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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. 69 • 4 Sections – 30 Pages

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PH govt, communist rebels reach indefinite ceasefire deal

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DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Trump wavers on immigration, plans to adopt Obama’s deportation policy

D o N A L D trump is softening his call for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, saying that he plans to mirror President Barack obama’s policy of deporting criminals but “perhaps with a lot more energy.” the republican presidential Donald Trump nominee said that he would double down on distinguishing between the “bad” immigrants and “everybody else.” “the first thing we’re going to do if and when i win is we’re going to get rid of all the bad ones,” trump said in a town hall-style event on fox News on monday, August 22.

When asked about possibly changing the law to providing legal status to law-abid-

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White House proposes new immigration rule to attract international entrepreneurs the obama administration on friday, August 26 announced a new proposed rule that would allow certain international entrepreneurs to come to the United states to start their businesses.

Under the international entrepreneur rule, the Department of homeland security (Dhs) would grant parole—temporary permission to be in the United states—to entrepreneurs if their startups show significant potential to grow and create jobs.

“America’s economy has long benefitted from the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, from main street to silicon Valley,” U.s. Citizenship and immigration services (UsCis) Director León rodríguez said in a statement. “this proposed rule, when finalized, will help our economy grow by expanding immigration options for foreign entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria for creating jobs, attracting investment and generating revenue in the U.s.”

Under this proposed rule, Dhs may pa-

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by Eric

anthony LicaS AJPress

rePreseNtAtiVes of the Philippine government and maoist rebels made progress toward ending almost 50 years of conflict during a week of negotiations in oslo, Norway, that

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produced an indefinite ceasefire agreement on friday, August 26. the arrangement formalizes earlier declarations to refrain from hostilities made separately by government officials and the National Democratic front of the Philippines (NDfP), according to GmA News.

Negotiators also discussed the release of detained maoists who will take part in future peace talks, and reiterated their commitment to ending one of Asia’s longest armed revolts. “there is a clear plan to accelerate the peace negotiations,” Jose maria sison, the founder of the Communist

Party of the Philippines (CPP), told reuters.

Participants in the peace process expect talks to last between nine months to a year. they plan on brokering political and constitutional reforms before signing an agreement

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Duterte insists bilateral talks with China be based on Hague ruling by chriStina

M. oriEL anD Dana SioSon AJPress

PresiDeNt rodrigo Duterte on friday, August 26, said that any possible upcoming bilateral talks with China regarding the south China sea territorial dispute should be based on the hague’s ruling.

During his speech at the 10th anniversary celebration of the east mindanao Command in Davao City, Duterte disclosed that he stressed this point with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua who flew to mindanao to meet him.

Last July 12, the arbitration tribunal at the hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and concluded that China’s claim of sovereignty over the waters had no legal basis.

“We avoid trouble with them. hindi pa natin kaya (We’re still incapable). sinabi ko (i told) mr. Ambassador, i will not talk about it but when we are in front of each other in a bilateral talk, just the two of us, then

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DIALOGUE. President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the media at the Magsaysay Fruit Vendors Association Stalls in Davao City on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Malacañang photo by Robsinon Niñal

China collaborating with PNP, urges Duterte to end public allegations

by Eric

Henry Sy Sr., John Gokongwei Jr., Jon Ramon Aboitiz, Ramon Ang, Edgar Sia II

Philstar.com photos

Forbes: Records number of Filipino billionaires in 2016

ministration of President rodrigo Duterte, with its plan to invest in a ‘golden age of infrastructure,’ could boost them even for the year 2016, American business higher,” it said. magazine forbes released its new list of Ninety one-year-old shopping mogul the 50 richest filipinos on thursday, Au- henry sy still topped the annual ranking gust 25. of forbes for nine years consecutively, de“several tycoons with interests in de- spite his net worth declining from $14.4 velopment and construction enjoyed a billion in 2015 to $13.7 billion in 2016. particularly robust year, and the new adu PAGE A2

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Pacquiao starts training for November fight

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

With a little over two months before his fight against Jessie Vargas, Manny Pacquiao has kicked off his training.

Philboxing photo by Wendell Rupert Alinea

With just a couple of months ahead of his November match against reigning WBo Welterweight Champion Jessie Vargas, senator manny “Pacman” Pacquiao began his light training on tuesday, August 22, in preparation for his comeback fight.

Vargas, an American boxer, has a record of 27 wins, one loss, and 10 knockouts. their match is set on November 5 in Las Vegas. the filipino boxing champ has started doing laps and shadow boxing in the streets around his mansion in North

forbes Park in makati City, and other places near the senate offices in the manila Bay area.

Determined to prove his promise that boxing won’t interfere with his legislative duties, Pacquiao’s camp said his training will be almost entirely done in the Philippines, adding that he will only fly to United states when the Upper house takes a break on oct. 22.

After that, he and his team will return to the Philippines to attend to his senate duties, according to his Canadian adviser michael Koncz. on the other hand, his coach, freddie

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anthony LicaS AJPress

ChiNA hopes to play an active role in capturing Chinese citizens accused in President rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, according to statements made by the country’s ambassador to the Philippines on tuesday, August 23.

Ambassador Zhao Jianhua told reporters that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and

the Chinese National Police Agency (NPA) have engaged in joint training exercises and intelligence sharing in support of Duterte’s crackdown on the illicit drug trade. however, Zhao pressed Philippine officials to provide the NPA with specific information on suspects that might be from China instead of outing and shaming them. “if you find there are Chinese

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A AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

PH govt, communist rebels reach…

PAGE A1 t

to end an insurgency that has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

“We think that the peace talks now can move forward with a good atmosphere and try to move on with the social and economic reforms which are vital for addressing the roots of the armed conflict,” Luis Jalandoni, the head of the communist delega-

tion, told Agence France-Presse.

The Filipino Maoists advocate redistributing land to impoverished farmers and the nationalization of industries, according to Reuters.

They have been in revolt against the government since 1968. Multiple attempts have been made to work out a peace agreement beginning with the

administration of Cory Aquino in 1986.

The rebels are also calling for the Philippine government to honor or revisit deals they had previously signed with the NDFP, including the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). That arrangement could extend amnesty to about 530 jailed communists, according to Reuters and GMA News.

In 2002, the United States and the European Union added the CPP to their lists of foreign terror organizations. Fighters for the armed wing of the CPP, the New People’s Army (NPA), are known to extort businesses in the Southern Philippines. They also have a reputation of attacking police and military forces.

President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew an earlier offer in July for an armistice with the NDFP after one government militiaman was killed and four others were wounded in an NPA ambush, according to a previous report from

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NO TOY. Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa tinkers with one of the firearms seized by the police under Oplan Double Barrel from June to August this year. The firearms were displayed during the 115th Police Service anniversary held at Canlubang City in Laguna.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Forbes…

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Sy was followed by JG Summit Holdings’ John Gokongwei Jr. with a net worth of $6.8 billion, and the Aboitiz family with a net worth of $5 billion.

Percentage-wise, the magazine said this year’s biggest winner was new billionaire Edgar Sia II who ranked No. 17 with a net worth of $1.2 billion. He was also named as the youngest richest Filipino.

The 39-year-old tycoon’s wealth increased by 200 percent due to the fast-growing mall and residence developer, DoubleDragon Properties, which he co-owns with Tony Tan Caktiong who ranked no. 6 on the list with a net worth of $4.3 billion. Caktiong is also the founder, chairman and CEO of Jollibee Foods, the biggest fast food restaurant chain in the Philippines.

Also occupying the top 10 spots on the list are: Lucio Tan (no. 4 with $4.9 billion), George Ty (no. 5 with $4.6 billion), Jaime Zobel de Ayala (no. 7 with $4.1 billion), Enrique Razon Jr. (no. 8 with $3.5 billion), David Consunji (no. 9 with $3.1 billion) and Andrew Tan (no. 10 with $3

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From the Front page

CONVICTED. Jun Lozada at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Monday, August 23 after he was found guilty of of graft over a corrupt act when he was president and chief executive officer of the state-owned Philippine Forest Corp. (PFC) in 2007 and 2008. Lozada turned whistleblower in the anomalous 2007 National Broadband Network-ZTE deal case.

Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

Duterte insists bilateral talks with China…

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I would state my case. I have this arbitral judgment. We will not go out of the four corners of this paper, then let us talk,” Duterte said, as reported by the Philippine Star.

He added that they should instead talk about issues that would promote unity.

China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said on Wednesday, August 24 that the country was also open to a dialogue with the Philippines.

“We believe the two sides have the ability and the wisdom to appropriately discuss and resolve problems, promote the return of relations to a track of healthy development, and bring benefits to both countries’ people,” he said.

However, Duterte pointed out that the Philippines should also prepare for possible conflict in

case the bilateral talks do not work.

“If China withdraws from formal talks, then it could only mean one thing,” the president said, adding that he would be ready to lead the country’s armed forces.

He added, “Now, we are towards the future. [The] Philippines is going to experience another spasm. When I do not know, but that’s for sure. So be prepared even with limited talent and capacity.”

He added that he could disburse funds to increase the nation’s number of soldiers.

“There is always the standing army to protect us. Never mind how many even if it causes [an] imbalance in the budget.

If it always good to have men there, ready to fight and die rather than not having them at all and just surrender just like

a meek lamb there. That cannot be,” he said.

Duterte will head to Laos in September for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, marking his first international trip as head of state.

He previously told reporters that he would not personally bring up the territorial disputes at the convening.

“But if another country will bring the matter up, that is not within my control. My participation there is to listen to issues confronting the ASEAN and if somebody brings up the matter about South China Sea, then I will talk,” he said on Thursday, August 25.

In addition to the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei have claims in the South China Sea. n

China collaborating with PNP, urges Duterte…

PAGE A1 t

nationals who got themselves involved in drug-related crimes, give us solid information before you say they are Chinese,” Zhao said. “These allegations or generalizations must be avoided.”

Duterte has appeared on national television on multiple occasions to publicly identify suspected drug lords. He has also said some of those involved in the Philippine drug trade were Chinese.

“The Chinese or Filipino-Chi-

nese drug syndicates dominate the drug market in the country,” according to PNP documents acquired by the Associated Press.

“They facilitate production, manufacturing and bulk smuggling of dangerous drugs in the country.”

Those documents also reportedly list the names of 14 Chinese and two Taiwanese nationals suspected of dealing drugs who have not yet been outed as of Wednesday, August 24.

Duterte has promised to kill

high-ranking dealers and pronounced a shoot-to-kill order against criminals in May, according to the Inquirer. Over 673,000 alleged drug pushers and dealers have turned themselves into police and nearly 2,000 suspects have been killed as of Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

Zhao conceded that there are likely some Chinese nationals involved in illegal drug trade.

However, he said it was “utterly

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2016

A

From the Front page

A AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

White House proposes new immigration rule…

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role, on a case-by-case basis, eligible entrepreneurs of startup enterprises who have at least 15 percent ownership in the startup and have “an active and central role to its operations.” The startup must have been formed in the U.S. within the past three years and demonstrate potential for rapid business growth and job creation. The basis for that, the USCIS said, is that the startup must have received at least $345,000 from reputable U.S. investors or awards and grants of at

least $100,000 from federal, state or local government entities.

In a Medium post, Tom Kalil, deputy director for Technology and Innovation at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Doug Rand, assistant director for entrepreneurship at OSTP, noted the contributions that immigrant entrepreneurs have made to the U.S. economy.

Immigrants have co-founded one of every four small businesses and high-tech startups across the country, and over half

the high-tech startups in Silicon Valley.

Further, more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants.

Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal, Affirm, Glow, and Slide, also praised the proposed rule.

“I believe that the most promising entrepreneurs from around the world should have the same opportunity I had—the chance to deliver on their potential, here

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China…

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wrong” to assume all of the Philippines’ drug kingpins were from China.

“We are not protecting them … please give us information, so that we can identify them if they are Chinese nationals, they are Chinese citizens, or they are fugitives carrying Chinese passports,” said Zhao. “So far, for most of the cases we did not get anything at all.”

A general agreement on joint crime fighting is already in place between the Philippines and China. Officials in Beijing would consider upgrading the arrangement to a bilateral agreement and are ready to provide the PNP with law enforcement equipment, according to the AP. “We can have a healthy framework or guidelines for cooperation in the fight against drugs,” said Zhao. n

WAITING TO TESTIFY. Their faces covered, witnesses, mostly relatives of suspects killed during an intensified police campaign against illegal drugs, wait for their appearance at a hearing on extrajudicial killings being conducted by the Senate committee on justice and human rights.

Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma

Forbes: Records number of…

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billion).

Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., the 95-year-old co-founder of Rustan’s Group, was the oldest businessman on the list with a net worth of $165 million, ranking 46th.

“At least five of the 50 richest are invested in San Miguel, one of the nation’s oldest conglomerates. They have benefited nicely from the company’s growth strategy in energy and other infrastructure, which propelled its

stock’s value up 50 percent,” according to Forbes.

Ramon Ang, the leader of San Miguel Corporation, ranked 16th with a net worth of $1.21 billion.

While Forbes’s record consisted mostly of males, five businesswomen made it to the list.

Filipina tycoons include Ayala

Corporation and San Miguel Corporation stakeholder Mercedes Zobel who ranked 14th, Mercury Drug’s Vivian Que Azcona who ranked 24th, Monde Nissin’s Betty Ang who ranked 26th, Unilab’s Beatrice Campos who ranked 27th, and Banco De Oro’s Juliette Romualdez who ranked 48th. n

PH govt, communist rebels…

PAGE A2 t

the Asian Journal.

However, both sides remained committed to the peace process.

Earlier this month, the NDFP responded to the release of 19 political prisoners by announcing a preliminary ceasefire ahead of the Oslo talks. The Duterte administration followed suit the next day, Saturday, August 20, with a ceasefire declaration of its own.

“We are in a better position now,” said the president, as reported by Al Jazeera. “There is a window.”

Bringing an end to separatist violence in the region has been

one of Duterte’s priorities, according to Al Jazeera. He intends to resolve ongoing conflicts with both the NDFP and the jihadist-inspired Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in hopes of revitalizing the Southern Philippines to help lift the country as a whole out of poverty.

“There is still a lot of work to be done ahead,” said the Philippines presidential peace adviser, Jesus Dureza, on Friday. “Let us all stay the course together, no matter what.”

Negotiators will return to Oslo to continue peace talks on October 8-12. n

Pacquiao starts training for…

PAGE A1 t

Roach, is expected to arrive in the country several weeks before the fight.

Last April 2015, the eight-division world champion declared his retirement from boxing after winning his match against Timo-

thy Bradley.

He later announced on August 10 that he’ll be back in the ring while admitting his excitement.

“Boxing is my passion. I miss what I’d been doing inside the gym and atop the ring,” Philstar quoted Pacquiao. n

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2016

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Clinton bolsters Asian American support in three states

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

THE CRY REMEMBERED. A group of employees pose for a photo at the Cry of Pugad Lawin Shrine in Quezon City. In August 1896, katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio started their revolt against Spain. The country marked the event’s 120th anniversary on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Cal State system to combat student homelessness

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

ABOUT a tenth of all students in the California State University (CSU) system are homeless, and about one-fifth of them are food insecure, according to reports from the CSU. Until recently did the CSU — which is the largest public university system in the United States — seek to identify and understand the system’s homeless and food insecure student body.

“The idea that one in five Cal State students is food insecure is a gasp, when you think about it,” CSU Chancellor Timothy White said at a conference on Monday, August 22. “It’s a gasp when you talk to someone in my neighborhood or an elected official because when they come to the campuses, they see the lights on, the lawns manicured, the classes full, the energy high and they don’t see the fact that one in five students on any five of our campuses is food insecure at any time and that one in 10 have an issue with respect to their housing.”

The CSU’s study is the first of its kind to put the issue into focus and seek ways to combat the quiet but rampant problem within the entire system.

Previously, the only indicator of student homelessness was through self-identification on federal financial aid applications, which found that more than 56,000 students identified as such.

But the problem is that most students do not admit their sta-

tus as homeless, either because of the stigmas associated with homelessness or they don’t think their situations qualify as homelessness.

Homeless students are classified as those who do not have a permanent living situation and use unconventional means like couch-surfing and living in cars, among others.

The first phase of the study involved interviewing 92 students, four focus groups, student and faculty surveys and an overview of the services that already exist in the CSU. The study found that less than half the 23 CSU campuses offer services for the homeless and food insecure, and only 15 percent actively seek out students in need.

Last year, Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) awarded a $100,000 grant for researching homelessness and food instability among CSU students. The project was headed by Rashida Crutchfield, assistant professor at CSULB’s School of Social Work.

Many of the students who are classified as homeless typically allocate all their money and resources to their tuition — which is about $5,500 a year at the CSU — over housing. The definition of homelessness is far more nuanced than literally living on the streets, but most people don’t know that, according to Crutchfield.

“Students who experience homelessness are invisible,” Crutchfield said in a statement.

“They are not required to identify themselves, and because of the stigma associated with

White House proposes new…

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in America,” Levchin said in a statement released by the White House.

The rule would also allow entrepreneurs to be granted an initial stay of up to two years to oversee and grow their startup entity in the country. A subsequent request for re-parole (for up to three additional years) would be considered only if the entrepreneur and the startup entity continue to provide a significant public benefit as evidenced by substantial increases in capital investment, revenue or job creation.

After five years, there are other immigration paths for the entre-

preneurs, such as the EB-2 visa, Rodriguez said on Friday.

The DHS will also publish guidance to clarify when entrepreneurs can self-petition for a green card.

The notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register invites public comment for 45 days, after which USCIS will address the comments received. The proposed rule does not take effect with the publication of the notice of proposed rulemaking. It will take effect on the date indicated in the final rule when a final rule is published in the Federal Register. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

Trump wavers on immigration…

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ing undocumented immigrants, Trump acknowledged the law can use “softening because we’re not looking to hurt people.” He did not outwardly say he would be open to proposing a pathway to citizenship, but he said that he plans to follow the law which includes deportation.

“What people don’t know is that Obama got tremendous numbers of people out of the country. Bush, the same thing.

Lots of people were brought out of the country with the existing laws. Well, I’m going to do the same,” Trump added.

More immigrants have been deported under the Obama administration than in any other administration.

Since 2009 (Obama’s first year in office), the Department of Homeland Security has deported more than 2.5 million people, which is 23 percent higher than former President George W. Bush’s total deportation numbers.

The year 2013 comprised of

the record high at 438,421 deportations of undocumented immigrants, according to data from Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE). Since then, the number has been decreasing due to the administration’s call to be more selective in who they deport, specifically targeting those who threaten public safety or national security.

Although attacking Obama’s presidency was a key to his campaign strategy, Trump supporters at the town hall seemed to support their candidate’s call to adopt an Obama policy.

The news comes after the Trump campaign announced that the candidate would go softer on his immigration rhetoric.

In the past, Trump has been steadfast on deporting more than 11 million undocumented immigrants, proposing to ban immigration from countries with known terrorism (including the Philippines) and building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico (and having the latter country pay for it). (Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

homelessness, they purposefully hide their circumstances from those who might be able to help them.”

Studying the homeless population in higher education institutions is far more difficult. Social services geared toward homeless and food insecure students exist in K-12 institutions, but are far less common in higher educations, Barbara Duffield of the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth told the Los Angeles Times. n

MANY polls show that Asian Americans prefer Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in this election cycle. However, the Clinton campaign is still extending its reach to the Asian American community, specifically in three critical states: Nevada, Pennsylvania and Virginia, the state which running mate Tim Kaine represents in the Senate.

Due to the tight races in these states, Asian Americans have the potential to swing voters to Clinton.

According to Jason Tengco, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) outreach director, the Clinton campaign will deliver content in a plethora of Asian languages — including Tagalog —and mobilize the help of volunteers representing a wide range of AAPI ethnicities and cultures.

Nevada, in particular, has a crucial Asian American electorate that can tip the scale, and they’ve proven it in the past.

In 2010, early polls predicted long-time Senator Harry Reid losing the Senate seat. With additional efforts to appeal to Asian Americans — including securing an endorsement from Manny Pacquiao — Reid ended up securing the Senate seat with the help of 79 percent of the Asian American electorate.

“The fact that [Asian Americans] tend to be organized and well-informed, I think, puts them ahead of the curve,” Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nevada) told Politico.

Catherine Cortez Masto, Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, rallied for Asian Americans to vote Democrat in the upcoming elections, citing Trump’s disparaging remarks on Philippine immigration.

“Under a Trump presidency, no immigrants from the Philippines would be able to come to the United States,” Cortez Masto said during an Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) reception in Las Vegas.

“With Donald Trump in power and Congressman Heck enabling him and supporting him, the [AAPI] community here in Las Vegas and across the country would suffer.”

Nevada boasts an abundant Filipino community, with a vast majority living in the Las Vegas area.

According to the 2010 census report, Filipinos comprise more than half of the Asian American population, with an estimated total of 100,000 Filipinos.

Clinton’s opponent, however, discredited her extended efforts to reach out to minority groups as pandering.

“Hillary Clinton is a bigot who sees people of color only as votes, not as human beings worthy of a better future,” Trump said in a speech on Wednesday, August 24.

But with Asian Americans’ overwhelming distaste for Trump’s rhetoric regarding immigration and Muslims, it’s clear that Clinton has a far better chance at taking the Asian American vote. A recent survey from APIAVote concluded that three-

fifths of the Asian American electorate harbor negative views of Trump and only one-fifth hold a positive impression.

And Filipinos’ views mirror the larger population.

As the Asian Journal previously reported, Filipinos generally prefer Clinton over Trump, according to a study from APIAVote, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and AAPI Data. The study found that 59 percent of Filipinos approve of Clinton while Trump pales in comparison at 23 percent.

“Not surprisingly, what we saw in the primaries, and what we continue to see as we’re organizing in the general is that the AAPI community is standing with Hillary Clinton. That’s because our community knows that Hillary has a record of defending our best interests,” Tengco told the Asian Journal in June.

“While Donald Trump continues to espouse hateful rhetoric and policy proposals that will damage our economy, Hillary is doing everything she can to ensure our community continues to thrive. The choice couldn’t be clearer in this election.”

With the growing Asian American population in the United States, the AAPI electorate is poised to be one of the most influential in this election cycle.

But a major drawback is voter registration. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed that in 2012, Asian voter registration was at a mere 56 percent compared to black voters’ 73 percent and white voters’ 72 percent white voters. n

A AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Asia Society names 2 Filipinas among Asia’s top young leaders

NEW YORK CITY – Two Filipina professionals are among the outstanding young leaders chosen for the 2016 class of the prestigious Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, the Asia Society announced.

Teach for the Philippines CEO Clarissa Delgado and Human Heart Nature co-founder Anna Meloto-Wilk were selected this year for Asia 21, a network of professionals under the age of 40 working together “to shape a brighter future for the Asia-Pacific region.”

Now in its 11th year, Asia 21 counts more than 800 young leaders in its network.

Delgado and Meloto-Wilk were named along with 30 other professionals from 24 countries. The members of this year’s class will meet at the Asia 21 Summit in December in Seoul, South Korea.

There, they will share best practices in leadership and develop group public service projects.

Delgado was selected for “transforming lives through quality education.” She is the co-founder and CEO of Teach for the Philippines, the non-profit organization that enlists promis-

ing young professionals to teach for two years in public schools throughout the Philippines.

“The further into my leadership journey I get, the more I realize that my role is not to be the answer-provider but the facilitator,” Delgado said.

Much of the success of Teach for the Philippines, she noted, “results from a commitment to find competitive professionals, brighter and more talented than I in their functions, and invest them in a common mission, building an environment of trust.”

Meloto-Wilk was chosen for “championing fairness — and profit — in business.” She is the co-founder and president of Human Heart Nature, a natural personal care company that promotes fair wages, fair trade with farmers and ethical and sustainable businesses practices. Since 2008, the company has grown from a team of three to almost 400 people with distribution in five countries.

“Leadership is about authentic and purposeful living,” MelotoWilk said. “I am inspired by my father who started and led a movement for Filipinos to love

and rebuild their country by caring for the poorest among us.

His example has taught me to be resolute in the face of disappointments and setbacks.”

Delgado and Meloto-Wilk were selected through a highly competitive process based on “outstanding achievement, commitment to public service, and a proven ability to make the world a better place.”

Asia 21 alumni will serve as mentors and potential collaborators to the new class. Alumni include political figures (Philippines Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV; Malaysia Minister for Youth and Sports Khairy Jamaluddin; former USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah); media personalities (NDTV journalist Barkha Dutt, Herald Corporation Chairman Ryan Hong, Moby Group Chairman Saad Mohseni); award-winning filmmakers (Maziar Bahari, Nitin Das, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy); and private sector executives (Saratoga Investment President Sandiaga Uno, YTL Singapore Executive Director Ruth Yeoh; Bank of America Merrill Lynch Head of Global Equities Distribution Soofian Zuberi).

Bullying of Asian Pacific Americans on the rise

SAN FRANCISCO — A new report from a White House task force says cases of bullying targeting Asian Americans and Pa-

cific Islanders are on the rise.

The new report from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders indi-

cated that students have been told to “go back to their country” and others have been mocked for their facial features, physical stature, skin color, hair and style of dress. Recently arrived immigrants not fluent in English bullied for “being too Asian.” The perpetrators include peers and even some teachers.

The report released this month is based on surveys with 30 organizations, including student and youth groups, domestic violence shelters and mental health advocacy groups, according to Civil Beat. Listening sessions were also held in 29 cities big and small, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa.

Although Hawaii was not included, the findings dovetail with local data compiled by the Hawaii Department of Education: percent of Native Hawaiians and 17 percent of Filipinos in Hawaii high schools in 2015 said they had been bullied. The numbers for those same groups more than doubled in middle schools.

“Every day, kids of all ages

Atty. Abraham Lim, president of LA-Makati Sister City, with California Assemblymember Rob Bonta and the trade delegation during its luncheon at the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines last July 13, 2016. Also in the photo are Annie Cuevas Lim, Dean Garofalo, chief of staff for Assemblymember Bonta, and various members of the trade delegation.

Assemblymember Rob Bonta leads a delegation of various chamber of commerce officials MANILA, Philippines—Last July 13, California Assemblymember Rob Bonta led a delegation composed of various chamber of commerce officials from Sacramento and Southern California to the Philippines. Bonta is the first Filipino-American elected to the California Assembly. He was born and raised in Quezon City and was two years old when his family migrated to the United States.

Los Angeles-area immigration attorney Abraham Lim accompanied Bonta as a sponsor.

Atty. Lim and his wife, Mrs. Annie Cuevas Lim, have supported the assemblymember since he was elected to his office, but participated in a trade mission for the first time. Atty.

Lim also serves as the head of the LA-Makati Sister City chapter under the auspices of the Los Angeles Sister City department of the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles. His involvement with the Bonta trade mission could pave the way for a future trade mission to be headed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“As president of the LAMakati Sister City, I would like to have the opportunity to bring the honorable Mayor of experience bullying in schools across the country,” stated Doua Thor, the executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

“In the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, this

Dean Garofalo, chief of staff for Assemblymember Bonta, Annie Cuevas Lim, Atty. Abraham Lim, CA Assemblymember Rob Bonta during a welcome dinner hosted by Annie Cuevas at her family’s Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City on July 15, 2016.

Los Angeles to the Philippines,” Lim said. “By joining Assemblyman Bonta on this trade mission, I learned a lot about the logistics, research, networking, and marketing aspects of organizing a mission. It does involve a lot of planning and praying.”

The delegation was feted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands with a lunch buffet attended by the organization’s top leaders and members. Chamber President Jose Luis Yulo signed a Memorandum of Understanding

between his chamber and its foreign counterpart, the California Asian Chamber of Commerce, during the event. Both chambers agreed to help each other with trade and economic development relationships.

The delegation included James Santa Maria, President of The Santa Maria Group, a political lobby firm based in Los Angeles and Aaron Read & Associates led by its President Aaron Read, and the firm’s associates. n

problem is often compounded by cultural, religious and linguistic barriers that can make it harder for AAPI youth to seek and receive help.”

Thor added, “Anecdotal evidence has shown that certain AAPI groups – including South

Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Micronesian, LGBT, immigrant, and limited English proficient youth – are more likely to be the targets of bullying. And in some areas, bullying of AAPI students can be shockingly common.”

(Inquirer.net)

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Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2016

A

Duterte to UN, critics: ‘I’m the president’

republic. That is my solemn and sacred duty,” he said.

Earlier this month, Duterte PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte threatened to pull the Philippines once again fired back at the Unit- from the UN after special raped Nations (UN) and his other porteurs Agnes Callamard and critics who express disapproval Dainius Puras called on the govof his administration’s campaign ernment to stop the extrajudicial killings of persons linked to illeagainst illegal drugs.

In his speech before the mili- gal drugs.

Although the president later tary on Friday, August 26, Duterte said that the UN broke the pro- claimed that his statement was tocol when it issued a statement a joke, he insisted that the UN that criticized the extrajudicial should understand “the way [it] killings that have occurred since should behave,” meaning that he took office in July.

“When I was mayor, you can really criticize me…call me names. But these dimwits forgot that I’m now a president and I represent a country,” Duterte said during his speech at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City.

He added that he does not care about the views of human rights advocates and experts from the UN because he bears the responsibility of protecting Filipinos.

“My business is to protect the people of the Philippines and keep intact the integrity of the

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

OPLAN DOUBLE BARREL. A PNP operative arranges the 536 loose firearms confiscated from June 1, 2016 to August 22, 2016 during the police authorities’ “Oplan Double Barrel” in Calabarzon area. “Oplan Double Barrel” is a strategy by the policemen for an all-out antiillegal drugs simultaneously attacking big-time drug lords and street-level pushing.

Inquirer.net photo Richard Reyes

Malacañang affirms strong PH-US ties amid drug war

committed to our bilateral relationship and strengthening that AJPress bilateral relationship.”

DESPITE the recent remarks On the other hand, Duterte’s made by United States officials recent outbursts against critics in relation to Philippine Presi- of his anti-illegal drugs camdent Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign paign have led many to question against illegal drugs, Malacañang the state of relations between the affirmed that both nations still two governments. maintain a “good relationship.”

Over the weekend, Duterte “We are open to the opinions also lashed out against the U.S. and positions of certain govern- police killings of black men. ments, but we’d like to reiterate that the relationship between the US and the Philippines remains basically solid, and we have a good relationship,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told ABS-CBN News on Friday, August 26.

During a press briefing on Thursday, August 25, U.S. State Department press office director Elizabeth Trudeau was asked about Duterte’s apparent disregard for the concerns surrounding the killings.

Trudeau again repeated the U.S.’ call that Philippine law enforcement should comply with human rights obligations. She also noted that the U.S. and the Philippines have a close enough relationship continue to bring up these issues.

“I would say that we continue to engage with the government of the Philippines on our concerns privately, as well as from the podium, and raise those...We think that our relationship, which has spanned 70 years, is a frank and open enough relationship that we can have those conversations,” she said.

Earlier this week, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner also said the U.S. is monitoring the extrajudicial killings, but the country is “also

by Dana

SioSon

“Why are you Americans killing the black people there, shooting them down when they are already on the ground?” Duterte said on Sunday, August 21, adding that those cases are “still human rights violations.”

Regarding the vacant position of Philippine ambassador to the United States, Abella said Duterte is still looking for someone to fit the post left by Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. n

the international group should not meddle in the affairs of the Philippines.

“Do not do that because you are addressing me as president and you’re pointing to the police structure. This is a government,” he said.

Since taking office seven weeks ago, over 1,500 individuals have been reported to be fatally shot by police or vigilantes. More than 600,000 drug users and pushers have surrendered, according to the president. n

A AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

One step closer to peace

AFTER several fits and starts, the peace process between the government and communist rebels appears to be finally taking off. Despite the withdrawal of an order for a unilateral ceasefire, President Duterte ordered his officials to proceed with the formal talks in Oslo, Norway with representatives of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front. The unilateral ceasefire was also restored.

Yesterday, at the end of the five-day talks, the CPP-NDF finally matched the gesture as both sides agreed to an indefinite truce. In Davao Oriental yesterday, the CPP’s military arm the New People’s Army released two policemen to a group led by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen, police station chief in Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental was captured last May 29. Police Officer 1 Michael Grande of the Banaybanay police station was captured on June 19 in Lupon town. In Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, PO1 Richard Yu of the Carmen town police, who was kidnapped in early July, was also freed by the NPA. President Duterte had demanded the release of the police officers and a stop to NPA attacks on government forces. On Aug. 19, the NDF ordered the release of the policemen as a goodwill gesture,

matching the release of Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma so they could join the NDF negotiating team.

What remains to be seen is whether the ceasefire will hold. Doubts have been raised on the extent of control that exiled leaders of the CPP-NDF wield on NPA fighters. The communist movement has been riven by factions that have engaged in bloody purges in the past. The greatest threat to the life of CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison in case he returns to the Philippines is reportedly posed not by government forces but by his enemies within the communist movement. CPP-NDF negotiators must show that they can stop the extortion activities of the NPA, which include the The President has made it clear that a coalition bombing of telecommunications towers, buses with the communists, whose ideology is at odds and offices of those who refuse to pay “revolu- with a democratic system, is not possible. But the tionary taxes.” two sides can enjoy peaceful co-existence, cooper-

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

ating on common aspirations such as social justice and a better life for the poor. In working for these aspirations, the agreement reached in Oslo is a most welcome development. (Philstar.com)

POLL: A big majority of Filipinos in America support Duterte’s controversial war on drugs “YOU can’t stop me,” declared Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, despite the criticism from international organizations like the United Nations and the Human Rights Watch, as well as by major international news organizations, for the drug war-related deaths since he took office.

They call the killings a violation of human rights and due process, however, Duterte remains unfazed and vows to continue the fight against drug dealers, pushers, and all those in power who are in cahoots with them in this “pandemic.”

Almost 1,800 people have died in Duterte’s war on drugs, as the president himself has given the police the order and the power to shoot to kill those who will resist arrest and fight back. While he contended that not all of those who died were

Duterte also said he is duty killed by the police and claimed bound as elected president of that some could have been mur- The Fil-Am the Philippines to protect the dered by drug lords, Duterte conpeople from criminals, as well ceded that there may be those Perspective as the lives of the police and who were killed by police even the military that help him in this when they did not pose any viowar against drugs and criminallent threat. The president said ity. these cases would be investigated Gel SantoS-ReloS The Duterte administraand be brought to justice. tion points out that more than But when confronted with accusations of violating the human rights of those 600,000 drug dealers and pushers have surrenkilled by police, Duterte argued that he is just do- dered, and this they argue is a testament to the ing his job to bring about real change and solve fact that the president is on the right track in the most pressing problems of the country, even delivering what he promised the Filipino people if it means he might be made accountable and when he was campaigning.

As kababayans in the United States have been suffer the consequences of his brazen and unconfollowing this disturbing news about the Philipventional policies and actions.

(Part I of II series)

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

Duterte-isms

The culture of ‘Sutokil’ under Pres. Rodrigo Duterte “WHAT presence does is to Rhizomes create the emphatic connection that comes from knowing that a person who has lived a human life is listening with all of themselves, body and mind…That is how you create an ethical con- Prosy aBarqueznection.” — Sherry Turkle, as Delacruz, J.D. quoted by Sarah van Gelder, YES! Magazine, Fall 2016.

“That ethical, emphatic connection suggests that we might make the greatest inroads on racism in our own communities, among our own families and friends…When we do take the time to connect, we weave a fabric of empathy and support. We make our communities more resilient and more centered on the common good. We may even find the courage to finally defeat racism.” — Sarah van Gelder Even though America has distanced itself from slavery, transitioning to freedom and respect for human rights and civil rights, there remain facets in our lives when we slide back to our prejudices and biases and are unaware of how they affect our behaviors.

Years back, on our way to see a Barbra Streisand’s concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Caucasian co-workers were non-stop in their critiques of folks of color. As we crossed the street, they made fun of what they saw, how folks dressed up, including their hairdos, how they spoke, and were preoccupied with mostly negative observations. They imitated how others spoke and laughed at their impersonations.

Had I applied what I learned about combating racism from interethnic relations training and leadership development courses that I took with other ethnicities, I might have spoken.

It disturbed me that I kept quiet. Had I not, I would have said, “How would you feel if you were at the receiving end of your hypercritical, mocking statements?” I failed, as I did not have the courage of my conviction and by default, I enabled their racism.

Unlike Fr. Ed who talked of biblical figures, Abraham, one of the fathers in the Catholic faith, whom he described as an Iraqi. It piqued my interest that Abraham was an Iraqi so I read James Goodman’s book, “Where is the Lamb,” an “original and urgent encounter with one of the most compelling and resonant stories ever told—God’s command to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac…a mere nineteen lines in the book of Genesis’ — [and where the book] rests at the heart of the history,

pines, a big majority of Filipinos in America are behind him in his war against drugs.

In the latest online viewer poll of The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America, 75 percent of those who voted said they support Duterte’s “shoot to kill” order in his war against terror, and give the president their full trust and confidence in the way he is governing the country.

Do you support Duterte’s war against drugs and how is waging it at all costs? ***

literature, theology, and sacred rituals of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,” as described in the Rutgers University’s website.

Reading about Abraham made me think not to limit myself to just the filter of my Catholic faith and instead to be more inclusive of other religions. Perhaps that is what we need in the 21st century: a diversity of perspectives, a broadening of our own consciousness to include others and empathy to put ourselves in their shoes.

It got me thinking about the Philippines, some 10,000 miles away, a Pacific Ocean distance from where I am.

High hopes for changes across the Pacific Ocean The recent national election on May 9 installed Rodrigo Duterte as its president of the Philippines, receiving in excess of 16 million votes out of 56 million registered voters, with 71 percent who did not vote for him.

Yet Rappler and “Balitang America” continue to describe him with a mandate, justifying it with an audience survey. Rappler goes so far as reporting that most Filipinos support him.

When the president was installed, high hopes accompanied him as he had a presence of a leader who can do the changes he promised. Militant groups who usually protested outside Congress ended up inside Malacañang in a meeting with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

He released political prisoners from jail to participate in the negotiated peace process in Oslo, Norway. He promised them “land and money” and everything he said, as long as he gets a peace agreement by the end of August. In the meantime, a ceasefire was declared by both the government and the left-wing forces.

He stayed lukewarm to a ruling by a permanent arbitration court in The Hague on July 12, 2016, which rejected Beijing’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, aka as the South China Sea, and found “that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the nine-dash line.”

Day ago, the president hinted at defending the sovereign wealth of the Philippines if China becomes more aggressive; weeks earlier, he convened a national security meeting, with former Presidents Arroyo, Estrada, Aquino and Ramos in attendance with Vice President Leni Robredo and his cabinet secretaries.

u PAGE A9

ANYONE with a relatively good grasp of current events can tell you who said this: “Ask not what Street your country can do for you but Talk what you can do for your country.”

Or this: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

The first one was John F. Ken- GreG B. MacaBenta nedy’s classic statement during his inauguration as president of the United States.

The second was by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his inaugural address at the height of the Great Depression in America.

What about this? “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.”

That was President Manuel Luis Quezon, making the patriotic statement that Philippine politicians have since slightly adjusted to: “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to the newlyinstalled president begins.”

We usually remember prominent personalities by the classic quips they make. President Ramon Magsaysay will always be remembered for declaring, “Those who have less in life should have more in law.”

And Senate President Jose Avelino of Samar’s candid quip will forever be part of Philippine political lore: “What are we in power for?”

President Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s solemn inaugural vow—“Walang kama-kamag-anak, walang kai-kaibigan”—will always stand out as the epitome of political untruthfulness, compared to the stark naked truthfulness of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s admission, “I lied!”

This was her response when asked why she did not make good on her threat to jump off a plane over the Luneta, in connection with her stout defense of Erap.

But all of these quotable quotes now pale compared to this one: “Putang inang Santo Papa.”

That, of course, is vintage Rodrigo Roa Duterte, president of the Republic of the Philippines.

Hopefully—and I am sincerely one of those with this hope—Duterte will be remembered in Philippine history as the president who instituted genuine positive change in the country, curbed criminality, particularly the drug menace, minimized corruption in government, untangled the infernal Metro Manila traffic, built adequate infrastructure to meet the needs not only of businesses and urban folk but also those in the rural areas, and finally enabled the poor to share in the benefits of economic prosperity.

Unfortunately, whatever good Duterte might notch will likely trigger a corresponding snicker over his classic foot-in-the-mouth gaffes. And that is the sad part. I am tempted to paraphrase

Mark Antony’s eulogy for Julius Caesar: “The mistakes that Presidents commit live after them. The achievements are oft interred with their bones.”

Frankly, I am beginning to believe that Duterte sincerely wants to leave a proud legacy as president of our country. And considering that a six-year term is really not enough to institute lasting changes, I can also understand his tendency to take short cuts, including extra-judicial ones.

As an account management person in an ad agency servicing an unforgiving client, I was known to tell my assistants: “If you face a blank wall, go around it, go over it or go under it. If none of that works, break down the goddamn wall.”

Apparently Duterte has the same attitude.

Unfortunately, if you were to go by his public statements—which he, at one time, characterized as preposterous—you would feel like the passenger of a sports car negotiating a zigzag mountain road at top speed. You have the hairy feeling that the vehicle could jump off the cliff at the next turn.

The latest Duterte-ism is his threat to withdraw the Philippines from membership in the United Nations (UN), over his pique at the UN’s disapproval of his murderous methods in his war against the drug menace.

Wrote CNN: “Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte insulted and threatened to leave the United Nations in response to criticism of his approach to drug crime since taking office….’Maybe we’ll just have to decide to separate from the United Nations,’ he said in English during the address. ‘If you are that insulting, son of a b*tch, we should just leave,’ he said then in Tagalog, according to a translation by CNN affiliate CNN Philippines.

‘Take us out of your organization. You have done nothing anyway.’”

Duterte appears to have conveniently forgotten the humanitarian aid for the Philippines organized by the United Nations and its agencies in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda and how our country depends on international support in our dispute with China over the Spratlys.

But this is vintage foot-in-mouth, shoot-fromthe-lip Duterte. His allies in Congress have been stumbling all over themselves to rush to his defense, pointing out that he should not be taken seriously. Here’s how the dailies reported on it: “At least two senators think so, saying President Duterte’s threat to withdraw the Philippines from the United Nations should not be taken too seriously.

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OpiniOn & Features

The culture of ‘Sutokil’ under…

PAGE A8 t

When Gina Lopez was appointed Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, most applauded when she exercised her agency’s authority in pulling the licenses of mining companies who have resorted to open pit mining practices—dangerous practices of leaching mineral contaminants into nearby rivers, much like in Surigao del Sur. Wanton killings are disturbing to consciences While the above-named presidential actions are welcome changes, the actions of the national police, resulting in thousands of wanton killings are disturbing not just to citizens in the Philippines but also, abroad.

At a Senate hearing on August 22, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa testified that the police killed 756 who ‘resisted’ and 1,100 died, but not at the hands of the police in the so-called “drug wars.”

Resisted was not derived by submitting facts or circumstances of shootings, but claims that these victims resisted and therefore were killed by the police. Notice they did not describe the threat to their persons, but simply with cardboard signs, which identify them as drug pushers.

Erwin Rafael, a professor of statistics at the University of the Philippines Diliman, posted a comparison of statistics on Facebook. There were 755 murders in July 2015, and 1,271 in July 2016, since Duterte assumed the presidency. Average murders and homicides per day were formerly at 31 but went up to 48 a day in July 2016. In his footnote, he cited the PNP’s statistics the source for the figures he charted.

I correlated his figures with the New York Times, Reuters and Time Magazine, which reported killings at more than 1,900 on August 23, 2016, an average of 36 a day. The figures ranged from 1,800 to nearly 2,000, depending on the newspaper or magazine you read.

PAGE A8 t

Culture of impunity, branding it “Sutokil” “It’s not about you, me or the President. Everything is bigger than us. That’s why I turned emotional … Your patriotic spirit will really be ignited when you read his speech,” claimed Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar.

Indeed, my patriotic spirit is being lit by these wanton killings! After all, there is a 68 percent spike in killings from a year ago — in just 30 days since Duterte was installed, after being a local mayor for seven terms, more than 22 years. Perhaps he needs to be more conscious that he has changed roles and he is no longer the mayor nor the sheriff of Davao, a province, but now of an entire nation.

When we visited Davao 10 years ago, we were struck by our hosts cautioning us not to speak loudly and to wait until we were inside his car to share our observations. He silently whispered that Duterte’s spies were all around and our casual remarks could get us killed.

As our hosts explained, a surge of varying emotions came upon me, much like the days of martial law when civil liberties were suspended.

We were told to order “Sutokil,” at an eating place. It felt strange to hear “Shoot to kill,” yet locals conjured this term to perhaps describe what the fish would go through, as they are cooked into three entrees: Sugba (grilled fish), Tula (fish soup) and Kilawin (raw fish tossed with vinegar, tomatoes, onions, peppers and spices).

That locals traded their consciences for a false sense of security, justifying what they would encounter daily, as necessary: bodies which are charred and grilled at casual random fires in homes and buildings, akin to sugba or grilled fish.

Or seeing bodies swimming in blood, like tula or fish soup, wantonly killed by vigilantes or death squads.

Or suspects’ reputations tainted by associating their names with known drug lords, much like “ki-

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Duterte-isms

“‘I don’t take it seriously. We are one of [the United Nations’] founding members,’ Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said on Sunday. ”Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he believed Mr. Duterte knew that leaving the United Nations would be detrimental to the Philippines. “‘He is a very intelligent man. Leaving the UN will throw our nation back to the Stone Age. He knows very well that being an isolationist country is not in the best interest of the Filipino people,’ he said on Sunday.”

Did Recto and Gatchalian realize that they were, in effect, being patronizing towards the president of the country and insulting his intelligence?

But this is not the first time that Duterte’s people have, in effect, dismissed their bosses’ statements as virtual hot air.

About Duterte’s vow to curb criminality and solve the problem of illegal drugs in three to six months, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald de la Rosa clarified: “Hindi namin makuha yan talaga yan 100 percent. Siguro kung mabagsak man kami maabot kami ng 60 percent lang o 70 percent (We cannot achieve 100 percent. Maybe we can reach 60 percent or 70 percent).”

My own reaction to Duterte’s over-reaching claim was to say that the country should be happy

enough if he actually succeeded in reducing criminality, particularly illegal drug trafficking.

In fact, Duterte himself has been self-deprecating and has cautioned the media against taking all his public statements “seriously.”

When human rights activists accused him during the presidential campaign of being behind the killings of 700 suspected criminals in Davao, Duterte corrected that and claimed, “1,700.”

He subsequently told the media in Davao City, shortly before assuming the presidency: “If it is a preposterous, ridiculous or out of the blue statement, kalabitin mo yung taga-Davao. Sabihin mo lang, ‘anong sinasabi ng loko-lokong ito?’ (Ask the folks in Davao, what is this crazy fellow saying?)”

When asked how would people know if he was serious or just joking, Duterte replied,”If it’s ridiculous, ano ba ‘tong gago? (Am I stupid?)”

Anyone interested in trivia could compile the fast-enlarging list of Duterte-isms and write a book.

And to that book, if it is ever published, I would like to contribute a fictitious situation where Duterte points a gun at a suspect and warns, “Patyon ta ka!

(I will kill you).”

After Duterte pulls the trigger and the victim collapses, the dying man mutters: “Akala ko hindi serious! (I thought he was not serious!)” (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2016

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A10 AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Meet Paige Matsumoto — Los Angeles Firefighter It’s not everyday you for 6 months and a year meet a woman fireof probation. As a trailfighter. But here she blazing woman meeting is, a woman who has the norms and standards spent 23 years of her set originally for male life working for the firefighters, the physical LA Fire Department rigors and demands may and loving it. Here’s a have been a lot easier for woman who has found Paige to deal with. The her passion and purmental and psychologipose in life. cal hurdles posed somePaige is genuinething altogether different. ly enthusiastic about There was no handbook her job. You can hear to refer to. Looking back, the excitement in her it was a lot tougher to voice. “It’s the best deal with the consequencjob in the world. I abes of a natural resistance solutely love this job. I to change, when women get to help people evencroach on what may be eryday,” and, after a considered, in the tradibrief pause, she adds, tional sense, a male-dom“and you get paid for inated career turf. it.”

Yes there was resentShe didn’t seek out ment that sometimes this job from the getboiled over to animosity go. She says she kind and friction withmale col- Paige Matsumoto shows that women can make inroads in a job such as firefighting. She encourages young women in Asian communities who of stumbled upon it. leagues in the beginning. are looking for a fulfilling career in firefighting to go for it. The job, after all, is never predictable or boring.

After college where But things did improve she pursued a degree When you love your job, it shows. Paige Matsumoto says of her job over time as the better looking for a fulfilling career in firefighting to more rigorous training, eventually earning the in physical therapy at as one of the women firefighters in the Los Angeles Fire Depart- part of human nature go for it. There now exists a support system in stripes to a paramedic certification. She carved Whittier College, she ment, “It’s the best job in the world. I absolutely love this job. I and civility among peers LAFD that makes it possible for more women to out a niche by increasing her considerable set out to see the world get to help people everyday,” and, after a brief pause, she adds, prevail for the most part. succeed in this career. skills and capabilities to handle the exigencies on a bold travel adven- “and you get paid for it.”

People do learn to adjust In Asian communities where there are still and demands of a job that is never predictable ture to Japan. Paige and accept changes and cultural structures and strictures that shape the or boring. earned her keep teaching English to the Japa- when they do, somehow, things get easier. perception of what women can and cannot do Paige was raised by a mother who told her nese and staying there for 17 months in order From the time she joined in February of 1993, in terms of their careers, Paige invites young that she can do anything she wants to doif she to save money for her next adventure — Europe glass ceilings have been broken as women like women to have an open mind and check out sets her mind to it. Her father in his quiet way, — where she stayed and savored the culture of Roxanne Bercik, who was Paige’s ex-partner, firefighting as a lifetime career. The perks in was always there for her and her two older the old continent for yet another 6 months. became Deputy Chief. Bercik has retired re- terms of income and personal fulfillment can be brothers as well. Paige remembers her mom Coming back stateside, the globetrotting cently but there is another woman firefighter substantive. was not always thrilled about her choice of a Paige, was working as a fitness expert and man- who also reachedthe rank of Deputy Chief.

Once Paige made a commitment, there was career because of the inherent dangers it posed ager for a health club in the early nineteen ninePaige encourages young women who are no going back. Paige dug in and pursued even but who nonetheless remained supportive of ties when the LA Fire Department started a reher through it all. Her mom was her source cruitment drive for women to join the force. She of strength. Sadly, she passed away at 59 of a had no inkling at the time and zero interest until massive heart attack one day after Christmas 3 people she knew from work and from school but not before telling Paige that she was proud kept asking her if she knew about the openings of her and her brothers. for women firefighter recruits.

Paige Matsumoto considers herself fortunate The requirements were simple: one had to be and blessed. “It’s amazing how the years have a high school graduate, at least 18 years old and gone by so fast. The fact that I love my job is a must pass a physical test and undergo medical huge benefit.” Today Paige lives in Long Beach screening procedures. By and large, it was a close to the station where she works. She lives physical job that required strength and endurwith her 2 dogs, Oliver and Jethro. ance.

There is still less than 100 uniformed womThere was one thing going for Paige which en firefighters in the LAFD but most definitely qualified her. As a fitness buff from an early since the early nineteen nineties, firefighting age, she was fit as a fiddle. Paige participated in for women has come a longway from what it a multitude of sports, from softball to tennis to used to be. Paige and her other women colracquetball thus shaping her choice of a college leagues have made inroads both individually degree major. and as team members to make firefighting a It was also during her formative years when viable and fulfilling career for women.

Paige regularly watched a television show To check out the possibilities of becoming a called “Emergency” where the woman characpart of the city’s firefighting force, go to Jointer in the high drama was stereotypically cast lafd.org to see the recruitment schedule and as a nurse. you can offer and what the LAFD, in turn, can Paige took a deep breath, tried out and passed offer you. For all you know, you just might find The requirements to qualify as a firefighter recruit are simple: one had to be a high school graduate, at least 18 years old and must pass a the typical hurdles a firefighter recruit faces. that elusive, serendipitous match between who physical test and undergo medical screening procedures. It is, by and large, a physical job that requires strength and endurance. To check She admits that the first couple of years were you are and your life’s purpose that Paige Matout the possibilities, go to Joinlafd.org to see the recruitment schedule and to probe if there is a good match between what you can offer the hardest part. It included academy training sumoto found 23 years ago. and what the LAFD, in turn, can offer you.

Dateline PhiliPPines

Ombudsman eyes to end PDAF scam probe by 2017 Latest Abu Sayyaf beheading enrages Duterte

by DAnA

sioson AJPress

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales on Thursday, August 25, said her office eyes to end all investigation of cases related to the misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or also referred to as the pork barrel scam, by the end of 2017.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales

After the deliberation of her office’s budget for 2017, the Ombudsman said her office is still investigating 240 officials tagged by the Commission on Audit allegedly involved in the scam.

“Some are undergoing factfinding, some are undergoing preliminary investigation, some have been filed in court,” Morales told Inquirer in an interview at the House of Representatives.

Cases that have been filed in court include one against Janet Lim Napoles, who was accused as the brains behind the multibillion peso fund scam.

“About 240 congressmen ang namention ng (were mentioned in) audit report. So ang dami dami (There are many of them) but we target to finish all of our investigations by the end of next year,” she added.

Morales said her office is prioritizing the probe of officials allegedly misused heftier amount of funds.

“We decide which cases should first be investigated. We do it in accordance with the amount. The higher the amount, the higher the priority to investigate these big amounts involved in the PDAF.” Earlier this week, President Rodrigo Duterte called to revisit the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam case.

“Wait until we revisit the Napoles case, Secretary or Senator De Lima, and I assure you, you will be horrified… It involves corruption and De Lima.” the president said.

When asked to comment about it, Morales said the president’s statement is ‘vague.’

“I don’t know what he means, what revisiting the Napoles case. Hindi natin alam (We don’t know). That’s vague to us. No comment.”

The Ombudsman also denied the allegations that her office sanitized the original list of lawmakers involved in the scam, stating that she is not alarmed about Duterte’s call to revisit the case.

“No, we’re not worried, because what we did is what we think is in accordance with the law,” she said.”

The Office of the Ombudsman sought an office budget of P2.29 billion for 2017. n

ABS-CBN News. He had been kidnapped by ASG extremists on Sunday, July 24, then beheaded MEMBERS of the Abu Sayyaf after his family failed to pay a P1 Group (ASG) decapitated a Filipi- million ransom.

The most recent murder of an no villager held captive for over a month on Wednesday, August ASG captive inspired fiery lan24, spurring President Rodrigo guage from the president. He Duterte to reaffirm his intention labeled the rebels “enemies of to exterminate the jihadist-in- the state” who deserve the same treatment as the drug dealers spired organization.

Authorities found what they targeted in the country’s violent believe to be the severed head of war on crime.

“Ang mga droga, destroy them!

18-year-old Patrick James Almodovar near the town of Indanan Ang mga Abu Sayyaf, destroy in the Southern Sulu province them, period (Drug dealers, deon Wednesday, according to stroy them. Abu Sayyaf, destroy

by Eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

them, period),” said Duterte during a press conference in Davao on Wednesday evening.

ASG kidnappings in and around Southern Mindanao have targeted foreign fishermen, sailors and vacationers in addition to Filipino nationals. The terrorist organization’s attacks and abductions have complicated Philippine foreign relations.

In May, Duterte apologized to Canadian President Justin Trudeau for the beheadings of John Ridsdel in April and Robert Hall last June. ASG affiliates kid-

u PAGE A11

The culture of ‘Sutokil’ under…

PAGE A9 t

lawin” mixed in with peppers resulting in pungent smells about their lives, using a matrix or arrows on a poster.

Of late, Duterte used a matrix poster to link Sen. Leila de Lima as close to a drug runner and at the top of the chain, in the matrix, included two Baraan brothers. Matrix or diagrams in a poster are normally allowed in a courtroom, to show correlation, after a foundational offer of other evidence, as introduced. Without foundational proof, the matrix chart is “basura,” as Senator Leila de Lima noted.

Two members of the Baraan family, one is undersecretary and another is a dean affiliated with academia, were conveniently mentioned as part of the drug pushing network, but with no evidence or proof offered. Many voices in the background shouted promises of obtained affidavits but not much else.

Names of folks were read loudly over national broadcast television news, including de Lima’s personal reputation which was skewered over the glares of television cameras and tried by publicity.

We have never witnessed such despicable conduct from any former male presidents accusing a female senator of her “sexcapades, ” linking her to drug pushing, humiliating her and threatening her (“tapos ka na) that this will be her end and then taunting her with song verses, “Killing Me Softly.”

But why? When she simply asked for a Senate hearing on these wanton killings? How unfortunate that this president, once a prosecutor, forgot his legal training in criminal procedure, criminal law and ethics to insist that his police forces adhere to the rule of law and give them continuous training on how to do proper investigations and collection of evidence so the police can win their drug enforcement cases. After all, during his installation and inauguration, he promised to follow the rule of law, which is now being set aside.

This new president said repeatedly that change is coming. By his persona, he is showing us that he is fearless and that he has the courage of his convictions to rid the Philippines of its drug problems.

On ABS-CBN News, he boasted that over 600,000 have surrendered as drug users, but was silent on the number of wanton killings.

Would you be able to have fun in the Philip-

pines, knowing that casual killings occur on the average with 48 per day killed?

“That because we are the victims, we can go ahead and kill them,” Duterte said.

Who, in their right mind, as president, would even think this is acceptable conduct from a public figure and a public official, who was sworn to uphold the Philippine Constitution and took his oath with his right hand on the Bible?

The president even gave his go ahead to kill up to 1,000 and that he is not bothered a bit “as we are the victims,” as if to convey that these casualties will have to be accepted as a consequence of his adaptive leadership style in solving the drug problem. He even said, “I do not care about due process for criminals.”

But wait, isn’t the Philippine government guided by a constitution which presumes anyone is innocent until proven guilty?

Has this president suspended habeas corpus in his mind and now, his subconscious is acting up to give him his wrong-headed thinking that all suspected drug pushers are criminals?

But, even those who are not drug pushing were reportedly killed that alarming stories have appeared in Time Magazine, the New York Times, Reuters and even Business Insider, as of this writing on August 26.

The president’s response: “United Nations, come here and solve the problem.” While another is: “United States, your police keeps killing Black people. Why criticize me?”

Will the rest of the Philippines follow the examples of Davao, trading in their consciences for thousands killed, to emerge safer? *** 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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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2016

A11

Duterte considers renaming Malacañang to ‘People’s Palace’

by Joseph

Almer B. pedrAJAs AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is considering to rename the official residence of the highest Philippine leader – from the Malacañan Palace to the “People’s Palace.”

On Thursday, August 25, Duterte complained about the name “Malacañang” as it sounds “imperialistic” and can be linked to Spanish colonization.

“The word ‘Malacañang,’ it smacks of imperialism. Totoo.

Sino man ang nagpangalan ng ‘Malacañan Palace’? Mga Espanyol man iyan. (It’s true. Who

named it as ‘Malacañan Palace’?

It’s the Spaniards.) Why should I [not] just address it as the ‘People’s Palace of the Republic of the Philippines’?” he said.

The president proposes the alteration of the name in an effort to get closer to the people, especially to the poor.

Just days after he assumed office, Duterte had already told the poor living in Manila that they can ‘sleep inside’ the palace.

“As much as possible, I want that people can enter and tour the place so they will know what’s inside,” the president explained.

Duterte is also considering a tour of the palace for the less

privileged children of Pandacan and Tondo, as soon as arrangements are made and “will then be followed by other groups and other communities.”

Presently, the president resides at the Bahay ng Pagbabago within the Presidential Security Group compound across the Pasig River and makes sure to visit his hometown, Davao City, on weekends.

While in Davao, the president stays at the Presidential Guesthouse called “Malacañang of the South,” which is located inside the Department of Public Works and Highways equipment depot. n

World’s largest pearl hidden in Palawan for 10 years On display in Puerto Princesa

COP KILLED IN BUY-BUST OPERATION. Police Senior Insp. Mark Garcia’s wife watches over the body of her husband at the Antipolo District Hospital. Garcia was killed in a police buy-bust operation against drug pushers in Barangay Inarawan, Antipolo City.

Inquirer.net photo by Raffy Lerma

PH gov’t proposes 5 plans to address Metro Manila’s traffic problem

by Joseph

Almer B. pedrAJAs AJPress

THE government is proposing five plans “to urgently address Metro Manila’s traffic crisis and decongest the city,” SocioecoA 75-POUND good luck charm nomic Planning Secretary Erhidden under the bed of a Filipinesto Pernia said in a press conno fisherman in Palawan for ten ference at Malacañang Palace on years may be the largest naturalTuesday, August 23. ly formed pearl ever found.

Reporting on behalf of the NaTourism officials in Puerto tional Economic and DevelopPrincesa publicized the discovery ment Authority (NEDA), Pernia of the irregularly shaped treasure said that plans include the immeon Tuesday, August 23. It is about diate implementation of the Bon1 foot wide, over 2 feet long and ifacio Global City (BGC)-Ortigas weighs more than five times as link bridge; a common station much as the current record holder, for MRT 3, LRT 1, and MRT 7; dubbed “the pearl of Lao Tzu” or the North-South Railway Project “the pearl of Allah.” That 14-pound (NSRP)-South Line; the Metro gem had been valued at $93 milManila Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)lion, according to the Guardian.

EDSA project; and, the use of the Tuesday’s find is currently awaitA pearl weighing 34 kilograms was found in Palawan. Facebook/Aileen Cynthia Maggay- Batangas and Subic ports. ing authentication by experts.

Both massive pearls were dis- Amurao covered in the same province. way out to fishing trips for good Aileen Cynthia Maggay-Amu- luck. The Palawan man, who rao of the Palawan Tourism Of- chooses to remain anonymous, fice told Palawan News that the had never considered how much PAGE A10 t a tugboat by ASG gunmen in larger gem was found by her the pearl might be worth. He de- napped the two Canadians, along June. On Thursday, August 18, nephew, a local fisherman who cided to leave it with his aunt for with Kjartan Sekkingstad of Nor- they dodged gunfire as they ran pried it from the shell of a giant safekeeping while he was mov- way and Marites Flor of the Phil- from an extremist stronghold on clam 10 years ago. ing to a different part of town. ippines from a Samal Island re- Jolo Island. The pair of hostages “Sumabit sa angkla nila nang “He brought it to me, since sort on September 21 last year. eventually split up to evade their minsan sila nangisda (It was it’s quite heavy,” said MaggayOfficials in Jakarta announced pursuers. Villagers in the town caught on their boat’s anchor Amurao. in June that they would stop of Luuk retrieved Mohammad while they were fishing),” accordThe fisherman retains owner- supplying the Philippines with Safyan after he swam into the ing to Maggay-Amurao. “Naabu- ship over the massive natural coal, a fuel source essential to ocean and got caught in their tan ng bagyo, sumabit itong shell oddity, but was convinced by his the country’s power grid, in fishing nets. Ismail Safyan was na mayroon palang pearl (A storm aunt to share it with the city of response to a series of ASG as- discovered alongside a road in came. [When they tried to pull up Puerto Princesa, according to saults targeting Indonesians. the coastal town by Philippine the anchor], this shell with a pearl Agence France-Presse. Local ofRecently, two Indonesian soldiers later that day. inside was stuck).” ficials have put it on display in hostages escaped from their As of Thursday, August 18, Since then, the fisherman had city hall and named it “the pearl captors. Ismail and Moham- the Associated Press reported made a habit of touching it on his of Puerto.” n mad Safyan were abducted from that nine Indonesians, five Maby eric

Anthony licAs AJPress

According to Pernia, the projects will be done in partnership with the private sector.

The agency asked to immediately start the BGC-Ortigas project as it is expected to divert 25 percent of traffic congestion on EDSA. “That is an additional bridge to what we have now on the east side of Metro Manila. There’s a bridge there, the C-5. So we need another one to add road space from those traveling between the two parts of the Pasig, the two parts of Metro Manila that is cut by the Pasig River,” the secretary said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is tasked to head the resolution of the common station for MRT 3, LRT 1, and the future MRT 7.

In a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation

Latest Abu Sayyaf beheading enrages… laysians, one Norwegian and a Dutchmen are being held for ransom by the extremist group.

On Thursday, August 25, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Maj. Filemon Tan, told the AP that thousands of reinforcement troops are en route to Sulu and Basilan Island to bolster the counter-terror offensive in Mindanao.

“My orders to the police and to the armed forces against all enemies of the state: seek out! Seek them out in their lairs, whatever,” the president said on Wednesday night. n

agency in 2012, the Philippines is losing almost P3 billion a day because of the country’s road traffic problem.

Aside from Metro Manila, NEDA has also included other traffic solutions in provinces. One of these is the railway system in Mindanao that will be implemented in 2017 once approved by the board.

The 10 proposed projects will cost P320 billion, which “has so far approved” by the Investment Coordination Committee.

Just recently, the Senate started to hold hearings to discuss President Rodrigo Duterte’s emergency power over the worsening traffic situation in the country, especially in the capital city.

Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon and Senator JV Ejercito have respectively filed Senate Bills No. 11 and 154 to grant the president an authority to go around standard bidding and procurement procedures under Section 10 of Republic Act 9184 or the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” The Transportation Secretary also suggested that a synchronized and uniform system management will help reduce conflicts in controlling traffic rules.

The agency also presented some solutions to lessen the congestion which include prohibiting bus terminals along major thoroughfares, rationalizing public-utility-vehicle routes and developing an alternative transport system, such as cable cars, double-decker buses, point-to-point buses and cargo rail transport. n

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‘Queen of Horror’ Lilia Cuntapay’s loss mourned

B

Journal Tom Rodriguez confronts fear in latest GMA telserye

by Jerry

Donato Philstar.com

“(MeMory) is what defines our experiences. It is what we

By Joseph almer B. peDraJa hold on to, it is like an instrument AJPress or tool to know that we are here Many Filipinos are mourning the and we have loved‌ If we loved loss of Lilia Cuntapay, the “Queen and we can’t remember it, then of Philippine Horror Movies,â€? who we didn’t love at all?â€? passed away at age 81 on Saturday, That’s Tom rodriguez esAugust 20. tablishing the themes (love and on Instagram, actor Mon Conmemory) and the premise of his fiado posted his farewell to the latest GMA drama “Someone To horror icon. He wrote, “Paalam sa Watch over Me.â€? replacing Juan ‘Queen of Phil Horror Films,’ Aling Happy Love Story, it will premiere Lilia Cuntapay... Maraming salamat on Sept. 5 and will be helmed by sa lahat ng pinagsamahan. Kayo Maryo J. Delos reyes. “I don’t po ang Best Aswang ng Pelikulang know honestly,â€? he replied when Tom Rodriguez is TJ, diagnosed with Pilipino (Goodbye ‘Queen of Phil asked if a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, in “Someone to Watch With co-stars Max Collins (left) and Lovi Poe: They will play the women in TJ’s life and try to live up to the show’s title.

Horror Films.’ Thank you very extreme memory loss will still be Over Me.� much for the memories. You are the able to love. “That’s why I get Best Ghost of the Filipino Film).� intrigued by (the soap’s) story.�

Actor Mark Herras also exTom has all the reasons to feel pressed his thanks to Cuntapay, that way since his character TJ is while well-known “makeup transshowing early signs of Alzheimformationâ€? actor Paolo Ballesteros er’s disease, which causes some conveyed his farewell and manbrain cells to degenerate, affectaged to jest “’wag moko dalawin ing one’s intellectual activities. ha. Labyu’ (Don’t visit me. I love Consequently, daily routines will -/( *VU]LU[PVUHS you).â€? be changed. This becomes more 7\YJOHZL 9LMPUHUJL Lilia Cuntapay Philstar.com photos Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Goverpronounced as the person gets nor Imee Marcos joined Ilocanos Police Commission (NAPoLCoM), older. as they grieved the death of their she was discovered by a movie “When they (people behind the fellow Ilocano. producer. show) told me about this (neuroIn a text message to Inquirer, She is perhaps known best for logical degenerative condition), Marcos said, “We have lost a her role in the horror series “Shake, I never believed them na may vibrant and gracious Ilocana but rattle, and roll,â€? alongside Kris ganitong sickness pala. I told we have forever been given an Aquino. them that I will study,â€? recalled unforgettable icon, whose talent earlier this month, Cuntapay Tom of his initial reaction when enlivened the screen and brought asked the public, especially her the role was offered to him. Given magic to our humdrum lives. We colleagues in the entertainment the soap’s tale of human spirit, will miss you, Nana Lilia!â€? industry, for financial help as she Tom has been sold on the idea of every Halloween, the horror had been suffering from a severe portraying another meaty role. icon was a part of the “ghostâ€? pa- spinal cord ailment. “I’ve learned about the symprade called “Parada Iloca-locanaâ€? “Wala na ako sa showbiz dahil toms (like forgetting things). So that made the Ilocanos love Cun- may sakit ako... Kung mahal niyo you get paranoid,â€? he said. “even tapay more. pa ako, any help will be appreciated if you like reading or engaging 7YVNYHT Z\IQLJ[ [V JOHUNL ^P[OV\[ WYPVY UV[PJL Lydia, also known as Lilia, Cun- (I am not in the showbiz anymore your mind (in some mental actapay was known for her frequent because I am sick‌ If you still love tivities), it is not an assurance roles in Philippine horror movies. me, any help will be appreciated),â€? that it won’t happen to you. If She frequently played an aswang, she said. (you’re predisposed to it), it will :Y 3VHU *VUZ\S[HU[ witch, ghost, or other creepy elma Cuntapay-Daet, Lilia’s happen to you. Legitimately, the >HSS -PUHUJPHS 0UJ +)( characters that left impressions on granddaughter, confirmed the fear I feel is real. I wish it won’t >PU 7YPTL 3LUKPUN Filipino viewers. death of her grandmother. She died happen to me. So every time I Before becoming an actress, at the home of her son, Gilmore read the script, I always have that 543:

:V /HY]HYK )S Cuntapay was a teacher and Cuntapay, in Ilocos Norte. feeling.�

LTHPS! JHYVS T`^MP'NTHPS JVT 3VZ (UNLSLZ *( worked at a buy-and-sell busi“I intended to have her confined According to Tom, his charness. While working at the National PAGE B3 PAGE B3

/64, 36(5 $IRECT ,ENDER

*HYVS 4HUHSHUN

*LSS!

Features

B AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Moonlighting

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Of healers and scribblers

Over the weekend, I was invited for cocktails by a group de leon of excruciatingly charming and renowned surgeons. nothing monumental about that, especially if this writer is in dull good health, with not so much EvEryOnE pretty much agrees as toothache or common cold that if you exercise, eat right and or a mild rash — with no visible don’t smoke or drink, you’ll never malady. Doctors are not much die. I have been told that by my concerned about tales or their internist, cardiologist, psychiatrist tellers, unless that writer has an and all of their nurses, reception- interesting affliction or pain to ists and building custodians. complain.

by Mylah

To the lives of doctors, given over as they are to the hard, sad, heavy push against mortality, what salve or balm, or use may an addled scribbler be?

They are absorbed by blood and bone, each one alone in their judgment. They walk the fragile bridge between the salvation into life and the morbid slide into death, while this writer is just a weaver of tales, a sybarite of libraries or voluptuary of print. Doctors by contrast, are soaked in the disinfectant smell of hospitals where the broken and the morbid swarm in cold white beds.

It would be audacious to imagine what kind of news this weaver of tales can bring news to this group of doctors? What more, we know that the general perception of these white-coated tribe are not abundantly given to metaphorical speech and thoughts. They are appalled by it.

They can’t disengage themselves from the capacity they put before pleasure. They have clear judgment before the allure of words, and they cannot cut off from heal of human pity for the sake of a figure of speech — perhaps to make them more humane.

I’ve been set down (or set up) among the doctors to increase the doctors’ capacity to imagine. By their own admission, too often, they do not (never) presume a connection of vulnerability between the catastrophe that besets

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Exotic Summer Smoothies with Super Powers

BY GRACE O

Lychee Slushies Serves 2 Ingredients 1 cup canned or fresh lychees, sliced ½ cup frozen young coconut meat 1 cup crushed ice ½ cup of syrup from canned lychees (optional)

Mix ingredients together in a blender until thoroughly mixed.

Longan Smoothie Serves 2 Ingredients 1 cup canned or fresh longan fruit, sliced ½ cup fresh coconut meat 1 cup crushed ice ½ cup water ½ cup of syrup from canned longan (optional)

Mix ingredients together in a blender until thoroughly mixed.

GRACE O – Combining her passion for food and a commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, GRACE O has created FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. Grace O is a fusion chef and cookbook author with a mission: to introduce delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

Visit FoodTrients.com to learn more. Email us at info@FoodTrients.com

© 2016 by FoodTrients.com

It’s August and here in Los Angeles we’re in the fifth year of a drought and hotter temperatures. Who can think of cooking or eating in this weather?

When it’s like this, I just want to drink my meals and what could be better than icy-cold smoothies that are full of healthy FoodTrients!

Just for fun, I created a couple of exotic smoothie recipes with some of my favorite fruits from Southeast Asia.

Lychee fruit are native to Southern China and can be found fresh in produce departments May through October and canned throughout the year.

Sweet, juicy and nutritious, these berries have a cooling effect on the human body.

Lychee fruit contains 66 calories per 3.5 oz., comparable to table-grapes. It has no saturated fats or cholesterol, but contains of good amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. With 119% of the daily recommended value, lychees are also a good source of vitamin C and contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals and inflammation. They also contain B complex vitamins and are a good source of potassium to help regulate heart rate and copper for building red blood cells.

Longans are natives of Southeast Asia and related to lychees. Like lychees, the fruit is sweet and succulent, but they are a little smaller and the sweetness is a little drier. They’re eaten fresh and also used in soups, snacks, desserts, and sweet-and-sour foods. Longan is used as remedy for stomach ache and insomnia. It’s said to have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Longan fruit contains a good amount of vitamin C and provides 80% of daily requirement. It also contains minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. It is rich in Vitamin A and essential anti-oxidants. You can buy fresh longans online from Amazon or Melissa’s Produce. You can also buy canned longan, lychee, jackfruit and coconut meat online from the Temple of Thai website.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy these cool, exotic smoothies. With their unusual flavors and high levels of nutritional value, they perfect ways to beat the summer heat.

their patients and the susceptibility of the doctor’s own flesh.

This writer will suggested a course of connection and entered into tremulous spirits of the helpless, fearful, apart, by demonstrating in a bouquet of words. It was a contagion of passion and compassion, called empathy in medical literature.

April Anne E. Nino (third from left) holds up her championship trophy alongside the event Cautious and frightened, with organizers of the “Singing For A Night” Grand Finals in Singapore. only the redemptive ardor of literature, I began to read a narrative about an imaginary, sexually active plenum: “About a great factory or shop of power with its rotating constellations, times and tides. A place where the birth of a child is no longer welcome and for prurient technological reasons no longer SInGAPOrE -- no doubt, Fili- to unburden their homesickness for possible.” pinos are creative and imaginative their loved ones back home. They My purpose was not to dis- wherever they are. Expatriates are know how to entertain themselves close the destiny of the children, well adept on how to ease their to mitigate boredom. but rather, the behavior of the longings for their motherland A case in point is the recent dedoctors. by organizing events that create but of the “Star For A night Singing Of course, in my narrative ev- healthy and social interaction just Contest,” which was participated in erything ended in barbarism and

by Filipinos in Singapore. Clowns savagery, which I have chosen and Cronies is the first music comto present, as part satire, part edy bar in Singapore that hosted parable outfield in drollery and this amateur singing contest akin ribaldry, drenched in metaphor. to “American Idol.”

My tale of the lascivious planet There were three rounds of and its people could only have competition: a qualifying round, been directed against artifice, monthly finals and grand finals. malice and self indulgence. HowOut of about 30 participants who ever, it also pressed for fruitfulauditioned, only the best 12 singers ness and health, sanity and genwere chosen to qualify for the final erosity, and of course, continuity. round. A three-month window was It was a story contrived to declare allocated before the grand finals itself on the side of life, therefore took place. on the side of the doctors themThe qualifying round and monthPAGE B3 ly finals were held at the bar. To accommodate a bigger audience, the grand final was held at a larger venue at rupee St. James.

The top 12 finalists prepared April Anne E. Nino while recording her song in Singapore. their best two songs. All of the 12 grand finalists sang their first chosen song. And out of the 12, only five were selected for the final showdown who performed their second song choice.

I was ecstatic and overjoyed of course when my personable and ebullient 28-year-old niece, April Anne E. nino, announced on her Facebook that she was selected as one of the grand finalists, and requested us, her kin abroad and in the Philippines, to pray for her success. Aware of her passion in singing, earning her awards and recognitions during her high school and collegiate days back in the Philippines, we knew that she would make it to the top.

We were not mistaken. April emerged as the grand finals winner and brought home 1,000 SingaporPAGE B5

Expatriate Filipina in Singapore wins ‘Star for a Night’ singing contest

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Alice Dixson in full bloom

By Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

ALICE Dixson’s belated birthday bash at Marco Polo Ortigas was such a blast. It was not the usual “show biz circus” sortie— just an intimate get-together of Alice’s closest friends.

Spotted at the fête were Gloria Diaz, Ruffa Gutierrez, Donita Rose, Amy Austria, Maricel and Anthony Pangilinan, Jackie Aquino, Pia Magalona, Kookoo Gonzales, Sabrina Artadi, Joyce Burton-Titular, Rufa Mae Quinto and her fiancé Trevor Magallanes.

We savored the sumptuous eight-course lauriat dinner. Alice told us to use the hashtag #thisishowido47 in our pic- Alice Dixson

tures. But we all agreed that the more appropriate hashtag would be #hownottolook47atall.

She doesn’t seem to grow older, only fiercer.

After dinner, Alice requested each of us to share our fondest memory of her. All our stories boiled down to how fun-loving, nurturing, free-spirited and genuine she is.

What a funny revelation it was when Alice told Joyce that she used to be her “girl crush” during their Binibining Pilipinas days.

Gloria kept teasing Alice to have a baby soon or adopt her daughter Ava. The birthday girl’s love life is in full bloom with her Belgian beau. Alice has indeed found her forever wonderland.

Tom Rodriguez confronts fear...

PAGE B1 acter “is the first (case) in his family. His initial reaction (upon learning his condition) of course was disbelief. Since he lacks information about his illness, he tells himself (and rationalizes) that it is impossible for a 32 year old like him to suffer from it. ‘I’m 32. Why would I have Alzheimer’s? I think I need to seek a second opinion and you’re all wrong.’”

This state of denial is the starting point for TJ’s inner struggles and how his illness will affect his life and the relationships he has made and will make. “The conflicts are (arising from) two fronts: I’m trying to understand what’s happening to me and at the same time my wife is witnessing (changes in me),” said Tom. “My character is doing (things) that he has never done before like forgetting the birthday of his wife and their anniversary and him mentioning another woman’s name. These happen in real life.” Tom added that it’s a tough time for both the patient and his family.

The women who will love TJ despite his condition are Joanna

(played by Lovi Poe) and Irene (Max Collins). Soon televiewers will find out who will make more sacrifices in the name of love.

What is the worst situation that could happen to his character TJ or to someone with Alzheimer’s?

Tom answered, “Like what direk Maryo has relayed to us that although there have been studies done on mice and they (studies) could reverse it, but they are not yet implemented, so the illness is incurable. The worst scenario is they (patients) will die at a young age.”

Given the psychological status and the personal narrative of TJ, Tom is in for some tour-de-force role-playing. On top of that is dealing with the taping style common in local TV production — similar to how one covers a developing news story.

“It is definitely challenging,” he said. “You’re getting to know your character on the set. We have resources like Yani (Yuzon, writer of the soap) and direk (Maryo) who talk among themselves and talk to us so everyone is on the same page. You’re like shaping (the character) on the spot. You’re like a sculptor doing

(your work) on the spot. Whereas if you’re doing a movie, you have tracked already the path of your character.” These little sacrifices, if you may call it, are nothing to what the audience can learn from “Someone To Watch Over Me.” “In this industry, we can’t deny the fact that this art and medium has the power not just to entertain viewers but also to inform them,” Tom said. “If we can do both, why not? We should celebrate those types of things.

I’m happy that GMA is always willing to explore (things) outside the box.”

In this line of work, where the audience is not the only one involved in the meaning-making process, Tom has his take-away from the soap. “It makes you reflect and ask questions about yourself,” he said. “That is a beautiful thing. We learn and we grow from it — ganun pala yun, (you understand) why it happened and why they did it.”

Tom also feels fortunate to have a glimpse of that life — and to be a part of that platform which also raises awareness about the Alzheimer’s disease.

‘Queen of Horror’ Lilia Cuntapay’s... my mother was gone by the time they arrived to take her to the hosat a hospital in Batac City (on the pital,” Gilmore Cuntapay said.

Lilia Cuntapay once expressed day she died) so I asked a midwife from this town for assistance. But her desire to be buried in Gonzaga, PAGE B1

Cagayan but her son decided to bury her in a public cemetery near her family. She is set to be buried before September 16, her birthday.

Delicious and healthy pizzas at Artos in Glendale

PEOPLE’s love for pizza is prodigious. It is one of those food items which we all love to devour, no matter where we are from or what age group we belong to.

At Artos Armenian Pizza in Glendale, the story is not much different. Here, centuries-old techniques are merged with the state-of-the-art methods to create an authentic pizza which is unique in shape, texture, and taste.

It is an Armenian method, which has been in demand for centuries. Artos introduced Middle-Eastern flavor in the vicinity of Glendale, near Los Angeles. The methods practiced at Artos have been passed on from one generation to another. They are pure and kept as secrets.

Being food lovers, Artos owner Arhur Dedeyan, and his staff exert all their efforts into uplifting the quality of the food they serve.

Here’s a brief detail of the food available at Artos Armenian Pizza, to tempt you to take time off your busy schedule and visit them soon: Lahmajun Armenian Pizza This classic thin crust Armenian Pizza is topped with minced

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meat and vegetables. When baked,you will agree that it is the most delicious pizza in town. Due to its high demand and popularity among people, a single piece is sold for $1 only.

Greco Feta and Spinach Pizza The thin crust of this pizza is topped with spinach and feta cheese made from pure milk. A single Greco is sold for as low as $1.50, making this appetizing diet available to all. Apart from the basic toppings, you may also choose to add tomato and olives.

Zahtar Lebanese Thyme Pizza Thyme, a Lebanese delight,

is known for its distinct taste, and many health benefits. This is added to as part of the Zahtar Lebanese Thyme Pizza’s toppings. This flavor is not only profound in taste; its health benefits is also an added bonus. A single piece is sold for as low as $1.

Aleppo Cheese and Hot Pepper Paste Pizza This is a spicy addition to the Artos’ menu. A mixture of cheese with ground hot pepper is used as the topping. A careful combination of the items results in taste and perfection. A single piece is available at $1.50.

Apart from the regular toppings, fresh onions, tomatoes, and olives are also available as an addition depending on customer demand. A pizza sandwich wrap costs $1.99.

At Artos Pizza, quality of the product and customer satisfaction are prioritized. Valued customers are assured of eating deliciously healthy pizzas in immaculate conditions.

For more information on Artos Pizaa, you may visit Artospizza. com.

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ENCORE EPISODE: ANOTHER “DEATH OF DOMA” SUCCESS STORY ON A SPECIAL EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY.’ Benny (center) found love in Tom (right) after the most challenging experiences in life. After watching “Citizen Pinoy’s” special episode on another LGBT couple, they consulted with leading US immigration attorney Michael Gurfinkel who paved the way for their union. As Tom’s spouse, Benny could be petitioned and get a green card. Watch this inspiring love story on a special encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

Of healers and...

PAGE B2 selves.

But in a lively list of parables, such a light lance unfolds life without using blatant carcasses of heavy nouns and medical science uses just the power and charm of fables and figures of speech obedient to my topic. That, of perhaps opening the inmost valve of the imaginary heart of these doctors.

But they countered that I was being obscure and mean spirited, resolved to perplex. They wanted — demanded — plain speech. They were appalled by fable, images, echo, irony, obliqueness and double meanings that need the call to interpret, comment and diagnose.

Ambiguity to them is akin to the arcane. Now the examining table had been turned to them, as well as reasoning authority, where nothing matters most but the struggle to heal, the will to repair the shattered.

I’ve been cheerfully chastised that they are a breed of serious men and women that are used to feeling at home in their minds.

And an inspiration is an intruder, a kidnapper of reason, like a

burglar who shoots the watch dog dead. It is the one that instigates cliff walking, sweeping the quarry to the edge of unfamiliar abysses chasing the sentries, and sensor and monitors.

Humbly, I replied, “Inspiration could come from a ray of the sun, a moonlight, a toddler’s chuckle even from a wounded heart…. it is when you seize life….that it comes.”

For me, inspiration could show itself even from an arthritic hobble.

B AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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‘Scripted in Heaven’ screening night

By Monet

Lu

The trailer of “Scripted in heaven,” the movie inspired by Lou Baron’s book, premiered during a red carpet screening event at the Wilshire Screening Room in Beverly hills, California on Saturday, August 20. Many investors, media and guests attended the highly-anticipated event during which the team presented the concept and trailer of the movie.

It is being produced by Timeless entertainment, Inc., which aims to start production next year on sets across the US, Italy, France and the Philippines.

Together with Alkavida, the sponsor of the “Scripted in heaven” screening, the first shots were well-received and acclaimed by the audience that has have been eagerly anticipating the trailer for months. From the mysterious shots of Padre Pio in the wild to the surgery room scenes where the destiny of the main character begins its journey, the trailer opened the door to the imagination.

The story is haunted by anger and fears but those will soon lead us beside its characters to love, faith and a fantastic spiritual ascension—a real awakening captured on film.

“This film will bring about a spiritual renaissance. It will instill

Author and actress, Lou Baron posing with her real husband, Dr. Robin Baron (left) and her reel husband, Clint Jung (right).

hope and faith among the audience,” Baron said.

Starring as Dr. Robin Baron—who has undergone physical and metaphysical healing—is Clint Jung. Playing herself is Lou Baron. Other cast members include holgie Forrester who plays Marie Costado, the bearer of the message from Padre Pio; Jean Kinsella as Padre Pio; Dr. Cabebe, Robin’s best friend and surgeon plays himself; and Michael Walker as Jesus.

The movie was written and di-

rected by Jean Kinsella, while casting was done by Jeannine Fisher. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Programming of Kababayan Today, August 29- September 2, 2016 The Global Kababayan G. TönGi Monday, August 29 - We continue our Filipino Food Series with sweet, delectable dessert places that highlight Filipino Flavors around the Metro! Tune in to learn about B Sweet Dessert Bar and Crème Caramel.

Tuesday, August 30 - In loving memory of our kababayan Monty

Manibog, we reair our “Kababayan Today” episode from last Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, August 31 - Midweek News Updates from the Asian Journal and Mia Mcleod of McLeod and Associates gives real estate advice.

We continue our Filipino Food Series with Barrio Fiesta.

Brandon Reilly, our resident history professor, also discusses President Duterte and the controversies surrounding him.

Details of the short film by UCLA filmmaker Shawn Semana.

Thursday, September 1 - Kat Iniba shares with us the specials from Goldilocks in Southern Cali-

fornia. We also feature LASA and Belly & Snout for our Filipino Food Series.

Friday, September 2 -We feature the Mama Bares with information on their show at the east West Players in downtown Los Angeles. *** 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.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2016

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Organique Acai Berry Premium Blend: A healthy daily boost TIRED of taking your daily multivitamins? Sick of eating the same old fruits and vegetables?

Acai has all the healthy nutrition your body needs.

Deep within the vast and abundant confines of the Amazon Rainforest, grows one of the world’s most ultimate superfoods, Acai.

The Acai tree, a unique type of palm tree, grows within the rich and fertile soil of Earth’s largest rainforest—an immense jungle spanning eight countries in South America.

Native only to this land, Acai cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

This shade-loving plant can stand up to 25 m tall, forming large groves throughout the lowland flood areas along the rivers.

Acai trees produce small, round berries about 1-2 cm in diameters. Each tree commonly produces four to eight bunches of fruit that can weigh up to 6 kg, emerging green and ripening to dark purple between July and December during the harvest season. Natives collect the berries deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest and transport it through rivers and boats for there are no roads leading to mother nature’s superfood.

Health benefits of Acai Acai berries are known to have long been a staple in the diet of the indigenous people of Brazil.

Traditionally, the natives also value Acai for health by using the oil of the fruit to

Expatriate Filipina...

PAGE B2 ean dollars. The first runner-up went to Nathan Barrera with a prize of S$500 while second runner-up honors and a reward of S$300 were awarded to Iona Criselda Olaso.

My niece’s cash prize was like a manna from heaven because she was scheduled to visit her parents and siblings in Chicago long before she joined this contest. This reward was timely to shoulder some of her expenses in the U.S. last July.

As part of the perks, my niece will get the chance to perform at some Filipino concerts in Singapore as part of her exposure to a bigger stage and audience. The upcoming concert in Singapore where she is set to appear is with Alden Richards of the Philippines’ GMA-TV, a major network.

As a backgrounder, my niece was the 2nd Runner-up during the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Competition as a Region IV-A representative held in Naga City, Philippines.

She was the Grand Champion as Cavite representative at another PRISAA-Calabarzon singing competition. April also emerged as a grand champion representing her school, De La Salle University in another PRISAA singing competition in Cavite.

For her early musical training, April took up singing classes at the famous Centre For Pop Music Philippines in Manila owned by my late bosom friend Butch Albarracin.

When asked her reason for joining this singing competition, April recalled how her friends encouraged her to participate. “At first, I was hesitant to join because most of the contenders are already title holders. But my friends egged me on and were very eager to support me. And so, I just tried my luck.

Ultimately, I was surprised that I already won. And of course, I want to make my family abroad proud of me” To earn some spurs, I always kidded April that being her eldest uncle, she inherited her singing inclination from me. I sang during my high school and college years belting out Beatles songs and joined a band as a bass player in California. Of course, there were several factors that singing was in her veins. My mother Silvina, April’s grandmother, was a church choir member. Her father Alex (my kid brother) was also fond of singing and playing his guitar as a left-handed, especially when he is under the spirit of San Miguel beer during our family’s karaoke session. (Dan E. Nino / denino1951@ gmail.com)

treat diarrhea and the toasted and crushed seeds of the fruit to treat fever. For centuries, the fruit is known for its health benefits and other healing capabilities.

Lately, Acai started claiming the “superfood” status, gaining fame not only in the United States but around the world as well. Hidden within its purple pigment is a powerful substance that helps prevent cell damage: antioxidants.

Acai berries are very rich in antioxidants, an important compound that stables the oxidants in our body that can cause a wide range of illness and chronic diseases if left unbalanced. Acai has 10 times more vital antioxidants than grapes and in fact, is richer than other common fruits and vegetables combined.

Due to its high antioxidant content, Acai helps in our body’s detoxification, giving the skin a healthier glow. Since it prevents cell damage, it slows down the aging process related to oxidative damage and flourishes our skin to a more youthful complexion—a fine and natural solution against dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

Rich in Vitamin C and ellagic acid, Acai is an immune-stimulating fruit, boosting our immune system and keeping our cells strong to fight off harmful radicals that enter our body. The detoxification abilities of Acai also play an important role in healthier digestion by keeping our digestive system clean.

Aside from antioxidants, Acai possesses dietary fibers that aid in weight loss. These fibers do not only help in losing weight but help

in maintaining a healthy weight as well. And because Acai is natural, it does not give off harmful effects, making it a perfect alternative to other chemically manufactured products.

Acai berries are also rich in anthocyanin, a compound that has the ability to lower the body’s level of cholesterol. The plant sterol in Acai lowers blood pressure, prevents blood clots and improves blood circulation. At the same time, it keeps our cells strong to fight against harmful radicals that enter our body.

Anthocyanin also promotes the reduction of risks related to heart problems, cognitive decline, and even cancer.

According to a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, the polyphenol compounds in Acai reduces cancer proliferation by 56-86 percent.

Acai berries may not be a cure for cancer but it halts the carcinogenesis process on a molecular level, neutralizing these deadly cells before they multiply.

Acai also contains calcium that maintains healthy teeth and gums, preventing gingivitis and other common gum diseases. It also contains amino acids that bolster energy and help in strength recovery while the beta-carotene in Acai aids in eye health.

Organique Acai Premium Blend With all the nutrients contained in Acai berries, different nutraceutical companies now process it into different products marketed all over the world.

However, Organique Acai Pre-

mium Blend is the highest quality of any Acai products on the market today.

Manufactured by Organique Inc., Organique Acai Premium Blend is a proud Filipino-made product that brings these super berries from the deep jungles of the Amazon to the palm of your hand. What differentiates Organique from other Acai berry products is that its juice contains the highest concentration of Acai.

Passing strict and rigid standards, Organique is approved by the United States Department of Agriculture(USDA). Ninety-five percent of all the contents and ingredients of the products are certified as organic. Unlike when you take medicine, Organique Acai Premium Blend has no negative effects on your liver.

Its nutrients go directly into the bloodstream.

Organique’s manufacturing facility is located in California. The company’s products are made of natural, wild harvested Acai berries from the Belém region in the State of Pará, Brazil. The company always assures the implementa-

tion of its strict regulation on food quality and safety.

According to Cathy Salimbangon, vice president of Organique Inc., Organique Acai Premium Blend is best if drank early in the morning on an empty stomach.

The recommended dose is 30-60 mL per day, depending on the health conditions of the person.

There’s no age limit as well. Since it’s a natural juice, it is safe for kids to enjoy.

You can also drink it with water, with ice, or add it to your smoothie.

Completely natural and completely safe, a drink of Organique Acai Premium blend is a start of a new and healthy lifestyle. With all the products going through extensive research, Organique brings out the best of Acai berries to spread wellness and fresh transformation.

Organique Acai Premium Blend is distributed by Asian Commodities Company in the US. It’s now available at Arko Foods Market (1425 E Colorado St, Glendale, California 91205).

(Advertising Supplement)

B AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution GreGory J. Boult and nancy Miller MANY individuals seeking an immigration benefit in the United States encounter inexplicably long delays in receiving a final decision on a pending application or petition. Too often, individuals who find themselves experiencing such a delay are frustrated and uncertain as to what, if anything, can be done to pry loose their case and get a decision. Many simply resign themselves to waiting for the government to act. However, there are options beyond simply waiting indefinitely. One such option is to sue the government in the United States District Court (USDC) aka federal court.

Not all petitions and applications for immigration benefits in the United States are processed in the same fashion. Some petitions or applications require interviews. And no decision is made until all the applicant’s files are located and given to the adjudicating officer. As a result, some cases will naturally take longer than others. However, that does not mean that United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has carte blanche to take as long as it sees fit to process a request for a benefit. Ultimately, there comes a point in time when a petition or application has simply been pending too long. And while administrative means exist to follow-up a pending matter with USCIS, often such action yields little or no results. It is at this point in time when an individual should consider exercising his or her rights in federal court.

When an individual files a petition or an application for an immigration benefit, there is an expectation and a requirement that the government will timely process the submission. In effect, the government cannot simply let an application or petition languish – the government must make a decision within a reasonable period of time. USCIS posts

Ending the long wait: Suing the government when it fails to timely act its normal processing time on its official website. These processing times typically state how many months it is currently taking to process various petitions and applications at its numerous offices. When a petition or an application is pending beyond its posted processing time, it is appropriate to consider additional action, including a lawsuit in federal court.

Unreasonable delays and erroneous actions by the U.S government are nothing new.

In fact, Congress passed the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) in 1946 to deal with these same problems. This act was specially designed as a “bill of rights” for individuals who have been aggrieved by certain conduct by the government. Specifically, the APA entitles individuals to sue the government when it unlawfully withholds action or when it unreasonably delays action. As an agency of the government, USCIS can be sued by an individual when it unlawfully withholds action, or unreasonably delays action, in rendering a decision on an individual’s pending petition or application.

In addition to suing the government under the APA, an individual can also seek to compel the government to act upon an unreasonably delayed petition or application through a lawsuit for a Writ of Mandamus. When filing a Writ of Mandamus in federal court, an individual must es-

tablish a clear and certain claim, an administrative duty which is plainly prescribed, and establish that no other administrative remedy through governmental process is available. In most instances this legal standard is met by showing the unreasonable delay by USCIS. While a Writ of Mandamus is a separate and distinct legal action from one undertaken under the APA, the result sought in both of these types of actions is identical - to compel the government to act when it has failed to do so in a reasonable period of time.

Unfortunately, too many individuals who are victims of unreasonable delays by the government are unaware of their rights or afraid to exercise them.

However, prompt action can save months or even years of unnecessary waiting. Filing a U.S. District Court action for relief under the APA or a complaint for a Writ of Mandamus are both very effective in compelling USCIS to act on an unreasonably delayed petition or application.

It is important to note that neither an action under the Administrative Procedures Act nor a Writ of Mandamus orders USCIS to make a specific decision.

The U.S. District Court Judge orders the USCIS to make a decision. That in itself is beneficial because, even if the decision is not positive, the applicant may be able to appeal it or renew it in

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C AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS

Community Journal

What to do with conditional green card status in troubled marriages

MARRIAGE for many persons dence. Such conditional perma- prior to the second anniversary is the culmination of one’s life. nent residence status lasts for of the granting of conditional Getting married signifies the be- two years from the date on which permanent residence.

Typically, upon the filing of the ginning of a new phase in life, it is granted.

Step two of the procedure in- Joint Petition, a one-year extenboth socially and economically.

For those persons who lack per- volves the removal of the condi- sion of the conditional permamanent residency in the United tional label to permanent resi- nent residence is granted. The States and have married a Unit- dence status. Removal of the extension affords the USCIS time ed States citizen, marriage also conditional label is initiated by to schedule an interview with presents an opportunity to obtain filing an I-751 Joint Petition to the person seeking permanent residence, and to make permanent residency. a determination as to The Joint Petition However, although whether unconditional the opportunity to obprovides an opportunity for the permanent residence will tain permanent resibe granted for a ten-year United States Citizenship and dency arises in such situations, one must be Immigration Services (“USCIS”) period. In cases in which documentation submitted aware of and comply to inquire as to the legitimacy of as part of the Joint Petiwith procedures in extion clearly show that the istence to obtain such the marriage after conditional marriage is bona-fide and status. Due to concerns not merely for immigrathat persons were be- permanent residence is granted. tion purposes, INS may coming married to United States citizens merely to Remove Condition to Permanent approve a Joint Petition without obtain permanent residence sta- Residence (“Joint Petition”). The an interview.

The procedure described tus, a two-step procedure under Joint Petition provides an opthe Immigration Marriage Fraud portunity for the United States hereinabove applies in situations Amendments of 1986 (IMFA) Citizenship and Immigration Ser- where the marriage has not been was set up to ensure such status vices (“USCIS”) to inquire as to terminated. Often, the Joint Petiwas given to those only in mar- the legitimacy of the marriage tion cannot be filed or approved riages that are bona-fide and not after conditional permanent resi- because the marriage, although entered into simply for immigra- dence is granted. Accordingly, bona-fide when entered into, has documentation evidencing that been terminated by divorce. May tion purposes.

Under step one of the proce- the marriage was entered into aliens become threatened of falldure, if a person is petitioned for bona-fide reasons should be ing out of status once their marby his/her U.S. citizen spouse submitted as part of the Joint Pe- riage is in trouble because the within 24 months after becom- tition. The Joint Petition must be spouse often refuse to cooperate ing married, that person is given filed with the USCIS service cen- or has filed a divorce petition. In only conditional permanent resi- ter in the 90 days immediately such cases there is still hope and the prospect of obtaining unconditional permanent residence status still remains. A waiver of the joint petition requirement may be sought in such cases. ***

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

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon WHEN people are going through financial difficulty and are unable to pay their bills, their first reaction is often to ignore their debts and avoid contact with creditors. They think that by doing this, somehow the creditors will simply give up and go away.

Bad news: This rarely works.

Then one day they get a summons delivered to their home or work and that’s when they start to panic after learning that they’ve been sued. The next step of course is a wage garnishment, a bank account levy, a lien against their real property or any combination of the above. That’s when they rush to see a bankruptcy attorney to find out what can be done to protect themselves.

Painful consequences can result from non-action. But I do understand that sometimes, people just get so overwhelmed with their problems that they are paralyzed by fear. The fear of the unknown, the fear of making changes in their lives or some-

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

THERE are two different approaches to prepare for an audit: organized and shoebox. OrgaAttorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified nized means systematically arFamily Law Specialist. He was President of ranging your records. Shoebox the Philippine American Bar Association. He is means simply being you—natua member of both the Family law section and rally disorganized. Let’s discuss Immigration law section of the Los Angeles each method so you can deterCounty Bar Association. He has extensive mine which one is best for your CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW next audit.

Why You Should be OrgaOFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located nized: at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, 1. This methodical approach CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail of presenting data in a logikureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website cal and structured fashion has at Kenreyeslaw.com. worked well for me in five de*** Please note that this article is not legal advice cades of defending taxpayers and is not intended as legal advice. The article audited by the IRS. It may work is intended to provide only general, non-specific for you too. legal information. This article is not intended 2. It calls for organizing disto cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your bursements by category (intermatter may make the outcome different than ests, taxes, donations, rental, would be anticipated by you. This article does advertising, business promocreate any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. tion) and by periods (January through December). It calls This article is not a solicitation.

(Advertising Supplement) for preparing lead sheets with

Face debt problems now to avoid pain later times, , the fear of making those difficult decisions that they’ve been avoiding to make. I know because I see it all the time. But the reality of it is that if there are dreadful consequences to not facing your debt problems, you will either face them now or later, it’s just a matter of time.

So how do you start to tackle the problem when it seems so enormous that you almost feel like giving up before you even start? How do you get out of debt if you are currently feeling trapped in your situation with no way out?

There basically only 4 ways to get out of debt if you’re on the verge of insolvency: (1) increase income so you can start paying larger amounts on your debts to hopefully avoid filing bankruptcy, (2) reduce expenses so that you can increase your disposable income and have more money available for debt repayment, (3) Convert assets you don’t need into cash and use the money to negotiate with creditors, and (4) File bankruptcy to wipe out debts or consolidate your bills (This re-

quires filing either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13).

If you’re feeling paralyzed by debt and can’t think clearly at the moment, you need a good attorney who can properly evaluate your situation and recommend possible solutions. The first thing you need to do when you don’t know what to do is to realize that sometimes, you cannot do it on your own. There is nothing wrong with getting legal help. The sooner you get help, the sooner you would be able to protect your home, your job, your car, your bank account and other assets. For more information and to schedule a free consultation, please call TollFree 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

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Should you be organized or messy when you face an IRS auditor? checks and receipts clipped behind Excel spreadsheets.

Auditor gets impressed and may let you off the hook on gray matters.

3. This method speeds up the audit. It cuts down on your period of anxiety.

4. You send a subtle message to the agent that you want to work together. I have observed agents’ relieved (and happy) faces when they see neatly filed records. They always appreciate your assistance to decrease their inventory of open cases (including yours, especially yours) before the end of the month. This is what it’s all about—working with instead of working against the agent.

5. You may also end up finding documents that should not be there in your pile of records.

In other words, I recommend this organized approach. It has worked well for me and my clients.

Why You Should be Disorganized: 1. The shoebox approach calls for simply presenting records in a jumbled manner. It’s like being yourself. The rationale: There is less time available for the agent to dig deeper. You hope that he (includes she) spends his time sorting through your mess and not have time for examine problematic issues. You hope that the time pressure pushes the auditor to focus only on few issues rather than meticulously burrowing through more issues.

2. This paper bag approach damages your relationship with the auditor who will be less willing to compromise disputed issues.

3. While this is convenient for you (you don’t have to do a lot work), the agent will certainly not appreciate this style (he has to do much more work). You are merely transferring workload to him. Are hiding something?

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Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Q: I WORK for a temp agency with headquarters outside California. As a condition of work, I agree to report to a location anywhere in Southern California assigned by the agency and I have to wait to be given work.

Often, I report to a location and I am assigned work only after 3 or 4 hours of waiting. The wait time is not paid at all. My actual work may be anywhere from 6 to 9 hours. Should I be paid for the time I spent waiting for work to be assigned to me?

A: It can be argued that you are entitled to be paid additional wages, including overtime wages, for your “wait time.” Under California law, time spent by an employee performing activities that are controlled by and for the benefit of the employer is considered “work time” and must be paid by the employer. These activities may include “nonproductive” time such as time spent by an employee waiting for the employer to provide instructions to the employee.

Consider the following case: Jeffrey Allen is one of 600,000 employees for Labor Ready Southwest, Inc., a company that provides temporary staffing to numerous companies in the United States. Allen sued his employer for various labor violations, including non-payment of minimum wage, overtime, and

Insurance Matters

Community Journal

The rights of temporary workers missed meal and rest periods premiums.

The employee’s complaint stated that the employer had a practice of making the employees report to its branch offices and employees regularly wait several hours to be assigned to work at a company. If the employees received assignments, they were required to return to work daily to perform work including returning time sheets to the temp company. The employees were not compensated for the time spent at the employer’s branches waiting to be assigned work or time returning to the branches.

After about 7 years of litigation, the parties settled the case, with the employer agreeing to pay employees $4.7 million in damages.

Another noteworthy aspect of the case is that the employees also complained that the pay checks they received did not contain a California address (i.e., out-of- state paychecks). The employer was based in the state of Washington. Employees either had to wait for checks to clear, or pay a fee to get them cashed.

If employees chose to receive a cash payment, they are charged fees of $1.30 to $1.70 for each employment date. As a result of these practices employees who quit or were discharged were not paid all wages due.

Under California law, employers must fulfill their wage pay-

ment obligations in a form that is negotiable and payable in cash.

A check, for example, can be taken to a bank and cashed. A check then is a method of payment that is payable in cash. Employers, however, must not issue a form of payment that would cause the employee to incur fees or penalties when they cash it. Therefore, employers cannot issue a check from a bank that will charge a fee for cashing the check.

Finally, the deposit for wages should be made in a bank, savings and loan association or credit union with a place of business in California, and which allows for at least one transaction per pay period without a fee.

In this on-demand economy, where companies are increasingly outsourcing their labor, it is important for employees to know their rights to prevent them being exploited by employers who are always looking to cut costs. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. *** C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully obtained significant recoveries for thousands of employees and consumers. He is named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a member of the Million Dollar-Advocates Forum.

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How to save on auto insurance

injury. It is used to help pay somebody’s injuries in an accident for which you are found guilty. In the case of California, JoSeph DorAtAn, MBA, CFp® the mandated minimum is only $15,000 / $30,000. The first KNOWING how to save on number means the limit the inauto insurance is important. surance company will pay per Over time, the savings could be person injured. The second is a lot of money. Here are some the total amount the insurance good tips on how to save on auto company will pay per accident. insurance: Now ask yourself if the injured #1 Have appropriate cover- needs emergency and hospiage tal stay, will the $15,000 be Common sense would tell you enough? Remember that you’d to minimize coverage to save be liable for the amount the money. But of course, you should insurance is not paying. If you not be overly minimizing what is seldom use the car, you only covered so as not to be thrown drive on local roads, a relatively into deep financial setback when low coverage is fine. But, know catastrophe happens. that bodily injury coverage is A sample coverage is bodily supposed to also cover other

Calendar of Events across

costs like legal, loss of income and even funeral costs. Therefore, determining appropriate coverage requires that you understand how much financial risk you are willing to be responsible for beyond the limits of your auto policy. #2 Reduce coverage on old cars The advice is especially relevant when renewing policies. We can just be renewing the policies and unmindful of the need to adjust coverages especially for the older cars. Oftentimes, since old cars don’t have much value anymore, you can drop the collision and comprehensive coverages altogether. Most standard policies will not pay more than the

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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 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 16

CAC to celebrate Town Fiesta The Cabatuan Association of California will celebrate their Annual Town Fiesta in honor of their Patron Saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10, 2016 with a mass at 11:00 am at Nati Matitu-Mercado’s residence - 15255 Knapp St. North Hills, CA, 91343. Please invite four friends and relatives. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa. For other inquiries, please call Esoy Tavarro, president, (714) 797-0073; Sally Bilbao, adviser (951) 8785589; Boboy Mosqueda, adviser (714) 519-8973; or Nati Matitu-Mercado, adviser at (818) 894-5142.

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2016

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Salute to the athletes

A Dash of Salt and Pepper (A simple thought of inspiration with biblical encouragement)

by Henjie Pimenta

THE Olympic Games symbolize the pinnacle of young men and women who had put themselves through excessive training and discipline over the years. Aside from that, to be chosen as a country’s representatives, they must prove themselves worthy – from one competition after another – of climbing up to the level of the best in the chosen sport.

Henjie Pimenta This is the battle for the greatest world record – not just for gold, but at the same time, a name that would become a legend and role model to all younger generations. I know some of you can relate to what I am saying.

To parents: gather around your kids and read this to them. It will inspire their hearts and how they look at life as they mature.

I suggest that you let them read the Scriptures and as you open the Bible, have them underline or highlight the passages. This is memory-building time; it’s more precious than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Joshua 24 in the last portion of verse 15 says “…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” This should be the family verse of every household.

Here are some biblical verses to encourage everyone: 2 Timothy 2:5: “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.”

There are so many rules in life. We would rather do things on our own terms and in our own way.

Of course, success is not guaranteed because it’s a hit or miss. Rules are not there to make our lives miserable but to make it fun and easier for us.

I like the analogy that I heard from Pastor Courtney Hall one Sunday in his preaching at Praise Christian Fellowship in Los Angeles. He said when you go to the airport, you are bound to abide by the rules that the airport security enforces on people; then inside the plane, all the safety standards need to be told no matter how many million times you have heard it. Then after that, you can relax and fasten your seatbelt. Your flight will speed away in the air to bring you to your destination. You have to follow all the rules to get to where you want to be.

1 Corinthians 9:24: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way to get the prize.”

I cannot recall where I heard the saying: to the greatest and the legends, their greatest competitors are none other than themselves. They continue to strive to remain on top and keep their record or even break their own record. I know that we have quite a few in mind that remain legendary in the area of their expertise. Some athletes may be coming home without any medals but they will be regarded as heroes and local legends in their hometowns. Others will be honored in different ways with images on local murals or some may even have their pictures on milk cartons or cereal boxes.

How about aiming for something that is heaven

bound and lasts for eternity?

Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

We all have our own arena to showcase the gifts God gave us, our abilities and talents. But no matter what expertise we have developed in ourselves, we are to make an impact on the lives of others so that they will see Jesus in us. As light makes an impact in darkness, in Matthew 5:16, it says, “in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Wherever you are is where God wants you to shine your light, within your sphere of influence or as I’d like to call it: your area of responsibility.

Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Praise the Lord for what He did for us on the cross. Notice the words “who for the joy” endured the pain on the cross and the shame…for us. Thank you, Jesus, for the greatest love ever.

Just like runners, when we run and pursue our goals there are things that may hinder us. It says, “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…” This unnecessary load that we carry around slows us down and sometimes may even cause a stumble. I don’t think we will ever see someone compete in track and field fully geared with a windbreaker jacket. Sins and anger will slow us down in our pursuit. They are just heavy burdens to carry along rather than the protection to bring along on this journey, as some may use anger and sins as cushions because we are unafraid to fall and get hurt. However, after we fall, it was then we rise again to be stronger and better in the field and in this life.

Colossians 3:17: “In whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

If we have surrendered our lives to Jesus – making Him our Chief Resident in our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit – then we are giving Him the authority to lead us in the direction where we can be giving glory to our God, the Father in whatever we do. We are to be conscious of our actions, speaking and dealing every day if Jesus is reflected in us, in whatever we do—which basically means everything we do.

2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

This text is commonly quoted when someone dies and is used as an encouragement and comfort to all mourners to denote how strong the person was in fighting for his/her life until the finish life.

But it doesn’t stop there: the awarding ceremony

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C AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng CLIENT is 47, single and a registered nurse. Her income is good at $80K a year. She has no dependents except her mom who lives with her. Despite her good income, she has a default on her mortgage for $50K. She had an affair with a married man who promised her that he would divorce his wife and marry her.

That never happened. But what did happen was, client had given the guy about $50K in cash for his various business endeavors ( so he claims), all of which failed so he never paid her back for the $50K. Where did client get the $50K? Instead of paying her back the $50K which she had lent to him in the name of love and romance, truth be told, she didn’t really care if she paid her back. She just wanted to be his “mujer,” his woman. The guy must have been the male version of Anna Nicole Smith who was playboy playmate of the year in 1993 when she met the man of her dreams, well let’s just say a half a century older than the man of her dreams, the 90-year-old billionaire J. Howard Marshall.

She eventually filed for Chapter 7 in Los Angeles because of a lawsuit against her for $40M. Her husband died a year or two after they wed, from exhaustion from you know what, and left her nothing in his will. Instead, he

Community Journal

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

Bank forecloses on client’s house despite Chapter 13 filing Seniors choose Chapter 7 to discharge $30K and $10K credit cards

left his $1.6 B fortune to his eldest son with his first wife.

The bankruptcy judge in Los Angeles believed her testimony that she loved her husband and that her husband had orally promised her “half his fortune, if I married him.” The bankruptcy judge nullified the will and awarded her $500M of her husband’s fortune.

Then everybody died. First Anna Nicole Smith’s twenty year old son with her first husband died from a drug overdose. Then Anna herself died soon after her son’s death from overdose of prescription drugs and grief from her son’s death. Then the 67-yearold son of Marshall died from an “aggressive infection”. Eventually the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Los Angeles bankruptcy judge had no jurisdiction awarding Anna $500M of Marshall’s estate because that was not a bankruptcy issue. So, the $500M owner is the estate of the Marshall’s 67year-old son who died. So what good does chasing money do for you when death surely “comes like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). We don’t know the day and the time or hour of our death, do we? You can be a 4 year old having a good time in Disney world when out of nowhere a six foot alligator drags you into the water and you die. Or, you can be a twelve year old thinking you are about to be thrilled at the most awesome water slide in the world but in the next few seconds your head will be severed from your

body. Youth does not guarantee that you will not die. We all know this. You can have $6B and own the largest tech company in the world with products the entire world wants, but with all your billions at your disposal, you’re not able to save yourself from dying from pancreatic cancer like Steve Jobs. Was it within his great wealth and power to invent a man made pancreas to save himself?

So, great wealth, power, even absolute power cannot save you from certain death. Only Jesus Christ has proven God’s power over death as He resurrected on the third day from his death on the cross 2000 years ago on Mt. Calvary, and before that, He resurrected many people from the dead. You don’t want to die and end up some place you don’t want to be, just because you believed in a false god, do you? The time to decide is now, when you are still alive and still possess your wits about you. This is a lot more important than your life insurance.

This is insurance for your soul for eternity, which does not cost you anything except the right choice.

Ok, have it your way, die and go straight to hell and share your cell with Hitler. Is this what you really want - eternal damnation because you made the wrong choice? You don’t even have a tenth of the brain of Stephen Hawking, the alleged smartest man on this earth, and even Mr. Hawking with all his super duper brain power, cannot cure himself of Lou Gehrig’s

disease and is permanently immobile.h The first commandment of the Ten Commandments states, “I am the LORD thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. The shalt have no other gods before me.” Yes, Yahweh, Adonai, El Elohim, El Shaddai, Jehovah, He is the ONE TRUE GOD! He sent

To Live With Faith reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs IN these turbulent times when the world is replete with hatred, violence, and killings, Paramount Pictures and MGM’s remake of the classic film, “Ben-Hur,” makes a relevant point: forgiveness heals and liberates.

A fictional movie, it’s a story about a Jewish nobleman, Judah Ben-Hur, and his adopted Roman brother, Messala, whose happy family life ends when Messala decides to leave his household to make a name for himself in the Roman army. After three years in the Roman Army, Messala comes back to his home in Jerusalem, now as a ranking officer, to exercise power over the Jewish citizens, including his family. But his loyalty shifts from the family

His one and only beloved son Jesus Christ to die for us so that we can have eternal life with them in paradise. What a wonderful God He is! Almighty and all loving!

Client came to see me a day before her auction sale date.

We did an emergency filing on the same day to stop the foreclosure. But the bank nevertheless foreclosed on client’s house

and shortly thereafter filed a lawsuit for eviction. Is that foreclosure valid, no way Jose! That foreclosure was in violation of the bankruptcy automatic stay, therefore null and void. So, we filed an answer in state court saying the foreclosure was null and void, and we filed a motion in bankruptcy court to have the

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The healing and liberating power of forgiveness who adopted him, to Rome and its army in which he serves.

While in Jerusalem, Messala falsely accuses his brother and family of treason for hiding a rebellious zealot. He imprisons Judah as a Roman galley slave to row in the battlefield for the glory of Rome and casts his mother and sister away to an isolated cell. After five years, Judah escapes punishment during a failed Roman battle at sea and finds himself ashore among rich African merchants. Sheik Ilderim, the head of the African merchants, trains Judah as a chariot racer to defeat Messala in the newly built Roman circus to the embarrassment of the Roman army and the joy of the Jewish citizens. Messala is severely wounded and loses a leg.

In the background, we see Judah Ben-Hur witnessing Jesus Christ, preaching about love and forgiveness and dying on the cross. Touched by the teachings and heroic death of Jesus, he seeks out his wounded brother to reconcile with him. The film ends with the two brothers forgiving and embracing each other with love, and they are reunited with their entire family.

This big budget film might not have been financially successful this summer as the news reported, but its relevant and powerful message leaves one reflecting on the sad affairs of hatred and violence in our world today.

One sees this phenomenon happening in politics, television, and social media. People around the world, including netizens, seem to be sowing a culture of hatred.

Against these current affairs of

the world, we keep hearing the need for forgiveness and love in the pulpit and in the social media to draw us back to the kind of life that Jesus wants us to have: a life of love and peace obtained only through the liberating power of forgiveness and mercy.

St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:31-32: “Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.”

The Scripture Readings this Sunday imply to us that only through a spirit of humility can we bring healing and reconciliation into our lives. The book of Sirach reminds us to conduct our affairs with humility so that that we “will be loved more than a giver of gifts.”

The Gospel tells us to make room for everyone and take the lowest seat when invited to a party. In other words, Jesus tells us to give up any arrogance and self-righteousness to make room for love and mercy especially towards sinners and the destitute. *** 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.

Should you be organized…

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4. When tax data are hard to find or not produced even after another information document request, the agent may give up and be less inclined to raise new issues (good for you). On the other hand, the auditor may threaten to issue summons for the missing records (not so good for you, malo).

5. It may be more difficult to achieve a good settlement.

6. The auditor may discover new issues amongst higgledypiggledy records that you failed to weed out.

In other words, I do not like

this approach. Stay away from this method. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.

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Law Offices of Gordon & Gordon: Legal options for workplace injuries & compensation claims

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The couple has been representing folks of all nationalities and of course, the Filipino community for the last 14 years.

The first has successfully navigated injured workers through this complicated and frustrating field of workers compensation, winning over 50 million dollars in settlements, helping folks get back to work and getting the medical care from some of the most capable physicians in California free of charge.

Clients have been able to recoup some of the lost earn-

ings and maintain their lives without having to lose every earned possession, as well as receiving very high awards for their injuries.

The firm prides itself on the philosophy that everyone deserves one-on-one personal attention with their lawyer and not a factory operation, which has been the standard in this practice. Ian Gordon is highly committed to personal service and strategy to allow clients to receive the highest compensation available for their serious claims.

The Law Offices of Gordon & Gordon is located at 280 S. Beverly Dr., Suite 316, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. For more information, please call (310) 276-7000 or visit www.gordonlaw.net. 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

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Community Journal

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 27-30, 2016

C

Rescinding removal/deportation order Bank forecloses on client’s house… to allow for adjustment of status PAGE C4 t

WE have all heard the popular saying, “Timing is everything.” Unfortunately, this saying often adversely applies to those persons who have found an avenue from which to obtain a green card, only to be prohibited from doing so because he/she has a prior removal/deportation order. A typical scenario involves a person who entered the US years ago on a B-2 tourist visa, overstayed, and was ordered removed by the Immigration Court. Fast forward to today, that person who was ordered removed finds true love and marries a US Citizen. Seemingly close to finally obtaining permanent resident status, he/she is precluded from doing so because of the prior removal/deportation order. What options does one have in such a case?

A motion to reopen the removal/deportation proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order can be filed in Immigration Court. If the motion to reopen the proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order is successful, the alien can pursue whatever relief from removal/deportation that is available to him/her. For the scenario cited in the first paragraph, the relief would be adjustment of status to permanent resident via marriage to a US citizen spouse. The relief would be presented in Immigration Court, with the Immigration Judge to decide the merits of the adjustment of status application. Alternatively, if an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can be obtained to terminate the proceedings, a decision on the adjustment of status application can be made outside Immigration Court, by the USCIS. Generally, a motion to reopen removal/deportation proceedings must be filed within 90 days of the date of entry of the removal/deportation order. However, several bases upon which a motion to reopen may be filed past 90 days exist, and are discussed below.

Under 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(4), a motion to reopen can be filed at any time if notice of the proceedings was not received by the person subject to the removal/deportation order, and a removal/ deportation order was entered in his absence. Written notice of the time and place of removal proceedings must be given in person to the alien, or shall be given by certified mail to the alien or to the alien’s counsel of record. INA §242B(a)(2)(A). Further, written notice of the proceedings, if provided by certified mail, must be provided at the most recent address reported by the alien. Matter of Grijalva, Interim Decision 3246 (BIA 1995). The requirements for notice of removal/deportation proceedings are strict, and careful analysis of a person’s immigration court file often results in finding evidence that DHS did not comply with required procedure, which can be the basis for reopening the removal/deportation proceeding.

Further, the Immigration Judge has discretionary authority to reopen or reconsider cases on his or her own motion (“sua sponte”) at any time providing a valid basis can be shown. 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(1). Careful analysis of not only the immigration court file, but also the specific facts and circumstances of the case is necessary to put forward a valid basis on which the Immigration Judge can rely to reopen the proceedings. Some bases upon which cases I have been able to reopen cases include improper section cited by the DHS attorney in the charging document, insufficient evidence presented by the DHS attorney in proving up the case against the alien, and hardship and humanitarian concerns.

If you have a prior removal/deportation order which is preventing you from adjusting status, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney to ascertain the bases upon which a motion to reopen can be filed. *** 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.

court order the reversal of the foreclosure sale and fully expect that client will win on both. She will keep her house, but not her lover, who has dumped her for another good income lover, this time, he has hooked up with a medical doctor who is a general practitioner. What’s with women nowadays? We are about to have the first woman president of the United States of America, Hillary, as you know, I’m with her. But in this day and age, women still believe they need to be married to a guy to make them happy even if they have achieved so much success in their lives. Did Wonder Woman ever get married to Batman? I don’t think so.

The next client is 55 and married. She has $30K of credit card debt. She lost her job 2 years ago and is now self-employed in a multi level business. It’s not doing that great. She makes about

Salute to the…

PAGE C3 t

comes next. It is a joyful celebration, for Jesus’ righteousness is our righteousness, and we are his: “…to all who have longed for His appearing.”

In our faith with the Lord, we are not in competition with each other, but rather all are fellow awardees, all are teammates.

When one falls, lift up one another. Keep the faith in Christ Jesus brothers and sisters, stay on course, endure the hardship and finish well. Focus our eyes on Jesus, beyond the finish line of this life comes joy, eternal joy.

As Psalm 30:5 says, “…weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

How to save on auto…

PAGE C3 t

current value of the car even if the repair costs will be more than that. Therefore, you may like to compare the collision and comprehensive premiums against the current car value to decide to keep or drop those coverages. #3 Bundle with your home policy Bundling with your home policy can save you up to 20%.

Some homeowners do not bundle because they don’t know this huge savings. Some do not know that the insurance impounded in LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@ the mortgage can be replaced dtanlaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement) and hence never enjoyed the savings. At times, true, the home Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit policy from the same insurance www.rreeves.com. company as for the auto policy dinate delays are not. An expe- Telephone: (800) 795-8009 PAGE C1 t is not cheaper than the cheapest another venue. An action seek- rienced and knowledgeable im- E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com home policy. Yet, the bundled ing that the federal court Judge migration attorney can help get Website: www.rreeves.com. premium tends to be cheaper order USCIS to make a specific your case “unstuck”. *** most of the time. decision is called a complaint for *** The analysis and suggestions offered in #4 Ask for discounts declaratory relief.

Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, this column do not create a lawyer-client Ask your insurance company Some delay is a normal part of largest and most experienced immigration firms relationship and are not a substitute for the what discounts you are entitled the process when dealing with in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, personalized representation that is essential to. Premiums are normally high the federal government but inor- San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more to every case.

(Advertising Supplement) for young drivers. But if they are

Ending the long wait: Suing…

$1K a month. That’s just enough to cover monthly minimum payments on the $30K credit cards.

If her husband was still working, she could probably stay afloat, but husband was also terminated recently from his $60K job with a large company. He’s tried to look for an equivalent paying job but all he could get are minimum wage jobs that do not use is skill or experience. There are lots of jobs in food service but he doesn’t want those jobs. So he decided to take early retirement. He’s resting for a year and will claim early retirement next year at 62. Not a bad plan. Fortunately, they have adult children who are helping them out. So, the only problem now is to discharge her $30K of credit cards. No doubt, Chapter 7 is the right solution.

The third client is 65 but still works. He owes only $10K credit cards. But at his age, every dollar counts. He is now on Medicare,

which comes in handy for his prescription drugs for diabetes and hypertension. But he still works his full time job, which pays him $2K monthly. Not much, but it helps. Wife used to work as a caregiver but her patient just died. Client opts for Chapter 7 to discharge $10K of credit cards.

It’s the right decision.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the alimighty, who is, who was, and who is to come! You are the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. Heaven and earth are full of your glory!”

— Revelation 4: 8

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

And all who agree say, Amen!

If you need prayers, please do not hesitate to call us at (213)4848294 or (818)813-3971 or visit us at Praise Christian Fellowship L.A. (2235 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057) or PCF of the Valley (9051 Woodman Ave., Arleta, CA 91331, located behind CVS drugstore and Vallarta Supermarket, inside Helping Hands ADHC).

#6 Shop around There are several ways to shop for auto insurance. You may want to inquire directly or go through an agent. Insurance companies may have their own captive agents, or they may have independent agents representing them. A lot of these independent agents represent multiple companies. They can be your personal shopper, looking for the cheapest insurance for you while saving you time.

Among these different tips on saving on auto insurance, shopping around can save you the most. You’d be surprised how different companies can price the risks so differently for the same coverage. But before you settle for an independent agent who would do the shopping, know his competency in helping you determine appropriate coverage first. Also, can he get you the most discounts? What companies does he represent? Select an agent who is on your side. ***

good students, they get good discounts. Or if they are schooling more than 100 miles away from home and are not driving while at school, they can also get great discounts. Drivers who are US college graduates, who are in certain professions like registered nurses or doctors, who are self-employed, or who are engineers or scientists may also have certain discounts. Different insurance companies give different discounts. Ask for them! #5 Report low mileage A significant factor in premium is mileage. The more mileage you put into your car, the higher is your risk. Therefore, insurance will demand for more premium to cover that higher risk. When you change job and you commute less, report that to your auto insurance company to have the premium lowered. Or when you retire. Or you become unemployed. These life events can lower your mileage consumption For more information, please contact and hence lower your auto pre- Joseph Doratan at 8559551800 or info@ GlobalWealthInsuranceServices.com. mium.

C AUGUST 27-30, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

& Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

On Wednesday, Aug. 24, Duterte said he would restore online gaming provided that taxes are correctly collected and that the gaming outlets were far from schools or the church.

Philstar.com photo

Gaming stocks soar as Duterte backtracks on online gaming

by IrIs

GOnzales Philstar.com

MANILA - Gaming stocks soared after President Rodrigo Duterte said he might allow online gaming to resume under certain conditions.

This was in stark contrast to his earlier pronouncements that he would put an end to online gaming.

On Wednesday, Aug. 24, Duterte said he would restore online gaming provided that taxes are correctly collected and that the gaming outlets were far from schools or churches.

Shares of e-Games operator PhilWeb Corp. jumped 50 percent to P8.10 apiece while e-bingo operator Leisure & Resorts World Corp. surged 49.86 percent to P5.17 each share.

PhilWeb’s license as a supplier of software to the e-Games network, expired on Aug. 10 as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. refused to renew the company’s license.

However, with President Duterte’s latest pronouncements, PhilWeb said it might again take a look at the online gaming policy.

PhilWeb president Dennis Val-

des said the company could reapply for a permit to operate electronic casinos.

It submitted a new business plan to Pagcor last Wednesday, proposing a mobile-phone based lottery business that is seen supplementing the lotto business of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Gaming shares have plummeted since the end of June after President Duterte ordered a stop to online gaming.

When asked to explain the recent surge in their share prices, both PhilWeb and LRWC said they were not aware of any material development that may have caused the price spike.

“The market may have been reacting to the current pronouncement of President Duterte with regard to the status of the gaming industry particularly on online gambling.

Rest assured that if there would be any information which would trigger the unusual price movement we shall immediately disclose the matter to the Philippine Stock Exchange as required under its policy of full, timely and accurate disclosure of all material information effecting the value of our securities,” LRWC said.

Ex-Budget chief Abad denies Aquino admin underspent P1 trillion

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

FORMER Budget chief Florencio B. Abad on Wednesday, Aug. 24 said that contrary to Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno’s estimates, underspending of the Aquino administration would not hit P1 trillion.

“Diokno is assuming that the shortfalls become permanent shortfalls. That is not the case.

If not declared as savings and used to augment existing but deficient items of appropriation, the shortfalls get carried over to the succeeding year, and are—at least most of them—eventually disbursed,” Abad explained in a text message.

“That is why I refer to the problem as delayed spending by agencies, not underspending,” Abad added.

Diokno told members of the House appropriations committee last Monday that the Aquino administration supposedly failed to spend a total of about P1 trillion in the past six years.

The Budget chief said he arrived at that huge amount by comparing the authorized appropriations with actual expen-

Former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad

ditures during the years 2011 until 2016.

But for Abad: “If you want to sum up what is not spent, you should count what is returned to the Bureau of the Treasury.

That is the more accurate way of doing it.”

“And without checking the data, I can tell you with confidence that [the unspent amount] will not come to P1 trillion,” Abad said.

Diokno had lamented that the funds unspent by the previous administration reflected lost opportunities that were “huge in terms of jobs lost and economic opportunities if the infrastructure projects were started and completed.”

Dep.t of Tourism expresses concern over budget cut

by Mary

Grace Philstar.com

PadIn

MANILA - A tourism official has expressed concern over the reduction in the Department of Tourism’s budget for 2017 despite the agency’s target to boost the number of tourists to the country.

Tourism Undersecretary for Advocacy and Public Affairs Katherine De Castro told The Star the proposed P2.5 billion budget may not be sufficient to achieve the growth targets of the industry.

“For 2017, our target for (international) tourist arrivals is about six million to seven million. I don’t think the budget will be enough.

Just for advertising, marketing our country, less than P3 billion isn’t enough,” De Castro said over

the phone.

According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the proposed P2.5 billion budget for the tourism department and its attached agencies in 2017 is 32.1 percent lower than this year’s P3.6 billion.

The budget cut was due to lower allocations for maintenance, as well as other operating expenses and capital outlay.

De Castro said lawmakers who were present during the budget hearing for the DOT on Wednesday also expressed the same concern over the reduced budget.

“The congressmen were surprised. They said only one percent of the entire 2017 budget went to PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone. Know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.”

- Dave Thomas, Founder, Wendy’s

DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: I entered the US under an assumed name. When I filed for adjustment of status, I had to file a fraud waiver (Form I – 601).

Unfortunately, USCIS denied my fraud waiver along with my adjustment of status application.

I am so depressed and want to know if there is anything I can do, or if there is hope with my case. Please help.

Very truly yours, L.S. Dear L.S.: If a person commits fraud or a “material misrepresentation,” the person is ordinarily required to submit a fraud waiver, waiver of inadmissibility, or form I–601, basically asking USCIS to “forgive” them, based on the “extreme hardship” being suffered by the person’s spouse or parent who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (qualifying relative).

In some cases, the fraud waiver is denied, usually because the person has not demonstrated

D

Filing a new fraud waiver if your first one is denied

sufficient evidence of extreme hardship on their qualifying relative. At that point, the person has the option of either appealing the denial to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in Washington DC, or filing a new fraud waiver, with a stronger and better package or presentation of extreme hardship on a qualifying relative, including any new evidence of hardship factors (e.g. recently diagnosed illness, loss of job, death in the family) which were not previously submitted.

If the person appeals to the AAO, they’re limited to the “record on appeal,” or the same showing of extreme hardship they made to the USCIS officer.

If their presentation or packaging was not strong enough, then their chances of winning on appeal are greatly reduced. In addition, it can sometimes take years for the AAO to decide an appeal.

An alternative is filing a new fraud waiver, with a stronger presentation and perhaps new evidence of additional extreme hardship factors on qualify-

ing relatives. I have had many people come to me with denied fraud waivers, and in evaluating whether to appeal or file a new fraud waiver, the original presentation was very weak and sparse, with hardly any evidence of extreme hardship. In those cases, it might be a waste of time to file an appeal, as it is likely to be denied.

Instead, we filed new fraud waivers, with stronger showings of extreme hardship on the qualifying relative. Fortunately, those new fraud waivers were approved. Now I am not guaranteeing that if you file a new fraud waiver, it will be approved. It all depends on the facts of the case, and if the evidence of extreme hardship is properly packaged and presented. But sometimes a better packaged “new” fraud waiver could be more productive than appealing the denial of a poorly presented original fraud waiver. And remember, nothing in the law forbids a person from filing a new fraud waiver if the original one is denied.

If your fraud waiver was denied, seek the advice of an at-

torney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine the best course of action-- whether to appeal or file a new fraud waiver.

And if a new fraud waiver is to be filed, make sure it is properly packaged and you have a very strong evidence of extreme hardship on your qualifying relative. *** 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)

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Young Business United (YBU) invites young Fil-Am IMF to raise Philippine growth forecast leaders to build a progressive Philippines 2030 by lawrenCe

agCaoili Philstar.com

For the first time in history, the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) will be taking a select group of young Filipino-Americans business leaders, community builders, government officials and influencers called “Young Business United” (YBU) to explore opportunities in the Philippines and also show them why “It’s more fun in the Philippines!”

Scheduled for october 10-17, 2016, they will partake in an immersive business trade mission, attend the 42nd Annual Philippine Business Conference (PBC) hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, partake in a youth summit and go on a cultural immersion to Palawan.

Yo u n g B u s i n e s s U n i t e d (YBU) will involve organizations and leaders from all sectors from the United States and the Philippines . They will connect groups and individuals to strengthen Philippine and United States relationships forming a unified coalition that will create a definite plan to achieve their future and the vision of a better Philippines 2030. The five sectors that will be discussed are: Business, Government, Arts and Culture, Humanitarian/ Community and Technology. The vision will then be solidified with signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) from all parties participating then presented to the members of Federation of

YOUNG FIL-AM LEADERS WITH PH VICE PRESIDENT. Anthony Guevara, Steven Raga, Ryyn Chua Schumacher, Philippine Vice President Leonor Robredo, Philippine Consulate General of NYC Mario Lopez de Leon, Lakhi Siap, and Rachelle Ocampo.

Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC), Philippine Business Conference (PBC) the new Philippine President rodrigo Duterte and his new administration.

The former Ambassador of the republic of the Philippines to the United States, H.E. Jose L. Cuisia, said that “The involvement of these emerging leaders in the Filipino- American community is expected to further add vibrancy and dynamism to the development of the Philippines and to the Filipino- American community in the United States.”

Young Business United’s (YBU)’s inaugural mission trip to the Philippines emphasizes on building upon young emerging leaders. The Philippines is Asia’s

rising tiger and has a very young population with the median age of only 23 and the time starts NoW to build the vision of a better Philippines 2030. YBU’s team has created a once in a lifetime experience that will explore opportunities for personal and business development. The trip will allow participants to discover not only business opportunities but more about themselves, the Philippines and how to contribute to both societies they are a part of.

For more information on Young Business United (YBU) or to register to participate, please visit www.fpaccybu.com or contact ryyn Schumacher at 443637-2992 or by email at ryyn@ sayya.com.

MANILA – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to raise the country’s economic growth projection for 2016 after a stronger than expected growth in the second quarter.

IMF resident representative Shanaka Jayanath Peiris said the multilateral lender is set to raise the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast.

The economy grew seven percent in the second quarter from the revised 6.8 percent in the first quarter on the back of electionrelated spending.

This brought to 6.9 percent the GDP growth in the first half from 5.5 percent in the same period last year.

“The second quarter GDP outturn in the Philippines was somewhat faster than anticipated in our six percent growth forecast for 2016. Therefore, we will mostly likely be revising up our growth forecast for the Philippines in the next round of revisions,” Peiris said.

Last July, the IMF retained the country’s GDP growth forecast at six percent amid the external headwinds brought about by the

volatile global financial markets.

IMF mission head Chikahisa Sumi earlier said the Philippines is likely to survive the impact of the volatility in the global financial markets.

Sumi said the Philippine economy has performed well but there is still room to do even better. “The Philippine economy is doing very strongly despite external headwind of the trade slowdown and the added market volatility and the recent Brexit,” Sumi said.

Despite the strong growth, inflation remained manageable and is still below the two to four percent target set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Inflation averaged 1.4 percent in the first seven months of the year after hitting 1.9 percent in July.

IMF welcomed the plan of Duterte administration to raise the budget ceiling to three percent of GDP instead of two percent of GDP to be able to increase infrastructure spending.

The 10-point reform agenda of President rodrigo Duterte, according to IMF, would anchor policy formulation and structural transformation over the medium term.

IMF resident representative Shanaka Jayanath Peiris said the multilateral lender is set to raise the Philippines’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast.

“The continued solid growth in 2016, despite the external headwinds, is due in part to fiscal stimulus and supporting monetary conditions,” Sumi said.

The IMF mission said the seven to eight percent GDP growth would be attainable for the Philippines.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) recently lowered the GDP growth projection for the Philippines to a range of six to seven percent instead of 6.8 to 7.8 percent this year.

WB lauds Philippines for financial inclusion

by Mayvelin

Caraballo ManilaTimes.net

a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system.

THE World Bank has lauded National financial inclusion the Philippine’s approach to fi- targets, better data availability, and nancial inclusion as it noted that transformative business models the country’s National Strategy to provide financial services, the for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) has multilateral lender said in a blog, are helping to accelerate financial inclusion across the globe and in Asia – where more than a billion of unbanked people live.

It said countries set national financial inclusion goals to increase the pace and impact of reforms.

For this to be effective, it’s critical to have in place a robust M&E system to track progress, identify obstacles, and demonstrate success.

However, it is often difficult to evaluate and track the extent and quality of the national financial inclusion strategy implementation, and to aggregate the results of multiple actions at the national level the World Bank pointed out.

Nevertheless, the Philippines, it said, “has adopted a fresh approach to this challenge by designing a comprehensive M&E system that will report on headline and national-level indicators, as well as track progress of the regional and program-level performance indicators.”

Launched in July last year, the NSFI envisions a financial system that is accessible and responsive to the financial needs of all Filipinos, and provides a well- coordinated framework for public private coordination and cooperation as well as harmonization of efforts in financial inclusion.

“The Philippines has pioneered a unique approach to gather relevant data on activities, inputs and indicators to enable collaborative reporting by the various implementing agencies [of the NSFI],” the lender stated.

Between 2011 and 2014, it noted that the Philippines improved access to bank accounts by 4 percentage points, resulting in some 2.7 million adults gaining access to formal financial services.

Through NSFI working groups, the World Bank noted, the BSP devised reporting templates for each implementing agency. It then used consolidated inputs on activities the agencies developed and indicators they selected to develop the M&E system.

These inputs include performance-level activities and indicators that agencies can regularly report, and can be used to monitor national progress, as well as the granular activity-level progress on implementation, it said.

“This approach ensures that each agency has ownership and accountability of its commitments to implement NFIS activities and report indicators,” it added.

As a result, the lender said agencies are not expected to implement activities or report indicators that are out of their control, are difficult to manage or require additional funding.

“This collaborative and consultative approach has allowed the Philippines to develop an M&E system to easily collect inputs for NSFI,” it said.

NSFI, the World Bank noted, has also helped the country avoid many potential issues such as gaps in data, a lack of ownership or accountability of specific NSFI actions, or challenges in tracking activity-level implementation.

The NSFI secretariat can clearly map activities, progress and indicators of each implementing agency and act pro-actively where needed, it noted.

“This approach creates a solid and practical foundation for the successful implementation of NSFI activities and a comprehensive evaluation system that monitors the performance, implementation and national progress of the NSFI,” it said.

Lastly, the World Bank said the unprecedented level of collaboration for NSFI implementation is a good sign for future progress on improving financial inclusion in the Philippines.

The World Bank has lauded the Philippine’s approach to financial inclusion as it noted that the country’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) has a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system.

DOT expresses concern over...

PAGE D1 the DoT, yet (tourism) contributes so much in terms of GDP and employment,” De Castro said.

“A lot of them also brought up concerns on how to support the tourism industry in their respective districts,” she added.

De Castro said that with the support from representatives, especially those who are part of the Tourism committee, there was a possibility that the DoT’s 2017 budget could still be increased.

“There’s a possibility. We are going to have an executive committee meeting to discuss how we can go about it,” De Castro said.

“But whatever budget we have in 2017, we will come up with ways and means so that the tourism industry will not suffer,” she added. of the proposed P2.5 billion budget, P2.23 billion will go to the DoT while P218.79 million and P42.37 million will go to the Intramuros Administration and National Parks Development Committee, respectively.

Also included in the special provisions of the budget is the

Katherine De Castro, Tourism Undersecretary for Advocacy and Public Affairs

P4.58 million Tourism Development Fund, which will be used for the development, promotion and marketing of the country.

About P150 million coming from the net profit of the Duty Free Philippines will also be allotted for tourism-related projects and activities.

The same report also stated that the tourism department aims to increase international tourist arrivals by 10 percent to 6.5 million and domestic arrivals by four percent to 73.3 million.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 27-30, 2016 D

Longo Toyota delivers world class experience

a team from North Cotabato and Davao del Sur is set to go on a mission in Malaysia to explore ideas on new tourism products that can apply to Mount Apo’s base.

Philstar.com photo

DOT jumpstarts Mt. Apo tourism development

by Mary

Grace Philstar.com

Padin

“We also want to benchmark, because Mount Kinabalu in MANILA – Months after the Malaysia has been generating fire that devastated Mount Apo, thousands of visitors every year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) we also want that to happen in is eyeing to develop new prod- Mount Apo,” she said.

Mount Apo is currently under ucts and activities that would a rehabilitation program from the revive tourism in the area.

DOT Region 12 director Nelly Department of Environment and Dillera told The Star a team from Natural Resources (DENR).

“A lot of opportunities are beNorth Cotabato and Davao del Sur is set to go on a mission in ing wasted because it is closed.

Malaysia to explore ideas on new But the entry points, which are tourism products that can apply located at the base of the mountain, are already destinations to Mount Apo’s base.

“A team will go to Malaysia to in themselves. So why can’t we study what activities we can offer promote those areas down the at the bottom of Mount Apo, since mountain?” Dillera said, referring we can’t open the summit yet,” to New Israel, Lake Agco, Tawsuvan Falls in North Cotabato.

Dillera said in an interview.

She said the DOT is also looking into offering short climbs along the mountain’s base.

“We are exploring the possibility of offering trekking activities, around two or three hours. Of course, just within the base of Mount Apo. We still can’t go to the summit,” the official said.

Aside from doing research and benchmarking, Dillera said the team would also explore talks with their Malaysian counterparts to form a partnership.

Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,954 meters above sea level.

Mindanao is emerging as ASEAN economic hub SURIGAO CITY—With the shift in the pattern of world trade and investment destinations to Asian countries, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) sees Mindanao’s strategic position as an advantage to become the next hub in Southeast Asia.

This was emphasized by Undersecretary Janet Lopoz, executive director of MinDA, as the 25th Mindanao Business Conference (MBC) formally opened its plenary on Thursday at the Gateway Hotel in Surigao City.

“The trajectory of business expansions are geared towards this region especially in the banking, transport, storage and logistics, manufacturing, oil and gas,” Lopoz said, citing the 2011 result of the survey of the Southeast Asia Business Expansion.

Lopoz said the Asean Integration that opened up the national borders of member nations to allow freer movement of people, goods and

services to create a single regional market can be a key to fully utilize the trends of business expansions to the region.

“If Asean were one economy, it would be the seventh largest economy in the world with 2.4 trillion US dollars combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2013. It could be the fourth largest by 2050 if growth trends continue,” she added.

Since the late 70’s, she said, ASEAN has already outpaced the rest of the world in terms of per capita income growth.

The region’s potential market is also considered larger compared to Europe and North America considering the number of its population that now counts to over 600 million people, Lopoz said.

Strengthened integration The various aspects of Asean Integration are now gaining ground as the member-countries work hard to integrate as a single economy.

In terms of tariffs, Lopoz said

the Common Effective Preferential Tariff rates are virtually zero for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand while more than 70 percent of the intra-Asean trade is now tariff-free, with less than 5 percent subject to tariffs above 10 percent.

On the other hand, the banking sector in Asean “is a key sector to watch as consolidation and network externalities are now taking place.”

Lopoz cited the expansionary strategies being pursued banks in Thailand to Asean-member countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanman and Vietnam.

“Many of these banks join the DBS Holdings, a Singaporean bank trying to acquire the Indonesian PT Bank Danamon, and the Affin Holdings Bhd, a Malaysian banking group trying to acquire majority share of Indonesian PT Bank Ina Perdana, in expanding in Indonesia, PAGE D5

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.

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DOF chief prefers weak peso

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA - Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez prefers a “slightly weak” peso to benefit the over 10 million Filipinos working overseas and at the same time boost the competitiveness of the country’s export sector.

Dominguez, a member of the seven-man Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), told members of the Kapihan sa Klub Inc. during a forum at the Club Filipino the government prefers an exchange rate of between 46 and 47 to $1.

“In other words, maybe 46-47.

That is what we would prefer because our OFWs benefit and also the exporters benefit. That is why we have to balance all the time,” he said.

The head of the Department of Finance (DOF) said OFWs as well as exporters suffered in the previous administration due to the strong peso.

“In the past administration they have always wanted a strong peso so you use less pesos to buy dollars. However when you have too

strong peso two things will happen.

Number one, your exports cost more so exporters here earn less and secondly your OFWs who are earning dollars will get less pesos,” he said.

Dominguez said the Duterte administration is trying to balance the interest of OFWs as well as importers who prefer a stronger peso.

“So in the government, we are always trying to balance the peso benefitting OFWs who are about 10 to 12 million against the people who import. For me, I would prefer a peso that is slightly weak,” he said.

The peso shed 5.23 percent and closed at 47.06 against the dollar in end-2015 from 44.72 to $1 in end-2014 due to external shocks brought about by the normalization of interest rates by the US Federal Reserve as well as the economic slowdown in China.

The local currency has so far gained 1.3 percent to close at 46.525 to $1 last Wednesday from 47.12 to $1 at the start of the year.

Dominguez said investors prefer to accumulate more dollars amid the possibility of another round of

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez

interest hike by the US Fed. The Philippines is the third highest remittance-recipient country in the world next to India and China.

More than 10 million overseas Filipinos send around $26 billion to their families in the Philippines and account for about 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

On the other hand, the country’s merchandise exports slipped 5.6 percent to $58.65 billion last year from $62.1 billion in 2014 due to weak global demand.

Mindanao is emerging as ASEAN economic...

PAGE D3 the largest ASEAN member country,” Lopoz said.

She added that Maybank and CIMB of Malaysia have also started to penetrate the Philippine banking market with plans to increase branches in the country by 100 in 2014 to 200 by 2018.

In the field of manufacturing, the country’s Universal Robina Corporation is now mulling on spending USD20 to 30 million to set up food manufacturing facilities in Myanmar while the Asiawide Refreshment Corporation, the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of RC Cola in the Philippines is also set to establish manufacturing facilities in the same country.

The air transports in Asean countries are also finalizing their expansion plans to widen their services and areas of destination.

Lopoz said the Lion Group ordered 230 Boeing 737 jets in a deal worth USD22.4 billion in 2011 and 234 Airbus medium haul aircrafts in a deal worth USD23.8 billion in 2013.

The Air Asia Group, she added, also purchased an additional 100 Airbus planes worth USD9.4 billion in line with its expansion goals in Asean.

The country’s Cebu Pacific also

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took a bold move in strengthening its position in air transport industry by acquiring a 40 percent stake in TigerAir Philippines while the Air Asia Philippines also acquired a 49 percent stake in Zest Air, Lopoz added.

In utilities and infrastructure, Lopoz also cited the acquisitions made by Philippine companies and corporations that further strengthened their position in the Asean market.

In 2011, the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) acquired 65 percent of Esso Malaysia for USD1.8 billion that made all Esso stations in Malaysia rebranded to Petron.

SMC also established a consortium with Citra group that is involved in the construction of toll ways and roads in the country and Indonesia.

“Further, Manila Water, which has a 49 percent stake in one of the main suppliers of water in northern part of Ho Chi Minh City has acquired 51percent equity share of the water concessionaire in charge of the Western Zone of Jakarta. In addition, Meralco engaged in a joint venture with First Pacific Corporation acquiring 70 percent stake on an 800 MW Liquefied Natural Gas project on Jurong Island in Singapore,” Lopez said.

Mindanao as ASEAN’S economic hub Lopoz emphasized that Mindanao can take advantage on the on-going trends in the international market, particularly in the Asean because of its strategic location in the region.

“Our country remains to be one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. And if our country is growing in that pace, Mindanao is not far behind,” Lopoz said, adding that Mindanao can take advantage of what the Asean has to offer as the island-region is very well positioned to become the next wave of strategic growth hub in the region.

Citing Mindanao’s demographic dividend, the island-region have a relatively young workforce with an average median age of 23 to 24 years old, she said.

She also reported that the main distributor of Toyota in the Middle East has recently visited Mindanao three times to look for possible plant sites for their car parts.

The company, she said, have already visited the areas in Surigao, Davao Oriental, Misamis Oriental and General Santos City.

They are also looking for a skills training institute partner which can supply their required manpower, Lopoz added. (ManilaTimes.net)

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