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E D I T I OE ND I T I O NI T I O N ED
EAugust D I T13-16, ION 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
Volume 26 - No. 65 • 4 Sections – 32 Pages
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PNP exec: Not one case of extrajudicial killing solved
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De JeSuS
Inquirer.net
sINCe President rodrigo Duterte assumed office more than a month ago, cases of extrajudicial killings have continued to rise sharply but the police have not resolved even a single case of vigilante-style execution in the country. A Philippine National Police’s Directorate for Investigative and Detective management (DIDm) official has admitted that the police have yet to solve the cases involving the deaths of over 500 individuals who died amid the government’s ongoing war against drugs. “As of now, our records show that none of the cases has been resolved. We have leads for some but not all,” senior supt. fausto manzanilla Jr. said in a press
THE WAR on drugs has reached unprecedented viciousness as shown by the killings of suspects, like this man whose body is being carried by funeral workers in Dagupan City. It has also brought to the fore allegations of involvement of local officials, including three Lanao del Sur mayors now being hunted. Ray B. Zambrano / Inquirer Northern Luzon
briefing at Camp Crame. “so far, (based on the) the data submitted to us, those deaths are still under investigation, meaning, there’s no definite result yet,” he added. manzanilla stressed that every time cases of summary killings are reported in a certain area, it is the police’s duty to immediate-
USA
DATELINE Filipino in Las Vegas arrested in death of estranged wife from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
LAs VeGAs — Police arrested a filipino man on tuesday, August 9, for allegedly killing his estranged wife. the metropolitan Police Criminal Apprehension team arrested Arthur Lopez, 55, on tuesday, August 9, and took him to Arthur Lopez, 55, called Las the Clark County Vegas Police and said, “I killed Detention Center, my wife.” LV Metropolitan Police where he faces a charge of murder with a deadly weapon. An arrest report stated that Lopez killed his wife, erlinda Penaflor, 78, in a home where she had rented a room after separating from Lopez whom she had described as verbally
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New evidence points to old suspect in unsolved murder of Fil-Am UC Berkeley student NeW evidence collected by UC Berkeley police identifies a currently deceased man as the likely killer of Grace Asuncion, who was found murdered in the campus’s former office of the Pilipino American Alliance (PAA) 24 years ago. the 20-year-old filipina molecular biology student had been stabbed several times in the neck when a custodian discovered her body on february 7, 1992. she had not been raped or robbed, according to police. Attorneys for the victim’s family had suggested a transient may have been the culprit, but recent evidence points to a former Alameda resident, according to a local foX station.
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ly conduct an investigation. however, he said: “Investigation is an arduous task wherein we cannot immediately come up with a result in just a short span of time. our investigation should be evidence-based when it comes to identifying the real perpetrator of a particular crime.”
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Filipino Olympic bets down to 5 by Dana
SioSon anD JoSeph alMer B. peDraJaS AJPress
HEROES WELCOME. Olympics Silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz offers her medal to mother Emelita and father Eduardo upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on August 11. Diaz won the silver medal at the Rio Olympics after Finishing a lift of 200kg at the women’s 53kg category in weightlifting. The last time Philippines won an Olympic medal was twenty years ago with Onyok Velasco silver medal Inquirer.net photo by Montegrande in boxing.
US Embassy expresses ‘concern’ over Duterte’s comments, policies Duterte reiterates US-PH alliance
by Dana anD
SioSon Klarize MeDenilla AJPress
rePorts about President rodrigo Duterte’s comments about the United states Ambassador to the Philippines and concerns for human rights have reached the U.s. embassy in manila, according to a statement released on friday, August 12. Although the U.s. embassy did not mention the Philippine president by name throughout
the statement, the embassy expressed disapproval of Duterte’s ‘undiplomatic’ remarks against United states Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. “We have seen reports of inappropriate and unacceptable comments made about Ambassador Goldberg, a multi-time ambassador and one of the U.s. Department of state’s most senior diplomats,” the statement read. “As stated by elizabeth trudeau, Director of the office of Press relations at U.s. De-
from 13 athletes, the Philippines is now down to five hopefuls in the remaining days of the 2016 rio olympics. marathoner mary Joy tabal is scheduled to compete on sunday, August 14 (Brt), while long jumper marestella torres-sunang and 400m hurdler eric Cray will compete on tuesday, August 16 (Brt). taekwondoist Kirstie elaine Alora on the other hand, will compete on saturday, August 20 (Brt). on friday, August 12 (Brt), filipino miguel tabuena finished at four-over par 75 during the second round of the men’s golf tournament. tabuena is currently tied for 52nd place. Despite enduring a pain on his right shoulder, the golfer expressed his determination to not give up. “We have two more days but anything can happen. hopefully, I can go out (and shoot low) tomorrow, that’s the only chance we can get a medal,” spin Ph quoted tabuena. the third round for the men’s golf tournament was scheduled for saturday, August 13, and the final round on sunday, August 14 (Brt). “I’m pretty far down but I’ve shot really low before and I don’t see a reason why I can’t now.” Last sunday, August 7, filipina hidilyn Diaz won the silver olympic medal in weightlifting after succeeding to raise 200 kg at women’s 53kg category, putting the country into 0-1-0 (gold-silver-bronze) standing. to surpass the status of three bronze medals achieved in the 1932 Los Angeles olympics, the country will only need to win at least one of any medal in this year’s competition. meanwhile, filipina swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi was USCIS Community Relations Officers Graciela Arreola-Muñoz and Brandon Menancio welcome 33rd out of 46 in the entire women’s 100m freestyle thousands of naturalized immigrants to U.S. citizenship at the West Hall of the Los Angeles
partment of state, the Philippine Chargé was asked to come to the state Department so we could directly convey our view that the comments were inappropriate and unacceptable.” Philippines’ Presidential spokesman ernesto Abella confirmed that Philippine Charge D’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto “has already made the proper explanation to the state department.” In his speech on monday, August 8, in Cagayan de oro,
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Filipinos among 6,000 new citizens in Los Angeles
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Convention Center on Thursday, August 11
AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas
by eric
anthony licaS AJPress
mANY of those reciting the pledge of allegiance for the first time as American citizens on thursday, August 11 arrived hours before security began allowing people into the West hall of the LA Convention Center. most fought through administrative and financial hurdles, and waited years for the government to sort through the millions of naturalization applications it receives annually to reach their petitions. for them, the idea of missing
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Arum: 2 bouts for Pacquiao in 2017, rematch vs Mayweather still possible by Dana
SioSon AJPress
Bob Arum and Sen, Manny Pacquiao
If filipino boxing champion and now sen. manny Pacquiao succeeds in his return fight in November, he’ll most likely have two more major matches in 2017, his long-time boxing promoter Bob Arum said on Wednesday, August 10. Pacquiao could be pitched against WBC junior welterweight titleholder terence Crawford, and even have a rematch with
floyd mayweather Jr., according to Arum. “If he wins this fight, we have the idea for a couple of big fights next year. And I think that will end his career with two more fights in 2017,” Arum told reporters. “Crawford is a possibility, and who knows, mayweather may be a possibility. You know, mayweather’s making noises about returning and going to a 50th fight.” Pacquiao lost to mayweather
by a unanimous decision in may 2015. “Let’s see manny with a fully-healed shoulder. I think manny would give a lot better account of himself in that fight. I thought it was a very close fight. I thought manny could have won that fight. When they fight again, if they fight again, I have no doubt that manny will win,” said Arum. With a career record of 58 wins and 66 fights, Arum an-
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A AUGUST 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
US Embassy expresses ‘concern’… PAGE A1 t
Duterte said he’s “OK” with US Secretary John Kerry but added that he “quarreled with his gay ambassador,” referring to Goldberg. Abella however, said on Thursday, August 11, that the remarks were not meant to be a public statement. “First and foremost, it was not
meant to be a public statement. It was addressed to a certain audience and the comments were confined to a certain audience,” Inquirer quoted Abella. The spokesman, however, did not elaborate what “certain audience” meant. Asked if everything was okay after Chuasoto’s meeting with the US officials, Abella replied: “I
assume.” Earlier, Duterte on Wednesday, August 10, refused to apologize for his remarks on Goldberg. “Just ignore my tirade against their ambassador because they were true anyway,” he said in a in a mix of Bisaya and English during his speech at the 1st Infantry Division in Labangan in Zamboanga del Sur. “Simply the truth at the time of election. Why would he give a statement when the election is going on?” Duterte pointed out that Goldberg should not have meddled into Philippine politics. “You (Goldberg) should not have meddled. That is our business. It was the campaign season.” The “statements” the president was referring to were the ones Goldberg made after Duterte attempted to make a joke about the 1989 case of an Australian missionary who was raped and murdered during a jail assault
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FEATURED. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is currently featuring the Philippines’s Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in 360-degree immersive experience, state news reported. The initiative, led by Prince Albert II, is meant to raise awareness on the issue of sea turtles. Early this April, the Prince of Monaco visited the Philippines and was welcomed with a luncheon in Malacañang. His trip included a visit to the UN World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Philstar.com photo
PNP exec…
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Manzanilla also cited some factors causing the delay. In some cases, he said police units in the station-level are having difficulties identifying the victims, thus prolonging the investigation. “We are also trying to identify the means of commission, whether it involves the use of firearms. Some were found with stab wounds and gun wounds. Aside from that, we are also trying to segregate who among the victims are suspected drug pushers and whose deaths are not related to drugs. That is why it is taking lower police units some time to come up with the results, especially when there are no witnesses,” he explained. As of August 11, the Inquirer’s Kill List counted 601 drug-related deaths while the PNP recorded 550 drug suspects killed. Asked if the police should be bothered with the rising number of summary killings, he said: “Well for me, I don’t find it frustrating. For me, it is challenging, it is where the skill of the investigator could be used fully.” n
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From the Front page
MARIJUANA FARM. Lawmen on Wednesday, Aug. 10 uprooted 450 marijuana shrubs in a hinterland barangay in Tiboli town in South Cotabato, discovered by villagers who led policemen and soldiers to the hidden plantation. The operation was carried out by combined personnel of the Tiboli municipal police and the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, led by 1Lt. James Martinez. The raiding team had also arrested the 71-year-old caretaker of the marijuana farm, Subang Suken Tanam, an ethnic Tiboli tribesman. Philstar.com photo
Filipino Olympic bets down to…
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race with an official time of 56.30 seconds. Although unable to bring home the medal, Alkhaldi said she is “happy with the results.” “I did my best. We did everything that we can. I asked myself. ‘What more can I do to get faster?’ I feel we did everything,” she added. The swimmer also left mes-
sage to five remaining Filipino bets, “Good luck and enjoy the moment. Enjoy being one of the very few Filipinos competing in the Olympics,” she advised. Joining Alkhaldi, Diaz shared the same advice before she departed Rio. Philippine Olympic team chefde-mission Jose Romasanta recounted that, “Inspired by Hidilyn’s medal feat and heeding her
call, ‘Walang bibitiw. Laban lang’ [Don’t quit. Keep up the fight], our remaining athletes vowed to do just that.” Romasanta is also hopeful that the last five players will finish strong in the competition. “We don’t want to put pressure on our remaining bets but another medal of any color will give the Philippines its best ever finish in the Olympics,” he said. n
Filipinos among 6,000 new citizens… PAGE A1 t
the oath-taking ceremony was unthinkable, according to Claire Nicholson, public affairs officer for the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). “I was so excited i didn’t go to sleep until 3 [a.m.], then i woke up again at 5” said Jacqueline McGinley, a caregiver who immigrated here from the Philippines 10 years ago. “Since I was 15 years old, it has been my dream to come here.” After separating from her first husband in the Philippines, she decided to seek greater opportunities in America. Over time, she found work, remarried and started a family. However, she admits transitioning into life in America wasn’t easy. “Syempre, pag na sa Pilipinas ka, yung mga nakikita namin sa sine, na napaka sarap ng buhay
dito sa america (Of course, what when we’re in the Philippines is what we see in the movies, a sweet life here in America),” said special needs instructor Harry Del Pilar, who also took the citizenship oath on Thursday. “Pero, pag nandito ka na … kailangan mong kumilos, kailangan mong mag trabaho, Ganon pala yun (But, when you’re here, you’re going to need to hustle, you’re going to need to work. That’s how it is).” Project manager Ronald Laserna said new immigrants need to be ready to take whatever opportunities come to them. Laserna was an engineer in his home country, but had to settle for work beneath his qualifications as a plant operator when he and his children reunited with his wife, a naturalized citizen, three years ago.
However, he shared that his hardships were worth the benefits and opportunities life in America affords his family. He encourages those enduring complications with the application process and long waits to persevere. Despite being recruited from the Philippines by the Compton Unified School District to teach in California, Jesusa Rodriguez had to wait eight years before getting her green card in 2010. Upon gaining her citizenship on Thursday, the curriculum specialist said she was happy, but admitted feeling hesitant to renounce her Philippine citizenship. “Don’t forget where you came from,” said USCIS Field Office Director Nancy Alby. Bring that with you because [diversity] is what makes this country great.” The immigrants who swore
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Arum: 2 bouts for Pacquiao…
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nounced Pacquiao’s retirement from his boxing career last April after winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Timothy Bradley Jr. Pacquaio decided to focus on his political career and was elected as senator last May. He made it clear that if he ever decided to fight again, it would not affect his responsibilities in the government. “I don’t know how extensive the work is as a senator in the Philippines. Manny does, the
other senators do, they all feel and Manny feels that he can train here in Manila and not miss any sessions, fight in the period when the Senate is in recess, and give a great performance,” Arum said. “In fact whether he can do that or not, that’s up to him. It’s something that we have never ever seen before in the sport of boxing.” Pacquiao earlier confirmed in a statement that he would fight World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion
US Embassy expresses…
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in Davao City when he was still a mayor. Despite his tirades, Duterte reiterates the Philippines’ strong alliance with the US. “I will reiterate our strong alliance with America.” The embassy also mentioned the $32 million the U.S. has granted to Philippine law enforcement for “security assistance”, saying that the funding is not new and is a part of an existing “cumulative funding previously appropriated that we are currently implementing.” On human rights Also expressing concern over the rise in extrajudicial killings in the Philippines -- due to Duterte’s pledge to wipe out illegal drugs and corruption -- the Embassy urged the Philippines to adhere to the law and make sure its law
From the Front page
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Jessie Vargas on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas. “Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and atop the ring,” he said. “My entire training camp will be held here in the Philippines so I can attend to my legislative work. This is my campaign promise and I’m determined to keep it.” Arum described Vargas as a “tough” opponent for Pacquiao and “is not an opponent who goes into his shell, who’s a defensive fighter.” “He’s very very offensive, he is beginning to really punch with authority,” he said. n
its human rights obligations,” the US Embassy said. “Our bilateral relationship with enforcement act with “human the Philippines is broad-ranging rights obligations” in mind. “The United States strongly from law enforcement to trade believes in the rule of law, due and development cooperation, process, and respect for univer- and counts on vibrant and undesal human rights, and that these niably strong people-to-people principles promote long-term se- and societal ties. n curity,” the statement read. “We are concerned by reports regarding extrajudicial killings of individuals suspected to have been involved in drug activity in PAGE A3 t their loyalty to the United States the Philippines.” In relation to Duterte adminis- on Thursday came from 142 diftration’s campaign against illegal ferent countries. Filipinos were drugs, the Philippine Daily In- the second most represented quirer has reported in their “Kill nationality amongst participants List” a total of 601 deaths from of Thursday’s ceremonies. Many received resources and assisJune 30 to August 12, 2016. Among the casualties, 134 re- tance from outreach programs mained unidentified and 58 were they learned about through the USCIS website. identified only by an alias. Alby recommended the site as “We strongly urge the Philippines to ensure its law enforce- a starting point for what might ment efforts are consistent with become a “long journey.” “I’ve been waiting for 11 years,” said U.S. Army Private Ha-Yun Kim, who was brought here by her parents from South Korea. “My family struggled a lot through the process.” She became the first in her family to be naturalized on Thursday. After spending most of her life in the U.S., the aspiring pharmacist decided to enlist in the military while studying biology at the University of Southern California. Fellow army soldier Shekhar Shresta came from Nepal eight years ago to study computer science at Cal State Long Beach. Barred from applying for some forms of student aid, Shresta currently hauls cargo coast to coast for a commercial shipping company to pay for school. He said he was excited to explore the possibilities that will become available for him in America after he completes his tour of duty and graduates from college. “It’s so encouraging to see
THEY ARE WATCHING. Personnel of the Quezon City Risk Reduction and Management Office monitor the situation in various areas. The monitoring center, launched Tuesday, uses state-of-the-art equipment, including an integrated video wall whose images are fed by 243 high-definition cameras installed in different strategic areas. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan
Filipinos among 6,000 new citizens in…
New American citizens swear the Oath of Allegiance at the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center on Thursday, August 11. AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas
these people so enthusiastic to have opportunity,” said Republican volunteer Bill Thomas while working outreach for his party at a booth outside the convention center. “In my experience, new citizens are more energetic in wanting to contribute to society and wanting to make a success of themselves than some of the people who were born here.” Thomas declined to comment on statements and proposals regarding immigration made by
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. However, speaking on his own behalf, Thomas said making immigration policies fair for all applicants and safer for Americans does not necessarily mean a reduction in immigration rates. Thomas and his party’s message of hard work and American exceptionalism has resonated with Kareem Mutia. “I’ve always liked the Republican party,” said the newly natu-
ralized citizen, who plans to vote for “whoever has the greatest strength of leading and ruling the country.” Thomas said most of the Filipinos he knows are Republicans like Mutia. However, most of the people Filipinos interviewed by the Asian Journal on Thursday revealed Democratic leanings. Grace Barrios, the vice president for outreach of the group
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 13-16, 2016
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Special Feature
California’s right-to-die act put into effect by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
TWO and a half years ago, Eurika Strotto of San Diego was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gherig’s disease. During those two and half years, Strotto, whose story was reported by San Diego City Beat, had found comfort in her favorite La-Z-boy recliner until her death by physician-assisted suicide. Strotto’s funeral was on Sunday, June 26. She was 54. According to friends’ and family members’ accounts from SD City Beat, Strotto was “a woman who thought of others first, and who was ready to leave the prison that her body ultimately became.” She was the first person in California to die through physicianassisted suicide through California’s recently enacted End of Life Option Act, which legalized the controversial act on June 9. Gov. Jerry Brown signed the law in October, and it permits physicians to prescribe life-ending medication to “mentally competent” Californians aged 18 years and above with six months to live. This marks the end of a 25-year effort by right-die-die supporters to legalize euthanasia in California. There are several requirements before the physician has the green light to prescribe the medication: the patient must submit multiple oral and written requests for the medication, two physicians must confirm diagnosis and prognosis and the patient must be considered psychologically capable to make the decision. As soon as the law went into effect, opponents of the bill protested to challenge the state’s decision and question the ethics of the law. Six California doctors and the American Academy of Medical Ethics filed a lawsuit in Riverside County that included a restraining order that would prohibit the Riverside District Attorney from recognizing the law. Alexandra Snyder, the plaintiffs’ attorney, told the Monterey County Herald that one of the law’s major flaws relates to mental health. Although the bill says that the doctors may opt to conduct a “mental health specialist assessment” it is not a requirement, so patients with undiagnosed depression, suicidal inclinations or other mental health issues may be approved to receive the fatal medication. But the law is voluntary, which means that anyone involved - patients, doctors, health care providers and pharmacies – can choose to participate. Generally, support for rightto-die legislation has garnered more support than opposition among Americans. As of 2015, about 68 percent of Americans - roughly two-thirds
- believe that doctors should be allowed by law to assist patients with terminal illnesses in ending their lives, according to a Gallup survey. In 2014, Brittany Maynard was dying of terminal brain cancer when she made the decision to move to Oregon from Alamo, California to end her life through Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, as the option was “less terrifying,” Maynard said in an interview with People magazine. “For people to argue against this choice for sick people really seems evil to me,” Maynard told People in 2014. “They try to mix it up with suicide and that’s really unfair because there’s not a single part of me that wants to die, but I am dying.” The subject of voluntary suicide has been a controversial topic as it clashes with many religious doctrines. The teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, for example, abhors the act as it goes against the commandment “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” In April, Pope Francis said at his apostolic exhortation that assisted suicide is a “grave threat to families all over the world.” Rev. Rodel G. Balagtas, director of pastoral formation and field education at St. John’s Seminary, stands by the Church’s doctrine that condemns assisted suicide, saying that “life is sacred.” “The Church upholds that only God can take the life of a person,” said Balagtas. “God is the Creator and giver of life, and only He can take it away from us.” Balagtas stressed the difference between physician-assisted suicide - which strongly violates the Church’s teachings - and artificial means, like pain relievers, to alleviate pain whilst pending death. “There’s value to good death,” said Balagtas. “When you come to terms with good death, all of us, there’s a value to that because we can reconcile ourselves with God and with our people. So we look at that stage of time as a time of grace, and also, suffering, itself, serves a purpose.” Filipinos, many of whom are devout Catholics, generally oppose assisted suicide because of its violation of Catholic teachings. Filipinos are less likely to opt for or support physician-assisted suicide because of religious and cultural beliefs, according to a study conducted by The Gerontological Society of America that focused on a cultural and ethnic impacts on physician-assisted suicide. The GSA study also concluded that Filipinos are more likely to follow the “leave it to God” belief - bahala na - in regards to physician-assisted suicide. Additionally, Filipinos see shame, or hiya, in the act. Additionally, of the five ethnic groups surveyed, Filipinos are “most likely to consider their
Filipinos among 6,000 new…
history of support for Asian Pilipino American Los Angeles Americans. Democrats (PALAD), said that Whatever their political inclithe GOP is out of touch with non- nations, exercising the right to whites and women. vote is just one of many ways the “The voice of the Republican USCIS hopes naturalized citizens party now is not inclusive. They take part in American society. don’t understand the minority “People like to get involved in voice,” said Barrios, who went different ways,” said Alby. “The on to highlight Democratic presi- most important message is be a dential nominee Hillary Clinton’s part of your community.” n
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Filipino in Las Vegas arrested…
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abusive. She had recently filed for divorce. Lopez is reportedly addicted to gambling and drugs and stole property. He moved to Arizona for a job but often returned to Las Vegas, according to an arrest report. He reportedly arrived unannounced at Penaflor’s residence and spent the night there. The victim asked friend to stay with her and her roommates because she was afraid of Lopez, who left Saturday afternoon.
The roommate went to church and when she returned home she found Penaflor in the living room in a pool of blood. Penaflor died from blunt force trauma to the head, the arrest report said. On Monday afternoon police received a call from Lopez, who told the dispatcher, “I killed my wife,” gave an address and hung up the phone. Anyone with any information about the homicide may contact Metro’s homicide section at 702828-3521 or Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555. n
New evidence points to old…
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UC Berkeley Police spokesperson Sabrina Reich said officers were “confident we had found the right person,” in a statement released on Tuesday, August 9. John Iwed became a suspect early on in the case. His wife told police he had confessed the crime to her and said he had been under the influence of drugs when he went to campus and killed Asuncion. However, police lacked corroborating evidence at the time and dropped Iwed as a suspect after interviewing him. He later died of an overdose in January 1993. UC Berkeley police re-interviewed several witnesses in the decades-old case and what they learned shifted suspicion back onto Iwed. The Alameda County district attorney’s office told Reich police had built a strong enough case to prosecute Iwed if
he were still alive. A lawsuit filed by Asuncion’s parents on February 2, 1993 accused the UC Regents of failing to provide students with adequate security from transients known to take shelter in the building where their daughter was killed. The victim’s family accepted a $750,000 settlement from the UC in March of 1998. The building where Asuncion’s body was found, Eshleman hall, has since been torn down and replaced. Asuncion was active in her campus community and was a leader in the PAA. She had been working with other students until about 4 or 5 p.m. in the student organization’s former office the day before her body was found. She had plans to go to medical school and was described as “fun-loving” by friends, according to The Daily Californian. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJ Press)
traditional values” in discourse about end-of-life planning. “For us [Filipinos], that stage is also a blessing,” said Balagtas. “It’s a difficult time for the family, but it’s always a blessing. Culturally, our perception of life is that we take care of our older people when they are sick, we bring them into our homes and let them die in our homes with the family. We give them respect and honor to the person that is dying.” Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz recently experienced two deaths in the family in which both chose 24-hour hospital care. However, neither opted for physician-assisted suicide, but rather “relied on God’s might and the Blessed Mother’s rosary for divine assistance, the care of family members and their medical doctors and nurses,” said AbarquezDelacruz. “Before I entertained the idea of making it more humane for those who are suffering, but after witnessing two loved ones go through, I will not presume to substitute my own decisions, even with an advisory council of other learned professionals to facilitate end of life,” said Abarquez-Delacruz. California is the fifth state to enact a right to die law, joining Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont. Medication for assisted-suicide began dispensing on June 24. *Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz is a Features/Opinion Editorial Contributor to Asian Journal and Balikbayan Magazine. n
CLASS SUSPENDED. Students carry their school shoes to prevent them from getting wet during heavy rain along Taft in Manila on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Classes have been suspended in in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces due to heavy rains brought by a low pressure area. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez
Filipinos stranded for months heading home; debt ship auctioned SAVANNAH, Georgia — A legal battle over debt has left a cargo ship and its 15-member crew stuck off the coast of Georgia for nearly four months. They should go home soon. The ship was sold at auction Monday. U.S. marshals seized the Newlead Castellano in mid-April after it sailed into Savannah to offload
a shipment of imported sugar. A judge ordered the ship idled while creditors sued the ship’s owner, saying they were owed $7.1 million. That left the crew of mostly Filipino sailors confined to the 590-foot vessel because they lacked visas allowing them to come ashore.
The ship’s first officer, Cecilio Calo Yting, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the crew is well, though he complained of boredom. He said they have been well fed. Their only request was to have a priest come to the ship regularly for religious service, according to Splash247. (Inquirer.net)
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US Secret Service meets with Trump campaign team by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
THE United States Secret Service (USSS) confirmed on Wednesday, August 10 that it has spoken with Donald Trump’s campaign team regarding the Republican presidential nominee’s suggestive comments about inciting violence against Hillary Clinton, according to a CNN report. “Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish the Second Amendment. If she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people — maybe there is, I don’t know,” Trump said at a campaign event in North Carolina on Tuesday, August 9. The USSS official who confirmed the meeting with Trump said that more than one conversation took place, but it is unclear with whom in the campaign team the USSS spoke. Upon learning about the CNN report, Trump denied that any meeting with the USSS took place, suggesting that the report was purely media bias. Trump tweeted Wednesday afternoon, “No such meeting or conversation ever happened — a made up story by ‘low ratings’ @ CNN.” A former Secret Service official told Time that the remark could be interpreted as a “veiled
threat” against the former secretary of state. “Look, this guy is coming pretty close to the edge here,” the official said, adding that Trump would not act on his comment himself, but “you don’t know what you’re encouraging other people to do.” Speaker of the House Paul Ryan — who has endorsed Trump but said he will be distancing himself from the Republican presidential nominee — remarked that the comment sounded “like a joke gone bad.” “You should never joke about something like that,” Ryan said at a press conference after winning the Republican primary in his state of Wisconsin. Clinton said that Trump “crossed the line” with that comment. Trump took to Fox News’ Sean Hannity to defend his remark, suggesting that he wasn’t implying to encourage violence toward Clinton but to get Second Amendment supporters excited for his campaign. “This is a political movement. This is a strong political movement, the Second Amendment,” Trump told Hannity. “And there can be no other interpretation ... I mean, give me a break.” Corey Lewandowski, former campaign manager for Trump, echoed the same explanation on CNN, saying that the billionaire
businessman “wasn’t inciting violence.” At the rally, Trump had been warning his supporters of Clinton’s plans to restrict gun ownership and draft more gun control policies. Called “gun violence protection” on her website, Clinton’s proposals include expanding background checks for firearm purchases, keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally impaired and violent abusers and criminals and limiting the power of the gun lobby in Washington. Trump’s position on “Second Amendment rights” are less restrictive, and his campaign embraces the gun rights movement that many American Republicans have adopted. On his website, he blames “anti-gun politicians” for restricting the rights to guns for law-abiding Americans, and proposes to protect those rights by wiping the streets of gangs and drug dealers. He also advocates concealed carry permits — which allow Americans to carry firearms on their person anywhere as long as they are concealed — across all 50 states. Trump also warned that Clinton will likely nominate a Democrat ninth justice to the Supreme Court, thus creating a more leftleaning bench that, he believes, may enact her gun control policies. n
Clinton launches GOP support group More Republicans flocking to Democratic pres. nominee
including government, business, national security, foreign and economic policy, entertainment AMID Donald Trump’s lack- and more. luster performance in the polls, “Hillary Clinton understands Hillary Clinton’s campaign has the complex and volatile world launched a GOP group to garner we live in, and she has the temsupport from anti-Trump Repub- perament to be president and licans on Wednesday, August Commander-in-Chief. Donald 10. Trump does not,” the group’s Called “Together for Amer- website said. “That’s why so ica,” the growing campaign is many Republicans and Indepencomprised of 50 GOP and Inde- dents are putting country over pendent leaders in various fields party and supporting Hillary for by Klarize
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president.” Among the prominent leaders who have signed the petition are former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Deputy National Security Advisor to former President George W. Bush Ambassador Robert Blackwill and Meg Whitman, president and CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and former Republican gubernatorial candidate for California. Campaign insiders said that “Together for America” had been in the making since early 2016 when it became apparent that Trump had been showing promise at becoming the Republican nominee, Politico reported. As Election Day nears, more Republicans are publicly condemning Trump’s candidacy and have vowed not to vote for him. On Monday, August 8, 50 of the top Republican national security experts signed a letter denouncing the real estate mogul’s bid for the presidency, calling the Republican nominee unqualified for his “dangerous” foreign policy and national security plans. Among the signatories were several foreign policy and national security experts that worked under former President George W. Bush, including former CIA and National Security Agency Director Michael Hayden, who appeared in a new Clinton campaign ad attacking Trump.
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PORT VISIT. One of the Royal Australian Navy’s six Collin-class diesel electric submarines, HMAS Sheean (SSG-77), arrived at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo on Friday, Aug. 12. Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said the Australian submarine arrived at 9 a.m. for a port visit and will be there until Aug. 27. PN delegates rendered the customary welcome ceremony on the ship and crew, headed by Royal Australian Navy Cmdr. Jason Cupples.
VP Robredo attends (NaFFAA) conference
GREATER PHILADELPHIA, PA — Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo was warmly welcomed by the U.S. Filipino community during her first official visit to the United States. Upon invitation of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), she keynoted the Federation’s 12th Empowerment Conference held in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. VP Robredo arrived at the Philadelphia International Airport on Friday, August 5, where she was met by New York Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. and Chargé d’affairés Patrick A. Chuasoto of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. At the Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia, PA, where she stayed, the Vice President was welcomed by officials of the Philippine Consulate General in New York led by Consul Felipe Carino, Katrina Banzon of the Philippine Trade and Investment Office (PTIC-NY), Zeny Pallugna of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York (PDOTNY), and Michael Azucena of PAG-IBIG Fund. NaFFAA leaders led by Chair of the Conference, Dr. Aida and Rommel Rivera, NaFFAA National Chair, Atty. JT Mallonga, and co-Chair of the Conference, Brad Baldia, were also part of the welcoming party. During the opening plenary session of the Conference on August 5, Consul General De Leon conveyed the goals and aspirations of US Foreign Service Posts for NaFFAA in a session entitled “Envisioning the Future of Filipino Americans through the Lens of our Shared History.” Also participating in the panel were philanthropist and community leader Loida Nicholas Lewis, NaFFAA National Chair JT Mallonga, and NaFFAA National Vice Chair Emraida Kira. Consul General De Leon remarked how the NaFFAA Empowerment Conference was an opportune time for the FilipinoAmerican community to come together and discuss pressing issues and initiatives that impact the lives of the estimated 3.4 million Filipino-Americans living in the U.S. He also discussed how the leadership changes in both the Philippines
(Left photo) Vice President Leni Robredo giving the keynote message at the 12th NaFFAA Empowerment Conference in the Radisson Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Right photo) New York Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. introduces Vice President Robredo to the audience.(Bottom photo) Vice President Robredo together with Dr. Aida Rivera, Chairman, NaFFAA Host Committee; Mdme. Eleanor De Leon; Consul General De Leon; and Atty. JT Photos by Boyet Loverita Mallonga, NaFFAA National Chair.
Upon her arrival in Philadelphia, Vice President Robredo was officially welcomed by Consul General De Leon, Chargé d’affairés Patrick A. Chuasoto of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., and senior officers of the Philippine Consulate General New York, Philippine Trade and Investment Office (PTIC-NY), Philippine Department of Tourism in New York (PDOT-NY), PAG-IBIG Fund, the Radisson Hotel and NaFFAA. Photos by Wendell Gaa
and the U.S. have created new opportunities to enhance bilateral engagements between the two countries, all of which coincide with the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States. He commended NaFFAA for its initiatives to promote civic engagement and its efforts in transforming the Filipino-American community into a cohesive political constituency. He further noted how there were also more registered Filipino-American voters who casted their ballots in the May 2016 Philippine national election than previous elections, and underscored that the Fil-Am vote was among the very few overseas voters’ groups that secured Robredo’s Vice Presidency. Among NaFFAA’s primary advocacies is Fil-Am Vote. The Consul General reminded the NaFFAA delegates to continue lobbying for the Filipino community’s interests with US elected officials. In particular, he cited the urgency of working with US representatives to co-sponsor the Congressional Gold Medal Bill for the Filipino World War II Veterans to secure its passage. He thanked Representative Bobby Scott of the State of Virginia who was among the first to sign as co-sponsor of the House version of bill and was also a guest speaker at the plenary session in the afternoon. The U.S. Senate earlier passed their counterpart bill on the same. The following day, Saturday, August 6, Vice President Robredo held a press conference at the Radisson Hotel hosted by the Consulate General for the benefit of members of the U.S. Fil-Am media. She was formally introduced by Consul General Mario de Leon. During the Press Conference, VP Robredo thanked the Filipino diaspora for their support in the last elections. (During the elections, she topped the Vice-Presidential race with a huge margin in North America). She promised to serve all overseas Filipinos regardless of those who voted her. As Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, the Vice President said that she intends to go beyond her administrative mandate and mere “ceremonial position” by reinventing the Office of the Vice President (OVP) into an advocate for positive change. She identified advocacies such as prioritizing the most economically deprived provinces and promoting health care, public education, and rural/agricultural development therein. Enlisting the cooperation of private orga-
nizations to assist our citizens in need is also part of her mission, she added. She also addressed queries on how young Filipino-American leaders could be more involved with business and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Philippines, and that she would work to support efforts of Fil-Ams contributing to the strengthening of the Philippine economy. During the NaFFAA Gala Dinner later that evening, Vice President Robredo delivered her keynote address where she reported the efforts of the new Philippine administration in steering the future of the Philippines towards further political, social and economic development. She underscored that her office will focus on five core advocacies: hunger and poverty, universal health care, public housing, education, and women empowerment. She also acknowledged how the Fil-Am vote was crucial to the overseas balloting which thrusted her to the office of the Vice President during the May 2016 Philippine presidential elections. VP Robredo conveyed that she understood the plight of Overseas Filipinos having lived in Boston with her family while Secretary Jessie Robredo attended school. She said that “perhaps at times you also feel left behind…feel like you are part of the marginalized community … are homesick and tired of working long hours… thinking of how to pay for college education of the children, health care, mortgage and other things. I know how you feel,” she added. She praised how Filipinos have thrived in the United States, ”You’ve created Filipino communities here that care, just like in the barangays and villages at home…as you transform the lives of those you touch through trainings and advocacy. Filipinos truly are citizens of the world, but always rooted in our homegrown values of bayanihan. Walang iwanan. Tulungan. Simplicity and courtesy. Most of all Faith” she underscored. The Vice-President further encouraged Filipinos to give back and participate in nation-building activities, citing examples like the Naga Migrant Resource Center - the first of its kind in the country – organized to assist overseas Filipinos in pre- and post-deployment activities and reintegration programs which can be replicated all over the Philippines. The Vice President then extoled the NaFFAA regional leaders for being role models in
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Clinton launches GOP… CA announces August as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month
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The letter does not indicate any direct support for Clinton; they even acknowledge the widespread “doubts” for the former secretary of state. “We understand that many Americans are profoundly frustrated with the federal government and its inability to solve pressing domestic and international problems,” the letter read. “But Donald Trump is not the answer to America’s daunting challenges and to this crucial election.” Notably, John Noonan, a GOP national security expert and former Minuteman III nuclear launch officer, wrote an opinion-editorial in the Los Angeles Times warning about the danger of a Trump presidency in regards to nuclear warfare. Noonan responded to an alleged MSNBC report in which Trump incessantly asked about nuclear weapons in a foreign policy briefing, continually asking “if we have them, why can’t we use them?” “I sat at my post believing through both the Bush and Obama administrations that the president was fundamentally rational and would never ask me to do my terrible duty. Not unless the country was in the direst of national emergencies,” Noonan wrote. “With Trump as president, the young men and women who are assigned to our nuclear
VP Robredo…
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initiating projects which have contributed to improvement of communities, as well as acknowledging the NaFFAA awardees recognized in the “Trailblazer Award” who have used their position to elevate the profile of the Filipino-American in mainstream American society. The awardees include Ronnie del Carmen, Fil-Am co-director of the Pixar animated film “Inside Out”, Billy Dec, founder of Rockit Ranch Production, and Jason Tengco of the White Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders Towards the end of the Gala, Vice President Robredo led the official induction of the new NaFFAA officers who were led by its newly-elected National Chair, Brendan Flores, a 2nd generation Filipino American. Earlier in the evening, NaFFAA community members were able to have their photo opportunity taken with the Vice President. n
forces will have no such assurances.” In May, a group of Republican women established “Republican Women for Hillary” with the intent to steer Republican women away from supporting Trump. “It’s really important that Republican leaders, especially Republican women leaders, stand up right now and say we’re not OK with Trump representing our party,” Jennifer Lim, founder of the organization and lifelong Republican volunteer, told CNN. “This is not a position I ever wanted myself in. But it’s important that when things like this happen that people speak up.” Throughout the campaign, Trump has been criticized for his comments towards women, often using expletives and pejoratives describing. Notably, he attacked Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly during the first GOP debate last year after she asked a tough question that, ironically, asked about his treatment of women. The Clinton campaign has welcomed its new GOP supporters with open arms while also trying to woo the supporters of Bernie Sanders, a group that had also been generally anti-Clinton. n
by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
AMID anti-Muslim rhetoric circulating the country during this election cycle, the state of California has approved legislation naming August 2016 as Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month. The resolution, HR-59, was introduced by Assemblymember Bill Quirk in June after an activist in the community inquired about it. The resolution is an effort to acknowledge the “myriad [of] invaluable contributions of Muslim Americans and extend to them the respect and camaraderie every American deserves,” Quirk said in a statement. The resolution was passed earlier this month with bipartisan support. “Muslim Americans have made contributions to education, science, entertainment and medicine both nationally and globally,” Quirk told NBC News. “Unfortunately, the Muslim community has been, and continues to be, the target of harassment, discrimination and insults.” Following the San Bernardino
attack on Dec. 2, Gallup surveyed Americans’ perceptions of Muslims and found that 43 percent admitted to harboring some degree of prejudice toward Muslims. Significantly, prejudice toward Muslims was strongest of all the religious groups included in the survey. The California chapter Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) released a Civil Rights Report that found that bias against Muslims had spiked 58 percent between 2014 to 2015. CAIR reported more than 1,500 incidents and complaints in 2015 that included discrimination in the workplace, federal law enforcement questioning, immigration issues, hate crime, bullying in schools among others. “During these difficult times of increased anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate incidents, Assemblymember Quirk’s resolution and recognition of Muslim Americans is uplifting for our community and immensely appreciated. It is truly an historic moment for all Californians,” CAIR Sacramento Valley Executive Director Basim Elkarra said in a statement.
Quirk mentioned that this resolution is important, especially surrounding the rhetoric regarding Muslims in this election cycle. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recently went under fire for criticizing Ghazala and Khizr Khan, Muslim American parents to a son who was killed fighting for the U.S. in the Iraq War. Early in the election cycle, Trump’s suggested a temporary immigration ban of Muslims. He also suggested that all Muslims in the United States should
wear identification tags that denote their faith, a suggestion that was widely criticized for mirroring the Nazis’ requirement for Jews to wear the Star of David in World War II. Although most Filipinos subscribe to the Christian faith, a significant amount of Filipinos follow the teachings of Islam. According to data from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the number of Muslims in the Philippines has risen from about 5 percent in 2010 to 11 percent in 2012. n
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OpiniOn
Features
Divisiveness
IT’S time to bury grudges, end divisiveness and work for national unity. These reasons have been cited by President Duterte in allowing the burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The President had made his position on this issue clear even during the election campaign, and he probably believes his landslide victory includes an endorsement of his stand. As reactions to the planned burial indicate, however, the move is stoking divisiveness as the abuses of the dictatorship are remembered. It has not helped that the Marcoses have reportedly set the burial for Sept. 18, a week after the birth anniversary of the former president and a few days before the 44th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. Thousands of human rights victims of the dictatorship are still around. The wounds of authoritarian rule have been slow to heal because no one has been punished for the atrocities of the dictatorship. Even a landmark scheme for restitution – largely symbolic as the amounts involved are modest – has yet to be implemented. Opponents of the planned burial say the late dictator does not deserve interment in a hero’s cemetery. The opponents also point out that the
Marcos regime is remembered for corruption on such a large scale that new words had to be coined for it, with the so-called conjugal dictatorship accused of “kleptocracy” and an “edifice complex” that meant billions in kickbacks. Such a president does not deserve a hero’s burial, the opponents have said as they prepare to take the case to the Supreme Court. It won’t be a hero’s burial, President Duterte has explained, but one that is accorded to former chief executives. This privilege, Malacañang said yesterday, does not distinguish between good and bad presidents. The reaction to the planned burial, however, should at least make Malacañang pause and ponder the impact. If ending divisiveness is the ultimate goal, this is hardly the way to go about achieving it. (Philstar.com)
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Fil-Am Republicans defend Donald Trump on his plan to ban immigration of Filipinos to America SOME U.S. politicians have spoken up in support of Filipinos against Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump’s plan to temporarily ban immigration from what he called “terrorist nations” to keep America safe from terrorism. In his speech in Portland, Maine, he named the Philippines as part of the list along with Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen, citing the case of a Filipino -“ a legal permanent resident from the Philippines [who was] convicted for plotting to join Al Qaeda and the Taliban in order to kill as many Americans as possible.” Defending Filipinos, politicians like Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, and Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro Jr. were among those who criticized Trump, acknowledging the strong presence of and contributions of kababayans in America. Bonta said Trump’s statements, which also called immigrants from these countries as “animals”, were sweeping, irresponsible and vitriolic pronouncements on race have no place in our America”. Schatz contended that Trump’s “call to ban Filipinos from coming to the US demonstrates an absolute ignorance of the contributions that FilipinoAmericans have made to American society but it also fails to recognize the strong relationship that the US and the Philippines have and have had for decades.” Lavarro pointed out that Trump disregards “over
a century of relations between the U.S. and the Philippines.” The Fil-Am But not all Filipinos in America are against Trump’s plan, and Perspective are in fact supporting the rationale behind his statements that have offended many Filipinos. Republican Fil-Am community leader Rudy Asercion (who was Gel SantoS-ReloS the spokesperson for Fil-Ams supporting Sen. John McCain’s candidacy duuring the debate on The Filipino Channel’s Balitang America) told me,“Validated my statement to you that Mr. Trump does not know about the Filipinos. We are working to change that by introducing Mr. Trump to our Community and to the Philippine media ASAP.” MEANTIME, a Fil-Am small business owner Marilyn Patacsil contended: I absolutely support it… The word “temporary “[banning of Filipinos’ immigration to the U.S.] means a lot especially because he needs to protect our country, until we really find out what is really going on. Obama and Clinton do not care about Americans. They both embraced the terrorist countries and look at what is happening now. Scary. People are in a panic but they need to be. I strongly believe Trump was sent by our LORD to save AMERICA. TOO MANY GOVERNMENT CORRUPT AND CRIMINALS. Most of FILIPINOS are corrupt, ungrateful,
opportunists and are not united. They come here use the benefits or what they can get from America and are not loyal. One thing that I get mad with is the many frauds that our kababayan did. But once Trump wins it will stop and I will make sure I will alert him what to look for. It is sad. But TRUMP IS NOT CORRUPT THAT IS THE REASON WHY THEY HATE HIM AND THEY ARE IN PANIC.” Another community leader Nimfa Gamez (who represented the Fil-Am Republicans supporting Mitt Romney during the Balitang America’s debate) emphatically argued: “I would like to ask my fellow Filipino-Americans to seek the truth first. The mainstream media reporters, who are mostly liberal-leaning have recently been resorting to taking Donald Trump’s words out of context and twisting them for the purpose of course of creating an impact, to agitate and alienate those audiences they are specifically targeting, the more uninformed and politically uninvolved minorities among African-Americans, Hispanics and Filipinos, etc. When driven by emotions, voters may form irrational opinions and conclusions about the two candidates, Trump and Hillary, and they may be deceived to vote for the undeserving candidate… Common sense tells us, this is what a government should do in dangerous times like this, to
protect and ensure the safety of its citizens and others who are already in their country! My family and most if not all of Fil-Ams came to America thru a very stringent vetting or interview process. America like any other country has immigration and other regulatory laws. Due to the terrorism crisis, drugs menace and other crimes in the US and around the world, the US government should implement a stringent vetting process in order to protect the people who are already here! It doesn’t matter what country they come from. To say that Donald Trump will ban Filipinos from immigrating into the United States if he becomes president is completely and utterly false! And if we love our families and care for their safety, a Trump win should not cause any worry, unless of course you are a terrorist or a criminal, because a Trump win, will bring economic progress through his better negotiating skills to keep and bring jobs back. On the other hand, don’t we even wonder why the mainstream media keeps focusing on what Trump says, instead of investigating any of the actions involving and surrounding Mrs. Clinton, like her e-mail scandals, corruption and deaths of several men in the last 6 weeks?” Do you agree with these Fil-Am Republicans? *** 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
DNC Chronicles: Patriotic virtues of Hillary Clinton’s presidential nomination “I want to be the best Small Business President,” two business owners were whispering to have their own private discussions. I imagined them saying, “would she really help in bringing down our own health
(Part II of III Series)
“THE lesson [my Rhizomes mother] passed on to me, years later, stuck with me: No one gets through life alone. We have to look out for each other and Prosy AbArquezlift each other up. DelAcruz, J.D. And she made sure I learned the words from our Methodist faith: Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can as long as ever you can.”– Hillary Clinton, July 28, 2016 The decades-old style of media is to look for what is sexy, what is glamorous and what sizzles in Hillary Clinton’s public service record. They end up with zero. They then resort to its opposite: to find what is scandalous, sensational and embarrassing. In 20+ years, the media are so off that the true self of Hillary Clinton in public service has yet to be shared, with full measure of respect. If there was respect for her, they would find that she is a behind the scenes leader, who negotiates to help out American families, like 8 million uninsured children with health care insurance benefits. Is there glamour in doing her work? Perhaps not, as it is not about a fashion show or a beauty pageant, yet that policy action of then-Senator Clinton benefited millions of healthier children to go to school and to grow up as young adults, possibly bound for college. To the small business owners with payroll to meet, let’s say for their 30+employees with suppliers and vendors to pay, health care insurance is an unwelcome business expense. So when Hillary Clinton addressed a group of small business owners in Florida, and declared her aspiration,
care premiums? While that is speculative, former President Bill Clinton would have a quick, clear answer: “Watch her as she helps make the situation better. It is really what Hillary is about all her life.” Example, when Hillary Clinton was senator of New York, she found out that survivor benefits for first responders who rescued folks in 9/11 got $12,000, which was barely enough to start a new life for their families as mostly going for funeral expenses. Senator Clinton met with Pres. G.W. Bush and got those survivor benefits increased to $100,000. James Grissom is a part-time employee of Metropolitan Museum of Art. He had bladder cancer in 2007 with no insurance or savings. His urologist referred him to Planned Parenthood, which then referred him to an oncologist. To get discounted rates, his oncologist classified him as a family member. The hospital got more aggressive in collecting payments and referred him to a collection agency and then, legal action. When he contacted then Senator Hillary Clinton, he spoke to her personally and she said, “You did not enter a credit agreement with that hospital,” she told me, “So I cannot fathom why they are pursuing you as if you did. In addition, the state of New York and the federal government aid that hospital, so they are way out of line. You need to fight this cancer and get well: You don’t have time
for this nonsense. Let me look into it.” Within a week, collection calls stopped and within a month, Hillary Clinton had put him in touch with two organizations that gave financial support to cancer patients. These organizations paid half of his debt, and within 18 months, James Grissom had zeroed out his balance and paid off his debt, while collections calls stopped, according to his face book post. Contrast that to the book written by David Cay Johnston (Pulitzer Prize winner) on Donald Trump, one who discovered that Trump, the candidate, cut off his sickly nephew’s insurance. Literally, night and day, between these two presidential candidates. One is with us from morning till night while another keeps us frozen at midnight, unable to provide for the care of our loved ones, frozen in fear and darkness. History-making Hillary Rodham Clinton In life, there are history-markers, who created history and continue to become our markers, guiding us where to go. They are the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Grace Lee Boggs, Dorothy Rodham, Dolores Huerta, and even Hillary Clinton. We learn about grace, grit and determination. Yet, some are history makers, like Hillary Clinton, who seeks to be the first US female President, after serving as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama’s tenure. Imagine what it took for her to get over her election battle scars, following a brutal loss to President Barack Obama? Then, to turn around to accept this appointment, she visited 112 countries to open up and solidify relationships, from a once world-shunned America,
because Pres. George W. Bush declared war against Iraq, under the pretext of finding weapons of mass destruction. Hillary’s million air miles of travel must have been fueled by a very deep love of America, setting aside her selfinterests, and chose to be uncomfortable, to risk failures, while working harder for diplomacy and worldwide peace. “Do we know how to exercise our vote to benefit our families?” To some, including myself at times, we are satisfied as history watchers and to stay in our comfort zone, to simply applaud the winners in elections. We defer to the parish priest or evangelical pastor to choose whom to vote. We at times make them fill up a list of candidates and we blindly take that paper and cast a vote, which does not align with our values as a family and community. We forget separating our civic and municipal lives from church affairs. We look for a candidate who is prolife and we look no further while we choose the party with millionaires, thinking we too can become future millionaires. So we miscalculate and we end up being conservative voters, voting against the interests of our families. We presume millionaires’ millions will rob off on us, and we want to be seen in “rich-sponsored events.” We justify it as making our faith primary and therefore God predetermines our choice s. But, does God determine our choices? If indeed He does, do we choose our family’s welfare and provide them, national leaders who will represent our community voices? Do we conduct due diligence and use our free will in favor of candidates who respect our communities and a presi-
dent who sees clearly what policies and services we need to grow our community: support for our small businesses (2/3 of the American economy are small businesses), affordable health care insurance services, lower prices for prescription medications, better quality of education for our children and even a sustainable quality of life from retirement for our elders , gun safety measures, climate change reversal, police reforms and more robust cultural and musical programs, workers’ training and apprentice programs, and immigration reforms to reunite us with our families? Do we inform ourselves to look at candidates’ track records and educate ourselves as to who best represents our values? Do we educate ourselves on how to vote for the right candidate who cares to work on shared prosperity, with special emphasis on schools and education. “Marian Seldes always reminded me that it takes only one person to say yes and to change your life. Marian also urged me--and others--to be that person who says yes to others. To open doors; give hope; find answers; offer aid. So many people have said yes to me, and I feel it is a moral obligation to honor and remember them, and to emulate them. Hillary Clinton said yes to me almost ten years ago, and came to my aid. I am not the only one, as I am learning every day. I was guilty of soft sexism when I worried about Hillary walking the same dark streets of slander and innuendo, and I felt it was gentlemanly of me to want to spare her the danger. I realize now that a true gentleman doesn’t relegate a woman to a safer place: He walks the dangerous,
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Fidel Ramos takes first steps to build trust with China by Patricia Lourdes Philstar.com
Viray
MANILA, Philippines — Former President Fidel Ramos, acting as a special envoy to China, met with his old friends in Hong Kong to discuss the relationship between the Philippines and China. Ramos met with former Ambassador to Manila Fu Ying and China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies President Wu Shicun to discuss ways to resolve the dispute between the two countries. “Their informal discussions focused on the need to engage in further talks to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions to pave the way for overall cooperation for the benefit of both their peoples and the region,” Ramos’ press statement read. China has welcomed Ramos in their country as special envoy appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte. The visit came two months after the arbitration tribunal released a favorable ruling for the Philippines on its claims against China on the South China Sea. Ramos, meanwhile, expressed the desire of the Philippines to hold formal discussions with China on issues of mutual concern and interest. “They value the long history of friendship of the two neighbor-
Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos listens to a question during a press briefing at the Philippines consular office in Hong Kong, China, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016. Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos flew to Hong Kong on Monday for talks aimed at rekindling ties with China that have been strained by long-seething disputes in the South China Sea.
ing countries and the prospect of further cooperation for the sake of future generations,” the statement read. The former president and his Chinese friends discussed the following issues: • Encouraging marine preservation, • Avoiding tension and promoting fishing cooperation, • Anti-drug and anti-smuggling cooperation, • Anti-crime and anti-corruption cooperation, • Improving tourism opportunities, • Encouraging trade and in-
AP/Ng Han Guan
vestment facilitation and • Encouraging track II (think tank) exchanges on relevant issues of mutual concern and interest Both parties agreed that building trust is important to the longterm relationship between the Asian neighbors. “They reiterated that they are here in their personal capacity and were pleased with the discussions and looked forward to the beginning of a process of formal discussions which will be continued in Beijing and Manila and other possible venues,” the
u PAGE A11
DNC Chronicles: Patriotic virtues…
PAGE A8 t
dark streets with her. So I’m walking with Hillary and saying yes. Come along and light the way. The stories are good, and you’ll be saying yes to a better America.” – James Grissom Hillary Clinton is that person who says yes. Because she keeps saying yes to our needs, she end s up being great to those family survivors of 9/11, or to James Grisson’ s precious eyes. Come Nov. 8, let us make it a landslide victory for the candidate who says yes to your needs and reflects our hearts and minds and not the candidate who impugns us as coming from a terrorist nation. Footnote: To Asian Journal readers, my DNC Chronicles will be a three-part series of articles, inspired by my very first attendance of a political convention in the U.S. As a Filipina immigrant — born to a teacher and a labor government employee who was orphaned during WWII — who came to America with just $200 in her pocket, I was grateful to attend as one of the writers for the
Asian Journal team, only one of the two specialty media outlets credentialed to represent Filipino Americans. I have not thought of this as remotely possible, yet, here I am, now a grandmother who experienced her very first Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia from July 25-28, 2016. Thank you, America!
*** 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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A10 AUGUST 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Dateline PHiliPPineS
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Aiza Seguerra, partner rewarded with govt posts by Catherine
S. Valente ManilaTimes.net
MUSICIAN Aiza Seguerra and her partner, actress Liza Diño, staunch supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte during the election campaign, have been named heads of two government agencies. Seguerra, who became a household name as a noontime TV child star, was appointed chairperson of the National Youth Commission while Diño was named chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Both will have threeyear terms of office. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella announced the appointments in a statement sent to reporters. “Ms. Cariza Y. Seguerra has been appointed
as Chairperson, National Youth Commission for a term of three years,” he said. Seguerra will replace Gio Tingson while Diño will take over director Briccio Santos’ job. The Kabataan party-list group immediately welcomed Seguerra’s appointment. “We have all witnessed Mr. Seguerra’s growth as a firebrand change-maker, with him and his wife Liza Diño actively engaging in vital issues including the plight of our Lumad brothers and sisters. We also note his active role in promoting Philippine culture and the arts,” it said in a statement. Seguerra and Diño were married in same-sex wedding rites in San Francisco in 2014. The appointment did not come as a surprise as former senator
Francisco Tatad, in his July 19 column for The Manila Times, wrote that Seguerra could become the chairperson of the youth commission. The President has named a number of his celebrity supporters to government posts. Duterte earlier appointed TV host Arnell Ignacio as assistant vice president for the community relations and services department of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) while singer Jimmy Bondoc was given the post of assistant vice president for entertainment also at Pagcor. The President has also named businessman, singer and composer Ramon “RJ” Jacinto as presidential adviser on economic affairs and information technology and TV host Kat de Castro as Tourism undersecretary. n
Sandiganbayan allows Junjun Binay’s travel to US by Dana ADDRESSING THE TRAFFIC CRISIS. Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, greets Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade before the start of a committee hearing on proposals to grant President Rodrigo Duterte emergency powers to address the transportation crisis in Metro Manila and other urban areas. “We may allow you to take shortcuts as long as taxpayers won’t be shortchanged, and we all need to fully understand problems before tackling details of proposed solutions for the traffic situation.” Poe told Tugade. Senate photo by Albert Calvelo
27 years after, SSS gives 154K pensioners with P7.21-B by nelSon
S. BaDilla ManilaTimes.net
AFTER 27 years, the Social Security System (SSS) has finally released P7.21 billion in cash benefits for over 154,000 pensioners. In a statement, the SSS said the P7.21-billion pension adjustments were made for more than 154,000 retirees who failed to get correct monthly pensions due to “computer glitches” on the computer program of the SSS from 1985 to 1989. The huge amount of pension adjustments was fully given to the SSS retirees last June. The pension fund noted that the release was done only this year since the agency needed to complete its “special project on the manual verification and reposting of members’ contributions for the period 1985 to 1989.” “The pension adjustments resulted from the management’s initiative in examining the lumped 1985-1989 contributions
of members affected by a system upgrade in the late 1980s,” it explained. Despite the extreme delay in the release of the SSS pensioners’ monetary benefits, the SSS said: “We initiated this project to give pensioners what is due them without demanding for it.” It, however, clarified that “[n]ot all pensioners are entitled to pension adjustments for there are members whose contributions for 1985 to 1989 were already manually verified during the processing of their benefit application.” “There were also cases where the reposting had no bearing on pension computation so there were no corresponding pension adjustments,” the pension fund said. SSS President Emilio de Quiros pointed out that only 90 percent of the 154,357 retirees under the first tranche of pension adjustments received an average back payment per pensioner of P51,883. The remaining 10 percent of
members got P100 or less in accrued differential amounts, which were disbursed along with their regular monthly pension. The average amount of monthly pension increases per pensioner for all 154,357 retirees covered by the first tranche of pension adjustments was P515, according to the SSS. This also translates to an additional payout of P79.5 million per month. The verification project of the SSS is ongoing, so there will be future payments for qualified pensioners, the pension fund said. The SSS said the second tranche of pension adjustments for death and disability pensioners under the Social Security (SS) Program is scheduled for December 2016. The third tranche, which is for retirement, SS death and SS disability pensioners with a contingency date prior to May 24, 1997 as well as those with EC pension adjustments, is set for June 2017. n
SioSon AJPress
IN a resolution dated August 9, the Sandiganbayan has approved former Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay’s travel request to bring his daughter to the United States for a medical appointment. “The Court, over the prosecution’s opposition, hereby resolves to GRANT accused permission to travel abroad to Los Angeles, California, United States of America, to accompany his daughter on her appointment with immunologist Dr. Ricardo Tan,” the resolution read. Binay filed the urgent motion for permission to travel abroad before the Court on August 4 to visit Tan for a second opinion regarding his daughter’s staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. His six-year-old daughter’s appointment was scheduled on August 19 and 20. The Sandiganbayan however, asked the former mayor to deposit a cash travel bond of P608,000 to “guarantee faithful compliance with the terms and conditions imposed on his travel.” Binay’s lawyer paid the required travel bond on Thursday, August 11. The court permitted the former Makati mayor to leave the country not earlier than August 15 and should be back not later than August 24. His itinerary of travel was also limited to Los Angeles, California.
Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay
The Sandiganbayan noted that Binay should present himself personally before the Third Division’s clerk of court and bring his passport and photocopies of relevant pages indicating the stamps of his departure from and entry into the Philippines five days after his expected arrival in the Philippines. He must also show proof that his daughter underwent medical check-up. If, however, he canceled his departure, the Court said that he should still personally present himself before the division clerk
of court with his passport. Should Binay fail to faithfully comply with the conditions set in the resolution, the anti-graft court said that it would be a ground for the Court to “to order for the forfeiture of his bail and travel bond and the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.” The former mayor is facing the charges of graft, malversation and falsification of public documents for his involvement in the alleged overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building II, also referred to as the Makati parking building. n
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Dateline PHiliPPineS
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 13-16, 2016
A11
Dela Rosa: Drug lord taps terrorist groups to plot Duterte assassination by Dana
SioSon AJPress
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Director Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa claimed on Wednesday, August 10, that a top drug trafficker has teamed up with armed groups that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to kill him and President Rodrigo Duterte. “We received an intelligence report that a mayor, who was tagged as a drug lord, is offering bounties to personalities identified with armed groups in Mindanao that pledged allegiance to ISIS, to assassinate me and President Duterte,” Dela Rosa told ABS-CBN, adding that they plotted to use Improvised Explosive Devices. “They will reportedly use IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device).” Dela Rosa refused to name the alleged drug lord but described
that he is an incumbent mayor from Mindanao. He said that the PNP has sought the Army’s help to “neutralize” the mayor but pointed out that the operation cannot be rushed. “We don’t want another Mamasapano SAF 44 encounter so we are taking caution,” he added, noting that the location may pose them an operational complication. Despite the threats, Dela Rosa, however, said he is unfazed, leaving it up to God if He wanted him and the president dead. “Bahala na si Lord. Kung gusto ni Lord mamatay na ang presidente, mamatay talaga yan kahit anong gwardya natin sa kanya (It’s up to God. If He wanted the president to die, he will die no matter how much we guard him),” Dela Rosa said. “The same with me; kung gusto na ni Lord mamatay na din ako (If God wanted me to die too), he can
take my life any time. Hindi kami takot (We are not scared), wag kang mag-alala sa threat na yan (Don’t worry about the threat).” He said that he will not tighten his personal security or stop going to public places because of the threat. Dela Rosa also expressed his confidence that they will be successful in their campaign against illegal drugs within three to six months of the Duterte administration. According to him, around 600,000 have already surrendered or got killed among the estimated 1.8 million drug personalities in the country. “We set out target very high. We aim high because if we falter, we would still get a passing grade. We are aiming for 100 percent. We need it done within 3 to 6 six months — either they surrender, get killed, or get arrested. We need to address it,” he said. n
Marcos camp asks Comelec to explain violation of PET order by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE camp of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to explain why it approved the “stripping” of the vote counting machines used in the May 2016 elections, despite the precautionary protection order (PPO) of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET). Marcos, represented by spokesman Vic Rodriguez, sent a three-page letter to Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista, asking why the Comelec approved the recommendation of Commissioner Christian Robert Lim to back up files on secured digital (SD) cards and consolidating and canvassing system (CCS) laptop units used in the previous May 2016 elections. “We were compelled to write this letter precisely because we discovered that last July 12, the Comelec passed asking its staff to conduct a stripping of all the VCMs, as well as to alter or modify the audit logs,” Rodriguez told GMA News. “Mahalaga po na sagutin nila ito (It is important to us that they answer this) because remember in the election protest of Sen. Marcos, one of the centerpiece arguments that we presented is an attack on the integrity of the
Automated Election System that was used and employed by the Commission on Elections.” Amorado said that as early as July 12, the PET already issued the PPO to Comelec and claimed that the stripping began on July 16. Poll Chief Andres Bautista, however, said that it was put on hold because of the PPO, noting that the poll body passed the resolution before knowing about the PET’s order. “Nag-issue ng resolution (A resolution was issued) for the stripping and back-up of the machines kasi kailangan na naming ibalik ‘yung makina (because the machines need to be returned). Hindi natin pag-aari ‘yun (We do not own it),” Bautista said. “After ng resolution na ‘yun, lumabas ‘yung PPO (After the resolution, the PPO came out) from the Presidential Electoral Tribunal. [Kaya] hindi na nagsimula [‘yung stripping] (That’s why stripping didn’t begin).” Rodriguez also claimed that they’ve sent letters to Comelec many times but didn’t get any reply. Bautista denied the claim of not replying. Rodriguez also said that the Marcos camp plans to raise this concern before the PET with or without getting a reply from the Comelec.
“We do not want to imply that there is malice, but you cannot help [it], considering the timeline — 12 July na-resolve ng PET, 12 July nag-issue ng resolution ang Comelec,” he said. “We’re not saying that in doing so (stripping) ay magbabago ‘yung mga laman o audit logs (audit logs would change). Hindi ho (No). Ang sinasabi natin, alam naman ninyo na nag-issue na ng resolution ang PET (What we’re saying is you knew PET issued a resolution)... directing the Comelec to preserve and employ measures to safeguard the integrity of all the ballots, as well as paraphernalia used during the elections.” In connection with his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, the letter also inquired why the certification for the source code review “was done three months after the period mandated by law” and why no action has been taken on his request for a full system audit. “Ang problema kasi doon sa request niya, sino ang magsasagawa ng (The problem with their request is who will do the) system audit?” Bautista said. “Sabi ko, maganda na third party ang magsagawa (I told them it’s best if a third party would do it). Pero sabi ko rin (but I also told them), base sa PET kung gusto nilang ipagawa ito (It’s up to PET if they want to do it).” n
TILAPIA ICE CREAM. Daerrys Tilapia Ice Cream, a brainchild of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) further made a name for the Philippines in the field of food innovation when it bagged the gold at the Salon International de L’Agroalimentaire (SIAL) ASEAN Manila 2016. Having been awarded the prize, the tilapia ice cream will grace the global events of SIAL such as in Paris in October; Jakarta in November, Abu Dhabi in December, and Canada and China, in May 2017. Photo courtesy of the Dept. of Science and Technology
Duterte apologizes to Sereno: ‘Harsh words never intended’ by anthony
Q. ESguErra
Inquirer.net
PRESIDENT Duterte on Thursday, Aug. 11 apologized to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, days after sharply rebuking the chief magistrate for questioning his list of judges allegedly involved in illegal drugs. “I apologize to the chief justice for the harsh words which [were] never intended,” Duterte said in a televised press conference. “Ako kasi because of the magnitude of the problem, it is my way of solving my problem within the ambit of my powers as President,” he added. Warning of a possible constitutional crisis, Sereno, in a letter, reminded the President of separation powers in the constitutions. Sereno also questioned the intelligence report that linked the judges to illegal drug trade in the country. She cautioned the judges from turning themselves in to police custody, reminding them that only the Supreme Court has the sole authority to discipline them. “It would matter greatly to our sense of constitutional order if we were given the chance to administer the appropriate preven-
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and President Rodrigo Duterte
tive measures without the complications of a premature public announcement,” Sereno said in the four-page letter. But Duterte lashed back at Sereno with a threat of declaring martial law. “I’m giving you a warning. Don’t create a crisis because I will order everybody in the executive department not to honor you,” Duterte said.
“Please do not, you say, create a constitutional issue. There will be. Don’t order me, I’m telling you. I hope you are listening,” he added. Duterte reiterated that he was just doing his duty to inform the public of the condition of their society when he announced the personalities, including the judges, who allegedly involved in the drug trade. n
Fidel Ramos takes first…
PAGE A9 t
statement read. The arbitral tribunal concluded that China violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea by constructing artificial islands in the Philippines’
200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. China, however, refused to honor the decision of the arbitral tribunal and stressed its indisputable sovereignty over the disputed waters. n
A12 AUGUST 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 13-16, 2016
SHOWBIZ&STYLE
Journal Sharon Cuneta teases fans Lovi Poe has no new love about having ‘new figure’
by Lhar
Santiago ManilaTimes.net
A VeRy elegant Lovi Poe in an Aside from high notes and all-black gown and a thigh-high impressive vocal intensity, “The slit entered the board room of the Voice Kids� season 3 will also GMA Network Center with a beambring us sharon Cuneta’s new, ing smile. it was the day she would improved figure. sign a new contract with her home On Wednesday, Aug. 10 the network for the past 10 years, and megastar shared on Facebook a she feels truly blessed. After all, it post promoting the show, wherein was in GMA where she started her she is one of the hosts, while teascareer and, as she puts it, wants ing her fans about her slimmer to “stay home where she is most physique. comfortable.� “Ang bago ko pong figure Present at the contract signing (NAKs! O ang aking bagong pagwith Lovi was her manager Leo payat ng konti) ay makikita niyo Sneak peek of the new and improved Sharon dominguez, while representing the lang po sa Finals na ng The Voice Cuneta. network was no less its Chairman Kids 3 sa Resorts World sa last two crisis,� which resulted to further Lovi Poe denies she is in a relationship with a and CeO Felipe Gozon, with the weekends ng August,� the caption weight gain. (Philstar.com) good-looking European. Philstar.com photo company’s executive Vice Presireads. “Ang lalabas po sa TV this coming weekend ay matagal na po naming na-tape hindi po siya kailan lang kayo po medyo bachingching pa ako doon.� When sharon was introduced as the new coach of the reality talent search competition in April, she announced that she’s work-/( *VU]LU[PVUHS ing on her weight as preparation 7\YJOHZL 9LMPUHUJL for her upcoming film with direk Olive Lamasan, which will be shot in August. in June, sharon announced she already lost a whopping 50 pounds. sharon admitted in 2014 that she went through a “mid-life
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dent and CFO Felipe yalung, and ment TV Lillibeth Rasonable. senior vice president for entertainPAGE B2
B AUGUST 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Moonlighting by Mylah de
leon
There was nothing in Dexter’s Grey ancestry, background or environment to suggest he would become the greatest living interpreter of the work of Frederic Chopin. It was all there, when he decided to impose himself the
Features
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Dexter Grey: Rebellious audacity and A Fil-Am actor’s life: Dion Basco improvisations highlight latest concert by Ruben
V. nepales Philstar.com
discipline of simplicity, clarity and direction. In the pianists of the world, he was the incompatible painter of mystery, virtuosity, silence of the infinite: of the passing cloud, distant bells the sunlit shimmer of the waves. All his senses were tributary to his musical inspiration in which none before him had been capable of suggesting whenever he played Frederic Chopin. All
Maestro Dexter and Dr. Linday Grey smile over audience gentle ovation.
An interview with the Maestro is a privilege.
over the world, before royalties, civil servants and freedom fighters, he has made sonorous his own emotions. his contribution to piano, literature and musical aesthetics starts with a prelude to every performance. he was influential in developing piano technologies and style, color effects, sonorities dynamics and artistic resonances. No other before him had realized increasing both the technical and artistic resources of the piano as an instrumental to artistic self sufficiency. Critics called it poetic effusions, wistful and nostalgic. While in China, he connected the east and West in an acclaimed performance in its famous walls. When he played the funeral march, he emitted inexpressible sorrow. The evocative tenderness of his music is remarkable for its amazing variety of moods — as a poetic expression of restrained grief. At the Beverly hills Country Club a few years back, he received a standing ovation of a relatively blasé crowd. he takes the audience on a rare and thrilling venture inside the musical mind and soul of the great master. he recreates the magic of the legendary musical soirees held in palaces and royalties of europe like a prelude before every performance. On a recent Sunday at their hollymont Castle once more, before a gathering of close friends, public officials, and the media, he enthralled me to a magnificent two-hour concert of passion, inspiration from Chopin’s waltzes, nocturnes, etudes, polonaises,
mazurkas. Played in the tenderness, beauty of melody, romantic sentiment and elegance of form; it was deeply rooted melancholy like we were in a Parisian salon. Maestro Dexter Grey has mastered the piano (he has a collection of pianos worth a king’s ransom) like no other performer of his genre. his inspirational and dramatic thumbnail sketches and human messages of the lives of each composition sets the emotional climate, to identify with the very heart of their music. he is always thrilled to share his great gift of spinning tales, that combines itself with the master’s immortal music that creates the greatest drama and suspense. In his later performances, the Maestro knew that the large classical form restricted the mobility of his music. At 83, he leaned towards more to less, inhibiting structures; as he performed the concerto, sonata or fantasies. Its true significance is now more appreciated by the Maestro’s infinite friends in the music world, as well as piano afficionados. While his performance were off spring of the Parisian salons, the latest performance of the Maestro was felt by the audience not only as refined, elegant and suave. Today, his genius has reached more dramatic, beautiful, tempestuous — yet gently reflective. The Maestro has startled his audience with rebellious disregard. The old classical, with musical daring of his breathtaking the Impromptu Fantasy and a repertoire that astounded us, he has grown more audacious, in his musical harmonizations and strange chords. he simply said, “Now, I can play the music my own way.” he keeps growing, from the romantic to impressionist, doing poetry and art on the piano by abandoning his own stylistic tenderness. All his life, Meastro Dexter Grey has been compelled to share the smashing, magical and celestial in his musical impression, the wealth of his fantasy there was something more than sensation, whether in agony or his transport of joy. Always there is reticence: always sobriety.
LOS ANGeLeS—For Dion Basco, finding roles for a Fil-Am actor like him is hard. But to have to compete for the few parts available against his brother, Dante, especially when they were kid actors, was tougher. “When I was younger, it would eat me up,” admitted the youngest of the four actor-brothers: Dante (whom we featured in the fourth installment of this series), Derek and Darion. he learned to take it in stride. “handling rejection has become a part of my life,” Dion said. he has carved a career of his own, after starting as a break dancer with his brothers, who performed as The Street Freaks in the streets of San Francisco. Dion’s credits include NBC’s “City Guys,” where he was a series regular as Alberto “Al” ramos for five seasons. Both he and Dante costarred, not competed against each other, in several films: “The head Thieves” (completed and to be released February next year), “Biker Boyz” and the award-winning FilAm indie film, “The Debut.” he is cautiously optimistic: “I have to believe that it’s getting better for actors of color, or else, what am I doing here? The industry has changed a lot in recent years.” excerpts from our conversation: How would you describe your journey as an actor so far? I’ve been in the industry for 30 years, so I’ve had my share of ups and downs. When I started, I was a child, so all I wanted was to have fun—and I did. It wasn’t a career yet. In high school, something changed. I fell in love with acting. I was always in a class, studying the craft, watching classic movies and doing scene study. I left high school to shoot a movie called “race the Sun” with halle Berry in hawaii and Australia for four months. I thought I was well on my way to becoming a star. Then, I didn’t work for a year. There were no roles for Filipinos. I auditioned for a show that took place in New York. Casting was looking for a Latino, but when I went in, they had no idea what I was. I ended up getting the role and when I got fan mail, it was from different ethnic people—hispanic, Korean, Chinese, Puerto rican, Filipino, etc.—thanking NBC for hiring one of their kind. The show was “City Guys,” and we shot 105 episodes. Those are the highs—working and getting paid well. But there are many times when there’s no work and money is tight. That’s the life of an artist. You have to be able to enjoy the highs and lows. Luckily, I come from a tight family that supports each other, even if we’re in competition. It’s a blessing and a curse to have three older brothers who are also actors. How do you prepare for an audition? Any good luck rituals, etc.? For auditions, I try to be as off-
Dion Basco
Inquirer.net photo
book as possible. When rehearsing the lines, l do different accents and line readings. I also tape myself to see if I like my performance. If I’m having a hard time finding the character, I’ll have my brothers help me out or get coached by a friend. What is the most frustrating part of trying to land roles in Hollywood? Not enough roles for Filipino actors—now, we’re no longer Latino or Asian enough, sometimes. We have to wait for an “ethnically ambiguous” casting. What’s even more infuriating is that the roles we’re reading for have no character arc. It’s never the lead and rarely a supporting [role]. Also, they want an accent or “must speak (insert foreign language here).” We’re seen as foreigners in our own country. They don’t get that the face of America has changed. And it is diverse. How do you handle rejection? handling rejection has become a part of my life. When I was younger, it would eat me up. especially when I lost the role to my brother, Dante. I was mad, but then I had to be happy for him. Now, it’s a bit different. I see an audition like a performance. You do the best you can. I try not to think too long about whether I’m going to get the job or not. Have there been times when you almost gave up? What motivated you to keep trying? As I get older, the thought of quitting sometimes creeps in my mind, but I quickly dismiss it. I live an artist’s life. I’ve travelled the world, met amazing people, and made people laugh and cry through art. It’s an amazing feeling. Do you, as an actor of color, feel that opportunities for minority actors are improving or getting worse? I have to believe that it’s getting better for actors of color, or else, what am I doing here? The industry has changed in recent years. Asians are finally in lead roles on television! And the shows are successful. What’s your stand on whitewashing—or the casting practice in which white actors are cast in nonwhite character roles—in Hollywood? Whitewashing should have stopped a long time ago! But I fear it will continue. The hollywood system says it needs a stellar name PAGE B3
Checking up on Christian Bautista by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net
IT has been 13 years since Christian Bautista began serenading his way into show business, and now, dubbed as Asia’s romantic Balladeer, he is still very much on top of his career. Bautista gained popularity after becoming a grand finalist on the reality singing competition, “Star In A Million.” Although he only placed fourth overall, he quickly became one of the most popular offsprings of the show, and was immediately offered a recording contract upon elimination. With hit songs and successful concerts tucked into his belt through the years, Bautista emerged not only as a success in the Philippines but effectively crossed over to several other countries in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Today, the singer-actor continues to strive hard and feels blessed with continued acting and singing projects over a decade into his
Christian Bautista
showbiz adventure. “It feels good that there are projects left and right and it’s been really great to be busy. I like working because I’m a little bit of a workaholic, so now what I’m trying to manage is the rest time,” Bautista said in an interview.
Lovi Poe has no...
PAGE B1 “This is it. I remain a Kapuso because this is home for me,” Lovi enthusiastically. “I did not have a hard time deciding if I would renew my ties with them because I’m happy with how they take care of me. I get very good projects that whenever they present a new show to me, I get so excited,” she continued. Part of Lovi’s new contract is her new soap “Someone To Watch Over Me” where she stars with Tom rodriguez. Lovi is looking forward to portraying a very challenging character as the wife of a young husband who is afflicted with the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. “It’s the kind of role that challenges and inspires,” Lovi related.
“Imagine, you’re a wife and you have a baby, but your husband does not recognize you as his wife? Instead, he believes he is in love with his ex-girlfriend whom he thinks is his wife. What would you do as the real wife? Will you just close your eyes and accept everything to the point of losing your husband to his former girlfriend?” With a thriving career, Lovi also said that she cannot ask for more in her personal life right now. Although she has broken up with rocco Nacino, the actress swears she has moved on and that she is even open to working with rocco in a project. Meanwhile, showbiz columnists are all so intrigued by a photo Lovi posted on her Instagram account, where a very good-looking foreign-
Although he took a break from acting for less than a year, the GMA Network talent excitedly related that he is returning to TV and theater. “I missed acting so I’m happy to say that I will soon be in a musical again, besides having a part in encantadia. With all that I’m just very happy and blessed,” the 34-year-old performer said. Giving updates on his projects, Bautista continued, “encantadia is doing very well. We’re all very glad as a family working hard on the show. I personally love the fight scenes, the costumes, the graphics and the story,” he added. Meanwhile, Bautista’s return to the stage will be the upcoming Atlantis Productions staging of the Broadway classic “Jersey Boys.” he will play the character of Bob Gaudio, one of the members of the musical group The Four Seasons. According to Bautista, while he loves acting for both TV and the stage, he finds the latter more challenging. er was beside her in a beach. She even captioned it with the hashtag #chrislovi, making everyone believe she has found a new love. “No, I don’t have a new boyfriend! The one with me on the beach was Chris Johnson. he’s a european vacationing in the Philippines. We’ve become very good friends after we met, but I’m not ready to fall in love again because I’ve just come from another relationship,” Lovi explained. According to the daughter of the late great Fernando Poe Jr., her priorities for now are her career and her family. “I want to travel and to explore the world and I want to do it with my family. I’m no fond of buying expensive things, or those that are branded. I just want to travel and there’s nothing better than doing that with your family.”
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Natalie Duran: the First Pinay American Ninja Warrior competitor! By G
TonGi
If you missed “Kababayan Today’s” airing last friday, August 12, we featured Natalie Duran. Natalie Duran is a 25year-old second-generation filipina living in Los Angeles. Natalie choose the medical route and is a scientist! She has a degree in neuroscience and currently works as a clinical researcher in gastroenterology at UCLA Health. Along with a strict academic tract, Natalie has been professionally climbing for the past six years and has won over 20+ competitions around the state of California and is frequently seen in books and outdoor magazines as an athletic model. Her intense training and loud personality have led her to be cast as a competitor in the hit NBC obstacle course television show “American Ninja Warrior.” This show is a favorite of my family so one evening when we were watching, I spotted her and lo and behold she was local. “American Ninja Warrior” has an average of 6 million viewers per episode and in this past 8th season out of 120 athletes in Los Angeles City Qualifiers, Natalie was one of two women to qualify for City finals in the top 30 athletes. The first filipina at that! Natalie carries herself with confidence as a strong woman both physically and mentally. She can be always seen sneaking into Hollywood parties, including the Golden Globes and multiple movie premieres. She says anything is possible with confidence. We had a great conversation on the show that you can view on our Kababayan today YouTube Channel. She also answered some questions for the Asian Journal. G: What does it mean for you that you are an American Ninja Warrior? Natalie: Now that I have successfully completed and competed on the American Ninja Warrior, I can truly appreciate this amazing opportunity that I have been working so hard for the past few years. This is the one outlet where I can truly flourish and express my entire personality and ability. Even though it is a competition, American Ninja Warrior is a reality television competition show. This means you have to hit certain requirements in order to be considered to compete, let alone get air time. I feel like I finally have an outlet to truly express my entity. Where I get to be myself, have fun and laugh out loud and at the same time perform to my greatest athletic ability. As much as this is a personal experience for me, it is important for me to express what I truly believe in. I want to let everyone know it’s ok to grow up to have priorities yet preserve the inner youthful spirit in everyone. Never stop exploring and don’t let the influence of others change you. I also want to be a strong female character in the media along side with athletics. We are more than our beauty. Climbing is a male dominated sport, which can be intimidating to a lot of women entering the world of climbing. My motivation is to prove others wrong, and show that each person has their own strengths and weaknesses. I may climb a rock a totally different way than a taller, physically stronger male can. But by manipulating my body in space a specific way, I can position my feet higher and pull through moves to get to the top of a climb. Which is why I love climbing, where there is one related goal to get to the top of the climb but we all have our own unique ways to get to the
A HUSBAND’S 30-YEAR-OLD “SECRET” ALMOST DERAILED THE FAMILY’S GREEN CARDS ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY.’ Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to revive Alice’s petition by her US citizen father, after it was terminated due to the petitioner’s death. The family was then eligible to get their visas years ahead of schedule by using the priority date of Alice’s Lebanese husband, Andre. But Andre refused to come to the US because of a “secret” he had kept for 30 years, preventing him from going back to the US. Atty. Gurfinkel worked “miracles” to resolve the mystery behind this fascinating success story, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, August 14 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.
A bouncing boy for James Yap & girlfriend By Ricky Lo Philstar.com
top. Didn’t you know buff is the new black? G: You pursued your professional goals in the medicine field but continue to pursue your passion for rock climbing. How do you balance the time? I truly learned the difficult task of life balancing early on in my undergraduate years. Learning the art of prioritizing is a difficult beast, but it is important to take a step back and look at scheduling from a day-to-day, month, to year goals. for me climbing was more than a sport, it became a lifestyle where I could see it being a part of my life for the rest of my years. Reasoning because climbing became a form of therapeutics for me. Training in the gym pro-
vided me with exercise, mental challenges, and placed me in a social environment where i’ve meet some of the best people I know. I know the importance of finishing my academic responsibilities, and now my work projects but I will always find time for climbing because it is what keeps me at a homeostatic sane level. Being active allows me to exercise out all my day stresses. As much as climbing has put me in the peak physical fitness of my life, it moreover has placed me in the best state of mental well-being. G: What do you hope to do more of in the future? After years of fighting and legitimizing the sport of climbing, the PAGE B4
AS The Star had reported in a scoop, James Yap and his girlfriend Michela ‘Mic’ Cazzola’s first child would be a boy, delivered the normal way last Monday, Aug. 8, at 6:55 p.m. at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City where the couple lives. To be named Michael James, MJ for short (a combination of his parents’ names), the baby weighed 6.5 lbs. and measured 53 cms. During the baby shower last June, James said he was excited to be a full-time, hands-on dad to MJ, a duty he wanted so much but wasn’t able to do to Bimby, his son with ex-wife Kris Aquino. MJ is James’ third child. The eldest is with his girlfriend before Kris and Michela.
Photo posted by James Yap on hisInstagram account
A Fil-Am actor’s life... PAGE B2 to get a movie made. But the system doesn’t give star-making roles to Asian actors. Now that there’s the Internet and everyone’s voice can be heard, maybe it’ll change.
To people who are planning to pursue acting, what should they prepare for? I say, study. find a teacher who tries to bring the best out of you. Don’t try and be someone else. There’s always going to be some-
one better than you. Study film. Watch the classics. find out why stars are stars. Start observing the world as an artist. Don’t chase fame because fame fades. You will have highs and lows in this industry, so surround yourself with a great support system. And stay humble.
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2017 Miss Universe pageant to bring wonders to Philippine tourism The recent announcement by the Department of Tourism that the Philippines will host the next Miss Universe pageant in January 2017 is another bright news in what many in the tourism sector thinks would be another great year for the industry. As a major international event, it is definitely a big boost to country’s already booming tourism industry. The prestigious pageant will be held on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena. With this move, Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo has shown that under her leadership the department is ready to take on the challenges of continuing the progress made by the industry in the past several years. The secretary, whose experience in the tourism industry is first hand being a highly successful tour operator in Davao City, said she would continue her predecessor Secretary Ramon Jimenez’s program and slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” While Secretary Teo acknowledged the success of the “More Fun” brand in increasing awareness of the Philippines as a tourist destination, she said she’d look for a better campaign strategy to push the brand. “We will stick with ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ slogan but we will come up with a better campaign strategy in the near future,” she said. She said she would meet with different travel and tour organizations, associations, local government units, accommodation and transport sectors to ensure close collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Secretary Teo is also planning to meet with former tourism secretaries to get inputs on successful tourism programs. This bodes well for the industry as the secretary is seeking the counsel of those who have “been there, done that.” early in her term as tourism chief executive, Secretary Teo’s deserves commendation for her efforts in having the Philippines host the prestigious and widely watched Miss Universe beauty pageant. The highly popular and prestigious pageant is watched all over the world by millions of viewers, who are all potential tourists to the Philippines. In addition, pre-event exposure for the Philippines is expected in the qualifying local pageants held in more than a hundred countries that send representatives to the beauty contest. During the pageant show itself, six Philippine destinations are assured of getting worldwide exposure -- Davao City, hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte; Cagayan de Oro, hometown of Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach; Boracay and Cebu, which are in the Visayas; and Vigan and Palawan, which are in Luzon. however, the finale will definitely be held in the country’s capital city, Manila. Can you imagine the exposure that these prime Philippine destinations would get during the airing of the Miss Universe pageant? These places alone will show the world how beautiful the country is and that truly, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” The tourism department
should be grateful that the new administration decided to host the Miss Universe pageant because it will save the country millions of dollars that would otherwise be spent for advertising and promotions using various media platforms, such print, broadcast, television, and billboards in major cities across the world to further strengthen the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign, in addition to the various roadshow presentations that DOT offices overseas regularly conduct in partnership with leading wholesalers of airline tickets, travel agencies and tour organizers to launch promotional and marketing projects This is the third time that the country is hosting the Miss Universe pageant. The Philippines hosted the pageant in 1974 for first time. It was also the first time the pageant was held in Asia. The event, held on July 21, 1974 at the Folk Arts Theater in Manila, had the reigning 1973 Miss Universe, Margie Moran of the Philippines turned over the crown to her successor, Amparo Munoz of Spain. In January, reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will turn over her crown to the winner. The last time the Philippines hosted the pageant was in 1994, when India’s Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe. Both events, held 20 years apart, tremendously boosted tourist arrivals to the country and created awareness of the Philippines vast tourism potentials. Tourism industry players are excited over the opportunities that the Miss Universe pageant
Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo
will open to them. The exposure that the Philippines will get in just one event could very well equal or even exceed the results brought by the marketing campaign for four years under the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” According to a Philippine Star news report published on July 29, Secretary Teo “gave assurance that the private sector has volunteered to cover the $11-million funding needed to host the event.” “The government is not going to spend a single centavo on it, it will be the private sector that will shoulder the expenses,” the report quoted her as saying. In addition, while the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” promotional campaign reached limited markets in europe, North America and Asia, the Miss Universe pageant is expected to create awareness about the Philippines worldwide as millions are expected to watch the pageant itself and millions more reading about the Philippines in pre-event publicity. With the worldwide buzz that is associated with the holding of
File photo of reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach during a parade in Makati’s financial district shortly after winning the Miss Universe title in 2015.
the Miss Universe beauty pageant in the Philippines, various DOT offices overseas will have an unprecedented boost to their efforts in promoting Philippine tourist destinations to their respective jurisdictions. Right now the full attention of the key players in the travel and tour industry are focused on the Department of Tourism, and are optimistic that Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo will succeed in taking the Philippine tourism industry to new heights. In the meantime, tourism stakeholders should take advantage of the media mileage that the Miss Universe pageant will generate to aggressively promote the Philippines as an exciting tourist destination. This is the kind of partnership between the government and the private sector that the tourism
secretary is hoping to forge to promote Philippine tourism. *** Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years professional experience in the overseas tourism and travel industry. He is currently the Director for Business Development and Marketing of GTT International/Majestic Vacations, one of the biggest airlines consolidators in the United States, and wholesaler of package tours worldwide. He also provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York, and other Manila-based newspapers as well. For comments or questions, you may reach him at manilagan@gmail.com.
Hair and beauty solutions for all occasions Programming of Kababayan Today, August 15- 19, 2016 By Monet
Lu
My beauty-related articles are among the most popular ones, based on the reactions I have received from my readers. I try to pick up the most common questions to help more people having the same concerns and challenges. In this current economy, I understand that a lot of us have given up on some things we were used to when financial times were better. Despite the challenges, I hope that we do not neglect to take care of ourselves. We have to encourage feeling good in the inside, as well as looking good on the outside. Let’s proceed to our hair/ beauty discussions: Lorraine from New Jersey: Monet, I really have a long hair that falls down all the way to
my derriere area. I want to cut it for practical reasons, but my boyfriend does not approve my request. He really likes my long hair. Although I want to please him, I’m concerned that I’m not able to keep my hair healthy this way. I’m al-
ready seeing lots of split ends. I used to enjoy having 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 lengthy hair. you have to strike a balance between what will make him happy and not putting the burden on you. It is your hair after all. There’s a midway point to address this. Why don’t you try layers? you can preserve a lengthy portion while taking out the damaged area. One thing for sure is that 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, California: Dear Monet, because of the bad economy and partly because of my adventurous spirit, I’ve experimented coloring my own hair at home. I have natural 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 person to come up to me on this problem. It appears that there’s a color conflict going on there. One thing that I 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. In this issue, you need to come and see us at the salon because I feel like you should be handled by a professional colorist! Ashley from Los Angeles: My wedding is coming up on December. I’ve had many trials for hair and make-up but I have not been happy with any of the hair 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 make-up 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 a hair doctor and it’s inappropriate 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 advice you to cut up the pictures of make-up and hairstyles from bridal magazines or from the Internet so that I can be on the same page with you. Once you have shared your vision with me, 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 and has worked very well for me over the years. This collaboration will avoid mistakes and stress on the wedding day. 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, has a natural wave which makes it look damaged and unmanageable. I don’t have time to blow and dry my hair and don’t like straight hair, but I’m very fine with thin hair. What would you recommend? Should I have hot oil treatment or rebonding? I have tried almost all the treatment and product, but I don’t think it works. Help! Monet: Don’t worry, evelyn! We have the latest answer for your 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 that your hair will be shiny, manageable and healthier. I hope I was able to help you on your beautyrelated issue. For more information on our services, please email me at monetsalon@aol.com or go to our website at www.monetsalon. com. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning 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
The Global Kababayan G. TönGi MONDAY, August 15 - We are launching our Filipino Food Series, where we will feature Filipino cuisine around the Metro. Our first feature is on Rice Bar, located in downtown Los Angeles. Tuesday, August 16 - We visit restaurant Oi Fusion. Get to know its founders who are originally from Naga City! They share the best sellers on their menu too! Wednesday, August 17 - Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and Mia Mcleod of McLeod and Associates gives real estate advice.
Our Filipino Food Series continues with Gold Medal Skinless Longaniz. Thursday, August 18 - Kat Iniba shares with us the specials from Goldilocks in Southern California. Various alumni organizations from Philippine colleges come to the show to promote their event for the NCAA-UAAP Games. Friday, August 19 - More on Filipino Food Series with Tribal Café and the ensaymada Project. *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipino’s living in America. Her aim is to bridge not only the cultural gap between America & the Philippines but to help with the generational gap between our own people. She is married with two children and is based in Southern California and makes frequent trips in the Pacific Rim to Hawaii and Manila to feature fellow kababayans who are empowering the FilAm community.
In the photo is Michael de Mesa with Krystal Brimmer and Isabeli Araneta Elizalde who will be alternating for the role of “Annie” in the musical.
New ‘Annie’ stars hope to follow Lea Salonga’s footsteps
The musical “Annie” is back in the country and this time it will star Krystal Brimmer and Isabeli Araneta elizalde. The musical first staged in the country in 1980, where the Broadway star Lea Salonga was noticed in a young age. This was followed by another staging in 1998, and after 18 years it’s back for another staging. Krystal and Isabeli are both new with theater performances, but were able to bag the title
among the hundreds of young girls who auditioned for the role. Nine-year-old Krystal is not new to acting as she was noticed in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival where she bagged the Best Child Actress award for the film “honor Thy Father.” While for 10-year-old Isabeli, this is her first professional acting experience although she has been active in different school performances. (Joyce Jimenez/ Philstar.com)
Natalie Duran: the First Pinay... PAGE B3 International Olympic Committee successfully introduced climbing into the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo, Japan. For the first time in my life I have tangible opportunity to become an Olympic athlete. This is a game changer. If not representing USA, being considered to be a part of the Pilipino Olympic team would be a dream come true. G:Your message to Filipino American fans, like me? I have always had an unapolo-
getic loud personality, which goes along with my culture. If I had any message to Filipino American viewers it would be: keep striving to impress. Be known for something positive whether it be an academic accomplishment or for entertainment purposes. Keep respect, and always carry yourself with class and surround yourself by a positive attitude. Never forget where you come from, appreciate the sacrifices family members have made for you and always stay humble yet grateful.
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Alexis Louise Quiza Foundation presents Great News Sweepstakes begins now Come to 99 Ranch Market a chance to Win Toyota Prius acclaimed virtuoso pianist Rudolf Golez
uNDer the aegis of the ALQ Foundation and with the association of the DreamAgeGroup, acclaimed Filipino virtuoso pianist rudolf Golez will be presented a concert at an opulent French Chateau at Beverly Hills on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 6:00pm. The Alexis Louise Quiza Foundation was founded to be a “beacon of hope for children who are abandoned lost and abused”. The concert is a dedication to provide children who are muted by trauma and poverty an avenue to explore healthy activities through sports, music, dance, and community event participation. ALQ Foundation aims to give children a voice that allows them to heal the past and greet the future with optimism. rudolf Golez has been hailed as one South east Asia’s finest pianists and was the sole winner of the 2004 ASeAN Chopin Competition.
Virtuoso pianist Rudolf Golez
mr. Golez attended the prestigious Julliard School of music, New York City under Seymour Lipkin. Further studies brought him to Graz, Austria. He holds a master’s degree from the university of the Philippines. With regular performances on five continents rudolf Golez enjoys an international reputation as a concert pianist. He is one
of the Philippines’ most prestigious piano virtuosos today. His solo concerts feature a rich and varied repertoire of classical and contemporary periods in piano literature. For inquires and reservations please call telephone numbers at (818)306-7806, (818)450-9704, (323)842-3746 and (818 )5837717.
Derek Ramsay ranks No. 1 goal scorer in London Frisbee tourney by ricky lo
blocks and assists) in the master Division, he along with the rest of the masters Team were able to garner a shot at the Quarterfinals against the top seed of the Tournament, uSA. This was the dream that all the players were dreaming of: Getting “one shot and one opportunity” at going up against the defending champions.
Philstar.com
THe Philippine frisbee team came home from a tournament in London last Wednesday without any award but felt victorious just the same because team leader Derek ramsay was declared No. 1 Highest Goal Scorer. As the contributor told it, the World ultimate Guts Championships opened with crisp blue skies and parade of the flags of the nations whose teams had traveled all the way to London to compete in a seven-day competition. The Open masters Team was composed of players from different parts of the Philippines and the world (six from metro manila, seven from the provinces, four from the middle east and Singapore as expats and one player residing in Guam). each one of these players had different backgrounds ranging from physical therapists, to bar and resort owners, to coaches and salesmen and even a local celebrity. Yet all shared the same talent and skill and purpose of going to London: To represent our country and try to the very best of their ability. The first match was against the Wallabies, a master Division team from Australia that had been training competitively for over half a year and was ready to play. With the winds picking up and the rains coming in and out of the pitch, The Philippine Team found themselves coming short against the Aussies and lost 13-15. On the second day, The masters Team came in strong and determined to start racking up the
The Philippine Frisbee team was led by Derek Ramsay.
W’s. Their first opponent was New Zealand whom the masters Team beat 15-5. The next opponent was Belgium which it also beat 15-6, putting the team in the Top Two in its pool, qualifying it for the crossovers against the Top 10 teams in their division. Their next game was against the Canadian master team. They lost to the Canadian 10-15. Their next two games were against Denmark, a team with an average height of 6’5 and against Japan, one of the world’s leaders in the sport of ultimate and ranked in the Top 3 in the world. unfortunately even after the masters team had tried to put up a good fight, they too lost to both teams 10-15. regardless of the Win-Loss ratio, the Philippines was racking in the most needed and crucial points to get to the Top 8 teams in the World. With Derek, coming out as the leader in overall statistics (goals
“Bakit Lahat ng Guwapo May Boyfriend” star Anne Curtis (with co-stars Paolo Ballesteros and Dennis Trillo): There’s a right time for marriage.
Anne Curtis not pressured into getting married by Maridol rañoa-BisMark Philstar.com
SOme celebrities raise a howl or simply clam up when people ask them repetitive questions like “When are you and your boyfriend settling down?” Like a gracious party host, Anne Curtis smiles and answers the questions over and over. “enjoy pa kami (she and boyfriend of six years erwan Heussaff) sa career namin, in traveling together. We’ll get there, but not now,” Anne said at the first shooting day of “Bakit Lahat ng Guwapo may Boyfriend?” Anne admitted that she’s tickled pink when netizens cheer her on each time she posts photos of her and erwan on Instagram. It tells Anne many people are happy seeing her and erwan smiling at each other, or holding each other’s hand. Netizens urging her to tie the knot don’t bother Anne. But she tells them it won’t happen anytime soon. “Teka lang. Chill! I want to travel more and see South Africa. It’s different when you already have a baby. Basta, it (marriage) will happen when it’s supposed to happen.” At 31, career is still Anne’s priority, although she said she won’t waste a single minute of her precious time if she thinks the relationship is headed nowhere.
She has avoided teleseryes in favor of her daily ABS-CBN noontime show “It’s Showtime!,” where she enjoys cracking jokes with her cohosts, and being her bubbly self. Teleseryes, she noted, take her away from “Showtime!, “ where she can horse around with cohosts and have the time of her life. No wonder she won’t give up the show in favor of other projects. And Anne is happy guesting in teleseryes instead of being a mainstay. For now, she won’t rock the boat where her career is concerned. “There’s a right time for that (marriage),” she said, while pointing to showbiz batch mate Antoinette Taus as a “kindred spirit” who has stayed single even as celebrities in their age group, like Solenn Heussaff and Georgina Wilson have settled down. Anne has a timeline for motherhood, though. She wants to have a baby at age 34, or three years from now. By that time, she has enjoyed her career all the more, perhaps traveled to South Africa, and gone on adventures only a woman without a baby to worry about can take. Then, after three years, Anne can tell her baby boy or girl colorful stories about the sights she’s seen, the places she’s been to, the people she met and the lessons she learned. She won’t have any regrets, no reason to sigh.
Summer time customer appreciation now begins. Southern California Toyota Dealers Association is partnering up with 99 ranch market to host the sweepstakes event at the Asian Supermarket chain’s 15 stores in Southern California (San Diego store is not participating this time), all customers are cordially invited to participate and try the luck. The Sweepstakes begins on August 12th, the last day to participate will be October 23rd. The entering process is really simple: visit 99 ranch market SoCal stores (except for SD) in person, fill out your information on the drawing card, drop it at the sweepstakes box, and then just cross your fingers. The ultimate prize - brand new 2016 Toyota Prius is waiting for its owner to bring it home. 99 ranch market dedicated to provide customers with high quality products at competitive pricing and a superior shopping experience every single day for the past 32 years. The supermarket chain takes pride in its Asian origin, offers the best groceries from the east to enrich local customers’ dining table. even more savings now available at 99 ranch market with the Double Wednesday Promotion. Customers can enjoy twice the selections of discounted items on Wednesdays to catch up with discounts from the previous week and enjoy new promotions of the current week! The weekly discount items including fresh vegetables and fruits, high quality meats, lively caught seafood, and other groceries and products. Prices go low, qualities remain high. Customers’ recognition is the greatest motivation for 99 ranch market to keep improving the product and service quality. For more information regarding the Sweepstakes, please contact the customer service line 1-800-600-
8292 or visit www.99ranch.com (Advertising Supplement)
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Your Immigration Solution Devin Connolly & nanCy Miller COUNTLESS people would choose to live in the United States instead of any other country in the world. It is, therefore, not surprising that people sometimes misrepresent facts in order to accomplish that goal. These lies are told for an obvious reason – the person telling the lie would not be granted an immigration benefit if they told the truth. However, an immigration benefit obtained through a lie renders the alien removable. If (or when) the Department of Homeland Security discovers the truth, they will take steps to deport the immigrant to their native country. An immigrant in this situation may be eligible to apply for a waiver of their prior misrepresentation pursuant to Section 237(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”). And if the waiver is granted, and they are otherwise eligible, they will be able to apply for U.S. citizenship. The Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) has stated that a person may be eligible for the waiver whether they obtained their green card through an interview at a U.S. Consulate or through adjustment of status interviews at CIS and even if the lie was based on a sham marriage. A “sham marriage” is a marriage entered into solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card. Regardless of when and where the misrepresentation is made, there are still several requirements that must be met to be granted the waiver. A waiver under INA 237(a)(1)(H) “forgives” the fraud and allows the alien to keep their green card if they are the spouse, parent, or son or daughter of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) and can meet the requirement of showing that the equities in their case outweigh the liabilities. The fraud or misrepresentation must be of
From fraudulent entry to waiver to citizenship in 3 not-so-easy steps!
a material fact that was made in connection with the attempt to obtain a visa or green card. The applicant must be “otherwise-admissible” to the U.S., but-for the material misrepresentation. This means that the immigrant will not be eligible for the waiver if they are inadmissible for reasons in addition to the fraud, such as criminal convictions. As discussed above, the waiver may be granted to an immigrant whose fraud involved a sham marriage. However, there are also many other circumstances in which the waiver may be granted. A common scenario involves a prospective immigrant who has been petitioned by their LPR parents to come to the U.S., but before immigrating, the person gets married. That petition is denied or revoked as a matter of law immediately upon the marriage. Even if the parent is a USC, many years can be added to the wait-time. The prospective immigrant wants their spouse and their green card so they lie at the time of the interview and say they are single. Clearly, the green card was obtained through fraud. A 237(a)(1)(H) waiver can cure the original fraud and allow the person to keep their green card – which upon receipt of the waiver will be valid back from the date it was issued. When applying for the waiver, an immigrant must demonstrate that they deserve a favorable ex-
ercise of discretion. The factors that an Immigration Judge may consider when making their decision include the immigrant’s family ties within the United States, the length of their residence in this country, whether the immigrant or any family members would suffer hardship if the immigrant was forced to return to his or her native country, the immigrant’s employment history, the existence of any property or business ties, evidence of value or service to the community, as well other evidence of the immigrant’s good moral character. The Immigration Judge will balance these positive factors against any negative factors in an immigrant’s case. These negative factors may include the original fraud or misrepresentation, any criminal activity, or any other evidence of the immigrant’s lack of good moral character. In the end, the immigrant must demonstrate that the positive factors in their case outweigh the negative ones. A well-documented waiver application and persuasive testimony at the court hearing are essential to a successful outcome. And, yes, I did just say court. A waiver under INA § 237(a)(1)(H) may only be applied for in Immigration Court. With so much riding on the end result, it is important to retain a knowledgeable immigration attorney who is experienced in these types of
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On our new Los Angeles to Taipei, BR05, noon flight, EVA Air offers more choices to Taiwan and the rest of Asia. The early evening arrivals in Taipei can conveniently connect on to Manila, Bangkok, Saigon, and Hong Kong. www.evaair.com
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Warning: Think twice before co-signing for anyone
Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon IT is not uncommon for banks and other financial institutions to require a cosigner on a credit application. This is especially true when the applicant either has no prior credit history or the credit score is not high enough for other reasons to warrant an approval. This happens every single dayon loan applications to purchase a car, a home, personal property or even for a credit card. So what does the applicant often do in order to get approved? He or she will usually call Mom or Dad, a brother, sister, friend or maybe even a co-worker asking them a “favor” by acting as a cosigner on the loan. I see this happen a lot with my Filipino clients. They are all so willing to help at any costs and if they have better credit than the applicant, they will not hesitate to sign on the dotted line. The question is: Do they really understand what they are signing? Listen to me! More often than not, this could be one of the biggest mistakes you can make in your life especially if the person you are cosigning for is likely to default on the obligation! Think about this for a minute. Ask yourself this question before cosigning for anyone. Why do you
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think the bank or lender is asking you to guarantee the loan in the first place? Answer: Because they believe that the applicant has a high likelihood of not being able to pay, that’s why! That means in the eyes of the lender, they are a credit risk. So what do they do? Well, they don’t want to carry that risk themselves- so they want to pass it on to you! The cosigner is fully legally responsible for the entire debt, just
or friend who simply wanted to help the borrower purchase a car, a home or get a loan to pay bills or whatever. The borrower usually promises the cosigner “not to worry about it” because they will “pay on time.” Guess what? The sad reality is that many times, that’s not what happens. For whatever reason, the borrower doesn’t pay the bill so the house goes into foreclosure, the car gets repossessed or they stop paying on the loan so the cosigner gets sued by the creditor. Remember that if the borrower defaults on the loan, that means legally, you also defaulted on the loan. It will affect your credit and the creditor will commence collection action against you and everything that you own. You can be sued and your wages can get garnished and your bank accounts levied. Did you know that even the Bible admonishes us about this? In Proverbs 22:26-27, it says: “Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put security for someone else. If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.” (NLT) Trust me on this: Everyone usually enters into a cosigning relationship with great intentions. But I have seen how cosigning has destroyed relationships, marriages and sever family ties more times than I can remember, simply because no one understood the legal implications of cosigning when they took out the loan. So before you cosign for anyone, THINK TWICE before signing the legal document and if you don’t feel comfortable about the whole thing, do not be afraid to say NO or it may come back and make your life miserable later on. If you need help with debt problems, I can help you figure out all your options. Call my office at 866-477-7772. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. The initial consultation is FREE. ***
The cosigner is fully legally responsible for the entire debt, just as the main borrower is. as the main borrower is. Let me put it bluntly: When you cosign, you are not just being “nice”. What you’re essentially doing is you’re saying to the lender: “I take full legal responsibility for this debt. You can come after me to collect as if I borrowed this money myself.” Question: Are you really prepared to do that? As a bankruptcy attorney who has filed more than 6,000 bankruptcy cases over the years, I often feel bad for cosigners because in a lot of cases that I’ve handled, the only reason they are filing for bankruptcy is because the person they cosigned for defaulted on a debt, and now the creditor is after them. The cosigner is usually a well-meaning dad, mom, spouse, boyfriend, cousin
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Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA
Q. AM I required to report bank accounts in a foreign country? A. Yes, if you have more than $10,000 at any time outside the U.S. Q. Am I exempted from reporting if my accounts are in Euros, Chinese Yuan, Philippines pesos, or Mexican pesos? A. No, you are not exempt from reporting foreign accounts just because they are not in U.S. dollars. Convert international denominations to U.S. dollars and report FBAR if the amount is more than $10,000. Q. What is FBAR? A. FBAR is a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts on FinCEN Form 114 (was Form TD F 90-22.1). Q. Who must file an FBAR? A. Any United States person who has a financial interest in or signature authority over any financial account in a foreign country, if the aggregate value exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. Q. Who is a United States
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 valid for immigration purposes as long as the marriage is recognized in None of the information herein is in- the “place of celebration.” This means a same-sex martended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has success- riage is valid for immigration fully helped thousands of clients in getting purposes as long as it was out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation valid in the place of celebraof your situation, please call Ray Bulaon tion. The same-sex marriage Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. is valid even if the applicant is (Advertising Supplement) applying in a country in which
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) #1 - FBAR bank acperson? A. “United States person” includes a citizen or resident of the United States, a domestic partnership, a domestic corporation, or a domestic estate or trust (the term “domestic” means formed in the U.S.) Q. What is a foreign country? A. “Foreign country” includes all geographical areas outside the United States, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the United States Virgin Islands. Q. What constitutes signature or other authority over an account? A. A person has signature authority over an account if such person can control the disposition of money. Q. When is FBAR due? A. FBAR is due by June 30 of the year following. There is no extension of the due date. (TIP: If you do not have all the available information to file the return by June 30, file and amend later). Q. How do you amend a previously filed FBAR? A. Make the corrections, staple it to a copy of the original FBAR, and attach a statement explaining the corrections.
Q. Should I file FBAR with my income tax return? A. No, the FBAR is a separate report and should not be filed with your Federal tax return. Q. What happens if an account holder fails to file a required FBAR report? A. Failure to file an FBAR may result in civil penalties, criminal penalties or both. Q. Can cumulative FBAR penalties exceed the amount in a taxpayer’s foreign account? A. Yes, penalties can be assessed every year. Repeated penalties can exceed what is inside the bank accounts. Ouch! *** 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. (Advertising Supplement)
What immigration benefits are available to same-sex marriages post DOMA? same-sex marriage is illegal. On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state-level bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. The court ruled that the denial of marriage licenses to samesex couples and the refusal to recognize those marriages performed in other jurisdictions violates the Due Process and the Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. 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 of 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,
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Are companies liable when Retention of priority date of old their ‘independent employment-based I-140 petition contractors’ injure consumers? cuts wait time for green card
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. ON September 10, 2013, 53year-old Faustino Solorio was a pedestrian standing on the shoulder of the road behind the tailgate of a truck. At this same exact time, 18 year-old Gunnar Ayala was driving his father’s car, having just finished his shift as a delivery driver for Nissan of San Bernardino. Ayala turned right onto the road and struck Solorio. The impact was so strong that Solorio flew through Ayala’s windshield. Solorio’s injuries were catastrophic. His left leg had to be amputated, and his spleen was so lacerated it had to be removed. Solorio, who worked as a landscaper, now had to use a wheelchair, walker, and crutches for the rest of his life. Solorio sued the driver, the driver’s father, and Nissan for damages. Solorio argued that Nissan should also be liable because Ayala was negligent while in the course and scope of his job at Nissan. Nissan countered that it should not be liable for Solorio’s damages because the car that hit Solorio was not owned by Nissan, and that Ayala was not a Nissan employee, but an independent contractor. Independent contractors (ICs) are not employees and do not have the same protections that employees enjoy. (Unlike employees, ICs do not have to be paid minimum wage, overtime, or missed breaks. They are not entitled to benefits such as health insurance, retirement or pension benefits, and workers’ compensation protection. There are also no deductions for taxes and So-
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(Why misclassification of workers is a social justice issue)
cial Security.) True ICs are ideally in business themselves, with their own commercial insurance, and are simply hiring out their services to companies. However, in an effort to cut costs, or to take advantage of the more profitable models of the “on-demand economy” or “gig economy,” companies may hire “free lancers”, on-call workers, temporary help agency workers, and workers provided by contract firms. More often than not, these workers are then classified as “independent contractors.” But are they really? Calling a worker an ‘independent contractor’ does not make him/her so. There are several factors that determine whether a worker has been correctly classified as an independent contractor. The most important factor is the employer’s right to control the worker’s manner and means of performing the job. If the employer dictates how the worker should do the work, what tasks to accomplish and how to accomplish them, then the worker is an employee and not an independent contractor. Thus, during trial, Solorio argued to the jury that the driver, Ayala, was actually a Nissan employee because Nissan had the right to control Ayala’s work performance. Even though Ayala used his personal vehicle, he was doing the work of delivering parts for Nissan, and was wearing a Nissan uniform.
The jury returned a verdict in favor of Solorio, awarding him a total of $46 million in damages. We have discussed how misclassifying workers as “independent contractors” results in workers being deprived of their rights and protections as employees. But misclassification also poses a hidden danger to the public at large. Misclassified ICs may perform their work carelessly and injure members of the public. Often these misclassified ICs may not have enough liability insurance policies. How then will the seriously injured be compensated for their injuries? Recourse should be made against the hirer of services, or in reality, the true employer. In this case, the jury saw through the false classification of the driver as an IC and made the employer, who is in a better position to pay a large judgment, accountable. Thus, justice prevailed. *** 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-Advo(Advertising Supplement) cates Forum.
DHS expands provisional waiver program
gram streamlines the waiver application process so that the separation of family members is ON July 29, 2016, Department minimized. Individuals who benof Homeland Security (DHS) an- efit from the provisional waiver nounced the expansion of the program are those who are inprovisional waiver program. It eligible to legalize their status for is estimated that approximately permanent residency through an 100,000 more individuals will be adjustment of status application. eligible to apply for a provisional Individuals in this situation are waiver under the expanded pro- primarily those who entered the US without inspection, as a C-1 gram. The provisional waiver pro- crewman, D-1 in transit, fiancé
Allison Aquino-silvA, Esq
who did not marry the petitioning fiancé, or someone who can no longer prove how they lawfully entered the US. In addition, individuals who are unable to adjust status in the US are those whose green card application is based on a family-based petition in one of the preference categories or an employment-based petition; is in the United States unlawfully; and is not grandfathered under
Dear Attorney Tan, I AM a Filipino who is presently in the US under an H1B visa, working as a bookkeeper/accountant. My employer would like to retain me as a permanent worker. My understanding is that if my employer were to petition me, there would be a wait time of approximately 3 ½ years before I could file a green card application. I have a previously approved I-140 petition under the 3rd Preference (Skilled Worker) category that was filed by another company on my behalf, which has a priority date of January 2009. I did not get a green card based on that previously approved I-140 petition since the company closed. If my current employer does petition me, will I have to wait 3 ½ years before I can apply for a green card? S.S.K. Dear S.S.K. Under 8 CFR Sec. 204.5(e), the priority date for an approved I-140 employment-based petition in the 1st through 3rd Preference categories can generally be used for any subsequently filed I-140 petition in any of those categories. The only exception to this would be if the previously-approved I140 petition was revoked due to fraud or misrepresentation. If the previously-approved I-140 petition was not revoked due to fraud or misrepresentation, the priority date can be used for your current employer’s I-140 petition. Retention of the priority date under 204.5(e) can come into play for persons such as yourself. The retention of the priority date of a previously-approved petition benefits those: 1) who are now seeking a green card via an I-140 petition in the 3rd Preference (Skilled Worker) category, AND 2) who have a previously-approved I-140, but did not obtain a green card though that previous I-140 for one reason or another. Under Section 204.5(e), the priority date for the previously-approved I-140 petition can be used for any subsequent employment-based green card case, even if the new petition is with a different employer or a different job. In your case, you have an approved I-140 through a previous company, but did not obtain a green card because the business closed. The priority date on that previously-approved I-140 is January 2009. If, in August 2016, your current H1B employer begins the I-140 petition process in the 3rd Preference (Skilled Worker) category, you would have a priority date in August 2016. If your I-140 is approved, you normally would have to wait until the priority date advances and becomes current to file your green card application, which would take approximately 3 ½ years (as of August 2016, the current application filing date for petitions in the 3rd preference category is January 1, 2013, which means only persons who have a priority date of January 1, 2013 or earlier can file a green card application). However, under 204.5(e), you can retain the January 2009 priority date of the previous I-140 petition, and use it on the new I-140 petition filed by your current employer. Since the priority date of your previous I-140 petition (i.e. January 2009) is earlier than the current application filing date (i.e. January 1, 2013), you will not have to wait approximately 3 ½ years (i.e. the time for the application filing date to advance from January 1, 2013 to August 2016) to file your green card application. It is also worth noting that for those who have an employer willing to petition him/her for a green card, but do not have a previously-approved petition from which he/she can retain the priority date, the possibility of being petitioned under the 2nd Preference (Advanced Degree) category should be explored. For 2nd Preference employed-based petitions, there is currently no wait time. It is accordingly advised that you consult with an experienced attorney if you have an employer who is willing to petition you. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association. LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw. com. (Advertising Supplement)
From fraudulent entry to waiver…
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waivers. And what is the end result? After being granted the waiver, the immigrant can go on to successfully apply for U.S. citizenship. That is a successful u PAGE C5 outcome.
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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 (Advertising Supplement) to every case.
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Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng CLIENT is 57 and recently divorced with two children, one in high school the other in college. She makes $40K yearly in middle management for a large corporation. She has $50K of credit cards accumulated while she was still married. Ex husband had good income. So, when she was still married, her husband paid for her credit cards. The minimum monthly is $1,500 to keep them current. That’s almost $20K a year, which is half of her $40K annual gross income. Needless to say, there is no way that she can keep on paying for these cards. Fortunately for her, she lives in a house that, shall we say, doesn’t belong to her but all she has to do is pay the mortgage of $800. The mortgage also is not in her name. It is not her debt. Who is the owner of this house that she lives in? Her parents are on title to the house and the mortgage is also in the name of the parents. In addition, parents have been paying the mortgage for the last twenty years. Mother died five years ago. Father died two years ago.
To Live With Faith reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs IN my 8th year of priesthood, I was asked to be part of a dating game. Not the dating game that we see today on television like The Bachelor or the dating service called Christian Singles, but the dating game we used to have with several pastors who were looking for associates. Back then, that was the way to get another parishassignment: date some pastors! So after a week of doing this, I got a call came from one of the pastors I “dated.” “Rodel,” he said, “I really like you and my staff also like you a lot. Would you take me as your number one choice and I’ll put as my number one? “Oh yeah,” I said, “I’m thrilled that you like me but, to be honest with you, I might not be there for
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Senior seeks chapter 7 relief alendar of Events C across for $60K credit cards but what is the status of residence? Another senior seeks chapter 13 relief for $50K credit cards
Parents gave the house to her son seven years ago by grant deed. However, son has no income right now because he is still in college. As a result, client paid the mortgage for the last two years and claimed the mortgage interest as her deductions in her tax returns. Since this house is almost fully paid, the ownership of the house makes a big difference in client’s bankruptcy. If client owns this house, then she won’t be able to qualify for a chapter 7. She would have to file under Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, client will be required to pay $1,000 a month for 60 months; a 100% payment of the credit cards without interest because the non-exempt equity is more than $60K. Let’s analyze this case more. Although client is now paying for the mortgage, she has only paid that for two years. In addition, she doesn’t own the house. Both legal and equitable title to the house belongs to her son who is in college because her parents
gave the house to her son, not to her. Under this analysis, client would have a proportionate ownership share equivalent to two years, which is not much. That’s probably about 10% because two out of twenty years is 10%. Her homestead exemption is at least $100K, which is more than enough to cover 10%. But what if her mortgage payment for the last two years is considered rent, because her son owns the house. This analysis is also plausible and has legs to stand on. If those payments were considered rent, she would have zero ownership interest in the house. Either way, client would qualify for Chapter 7 without worrying about losing a roof to live under. Next client is 72. He looks slim and younger that his age. He has no health problems but his wife is sick and he takes care of her. He owns a house with non-exempt equity of about $25K. He owes $50K of credit cards. He actually wants a Chapter 7 discharge.
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To bloom where we are planted a long time because I want to be a pastor soon.” Then he responded, “That’s okay Rodel, spend some years here with the Hispanic community and you can be prepare yourself for the pastorate.” To make the long story short I agreed to be this priest’s associate pastor. My job was to be the chaplain to the Hispanic community. But I remember that I was not fully giving myself to my work. Deep within me was the urge to have my own parish. One day my pastor noticed my half-hearted attitude towards my assignment, and that I was thinking more of my longing to be a pastor. So he gave me an advice that I could not forget until now: “Rodel, bloom where you are planted.” I remember that it was a wakeup moment for me. So I took my pastor’s advice seriously and engaged myself wholeheartedly in my work to prepare myself
for my dream that came through two years later. It’s the same advice that I gave our new and returning seminarians last week in a homily as they started the school year. I told them to bloom where God has planted them. I reminded them that the seminary is a seedbed and they are the seeds. “What does it mean to bloom where you are planted?” I remarked. “It means to be like a seed that falls on the ground and dies as Jesus tells us in the Gospel. It’s to allow ourselves to be broken, to be open to the sources of nourishments and growth that surround us, to give ourselves generously to the formation and to allow God to form us,” I explained. “All these attitudes entail lots of trust: trust in us—in the gifts that God has given; trust in those who are in charge of our formation; and trust in God the Father who provides for all our needs.”
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America
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AU G U ST 1 3
Disco Manila at LA’s Grand Performances Put on your boogie shoes and embrace the resurgence of disco from the Manila Sound era, the next wave of global groove music. Manila Sound was a catch all moniker during the ‘70s describing Philippine popular music that embraced its American soul/folk/pop/jazz influences, combined it with Filipino modern aesthetics and polished it off with the musical proficiency of the vibrant Manila scene that somehow flourished during the Marcos-era Martial Law. Live Performances of classic Disco dance floor fillers by the original purveyors of the sound and those who lived it. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Grand Performances, located at 350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071. For more information, please visit http://grandperformances.org/disco-manila.
St. Philomena Parish celebrates 60th anniversary fiesta The St. Philomena Parish will celebrate its 60th anniversary fiesta on Saturday, Aug. 13. This grand parish celebration will be highlighted by a Eucharistic celebration, which will include the con-validation of marriages of our brothers and sister in conjunction with the Year of Mercy. Immediately after the Mass, a complimentary international potluck feast will be served, while enjoying the performances of talented entertainers from our parish and beyond. there will be an exciting drawing for a chance to win a brand new 2016 Mercedes Benz CLA 250! Consolation prizes include a round trip airline ticket from LAX to any destination; a 65” flat screen HDTV, a 15.6” laptop, 3 Blu Dual SIM Smartphone, and a colored HP printer. Visit the parish office today to pick up your tickets for a chance to win any of these prizes! Proceeds from the celebration will go toward much-needed upkeep and repairs for the church. The celebration will be held at St. Philomena Church at 21900 S. Main St., Carson, CA 90745 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more details, please contact the Parish Office at (310) 835-7161.
2016 Fiesta in America’s Expo and Cultural Show This annual event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, starting at noon and Sunday, Aug. 14, starting at 10 a.m. It will feature exhibitors and performers from the Philippines and other countries, a cooking show, free workshops, a food festival, and fun activities for all ages. This two-day event will be held at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Seacucus, New Jersey. For more information, please call 212-682-6610 or visit www.fiestainamerica.com.
AU G U ST 2 0
ANCOP Walk New Jersey The ANCOP Walk brings together hundreds of participants across the U.S. and North America, walking together to help the poor in the Philippines and third world countries. ANCOP Foundation USA is a Christian based organization founded by the Couples for Christ which helps the very poor in the Philippines and other countries by providing support to select organizations that work for the poor. Current projects focus on child education sponsorship programs and values formation. Walkers’ participation and generosity in the ANCOP Walk will help provide quality education to children in poor communities. The organization serves the poor from all walks of life regardless of faith and denomination. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. To register, please visit www.ancopusawalk.org; the registration fee is $15. For more information, please contact Jon Teves at jteves92@yahoo.com or Fernando Silva at frsilva99@gmail.com.
AU G U ST 27
St. Margaret Mary Parish Luau The St. Margaret Mary Parish will celebrate their Annual Luau on August 27 at the SMM Parish Hall on 12686 Central Ave., Chino, California. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Duo. For more information, please call SMM Filipino Ministry President - (909) 315-9812, Adel Rellora.
SEPTEMBER 1
Startup Business Expo Tour (with Tagalog translation) Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration invites you to the 2016 Startup Business Expo Tour. The series of events is intended to help startups, small businesses, entertainment and production companies, food services, event planners, home-based businesses, entrepreneurs, fashion & beauty businesses, e-commerce, accounting services, cleaning services, consultants, childcare and more! Topics include: starting a business in LA, predicting your financial future, choosing a legal entity & access to capital. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6313 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Ste. 2140, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. The event is FREE & open to the public. There will also be free food & refreshments for participants. To RSVP, please visit www.startuptourla.com.
SEPTEMBER 3
Filipino Association of Leisure World Annual “Luau” The Filipino Association of Leisure World will hold its Annual Hawaiian Luau at the LW Hall (1232 Golden Rain Rd. Seal Beach, California) on Saturday, Sept. 3. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. Please call the president of the association, Ren Villanueva at (323) 854-6209 for other related questions.
S E P T E M B E R 9 -1 7
42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.
SEPTEMBER 10
17th annual Asian Small Business Expo The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. Admission to the expo is FREE! It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Almansor Court Banquet & Conference Center, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801. To register, please visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-asiansmall-business-expo-tickets-23824155691. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day of the expo. For more information, please visit www.apisbp.org.
S E P T E M B E R 24
8th Regional Celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Region invites everyone to the 8th Regional Celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the First Filipino Saint. Festivities will be on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at this year’s host parish, Holy Family Church - Glendale (209 East Lomita Avenue, Glendale CA 91205). Procession starts at 4:30 PM , then Mass at 5:30 PM with Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, as Principal Celebrant. Reception , fellowship and program will immediately follow at the Holy Family Grade School Auditorium across the church. For more information, please contact Ping Bayani at(913) 558-4332 or bayani0950@yahoo.com.
S E P T E M B E R 23
AAPA’s leadership symposium Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) for an all-day event from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with exceptional and diverse keynote speakers and panelists, as well as multiple workshops on diversity and leadership topics. The symposium is open to everyone, and will be held at the Pacific Palms Hotel, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91744. For more information, please visit http://aapamentoring.com/.
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
C AUGUST 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng CLIENT is 57 and recently divorced with two children, one in high school the other in college. She makes $40K yearly in middle management for a large corporation. She has $50K of credit cards accumulated while she was still married. Ex husband had good income. So, when she was still married, her husband paid for her credit cards. The minimum monthly is $1,500 to keep them current. That’s almost $20K a year, which is half of her $40K annual gross income. Needless to say, there is no way that she can keep on paying for these cards. Fortunately for her, she lives in a house that, shall we say, doesn’t belong to her but all she has to do is pay the mortgage of $800. The mortgage also is not in her name. It is not her debt. Who is the owner of this house that she lives in? Her parents are on title to the house and the mortgage is also in the name of the parents. In addition, parents have been paying the mortgage for the last twenty years. Mother died five years ago. Father died two years ago.
To Live With Faith reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs IN my 8th year of priesthood, I was asked to be part of a dating game. Not the dating game that we see today on television like The Bachelor or the dating service called Christian Singles, but the dating game we used to have with several pastors who were looking for associates. Back then, that was the way to get another parishassignment: date some pastors! So after a week of doing this, I got a call came from one of the pastors I “dated.” “Rodel,” he said, “I really like you and my staff also like you a lot. Would you take me as your number one choice and I’ll put as my number one? “Oh yeah,” I said, “I’m thrilled that you like me but, to be honest with you, I might not be there for
Community Journal
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Senior seeks chapter 7 relief alendar of Events C across for $60K credit cards but what is the status of residence? Another senior seeks chapter 13 relief for $50K credit cards
Parents gave the house to her son seven years ago by grant deed. However, son has no income right now because he is still in college. As a result, client paid the mortgage for the last two years and claimed the mortgage interest as her deductions in her tax returns. Since this house is almost fully paid, the ownership of the house makes a big difference in client’s bankruptcy. If client owns this house, then she won’t be able to qualify for a chapter 7. She would have to file under Chapter 13. In Chapter 13, client will be required to pay $1,000 a month for 60 months; a 100% payment of the credit cards without interest because the non-exempt equity is more than $60K. Let’s analyze this case more. Although client is now paying for the mortgage, she has only paid that for two years. In addition, she doesn’t own the house. Both legal and equitable title to the house belongs to her son who is in college because her parents
gave the house to her son, not to her. Under this analysis, client would have a proportionate ownership share equivalent to two years, which is not much. That’s probably about 10% because two out of twenty years is 10%. Her homestead exemption is at least $100K, which is more than enough to cover 10%. But what if her mortgage payment for the last two years is considered rent, because her son owns the house. This analysis is also plausible and has legs to stand on. If those payments were considered rent, she would have zero ownership interest in the house. Either way, client would qualify for Chapter 7 without worrying about losing a roof to live under. Next client is 72. He looks slim and younger that his age. He has no health problems but his wife is sick and he takes care of her. He owns a house with non-exempt equity of about $25K. He owes $50K of credit cards. He actually wants a Chapter 7 discharge.
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To bloom where we are planted a long time because I want to be a pastor soon.” Then he responded, “That’s okay Rodel, spend some years here with the Hispanic community and you can be prepare yourself for the pastorate.” To make the long story short I agreed to be this priest’s associate pastor. My job was to be the chaplain to the Hispanic community. But I remember that I was not fully giving myself to my work. Deep within me was the urge to have my own parish. One day my pastor noticed my half-hearted attitude towards my assignment, and that I was thinking more of my longing to be a pastor. So he gave me an advice that I could not forget until now: “Rodel, bloom where you are planted.” I remember that it was a wakeup moment for me. So I took my pastor’s advice seriously and engaged myself wholeheartedly in my work to prepare myself
for my dream that came through two years later. It’s the same advice that I gave our new and returning seminarians last week in a homily as they started the school year. I told them to bloom where God has planted them. I reminded them that the seminary is a seedbed and they are the seeds. “What does it mean to bloom where you are planted?” I remarked. “It means to be like a seed that falls on the ground and dies as Jesus tells us in the Gospel. It’s to allow ourselves to be broken, to be open to the sources of nourishments and growth that surround us, to give ourselves generously to the formation and to allow God to form us,” I explained. “All these attitudes entail lots of trust: trust in us—in the gifts that God has given; trust in those who are in charge of our formation; and trust in God the Father who provides for all our needs.”
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America
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS
AU G U ST 1 3
Disco Manila at LA’s Grand Performances
Put on your boogie shoes and embrace the resurgence of disco from the Manila Sound era, the next wave of global groove music. Manila Sound was a catch all moniker during the ‘70s describing Philippine popular music that embraced its American soul/folk/pop/jazz influences, combined it with Filipino modern aesthetics and polished it off with the musical proficiency of the vibrant Manila scene that somehow flourished during the Marcos-era Martial Law. Live Performances of classic Disco dance floor fillers by the original purveyors of the sound and those who lived it. The event will begin at 8 p.m. at Grand Performances, located at 350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071. For more information, please visit http://grandperformances.org/disco-manila.
St. Philomena Parish celebrates 60th anniversary fiesta The St. Philomena Parish will celebrate its 60th anniversary fiesta on Saturday, Aug. 13. This grand parish celebration will be highlighted by a Eucharistic celebration, which will include the con-validation of marriages of our brothers and sister in conjunction with the Year of Mercy. Immediately after the Mass, a complimentary international potluck feast will be served, while enjoying the performances of talented entertainers from our parish and beyond. there will be an exciting drawing for a chance to win a brand new 2016 Mercedes Benz CLA 250! Consolation prizes include a round trip airline ticket from LAX to any destination; a 65” flat screen HDTV, a 15.6” laptop, 3 Blu Dual SIM Smartphone, and a colored HP printer. Visit the parish office today to pick up your tickets for a chance to win any of these prizes! Proceeds from the celebration will go toward much-needed upkeep and repairs for the church. The celebration will be held at St. Philomena Church at 21900 S. Main St., Carson, CA 90745 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more details, please contact the Parish Office at (310) 835-7161.
2016 Fiesta in America’s Expo and Cultural Show This annual event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13, starting at noon and Sunday, Aug. 14, starting at 10 a.m. It will feature exhibitors and performers from the Philippines and other countries, a cooking show, free workshops, a food festival, and fun activities for all ages. This two-day event will be held at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Seacucus, New Jersey. For more information, please call 212-682-6610 or visit www.fiestainamerica.com.
AU G U ST 2 0
ANCOP Walk New Jersey The ANCOP Walk brings together hundreds of participants across the U.S. and North America, walking together to help the poor in the Philippines and third world countries. ANCOP Foundation USA is a Christian based organization founded by the Couples for Christ which helps the very poor in the Philippines and other countries by providing support to select organizations that work for the poor. Current projects focus on child education sponsorship programs and values formation. Walkers’ participation and generosity in the ANCOP Walk will help provide quality education to children in poor communities. The organization serves the poor from all walks of life regardless of faith and denomination. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. To register, please visit www.ancopusawalk.org; the registration fee is $15. For more information, please contact Jon Teves at jteves92@yahoo.com or Fernando Silva at frsilva99@gmail.com.
AU G U ST 27
St. Margaret Mary Parish Luau The St. Margaret Mary Parish will celebrate their Annual Luau on August 27 at the SMM Parish Hall on 12686 Central Ave., Chino, California. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Duo. For more information, please call SMM Filipino Ministry President - (909) 315-9812, Adel Rellora.
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
ISFFA is a nonprofit 501(c)3 public benefit corporation whose primary goal is to assist, educate, train, and mentor emerging professionals, both domestically as well as globally. We live by a set of shared values and ahere to the highest ideals of professionalism and ethical behavior in the spirit of integrity, commitment to social responsibility, discipline, and solidarity.
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Community Journal
DHS expands provisional waiver…
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former INA §245(i). Individuals who are not eligible for adjustment of status can only apply for permanent residency by leaving the US and processing through the US Embassy overseas. The problem, however, is that most individuals will trigger a 3 or 10 year bar once they leave the US. Individuals who leave the US after having been unlawfully present in the US for more than180 days are subject to a 3 year bar. Individuals who leave the US after having been unlawfully present in the US for more than 1 year are subject to a 10 year bar. The only way for an individual to obtain an immigrant visa and return to the US before the 3 or 10 years elapses is by being granted a waiver of inadmissibility for the unlawful presence. To be eligible to apply for an unlawful presence waiver, an individual must have either a US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. Unfortunately, a child does not qualify. To be granted, an individual must prove that the US citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent would suffer extreme hardship if the individual were not allowed to return to the US before the applicable 3 or 10 years. Under the provisional waiver program, individuals are allowed to apply for an unlawful presence waiver before leaving the US, thereby eliminating risk
since they will know if the waiver is granted or denied. Only after the waiver is approved would the individual leave the US and go to the US Embassy for processing of the immigrant visa. The reported average time that an individual is outside the US to process the immigrant visa is just 2 weeks. Since its implementation in March 2013, the provisional waiver program has been restricted to only those who are the Beneficiaries of a family-based petition under the Immediate Relative (IR) category. Individuals who fall under the IR category are spouses, parents, or unmarried children under 21 of US citizens. Under the expansion, Beneficiaries of all types of visa petitions will be eligible to seek a provisional waiver. In other words, individuals who are the Beneficiaries of family-based petitions in the preference categories, employment-based categories, diversity lottery, and special immigrant categories will be eligible to apply. Another change under the expansion applies to those with a final order of deportation. Individuals with a final order of deportation will now be eligible to apply for a provisional waiver. A further change under the expansion requires that individuals take greater care in ensuring that they have a reliable and knowledgeable attorney to handle the processing of the provisional waiver application. Currently,
the DHS would deny an application if it had “reason to believe” that an individual would be ineligible for an immigrant visa because of some other violation in addition to the unlawful presence. The granting of a provisional waiver takes care of the unlawful presence violation, but it does not take care of other reasons for inadmissibility, such as fraud or a criminal violation. As such, if an individual is inadmissible for other reasons, they would be stuck outside the US while they process another waiver, which could take several months to even years. Individuals who are eligible under the expanded provisional waiver program may start submitting applications on August 29, 2016. Given the complexities of the waiver process, it is vital that individuals seek fully capable and knowledgeable legal counsel. The provisional waiver program may be the solution to individuals who have been in limbo in finally finding peace and prosperity. ***
For further information, please schedule an appointment with an attorney at Aquino & Loew, Certified Immigration Law Specialists; (888) 797-1140 or (626) 799-3089; info@ aquinoloew.com. Please also visit Aquino & Loew at www.aquinoloew.com and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Aquino & Loew also handles family law and criminal matters. Providing Personalized Service Nationwide & Abroad Since 1996. (Advertising Supplement)
Senior seeks chapter 7 relief for $60K credit… PAGE C4 t
However, I cannot recommend it. I can only recommend a Chapter 13 where he will pay $450 a month for five years. If he files Chapter 7, there is a chance that he may lose the house because of the non-exempt equity of $25K. Of course, in a Chapter 7, the trustee has to give him his exemption of $175K when the house is sold. But he still wants to live in the house. So, there is no sense in assuming this kind of risk. He now pays $1,500 a month for $50K of credit cards. That eats up 40% of his household income, which consists of a combination of social security and pensions. It would have been better for him to file for Chapter 7 in 2010, when he was 66. At that time, the fair market value of his house would have been at least $50K lower than today such that his homestead exemption would
surely cover all of his homestead equity then. Had he filed a Chapter 7 then, he would have discharged all of the $50K without any problems about the house. How much money would he have saved if he filed for Chapter 7 in 2010? Well, let’s do the math. $1,500 a month is $18,000 a year of minimum credit card payments. Six years of that is $108K saved! But he says that he’s been paying for the $50K credit cards for 15 years. Therefore, he would have saved, if he filed for Chapter 7 at the age of 66, the grand total amount of $162K! He says he paid for 15 years at $1,500 a month, but right now, he still owes the very same $50K! What can I tell you? Client should have filed his Chapter 7 in 2010 because $162K is a lot of money. $162K saved up in your pocket and invested in a diversified fund giving you a 5% return or $687 a month of divi-
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 13-16, 2016
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People and Events
25th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC)
THE Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is proud to announce the date & venue for the anticipated Silver Anniversary edition of its annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture. FPAC 25, the 25th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), will take place Saturday, October 8 at the beautiful Echo Park Lake. Admission
FAPCCA media awards
THE Filipino American Press Club of California invites you to The First FAPCCA Media Awards Gala Night 2016 at Glendale Hilton Hotel, 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale CA 91202, Sept. 25, 2016 Sunday 5pm (www.facebook.com/fapccamediaawards/) Tickets: $65/person includes dinner and entertainment. Call:626.475.3052; 310.600.9913; 818.357.4566 or pay by Paypal at www.paypal.me/fapcca (please indicate the amount, number of tickets, name, mailing address and cell number on the Special Instruction field). FAPCCA Contact Persons: Chairperson Thelma Calabio - 301.600.9913; President Andy Z. Edralin - 626-4753052; VP Isidric Panganiban - 818.357.4566; Treasurer Christie Rosacia - 818.451.6606; Auditor Sonia Bermejo 818.653.3177; Joe Cobilla - PRO - 323.804.9959; Director Rose Sarreal - 213.321.1119. n
dend income certainly gives you more security than $50K of credit cards eating up $1,500 of your social security at the age of 72. This is like voting Hillary or Trump. Do you want to have Trump using the nuclear triad of the U.S.A. to destroy the whole world, just because he’s in the mood to do so? This man is very dangerous. Vote for Hillary, I’m with her and so should you. Even Pope Francis will not endorse Trump. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” — PAGE C4 t Hebrews 13:8 “Here in the seminary, we *** provide everything you needto Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in grow in your vocation to the bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil priesthood—the spiritual, acalitigation and has successfully represented demic, human and pastoral formore than five thousand clients in California. mations, including all the matePlease call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) rial things you need such as food, 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S. books and technology,” I added. Fremont Ave, Mailstop 58, Building A-1 Suite “All you have to do is to engage 1125, Alhambra, CA 91803. yourself fully in the program, to be (Advertising Supplement) a cheerful giver as St. Paul tells
is FREE. The popular festival, the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event, is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. Audiences can expect to enjoy traditional and contemporary Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. This year’s theme, “Samu’t Sari: Showcasing the Diverse Creative Tapestry of the FilAm Community,” lends its mean-
ing to the Tagalog phrase which loosely translates to “diversity.” While certainly a hot topic in today’s society, FilAm Arts focuses on the vast contributions of Filipino American artists to the creative tapestry of the City. For more information, please visit www.filamarts.org or call 2133803722. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please email info@ filamarts.org. n
Bataan Legacy Historical Society multimedia presentation BATAAN Legacy Historical Society, a non-profit educational 501(c)(3) organization, will hold a multimedia presentation at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, please visit www.bataanlegacy.org. n
What immigration benefits…
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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 non-immigrant 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, nonspecific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. (Advertising Supplement)
To bloom where we are… us, to have the joy of the Gospel as Pope Francis always reminds us so that we can reach our goals and our dreams.” As the seminarians were listening to my homily, hope was stirring in me that they were taking to heart the advice I was giving them. ***
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 ImmAaculate 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.
C AUGUST 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 13-16, 2016
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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM The September 2016 priority dates
Despite $81-M bank heist, BSP eases forex rules anew by PRinz
magtulis Philstar.com
MANILA—After a breach of money laundering laws last February, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas relaxed foreign exchange rules anew on Friday, Aug. 12 in what is seen as part of efforts to bring the public back to the banking system. The five eased measures, the central bank said, is also part of efforts to make sure there is continuous flow of credit in the financial system to support economic growth. “(This is) part of continuing efforts to keep regulations appropriate for the changing needs of the Philippine economy...,” BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a statement. “(It follows) the thrust towards greater openness in view of the country’s increasing integration with the global markets,” he added. The measures were announced barely a week after the BSP slapped a record P1-billion fine against Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. for its participation on the $81-million bank heist in Bangla-
BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.
desh last February. The last time rules were relaxed was that month. Topping the list of measures was to allow Philippine residents-which includes both natural-born Filipinos and foreigners residing here-- to purchase up to $500,000 in foreign exchange “without supporting documentation.” This was up more than four times the original $120,000-cap. For companies, the limit was at a higher $1 million. Travellers are now also allowed to deposit foreign exchange they purchased from banks for PAGE D2
The Philippines is gearing to become a regional hub for manufacturing and aftermarket services in the aerospace and aviation industries as the government moves to align local players’ capabilities to global standards. Philstar.com photo
PH seen as regional hub for aerospace, aviation by Richmond
meRcuRio Philstar.com
MANILA—The Philippines is gearing to become a regional hub for manufacturing and aftermarket services in the aerospace and aviation industries as the government moves to align local players’ capabilities to global standards. The Board of Investments (BOI) said qualified local aerospace companies are set to undergo training that will assist them in implementing Aerospace Quality Management System in their firms that will lead to AS9100 certification. Major aerospace manufacturers and suppliers worldwide require accreditation to AS9100—a widely adopted and standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry—as a condition of doing business with them. “The next two decades could see the Philippines becoming a hub for manufacturing and aftermarket services in the aerospace and aviation industries in the ASEAN region. As the country’s participation in the global value chain is increasing, the capability-training programs suit well as these will further enhance the competitiveness of our local aerospace industry. This means more quality jobs for Filipinos and more export earnings for the coun-
try,” BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said. According to the BOI, the training program is set to commence this year following the recent signing of an agreement between the Department of Trade and Industry, the Metal Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) of the Department of Science and Technology, and the Aerospace Industries Association of the Philippines (AIAP). Under the collaboration project, the BOI will provide the funding as well as coordinative and administrative support for the smooth implementation of the program. MIRDC, meanwhile, will implement the program in coordination with the AIAP for the needed assistance specifically in the prescreening and selection of prospective participating companies to the capability-building training activities. The Philippine Aerospace Industry Roadmap envisions the country to become a hub in aerospace parts manufacturing and allied services in Asia. The industry is projected to export an estimated $2.57 billion worth of aerospace parts and components by 2022, and employ around 15,000 personnel by then.
Ongpin’s Philweb stake up for sale by doRis
dumlao-abadilla Inquirer.net
BUSINESSMAN Roberto V. Ongpin has put on the auction block his controlling stake in gaming technology service provider Philweb Corp., hoping this would take the heat off the company which recently lost its license to service Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corp. (Pagcor)’s network of e-games cafes. Philweb, which was valued by the market at around P35 billion before President Duterte assumed office, saw its value dropped to P6.1 billion as of Wednesday, Aug. 10. This was after the President issued strong statements against online gaming and, a week ago, pointed to Ongpin as an “oligarch” who must be “destroyed.” The company has been forced to wind down its operations as a service provider to Pagcor’s eGames network starting midnight
Roberto V. Ongpin
Inquirer.net photo
of Wednesday as its intellectual property licensing and management agreement (IPLMA) contract had not been renewed. In an emergency meeting of Philweb shareholders Wednesday, Ongpin announced he would sell PAGE D2
Business Quote of the Week “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” - Conrad Hilton, Hilton Hotels Founder
& Immigration Corner
The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY:
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ 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 U.S.), 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 eligible and USCIS
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
December 22, 2005
July 1, 2005
First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)
Second Preference
(2A) Spouse and minor children November 22, 2015 (below 21 years old) of green card holder
November 15, 2014
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years old or older) of green card holder
February 1, 2006
December 1, 2005
Third Preference
Married sons and daughters of US Citizens.
August 1, 1995
June 15, 1994
Fourth Preference
Brothers and sisters of US Citizens.
July 15, 1993
March 1, 1993
LABOR CERTIFICATION:
Application Filing Date Visa Issuance Date
Second Preference
Advanced Degree (Masters)
Current
February 1, 2014
Third Preference
Professional/Skilled Workers
January 1, 2013
July 1, 2010
Other Workers
Non-Skilled Workers
January 1, 2013
July 1, 2010
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 reenactments) 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 attorneyclient 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 August 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL
PH int’l reserves hit record $85.4-B The country’s gross internal reserves (GIR) increase to a record $85.49 billion in July, helped by higher inflows from central bank’s foreign exchange operations and its income abroad, higher prices of gold and net foreign currency deposits by the national govern-
ment. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) indicated that GIR rose 2.65 percent from $85.28 billion in June. Year-on-year, GIR was 6.4 percent higher than the $80.33 billion recorded in July 2015.
The country’s gross internal reserves (GIR) increase to a record $85.49 billion in July, helped by higher inflows from central bank’s foreign exchange operations and its income abroad, higher prices of gold and net foreign currency deposits by the national government.
Marketplace
The BSP said the increase was “due mainly to the BSP’s foreign exchange operations, revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings resulting from the increase in the price of gold in the international market, and its income from investments abroad, as well as net foreign currency deposits by the national government.” These were partially offset by payments made by the national government for its maturing foreign exchange obligations,” it said. The latest GIR level is enough to cover 10.5 months of merchandise imports and payments of services and income, higher than 10.4 percent imports cover in June, it added. It was also higher than the 10 months’ import cover recorded a year earlier. The end-July dollar reserves are also equivalent to 6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.3 times based on residual maturity, the BSP said. (Manilatimes.net)
Ongpin’s Philweb stake up...
PAGE D1 his 771.7 million shares equivalent to 53.76 percent to the highest bidder. “I am doing this auction so that I will be totally out of the picture and the innocent bystanders, such as the shareholders, the employees of Philweb Corp., the e-Games operators, their collective employees which number some 5,000 people, may be able to save their jobs,” Ongpin said. The open auction will close by Aug. 17 (Wednesday) next week. “I need to be out of the way,
that’s clear,” Ongpin said. “I just want to step out of the way and hopefully, things will normalize.” The businessman earlier stepped down as chair of Philweb but he noted that this was not enough for Pagcor to have a change of heart. Ongpin said he was not aware of any reason why he would incur the wrath of the President. he had never stepped on the toes of the new president or any of his close associates, he said. “The lightning bolt was obviously meant for me and not for the other shareholders of Philweb num-
bering about 1,500, the employees of Philweb numbering 679 people nor the 135 entities who operate 286 e-Games outlets throughout the country who employ an estimated 5,000 people,” Ongpin said. “They are all innocent bystanders who, beginning midnight tonight, will be all out of job.” Ongpin also agreed to give the winning bidder a way out if the bidder would be unable to obtain a renewal from Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corp. of the license to operate on or before Aug. 31.
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ENDING ENDO. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV presides over a hearing on proposals to end contractualization in both the government and the private sector attended by civil service and budget department officials, Wednesday afternoon. Trillanes said that he will not push for any amendment that may impair proposals providing security of tenure to government employees that will result in the laying off of casual or contractual employees. “You can call that right-sizing, streamlining, redundancy, whatever, if it will result in even just a single contractual employee being laid off, I will not push for that,” Trillanes said. Senate photo by Romeo Bugante
P1-B fine credit negative for RCBC, says Moody’s by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo ManilaTimes.net
The P1-billion fine imposed by the central bank on Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) over its involvement in the $81-million Bangladesh Bank heist is credit negative for the lender, according to debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service. The policy-making Monetary Board (MB) approved last Friday a “supervisory enforcement action” against RCBC after a special examination. RCBC said it would comply with
the order and pay the P1-billion fine—the largest fine ever imposed by the BSP on a financial institution—in two equal tranches over one year. “The imposition of fine is credit negative because it will directly reduce the bank’s profitability,” Moody’s said in a report released on Thursday, Aug. 11. The fine, Moody’s said, equaled to about 19 percent of the bank’s annualized net profit as of the first half of 2016. Additionally, it said, the fine points to weaknesses in RCBC’s internal controls, particularly around anti-money laundering and other risk management systems. “We believe that this incident has harmed the bank’s reputation, as reflected by the negative growth in deposits in the first quarter of 2016, when the incident was first reported,” Moody’s noted. “Although we do not know yet if the deposit outflow is entirely related to the investigation, the bank has sufficient liquidity buffers to withstand any further outflows,” the debt watched said. It noted that liquid assets were about 29 percent of the bank’s tangible asset at the end of 2015. Moody also pointed out that easing the negative effect on the bank is the fact that the bank will pay the penalty in two equal payments over the next year. As a direct consequence of the investigation, Moody’s expects RCBC to increase spending and strengthen its risk management
and information-technology systems, raising operating costs over the next 12 to 18 months. In February 2016, $81 million was electronically stolen from the Bangladesh Bank account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and deposited into an RCBC branch in Makati City. The funds were subsequently withdrawn from the bank, with some of the stolen money transferred to casinos and junket operators. The fallout from the cyber heist included the May 2016 resignation of then-RCBC Chief executive Officer Lorenzo Tan. An internal investigation has since cleared Tan of any wrongdoing in connection with the heist. Another casualty was Atiur Rahman, governor of the Bangladesh central bank, who resigned in March 2016. Junket operator Kim Wong, one of the individuals supposedly involved in laundering the stolen funds, has returned $4.63 million and P488 million in cash to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). This represents the entire amount Wong claimed he and his company, eastern hawaii Leisure Ltd., received out of the $81 million. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi officials said it discussed with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) the recovery of $2.38 million frozen at the Solaire Resort and Casino.
PH, ASEAN trade outperforming world The Philippines, along with Asean neighbors Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, appears to be performing better in export terms despite signs of a significant slowdown elsewhere in Asia and the world, an analysis of the latest economic data shows. Data collected by the World Bank indicates that Asian trade has retreated considerably from year-ago levels, and the picture is rather grim among major Asian exporters outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN). exports from China fell 4.8 percent year-on-year in June, while South Korea saw a 2.7 percent retraction in June widening to a 10.2 percent drop in July. Japan experienced slight improvement in June as it registered only a single-digit decline of 7.4 percent that month after recording declines of 10.1 percent and 11.3 percent in April and May, respectively. Taiwan likewise saw a year-on-year drop in exports, with outbound trade shrinking 2.1 percent. India, on the other hand, was one bright spot among major Asian economies, seeing exports expand by a modest 1.27 percent in June. It was, however, the
first positive export growth in 19 months for the country. ASEAN doing better The export picture was somewhat more attractive among the bigger economies of the Asean nations. The Philippines saw a decline of 3.8 percent year on year in May, but that was the slowest yearly retraction in five months, and indications of growing trade volumes from Manila’s port terminals suggest a gradual turnaround is underway. Indonesia saw a similar trend; exports in June dropped 4.75 percent from a year earlier, but the decline was much slower than the previous month’s near-10 percent decline. Malaysia experienced an unexpected turnaround, bucking most analysts’ forecasts of flat export performance with a 3.4 percent increase in June. Thailand also improved, following up a 4.4-percent decline in May with a drop of just 0.1 percent in June. Singapore exports fell 2.3 percent year-on-year in June, but had surged by 11.6 percent in the previous month. An analyst from Singapore-based bank DBS attributed the June decline to weaker markets in China, Singapore’s main export destination. (ManilaTimes.net)
Despite $81-M bank heist...
PAGE D1
their use abroad into their foreign currency deposit unit (FCDU) accounts, BSP said. Legal tender that may be brought in and out of the country was also hiked to P50,000 from just P10,000. “This intends to provide greater convenience to travelers to and from the Philippines and allow settlement of obligations in jurisdictions outside the Philippines,” the central bank said. The prohibition on selling other currencies by banks to corporations for transactions onshore was also lifted. Loans coming from FCDUs may also be availed without prior registration or BSP approval. “This is in line with the BSP’s thrust to facilitate access of the private sector to bank financing,” it said. Sought for details, BSP Deputy Governor Nestor espenilla Jr. did not categorically say if the mea-
sures were part of what he earlier said were efforts to channel more funds back to the banks. “Foreign exchange liberalization is beneficial to the economy in its own right,” he said. The BSP wanted the public to course more of their money to banks than other financial institutions such as remittance centers since it could easily monitor lenders. Last May, espenilla said measures were underway to ease foreign exchange and documentary requirements on sending money abroad to lure depositors back to the banks. Tighter regulations, meanwhile, are being eyed for pawnshops and remittance centers. “Notwithstanding the liberalized rules, banks are expected to continue to adopt safe and sound practices on their foreign exchange transactions and dealings with clients/other counterparties,” BSP 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 best-selling sonata ranking among the top two in its class is a remarkable accomplishment and we are committed to delivering the highest customer experience possible to our owners,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning at hyundai. WIN hyundai offers a wide selection of quality hyundai vehicles and extends its offerings across the Los Angeles area with its two locations: one in Carson and another in el Monte. On both sites,
customers can find new and certified pre-owned vehicles – including the santa Fe, sonata, elantra and Genesis Coupe – to meet a variety of budgets and preferences. Because the Carson and el Monte locations serve just about anyone and everyone in southern California, its experienced s a l e s re p re s e n t a t i v e s a re 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 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.
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 i s Fra n k l i n M a g a r ro , t h e 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
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 13-16, 2016 D
D August 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL
Marketplace & ShowrooM
Keyes Toyota: Your top car dealership choice in San Fernando Valley For folks living in the San Fernando Valley, it can be quite easy or quite difficult in picking the car dealership where you will buy your next car from. With a whole host of dealerships lining up the valley, customers can easily get lost in the woods, trying to pick out the dealership that’s right for them. With regards to Toyota cars, one particular dealership comes to mind when it comes to convenience, comfort, excellence, and customer satisfaction: Keyes Toyota. For over half a century, Keyes Toyota has served the San Fernando Valley, addressing all the automotive needs of Angelenos across 13 car franchises. With dealerships located conveniently near major residential hubs, customers are assured of a supreme buying experience in the pleasant and comfortable show rooms at Keyes dealerships! With the widest selections of automobiles across Los Angeles, Keyes can help you find the car of your dreams. Family owned and operated, Keyes dealerships are all committed to providing the most excellent service available to ensure customer satisfaction. Factory-trained technicians and sales professionals are all ready to address your automotive needs. At times, prospective buyers may have difficulties in securing approvals for car financing. Thankfully, Keyes Toyota has a number of pro-
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mos and programs to help first time buyers, new graduates, military veterans, and all other clients facing financial difficulties. For many Filipinos, Toyotas are really their automobiles of choice for the family. Toyota’s reliable, dependable, and economical cars perfectly suit the needs of the Filipino family. Pinoys, who prioritize the family’s comfort above everything else, can find the right van or SUV that can comfortably seat five to seven passengers. According to Keyes Toyota, any car you choose is sure to be a gas saver, perfect for those who value car economy above all else. Aside from that, customers can rest easy, knowing that they are covered with Toyota Care. Factory-trained Toyota technicians will help fulfill your maintenance obligations and help improve your Toyota’s value and performance. Toyota Care
will keep track of your maintenance history, and will also deliver timely reminders for your scheduled maintenance. rene Pascual, another sales professional for Keyes Toyota, he personally loves Toyota cars because of their wide variety of car models—from sedans, vans, trucks, pickups, and hybrids. In serving the Filipino community, Pascual also finds that having this wide selection of cars gives the Filipino family the chance of finding the right car to match their comfort and budget. Pascual fluently speaks Tagalog, Cebuano, and Ilonggo. Popular Toyota models among Pinoys include the Corolla, Camry, Sienna, and the Prius. However, the Camry is one of the most recommended car for Pinoy buyers. The Camry is loaded with features that Filipinos look for in their cars: spacious seating, up-to-date technology, and overall performance. The Filipino Keyes Connection of rene Pascual and Sammy Estrella are all committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. With the full support of Keyes General Sales Manager Sam Kassis, Boni, rene and Sammy can ensure that the Pinoy family will get the best deals at Keyes Toyota. Give them a call today at (800) 575-1153 or better yet visit them at 5855 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys.
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Building dreams made fun at Honda’s KidZania Manila exhibit by Ulysses
ang
Philstar.com
Honda Cars Philippines brings their “power of dreams” thinking to kids and kids at heart with the opening of a new interactive exhibit at KidZania Manila. In time for KidZania Manila’s first anniversary, Honda’s interactive exhibit brings kids closer to the world of automotive design and selling in an easy and fun setting. a newly opened establishment in Bonifacio Global City, KidZania Manila offers an interactive and educational environment that allows kids to discover, explore, and learn about the adult world with activities made more exciting through role play. KidZania was established based on a kid’s vision of a well-functioning and ideal world full of opportunities and responsibilities. at Honda’s interactive exhibit, kids can experience the Honda Car design and dealership and Pit Crew Training. Using the Honda design Monitor, kids can design cars based on their imagination and what suits their interests. Meanwhile, at the Honda dealership, kids can learn how
Kids learn how to be a member of a Formula One pit crew.
to demonstrate a car’s features and recommend a Honda vehicle that suits a customer’s driving needs. and at the Honda Pit Crew Training, kids can experience teamwork to finish a quality job in a Formula racing-like scenario. With common objectives of building family values, developing kids for the future, and
Inquirer.net photo
making dreams come true, the Honda and KidZania Manila partnership seems natural. and with a wide variety of family-oriented vehicles such as the City, CR-V, Mobilio, Pilot and odyssey—Honda Cars Philippines will further develop and participate in activities that promote and encourage strong family ties and Filipino values.
Insurance door opens for foreigners by Mayvelin
U. Caraballo Manilatimes.net
THE insurance adjustment industry in the country could now expect to attract foreign partners following the lifting of the foreign investment ban. The newly passed Republic act 10881 has abolished the restriction prevailing under Section 332 of the Insurance Code which stipulated that an adjustment company may only be owned by a Filipino citizen or at least 60 percent of its capital must be owned by Filipino citizens, in case of a partnership, association or corporation. The new law now allows foreign national and 100 percent foreign ownership, in case of partnership, association and corporation, in adjustment companies. Welcoming the policy shift, the Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel dooc said on Monday, august 8, “With the passage of the law, we are expecting that this will
make the insurance adjustment industry in our country attractive to foreign investors.” dooc said the liberalization of foreign ownership in adjustment companies would also encourage best practices in the insurance loss adjustment in the Philippines. “another positive effect is that it will compel local players to shape up considering the competitive business climate which will ultimately inure to the benefit of the insuring public,” he added. adjustment of claims is the process of ascertaining the liability of the insurer arising under an insurance contract or policy and the amount or indemnity which the insured is entitled to receive under the said contract or policy. In the adjustment of claims, the services of adjusters or adjustment companies are employed which may either be an independent adjuster or public adjuster. Under Section 333 of the Insurance Code, an independent
adjuster is any person, partnership, association or corporation that, for money, commission or any other thing of value, acts for or on behalf of an insurer in the adjusting of claims. a public adjuster, on the other hand, means any person, partnership, association or corporation which, for money, commission or any other thing of value, acts on behalf of an insured in negotiating for, or effecting, the settlement of a claim, or which advertises for or solicits employment as an adjuster. “during the deliberations before both houses of the 16th Congress, the Insurance Commission expressed its full support to the lifting of foreign equity restriction with respect to adjustment companies as part of the country’s compliance with our commitments to the asean [association of Southeast asian nations] Economic Community to open certain sectors of the economy,” dooc said.
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Showroom
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 13-16, 2016 D
Put it down and go: How to avoid Longo Toyota delivers world class experience driving distractions like Pokemon Go Distracted driving and how to avoid it by Jason
K. ang
Inquirer.net
The release this week of the smartphone game Pokemon Go may just mark a new high (or low, depending on how you look at it) in incidents of distracted driving. Car crashes involving drivers distracted by the game have been reported in New York City, Melbourne, Washington, and Baltimore. The game potentially contains the worst elements of driver distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive attention taken away from the task of driving. Visual means that you are looking away from the road while driving. Manual pertains to holding a cellphone or other device with one or both hands, thus not holding the steering wheel properly. Cognitive distraction is less easily perceived but no less deadly: it means that your mind is not on the task of driving. You may be looking straight at the road ahead, and your hands are at the controls, but you are not fully aware of your surroundings. This delays your reactions and can cause a crash. Research into distracted driving in the USA concludes that it contributes to 16 percent of all fatal crashes and leads to around 5,000 deaths every year. Drivers talking on cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. The bill’s stiff penalties have certainly caught the attention of the motoring public, even if cynics point out that the high fines will make bribery a more likely outcome. The upcoming law is certainly a good starting point. If followed, the regulation removes the visual and manual distraction of a mobile device. But that’s not all. The bill says that it is not considered distracted driving if a device is “done using the aid of a hands-free function such as a speaker phone, earphones and microphones… which allow a person to make and receive calls without having to hold the… device: Provided, that the… device… does not interfere with the line of sight of the driver.” This may lead to a flurry of sales of cellphone holders, headphones or headsets that allow
Inquirer.net photo
The American Automobile Association shares its top 10 tips to avoid distractions while driving: 1. Fully focus on driving. Don’t let anything divert your attention. Actively scan the road and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. 2. Store loose gear and possessions so they don’t roll around. 3. Make adjustments: GPS, seats, mirrors, audio—before driving. 4. Finish dressing and grooming at home before you get on the road. 5. Avoid eating meals and snacks while driving. 6. Secure children and pets before driving off. 7. Put aside electronic distractions. Don’t use cellphones—handheld or hands-free—while driving. Never text messages, read emails, and play video games—even those built into the vehicle. 8. If you have passengers, ask them to help you focus on the driving. 9. If another activity demands your attention, pull off the road in a safe place. Use caution when using voice-activated systems, even during a lull in traffic. 10. If you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, consider it as a distraction. Take care of the other matter before or after your trip, not while driving. hands-free operation. Carmakers will highlight their Bluetoothenabled infotainment systems as safer (and certainly legal) alternatives. But the most dangerous effect of mobile device use is the cognitive one. Studies have shown that even when using a hands-free device, the driver is still very much distracted.
Using various voice command systems has drivers logging moderate distraction to very high distraction. even after stopping use of a device such as a phone or navigation system, there is a “latency effect” where drivers are still not fully attentive—this lasts a long 27 seconds. hands-free doesn’t mean brain free, according to the data.
Being the premiere Toyota retailer in the nation, Longo Toyota aims to deliver a truly world-class experience to our guests on every transaction, everyday. it all starts with our friendly and welcoming staff, a clean and modern environment, and a wide range of services to make your visit pleasant and convenient. Here are some of our key amenities at Longo Toyota: Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) in november 1999, Longo Toyota became the first automotive dealership in the US to have the Auto Club on its premises. For 14 long years, our Auto Club branch has served countless satisfied Longo customers with its wide array of services Today, our on-site branch offers DMV services, airline, car and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, membership processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our Longo Toyota branch and get $13 off the original membership application price. Located in our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm. Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer Longo Lexus is the first car dealership in the US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless neighborhood services on-site. Our Verizon branch offers the latest in telecommunications, mobile devices, accessories and services. We also offer complimentary cellphone charging stations for our customers. Our Verizon retailer is located inside our parts retail center. Our Wireless Playground is open Monday-Friday, 7am7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; and Sunday, 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 for more information. Starbucks and Subway While waiting for your car to come out of our car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick bite at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks. We offer healthy dining options with Subway’s wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. if you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that quick coffee
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fix, you can grab a refreshing Hazelnut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuccino at Starbucks. Offering only the finest coffee specialties, teas, juices, and assortment of pastries, there’s something for everybody at our on-site Starbucks branch. Both our Subway and Starbucks branches are available for catering services. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Longo Toyota also has two enterprise Rent-A-Car offices on its premises. One is located adjacent to the Service Drive in the Pre-Owned Vehicle Showroom, and the other is in the Collision Repair Center. Customers are welcome to utilize the enterprise rental services, regardless of whether or not they leave their vehicle in Longo for any car service. Complimentary Vehicle Delivery Service Longo Toyota also offer complimentary vehicle delivery service. Our delivery service is available 6 days a week, Monday thru Saturday, anywhere within a 60-mile radius of Longo Toyota. Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department You can also shop at the Longo Toyota Parts and Accessories Department, which carries a wide selection of genuine Toyota parts and accessories for your vehicle. With thousands of parts and accessories in stock, we definitely have whatever it is you’re looking for. Our boutique also carries a selection of RayBan and Oakley sunglasses, women’s and men’s apparel, and so much more.
Shuttle Service For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers complimentary shuttle service while your vehicles are being serviced. Our shuttles can take you to virtually anywhere within a 15mile radius of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, the mall, or even the parlor! Anywhere! An engaging stay While we understand that our customer’s time is precious, we realize that many of them may need internet connectivity at all times. As such we are more than happy to provide FRee WiFi throughout our facility, and FRee use of our great business center. in our business center, we provide a quiet setting where our guests can work on our computers or on their own laptops. We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our guest Check-in representative will be more than happy to arrange this for you. if you decide to bring the kids to the dealership, boredom will never be a problem. We also offer a variety of video games and DVDs just for kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to Longo Toyota. For more information on our Longo Toyota guest Services, please log on to http://www. longotoyota.com/dealership/ amenities.htm. Longo Toyota is located at 3534 north Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731. Call (626)539-2584 to set up your appointment. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek
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D August 13-16, 2016 • LA WEEKEND AsIAN JOuRNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797