La Weekend Edition -- April 16 -- 19, 2016

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EApril DIT ION 16-19, 2016

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

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‘US to support PH vs coercion, intimidation’

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Defense Sec. Ash Carter visits warship in Spratlys

by Jaime Laude Philstar.com

ABoArD the Uss JohN C. steNNIs—the United states is committed to backing the Philippines against coercion and intimidation, Defense secretary Ashton Carter said on friday, April 15. the Us official issued the pronouncement before visiting the John C. stennis as the warship sailed close to flashpoint waters of the south China sea and West Philippine sea.

Beijing has reacted defiantly to an American military build-up in the area.

DATELINE

Carter’s trip to the stennis was the latest effort by the Us to show its commitment to maintaining security in the hotly contested waters, where China has rattled nerves by building artificial islands on islets and reefs claimed by some of its southeast Asian neighbors.

Before flying from manila to visit the warship, Carter emphasized the Us would support the Philippines and other allies as they faced “coercion and intimidation.� “We will continue to stand up for our safety and freedoms, for those of our friends and allies,

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Garcetti delivers 3rd State of the City

and for the values, principles and rules-based order that has benefited so many for so long,� Carter said at a closing ceremony for the annual Us-Philippine Balikatan war games. the roughly two-hour visit to the stennis came after Carter announced on thursday, April 14 that the Us had launched joint naval patrols with the Philippines in the sea, as he spoke of growing concern about China’s “land reclamation� and “militarization� of the region. he also said the Us would deploy hundreds of troops, as well as

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Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez (left), the Philippines’ director for Balikatan, and his counterpart Lt. Gen. John Toolan (right), commander of the US Marine Forces in the Pacific, link arms with (from left) Foreign Secretary Jose Almendras, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and military chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri during the ceremony marking the end of the annual joint military exercise at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, April 15.

Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas

Is there ISIS presence in the VP Binay to have Duterte Philippines? Experts disagree probed over summary killings

by HeLen

by Levi

a. So

Philstar.com

mANILA—IsIs on Wednesday, April 13 has claimed responsibility IN his state of the City address, Los Anfor the Basilan attack, signaling its geles mayor Garcetti portrayed the city as presence in the country. “not only strong, it’s getting stronger every But whether or not the terror day.� group has indeed established exthe address was the third by Garcetti istence in the country depends on since he took office in 2013, and he took the who you ask.

Defense secretary Voltaire Gazu PAGE A6 IS in the Philippines allegedly continues to proliferate on the volatile island min said that there is no formal of Mindanao, where decades-long conflict still persists.

SF Board of Supervisors unanimously approve resolution forming Filipino Cultural Heritage District

sAN frANCIsCo—the san francisco Board of supervisors on tuesday, April 12 unanimously adopted a resolution establishing a filipino Cultural heritage District in the city called soma Pilipinas. the resolution also recognizes the historic contributions and leadership of the filipino community in san francisco.

ManilaTimes.net contributed photo

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conStante AJPress

by Janvic

mateo Philstar.com

After an achievement-filled 20-year career, Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant stepped foot into the staples Center on Wednesday, April 13 for the final basketball game of his professional career. throughout his career, the Black mamba set a number of

Pulse Asia research director Ana maria tabunda noted the fluidity in the survey results of the presidential bets since the start of election season. she also noted that the other bets have trained their guns on Duterte in recent days and this may affect his numbers.

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DIPoLoG CItY—If elected president, Vice President Jejomar Binay said on friday, April 15 he would create an independent commission that would investigate the summary executions by the so-called Davao Death squad reportedly led by presidential front-runner Davao City mayor rodrigo Duterte.

Binay, standard-bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance, made the statement following pro-

nouncements from Duterte’s ally, sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, that the Vice President would be the first “big fish� to be sent to jail if the tough-talking mayor wins the presidency in may. “If I become president, as a lawyer, I will make sure that the Davao Death squad, including mr. Duterte, who has repeatedly admitted that he is the Davao Death squad, will be punished,�

Binay said in a press conference.

Duterte, known for his iron-fist

Pulse Asia: Still a four- Kobe scores 60 points in farewell game way race for president

mANILA—Despite the recent surge in survey ratings of presidential candidate Davao City mayor rodrigo Duterte, an executive of pollster Pulse Asia still believes that the upcoming elections will u PAGE A4 be a tight race.

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A APRIL 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

‘US to support PH vs coercion...

PAGE A1 t warplanes, to the Philippines.

China claims nearly all of the strategically vital sea, even waters close to its Southeast Asian neighbors, and has in recent years built the islands in an effort to assert what it insists are its sovereign rights.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims to parts

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From the Front Page

of the sea, which is home to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes and is believed to sit atop vast oil and natural gas reserves.

China built the islands on reefs in the Spratlys archipelago, which are close to the Philippines and Malaysia, as well as airstrips capable of accommodating military Philippine Navy Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez and Lt. Gen. John Toolan of the US Marine Forces aircraft. in the Pacific, the joint directors of Balikatan 2016, shake hands at the conclusion of the war China in 2012 also took control games at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, on Friday. Behind are Pentagon chief Ashton Carter (left), Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri.

Inquirer.net photo

of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal just 220 kilometers from Zambales. The shoal is 650 kilometers from China’s nearest major land mass.

Carter visited the Stennis, along with journalists, after making a short flight to the carrier from Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan.

“With each Balikatan and each cruise by the Stennis, with each new multilateral exercise and each new defense agreement, we add a stitch to the fabric of the region’s security network,” Carter said in

prepared remarks earlier. “This is the network – peaceful, principled and inclusive – America continues to stand for, and stand with.”

“Together you rehearsed maritime interdiction operations so we can respond more quickly to threats at sea and together you simulated the recovery of oil and gas platform for possible forces in the South China (Sea),” Carter said in a speech addressed to troops at the closing ceremonies for Balikatan.

“Through it all, you made our

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Is there ISIS presence...

PAGE A1 t ISIS organization in the Philippines during a joint press briefing with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on Thursday.

“The group in Basilan is trying to organize and be affiliated with ISIS. But so far our information says that there is no formal ISIS organization here in the Philippines,” Gazmin said.

Carter backed his Philippine counterpart saying that what is happening in the country might be in line with the “worldwide phenomenon” where existing terror groups affiliate themselves with ISIL, the term used by the US Defense department to refer to ISIS. “That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important that ISIL be destroyed in Syria and Iraq, which I’m confident we will do with our coalition partners. And that will demonstrate that there is no such thing as an Islamic state base upon this hateful ideology,” he said.

Statement has ‘strong flavor of ISIS accent’ Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokes-

man of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), which is on the ground in Basilan, dismissed the claim in the Reuters report as mere propaganda to make it appear that ISIS was behind the attack.

He even questioned if the source of the report was really ISIS. What made the claim questionable was its inconsistency with their information on the ground, Tan said. He said that the number of fallen troops remain at 18 and not 23 as claimed by ISIS in the Reuters report.

He also said that ISIS failed to name the people involved in the attack or if it has links with them.

The number claimed by ISIS to have killed was even higher in its first official communique on attacks in the Philippines.

In a tweet posted by SITE Intelligence Group it said that ISIS claims to have killed nearly 100 troops in ambushes.

This exaggeration, however, is consistent with ISIS language, an international terrorism expert said.

“ISIS always exaggerates their claims because ISIS wants to galvanize potential recruits to show that it’s winning,” Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, said in an interview over ANC. “Certainly the statement has a strong flavor of ISIS accent and propaganda.”

Shift in allegiance Gunaratna said that the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan led by Isnilon Hapilon is no longer under Radullan Sahiron, the most senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf.

It has “pledged allegiance to (ISIS leader) Abu Bakr al-Baghdad… so the Basilan section of Abu Sayyaf… is directly reporting to Syria and that is why ISIS claimed this attack,” he explained.

Gunaratna noted that the Philippine government should be concerned by the statement, especially with the creation of an ISIS nucleus in Basilan.

With Moroccan bomb expert Mohammad Khattab among the at least five killed on the side of the Abu Sayyaf, Gunaratna said the government should implement border control and look into banning foreign nationals from entering areas dominated by local extremist groups.

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From the Front page

VP Binay to have Duterte probed...

PAGE A1 t leadership in Davao City, is linked to the DDS, a vigilante group believed to be behind the killings of criminals in the city.

To comprise the commission, Binay said, are the National Bureau of Investigation as the lead investigating agency, former Supreme Court justices, as well as representatives from human rights groups, National Press Club and the Commission on Human Rights.

But unlike the DDS and Duterte “who kill people on mere suspicion,” the planned commission would accord due process to anyone linked to the death squad, Binay said.

Binay’s press conference was delayed for a few minutes as he edited his prepared speech and struck out the names of local journalists allegedly killed by the DDS for their being critical of the mayor.

His original statement sent to reporters by UNA communications director Joey Salgado accused the DDS of allegedly killing Davao-based journalists and Duterte critics Jun Pala, Ferdie Lintuan and Rene Galope.

“In the eyes of Duterte, the journalists, whom he described as outspoken, are criminals who

Vice President Jejomar Binay, who earlier tagged presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte as the “pambansang berdugo” or national executioner, reminded voters that it is their moral obligation not to pick a president who advocates violence and killing people, including children, on mere suspicion.

Inquirer.net photo

should be silenced. Is this the kind of president we would like to have?”

When asked why he removed the names of the journalists, Binay explained that he has no proof of the allegations yet.

“I just heard of that (journalists killed by DDS), I chose not to mention that because I haven’t personally heard Duterte admitting the killings, otherwise, I will be just like him,” he said.

Binay, meanwhile, shrugged off Pimentel’s warning that he would be sent to jail if Duterte wins.

Kobe scores 60 points...

PAGE A1 t

records including becoming the third highest scorer in the NBA, becoming the first player in the league’s history to play 20 seasons with the same team, becoming the youngest player to score 33,000 points at 37 years old, and scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 – the second most points in a game.

His farewell game against the Utah Jazz was no exception. He walked off the court having taken 50 shots and scoring 60 points, 23 of which were in the fourth quarter.

In the end, the Lakers defeated the Jazz, 101-96.

“I can’t believe it’s come to an end,” Bryant, 37, told his fans at the sold-out Staples Center.

“You guys will always be in my heart.”

After the final buzzer, the fivetime NBA champion embraced former teammates courtside, including Shaquille O’Neal, Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom and Rick Fox. “I saw what I had hoped I

would see,” Fox said, according to USA Today. “That’s the magic of Kobe. He wasn’t going to take the easy way out into retirement.”

Along with his basketball records, Bryant’s final game came with a single-day sales record for any arena in the world. The Staples Center also sold $1.2 million worth of Kobe merchandise on Wednesday alone, Sean Ryan, AEG vice president of merchandise, told ESPN. Tickets for the game also hit higher than normal prices. Courtside tickets for the game sold as high as $27,500 each, an amount one fan paid through StubHub, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Prices for these tickets are typically $1,000 to $2,000, according to ABC News.

Bryant, who was drafted into the NBA at the age of 17, announced his retirement in November 2015, saying that although his heart and mind are willing and able to continue, “this season is all I have left to give...

My body knows it is time to say

The Vice President and some members of his family are facing various corruption charges, including alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. “Where will they base their charges against me, on their old allegations? That’s already moot and academic,” Binay said.

He stressed that reports of the Commission on Audit have shown no irregularities in the projects of the Makati City government during his term.

“Pimentel acts as if he’s not a bar topnotcher. There’s still a process, sir,” he said. goodbye.”

The Lakers finished 17-65 in Bryant’s final season. At the close, he spoke to his now former teammates in the locker room.

“You guys have got to figure this out. The most important thing is that you work together. I gave my soul to this game. If you don’t give it all you’ve got, you’ll regret it,” he said, USA Today reported.

What lies next for Bryant has yet to be confirmed, but sources including FOX and Forbes have suggested the NBA legend may pursue international business or media, noting his brand has endured and is expected to continue beyond his retirement. He also still has endorsement deals with Nike and Chinese tech company Lenovo, among others.

Forbes reported in 2015 that Bryant had started a storytelling company, and USA Today reported that he was set to begin his new life as a documentarian on Thursday, April 14.

“I have to do this,” he said, USA Today reported. “I have to get into a new routine so that I wake up with a sense of purpose.”

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 16-19, 2016

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A APRIL 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

From the Front page

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SF Board of Supervisors unanimously approve...

PAGE A1 t Authored and introduced by Supervisor Jane Kim, the resolution was co-sponsored by seven other supervisors, namely John Avalos, David Campos, Maila Cohen, Eric Mar, Aaron Peskin, Scott Wiener and Norman Yee. SoMa Pilipinas-Filipino Cultural Heritage District, according to the resolution, will be the area bound by 2nd Street to the east, 11th Street to the west, Market Street to the north and Brannan Street to the south, as identified in the Western SoMa Community Plan which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2011. It is located within District 6 in San Francisco.

Per the resolution, SoMa Pilipinas also includes the I-Hotel, Gran Oriente, Rizal Apartments, the Iloilo Circle building, and surrounding areas, including Rizal Street and Lapu Lapu Street due to the historic and cultural significance associated with these

buildings and areas.

Within SoMa Pilipinas’ boundary lies Filipino cultural landmarks, including the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center, the Bayanihan Cultural Center, businesses, institutions, residences, places of worship, buildings, activities and organizations like the Filipina Women’s Network, Kularts, Kearny Street Workship, Veterans Equity Center, and West Bay Pilipino Center.

The resolution describes the South of Market (SoMa) area, which is home to the Bessie Carmichael School/Filipino Education Center (the nation’s first and only elementary school with a curriculum in the Filipino language), Victoria Manalo Draves Park (named after the Fil-Am Olympic champion diver) and Bindlestiff Studio, as an important venue for Filipino cultural activities like the FAAE/Pistahan Parade and Festival, the Parol Festival, Kulinarya and the New

Despite the recent surge in survey ratings of presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Pulse Asia research director Ana Maria Tabunda still believes that the upcoming elections will be a tight race.

Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

Pulse Asia: Still a four-way race...

PAGE A1 t

Supervisor Jane Kim (on podium) authored a resolution calling for the establishment of SoMa Pilipinas-Filipino Cultural Heritage District in San Francisco. It was co-sponsored by seven other Supervisors, including John Avalos, David Campos, Malia Cohen, Eric Mar, Aaron Peskin,Scott Wiener and Norman Yee.

Filipino Cinema at Yerba Buena.

The legislation instructs the Planning Department to work with the SoMa Pilipinas working group to “develop a strategic and implementation plan to set policies that promote community development and stabilization, and increase the presence and visibility of the district.�

The resolution calls for the strategic plan for SoMa Pilipinas to be developed by the Planning Department and submitted to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors within six months of the adoption of the resolution.

Community organizers and community leaders pose after a press conference urging the San Community organizers estiFrancisco Board of Supervisors to unanimously adopt a resolution calling for the establishment mate that there are about 1,500 of SoMa Pilipinas-Filipino Cultural Heritage District.

AJPress photos by Joseph Peralta

INJURED AT WORK?

Filipino residents concentrated in the SoMa Pilipinas-Filipino Cultural Heritage District out of the 5,106 Filipinos who reside in District 6. Overall, according to the 2010 Census, there are a total of 36,347 Filipinos living in San Francisco.

Hours before the resolution was adopted, community organizers held a press conference at the steps of the City Hall, urging for a unanimous vote from the Supervisors on the resolution that was tabled in the agenda on Tuesday.

Ligaya Avenida, president of the Filipino-American Development Foundation (FADF)

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“We don’t know how his supporters will take it, especially the ones who have recently shifted support,� said Tabunda. “A lot of things can happen.�

Duterte solidified his lead in the latest Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations (SWS) surveys released this week.

The tough-talking mayor obtained the lead with 27 percent in the March 30 to April 2 SWS survey released on Monday, April 11.

He was followed by Sen. Grace Poe with 23 percent, Vice President Jejomar Binay with 20 percent and Liberal Party candidate Manuel Roxas II with 18 percent.

In the March 29-April 3 Pulse Asia survey commissioned by ABS-CBN and released on Tuesday, Duterte led with 30 percent, followed by Poe with 25 percent.

Binay and Roxas are statistically tied for third place with 20 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago

trailed in both surveys, obtaining three percent in SWS and two percent in Pulse Asia.

In recent days, Duterte’s rivals, particularly Binay and Roxas, have pounded on his track record, particularly the allegations of extrajudicial killings thrown at him.

High turnout in overseas voting While fluidity is observed in pre-election surveys, there is a high turnout in the first three days of overseas absentee voting (OAV) for the May 2016 elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec Commissioner Arthur Lim said 32,364 Filipinos, mostly from Middle East and Asia Pacific, cast their votes as of press time.

Filipinos in the Middle East and Africa registered the highest number of those who cast their votes so far at 14,453, followed by voters from Asia Pacific with 13,081, Europe with 4,485 and the Ameri-

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 16-19, 2016

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CAUSE encourages leadership among API women, communities

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

AS part of the official Women’s History Month in March, the Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) hosted Women in Power: Leadership in Law and Justice, at the Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, March 18.

This “Women in Power” panel discussion featured some of California’s top legal experts: Honorable Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California, and the Honorable Jackie Lacey, District Attorney for Los Angeles County.

“Our mission is to get the Asian American community more involved through civic engagement, networking, and leadership programs, inspiring the next generation to rise forward and build a network, but also to give back to your community,” shared Charlie Woo, one of the founders and board chair of CAUSE. “We want young people tonight to meet our special guests, have a discussion, and see what advice they can share and give.”

“It’s so important to be at the table, to be a part of the big discussion. It’s through these kinds of programs that this can happen.”

The program was also moderated Honorable Holly J. Fujie, Superior Court Judge for Los Angeles County.

“I support CAUSE; I’ve done so for many years,” said Fujie, who was the third woman and first Asian American to serve as President of the State Bar of California, and who currently works for Ms. Cantil-Sakauye. “They’ve done wonderful work in encouraging leadership among Asian Americans, and I love that they empower Asian American young women with the work that they do, especially through this series.”

On the Chief Justice, Judge Fujie said, “She’s my boss! She’s been a tremendous role model for so many people, and she’s also the nicest person on the face of this earth…but that title is also shared by Mrs. Lacey. Jackie has also always been the most generous, kind, and supportive person I know.”

Through candid, engaging discussion, the panel and network-

ing event continued CAUSE’s mission and tradition of empowering women to rise to powerful positions of leadership, especially in the legal fields still largely dominated by white males.

Introducing the panelists were CAUSE Executive Director, Kim Yamasaki, Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin, and Nielsen Vice President of Regional Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement, Betty Lo. “Tonight, we discuss and celebrate women. These women have dedicated their careers to upholding justice, defending and protecting our communities.

They are not only public servants, but community leaders, mothers, and mentors. They are decisionmakers not only in the courthouses, but in their communities and homes,” said Lo. “This Women in Power event extends beyond just Women’s History Month.

We [women] need ongoing inspiration, encouragement, and support…Nielsen is a long-time supporter of CAUSE and this program.”

Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye is the 28th Chief Justice of California. Sworn into office in January 2011, she is the first Asian and the second woman to serve as the state’s Chief Justice.

“When I first went to law school, they admitted so many males…and about two Filipinos a year,” Cantil-Sakauye recalled, with a smile. “When I first started practice, I went to the D.A.’s office, and they didn’t think that I would do very well because I was a woman…when I first became a prosecutor, I was also working with a male judge, male jury, male everyone. There was one other Asian female prosecutor on the case, and they all thought we were the same person. I was called a lot of names, those first couple of years. It was also very common for male attorneys to immediately interrupt me—but I showed them up and worked hard, and I fought my cases. Everyone kept asking me, when are you going to take the BAR exam?

Every place I went, I had to prove myself all over again.”

Today, Cantil-Sakauye has served for over 20 years on California appellate and trial courts, and has been appointed or elevated to higher office by three

SF Board of Supervisors unanimously approve...

PAGE A4 t Board, an organization which has, through the years, actively worked to sustain and nurture the Filipino community in SoMa, urged the Supervisors to adopt the resolution unanimously because “it’s not only right, but it is the right thing to do for the city that you represent.”

Avenida, who said that she has witnessed the many contributions given and challenges faced

by Filipino Americans in the area, recalled that this resolution was a dream of Dr. Mario Borja, who had envisioned a center that brought together services and programs that celebrate Filipino culture and history, while serving the needs of the community. Dr. Borja, according to Avenida, donated the first floor space of the Delta Hotel which he owned that gave birth to the Bayanihan Center.

“Today is a historical event.

Today is the day we make history in San Francisco,” she said. “The votes of the Supervisors will allow Filipinos to continue to be a major part of that beautiful tapestry we call San Francisco. Today we will validate the presence of the Filipinos who have lived and worked in the corridors of SoMa for decades, and who have helped to make SoMa what it is today.”

Supervisor Jane Kim (District 6) said she was proud to author this piece of legislation “where we are finally recognizing the Filipino American community in the South of Market.”

“I am a beneficiary of the incredible work of this community.

I live across from the park, the only multi-use park in the South of Market that this community fought for – Victoria Manalo Draves [Park],” Kim related.

“I live across from one of our public school… the only public school to teach Tagalog as part of its program. I’ve been a part of working with this community to make sure our neighborhood is safe for our seniors, for our children, and our pedestrians. And, of course, we are all a beneficiary of the work of this community in fighting to build more affordable housing.”

Supervisor Kim told the audience that this resolution is not only geared to just preserving history and culture. “It is also talking about how we can use land-use controls and economic development tools to make sure that our community continues to

stay in the South of Market for decades to come,” she said. “We want to ensure that our community leaders, our diversity, get to stay in San Francisco, and that we are looking to preserving our art institutions… preserve housing and continue to build more.”

Supervisor Avalos, for his part, said that he learned more about the heritage and history of Filipinos in San Francisco when he read the resolution. “It makes so much sense that we are establishing this cultural district so that we can actually protect the vitality of the cultural institutions that are in the neighborhood, support the economic development of the neighborhood and maintain the existence of Filipinos in the SoMa district,” he stated. Avalos represents District 11, which also has a large number of Filipino residents.

SoMa resident and community worker Juvy Barbonio spoke on the implications the legislation will have on the SoMa district.

“It’s fitting that today the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to begin creating land use policies for SoMa Pilipinas. The community sees SoMa Pilipinas as going beyond just signs and murals.

We need land use policies to keep residents and workers like me in the neighborhood. We need policies that will preserve and encourage our nonprofits, cultural institutions and businesses,” she said.

“SoMa is still the cultural touchstone for Filipino culture in the Bay Area. We have institutions that exist nowhere else in the US. Filipinos from across the Bay Area attend church in SoMa, celebrate festivals in SoMa, and visit friends and families in SoMa,” Barbonio continued, even as she recalled the displacement experienced by Filipinos in San Francisco, particularly in an area designated before as Manilatown (which was next to Chinatown), as well as in the Fillmore and Yerba Buena.

“I am a resident of the South of Market. And I am happy to celebrate today as the start of recognizing my neighborhood as SoMa Pilipinas,” Barbonio stated.

Aside from Supervisors Kim and Avalos, others who spoke at the midday press conference included Supervisors David Campos, Norman Yee, Eric Mar, and Atty. Lourdes Tancinco of the Veterans Equity Center. (Joseph Peralta/ AJPress)

governors. She and the judicial branch of CA are also involved and pushing for several initiatives, speaking up for those who need justice, including marginalized communities with cultural/ language-access barriers.

“We need to ensure that the judicial system is fair and working for the next generation, that judges are impartial, that politics don’t get in the way of preserving the law,” she said.

Jackie Lacey was sworn in as the 42nd District Attorney of Los Angeles County in December 2012. Since the office was established in 1850, Lacey is the first woman and African-American to serve as D.A. in Los Angeles. Her top priority is keeping the streets of LA County safe, safeguarding children and seniors, and protecting the community from environmental crimes that threaten both health and livelihood.

“At first, they didn’t give someone like me a serious murder case—they didn’t think I was tough enough, because I was feminine,” Lacey remembered.

“Now, I’ve been a D.A. for almost 40 years; I can wear pants and a dress. I think I’ve been blessed my diversity, my experiences growing up. You have to block out the noise and negativity. I want people to say, she was the first [African-American, female district attorney], but she also made a difference.”

On embracing her Filipino identity, the Chief Justice sim-

u PAGE A6

WOUNDED WARRIORS. President Barack Obama greets participants in the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride after their lap around the South Lawn of the White House on Thursday, April 14.

White House photo by Pete Souza

Pulse Asia: Still a four-way race...

PAGE A4 t cas and Canada with 345.

He also said many Filipino overseas voters are encouraged to participate because of the tight battle for the presidency as well as the Comelec’s dissemination of information about OAV. “Because this is a close fight among presidential candidates, it is but natural for candidates and their supporters to give their utmost attention not only locally but also abroad, because the votes from the more than one million overseas voters can affect the results of the elections,” he explained.

Lim also admitted that there

were minor hitches such as reports of vote counting machines (VCMs) bogging down, voters with deactivated records requesting to vote and reports of cheating.

Comelec recalled the malfunctioning VCMs and deployed 25 replacements for contingency. The poll body also set up hotlines to assist voters.

Comelec Office for Overseas Voting director Jane Valesa said the poll body is checking reports that some registered overseas voters in Hong Kong were unable to vote.

She said some voters were not able to vote because their names could not be found in the official

list of registered voters, while others were listed but were not able to vote in past two elections so their registration was deactivated.

Regarding reports of cheating spreading online, Lim said it was not true but the Comelec would initiate an investigation.

The Comelec also put in place security features to ensure the credibility of the OAV. Lim said there are CCTV cameras in the polling precincts and each political party has its own watchers to prevent tampering of ballots.

Valesa said both the ballots and the envelopes being used in manual voting have serial numbers to ensure that these would not be tampered with. (With Mayen Jaymalin)

A APRIL 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Cal State LA student awarded archaeology field project scholarship CAl STATe lA anthropology major Wendy layco is one of only eight college students in the nation selected to participate in the competitiveIfugao Archaeological Project (IAP). layco will conduct archaeological work in the Ifugao region of Philippines for five weeks this summer. She will join a field project crew composed of university students, as well as early career archaeologists.

Funded by the National Science Foundation-Research experience for Undergraduates Program, the project will examine anthropological issues that include the relationship between

agricultural and irrigation systems, and effects of colonialism on local political and economic activities.

“I never dreamed school could be so exciting,” said layco, a resident of Hollywood. “Suddenly my life has been turned upside down and I am preparing to leave for a great adventure.” layco was born in los Angeles and raised in Oregon. She started her college career in Portland Community College, and completed her associate degree at los Angeles Community College before transferring to Cal State lA. At Cal State lA, layco is a

member of the Society for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies and the Society for Biological Anthropology.

She volunteers at the California Coastal Archaeology laboratory, examining and analyzing ecofacts from San Nicolas Island. She also spends time in the University’s Forensic Anthropology laboratory, where she organizes osteological remains. She has recently been inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society and the lAMBDA Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society.

“I am absolutely thrilled for Wendy because she is such a

Cleaner SoCal air linked to drop in lung problems in kids

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

AIR in Southern California is cleaner than it was two decades ago, and a new study suggests children may be experiencing less respiratory problems because of it.

The study, published April 12 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that kids living in eight los Angeles-area communities today have stronger lung function compared to those who resided there in the 1990s.

Researchers, however, did not confirm that the decline in lung problems was solely due to the improvement in air quality.

“We’re careful to say this is an association. We can’t say it’s cause-and-effect for certain,” said lead researcher Kiros Berhane, a professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California.

A total of 4,602 children were involved in the study.

Researchers monitored three groups: fourth graders from 1993 to their high school graduations in 2001, fourth

graders from 1996 to 2004, and a group of kindergartners and first graders from 2003 to 2012.

The study was based on a variety of data including that on ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter for each year. Parents also provided regular updates on symptoms their children experienced, such as coughing and phlegm production.

Researchers found that in the 20-year period, “fine particle” pollution, which is emitted from cars and other industrial sources, fell by an average of 47 percent. Along with that decline came a 32 percent drop in “bronchitic” symptoms in children with asthma.

Associations in children without asthma were weaker, but were still significant.

“Clearly, the reduction in air pollution levels have translated into improvements in respiratory health,” said Berhane. “especially for parents of children with asthma, this is very good news, but we see significant improvement in children without asthma as well.”

Based on that finding, Dan

Greenbaum, president of Boston-based nonprofit organization Health effects Institute, which helped fund the research, told United Press International that any steps taken to improve the health of children with asthma would have a significant public health impact.

“But this study suggests that above and beyond kids who’ve been diagnosed with asthma, there are subgroups of other children who are at risk from air pollution, and may benefit from better air quality,” he said.

The new findings come after a period of time that California has approved more stringent vehicle emissions standards.

Berhane said the latest research, however, don’t mean people should become complacent.

“In California, the number of cars on the road is always increasing,” Berhane said. “And we expect more activity at the large ports. los Angeles and other places in Southern California remain on the American lung Association’s “most polluted cities” lists.

hard working student,” said Professor James Brady, of Cal State lA’s Department of Anthropology, who is layco’s adviser. “This is exactly the break she needs to further herself in the field of archaeology.”

The NSF-ReU Ifugao Program scholarship will cover travel expenses, tuition, and room and board.

The project is hosted by UClA, the Archaeological Studies Program-University of the Philippines, the National Museum of the Philippines, the Institute for Field Research, and the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movements, Inc.

Wendy Layco

Garcetti delivers 3rd State...

PAGE A1 t opportunity to shine light on los Angeles’ improving economy.

Among figures he specifically cited included a gain of 109,000 new jobs in los Angeles “When I raised my hand to become your mayor, I described City Hall as a place where jobs came to die,” he said. Three years later, he added, “City Hall is widening the circle of opportunity … and we’re seeing those benefits ripple across every corner of our city.”

Garcetti gave his speech Thursday, April 14, inside Noribachi, an leD maker located near the Port of los Angeles. “economic prosperity translates into a better life for us,” he said. “It helps the city to improve our core services and get back to basics.”

Noribachi relocated to los Angeles in 2012 from New Mexico after Garcetti and his team learned the company was looking to expand.

“We helped launch them, because they reflect who we are as Angelenos, and who we want to be as a city – they’re high-tech, they’re inventive, they’re global,” Garcetti said.

The company has since doubled its staff to 170 employees.

Along with Noribachi, Garcetti cited the port, which recently experienced its busiest

quarter since it was established 109 years ago, as parts of los Angeles that portray the city as a tech-friendly and global place to do business.

Garcetti also repeatedly discussed employment on Thursday, citing his youth job programs and a plan to hire 5,000 new employees at City Hall.

Yet despite declining unemployment, the mayor also talked about the city’s rising crime rates and homelessness, calling on building more affordable housing.

“If we’re building luxury high rises, we need apartments people can afford,” he said.

“Beyond the extraordinary human toll, keeping people on the streets costs much more than finding them housing,” the mayor added.

The mayor also told the stories of many Angelenos, including a former gang member who now works at a company that hires formerly incarcerated Angelenos to install solar panels. At the conclusion of his address, he also brought multiple Angelenos up on stage including Yey Coronel, executive director of the Filipino American Service Group Inc. (FASGI), as an example of a los Angeles resident who was a lawful permanent resident for years before applying for US citizenship.

Among Garcetti’s big an-

Photo by J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA

nouncements during his speech was that los Angeles would become the largest city in the United States to commit itself to providing every lAUSD graduate one free year of community college. He is expected to help the college district with a $3 million fundraising effort and aims to implement the program within a year, board member Scott Svonkin told City News Service.

The district would match funds the mayor is able to raise.

“Having a one-year cushion to find out what we really want to do can benefit us as students,” said David Perez, a community college student, according to CBS. Another community college student, Paul Olivares, told CBS that the announcement could encourage more students to focus on their future.

“If people can’t pay for college, they just won’t go and they’ll try to enter the workforce and probably end up working at McDonald’s,” he said.

The mayor also touched on the city’s passage of a $15 per hour minimum wage, which he called “the largest anti-poverty measure in our city’s history.”

The ordinance was received positively by many, but not so much by business groups who say they’ve felt periodically neglected by City Hall.

“They need to do more to bring jobs to the city,” said Val-

u PAGE A7

‘US to support PH vs coercion...

PAGE A2 t strong alliance even stronger. You helped prepare our nations for this important alliance so we can confront very real challenges,” he added.

“At a time of change in this dynamic region and democratic transitions in the Philippines and the US, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder and we will continue to stand up for our safety and freedom, for those of our friends and allies and for the values, principles and rules-based order that has benefited so many for so long,” Carter declared.

The US has already conducted what it calls “freedom of navigation” patrols in the area, sailing within 12-nautical mile territorial limits around disputed islands controlled by China to underscore its right to navigate the seas.

5/3/16

Carter said the US strategy was aimed at maintaining peace and lawful settlement of disputes, not provoking a conflict with a major world power.

“Countries that don’t stand for those things, or don’t stand with those things, are going to end up isolating themselves. But that will be self-isolation, not isolation by us,” Carter said.

The carrier stop caps off a trip to Asia designed to highlight the expanding partnerships the US is building with countries in the region, which Carter said had been asking for a greater US role.

Hundreds of US troops and some aircraft will stay behind in the Philippines temporarily, and on Thursday, the two countries revealed they had begun conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

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CAUSE encourages leadership...

PAGE A7 t ply stated, “I take strength in my community. I like that I have this culture and bring others to it.”

Agreed Judge Fujie, “Leadership really takes courage. I was the first Asian woman in a large law firm in LA… I know how hard it is to be the one that is the first, to have that extra scrutiny on you.

If there were lots of other Chief Justices that were Asian American, nobody would be paying attention to our Chief Justice [Cantil-Sakauye] and say this is what they’re like. She has been a trailblazer all along, and is somebody that you can look at and say, ‘if she can do it, even the most amazing person in the world, maybe I can accomplish something too.’ She is also the first person that will tell you, ‘Yes you can, and what can I

do to help you’?”

Congresswoman Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA - 27th district) congratulated CAUSE on its accomplishments strengthening the burgeoning API community, especially in California.

“I’ve been attending CAUSE events since it began,” Chu said.

“It’s important to encourage young women to be able to break the glass ceiling, to be whatever they want to be. Culture and the way we were brought up has a lot to do with barriers, so we have to get out of that mindset.

Role models [like D.A. Lacey and Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye] are a source of encouragement for young women to be able to step forward.”

As the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American

Garcetti delivers 3rd State...

PAGE A7 t ley Industry and Commerce Association President Stuart Waldman, who attended the mayor’s address, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. He added

that the mayor’s business team needs to hire additional people to be effective.

Toward the end of his speech, Garcetti touched on some November ballot measures he and

Caucus, Rep. Chu is also helping to organize the upcoming Asian Pacific Islander heritage month of May, in Washington D.C. “It’s important for our community to see each other,” she shared.

“But we need to go beyond, where we are very comfortable, where we speak our own language. When it comes to political engagement, civic duties, other societal aspects of their engagement, we are limited…but heading in the right direction. The history of API immigration in the United States is getting longer and longer…other second, third, and fourth generations are bilingual and more involved. The challenge is now bridging the gap. You can only be empowered united in your cause, in your community, and your ethnicity.”

other elected officials will ask that voters approve. The measures seek to expand housing for the homeless and public transportation.

“I want to build our future and I want to build it together,” he said. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 16-19, 2016

A

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OpiniOn

Features

A foothold for ISIS?

Relatives and friends mourned the soldiers who died from gunfire and improvised explosive devices set off by the abu sayyaf in clashes that started last saturday, april 9 in Basilan. the armed Forces of the Philippines (aFP) reported killing 13 more bandits, but the aFP’s own death toll of 18 is among the highest ever in its decades-old battle with the terrorist group.

Among the enemy casualties was Ubalda Hapilon, identified as a son of top terrorist Isnilon Hapilon, who has a $5-million prize on his head. An intriguing casualty was Mohammad Khattab, described by military intelligence as a Moroccan instructor in producing IEDs and a preacher of Islamic jihad.

According to the AFP chief, Khattab was trying to unify and organize kidnap-for-ransom groups for affiliation with an international terrorist organization. The AFP did not identify the organization, but there have been recent reports – denied by the military – that the extremist Islamic State of Syria and Iraq has been trying to gain a foothold in Mindanao.

Khattab could have imparted the knowhow in producing the IEDs that inflicted so much harm on the soldiers, although the Abu Sayyaf has been making improvised explosives for many years with help from the Southeast Asian terror cell Jemaah Islamiyah. The presence of a foreign jihadi bomb

maker, especially one who joins the Abu Sayyaf in a firefight with state forces, should stir deep concern in this country as governments worry about the spreading influence of ISIS. Belgium just recently suffered its worst terrorist attack courtesy of ISIS, with the suspects linked to the same group that launched near-simultaneous attacks in Paris on Nov. 13 last year that left about 130 people dead in the French capital. Reports said Germany is moving to thwart a similar attack in one of its cities.

If Khattab is part of ISIS, containing this threat will take more than killing him. Thanks to global connectivity, ISIS can recruit all over the world and wage a borderless war, influencing local jihadis to commit crimes against humanity. The intelligence community must determine the depth of Khattab’s involvement in the activities of the threat groups operating in Mindanao. ISIS extremism cannot be allowed to take root in this country. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

POLL RESULT: Bongbong, Leni top Fil-Am votes for VP AFTER the televised vice presidential debate in the Philippines, The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers in an online poll: “If the elections were held today, whom would you vote for to be the Philippines’ next vice president”?

The son of the deposed dictator, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, came out on top among those who voted with 38 percent. Not far behind is Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo (the widow of the late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo), who got 37 percent.

The presidential front-runner’s running mate Sen.

Cayetano placed fourth with 15 Allan Peter Cayetano placed third percent, followed by Senators Grewith 19 percent, while Sen. Gringo The Fil-Am gorio “Gringo” Honasan II and AnHonasan got one percent. No one tonio Trillanes IV with five percent among the viewers who voted Perspective and four percent, respectively. picked Sen. Antonio Trillanes.

In the presidential race, Davao The Fil-Am poll result is close to City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has the latest Pulse Asia Survey comovertaken Sen. Grace Poe’s lead. missioned by ABS-CBN, released Duterte got topped 30 percent, onApril 12, which shows Marcos Gel SantoS-ReloS while Poe had 25 percent. leading with 28 percent, followed The Pulse Asia survey reveals Vice President Jeby Robredo with 22 percent, who is statistically tied with Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who got 21 per- jomar Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance and Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas, are now in a statistically cent.

tie at third place with 20 percent and 19 percent, respectively. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, meanwhile, got 2 percent of the respondents on the latest survey.

Happy with the survey results? Your voice will still affect the outcome of the election. Exercise your right of suffrage. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

‘Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End’

Rhizomes

Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D. “Our lives are inherently dependent on others and subject to forces and circumstances beyond our control. Having more freedom seems better than having less…The amount of freedom you have in your life is not the measure of the worth of your life. Just as safety is an empty and even self-defeating goal to live for, so ultimately is autonomy…Whatever the limits and travails we face, we want to retain the autonomy — the freedom—to be the authors of our lives. This is the very marrow of being human.” – Atul Gawande, 2014.

Atul Gawande’s book, “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End,” which I am excerpting for this piece, is changing medicine and lives, according to its book jacket.

A New York Times bestseller for 22 weeks as of March 22, 2015, this book is in my nightstand, something I have in common with Gywneth Paltrow, who has hers too, as reported by the New York Times recently.

I first read of Atul Gawande in The New Yorker. His key premise is that while American hospitals facilitate treatments of illnesses and diseases, ultimately, the way we treat patients towards the end of their lives is undignified and promotes “attaching” them to tubes, medications while dismissive of the dignity of the patient.

We simply promote death, instead of a life of creativity and purpose for the elders.

He presents several case studies.

One in particular resonated with me as it mirrored what an in-law went through.

Alice had a fall in her apartment, and was found nearly unconscious in her couch. She

sustained a fractured hip, got operated on and came back in a wheelchair. After her hospital stay, she was placed in the skilled nursing floor of the Longwood House, a nursing home.

Her stay had led to the loss of her privacy and control over her life. Her moves were regimented: “she woke up when they told her, bathed and dressed when they told her, ate when they told her. There was a succession of roommates, never chosen with her input and all with cognitive impairments. Some were quiet.

One kept her up at night. She felt incarcerated, like she was in prison for being old.”

Who would not?

Contrast that to a friend, Ramona, in her nineties, who lives in her own duplex, cared for by Michelle, a Filipina caregiver.

Michelle works eight hours every day for five days, while another caregiver, Virginia comes on weekends.

One day, I visited Ramona to give her a freshly baked banana bread with wild blueberries, orange zest and orange juice.

Ramona was watching CNN, eating chocolate ice-cream, with strawberry slices, arranged like overlapping flower petals.

I took my 1-year-old grandchild, (named Princess for this piece), to visit with her, and they played peekaboo, eliciting boisterous laughters from both.

After, she gave my apo, fish crackers.

Years earlier, she had surgery for her back pain, and only gained temporary relief.

Her rehabilitation costs were $100,000, unreimbursed by Medicare. Her stay lasted five months and felt a diminished quality of life in this facility.

Now, caregivers assist Ramona; she is mobile, but with a walker. She does weekly groceries and errands with her caregiver, who also drives for her.

She controls most facets of her life: bathing, dressing up, put-

ting on make-up, eating at times that she wants, napping when she wants, waking up at times to read, and occasionally goes out to restaurants with her children.

Once a year, her grandchildren fly out from the East Coast to join her for the summer.

Creatively designed nursing homes Atul Gawande highlights Newbridge, a place for the elderly, which shares grounds with a private school for students from kindergarten through eight grade. “Fifth and sixth graders had their fitness classes with the residents. Middle schoolers were taught how to work with those who have dementia and took part in a buddy program with the nursing home residents.”

Another is the Green House, where they are constructed to have no more than 12 residents.

“The floors have two wings, each called a Green House, where about ten people live together. The residences are designed to be warm and homey —with ordinary furniture, a living room with a hearth, familystyle meals around one big table, a front door with a doorbell.

And they are designed to pursue the idea that a life worth living can be created, in this case, by focusing on food, homemaking, and befriending others.”

Outside of Gawande’s case studies, Laguna Honda Hospital (a 62-acre skilled nursing facility) is in the Bay Area, which “offers art and painting classes four days a week and includes special sessions for monolingual Chinese-speakers and residents in the Alzheimer’s program.”

Can you imagine these residents featured at an annual “Art with Elders”exhibit at the Laguna Honda Hospital and nursing home? Imagine how they must feel to see their artworks exhibited? That their end - life matters for cultivating their personal talents, while their care is

Painting depicted by Lewis Suzuki and printed by Rafu Shimpo.

“person-focused”?

Would you not be excited that with each day you live, when your talent is more affirmed and validated?

I remember Iwao Lewis Suzuki, who recently passed away in Jan. 2016, and lived till age 95, as a painter. One of his dramatic paintings is that of Smokey Mountain, where he painted a trash filled mountain with children scavenging for recyclables to be sold. I still have two of his paintings, purchased after a visit with him at his Berkeley home and I remember his smiles, as he led us through his house, admiring his exhibited paintings on the walls.

As Atul eloquently writes, “As people become aware of the finitude of life, they do not ask for much. They do not seek more riches. They do not seek

more power. They ask only to be permitted, insofar as possible, to keep shaping the story of their life in the world—to make choices and sustain connections to others according to their own priorities.”

Man always desires autonomy and freedom, and as we approach our end of life years, our sense of privacy should be balanced with camaraderie and sustained connection.

When we have both, we are able to design our own lives, the very marrow of being human, as Atul contends.

We are meant to be human, but more importantly, we are meant to be creative and we must give expressions to our creativities or we become twigs and trunks of a tree, without verdant energies to continue.

As a violinist and a doctor in

sociology, Nonoy told me: “Life is about playing my violin, to share my God-given talent to make music, and to love, love, love.” But, isn’t that the very essence of being a human being? *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called “Rhizomes.” She has been writing for AJ Press for 9 years now. She contributes to Balikbayan Magazine. Her training and experiences are in 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, Japan, Mexico and 22 national parks in the US, in pursuit of her love for arts.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

US: Prosecution of rights abuses in PH weak

by Jose

KatigbaK Philstar.com

ONLY a limited number of human rights abuses, including those by paramilitary, insurgent and terrorist groups, are investigated and prosecuted in the Philippines, the US State Department said.

In its 2015 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices released on Wednesday, April 13, the State Department said the most significant human rights problems in the Philippines continue to be extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances carried out by security forces, insurgents and suspected vigilante groups.

“The United States is opposed to the use of torture in any form at any time by any government or non-state actor,” Secretary of State John Kerry said.

“This is a standard that we insist that others meet,” he said.

A weak and overburdened criminal justice system, a meager record of prosecutions and

lengthy procedural delays, and widespread official corruption and abuse of power are also persistent problems in the Philippines, the report said.

It said killings of activists, judicial officials, local government leaders and journalists either by security forces or insurgents continued to be a serious problem.

The Commission on Human Rights investigated 50 new complaints of politically motivated killings involving 68 alleged victims as of September. The CHR suspected personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) were involved in 10 of the complaints, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or paramilitary in eight, members of the communist New People’s Army in five, civilians in six, local government units in one and unidentified persons in the remainder.

Of 185 cases since 2001 monitored by the the PNP’s Task Force Usig (TFU), responsible for investigating killings of me-

dia members and labor activists, only seven have led to convictions.

The government lacked sufficient mechanisms to investigate and punish abuse and corruption in the PNP and the AFP, which allowed impunity to persist within the security forces, the report said.

From January to October, the Office of the Ombudsman, an independent agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting charges of public abuse and impropriety, received 319 cases alleging 583 offenses regarding military and law enforcement involvement in human rights abuses including killings, injuries, unlawful arrest and torture.

Most charges were against lowranking officials.

As of October, one case was closed and terminated and the remaining cases were under investigation. There were no convictions recorded against high-ranking police or military officials, the report said. n

DUTERTE COMIC BOOK. Presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also has his own comic book, made by the same artist who illustrated the controversial one featuring administration bet Mar Roxas. Artist Karl Comendador of Atlas Publishing Company Inc. on Thursday shared on Facebook a sneak peek of the comics titled “Digong: Ang Kanlungan ng mga Inaapi at Inaabuso.” The comic book, which has a story written by Jim Estrabela and KC Cordero of Atlas Komiks, features the tough-talking mayor extending help to Filipinos, including a cancer-stricken boy with amputated legs.

Inquirer.net contributed photo

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‘Teleserye,’ ‘kilig’ now in Oxford Dictionary

by Kristine

Angeli Inquirer.net

sAbillo

It’s a bit of news that’s bound to make Filipinos feel kilig—that tingly feeling often brought on by waves of happy anticipation, usually romantic in nature. the feeling, which might be difficult to translate into English, has finally been included in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). In the March 2016 updated list of the dictionary, kilig is described as both an adjective and a noun that means a “shudder” or a “thrill.”

As an adjective, OED defines a person feeling kilig as someone “exhilarated by an exciting or romantic experience.” It could also mean “thrilled, elated or gratified.”

As a noun, kilig refers to “exhilaration or elation caused by an exciting or romantic experience.”

“A borrowing from tagalog,” OED wrote in the etymology section of the word kilig. Among the sample phrases used by the OED are: “Kilig to the bones,” an adjective that means being utterly thrilled; “kilig factor,” an element which generates exhilaration, and “kilig moment,” a thrillingly romantic moment. the dictionary’s web page on the word also listed several news websites as sources of phrases using the word in both news and feature stories.

Referenced articles

A lifestyle article from the Inquirer cited by the OED had the interviewee, Mikko sumulong, saying, “When someone compliments me on something I worked on, there’s that kilig feeling that comes with me saying, ‘thanks, I made it!’”

Another referenced article was a Youngblood essay on the prom. “Everyone feels kilig as they think their friends are close to winning their date,” the writer of “stag in the Wilderness” said. then there’s the Inquirer review of the movie “Fifty shades of Grey,” which was described as “a young adult movie, loaded with kilig moments.”

‘Teleserye’ Jonathan Dent, OED senior assistant editor, said they look beyond the Us and the United Kingdom to include words like ang moh, a singapore English term for a light-skinned person, and yum cha, a Chinese meal of dim sum and tea. the March 2016 listing also included teleserye, which refers to a television soap opera. the June 2015 update of the OED had 40 Filipino terms as part of the dictionary’s “ongoing commitment to record words from all varieties of English, throughout the world.” It was the largest single batch of words from Philippine English, said Danica salazar, a Filipino lexicographer based in the United Kingdom who works as consultant editor for the OED.

Over the years, several Filipino words have been added to English dictionaries. the word “boondocks,” which refers to a rough country filled with dense brush, originated from the tagalog word bundok, which means mountain.

Compound words the June 2015 list had compound words and uniquely Philippine usage of English words.

Included were borrowed terms from tagalog, like halo-halo, barangay and suki, hybrid expressions like balikbayan, sari-sari store and kikay kit, and derivations like “presidentiable.”

Also included were compound words like “batchmate,” socalled blends of clipped words like “mani-pedi” or “manicure-pedicure,” initialisms like KKB or kaniya-kaniyang bayad, Filipinized translations like “go down” to mean “get off a vehicle,” conversions of nouns into adjectives, such as “high blood” to mean “angry, agitated,” as well as complete changes of word denotations, such as “gimmick” to mean a night out with friends, and “salvage,” which means “to kill” instead of “to save.”

Philippine English has long been present in the OED, with the word “abaca” included in the dictionary’s first edition in 1928. the words “Pinoy” and adobo were added in 2006. (With reports from Tarra Quismundo and Inquirer Research)

Poe wants Duterte as crime czar

by PAtriciA lourdes Philstar.com

VirAy

MANILA—Presidential aspirant sen. Grace Poe on thursday, April 14 revealed that she will appoint Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as crime czar if she wins the presidential race in the May 9 elections.

Duterte earlier said that he will offer the tourism post to Poe if he wins the presidential race.

“In exchange, I want to offer to him the position as crime czar because of what he said that he will finish the problems of criminality in six months,” Poe told members of the press.

During the Commission on Elections-initiated presidential debate in Cebu City, Poe mentioned that she will appoint former military Col. Ariel Querubin as crime czar if elected.

NATIONAL ARTISTS. President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the Order of National Artist awardees for a snap shot during the conferment ceremonies at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañang Palace on Thursday, April 14. Also in photo are (in any order) Alicia Garcia ReyesDance, Filomena Coching (wife)-Visual Arts (Postumous), Rebecca Feliciano (wife)-Music (Posthumous), Pilar Zaragoza (wife)-Architecture (Posthumous), Ramon Santos-Music and Cirilo Bautista-Literature, Manuel Jun Urbano (son)-Film (Posthumous), Christian Alcuaz (son)-Visual Arts and Raphael Francisco (son)-Literature (Posthumous).

Malacañang photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr.

Award conferred on 9 National Artists by delon

PorcAllA Philstar.com

MANILA—President Benigno Aquino III on thursday, April 14 conferred the National Artist award on nine Filipino artists, six of them posthumously. the National Artists awarded posthumously were Federico Alcuaz and Francisco Coching for visual arts, Lazaro Francisco for literature, Jose Maria Zaragoza for architecture, Manuel Conde for film and Francisco Feliciano for music. three other artists were also recipients of the Pambansang Alagad ng sining: Ramon santos for music, Cirilo F. Bautista for literature and Alicia Reyes for dance. the six awardees for National

Artists for 2014 were Bautista, Coching, Feliciano, Reyes, santos and Zaragoza while the remaining three – Alcuaz, Conde and Francisco – were declared National Artists in 2009. the names of the new National Artists were announced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), which revealed that proclamations for such “had been signed by Aquino in June 2014.”

Aquino, in a simple ceremony, hailed the outstanding talent and skills of the artists.

“Over the years, you have served as a bright example and inspiration for the next generation,” Aquino said in Filipino. “though you have reached the peak of your endeavor, this does not stop you from pursuing

excellence in your chosen field or profession,” Aquino said.

Bautista is a poet and educator, Coching helped nurture the local comics industry, Feliciano combined Filipino culture and Western musical idiom in his operas and ballets, while Reyes is a dancer, choreographer and founding artistic director of Ballet Philippines who pioneered contemporary and modern dance in the country.

On the other hand, santos is a noted composer, conductor, musicologist, scholar and mentor; Zaragoza was a towering Philippine architectural figure in the 1950s; Alcuaz was a painter and lawyer; Conde was a film director, writer, actor and producer, while Francisco was a popular novelist in the 1950s. n

Janet Napoles to remain in jail

by Joel

M. sy egco And Jefferson AntiPordA ManilaTimes.net

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has overtaken Sen. Grace Poe for the top spot in the latest presidential preference surveys.

Poe claimed that Querubin said that he is willing to give way for Duterte to be the crime czar.

On the other hand, the senator admitted that she had been meeting with former President Fidel V. Ramos for consultation.

“I’ve been meeting with him since last year. Every time we

talked, he has a lot of topics to discuss, about West Philippine sea, economy, how to increase employment and other issues,” Poe said.

Ramos earlier gave Poe a jacket as a “good luck” gift from giving her advice on various issues. n

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EVEN if the sandiganbayan has allowed Janet Lim-Napoles and two lawmakers implicated in the P10-billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam to post bail, the businesswoman will remain in jail because she has been convicted of serious illegal detention, Malacañang said on Wednesday, April 13.

“It should be emphasized that Miss Napoles was convicted in April 2015 by the Makati Regional trial Court for serious illegal detention. Accordingly, she cannot be released due to such conviction and the several other cases for plunder pending against her,” Communications secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

Napoles is serving a life term for illegally detaining her former employee, Benhur Luy, the principal witness in the PDAF or pork barrel scam.

Coloma said the Palace respects the anti-graft court’s decision, noting that the sandiganbayan is a “separate branch of government under the judiciary.” some senators have expressed dismay over the sandiganbayan decision allowing Napoles and former members of the House of Representatives Rizalina seachon-Lanete and Edgar Valdez to post bail. sen. Grace Poe said while she

BIG SHOT IN JAIL. Alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles finds herself in a tight squeeze with other inmates at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, where she will serve a life term after she was found guilty of illegally detaining her cousin and former employee Benhur Luy. Napoles’ conviction, otherwise a momentous development in a notoriously slow justice system, has been greeted with a seemingly collective shrug that does not bode well for the plunder cases filed against her and several senators and congressmen.

Contributed photo from the Correctional Institute for Women

is aware that the legislature and the executive should not interfere with the decision of the judiciary, she believes that Napoles should not be granted bail.

“As one of those who participated in the senate investigation of the PDAF controversy, I believe that it is not right to allow Napoles bail, because the evidence against her is strong,” Poe noted. she said the pork barrel scam is one of the reasons why there is a need to review the justice system.

“If we can’t implement the law equally, it will give more courage to unscrupulous individuals to continue their unlawful acts,” Poe added. senator teofisto Guingona 3rd said he remains optimistic that Napoles will not be able to get similar rulings in the other cases she is facing.

He pointed out that right to bail is not indicative of acquittal and appeals can still be made. the senator said Napoles’ conviction by a lower court will ensure that she will not regain her freedom. n

Pacquiao ‘open’ to Mayweather bout by benJie

VergArA And Josef rAMos ManilaTimes.net

BOXING enthusiasts may not have seen the last of Manny Pacquiao in the ring after all.

Another fight looms in the horizon for the boxing superstar who admitted on thursday, April 14 that he is open to a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. His statement added fuel to speculations that Pacquiao is not ready to hang up his gloves despite his statement that he is retiring. the boxing superstar was given a hero’s welcome on thursday for demolishing timothy Bradley in Las Vegas last saturday, April 9.

Pacquiao was greeted by fans when he and his family arrived aboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR103 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 1.

He gave a brief news conference at the airport’s lobby where he discussed his future plans.

“Yes, I am retired as of now. I want to be with my family and to serve my people,” Pacquiao, 37, said. the sarangani lawmaker, however, pointed out that he is not officially retired and that he is “leaving the door open” for a possible rematch with Mayweather, who defeated the Filipino champion in May 2015.

Mayweather also announced his retirement after winning over

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao

Andre Berto in september last year.

“I don’t want to say something that you know we don’t know yet.

I don’t know what the feeling is going to be like when I’m retired,” Pacquiao told reporters.

His wife Jinkee said Pacquiao is retiring but she also did not rule out the possibility of another fight.

“It’s up to him if he leaves his door open for another fight,” Jinkee said.

Observers had said that there are ongoing negotiations between handlers of Mayweather and Pacquiao for a possible rematch.

But as for now, Pacquiao said he is “happy to be retired and thankful.”

“I already made a promise to my family that I will retire. I will devote my time to them and other things.”

“I would like to thank my fellow Filipinos for being there for me, who cheered and prayed for me, every time I fight,” he added.

AJPress file photo by Andy Tecson

“I think this is the right time [to retire].”

Overdue Pacquiao’s business manager, Eric Pineda, said his ward’s retirement is “overdue.”

“Manny’s retirement is long overdue and he is already retired as of now. Manny can give more time to public service and to his other job as a playing coach in the PBA [Philippine Basketball Association],” he told the Manila times in an interview.

Pineda said Pacquiao can now focus on his senatorial campaign. the boxing icon is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

His brother Rogelio is also running as representative of sarangani province while another sibling, Bobby, is running as councilor in General santos City.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, head of UNA, said Pacquiao will be joining their sorties.

“Kausap ko lang po siya kanina

u PAGE A11

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Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 16-19, 2016

A11

Bangladesh mulls raps vs money launderers THE Bangladesh government may file criminal charges against individuals involved in the $81 million money laundering scandal even if the stolen money is returned, according to John Gomes, Bangladesh ambassador to Manila.

“There is a suggestion that we hire a lawyer so we are looking into that. We are talking to our government about having a local law firm to represent us if need be so let’s see what happens,” Gomes said in an interview.

The envoy added that their priority right now is to make sure that the $81 million stolen by hackers is returned.

He said Bangladesh respects what the Senate and the AntiMoney Laundering Council

(AMLC) are doing in tracing the money and pinning down those involved in the transfer of the loot.

“We have not yet decided about filing a case against anyone here, except to wait after the Senate hearing concludes and also after the AMLC finally decides about [its] own filing of cases and all,” Gomes said.

The AMLC has only filed money laundering charges against eight individuals including Chinese junket operator Kam Sin “Kim” Wong and Chinese junket player Weikang Xu before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Also accused of violating Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) were Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC)

Jupiter Branch manager Maia Santos-Deguito and the owners of the RCBC Jupiter Branch accounts where the $81 million was deposited.

The council is also set to file a civil forfeiture case in a bid to get a court order that will allow the formal turnover of parts of the stolen fund that was returned recently by Wong to the AMLC. Wong returned $4.6 million and P38 million.

He is also set to surrender another P450 million.

Solaire casino is waiting for a court order for it to return P108.6 million to the AMLC. “It is our right to get back whatever money people have taken [from us],” Gomes said.

(ManilaTimes.net)

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Pacquiao ‘open’ to Mayweather...

PAGE A10 t

e at sabi niya sasama na siya [I was talking to him earlier today, that he has arrived and he said he will join us],” Binay said in a news briefing in Dipolog City.

Binay believes that Pacquiao’s presence will help boost

his ratings.

“Sa mga pananalita ni Senator Pacquiao bago pa siya umalis e ang napili niyang makasama sa darating na halalan e ako at ang partido namin kasi pare-pareho kaming pinanggalingang kahirapan ay ito ho ang programang

aming… ‘yung pag-aangat ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino [And as he said before he left the country, he chose to be with me and our party in the coming elections because we all came from poverty and this is our program… uplifting the lives of every Filipino],” he said. n

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A12 APRIL 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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B

Journal

Filipina former Broadway actress joins the cast of ‘Sister Act’ At the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

J. Elaine Marcos

FILIPINA-Canadian actress and comedienne J. Elaine Marcos is back on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, California, portraying the role of Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours in the musical production of “Sister Act.” “Sister Act” is a broadway hit based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg comedy about a lounge singer who witnesses her boyfriend commit murder. She is then moved to a covenant under a witness protection program.

Marcos’ character is a nun in the covenant who is in her own world, Photo by Loren Townsley

The meeting of champions

by RiCky Lo Philstar.com

HoW is her (budding?) romance with Dr. Mikhail Varshavski (a.k.a.

Dr. Mike), People magazine’s Sexiest Doctor Alive?

Hasn’t any presidential candidate approached her for endorsement?

What qualities does she think should the next President of the Philippines have?

As contestants in beauty contests here and abroad would say, “Thank you for the nice questions!”

Sorry, folks, but when The Star did a one-on-one with Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach after the presscon for her third homecoming after winning the country’s third Miss U in Las Vegas in December last year, there were strict reminders not to ask any personal or political questions.

Earlier that morning, Manny Pacquiao ended his victory parade at the Araneta Center where the Novotel Hotel is located, the same hotel where Pia is again billeted like her first and second visits last January and March. Pacquiao arrived on Thursday, April 14 from

PINOY PRIDE. Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach meets People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao on Thursday, April 14. Pacquiao arrived in the Philippines following his recent victory against Timothy Bradley Jr. last Saturday, April 9. Present in this rare moment is BPCI chair Stella Marquez Araneta, Uniprom Inc. OIC-COO Irene Jose and Novotel Manila Araneta Center General Manager Bernd Schneider.

Photo by Denise Viña Photography/Binibining Pilipinas Facebook page

the US, a day after Pia did, he from Las Vegas and she from New York which is her home during her oneyear reign as Miss Universe.

Seizing the rare chance, Irene Jose, Coo of Uniprom, Inc. of the Araneta Group of Companies, promptly arranged a meeting between the two champions at the hotel, hosted by Madame Stella Marquez de Araneta, head

of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI).

It was an emotional meeting, according to Pia, their first time to be face-to-face made memorable

by Pacquiao by giving Pia a pair of autographed pink gloves.

“Pink talaga,” smiled Pia, “the color of Miss Universe.”

When Pacquiao lost to Floyd PAGE B7

is largely unfocused and wanders off in her own head.

“She has comedic moments – or at least I try – here and there that show how ‘out there’ she is,” Marcos said.

“It’s fun to be able to play these kinds of off-the-wall characters because in a way, there is no right way to play her,” she added.

Marcos has appeared in a number of Tony-nominated Broadway musicals. Her credits include Lily St. Regis in the revival of “Annie,” “Miss Saigon,” “A Chorus Line,” and “The Wedding Singer,” among (L-R) Cathy Newman, J.Elaine Marcos, Jaclyn Kelly, Constance Jewell Lopez and Chassey others.

After living in New York for 15 Bennett are among actresses featured in “Sister Act.” The production is running at PAGE B3

the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach until April 24.

Photo courtesy of Caught in the Moment Photography

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COME HOME TO CEBU, THE NEWEST GLOBAL METROPOLIS

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Moonlighting

B

Is this really Pacquiao’s farewell?

by Mylah de

FAKE TOURIST VISA RESULTED IN BEING SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES AND LATER JEOPARDIZED HIS IMMIGRANT VISA DUE TO FRAUD– ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY.” Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” visas for $2500. He entered the US in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after US Customs and Border Protection accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa.

That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the US. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy – this Sunday April 10 at 6:15pm (PST) on TFC.

Filipina former Broadway actress plays...

PAGE B1 years, Marcos recently relocated to Los Angeles where she is pursuing television and comedy. In playing Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, she hopes to bring laughter to those who watch the production, sing the songs correctly, dance the choreographed moves accurately and enjoy her time with the other cast members. “[Because] when is the next time I will get to do the hustle or bus stop in a nun costume?” she said.

Last year, Marcos played the role of Nuan in “Waterfall,” which ran at the Pasadena Playhouse. She received praise for her portrayal of

the role from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, and her comic . She also helped produce a comedy music sketch called “Super Gay Asian Cabaret” in July of last year, which comedically depicted the realities of being an Asian performer through original songs and musical parodies.

“They say laughter is the best medicine, and I can’t remember not laughing at a rehearsal watching J. Elaine perform!” said Grace Yoo, an ensemble member in “Sister Act,” about working with Marcos. “She was not apologetic about making bold choices, which is why she was always on point in her comedic

timing.”

In addition to her credits, Marcos has played roles in “St. Vincent” with Billy Murray, “Before I Disappear” with Academy Award winner Shawn Christensen and “Morning Glory” as Lisa Bartlett with Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford.

She has also previously landed television roles in shows including “Royal Pains” on USA, “30 Rock” and “Law & Order: SVU” on NBC, and “Rescue Me” on FX. “Sister Act” runs from April 8 to 24.

Photo courtesy of Caught in the Moment Photography

leon

LAS VEGAS—In boxing, there’s that thing called “The End.” It always seems like a good idea—until the next fight.

On the morning of his fight, after the Bible study, we caught up with the champ just before he was led into his waiting vehicle.

He told us, “After this fight, win, lose or draw, I am going to retire and hang up my gloves to focus on my other big responsibility in my life as congressman and senatorial candidate in the Philippines—to help our people.”

He said it with such insistence, there appeared to be little or no chance the champ might change his mind.

But we already know that boxing retirements are usually written in wet sand, not fast drying concrete. There are a dozen of good to exceptional fighters who continue to hear their siren call of their once glorious past. They are hesitant to trade for the uncertainty of a future without boxing, so they hang around past their career expiration date, that even recalcitrant boxing legends are eventually obliged to acknowledge.

Every now and then a fighter comes along, almost out of nowhere, who seizes the public’s imagination. It just might be, that the Pacquiao of our fondest memories—the one who destroyed, among other such special fighters as Marcos Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto—has already left the building. He is just 3-3 in his last six bouts. The one glorified as the southpaw wrecking machine has gone 10 straight fights without winning

the distance. His last knockout victory came on November 14, 2009, against Cotto, and even then this one emphatic finisher in boxing history had to wait until 12th and final round to put an exclamation point to a bout that seemed headed to the scoreboards.

At the Media Center Studio during the dinner for the media, Mr. Bob Arum said, that he “doubts that the Filipino national hero would stick to this retirement an-

Pre-fight interview with the champ.

The author at the press con at the Media Center Studio A/B

Photo essay by Robert Macabagdal

nouncement, especially if he won and looked good doing so against the very capable Bradley. He says is it is his last fight, you can take that with a grain of salt, though.

I’ve had a lot of fighters tell me this is their last fight and six months later, they’re back in the ring.

These top fighters have a hard time giving it up, and if Manny’s performance is an outstanding one, against Bradley, he’ll want to continue.”

Pacman’s goodbye to boxing (if anyone from here to General Santos City believes it) after facing Bradley for the third and final time last Saturday night at the MGM Garden Arena, ended in a convincing fashion with a 12-round unanimous decision.

He remains one of the all time greats, one of sports’ most thrilling fighters in history. He told us, “As of now, I am retired. I want to go home and think about it and be with my family and serve my people.“ Could this really be goodbye?

For me, he’s the best fighter I’ve ever written about!

B april 16-19, 2016 • la WEEKEND aSiaN JOUrNal

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Beauty advice 411

Kore 2016 Pro-Am takes place at Journey at Pechanga

By Monet

Photo shows 26 professional golfers from the LPGA tour, Pechanga Resort & Casino officials and tee sponsors posing in front of the Journey at Pechanga golf course.

Photo by Nicole Daly

The Kore 2016 Pro-Am took place at Journey at Pechanga on April 3 and 4, 2016. This is the fourth year that Pechanga held the tournament at their resort as the proud official sponsor. Journey at Pechanga is Pechanga Resort & Casino’s premiere championship golf course, already well known among many Asian golfers. This year, 26 talented LPGA golfers were invited to participate in this highly anticipated tournament with the Pro-Am’s tee sponsors.

The night before the tournament, sponsors found out which LPGA Pro golfers they will be playing with, at the pairings party in the resort’s eagle’s Nest. The pairing party featured gourmet hors d’oeuvres, premium beverages and live entertainment, which created a relaxed atmosphere for all players and allowed them to get to know their LPGA Pro partners and prepare for the next day’s tournament.

Kore 2016 Pro-Am featured many professional golfers including Mi hyang Lee (LPGA ranking 34), Chella Choi, Ilhee Lee andJenny Shin. Mi hyang Lee, who started playing golf at the age of 3, came into the spotlight when she became Rolex first-time winner after winning Mizuno Classic 2014. Lee tallied four top-10 finishes at the evian Championship in 2015, which was her best finish in a major. Chella Choi earned her 2009 LPGA Tour card at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. She has several Top-10 finishes in many major golf championships and won Rolex for the first time at the 2015 Marathon Classic. Debuted in 2010, Ilhee Lee became a Rolex first-time winner at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic. With Rolex ranking 38, Ilhee boasts career earnings of over $2.2M.

Jenny Shin, like many Koreans, started playing golf at a very young age and began competing in USGA golf championships at age 13. She had several strong majors and recorded career-best T13 finish at the Cambia Portland Classic in 2015.

This annual tournament, being the fourth year held at Journey, consisted of many other LPGA superstars such as Jennifer Song, Kelly Shon, Tiffany Joh, haeji Kang, Soo Bin Kim, Vicky hurst, Jenny Suh, Julie Yang, Rebecca Lee-Bentham, Birdie Kim, Christine Song, Grace Na, Irene Choe-Coe, Mindy Kim, Victoria elizabeth, emily Tubert, Jing Yan, Jennie Lee, Min Lee, Stephanie Kono, Demi Runas and Brianna Do. This elite group of 26 pro golfers were expected to challenge each other on the stimulating and demanding course, along with their fans and golf partners.

Throughout the tournament, tee sponsors were not only be able to get up close and personal with these golf elites, but also swing their clubs alongside these talented athletes. They were also be provided with a great networking opportunity with celebrities, corporate leaders and pro golfers at the Awards Ceremony and Dinner that immediately followed the tournament.

Journey at Pechanga Journey at Pechanga championship golf course, one of the many high-end amenities at Pechanga Resort & Casino, is consistently rated among the top public courses in California.

When golfers partner their rounds with a luxury stay at the adjacent resort, the value of the experience rises. hotel guests receive complimentary access to the course’s

award-winning practice facility, even if they do not have a tee time. The course’s clubhouse is home to spacious men’s and women’s locker rooms, an extensive pro shop and the Journey’s end restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and evening appetizers and cocktails.

Nestled in the foothills of the scenic Southern California wine country in Temecula Valley on the Pechanga Indian Reservation, adjacent to Pechanga Resort & Casino, Journey at Pechanga winds along a boulder-strewn mountain. Journey at Pechanga’s par-72, 18-hole golf course winds across 7,219 yards. A challenging and rewarding course, it presents a range of topography – canyons, ravines, open fairways and even a tee shot with a 175-foot drop.

Just across a small walkway sits the state’s largest resort/casino with all the luxuries a traveler would expect from a high-end casino property. Rated a AAA Four Diamond property for 14 years running, the resort recently underwent a major makeover of its hotel lobby, four restaurants, Jacuzzi suites and VIP lounge. The resort offers 517 hotel rooms and suites, a full-service spa and salon, pool and cabanas, A-list entertainment, more than 200,000-square feet of flexible event and meeting space, 11 restaurants, plus extras like free WiFi, no resort fees, complimentary concierge and valet parking and 24-hour room service. The resort also offers a dedicated group sales, catering and banquet team to handle any room blocks or events. Pechanga will soon be adding more resort amenities such as a 70,000square foot events center with an ecologically responsible green PAGE B6

Lu

IN this current economy, I do understand that a lot of us have had to give up on some things we were used to when financial times were better. But I hope that despite the challenges, we do not neglect to take care of ourselves. This includes grooming. We have to encourage feeling good on the inside as well as looking good on the outside.

Now on to our hair/beauty discussions: Lorraine from New Jersey: Monet, I have really long hair that falls all the way down to my derriere area. I want to cut it for practical reasons but my boyfriend does not approve. He really likes my hair this long. Although I want to please him, I’m concerned that I’m not able to keep my hair healthy this way. I’m seeing a lot of split ends already. I used to enjoy having really long hair but now it’s not that fun anymore.

Monet: I know you feel torn between pleasing your man and the inconvenience of maintaining a lengthy hair. You have to strike a balance between what will make him happy but also not putting the burden on you. It is your hair

after all. There’s a midway point to address this. Why not try layers?

You can preserve a portion of the length while taking out the damaged area. One thing’s for sure, you need to remove the split ends.

I have to assume that your hair is also a bit dry now. You need some deep conditioning treatment. My salon is offering some good deals on moisture enrichment that may benefit you. Good luck!

Ami from San Jose: Dear Monet, because of our bad economy and partly because of my adventurous spirit, I’ve experimented

with coloring my own hair at home. I have naturally black hair but I’ve been seeing grays here and there. So I decided to change my entire hair color to light brown hoping that this will also remove the grays. The result is not what I expected. My hair color looks gold in the root area but other parts are black. I don’t know what to do.

Any advice?

Monet: You are not the first to come to me with this problem. It appears that there’s a color conflict going on there. The one thing I PAGE B6

A new treatment for A-Fib We know how scary Atrial Fibrillation or “A-Fib” can be for you and your loved ones. A-Fib is a leading cause of devastating stroke and heart failure. Unfortunately, many patients continue to struggle managing A-Fib with medication alone. Dignity health Glendale Memorial hospital now offers a novel hybrid approach to A-Fib. With the combined expertise of both electrophysiologists and cardiac surgeons, we now offer a minimally invasive “mini-Maze” procedure that cures A-fib in up to 91 percent of patients.

Open heart Surgery Team Lead Jeanie Tacadena-Barta, RN, shares, “A lot of Filipinos struggle with high blood pressure and high cholesterol which contributes to coronary heart disease. That’s why at Glendale Memorial we offer unique procedures like miniMAZe to help our patients enjoy the life they love.”

Using several small incisions and specialized instruments, Car-

Surgery Team Leads, Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital

diac surgeons perform a “maze” pattern of scars on the outside of the heart which creates a path for stable electrical impulses rather than the erratic electrical impulses associated with A-Fib. Cardiologists then perform percutaneous catheter ablations on the inside of the heart to complete the “maze.”

These procedures are performed on

the beating heart, which eliminates the long recovery associated with traditional open heart surgery.

To learn more about how you can cure your A-fib with the “miniMaze” procedure, please call The heart Center at Dignity health Glendale Memorial hospital at (818) 502.-533.

(Advertising Supplement)

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B april 16-19, 2016 • la WEEKEND aSiaN JOUrNal

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INTRoVOYS through the years Brillante Mendoza returns to Cannes Filipino band is featured in Regine Velasquez concert INTRoVOYS is a Filipino pop rock band formed in 1986 by 3rdG Cristobal, Paco Arespacochaga and Jonathan Buencamino.

During their early years in the music industry, the band’s record label, Dyna Records was dissatisfied with the band’s first two singles and was getting ready to cut their losses and drop the band.

However, their third single was a game-changer.

Their hit “However Which Way,” went No. 1 in Metro Manila in just two weeks. After a month, it became the country’s number one song—paving the way for a national tour which featured numerous hits such as “Calling All Nations,” “Maynila” and “Lullabye” among others.

In 1991, the band took a big hit when guitarist, Ira Cruz left. Despite the hindrance, the band was able to produce their second album, “Breaking New Grounds” in 1992. The album, which featured songs such as, “Will I Survive,” “Di Nako Aasa Pa,” “Binibini” and “Are You Happy” reached quadruple platinum in sales and sealed their reputation as the “The No. 1 Band in the Land.”

In 1993, the band released their third album “Line To Heaven.”

The album’s carrier single had the same title and was written after Arespacochaga suffered the tragic loss of his parents. The album also featured the hit song, “Kailanman.”

In 1994, one of the band’s original founders, Jobert Buencamino, left due to health and personal reasons. The band then invited Paku Herrera of Neocolors to replace Jobert. They then released their first greatest hits album “Greatest Hits…Live” with the carrier single “Living My Life” in 1995.

After a year, the band released their fourth album, “One” which included hits including “Tell Me More,” “More Than A Friend” and “Magkaisa Tayong Lahat.” This was Arespacochaga’s last album before he left the band in 1996. He was replaced by Toto Villanueva.

The band released their fifth album, “Eroplano” which featured hits such as “Fool,” “My Child,” “Eroplano,” “The Big Ride” and a cover of the hit “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako” by Mr. Rey Valera. The band suffered another loss a year in 1997 when Jonathan Buencamino lost his voice due to an illness and eventually forced him

to leave the band.

In 2000, Arespacochaga pursued a solo career and released his album called “Rebirth,” which featured three popular songs from his former band and a collaboration with his former wife, Geneva Cruz. The following year, he and Ira Cruz rejoined the band for a brief reunion with the original members. After that, Cruz decided to leave for the second time to pursue his other interests. Vic Carpio and Jobert Buencamino also left the band to retire that left the other members of the band in a state of inaction.

Years later, Arespacochaga, Jonathan and Buencamino decided to get back together and work on a new album with their new members, Henry Abesamis and Jonathan Manuel. They then released the album entitled “A Brighter Day” in 2005. The album marked a new chapter for the band where they transitioned from performing in the Philippines to performing in the US. In 2006, the band released “New Beginnings” album, which was a collection of their re-arranged major hits. In 2009, Tim De Ramos joined the band as the new drummer while Arespacochaga assumed duties as the new lead guitarist. G3 Misa, formerly with Shanghaid and Mystery, became the new guitarist and Gary Padre became the new bassist.

In 2011, at the Tanduay Rockfest, Arespacochaga performed the band’s signature songs. In June 2012, Jonathan Dela Paz became the new bassist for the band. In

FILIPINO filmmaker Brillante Ma. Mendoza returns to the Main Competition of this year’s Cannes Film Festival with “Ma’ Rosa.”

“Ma’ Rosa” stars Jaclyn Jose, Andi Eigenmann, Felix Roco, Jomari Angeles and Julio Diaz, who recently suffered a health crisis.

Mendoza is the lone Filipino in the fest’s main section. Mendoza’s student, Raymund Gutierrez, is competing in the Short Film Competition with “Imago.”

Gutierrez was a product of Mendoza’s film workshop last year.

Mendoza is no stranger to the world’s biggest cinema event, to be held this year from May 11 to 22 in the south of France.

In 2009, Mendoza won best director for the gritty crime drama

PAGE B4

Regine Velasquez

May 2013, JJ Buencamino decided to retire and Art Pangilinan became their new keyboardist.

In July 2014, the band released their single “Nasaan Ka” and launched a music video filmed in Los Angeles. In August of the same year, the band was featured on “Tunay na Bahay” on GMA7.

The following month, the band performed in “Mga Bokalista ng Dekadang Nubenta” US Tour along Jett Pangan, Gary Ignacio and numerous artists.

In May of 2015, keyboardist Art Pangilinan left the band, but they continued touring as a four piece.

By the end of the year, JJ Buencamino re-joined the band.

This year, the band released their latest album, “Where We Left Off.” INTRoVOYS is currently scheduled to perform on May 22, 2016 as guest artists to Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez in Los Angeles.

Call V Entertainment for tickets at (818) 458-9258 or log on to ventertainment.biz.

(Advertising Supplement)

“Kinatay.” Last year, he fielded the Yolanda movie “Taklub,” top-billed by Nora Aunor, in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes.

In 2008, he first joined the Main Competition with the erotic flick “Serbis.” The year before, he was part of the Directors’ Fortnight, a parallel section in Cannes, with the family drama “Foster Child.”

This year, Mendoza will be vying for top honors with an illustrious honor roll that includes United States’ Sean Penn (“The Last Face”) and Jim Jarmusch (Paterson”), the Netherlands’ Paul Verhoeven (“Elle”), Denmark’s Nicolas Winding Refn (“The Neon Demon”), South Korea’s Park Chan-wook (“Agassi”), France’s

Olivier Assayas (“Personal Shopper”), Spain’s Pedro Almodovar (“Julieta”), Belgium’s Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne (“La Fille Inconnue”), among others.

(Inquirer.net)

Beauty advice 411

know, having not seen your situation first-hand, is that we need to strip the light brown color you applied on yourself. The process is a bit technical to explain here.

You need to come see us at the salon because I feel like this issue you have should be handled by a professional colorist!

Ashley from Los Angeles: My wedding is this coming June. I’ve had many trials for hair and makeup but I have not been happy with any of the styles so far. My mother has been the one recommending the hair and make-up artists but our styles just don’t match. None of them could provide the makeup foundation that I need because of blemishes and acne marks that I wish to hide. I’m very stressed because I feel like my mother wants to plan everything but I’m the bride. Shouldn’t I be the one to decide?

Monet: Ashley, we need to focus on the important issues at hand, which is your quest for the right stylist who can deliver the look you want. I’m not Dear Abby, but I’m a hair doctor. So I don’t think it’s

appropriate for me to comment about the internal issues between you and your mother. But if you were serious about finding the best stylist, you have to push forward with that. If you were my bride, I would recommend that we meet for a personal, one-on-one consultation. I would advise you to cut up pictures of make-up and hair styles that you like from bridal magazines or from the Internet so that I can be on the same page with you. Once you have shared with me your vision, then it would be my turn to offer my professional opinion about what would be the best fit for your wedding makeover. After all, I have been doing this for many many years. This collaboration will avoid mistakes and stress on the wedding day. It has worked very well for me over the years. As for your specific question about make-up foundation that will give you more coverage, I just happen to have the solution for you. It’s called the Monet Salon Velvet Finish Make-up.

Evelyn from Alhambra: My hair is frizzy and dry from bleaching and coloring and also it has a natural wave which makes it

looks damage and unmanageable.

I don’t flat iron or I don’t have time to blow dry my hair. I don’t like it straight because I have very fine, thin hair. What can you recommend? Should I have hot oil treatment or rebonding? I have tried almost all the treatments and products, but I don’t think they work.

Monet: Don’t worry-- we have the latest answer for this problem and that is our signature Brazilian Blow Me away Keratin treatment of the Hair spa magic. Your hair is the best candidate for this kind of treatment. I will guarantee you that your hair will be shiny, manageable and healthier. *** 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 all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Kore 2016 Pro-Am takes place at Journey...

PAGE B4

roof, an additional 568-room and suite hotel wing, resort-style pool complex, two-story luxury spa and two new restaurants.

For more information or to make reservations at Pechanga

Resort & Casino, please visit www.

Pechanga.com or call (877) 7112946. Pechanga Resort & Casino is located in Temecula, Calif. just two minutes off Interstate 15, less than one hour from San Diego and Ontario International airports, and

less than one and one-half hours from Los Angeles and Orange County. With an average of 276 sunny days per year, Temecula and Journey at Pechanga offer an ideal golfer’s retreat year round.

(Advertising Supplement)

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Dennis Trillo: What Love that Lobster Bay! you see is what you get

They say that if you want to discover and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, you go to

by Bot Glorioso where a good number of Chinese Philstar.com people go. It makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

“MARRIAge is not a word. It’s a For this reason, CheCK OUT sentence…a life sentence!”

ThIS new restaurant in Rowland That is Dennis Trillo talking to heights. Find out why it is athis friends like a real Casanova. he tracting the attention of many in is the kind of guy who charms and and around the upwardly mobile, smooth-talks his way to the ladies. densely populated Filipino AmerOops, before anyone gets upset and ican community surrounding it. starts bashing Dennis on social meDelicious Chinese food, good dia, the actor is just portraying his prices and courteous efficient character as the playboy Juan in the service —these are some of the gMA 7’s newest primetime “sexy very good reasons why Lobster and naughty” comedy series “Juan Bay Restaurant’s popularity is happy Love Story” that is set to air on the rise among FilAm food on May 16. Topbilling with Dennis lovers who pride themselves with is heart evangelista as happy. having discriminating tastes and Judging from his colorful lovelife, who want the best bang for the Dennis indubitably didn’t have buck. a hard time plunging and losing For foodies who live in La himself into the role. he smiled Puente, West Covina, Diamond and said, “I’m happy because this Bar, Puente hills, Chino hills and is my first time to be given this kind hacienda heights, there is just of project on TV and yes, there’s no need to maneuver the gritty no need to do research since Juan gridlock of Downtown Chinatown is just so naughty. I already did or drive to Alhambra just to taste naughty roles in the past but this is the best in Chinese cuisine. even my naughtiest and I think this is the first time for televiewers to see this Dennis Trillo, who topbills the GMA 7’s newest people from Orange County who kind of treatment and presentation primetime offering Juan “Happy Love Story” are on the hunt for delicious fare with Heart Evangelista, says his character come to Lobster Bay and make a on TV.” mental note to come back again Dennis admitted to having a Juan is his naughtiest role on TV yet. wild streak in his younger years most important decisions a couple and again Not only are the but that doesn’t mean he frowns will make together. Does he see his prices reasonable for the many on marriage. rumored flame, Jennylyn Mercado, varied and delicious Lobster Bay “I do have plans to settle down as the one he will be walking down course offerings, the service is wonderful too. but I can’t tell exactly when because the aisle with?

If you spend $40 on orders I am not rushing it. For me, it’s a sa“Ayokong magsalita ng tapos. All cred matter and once I’ve decided to I can say is we’re both happy what- which excludes any lobster order, get married, there’s no turning back ever it is happening to us right now you can buy a lobster dish for only $8.99/lb., OR get for FRee, so dapat ’yung time na desidido na — in our work and personal life.” talaga ako,” he said. however, Dennis is not confirm- a deep-fried whole fish OR get he, too, is not the type who ing or denying if they are officially for FRee, a hALF order of deepbelieves that there’s an ideal age or back in each other’s arms. They are time to take on such an important among the celebrity couples who life event. he believes anytime is prefer to keep their relationships the best time but it would have private. “What you see is what you to depend on one’s willingness to get. gusto lang namin tahimik at do so. di masyadong pinag-uusapan. We Besides, Dennis said he knows try to separate our private life from that getting married is one of the work.”

Lobster Bay Restaurant opened over a year ago and is steadily building a name for itself Their Lobster dishes can be prepared in despite the stiff competition among many food places in Rowland Heights. Many Filipinos who different ways. Their Boston Lobster dish like holding parties at home or other venues find it practical and economical to order entrees can be done as House Special; or with Ginger from Lobster Bay in advance and pick them up. You can call and order at (626) 820-9066. and Green Onion; Superior Soup Sauce; Deep Fried HK Style; Black Bean Sauce; or Steamed with Lemon Butter.

fried chicken.

If you spend $80 which excludes any lobster order and with 7 people in your group, you can buy a lobster dish for only $8.99/lb., OR get for FRee, not ONe BUT TWO deep-fried whole fish OR get for FRee, a WhOLe order of deep-fried chicken. So what’s not to like?

Bring your friends and your whole family to Lobster Bay Restaurant and discover your next favorite hangout when it comes to eating great Chinese food. They have Main Dining Room and 5 function rooms, 2 of which can seat about 30 people.

If you are celebrating a special occasion at home or other venues and do not want to struggle with the cooking and cleaning while still wishing to impress your

It is true what they say. If you want authentic Chinese food at the best prices, go where many Chinese people go. Many foodies are impressed with the wide variety and rich delicious taste of their course offerings.

guests, you can order in advance 18888 Labin Court #B 101, to pick up your food from Lobster Rowland heights, CA 91748 with Bay Restaurant. telephone # (626) 820-9066.

Lobster Bay is located at (Advertising Supplement)

The meeting of champions

PAGE B1 Mayweather Jr. last year, Pia consoled him by promising to “get back,” saying,“hindi bale, babawi tayo!” which was met by cynics with expressions of disbelief, dismissing Pia as boasting, until Pia did prove true to her promise when she won Miss Universe.

When they met, Pacquiao thanked Pia for giving him moral support. Pia recalled that she was at the edge of her seat while watching the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight and broke down when Pacquiao lost. “he told me that he learned about what I said,” continued Pia. “he and his wife Jinkee watched the Miss Universe pageant on TV and they became emotional daw when I won. I told him that idol ko sya. I’m happy that we finally met and he felt the same. It’s a great feeling for both of us to have brought honor to our country.”

The second time Pia came home post-Miss U was to shoot for a commercial (product name confidential). This time, she’s here to crown her successor during

the 2016 Bb. Pilipinas Pageant on Sunday night, April 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum (aired live by ABS-CBN with Xian Lim and KC Concepcion as hosts).

Many of the 40 aspirants are repeaters, inspired no doubt by Pia who lost the Bb. Pilipinas crown twice before she bagged it on her third try. yes, a quitter never wins!

Pia has seen the contestants up close during the press presentation. Asked about the possibility of a back-to-back win for the Philippines, Pia said, “Why not?”

“It’s a possibility,” said Pia, “after all, there are so many beautiful girls in this year’s Binibini batch,” adding as an advice to her successor, “It depends on our candidate how hard she prepares for the pageant and how far or how much she can sustain the same kind of energy during the local pageant. you could be very confident here but it’s something else when you are out there with so many beautiful girls around you. She must also be well-versed on current events because she can be asked about what’s happening around the world out there.”

toyota of north holywood 1/2kp

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COMMUNITY Journal

Petitioning a beloved significant other before marriage Your Immigration Solution Devin M. Connolly anD nanCy e. Miller The ability to see your spouse on a daily basis makes a lot of people very happy. With as hard as people work and the stresses they encounter on a daily basis, the simple joy of having dinner with your family can be something to cherish. But what if you are forced to live in a different country from your family members? You have surely realized that telephone calls and text messages are just not the same.

It is commonly known that US citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card-holders) can petition for their spouses to join them in the US. But what if you are not married? You may be in a committed relationship, perhaps even for several years, but, for whatever reason, you never officially married. Despite this lack of a marriage, it is still possible for many people to be reunited with their beloved significant other in the US. A US citizen may file a Fiancé(e) Visa Petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Approval of this petition may then lead to the issuance of a fiancé(e) visa, commonly referred to as a K-1 visa.

There are several requirements that must be met by the US citizen petitioner and his or her fiancé(e).

First, only US citizens are eligible to file petitions for a fiancé(e).

Green card holders are not eligible for this benefit. The US citizen petitioner and his or her fiancé(e) must also intend to marry within 90 days of the foreign national’s entry to the US. This intention must be sincere; it is not permissible to enter the US simply to decide whether you want to marry your petitioner. There also must not be any legal impediments to marriage. Among other issues, this means that all prior marriages must have been legally terminated through divorce, death or annulment prior to filing the petition.

In addition, the US citizen peti-

tioner and his or her fiancé(e) must have met, in person, at least once in the two-year period preceding the filing of the Fiancé(e) Visa Petition. There are exceptions to this requirement if an in-person meeting would violate strict and long-established customs of either party’s foreign culture or social practice, or if the in-person meeting requirement would result in extreme hardship to the US citizen petitioner. The mere inconvenience to have to travel to a foreign country, or to take time off from work or purchase an expensive airline ticket will not qualify you for an exception to the in-person meeting requirement.

After the USCIS approves the Fiancé(e) Visa Petition, the foreign national still has significant work to do before they will be issued their K-1 visa. They will be required to appear at a personal interview at the U.S. embassy in their home country. At this interview, they will be questioned extensively by a Consular Officer who must be convinced that the relationship is not one that has been entered into solely to obtain immigration benefits. The Consular Officer will also want to see physical evidence of the true, actual relationship. The inability to submit sufficient proof or correctly answer questions may lead the Consular Officer to deny the application for a fiancé(e) visa if they believe that the application was being submitted solely as a way of entering the US. Following the foreign national’s entry into the US, they must marry their petitioner within 90 days of entry. It does not matter if this marriage is before many friends and family members or a small civil ceremony, so long as it oc-

curs within 90 days of entry to the US. After this timely marriage, the foreign national may then proceed to file an application for a green card. Yes, that entails more applications, more documents, and likely a second interview, but the process should hopefully be more enjoyable since now you are able to go through it while living in the same house as your beloved spouse.

Finally, a fiancé(e) of a US citizen may also be eligible to bring their children with them to the US. The children will only be allowed to enter the US if they are unmarried and under 21-yearsold. The children will be able to obtain their green cards even if they turn 21 after entering on the K-2 but before lawful permanent residence is granted.

Immigrating to the US with a fiancé(e) visa can be complex.

There are some quirks that are unique to this type of visa. Be sure to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney so that you can be reunited with your significant other as soon as possible. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

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Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon Are you feeling stuck and unable to move because of lingering debt problems in your life?

Considering bankruptcy but not sure if it’s the right solution for you?

For those who are struggling with debt problems, the decision to file for bankruptcy is never an easy one. So they put it off and hope that they never have to do it. Unfortunately, to some people who are at the end of their financial rope, it is simply inevitable.

Is filing bankruptcy really that horrible? Isn’t that the worst thing you can do your credit?

These are the common questions that people ask.

Yes, there’s a certain feeling of shame or stigma associated with bankruptcy. After all, financial problems are a very personal matter and a lot of people won’t discuss their situation even with their closest friends or family members. This often creates isolation and people try to deal with their problems on their own- until one day they realize they cannot do it anymore. Do you know anyone who may be in this situation- perhaps you? every day I see a lot of people who have suffered needlessly, sometimes for years, and have done nothing about their situa-

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Do you feel paralyzed by your debt problems? tion until one day they get sued by a creditor or their employer tells them that they just received an order to garnish the person’s wages. So they panic and decide to see a bankruptcy lawyer right away.

At this point, they are so broke that they can barely put food on the table and keep the lights on. Why wait until you get to this point? In a lot of cases that I see, people could have done something much sooner to spare themselves from unnecessary debt suffering. In other words, if bankruptcy is in fact your only way out of debt, postponing the decision to implement a very much needed solution will only mean prolonging your agony and is not the smartest thing to do.

Sooner or later, you will need to face your financial problems.

Your problems will not magically disappear and solve themselves unless you do something about them. That’s a fact.

A long time ago, our own US Congress decided that there has to be a way to help people in debt when they can no longer help themselves. So they passed bankruptcy laws to give people a chance for a fresh financial start.

So the honest debtor, freed from the burden of heavy indebtedness, can now start a new life and become productive again. Thank God we have bankruptcy laws in

this country that allow people to do that! Where would most people be today without having been given a second chance at one point in their lives?

The simple point I am making in this article is that you are never beyond help no matter how difficult your financial situation may seem to be at the moment.

Don’t let your fears paralyze you.

If you don’t take action now to find out what your legal options are, your life will never change and someday, you will have no one but yourself to blame.

Find an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who will take the time to listen and understand your situation. Once you get over your fears and begin to understand that the law is on your side (not against you), this could be a big turning point in your life.

If you are in debt and need to find the best solution for your situation, call toll-free 1-866-4777772 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia.. ***

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Should you postpone filing your tax returns?

Tax Tips VictoR Sy,

Approval is virtually automatic for compliant taxpayers with liabilities of less than $10,000. The IRS has recently been more reasonable in evaluating and approving installment requests.

cPA, mBA

SUrelY as April 15 comes along, some of you will procrastinate in filing tax returns. It can be habit forming as I see the same taxpayers come after April 15 year after year. After four decades of counseling taxpayers, I look back at so many reasons why taxpayers don’t file on time—not having enough funds, missing tax documents, or having a refund anyway. let’s discuss 10 reasons why you should file on time: 1. You save a penalty for failure to file of 5 percent per month versus only 1/2 percent for failure to pay; therefore, it is better to file even if you don’t have funds.

2. You may need current tax returns for a loan application or loan refinance. Don’t miss this opportunity to lock in 3 percent to 4 percent interest rates for the next 15 to 30 years. We may not see these historically low rates again in our lifetime.

3. You may also need to file early to apply for student grants, loans, None of the information herein is in- or aids such as FAFSA. 4. File on time if you have items tended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has success- that you don’t want disturbed in an fully helped thousands of clients in getting IrS audit.

5. The statute of limitation for out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon the IrS to audit your tax return Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477- expires after three years (five if 7772.

(Advertising Supplement) you fail to report 25 percent of your income). The statute does

not expire if you don’t file. They can get to you anytime, forever actually!

6. Filing on time facilitates offers in compromise or installment agreements. During decades of working with the Collection Division of the IrS, I have experienced an easier time settling accounts of compliant taxpayers, but not of delinquent ones.

7. request an installment payment plan by filing Form 9465 if you owe taxes of $50,000 or less.

Approval is virtually automatic for compliant taxpayers with liabilities of less than $10,000.

The IrS has recently been more reasonable in evaluating and approving installment requests.

8. Installment sale reporting is automatic, but don’t use it if you don’t need it. You won’t be able to elect out of installment sale if you don’t file on time.

9. Net operating losses from your businesses are required to be carried back to prior years. You may not want to go back if you had losses in prior years or if you expect material gains in future

years. You cannot elect to forego carryback periods if you don’t file on time. Benefits of this election can be substantial and should be planned well with your tax adviser.

10. The Franchise Tax Board charges cost recovery and collection fees. These penalties stick if you ignore them, even if you subsequently don’t owe anything.

In summary: Unless you have better reasons, file on time. Do it for peace of mind. Do it to relieve stress. You’re going to file anyway. Good luck! *** 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 Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@ live.com.

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What immigration benefits are available to same-sex marriages post Doma?

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS ON June 26, 2013, the US Supreme Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as unconstitutional in the landmark case US. V. Windsor. The BIA shortly thereafter issued a decision in Matter of Zeleniak holding that DOMA is no longer an impediment in recognizing same-sex couples under the immigration and Nationality Act. Matter of Zeleniak, 26 I&N Dec. 158 (BIA 2013). This means a same-sex marriages are now

In the area of immigrant visas, a same sex US Citizen spouse or legal permanent resident spouse may now petition for an immigrant visa for their spouse as long as the marriage was valid in the place of celebration. Validity of the marriage is not based on the place of domicile. valid for immigration purposes as long as the marriage is recognized in the “place of celebration.”

This means a same- sex marriage is valid for immigration purposes even if the couple intends ultimately to reside in one of the 37 states that do not recognize same-sex marriages as long as it was valid in the place of

celebration. The same-sex marriage is valid even if the applicant is applying in a country in which same-sex marriage is illegal.

In the area of immigrant visas, a same sex US Citizen spouse or legal permanent resident spouse may now petition for an immigrant visa for their spouse as long as the marriage was valid in the place of celebration. Validity

of the marriage is not based on the place of domicile.

Stepchildren acquired through the same sex marriage can also qualify under the same requirements as stepchildren acquired through opposite sex marriages.

Same sex spouses and qualified children or step children can also qualify as dependents of employment-based categories and family-preference categories as derivatives.

Same-sex partners off US citizens may also apply for K-1 fiancé non-immigrant visa the same way opposite sex partners may petition for a fiancé visa.

The same sex US Citizen spouse may then file an immigrant petition and adjustment of status after the fiancé enters the US and marries the US citizen spouse.

Widows and widowers of

same-sex spouses can also qualify for immigration benefits under INA 204(l). Generally, this is done by filing a self-petition within two years of the death of the US citizen same sex spouse.

In the area of non-immigrant visas, same-sex spouses and their children are now eligible for nonimmigrant visa as a derivative.

Same sex spouses and their children can qualify as derivatives in non-immigrant visas including H , e , l , O , r visas, etc.

For aliens with final removal orders issued prior to the Windsor decision, the recognition of the validity of same sex marriage makes available new relief for their case. It may be possible to file a motion to reopen the deportation/removal case even if the removal order was issues past 90 days.

*** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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

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

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A huge success: California rallies behind Binay for president

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Luis Castro-Ramirez was hired to work as a truck driver

by Dependable Highway Express (DHE) in 2010. During his hiring, he told DHE that he had a disabled son who required dialysis every day and he (Ramirez) was responsible for administering the dialysis. He requested his employer that he be given driving assignments that would end his shifts early enough to get home so he can give his son dialysis treatments. Ramirez’ supervisor (Bermudez) accommodated Ramirez’s needs as often as he could by giving him a shift that began before noon. Thus, while the schedules of DHE’s drivers varied from day to day, Ramirez’ typical schedule was from 7:00 a.m., 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. Throughout his employment, Ramirez performed satisfactorily with no problems. in 2013, the supervisor, Bermudez, was promoted and Ramirez had a new supervisor (Guillen), who reported to Bermudez. Bermudez told Guillen that Ramirez had special needs related to his disabled son and needed to leave early. Bermudez asked Guillen to “work with” Ramirez. However, Guillen changed Ramirez’ schedule. in March 2013, Ramirez complained to Bermudez that Guillen had changed his hours, and he was starting later and finishing later and could not leave to tend to his son. Bermudez told Guillen about Ramirez’s complaint and Guillen indicated he would “work on that.”

However, Guillen continued to assign Ramirez to schedules

Community Journal

Giving reasonable accommodation at work to a non-disabled employee that prevented him from going home early to his son. Prior to his termination, Guillen assigned Ramirez a shift beginning at 12:00 p.m. Ramirez explained to Guillen that it was too late in the day for him to drive that route because he could not get back in time to administer dialysis to his son by 8:00 p.m. Ramirez requested another route or simply to take that day off. Guillen told Ramirez that if he did not do the route, he was fired. Ramirez said he was sorry, but he could not do it. Guillen told him to return the next day to sign the termination paperwork. Ramirez returned to DHE for three consecutive days after that because he wanted to work. On the third day, another manager told him that he had not worked for three days and “of course” he was terminated.

Ramirez sued the employer for, among other things, associational disability discrimination in violation of California law, because DHE terminated Ramirez due to his association with a disabled family member.

The employer asked the trial court to throw out the case arguing that the employer did not have an obligation to provide Ramirez with a special schedule as an accommodation for his son’s illness. The employer argued that the disability discrimination law applied only to employees who were themselves disabled. The trial court sided with the employer and dismissed Ramirez’s case. Ramirez appealed.

One of the main issues that the California Court of Appeal had to address was the issue of whether the employer had a duty to extend reasonable accommodation to an employee who was not himself disabled but who is

Awardee (Karen) receiving a check, certificate and rose.

“associated” with a disabled person. The court ruled that, under California law, which is more protective of employees, the employer has a duty to extend such a reasonable accommodation to the non-disabled employee.

The court noted that under California law the definition of a “physical disability” embraces association with a physically disabled person. The phrase “‘physical disability’ includes a perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have a physical disability. Thus, the law forbids not only discrimination based on a disability, it also forbids discrimination based on a person’s association with another who has a disability. in the case of Ramirez, the appellate court said that the trial court should not have thrown out the case, but should have allowed a jury to decide whether Ramirez’s son’s disability was a substantial motivating factor for the employer’s termination of Ramirez. in the final analysis, it is the jury which should determine whether the employer should be held liable for disability discrimination. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant recoveries for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum.

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SITV Club’s Past Presidents

Two outstanding women receive financial support from SITV ON Tuesday, April 12, members of the soroptimist international of The Verdugos (siTV), family and friends gathered together at Max’s of Manila for dinner and to give their Best for Women “LiVE YOuR DREAM” Awards to two courageous and strong women, Karen Castellanos and Pamela Rowles.

Castellanos and Rowles received financial awards to help with their education expenses, certificates of recognition and were given “red roses” symbolizing passion and courage.

Both awardees are true dreamers, survivors and goalmakers. They have almost similar stories - Both left abusive relationships and struggled to survive for themselves and The two Awardees with Club President Edith Fuentes their children. There was not a dry eye in the audience as they shared some of the hardship and challenges they have gone through in their lives, their courage, strength and where they are now. Both are on their way to finishing their college degree and looking forward to living better lives.

Part of the program was also “A salute” to all the Club’s Past Presidents: Laila santos, stephanie Mines, Geraldine PAGE C4 Group photo with some of the members, guests and awardees.

To Live With Faith reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS WE often hear that “politics” exists not only in governments but also in corporations, schools, civic organizations, and even in churches. We find this contention to be true when we understand politics as “the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over government” and of “competition between competing groups or individuals for power and leadership” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) Politics then will alway be part of our lives as long as there is a need for control, persuasion, influence, power, authority, and prestige. This need happens also in basic institutions such as marriage and family, where partners compete for control of finance and discipline of children, and were children maneuver for a parent’s love and attention.

Politics enveloped even Jesus’ life and ministry from his birth to his death. The narratives on his infancy were replete with stories of political personages threatened by his coming. Powerful figures in political and religious institu-

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On politics and service tions persistently challenged his ministry. His crucifixion and death were consequences of people’s unwillingness to accept his claim on true authority. understanding fully this human condition, Jesus knew where to hit the spot in human nature when it came to teaching men and women and critiquing their lives. “if anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servants of all,” he told his disciples and others listening to him in the Gospel. Then, to illustrate this teaching, he grasped the mind of the Mediterranean world of considering children as the least significant members of the society. He took a child and placed him in their midst and said, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

Jesus here was not merely talking about serving the least of all but becoming the least of all.

He knew the tendency of people, such as his disciples, to lose their real sense of purpose with their inordinate desire or hunger for power, authority and prestige.

And so, he reminded them to stop their anxious thoughts for competition and claim for power. He called them to serve and

not to lord over people.

Priests and bishops should constantly be aware of this admonition of Christ. They must not preoccupy their minds and hearts with longing for higher and prestigious positions in the hierarchy. Rather, they should focus on the heart of ministry, which is the proclamation of the Good News and the love of God to all people, particularly the poor, the downtrodden, the defenseless, the sick, the youth and children, the marginalized and all weak members of the society.

All of us, followers of Christ, should never lose the zeal of ministering humbly to the people of God. Our simple desire must be to bring hope, faith, justice and love to all God’s children. ***

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.

Arts Commission announces $500,000 in grants to organizations providing services outside of the arts in Los Angeles County Grantees include organizations providing services for youth and program addressing mental health, homelessness and immigrant rights As part of the new Community impact Arts Grant (CiAG) program, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission announces $500,000 in arts grants to 51 nonprofit organizations delivering a wide variety of cultural services to County residents. CiAG funds organizations that use the arts to support their mission to provide a wider range of services including after-school youth, foster youth, mental health, homeless, disability, immigrant rights/ social justice, veterans and environmental communities. Grantee organizations are providing arts services in visual arts and art therapy, dance, literary arts, media arts, music and theatre.

Examples of the projects supported by CiAG include the Day Laborer Fandango Project, gathering stories of the day laborer community through verse writing workshops and fandango; The Therapeutic Living Centers for the Blind, offering a visual art program for visually impaired and developmentally disabled adults;Lamp, inc. providing a series of art and music workshops to residents of skid Row; and REACH LA whose program supports and educates urban LGBT young adults of color. More information about the all 51 organizations can be found below.

“Through this process, we have broadened our understand-

ing of how organizations are using the arts to impact communities across LA County,” states Laura Zucker, Arts Commission Executive Director. “The Board of supervisors recognized that supporting the more complex arts ecology of LA County would increase access and strengthen the quality of arts programming no matter where it happens.”

Grant amounts range from $2,600 to $12,200 and support one year arts projects for organizations looking to build upon existing arts programming. There will be two additional years of available funding.

“This program allows us to PAGE C4

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Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng THE one true GOD YAHWEH, created man and woman with free will. He gave us free will to choose what we want to do, because our GOD doesn’t force us to do anything that we do not want to. If we love Him, He wants our love for Him to be a free choice on

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Clients choose dependents & house over credit cards Both clients seek chapter 7 relief to discharge credit cards

our part, a love freely given, not forced. Indeed, what a great and wonderful creator we have! He could have made us into drones and robots with no free will, then the whole world right now, all 6 billion people would be worshipping Him without any free will; a world without terrorists!

All throughout our lives here on earth, we have to make choices.

Therefore, we are responsible for our own choices and the conse-

quences of those choices. Even when you drive to work every day, you have to decide which freeway to take. When its time for lunch, you have to decide, what you want to eat. So it is, life is full of choices to make. Will you vote for Hilary, or will you vote for Trump. That’s the choice you have to make. I’m voting for Hilary. That’s the choice I make.

Client no. 1 is 64. He is single and has never married. But he has several dependents. He works in the health care industry and makes a good salary of $80K a year. He has never owned a house because he has a number of dependents. He takes care of his brothers and sisters as well as his nieces and nephews, here and abroad. One niece is now a registered nurse because of him.

He paid for his nursing degree.

Another nephew is an accountant. He paid for his business degree. Without client’s help, his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews would not be able to provide a roof over the heads much less pay for their children’s college expenses. In short, without the help given by client, his loved ones, his dependents here and abroad will not be able to get out of poverty. Client is actually the main breadwinner for his extended family. So this is why he

what would your choice be? It makes client happy to help his extended family and to save up for a house for them. His choice is to get rid of his $40K cards now with a Chapter 7 discharge.

Smart choice.

Client no. 2 is 70. She owns and lives in a condo. She still owes a hefty sum on the condo.

Her equity in the condo is about $100K. She stopped working last year and now gets social security of $1,800. Her mortgage is $1,400, leaving her $600 for the other necessities. The problem is that she owes $30K of credit card debt, which she has been paying $1K a month for the last 10 years, just to keep them current.

Having paid $120K of minimum payments for 10 years, it’s really sad to say that she still owes the very same $30K! She did not think about this situation when she was still working and when her husband was still around.

But with her husband gone and with her now retired and receiving just social security, she had to decide if she wanted to keep her house or keep her credit cards. Let’s see. You can live in your house; it provides you shelter from the elements and a nice place to sleep in. You can’t live in your credit cards, can you?

Needless to say, client decided

never married. His priority was to help his family. If he had his own family, then obviously, he would have to give his wife and children first priority, leaving a small amount as help for his extended family.

Client actually spends $2K a month for his extended family.

Even with his $80K gross income a year, he still has to budget carefully. He rents a house, not an apartment, because two nieces and brother live with him.

He takes care of them, and he is really happy to be able to provide that help. And he still sends his sister and her children who live abroad, a significant sum every month. The problem is that client also has $40K of credit card debt. He allocates $1,500 a month to keep those cards current. But with his age now, he would rather use the $1,500 to save up to buy a house for his extended family, and to be able to continue providing for his extended family. The choice he is faced with is to keep on paying $1,500 a month for $40K of credit card debt for the next 20 years, or get ride of those credit cards now with a Chapter 7 discharge and use the savings of $20K a year to buy a house and to continue providing help to his extended family. If you were him

quickly to file for Chapter 7 to discharge $30K of credit card debt so that she could keep paying her house. She chose to keep her house over her credit cards.

It’s a matter of choice, is it not?

But the choice you make should be the correct one. Otherwise, you will suffer the consequences.

On my way to court his morning, a homeless man was all wrapped up in rags in really filthy blankets, sleeping right there on the sidewalk. I felt bad for him. But that’s his choice. Our God gave him the free will to make that choice.

I hope you make the right choice in your situation. If client had discharged her cards ten years ago, she would $120K save up right now, instead of $30K of cards that need to get discharged. “ “Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my Hope is in You all day long.” — Psalm 25:5 *** 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)

Two outstanding women... Arts Commission announces...

PAGE C3 Yumping, Arleen Penaflor and Edith Fuentes. Recognition was also given to Charter Members: Diva Salano, Geny

Aguilar and Laila Santos. KUDOS and Congratulations to all these brave, courageous and committed Awardees and Soroptimists.

Soroptimists’ group hug.

PAGE C3 support organizations that are reaching a more diverse sector of our population with arts programming,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis. “This helps to broaden the context in which arts are accessed by Los Angeles County residents who may not otherwise participate in the arts.”

“These first grantees of the CIAG program are a perfect demonstration of the various ways in which the arts can promote civic problem solving across a wide range of areas,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. “From issues of homelessness to foster youth to mental health, our residents truly benefit from these high quality arts programs.”

Applications were reviewed and scored by 20 knowledgeable panelists with experience in the arts and social services, including artists, arts administrators, and those with experience working with the diverse communities

being served by applicants.

Additional facts and figures about the 2016 CIAG grantees can be found below. Detailed grant information is available at lacountyarts.org/CIAG. The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County, encompassing 88 municipalities, and provides leadership in cultural services.

In addition to its role as an arts funder, the Arts Commission implements the regional initiative dedicated to restoring arts education to 81 school districts, program and operates the Ford Theatres, funds the largest arts internship program in the county and manages the County’s civic art policy. The Arts Commission also produces free community programs, including the Emmy Award-winning LA County Holiday Celebration for public television. lacountyarts.org.

Calendar of Events across America ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS A P R I L 23

Chino Hills Multicultural Festival Inspired by last year’s successful celebration of the community’s diversity, the Rotary Club of Greater Chino Hills Foundation will host its second Multicultural Festival on Saturday, April 23, from 3 to 9 pm, at the Chino Hills Community Center (14250 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709). Admission is free. There will be food booths, live entertainment, music, dance and performances by an array of participants. Sponsorship and advertisement packages are available for non-profit organizations to fundraise, and for businesses interested in market their products and services. For more information, contact rotary.chinohills@gmail.com or visit www.chinohillsrotaryclub.org. Contact: Ted Alvarez (909) 456-0359, tedalvarez@verizon.net; Tessie Lightholder (909) 576-4152,tessielightholder@gmail.com, or Ginny Mondonedo (951) 212-4624, vmondonedo55@gmail.com.

Free Elder Law Living Trust Seminar Please join our FREE annual Elder Law seminar presented by the attorneys at Elder Law Services of California, a professional law corporation, and take advantage of our $1,000 off trust or trust update package SEMINAR DISCOUNT! This event will provide a wealth of information to both individuals and families who are planning to start their estate planning, have no clue whether they need an estate plan, or already have an estate plan in place. We will be going over topics such as how to save thousands in probate fees, whether your existing trust needs updating, how to avoid conservatorship, how to pay for long-term care, Medi-Cal House Protection Trusts, and most importantly, how to preserve your assets. We have two seminars on Saturday April 23: one at 10am to 11:30 am and one from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. They will be held at 110 Jackson Street San Jose, CA 95112. Call 1-800-411-0546 for reservations.

APRIL 30

COSC celebrates 27th Anniversary The Candonians of Southern California (COSC), under the leadership of their newly elected president, Mrs. Elizabeth Gacula Singh, will celebrate their 27th Anniversary on April 30 at the Doubletree Hotel-Monrovia (924 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For questions and those interested, please email thecandoniansofsocal@gmail.com.

APRIL — SEPTEMBER

Pilgrimages to Eastern Europe, Mexico and India Amazing Pilgrimages for the Jubilee Year of Mercy! All are welcome to join Fr. Joe Joseph of Holy Trinity Church for the spiritual and fun-filled experiences of EASTERN EUROPE (April 17- 30): Poland, Czech., Austria, Hungary, Medjugorje; COLONIAL MEXICO/ OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (June 20 - 27): Mexico City, Theotihuacan, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Ocotlan, Xochimilco, Guanajuato, San Miguel De Allende, Guadalajara, San Juan De Los Lagos, Cristo Rey, Zapopan, Tonala; and INDIA (September 15 - 29): Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kerala. For more pilgrimage information and detailed flyers, please contact Bernadette at bcorp1114@hotmail.com OR call 323-344-1548 & 323-547-6618.

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

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 16-19, 2016

C

Business and Trade with Cambodia Is Focus of Los Angeles Forum On Sunday, April 10, Kim Chha Hout, Consul General the Royal Consulate Office of Cambodia, invited Los Angeles community leaders and business men and women to a Business and Tourism Forum highlighting the advantages of investing in and doing trade with the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The forum, which was held at the Crown Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel in San Pedro, CA, also focused on the emergence of Cambodia as a top tourist destination in Asia.

Developing Economy

Norman Arikawa, Assistant Director of Trade Development for the Port of Los Angeles, moderated the panel of Cambodian dignitaries that included Consul General Hout; Dr. Monivann Tan, Vice President of Cambodia’s Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of Mong Reththy Group Co.; Visothy So, Cambodian Minister of Tourism and Under-Secretary of State; and His Excellency Chum Bun Rong, Cambodian Ambassador to the U.S. A delicious buffet of food and refreshments were provided by Grace Ouano, an avid supporter of the ASEAN Group of Ladies, a support group and social circle of friends of the Cambodian Consulate. Rupert Ouano, President of RVO Global Shores Properties Unlimited, Inc., was one of one the event facilitators along with Malou Mariano, Advisor ADC Energy, Inc., Asia Division. Mr. Ouano has established a variety of businesses in Cambodia and worked to improve the lives of Cambodians through economic development. He is also an enthusiastic supporter of expanding U.S. businesses there and improving trade with Cambodia.

With a population of nearly 16 million people and a country rich in natural resources, Cambodia is working hard to grow its economy and trade relationships. It has a developing market economy that grew at an average rate of over 10 percent per year from 2004 to 2007. That growth was driven mainly by expansion in the fashion/garment sector, construction, agriculture and tourism. Like many countries, Cambodia’s growth slowed in the global economic crisis, but since 2010, the economy has rebounded and has been growing at about 7 percent annually.

Cambodia’s rapidly expanding tourism industry has increased more than 10 times since 1998 when 187,000 tourists visited the country. Today tourism accounts for a robust part of the country’s economy and nearly 5 million visitors in 2015. The country is the second choice of destination in the world among all tourists surveyed. Cambodia’s scenic capital city of Phnom Penh, its world-class, white-sand beaches; and beautiful countryside attract tourists and eco-tourists alike, and are reason enough to attract visitors. But Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s crowning jewel. Angkor Wat, the 7th Wonder of the World, is actually a massive 700-year-old city spread over 154 square miles found deep in the lush jungles of northern Cambodia. Last year, Lonely Planet announced their 500 best attractions on the planet, and Cambodia’s Temples of Angkor were named Number One.

Rupert and Grace Ouano (center) with Cambodian Consul General Kim Chha Hout (right) and his wife Marja Huti (left)

Investing in the Future

Minister of Tourism Visothy So with other panelists in background.

Despite growth in fashion and tourism sectors, Cambodia remains an agrarian society, with the agriculture sector employing approximately 80 percent of Cambodia’s population. The U.S. is one of Cambodia’s largest donors and official U.S. assistance amounted to over $77 million in 2014.

Foreign investment in Cambodia has increased significantly since 2004, led by Asian investors from China, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Cambodian government offers a generous package of incentives to foreign investors, and imposes few restrictions on imports from abroad.

Cambodia joined the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 1995 and is also a member of the ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality (ACCSQ). The country offers potential investment opportunities in tourism; education; architecture, construction, and engineering services; household goods and appliances; agribusiness and food processing; used cars and automotive parts; power generation equipment; fast food and beverage franchises; pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medical equipment; and banking.

Overcoming Challenges

The story of Cambodia as a country is not devoid of challenges, though, as this nation has slowly and steadfastly emerged from the ravages of war with the Khmer Rouge (1975 to 1979). With the current leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Cambodia and its people will continue to grow and thrive as they work to become one of the top Asian nations in the future.

To learn more about Cambodia and trade opportunities please visit http://www.consulateofcambodiaca.org/

Rupert and Grace Ouano seated with (from left) Remy Quito, Lini Teal, Minerva Miller, Rizalina Seaver, Trinity Foliente, Ambassador Chum Bun Rong, and Cora Aragon-Soriano

Consul General Kim Chha Hout with Trinity Foliente Roger Seaver, President/CEO of Henry Mayo Hospital, with wife Rizalina

Grace Ouano with Ambassador Chum Bun Rong

Consul General Kim Chha Hout and his wife Marja Huti (center) with Malou Mariano (left) and Maurice Rahimi, PhD (right)

Panel moderator Norman Arikawa Photos by Robert Khoi

C APRIL 16-19, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 16-19, 2016

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

& Immigration Corner

D

The May 2016 Priority Dates

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

According to S&P, the Philippines is looking at a higher economic growth in the next years due to strong private consumption and a robust business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

Philstar.com photo

S&P hikes Philippine GDP to 6% this year

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MaNILa—Debt watcher Standard & Poor’s (S&P) is looking at a higher economic growth for the Philippines this year and next year due to strong private consumption and a robust business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

In a report, S&P said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by six percent this year and 6.3 percent next year.

This year’s growth projection is higher than the 5.6 percent forecast set by S&P in September last year.

The country’s GDP growth slowed down to 5.8 percent last year from 6.1 percent in 2014.

The government missed its seven to eight percent GDP

growth target last year, prompting economic managers to lower the growth targets from 6.8 to 7.8 percent.

The projected GDP growth for the Philippines this year is faster than Indonesia’s five percent, Malaysia’s 4.8 percent, Thailand’s three percent, Singapore’s 2.1 percent and Taiwan’s 1.8 percent. “as usual, the growth story for the major Southeast asian economies (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand) is a mixed bag. Indonesia’s growth may have bottomed, but growth is unlikely to rebound strongly,” the debt watcher said.

S&P said the Philippines has been a bright spot, with strong growth driven by consumption and business process outsourcPAGE D2

In China, SM Prime continues to be on the lookout for possible sites for expansion.

Philstar.com photo

SM Prime pushes Asian expansion Residential, commercial project underway by iris

c. gonzaLes Philstar.com

MaNILa—SM Prime holdings Inc. is looking to expand in other Southeast asian countries to further grow its business.

In a briefing following the company’s annual stockholders meeting Tuesday, april 12, SM Prime chairman henry Sy Jr. said they were eyeing all areas in asia.

“We are studying all areas that will give us the best opportunities,” Sy said. he said the company could either develop residential or commercial projects.

In china, SM Prime continues to be on the lookout for possible

sites for expansion.

“We are looking for bigger lands good for commercial and residential development,” he said.

SM Prime executive vice president Jeffrey Lim, meanwhile, said the company was on track to double its net income to P32 billion by 2018.

“Part of these strategies is to expand existing malls,” he said.

The company is eyeing to raise up to P70 billion in retail bonds to help fund its P180 billion capital expenditures for the next three years. The bonds will be issued over a three-year period with the first tranche of at least P10 billion to be issued in the third quarter PAGE D5

PH tourist arrivals hit 5-yr high in Feb.

by Louise

Maureen Philstar.com

siMeon

MaNILa—The tourism sector turned in a record feat in February as international arrivals registered the biggest growth rate and volume over the past five years.

Latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed international tourists for February rose 20.4 percent to 549,725 from 456,524 in the same period last year, the highest in the past 62 months.

Receipts from tourism activities surged 42 percent to P27.49 billion in February from the P19.35 billion earnings generated a year ago.

“This unprecedented growth we are now experiencing did not happen overnight. In only a few years’ time, we have achieved

an enhanced orientation for the DOT as the country’s primary marketing and selling unit. We have restored confidence in the Philippines through a professional, well-planned, and well-supported tourism industry,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

The Philippines has recorded a total 1.1 million arrivals and continued double-digit growth since January 2016.

DOT said this reflects the strong performance of the tourism industry with aggressive marketing activities, international events held in the country, and increasing awareness of product offerings.

East asia contributed the biggest arrivals in February with 304,052 visitors or more than PAGE D4

Business Quote of the Week “If you’ve got an idea, start today.

There’s no better time than now to get going.

That doesn’t mean quit your job and jump into your idea 100% from day one, but there’s always small progress that can be made to start the movement.”

— Kevin Systrom, Co-founder and CEO of Instagram

Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. a priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the US), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

Beginning last October 2015, the format of the Visa Bulletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier than the application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they are otherwise eli-

FAMILY CATEGORY:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

September 1, 2005

July 1, 2004

First Preference

Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)

Second Preference

(2A) Spouse and minor children June 15, 2015 (below 21 years old) of green card holder

November 1, 2014

(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder

May 1, 2005

May 1, 2005

Third Preference

Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.

August 1, 1995

January 22, 1994

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.

January 1, 1993

October 1, 1992

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

Application Filing Date Visa Issuance Date

Third Preference

professional/Skilled Workers

January 1, 2010

August 8, 2008

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

January 1, 2010

August 8, 2008

gible and UScIS indicates on its website it will use the application Filing Date for that month).

This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.

*** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a

prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

D april 16-19, 2016 • la WEEKEND aSiaN JOUrNal

Marketplace

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PLDT allots P25-B for mobile network

by LOueLLa

desideriO Philstar.com

MANILA —The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) Group is spending P25 billion this year to improve cellular and mobile Internet services.

“Of the P43 billion capital expenditures this year, P25 billion will go to the mobile network,” Joachim Horn, chief technology and information advisor at PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. said.

Horn said the amount would be spent for the integration of the Smart and Sun networks, improvement of 3G and LTE as well as rollout of LTE-Advanced services.

The group started the network integration program for Smart

and Sun last year to improve the coverage and quality of service for the subscribers of both brands using 2G, 3G and LTE capable devices.

“For example, where it makes technical and marketing sense, we equip a single cell site—either of Smart or Sun—so that this can serve the subscribers of both brands,” Horn said.

As a result of the program, depending on the area, the effective coverage for Smart and Sun subscribers increases by anywhere from 50 to 100 percent.

The group expects to complete the network integration of the two mobile brands by the end of this year.

With 90 percent of smartphone owners using 3G, Horn said the company is also investing to im-

PLDT-SMART Chief Technology & Information Advisor Joachim Horn and PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon R. Isberto during a press conference on Tuesday, April 12.

prove 3G services this year.

As part of its aim to improve services to subscribers, the telco through Smart is launching the country’s first LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) service which can provide significantly higher data speeds than existing LTE services using a capability called “carrier aggregation.”

Smart’s LTE-A service to be deployed in Boracay, Aklan would allow users of LTE-A capable devices such as Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge to enjoy speeds of up to 260 Mbps, three times faster than what subscribers experience now.

Smart joins other operators such as Optus in Australia, Sprint in the US, and Turkcell in Turkey, that have tested and rolled out the technology also referred to as 4.5G. The company intends to make LTE-A available in more areas depending on demand and as handset manufacturers launch devices compatible with the service.

“Combined with our other network improvement initiatives for both our mobile and fixed line networks, the introduction of LTEA will help boost internet services in the country and enable more Filipinos to enjoy and benefit from the fast-growing range of digital services that PLDT and Smart offer,” Horn said.

With the arrival of 5G expected in 2020, he said PLDT is also planning ahead by working with NTT DoCoMo to ensure the company is ready for the new technology.

PLDT had about 65 million cellular subscribers as of end of last year.

Who will be the next Philippine president? In photo from (L-R) Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe and Former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas.

Inquirer.net photo

World Bank: Next PH president must speed up reforms

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

THE NEXT administration should institutionalize reforms at a faster pace to build on the gains made by President Benigno Aquino III thus far, achievements that have made the country’s economic growth prospects in the next three years among the best in the region, according to the World Bank.

But in light of the recent money-laundering scandal that saw the entry of $81 million in stolen money from Bangladesh’s central bank into the domestic financial system, World Bank economists said it was also high time to tighten the country’s antimoney laundering rules and ease the

bank secrecy law, although they declined to comment on any potential impact on the economy in general and on remittance flows in particular.

The World Bank’s April 2016 East Asia and Pacific Economic Update showed that the Philippines would remain one of the fastest-growing countries in East Asia and the Pacific despite a “modest” easing in economic expansion in the region during the 2016-2018 period.

The Washington-based lender said it expected the Philippine economy to expand by 6.4 percent this year and 6.2 percent in 2017 and 2018.

World Bank senior country economist Karl Kendrick Chua said the higher projection for 2016 from the actual 5.8-percent actual growth posted last year would be boosted by private consumption amid low consumption as well as election-related spending.

Key risks this year, however, remain slower global growth, financial market volatilities, the dry spell brought about by El Niño, delays in PPP implementation, as well as uncertainty due to the

Sen. Bongbong Marcos

upcoming national polls.

Across developing East Asia, growth was projected to ease to 6.3 percent this year from 6.5 percent last year. “The forecast reflects China’s gradual shift to slower, more sustainable growth, expected to be 6.7 percent in 2016 and 6.5 percent in 2017, compared with 6.9 percent in 2015,” the World Bank explained.

In the case of the Philippines, World Bank lead economist Rogier van den Brink noted that while “at this moment, things are looking good” for the economy, there remained reform initiatives that should more speedily move forward in order to achieve inclusive growth.

“In the recent years, the Philippines has continued to deepen macroeconomic stability, promoted transparency and put a lot of resources in infrastructure and services that helped poor and vulnerable families. The country can make further strides in poverty reduction if it can enhance competition in sectors that can create more and better jobs like rice, shipping and telecommunications.”

Philstar.com photo

Bongbong Marcos backs call for higher wages

by Perseus

echeminada Philstar.com

MANILA—Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, April 15 said he is backing the call for higher wages even as the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) seeks to increase the minimum wage in Metro Manila by P154.

“Having decent work to support one’s family is a basic human right and workers have long been suffering for sky-high taxes and very low income to begin with that does not support their needs,” he said.

The senator said he is also pushing for the creation of the Jobs Creation Council, an inter-agency body that would focus on employment generation through partnerships of the government with business leaders and local government units (LGUs).

He said that a review of whether the wages truly are commensurate with the inflation rate and basic expenses should be done not only

in Metro Manila but nationwide.

“During my campaign sorties, I have talked to a lot of groups and they kept complaining about the same thing. No matter which province, no matter who I talk to, it always boils down to insufficient income for the amount of work they do and even before their salaries get to them, over 30 percent of it has already been deducted in taxes.

So a wage increase should be given now,” he stated.

During the last vice presidential debate, Marcos said that if he will be given a Cabinet position he would want to be secretary of labor because he believes that this is one of the keys to solving the poverty problem plaguing the country.

Marcos said that aside from the evaluation of wages, it is important to establish a Jobs Creation Council that will prioritize an employment projection plan where high employment growth rates are met and negative employment outcomes are projected.

S&P hikes Philippine GDP...

PAGE D1 ing, although there is some political transition risk as well due to this year’s elections.

The rating agency sees inflation kicking up to 2.5 percent this year and 3.3 percent next year.

Inflation eased to 1.4 percent last year from 4.1 percent in 2014 due to stable food prices and cheaper utility rates. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has set an inflation target of between two and four percent.

S&P said the lag effect from China’s economic slowdown and weak commodity prices are still working their way through the region.

It added the adoption of negative official interest rates in Japan and Europe, slowdown in raising official interest rates in the US, and the reloosening by Chinese authorities of bank lending early this year merely stretch out the adjustment period of Asia’s credit

down cycle from its highs.

“While the region will still be led by China and likely still outperform the rest of the global economy, Asia-Pacific will need to adapt to ensure continued relatively strong, balanced and sustainable growth,” it added.

S&P expects the BSP to raise interest rates by 25 basis points this year and by another 50 basis points next year with the normalization of interest rates by the US Federal Reserve.

“With growth slower for longer, we see monetary policy as being more accommodative for longer. The recent change in our forecast for the US Fed rate normalization process – with just two 25 basis point hikes in 2016 underscores this. Leaving aside the special case of Japan, a slower Fed normalization combined with lingering output gaps means that central banks are likely to stay lower for longer in Asia Pacific,” it said.

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Showroom

WIN Hyundai and WIN Chevrolet: Three 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. 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 bestselling 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 For Chevrolet owners and

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shoppers in Los Angeles, you may check out WIN’s third location at WIN Chevrolet, which will make sure to handle everything from helping you purchase a new or used Chevy. schedule an appointment or just stop on by to take any of our 2015 Chevrolet models for a test drive including the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015 Chevrolet Impala, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe.

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 w a n t t o m a k e t h e 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.

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 Win Chevrolet 2201 e. 223rd street Carson, CA 90810 (818) 639-1216 www.winchevrolet.com 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 16-19, 2016 D

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EVA Wins two gold medals, one silver for Royal Laurel Class Wines

Gets top honors for Best Business Class Cellar and Best Red Wine TAIPEI, TAIWAN—In a nod to EVA Air’s core commitment to quality service, the panel of wine experts who judged Business Traveller Magazine’s prestigious annual Cellars in the Sky 2015 competition awarded the airline top honors in two categories and second place in a third. EVA won Gold Medals for the Best Business Class Cellar and the Best Business Class Red Wine. It earned a Silver Medal in the Best Business Class Sparkling category. The magazine revealed winners among 2015 submissions in London on 22 Feb, 2016 and published the news in its March 2016 United Kingdom and United States issues, available now. EVA won two Gold Medals in Business Traveller’s annual 2013 tasting competition for Best Business Class White and Best Business Class Sparkling Wine as well. Information about EVA’s excellent services is available at www.evaair.com.

EVA’s winning red wine was The Islander Estate Old Rowley 2014 from South Australia. Its sparkling wine contender was Champagne de Castelnau Brut 2002, JM Cazes Selection, France.

From its dessert to its sparkling selections, all of the wines EVA serves in its Royal Laurel, Premium Laurel and Business Class cabins are exceptionally enjoyable. The airline’s inflight offerings include a mix of award-worthy wines from top wineries around the globe.

This was Business Traveller’s 30th year to host the International Wine Challenge. Last summer, the magazine invited the world’s lead-

ing airlines to participate and 35 entered bottles of wine from their inflight service cellars for the competitive tasting. The magazine’s panel of experts judged wines that entrants serve in first and business classes in Red, White, Sparkling and Fortified/Dessert categories in addition to selecting the Best-Presented Wine List and Best Cellar for each cabin.

EVA serves its fine wines with meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients on all flights and adds niceties to reflect top local luxuries on selected routes. Ladurée Macaroons from Paris, Yoku Moku butter cookies from Japan and entire dining experiences created by the acclaimed chef of three-star Michelin Restaurant Nakamura Kyoto are among the extras EVA offers. At the same time, the airline makes comfort treats available for meals and snacks, such as dumplings from Din Tai Fung, tasty hamburgers, Haagen Dazs ice cream, cups of noodle soup

PH tourist arrivals hit 5-yr high...

PAGE D1 half (55.3 percent) of total visitor volume.

North America accounted for 15.8 percent of the market with 87,178 while the ASEAN region comprised 7.3 percent contributing 40,498 arrivals. Australia and the Pacific and Northern Europe registered 4.1 percent each.

Korea remained the top contributor of international tourists with 284,763 arrivals or a 26 percent share in total inbound traffic.

The US supplied the second biggest inbound arrival with 155,796 visitors while the Chinese market

ranked third with a total 130,916 visitors. Meanwhile, Japan provided 92,531 arrivals and Australia recorded 43,712 visitors.

Other top visitor countries include Canada with 36,773 arrivals, Taiwan (35,344), Singapore (28,376), United Kingdom (28,238), and Malaysia (23,990).

Moreover, Korea provided P13 billion in receipts followed by the US with P2.87 billion. China placed third with P1.71 billion while Japan and Australia contributed P1.45 billion and P960 million, respectively.

Spending patterns for February

and more.

The airline has configured its Boeing 777-300ERs, the plane it flies on all long-haul flights, with Royal Laurel Class business as its top cabin. It offers Premium Laurel Class business on the Airbus 330200s and 330-300s it operates on shorter and regional routes and Business Class on the smaller aircraft it uses within Asia.

About EVA Air: EVA Air, a Star Alliance member, was formed in 1989 as Taiwan’s first privately owned international airline. It flies a fleet of close to 70 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to more than 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America. With just one easy stop in Taipei, travelers can connect onward to most major cities throughout Asia, including more than 29 destinations in Mainland China. More information about EVA’s routes and services is available at www.evaair.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

showed average daily expenditure was at P4,907.47 while average length of stay registered is 10 nights.

For 2016, DOT is looking at an almost 10 percent increase in foreign receipts to over P250 billion and a 13 percent rise in arrivals to reach six million tourists on the back of better air access and added accommodation facilities.

Tourism contributes eight percent to the country’s gross domestic product and is the third largest dollar earning industry next to the semiconductor and BPO (business process outsourcing) industries. Its contribution is seen to reach 10 to 12 percent in the next three to five years.

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Why Uber is unavailable in 4 global cities Get the season’s best deals at Sierra Honda

Despite its popularity and growing recognition as an efficient transport provider, Uber service is still unavailable in at least four big cities in the world.

A recent post from Fortune. com said Uber is considered as ”Number 1 public enemy” by taxi drivers who had protested that the transport service has been ”eating up” their livelihood and income. the grumbling drivers are from Argentina, Mexico, spain and France. the post also explained why Uber is unavailable in these four popular cities: 1. Barcelona, Spain Uber once operated in this

majestic spanish city, local taxi drivers drove them out in 2014.

2. Buffalo, New York Although a few areas of New York has an Uber service for years, politicians extensively safeguarded the interests of taxi companies who lobbied to shoo Uber out of the streets.

3. Vancouver, Canada the government is open to welcome Uber in this upscale city, no negotiations had been made.

4. Frankfurt, Germany Uber retreated in the country’s financial district after 18 months of operation in 2014. (Inquirer. net)

Diagnosing your vehicle

by Dave

Siytangco ManilaTimes.net

With cars nowadays having computers to help manage and diagnose the engine, potential problems are supposed make life easier for the car owner and the mechanic’s. But there are times that doesn’t happen… i came across a thread concerning a 2000 plus model pajero. the owner mentioned that his ride was running a bit sluggish. he had the engine de carbonized, cleaned the eGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve and had the eCU (engine control unit) scanned. According to the scan, a fault in the transmission was detected. so a rebuild was in order. But when it was mounted and tested, the symptoms were still there. Now, as of this writing, the problem has not been solved. the owner was asking for guidance to help solve his pajero’s problem. Now, looking at the bigger picture… how could have the scanner or the one using the scanner have misdiagnosed the problem? Was the owner scammed about the rebuild of the transmission? it’s

hard to say. When they opened up the transmission, there were signs of wear on the plates. Mileage of the sport utility vehicle was about 79,000 kilometers. i honestly find that still young but we do not know the full history of the vehicle or how it was used. so, what went wrong? Usually, when a vehicle is brought in to a shop, the mechanic or service advisor should know all the details of the problem from the owner. if possible, a test drive is needed to see if the description of the owner about the problem is correct. if a scanner is to be used and a fault is uncovered, the service technician should conduct a series of tests to confirm if the particular fault code is correct. A fault code just tells you what might possibly be the problem. A well-seasoned technician should be able do this.

And if he is familiar with that particular vehicle, he would know its common faults.

As a guide, you don’t condemn an automatic transmission just like that. You would have to make sure that your engine is in good working condition, unless it stops shifting or completely stops. if

ever you do run into a problem with your car, make sure you get a second opinion. And ask around from other owners with same make and model if they have the same problem. it’s an added bonus if you are familiar with your car. it would be easier to diagnose a problem later on.

On another note, i installed a set of Denso tt spark plugs on my ride. the engine is on its last leg. two cylinders are not working properly. i changed only four spark plugs. the engine is a 1GFe. Before changing, i was using petron Blaze to give the car a little extra push. After installing the new plugs, i am now using petron XCs. it pulls a bit better. that’s a good sign. the cheaper XCs didn’t work well before. i would say that the tt spark plugs work. it’s been more than three weeks since i installed them and even in the morning warm up, it runs better. the others guys who are using it on their old Corollas say the same thing. Better start ups and smoother running engine. it’s interesting to note that the set i am using replaces at least six types of spark plugs. it’s kind of a one-size-fits-most.

SM Prime pushes Asian...

PAGE D1 of the year.

Last year, sM prime reported a 54 percent surge in consolidated net income to p28.3 billion, buoyed by p7.4 billion one-time trading gains on marketable securities booked in the first quarter of 2015. its recurring net income rose 14

percent to p20.9 billion due to the eight percent increase in consolidated revenues to p71.5 billion. “sM prime sustained its overall net income growth in 2015 as the malls’ overall operations led the performance of the group. this is a reflection of the overall expansion of the economy that continues to be driven by the 6.2

percent growth in household consumption,” sM prime president hans t. sy said.

For 2016, he said the company would continue to focus on “enhancing the synergies across our core business units as an integrated property developer.” to date, sM prime has a total of 56 malls in the philippines with

BUYING a car can be an intimidating process, so it’s important to choose a good dealership with a wide selection of vehicles.

At Sierra Honda in Monrovia, team members strive to make the car buying experience as pleasant and hassle free as possible for customers through exceptional customer service and highly-trained salespeople.

“I want our guests to feel like they are a part of the Sierra Family since Honda vehicles pretty much sell themselves,” said John Ruiz, a Filipino sales manager at Sierra Honda. “So it’s really important that not only do we know what we are selling, but also to make everyone feel welcome. And I truly believe this is where Sierra shines.”

Kababayans who walk into Sierra Honda can expect to be taken care of by the extensively trained staff and sales team, who include sales manager Ellen Leung, and sales consultants Jason Fang, Edward Chun, Carlos Mejia and Filipino Adam Corpuz. One of the ways the dealership carries out this goal is by providing guests with correct information to help them make the best decision in what car to buy. Staff and salespeople also work through credit issues that may present challenges for potential car buyers.

“Aside from that, I really think that our Honda sales team is very efficient. We listen to our customers on what we can do better and we go ahead and improve our process,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz adds that the dealership boasts a cafe with burgers that

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are delicious with special sauce.

In addition to its physical location, Sierra Honda also has a website where car buyers can conduct research on vehicles before coming into the dealership, including used and new cars. A live chat option is available online that customers can use to obtain more information.

Ruiz adds that another contributing factor to Sierra Honda’s success in providing an excellent experience for customers is its team chemistry: many of the dealership’s employees have been working there for a long time.

“That speaks a lot because it shows that Sierra takes care of their employees. We are in the

business for the long haul so not only do we want to make sure our guests are happy, Sierra makes sure that everyone that works here is happy. Having happy employees makes happy customers,” he said.

Sierra Honda is part of the Sierra Auto Group, which includes dealerships that sell Chevy, Mazda and Subaru vehicles.

Sierra Honda 1450 S Shamrock Ave. Monrovia, CA 91016 Hours Monday to Friday: 8am to 9pm Sunday: 10am to 8pm P h o n e : ( 8 0 0 ) 3 3 3 - 0 4 9 7.

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