LA Weekend Edition -- March 12 -- 15, 2016

W W W M

Los AngeLes

W E E W K EE N EWD K EE ENKDE N D M I D W E E K

E D I T I OE ND I T I O NI T I O N ED

EMarch D I T12-15, ION 2016

w w w . a s iwa w nw j o. ua w rs niwaaw nl .j. ca o osu m irannajlo.

wwwww. .a aj ds w ujw n m w ii gawintwja.olae drd iw i iol.t.n ce o i tgaw i it ti ao lne aacj.l o d idgm

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. 21 • 4 Sections – 34 Pages

www.ajdigitaledition.com

1210 S. Brand 1210 Blvd.,S. Glendale, CA Brand Blvd., Glendale, 1210 S. 91204 Brand Blvd

Tels: 818.502.0651Tels: • 213.250.9797 • Fax: 818.502.0858 • 213.481.0854 818.502.0651 • 818.502.0651 213.250.9797 Fax: 818.502.0858 Tels: •• 213.250.9797 • Fax:• 82 Also published in: • Orange County/Inland • Northern California •Empire Las Vegas • New York/ New•Jersey Also published in: published • OrangeEmpire County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas Jersey Also in: • Orange County/Inland • Northern California •New Las York/ VegasNew • New York/ New Jersey 1210 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204

Vote receipts may postpone PH polls

Also published in: • Orange County/Inland Empire • Northern California • Las Vegas • New York/ New Jersey

DATELINE

USA

Tels: 818.502.0651 • 213.250.9797 • Fax: 818.502.0858 • 213.481.0854

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Fil-Am faces weapons charge JerseY City police arrested a 59-year old filipino man tuesday, march 8 inside the hudson mall for carrying a handgun while dressed in police-style clothing. he was identified as Julio Concepcion of Boyd Court and was initially charged with one count of possession of a handgun without first obtaining a permit to carry.

According to reports, he posted a $50,000 cash-or-bond bail, but an arrest warrant was issued when he failed to appear for his first hearing Wednesday morning, the Jersey Journal reported. he was charged additionally on Wednesday evening with possession of an assault weapon and hollow point bullets and after failing to appear in court on the original charges, he was arrested at his home. the judge ordered him held without bail.

It was learned that Concepcion worked for the Department of Defense from 1989 to 2003 but it is unclear as of press time what his role was in the department. he allegedly told police that he is a retired federal law enforcement officer providing an ID and complied

u PAGE A3

Filipinas honored on International Women’s Day the Philippine Consulate General New York and the Philippine mission to the United Nations celebrated International Women’s Day with a reception on tuesday, march 8, recognizing the achievements of three remarkable filipino women. the event, dubbed “Distinguished filipino Women 2016,” honored American Ballet theatre principal dancer stella Abrera, Care. com Ceo and founder sheila Lirio-marcelo and Carmelyn malalis, commissioner and chair of the New York City Commission on human rights. “the theme for this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day is Planet 50/50 by 2030: step it Up for Gender equality,” Irene Natividad, deputy permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, said. “We are giving inequality a definite expiration date. each one of us is called to contribute towards the goal of gender equal-

u PAGE A4

by Sheila

CriSoStomo Philstar.com

stA. rosA, Laguna — the Commission on elections (Comelec) is looking at a possible postponement of the may 9 polls following the supreme Court order to print vote receipts.

With only two months remaining before the elections, the printing of vote receipts will entail many complications, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said yesterday.

Bautista said the risks of committing a mistake are higher when things are rushed, so the proposal to delay the elections is an option they are looking at.

“But that requires a law. Under section 4 Article 7 of our Constitution, unless otherwise provided by law, regular elections shall be held on the second monday of may,” he said.

Bautista, however, clarified this is not a priority of the Comelec.

“What we want to study now is what is the impact on our timeline, considering that 60 days are left before the elecComelec chair Andres Bautista during walkthrough at Commission on Elections warehouse in Sta. Rosa, Laguna province, which stores vote counting machines. tions… this is not only a legal issue, but Brillantes warned that a failure of election looms if the Supreme Court (SC) insists on requiring the printing of vote receipts in the May 9 polls after the also practical, technical and op-erational Supreme Court ordered to activate the voter verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) feature of the vote counting machines (VCM) to be used for the polls.

u PAGE A2

Inquirer.net photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta

No overprice Amid money-laundering probe, RCBC CEO will not resign Bank manager held at airport in building of Makati car park

by Benjie

and

by reina

tolentino

ManilaTimes.net

the Commission Audit (CoA) conducted 11 audits from 2008 to 2014 that found that there was no overpricing in the construction of the makati City hall Building 2 (a carpark), according to Vice President Jejomar Binay’s camp. “these CoA reports, including one conducted by the agency’s own technical experts, are now being ignored in favor of a fasttracked supposed special audit report that is tainted by political motives,” tobias tiangco, president of the Binay-led United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), said on friday, march 11.

“Basta Binay, paspas ang CoA pero hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin ang pinangako nilang CoA report sa paggamit ng PDAf ng

u PAGE A2

l. Vergara mayVelin U. CaraBallo ManilaTime.net

ImmIGrAtIoN officials stopped the manager of the rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (rCBC) branch embroiled in a money-laundering investigation from leaving the country as she boarded a plane bound for Japan at the main manila airport on friday,

march 11.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 2 asked maia santos Deguito, manager of rCBC’s Jupiter, makati branch to disembark from the Philippine Airlines flight Pr432, telling her she could not leave the country because she was on an immigration watch list.

u PAGE A3

Lorenzo Tan

Maia Santos Deguito

Released Supreme Court decision finds Poe eligible on residency, citizenship mANILA — sen. Grace Poe is a natural-born citizen who will meet the 10-year residency requirement for the presidency before the may elections. this was the ruling of the supreme Court (sC) in allowing the presidential frontrunner to pursue her candidacy and overturning the Commission on elections (Comelec) ruling disqualifying her for material misrepresentation in her eligibilities.

In a 47-page decision released on thursday, march 10 the high court held that the Comelec committed grave

abuse of discretion and declared Poe “qualified to be a candidate of president in the national and local elections of 9 may 2016.”

“All put together, in the matter of the citizenship and residence of petitioner for her candidacy as President of the republic, the questioned resolutions of the Comelec in division and (in full) are, one and all, deadly diseased with grave abuse of discretion from root to fruits,” read the ruling penned by Associate Justice Jose Perez. on the citizenship issue, the sC re-

Fil-Am community welcomes new tourism director to LA

by ChriStina

m. oriel

AJPress

memBers of the filipino-American community in Los Angeles officially welcomed richmond Jimenez as the new tourism director at the Philippine Department of tourism (Dot) office in this city.

Jimenez, who will serve in the position for the next three years, said that the department is seeking new ways to creatively attracted filipinos and non-filipinos living abroad to visit the Philippines.

“What we would like to happen right now is that we actually want a two-way road, a two-way exchange of ideas,” he said in his remarks at a meet and greet event on Wednesday, march 9.

“Let’s actually have a conversation and communicate more because…we would like to invite people to see why the Philippines is a great nation and see how the filipinos are. We’re known Jemma Garchitorena, Eva Adan (both of the Philippine DOT-Los Angeles), Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim and for our hospitality and more than the beaches and more than the sights, it’s the experience.” wife Fides Herrera-Lim, Tourism Director Richmond Jimenez and Patrick Magat of the Philippine DOT-Los Angeles.

Photo by Ding Carreon

u PAGE A3

jected the position of the poll body that foundlings like Poe cannot be considered natural-born because their parents are unknown and the blood lineage – as required by law – cannot be established.

It upheld the position of the solicitor general that there is a high possibility that her parents are filipinos based on statistics. “the presumption of natural-born citizenship of foundlings stems from the presumption that their parents are

u PAGE A3

A MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Vote receipts may postpone…

PAGE A1 t

issues,” he said.

The SC on Tuesday allowed the petition of senatorial candidate Richard Gordon requiring the Comelec to print voter receipts showing the names of candidates a voter has shaded in the ballot.

The receipts are to be deposited in a separate box so

they could not be used for vote buying, which the Comelec had feared could happen if it were required to print receipts.

Bautista pointed out the printing of a voter receipt could add 10 hours more of voting time since the process will take one minute in a clustered precinct that has 600 voters.

Bautista said the requirement

would mean extending voting by 10 hours, or from 7 a.m. on May 9 to 5 a.m. the following day.

This is aside from the Comelec having to purchase 13 rolls of thermal paper for each of the 92,500 vote counting machines and the receptacles where the printed receipts will be stored.

Bautista added all of this would require the holding of public bidding that could take at least two months.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said the SC decision requiring the printing of a voter receipt might force the Comelec to postpone the May 9 vote.

He said postponement is possible “to give the Comelec ample time to configure the vote counting machines (VCMs) to include the feature of issuing receipts.”

Macalintal said Comelec has already shipped some VCMs abroad for the overseas absentee voting.

“These machines are not configured to print receipts,” he

u PAGE A5

RECORD-BREAKING HEAT. The Philippines may experience record-breaking heat in coming months, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

The highest temperature recorded in the country was 1969, when the heat in Tuguegarao City reached 42.2 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature recorded in Metro Manila was 38.6 degrees Celsius in 1915.

Philstar.com photo

No overprice…

PAGE A1 t

administrasyong Aquino simula 2010. Halos anim na taon na yan pero ni anino ng report wala tayong nakikita sa COA [When it comes to Binay, COA is fast but until now, the there is no COA report on the use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund of the Aquino administration since 2010 that they promised. It has been almost six years but we do not see even a mere shadow of that report],” he noted.

According to UNA, Makati City resident auditor Cecilia Cagaanan said in the February 2014 technical audit report that the construction of the edifice was reasonably priced.

“Based on the result of the Contract Reviews conducted by COA-TAS [Technical Audit Specialist] as presented beforehand, the contract cost of Makati City [Hall] Building [2] was considered reasonable based on COA Resolution No. 91-52 dated September 17, 1991,” it quoted the report.

Citing Caga-anan, UNA said COA’s technical audit specialists found the contract price of the building “reasonable” in the five

u PAGE A5

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

From the Front page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-15, 2016

A

Amid money-laundering probe, RCBC… PAGE A1 t

“Deguito was supposed to fly to Narita, Japan, with her husband, Eric, and son Eugene Antonio. But all of sudden, we received a copy of the lookout bulletin from our main office ordering us to bar her from leaving,” BI-NAIA supervisor Rico Pedrealba said.

The Deguito family checked in as early as 11 a.m. for their 3 p.m. flight to Japan, Pedrealba added.

CEO going on leave Meanwhile, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of RCBC, Lorenzo Tan, said he is not resigning his posts but will take an official leave of absence to cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the reported money-laundering allegedly involving the bank.

In a statement on Friday, March 11, Tan’s legal counsel Francis Lim said the RCBC chief is going on leave to give the lender a “free hand” in probing the money-laundering reports.

The investigation is focusing on a possible case of moneylaundering involving $81million in stolen funds reportedly deposited in RCBC’s Jupiter branch in Makati City.

The funds were part of more

than $100 million apparently taken by hackers from an account of the Bangladesh Central Bank at the US Federal Reserve Bank of New York in early February.

Further reports also alleged that the money was laundered through deposits to four bank accounts at RCBC via wire transfers to the bank’s branch on Jupiter Street in Makati City.

“The bank’s board thanked him for his gentlemanly and decent gesture but said their trust in him is intact and unshaken,” Lim said, referring to Tan. Earlier, Tan said he believed the bank’s management would be fully vindicated once the investigation was completed, and condemned as “malicious” suggestions that he or other executives of RCBC were aware of the alleged money-laundering activities.

“I will fully cooperate with all ongoing inquiries and believe that I and consequently the bank’s management will be fully vindicated,” Tan added.

No info on HDO, just a ‘lookout list’ Immigration officials said they have no information about any hold departure order against Deguito or Tan. They said they only obeyed or-

ders from the higher authorities to stop Deguito from leaving.

The BI-NAIA supervisor Pedrealba said Lourdes Bautista and another immigration officer, who was not identified, boarded the plane and informed Dequito about the immigration order.

Bautista and her colleague, however, said they did not know the reason behind the order to take stop Deguito was later escorted by immigration personnel out of the terminal building and brought to the Immigration’s headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.

As a result of the incident, the flight scheduled to leave Manila at 3 p.m. was delayed for almost an hour.

Go claims signature forged Other reports have said William Go, one of the businessmen linked to the possible $81-million money laundering case, also on Friday claimed that his signature had been forged by Deguito to open an account under his name.

The Manila Times is also trying to verify reports that Deguito confessed to Go that she had opened an unauthorized account under Go’s name in a meeting on February 23 in a restaurant in Taguig City. n

Fil-Am community welcomes new tourism…

PAGE A1 t

According to Jimenez, one of his priorities right now is to encourage airlines and travel agencies to provide more flights and enticing and affordable packages for those who want to visit the Philippines.

“We actually need the support of the private sector because we can’t do it all by ourselves. The reason why the tourism industry is booming in the country is because of the support of the private institutions who open their doors and support the industry,” he told the Asian Journal.

Jimenez joined the DOT in 2014 as a tourism operations officer for the Russia, India, Middle East and Europe desk and as a supervising tourism operations officer for the Americans division. Prior to that, he was with the US Embassy in Manila for over 12 years as a country coordinator and a special consular assistant for emergency services to Americans living and traveling in the Philippines.

He said joining the DOT was Flora Wang of China Southern Airlines and Tourism Director Richmond Jimenez

u PAGE A5

AJPress Photo by Ding Carreon

GRADUATION. President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledges the graduating cadets during the 37th Philippine National Police Academy Commencement Exercises for “Masundayaw” Class of 2016 at the Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday, March 10.

Malacañang photo by Robert Viñas

Released Supreme Court decision finds Poe eligible on…

PAGE A1 t

nationals of the Philippines. As the empirical data provided by the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) show, that presumption is at more than 99 percent and is a virtual certainty,” the court stressed.

The high tribunal explained that such presumption is supported by domestic and international laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“In sum, all of the international law conventions and instruments on the matter of nationality of foundlings were designed to address the plight of a defenseless class, which suffers from a misfortune not of their own making.

We cannot be restrictive as to their application if we are a country, which calls itself civilized and

a member of the community of nations,” the SC pointed out.

As for the residency issue, the high court also reversed the finding of the Comelec that Poe lied when she claimed in her certificate of candidacy that she would be a resident for 10 years and 11 months on the day before the 2016 elections.

“The Comelec, by its own admission, disregarded the evidence that petitioner actually and physically returned here on 24 May 2005 not because it was false, but only because Comelec took the position that domicile could be established only from petitioner’s repatriation under RA No. 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act) in July 2006,” the SC ruled.

“However, it does not take away the fact that in reality, petitioner had returned from the US and was here to stay permanently, on 24 May 2005. When she

Fil-Am faces weapons…

PAGE A1 t

with the officers who arrived on the scene after receiving a call from an off-duty officer who reported the suspicious condition.

Jersey City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said Concepcion, who was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, was found sitting at a table in front of the Popeye’s restaurant at approximately 11:30 a.m. He was wearing a full-duty police belt, with a .40 caliber gun and two magazines in the pouch.

After securing the weapon, of-

ficers asked Concepcion if he had any additional weapons, to which he said yes in the trunk. There, police recovered a .38 caliber fully-loaded gun and two bullet proof vests.

Several hours later during the course of the investigation Concepcion was arrested while in custody at the West District, according to Morrill. During the course of the investigation, officers discovered Concepcion had been an employee of the Department of Defense from 1989 through 2003, however his role

claimed to have been a resident for 10 years and eleven months, she could do so in good faith,” it added.

The SC bought the defense of Poe that she committed an “honest mistake” in her COC in the 2013 senatorial election where she said she was then a resident for six years and six months.

“As explained by petitioner in her verified pleadings, she misunderstood the date required in the 2013 COC as the period of residence as of the day she submitted that COC in 2012. She said that she reckoned residency from April-May 2006 which was the period when the US house was sold and her husband returned to the Philippines. In that regard, she was advised by her lawyers in 2015 that residence could be counted from 25 May 2005,” it held.

“It was arbitrary for the Com-

u PAGE A5

with the DOD is still under investigation.

Concepcion also told officers he had additional weapons in his home, and two additional firearms were recovered during a subsequent search.

Members of the city’s Filipino community expressed their reactions on social media, calling the arrest as “unfortunate”. A couple of residents said that they have always seen Mr. Concepcion either in the mall or along Westside Avenue wearing police-style clothing which they thought were his uniform as a policeman or military police. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

A MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

Filipinas honored on International Women’s…

PAGE A1 t

ity, which is not just a women’s issue, it is everyone’s issue. All of us, specially men — and it’s good there are several of them around — must be engaged to address the inequalities that affect women and girls around the world.”

Natividad also reported that UN Women, the agency tasked to promote equality, recently selected President Benigno S. Aquino III as one of the 10 heads of state IMPACT champions in recognition of his leadership in formulating and promoting policies for women are seen as dependable partners for peace, social justice and inclusive growth.

Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. explained that this is the second year that the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Mission to the United Nations have collaborated to celebrate International Women’s Day celebration and honor the achievements of three distinguished Filipino women.

“It is gratifying to know that the Philippines is leading the international community on gender development and empowerment such as closing the gender gap and sharing its best practices to the world,” ConGen de Leon said.

Family matters “It’s an honor to be here with all of you. I find motivation and support from female colleagues and I am constantly inspired by women leaders and tonight, to meet Sheila and Carmelyn, it’s

so inspiring to hear your stories and your incredible work,” Stella Abrera said.

Abrera is the first FilipinoAmerican principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre, a feat she achieved in August 2015.

“At the age of five, I was smitten with ballet. I was lucky to have parents who supported my dream. They helped instill in me the dedication and work ethic,” she shared. “I’m privileged to do what I love and I recognize that I couldn’t have come this far if not for the love and support of my family as well as my wonderful husband who is here with me tonight.”

Family was the common thread among the three exemplary honorees as the three ladies paid tribute to their parents for working hard and instilling in them values that guided each one of them as they grew older.

“I feel very fortunate being a Filipina. My father was a teddy bear dad [and] taught me tenderness, passion and algebra.

My mom was an aggressive entrepreneur, the chief household officer, taking care of six kids,” Sheila Lirio-Marcelo said.

She founded Care.com in 2006, now the world’s largest online destination for finding and managing family care, with more than 18.4 million members across 16 countries. Today, Marcelo is one of the few female technology entrepreneurs to raise more than $35 million in venture capital

funding.

“It is no coincidence being a Filipina, that I started a company called care.com. When I started the company, my mother said ‘I don’t know if you know, but the number one source of all caregivers in the world is the Philippines’,” Marcelo remarked.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Carmelyn Malalis as commissioner and chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights in November 2014. Prior to this post, she had more than a decade in private practice as an advocate for employees’ rights in the workplace.

Like Abrera and Marcelo, Malalis also paid tribute to her parents for paving the way for her and her sister. Her father is a chemical engineer, while her mother is a doctor.

“I give full credit to my parents, they did all the work and broke all the barriers for the family. They arrived in the U.S. in the late 1960s,” she recalled. “I grew up in a small town in New Jersey called Carteret, which was an enclave of mostly Polish, Irish and Italian. If you go back to that town now, there’s a Filipino church, a Filipino bowling league.”

“My parents were good community builders. They built relationships and they’re very good at getting to know people,” she added.

Giving back More than the success they have achieved in their professional lives, these distinguished

“Distinguished Filipino Women 2016” honorees Stella Abrera (right), Carmelyn Malalis (second from right) and Sheila Lirio-Marcelo (second from left) were joined onstage by (from left) Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Irene Susie Natividad, Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. and his wife, Eleanor de Leon.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

women recognized the importance of giving back.

“It has been a wild ride from the glorious moments of practicing my art form on grand stages of the world to the devastating times brought about by a near

career-ending back injury,” Abrera shared. “I’ve experienced the highs and lows, as well as everything in between, and I’ve embraced them all with my whole heart.”

A trip to Manila in 2014 was instrumental in the birth of a charity she founded.

“I am grateful that my career path provided me the opportunity to perform in 2014 at the iconic Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila. The trip inspired me to create my charity called Steps Forward for the Philippines to help children get access to education in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan,” she said. “That work gave me some of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I was able to see firsthand how resilient and strong Filipinos can be.”

Through crowdfunding, Steps Forward raised more than $20,000 and the amount was used for the restoration of a school in the town of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the first of the many towns badly battered by the super typhoon.

In 2010, Sheila founded WomenUp.org to increase women’s roles in the global economy by

providing leadership training, mentorship and support to girls and women through every stage of their lives and careers. An active philanthropist, she is also a board trustee of the Philippine Development Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works with the Philippine government on education, innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.

“What are we doing about care? It is undervalued,” Ms. Marcelo said. “Caregivers – many of them are Filipino women – on the average, are paid $9 an hour, while golf caddies are paid $17 per hour. We pay less for those that care and carry our children than our golf clubs. Something’s wrong.”

In her talk, Marcelo said that the Philippines is a special place for women.

“It is evident in our past, our present and in our future. It is a matriarchal society. Our culture celebrates equality. Today, the Philippines has the narrowest gender gap in all of Asia. It is one of the few places in the world where female representation in government and business reflects the population,” she said.

(Momar G. Visaya / AJPress)

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

From the Front Page

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-15, 2016

A

Released Supreme Court decision finds Poe eligible on…

PAGE A3 t

PASS-IN-REVIEW. Former PAF Chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, salute to the colors for the Pass-in-Review during the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Grandstand, Fernando Air Base (FAB) in Lipa City, Batangas on Wednesday, March 9.newly assumed 34th PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983.

Malacañang photo by Robert Viñas

Fil-Am community welcomes new tourism…

PAGE A3 t

a way to do something more for the Philippines.

For this year, the DOT launched the “Visit the Philippines Again 2016” marketing campaign, with the target of 6 million international visitors. In 2015, arrivals reached 5.36 million — 4.8 million of which were foreign visitors — and contributed an estimated $5 billion to the economy.

Recent reports revealed that 500,000 visitors arrived in the country this past January. Korea and the United States remain the top two contributors of visitors to the country, according to the department.

Another one of Jimenez’s top priorities during his stint here will be to market to millennials, who are more adventurous than older generations.

“In terms of targeting millennials, we would have to change our strategy. We have to strategize our promotional activities and one of the reasons

why we’re here is to study the market and see what are the effective means in order for us to grab that particular audience,” he said, adding that the country offers other activities for those who aren’t into diving or wellness, like voluntourism (a combination of both volunteering and tourism).

He added, “They’d actually like to go to places where people haven’t been to. What we need to do is come up with an actual product that will entice all these millennials to come over. We really need to be creative and live like a millennial and see what it is that they’re looking for.”

In drawing more foreign visitors, the DOT has been sponsoring and promoting large events.

One of the upcoming events is the second annual Madrid Fusión Manila on April 7-9, a gastronomic event featuring Michelin-star chefs from around the world and the most respected in the Philippines. The MTV Music Evolution 2016 in May is

Vote receipts may…

PAGE A2 t said.

Macalintal said the SC should have retained its previous ruling that the required paper audit trail should be considered complied with when the voter fills out his ballot.

“It appears that even the SC does not trust the VCMs, previously called precinct optical count scan or PCOS machines,” he said.

Implications The Comelec yesterday met with Smartmatic International, as well as other members of the Project Management Office, in its warehouse in Sta, Rosa, Laguna to discuss the effects of the SC ruling on their preparations.

“We are looking at what are the things we can do to enforce this directive of the SC. We want to know specifically what would be the consequences or implications if a voter receipt printing is implemented,” Bautista said.

Bautista said the poll body has agreed to file a motion for reconsideration (MR) while evaluating the possible effects of the ruling on the election timetable.

“Our current direction is that we will file an MR… What we actually want is a chance for us to demonstrate our machines to the SC so that they can see for themselves how it operates and its features… that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of printing the receipts,” he said.

By showing to the SC justices why Comelec does not want vote receipts, Bautista said they are hoping to convince the magistrates to reconsider.

The poll body earlier warned the SC that printing receipts would mean extending the voting time.

The Comelec had offered to show to a voter on the VCM the names of the candidates he

u PAGE A7

No overprice in building of…

PAGE A2 t

phases of construction.

Tiangco had warned COA that it can be held liable for allegedly violating its resolution and its own rules for supposedly releasing an incomplete audit report on the Makati City Hall Building 2.

He was referring to a 2015 COA resolution, which stated that it was necessary for the state auditing body to uphold political neutrality by implementing measures meant to prevent circumstances that may impair its independence, neutrality and professionalism.

“This project has passed 11 regular audits. It is very clear that [that] special audit team was created for the ‘special’ purpose of being used as demolition team against VP [Vice President] Binay,” Tiangco said.

He added that his request was not intended to hamper COA’s exercise of its mandate, “but to ensure the political neutrality of the commission during the election period.”

Meanwhile, Binay also on Friday slammed the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly being part of a supposed demolition job against him.

He said the process at COA was not finished yet and that the report was just the panel’s report.

“There is still a procedure awaited there, a motion for reconsideration to the commission.

So it’s not a finished product. The Ombudsman is really part of the conspiracy of demolition, they jumped the gun again… because the debate is near,” Binay added, referring to the presidential debate on March 20. n

also scheduled for music-lovers and the 2016 Ironman 70.3 AsiaPacific Championship in August for sports and outdoor enthusiasts.

“Right now, our priority is to invite as many mainstream Americans to the Philippines.

We would actually want to ignite the census of our millennials — the second and third-generation of Filipinos — to realize that the Philippines is out there [with] so much to learn, and that there are so many fun things to do,” Jimenez said. n

elec to satisfy its intention to let the case fall under the exclusive ground of false representation, to consider no other date than that mentioned by petitioner in her COC for senator,” the ruling added.

Eight justices of the SC concurred with this ruling: Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Jose Mendoza, Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardeleza and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

Sereno, Velasco, Leonen, Jardeleza and Caguioa wrote separate concurring opinions.

Six other magistrates who joined the minority opinion and voted to deny Poe’s petition were Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo Brion, Mariano del Castillo, Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Bienvenido Reyes.

Chiz hits Poe critics Sen. Francis Escudero chided yesterday those who criticized Sen. Grace Poe over the decision of the Supreme Court allowing her to run for president.

He also slammed the losing petitioners in the disqualification case, describing them as “arrogant and presumptuous that they know everything about the law.”

“These people do not have a monopoly of wisdom in interpreting the law. They should respect the decision of the justices, who would not stake their names, their integrity or their places in history in jeopardy,” Escudero said.

While the petitioners have the right to file their motions for reconsideration, the senator said “they do not have to malign the justices by lecturing them on what they were supposed to do.”

The senator also pointed out that the petitioners were ill-advised for making such an early, sweeping judgment on the magistrates who voted in favor of Poe even when they themselves admitted that they have yet to read a copy of the SC decision.

Escudero was reacting to the separate statements of University of the East College of Law dean Amado Valdez, lawyer Estrella Elamparo, De La Salle University political science professor Antonio Contreras and former senator Kit Tatad – through his lawyer Manuel Luna – who were quoted as saying that, in rendering a decision favorable to Poe, the justices committed “a great injustice to the country and violated the Constitution.”

He said the critics should stop undermining the high tribunal as an institution by threatening to impeach the SC justices who voted in favor of Poe. Poe’s political opponents should focus on expounding their platforms of government and plans for the country to the electorate to help voters decide wisely come May 9, he added.

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno led eight other SC magistrates in voting to allow Poe to run for president in the May 9 elections. The eight are Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Lucas Bersamin, Jose Perez, Jose Mendoza, Marvic Leonen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Francis Jardeleza and Diosdado Peralta.

Those who voted to uphold the Commission on Elections’ decisions canceling Poe’s certificate of candidacy for president were Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Arturo Brion, Mariano del Castillo, Bienvenido Reyes and Estela Perlas-Bernabe.

“It is the height of insolence that these petitioners could denigrate our justices for a decision that is sound and based on jurisprudence. It is just unfortunate that they may have their own interpretation of the law,” Escudero said.

He urged critics to accept and respect the decision and to stop trying to disqualify Poe from the May 9 presidential polls.

Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, who is part of Poe’s senatorial slate, hopes the SC decision will boost Poe’s chances at victory on May 9. (With Christina Mendez)

A MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

Obamacare still confusing to many taxpayers

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

MANY Americans who didn’t have health coverage last year saw an average penalty more than twice as high as that in 2014, according to a report from tax services company H&R Block.

On average, H&R customers owe a penalty of $383, up from $172 for 2014. Furthermore, 60 percent of taxpayers who had subsidized healthcare are having to pay back some of their financial assistance. This year the average payment is $579, up from $530 in the previous tax season.

The findings indicate that most taxpayers remain confused

about how the Affordable Care Act, which requires Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a fine, affects tax credits and refunds.

“There is still a steep learning curve,” Mark Ciaramitaro, H&R Block’s vice president for taxes and health care, told the Associated Press (AP).

To help consumers gain coverage, the law provided tax credits for individuals who opted for insurance through state or federal exchanges.

The problem, however, is that a number of Americans appear to have trouble estimating their expected annual incomes, Ciaramitaro told the AP. Those who

underestimated their incomes had to repay part of the credit.

Consumers who owed money saw, on average, a 17 percent decrease in their federal refunds, according to H&R Block.

On the other hand, more than one in three taxpayers overestimated their incomes, and thus received an additional average of $450 in their refunds.

Only 3 percent of H&R Block customers with health law subsidies correctly estimated their incomes and didn’t see a change in their tax returns.

The minimum fine an uninsured adult will be subject to in 2016 is $695, up from $325 in 2015 and $95 in 2014. n

Mark Zuckerberg signs brief supporting Obama’s actions on immigration

LET GIRLS LEARN. First Lady Michelle Obama views murals by Mr. Brainwash, left, a Los Angeles based graffiti artist, during an event marking the one-year anniversary of Let Girls Learn, hosted by the US Department of State’s Office of Global Women’s Issues at Union Market in Washington, DC on Tuesday, March 8.

White House photo by Amanda Lucidon

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

FACEBOOK CEO Mark Zuckerberg and more than 60 US companies filed a Supreme Court brief in support of President Barack Obama’s executive actions on immigration.

In the brief, employers say Obama’s executive orders would benefit the US economy.

“Instead of inviting the economic contributions of immigrants, our immigration enforcement policies have often inhibited the productivity of US companies and made it harder for them to compete in the global marketplace,” stated the brief, which was spearheaded by a pro-immigration reform advocacy group founded by Zuckerberg called fwd.us.

In November 2014, Obama signed actions that would expand deferred action for up to 5 million undocumented immigrants in the United States through a program called the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Permanent Lawful Residents (DAPA) and by expanding the existing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Shortly after the announcement,

CA legislature votes to raise legal smoking age from 18 to 21

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

Mark Zuckerberg

26 states led by Texas filed a class action lawsuit against the actions, resulting in a temporary block of implementation of the programs.

The top court will hear oral arguments in the case on April 18 before deciding on the constitutionality of Obama’s executive orders.

Also argued in the brief is that the absence of deferred action can encourage companies to hire undocumented immigrants, as they can pay them below minimum wage.

“These practices drive down wages and create more dangerous working conditions for all

U.S. Workers. They also expose law-abiding businesses to unfair competition,” it states.

Furthermore, the brief states that immigration enforcement policies have affected agriculture, dairy and food service industries, as employees in these areas are being deported.

The support from Zuckerberg and these companies comes in the same week that a coalition of more than 100 mayors across the country, including Los Angeles’ Eric Garcetti, filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to allow implementation of Obama’s immigration plans. n

THE California Senate on Thursday, March 10, approved a measure that raises the legal smoking age from 18 to 21.

Last week, the state Assembly voted in favor of the same bill, which was part of a six-bill package aimed at restricting access to tobacco.

If Gov. Jerry Brown signs off on the legislation, California would become the second state after Hawaii to raise the legal smoking age to 21. More than 100 cities across the United States, including Boston and New York, have already raised the age limit.

“We can prevent countless California youth from becoming addicted to this deadly drug, save billions of dollars in direct health care costs and, most importantly, save lives,” said Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina), who authored the bill.

An exception remains for members of the military, who

can continue purchasing cigarettes at the age of 18.

Proponents of the bill argued that many smokers begin the habit before they turn 18, according to data from the US surgeon general. Setting the legal smoking age to 21 would make it more challenging for Those against the measure cited that Americans are allowed to make adult decisions, vote, sign legally binding contracts and join the military, among other things.

In response, Democrats revised the legislation for military members.

The bill received strong opposition from many Republicans, who say it infringes on individuals’ personal health decisions.

“I don’t smoke. I don’t encourage my children to,” said Assemblyman Donald Wagner (R-Irvine), KQED reported. “But they’re adults, and it’s our job to treat our citizens as adults, not to nanny them.”

The Los Angeles Times in an editorial also argues the bill

package “tramples” on smokers’ rights, saying there is no evidence that second-hand smoke from e-cigarettes is as harmful as that from regular cigarettes.

It further stated that the exemption for military men and women demonstrates a lack of integrity.

“What? The health of young Americans is a concern unless they are in the military service?” the editorial read.

Other measures in the package would expand smoking bans at more schools and allow counties to impose higher cigarette taxes on top of California’s 87-cent tax per pack. Smoke-free areas would also include small businesses, warehouses, workplace break rooms, bars, and hotel lobbies and meeting rooms.

Approval by the state legislature comes just a little more than a week after San Francisco officials voted to raise the smoking age to 21.

Should Brown sign the bill, the legislation would be implemented 90 days afterward. n

Majority of California adults have prediabetes or diabetes A third of young adults prediabetic

DAVIS, Calif. — Nearly half of California adults – including one out of every three young adults – have prediabetes, a precursor to life-threatening type 2 diabetes, or undiagnosed diabetes, according to a UCLA study released on Thursday, March 10. The research provides the first analysis and breakdown of California prediabetes rates by county, age and ethnicity, and offers alarming insights into the future of the nation’s diabetes epidemic.

Conducted by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and commissioned by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA), the landmark study analyzed hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose findings from the National Health and

4/5/16

Nutrition Examination Survey together with California Health Interview Survey data from over 40,000 respondents.

The study found that 13 million adults in California (46 percent) are estimated to have prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes, while another 2.5 million adults (9 percent) have already been diagnosed with diabetes.

Combined, the two groups represent a majority of the state’s adult population, 15.5 million (55 percent). Since diabetes is more commonly seen among older adults, the study’s finding that 33 percent of young adults (18 to 39 years old) have prediabetes is of particular concern.

“This is the clearest indication to date that the diabetes epidem-

ic is out of control and getting worse,” said CCPHA’s Executive Director Dr. Harold Goldstein. “With limited availability of healthy food in low income communities, a preponderance of soda and junk food marketing, and urban neighborhoods lacking safe places to play, we have created a world where diabetes is the natural consequence. If

there is any hope to keep health insurance costs from skyrocketing, health care providers from being overwhelmed and millions of Californians from suffering needlessly from amputations, blindness and kidney failure, the state of California must launch a major campaign to turn around the epidemic of type 2 diabetes.”

County-by-county crisis The study estimates prediabetes rates by county, finding major disparities across the state, particularly among the 18-39 yearold population. For those young adults, prediabetes rates ranged from lows of 26 percent in Lake County and 28 percent in San Francisco County, to a high of 40 percent in rural Kings and Impe-

u PAGE A7

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

Majority of California adults…

PAGE A6 t

rial counties.

Racial and ethnic disparities are extremely pronounced. There are statistically higher prediabetes rates among young adult Pacific Islanders (43 percent), African-Americans (38 percent), American Indians (38 percent), multi-racial Californians (37 percent), Latinos (36 percent) and Asian Americans (31 percent) than Whites (29 percent), pointing to the need to focus additional prevention efforts in those communities. Altogether, no demographic or region appeared to be free of the diabetes and prediabetes epidemics.

Complicating matters is the fact that many people do not get tested for prediabetes because the test often is not covered by insurance, particularly for those under the age of 45. And although there are effective interventions to control weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle, these programs are often not be covered by insurers.

“There are significant barriers not only to people knowing their status, but getting effective help,” said Dr. Susan Babey, lead author of the study and co-director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research’s Chronic Disease Program. “A simple blood test for diabetes should be covered by all insurers, as should the resources and programs that can make a real difference in stopping the progression of this terrible disease.”

Prevention is possible Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.

Up to 30 percent of those identified with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years, and as much as 70 percent will develop the disease in their lifetime. Diabetes is associated with dramatically increased risk of amputation, nerve damage, blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, hospitalization and premature death.

Diabetes is one of America’s fastest growing diseases and one of the most costly. Nationally, diabetes rates have tripled over the past thirty years. In California, the rate has increased by 35 percent since 2001. Nationally, annual medical spending for people with diabetes is almost twice that for people without diabetes. Someone diagnosed with diabetes by age 40 will have lifetime medical spending that is $124,600 more

than someone that age who does not have diabetes.

Three-quarters of that care is paid through Medicare and Medi-Cal, including $254 million in annual hospital costs that are paid by Medi-Cal alone.

To avoid the progression from prediabetes to diabetes, the study’s authors recommend greater participation in the National Diabetes Prevention Program, as well as policy and environmental changes to increase screening, prevention and healthy lifestyle supports.

“For most people, type 2 diabetes is entirely preventable,” said Dr. Goldstein. “If Medi-Cal covered diabetes prevention programs and every health provider screened for prediabetes, we could prevent a large proportion of cases. In exchange for a proactive investment today, we can save billions of dollars in health care costs over the next five years and beyond, and save thousands of lives.”

Funded by the California Health Care Foundation and The California Endowment, the study and accompanying recommendations and materials are available at www.caprediabetes.org. n

Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-15, 2016

A

Vote receipts may postpone PH… PAGE A5 t

voted for as a compromise to the printing of receipts.

Lawmakers opposed the idea of Bautista to extend the voting period to two days.

“I think it’s a recipe for chaos and possible cheating. It will be the first time we will have an overnight voting if this plan pushes through,” Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said.

Albano said he does not think that voters would accept overnight voting.

He said those who want to disrupt the balloting would do their illegal activities under cover of night.

Albano urged the Comelec to think of ways to expedite the voting process and to do it only on May 9, even if voting time is extended.

He noted that in the past, voting was done from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We can start it earlier, say at 6 a.m. and finish it at 7 p.m. That means an extension of three hours,” Albano added.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said the Comelec should just revert to the original plan to have the

voting period from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. instead of 7 a.m. to 5 a.m. the following day.

Pimentel also urged the Comelec to avoid using alibis to delay the election process.

“You will not use lack of time as the reason, restore those two hours that you cut,” he said.

If the Comelec is left with no choice but to abide by the SC ruling, Pimentel said the poll body should file an MR while at the same time, starting preparations to comply with the ruling.

“Even if the MR is still pending, they should start bidding for additional paper. They should do that at once. They should not sleep on the issue while the Motion for Reconsideration is pending. They should assume that the decision will not be reversed,” he said.

Pimentel also advised the Comelec not to make an issue that there would be no extra ballot boxes to accommodate the printed vote receipts.

“The receipt is not the official count. It will not affect the official count. It is just for the benefit of the voter to know his vote,” he said.

Meanwhile, the camp of Sen. Grace Poe slammed reports that the elections might be postponed due to issues on the printing of vote receipts.

“We believe that mentioning ‘postpone’ and ‘elections’ in the same breath is unacceptable,” Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said.

“Comelec should not even consider the possibility of holding the elections on a later date as this will damage our democracy, confuse the electorate and

tarnish the integrity of the elections,” he added.

“The printing of receipts should not be a deal breaker to begin with because when the contract for the PCOS machines was bidded out this feature was part of it, it was inherent. This safeguard is a built in feature, so clearly it can be reactiviated easily the same way it was so easy for Comelec to deactivate it,” Gatchalian said. (With reports from Jess Diaz and Christina Mendez)

A MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OpiniOn

Features

Give the law more teeth

IN the middle of the campaign period, with less than four months left in the 16th Congress, senators are set to conduct yet one more inquiry, this time on money laundering through Philippine banks and casinos.

Authorities in several countries are investigating reports that the US account of the Bank of Bangladesh was hacked and deposits were stolen, with $81 million transferred to the Philippines through casinos and the banking system and then moved to overseas accounts.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council is already investigating several individuals including six account holders through which the funds were allegedly laundered as well as the manager of the Jupiter street branch of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in Makati, Maia Santos-Deguito. She has denied wrongdoing and said the transactions were given the green light by her boss, RCBC president and CEO Lorenzo Tan, who called it an outright lie. Yesterday, Deguito was held at the NAIA and prevented from flying to Tokyo.

The Senate probe might unearth interesting details about the case. It will surely provide publicity especially for lawmakers who are running for various positions in May. Whether the probe will lead

to relevant legislation is another story. Not just because there is no more time, but also because lawmakers have known for a long time what the anti-money laundering police needs from the legislature, and neither senators nor congressmen have been willing to grant the request: an easing of bank secrecy rules, and wider coverage of anti-money laundering laws.

In the past decade, the country’s lawmakers have passed anti-money laundering legislation so grudgingly it’s like trying to extract an abscessed tooth. Predicate crimes have been added to the coverage of the law only after threats from the Financial Action Task Force to blacklist the country.

It took time before bribery and corruption, malversation and terrorism were included among the predicate crimes. To this day, tax evasion – which should have been included from the start – remains excluded from the list. Casinos also remain Critics scoff that this situation can be attributed excluded from the coverage, ostensibly to encour- to self-preservation, since a number of lawmakers age investments in gaming. themselves are widely suspected to be among the

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

top money launderers. The planned Senate probe next week isn’t going to change this sorry state of affairs. (Philstar.com)

Poll highlights 2 months before the Philippine elections: Binay or Poe? Marcos or Escudero?

TWO months before the May 2016 Philippine presidential elections, the Supreme Court of the Philippines has ruled that Sen. Grace Poe is eligible to run for the highest post of the nation.

This throws out the disqualification cases filed by different parties that question whether Poe is a natural-born Filipino and meets the residency requirement.

Henceforth, it has been full swing campaigning for Poe, and her poll numbers prove she is now a strong contender for the presidency.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey commissioned

by ABS-CBN from Feb. 16 to 27, Poe is now in a statistical tie scoring 26 percent against 24 percent for Binay, among registered voters who were asked who they would be voting for as president

In third place was Camarines if the national elections were held Sur Representative Maria Leduring the survey period.

The Fil-Am onor “Leni” G. Robredo with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. 18 percent, followed by SenaDuterte placed third with 22 per- Perspective tor Alan Peter S. Cayetano with cent, followed by former Depart13 percent; Senators Gregorio ment of Interior and Local Gov“Gringo” Honasan II with 6 ernment (DILG) Secretary Manuel percent; and Antonio Trillanes “Mar” A. Roxas II (19 percent), Gel sAntos-relos IV with 5 percent. and Sen. Miriam Defensor SanIt seems the anointed canditiago with a voter preference of 3 dates of President Benigno Aquino III — Roxpercent.

For the vice presidential race, the Pulse Asia as and Robredo — will have to work harder in poll revealed Senators Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. winning the trust and confidence of the FilipiMarcos, Jr. and Francis “Chiz” Escudero share no people and showing that they are the most the lead, each getting 26 percent of registered qualified candidates with the right character, leadership, vision and platform to build on the voters.

reported gains and achievements of the Aquino administration.

Why aren’t they polling better, considering the all out support coming from the Aquino administration?

Do these poll results reflect your own preference for president and vice president? What are you doing to campaign for those whom you think will lead the country toward progress, peace and order? *** 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

Yosemite National Park: A national treasure never for sale

“YOSEMITE Park is a place of rest, a refuge from the roar Rhizomes and dust and weary, nervous, waiting work of the lowlands, in which one gains the advantage of both Prosy AbArquezsolitude and society. DelAcruz, J.D. Nowhere will you find more company of a soothing peace-bestill kind. Your animal fellow-beings, so seldom regarded in civilization, and every rock-brow and mountain, stream, and lake, and every plant soon come to be regarded as brothers; even one learns to like the storms and clouds and tireless winds. This one noble park is big enough and rich enough for a whole life of study and aesthetic enjoyment. It is good for everybody, no matter how benumbed with care, encrusted with a mail of business habits like a tree with bark. None can escape its charms. Its natural beauty cleanses and warms like fire, and you will be willing to stay forever in one place like a tree. Government protection should be thrown around every wild grove and forest on the mountains, as it is around every private orchard, as the trees in public parks. To say nothing of their value as fountains of timber, they are worth infinitely more than all the gardens and parks of towns.” – John Muir, “The Wilderness World of John Muir.”

“That first impression of the Valley—white water, azaleas, cool fir caverns, tall pines and stolid oaks, cliffs rising to undreamed-of heights, the poignant sounds and smells of the Sierra, the whirling flourish of the stage stop at Camp Curry [renamed to Half Dome Village as of March 1, 2016] with its bewildering activities of porters, tourists, desk clerks, and mountain jays, and the dark green-bright mood of our tent – was a culmination of experience so intense as to be almost painful.” -- Ansel Adams on his first visit to Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park was established on October 1, 1890, a magnificent array of towering granite, waterfalls, meadows, rivers, creeks, redwood forests, spanning 747, 956 acres. Once inside, one feels serenity instantly. From the snow, covering road shoulders, to white snow understory surrounding the trees, snowflakes shimmering in pine tree leaves and branches, a morning circuitous drive of 33 miles to the inner rim of the national park allows you to

breathe in God, with every breath you take.

There is no mistaking God in this magnificence.

Last year’s visit, marked by drought, gave my husband Enrique and me a shy display of water in trickles. It took a trip up to Glacier Point, with a commanding view of Half Dome, Yosemite Village and the Sierras (greeting us with a magical surprise of double rainbows) after gray clouds had cleared a bit. With showers to cool us down, we did not mind it at all, as the rainbows beckoned us to capture God’s magic.

As you get into Yosemite Lodge, the Upper Yosemite Falls rises up to meet you, with its strong flows, as if not enough, a Middle Yosemite falls, and Lower Yosemite falls, with much stronger volumes, now flowing after several snow storms.

In February of this year, a snow-dusted Half Dome greeted us with robust water flows at Bridal Veil Falls, causing folks to stop at a viewpoint by the tunnel. I wanted to write snowcapped, but as with each day of warmer weather, the snow had diminished to dusted Half Dome. Yet, its grandeur, and that of Bridal Veil Falls, which we got to hike and be with, up, close and personal, did not diminish.

John Muir’s apparent love for Yosemite is recalled, “No temple made with human hands can compare with Yosemite,“ and his famous quote,” I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown for going out, I found I was really going in, “ emblazoned on the storefront of Nature Shop in Yosemite’s Lodge.

Firefall and thousands of photographers “Firefall was an old Yosemite tradition,” National Geographic’s Kenneth Brower wrote, “Every night a bonfire of red-fir bark was built on Glacier Point.

From Camp Curry below came the cry, “Let the fire fall!” And down it poured, a slender cataract of lava splitting the dark cliff. It was a bad idea, probably – no current management plan calls for a rekindling of the firefall-but it certainly was spectacular. There have been no [man-made] firefalls since 1968, yet a pale scar still shows where the fire burned away the cliff’s lichens.”

Michael Frye, a photographer who took photos of Yosemite for 25 years, described firefall at Yosemite National Park, as a convergence of three: “The perfect Horsetail Fall photograph needs three things. First, there has to be enough water. Second, the sun has to be low in the sky when it’s still hitting the fall to give it that orange glow. Third, the cliff behind and to the left of Horsetail has to be in the shade when the water is on fire; the contrast between the backlit waterfall and the dark background is what makes this event so dramatic.”

We became part of this magical gathering of photographers, where Canon lovers stood next to Nikon enthusiasts, exchanging tips. Others had telephoto zoom lenses with a range of 650-1300 mm, while younger photographers with limited resources, applied their creativity instead, using binoculars with iPhones to produce decent enough shots.

Stan Moniz, in a red jacket, became the unofficial mentor to women who admitted their first adventure with Firefall.

“Ah a virgin,” and everyone laughed.

For four days, we waited for sunset when the exact moment of God’s magical sun rays would hit the waterfalls, first as mist, then increasing in volume with sunset. By 5:37 to 5:48 pm, the sun would set and give us flashing colors and each day, sunset got later.

On Friday, a gilded vertical yellow water flow and framed by dark shadows, it assumed the shape of a heart or a teardrop. On Saturday, thousands showed up. Sunrays fell on the waterfalls, creating a distinct yellow and framed by orange on its sides. By Sunday, a light yellow on the waterfalls, with a hint of orange flashed and just in a snap, the sun disappeared.

I was ready to go home but Enrique requested one more night for Firefall watching, to which a photographer said, “Make him pay dear.” He took me to Ahwahnee Hotel’s buffet breakfast, now with a new name, The Majestic Yosemite Hotel.

That Monday, we were gifted with yellow, orange and even pink on Horsetail Falls, God’s magic manifested.

The conflict between right and wrong During the firefall watch, many photographers shared their indignation at the renaming of park’s icons: Ahwahnee Hotel to The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, Curry Village to Half Dome Village and Wawona to Big Trees Lodge,

“I care that my national parks are national treasures. They are America’s assets. I care that their Indian names are preserved.”

“The first tribe for which we know the name—the last to call the valley its own—was a band of Miwok who named it Ahwahnee, “the Place of the Big Mouth,” for its shape, and called themselves Ahwahneechee, the people of that place,” Kenneth Brower wrote.

Delaware North, once a concessionaire that run these facilities for years, had lost its concessionaire’s privilege.

In an effort to squeeze the federal government, it claimed compensation for its alleged trademarks and filed a lawsuit to claim monetary gains for these iconic names: The Ahwahnee Hotel, Curry Village and Wawona, which they pegged the value at $51 million, while the National Park Service counters that the dollar value of the trademarks Yosemite names at $3.5 million.

How can they file trademarks for something that never belonged to them?

The Ahwahnee Hotel was commissioned by the National Park Service’s former first director, Stephen T. Mather, to be built by a private company, Yosemite Park and Curry Company for public use, even if priced to attract only those with money. For example, Bracebridge Christmas event is priced at $1,000 per ticket, while lunch buffet is affordable at under $50.

During World War II, this hotel hosted the US Navy, and in 1943, the Navy converted this into a hospital, “In two-andhalf years, 90,000 service men and women relaxed in Yosemite National Park, while 6, 752 patients were treated.”

No written contracts will ever erase the fact that this magnificent acreage belongs to all of us, America. Ahwahnee Hotel might be fictionally regarded intellectual property by Delaware North, but this particular site never belonged to Delaware North, not its name, as it belongs to the Native Americans who lived in this place, regardless of Delaware’s erroneous filings of trademarks, and erroneously decided upon by US Patent and Trademark Office.

We hope these series of wrongs can be righted now by first, a withdrawal request of trademark privileges for Delaware, second, by an appropriate ruling of a judge to return these iconic names to the public and third, due diligence by National Park Service that these pub-

lic treasures are #NeverforSale, much like in the tradition of National Park Service’s principles in 1896. “The battle we have fought, and are still fighting, for the forests is a part of the eternal conflict between right and wrong, and we cannot expect to see the end of it. I trust, however, that our club [Sierra Club] will not weary in this forest well-doing. The fight for Yosemite Park and other forest parks and reserves is by no means over; nor would the fighting cease, however much the boundaries were contracted.

Every good thing, great and small, need defense. The smallest forest reserve, and the first I ever heard of, was in the Garden of Eden; and though its boundaries were drawn by the Lord, and embraced only one tree, yet even so moderate a reserve as this was attacked. And I doubt not, if only one of our grand trees in the Sierra were reserved as an example and type of all that is most noble and glorious in mountain trees, it would not be long before you find a lumberman and a lawyer at the foot of it, eagerly proving by every law terrestial and celestial that that tree must come down. So we must count on watching and striving for these trees, and should always be glad to find anything so surely good and noble to strive for,” as written in Anne Rowthorn’s compilation of “The Wisdom of John Muir.”

What justifies a private company to claim these intangible names, as if their Garden of Eden or their God’s firefall, to profit from their alleged fictional sale of trademarks, when it is a public asset?

Much like God’s magic in firefall, so intensely beautiful, what Delaware is doing to treat Yosemite National Park’s iconic names, as if commodities on a fire sale, is so painful to the rest of us, including the 4,000,000 visitors to this park. *** 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.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th St., Cor 1st Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

Northern California: New Jersey: 1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200 449 Hoboken Avenue San Bruno, CA 94066 Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152 Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Tel: (212) 655.5426 • Fax: (818) 502.0858 Las Vegas Sales Office: 3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

BELLE M. SISON Executive Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA Senior Vice President Los Angeles Asian Journal

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

SHARON ANN SAN PEDRO Vice President - Sales Balikbayan Magazine

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor DING CARREON Videographer

DANTE SAMBILAY Art Director

ANDY TECSON/TED TALAG BERT JAURIGUE Photographers

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-15, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Abu Sayyaf will do ‘something terrible’ to 4 hostages if demands are not met

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

IT’S A GO FOR GRACE. The Supreme Court has cleared the way for Sen. Grace Poe to run for President, voting to reverse the Commission on Elections (Comelec) orders disqualifying her from the tight race just two months before Election Day. In an en banc session Tuesday, nine justices voted in favor of Poe’s contention that the Comelec had committed grave abuse of discretion in canceling her certificate of candidacy (COC) for President, while six justices affirmed the poll body’s action.

Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon

Aquino looking forward to peaceful retirement

by AureA

CAliCA Philstar.com

MANILA — President Aquino is looking forward to “peace time” – a life with a clear conscience and without regrets when he retires.

This was what Aquino told local leaders and residents in Calamba City, Laguna on Wednesday, where he campaigned for the ruling Liberal Party candidates, led by standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II and his runningmate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

He said the LP team could make Filipinos “run” after six years of learning how to “walk” under his administration.

“There is a saying, before you run, you should learn first how to walk. We have started the good story of the Filipino life. We have risen from our fall and learned how to walk. Now, we are at the point of accelerating. How are we going to do this if our successor will change direction?”

Aquino said.

The President has more than 100 days left in office. He said when he decided to run for president, it was clear to him that he was not doing it just to be popular or to promote selfish interests.

Aquino said he accepted the challenge, knowing the changes

he could do and that he has fulfilled his promises to the people.

The President said he is prepared to face whatever fate would bring him after he steps down in June, especially since he “disturbed rice bowls” while in office.

He said his predecessor was placed under house arrest during his term while a Supreme Court justice was removed from office.

“I do not know what my fate will be, but as long as I am the only one implicated, that will be okay because I was true to all of you and your trust led to something,” Aquino said.

He said he was comfortable with all the decisions that he made and that he could look anyone in the eye and say his journey was worth all the hard work and difficulties.

The President called on the people to vote wisely in May, saying his is only one vote and everyone has the responsibility to bring the country to where it should be.

He said as the father of the nation, he could not afford to remain silent during the campaign period and think about the welfare of his family over the country.

“My conscience cannot bear

to stay quiet at this time. I am not a traditional politician who is always thinking about his own interests.”

The President said he had been part of the country’s political dynamics since he was 12 years old, when martial law was declared and his father, the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr., was detained for being in the opposition.

He said that was the year their lives were turned upside down.

Aquino said they never thought that his mother would continue the fight of his father, who was assassinated upon his return from exile in 1983.

He said this was the reason why he would like to be able to tell his siblings, the rest of his family and even his household staff that the country would have real “peace time” after he served because there had been genuine improvement.

Aquino said there is nothing that could bother their conscience in terms of work that had to be done.

During the Philippine Air Force change of command ceremony in Lipa City on Wednesday, Aquino said he would like to learn from retired PAF chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado how to make use of retirement time. n

IN a video released this week

by Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf, captors of three foreign nationals and a Filipino woman held hostage say the foreigners will be killed in a month if families don’t meet their demands.

The Philippine military, however, said it is standing by the government’s no ransom policy.

“We will just continue with our focused military operations based on available information to support the police operations,” said Col. Noel Detoyato, public affairs office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), adding that “the safety of the hostages is a primary concern during combat operations.”

Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla, a spokesman for the

AFP, told Reuters that army units are following the militants, who kidnapped the four hostages in September 2015.

“We’re getting closer to them, hence, they needed to expedite the demand for ransom in order for them to escape from the hands of the law, which is closely catching up,” Padilla said.

No specific demands were mentioned in the video, but a clip released in November shows one captor saying militants want $21 million per hostage. Militants have set a deadline of April 8 for their demands to be met.

A Canadian hostage, John Ridsdel, was the first hostage to appeal to his country’s government in the video, Inquirer reported.

“For my wife, to my family and this is so much bigger than my family, to the Canadian Prime

Minister and to the Canadian people in the world, please, do as needed to meet their demand within one month or they will kill me, they will execute us,” Ridsdel said.

Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad said his message would be his last to family and friends.

“Follow the negotiation, try to meet their demands within 30 days or we are all dead,” he said.

Both the Canadian and Norwegian governments said later they are aware of the video but declined to comment on it. Norway, however, did say it is working with the Philippine government.

Reuters reported that the group is also holding hostage a captive from the Netherlands, one from Japan and an Italian missionary. n

A10 MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PHiliPPineS

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

Del Rosario lauded for making Philippines larger on global stage MANILA — Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima praised Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario upon his retirement from government for making the Philippines’s role “larger” in world affairs.

Del Rosario, who announced his resignation in early February due to health reasons, officially stepped down from his post earlier this week.

“For the past five years, the place our country has occupied on the global stage has grown larger in stature, its luster shining brighter due in large part to your leadership and statesmanship,” Purisima said in a letter addressed to Del Rosario dated March 2.

He acknowledged Del Rosario for championing peaceful diplomacy and spreading the word about the country’s economic turnaround despite international tension and global uncertainty.

While Del Rosario is credited for leading Manila’s case filed before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague against Beijing over escalating maritime disputes, he was also hands-on in matters concerning overseas Filipino workers especially in times of urgent repatriation.

“Upholding our sovereignty alongside safeguarding the welfare of our people is no easy feat—I have seen time and again

In this October 2012 photo, President Benigno Aquino III (right) listens during an open forum with participants of the Philippines-Australia Busines Forum in Sydney, Australia. Next to him are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario (center) and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima (left).

Malacañang Photo Bureau / Jay Morales

how you led with wisdom and served with integrity. No doubt you will be leaving gigantic shoes to fill,” Purisima wrote.

I particularly appreciate how you have successfully transformed the Department of Foreign Affairs’ role from a purely political standpoint to one that espouses economic diplomacy— a paradigm shift that we have greatly benefited from as we shared our growth story with the world.

Purisima also expressed his sentiment over Del Rosario’s exit from Cabinet.

“It saddens me to lose a role

model to look up to in the Cabinet. Nonetheless, I have always believed that public service is a relay race—that we run as hard as we can with the baton on our hands with the hope that we can pass it on the next generation with our institutions and our nation in a much better shape that we first found it,” he wrote.enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser.

Del Rosario, also a distinguished businessman, on Friday attended a testimonial luncheon hosted by the Makati Business Club to celebrate his years in the foreign service. (Philstar.com)

USAID picks PH for growth program

by MiChAel Joe

t. delizo

ManilaTimes.net

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has picked the Philippines as the only Asian country for its Partnership for Growth (PFG) project.

PFG is a White House signature initiative through which the US and the Philippine governments work together to improve economic growth and development in Manila.

“The Philippines is very, very special in the eyes of the United States,” Dr. Susan Brems, mission director of USAID Philippines, said in a Kapihan session on Wednesday, March 9.

She added that the country has seen growth in the past years and the agency only needs to

address Manila’s “constraints” to help its economy even move faster.

“We chose the Philippines because this is the only country [in Asia] that is doing well. The people, the government, as well as the private and academic sectors are committed for the development,” Brems said.

Among the major constraints in the Philippines’ development that she cited were weak governance, regulatory environment, fiscal space and human capital.

In line with this, the USAID granted a P1.5-billion fund for Stride (Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development) program.

The fund was seen as a key in strengthening the regulatory capability of the government while providing governance and

capacity building training for universities in planning, financial management, patents and networking.

Stride is a five-year program started in July 2013, under the PFG project.

“Stride aims to spur inclusive economic growth by boosting science and technology research,” said Dr. Dave Hall, the program’s chief of party.

As of last month, the program has awarded P144.8 million in research grants to 34 universities around the country to conduct science and technology innovation research. It has also awarded 31 scholarships to Filipinos who will study in US universities.

“What we want is to have an economic growth that can benefit everyone,” Brems said. n

BEST FOOT FORWARD. For the third edition of “In Her Shoes,” a yearly campaign by the National Youth Commission to highlight women’s issues, the police chief of La Trinidad town walked in high heels, while members of militant women’s groups, students, teachers and sidewalk vendors danced to the theme song of the One Billion Rising Revolution before joining a unity march down Session Road. Wearing purple and pink T-shirts, women lined the streets to witness their menfolk march on the city’s Malcolm Square in heels.

Inquirer.net photo by Kimberlie Quitasol

Ex-Senate president Salonga, 95

by Jefferson And

AntipordA CAtherine s. VAlente ManilaTimes.net

FORMER Senate President Jovito Salonga, nationalist, defender of political prisoners and himself a victim of martial law, died on Thursday at the age of 95.

Salonga served as Senate president from 1987 to 1992 after heading the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), which was mandated to recover the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family and their cronies.

He started his career in politics in 1961 as representative of Rizal province.

Salonga topped the senatorial race in 1965.

He was one of several people injured at the Plaza Miranda bombing on August 21, 1971 during the proclamation rally of the Liberal Party, leaving him blind in one eye.

In 1980, during martial law, Salonga was arrested for allegedly masterminding a series of bombings in Metro Manila.

President Ferdinand Marcos ordered his release a month later because of immense pressure from Salonga’s supporters and lack of concrete evidence against him.

Salonga’s significant pieces of legislation include the State Scholarship Law, the Disclosure of Interest Act, the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and the Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime of Plunder.

After the 1986 EDSA people power revolution, President Corazon Aquino tapped him to

Senator Jovito Salonga

head the PCGG. The next year, Salonga topped the Senate elections for the third time.

It was during his term term that he and 11 other senators opposed the RP-US Bases Treaty, which had aimed to extend the stay of US military bases in the country.

Malacañang, in extending its condolences to Salonga’s family, said the passing of the esteemed statesman “challenges all who would seek election to live up to a life well lived as a patriot and citizen.”

“With heads bowed in grief and respect, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Senator Jovito Salonga. His passing marks the departure from this life of another of those brave, committed individuals who lit a candle during the deep darkness of the dictatorship; and who contributed to the restoration of our democratic way of life after the triumph of people power,” Palace Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

Salonga, he added, “stood

squarely on the side of good government, and did his part in Kilosbayan and the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation to ensure that the sins of the past would not be repeated in the future, becoming a Magsaysay laureate in 2007.”

“His life stands as a reproach to all those who would put personal gain ahead of public service; who would lower the standards of public discourse; and who would sacrifice human rights and the rule of law either for personal or partisan advantage. He joins the ranks of those who have made the position of senator of the Republic an honorable, and respectable, thing,” Lacierda said.

Salonga, who served as the country’s 14th Senate president upon the restoration of the Philippine Senate in 1987, ran but lost in the 1992 presidential elections, landing in sixth place.

He took up law at the University of the Philippines and eventually topped the 1944 Bar examinations alongside Jose W. Diokno n

Duterte, Marcos most talked about bets on Facebook

by JAnViC

MAteo Philstar.com

MANILA — Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are the most talked about candidates on Facebook, the latest data from the social media giant showed.

From Nov. 20 to March 8, Facebook said over 12 million users around the world have participated in conversations related to the upcoming Philippine elections.

The social media giant said conversations about presidential candidates showed that Duterte remains the most talked about, with 59 percent.

He is followed by administration bet Manuel Roxas II with 44 percent, Sen. Grace Poe with 37 percent, Vice President Jejomar Binay with 23 percent and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago with 20 percent.

“Conversations surrounding presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte peaked in mid-November when he announced his candidacy for president,” said Facebook.

“A rise in conversations on Grace Poe was seen in early March with the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing the can-

didate to run for presidency,” it added.

The social media giant defines election-related conversation as any post or comment that contains highly specific and targeted keywords or hashtags related to either the election itself, a candidate, a party or a specific topic that might be playing a large role in the election itself.

It said the percentages of the conversations would not add up to 100 percent as users may talk about more than one candidate or election-related topic.

“The numbers are useful for comparing the overall size of discussion for one candidate against another,” it said.

On the vice presidential race, Facebook said Marcos has taken over Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as the most talked about on the site.

Marcos had 40 percent share of the conversations, while Cayetano had 38 percent.

They are followed by Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo with 32 percent, Sen. Francis Escudero with 16 percent and Sen. Gregorio Honasan with three percent.

“Conversations on Ferdinand Marcos Jr. peaked in mid-December as he shared his views on the Bangsamoro Basic Law,”

said Facebook.

Transparency is top issue Meanwhile, transparency topped the list of issues being discussed in connection with the upcoming elections.

Facebook said 68 percent of election-related conversations cover the issue of transparency, followed by the economy at 31 percent.

Other issues include education with 26 percent, social welfare with 19 percent, defense and foreign policy with 17 percent and health with 14 percent.

Capping the list are infrastructure at seven percent and environment and trafficking at one percent each.

Elizabeth Hernandez, head of public policy of Facebook in Asia-Pacific, said the social media site is making it easier for people to participate in election debate and have a real impact.

“Twelve million people have engaged in the Philippine elections on Facebook since November, generating 81 million interactions. People are asking questions, expressing their views, and sharing election news,” Hernandez said.

More than 49 million Filipinos, or almost half of the population, have Facebook accounts. n

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

Dateline PHiliPPineS

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-15, 2016

A11

Roxas open to lifestyle check: I have nothing to hide

by Julliane loVe

De JeSuS

Inquirer.net

NO MATCH. Policemen draw their guns during a confrontation with residents whose houses were set for demolition in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City. The police were called when residents, armed with clubs and bladed weapons, tried to stop the court-approved demolition of at least a hundred houses built on a private property.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Duterte faces raps over killings

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

THE Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban (PDP) on Friday accused the Aquino administration of launching a black propaganda campaign against its standard- bearer Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, ostensibly with a view to discrediting him ahead of the May 2016 elections.

Peter Laviña, Duterte’s spokesman, claimed that allies of President Benigno Aquino 3rd are already preparing to file charges against Duterte for his supposed role and involvement in extra-judicial killings as mayor of Davao City.

“The charges reportedly stemmed from affidavits executed by a ranking police officer and supposed self-confessed gunmen,” Laviña said in a statement.

“We view this development with serious cause for concern,” he added.

Laviña tagged supposed legal action as a desperate move by administration bets “who are threatened by the surge in the popularity and voter preference for Duterte whose numbers continue to rise in all surveys.”

“There is no doubt in our mind that momentum is on our side.

This ploy to resurrect the wornout allegations against the mayor is a vain and desperate attempt to stop that momentum,” he said.

Laviña questioned the timing of the charges that will be filed

Rudy Duterte

and pointed out that the case could have been filed earlier when Duterte was not yet running in the May 9 polls.

“Certainly, they had all the opportunity, time, resources and wherewithal to file those charges when Duterte was a virtual nonentity in national politics. More so when he was not yet a declared presidential candidate. But now that he is on the heels of being elected the first President from the South, a Mindanaoan [native of southern Mindanao] with strong Visayan roots, in more than 50 years, his opponents are training their guns on him to arrest his irreversible march to victory,” he said.

“We deplore these dirty tricks.

We abhor these under-handed tactics. We will resist this vain plot to pin him down because of his strong stand against crime and corruption. We warn them of the repercussions of such dia-

bolical plan. The people will not be swayed by these black propaganda and amateurish schemes,” Lavina added.

Duterte earlier candidly admitted that he has killed many criminals during his stint as mayor of Davao City.

But in a recent presidential debate, the tough-talking mayor insisted that he never engaged in extra-judicial killings, but admitted, “If I become President, it would be bloody because we will order the killing of all criminals, ang mga durugista [drug addicts] at drug lords.”

He did not apologize for having killed criminals, but qualified that when he goes after criminals, “I do it in accordance with the rule of law. I will kill, I will continue to kill criminals.”

If elected President, Duterte said, “I will use the military and the police to go after the criminality and drugs flooding the country.”

Malacañang denied that the Aquino administration is behind a rumored case to be filed against Duterte.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Jr. said the administration does not use black propaganda against those running against its standard-bearer.

“Walang proyekto ang gobyerno na siraan si Mayor Duterte o sino mang kandidato [The government has no project to smear Mayor Duterte or any other candidate],” Coloma told reporters in a text message. n

LIFESTYLE check? Bring it on.

Answering the call of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago for fellow presidential candidates to undergo a lifestyle check, Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas on Friday said his records were open to scrutiny.

“Ako, okay ako sa lifestyle check, bukas naman ang aking record,” Roxas told reporters in an interview during his sortie in Cavite.

“Lahat naman itong mga suporta, mga ads, ay isa-submit matapos ang halalan, kaya bukas ako, bukas lahat ng records.”

Roxas maintained he had nothing to hide as his track record was untainted by any forms of corrupt activities.

“Wala akong tinatago. Malinis po ang aking track record. Wala po tayong track record sa kahit na anong anomalya,” he said.

Santiago’s challenge came after the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) released a report exposing the advertising expenses of candidates from January 2015 to Janu-

Mar Roxas

ary 2016.

The report showed that all candidates, except Santiago, spent beyond their wealth as declared in their statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN).

Of the total P3.2 billion spent for campaign ads by the candidates, P1.05 billion came from Vice President Jejomar Binay.

He has a net worth of P60.25 million as declared in his SALN in 2014.

Sen. Grace Poe is the second

biggest ad spender at P1.016 billion despite her declared net worth of P89.46 million also in 2014.

Roxas, who has a declared net worth of P202 million, spent P969 million on ads, while Duterte spent P146 million despite his P21.97 million net worth.

Asked whether his funds came from his own pocket or from donations, he said: “May mga personal, may mga donations ng friends. It’s a combination.” n

A12 MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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

SHOWBIZ&STYLE Journal

Cristine Reyes apologizes, recounts heated exchange with Vivian Velez Days after she was accused of being rude towards veteran actress Vivian Velez, actress Cristine Reyes has broken her silence on the issue with her “Tubig at Langis” co-star.

In her statement coursed through Viva Entertainment Inc. and was sent to the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), Reyes traced the start of the issue to the mosquito-infested dressing room assigned to her. she was then transferred to a better dressing room—the master’s bedroom of their shooting location—which became her regular dressing room.

Last March 3, the production staff asked her if Velez can share the said dressing room with her.

“I of course agreed. I was fine

sharing a room with any of my co-stars for as long as we have mutual respect. I would not have agreed with production if I had any ill feelings towards Ms. Vivian,” Reyes told PEP. she then recalled an instance where she and her assistant came from a movie shoot and that she was unable to sleep in her dressing room because of the noises made by the veteran actress.

Reyes then said that when Velez’s dressing room was set up, the veteran actress threw a fit on her transfer.

PAGE B3

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-15, 2016

B

B march 12-15, 2016 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

Moonlighting

by Mylah de

leon

AdelA Filiu Ferguson went to America to define her dream, clutching her midwifery diploma, an abiding faith in God, sheer guts and grim determination.

That day, on her date with destiny, a great traffic jam was giving her a cardiac arrest on her way to an interview with a possible employer. Three blocks away from her destination, a burly secret service stopped her cab and asked, “are you Adela?

Mrs. Reagan is waiting for you.”

Adela was interviewed and before she could blink, she was hired on the spot. Mrs. Reagan, who at that time needed household staff to fill her Bel-Air home, was impressed with Adela’s humble and gentle ways.

Now, they were meeting President Reagan for the first time.

The president strode towards the household staff and started shaking their hands. His handshake was warm and his smile was drop dead gorgeous. As he loomed, Adela looked so small, although brimming with thrill and enthusiasm. She thought he was the most handsome man in the whole world. His eyes radiated such warmth, sincerity and charm. She was looking eyeball to eyeball at the most popular

Features

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

Working with the Reagans president since World War II -- the one who won 49 states in a landslide, representing all categories of voters. It was the same thought they shared, and their reverie was broken when Mrs. Reagan fired her now famous first order, “Honey, walk Rex” (the dog). The staff looked and smiled at each other. They knew who would be the real Commander-in-Chief. life could be easy here at Bel-Air. The first time Adela held the tray for the president, she was shaking like a leaf, and he leaned very kindly towards her, holding her trembling arms and said, “It is all right, Adela, you’re doing just fine. If you could just tell me what this is?”

She replied, “Shepherd’s pie, sir,” to which the president said, “But I can’t find the shepherd.

Where is it?” The ice was broken and everyone broke into guffaws, including Mrs. Reagan.

Mrs. Reagan, who had a busier social life than the president, was in constant touch with her friends on the phone. They left together every morning for their office in Fox Plaza in Century City. Most of their mornings were spent quietly at home, a far cry from the White House life, where socials were more often seen in long limousines, rusting furs, ornate gowns and jewelry the size of cow droppings. After 20 years of public life, they needed to spend more time with family and

friends, and with each other.

Usually the president was back by 5 pm and would change and go to the basement for his exercises. He would pass through the kitchen, winking at Adela, and after his exercise, pass by the kitchen again and say, “Can I steal a cookie?” Oh, my pleasure, Sir!” would be Adela’s reply, who purposely kept the freshly baked cookies on the table, for everyone to taste. They were more than delicious!

Their weekends were mostly spent at their Santa Barbara ranch and the president loved cleaning the pool. He cut the trees that block the pathway to the pool. during one of Adela’s birthdays, the president gave her a pen and gold infant’s feet. His words were “this is an appropriate time for me to give you.” To this day, they are among her most treasured possessions. He also gave her all the empty bottles of every grand wine he opened for their VIP guests, knowing she collects them. “This is for Adela!” he would announce.

Working with the Reagans, Adela met the Prime Minister of Canada, Princess Anne, Prince Albert, Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw and former President and Mrs. Nixon. President Nixon drank tea but fell for her concoction of “special tea,” which was served during every Reagan meal. It was beyond her wildest dreams that they were not only sampling her recipes, she was actually serving them.

Sometime President Reagan would surprise the staff by bringing down the coffee trays himself.

They were all treated like family members and the Secret Service reportedly said they’d never had such a warm relationship with any other president.

For Adela, working with the Reagans made her feel so honored and humbled. She was just in high school back home when she saw their pictures in the papers, during their visit as Gov. of California. Now she was taking care of their meals and was there for their personal daily needs.

Her unsolicited advice? “do not ever underestimate your dreams in life. Anything can happen if you believe...It means hard work. Never doubt that you can do it with God’s help.

Remember you are never given a dream without also the power to make it come true. If you PAGE B3

Gerald Anderson (second from right) with Island Trackers K9 owner and operator Jim Hackett, father Randy, brother Ken and Island Trackers project manager and training development head Will Deapol.

Inquirer.net photos

Gerald Anderson’s foundation turns pet dogs to ‘superheroes’

by Marinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

GeRAld Anderson celebrated his 27th birthday by organizing a benefit dinner to raise funds for his foundation that trains dogs for search and rescue operations.

The Gerald Anderson Foundation Inc. (GAF) encourages pet lovers to have their dogs undergo coaching to help fellow Filipinos in time of calamities. Also involved with the project is Gerald’s dad Randy and brother Ken. “We’ve always loved dogs. Also, my brother and I, along with some friends, would always volunteer to help whenever an area in the Philippines gets struck by calamity. We hope to have a group that is professional and organized. We want to help as many people as we can,” Gerald told reporters shortly before the benefit party at the le Rêve in diliman, Quezon City.

The event was attended by his family, friends, colleagues and corporate partners, who all pledged to help make Gerald’s dream possible.

“The money goes to supplies that we need. The No. 1 thing that’s hurting us now is the cost of dog food and supplements,” Ken told the Inquirer. “A dog consumes P6,000 a month of food and vitamins. They’re not just normal pets, so we need them to be in top condition.”

The GAF is currently training four K9 units—Gerald’s dog Fredo and Ken’s Coda; and they were recently gifted with two more, a labrador and a Belgian Malinois.

“From being pets, they will soon be superheroes, because they will help save lives,” said Gerald.

Ken is in charge of training,

With his dog Fredo and supporter, singer Gary Valenciano

which is conducted in Clark, Pampanga at least three times a week.

“We usually start training at 6 a.m.

Before that, we have someone go into the jungle two hours ahead.

He just hides somewhere, but first leaves a piece of clothing. We have the dogs sniff the guy’s scent, then have them search for him.”

Ken added: “We still have a long way to go before we get deployed.

While the dogs are on cue, they still get distracted by other dogs.

If they pick up another scent, they sometimes shift their attention.

We keep them focused only on one thing.”

Training is, of course, physically exhausting for both the trainer and the dog. “We take a break from time to time because dogs overheat fast. during night tracking, we brave the rains. We cross rivers and walk through mud. It’s inspirational to see the dogs do it. While we trainers get our pay checks, they do this for free.”

Gerald said part of the founda-

tion’s mission was to eventually visit barangays to help residents train their dogs or teach them safety drills. “This is because we don’t know when the next earthquake or flooding will happen,” he explained. “Training is never-ending for us. Not only are the dogs being trained for calamities, but also to look for a lost child or hiker in the mountains. It’s reassuring to know that these dogs can help in a lot of ways.”

As early as now, Gerald said a lot of his celebrity friends have already expressed interest in joining the cause; among them are Piolo Pascual, Rayver Cruz and enchong dee.

“The benefit dinner was organized to orient them about the foundation,” he pointed out.

“We’re starting from nothing. We need funds for food, clothing for the trainers, two-way radio units, among other things. We have a vision, which we wouldn’t be able to achieve without your help.”

Features

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-15, 2016

B

Denial of a fraud waiver shatters this beauty queen’s American dreams – on Citizen Pinoy IT was a match made in heaven when beauty titlist Karen exchanged “I do’s” with US citizen Paul in 2007. They were shuttling between the US and the Philippines, managing their businesses and happily living their successful life. When they finally decided to settle in the US, they thought getting a green card through a spousal petition by Paul for Karen would be easy.

But tragedy struck! At her in-

terview, Karen was accused of fraud, and was required to submit a fraud waiver. The fraud waiver prepared by the lawyers they initially retained was denied. They felt their life and dreams crumbled right in front of them.

Hope came when they saw an episode of Citizen Pinoy while they were at a Filipino restaurant. They immediately consulted with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel

on what to do with their denied fraud waiver case.

Find out how the “third times a charm”, when Atty. Gurfinkel, as their third attorney, was able to turn Karen’s case completely around, by convincing USCIS Karen commited no fraud, and no fraud waiver was even required on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy–on Sunday 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

������������� ����������� ������������� �����������

ABS-CBN execs ‘support’ Kris Aquino’s hiatus

BE�UTY QUEEN’� C��E DENIED BEC�U�E OF FR�UD, ON � BR�ND NEW EPI�ODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Ka��� �c������ �a����� U� c���z�� Pa�� ���f�� �� 2007. I� wa� a �a�ch �a�� �� h�a���, ����� �h��� b�a���f�� ��f� wa� ��� ����� �x����� ha���h�� wh�� Ka���’� a�j������� of ��a��� wa� ������, af��� �h� wa� fo��� ������y of �������a��o� f�a��. Th�y ��b������ a f�a�� wa����, a�� ���� �ha� wa� ������. Th� co���� wa� ���a��a��� a�� a�� ��a�� fo� �h��� fa���y a�� b��������� w��� �ha������. E���y�h���� ������ ho������ ����� ��a����� U� �������a��o� a��o���y M�cha�� J. G��fi�k�� �����h�� �ook o��� Ka���’� ca�� a�� fo���h� �o co����c� U�CI� Ka��� ����� co������� a�y f�a��. Wa�ch how �h� “B�a��y Q����” a�� h�� fa���y ����a���� �h��� cha���� ��f� a�� Ka���’� �a�� wa� c��a���, o� a b�a�� – ��w ����o�� of “C���z�� P��oy” – o� ����ay a� 6:15 ���P�T� o� TFC

Cristine Reyes apologizes, recounts...

PAGE B1 “The EP (executive producer) immediately tried to pacify her but she stood her ground and continued shouting, telling everyone that I was the one booting her out of the room,” Reyes said.

She said that she tried to reach out to Velez to tell that she was not involved in her transfer, however, she was stopped by the EP because Velez’s emotions “were still so high.”

Reyes then learned that the showrunners of “Tubig at Langis” will negotiate with the veteran actress regarding her departure from the said soap opera.

“The EP turned to me and said, and I quote, ‘Konting tiis na lang AA. Sa Monday kakausapin na siya ng management para sa pagkawala niya sa show (Hold on a little longer, AA. On Monday, March 7, the management will talk to her regarding her departure from the show.)’

Still I would’ve appreciated a

resolution better because I had nothing to do with the issue of Ms Vivian’s source of anger. It was the production staff that was trying to transfer her and not me,” she said.

She also revealed that Velez and her make-up artist charged toward her after they heard her singing Avril Lavigne’s song “Goodbye.”

Reyes recalled: “Ms Vivian started to shout at me and, I quote: ‘Ako ba ang pinariringgan mo!? Sino ka ba?! Superstar ka ba (Are you referring to me!?

Who are you anyway?! Are you a superstar)?!’”

“I got rattled at this point and I just answered her in a mild manner, ‘Kumakanta lang naman ako, masama ba kumanta (I was just singing. Is it wrong to sing?)’” she said.

Reyes was then pulled away by her co-star Zanjoe Marudo from Velez and her make-up artist.

The “Tubig at Langis” star ended her statement with an

apology.

“I am also sorry that emotions got so heightened that some of my actions were misconstrued for rudeness when they were, more than anything else, my own way of coping with the stressful working conditions on the set in this particular instance.

“But I sincerely apologize if it hurt Ms Vivian or anybody else,” she said.

Reyes said that she has “high regard for and respect [for] senior artists who have paved the way for stars like me in the industry.”

An angry Velez lashed out against Reyes on Facebook last Sunday, saying that she is quitting the show because of Reyes’ “rude” treatment.

On Tuesday, March 8, the veteran actress said that she has taped her last scenes on the show and that it felt like “walking in the lion’s den.”

The ABS-CBN afternoon soap features Reyes, Marudo and Isabelle Daza. (Inquirer.net)

MANILA—ABS-CBN executives respect Kris Aquino’s decision to take a break from showbiz.

The Kapamilya network on Thursday, March 10 released a statement on Kris’s planned hiatus, which she announced on Instagram on Tuesday.

“We respect and support Aquino’s decision to take a break from show business and prioritize her health and spend

quality time with her kids,” read in the statement.

Kris said her break, however, “isn’t goodbye.”

“I think you’ll miss me and I hope to see you again, soon,” the talk show queen wrote.

The network also revealed that “ABS-CBN and Aquino have agreed to discuss future plans after she takes her much-needed break.” (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar. com)

K��� �q���o

Daniel Matsunaga says Erich helps him with acting

E��ch Go�za��� a�� Da���� Ma����a��a

PAGE B2

MANILA—Daniel Matsunaga said that her onscreen partner and off-screen girlfriend Erich Gonzaga helps her a lot in executing some scenes in their primetime series, “Be My Lady.”

“I am learning a lot with Erich,” Matsunaga said in an interview Thursday, March 10 with Philstar.com.

“I have been in showbiz four years pa lang and she’s (Erich) so much more mature in showbiz.

There are a lot of things that she suggests, especially sa lines. ‘Yung hinga ka lang, ganun tapos pause, and everything,” he added.

Matsunaga also said that he is overwhelmed with the positive feedback the fans are showing toward the show.

“I see feedback na magaganda on Instagram and super saya. Just thank you for the fans and God. God is really incredible, working in my life and Erich’s life as well,” Daniel said.

With the high ratings that the show is getting, Matsunaga said the show is a blessing for the two of them. (Alixandra Caole Vila/Philstar.com)

Working with the Reagans

seek what is good and honorable and offer genuine service, your life would truly improve.

Working with the Reagans taught me so much. I found out what was really important

to me. I grew and learned what service was all about. I learned how, in spite of life’s everyday hassles and problems, that just go on being yourself and everything will fall into the right perspective.”

Note: Mrs. Ferguson is currently working at the Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she has been a consistent model employee. This story is the only interview she has ever given about the Reagans.

Features

B march 12-15, 2016 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

Ventura Crab N Spice: Finger-lickin’ good Cajun seafood!

PUT on a plastic bib, and maybe a pair of gloves, because your meal is about to get messy…in the best way possible.

Located in the Telephone Road Plaza, Ventura Crab N Spice goes beyond the average seafood restaurant in Ventura County. With a fresh selection of shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, lobster tail, and different

varieties of crab, this restaurant serves quality by the pound.

Seafood is boiled in seasoned sauces and brought to the table in plastic sacks, where guests are invited to eat with their hands.

With your choice of lemon garlic, coconut, Hawaiian, or the chef’s special Crab N’ Spice flavor, as well as varying spice

levels (from original/mild to the superhot “Assassin8”) and add-ons (like corn, sausage and hard-boiled quail egg), Crab N Spice offers variety, the spice of life. Boiled in savory flavors, the pound of shrimp makes the perfect meal that stays true to its Southern roots, while subtly fusing with traditional Asian/ Filipino seafood cuisine. Coconut with clams also make a delicious pairing, reminiscent of Filipino Ginataan. And the Dungeness and snow crab legs are served fresh, with juicy flavors in every bite.

“We came up with pineapple and light coconut flavors--the coconut because there is so much interest in coconut water now,” said co-owner Marlon Arsenal.

The restaurant offers many specials and deals, including a $40 CNS Combo that gives your choice 3 pounds of seafood (shrimp, crawfish, clam, or mussel), and includes 2 corn, a halfpound of hot sausage, and quail eggs. There is also a party combo option ($71) for larger groups.

Sides include white rice, basket-

fuls of Cajun/French/sweet potato fries, chicken wings, onion rings, fried calamari, hush puppies, and tasty garlic noodles. You can even order the fresh oyster. Check out the restaurant’s official website (www.venturacrabnspice.com), Instagram, and Facebook page for more restaurant deals and discounts.

The Pinoy owners, Marlon Arsenal and Jerrico Reyes, take pride in their family-owned business, which opened its doors this past August. They were inspired by their favorite Vietnameseowned restaurant in Alhambra, the Boiling Crab, which has a

similar eat-with-your-hands approach. “Ventura County needed a seafood restaurant like this, where you eat fresh from the table--almost like kamayan style-and it’s a different (and delicious) experience,” Reyes said.

The owners are already looking to expand to the vacant space next door, to better accommodate throngs of hungry customers in the plaza at lunch and dinnertime.

“There’s no place that has the same concept like Crab N Spice in the Ventura/Oxnard area, so I was super stoked to have found this place…Our food was out and

ready within 15 minutes of ordering!” said restaurant reviewer Lene N. on Yelp.

“The customer service was amazing and they go above and beyond; they do their best to accommodate the patrons,” said another reviewer from Oxnard, Youri Y. Crab N Spice’s new winter hours are 3:00 to 10:00 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and noon to 9:00 pm on Fridays and weekends. Visit @venturacrabnspice, 4732 Telephone Rd #5B Ventura, CA 9300; (805) 535-4363. �Advertising Supplement�

Programming of Kababayan Today, March 14-18, 2016 The Global Kababayan

Rachel Estuar shares details of the upcoming Asian Pacific Islanders with Disabilities event this week.

Tuesday, March 15 - Producer Mark Lagrimas and musical composer Jonathan Wandag share G. TönGi their latest Hollywood Project, “They’re Watching.”

Monday, March 14 - Get to Goldilocks Bakery has opened know basketball player Janessa another location. Watch the show Paredes, who will be joined by her for more details. dad, Glenn, as part of our FilipinoWednesday, March 16 - MidAmerican Women’s Month. week News Updates from the

Asian Journal and Mia Mcleod of McLeod and Associates gives real estate advice.

Minerva Vier and Debbie Jaffe come to the show to discuss their collaboration on a crowdfunded webisode called “Wingin’ It!” Thursday, March 17 - Get immigration updates from Reeves and Associates Law Firm. Get to Know Ranella Ferrer for Buwan Ng Kababaihan!

Friday, March 18 - Filipino immigrant students discuss the

pressures they face in college here in America! *** 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.

Filipino clothing designer, Lou Razon launches ready-to-wear line, ‘Lou Lou Couture’

By Monet

Lu

FIFTEEN YEARS ago when she debuted her first fashion show at Reflections, I already saw the promising career that lies ahead of this amazing designer. From starting a couture shop and Barong Tagalog store to launching her own ready-towear line: those refining years have brought her this far. It is an honor to feature her in my column and talk about her new R-T-W (ready-to-wear) line.

I am delighted to present to you—one of my esteemed acquaintances and an inspiration to many—Ms. Lou Razon.

As I previously mentioned, I met Lou in 2000 when I featured her in my fashion-gala awards show, Reflections. She was featured 3 consecutive times since then. Without an ounce of contention, she did earn her right to be awarded such exposure because of her exquisite designs – and I am just as honored to showcase her talent through my shows.

Lou’s quite known for her Philippine-inspired creations that involve a mixture of embroidery, lace, silk organza and silk chiffon. Akin to her sophisticated personality is her style which picks on vibrant colors and jewel tones, as well as neutrals like black gray and beige. Most of her designs are crafted with delicate draping to add that majestic touch only Lou knows how. Her patterns are all original and very unique in its own special way. As her website bio describes, “Every piece is treated like an obra.”

Born in Manila, Philippines, Lou moved to the US in 1990.

To further her already-innate passion for design, she mastered in Fashion Design at the Art Institute in Los Angeles and became the best designer graduate of the year. Prior to that, Lou studied Bachelor of Arts in Interior design in the Philippines, (she) has traveled to Taiwan, Hong Kong,

China and London to gain more knowledge and study the different styles and approach in fashion designing. In 1997, she started doing couture design for clients who believe in custom crafted, made to measure, one-of-a-kind dresses. She started her couture business in 1997 focusing on bridal and evening wear.

Now based in Glendale, California, Lou’s elegant and unique clothing designs have reached a growing demand among women over the years.

She was recognized as, “Newsmaker of the Year” by Dyaryo Pilipino, Most Promising Designer (awarded by then Consul General of the Philippines, Edwin Bael), and has earned more awards for her talent given by SIPA Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, Virgo Awards and Celebrity Chronicle. Lou was the very first Filipino designer that walked the red carpet at the Oscars, greeted with rave reviews in 2002, and heralded her arrival as a new and important Filipino designer.

After perfecting her skill in garment fit and construction, Lou decided to pursue her ultimate dream of designing her Ready-to-wear line. Thus, in 2015, ‘Lou Lou’ was created.

Lou Lou couture debut Debuting in 2016 for Fashion Week LA is Lou’s name brand

called LouLou, a contemporary women’s fashion that is distinctive, feminine and innovative.

Her mission statement is to design clothing that shows versatility and femininity.

Lou Lou expresses classic femininity. Sshe gets her inspiration from the classic cuts of the 40s. Her designs exude elegance with simple, clean lines. Use of fabrics like brocade, wool and lace is visible in her collection. She opts for vibrant colors in her 2016 line, royal blue and red stand are stand outs. Black and nude are incorporated in her collection.

Lou is also the woman behind Miss Philippines USA as its Creative Director and Executive Producer. Known for its reputable standing, the pageant has been endowing Fil-Am women with grace, exemplary morale, and able to be an Ambassador of Goodwill. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces soldout 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

Features

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-15, 2016

China Southern Airlines: Another viable option of flying to the Philippines One of the most precious traits of the Filipinos is our close family ties. Compared to other cultures Filipinos keep their relationship with their families intact. That being said, for us Filipinos who are residing overseas, “vacation” generally means taking a trip back to the Philippines to visit and spend sometime with our families and friends. naturally a trip way across the other side of the globe could be expensive especially during holidays when we all wish to be with our families. Fortunately there are several options available to Filipinos flying to the Philippines or to any points in Asia. One of them is China Southern Airlines, which flies to Manila with a stopover at Guangzhou, China.

China Southern Airlines is Asia’s largest airline in fleet size and passengers carried. It is therefore a surprise to know that many Filipino travelers have not flown or traveled via China Southern Airlines, which offers one of the lowest fares going to Asia if you travel at the right time, day or month.

For its LAX-Guangzhou flights the airline utilizes its new Airbus 380 aircraft which passengers will find very efficient, with comfortable economy seats. China Southern Airlines A380’s eight exclusive “Platinum” Privates Suites offer the finest in customer service amenities like a motor-driven seat that is fully adjustable to any preset position and a 33 inches wide and 80 inches long full flat beds. Its SFO-Guang-

zhou flights meanwhile uses the Boeing 787s, and from new York, it’s the Boeing 777s.

In addition, China Southern Airlines has one of the shortest layovers, with only about 1 hours and 30 minutes. If you are a US passport holder you are granted a visa free stay of up to 72 hours when taking an international transfer via Guangzhou. Plus China Southern Airlines passengers with layover between 8 to 48 hours may now be offered complimentary hotel accommodation – which could reach up to five-star standard.

The next question is: What do you do if you are stuck in Guangzhou for a long layover? Don’t despair. You will not run out of things to see and do in Guangzhou if you want to explore the city using the 72-hour free visa program.

One option is to take the one and a half hour evening cruise on the Pearl River. This cruise comes with a private hotel transfer plus a knowledgeable private guide to point out all the highlights to you.

This cruise takes you beneath the striking Guangzhou and Haizhu bridges, pass the glittering landmarks like the Zhuhai Square, the Aiqun Mansion, once considered China’s highest building, the north Gate Square of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and the amazing architecture on Shamian Island. The cruise will also take you to White Goose Pool, also known as “night Moon Over the Goose Pool”, one of Guangzhou’s top attractions.

You’ll also see Xinghai Concert Hall, Guangdong Art Museum and Guangdong Overseas Chinese Museum on ersha Island.

Back on solid ground you may want to see the Canton Towers, which at one point was the largest in the world, and still dominates Guangzhou’s modern skyline at over 2,000 feet. It is home to the world’s highest and largest outdoor observatory.

You may also visit Yuexiu Park.

There’s so much history here. However, this park is so big that you can spend at entire day just exploring it on its own. There are old city walls, unique sculptures and lakes with paddle boating. If you have time, check out Guangzhou Xiangjiang China Southern Airlines’ Airbus 380 aircraft that flies the LAX-Guangzhou route.

Safari Park, the largest animal park in Asia with more than 400 species of wild animals including more than 70 white tigers.

Of course, you won’t want to leave Guangzhou without trying Cantonese food, especially the dim sum which ranks the best in the whole country.

International long haul flights, no doubt, could be very exhausting.

A relaxing city tour in Guangzhou is an excellent way to break that CZ A380 First Class CZ A380 Platinum Private Suite long journey to your final destination, as personally experienced by travel agents who participated in the Fam Tour jointly organized by GTT International/Majestic Vacations and China Southern Airlines last november 6 to 13, 2015 headed

by GTT International Regional PAGE B7

CZ A380 Business Class

Participants to the joint DOT-GTT-China Southern Airlines Fam Tour to Guangzhou and the Philippines held November 2015.

CZ A380 Economy Class

At the First Class/Business Class VIP Lounge at Guangzhou International Airport.

B

Features

B march 12-15, 2016 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

Award-winning Fil-Am author Review: A diner’s first pop-up debuts her novella ‘Faith Healer’ experience at Unit 120’s Cubiertos At the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 2

by Prosy

DEBUTIng this month in the US and the global book market is the prize-winning novella, “Faith Healer,” published by Brain Mill Press

by Victoria g. Smith. One wouldn’t know it by her name, but Ms. Smith is not only American—she is also Filipino. You might guess this by her full name, Maria Victoria A. grageda-Smith, or by her nickname, “Marivic,” as she is fondly called by her family and friends. These days, she introduces herself simply as “Vicki”—the name she trusts most Americans won’t mispronounce.

On April 1, Brain Mill Press will launch “Faith Healer” and feature Vicki in a reading and signing of her winning novella at the Los Angeles Convention Center during what could be the biggest, if not the most important annual writers conference in the world—the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP). The next day, April 2, Vicki will be honored at an authors’ event at the Beverly Hills Public Library by her publisher, Brain Mill Press, and her Southern California-based University of the Philippines batchmates, and Holy Family Academy high school classmates.

Vicki writes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. She attended the 2005 UCLA Asian American-n.V.M. gonzales Writers Program and has since been featured as an emerging writer in several print and online articles after her early efforts won her early rewards. Her short story, “Portrait of the Other Lady,” won first place in the 2004 Ventura County Writers ClubVentura Country Star national short story writing contest—the first time she’d entered a writing competition. Her recent distinctions include the 2015 Driftless Unsolicited novella award for her novella, Faith Healer, and semi-finalist for the 2015 Elixir Press Fiction Award for her story collection, Faith Healer and Other Stories.

Her first book of poems, “Warrior Heart, Pilgrim Soul: An Immigrant’s Journey,” was first published in november 2013 under her full author name, Maria Victoria A. grageda-Smith,

followed by a series of successful author events sponsored by major city libraries, writers’ clubs, and other educational and civic organizations in the United States and the Philippines. The Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame honored Vicki with the Outstanding Writer Award later that year.

A hardback Revised First Edition version of this poetry collection is appropriately also being released during the national poetry month of April.

Today, Vicki’s poetry and other literary work are published by a burgeoning list of literary publishers that include, among others, Reed Magazine, The greenwich Village Literary Review, The Earthbound Review, Elite Critiques Magazine, Ruminate Magazine, Westward Quarterly, The Earthen Lamp Journal, The Milo Review, Lyrical Iowa, and Dicta.

She also writes a monthly poetry column for the Chicago-based VIA Times magazine. Vicki’s provocative essay, “gatekeepers and gatecrashers in Contemporary American Poetry: Reflections of a Filipino Immigrant Poet in the United States”, appears in Black Lawrence Press’s 2015 anthology, Others Will Enter the gates: Immigrant Poets on Poetry, Influences, and Writing in America. In June of last year, Black Lawrence Press featured her in a book launch and reading of the anthology in new York City. Vicki’s current projects

include writing her first novel, gabriela’s Eyes, and a second poetry collection, Mother of Exiles.

Vicki proudly shares that most of her literary works are inspired by both Philippine and American culture, history, and experiences. Her winning novella, Faith Healer, for instance, while fiction, is set against the backdrop of historical events in the Philippines and the United States, particularly during the 1986 Philippine People’s Power Revolution. Her first poetry collection, Warrior Heart, Pilgrim Soul: An Immigrant’s Journey, consists of poems written during, and inspired by her first twenty years as an immigrant in the United States.

Her novel-in-progress, gabriela’s Eyes, is partly set in World War II Philippines and contemporary America, and tells a poignant albeit fictional story of Filipino comfort women from her home province of Pampanga, likewise inspired by true events. Her second poetry collection manuscript, Mother of Exiles, is inspired by the Philippine diaspora in the continuing saga of Filipino immigrants and overseas workers, and features new poems that have already been praised and published by various editors and literary journals.

Asked how she wishes to be known as a writer, Vicki replied, “I hope to be known not only as a good American writer, but also as a great Filipino writer—to leave a lasting literary legacy that reflects what is good, and true, and beautiful about my native country and people, and more importantly, to be claimed by them as one of their very own people’s poets and writers like my first literary idol, Jose Rizal.”

Updates on Vicki’s literary works and author events may be found in her website, VictoriagSmith.com; on her Facebook page, Author Victoria g. Smith; and on Twitter @AuthorVgSmith.

(Advertising Supplement)

“To cook for oneself is always boring in the end; to cook for others, or better still for the one other, that is certainly an act of faith and love. Believe me, there is no cuisine without love” - M. Oliver, “La Cuisine est un jeu d’enfants (Cooking is a breeze)” A group of us filled with anticipation for Cubiertos, a pop-up concept for one evening at Unit 120 in Chinatown, an incubator for the gastronomic adventures of Filipino-American chefs in Los Angeles. I had invited Hydee UrsolinoAbrahan, a photographer who hails from Lucena, Quezon. ( I have since interviewed four province mates, each with their own personal brand of artistry in photography, music, painting, and now, culinary arts.)

Maynard Llera closed out for this year, Unit 120’s series of Fil-am chefs experimenting new dishes, a wild journey of culinary experimentations.

Maynard is the sous chef of Bestia, considered one of the top restaurants in Los Angeles, serving on average 500 diners daily, seven days a week.

Chefs who have participated included Chase and Chad Valencia (Unit 120’s permanent resident on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), Carlo Lamagna (executive chef of Clyde Common in Portland), A’postrophe by Charles Olalia (former executive chef of Patina who opened Rice Bar lunch counter in Downtown Los Angeles) and Ria and Matt Wilson (who introduced Wild, a lunch program at Canelé in Atwater Village).

Three months before Unit 120 was formally opened, Maynard’s brainchild, Cubiertos, was planned, according to Alvin Cailan, the charismatic owner of Unit 120, Eggslut and Amboy and formerly Ramen Champ, which was since been sold to a new owner.

Cubiertos planned service for 60, but oversold to 80 after selling a prepaid prix fixe dinner of five courses at $68.

For the last seating at 8:45 pm, 30 customers enthusiastically came and were eager to have their photos taken with Maynard after dinner.

It was close to midnight when Maynard joined us for an interview.

Love, deconstructed When you say humba is served on the menu, immediately, one remembers a certain taste of pig knuckles or trotters, or even pork belly marinating overnight in bay leaves, salted bean curd known as tajure, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peanuts and black beans.

With Maynard’s innovation, he combined shiitake mushrooms with oyster sauce and paired them with Chinese long beans artfully twirled and twisted like pasta on top of humba meat, which was sugar braised lamb ribs.

To Mediterranean and Italian eaters, his humba of lamb ribs would be top notch as the flavors of shiitake mushrooms and Chinese long beans all harmonized.

But as one chews the meat, expecting a pork shank, the gamey taste of lamb became a big obstruction to our Filipino-trained palates and we simply could not put that aside.

Humba

AbArquez-DelAcruz, J.D. AJPress

Kinilaw with Guacamole with Sweet Potato Plantains and Dried Kumquat

Dinuguan longaniza with Frisee Salad

Pandesal with Chicken Adobo Liver Paté

One suggested if the lamb was braised first in wine and garlic, it might not have the gamey flavor.

Would that work or would trimming the fat some more where most of the gamey odor and flavor reside?

As if the chef was prescient, he had done exactly that, days before, cold-smoking the lamb to remove the fat, and braising it in port wine, garlic and spices.

Two of our group members had tasted grass-fed lamb, supplied by Heritage Foods, USA in the East Coast, and there was not a hint of gamey taste.

So, for the next pop-up of Cubiertos, may we look forward to this humba again, and perhaps consider how to minimize the gamey flavor or change suppliers? This is quite a creative dish that we want this to be fully enjoyed , as Christine, one of the diners, did.

Love is in the details Maynard graciously joined his guests at each table after. With selfies taken, each table shared their feedback with the servers and the chef.

Like a well-oiled machine, his team of Bestia staffers, with full support of his employer Ori Menashe, Maynard was grateful as to the full support he got from them.

“We work together 12 hours a day. We see more of each other than our own families. So, we really are close!” Maynard said.

Some wore Bestia t-shirts, proudly displaying their place of work, but mostly their teamwork in how they enjoy themselves in the kitche n, preparing food but also in the dining room.

“They went all out to help me,” Maynard remarked.

“I have been sharing with Ori my dream of having my own restaurant. He has supported me in trying new dishes. He is the one who pushed me to be more inventive, to take risks. For three years, I have been telling Ori about these dishes and he simply says, “Make it for me.”

“He has given me advice, go get these from these suppliers, to add one more cook if necessary, everyone in Bestia has helped me,” he said, adding that Ori took the

time to taste all the dishes.

“What a great boss you have,“ I told him.

Wearing a checkered black and white bandana and a koi dragon tattoo on his left arm, and his characteristic smile, Maynard shared his intentions: “My wife wanted me to do the pop-up – to open a restaurant. I [didn’t] cook in the Philippines, and [when] I went to Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, new York, I discover ed I have the passion for cooking. I want to cook for friends and family. I am happy I pulled it [Cubiertos pop-up] through. It is why the plating is generous, I went all out.”

I asked him about the tattoo on his left arm, and interestingly, it describes how his talents have grown: as the koi comes down the waterfalls, it becomes a dragon, an appropriate metaphor for how we would view Cubiertos from now on.

Maynard took 30 minutes to develop the menu, a mark perhaps of his acquired talents in French, Italian, Asian and Mediterranean cooking styles. “I want to go beyond turo-turo , honed and trained myself with different styles and modern techniques.” For three days, he has had only four hours of sleep, planning, executing the menu, and cooking the dishes.

So for palabok, it had a uniquely metallic taste of uni. The characteristic dish had been modified to have dehydrated pork, dried fish, chiles, kumquat, bean sprouts, mint and Thai basil. As you wrap the noodles with the herbs and swirled together all the ingredients, it had a refreshing taste when combined with lemon, which we asked for. It became a favorite of one of the pickiest eaters in our group, Dennis.

As to the consensus favorite, the “darling” dish of the night, for Mike, Christine, Hydee and myself, was the dinuguan longaniza (pork blood sausage) served with a light, refreshing salad of scarlet frill, pickled fennel, frisee, mint, dill and pine nuts. This dish is seared in my memory and I want an encore. There was not a single pine nut left on our salad plate, and the dressing was done quite well from red wine vinegar and fish sauce, a kitchen staple in Filipino homes, called patis.

Another favorite was kinilaw made with ono fish, coconut curry, radish, cucumber, sili labuyo, basil, cilantro and served with guacamole and sweet potato and plantain chips. The fish tasted sweet and did not have a hint of fishiness, an indication of freshness and with a bite of spiciness. It felt balanced, eating it with guacamole, sweet potato chips and the ono coconut curry, a heavenly dish to Parker, a Thai foodie.

Another consensus favorite in our group was the pandan panna cotta with mango puree with peanut-coconut snap, lovingly topped with a spoon, wrapped in green leaf, over the cup of dessert.

What a lovely way of presenting his dessert, mimicking a gift, and we got your message, Maynard: Cubiertos’ pop-up is truly a gift from your heart. We get that totally!

As to how Maynard feels about the pop-up, “Proud. Happy. Every pop-up has a different story; most of those who have done it have been born here or raised here. I came from Lucena, Quezon, the South, and others have come from the north. They have their own flavor profile. What I have done is cook what I like to eat; others recreate their childhood, their own food.

For all of us, we do pop-ups to invite others to know about us, to test the waters, for publicity, and also, to invite investors to help in getting my dream of opening up my own restaurant: casual, relaxing, where family, friends are enjoying the food [and] not too stiff, where everyone is enjoying food, drinks, and company.”

Palabok

Pandan panna cotta with Mango Puree

Chef Maynard Llera in action

Photos by Hydee Ursolino-Abrahan/Studio 1003

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

Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-15, 2016

B

Wi Spa: An urban sanctuary in the heart of LA

THINK of a spa and the immediate perception is an air of pretense and privilege that only a select few can indulge in, given the exorbitant prices.

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

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

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

house traditions.

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

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

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

The rush of cramming in the

China Southern Airlines: Another viable option of...

PAGE B5

Director Eliza Chung and Flora Wang, China Southern Airlines’ Director, Sales Development Division Southwestern Region. The fam tour was held in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism as part of continuing education of travel agents on Philippine tourism products.

Of course, for Filipinos a trip to the Philippines would seem incomplete without visiting Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and other popular tourist destinations in the country, which are among the highlights of various Fam Tours held last year.

Boracay, which is consistently rated as one of the top beach destinations in the world is high on everyone’s list. The same could be said about Palawan which boasts of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, named as one of the New 7

Wonders of Nature, Coron and El Nido – both of which are attracting local and foreign tourists alike all year round.

So, for your next trip to Asia, you may want to try flying China Southern Airlines. You will not only get a real value for your money, you will also have the chance of exploring Guangzhou before heading to the Philippines and enjoying our own amazing tourist destinations. ***

Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years experience in the tourism and travel industry. He provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles.

Fam Tour participants explore the sights of Guangzhou. Photo taken in one of the city’s top attractions.

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

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

Outside the bathing areas, you’ll find changing rooms, complete with vanities and toiletries.

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

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

Based on the traditional Korean technique of buffing, the scrub entails a procedure of sloughing off dead skin cells with an exfoliating towel, as you lie down on a table

and get doused with water every so often. It may take a few minutes to get accustomed to the intensity, but the person (of the same gender) administering the service repeatedly asks you if you’re doing fine. The service can last 35 minutes ($30) or can be reserved as a $90 package complete with the scrub, aroma oil massage, a face mask and hair shampoo, which all lasts for 90 minutes.

Depending on one’s pain tolerance, the impression afterward may vary, but you’ll feel cleaner after the dead skin is washed off to make way for the lasting effects of radiating, supple skin.

On the co-ed floor (called the Jimjilbang, which translates to “bathhouse”), guests are required to wear the yellow T-shirt and khaki shorts received upon check-in. There you’ll find families and couples convening at one of

the five specialty sauna rooms, noshing on Korean cuisine staples at the full-service restaurant, or taking in fresh air on the rooftop deck. The floor also features a kid’s area, a library and computer room.

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

end your visit to cool the body’s temperature, tighten the skin and improve circulation.

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

B march 12-15, 2016 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-15, 2016

COMMUNITY Journal

Obtaining a green card after being ordered deported

Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves Devin M. Connolly AnD nAnCy e. MilleR THE ability to apply for permanent resident status (green card) in the US rather than at the Embassy in your native country is frequently more than a simple convenience. Rather, being forced to depart the US and apply abroad can have life-altering consequences. By leaving the US an applicant may be making themselves ineligible for the very thing they are leaving the US to apply for – a green card. And no, it does not matter that they only reason you left the US was because you were told that you were ineligible be granted your green card from within the US. So it is clear that it is beneficial to apply in the US. Not only is it less disruptive to your life and likely less expensive since you do not have to travel, but you also will not trigger any bars to returning because you would have never left. Unfortunately though, not everybody is eligible to be granted their green card in the US. There are many reasons why a person may not be currently eligible to apply for their green card in the US. A common reason for this ineligibility is because they were previously ordered deported. Whether they were ordered deported after failing to appear in Immigration Court or because the Immigration Judge denied their application, this outstanding order of deportation will make you ineligible for your green card. It then becomes necessary to have the prior court case reopened.

A person will be ordered deported if they fail to appear for their hearing in Immigration Court. This is referred to as an in absentia order of deportation. A foreign national issued an in absentia order of deportation has 180 days to file a motion with the Immigra-

tion Court requesting that the order be rescinded because their failure to appear was due to ‘exceptional circumstances.’

The term ‘exceptional circumstances’ refers to compelling situations beyond the control of the foreign national, such as serious illness to themselves or serious illness or death of their spouse, child, or parent.

As you can see, a case will not be reopened for something as trivial as car problems the day of the hearing or an inability to take time off from work. Rather, it truly must be an exceptional situation for a case to be reopened on this ground.

A second reason an in absentia order of deportation may be rescinded is if the Immigration Court did not provide proper notice of the time, date and location of the hearing. And while many people are indeed notified and simply choose not to appear because they fear the outcome will not be positive, many others are not properly notified. There are no official time limits on filing a motion based on a lack of notice, but a person should make this request to the court in a timely manner after learning that they were ordered deported. It is also important to note that a foreign national is required to inform the Immigration Court when they changes their address, Thus, a person cannot

fail to appear after moving and then ask for their case to be reopened because the post office did not properly forward their mail.

There are also times when a person appears in court and submits their application for relief, only to have the Immigration Judge deny their case.

The foreign national may even appeal and have their case denied by the Board of Immigration Appeals as well. In this situation a person is required to file their motion to reopen within 90 days of the decision.

But what happens if you do not become eligible for your green card for several years, perhaps when your child turns 21 years old. Despite being well beyond the 90-day limit, it may still be possible to have your case reopened and be granted your green card. You will have to show clear evidence that you are eligible for your green card if the court case is reopened, and it helps to also show compelling evidence why your case should be reopened, such as hardship to family members or significant ties to the US. Despite an outstanding order of deportation, a green card may still be within your grasp. It is advisable to consult an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the prac-

u PAGE C3

LOS ANGELES

TAIPEI

CEBU

The Best Link to Cross the

Vancouver

7/week

Toronto

Seattle

7/week

New York

Manila

San Francisco

21/week

Los Angeles

Daily

Cebu

Taipei

*starting March 26, 2016

Houston

*6/week starting March 27, 2016

63

Flights A Week

Itinerary

Los Angeles - Taipei - Cebu

Departure Dates

Economy Class

3/26/16 - 5/31/16 8/1/16 - 12/11/16 12/25/16 - 12/31/16

Starting from

6/1/16 – 7/31/16 *EVA Air reserves the right to modify, terminate or otherwise amend offer.

USD650 Starting from

Price includes taxes and fuel surcharges. Ticket must be issued by 3/31/2016.

This offer is valid for flights Mon - Thurs only. A surcharge may apply for weekend travel. Seats are limited. Please book flights in advance. Restrictions Apply.

Please contact your local travel agency or EVA website www.evaair.com.

USD1,050 www.evaair.com Find us on:

C

C MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon ARE you having problems paying your debts? Are creditors calling you day and night threatening you with a wage garnishment, repossession or foreclosure? Are you starting to feel hopeless and depressed about your situation and don’t know where to turn for help?

The last few years have been tough for a lot of people. You may have suffered a job loss, foreclosure, lawsuit, divorce or other unexpected calamity and now find yourself overwhelmed with debt. You realize that your debt problems are not simply going to go away unless you do something about them but just don’t know where to start.

You have rights under federal law to file bankruptcy and get immediate relief from debt.

Bankruptcy is nothing more than a legal remedy that allows you to regain control of your finances so that you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Of course, it is not the answer to all financial problems but when appropriate for your situation, it may be the only way for you to get out of the mess you’re currently in.

Although Congress enacted tougher bankruptcy laws 10 years ago, most people still qualify for

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

YES, of course. Direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to receive your tax refund. Here are reasons why you should use direct deposit of your refund: 1. Speed: When you combine direct deposit with e-file, you can receive your refund in as little as 10 to 14 days.

2. Security: The IRS holds millions of dollars in undelivered refunds. Direct deposit eliminates the possibility of your refund check being lost, stolen or returned to the IRS as undeliverable. Thousands of paper checks are returned to the IRS by the U.S. Post Office every year as undeliverable mail.

3. Convenience: The money

Community Journal

Can bankruptcy really solve your debt problems? debt relief, whether they are wiping out debts under Chapter 7 or reorganizing under Chapter 13. Depending on your circumstances, your debts can be wiped out under Chapter 7 in only a few months or the Court may ask you to repay your creditors with lower monthly debt payments over a 3-5 year period. Either way, the goal is to help you recover financially and help you start a new life free from the burden of excessive debt.

Briefly, Chapter 7 allows you to cancel or discharge your debts but in return, you must give up whatever non-exempt assets you may have. The good news is that most people don’t have much and whatever little they have, they are often protected by the exemption laws in bankruptcy. So it is a misconception that “once you file bankruptcy, you will automatically lose everything.” The truth is that most people keep everything they have (homes, cars, bank accounts, retirement plans, etc) and they lose nothing at all.

An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your case and help you plan so that you can maximize your exemptions and claim the full benefits allowed by law.

Chapter 13, on the other hand, is a debt reorganization or debt consolidation plan. The court

requires you to submit all your income information as well as a monthly budget to assess your ability to pay. Your Chapter 13 plan payments will be based on the surplus income as determined by the Court. Chapter 13 allows you to keep valuable property such as your home or car (although you were behind on your mortgage and car payments at the time of filing) and will stop foreclosure and repossession immediately on the day your case is filed. Credit card debts are included in your monthly payment under Chapter 13 and, in most cases, they can be significantly reduced or even totally eliminated.

The only way to know if bankruptcy is right for your situation is to consult with a professional who has the knowledge and experience to advise you regarding your options under bankruptcy law. For a free office consultation, please call Toll-Free 1-866477-7772. We have offices in Los Angeles, Cerritos, Pasadena 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

Should you direct deposit your IRS refund?

goes directly into your bank account. You don’t have to make a special trip to the bank to deposit the money yourself.

4. Ease: Simply follow instructions on your return or in the tax software. Caution: Make sure you enter the correct bank account and bank routing numbers; otherwise, there will be one happy fellow looking at a mysterious deposit from heaven. Double check your numbers.

5. Options: You can use a split refund option to deposit your refund into multiple accounts. You can divide your refund among as many as three checking or savings accounts and up to three different U.S. financial institutions.

Use IRS Form 8888, Allocation of Refund to divide your refund.

Caution: Some financial institutions do not allow a joint refund

to be deposited into an individual account. Check with your bank or other financial institution to make sure your direct deposit will be accepted. Additionally, Form 8888 should NOT be used to designate part of your refund to pay your tax preparer.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS ALL property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in California is community property. Family Code 760. However, there are situations in which the marriage may be held to be null and void. These situations include, but are not limited to entering into a bigamous marriage, fraud and misrepresentation in entering into a marriage, etc. The legal consequences of having your marriage annulled by your spouse is that it results to you not having any community property interest on property acquired by your spouse during the marriage. A nullity may also cut off your claim for spousal support.

What options do you have if your spouse files a nullity against you? You may still have a claim to community property and support as a putative spouse. A party to a void or voidable marriage has “putative spouse” status only if he or she believed in good faith the marriage was

Putative spouse status as a defense to a petition for nullity of marriage valid. Family.Code. § 225; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1493, 112 CR3d 906, 908; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 721, 248 CR 807, 813. A party who has the requisite objectively reasonable “good faith” belief may be a putative spouse where any legal infirmity in formation of the marriage renders the marriage invalid. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga (2008) 162 CA4th 1000, 1005, 76 CR3d 401, 404; Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107, 118 CR2d 143, 155; see Marriage of Vryonis, supra, 202 CA3d at 718–719, 248 CR at 811–812.

A party’s “good faith” belief in the validity of the marriage is not tested by whether he or she believed a “marriage” lawfully occurred under some private, secular or spiritual set of standards. A putative spouse must have had a good faith belief in the existence of a lawful California marriage. Estate of DePasse (2002) 97 CA4th 92, 107–108, 118 CR2d 143, 156; Welch v.

State of Calif. (2000) 83 CA4th 1374, 1378–1379, 100 CR2d 430, 432–433; Marriage of Vryonis (1988) 202 CA3d 712, 723, 248 CR 807, 814–815 “Good faith” belief is tested by an objective standard based on facts that would cause a reasonable person under the circumstances to harbor a good faith belief in the existence of a valid California marriage. Domestic Partnership of Ellis & Arriaga, supra, 162 CA4th at 1005, 76 CR3d at 404; Marriage of Guo & Sun (2010) 186 CA4th 1491, 1497, 112 CR3d 906, 911; Marriage of Ramirez & Llamas (2008) 165 CA4th 751, 756, 81 CR3d 180, 183. Whether a party had an objectively reasonable “good faith” belief is a question of fact to be determined in light of all the circumstances.

Successfully proving putative spouse status or putative marriage status in court gives rise to certain property, support and attorney fees/costs rights, as well as certain other rights that ordi-

u PAGE C3

Fil-Am is 10% top attorney in United States

ON January 5, 2016, the Lawyers of Distinction announced the selection of Los Angeles attorney, Roman P. Mosqueda, as top 10% of attorneys in the United States.

Members are accepted based upon objective evaluation of an attorney’s qualifications, license, reputation, experience, and disciplinary history. Please see its website www.lawyersofdistincion. com for further details concerning membership qualification.

Lawyers of Distinction does not offer membership to more than 10% of attorney in any given state. Lawyers of Distinction uses its own independent criteria, including both objective and subjective factors in determining if an attorney can be recognized as being within the top 10% of attorneys in the United States in their respective field.

This designation is based upon the proprietary analysis of the Lawyers of Distinction organization alone, and is not intended to be endorsed by any of the 50 United States Bar Associations or the District of Columbia Bar As-

and a volunteer arbitrator of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Alternative Conflict Resolution Program. He is a fourth degree Knight of Columbus and a first degree Knight of Rizal.

He is Chairperson of the Board of Advisors of Asian-Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers and President-Elect of the Historic Filipinotown Rotary Club. He was Past President of the Wilmington Rotary Club.

His main law office is in Los Atty. Roman P. Mosqueda Angeles, with branches in Long sociation.

Beach and Panorama City. He is Mr. Mosqueda was also select- in general practice with emphaed Member of the Million Dollar sis on civil litigation, real estate, Advocates Forum in 2005, Super immigration, family law, criminal Lawyer of Southern California in defense, bankruptcy, probate Immigration in 2014, 2015, and and estate planning.

2016, The National Advocates *** Top 100 Lawyers in 2014 and The Author, Roman P. Mosqueda, is a 2015, Lifetime Member of Trial SuperLawyer for Immigration in Southern Masters in 2005, Lifetime Char- California for 2014-2016. He is also a long time ter Member of Best Attorneys of member of the California Public Defenders America in 2016.

Association as a criminal defense attorney He is a Proctor in Admiralty for over 20 years. Visit his website at www. as well as a licensed Real Estate mosquedalaw.com or call (213) 252-9481 in Broker in California. He is a Cali- his Los Angeles law offices for questions, fornia State-Bar trained arbitra- comment and consultations. tor on attorney-client fee disputes (Advertising Supplement)

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

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. (Part 2)

S. YUSUF is an Indonesian native who was brought to work as a housekeeper for Tija and Tija’s wife, Choi, in the United States.

The Tijas promised to pay Yusuf $500 per month, plus expenses and meals. Yusuf gave her passport to the Tijas, who did not return her passport but kept it in a safe deposit box.

Yusuf began working for the Tijas immediately. Her daily duties included doing the laundry, ironing, cleaning the bathrooms, cleaning the five-bedroom home, washing the windows, cooking and sweeping the floors. Choi also had Yusuf massage her feet every day.

Yusuf sometimes left the house to accompany the Tija family to a restaurant or to the supermarket. However, she was told that she would be thrown in jail and deported if she left the house by herself. The Tijas also told her that she could be raped and that “American people would pretend to help you, but they would kill you, harvest your organs, and sell them.” The Tijas refused to allow Yusuf to take a day off, to go to the Indonesian consulate or to go to a mosque.

The Tijas mocked Yusuf’s dark skin color and Muslim religion, saying, “Don’t tell anybody that you are a Muslim because here it’s accepted that Muslim people are terrorists.” Both Tija and Choi also repeatedly called Yusuf “stupid” and scolded her for not doing her job well. In one incident, Choi turned on the shower while Yusuf was cleaning the bathtub

narily attach only between lawfully married persons. Property that would have been community or quasi-community property had the marriage been valid is deemed “quasi-marital property” and, in a proceeding to terminate the invalid marriage, “shall” be divided between the parties as if it were community. Family.Code. § 2251(a)(2); Marriage of Tejeda (2009) 179 CA4th 973, 983, 102 CR3d 361, 368; Quasi-marital property divided pursuant to § 2251 is also liable for the parties’ debts

C

Forced labor, unpaid wages, AC 21: Changing the employer of your threats of deportation: employment-based green card application How to spot labor trafficking and drenched her for no reason.

Yusuf was never paid by the Tijas for her services.

After working for the Tijas for two months, Yusuf asked for help from relatives of a former employer, who then called the FBI. Sheriff’s deputies rescued Yusuf from the Tijas’ home. She then sued the Tijas for human trafficking, failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, failure to provide breaks, waiting time penalties, fraud, false imprisonment, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, conversion and negligence.

After a week-long jury trial, the jury returned a verdict finding the Tijas liable for all damages in Yusuf’s complaint. The jury awarded her $257,599 in damages. The jury also found the Tijas liable for punitive damages in the amount of $250,000 each.

The Tijas asked California’s Court of Appeals to throw out the jury verdict. However, the appellate court instead ruled that the Tijas were unlawful traffickers who had the intent to obtain labor through force, fraud, or coercion.

The employee was also deprived of her personal liberty through duress because the Tijas took her passport and refused to give it back to her. She was also led to believe she would be deported because she did not have her passport and she was an illegal immigrant. Additionally, the Tijas deceived Yusuf into believing that she would be raped and her organs harvested if she tried

to leave the house.

Finally, the court of appeal held that Yusuf was entitled to punitive damages because there was substantial evidence to support a finding of malice, oppression, or fraud, because the traffickers repeatedly verbally abused her, failed to pay her the promised wages, disparaged her ethnicity and religion, refused to allow her any time off and severely restricted her liberty.

In its annual report, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) says that in 2015, the NHTRC received about 24,757 contacts related to human trafficking via phone calls, online tip reports, or emails. The highest percentage of contacts came from California.

Human trafficking violates criminal and employment laws.

Victims should contact law enforcement for help. For a confidential consultation, they can also contact a knowledgeable employment attorney. *** 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

Putative spouse status as a defense to…

PAGE C2 t

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-15, 2016

to the same extent as if it had been community or quasi-community property. Family.Code. § 2252.

In addition, “temporary” and “permanent” spousal support may also be awarded in a nullity proceeding in favor of a putative spouse “in the same manner as if the marriage had not been void or voidable” Family Code Section 2254. The court may also award attorney’s fees pursuant to family code section 2030 in favor of a party found to be “innocent of fraud or wrongdoing in inducing or entering

Dear Attorney Tan, I HAVE an approved I-140 immigrant petition which was filed by Company A on my behalf. Company A would like to employ me as a bookkeeper. Based on that approved I-140 petition, I filed an application for green card (I-485 adjustment of status) in August 2014. Since that time, my green card application has been pending, as USCIS has requested additional documents in support of my application. Recently, another company, Company B, has expressed interest in hiring me for a payroll clerk position. Company B is a more established company based in the Midwest and pays $10,000.00 less but offers much better benefits. Is there a way I can substitute Company B as the employer in my green card application?

— P.T. Dear P.T. Under INA Section 204(j), commonly referred to as AC 21, an approved I-140 employment-based immigrant petition filed by one employer can be used by or “ported” to another employer providing certain requirements are met. First, a green card (I-485 adjustment of status) application must have been filed and must be pending for at least 180 days. Second, the “new” job offered by the second employer must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the first employer filed the I-140 petition.

In your situation, you meet the first requirement in that your application for green card (I-485) was filed in August 2014. Your application has been pending for over 1 year, which is more than the required 180 days under AC 21.

In depth analysis in your case is needed as to whether Company B’s job of “payroll clerk” is considered a “similar occupational classification” to Company A’s job of “bookkeeper,” for which Company A petitioned you. In determining whether one job is similar enough to another job for AC 21 purposes, the USCIS takes into account the totality of the circumstances, including the job duties of both positions, the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) from the approved I-140 and the SOC code for the job offered by the new prospective employer, as well as the offered wages for each position.

In your case, analysis would begin with the job duties of each position. The more similarity in job duties between bookkeeper and payroll clerk, the greater the likelihood that USCIS would consider them similar. Also, the SOC code for the 2 jobs would be taken into account. In addition, the wages offered by each employer would be considered. The existence of a big disparity in wages offered by each employer is not by itself a reason to conclude that the jobs are not similar. In your case, the fact that Company B is offering $10,000 less than Company A has to take into account the fact that the Midwest has a lower cost of living, as well as the fact that better benefits are being offered

by Company B. If it is considered a “similar occupational classification,” Company B may be substituted in as the employer in your pending green card application, and Company B will not have to start the process from the beginning by filing a labor certification application and by obtaining an approved I-140 petition.

The analysis of whether you can use or “port” your approved I-140 requires additional analysis, and consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended. *** 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.

into the marriage, and free from LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (323) 639-0277. Email: info@ knowledge of the then existence (Advertising Supplement) dtanlaw.com. of any prior marriage or other impediment to the contract- CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail ing of the marriage for which a kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website judgment of nullity is sought.” at Kenreyeslaw.com.

PAGE C1 t Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

Family Code Section 2255. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is tice of immigration law so that Telephone: (800) 795-8009 *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to they may advise you of poten- E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Family Law Specialist. He was President of provide only general, non-specific legal information. tial options and their likelihood Website: www.rreeves.com. *** the Philippine American Bar Association. He is This article is not intended to cover all the issues of success. related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that The analysis and suggestions offered in *** a member of both the Family law section and

Obtaining a green card…

Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles,

apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

(Advertising Supplement)

Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San

this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

(Advertising Supplement)

C MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Debt Relief Atty. LAwrence yAng Senior seeks chapter 13 protection for fully paid house CLIENT is a young senior in his early 60’s who took an early retirement last year. He owes $15K of credit card debt and nothing else. He has a community property house that is fully paid with a current market value of $500K. Fortunately, for client, he did not refinance his fully paid house with a mortgage, so the house does not secure any mortgage.

Certainly, client must have been tempted often to get some cash out from a refinance at low interest. Good for him that he did not succumb to that temptation; otherwise, he would still be paying on a new mortgage now. His wife is also taking early retirement next year. I asked why he took an early retirement at 62. He said he doesn’t know how long he is going to live, so he might as well take early retirement so at least he gets his social security now even if its less by 25% compared to full age retirement at 66.

Since he used to work as a professional for some time, I asked him if he had a pension from the employer. He said no and social security of $1,200 is all that he has now. The problem is that he still owes $15K of credit card debt, which he has not been able to pay for 6 months because of his reduced income from social security. He used to pay about $600 a month to keep them current but he just could not get the principal down from $15K. He wanted to do a Chapter 7 to wipe out the $15K. I asked him if he owned a house and what the current value was. He said he owned a house worth about $500K. I asked him if he owed anything on the house.

He said he owed nothing on it anymore. So I told him that he could not do a Chapter 7 because in Chapter 7, he would lose his house. The trustee would take his house and sell it, give him $175K use the rest to pay his credit card debt of $15K, give him the rest of the sale proceeds after deducting trustee fees which could be sky high. It doesn’t make sense, in his case to do Chapter 7. Why lose your house for $15K of credit card debt. But then again, his house does need protection from his credit card debt. He is now behind by 6 months. This means

Community Journal

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

Senior seeks chapter 13 alendar of Events C across protection for fully paid house from $15K credit cards Client seeks chapter 7 discharge for $30K credit cards

that lawsuits for collection are forthcoming.

Lawsuits will eventually become judgments.

Judgments eventually become liens on his house. A $15K judgment will double in a couple of years. Soon enough, there will be a $60K judgment lien on his house. And, the worst part is that judgment creditors can ask the court to have his house sold to satisfy the judgment lien! This means he can lose his $500K house for $15K of credit card debt. It’s sounds unfair, but it certainly may happen if the problem is left to fester without an effective solution.

I told him that he could do a Chapter 13 without any risk of losing his house to the trustee because Chapter 13 trustees, unlike Chapter 7 trustees, do not have the power to sell debtor houses.

In a Chapter 13, he can pay off the $15K over 5 years without interest; just the principal is being paid. He’s looking at a plan payment of $250/mo. To $300/ mo. including court and trustee administrative fees. This is a lot less than the $600 that he used to pay which did nothing to reduce the principal of $15K in the last 20 years. Under the plan, debtor will have zero credit card debt when he turns 68. And the best part is, the Chapter 13 protects his fully paid house by preventing lawsuits and judgment liens from attaching to his house.

Credit card debts are like weeds that keep on growing and growing. In a month, a weed can grow a foot, while normal plants take so much time to grow. The most effective way of getting rid of weeds is to uproot them. If you just cut them at the base, in a month they look like they were never cut. This is the same, as client’s credit card debt of $15K, which he has paid for 20 years, yet now still owes the same amount. In a year, he paid $7,200. He thought that would cut his debt in half and it would disappear. But credit cards are like weeds; they keep growing back, unless you uproot them. Debtor’s Chapter 13 will uproot his credit card debt and pay them off completely in 60

months so they don’t grow back again. Smart decision on client’s part, I have to say, because some people just do not have the courage to make the right decision.

Client seeks chapter 7 relief to discharge $30K credit cards Client is 48, married, no children. He owns a home with $55K of equity. He bought his house 3 years ago with 3% down, so his equity has increased somewhat but still within homestead exemption of $75K. He has a live in girlfriend, and I don’t know if she qualifies as a family member that would increase his exemption to $100K. In any event, $55K is $20K less than $75K so the house is secure and protected. His problem is $30K of credit cards, which he has been paying for 5 years, at $1K minimum monthly just to keep them current. Do the math.

He’s paid $60K to keep $30K of cards current for 5 years, and he still owes the same amount of $30K. Doesn’t seem fair. But that’s the way cards work. Just like weeds, they keep growing, nonstop. But since he now has a mortgage to pay, he having a hard time making the minimum payment of $1K a month for the cards. The choice he has now is to either pay the mortgage or pay the cards. It’s a no brainer. Get rid of the cards, to assure payment of the mortgage. At least, the house appreciates in value over time and home ownership is the American dream, while credit card debt is the American nightmare that sucks up your net income every month, every year.

His choice is Chapter 7 to protect his house and discharge the $30K of credit cards.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” — John 15:4 *** 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)

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 MARCH 12

Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. Grand Marshals Gala The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) will launch the commemoration of the 118th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on Saturday, March 12 with the Grand Marshals Gala at the Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Boulevard in Astoria, Queens, New York 11102). The gala will take place from 7:00pm until 12:30am, honoring Dr. Leonidas “Ned” Pulido and wife Carmencita “Menchie” Pulido, who were chosen as the Grand Marshals of the 2016 Philippine Independence Day Parade in June.

Gala tickets are $100 per person, with formal or Filipinana attire. Please contact the Chairwomen of the Grand Marshals Selection and Gala Committee, Ollie David (732-499-7995) and Helen LaBarbera (516-581-8830), ir OUDCU President Dr. Prospero Lim (347-248-5106) for gala invitations and more information. Interested parties may also call any of the Committee Co-chairs: Drs. Emilio and Fely Quines (347-254-2945), Drs. Rod and Elma Castillo (201-869-4044), Dr. Ely Parico (908-265-1293), Dulce Barangan (516-343-8592), Lauren Martinez (347-284-9886), Thelma Cabralda (631-331-5891), Zita Lapena (917-454-9344), Nida Cortez (646-649-5531), or Angie Molina (917-478-6754) or any of the PIDCI Board of Directors.

FACC-SLAA Induction Gala The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce for South Bay Los Angeles Area (FACCSLAA) presents the annual fundraising gala and induction of its board members, to be held on Saturday, March 12 at 6:00 pm, at the Holiday Inn Los Angeles Gateway-Torrance (19800 S Vermont Ave. Torrance, CA 90502). Philippine Consulate General Leo Herrera-Lim will be the inducting officer, with guest speakers Assemblymember Rob Bonta and former Assemblyman Warren Furutani. Attire for the dinner is Filipiniana/formal. The gala dinner is also a fundraiser for the FACC-SLAA Scholarship project of the chamber raising funds for deserving, eligible Filipino American students who are business (or related) majors in colleges and universities in the South Bay area. Four scholars who will each receive a $500 scholarship award. Fil-Am students applying for the scholarship should have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average, low income/financial need, have no criminal record, must submit a one page essay on why the student is applying, and must be willing to volunteer or intern at FACC-SLAA for 80 hours. The deadline to apply is on Feb 15 to apply. Interested students, please email facc.slaa@gmail.com or fekoons@aol.com. Tickets for the FACC-SLAA Induction and Fundraising Gala are $60 each. Please email facc.slaa@gmail.com for more information, or contact President Cynthia Tan (310) 748-9688 or Fred Docdocil, VP Programs (310) 619-8101.

MARCH 13

Sto. Tomas, Batangas Association Fiesta The Sto. Tomas, Batangas Association of Southern California will celebrate their fiesta on Sunday, March 13, at 1:00pm at Sliver Star Financial office (217 N Azusa St. Azusa, CA).

For further details, please call Willie Manacsa (818) 400-7391, Ofie Villanueva (626) 3834152, Rosie Sancianco (951) 898-7628 or Myrna Jaurigue at (909) 545-9876.

M A R C H 1 8 -1 9

5th Statewide Disabilities Conference Agencies, service providers and caretakers, community organizations, consumers, jobseekers, families…please join us for the California Statewide Disabilities Conference from March 18-19, 2016 at The Westin Pasadena hotel (191 N. Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA).

Expert panels/sessions/topics to be discussed include special education for those with disabilities, autism, assistive technology, ACA/Health, civil rights, mental health, financial wellness, discrimination, employment benefits, college supportive services, transition to adulthood, and outreach to the diverse Asian American - Pacific Islander community. This event is sponsored by the Asian & Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California (APIDC), giving a voice and face to Asians and Pacific Islanders with disabilities, and improving access to resources for API families. APIDC has hosted four major conferences in California.

The conference will also include social service agencies, and exhibitors/representatives such as educators, attorneys, and health care providers. Special gift giveaways and raffle prizes are available to all registered conference attendees. For registration and more information (including scholarships) about the conference, please contact Jamie Hwang at 714-4033188, APIDC@gmail.com, and visit www.apidisabilities.net.

MARCH 19

CSFLU 26th Anniversary The City of San Fernando La Union, headed by Vickie Balcita-Neri, will celebrate their 26th Anniversary on March 19, 2016 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Brea (900 E Birch St, Brea, CA 9282). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For invitation and other questions, please call Vangie So at (626) 485-3110.

MARCH 20

2016 Piyesta Pinoy Chicago Sunday, March 20 from 11:45am to 4:00pm is the Philippine Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Chicago), as part of the Neighborhoods of the World series at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens (Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL). Come travel to the Philippines without ever leaving your backyard! This cultural celebration is free and open to the public of all ages. Join us and enjoy an afternoon of lively folk music, special performances, traditional dance, cuisine, arts and crafts. The Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) and thevibrant Filipino community of Chicago is so proud to put on this event for the 5th year in a row, and Piyesta Pinoy is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our culture with our people.For more information, or to volunteer, perform, exhibit, or donate, please visitwww. piyestapinoy.net, or email Piyestpinoy@gmail.com.

APRIL 1

Eagle Rock High School Monthly Open House Tours laureate Open House Tours, from 8-10am during the spring semester on Friday, April 1. Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades 7-12, and was the first school in the LAUSD to be authorized to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (grades 7-10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (grades 11-12), a project-based program for concept and content-based learning to promote global mindedness and service to others. The IB Open House is open to all interested students, and will include an introductory presentation in the ERHS library, followed by campus tours, classroom visits, and a short question-and-answer period. To register for the Open Houses, please visit www.erhs.la, and click on the “IB Open House Registration” link. Please email Mylene Keipp mylene.keipp@lausd.net for more information. We look forward to your visit!

APRIL 9

Prisoners of War Day at the Filipino Veterans Education Center All WWII veterans and families, please join us as we commemorate the historic 74thanniversary of Prisoners of War Day and the Fall of Bataan, the Day of Valor, on Saturday, April 9th. In the spirit of reconciliation, friendship and international cooperation, let us leave the past behind us as we move forward with joined hands to attain peace for all mankind. The formal Commemoration and remembrance ceremony will start at 2:00pm in the Filipino Veterans Education Center, at the War Memorial Performing Arts Veterans Building (401 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco, CA 94102). This event is open to the public.

Please RSVP RudyAsercion@gmail.com; naffaasf@gmail.com. Tel: 415 564 6262.

APRIL — SEPTEMBER

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

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

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

To Live With Faith ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas “REMEMBER not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; see, I am doing something new!” (Isaiah 43:16) “My theology professor asks me to write a homily on sin to people who are in jail,” a seminarian shared with me over dinner last week.

“Well, that’s interesting. Just make sure you don’t just focus on sin,” I responded. “Ultimately, your homily should lead to grace.”

Indeed, we can have a tendency to dwell on the sinfulness of people, whom we wish to bring to conversion, that we fail to tell them about the goodness of God, the Father -- how He desires peace, healing, and reconciliation in our lives, free from the burden of sin.

We heard about this innermost desire of God in the Parable of the Prodigal Son that we heard during last Sunday’s Mass. When the wayward son returned to his Father after squandering the inheritance he asked from his Father, we did not hear the Father condemning and blaming his son? Instead, we heard him embracing his son and calling on his servants to dress him again with royal garments and a ring on his finger and to prepare a feast for his son “was lost and has been found.”

We may think that the Father in the parable is too nice and sweet

Family Law Atty.

EthElEnE F. SAlAS 1. WHAT is paternity? Paternity means fatherhood. Establishing paternity is the legal process of determining the legal father of a child who was born to unwed parents. When parents are married, in most cases, paternity is established without a legal action by virtue of their marriage. If parents are unmarried, paternity establishment requires a judicial court order.

This legal process should be

Community Journal

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 12-15, 2016

C

God’s innermost desire Joe Sayas again named super in these times when other people tell us to show some tough love to our children, but the parable does not apologize for the lavishness of God’s love and mercy.

The parable implies the Father’s hope that his son’s heart would melt with the depth of his unconditional love.

We see this love of God again in our Gospel this Sunday regarding the woman caught in adultery. When the scribes and Pharisees brought this woman to Jesus and made her stand in the middle of the crowd, humiliating and condemning her in sin, Jesus reacted in a surprising way.

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees. And one by one went away, beginning the elders, the Gospel tells us.

Then Jesus approached the woman and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has on one condemned you? The woman replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.

Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

Jesus’ approach was gentle and kind, but it was never empty of any challenge. He told the woman not to sin anymore. Turning away from sin would free her from the emptiness of life and the heavy burden of guilt. Returning to the arms and home of the Father would bring wholeness and peace in her life. Jesus did not want to condemn her to the depressing and alienating effects of sin. He wanted her to be reconciled with her family and community.

We see the effects of sin in

the world today. Violence, killings, bullying, mudslinging, corruption and greed would never bring progress, peace and reconciliation in this world. It would merely alienate people from one another. And this is where the Gospel is right: “For God did not send his Son into the world, but to save the world through him.”

(John 3:17) As we celebrate Holy Week and approach Easter, it’s good for us to reflect on the alienating effects of sin in our lives and of God’s desire to have us live in the grace of love and peace. We can look at how we have hurt our loved ones and other people and how this action has never brought peace in our lives. We can reflect on our bitterness, hatred, and resentments and our unwillingness to forgive one another and how these attitudes have never brought happiness in our lives.

Our God never wants to condemn us to the darkness of sin.

Instead, he wants to bring us the lightness of living in this world and to the eternal bliss of heaven.

May we do as he pleases—not to sin anymore! *** From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.

Paternity of children started by either parent as soon as possible for the benefit of the child.

Until a paternity is established, the father does not have the legal rights or responsibilities of a parent. Therefore, unless paternity is established, the father does not have to pay child support.

2. What if he does not cooperate? It is okay. Paternity can still be accomplished without his help so long as the initial court documents were served to him personally and he knows about this action. If the father denies paternity, it can still be established after DNA tests are

given to the mother, child and the alleged father. This DNA testing excludes men who are not the father and indicate the likelihood of paternity of a man who is not excluded. Of course, DNA tests are very reliable which is why so few paternity cases actually go to trial. In most cases, the issue of paternity can be easily established by such tests.

3. What if I only want support from him? Establishing paternity means that he will have responsibilities of a father, but he will also have the privileges of being a father. This usually means that the father will be af-

lawyer by Los Angeles Magazine

LOS ANGELES — Once again, for 2016, Super Lawyers and Los Angeles Magazine have named Filipino-American trial attorney C. Joe Sayas, Jr. a Super Lawyer in the field of employment law.

Mr. Sayas has been consistently honored by the nationally recognized and highly prestigious attorney rating system. Out of all California attorneys, no more than 5% of them make the list.

The recognition comes on the heels of recent victories on and off the courtroom, with one widely publicized case involving a federal class action successfully litigated by Mr. Sayas on behalf of truck drivers in the ports of Long Beach and Oakland, CA. Mr. Sayas was able to obtain a cash settlement fund of $11.04 million for the drivers. More importantly, the case resulted in a significant overhaul of the drivers’ working conditions, allowing them to obtain substantial benefits that they did not have before the settlement. The drivers now enjoy medical and dental insurance for themselves and their family dependents, retirement benefits, paid vacation and sick leaves, and coverage for Workers Compensation if they are injured at work.

“We understand how frustrating it is for employees to work so hard and yet be treated poorly by unscrupulous employers who underpay their wages, or subject them to discrimination or retaliation,” said Mr. Sayas. In discussing the challenges that employees and consumers face when their rights are violated, he added, “It is a sad truth, but trying to obtain justice and equity can be expensive. Often, our clients are persons who do not have the resources to take on oppressive adversaries. My law firm is all about providing these resources – our knowledge, our battle-tested skills, and our own money – and putting them at the service of our clients whose rights need vindication. We do not get paid unless our clients get paid.”

The recognition also comes at a fitting time as Mr. Sayas celebrates the 25th year of the law firm he established, having represented thousands of employees, consumers and insurance policyholders, and recovering a collective $85 million for them and their families. Asked about whether he hasn’t yet tired of crusading for employee and consumer rights and fighting the David-versus-Goliath battles these last forded rights to his child unless it can be proven that he is a danger to the child and the child’s health, safety and welfare. With the privileges of being a father, he will have the opportunity to see his child grow-up as if the child was born between wed parents.

4. Why should paternity be established if the father has no money to support the child?

When the father starts working, he will be able to support the child. Establishing paternity as soon as possible will make collecting child support easier later on. Moreover, if the father refuses to work, the court can

Attorney C. Joe Sayas, Jr.

25 years, Mr. Sayas smiles and says, “I’m just getting started. With clients who trust us, we’re powered up to keep going.”

Mr. Sayas is also recognized as a Top Labor and Employment Attorney by the Daily Journal, a long-standing member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been featured on the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal’s Verdicts and Settlements for his professional accomplishments. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C, and the University of the Philippines. He also sits on the board of the Search to Involve Pilipino-Americans.

To learn more about The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr., visit www.joesayaslaw.com.

impute income and base a child support order on that imputed income. In other words, he cannot be lazy in working.

As stated previously, throughout the years that I have practiced family law here in Los Angeles, I found that my Pilipino clients have to be briefed about the law and what the law could and would provide for them.

They tend to bring their own knowledge of the law from the Philippines and expect that the Philippine law would also apply here in the United States.

This is rarely the case and is a cause of much confusion. That is why it is very important that

we Pilipinos know our rights in this family law area so that we could plan ahead of time before it is too late. Understanding your rights in family law could and would protect you. *** Ethelene F. Salas, Esq. is a practicing family law attorney. Ms. Salas is a Filipino-American born in the Philippines, raised in the United States, and speaks Tagalog fluently. The Law Offices of Ethelene F. Salas is located at two locations – the main office at 100 N. Barranca St., Suite 700, West Covina, CA 91791 and affiliated offices at 18000 Studebaker Road, Suite 700, Cerritos, CA 90703. To schedule an appointment with her, please call (626) 858-4646 or visit www.EFS-Law.com.

(Advertising Supplement

C MARCH 12-15, 2016 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-15, 2016

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

& Immigration Corner

D

The April 2016 priority dates

The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:

Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

Who will win to be the next Philippine president? (L-R) Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Inquirer.net photos

Investors await next Philippine President’s moves on economy

by Ben

O. de Vera

Inquirer.net

InVESTOrS are curious to see if the next administration will further open up the economy to attract more foreign capital, especially in infrastructure, DBS Bank Ltd. said Wednesday, March 9.

“Whoever wins the presidential election in May will have plenty to prove. One to watch closely is what the next government will do to step up investment growth,” Southeast Asia’s largest bank said in a research note.

DBS noted that revenue collections had been growing at a “strong” average annual rate of 12 percent during the first five years of the Aquino administration, such that there was room for an “infrastructure overhaul” via the centerpiece public-private partnership or PPP program.

“Total investment growth contributed about a third of the economic growth seen during Aquino’s term. And investment is the key that could sustain robust consumption growth and potentially bring overall GDP [gross domestic product] growth to 7-8 percent trend,” DBS said.

The economy grew a dismal 5.8 percent last year, while economic managers had slightly cut to 6.87.8 percent the GDP expansion target for this year as government expenditures on public goods and services have remained below program despite loads of cash just waiting to be spent.

According to DBS, “it is also important to watch if the next government supports the easing of foreign ownership limits.”

President Aquino was firm that the 1987 Constitution—put in place by his mother, former President Corazon—will never be amended during his watch, even as business groups had been seeking further liberalization of its economic provisions.

DBS noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) “continues to be dwarfed by foreign worker remittances, growth of which has been sustained every year in the past decade.”

The latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed that as of end-november last year, total FDI declined 3.4 percent year-onyear to $5.452 billion.

The BSP had set targets of $6 billion and $6.3 billion in FDI for last year and this year, respectively. The end-2015 FDI data will be released today.

Cash sent home by Filipinos abroad, meanwhile, hit a record $2.47 billion last December—the biggest monthly amount to date— to bring the 2015 total to $25.767 billion, also the highest annual figure.

End-2015 cash remittances grew 4.6 percent year-on-year, exceeding the 4-percent growth target.

For 2016, the increase in remittances was projected at a similar 4 percent.

But while “strong remittance flows are definitely a positive for the macro risk profile,” DBS cautioned that such also “triggers questions about the dynamism of the local economy, especially since foreign worker remittances make up almost 10 percent of the economy.”

Tourist arrivals in the Philippines reached 542,258 in January, an increase of 13.17 percent compared to the same month last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

Inquirer.net photo

PH tourist arrivals breach 500,000 mark in January Koreans still top visitors

by Kristine

angeli Inquirer.net

saBillO

TOUrIST arrivals reached 542,258 in January, an increase of 13.17 percent compared to the same month last year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

The figure is considered a “historical first” as international visitors breached the 500 thousand mark.

“At the rate that the industry is growing, tourism has proven that it is an important pillar in the country’s economic development,” DOT Secretary ramon Jimenez Jr. said in a statement.

On the other hand, visitor receipts, which are based on “tourism activities engaged in by the visitors,” reached P21.94 billion.

“This rapid growth is allowing creation of decent jobs and

livelihood for many Filipinos. For 2015, tourism employment was estimated at 4.99 million with a share of 12.7 percent to national employment, already representing 4.8 percent growth from 2014,” Jimenez added.

The Secretary said the growth in tourism is a “successful means to spread the growth to various sectors, from the protection of the environment to the emergence of local businesses, the development of infrastructure, and the preservation of our cultural heritage.”

A breakdown of the figures showed that Koreans remained top visitors in the country. Its 147,165 tourists contributed to 27.14 percent of the total volume.

Coming in second were visitors from the United States at 84,506 PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “As an entrepreneur, one of the biggest challenges you will face will be building your brand. The ultimate goal is to set your company and your brand apart from the crowd.

If you form a strategy without doing the research, your brand will barely float—and at the speed industries move at today, brands sink fast.”

— Ryan Holmes, founder and CEO of Hootsuite

EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, meaning immigrant visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below.

If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the US), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.

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

FAMILY CATEGORY:

Application Filing Date

Visa Issuance Date

September 1, 2005

July 1, 2004

First Preference

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

Second Preference

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

October 22, 2014

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

May 1, 2005

April 1, 2005

Third Preference

married sons and daughters of US citizens.

August 1, 1995

December 22, 1993

Fourth Preference

Brothers and sisters of US citizens.

January 1, 1993

September 1, 1992

Third Preference

Professional/Skilled Workers

January 1, 2010

May 1, 2008

Other Workers

Non-Skilled Workers

January 1, 2010

May 1, 2008

LABOR CERTIFICATION:

gible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for that month). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card. ***

Application Filing Date Visa Issuance Date

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)

Marketplace

D march 12-15, 2016 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

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

Aquino inks law easing right-of-way process AT&T and Intel to test drones on LTE Network Business groups laud passage of RA 10752 MANILA—President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law covering procedures for the acquisition of right-of-way (ROW) for infrastructure projects of the government.

Under Republic Act 10752 or An Act Facilitating the Acquisition of ROW Site or Location for National Government Infrastructure Projects signed on March 7, owners of private property taken for public use would be given just compensation.

“The State shall ensure that owners or real property acquired for national government infrastructure projects are promptly paid just compensation for the expeditious acquisition of the required ROW for the projects,” the law stated.

The law provides the following modes of acquiring real property for any national government infrastructure project: donation, negotiated sale, expropriation or any other modes allowed legally.

Business groups said infrastructure development is expected to accelerate at a faster pace in the coming years with the passage of the ROW law.

With infrastructure being one of the country’s weak spots, local and foreign business groups welcomed the recent signing of RA 10752.

“The signature of RA 10752 by the President is a welcome development for the infrastructure industry. We are hopeful that it will address the substantial delays that right of way issues have caused for vital infrastructure projects across the country in the past,” European Chamber of Com-

Pres. Benigno Aquino III

merce of the Philippines (ECCP) president GuenterTaus said.

“This is a great news as this law will make infrastructure development faster,” ECCP vice president for external affairs Henry Schumacher added.

According to the business community, the law would primarily boost roll out and development of projects under the government’s public-private-partnership (PPP) program.

Business groups have long been clamoring for more infrastructure projects given the country’s sustained and robust economic growth.

“That should help, though at the end of the day it boils down to the ability of agencies to execute,” said John Eric Francia, head of Ayala’s infrastructure and energy group.

The Ayala Group has been an active participant in the PPP program in recent years and the country’s oldest conglomerate is expected

AT&T and Intel demo LTE connected drone in Intel’s Drone Zone at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

BARCELONA—AT&T* and Intel have agreed to test how Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly referred to as drones, work on a network designed to connect devices on the ground. Intel and AT&T will be working to solve major issues in the space, including connectivity. Mobile World Congress attendees will get a first look at the Intel Drone Zone in Barcelona.

Features like a live view of cameras and sensors on the drone or operating it beyond line of sight require a reliable nationwide network Malacañang photo for connectivity. The AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) team and the AT&T to continue doing so in the comFoundry innovation center in Palo ing years.

Alto, Calif., will be working with Philippine Chamber of ComIntel to evaluate performance of merce and Industries president the LTE network at higher altitudes.

George Barcelon said right of way They will be testing to see how it afissues have long been hampering fects video streaming, transmitting the immediate development of telematics and flight information. some of the country’s important Connecting drones over the netinfrastructure developments. work will help address many chal“It should have been done much lenges the category faces, including earlier (signing the bill into law) as this would definitely give private investors confidence. Whoever wins the next election could leverage on this and make infrastructure “If you build it, they will play. development much faster,” BarceThen they’ll stay.” - (“Field of lon said.

The law provides the following Dreams,” 1989) It’s the type of partnership that modes of acquiring real property for has been pouring in the profits for any national government infrastructure project: donation, negotiated the tourism industry. The tandem sale, expropriation or any other of casinos and hotels—both feeding off the other’s penchant for modes allowed legally.

Transportation Secretary Joseph reeling in the big spenders—hasn’t Emilio Abaya said the approval of escaped the eagle eyes of property the law is a positive development. analysts, either.

“Indeed, the growth of gaming/

safety and security concerns, real time communications, potential interference with manned aircraft and supporting future capabilities (such as beyond line of sight), as they are approved by the FAA. “AT&T and Intel will be testing how the network can enable the most exciting business use cases for drones,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, IoT Solutions, AT&T. “Our LTE network is uniquely positioned to connect industries like delivery, agriculture, construction and insurance. We’re using the network to transfer important information, images and video quickly and efficiently — far beyond the boundaries of short range connectivity.”

“This engagement pushes the boundaries in the UAV industry and will pave the way to a connected world in the Internet of Things,” said Anil Nanduri, vice president of the New Technology Group and general manager of New Markets

within the Perceptual Computing Group at Intel. “Intel believes UAVs have great potential, from inspections, precision agriculture to deliveries of consumer goods and providing emergency disaster relief. We want to grow this market through our collaborations and by integrating new technologies and compute to UAVs.” At Mobile World Congress, Intel will show off the Yuneec Typhoon H with Intel RealSense™ Technology UAV, which will stream video and telematics from the air over LTE and use the AT&T core network.

To learn more about IoT’s potential to transform business, visit www.att.com/iot.

Follow MWC updates from AT&T at att.com/mwcblog and @ att and @attbusiness.” *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

‘Casino tourism’ driving more hotels to be built in PH

According to Property analyst Enrique M. Soriano III, the Philippines is aiming to become one of the major players in the worldwide gaming industry, and Manila is in the midst of various casino openings, expansions and construction. Investment bank Credit Suisse forecasts Philippine casinos to generate gaming revenue of $6 billion by 2018, potentially making the country one of the top four in the world.

Inquirer.net photos

casino revenues is driving hotel demand, as shown by the highly developed gaming markets such as Macau in China and Las Vegas in Nevada, the United States,” observed Claro dG. Cordero Jr., Jones Lang LaSalle Philippines’ associate director and head for research, consulting and valuation.

“In the last few years, majority of the new stock has been located in the Entertainment City area in Pasay City, geared toward the gaming/casino market. Nonetheless, there are new high-end developments (4-star hotels and up) that were recently completed to serve the traditional markets such as The Ascott-BGC and the soonto-be completed Shangri-La and the Grand Hyatt developments, both in Bonifacio Global City. For areas outside the central business districts (CBDs), Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), as an example, has launched the Seda brand to serve the needs of the business traveler,” added Cordero.

Property portal Lamudi Philippines said in a statement that, “One of the main objectives of the Bay City is to compete with Macau and Sentosa in Singapore for gambling revenues, especially from Chinese high rollers. However, the clampdown on corruption in mainland China has affected the industry, which is the reason these properties are offering noncasino-related attractions to attract families.”

“To remain competitive, incorporating a hotel and casino concept is a natural integration to stay in the game,” noted property

analyst Enrique M. Soriano III. Soriano, who is the Ateneo program director for real estate and senior adviser for Wong+Bernstein Business, added that the concept of “participative entertainment” creates a powerful appeal for hotel guests, and an even more compelling reason for dedicated high rollers to stay loyal.

“The key lies in differentiating and constantly innovating the hotel and casino complex,” Soriano stressed.

“The Philippines is aiming to become one of the major players in the worldwide gaming industry, and Manila is in the midst of various casino openings, expansions and construction. Investment bank Credit Suisse forecasts Philippine casinos to generate gaming revenue of $6 billion by 2018, potentially making the country one of the top four in the world,” said Soriano.

Economic slowdown Colliers International Philippines’ director for research and advisory services Julius Guevara, however, said the hotel casino trend has been put to a halt regionally due to the economic slowdown in China.

“This has gravely affected the gaming industry in Macau and has also led in a steep reduction in revenue here in the Philippines,” said Guevara.

He added that 4- and 5-star hotels need not have a casino.

Cordero said the pipeline for the Philippine hotel supply PAGE D4

“To remain competitive, incorporating a hotel and casino concept is a natural integration to stay in the game,” noted Soriano.

PH tourist arrivals breach...

PAGE D1 (with a share of 15.58 percent).

This was followed by China with 48,708 visitors (8.98 percent), Japan with 41,691 (7.69 percent) and Australia with 25,274 (4.66 percent).

China overtook Japan for the third place, as its visitors to the Philippines increased by 130.15 percent from January last year.

Jimenez attributed the growth to better services, infrastructure and market access.

“The convergence projects with public and private sectors have significantly improved market access and connectivity, human resource development, product development, environmental protection and, safety and security,” he said.

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

Marketplace

Participants of the 2016 Security Analysts Summit organized by Kaspersky share their latest findings on cybercriminal groups, including the Carbanak group that stole nearly $1 billion from around 100 financial institutions.

Inquirer.net photo by Matikas Santos

Cybercriminals becoming ‘fearless’ in hitting ‘big fishes’

by Matikas

santos Inquirer.net

As the world becomes more and more connected to the Internet through computers, cybercriminals are looking for ways to exploit people and companies are becoming more ‘fearless’ in hitting the ‘big fishes,’ according to cybersecurity experts.

“On a global scale, what is happening right now is most of the attackers are fearless, and they are going for targets that they never did in the past,” Vicente Diaz, Kaspersky Lab principal security researcher told INQUIRER.net in an interview during the 2016 security Analysts summit held in Tenerife, spain.

“We have seen the first attacks happening against big institutions, directly hacking them and stealing their money from their internal networks,” he added.

Various banks around the world have recently fallen victim to cybercriminals who carried out digital bank robberies by hacking into their computer network.

In Bangladesh, around $900 million were reportedly stolen from the Bangladesh Central Bank by hackers allegedly based in China.

Kaspersky’s 2015 security bul-

letin recorded nearly 2 million attempts to infect computers with malicious software “that aimed to steal money via online access to bank accounts.”

Among the most notorious cybercriminal groups who have hacked and robbed banks is known as “Carbanak” which has stolen nearly $1 billion from around 100 financial institutions.

Carbanak infected computer systems of banks by sending malicious software (or “malware”) as attachments in the emails of bank employees. The malware is disguised as a typical document such as a .doc file and the email message is crafted to look like a normal email from someone the employee knows. The malware is designed for “espionage, data exfiltration, and remote control.”

After a bank’s’ system was infected, Carbanak could manipulate the data such as accounts in the bank. Automated teller machines (ATMs) were also manipulated remotely to dispense cash while members of the group waited to collect their loot.

Kaspersky, which is based in Moscow, Russia, has tracked the presence of Carbanak mostly in Eastern Europe. However, some financial institutions in United

statses, Germany and China have also been reportedly victimized.

They warned that Carbanak, which has launched “by far the most successful criminal cyber campaign we have ever seen,” has expanded its operations in Malaysia, Nepal, Kuwait and several regions in Africa.

“The problem is that, all these [cybercriminals] first attacked the users and now they are going for the big fishes. Now they are going for the big companies,” Diaz said.

“As the complexities grow in all these companies, like having a lot of employees with a lot of people working in different offices [and using] a lot of different operating systems [as well as] bring your own device policies, all this is adding complexity and is giving more opportunity for the attackers,” he added.

Countering cybercriminals To protect their assets against cybercriminals, John Lambert, General Manager of Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center, recommends that companies hire capable cybersecurity analysts in addition to improving their computer security software.

“Its important for every orgaPAGE D4

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-15, 2016 D

D march 12-15, 2016 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

Marketplace & ShowrooM

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

Grab, Uber coming soon at NAIA

THE LONGTIME ban on online ridesharing platforms at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport is soon ending.

Apparently, Singapore’s Grab has come to an agreement with airport authorities that will allow people to book a driver from NAIA. A final schedule is still being worked out for the actual event to launch Grab’s terminals.

We’ve heard there are also discussions with Grab’s rival Uber toward this end.

That’s a welcome development for passengers at NAIA, including those who would rather not drive or subject their personal drivers to Manila’s unfortunate traffic situation.

Moreover, it gives passengers taxis charging exorbitant rates. words. (Miguel R. Camus/Inanother option from those airport Good news all around, in other quirer.net)

Pope Francis expresses support for FIA’s Road Safety Campaign THE leader of the Roman Catholic Church has expressed his support for the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) campaign to promote road safety worldwide, especially the safety of children.

On January 14, FIA president Jean Todt, along with Automobile Club d’Italia president Angelo Sticchi Damiani, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Executive Secretary Christian Friis Bach, and FIA Ambassador for Road Safety Michelle Yeoh went to Rome to meet Pope Francis to

Pope Francis

discuss global road safety issues and the need to make our roads safer, particularly for the 1.8 billion children whose lives are put in danger every day on the road.

In a letter to FIA member clubs including the Automobile Association Philippines, Todt said that His Holiness was “kind enough to grant us a private audience to discuss the global challenge of road safety.”

“During this audience, we presented the current situation of this worldwide crisis to the Pope, and outlined the need for

governments and communities to prioritise road safety, beginning with putting in place effective traffic regulations,” added Todt, who was recently appointed the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.

Todt showed the Pope the film “Save Kids Lives” directed by Luc Besson depicting the dangers faced by children on their way to school daily. The film was produced to promote the #SaveKidsLives campaign launched by the UN Global Road Safety Collaboration to prompt action around the world toward making roads safer and saving lives—beginning with children. #SaveKidsLives encourages people worldwide to sign the Child Declaration on Road Safety, which calls on policymakers’ attention to lead the global fight against road fatalities and injuries.

According to Todt, the Pope showed great interest in the cause, understanding of the challenge at hand, and signed a message in support of the campaign.

Emphasizing the significance of the Pope’s support, Todt said: “The Pope’s backing for road safety will not only help raise further awareness of the 500 children who lose their lives every day on the world’s roads, but the global reach of his voice will also bring us closer to the ambitious goal of halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2020.” (ManilaTimes. net)

In choosing a car, just like any choice, you need to like what you see. If you harp on the good points, you will always feel you settled on what you chose.

Inquirer.net photo

What to look for in a car

by Jeanette Ipapo-tuason Inquirer.net

FEW weeks ago, I got a call from a friend who wanted to buy a car. But before asking me, she had asked some of her guy friends for advice. So when I told her my recommendations, she said, “Hmmm this guy told me that this car is not so good.”

I asked her why did the guy say that it was not good, and she told me it lacked power etc. etc.

To cut the long story short, I advised her to take a look at the car and weigh the pros and cons according to her needs, not someone else’s.

In the end she ended up buying one of my recommended vehicles.

This is a common scenario.

We usually ask people for a validation of what to buy or who to date or even if we are going to ditch a guy or not. We all need to feel good about our decisions and in a weird way we all need some sort of validity.

But like in relationships, no one can really tell you what you can do because they don’t live your life and therefore don’t know what you really need.

So why did my friend go with one of my recommendations?

Because I told her what guys prioritize is different from what women need (this sounds too familiar).

Take the cue from the book, “Men are from Mars and women are from Venus.” In Mars, men need a car that is fast, impractical and loud, while in Venus, the terrain calls for a car that will drive smoothly, is easy to drive, and has lots of space.

So for fellow chicdrivers, what

do I think do we really need to look for in a man, er, car?

First impression. Did you have a fuzzy feeling the moment you saw it? Or it just grew on you when you were getting to know it.

Just like any choice, you need to like what you see. If you harp on the good points, you will always feel you settled on what you chose.

You need to be able to answer “yes” when your friends ask if it’s good-looking, and not “well, its fuel efficient.”

What matters: The inside or outside?

We all know that looks are not everything. What’s inside also matters. Is it diesel or gas? Does it have a turbo or is it fuel-efficient? Is it fast or reliable?

I usually recommend a diesel vehicle but this should not be the final deciding factor. Imagine what your daily commute is like?

Do you just go around the village or you need to suffer a couple of hours of traffic each day?

Size does matter. If you will be ferrying a football team or just two people, this I believe for women outweighs the performance two notches up.

A car is first and foremost a utility vehicle to women; if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t work.

Commitment. Is it the right car or the car right now? Unfortunately, the hashtag #walangforever applies to vehicles.

Instead of a seven-year itch, cars have a three-year honeymoon period where none of the bad and dysfunctional traits will come out.

After the three years, the relationship becomes high maintenance and will often result to

visits to the Casa.

For cars, I suggest you don’t go for a long-term relationship.

Four to five years is a good, long stint with a car; after that, it’s time to move on.

Ride and ease of driving or parking. Do you want a smooth sailing one or a bumpy, exciting one? For guys, low-profile wheels, bumpy rides and uncomfortable seats are all part of the package when driving a sports car. They accept all of these shortcomings in exchange of how it makes them feel.

Women, on the other hand, would trade the good-looking factor for something they are comfortable with.

When you test drive the unit, drive it through some rough roads and potholes, and try parking them. This will give you a feel of what is in store.

Fuel economy. Is it a spender or frugal? Nowadays this is a big factor due to traffic.

Car websites usually post fuel economy numbers of units. Just always remember the fuel economy runs are done in the most ideal situation, so give and take a couple of percentage points up or down for the real life.

So with that in mind, the next time you need to purchase a vehicle, don’t automatically go for what your Facebook friends’ surveys say.

Get to know yourself and your needs, and you will find a vehicle that suits you. Test it, take it for a ride, scrutinize it, and if you feel that it’s not for you, reject it without explanations or thoughts of hurt feelings.

Unfortunately this only works with cars.

Cybercriminals becoming ‘fearless’ in...

PAGE D3 nization, every company to begin to further their progression on cyberdefense. That’s not just protecting their network from the minimum bar of hygiene and compliance but also on understanding who might be attacking them by hiring good analysts,” Lambert said.

“One of the things I say is the best security resource that most companies have is not some special black box, appliance gear or a firewall, its their analyst team.

Because its their judgment about

what’s going on, they’re gonna know their network better than anyone else,” he said.

Lambert also urged security analysts to connect with each other so they can collaborate and share information which will strengthen the defenses of the security community as a whole.

The said summit, which was organized by Kaspersky, was attended by around 200 participants from the cybersecurity community. Speakers shared their findings on the latest cybercriminal groups and other threats they are

currently monitoring.

“One thing I think is important is for researchers and analysts to get to know each other. Threat information is often exchanged over trust relationships so those trust relationships are person to person.

It’s not that two companies trust each other it’s that people trust each other,” Lambert said.

“And so one important thing to come here is to meet other analysts, people at other companies and build the relationships that help to protect users as you work together,” he added.

‘Casino tourism’ driving more hotels to...

PAGE D2 sector is still on an upside, as more than 12,000 rooms are expected to be completed until 2020. The new supply will put some pressure on occupancy rates, as well as the growth of room rates in the short- to medium-term.

Colliers, in its 2015 Philippine Research and Forecast Report, also concurred that substantial hotel room stock will be added in 2016.

The Colliers report said that around 1,739 new rooms were introduced in the metropolis in 2015, with two new hotels (Novotel Manila and Jin Jiang Hotel Ortigas) being delivered during the second half of the year.

The Novotel Manila in Araneta Center, Quezon City, started operations in the last quarter of 2015, in time for the arrival of overseas-based Filipinos during the Christmas season. Colliers added that “the hotel was well-received, especially since there has been a lack of quality accommodations in the northern part of the metropolis.”

The Colliers report also reported that “Jin Jiang Hotels, one of the largest hotel operators in China, opened its second hotel in the Philippines in Ortigas Center.

Should all projects be completed as planned, Metro Manila will see another 5,300 keys added to its room stock in 2016. This includes two 5-star hotels in Bonifacio

Global City in Taguig City—the Shangri-La and the Grand Hyatt Manila.”

Soriano predicted that the country would continue to experience hotel growth in the next five years, despite some “bumps” along the way.

Filinvest is ramping up its hotel portfolio, and is expected to add 5,000 rooms by 2020. ALI has created its Seda Hotels, complementing its mall developments and putting several hotel rooms across the country.

Alliance Global and Resorts World Manila is targeting 1,500 rooms, plus another 3,200 rooms in Resorts World Bayshore and Megaworld’s Richmond Brand to be spread across the country.

Manila’s hotel supply is expected to double to 32,000 rooms.

Affordable hotels Cordero said the main strategy of 3-star hotel developments, aside from pricing, remains to be their strategic location, as they are practically near everything, which would be convenient for its market of upwardly mobile guests who demand for value for money.

A growing trend is that 3-star developments have been serving as transfer accommodations for other bigger hotels, especially for resort-type developments outside Manila.

Soriano observed that the “ease and convenience of booking, great customer service, competitive positioning on a specific value

proposition, e.g. wellness-centric facilities,” drive the growth of 3star hotels.

“Many of these types of hotels are in Metro Manila’s major CBDs: Jin Jiang and Holiday Inn in Makati, Seda in BGC, and Marco Polo in Ortigas Center. Another Seda property will soon open in Vertis North in Quezon City, which will be one of north Metro Manila’s few quality hotel properties,” disclosed Lamudi.

The sunshine industry?

Rosy as the outlook may be for the hotel industry, some factors also need to step up before it can be called a “sunshine industry.” Lamudi said that this would “depend on how successful the government will be in attracting foreign visitors.”

It reported that from an original target of 6 million foreign visitors for 2015, the Department of Tourism lowered the country’s target to 5.5 million, eventually settling for 5.3 million by year-end, according to Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr. The target for 2016 has been set to 6 million.

“In addition, occupancy rates in Manila slipped to an average of 68 percent in the first half of 2015, 1.6 percentage points lower compared to the same period in 2014. However, this increased to 70 percent by the second half of 2015, thanks to the Apec Summit that the Philippines hosted,” revealed Lamudi.

(Inquirer.net)

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

Showroom

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-15, 2016 D

Longo Lexus offers the ultimate Longo Toyota delivers world class experience conveniences in customer amenities

We all know that the process of buying a car is not just as simple as buying a new pair of shoes at the mall. It is a long process that involves careful comparison between vehicle models, reviewing the car’s specifications with regards to the needs of the buyer, and of course, the negotiations for the financing packages and promos.

As such, it is very important for Longo Lexus that its customers are supremely comfortable and well-pampered if they are going to make that important decision of which Lexus they will drive home.

As a car dealership, there are many reasons why Longo Lexus has been an elite of Lexus dealer since 1992. One of those reasons includes the ultimate conveniences that they offer in customer amenities. As one of the leading Lexus car dealerships, Longo Lexus provides not only pre-sales conveniences, but also noteworthy post-sales services.

Longo Lexus is known for the unique amenities that they offer to dealership customers.

One of those unique amenities include an on-site Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) center. The AAA branch offers DMV services, airline, car, and hotel reservations, discounted movie and local attraction tickets, AAA membership application processing, OnBoard Teen Safe Driver Program, auto and home insurance, and more. Sign up at our AAA branch in Longo, and you’ll receive a special $13 discount off the original membership price.

Aside from from the on-site AAA branch, Longo is also the first dealership in the US to offer Verizon Wireless and Verizon Wireless Neighborhood services on-site. Offering the latest technologies in telecommunications, mobile accessories, and services, Longo’s on-site Verizon branch makes it even more convenient for customers to stay connected with the world. Our Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer is open from Monday to Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, from 7am to 5:30pm; and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. Please call (888) 8115201.

While waiting for your car to come out of our premium carcare service lines or while you’re going through our wide inventory of luxurious Lexus vehicles, you can enjoy a quick bite at Sub-

way or a nice refreshing drink at Starbucks.

If you want to pamper your car, you can also shop at the Longo Lexus Parts Boutique, which carries a wide selection of genuine Lexus parts and accessories for your vehicle. M`Zkfi I\p\j With over 31,000 parts and accessories in stock, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

The after-sales services of a dealership is just as important as the pre-sales amenities. And it these after-sales services that make buying a vehicle at Longo Lexus a truly rewarding experience.

We offer complimentary loaner vehicles for your use while your car is in our service center. For inquiries, on our loaners, please call our coordinators at 1-800-5970813.

For your convenience, we also offer complimentary shuttle service to take you to your office, home, or even the mall—basically anywhere within a 15-mile radius—while your vehicle is being serviced.

If you don’t have time to make the drive to our dealership, our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck can provide routine maintenance services, such as oil changes and tire rotations, right at your home or office. Appointments can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Similarly, if your service requirements need the car to be physically present at our Longo service center, we offer complimentary flatbed truck pick-up and delivery of your vehicle to and from our dealership. Our Longo Lexus Mobile Service Van and Truck, and our complimentary flatbed truch pick-up and delivery service are exclusively for cars that are purchased from Longo Lexus, and are located within 60mile radius from Longo.

Please call 1-800-597-0813 to schedule your appointment.

Also, for every service appointment, each vehicle receives a complimentary car wash in our Longo Lexus Car Spa. For our clients who wish to use other cars, aside from those among our fleet of loaner Lexus cars, they can avail of the services of our enterprise Rent-A-Car offices.

=iXeZ`j DXiX^Xp

With two branches on the Longo Premises, enterprise is ready to address all your car rental needs.

Please call (800) 969-6519 for more information.

We understand that life’s daily grind requires our customers to be always on top of everything while keeping up with an onthe-go lifestyle. Which is they are more than welcome to work at our Longo Business Center where they can work on our computer terminals, free of charge.

We also offer complimentary Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) to our customers throughout the facility. This is particularly useful for our customers with mobile devices, laptops, and tablets.

While you wait for your car to come out of our service center, your kids can enjoy and have a good time at our Children Play Area, where we offer video games and other activities for the young ones.

Longo Lexus customers will also be offered complimentary use of our iPads while they are waiting for their vehicle.

For more information on our Longo Lexus Guest Services, please log on to www.longolexus.com/GuestAmenities or call (626) 539-2956.

Longo Lexus is located at 3530 North Peck Road, el Monte, CA 91731.

8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

A-Car offices on its premBeing the premiere ises. One is located adjaToyota retailer in the nacent to the Service Drive tion, Longo Toyota aims to in the Pre-Owned Vehicle deliver a truly world-class Showroom, and the other experience to our guests is in the Collision Repair on every transaction, everyday.

Center. Customers are it all starts with our welcome to utilize the enfriendly and welcoming terprise rental services, restaff, a clean and modgardless of whether or not ern environment, and a they leave their vehicle in wide range of services to IXpdfe[ G\i\q Longo for any car service.

D\c :Xjk\cf make your visit pleasant Complimentary Vehicle and convenient. Here are Delivery Service some of our key amenities Longo Toyota also offer at Longo Toyota: complimentary vehicle deAuto Club of Southern livery service. Our delivery California (AAA) service is available 6 days in november 1999, a week, Monday thru SatLongo Toyota became the urday, anywhere within a first automotive dealer60-mile radius of Longo ship in the US to have the Toyota.

Auto Club on its premLongo Toyota Parts and 9lkZ_ >XYlk`eX ises. For 14 long years, :\jXi DXZXc`ef Accessories Department our Auto Club branch has K?8EB PFL =FI D8B@E> LJ ELD9<I FE< =fi k_\ cfe^\jk You can also shop at the served countless satisfied k`d\# Cfe^f KfpfkX _Xj Y\\e gi`[`e^ `kj\c] Xj k_\ ( KfpfkX Longo Toyota Parts and Longo customers with its mfcld\ [\Xc\i `e k_\ Le`k\[ JkXk\j% 8cjf Zfej`[\i\[ Xj k_\ ( Accessories Department, wide array of services which carries a wide seGi`lj Xe[ ?pYi`[ [\Xc\i `e 8d\i`ZX# Cfe^f KfpfkX `j ^iXk\]lc Today, our on-site lection of genuine Toyota branch offers DMV servic- ]fi k_\ Zfek`elflj jlggfik f] `kj Zc`\ekj k_Xk _Xm\ kiljk\[ parts and accessories for es, airline, car and hotel k_\d n`k_ hlXc`kp YiXe[ e\n Xe[ lj\[ ZXij% ?Xm`e^ j\im\[ your vehicle. With thoureservations, discounted Zljkfd\ij ]fi +, p\Xij# k_\i\ dljk Y\ X i\Xjfe n_p Cfe^f sands of parts and accesmovie and local attraction KfpfkX `j jk`cc Zfej`[\i\[ eldY\i fe\% :Xcc ($/''$-(.$+,(- sories in stock, we defitickets, membership pro- kf[Xp kf Ôe[ flk% nitely have whatever it is cessing, OnBoard Teen you’re looking for. Our Safe Driver Program, and more. Sign up at our boutique also carries a selection of Ray-Ban and Longo Toyota branch and get $13 off the origi- Oakley sunglasses, women’s and men’s apparel, nal membership application price. Located in and so much more. our new car showroom, our AAA branch is open Shuttle Service Mondays thru Saturdays, from 11am to 7pm.

For your convenience, Longo Toyota offers Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer complimentary shuttle service while your veLongo Lexus is the first car dealership in the hicles are being serviced. Our shuttles can take US to provide Verizon Wireless and Verizon you to virtually anywhere within a 15-mile raWireless neighborhood services on-site. Our dius of Longo Toyota – be it your home, work, Verizon branch offers the latest in telecommu- the mall, or even the parlor! Anywhere! nications, mobile devices, accessories and serAn engaging stay vices. We also offer complimentary cellphone While we understand that our customer’s charging stations for our customers. Our Ve- time is precious, we realize that many of them rizon retailer is located inside our parts retail may need internet connectivity at all times. As center. Our Wireless Playground is open Mon- such we are more than happy to provide FRee day-Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, 7am-5:30pm; WiFi throughout our facility, and FRee use of and Sunday, 8-4pm. Please call (888) 623-2133 our great business center. in our business cenfor more information. ter, we provide a quiet setting where our guests Starbucks and Subway can work on our computers or on their own lapWhile waiting for your car to come out of our tops. car-care service lines, you can enjoy a quick We also provide free use of an iPad for Longo bite at Subway or a nice refreshing drink at guests who are waiting for their vehicles. Our Starbucks. We offer healthy dining options with guest Check-in representative will be more than Subway’s wide variety of sandwiches, salads, happy to arrange this for you. and wraps. if you decide to bring the kids to the dealerif you’re thirsty and you’re looking for that ship, boredom will never be a problem. We also quick coffee fix, you can grab a refreshing Ha- offer a variety of video games and DVDs just zelnut Macchiato or a smooth Caramel Frappuc- for kids so that they can also enjoy their visit to cino at Starbucks. Offering only the finest cof- Longo Toyota. fee specialties, teas, juices, and assortment of For more information on our Longo Toyota pastries, there’s something for everybody at our guest Services, please log on to http://www.lonon-site Starbucks branch. gotoyota.com/dealership/amenities.htm.

Both our Subway and Starbucks branches are Longo Toyota is located at 3534 north Peck available for catering services.

Road, el Monte, CA 91731. Call (800) 617-4516 Enterprise Rent-A-Car to set up your appointment.

Longo Toyota also has two enterprise Rent 8[m\ik`j`e^ Jlggc\d\ek

D march 12-15, 2016 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

EMPLOYMENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 12-15, 2016 D

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

D march 12-15, 2016 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOUrNaL

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