presenting the draft measure for plenary debates.

In a letter to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. dated July 29, 2015, BTC chairman Mohaquer Iqbal said he is furnishing the House a copy of the commission’s Resolution 005 series of 2015 supporting the passage in Congress of the BBL “in its original form.”

“The BTC implores the better judgment of the leadership of both houses of Congress to pass the BBL in its original form and to henceforth act according to the terms of the peace agreements,” the resolution stated.

The resolution stated the BBL was consistent with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) entered into by the government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last year.

“The BTC stands firm that the proposed BBL in its original form is the most appropriate version based on the FAB and CAB, and considering that it is the one that underwent the legitimate process of consultation with the people and engagement with the Office of the President,” it stated.

The letter came as the House is set to resume next week plenary deliberations on the BBL, which seeks to create a new autonomous region in Mindanao.

Belmonte said the target was to approve the measure by September or before the chamber gets busy discussing the proposed P3.002-trillion national budget for 2016.

The BTC was created in 2013 to write the draft of the BBL. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the ad hoc committee, said it would be difficult for the House to accede to the BTC’s request, considering the draft BBL was a product of 49 public hearings—half of which were held in Mindanao— that were marked by intense debates.

Rodriguez pointed out the provisions removed by the ad hoc panel were considered to be unconstitutional.

Among the controversial provisions the BTC wants restored are certain powers supposedly exclusive to the national government; allowing contiguous areas to join the Bangsamoro region upon the petition of 10 percent of its residents; making internal security a concurrent power with the Bangsamoro government; and creating a separate Bangsamoro military command.

Meanwhile, a member of the government peace panel legal team reiterated the decommis-

sioning of the arms and forces of the MILF do not need to be included in the BBL. “We have explained many times before that decommissioning as well as the broader normalization process need not be in the BBL,” said Sittie Amirah Pendatun, a member of the government peace panel legal team.

Pendatun made the statement in reaction to the pronouncements of Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that one reason for the delay

u PAGE A15

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A15

Robredo: VP post too big for me

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

MANILA –Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Thursday, Aug. 6 again denied running for vice president in next year’s national election since she considers the position too big of a responsibility for her.

“That is too big position for me,” Robredo said during the 1st Public Management Development Program Leadership Conference. “I’m not running for vice president,” she said.

The widow of former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said since she only has two years of experience in Congress, running for the country’s second highest post is too early for her.

“I still have to learn,” Robredo said.

Robredo opted to focus in serving her constituents in Camarines Sur instead of running for a higher post.

“I’m not ready to leave my

Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo believes jumping from the House of the Representatives to the second highest position in the country is a big responsibility for her

Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando

district because it’s still very delicate. Camarines Sur is only starting to change its mindset on how to perceive government officials,” Robredo said.

Robredo said people from Naga, Camarines Sur would not vote for anyone who would not

go for good governance.

She said that although she has agreed with her children to be in the House of Representatives for just one term, she considers extending another term to continue her reforms and projects in Camarines Sur. n

Santiago as Binay running mate

by Gabriel

Cardinoza Inquirer.net

GERONA, Tarlac—In his visit to this town on Thursday, Aug. 6, Vice President Jejomar Binay confirmed that Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago was among those being considered by a

PAGE A13 t

search committee as his running mate in the 2016 elections.

Binay did not give other details.

He was also mum on the composition of his Senate slate but he was accompanied here on Thursday by lawyer Harry Roque Jr. and Princess Jacel Kiram, who are among those reported being

considered in the opposition’s senatorial slate.

With the support of former Tarlac Rep. Jose Cojuangco Jr., President Benigno Aquino III’s uncle, and the warm welcome he received from the people, Binay said he was optimistic that he would win in the province. n

Grace Poe: I am a…

dero said the attack against Poe only showed that she was ahead in the presidential race.

It should not weaken Poe’s resolve, he said.

“This shows that if someone is kicking you from behind, it is proof that you are ahead. Maybe that should be the mind-set of anyone who wants to be a candidate or is thinking of becoming one,” Escudero said over Radyo Inquirer.

He also questioned the timing of the case, coming as it is two years after Poe was elected senator. This shows that the case came about because of the possibility that she might run in 2016, he added.

‘Brotherly advice’ Another colleague, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also advised Poe to brace herself for more attacks against her, as that was how things go in Philippine poli-

RECYCLED. A couple paddles along Pasig river on Tuesday, Aug. 4 to collect usable garbage that they will sell to raise money to feed their families. A latest SWS survey showed 51 percent or an estimated 11.2 million Filipinos consider themselves poor.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

House urged to restore 28 deleted BBL…

PAGE A13 t

in the submission of his committee report on the BBL is the difficulty in incorporating provisions on the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants.

Pendatun said the primary reason decommissioning and the normalization process are not in the proposed BBL is because the Constitution prohibits the creation of a bill with more than one subject.

She cited Article VI, Section 26(1) of the 1987 Constitution that provides “every bill passed by the Congress shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof.”

“The BBL is really about the establishment of an autonomous region. It’s about the creation of a political entity which seeks to

establish an inclusive system of governance for a multicultural segment of the Philippine population, and not about the MILF per se,” Pendatun said.

“For this reason, the normalization program is not a pertinent subject of the proposed BBL,” she added.

“In fact, if we include two subjects, there’s a possibility that this will be challenged in court for non-compliance with the constitutional requirement.”

Pendatun added the decommissioning process does not need new legislation as it is within the power of the President to conduct peace talks and ensure the well-being of the country.

“We believe that the current legal framework empowers the President to enter into and im-

plement the peace agreement, including decommissioning.

Thus there is no need for a new law,” Pendatun said.

Pendatun added the Constitution provides a guideline for the content of an organic act such as the proposed BBL. “The Constitution itself provides the guidelines for it. We have two sections: Article X, Section 18 and Article X, Section 20,” she pointed out.

“According to the Constitution, an organic act should contain the basic structure of government, executive and legislative, the creation of special courts, provisions on the conduct of a plebiscite and the legislative powers of the proposed entity. And all of these matters are already included in the proposed BBL,” Pendatun said. n

administrator of the National Tobacco Administration, representatives from the tobacco industry to be nominated by legitimate and recognized associations and a representative from a non-government organization involved in public health promotion nominated by DOH in consultation with the concerned NGOs. Associate Justice Maria Elisa Sempio-Diy wrote the decision.

Associate Justices Ramon Bato Jr. and Manuel Barrios concurred.

The case arose from the complaints of Anthony Clemente

and Vrianne Lamsen, whom the MMDA had arrested for smoking in front of Farmer’s Plaza in Cubao, Quezon City.

They were fined P500 each or be forced to render community service or imprisoned if they fail to pay the fine.

The Mandaluyong court ruled in favor of Clemente and Lamsen.

On July 21, 2011, the court stopped the MMDA’s anti-smoking drive.

Despite the CA decision, the MMDA said it will not stop its drive against public smokers in Metro Manila. n

MMDA can’t enforce anti-smoking…

PAGE A11 t

Senator Grace Poe.

tics.

Marcos joked that this was “brotherly advice,” referring to the rumor that he and Poe are actually siblings as she was supposedly his father’s illegitimate daughter.

“I will advise her, ‘Oh, get used to it.’ That’s how things go.

Brotherly advice,” he told reporters.

“Now that she’s [a potential

Inquirer file photo by raffy Lerma

presidential candidate], the attacks will intensify,’ he added.

Marcos said, however, that Poe could actually take care of herself. But he will help her if she asks, he said.

“She’s much tougher than she looks, and she can handle all of these. I think she will come out at the other end with her dignity intact,” he added. (With a report from Jerome Aning)

claim that the MMDA is vested with authority to implement laws and ordinances relating to the protection of the environment and public under its charter, Republic Act No. 7924.

The MMDA’s functions are purely administrative in nature and it has no police and legislative powers, the CA said.

Among the members of the IAC-Tobacco are the secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, Justice, Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology and Education, the

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • august 8-11, 2015

SHOWBIZ&STYLE

Basil Valdez arrives in LA, greeted by many fans THREE days before his first big performance, Basil Valdez arrived at LAX on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Dozens of fans raced to meet and greet him upon his arrival in Los Angeles.

He shared that his last visit to America was about seven years ago. Basil made his return to America to perform two live concerts for longtime FilipinoAmerican fans in California.

They have been waiting months for him to sing his famous songs, such as “Ngayon

Journal

at Kailanman” and “Lift Up Your Hands.” Basil will be performing side-by-side with his award-winning guest star, Geneva Cruz. Fans across Los Angeles are thrilled and excited for his upcoming concerts at the Grove at Anaheim and at the Infinity Theater at the Pala Casino on August 8 and on August 15, respectively.

For tickets, please visit www.

VEntertainment.biz or call Vic Perez at (818) 458-9258.

(Advertsing Supplement)

Basil Valdez visits Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim and his wife Fides Herrera-Lim

‘Little Albert’ Maligmat celebrates 60 years as an entertainer Former Rocky Feller and Society of Seven performer on love of music

by Allyson

Escobar

AJPress

“Putting smiles on people’s faces.” That’s what singer, instrumentalist, and all-around performer Albert Maligmat has been successfully doing for his entire career—and what he sees himself doing forever.

Known as “Little Albert,” the 67-year-old performer from Honolulu started his musical career early on. Born into a family where music runs in their veins, Albert was just 7 years old when the Maligmats started a family band, The Rocky Fellers. The singing and dancing band consisted of the four Maligmat brothers: Tony, Junior, Eddie, and Little Albert; along with their father, Doroteo.

As a premiere Asian pop/rock group hailing from the Philippines, The Rocky Fellers gained widespread attention in places like Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Tokyo, and Osaka. They

Albert Maligmat and his brother Ed

began touring all over Asia in 1967, living mostly in Hong Kong (where they were fluent in both Tagalog and Cantonese) and performing various concert gigs, while still being kids and going to school with a tutor.

“We grew up on the road; that was our childhood,” Albert

Photo from asianamsmakingmusic.tumblr.com

told the Asian Journal. “Traveling, practicing, going to school, performing onstage worldwide.

It felt natural to us, as a family of entertainers. And onstage, my youngest brother [Eddie] always stole the show.”

As a family, The Rocky FellPAGE B2

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Celebrating the 13th annual Historic Filipinotown Festival It’s time to get Belofied!

MOONLIGHTING

Naked Truth

by MYLAH DE

LEON

DR. VICKI BELO Time flies by so quickly when you love what you do. It has been 25 years since I started my very :fejlc >\e\iXc C\f ?\ii\iX$C`d# :\Z`c IXdfj Xe[ :fdgfj\i J`e^\i first clinic, all with the goal of <[dle[ G\icXj helping people look and feel more beautiful. The passion that I had has made Belo Medical Group to what it is now and I would like to continue helping out in every way I can. So, I dedicate this space to you my beloved readers!

I am proud to say that Belo Medical Group has grown not only by number but also with innovation. I do take pride in knowing that we are at the forefront of our field and that we are the innovator and leader of the pack. We have brought in the latest technologies ?Xggp I\m\c\ij f] k_\ =\jk`mXc 9c\jj k_\ :_`c[i\e and best practices from around Awards -- handed out by Counthe globe to make sure that you cilman Mitch O’Farrell -- recogget only the best. That is why, nized Silverlake Medical Center, we are the Philippine’s first and ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel and the Filipinotown Community: Burlington School, Rampart Village, Jesus is Lord Church, Manila Terrace, Our Lady of Loreto, Filipino Christian Church, Villa G8>< 9( Ramos, FASGI, Legion of Mary, ers traveled and were well-loved SIPA, Filipino Martial Arts Nick Paby audiences worldwide. Even padakis and the North Hollywood DXpfi A\iip <j^l\iiX f] k_\ ?`jkfi`Z =`c`g`efkfne E\`^_Yfi_ff[ Philippine balladeer Martin NieDog, Cambodian Cultural Group, :fleZ`c c\]k n`k_ 9Xc`kXe^ 8d\i`ZX i\gfik\i Jk\m\ 8e^\c\j i`^_k vera grew up with their music.

G8>< 9- Xe[ k_\ Dffec`^_k\i Z\ek\i =8J>@ <o\Zlk`m\ ;`i\Zkfi P\p :fife\c n`k_ 9\ie`\ KXi^X >Xefe% The group hit its big break in the 1960s, when the family was discovered by Stanley Kahn and signed to Scepter Records. In 1963, they debuted their first hit single, “Killer Joe,” written by Bert Russell and Bob Elgin. They were being compared to the early Osmonds, the King family, and were nicknamed “the Filipino Jackson 5.”

“It was a crazy, surreal, magical experience,” Albert, who was barely a kid at the time, recalled.

“At first, we were popular all over Asia—we performed for leaders, audiences of thousands, kings and queens. But our main goal was to make it internationally… we wanted to go to the US.” When “Killer Joe” reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also became the title of the group’s sole LP, Killer Joe, the Rocky Fellers became the first Asian group to have a hit record in America. Finally, the band had its first opportunity to go to the US, as a performing act on IT was a grand show. It was like all-you-can-eat buffet style entertainment. For this special day, it was not about the plight of ;\j`^e\ij Cfl IXqfe# :Xic 8e[iX[X Xe[ Dl KXpfYX Xe[ k_\`i df[\cj% the poor or endurance of political turmoil back home, but a day of opening ourselves to the richness of the moment. The day was carefully hosted by Benito Miranda and Anjanette Abayari, marvelously produced by Vics Perez and the benevolence of Ms. Trini Foliente.

The program started with the Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Robert Victoria, with music from the Philippine Chamber Singers-Los Angeles. Edmund Perlas composed and sang the ‘Filipinotown Song.’

only aesthetic, medical outpatient clinic to be accredited by ISQua, the international gold standard for patient care safety and services.

But don’t let all this success make you feel intimidated. I shared the same problems as you did—acne, scars, getting overweight. I was like everybody else.

So let me know your story and I’ll help you make it even more beautiful. This column is about you, so trust that you will only get my honest, no frills answers.

This is such an exciting time for all of us! I believe that NOW is the time to be beautiful and I would like to help you get that Belo beautiful look you always wanted.

It is something close to my heart so let’s make things personal. Let me know your beauty concerns and questions and I’ll give you only the naked truth about it. Feel free to send me an email at vicki@belomed.com.

I look forward in having fun with all of you! It’s time you get Belofied!

Love, Dr. Vicki Belo

‘Little Albert’ Maligmat... the ‘Dinah Shore Chevy’ show at the NBC studios in Burbank, California.

“She was like our angel,” Albert remembered of the experience. “After ‘Dinah Shore’, we had been booking gigs across the US; singing with Bob Hope at the Hollywood Palladium, performing at the Apollo Theater in New York and the Seattle State World’s Fair, and in Las Vegas; opening for big, legendary acts like George Burns, Carol Channing, Dean Martin, Joan Rivers, and Sammy Davis Jr.” Throughout their 10-year career, the Rocky Fellers met and worked with up-and-coming artists at the time—such as Smokey Robinson, Patti LaBelle, and The Four Tops—who influenced their own rock-and-roll, dance pop style.

As a young multi-talented artist, Little Albert thoroughly enjoyed the spotlight. Honing his musical skills as a child, he picked up a variety of instruments, from the electric bass, keyboard, guitar, and ukulele. When the family band faded from public eye, Albert never stopped playing and G8>< 9.

È8cc 8Yflk 9\cfÉ fe 9\cf 9\Xlkp ('(Ëj g`cfk \g`jf[\ Belo Medical Group is celebrating its 25 years of making every Filipino beautiful. True to its promise of world-class beauty expertise, witness all-new episodes featuring benchmark products and treatments with brand new segments, as the Philippine’s top Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Clinic launches the 9th Season of Belo Beauty 101.

The much-awaited pilot episode dubbed as “All About Belo,” highlights the beauty, glitz and glamour that Belo has made over the years. A host of events graced by the country’s elites, business, entertainment and social circles, all gathered to give their respect and commendation to Dr. Vicki Belo.

Epitomizing her unparalleled beauty expertise, Philippine Tattler, the country’s premiere luxury lifestyle magazine launched its most prestigious Glam issue last month (July) featuring Dr. Vicki Belo and her legions of most sought-after celebrity-endorsers.

Gracing the cover of the magazine with Dr. Belo are some of the biggest names in local show business -- hunks Piolo Pascual, Derek Ramsay, Dingdong Dantes, and Tom Rodriguez, timeless beauties Ruffa Gutierrez, Iza Calzado, and Lucy Torres-Gomez; young superstars Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, real-life couple Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo; and celebrities Tim Yap, Sarah Lahbati, Isabelle Daza, with socialite Jessica Kienle. To add glitter to the already sparkling cover, world-renowned photographer Nigel Barker was at the helm of the Classic Hollywood Tattler photo shoot.

The unveiling of the Philippine Tattler’s July issue was held at the Ayala Museum recently, in the presence of the country’s who’s who, led of course by Dr. Belo, her roster of expert doctors and, of course, her very own Belo babies.

Also part of the Belo beautiful year-long celebration is the first ever Belo Polo Cup. An influx of guests from government, business, entertainment and social circles graced the PhilippineDubai polo showdown that was held at Manila Polo Club. The event was one for the books as one of the most well attended polo matches. It was a close and exciting bout with Team Philippines taking away the Cup with a 13-9 score. This momentous event was capped with the heart-

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Life gets easier with Megaworld International’s exclusive ready-for-occupancy units Reward yourself with Megaworld International’s Home Club: Your key to a lifestyle of privileges

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warming generosity of Dr. Belo and her daughter, Cristalle Henares as they gave financial aid to the brave, fallen soldiers known as SAF 44.

Another exciting and glamorous event to celebrate the success of the top beauty center is the Belo Essentials grand launch.

Dubbed as the Belo Beautiful Grand Launch, the top Belo Essentials ambassadors such as Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, Marian Rivera and Daniel Padilla are all present to perform in a “Spec-

tacular Show” and thank Belo for taking care of them for the past years. The Belo Essentials Underarm Beauty Duo, Belo SunExpert Ultragentle Sheer Spray, Belo Intensive Whitening Line, Belo Collagen and Belo Men Acne Control are each loved by these stars, respectively.

It’s all about beauty and success only here in Belo Beauty 101 Season 9! Pilot episode on August 9, 2015 Sunday (Pacific Time) and replay on August 15, 2015 Saturday on TFC!

MEGAWORLD International offers exclusive and pre-selected Ready-for-Occupancy (RFO) units to meet your meticulous and sophisticated needs. Each unit has the advantage on convenience, security and access to endless possibilities of the live-work-playlearn lifestyle. You need not wait for months or years and get to experience the best rewards in an instant.

Owning an RFO unit means instant membership to Megaworld International’s Home Club, your key to a lifestyle of privileges. As a member, you will automatically enjoy the following privileges: extensive after-sales services including Leasing and Resale Management, Turnover and Maintenance Services, and Free Interior Design Services. You will also receive free items such as a key kit, a one month’s supply of fine wine, and access to the Megaworld International exclusive client lounge.

Through Megaworld International Home Club, you will experience seamless transactions from the time you plan to buy a ready unit, to designing your living space and turnover, until you plan to re-sell or lease out your condo units.

Worry-free lifestyle privilege Now is high time to take ad-

vantage of venturing on RFO units as it gives guaranteed recurring income because of the solid market for it. Property leased out can really increase your asset and can give rental cash flow to fund your lifestyle and retirement.

With the Leasing and Resale Management Services, selecting and negotiating bank finance options and refurbishment of units in preparation for leasing or resale of the property are done on your behalf.

A “hassle-free” turnover process and maintenance A hassle-free Turnover and Maintenance service awaits you to ensure that everything will be in good condition upon your acceptance of the unit.

To sustain a premium lifestyle experience, you are guaranteed quality control and maintenance of the RFO units even in your absence. Housekeeping personnel are on standby to regularly check the unit and provide a report to you.

Very Personal. Very You. Personalize your units with the free Interior Design Services.

Based on your personality, lifestyle and mood preferences, you may conceptualize your unit with the help of a dedicated group of in-house interior designers. You have the option to live in a Mod-

ern, Contemporary, Industrial or Modern Zen-inspired home.

Megaworld International is currently selling RFO units in various Megaworld townships and prime locations such as Eastwood LeGrand Towers 1 & 2 in Eastwood City; 115 Upper McKinley in McKinley Hill; Sarasota, Pinecrest and Montecito in Newport City; and Greenbelt Madison and One Central in Makati Central Business District.

Megaworld International is the global marketing arm of Megaworld Corporation. It is present in over 40 countries in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Middle East and is poised to expand to more territories, bringing the best real estate choices from the largest developer in the Philippines.

For inquiries, please call: Angelita Contreras Megaworld International VP-North America 1 (818) 913-1188 Los Angeles Office 4515 Eagle Rock Blvd. Ste. 145A LA. CA. 90041 (818) 518-1680 1-888-860-8168 ext. 1 internationalluxuryproperties@yahoo.com 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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James & Nadine flying high on ‘Wings of Love’

by Pablo

Tariman Philstar.com

ENCORE EPISODE ON ‘CITIZEN PINOY!’ Can “following to join” apply to my kids, so they can come to the US faster? Our adjustment of status was denied. Can my kids now qualify for DACA? Will filing for citizenship affect my husband’s petition of our daughter? These and more will be answered by leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel on an encore episode of the information-packed, award-winning public service program -- “Citizen Pinoy,” this Sunday, August 9 at 6:15pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

MANILA—Soap operas have unpredictable lives.

When they reach their target audiences and some deep connections happen, this will signal wider patronage and later, viable commercial revenues.

To be sure, the soap opera (or the teleserye as it is known in this country) has its unique trademarks and has produced stars who earned over a million followers.

In most cases, teleseryes extend to months and even years.

But as a network’s creative team explains it, teleseryes are now conceived with definite lifespan and are only extended if they gain fanatic followers who will raise a howl if they end just so soon.

For so long now, teleseryes have acquired their own trademarks like the slapping scenes in “Pangako Sa’yo” and the hair-

Young Fil-Am headlines ‘Matilda The Musical’

Nine-year-old Gabby Gutierrez is the first Filipino to play title role in national tour N I N E -Y E A R - O L D G a b b y Gutierrez has more in her plate than just being an ordinary young girl. She is, in fact, playing the lead role in the national tour of the Tony Award-winning “Matilda The Musical”—the first Filipino to do so.

Besting 500 others for the part, Gabby also shares the role onstage with two other young girls—Mia Sinclair Jenness and Mabel Tyler.

Growing up in Springfield, New Jersey, Gabby’s introduction to music and arts was through the piano, which she played for five years. Her piano teacher discovered her talent singing after having her sing the scales in one practice session.

She then went onstage naturally performing in the national tour of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” as Annie Who, and the regional staging of “South Pacific” as Ngana (Papermill Playhouse).

Based on the beloved novel

by Roald Dahlabout, Matilda is a story of an extraordinary 5-year-old girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda Wormwood dares to

Gabby Gutierrez

take a stand and change her Gabby as Matilda own destiny.

“Matilda The Musical” is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Dodgers under the direction of Tony Award w i n n e r M a t t h e w Wa rc h u s , joined by Tony Award-winning playwright Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin.

For more information on tickets and schedule, visit www. shnsf.com.

Photos courtesy of Shnsf.com

pulling scenes in another.

Soap opera heroines acquire a following fit for saints (latest sample “Nathaniel”) while villains are marked for eternal damnation.

This is the (soap opera) fate of the likes of Eula Valdez (“Pangako Sa’yo”) and Gladys Reyes (“Mara Clara”) and John Regala (“Ina, Kapatid, Anak”) to Baron Geisler (“Nathaniel”).

The new face of a marked villain is Albie Casiño who portrays James Reid and Nadine Lustre PAGE B6

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Geneva Cruz to appear in the upcoming concert series of Basil Valdez

By Monet

Lu

For those of you who were born in the 80’s or mid 90’s, you must have danced or sang along with songs like, “Anak ng Pasig, “Ang Gaan ng Feeling,” and the upbeat tune, “I Like You.” If you’ve never heard of these songs, I suggest you check it out

on Youtube.

These chart-topping songs were sung by the young and talented—who is also one of the bravest women in show business—Ms. Geneva Cruz.

I have not met Geneva personally but would sure love to meet her one of these days. This is more likely to happen now, since this gorgeous mommy of two has decided to move to the US last year.

Geneva Cruz, as the name suggests, comes from the famous

Cruz clan. She is one of Tirso Cruz, Sr.’s great granddaughters.

Her cousins include celebrities like Sunshine Cruz, Sheryl Cruz, and Donna Cruz. Rayver Cruz and Rodjun Cruz were also among her fellow celebrity cousins.

Cruz started out as one of the lead singers of the popular group named, “Smokey Mountain.” It was formed by musical director, composer, conductor Ryan Cayabyab and executive producer Judd Berlin. Cruz is among original members, which also included James Coronel, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Tony Lambino. Later, Jason Angangan, Chedi Vergara & Shar Santos joined James Coronel for the second lineup after Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo & Tony Lambino left the group.

Cruz flourished as part of the group as well as a solo artist. She was very first Grand Prize winner (and the youngest) of “The Voice of Asia” in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, Russia in 1992. Cruz’s first solo album, I Like You, went double platinum. The album produced several hit singles, including the title track and “Anak ng Pasig” (from the movie of the same title) in which Geneva appeared. Her second solo album “In the name of Love went platinum and produced hits like “Ang Gaan ng Feeling”

and “In the Name of Love”. Her most recent album was released in August 2013 entitled, “To Manila”.

In 2010, Cruz married MTV VJ KC Montero but their marriage ended after six years. Cruz has an eighteen-year-old son, Heaven, by musician Paco Arespacochaga. On May 10, 2014, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl named London (with her ex fiance).

With everything that went on Cruz’s life, she remained positive and strong – qualities that I truly admire about her. Cruz is very loving, not only to her children.

She also has a heart for animals.

In 2013, she joined the PETA campaign to free Mali, an elephant currently in captivity at the Manila Zoo, and have her transferred to Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand. In 2009, PETA crowned her as Philippines’ Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity.

And now Geneva Cruz is back to entertaining her audience who are living here. She proudly announces that she will be working with the Philippines’ singing legend Basil Valdez, in two concerts.

With her new life in a foreign land, the pressures of single motherhood brought to bear, many wonder how she does it.

In response to that, she said: “Of course, providing for my daughter is the most important thing,” says Cruz. “I know someday I will be able to support her with my talent alone, but as I break into the fast-paced lifestyle and glamour of Hollywood, I know finding fame is more difficult with so much competition. I know that finding fame here is more difficult and challenging anything I have ever experienced.”

Cruz also works at Image Spa MD, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Outside of work, she spends most of her time caring for her daughter and exercising to maintain her near-perfect body and enviable good health to ensure her strength and beauty when she performs.

“Family comes first,” she insists. She hopes her heavy work schedule will be an example for her children as they grow up in the US. “I wish for them to have a better life than I had growing up,” she beams.

Cruz is thrilled to perform live with the famous Filipino balladeer Basil Valdez this month at the Grove at Anaheim on August 8.

She will also join him at the Pala Casino Infinity Theater on August 15. Cruz is looking forward to reintroduce herself to the Filipino-

Geneva Cruz

American community and even prepared a number of new songs for them.

For tickets inquiries, you may visit www.VEntertainment.biz or call Vic Perez at (818) 458-9258. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Programming of Kababayan Today, August 10-14, 2015 The Global Kababayan G. Töngi

August 10 - Author of the novel “Of Love and Virtue,” Carmencita Davino visits the show. She was born and raised in the Philippines and later moved to California in 1981. Davino wanted to write a contemporary love story with the Philippine culture as the backdrop to teach the reader about our culture.

Although the story is a work of fiction, there were references to historical places and events, and Filipino customs and tradition to lend realism to the story. With the Philippines’ close ties with the United States and 400 years of colonization from the Spain, the story reflects these rich facets of our culture, the unique blending of east and west. Watch the show to see exclusive readings of excerpts of her novel.

August 11 - Panel discussion on preserving Philippine indigenous culture and communities. The Philippines is home to over 14 million indigenous communities, a majority of whom are located in Mindanao.

Historically and in present day, indigenous communities in the Philippines are in a continuous struggle to protect their history, culture, and ancestral land. We will be discussing the situation of indigenous people in Mindanao with our four guests who work with community-based organizations here in the Philippines and in the US. Vennel Francis Chenfoo is a youth activist serving as the Deputy Secretary General of BALSA Lanao, a citizen-led response to Typhoon Sendong and Typhoon Pablo and advocacy for climate justice. He

PAGE B2

also advocates environmental campaigns and indigenous peoples’ rights .

Sister Famita Somogod is a Catholic nun and coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao Region (RMP-NMR). She also advocates for indigenous community-based schools that provide free education to underserved areas in Southern Mindanao, Philippines.

Hiyasmin Saturay is an artist and filmmaker born and raised in the Philippines. And is a member of Habi-Arts, an LA-based organization of Filipino artists and musicians using their talents to promote justice and inspire people to work together for social change.

Amirah Ali Lidasan is a Muslim woman leader based in Mindanao and National President of Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Moro People). She attended the International People’s Tribunal in Washington D.C. earlier this month to testify about the human rights situation of indigenous Moro people in the Philippines.

August 12 - Midweek News Updates from Asian Journal and Real Estate Buzz with Mia McLeod.

Business Development Specialist at SIPA, John Swing shares his expertise on planning, strategic

networking, and organizational change management.

August 13 - Watch the Filipino Cultural School students showcase what they have learned throughout the Filipino Cultural School Summer Session with an exclusive performance! Their parents also join in on how the school has helped their children grow in the community.

Easy and healthy to prepare recipes where we make POKE! August 14 - The Philippine Meister Singers join us. The Philippine Meister Singers is one of the Philippines’ most acclaimed choirs today. Under it’s former name, Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) Ambassadors, the Meistersingers have concertized locally and internationally, performing a wide-ranging repertoire of classical, contemporary, and sacred music. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.

Celebrating the 13th annual...

Bagyo

Cambodian Singer Rithy Hanh.

The musical guests all gave stellar performances, but when Bagyo and Geneva Cruz went on stage, the audience grew wild and started dancing. For competitions, there was a Young Artist Singing Champion Competition sponsored by Center Stage Vocal Academy and Jon Paul Puno and the mouthwatering Kare-Kare Demo Hosted by Louis Eguaras, sponsored by Cook for Less Salad Master and Island Pacific Supermarket and hosted by Garie Concepcion.

The Children’s Fashion show gave birth to stage mothers, grandmothers and relatives, outdoing one another. But the Fashion Show by designers Carl Andrada, Mul

Lynne Teal, Ms. Trini Foliente, Consul General and Mrs. Leo Herera - Lim

Tayoba and Lou Razon capped the program, with the most applauded, breathtaking ensembles.

A group of photographers, with the opportunity to work together in collaborating to celebrate the Festival, took these beautiful photos: Andy Tecson of the Asian Journal, Marc Pijuan, Bobby Crisostomo, Jimmy Hernandez, Bobby Saddule, Oscar Arenas, Rick Gavino, Louie Garcia and the ubiquitous Art Garcia to capture the moments of the day.

In 2013, the Philippine Town Inc. (PTI) after 13 years was renamed Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFPC).

Then a quiet, unassuming activist Jerome Esguerra of ANSWE-LA, who abhors war, assumed leader-

James & Nadine flying high...

PAGE B3 the role of Juan Miguel “Jigz” Magtoto in “On The Wings” of Love. He had only registered a few seconds of screen presence when JaDine fans started crucifying him as the imminent kontrabida in the life of the two young OFWs. Indeed, the entry of “On The Wings of Love,” directed by Antoinette Jadaone, has many things going for it.

It is about the trials and tribulations of OFWs in America played

by Isay Alvarez and later, Nadine Lustre.

It has the most welcome presence of James Reid, the FilipinoAmerican disowned by his father for one reason or another.

Thanks to the creative presence of Antoinette, the teleserye doesn’t linger long on the suffering which is the hallmark of soap operas. Instead, it makes something entertaining and admirable about some characters like this durable TNT (Tago ng Tago) superbly portrayed by Cherry Pie Picache. In her hands, the new TNT portrayed by Nadine and the abandoned son (James) make stel-

ship and decided, among his firsts acts was acknowledging Filipino Americans who were genuinely involved with the community, from their different areas of competence. Those individuals are not big time celebrities or people of power and authority, but simple, dedicated men and women.

But why not Jerry Esguerra, mayor of Historic Filipinotown?

Everyone wondered.

Dr. Veronico Agatep explained to us with a smile “mayor denotes a symbolic authority of a municipality or city -- this is just a term of endearment, not a title that flaunts its clout.”

Thank you, Mayor Jerry, for what you’re doing for our community. lar appearances that elicit endless kilig moments enough to keep JaDine fans shouting and cheering during the preview night.

To be sure, the teleserye is first-rate entertainment but it has something very real to say about the state of our OFWs. As one of the characters intones, thisteleserye has “pusong OFW” in every scene episode.

We hope the teleserye retains its good focus and entertaining qualities in the subsequent episodes.

For now, one can say “On The Wings of Love” is headed for wider patronage.

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Wi Spa: an urban sanctuary in the heart of LA Think of a spa and the immediate perception is an air of pretense and privilege that only a select few can indulge in, given the exorbitant prices.

However, if you live in Los Angeles, Korean spas have sprouted up, contributing to the idea that pampering oneself and affordability are not mutually exclusive.

Though the options are abundant, among the best is Wi Spa, known as the “Disneyland of Korean day spas.” While there are no shiny bells and whistles to it, the spa certainly lives up to its reputation as an urban sanctuary, and it’s family-friendly too.

Prior to venturing into a Korean spa, one must understand the significance it plays in Korean culture: a communal place for friends and families to gather, bathe and receive the therapeutic benefits rooted in ancient bathhouse traditions.

Conveniently located in between Koreatown and Downtown, Wi Spa itself is an expansive, multi-level facility (48,000 square feet, to be exact) that blends the bathhouse tradition with the modernity of marble and glass interiors. It is open 24/7, so you can go anytime,

even on a whim.

Enter Wi and the process of unwinding begins. For starters, valet parking is complimentary to relieve you of the stress of having to find parking, especially when there are a lot of guests checked in.

With the $25 admission fee, you gain full access to amenities like a fitness room, pools, showers, saunas, a restaurant, and the rooftop deck. A wristwatch is given as your locker key and form of identification during your stay.

The rush of cramming in the day spa experience and trying out all the rooms is practically gone, as you are welcome to stay for hours on end. There are spaces to lounge in between services and even designated “sleeping rooms” for those who want to doze off in peace.

Wi is divided into genderspecific floors, where the spa and other facilities are located, as well as locker rooms and changing areas. For Korean spa newbies, it’s best to take a shower once you get settled in to wash away the day’s grime (dirt and the tubs do not make a great combination) and to ensure you get the maximum

‘Little Albert’ Maligmat...

PAGE B2 practicing, becoming self-taught and learning music by ear.

“For me, it’s never about the money,” he shared. “I do this because performing is my passion. I have a musical ear. I like to keep my voice and my playing skills well-practiced.”

In 1970, after a few solo stints and moving to Hawaii, another grand performing opportunity presented itself to young Albert.

A variety singing, dancing, and acting troupe, known as the Society of Seven, was gaining popularity in Waikiki. Recognized for his talent (and knowing many of the performers from the Filipino entertainment industry), Albert was commissioned to join the group as one of its original members.

For over 16 years, the Society of Seven performed show tunes, comedy sketches, and impressions in various hotels and resorts for both locals and tourist audiences in Waikiki.

“It was the ultimate entertainment experience, and I loved every minute of it,” Albert said.

In 1992, Albert Maligmat left the SOS in pursuit of a solo career later joined by younger brother Eddie, whom he has been touring and performing with ever since.

His band has performed in Las Vegas, opening for Steve Wynn in various hotels, and full-time

in Hawaii with the Paradising Company, as a headlining act at weddings and conventions in the Hilton Hawaii Village and Waikiki Sheraton Hotel.

“The best thing about what I do is putting smiles into faces, connecting with the audience.

And after the shows, when people come up and say my music touched and uplifted them,” Albert remarked. “It’s not about me. It’s about the audience, who I’m playing for.”

“This is what I do. I entertain, I play music, and I put smiles on people’s faces. It has been a wonderful 60 years.” *** Presented by the Stonebridge Entertainment Group, “Little Albert” Maligmat will be performing alongside a variety of talent on Saturday, August 22nd, at the Stonebridge Music Festival held at the La Mirada Performing Arts Theater in La Mirada, CA. The highly-anticipated event will also feature Hawaii’s musical virtuoso Willie K, and the professional Latin rock group Corazon de Leon, playing a tribute to the Spanish-style music of Santana alongside Albert. For more event information and tickets, please call (310) 627-7272 or visit www. stonebridgeentertainment.com.

Showtime on August 22 is at 7:30pm, and all seating is reserved.

benefits of anything you decide to do, like sweating it out in the sauna. Outside the bathing areas, you’ll find changing rooms, complete with vanities and toiletries.

And take this as a fair warning to expect nudity from guests of the same gender, but any judgments and awkwardness should be left at the door.

If you want to treat yourself further, the spa offers a menu of body treatments at the fraction of the price tag you’d find at a spa elsewhere in the city. Better yet, if you purchase a treatment worth $110 or more, the entrance fee is waived. The usual spa treatments, like acupressure massages, facials, manicure/ pedicure, can be booked by reservation. But one must try the full-body scrub, perhaps Wi’s signature offering.

Based on the traditional Korean technique of buffing, the

scrub entails a procedure of sloughing off dead skin cells with an exfoliating towel, as you lie down on a table and get doused with water every so often. It may take a few minutes to get accustomed to the intensity, but the person (of the same gender) administering the service repeatedly asks you if you’re doing fine. The service can last 35 minutes ($30) or can be reserved as a $90 package complete with the scrub, aroma oil massage, a face mask and hair shampoo, which all lasts for 90 minutes. Depending on one’s pain tolerance, the impression afterward may vary, but you’ll feel cleaner after the dead skin is washed off to make way for the lasting effects of radiating, supple skin.

On the co-ed floor (called the Jimjilbang, which translates to “bathhouse”), guests are required to wear the yellow T-

shirt and khaki shorts received upon check-in. There you’ll find families and couples convening at one of the five specialty sauna rooms, noshing on Korean cuisine staples at the full-service restaurant, or taking in fresh air on the rooftop deck. The floor also features a kid’s area, a library and computer room.

It’s worth noting that the five sauna rooms—Bulgama, Salt, Clay, Jade and Ice—boast unique characteristics that contribute to the detoxification and healing powers. The Bulgama is set at 231 degrees, inviting guests to lie down somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes to sweat out toxins from the body; Salt features minerals to purify and strengthen the body; layers of clay improved from Korea are placed in the Clay sauna to aid in lymphatic stimulation and heavy metal detoxification; the Jade room is hot to relieve any tension

and stress; and the Ice sauna is recommended to end your visit to cool the body’s temperature, tighten the skin and improve circulation.

If you felt like you’ve detoxed enough from technology, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building to bring you back from your moment of zen, as are TVs in lounge areas.

Before you leave, don’t forget to take another shower and close out your tab. Whether you stay for an hour or the whole day, it’s nearly impossible to not feel rejuvenated and make you itch for another visit. Good thing, Wi won’t leave holes in your wallet. (AJPress) Wi Spa is located at 2700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057 (on the corner of Rampart). Visit http://www.wispausa. com/ for more details on spa services and specials.

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Robert Reeves May Zhang & Diza & Nancy E. Miller COMMITTING a crime can get you into a lot of trouble. But entering a plea in criminal court may get you into even more trouble. If you don’t know the immigration consequences of the plea you enter, your troubles may just be beginning. That great deal that kept you out of jail may also get you deported.

That is why the United States Supreme Court has said, in Padilla v. Kentucky, that criminal defense lawyers must either tell their non-citizen clients the immigration consequences of their proposed agreement or instruct them to seek the advice of an immigration attorney.

Mr. Padilla had lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for over 40 years.

He had served in the military with honor during the Vietnam War. When he learned that he faced deportation after pleading guilty to the transportation of a large amount of marijuana, he went back into criminal court to try to withdraw his guilty plea (a process called post-conviction relief). He said that his criminal defense attorney failed to advise him of the immigration consequences of the plea.

He also said that his defense attorney told him that he “did not have to worry about immigration status since he had been in the country for so long.” In fact, Padilla’s guilty plea made deportation a certainty.

He said that, if he had known that, he would have taken his case to trial. When the courts in Kentucky denied his request for post-conviction relief, he asked the Supreme Court to review his case. The Court agreed to review the case and decided that criminal defense counsel have an obligation to advise their immigrant client that the offense to which he is pleading will result in his removal from this country.

The Court held that the impor-

How will your guilty plea affect your ability to stay in the US? tance of accurate legal advice for noncitizens accused of crimes has never been more important.

It recognized that deportation is sometimes the most important part of the penalty that may be imposed on noncitizen defendants who plead guilty to specific crimes. For that reason, a defendant is entitled to the effective assistance of competent counsel before deciding to enter into a plea agreement.

The test for determining whether representation is competent was set forth in a case called Strickland v. Washington.

The Strickland test has two parts.

The first part examines whether counsel’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness.

The second part looks to whether the result would have been different but for the unprofessional error (in other words, was the defendant prejudiced by the incompetent representation). To satisfy this section, a noncitizen will have to convince the court that a decision to reject the plea bargain would have been rational under the circumstances.

The Court did not, however, go so far as to require that criminal defense attorneys become experts in the area of immigration law. It acknowledged that immigration law is complex and that there will be numerous situations in which the deportation consequences of a particular plea may be unclear or uncer-

tain. As Justice Alito said in his concurring decision in Padilla, “nothing is ever simple with immigration law”. Terms such as “conviction”, “moral turpitude”, “single scheme of criminal misconduct” are terms of art and have different meanings in immigration law than in state law. Other concepts in the Immigration & Nationality Act are ambiguous or confusing to attorneys not versed in the intricacies of immigration law. Is someone an alien (or are they a citizen without knowing it)?

What is the difference between being inadmissible, removable or ineligible for naturalization?

Under Padilla, the criminal defense attorney does not need to know the answers to these questions. But the alien trying to avoid deportation must.

The question then for the noncitizen accused of a crime is, how can he best protect himself from a “good” plea bargain that results in his deportation? The immigrant quite plainly must consult an immigration attorney experienced and knowledgeable in the immigration consequences of criminal offenses and convictions and he must do so before he enters into any plea agreement. Ideally, his criminal defense attorney and his immigration attorney should work together to obtain a “deal” that is beneficial from both a criminal defense and an immigration

u PAGE C3

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 8-11, 2015

C

C AUGUST 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. Raymond Bulaon BANKRUPTCY is a bad word every business owner is working hard to avoid.

And, yet, it’s also a tool given to entrepreneurs as an encouragement to take risks and be able to have a fresh start when things don’t work out.

The last few years have been tough for a lot of small business owners. They have seen profits dwindle down and yet their overhead hasn’t changed. If bankruptcy is a thought that may have crossed your mind on either a personal or business level, don’t despair. You are not alone.

Community Journal

Can filing bankruptcy save your small business?

The recession has had a domino effect on small business owners like you. With no access to traditional financing like large businesses often do, a lot of small business owners have increased credit card usage to fund their operations. This is where the dividing line between business and personal liabilities begin to blur at times- when people start using their personal credit for their business. And of course, when the business fails, they may be held personally accountable for the debts that the business has incurred.

Who is liable for the debtsyou, your business, or both? The answer depends on how you’ve structured your business and who guaranteed the obligations of the business. Unfortunately,

for a lot of business owners, the personal guarantee is unavoidable if they’re trying to borrow money for their business.

There are alternatives to bankruptcy for business owners who can restructure their debts, work with creditors and reduce their expenses to stop the bleeding. But sometimes, bankruptcy is unavoidable. The good news is that it is not often as bad as most people think. In this article, I only address how an individual may PERSONALLY address business debts for which he or she may be held personally responsible.

A Chapter 7 may be the way for an individual to relieve himself or herself of debt. Most Chapter 7’s are no asset cases so in a majority of cases, creditors

Atty. Kelly O’Reilly

The importance of properly preparing for immigration interviews

CLIENTS often come in to our office with Hollywood-like ideas of what to expect at an immigration interview. They are usually surprised to hear that immigration interviews are almost completely different from what they have seen in the movies. An experienced immigration attorney will help clients to know what to expect at their immigration interview. This will allow clients to properly prepare for the interview, and to get the results they hope for.

Preparation for the Interview It is important for the client to meet with the attorney and prepare for the immigration interview. Simple steps that should be taken before the interview will help the interview to run much more smoothly. Once an immigration interview date and time is received from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), an appointment with the attorney should be scheduled a week or two prior to interview date with USCIS. This timing allows interview preparation to be fresh in the client’s mind at the actual interview.

Questions and Documentation An experienced immigration attorney will know the types of questions a client will be asked

at the interview. The attorney will also know the types of documents that clients will need to bring to the interview. Originals and copies of certain documents are needed at the interview, as well as identification documents.

Depending on the type of case, your attorney will be able to tell you what documents you need.

One of the easiest ways to cause delays with a case is not brining proper documentation to an interview with USCIS. Importance of Having an Attorney Present Many times, clients are understandably nervous at their immigration interview. So much is on the line, and even seemingly small oversights can cause long delays or even denials of applications. These delays and denials so often could have been avoided with proper preparation and guidance. Being nervous in the interview causes many interviewees to not answer to the best of their abilities, and in some cases, to completely forget which documents they have that may support their cases. However, an experienced attorney can help you and guide you to answer the questions correctly, clarify misunderstandings, and make sure you provide the documents that immigration officers ask for.

Prepare thoroughly for your im-

Problem Solved

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

migration interview and seek the guidance of a licensed attorney.

Spending a small amount of time before your interview, gathering documents and practicing answering questions, goes a very long way in assuring an approval of your application.

At Wilner & O’Reilly, we specialize in immigration law. Here, you can find a team of experienced attorneys who have successfully guided clients through thousands of USCIS interviews.

Our attorneys can help you to know the type of questions that will be asked, and the proper documents which must be provided to have your case approved. Call our office today and schedule a free consultation with us. We have offices in Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and San Diego. *** Kelly S. O’Reilly is a nationally known immigration expert and former immigration officer. He is a highly sought after speaker on immigration and employment compliance issues. Mr. O’Reilly serves as the current chair of the Riverside County Bar Association Immigration section and is a partner in the full-service immigration firm of the Wilner & O’Reilly where he provides free consultations.

Mr. O’Reilly can be contacted at (714) 9198880 and he welcomes email inquiries at kelly@wilneroreilly.com.

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receive nothing. A Chapter 13 is an option if there is disposable income available, and creditors may be paid according to best efforts, usually greatly reducing the total debt amount. Payments are made to a Chapter 13 trustee for 3-5 years and all types of debts including taxes, medical bills, student loans, etc. can be consolidated into one affordable monthly payment.

You should understand that bankruptcy may be a complicated process if you have a busi-

Tax Tips Victor Sy, CPA, MBA and Arlene Al-os, CPA, MBA IF you have offshore bank accounts, should you report the accounts to the U.S. government?

Yes, if the aggregate balances exceed $10,000 at any time during the year. What if you had the accounts before you left for the U.S.? Yes, you should. There are reasons why our government wants to know: combat money laundering, fight terrorism, and avert tax evasion. If you are not guilty of any of these conducts, there is nothing to worry about.

Filing the report causes no harm, no foul. But there are penalties if you don’t. Read on and learn about FBAR. What is FBAR: It’s a Report of Foreign Bank & Financial Accounts on FinCen Form 114 (was Form TD F 90-22.1).

Who Must File the FBAR: A United States person must efile new FinCen form 114 (used to be form TD F 90-22.1) if that person has financial interest in or signature authority over any financial accounts in a foreign country and the aggregate value of these accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year.

Definition of a United States Person: • A citizen or resident of the United States.

• A domestic partnership, domestic corporation, domestic trust or estate.

Definition of Foreign Financial Accounts: • Bank accounts such as savings accounts, checking accounts, and time deposits.

• Securities accounts such as mutual funds, brokerage ac-

Family Law Atty.

Ethelene F. Salas IN the years that I have practiced family law here in Los Angeles, I found that my Pilipino clients have to be briefed about the law and what the law could and would provide for them. They

ness because there are often a lot of issues involved and you have a big stake in the outcome.

So this is definitely an area that you would not want to navigate on your own. Instead, consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible.

If you have found that you are getting close to a time when your debts are becoming unmanageable, contact my office before you stop paying your debts. There may be steps that can be taken short of bankruptcy

that can get your business back on track. Call my office at 866477-7772 to schedule a free attorney consultation. We have offices in Pasadena, Valencia and Cerritos. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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The ABCs of foreign bank and financial accounts (FBAR) counts, and securities derivatives.

• Accounts where assets are held in a commingled fund that is a mutual fund.

• And are located outside the United States, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands Examples of Financial Interest: • John, a US citizen, left bank accounts of more than $10,000 in the Philippines. He must file FBAR. • Same scenario as above except that John is a US resident (not a US citizen). He must file FBAR. Reporting for Joint Accounts: • If two persons jointly maintain an account, or if several persons each own a partial interest in an account, then each U.S. person has a financial interest in that account and each person must file an FBAR. • A spouse having a joint financial interest in an account with the filing spouse should be included as a joint account owner and does not need to file a separate FBAR. • If the filer’s spouse has separate accounts, that spouse must file a separate FBAR for all of the accounts, including those owned jointly with the spouse.

Recordkeeping: FBAR records should be kept for five years from the due date of the report which is June 30 of the following calendar year. The records should contain the following: • Name maintained on each account and number or other designation of the account.

• Name and address of the for-

eign bank.

• Name and address of other person with whom the account is maintained.

• Type of account and maximum value of each account during the reporting period.

Penalties for Failure to Report Foreign Accounts: • You may be subject to civil penalties, criminal penalties, or both if you do not comply with FBAR rules.

• The civil penalty for failing to file an FBAR can be up to the greater of $100,000 or 50 percent of the total balance of the foreign account at the time of the violation. Ouch! *** Sy Al-os Accountancy Corporation provides accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, LLCs and business entities.

The Firm has a niche in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS and other governmental agencies. The firm celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2015. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in 704 Mira Monte Place, Pasadena, CA 91101. He has 50 years of experience in accounting, consulting, and tax work. *** The Firm proudly welcomes Arlene Al-os in 2015. She obtained her bachelors of Science in Accountancy from Mindanao State University and MBA from Ateneo de Manila University. She teaches intermediate accounting at UCLA and was a professor of Economics at Asia Pacific College. She has over 15 years of experience including member firms of KPMG and BDO Seidman accounting firms. *** Our readers may call (626) 744-0200 or email tax questions to info@victorsycpa.com. Please visit our website for about 300 tax tips at www. victorsycpa.com.

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Restraining orders tend to bring their own knowledge of the law from the Philippines and expect that the Philippine law would also apply here in the United States. This is rarely the case.

California state laws are very progressive in the area of family law and tend to be followed by the other states in this country.

That is why it is very important that we Pilipinos know our rights

in this area so that we could plan ahead of time before it is too late.

In today’s article, I would like to discuss restraining orders and their effect.

A restraining order is a judicial order (granted by a judge or commissioner) preventing a person from doing certain things to a “protected person.” One common restraining order is a stay-away

u PAGE C4

Will my divorce reduce my wait time for green card?

Dear Attorney Tan, I AM a Filipino living in Los Angeles. I am a US Citizen who filed an immigrant petition for my adult son in January 2000. At the time when the petition was filed, my son was unmarried and 23 years old. In 2008, my son became married. Due to difficulties in his marriage, his wife is presently in the process of obtaining a divorce in Nevada. Is my son eligible for a green card? --Concerned Parent Answer: Dear Concerned Parent, When you filed the immigrant petition in January 2000, your son was classified under the “First Preference” category, as an unmarried adult son of a US citizen. As a preference category relative, your son has to wait for a visa number to become available before he could obtain an immigrant visa or adjust status to permanent residence. The wait time for visa number availability varies, depending on preference category.

If an unmarried adult son or daughter beneficiary is married before an immigrant visa or green card is issued (i.e. while waiting for a visa number to become available), the beneficiary’s petition automatically converts from a “First Preference” petition to a “Third Preference” petition--a petition for a married son or daughter of a US Citizen.

In your case, when your son married in 2008, the petition that you filed for your son automatically converted to a “Third Preference” petition. As a “Third Preference” beneficiary, your son became subject to a longer wait time to obtain an immigrant visa or green card, compared to when he was classified under the First Preference category prior to marriage.

If a “Third Preference” beneficiary (married son or daughter of US Citizen) becomes widowed or divorced, the petition filed on his behalf automatically converts to the “First Preference” category.

In your case, once your son gets divorced, the Petition that you filed in January 2000 automatically converts back to “First Preference” category. With the automatic conversion, the wait time for a beneficiary is significantly lesser.

Under the August 2015 visa bulletin, immigrant visa and green card applications are being accepted for “First Preference” petitions that were filed March 15, 2000 or earlier. For “Third Preference” petitions, visa and green card applications are being accepted for petitions that were filed on or before August 22, 1993.

Your son would be eligible to apply for a green card immediately upon divorce since USCIS is presently accepting green card applications for petitions filed March 15, 2000 or earlier for those in the “First Preference” category. Until he gets a divorce, as a “Third Preference” beneficiary, your son is subject to an approximate wait time of 6 years before he can get his green card. He would have to wait until USCIS advances the date for the Third Preference category from August 22, 1993 to the date on which you filed the petition for your son (January 2000).

P.S. I warn against getting a “quick divorce” in Nevada if neither your son nor daughter-in-law is a resident there. There are certain residency requirements for a valid divorce decree in Nevada.

Your son will have to present a valid divorce decree to USCIS to show that he is unmarried, and properly classified under the “First Preference.” *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association.

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

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Honest employees who do the right thing are protected from retaliation

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR. ROBERT Wascher, M.D. began working as a cancer surgeon for Southern California Permanente Medical Group (“Kaiser”) in 2009. He was the only specialty-trained cancer surgeon for Kaiser’s 440,000 patients in Orange County. Dr. Wascher expressed concern to Kaiser that non-trained surgeons were allowed to perform complex cancer surgeries resulting in high death rates among patients. He also repeatedly informed management that patient care was suffering due to lack of timely

Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES FOR most professional immigrants that seek long term immigration status in the US, the key to success is finding an employer that would Petition them for an H-1b visa. The problem recently though is the reduction in the visa numbers for this classification that makes this visa unavailable most of the year after the cap has been reached. However, for those immigrants that have either a business in their home country, or have the capital or can raise the capital to establish a business in the US, there is another option for obtaining long term status in the US. This is either through the E-1 “treaty traders” or the E-2 “treaty investors.”

Both classifications required that 1) the alien seeking E status is a national of a country with an appropriate treaty; 2) the US business to employ the alien is owned at least 50 percent by nationals of the same country as the E alien; 3) the trade or investment by the treaty nationals is “substantial”; and 4) the alien seeking E status either is an actual investor in the US business, has an executive or supervisory position in the US business, or possesses skills essential to the US business.

The major distinction between the two is that under the E-1, the US business must conduct “substantial trade” with and for which over 50 percent of the substantial trade conducted with the treaty country. On the other hand, the E-2 requires “substantial investment” in the US business.

The E classification offers several advantages over other

access to surgical services causing long delays in surgeries to critical cancer patients.

Dr. Wascher continued efforts to improve patient care were met with ostracism, ridicule, and threats that he will not be made a partner. He complained to Kaiser’s Human Resources that he was being harassed and retaliated, but HR did nothing to prevent or remedy the situation.

Towards the end, he wrote the medical director explaining his efforts and asking for support in his continuing advocacy for patient care. However, he was instead told that he will not be promoted as a partner at Kaiser, and that he will be terminated

by August 2011. And so he was.

After his termination, he sued Kaiser for retaliation, wrongful

termination, and defamation. He claimed that Kaiser’s conduct caused him extreme emotional distress since he felt responsible for the well-being of his patients.

Kaiser argued that he did not “fit in well” with the department.

A 12-person jury listened to trial testimonies and arguments for 7 days. After deliberating for 3 days, they eventually found in favor of Dr. Wascher on the retaliation and defamation claims, awarding him $1,750,000. They also found that Kaiser acted with malice, which entitles Dr. Wascher for additional punitive damages.

One of the things an employee must prove in a retaliation claim is that the employee engaged in protected activity. Under the law, engaging in “protected activity”

if they end up working for employers who take shortcuts that violate the law (or just violate human decency). In the face of a retaliating employer, what can a lowly employee do? Dr. Wascher, a highly accomplished surgeon himself, characterized his struggle as a “David versus Goliath” scenario. For a lot of employees who are nowhere near his pay grade, this may be the case.

Fortunately, employees have remedies under the law. Employees who prove they were retaliated and wrongfully terminated may recover loss of earnings, emotional distress, and in certain cases, attorneys’ fees and costs, and punitive damages. It would not hurt such employees to consult with an experienced

employment attorney to see if they can use the protections of the law to topple this particular Goliath. !!!

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The E Visa classification as an Proposed expansion of eligibility for immigration option for the provisional unlawful presence waivers business savvy immigrant employment based non-immigrant classifications such as the H-1b and the L-1. First, no prior preapproved petition is required from the CIS. The immigrant may apply directly with the US Consulate. Second, there is no time limit an alien may stay in the US under an E classification.

Third, there is no required affiliation with a foreign company as long as the US business is owned by at least 50 percent by nationals of the alien’s treaty country.

Fourth, there is no requirement that the alien worked with a foreign affiliate. Fifth, the Alien’s dependent Spouse may legally work in the United States. The major disadvantage of the E is that either substantial investment or substantial trade with the treaty country is required.

Also, this is not an option is the alien’s country does not have a treaty with the United States.

Alien investors can come to the US on a B-1 to evaluate business and investment opportunities.

For more conservative investors, a safer option for maximizing success from both an immigration angle and a business angle is to purchase an existing business. Purchasing an existing and profitable business is more likely to satisfy the “substantial investment” requirement. Preparing an E case requires presenting legal and financial documents which reflects the ownership structure of the business as well as its financial condition. In the case of a new business, a well put together business plan should be prepared. It may be necessary to

employ the services of other experts such as a CPA in addition to the immigration attorney. Due to the complexity of the E classification, aliens should seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney.

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, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. ***

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People and Events

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University of the Philippines Mindanao offers 4 full scholarships for college freshmen

FRESHMEN students entering college for academic year 20152016 at the University of the Philippines Mindanao have an opportunity to apply for any of the 4 full scholarship grants being offered in BS Food Technology (2 slots) and School of Agribusiness Economics (2 slots). All 4 scholarships include school fees and monthly allowance for four years for students who meet the grant terms and requirements. Application documents should be submitted to Liza Fulvadora of the Scholarships and Financial Services, Office of Student Affairs, UP Mindanao Administration Building, Mintal, Davao City. For queries, use telefax (082) 2931353, mobile +639-918-4934, and osa.upmindanao@up.edu. ph. Document submission deadline is Friday, August 14, 2015.

The scholarship grant of $30,000 was established by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Chicago (UPAAGC) from the proceeds of Dr. Raul Sunico piano concert in August 2010 under the initiative of Grace A. Villamora, 2010 UPAAGC President, the 2010 UPAAGC Board, and Education Committee. Unprecedented in scope and donation funding, this UPAAGC grant provides a chance of a lifetime for bright Filipino students to finish

means that the employee must complain or oppose a practice which is forbidden by law (e.g. sex, race, or age discrimination).

Courts have held that “protected activity” includes complaints or opposition to conduct the employee “reasonably” and in “good faith” believes to be unlawful, even if the conduct is not actually prohibited under the law. In the case of Dr. Wascher, his “protected activity” was his repeated expressions of concerns regarding the quality of patient care at Kaiser.

A lot of employees go to work believing in their vocation – whether they be doctors, nurses, drivers, sales reps, or caregivers – and they try to do the right thing for their patients or their clients. It is unfortunate

college despite family hardships and displacements in Mindanao.

UPAAGC supports the academic excellence and faculty commitment at UP Mindanao including its renowned leadership in food technology research and agribusiness economics programs in the region.

UPAAGC strives to fulfill its mission to promote and elevate the quality of education at the University. In 2010, UPAAGC also donated $5,000 to UP Los Banos Library, and $6,000 to UP Diliman Institute of Chemistry to help rebuild the labs burned down by accidental fires. To sustain future alumni programs, $12,000 operating funds were left over to the UPAAGC Board for 2011.

In June 2015, UPAAGC’s first batch of scholars finished their 4-

year college education with flying colors: Abbie Glenn Estribillo, BS Food Technology, cum laude, and Yunace Autentico Dayaganon, BS Agribusiness Economics, dean’s list. “The grants provided us with much better future having been the first in our families to finish college. Words cannot express enough our gratitude to UPAAGC. Your generosity is so inspiring and memorable. Salamat po,” excerpted from emails of Abbie and Yunace.

Johanna Segala, 2015 UPAAGC President remarked, “Naiiyak naman ako sa sulat ng mga batang ito. Their progress report letters are so touching. Our concerted efforts in Chicago are richly rewarded.” Johanna invites all UP alumni and friends to visit upaagc.org for upcoming events and program. ■

How will your guilty…

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standpoint.

To the alien who says “why should I have two attorneys just to deal with this one criminal problem?” The answer is “because you want to be able to legally stay in the United States.” ***

AS you may be aware, the generally refer to beneficiaries USCIS is seeking comments of approved I-130, I-360, I-140 from the public regarding the applications, and to their derivproposed rule on the “Expanative spouses and children. The sion of Provisional Unlawful USCIS stated that to be qualiPresence Waivers of Inadmisfied, the alien beneficiary must sibility” which was published have an immigrant visa case last July 22, 2015 in the Federal pending with the Department Register (copy is s available onof State and has paid the immiline). Deadline for submission grant visa processing fee. of comments on the proposed • Permit the alien beneficiary rule is on 9/21/2015. The USCIS to establish the eligibility rehas emphasized in the notice it quirement of showing extreme issued that “(t)hese proposed hardship to any qualifying relachanges do not take effect with tive (namely, US citizen or lawthe publication of the notice of 8kkp% >n\e[fcpe DXcXpX$JXekfj ful permanent resident spouses proposed rulemaking. When the or parents). As earlier stated, final rule is published, the final rule will indicate currently the qualifying relative for this waiver the date on which foreign nationals may begin to refer to US citizen spouse or parent only. apply for provisional unlawful presence waivers Please note that the alien beneficiary must still under the changes.” In other words, no provision- meet all eligibility requirements under current al unlawful presence waivers are currently being law. The USCIS emphasized in the proposed rules accepted by the USCIS. that “DHS does not propose to change any eligiAt present, provisional unlawful presence bility requirements for a provisional waiver other waivers are only available to specific immedi- than those described in this rulemaking. ate relatives (spouses, children, and parents) of If you are contemplating of filing any immiUS citizens who are in the US and are inadmis- grant or non-immigration application, it is advissible solely due to unlawful presence. If these able to seek the counsel of an immigration lawyer immediate relatives can prove that denial of the to guide you on the intricacies of filing for such provisional unlawful presence waiver will result a petition. extreme hardship to their US citizen spouse or ! ! ! parent, the USCIS will provisionally grant the 8kkp% >n\e[fcpe DXcXpX$JXekfj `j X d\dY\i f] k_\ JkXk\ 9Xi f] waiver application before they leave the US for :Xc`]fie`X Xe[ k_\ @ek\^iXk\[ 9Xi f] k_\ G_`c`gg`e\j% Kf jZ_\[lc\ consular processing of their immigrant visa ap- ]fi X ]i\\ `e`k`Xc `e$g\ijfe ZfejlckXk`fe# gc\Xj\ ZXcc K\c% Efj% )(* plications at their home countries. )/+$,0/+ fi -)- *)0$/)(,% 8kkp% JXekfjË f]ÔZ\ `j cfZXk\[ Xk *+,' Under said rules, the USCIS proposes the fol- N`cj_`i\ 9cm[%# Jl`k\ ()''$(',# Cfj 8e^\c\j# :8 0''('% lowing: ! ! !

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C AUGUST 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Atty. Lawrence Yang

Is $54K a year for children’s private school tuition grounds to dismiss Chapter 7?

SECTION 707 (b) of the bankruptcy code is the provision that allows the dismissal of a Chapter 7 case if there is a “presumption of abuse” of bankruptcy law. This is applied to individuals with primarily consumer debts. So if the individual who seeks Chapter 7 relief has primarily business debts this provision would not be applicable. For instance, if Mr. X has $500K of credit card debt which he used to run his home health care business, or his restaurant, or his import distribution business, this provision would not be applicable because Mr. X, although and individual, has primarily business debt.

Even if Mr. X were not a business person, he could still circumvent this provision and avoid the “presumption of abuse” if “the debtor’s current monthly income reduced by the amounts determined under clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv), and multiplied by 60 is no less than the less of (I) 25 percent of the debtor’s non-priority unsecured claims in the case, or $6,575, whichever is greater; or (II) $10,950.” Therefore, even if the individual debtor has a ton of consumer debt, as long as debtor meets his burden under the “means test,” there is no presumption of abuse. Indeed, an individual earning $1.0 M a year who owes $3M of credit card and other unsecured debt can still qualify for Chapter 7 relief and discharge the $3M of debt as long as the net disposable income under the means test shows that the person is running on negative disposable income.

That of course is an extreme example of what is theoretically and legally possible. Normally, debtors who seek Chapter 7 discharge of debts for a fresh start in life have gross incomes between zero and $275K a year.

Although it may be hard to believe, I have clients who are in the $275K or more yearly bracket who are stuck with too much debt. Sometimes, they are hit with a collection of $200K for a 2nd trust deed on an investment property that was foreclosed. Or, they had a family emergency that required them to borrow large amounts, or invested in a business that was losing money and they relied on borrowed funds to

finance the loss for an extended period of time.

What I would like to discuss here is a situation of a high-income earner who spends $54K a year for his four children to attend private school and wants Chapter 7 relief to discharge $80K of credit card debt. In Re Kornfield, debtors in this case were a gastroenterologist and his wife. A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in stomach and intestinal problems. Yes, they ‘re the ones who like to do endoscopies. Hopefully, you and I will never have to see one in our lifetime. They listed current annual income of $276,000. Their statement of financial affairs showed that their income was $404,000 during the year previous to their bankruptcy filing, and $470,000 during the year before that. They scheduled $390,000 in an exempt pension plan, $508,000 in secured debt and $80,000 in unsecured debt.

The trustee filed a motion to dismiss the Chapter 7 case on the ground that debtors had an ability to pay their debts and no factors mitigated against this ability.

In other words, the trustee believed that debtors should be in a Chapter 13, not a Chapter 7.

The bankruptcy court found that the debtors’ extravagant lifestyle was a major cause of their financial problems and granted the trustee’s motion to dismiss the Chapter 7 case. Debtors appealed. The appellate court found that the bankruptcy court acted properly when it considered the propriety of the debtors spending $54,000 per year to send their four children to private school.

Private school tuition has always been a disputable expense factor, because many courts consider private school as a matter of choice and not necessity. This is true. My own children all went to public school from kindergarten to high school, to public university. I don’t think they got shortchanged in any way in the quality of education. And they had to compete to get to the top.

No spoon-feeding. I saw their final exam questions in the sciences in the university, and none of the questions were covered by the professor’s class lectures just because the professor was

Debt Relief

a Nobel peace price awardee for that subject matter. I mean, that is not just tough, that’s totally unfair. If you can ace that kind of exam, you really understand the subject matter. I know this person who went to a name brand private college, got high marks there, and could not get a good enough grade in the professional entrance exam to land him a seat in any professional college in the United States. I also have a friend who graduated from a private name brand US law school, who up to now, cannot pass the CA bar exam. He gave up after twenty attempts. And this guy went to private school all the way from grade school. So, its either our God gave you the talent, or He did not. If you don’t have the God-given talent, you just don’t have it. Find out what kind of talent God gave your child, and your child should excel in that area of human endeavor. Not everyone is cut out to be a brain surgeon, and no amount of private schooling will turn your child into a brain surgeon if God did not give your child that talent. Maybe your child is meant to be the next Steve Jobs who stopped college to set up Apple, now the largest company in the USA, perhaps the world. It’s nearing a trillion dollars. That’s not too bad, isn’t it?

In the United States, public education is really first class, and doesn’t cost that much. I don’t understand parents now who spend $3K a month just so their child can attend a private kindergarten, or a high school that “enhances” the chances of their children getting into name brand universities. Would you believe, my wife’s hairdresser sends his only daughter to a private grade school, and he spends $3K a month for her expenses. That’s more than the rent he pays for his shop. It’s absurd. If your child is intelligent enough and works hard enough, he or she is going to get into the university of his or her choice. If your child is not smart enough, you’re out of luck.

Sorry, by and large, America is still a meritocracy, with some exceptions of course. Further, the appellate court found that the bankruptcy court properly

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

To Live With Faith Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas I SAW a beautiful French Christian film this past weekend entitled “The Apostle”. It’s a story about a young Muslim man named Akim who is being groomed to be an imam (a prayer leader of a mosque). His life turns upside down when he becomes a friend of a Catholic Christian man who helps him get out of a dispute over his bicycle accident with the driver of a car.

As their friendship blooms, the Catholic man invites Akim to attend his child’s baptism.

Despite his brother’s objection, Akim attends the Christian baptism. During the baptism, something extraordinary happens to Akim: the ceremony deeply touches his heart and he becomes thrilled with the Catholic Christian faith. He brings home a copy of the baptismal rite, secretly reads it many times, and gets amazed by the Gospel passages. Days and nights come and he can’t keep thinking about the Christian faith and the words of Jesus. He keeps being drawn to it and to the person of Jesus, especially after he speaks to the Catholic priest to answer him all his questions.

When love destroys religious hatred Like the Apostle Paul, Akim experiences a profound conversion. He decides to embrace the Catholic faith to the great dismay of his family and friends.

His brother gets extremely upset about his conversion until Akim suffers from a brutal attack by some Muslim young men, which leads him to a hospital bed.

Akim’s brother cannot take seeing his brother suffer and keeps on asking who hurt him.

Akim tearfully looks at his brother and then reaches out to him to touch his hand. Akim’s brother finally responds to his gesture and reconciles with him.

At the end of the film, Akim and his brother pray together, each in his own way.

The movie is not only wellcrafted but it’s also beautifully acted out. The actors who played the Muslim family effectively portrayed the grief, conflict, and disapproval over Akim’s conversion. In the end, what touches a person about the film is the deep love between two brothers that no religious differences would ever destroy.

The movie brings relevance to today’s society when we hear about horrific stories of hatred of Moslems towards Christians. It helps us to respect and to tolerate one another’s religious dif-

ferences. After all, what matters most in any religion is the love that we have for one another and the peace that we bring into this world. St. Paul in this Sunday’s Reading is right when he says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice.

And be kind to one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.”

(Ephesians 4:30-32) Let’s continue to pray for peace among many religious groups in this world. Let people of all religions practice not only their love for God but also their love for the whole human race. Let’s be that one family of God that we claim to be! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991.

He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

Filipino-American comedians get laughs for charity in California tour

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – A sextet of Filipino funnymen will be serving up a “laughapalooza” when Ron Josol, Joey Guila, Justin Rivera, Michael Quu, Keith Pedro and Rembrandt begin a California tour to help raise funds for the Apl.de.ap Foundation International next month. After a successful 2014 tour with SOLD OUT shows in Canada, Southern California and Hawaii, the 2015 “Filipino Comedy Tour” begins Thursday, August 27th in San Francisco (with special guest Rad Reyes), then Los Angeles on Friday, August 28th, and a final stop in San Diego on Saturday, August 29th. Acclaimed DJ R1CKONE will accompany the tour to provide some special performance music.

“We are definitely excited for the opportunity to share laughu PAGE C5 ter with our fans and supporters,” said Rembrandt Sabelis, the tour’s producer, “but more importantly, we wanted the opportunity to help our friend Apl. de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas do some good for the sake of the children in the Philippines who need educational opportunities and health treatment.”

The Apl.de.ap Foundation is a project of the Asian Pacific Community Fund, a non-profit 501c3 organization that is committed to empowering Filipino youth not only in the Philippines, but worldwide. The Foundation partners and collaborates with organizations on creative and innovate approaches to arts, technology and health care with the goal to provide the tools to individuals, who are passionate and driven to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others.

Tickets for all performances are available at https://www. eventbrite.com/d/local/filipinocomedy-tour/ the filipino comedy tour c/o PAE Live! Post Office Box 662149, Los Angeles, CA. 90066 The Comics Ron Josol represents a new generation of comedy and one of today’s hottest acts, with his modish comedy style and commanding stage presence. He has taken his comedy around the world having performed in Canada, U.S., Pacific Islands, Persian Gulf, Asia, Central America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

In Ron’s 2nd year as a comedian, he won the coveted Craven A’s funniest Homegrown Competition at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. Since then, he has performed regularly at various Festivals including the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs

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Festival, the International Comedy Fest 2K8, The Orange County Comedy Festival and the LOL Comedy Festival in Hollywood, California. Indubitably, Ron is the most recognizable Asian comedian in Canada and profiled on the Comedy Network, ABS-CBN Asia, Show time Dubai, CBC, Discovery Channel, Echo, Omni 1&2, MTV Canada, and recently the Biography Channel in Canada.

Ron has hosted his own television series on Omni 2’s network called, “FLIP”. He produced, cowrote and starred as the lead of a short film based on his true story entitled, “Rolling Longaniza,” which aired on CBC Zflicks. He has written and performed on Much Music hit shows “Video on Trial” and “Much More Music”.

Ron has taped numerous standup comedy specials including “Ethnical Difficulties” for CBC (nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award) and “Comedy Now”, on CTV/Comedy network. He has been featured in ABS-CBN’s Slanted comedy taped at the San Jose Improv and recently recorded 2 comedy specials produced

by Showtime Dubai. This lead to his first US television appearance on LOL Comedy Festival on Showtime USA and most recently featured on Last Call with Carson Daly.

If laughter is medicine, comedian Joey Guila has the prescription. This San Francisco native brings happiness to any event, just as long as he isn’t paid in rolls of nickels. Joey is a complete entertainer that takes the audience through a journey of Old School and New School with his multicultural style of comedy which hits home for all audiences. Before Comedy, Joey was a licensed cosmetologist working at the Jose Eber Salon in Beverly Hills and voted “most macho eyebrows”. He still laughs at being the only straight Filipino Hairdresser on Rodeo Drive.

In 2003, Joey won the regional “Kings Of Comedy” competition ran by Latham Entertainment who is the founder of “The Original Kings Of Comedy” which include Bernie Mac, Cedric The Entertainer, D.L. Hughley and Steve Harvey. Joey was invited to perform with Latham Entertainment at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood. the filipino comedy tour c/o PAE Live! Post Office Box 662149, Los Angeles, CA. 90066 Joey has done voiceovers for the Nutshack Cartoon and was featured on VH1, G4 Tech TV, Showtime (Pacific Rim Com-

Restraining…

order. This restraining order prevents a person from approaching the protected person. Usually, this means that the person must stay away 100 yards from the protected person. In addition, the person can be ordered from coming near the protected person’s home and workplace. Should this person violate the court order and come near the protected person, that person could go to jail for violating the restraining order.

For example, let’s say my exhusband was devastated from our divorce. He is the jealous type and could not bear to see me with another man. After our divorce, I started seeing someone that I liked very much. In fact, I see this new man nearly every day, enjoying each other’s company.

My ex-husband found out about my new relationship through our mutual friends and contacted me.

He contacted me to tell me that he would hurt me should I continue to see this new man. He further told me that he would carry out this threat and to be scared of him.

Of course, I got scared. What if he does carry out this threat?

What if he does stalk me and would hurt me if he sees me with this new man? I need protection and I need to feel safe again.

Therefore, I sought an attorney the following morning and within a couple of days, the attorney was able to obtain for me a restraining order that could become a permanent restraining order for 3 years.

In that restraining order, my exhusband was prevented from com-

edy with Edwin San Juan) and on HBO with P Diddy’s comedy special. He was recently coastt- coast on the Verizon APAHM Tour and the Headliner on The Filipino Kingz Tour. He has hosted two T.V. Shows on Myx TV called “Thats My Jam” and “Myx Rated”, recently winning a Telly Award. His past guests have been Justin Bieber, PitBull, Boyz II Men, Naughty By Nature, Jason Derulo and Amerie. Joey also opened for Al B. Sure, Black Eyed Peas, The Jabbawockeez and Bruno Mars. When Joey is not on Tour, he enjoys eating rice 4 times a day and watching Brady Bunch in Tagalog. Joey believes he is living his dream and now wants to be the first Islander on Cribs to have a chandelier in his mobile home.

Justin Rivera is a full-time professional magician and comedian from the Magic Castle in Hollywood and the Improv comedy clubs in California, who was recently named a judges’ favorite on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Justin performed at many colleges, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, CA. He has been seen on Fast Track to Fame on the Speed Channel and The Gong Show on Comedy Central with Dave Attell and Adam Corolla. Justin also opened for headlining comedians Jo Koy, Russell Peters, Rex Navarrete, and Edwin San Juan.

People may have seen Keith Pedro on “Degrassi” or MTV or even heard him on CBC Radio, but this high energy comic has been touring all across North America ripping stages and cities in his path! He is currently one of the cast members of Much Music’s “Video on Trial” and also writes and performs sketch comedy with the edgy Toronto sketch troupe “The Boom.” Watch out, this pack-a-punch comic with his witty punch lines will give the audience a free abs workout!

Born and raised on Long Island, Michael Quu (pronounced Q), started his comedy career in New York City. Michael honed his skills at clubs and open mics winning several local comedy contests before finally moving to Los Angeles where he quickly became a club favorite. Full of energy, Michael delivers huge laughs with quick paced stories about his personal life and quirky observations. He can be seen regularly Monday night’s at The Comedy Store Main Room in

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ing 100 yards near my home and workplace. Moreover, I obtained a restraining order preventing my ex-husband from communicating with me. He cannot call me anymore. After going to court and obtaining the restraining order, I feel safe. In addition, should my ex-husband come near my home or workplace, I could have him arrested for violating the restraining order. *** Ethelene F. Salas, Esq. is a practicing family law attorney. Ms. Salas is a Filipino-American born in the Philippines, raised in the United States, and speaks Tagalog fluently. The Law Offices of Ethelene F. Salas is located at two locations – the main office at 100 N. Barranca St., Suite 700, West Covina, CA 91791 and affiliated offices at 18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 700, Cerritos, CA 90703. To schedule an appointment with her, please call (626) 858-4646 or visit www.EFS-Law.com.

(Advertising Supplement

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

People & Events

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 8-11, 2015

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Filipino-American comedians get…

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Hollywood on the Comedy Madness show.

Michael is also the creator of the highly reviewed, national touring Full Throttle Comedy Show. the filipino comedy tour c/o PAE Live! Post Office Box 662149, Los Angeles, CA. 90066 Born in Toronto Canada, Rembrandt was discovered in 1991 at a local Canadian talent search that brought him to Los Angeles to compete in an international competition. Rembrandt drew interest from many Hollywood agents and decided to move to Hollywood. Rembrandt’s career in the entertainment industry

took off in 1992 when he landed the series regular role of Lucky London on the syndicated TV show Superhuman Samurai Syber Squad, followed by appearances on Beverly Hills 90210 and Boy Meets World, just to name a few. In 1996 with his career at its highest point, Rembrandt walked away from the industry for personal reasons. After 18 years away from the entertainment industry Rembrandt is back with a new look and passion as he enters the stand-up comedy scene. With edgy comical views from his days of being a child star. To walking away from it all, marriage, divorce, kids and

becoming homeless. Rembrandt brings laughter through a very unique first person prospective of family, fame, fortune, and hitting rock bottom…transforming his pain into laughter.

Rick Dixon, a Filipino American p/k/a R1CKONE of 3013 Music Group, is a world class DJ and Music Producer. Once becoming the DJ for an underground Hip Hop group called Blood of Abraham in 199,9 he met his biggest influences in music and within the circle of the whole Black Eyed Peas family. Polo Molina of Grassroots and BEP management gave R1CKONE his first shot in the LA circuit. From

Is $54K a year for children’s private school…

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considered the debtors’ exempt assets in reaching its conclusion.

But as an aside, here in CA, retirement accounts up to a $1.0M are exempt and are not used against the debtor. I had a client who had $980K in his IRA rollover, and another client who had $600K. Both were granted a Chapter 7 discharge. A totality of circumstances test is relevant

in each case. Indeed, a debtor can have very high income but still obtain a Chapter 7 discharge depending on the circumstances affecting his or her case. Thus, there is a need for debtors to see an experienced bankruptcy attorney.

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will nev-

er leave you nor forsake you.”

Joshua 1:5 *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803.

(Advertising Supplement)

Rembrandt

Ron Josol

that day, R1CKONE has deejayed for the Oscars, Grammy’s, A-list celebrities, network/corporate events for fi lm, TV, shoe, clothing companies and had residences worldwide. With his skills and knowledge of music, he was chosen to be the exclusive DJ for Fred Segal in Santa Monica, the DJ for will.i.am’s line “I.Am” clothing, and even taught the fundamentals during after school programs in conjunction with the Black Eyed Peas Peapod. R1CKONE was mentored by and learned the craft of making music by years of studio sessions with Monroe “DJ Motiv8” Walker and will.i.am. Since becoming a Music Producer, he has worked with some of the most influential people in the industry. He helped craft the sound for hits like “Hey Mama” by the Black Eyed Peas; and “Paper Doll” by Sharon Little

Joey Guila

Justin Rivera

where he worked with legendary producer Don Was (The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan).

The 3013 Music Group works collectively include artist and corporate companies such as Amber Riley, Apl de Ap, Black Eyed Peas, Blood of Abraham, Cody Longo, Corey Feldman, Crazy Town, Don Was, Drew Seeley, Fergie, Flo-Rida, Justin Timberlake, Kaya Jones (Pussycat Dolls) KRS-ONE, Macy Gray, Madcon, Maxim of Prodigy, Mc Lyte, Phife (A Tribe Called Quest), Seth “Shifty” Binzer, Tino Coury, Too Short, T-Mills, T.I., R. Kelly, Sharon Little, The Randies, will.i.am, W3 The Future, CBS, Disney, Nickelodeon, Pepsi, the filipino comedy tour c/o PAE Live! Post Office Box 662149, Los Angeles, CA. 90066. *** The Filipino Comedy Tour In support of The Apl.de.ap

Keith Pedro

Foundation International Thursday August 27 SAN FRANCSICO, CALIFORNIA at 8:00pm Pa’ina Lounge 1865 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115 Friday August 28 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA at 8:00pm and 10:00pm Shaky Town Live 5010 Lankershim Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91601 Saturday August 29 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA at 8:00pm and 10:00pm The Comedy Palace 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123 Get your tickets now at http:// www.eventbrite.com/o/the-filipino-comedy-tour-8245669457 or by contacting Rembrandt at Rsabelis@gmail.com or call 818 306 8168. n

C AUGUST 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

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& Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ

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Los Angeles agrees to return ownership of Ontario airport

by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

FOLLOWING a three decadelong legal battle, Los Angeles has agreed to relinquish struggling LA/Ontario International Airport and return it to the city of Ontario.

The deal, announced Thursday, Aug. 6 by the mayors of both cities, calls for Ontario to pay Los Angeles World Airports $190 million as reimbursement for its investments in maintaining and improving the facility and job protection for the airport’s 182 employees.

The Ontario International Airport Authority, which will operate the facility upon completion of ownership transfer, will also incur airport debts, bringing the

cost of the deal to approximately $250 million.

Before the agreement is finalized, both LA and Ontario city councils, airport authorities and the Federal Aviation Administration must approve.

“I have supported the transfer of ONT to local control since my first day in office and I am thrilled that we can stop litigation and focus on a partnership that expands Southern California’s commitment to superior air travel,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, according to The Associated Press.

Los Angeles began operating in the Ontario Airport in 1967; in 1985, the Inland Empire city gave ownership to LA under the condition that officials put forth their best efforts to bring airlines G8>< ;)

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PAL to launch Cebu-LA flights in March 2016

by MIGUEL

R. CAMUS

Inquirer.net

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines will launch direct flights between Cebu and Los Angeles, USA, on March 15 next year, a move that increases connectivity while helping ease congestion in Metro Manila.

The announcement was made months after PAL revived flights between Manila and New York as it sought to expand in the US. The expansion started after the US Federal Aviation Administration in 2014 restored the Philippines’ Category 1 safety rating after a downgrade six years before.

“Our customers in Visayas and Mindanao have long clamored for direct flights between Cebu and the US due to the travel convenience this will bring,” PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista said in a statement.

“One can simply take a short

hop to Cebu from any point in the Visayas and Mindanao and connect to Los Angeles, instead of flying all the way to Manila,” he added. “Foreign tourists and our kababayans in the United States will benefit from the flexibility of choice in terms of flights to and from the Philippines.”

PAL said the new service would start on its 75th founding anniversary. The thrice-weekly service will use the 254-seater bi-class Airbus A340 with 36 lie-flat seats on business class and 218 seats on regular economy.

The flag carrier operates 35 weekly flights to mainland US and two US territories combined.

From Manila, PAL operates 11 weekly flights to Los Angeles, 10 weekly flights to San Francisco and four weekly flights to New York. PAL has five weekly flights each to Guam and Honolulu. The new US service from Cebu will bring to 38 the total number of frequencies to the US per week.

Samsung, Nestlé top brands in PH

by KATE

PEDROSO Inquirer.net

CONSUMER electronics giants Samsung, Sony and Apple, global food and beverage giant Nestlé and sportswear company Nike are among the top brands in the Philippines, results of a survey developed by Campaign AsiaPacific in partnership with global information and insights provider Nielsen showed.

Campaign Asia-Pacific’s report is part of a regionwide study dubbed “Asia’s Top 1000 Brands,” where respondents were asked to name the best brands in 14 categories, including automotive, retail, restaurants, food, consumer electronics, financial services, media and telecommunications, travel and leisure, and household and personal care.

Samsung is the top brand across Asia, according to the

study, which covered the Philippines, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

“Despite a 39-percent drop in its first-quarter year-on-year profits, Samsung still triumphs in the perception of Asian consumers. It remains the leader of our Top 1000 Brands ranking for the fourth year running and remains the top brand in all markets except Japan—where it falls well outside the top 100—and Taiwan and Vietnam, where it comes fourth and second, respectively,” Campaign Asia said in the report posted on its website.

In the Philippines, the top brand is Samsung, which retained the number one spot. It was followed by Nestle, which rose from fourth place last year. Retaining G8>< ;)

Business Quote of the Week “In business, one of the challenges is making sure that your product is the easiest to experience and complete a sale.”

- Mark Cuban, Billionaire Internet Entrepreneur and professional basketball team owner

WHENEVER a person commits fraud in obtaining an immigration benefit (such as entering the US under a different name, using bogus documents, applying for benefits to which they are not entitled, etc.), the person is typically required to file a Form I – 601, waiver of inadmissibility, or fraud waiver. To be eligible to apply for a fraud waiver, the person must demonstrate he or she has a US citizen or green card holder spouse or parent (called “qualifying relatives”), and the qualifying relative(s) would suffer “extreme hardship” if the fraud waiver is not granted or approved.

Immigration cases and memos describe the various factors which could demonstrate extreme hardship. Among the strongest factors are the mental and physical condition of the qualifying relative. The more depressed or sickly the qualifying relative is, the stronger the case.

Recently, my office had a very

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A very diffi cult fraud waiver victory

challenging fraud waiver case.

Years ago, a Filipina entered the US as a visitor under a different name. She later married a US citizen, who wanted to petition her, but because she entered under a different name, she would need to file a fraud waiver. However, the husband was a very wealthy, successful, healthy, emotionally-stable psychologist, and therefore, most of the traditional hardship factors would not apply to him.

A qualifying relative typically goes to a clinical psychologist for evaluation, to confirm or evaluate their mental condition and extreme hardship.

In this case, the husband who was a psychologist, diagnosed himself, and concluded he was not suffering from any severe or clinical psychological ailments. He pointed out that he was not going to go to a colleague or competitor seeking evaluation or treatment. Moreover, it would seem ironic that a psychologist, whose job it is to treat people for these conditions, was not able to treat himself? That would be like an immigration lawyer with visa problems: shouldn’t they know how to solve it themselves?

Our office was still able to gather information about his life, background and present circumstances, and we were able to develop a case where there were other aspects and factors in his life, demonstrating his reliance or dependence upon his wife, and he would be affected (or suffer from extreme hardship) if the fraud waiver was not granted.

He testified that he needed his wife, and would be in bad shape emotionally if she were deported. She was his “shoulder to cry and lean on” for support.

At the wife’s adjustment interview, while the officer read the husband’s declaration, he still wanted to hear directly from the husband about his various hardships. The result: case approved!

I want to be clear that I am not providing any kind of “guarantee” concerning the success or results of anyone’s case. But my point is that if a person is required to file a Form I– 601, it is still possible that even if they do not meet all the traditional or listed extreme hardship factors, there may be other facts and circumstances that can be de-

veloped and packaged to make the qualifying relative’s situation appear like a tear—jerking TFC teleseria. And while I’m not saying everyone’s fraud waiver will be approved, if this situation applies to you, you may want to seek the assistance of an attorney, who could thoroughly evaluate your situation (and your qualifying relative’s situation), to see if there is extreme hardship. *** D`Z_X\c A% >liÔeb\c `j c`Z\ej\[# Xe[ Xe XZk`m\ d\dY\i f] k_\ JkXk\ 9Xi f] :Xc`]fie`X Xe[ E\n Pfib% 8cc `dd`^iXk`fe j\im`Z\j Xi\ gifm`[\[ Yp# fi le[\i k_\ jlg\im`j`fe f]# Xe XZk`m\ d\dY\i f] k_\ JkXk\ 9Xi f] :Xc`]fie`X% <XZ_ ZXj\ `j [`]]\i\ek% K_\ `e]fidXk`fe ZfekX`e\[ _\i\`e `eZcl[`e^ k\jk`dfe`Xcj# ÈJlZZ\jj Jkfi`\j#É \e[fij\d\ekj Xe[ i\$ \eXZkd\ekj `j f] X ^\e\iXc eXkli\# Xe[ `j efk `ek\e[\[ kf Xggcp kf Xep gXik`ZlcXi ZXj\# Xe[ [f\j efk Zfejk`klk\ X gi\[`Zk`fe# nXiiXekp# ^lXiXek\\ fi c\^Xc X[m`Z\ i\^Xi[`e^ k_\ flkZfd\ f] pfli c\^Xc dXkk\i% Ef Xkkfie\p$ Zc`\ek i\cXk`fej_`g `j# fi j_Xcc Y\# \jkXYc`j_\[ n`k_ Xep i\X[\i% N<9J@K<1 nnn%^liÔeb\c%Zfd :Xcc Kfcc ]i\\ kf jZ_\[lc\ X ZfejlckXk`fe ]fi Xepn_\i\ `e k_\ LJ1 /-- Ç>LI=@EB<C =fli f]ÔZ\j kf j\im\ pfl1 CFJ 8E><C<J × J8E =I8E:@J:F × E<N PFIB × G?@C@GG@E<J

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Marketplace & Showroom

D august 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Los Angeles agrees to return ownership...

PAGE D1 to the facility.

In the last few years, the airport has experienced a drop in the number of passengers who pass through. In 2007, Ontario saw 7.2 million passengers at its facility; that number fell to 4.2 million in 2012 and 3.9 in 2013, although the passenger count for 2014 saw a slight increase.

Following the decline, Ontario sued, alleging Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which also operates Los Angeles International Airport and Van Nuys Airport, breached the contract and mismanaged the facility.

LAWA, however, denied that it was trying to hurt business at the Ontario facility in favor of LAX, citing the economic recession as the reason for the decline.

The lawsuit was scheduled for trial on Aug. 17 in Riverside County Superior Court.

If Ontario successfully proved its case, LAWA could have potentially paid up to $4 billion in damages. LAWA had been hesitant about letting go of the Inland Empire airport, arguing it had invested much into the facility during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

With the trial less than two weeks away, Mark Austin, a partner at Costa Mesa-based law firm Rutan & Tucker LLP, told Inland Valley Daily Bulletin that both parties would have had “the clearest picture of how strong their case is.”

“Once the trial begins, the parties are faced with the consequences: ‘I might be hit for $4 billion,’ and from Ontario’s standpoint, ‘We may lose out on this airport,’” he told the publication.

Ontario Councilman Alan Wapner told the Bulletin that he felt the city had a strong case against

Los Angeles and could have been awarded the damages. However, he said he knew Ontario could have also lost, so a settlement was a win for both parties.

“Parties don’t settle unless they are getting something out of it or they are going to lose,” Austin said, according to the Bulletin.

Los Angeles officials priced the Ontario airport between $400 million to $475 million, saying it was a valuable asset; L.A.’s consultants put the facility’s worth between $243 million and $605 million.

Ontario officials, however, said passenger decline put the airport at a negative value, citing a study conducted for Los Angeles that stated the facility is worth $140 million.

The Ontario airport currently has about 60 daily departures by eight carriers. (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Los Angeles Times and The Associated Press)

Samsung, Nestlé top brands in...

PAGE D1

the third spot is Sony, while Apple fell to fourth place, from being second in 2014. Nike was at fifth place, up from the seventh spot last year.

Rounding up the top 10 are LG (6th), Canon (7th), Adidas (8th), Panasonic (9th) and Coca-Cola (10th).

Also on the list of top brands in the Philippines are Internet companies Google (11th), Facebook (19th) and Yahoo! (21st); telecommunications companies Globe (36th) and Smart (45th); oil companies Shell (30th) and

Petron (34th); fast food chains and restaurants McDonald’s (39th), Shakey’s (58th), Max’s (68th), Jollibee (65th), and Pizza Hut (100th); banks and financial services firms BPI (17th), BDO (75th), and Sun Life Financial (83rd); and airlines AirAsia (40th), Philippine Airlines (47th), ZestAir (77th), and Cebu Pacific (91st).

Campaign Asia-Pacific provides insights and intelligence into the ideas, work and personalities shaping the region’s marketingcommunications industry.

Its portfolio includes a subscription-based magazine, web-

site and apps; exclusive conferences including Media360Asia; awards including the Agency of the Year program and Spikes Asia (a joint venture with Cannes Lions); a growing selection of data including rankings of brands, agencies, sectors, people and creative work; and training events including MediaWorks.

The full report on Asia’s Top 1000 Brands can be found at www.campaignasia.com/top1000brands.

The website includes rankings for the whole region and 13 countries.

In this file photo, US President Barack Obama talks with developers of an electric vehicle called Comet. Zero-emission Comets are envisioned to replace gas-guzzling public utility jeepneys on Philippine roads. With Obama are Comet developer Ken Montler (inside the vehicle with Obama), CEO of electric jeep developer Global Electric Transportation (GET); Sigfrido Tiñga, GET president; and Robert Martin of the jeepney federation Pasang Masda.

Inquirer.net photo by Tarra Quismundo

Groups back e-vehicles for public transport

by Amy

R. Remo Inquirer.net

Transport leaders have backed the proposal to use electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable replacement for jeepneys under the public transport modernization program, according to the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (Evap).

In a statement, Evap said a recent meeting on the Jeepney Modernization Program saw a show of support among transport groups, including the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), the Pasang Masda and 1-Utak.

“We want to assure (transport

groups) that the electric vehicle industry is willing and able to support the transport industry’s clean, green and modern direction in public transport. We hope that with proof of concept now evident, they will consider e-jeepneys in their next re-fleeting program,” Evap president Rommel Juan said during the consultation meeting.

Altodap president Boy Vargas noted that they welcomed the use of e-jeepneys, adding that the results of current e-vehicle prototype testing have been highly encouraging.

Fejodap head Zeny Maranan, for her part, said they were open to anything that could help improve the health of their drivers and commuters alike.

“In my experience, I now prefer to live in Antipolo rather than in Metro Manila as my asthma acts up in Metro Manila because of the air pollution. All we want in the transport sector now is for the government to provide funding so that we can afford to replace our old, diesel-fueled jeepneys,”

Maranan said.

Vigor Mendoza of 1-Utak, however, pointed out that while they supported alternative-fueled vehicles and e-jeepneys, their primary concern was how the Jeepney Modernization Program could improve the quality of life of drivers.

“All these technological modernization initiatives will amount to nothing if its effects are not felt on the ground, by the biggest stakeholders in the industry, our jeepney drivers,” Mendoza said.

Evap earlier called on the transport groups and the government to consider electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable replacement for jeepneys and tricycles under a public transport modernization program.

“The EV industry is now ready to cater to the local public transport market. Its members now have the technology and facilities to supply the local public transport sector with cleaner and more modern versions of the jeepneys and tricycles known as the ePAGE D5

CA affirms Tanduay infringed on SMC for use of ‘Ginebra’ trademark

by Tetch

Torres-Tupas Inquirer.net

THE Court of Appeals dismissed the bid of Lucio Tan’s beverage company Tanduay Distillers Inc. (TDI) to reverse its ruling finding them liable for unfair competition and infringement for using San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) “Ginebra” trademark in manufacturing and selling its gin products Ginebra Kapitan.

In a five-page resolution, the appeals court’s special 16th division through Associate Justice Rodil Zalameda said TDI’s appeal failed to raise new issues to reverse the court’s Nov. 7, 2014, ruling.

“Anent the other matters raised

by Tanduay in its motion for reconsideration, e.g. the doctrine of secondary meaning and trademark infringement, clearly, these issues were already exhaustively dissected, analyzed and discussed in our decision. Thus, the very

same issues, being mere repetitions, need not be revisited,” the appeals court said.

On November last year, the appeals court reversed the 2012 ruling of the Mandaluyong court that dismissed the unfair competition and infringement case against TDI. The appeals court said “the mere use of ‘Ginebra’ by Tanduay in its ‘Ginebra Kapitan’ gin products is trademark infringement by itself.”

The appellate court noted that its findings on TDI liability for trademark infringement and unfair competition are consistent with the decision dated Aug. 15, 2013, rendered by the special former 13th division on a similar case involving the same parties.

The appeals court ordered TDI to remove from the market all its gin products marked Ginebra and prohibited it from further using the name in any of its products.

US, UK firms look to invest in infrastructure, PPP deals

by Amy

R. Remo Inquirer.net

Foreign investor confidence in the Philippines remains high as American and British companies continue to explore potential trade and investment opportunities in the country.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), an 11member business delegation from the US was recently in the country to look at the infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) projects offered by the Philippine government.

The economic mission from San Diego, California was composed of representatives from the US government, business development advisory and consultancy firms, as well as companies engaged in the medical, energy, and transport fields.

Trade Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said that there are a lot of PPP projects that investors can participate in. They can help not only in the construction of roads and bridges, but also of schools, hospitals, and prisons.

Audie de Castro, head of delegation and Philippine Honorary Consul of San Diego, added that while there is a huge interest to invest in the country, many of the members also want Philippine companies investing in San Diego.

“As far as I can hear from the delegates and people who are interested, they are asking a lot about the real estate here because real estate is a hot market in the San Diego county. We have heard a lot about how real estate has really improved in the Philippines.

And of course, we have seen Ayala and Megaworld making their ways to Southern California. So, real estate is one of the easier ways to invest in the country,” De Castro explained.

He said San Diego also wants to attract Filipino medical professionals. “I think there is a high level of respect for the medical profession here in the Philippines, and San Diego is a haven for medicine. We have a lot of best medical schools in the country… and have a lot of strong life sciences industry there.”

In a separate statement, the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) said that over 21 UK-based companies have shown interest in investing in the country following the successful conduct of a web-based seminar on how to do business in the Philippines.

According to BCCP, participants in the webinar represented various sectors such as food and beverage, tourism and leisure, software and technology, consulting, export trading, water management and energy.

These UK-based companies are either looking at setting up business in the country or are looking to export their products to the Philippines.

According to BCCP, Board of Investment (BOI) Director Domingo Bagaporo gave an informative discussion on business setups, the Philippine advantage and opportunities in the country.

The BCCP is set to hold another webinar in September focusing on exports.

It is also organizing two trade missions later this year as it hopes to translate the interest of UK companies into concrete investments.

Government officials earlier said that UK-based firms are similarly interested in a number of increasingly lucrative industries in the country such as business process management, aerospace, PPP projects, tourism, and insurance and finance.

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Showroom

WIN Hyundai: Two giant locations to serve you There’s no better place for kababayans to shop for hyundai vehicles than WIN hyundai in Carson, Calif. established in 2011, the young dealership started with the goal of becoming the premiere hyundai dealership. since then, it has lived up to its aim by consistently ranked among the top five dealers in the district. In 2012, the dealership, which is also equus Certified, was also ranked No. 1 in district sales.

WIN is proud to carry hyundai vehicles. On Wednesday, July 22, J.D. Power and Associates ranked the automaker No. 2 among nonpremium automakers in the 2015 Automotive Performance, execution and Layout (APeAL) study.

“Finishing among the top two non-premium brands in this year’s J.D. Power, the APeAL study shows hyundai takes design, technology, features, and performance seriously across the entire lineup. having the best-selling sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a remarkable accomplishment and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at hyundai.

WIN hyundai offers a wide selection of quality hyundai vehicles and extends its offerings across the Los Angeles area with its two locations: one in Carson and another in el Monte. On both sites, customers can find new and certified pre-owned vehicles – including the santa Fe, sonata, elantra and Genesis Coupe – to meet a variety of budgets and preferences. Because the Carson and el Monte locations serve just about anyone and everyone in southern California, its experienced sales representatives are prepared and eager to help customers find the cars that best fit their preferences and needs.

When it comes to purchasing a hyundai, WIN specializes in working with all types of credit, good or bad, and has the ability to refinance current loans.

Additionally, although it sells hyundai cars, the dealership services vehicles of all makes and models and currently has an oil change special of $19.95.

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Beyond the highly-praised brand WIN offers southern California residents, it has departments dedicated diverse groups found throughout the Los Angeles region, including Chinese, Korean, hispanic and Filipino communities.

“We want to make the buying process as easy as possible, so we understand communicating in your native language can be important to completely understanding the purchasing and financing of your vehicle,” said Munir Younis, general sales manager of the dealership.

Younis, who is of Middle eastern descent, grew up in the Philippines and can speak Tagalog fluently, just as the Filipino sales representatives at the dealership.

“We have a dedicated team that serves the largest Filipino community in the U.s. We believe in giving back to the community and have participated in multiple sponsorship opportunities with multiple Filipino groups and organizations, including the Philippine Independence Day Foundation,” he said.

Among Filipino members of the WIN hyundai Carson team include long-time car industry veterans Jun Milan and Jay Trinidad.

“WIN is a great dealership and customer service is the best it can be,” Milan said.

Also on the Filipino team is Franklin Magarro, the dealership’s

internet sales manager.

In addition to its on-location offerings, those shopping for hyundai cars can browse WIN’s inventory online with userfriendly filters. Whether you know specifically what make and model you’re looking for, are trying to shop based on a budget, or simply want to browse through what is available, the dealership website makes it easy to shop around from home. Live chat is also available and sales representatives are happy to assist customers via phone.

The small, privately-owned organization, has created multiple jobs for southern California residents through its two branches and is one of the highest tax-revenue generating companies for the Carson and el Monte.

WIN hyundai is also the designated dealership for national hyundai commercials aired on television.WIN Hyundai Carson 2205 e 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (877) 354-4253 Monday through saturday: 9am to 9pm sunday: 10am to 8pm WIN Hyundai El Monte 3462 N Peck road el Monte, CA 91731 (877) 290-2164 Monday through sunday: 9am to 9pm www.winhyundai.com 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • august 8-11, 2015 D

D august 8-11, 2015 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Showroom

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Investing in condos in the Philippines

What does it take to have your ideal condo in the Philippines? If you ask Real Estate Guru Professor Eric M. Soriano III, Program Director for Real Estate of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, it would have to come down to informed decision-making. Knowing which condos give more value for your money and which developers are credible, are only some of the factors one needs to consider in making the significantly important decision of investing in a condominium.

Thankfully, professional advice is not hard to come by.

Eric Soriano: Real Estate Guru Professor Enrique M. Soriano III, the foremost authority in the Philippine real estate industry, is going to hold a series of investment talks called “Investing in Condos in the Philippines”.

Professor Soriano will talk about investment opportunities in the Philippine real estate industry, growth cities, and the future of investment in the Philippines. The Investment Talks are scheduled to be held at Embassy Suites, Glendale, CA on August 12, 2015 and Pacific Asian Plaza, Las Vegas, NV on August 15, 2015.

The investment talks will be the best opportunity for anyone who wants the best professional advice for their investment plans.

Professor Soriano is a known personality in Philippine real estate, with his 28 years of exemplary marketing experience making him one of the most often-cited

real estate experts by Philippine news agencies. With a portfolio including being the Founder and President of AA Real Estate (Advisory Asia), Senior Advisor for Wong+Bernstein Business Advisory, a Certified Professional Marketer (CPM) and a National Agora Awardee for Excellence in Marketing Education, Professor Soriano’s professional investment advice is highly regarded by prospective investors who are looking to acquire assets in the Philippines.

Developing with Integrity Supporting Professor Soriano is PHINMA Properties, a respected Philippine Real Estate Developer known for providing quality-assured, affordable condominiums for 29 years.

As a company committed to integrity, PHINMA Properties actively assists its clients in making informed investment decisions through Financial Awareness programs and Real Estate Investment Presentations. Aside from upholding ethical business practices, the company believes that empowering its clients with financial and investment education is the key to making business inclusive and the means by which it becomes nation-building.

The consistently exemplary quality of PHINMA Properties’ projects have merited recognition from industry professionals. Its affordable luxury development ASiA Enclaves Alabang is the winner of the Best Affordable Condo Development (Manila)

Professor Enrique M. Soriano

Award from the 2014 Philippines Property Awards and the Highly Commended Best Condo Award (Philippines) from the 2014 South East Asia Property Awards.

Recently, PHINMA Properties’ Arezzo Place Davao, its first development in Davao City, was awarded the Highly Commended Best Condo Award (Davao) by the 2015 Philippines Property Awards.

The company is the first and only triple-ISO certified developer in the country with certifications in quality, safety and management.

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Japanese firm sole bidder for delivery of e-trikes

by Louise

Maureen Philstar.com

Simeon

M A N I LA — J a p a n e s e f i r m Uzushio Electric Co. Ltd. emerged as the sole bidder for the supply and delivery of 3,000 electricpowered tricycles (e-trikes) after four other bidders failed to meet certain requirements.

Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos said Mulan Electric Vehicle Co. Ltd. of China, TECO Electric and Machinery Co. Ltd. of China, Camec JCB Corp. of the Philippines and Invenic Inc. together with its Chinese partner Jiang Siu Hansen Motor Co. Ltd. were unresponsive on certain requirements such as bid security which is an essential part of the bidding process.

The Japanese company’s fi-

nancial bid amounted to $34.6 million for the 3,000 e-trike units and P364.17 million for other related after-sales services including battery warranty, unit warranty and comprehensive insurance among others.

“Included in the bid is the fiveyear after-sales services because we want the sustainability of the project,” Marcos said.

Uzushio Electric manufactures, sells and installs landbased equipment for building, factories and various facilities such as power and network system facilities.

The Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) evaluated the technical bid proposals of the bidders submitted last May. Meanwhile, Marcos said results of the evaluation of

Uzushio Electric’s proposal will be released by the end of the month.

The 3,000 units of e-trikes will be used in Metro Manila and in Region 4 A and B (Calabarzon and Mimaropa) as a cleaner transport solution for the country.

“We believe in its direct contribution to energy sustainability by making available environmentalfriendly alternative energy technologies that are also accessible to the public,” Marcos said.

DOE added that the five-year e-trike program will help the government save over $100 million in fuel imports annually, reduce the transport sector’s yearly petroleum consumption by 2.8 percent and achieve 79 percent carbon footprint avoidance.

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Hacked Jeep: cybersecurity flaws in connected cars

by Aida

Sevilla-Mendoza Inquirer.net

TOO MUCH of a good thing can be bad. The web-connected infotainment systems of new automobiles are becoming more advanced, and consequently, more vulnerable to hacking.

Last month, it finally happened in the United States, according to The New York Times.

Two respected security researchers, Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, hacked wirelessly into a Jeep Cherokee through its dashboard connectivity system and gained control of the engine, the brakes and the steering aside from the radio and air-conditioning.

This forced Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall 1.4 million vehicles last July 15.

Staff specialists of the NHTSA and the automaker held a series of discussions as they tried to grasp the full scope of the breach.

The NHTSA was alarmed that the hacking could allow someone to deliberately crash a vehicle.

Congressmen demanded action to root out and guard against cybersecurity flaws in other cars that could pose a similar danger.

Forewarned Miller and Valasek had earlier forewarned Fiat Chrysler that they planned to make their findings public.

Other Chrysler cars and trucks using the same system, Uconnect, are consequently also vulnerable to hacking.

The recall affects certain vehicles with 8.4-inch touchscreens from the 2013 model year onward, including some Jeep Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, Chrysler 200 and 300 sedans, and Dodge Durangos.

Fiat Chrysler software specialists immediately made a patch available to plug the hole; affected owners will be sent a USB drive they can plug into their vehicles to install

Two respected security researchers, Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, hacked wirelessly into a Jeep Cherokee through its dashboard connectivity system and gained control of the engine, the brakes and the steering aside from the radio and air-conditioning.

an update to block the hacking vulnerability. The update can also be downloaded directly onto a portable drive.

Miller and Valasek have been hacking away at various cars over the last two years, trying to find a way to control them remotely.

They plan to demonstrate this month at the annual Black Hat and Def Con how, after two years of research, they discovered a way to control hundreds of thousands of cars remotely.

In the 2013 Black Hat conference, they described how they could control a Ford and a Toyota by plugging into a diagnostic port that could control steering and speed.

But carmakers told them anyone with physical access to the car could just as easily cut the brakes.

So last year, the researchers bought a Jeep with a stereo head unit connected to the Internet through a hardware chip that provides a wireless and a cellular network connection.

Chip vulnerability The two men discovered a vulnerability in that chip that allowed them to scan the Internet for affected vehicles, hack into the car

stereo head unit, and run their own code. Then they were able to change the radio station and adjust the air-conditioning.

After two months, Miller and Valasek found a way to access another chip in the same head unit that controlled the car’s electronics. From the Internet, they then could control the locks, windshield wipers, speedometer, lights and blinkers, and even engage and disengage the brakes and steering, as long as the car was driving slowly, around six miles an hour or less.

Their research is likely to be one of the first discoveries in a new chapter of vulnerabilities and attacks directed at the Internet of Things, the billions of products, machinery and infrastructure expected to come online in the next five years.

A Verizon report found that 14 carmakers accounted for 80 percent of the global auto market, and each had a connected-car strategy.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Fiat Chrysler said it did not believe that it was responsible for the researchers to disclose the vulnerability to the public.

Groups back e-vehicles for public...

PAGE D2 jeepneys and the e-trikes,” Juan earlier said.

Evap executive director Bodie Pulido earlier assured interested companies and individuals that the group would support those who would help in the promotion and massive use of EVs. “We will connect you with our members. Our main vision is to promote the use of EVs in the Philippines since we believe that

this is possibly one of the better ways to modernize our public transport system. We have found out that it is cheaper for operators to use e-vehicles than regular internal combustion engine vehicles because of the lower power cost and less maintenance,” Pulido stressed.

“However, funding is now a major impediment. We need funders to come in to fund the initial equity needed by the bank to finance a

fleet of EVs. And we also need fund managers to help us make creative schemes to get funding for these EV projects,” he said.

The EV industry needs the support of the government through the passage of the Alternative Fuel Vehicles Incentives Bill into law as this outlined fiscal and non-fiscal incentives that will make EV players based in the Philippines more competitive compared to their counterparts in the region.

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