052717 - LA Weekend Edition

May 27-30, 2017 Volume 27 - No. 43 • 4 Sections – 32 Pages

US gov’t condemns terror threats in PH, assures counterterrorism support

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE United States has condemned the recent violence committed by Islamic State-linked militants in Marawi City in Mindanao, assuring the Philippines of its continuous support and assistance toward counterterrorism measures.

“These cowardly terrorists killed Philippine law enforcement officials and endangered the lives of innocent citizens,” U.S. press secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement released on Thursday, May 25.

Since Tuesday, May 23, there has been an ongoing clash between the government troops and local militants identified as members of the Maute group, believed to have pledged allegiance to IS in 2015.

USA

DATELINE Members of Congress continue efforts in reuniting families of Filipino veterans

This prompted Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao in the evening of the same day.

“The United States condemns the recent violence perpetrated by an ISIS-linked terrorist group in the southern Philippines,” Spicer said.

As a “proud ally,” the U.S. also vowed to continue “to provide support and assistance to Philippine counterterrorism efforts.”

“We will continue to work with the Philippines to address shared threats to the peace and security of our countries,” Spicer added.

As of Friday, May 26, the death toll in connection with Marawi attack has reached to 44.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) confirmed that among of those who were killed include 31 Maute terrorists, 11 soldiers, and

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EXODUS. Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes following an onslaught between government troops and ISIS-inspired Maute group in the city of Marawi in Lanao del Sur. The fire fight has been stretched to four days, claiming more than 40 lives, including those of 13 soldiers and two police officers, while several buildings and houses have been occupied and others were burned. While the government is trying to clear the city, residents have no choice but to seek refuge in neighboring municipalities. The end of war, however, is indefinite and no one knows when they will be back to their homes again.

Philstar.com photo

Robredo supports Mindanao martial law but warns of human rights abuses

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

CONTINUING the effort to honor Filipinos’ efforts during World War II, members of Congress have introduced new legislation to expand immigration for families of Filipino veterans.

The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act — introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) — sets out to speed up the visa process for children of Filipino WWII veterans.

Similar to the Filipino WWII Veterans Parole program, this bill seeks to bring

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

ice President Leni Robredo joins the security briefing of the Armed Forces of the Philippines leadership on Wednesday, May 24.

Malacañang photo by Robinson Niñal

by KRISTINE

ANGELI Inquirer.net

SABILLO

FORMER President Fidel V. Ramos on Friday said martial law should have been declared only in some areas of Mindanao.

“Hindi ko sinasabing nagkamali sya (I’m not saying the President made a mistake). It is probably the correct solution but for a limited part of Mindanao,” Ramos said during a televised press conference.

He said martial law “may be proper in the eyes of the administration” but he said it has to acknowledge that there are peaceful areas in Mindanao that do not need to be subjected to martial law or martial rule.

Ramos said he hopes the government’s security forces and local officials “will be effective

Huntington Hospital hosts conference for National Hepatitis Testing Day

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While President Duterte has cut short his official visit here, the lobby of the posh Ritz-Carlton hotel turned into a virtual business hall as some Filipino businessmen met with their Russian counterparts including the Eurasian country’s biggest conglomerates.

Ramos says martial law OK only for parts of Mindanao PH, Russia vow to help

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TO coincide with National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day on Friday, May 19, more than 100 health advocates and community leaders gathered at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena for the National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day conference as a way to raise awareness on the dangers of all forms of hepatitis.

Conference attendees were encouraged to collaborate and brainstorm ways to reduce death and disability from the preventable disease which affects more than 5 million Americans every year. The conference also urged health advocates and professionals to increase testing and availability of treatment.

Viral hepatitis — which is the leading cause of infectious mortality — is variable in contraction and effects and can be spread in several ways. Hepatitis A can lead to severe illness but does not lead to

CITING the need for “unity,” Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo expressed support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration in Mindanao amid terror activities conducted by Islamic State (IS)-linked militants.

“This is the time for us to unite. This is the time for us to protect together our national security,” Robredo said in Filipino.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on Tuesday evening, May 23, in the wake of a confrontation between government troops and Maute group in Marawi City.

The Maute group has been tagged in last year’s bombing attempt near the United States Embassy

maintain regional peace, development

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MOSCOW – The Philippines and Russia have vowed to contribute to efforts to maintain peace and development in Asia Pacific as Moscow seeks closer ties with countries in the region.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Russia President Vladimir Putin have agreed to work together to promote cooperation in the region and to create an environment conducive for growth.

“The Parties reiterated their readiness to fur-

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Former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos

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8 PH firms included in Forbes Global 2000 list

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

EIGHT Philippine companies were among the world’s biggest, most powerful and most valuable companies, according this year’s Forbes Global 2000 list.

Forbes Global 2000 list is a yearly ranking of companies around the world based on their sales, profit, assets

and market value.

Topping the list of Philippine firms is SM Investments, which is founded by Henry Sy, Sr. in 1960. It has a market capitalization of $17.8 billion, $7.3 billionworth sales, $650 million profits, and $17.3 billion assets.

SM Investments, which mainly on operates property, retail, and financial ser-

vices, ranked 823rd globally.

It was followed by BDO Unibank, another Sy-owned company, with a market capitalization pegged at $10.2 billion. The bank company ranked 1018th in the list.

Next to BDO Unibank is the Gokongwei family’s JG Summit Holdings at 1151st spot, with $11.6 billion market value.

Ayala Corporation, the conglomerate of the Ayala family, was at 1176th, with a value of $10.7 billion.

Top Frontier Investment Holdings, meanwhile, came at 1228th. It is the the largest shareholder of San Miguel Corp., having a market value of $1.9 billion.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust, also known as referred to as Metrobank,

ranked 1531st. It has the market value of $5.5 billion.

It was followed by Aboitiz Equity Ventures (1793rd) and Manila Electric or Meralco (1947th), with values of $8.4 billion and $6.3 billion respectively.

On the other hand, leading this year’s Forbes Global 2000 list is China’s

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From the Front Page

US gov’t condemns terror threats... immediately restore normalcy in that part of Mindanao.” two police officers.

Galvez also assured the public Hailing fallen government that the government forces “will troopers, Westmincom com- exhaust all efforts to crush the remander Lieutenant General Car- maining Maute members so that lito Galvez Jr. said, “They made the people of Marawi City can go the ultimate sacrifice to ensure back to their homes the soonest.” that the city (of Marawi) will be “We once more call on the cleared from terror threat and people in the community to join

PAGE A1 t

us fight terrorism. Provide your security forces with information that will contribute to the neutralization of these agents of deaths and destruction,” Galvez added.

Amid the skirmishes, militants have occupied several establishments in Marawi City, trapping civilians in the areas.

Other facilities, such as St. Mary’s Church, Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College, were torched. Several teachers, a priest and about a dozen parishioners were also reportedly taken as hostages.

While the government was able to reclaim some previously Maute-occupied areas and rescue trapped civilians, the Armed Forces said clearing operations are still ongoing.

“Our troops are doing deliberate operations in the areas we believe are still occupied or infested with the terrorists’ presence,” Army’s 1st Infantry Division Commander Brig. Gen. Rolando Bautista said. n

MARTIAL LAW DECLARATION. In this May 25, 2017 photo provided by the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signs the report he submitted to congress for declaring martial law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao beside Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez during a special cabinet meeting in Davao City.

Malacañang photo

Robredo supports Mindanao martial law...

PAGE A1 t in Manila in November, as well as the Davao City market blast in September, where around 15 individuals died and 69 others injured. The group is also believed to have pledged allegiance to IS years ago.

“We wish to be supportive of the administration because, with the severity of the terrorism problem, now is not the time to quarrel with each other,” Robredo added.

Since Tuesday, the number of deaths related to the Marawi crisis has reached 44 as of Thursday, May 25, — 31 from the Maute group while the remaining number were from the combined Armed Forces and police. Several facilities were burned, prisoners escaped in jails, civilians were trapped in the area, and while some were also reportedly taken as hostages.

The military said it was able to

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Ramos says martial law OK only...

PAGE A1 t enough” in curbing the threat so that martial law in Mindanao “can be terminated as early as possible with no more violence of this nature.”

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday declared martial law in Mindanao after the Maute terror group took over and burned down establishments in Marawi city. It was later reported that more than 40 people were killed during clashes between security forces and the armed group.

Ramos, who encouraged Duterte to run for president, said he feels it is his obligation to “try to correct the sense of fear” of the public because of martial law. He said he has been through martial law before and that many of those in Duterte’s Cabinet and even in Congress have never experienced something like that.

“Many of those in the Cabinet and even in Congress who are very vocal that martial law is very good for Mindanao may not have ever experienced being shot at by someone or being forced to evacuate to a safe place or to (cross) a river in order to reach sanctuary or to lose a job or livelihood or loved members of the family,” he said.

“In the end, it is the President, no matter what kind of advice he gets from anybody, who has to make the decision and answer for the consequences,” he said.

Human rights violations Ramos also warned against human rights abuses perpetrated because of martial law.

“Tignan natin kung mangyayari ‘yan. Wala pang martial law katakot-takot na ang human rights violations (Let’s see if that will happen. Even before the declaration of martial law there have been a lot of human rights

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-30, 2017

A3

violations already),” he said, alluding to the summary killings linked to the war against illegal drugs.

He said the government should take strong measures but avoid the abuse of human rights.

Nationwide martial law Ramos pointed out that talk about expanding martial law to Visayas or nationwide has resulted in “a sense of fear and foreboding.”

“Some members in his delegation are making panicky statements,” he said. “If it is true that he had said that martial law may be extended to the Visayas and even nationwide then that is being panicky.”

He pointed out that former president Corazon Aquino faced coup d’état attempts but “she did not panic.”

“She did not declare martial law,” Ramos said. “But she moved around to encourage our people everywhere and not to panic.” ■

PH, Russia vow to help maintain...

PAGE A1 t ther enhance cooperation in the Asia Pacific region and on the international arena on the whole aimed at the creation of favorable conditions for economic growth of both States and contributing to maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region,” the two leaders said in a joint statement on Duterte’s visit.

Duterte was forced to cut short his four-day official trip here after terrorists from the Maute group attacked parts of Marawi and held hostage several civilians.

He was supposed to stay here until May 26 but left for the Philippines two days earlier.

Despite Duterte’s decision, the signing of several cooperation agreements, including those on security and trade, pushed through to strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Duterte and Putin cited the importance of sustaining efforts to shape a security architecture in the Asia Pacific region that is “open, transparent, inclusive, and rules-based in accordance with international law, including the principle of equality.”

They also vowed to foster cooperation within the framework of the East Asia Summit, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and

other relevant fora to promote multilateral approaches for safeguarding security, enhancing growth and promoting sustainable development in Asia Pacific.

“The heads of state (Duterte and Putin) agreed to further explore cooperation and liberalization of trade as well as foster a favorable climate for an increase in investment flows between the Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN in the interests of boosting sustainable and inclusive growth amongst the members of both regional groupings,” the joint statement read.

Putin expressed support for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN and lauded the country for promoting the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership.

The two leaders also emphasized their intention to work closely together to forge a strategic partnership in line with the decisions of the ASEANRussia Summit in Sochi last year.

They plan to do so by intensifying interaction in key areas like improving security architecture and cooperation in the region, fighting terror and transnational crimes, and developing trade and investments, science, technology, energy, agriculture, culture and other exchanges.

“The Heads of State agreed to further explore cooperation and liberalization of trade as well as foster a favorable climate for an increase in investment flows between the Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN in the interests of boosting sustainable and inclusive growth amongst the members of both regional groupings,” Duterte and Putin said.

The Parties also emphasized the prospects which can be created by multilateral communication and coordination to implement various regional and national frameworks and initiatives, including ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and Eurasian partnership based on the principles of equality, openness and transparency.

“The heads of state expressed their readiness to take further measures to expand and boost mutually beneficial inter-regional ties and realize the considerable potential for cooperation in this area,” Duterte and Putin said.

While Duterte missed key events including the Philippines-Russia business forum, the two leaders said the visit was “an important event for promoting comprehensive bilateral cooperation as well as making progress in ensuring stability, security and sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region.” ■

OFF TO A MEETING. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump exit Air Force One at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily. Trump traveled to Sicily in order to attend the G7 Summit and meet with other world leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in Sicily, Italy.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Guerra

Members of Congress continue efforts...

PAGE A1 t

family members of these veterans to the U.S. after decades of separation. But rather than just provide temporarily relief as the parole program does, the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act “codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families,” said Hirono.

“When called to serve, Filipino World War II veterans fought and sacrificed alongside American servicemen,” said Hirono, who also led the effort to reward these veterans the Congressional Gold Medal last year.

“However, as a result of our country’s antiquated immigration system, these brave soldiers have been waiting more than a half century to be reunited with their loved ones,” Hirono added. “While the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program provides temporarily relief for Filipino World War II veterans and their children, this bill codifies our nation’s promise to reunite these families.”

In the 1990s, about 50 years after the war, the U.S. granted Filipino veterans of WWII citi-

zenship as recognition for their services. However, this didn’t include the children or families of the veterans.

If the families of the veterans want to reunite, they have to apply for a family visa, but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) limits the amount of family visas granted each year. Consequently, many families must wait years for USCIS to review their application.

The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act places an exemption on veterans’ children from the quota and allows them to bypass the limitation.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who has been a long-time advocate for honoring Filipinos’ efforts in WWII, co-sponsored the bill and praised Hirono and Hanabusa for expanding the benefits for the families of these veterans.

“I’m honored to represent the vibrant Filipino-American communities of Virginia, including those who fought bravely alongside Americans during World War II,” the 2016 vice presidential candidate said in a

statement. “An outdated immigration system has kept these veterans separated from their families, who remain overseas.

Their reunion is even more important because of the veterans’ advanced age and health care needs. This bill builds on the progress we made last year by expediting the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. I’m proud to stand alongside Senator Hirono once again in this just cause.

The bill has been co-sponsored by more than 20 members of Congress including Sens Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Brian Schatz (DHawaii), and Representatives Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.).

More than 250,000 Filipinos lent their efforts in the war and there are about 15,000 veterans — all of whom are in their 80s and 90s — that are still alive today. (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

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US senators urge Trump to delay Duterte invitation over drug war

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

TWelve United States senators from the Democratic Party urged U.S. President Donald Trump to delay his invitation to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to visit the White House over the alleged human rights abuses in connection Philippine leader’s bloody campaign against ille-

gal drugs.

In a letter dated Wednesday, May 24, 2017, the senators said that inviting the firebrand Duterte to the White House while his “murderous campaign continues� could be interpreted as “an endorsement of his government’s gross human rights abuses.� “Such a perception would undermine efforts to restrain

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Duterte’s violent campaign, which would further call into question the legality and appropriateness of continued U.S. assistance to the Philippines’ law enforcement agencies and security forces,� they added.

Duterte’s drug war has been in international news and gained continuous criticisms from rights group for its alleged spate of summary killings and human rights violations since he took presidency and launched the campaign in June last year.

The decades-long relationship between the Philippines and the United States also appeared to be strained due to drug war criticisms—with Duterte’s constantly bursting profanities against Washington for its supposed interference in the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs.

In the letter, senators cited the supposed 8,000 death toll in connection with the drug war.

WASH DOWN. Sailors assigned to the Pre-Commissioning Unit aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) scrub the flight deck after an aqueous film forming foam wash down during acceptance trials. The ship is underway conducting comprehensive tests of many of the ship’s key systems and technologies.

U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Class Ruben Reed

The Duterte administration, however, repeatedly refuted claims that the killings are state-sanctioned. It argued that there are only about 2,500 deaths from “presumed legitimate law enforcement operations,� usually when

suspects tried to fight back against the police.

Among those who signed the letter were Senators edward Markey, Tim Kane, Sherrod Brown Ron Wyden, Benjamin Cardin, Jeffrey Merkley, Cory

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LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN 8 PH firms SERVING MY FELLOW KABABAYANS FOR OVER 17 YEARS included CIVIL AND PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION in Forbes...

IMMIGRATION

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ICBC, which engages in commercial banking and financial services. It also ranked 21 in sales ($151.4 billion), 2nd in profit ($42 billion), 1st in assets ($3,473.2 billion), and 17th in market value ($229.8 billion).

ICBC was followed by China Construction Bank, with a market value of $200.5 billion.

Completing the top five list in descending order were U.S. companies Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forbesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2017 Global 2000 list faces much pressure amid unsteady geopolitical climates and slowing economies. Yet, in aggregate, these 2,000 companies have managed to come out stronger than last year, with increased sales, profits, assets and market values,â&#x20AC;? said Forbes Mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputy editor for investing Halah Touryalai. n

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Body found in Seattle lake is that of missing Filipino-American man SEATTLE — The body found in this city’s Lake Union last Friday, May 19, was that of FilipinoAmerican Rene Elamparo, 27, who had been missing since May 14. A resident noticed a body in the west side of Lake Union and called the authorities.

The death does not appear suspicious, and there were no obvious signs of trauma at the time of recovery, according to Seattle police.

Elamparo was a member of the Shorecrest Hip Hop team and a Shorecrest graduate. Elamparo’s sister, Cathy Rene Elamparo’s body was found in Lake Union Photo from Linkedin shared a message with friends in Seattle.

and relatives: Dearest family and friends With our heavy hearts, we are saddened by the loss of my dear little brother. Nene you are loved today, tomorrow and forever.

Please respect my family’s privacy at the moment. We will make an announcement about his memorial soon.

In light of May National Mental Health month and of recent events, I’m sharing this information. Please share to friends and people you love: National Suicide Prevention, 1-800-2738255. It’s Ok Not To Be Ok. (Inquirer.net)

Robredo supports Mindanao martial law...

PAGE A2 t reclaim several militant-occupied but added that clearing operations are still ongoing.

While expressing support to Duterte’s martial law declaration in Mindanao, Robredo called on the government and the armed forces to uphold human rights amid their operations under the military rule.

The vice president said that many Filipinos “fear” the martial law.

“Many are fearful of martial law because of our country’s experience with abuses,” Robredo said.

“Which is why, in our expression of support, we want to ask for assurances from the administration

and the Armed Forces that what happened during the dictatorship would not happen again.”

In 1972, late President Ferdinand Marcos declared a nationwide martial law that apparently paved way for alleged numerous deaths and human rights abuses.

“We will not allow martial law to become an instrument of violence again,” Robredo stressed.

She went on to say, “We will not allow it to pave the way for the return of the kind of leadership we fought in the past. I hope it does not return.”

She then reminded the public to stay “vigilant.”

Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution states that the president of the Philippines may

US senators urge Trump...

PAGE A4 t drigo Duterte until there are major improvements in his government’s human rights records,” the letter read.

While maintaining that the Philippines remains a vital U.S. ally, the senators expressed concern that hosting Duterte at the White House while his campaign of “mass atrocities” continue would send the “wrong message” that the U.S. is supporting human rights violations in the Philippines.

They accused that Duterte, under the guise of drug war, “has presided over a brutal campaign of extrajudicial murders that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of drug users and low level drug dealers.”

Stressing that “extrajudicial killings are not a form of justice,” they insisted that Duterte “must stop” his “campaign of murder” and instead “adopt a comprehensive public health approach to drug addiction that centers on treatment.”

“The United States, for its part, should stand ready to provide assistance and partnership for the development and implementation of these programs,” they said.

The senators’ letter came a day after a “leaked” transcript revealed the conversation be-

tween Duterte and Trump that occurred during the closing of the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila in April 29.

The transcript apparently showed that Trump repeatedly invited Duterte in his office.

“If you want to come to the Oval office, I will love to have you in Oval Office. Anytime you want to come,” the U.S. leader told Duterte.

Trump further added, “I will be in the Philippines in November, but anytime if you are in [Washington] DC or anywhere, come see me in the Oval office… Work it out with your staff. Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know.”

Trump also complemented Duterte for doing an “unbelievable” and “great” job on his campaign against illegal drugs, which is notably a complete opposite stance from his predecessor, former U.S. president Barack Obama.

“I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem,” Trump told Duterte during their conversation. “Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.”

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place the country under martial law in case of invasion or rebellion for not exceeding than 60 days.

It also states that the president may suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law.

Earlier on Wednesday, May 24, Duterte warned that he might expand the implementation of martial law nationwide if threats from the the Islamic State terrorist group persists.

The vice president however, insisted that there is no reason to declare a nationwide martial law.

“As it is, we don’t see any reason to extend martial law coverage to Visayas and Luzon,” she said. n

FLEET WEEK. Rachel Scott, a reporter with ABC News Digital, wins a game of tic-tac-toe against Navy Diver 1st Class Dave Cannon, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, during a live broadcast in Times Square during Fleet Week New York (FWNY).

FWNY is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

U.S. Navy photo by 2nd Class Charles Oki

Huntington Hospital hosts...

PAGE A1 t chronic health issues.

There was a particular focus on Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, which are much more life-threatening than Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can lead to chronic, life-long infections and serious health problems, including severe liver damage or even cancer.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), all in-

dividuals from Asia or Africa should be tested, regardless of any past vaccinations. For Hepatitis C, baby boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965), people who have unprotected sex, injection drug users and those who received a blood transfusion before 1985 should be tested.

“People can live with Hepatitis B or C for decades without feeling sick, but the virus may be causing damage to the liver

during that time,” said Ying-Ying Goh, MD, health officer of the City of Pasadena Public Health Department. “There are lifesaving treatments that can prevent serious liver damage from Hepatitis B and treatments that can cure Hepatitis C infection. Talk to your doctor to get tested.”

Clinics in the Los Angeles area offer free screenings by the Asian Pacific Liver Center. To view a list of testing dates and locations, visit www.asianpacificlivercenter.org. (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)

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Jones Bridge paintings turned over for Jones Law centennial celebration

COLLATERAL DAMAGE. This photo taken on Wednesday, May 24 shows Dansalan College in Marawi City in Mindanao after it was burned by members of the militant Maute group. Authorities are scrambling to locate 42 Visayan residents in Marawi City reported as missing only late Friday, May 26. Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said he has received reports about the 42 missing individuals, now subject of a search by rescue and relief teams of the ARMM government. Relatives reportedly first sought help from the military and police, but got negative response.

Philstar.com photo

Honor Eudocia by fighting for freedom for other ‘lolas’ A response to “My Family’s Slave” article THIS month, the Atlantic published an article, “My Family’s Slave,” written by Alex Tizon, a Pulitzer prize winning journalist, that vividly describes the experiences of torment and abuse of Eudocia Tomas Pulido or “Lola,” a young Filipino woman recruited from her village in the Philippines to work for Tizon’s family in 1943 at the age of 18 and forced to migrate and work for his family in the U.S. “Unfortunately, Eudocia’s story is a common Filipino story. There are many Eudocias and ‘Lolas’ born into poverty and forced into what is called ‘modern day slavery.’ Even though Tizon revealed

his perspective of the story, there is much more to it starting in the Philippines,” said Bernadette Ellorin, Chairperson of BAYAN USA. “From the time Eudocia was enslaved in 1943 conditions in the Philippines have only worsened.”

More than 26 million of the population live in poverty rooted in landlessness and joblessness caused by domestic feudalism and underdevelopment, as well as widespread corruption and foreign control over the Philippine economy, military, and politics, due to imperialism, particularly US imperialism.”

“They are stuck in a vicious cycle working and tilling the land

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THE LAW OFFICES OF NORIEL L. FLORES 2 5 YEARS OF LAW P RACT ICE IN CALIFORNIA NORIEL L. FLORES, ESQ. MELISSA J. HERBITO, ESQ.

(213) 487-8500 • (909) 895-7004 NLFLAW@GMAIL.COM 21671 Gateway Center Drive, Suite 103 Diamond Bar, CA 91765

that they do not own, and having to owe debts to these landlords.

They become victims of feudal and colonial practices such as families being forced to give their women and children as tribute to wealthier families,” Ellorin continued.

The Philippine government has failed to do anything substantial to solve the issues of poverty and landlessness in the Philippines.

More than 6,000 filipinos leave the country because of the lack of jobs to sustain their families. A majority of those migrant workers are women, just like Eudocia, who are victims of human trafficking, and face many other challenges such as no compensation, low wages, unstable working conditions, contractualization, physical and sexual abuse, wage theft, and exploitation. Many work as “katulongs”, servers or domestic workers and are forced apart from their love ones in order to take care of the children of other families.

“In honor of Lola Eudocia, we should organize and work together to end human trafficking and the problems of landlessness, government corruption, and foreign control in the Philippines.” said Ellorin. “Only through changing the system can we see an end to modern day slavery and create a world where other Lolas, Eudocia and other women can stay in their homeland and live full and dignified lives.” We call upon all those interested in fighting to end modern day slavery to join BAYAN USA and our many organizations across the U.S. and help to build up the people power needed to genuinely change the system where slavery no longer exists. n

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two paintings of the William A. Jones Memorial Bridge in Manila were turned over to the Richmond County Museum and the family of Congressman William Atkinson Jones on May 12, as part of the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Philippine Autonomy Act, otherwise known as the Jones Act for Philippine Independence, which was enacted by the 64th Congress of the United States of America on August 29, 1916.

The paintings are the works of Manila-based artist Celeste Lecaroz, who adopted the style “spontaneous realism,” which is popularized by the Austrian contemporary artist Voka.

“When I set to the task of painting the bridge, I tapped into the significance of Philippines-US relations and what it meant to me. With palette knife on hand I set to paint an image of the Jones Bridge in Manila. What immediately came to mind is bridging the gap, exchange between the two sides,” Ms. Lecaroz said.

“But I came to realize eventually that Congressman Jones did more than that. It was more than bridging. It was giving us an alternative path from that of remaining as a colony. So again, it is my honor and pleasure to be leaving the Richmond County Museum and the Jones family a crafted symbol of our strengthened ties as sovereign nations,” she added.

The Jones Law, as it was commonly referred to, laid down the framework for a more autonomous government, preparatory to the grant of independence to the Philippines by the United States. Through this law, the Philippines saw the creation of a bicameral legislature, the introduction of a representative electoral process, and the recognition of the fundamental civil and political rights of persons living within the bounds of the Philippine Islands.

Ms. Becky Marks, Board Chair, and Mr. David Jett, curator, received the painting on behalf of the Richmond County Museum.

“I just want to say how much we appreciate the effort, creativity and thoughtfulness that you all put into this,” said Mr. Jett.

In the brief turnover ceremony at the Jones Family Home in Warsaw, Virginia, Ms. Elizabeth Hart Jones, representing the Jones Family, expressed appreciation for the painting and its symbolism. She referred to the monument with the inscription, “A Tribute of the Undying Gratitude of the Filipino People,” erected over the grave of Congressman Jones at St. John’s Episcopal Church in 1926.

“We are so touched that after all these years, it has not changed. So we are very, very grateful. We do feel a big responsibility to represent the family,” she said.

Ms. Becky Marks (right) Board Chair, and Mr. David Jett (2nd from right), curator, receives the Jones Bridge painting on behalf of the Richmond County Museum from Ms. Celeste Lecaroz (left) on May 12.

Ms. Celeste Lecaroz (right) presents the Jones Bridge painting to Ms. Elizabeth Hart Jones (left) and her sister, Anne (center) at the Jones Family Home in Warsaw, Virginia on May 12.

“At that age of empire building, it was a radical idea to let go of a treasured territory like the Philippine Islands. However, Congressman Jones had a profound belief that the United States had a more important mandate to promote freedom around the world,” she further said.

Ms. Jones was joined by her sister Anne, and Anne’s husband Rusty Gilfillan in welcoming Ms. Lecaroz and other guests to the Family Home.

The Executive Director of the US-Philippines Society, Hank Hendrickson, remarked that the Jones Act capped an intensely dynamic period in the history of relations between the United States and the Philippines, characterized by debates in Washington, D.C. that were cast in moral terms, on what the US should do with the Philippines and other island possessions.

“What evolved from those debates was a compromise. Simply put, the US would stay in the Philippines, but on the condition

that as it did so, America would work to strengthen Philippine institutions as a basis for modern, twentieth century governance.

What Congressman William A. Jones did was to nail down legislation and legislative assurances that that political bargain was kept,” Mr. Hendrickson stated.

“For our part, Americans might better understand and appreciate the role of Filipino leaders at the time. In both Manila and Washington, the leadership skillfully engaged American counterparts to break down preconceived notions, prejudices, and provide assurances about the capacity for independent governance,” he emphasized.

Renowned Filipino historian and author Dr. Bernardita Churchill gave the family a copy of an article on the commemorative dinner organized by the Philippine Embassy, in cooperation with the US-Philippines Society, on 30 August 2016, that replicated the dinner hosted by then Philippine High Commissioner Manuel L. Quezon on 29 August 1916 at the New Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. Ms. Darell Artates, the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Officer, expressed the Embassy’s appreciation to Ms. Lecaroz and the Warsaw community, including the Jones Family, for their commitment to strengthening Philippines-US ties.

“During this time of major changes and uncertainty, it is useful to have events like this that serve as a reminder of the enduring friendship between the Filipino and American peoples,” she said.

The participants in the turnover ceremonies also visited the Jones memorial at St. John’s Episcopal Church, upon the gracious invitation of its rector, The Reverend Torrence Harman.

The William A. Jones Memorial Bridge, popularly known as the Jones Bridge, was inaugurated in 1921. Spanning the Pasig River, it connects Binondo, the location of Chinatown, and Ermita in the heart of Manila.

US senators urge Trump...

06/06/17

PAGE A5 t In response, Duterte thanked Trump for his comment, adding, “This is the scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation.”

Most of what the two presidents discussed, however, were already openly disclosed by the Philippine leader in his previous interviews and speeches.

While there’s is no confirmation yet about Duterte’s visit to the White House, the two leaders are expected to meet at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in November 2017, hosted by the Philippines.

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D ateline PhiliPPines Budget, finance chiefs dismiss

A

DFA calls for ‘responsibility,’ ‘patriotism’ martial law threats to PH economy after Trump-Duterte call transcript leaked

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

AllAying fears, both the Philippines’ budget and finance chiefs said that Mindanao martial law could be “good” for the national economy. in a statement, Finance Secretary Carlos g. Dominguez iii affirmed that the Philippine economy is “in no way threatened” by the imposition of the military rule.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on Tuesday evening, May 23, in the wake of a confrontation between government troops and local militants in Marawi City.

This prompted the Chief Executive to cut his four-day official visit to Moscow short to personally oversee government operations.

“The economy is in no way threatened by the imposition of martial law. The military is in full control of the government installations and major infrastructures on the island,” Dominguez affirmed on Thursday, May 25. noting that the “centers of commerce and sources of growth are in areas far away from the sites of potential conflict,” Dominguez also affirmed that the “economic expansion will not be jeopardized and economic opportunities will remain robust.”

“Threats of violence in the poorest regions of the country will not affect adversely the economic position of the whole country,” he added.

While warning that such threats could “dampen the economic prospects of the poorest regions,” Dominguez assured that the “government plans to revive this regional economy and transform it into a meaningful participant in the country’s growth will be held in abeyance until lasting peace is attained.”

“The president is determined to protect the lives of innocent civilians and he will apply everything within his legal means to stop these extremist terrorist groups from further threatening the people of Mindanao and undermining government efforts

the DFA said in a released statement.

“As such, we appeal to the MAnilA — The Department sense of responsibility and paof Foreign Affairs on Wednes- triotism of all concerned,” it day, May 24 evening has issued added.

The leaked phone call tranappeal to the public after U.S. President Donald Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s phone conversation transcript leaked.

Without authenticating the transcript, the agency said it refused to comment on the stories on the Trump-Duterte call transcript making rounds, but it said that it may affect “national security and regional peace statary rule in Mindanao could be a bility.”

“While we value the need for “positive move” if it would help transparency and the people’s achieve peace in Mindanao. “if, by declaring martial law right to information, release of in Mindanao, he improves the certain pieces of information, likelihood that peace in Mind- whether accurate or inaccurate, anao would be achieved, then can affect national security and u PAGE A10 regional peace and stability,”

by RoSette

aDel

Philstar.com

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III

to lift people up from poverty and transform southern Philippines into a major growth center and investment destination,” Dominguez further added. in a separate comment, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said that the imposition of mili-

script which had a “confidential” coversheet was the conversation of Trump and Duterte after the Association of Southeast Asian nations leaders’ Summit last April 29.

u PAGE A10

A MAY 27-30, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

A looming crisis

THE terrorist attack in Marawi City appears to have caught security forces by surprise, but President Duterte’s response was swift: a declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao, signed even while he was still in Moscow for an official visit. Duterte aborted the trip and promptly flew back to Manila to personally oversee what he vowed would be a “harsh” response to the combined forces of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups.

The response to another aspect of the threat should be just as decisive. Thousands have been displaced by the firefight and the military’s pursuit of the terrorist fighters in Marawi.

The displaced are fleeing the city in vehicles and on foot, but getting out is not easy as security forces search for bandits trying to escape the offensive. Traffic crawls along the roads leading out of the city. Other Marawi residents are hunkered down at home, virtually trapped as supplies and utility services are disrupted.

Social workers have expressed concern about a looming humanitarian crisis as people abandon

their homes even with no alternative shelters. Jobs and livelihoods have been disrupted by the firefights. Agencies have started distributing relief goods, but aid is rarely enough and is difficult to sustain. Evacuation centers are inadequate, and the overcrowding raises the risk of diseases spreading, with children and the elderly among the most vulnerable.

President Duterte says he declared martial law because it is his duty to protect the public from armed threats. He must be just as determined in confronting the problems that arise from being displaced by the violence. (Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Fil-Ams protest against Duterte’s martial law declaration in Mindanao PrESIDENT rodrigo Duterte may have had the best intentions in declaring martial law in Mindanao following the escalating violence in Marawi City in Mindanao, but many Filipinos in America continue to be haunted by the ghost of Marcos-era martial law years.

“Takot ako. In the horizon looms big and clear contamination ng ISIS,” Duterte explained in a report on The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” as he rallied troops in Iligan City. “Before ang ating mga officials were really warning us on the intent of extremists to establish a caliphate that will compromise Mindanao, Indonesia, Malaysia..’Yun ang takot ko.”

Malacanang has submitted a report to both the Senate and House of representatives which also reveals that the Maute Group had already infiltrated 75 percent of Marawi, with the plan of targeting Christian communities while trying to recruit Muslim youths.

Despite Duterte assuring the public that he will take respon- The Fil-Am sibility for imposing martial law in Mindanao, Filipinos took to Perspective the streets to demand and end to the recent declaration.

In a report on “Balitang America,” they said the order risks violating human rights, Gel sAntos-relos and could even derail the ongoing peace talks between rebel groups and the Philippine government.

Some kababayans question why Duterte had to declare martial law in the whole of Mindanao, whien Marawi City is but a small part of the island. Duterte’s declaration that he will not hesitate declaring martial law in the whole nation only escalated their doubts and fears about his real intentions.

The Washington Post also ran a story debunking Duterte’s explanation he gave in a

The first home of democracy is the human heart

Rhizomes

Prosy AbArquezDelAcruz, J.D. “The human heart is the first home of democracy.” - Terry Tempest Williams, as quoted by Parker J. Palmer, The Politics of the Broken Hearted, 2005.

PArkEr Palmer offered his reflections: “This ‘one nation, indivisible’ is deeply divided along political, economic, racial and religious lines. And despite our historic dream of being “a light unto the nations,” the gaps between us and our global neighbors continue to grow more deadly. The conflicts and contradictions of twenty–first-century life are breaking the American heart and threatening to compromise our democratic values.”

America used to feel like the safest country there is for immigrants.

In 1972, I remember being homesick. I cried pretty regularly in six months. I also felt the rush of claiming the opportunities to make something of my life.

After six months of being unemployed, I was finally hired at an insurance company.

In the evening and weekends, I volunteered to be part of a civil rights group -- one that advocated for the restoration of democracy and human and civil rights in the Philippines. During that time, martial law had just been declared in the country.

Three principles were important to me: tell the truth, serve the people wholeheartedly and love folks with all your might.

Because of that, I expanded my concept of family: I had family at work, family in the community, family in the quality professional organizations, family of close women friends.

Then, I sensed a sea change. America started feeling unsafe to me, a naturalized U.S. citizen.

The newspaper headlines reported that 800,000 undocumented immigrants were deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2008-2010.

In the first half of 2011, ICE ‘s goal is 411,000 deportations.

A week before, Pulitzer-prize winning, journalist Jose Antonio Vargas re-ignited the firestorm for immigration issues, when he shared his riveting personal story that he is undocumented.

A new movie, “A Better Life” was then in the theaters. It is a story of love between a gardener father who cuts trees in upscale Los Angeles neighborhoods, and his teenage son who goes to a school in Los Angeles challenged and terrorized by gangs in his school. Their lives were torn apart when the father was deported to Mexico.

During the film premiere, an octogenarian Hungarian dancer, M.W., stood up to compliment the producers. She said she identified with the characters and felt their fears, although she had nothing in common with them.

Nonetheless, their fears felt like her own during the holocaust.

The same fears were depicted when I saw a short documentary of the road to Freedom exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center. rabbi rachel Cowen described the civil rights movement as “ a religion, a secular creed, a community, with values, its liturgy, its rituals, part of a larger narrative, with its high ideals that the world can improve, love would conquer, it would triumph.”

Dorothy Zellner spoke of her conviction, that when you see such inhumanity, there is a moral imperative to go “ thou shalt not stand idly by.”

Half of the white attorneys working in the South were Jews who felt a kinship with the injustice happening to blacks. rabbi Prinz shared a “ sense of complete identification and solidarity

born of their painful experience.”

This mattered to him to take a stand: will he allow these state troopers to kill in his name?

These were the dilemmas that they faced, dilemmas that are like ours now, as we are confronted with the issue of immigration reform for 11 million undocumented individuals.

I had a conversation with Fr. Alberto Carreon, 88, who is the resident priest of Assumption Church. His special ministry is to teach sobriety through faith. He has been in the forefront in advocating for immigration reform, leading a 2,000 person strong rally in Nevada, and after, he was invited to dialogue with Senator Harry reid’s staffers.

His position is to revive the bracero program to give a legal path to progress to those who want to work in the U.S. He believes that after three years of a consistent, law-abiding track record of employment, these workers have earned the right to apply for a green card.

He cites the history of immigrants from Europe who fled to survive the holocaust unleashed

by Nazi Germany. They were given their own paths to progress, facilitated by a change in their immigration status, legitimized by a humanitarian public policy.

This public policy should also extend to those who fled their countries at the height of the civil war in El Salvador and had some resettling in parts of Honduras and Mexico.

Like the European immigrants, they too need their own paths to progress. Why? The USA propped some of the dictators in these countries, causing some of their citizens to leave, not unlike the exodus of Filipinos to go overseas during the Marcos dictatorship.

By allowing them a legitimate way of working in the harvest

u PAGE A9

press conference in Beijing, as to why he declared martial law.

According to the Post article, Duterte claimed the Malabang police chief was stopped at checkpoint on his way home from work and was slaughtered by terrorists. “They decapitated him then and there,” the Post quoted Duterte.

The Washington Post report said the Malabang Police is alive and they spoke to him on Friday. They also said they couldn’t find new evidence of televised beheadings on Mindanao, although the Post said there are unconfirmed accounts of beheadings circulating widely online.

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s statements also gave an ominous tone about this latest development in the Duterte administration, amid complaints of ex-

Street Talk GreG b. MAcAbentA PrESIDENT rodrigo Duterte’s recent “friendly exchange” with Chinese President Xi Jinping over rights to exploit the natural resources of certain areas of the South China Sea (AkA West Philippine Sea) has alarmed Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, former Foreign Secretary Albert del rosario, and several of our honorable senators, notably Senators Franklin Drilon, richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, Antonio Trillanes and Francis Pangilinan.

What raised their hackles was the threat that Xi made, to the effect that if the Philippines insists on exploring the area for its resources, China would go to war.

Pangilinan urged the Philippine government to file a diplomatic protest against China, while Carpio and Lacson suggested that the matter should be reported to the UN General Assembly, along with a resolution condemning the threat and demanding that China comply with the ruling of the arbitral tribunal rejecting China’s territorial claim.

Trillanes and Gordon, playing safe, expressed doubts that Xi actually made the threat but agreed that if he did, the issue should be elevated to the UN. Drilon warned against taking China’s threat lightly.

“We should stand up to China.

We should not allow our country to be bullied and threatened,” Drilon was quoted by media.

In contrast, the exchange between Duterte and Xi was characterized as “friendly” by Malacañang spokesmen, as well as by Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Said Cayetano, “I cannot tell you the exact words but the tenor of the conversation was very friendly, refreshing and, in fact,

tra judicial killings allegedly committed in the president’s war on drugs that has now reached about 9,000 fatalities.

In Sereno’s commencement speech before the graduating class of the Ateneo de manila University, the Chief Justice warns that impunity is on the rise and that fundamental rights are once again under threat.

According to a report on “Balitang America,” Sereno said it is important not only to make a stand on issues but to act as well.

“Given the present day when the possibility of history repeating itself loom imminent — no cause requires your commitment as human as human rights, justice and democracy.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column 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

Friendly dialogue between Duterte and Xi both sides went out of the meeting satisfied and [optimistic] that the dialogue will produce results.”

What results? Cayetano, being the quintessential politician, said a lot without actually saying anything.

At any rate, based on Duterte’s own account as reported by media, “Xi warned him that there would be war if (Duterte) tried to explore for oil in the West Philippine Sea, waters within Manila’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.” Duterte reportedly told Xi: “We intend to drill oil there. If it’s yours, well, that’s your view.

But my view is, I can drill the oil, if there is some inside the bowels of the earth, because it is ours.

His response to me was, ‘We’re friends, we don’t want to quarrel with you. We want to maintain the presence of warm relationship, but if you force the issue, we’ll go to war.”

It should be obvious that the “friendly” things said by Duterte and especially by Xi were pregnant with unfriendly overtones.

As a former movie script writer, I’m used to writing dialogue that we refer to as double-talk, especially between thebida (hero) and the contrabida (villain). In other words, what is unsaid (usually betrayed by way of a twitch of the mustache, a raised eyebrow or a smirk) has more meaning than what is said in the dialogue. In a comic strip, the things unsaid would be depicted in thought balloons.

The typical conversation-cumdoubletalk would go like this: Woman 1 (spoken): “Hoy, Cory, how are you? You are looking as young and beautiful as ever.” (Thought balloon: “What an ugly witch. It’s a wonder her husband hasn’t left her.)

Woman 2 (spoken): “Oh my gosh, Gloria, how ravishing

you look. What’s your secret?”

(Thought balloon: “You think I don’t know about you and my husband, you slut!”)

In the US, the new king of Doubletalk is President Donald Trump. At least in the Philippines, Duterte is frank enough to admit that not everything he says makes sense or is serious.

At any rate, with apologies to the Malacañang apologists and to Cayetano, this how I think that “friendly and refreshing” conversation between Duterte and Xi actually went: Duterte (spoken): “President Xi, I would like to discuss the issue concerning the West Philippine Sea.” (Thought balloon: “My critics in the Philippine are accusing of being scared of the Chinese. kailangang tapangan ko, para hindi ako magmukhang duwag.”

Xi (spoken): “You mean, the South China Sea, which China owns.”

Duterte (spoken): “We intend to drill oil there. If it’s yours, well, that’s your view. But my view is, I can drill the oil, if there is some inside the bowels of the earth, because it is ours.” (Thought balloon: “Aber, let’s see how he will react to that!”)

Xi (spoken): “We’re friends, we don’t want to quarrel with you. We want to maintain the presence of warm relationship, but if you force the issue, we’ll go to war.” (Thought balloon: “This little mouse is asking for it. We could pulverize the Philippines in less than24 hours.”)

Duterte (thought balloon): “Putang ina, is he serious?”

Xi (spoken): “Please do not do that because that is ours.” (Thought balloon: “I’ll humor this fellow. He only has 5 years left in his term while I can be president for life if I want.”)

Duterte (spoken): “But I have the arbitral (award).” (Thought

u PAGE A9

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Friendly dialogue between Duterte...

PAGE A8 t

balloon: “’Tang ina, I should have made that point at the ASEAN.’) Xi (spoken): “Yes, but ours is historical and yours is legal of recent memory. We had that since the Ming dynasty.” (Thought balloon: “Does he know anything about Oriental history? Maybe not, because I heard he was a trouble maker in school.”)

Duterte (spoken): “That’s too far away. Those words are almost alien to us to because we were never under Chinese jurisdiction.” (Thought balloon: “Putang ina, I hope he does not say that the Chinese actually own the Philippines, dahil sa negosyo.”)

Xi (spoken): “Well, if you

force the issue, we’ll be forced to tell you the truth.”(Thought balloon: “If I get really pissed with this guy, I’ll remind him that China actually owned the Philippine islands long before Magellan came. Has this fellow heard about Limahong?”

Duterte (spoken): “The truth?

And what is that?” (Thought balloon: “Eto nga iyon…I’m afraid he’ll mention SM, San Miguel, Robinsons, Megaworld at lahat ng malalaking negosyo sa Pilipinas.”)

Xi (spoken): “We will go to war. We will fight you.” (Thought balloon: “I’ll say it while smiling, That should be enough to scare him.”

Duterte (spoken): “I appreciate your frankness, Mr. President.

OpiniOn & Features

But we shall we would rather discuss this matter as friends.:\” (Thought balloon: “Putang ina.

Giyera pala and panakot niya.

Kung sa Davao lang ito, EJK na ang gagong ito.”)

Xi: (Spoken): “A toast to harmonious relations between our two great countries!” (Thought balloon: “You idiot…there’s only one great country and it’s China.”

Duterte (spoken): “Kampai! A toast to lasting friendship and mutual prosperity!”(Thought balloon): Putang ina, I cannot ask the Americans for help dahil binastos ko. Alam ko na, I’ll make a state visit to Russia. Maybe Putin can help me.”) (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

The first home of democracy is the...

PAGE A8 t

fields, backbreaking work that most Americans do not care to do, then, these immigrants can contribute to increasing the tax base of the nation.

An immigration panel organized by Coro Leadership estimated the US economy can grow by a trillion if immigration reform is enacted for the 11 million undocumented.

In Silicon Valley, most of the startups in technology were done by immigrants. Slate cited that Andy Grove, Intel’s former chairman, and CEO, was born in Hungary in 1936 and immigrated to the United States in his 20s.

Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo, was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and moved to San Jose, CA, with his family as a child. Sergey Brin, who co-founded Google, came to the United States from his native Russia when he was 6.

They aren’t special cases: About one-quarter of American tech companies are founded in part or entirely by foreigners. The proportion in Silicon Valley is even higher—a recent survey by Vivek Wadhwa, an engineering professor at Duke University, showed that more than 52 percent of Valley startups were founded or cofounded by people born outside of the United States. According to Wadhwa’s research, immigrant-founded firms produced $52 billion in sales and employed 450,000 workers in 2005.

Since the 45th US President issued executive travel bans, Silicon Valley firms have had a harder time to get to a fresh supply of immigrants in the infor-

mation technology field. A lot of firms, reported by NHK World in May 2017 reported their sights are northward in relocating their firms. Where to? Vancouver, as it elevates itself to now have 100,000 IT (information technology) workers through its immigration policies and its favorable policies towards new businesses.

The same goes for cultural workers in America, the singing groups cannot simply say we will go to America as travel restrictions are creating delays and complexities in immigration. The latest Asian Choral Festival went wanting for a Taiwan - based

choral group given the travel complexities. It is much easier for Americans to go to other countries than other countries’ immigrants to come to the United States.

We are faced with a choice of reactions. When we step back and consider that our grandparents, parents and those who came before us were immigrants at one time who sought refuge in this country, fleeing from injustices from their ancestral countries, we identify with the pain of undocumented families.

When we contemplate and re-

u PAGE A11

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-30, 2017

A

A10 MAY 27-30, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Aquino denies links with Napoles

by AureA

CAliCA Philstar.com

MANILA - Former president Benigno Aquino III denied any links with detained pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles and questioned the idea of making her a state witness when she had been seen to be in the middle of the scheme to make money out of lawmakers’ funds.

Aquino said it was “absurd” to allege that he benefitted from the scam when he was part of the opposition at the time it was reportedly being committed, meaning he was not getting any pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The scam covered 2003 to 2013 PDAF allocations of lawmakers. Aquino was elected president in 2010.

Aquino said those who would believe the allegations against him related to the PDAF scam must “make sure they are wide awake” and “are thinking” because “it will be difficult to walk dreaming with eyes wide open.”

He also clarified anew the circumstances behind the surren-

der of Napoles at Malacañang in 2013 to belie claims she was given VIP treatment because of alleged ties with his administration.

“All the propaganda being done against us in the past are being revived now but the bottom line is, to be direct about it… she would already surrender so the issue was done, there would be no need for us to wait for years before we could capture this Ms. Napoles,” Aquino told journalists in a chance interview during the launching of the book, Politiko 365 in Quezon City.

Aquino cited the case of former military general Jovito Palparan Jr., who had expressed his intention to surrender but only to him as president and he did not oblige.

“My answer then was, ‘Why would he surrender to me when I was not a law enforcement authority?’ So I turned it down and it took years before Palparan was captured,” Aquino said.

Palparan went into hiding after being indicted in 2011 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention until his arrest in

2014. He was considered one of the high-profile fugitives and a manhunt was launched against him.

Aquino said Napoles turned herself in just after the reward for her capture had been authorized.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it would reinvestigate the pork barrel anomaly and claimed officials higher than senators could be involved. The lawyer of Napoles accused former budget secretary Florencio Abad of “mentoring” his client to perpetrate the crime through fake organizations.

Former Negros Oriental representative and Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption member Jacinto Paras also disclosed in a forum in Quezon City recently that Napoles “casually” told him before the 2010 presidential elections that Aquino got commissions from her too.

Aquino’s spokesperson, lawyer Abigail Valte, said Paras’ claims were preposterous and that critics of the former president would do anything to link him to the scam. n

DFA calls for ‘responsibility,’ ‘patriotism’...

PAGE A7 t

privacy.

“Under Philippine law, there is criminal and civil liability attached to the hacking, unauthorized disclosure and use of illegally or inadvertently-obtained confidential government documents,” the DFA said.

In the said transcript, Trump said he called Duterte to praise him for his “unbelievable” and “great job in the government’s war on drugs.

The two leaders also discussed the ASEAN leaders’ worry on

the situation in North Korea and the rockets and warheads in the hands of North Korean President Kim Jong-Un. On the other hand, Trump boasted that he can handle the situation and said the U.S. has two submarines ready to respond while Duterte asked the U.S. president to keep pressure on Kim. The DFA said that Duterte and Trump “have a a good and warm working relationship.”

“We are confident it will continue to be nurtured towards a positive direction for the benefit of the longstanding partnership,” the DFA said.

“We also reiterate our support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and encourage the parties to continuously engage in peaceful dialogue,” it added.

While the DFA refused to confirm the veracity of the transcript, The New York Times said it has a source in Washington, a senior administration official, who confirmed that the transcript was accurate. The publication said the official was not authorized “to publicly discuss the call and In his previous phone conversation with his Philippines counterpart, Pres. Donald Trump confirmed it on the condition of complimented Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for doing an “unbelievable” and “great” anonymity.” n job on his campaign against illegal drugs.

White House photo

‘Transcript strictly confidential’ In the transcript memorandum, the Office of American Affairs of the DFA, warned the supposed recipients that they are not authorized to disclose the contents of the transcript. It said that it may endanger the national security of the two countries.

However, the transcript still circulated on Wednesday and was published by international media outfits prompting call for

REINFORCEMENT. Army tanks roll into the predominantly Muslim city of Marawi on Thursday, May 25 as government forces tried to regain full control after terrorists besieged the city, sending thousands of residents fleeing for their lives and raising fears of extremists gaining traction in the country and human rights abuses in the wake of the government’s response.

Inquirer.net photo by Richel Umel

Budget, finance chiefs dismiss martial law...

PAGE A7 t

it is a positive move,” Diokno said, as quoted by The Philippine Star.

He went on to say, “The president promised a better, safer, fairer, richer and more beautiful Philippines. He believes peace and order is a precondition to growth.”

In a national economic perspective, Diokno noted that the martial law declaration is only “limited” to Mindanao, which he said contributed less than 20 percent” to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Several private sectors also expressed support to Duterte’s martial law declaration.

“This is terrorism. There are no ifs ands or buts about it,” Perry Pe, Management Association of the Philippines chair of the national issues committee, said in an Inquirer report.

“The moment you act on it decisively, that kills it right away. Obviously, what the president did was very good because the market reacted to it very positively,” he added.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr, on the other hand, said that “there may be some transitory or temporary cautiousness” in

Duterte’s “decisive” move but “in the end will likely “lead to a positive impact on sentiment.”

A Singapore-based political analyst, however, warned that human rights abuses under military rule could be a great blow to the Philippine economy.

“If there are signs that martial law in Mindanao is leading to widespread human rights abuses above and beyond what the war on drugs is involved in, then that will be bad for the country and hence for investor confidence in the country,” senior researcher Malcolm Cook of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute told ANC. Earlier on Wednesday, May 24, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez claimed that the “isolated incident” in Marawi City, Mindanao “will not, in any way, counter the growth momentum” of the Philippines.

On Tuesday, a clash erupted between the government forces and local militants when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a joint operation in barangay Basak Malutlut to capture Isnilon Hapilon, who is believed to be the head of IS in Southeast Asia.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana identified the militants as members of the Maute group, which is believed to have pledged allegiance to IS in 2015.

Lorenzana confirmed that the militants have occupied several establishments in Marawi City, including Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Marawi’s city hall, and the city jail. He also confirmed reports that several other facilities, such as St. Mary’s Church, Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College, were burned down by the militants.

US condemns terror threat In a statement, the United States expressed condemnation against the “recent violence perpetrated by an ISIS-linked terrorist group in the southern Philippines.”

“These cowardly terrorists killed Philippine law enforcement officials and endangered the lives of innocent citizens,” the White House said.

As a “proud ally,” the U.S. also vowed to continue “to provide support and assistance to Philippine counterterrorism efforts” and “work with the Philippines to address shared threats to the peace and security of our countries.” n

PROTECT YOUR FUTURE. CITIZENSHIP NOW For many immigrants, coming to the United States meant leaving behind everything familiar in pursuit of greater opportunities and for the promise of a better future. Citizenship is the last step to securing that dream, providing the strongest protection of one’s livelihood and well-being in the United States.

Southern California is home to 300,000 Asian immigrants eligible for U.S. citizenship. Yet many do not pursue naturalization due to different barriers such as language access and lack of financial resources.

The Asian Journal believes that everyone should have access to all the benefits and privileges that come with U.S. Citizenship. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted non-profit organizations with a longstanding history of success guiding thousands of qualified individuals through the naturalization process.

Through the “Endless Possibilities. Citizenship Now!” campaign, those eligible for U.S. Citizenship have free access to experienced attorneys and accredited staff who can help with the process from beginning to end in more than six different Asian languages, including tagalog.

The value of these services can cost upwards of $3,000 and are available to you and your family at low to no cost.

The “Endless Possibilities. Citizenship Now!” campaign provides expert legal advice, assistance with completion of all necessary forms, and access to free resources to help you prepare and pass the naturalization interview and exam. Free assistance is also provided to complete fee waivers or reduced fee application forms for eligible individuals. All information discussed with attorneys and legal staff will be kept confidential to the full extent permitted by the law.

Currently, the application fee for U.S. citizenship is $725. This cost is a one-time fee for a lifetime of protection and opportunity. Becoming a U.S. citizen can help cut costs over time and will give you freedom and peace of mind to safely travel to and from your native country and the United States. Although the future of immigration law is unknown, the opportunities and protection afforded by U.S. citizenship are not.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN. IT’S EASY T O S TA R T Y O U R A P P L I C AT I O N T O D AY !

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A11

EU wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beg PH to accept grants

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA - Although hopeful that the misunderstanding can be settled soon, the European Union (EU) has said it would not beg the Philippines to accept grants that can be provided to other countries needing assistance from the bloc.

European External Action Service managing director Gunnar Wiegand said the EU is willing to stay engaged and cooperate with the Philippines despite the Duterte administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new policy rejecting grants from the union. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do not believe that we have to, in any way, beg to ask, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Philippines, can you please take our money?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Wiegand told reporters in an interview at the EU ambassadorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residence in Makati City.

The EU has established a track record of working well with Philippine partners and beneficiaries, he said, in assistance that has a significant rule of law component â&#x20AC;&#x153;that this is not any form of interference.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope that any misunderstandings can be clarified soon, but if we are not welcome to provide money, there is no lack of other countries in the region and

beyond where the money can be very well used,â&#x20AC;? Wiegand said.

But the official emphasized that the standard provision of rule of law and guaranty of human rights are â&#x20AC;&#x153;nothing special for the Philippines.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to clarify the conditionality which is standard provision of all our financing agreements with partners, whether it is in this region or in other regions of the world,â&#x20AC;? Wiegand said.

Respect for human rights and the rule of law are components in providing funding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that our cooperation with the Philippines is based and will continue to be based on those very principles and I do not see why the Philippines would argue against any of these principles,â&#x20AC;? Wiegand said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is something that we apply as a standard for all our assistance programs and it is something which should be not so difficult to apply with the country which is democratic, stands for rule of law which takes its own commitments for the guaranty of human rights seriously,â&#x20AC;? he stressed.

Asked why it is important for donor countries to set conditions, the visiting EU official said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the money of our taxpayers.

July 1, 2017

They want to know where their money goes.â&#x20AC;?

The EU, according to Wiegand, awaits clarification of circumstances under which the bloc can continue to provide useful assistance to the poor and vulnerable and the peace process, the main areas of support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My understanding is that this country wants to continue to cooperate with EU in a number of important fields but I need to have clarity about the arrangements which would be seen as necessary,â&#x20AC;? he added.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen on Tuesday said that the EU is not withdrawing its development assistance to the Philippines, as the government has to formally notify the bloc and clarify President Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy not to accept grants.

Over the past 25 years, the EU has been a key actor in the region, known for working alongside the Philippine government to promote peace, human security and development in the most vulnerable, conflict-affected communities.

Currently, more than 35 million euros or P1.8 billion are invested in ongoing projects under different funding tools to provide support to peace in Mindanao. n

WE ARE RAISING THE WAGE IN L.A. Find out about the annual increase.

The first home of democracy is the...

PAGE A9 t

flect, we sense our hearts breaking open to allow these folks to come in. But when we suppress our gut reactions towards them, we spew out hatred and biased statements and in fear, like Senator McCain did in blaming an Arizona wildfire to immigrants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is substantial evidence that some of these fires are caused by people who have crossed our border illegally,â&#x20AC;? McCain, said at a press conference Saturday after touring the Wallow fire, which began on May 29, 2011 and has burned over 500,000 acres to date. He provided no proof of his opinions,â&#x20AC;? Huffington Post reported.

Even so, I still feel hopeful since a caring group of young women lawyers has banded together to provide much-needed lawyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; services to facilitate the coming of the refugees from the Middle East that were unreasonably blocked by 45th U.S. Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive travel ban orders and then, later overturned by federal judges.

Anna Silman cites, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was

West Coast

also a couple that was finally released after 22 hours â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they had been held without food and water. They were the elderly parents of a lawful permanent resident who lived in L.A., and they had a history of heart surgery so their daughter was very worried.

These are not normal times â&#x20AC;Ś It was Kafkaesque at best. This was not the country that any of us were used to operating in.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Judy London, directing attorney of public counsel, Immigrant Rights Project, Los Angeles Writers and lawyers are the guardians of democracy.

When a country has good writers and caring lawyers, public policies are reasonable, humane and uplifting, and so is our democracy.

But a writer needs a pure heart or they write the politics of the broken-hearted, recycling fears and negativities, and they stand to threaten the foundations of the democracy we all cherish in America.

It quickly disintegrates to a hateful nation full of imaginary

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illusions that the end is near, because the immigrants are coming.

It is time to stop the fears and renew America on what it truly stands for: A nation indivisible, a true light upon the nations!

We can choose to be the dark clouds in the sky or the bright lit clouds in the sky that lights the way! We can be the enlightened Americans we were once known to be! *** Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, J.D. writes a weekly column for Asian Journal, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rhizomes.â&#x20AC;?

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 Harvardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.

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Journal

Liza Soberano ready to fly as Darna

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

UNLESS there are last-minute changes (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;And no doubt there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; according to Funfareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Very Deep Penetration Agent/ VDPA), the finalâ&#x20AC;Śand perfect!... choice as the new Darna is Liza Soberano. This piece of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;breaking newsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; should put a period to the prolonged guessing game who the next flying woman would be, with names such as Kathryn Bernardo, Jessy Mendiola, Nadine Lustre, Pia Wurtzbach and even Sarah Geronimo thrown into the tambiolo. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Kapamilya actress is now undergoing intense training,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; added the VDPA. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The training

is being done in a secret place so that there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be any â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; To get an idea how Liza would look at Darna, Funfare requested our artist to super-impose her pretty face on the Darna-clad body of Angel Locsin, one of the actresses who have played the legendary heroine (the last having been Marian Rivera).

Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Liza look the perfect modern-day Darna?

Meanwhile, Liza will play the lead role in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maalaala Mo Kayaâ&#x20AC;?

(MMK) episode featuring Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

A source from ABS-CBN confirmed to Philstar.com on Tuesday, May 23 that Liza will portray the

life of the former beauty queen.

Lizaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s co-actors also took to Instagram to confirm the episode featuring â&#x20AC;&#x153;Queen P.â&#x20AC;?

In her Instagram account, singer and actress Zsa Zsa Padilla posted photos of her and co-actors Liza and Lee Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brian during their shoot for the MMK episode.

One post was dedicated to Liza. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My first time to act with this pretty lady! I must admit, it was hard focusing on my lines while looking at her beautiful face.

Who knew such beauty could be distracting? But sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such an amazing actor and pretty soon, I felt like I was talking to my very own daughter. Please watch out for MMK featuring the life story of

Fil-Am designer on designing gowns at Miss USA 2017 by

c. Mendez Legaspi

News about Lizaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role came the â&#x20AC;&#x153;MMKâ&#x20AC;? episode on Pia will after a Facebook fan page posted be shown in June. a photo of the actress similar to Pia previously said Liza has the Piaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoot. The same post said making of a beauty queen.

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Joey Galonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs for Miss Alaska and Miss Hawaii

tually snatched by Miss District of rounds that there was indeed Columbia Deshauna Barber. something Filipino taking the But then, stories started to spotlight onstage at the Mandaemerge after the preliminary PAGE B6

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I BELIEVE every woman should be celebrated in a beautiful gown!â&#x20AC;?

That is the long-standing philosophy of Joey Galon, who created two memorable gowns at the recent Miss USA 2017 pageant.

One is a red dupioni silk and Swarovski crystals-encrusted gown for Miss Alaska Alyssa London and an orange silk chiffon and Swarovski crystal gown with custom-designed matching earrings for Miss Hawaii Julie Kuo. In what has become a national predilection, we try to find a Filipino connection to anything happening in the international scene.

At the onset of the prestigious competition, we thought we found it in Miss North Dakota, Raquel Wellentin, who was born in the Philippines. But when she did not make it to the Top 10, we thought we lost a reason to cheer someone on, unlike last year when Miss Hawaii Chelsea Hardin, a half-Filipina, almost won the crown even-

Liza Soberano is named the next Darna. She will portray the play the life of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach in an episode of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Maalaala Mo Kayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Pia Wurtzbach,â&#x20AC;? Zsa Zsa wrote.

Actors Lee and Fifth Solomon Pagotan also shared a photo during their shoot.

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Elegant. Fabulous. Beautiful.

by Monet Lu

This year’s most glamorous FIL-AM event.

The LA Hotel • April 29, 2017 Dot Nesst Woman of Distinction in Music and Ministry Work

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AWARDEES AND QUEENS!

Ed Rame Award of Distinction as a Florist and Events Specialist

Lina Navarro Mother of the Year

Raymond Lo Award of Distinction for Journalistic Excellence in Socioeconomic & Entertainment

Corazon Rosete Lifetime Achievement Award

Matt Ranillo III Award of Excellence as an Actor

Geraldine & Prinze Scott Outstanding Couple of the Year

Gisele Joves Queen of the Philippines - Globe

Djhoanna “Giji” Garcia Woman of Distinction in the field of Music & Entertainment

Rene & Che Calugcugan Man & Woman of Distinction in the field of Dentistry

Lourdes Garcia Queen of the Philippines - Universe

Charina Vergara Woman of Distinction in the field of Marketing

Sonia Bermejo Award of Distinction as a Magazine Publisher

Joel Estrada Joves Award of Distinction as a Real Estate Design Consultant and Developer

Reynaldo & Nora Diego Outstanding Couple of the Year

Aida Jugo Queen of the Philippines - International Imee Ong - Maghanoy Woman of Distinction in Beauty and Aesthetics Entrepreneurship

Filbert Diego Kung Man of Distinction in the field of Photography

Camille Agbayani Queen of the Philippines - World Photo Credits to Celia Abuel

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

Features

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 27-30, 2017

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Window behind your bed leaks fortune, causes depression

By Sean

Shono

PeoPle get defenseless while asleep and are easily affected by surrounding energy. Therefore, the bedroom is one of the most important places in Feng Shui.

If you sleep placing your head under a window, energy can easily pass through the window. This can cause sleeplessness which makes you unfocused. eventually it will make you do unnecessary spending and moreover it will make your brain and nerve weak, and cause headache and depression.

Consult with Dragon God about your sleeping problem.

All of our items have been purified by authentic process of Feng Dragon God, a Feng Shui store in Gardena, Shui way.

California. He is the U.S. Chief of the *** Feng Shui master Sean Shono owns

International Feng Shui Association. For

more information, please call Sean Shono at (310) 787-1891. Dragon God is located at 1580 W. Artesia SQ. Suite A, Gardena, CA 90248.

2017 Philippine Independence Day celebration in Carson on June 10 THe Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson, GMA life TV, GMA Pinoy TV, and GMA News TV, will celebrate the 119th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Thousands of people will enjoy the non-stop, day- long event that will be jam-packed with entertainment and activities featuring the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. It truly is an opportunity to spend time with families and friends in the Filipino/FilipinoAmerican Community of Carson, CA and across the South Bay, los Angeles Area.

The eventful day kicks off with a Flag Raising ceremony at 7:45am, followed by an ecu-

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes

menical Service and a Community Mass afterwards. The parade, to be headed by 119th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal – Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of the Philippine Consulate General los Angeles - and to be participated in by a multitude

FAKE TOURIST VISA RESULTED IN BEING SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES “A TO A,” AND LATER JEOPARDIZED HIS IMMIGRANT VISA DUE TO FRAUD — ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” visas for $2,500. He entered the U.S. in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa. That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake tourist visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the U.S. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – this Sunday, May 28 at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)

What to expect — when the unexpected happens

HoSPITAl can be busy, highpressure places. often, just the stress associated with being in the emergency Department can hinder the healing process. That’s why at Dignity Health – Glendale Memorial Hospital, we believe in delivering excellent clinical care in an environment that cares for the whole person.

If you are ever admitted to a of Community organizations and beyond! The program will be and Associations from all across highlighted by a Kapuso Artista hospital for an emergency, here’s what you can ask for and expect.

Southern California, will be at headliner from GMA Network. about 10:30am.

This event would not be pos- Hospital staff should always This will be followed by the sible without the leadership of make the effort to know you as a day-long program featuring tal- Councilmember elito M. Santa- person and not just as a patient. ented performers from across the rina and the generosity of our This means doctors and nurses South Bay, Southern California, sponsors;Tesoro Refining and should work together with you to Marketing llC, Watson land, discuss your plan of care. AddiKl Fenix, Community Dynamics, tionally, your experience should Nationwide environmental Ser- leave you feeling empowered by vices, Kellogg Garden Products, staff members who educate you IBeW local 11 and NeCA los on what to expect for upcoming procedures and medications. No Angeles.

We look forward to spending matter what, safety and comfort a fun-filled day with you, your is always a priority. Staff should families, and your friends at the be attentive to your needs and City of Carson, CA’s Veterans respond quickly to your requests Park on Saturday, June 10th dur- for managing pain.

“From triage to discharge, ing the celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the Philippine patients and families of Glendale Memorial are truly an integral Independence Day! For questions or clarifications, part of their own care plan,” Brigeli Westerband, MD, please email pidf.info@gmail.

AJ Ads 91 May 2017_Layout 1 5/21/17says 11:39 PM Page 1 Glendale Memorial Vice Chief com.

Brigeli Westerband, MD, Glendale Memorial Vice Chief of Staff

of Staff.

Again, no one anticipates a trip to the emergency room, but if you arrive at Glendale Memorial Hospital, you can expect to be in good hands. For a free referral to a Glendale Memorial Hospital-affiliated physician, call our Doctor Finder service at (818) 502-2378.

(Advertising Supplement)

age gracefully

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4 Super Reasons to Eat Strawberries

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Strawberries are one of the most popular berries in the world, and they are also one of the top superfoods when it comes to fighting a vast array of diseases and health issues.

From fighting inflammation and controlling diabetes, to protecting brain function and improving heart health, strawberries can boost your health in countless ways.

This is peak season for strawberries, and I love to find reasons to incorporate them into a variety of dishes including smoothies, salads, or just as a snack by themselves.

If you need more reasons to eat strawberries?

Here are a few: 1. Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, which help defend cell structures in the body and protect the body’s organs.

2. Strawberries can offer enhanced protection against crippling inflammation-related diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

3. Strawberries have shown an ability to inhibit tumor growth and to slow the progress of tumors as they begin to

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Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon.

develop, according to a study using rats with esophageal cancer.

4. In a study done by the Institute of Biochemistry in Ancona, Italy, researchers found that when subjects consumed strawberries daily for two weeks, an average 3.4% increase in serum folate levels was observed, meaning regular strawberry intake could have a beneficial effect on folate status and heart health.

In addition to being delicious, strawberries are also very high in vitamin C and flavonoids, which is just one more reason I have included them in my StrawberryAvocado Relish, which I often serve with my Summertime Grilled Chicken recipe (on FoodTrients.com). However, the relish also makes a great topping for any grilled fish or chicken, and it’s a satisfying dip for whole-grain tortilla chips. No cooking is required for this condiment.

© 2017 by FoodTrients.com

BY GRACE O

1 1/2 cups diced strawberries 1 diced medium-size avocado 1/4 cup minced red onion 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes) 1 Tbs. chopped cilantro 1 tsp. sugar Sea salt and ground pepper to taste

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GRACE O is the creator of FoodTrients®, a unique program for optimizing wellness and longevity. She is the author of two award-winning cookbooks – The Age Gracefully Cookbook and The Age Beautifully Cookbook, which recently won the National award for Innovation from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. She is a fusion chef with a mission to deliver delicious recipes built on a foundation of anti-aging science and her 20 years in the healthcare industry.

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

B may 27-30, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

Features

Gary V: 2017 international tour in North America

FRESH from being juror for top-rating TV show on ABSCBN, Your Face Sounds Familiar (Kids Edition) and the commercial and critical success of his two-night benefit Valentine concert, “Love In Motion” at Shangri-La at The Fort and the final concerts of his 10-night Gary V Presents, Gary Valenciano gears up for the first leg of his 2017 international tour in North America.

Gary’s 2017 international tour is in line with his 34th anniversary in the business as one of the most successful and multi-awarded singersongwriters in the Philippine music industry.

The North American tour of Gary kicks off on May 27 at M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada with online sensation and Philippine recording artist Katrina Velarde as his special guest. Gary performs at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula on June 3 with special guests singersongwriter, Philippine fashion icon, and it-girl Kiana Valenciano and Katrina Velarde. Joining Gary V, Kiana and Katrina on June 10 at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, LA County will be popular singer-actor Sam Concepcion as well as the hit dance crew Kinjaz.

• For the past 34 years, Gary has been a shining beacon of hope as he has released some of the most inspiring songs and videos and has been the National Ambassador of UNICEF for 18 years now.

• He has produced some of the best concerts and an impressive array of 36 multi-platinum albums that gave the world hits that have become the soundtrack of an entire generation of music aficionados making him one of the most powerful and influential performers in the history of the Philippine entertainment industry.

• Gary has also consistently filled major venues not only in the Philippines but the world over as well.

• With an impressive 3.38 million followers on Twitter, 667,000 on Facebook and 250,000 on Instagram he is slowly penetrating the millennial generation through the content he continues to create.

• Gary never fails to receive well-deserved standing ovations for his concerts as he constantly stuns his fans with his amazing dancing skills and vocal gymnastics which have proven that he indeed

is a living miracle despite 38 years of having Type 1 diabetes.

• In the Philippines, Gary is seen regularly on ABS-CBN as one of the flagship artists of its longest running Sunday musical variety show “ASAP.” • Gary has also concluded his stint as one of the jurors of the top-rating international franchise Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids. He was likewise a judge in the “X Factor Philippines” and a host of “Twist and Shout” as well as a jurorfor the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” adult version for two seasons in 2015 • His recent compilation albums “Gaya Ng Dati” which gathered his top Tagalog hits and Gold a collection of 50 of his English recordings both released by Universal Records are favorites of music buyers. GV @ Primetime released by Star Music is a sampling of the greatest theme songs that he recorded for some of ABS-CBN’s phenomenally successful primetime soap operas including his rendition of the theme song of smash hit soap opera, “Ang Probinsiyano” – “Wag Ka Nang Umiyak,” which spawned video memes that went viral online. The songs are available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and other online stores.

With Mon Faustino as musical director, fans could look forward to an amazing show that is jam-packed with Gary’s greatest hits and special surprises that will surely ignite excitement that only Mr. Pure Energy could deliver.

The North American tour of Gary will be followed by a series of provincial shows in key cities in the Philippines, in Asia, and a second North American tour in the United States and Canada.

Gary will also have a special show at the Viridian Event Center in Utah on June 12.

For more information check www.garv.com and like Gary Valenciano Official on Facebook and follow @GaryValenciano1 on Twitter and @ garyvalenciano on Instagram.

For more information check his website www. garyv.com and like Gary Valenciano Official on Facebook and follow @GaryValenciano1 on Twitter, and follow @garyvalenciano on Instgaram; follow @kianavee on Twitter and Instagram, and like Kiana ValencianoOfficial on Facebook; and follow @sam_concepcionon Twitter and Instagram and like Sam Concepcion Official on Facebook.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

Kiana Valenciano and Sam Concepcion join Gary V 2017 US Tour KIANA Valenciano and Sam Concepcion are set to appear as Gary Valenciano’s special guests in his upcoming 2017 US Tour beginning this May. Kiana Valenciano Kiana is set to perform with Gary on June 3 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula with Katrina Velarde and once again in the same state this time with Sam Concepcion and Katrina Velarde at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, LA County on June 10 together with the spectacular dance crew KINJAZ. • Kiana Valenciano is currently soaring with 171,000 Instagram followers, 70,000 Twitter followers and a string of brands she has been made an ambassador of such as Australian cosmetic brand BYS Philippines, Adidas, Fuji Films, SM Parisian Bags and Shoes. She is Rogue Magazine’s cover girl for May and is featured in the May issues of Preview Magazine, Mega Magazine, and Star Studio.

• This popular digital influencer recently released two hit singles – “Circles” and “Does She Know.”

Does She Know hit number one on Wave 89.1 and is on the Top 10 of Spotify’s Top Pop hits.

As soon as she opened her eyes, Kiana was destined to make

Kianna Valenciano

Sam Concepcion

ripples in the music industry – the same field that was instrumental in building the legacy of her parents.

With a clan of artists behind her there is no way Kiana could escape her destiny as a musical artist.

Both of her grandmothers are singers. Her mother used to sing in the band Music and Magic in the early 80s. Her brothers Paolo and Gab have also made their individual marks in the entertainment industry and it is just natural for Kiana to follow suit.

• In fact, she started in the field of recording at the age of six and

was rewarded for her effort with the AwitAward’s Best Christmas Recording and Best Child Recording Artist Awards for the song “Once Again It’s Christmas,” a composition of Gary V, who also performed the song with her. This was the beginning of the evolution of a talent that was preserved and now is ready to be unleashed.

• As she entered her teens, she was able to further showcase her innate talent on TV shows like “The X Factor Philippines,” “Showtime,” and “ASAP.” She was also able PAGE B6

and creative storytelling through dance and new media.

• Our shared objective is to cul• WE are a band of brothers tivate “brotherhood at all costs”, on a quest to fearlessly explore support each other to reach our the depths of our imagination and highest collective potential, and artistic purpose. to positively impact the world with • With over 30 total members our time and abilities in the most hailing from up and down the coast fun way possible. We are the moveof California, including individu- ment in the shadows. Respect als who specialize in other skills all…Fear none. #kinjabang besides dance, we like to consider Gary’s 2017 international tour ourselves an “Artist’s brother- is in line with his 34th anniversary hood,” and are known for our sig- in the business as one of the most nature intricate choreography style successful and multi-awarded

singer-songwriters in the Philippine music industry.

With Mon Faustino as musical director, fans could look forward to an amazing show that will be jampacked with Gary’s greatest hits and a bunch of special surprises that will surely ignite excitement that only Mr. Pure Energy could deliver.

The North American tour of Gary will be followed by a series of provincial shows in key cities in the Philippines, in Asia, and a second North American tour in the United States and Canada.

Gary will also have a special show in Viridian Event Center in Utah on June 12. Gary V’s concert series is made possible by Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management Inc, The Master’s Touch, All Access Concerts, Starmedia Concerts, Grand Leisure, RJA Productions, Class Acts Agency, Novuhair, ABSCBN, ASAP, The Filipino Channel, Tancinco Law Offices, Mami King, The Asian Journal, and Philippine Air Lines.

Kinjaz

Kinjaz

(Advertising Supplement)

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 27-30, 2017

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B may 27-30, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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

Martin Nievera: The man who would be ‘king’ Programming for Kababayan Today, May 29-June 2 The Global Kababayan

By Monet

G. TönGi

Lu

He followed the footsteps of his father who sang for the group S.O.S. (A Society of Seven) in Hawaii. He went back to his birthplace in 1982 to pursue his musical career and released his first album that went platinum in a span of five months.

Thus, began the journey of the man who would be called ‘The Concert King.’

Martin Nievera (Ramon Razon Nievera) was born on February 5, 1962, in Manila, Philippines to Bert Nievera and Conchita Razon. The Nievera family took up residence in the Bay Area in California in the late ’70s. Martin graduated from Clayton Valley High School in Concord, California in 1980.

Martin and I met almost 30 years ago at his first concert with then wife Pops Fernandez. We’ve been friends since then but that did not keep me get from getting star stricken each time. The guy is my all time favorite performer! I would forever be a fan. Until now, he still amazes me with his performance.

And like his music, so timeless: it never gets old – if possible, it gets better with time.

He is both an amazing songwriter and singer – a combo that solidified the trappings of a legendary performer that he is to become. His first album, “Take One,” achieved such a feat that is not common for a neophyte in the industry. And his talent opened another door to his impending stardom; it started his career in TV hosting. Martin cohosted the TV variety show “Penthouse Live!” with (then) future wife Pops Fernandez, the Philippines’ “Concert Queen.”

His second live performance in 1984’s “The Best Gift” was also certified platinum. In 1987, “Penthouse Live!” was changed to “Martin and Pops Twogether,” reflecting the duo’s marriage.

While he is an exceptional singer in his own right, it is mostly his jovial on-stage personality that makes him a hit across generations. His mass appeal spread throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s as his albums and live performances were fanatically devoured. Martin’s 1997 album Journey was a hit in Hawaii, most

Monday, May 29 - We will discus a bill that can advocate for safer dialysis practices for all kababayans.

Tuesday, May 30 - We have some major announcements

entire program.

Friday, June 2 - Re-air of a past program of “Kababayan Today.” *** Giselle “G” Töngi is the host and producer of Kababayan Today, a daily talk show that features relevant topics for Filipinos 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.

‘Jackass’ star Steve-O surfs in Siargao

The author with Martin Nivera

especially in the Philippines. The track “You Are My Song” earned him Awit and Katha Awards for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist.

“I was actually discovered while singing at the shower in our locker room. I was part of the basketball team, but not a very good one at that, and I intentionally take a shower after everybody else has so it would seem like I had a tough game when I was actually a bench warmer… As I was singing, the wrestling coach passed by and heard me, called out loud and said he should see me at the choir auditions the next day. So I joined the choir and next thing I know I am singing back up (in a choir) for Barry Manilow for his three-day concert, and that’s where I realized that this is what I want to do.”

Martin recalls in an interview. even in the darkest moments of his life, specifically the dissolution of his marriage, the ‘concert king’ turned to music. He wrote and recorded a song, entitled “Forever” to win back his wife. Though the song didn’t achieve its main goal, it effortlessly achieved double platinum, moved up to triple platinum in a few months, and later soared to quadruple status. Martin and his music were warmly embraced by his adoring public, and “Forever” has become an all-time bestseller.

The two sequels, “Forever Forever” (platinum to double platinum to triple platinum within the same year) and “Return to Forever,” both alluded to the couple’s heartbreaking split. They however, decided to be civil (and be good friends) throughout the years.

Martin’s success in the field of music carried over to his acting career. He has appeared in eleven movies and seven television series and specials. His television show,

on “Kababayan Today” so stay tuned!

Wednesday, May 31 - The Asian Journal brings you the latest headlines relevant to the Filipino community in America.

Meet the cast of “Next to Normal,” currently showing at east West Players.

Mia McLeod shares the real estate buzz, and tips on real estate in Southern California.

Thursday, June 1 - Reeves, Miller, Zhang and Diza join us for immigration updates during the

“Martin after Dark” lasted for almost a decade (1988-1998) and won Best Celebrity Talk Show. It garnered him his Star Awards’ Best Celebrity Talk Show Host award consecutively from 1989 to 1991 and then again in 1993, 1994, and 1996.

In 2006, the Aliw Awards Foundation Hall of Fame distinguished Martin as entertainer of the Year and Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Honolulu Adviser likewise named him Best Male Singer and Star of the Year in 1988. He also won at the Abu Golden Kite Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as Best Interpreter for a Composition in 1990.

Martin’s transfer to the rival network in 1998 to 2002 gave the public “Martin Late@Nite” as well as a television show with Gary Valenciano in July 2010, Twist & Shout. Martin’s film credits include dramas, romance, science fiction, comedy, and action.

Right now, Martin is busy with concert tours around the U.S.. His upcoming one will be in Las Vegas.

I am pretty sure this is going to be a memorable one. His songs will always have the same force and appeal as it did the first time I saw him on stage. And for someone who is dubbed as ‘Concert King,’ there’s no doubt, the man has set himself for greatness anywhere he goes. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

by Khristian ibarrola Inquirer.net

AFTeR much speculation from Pinoy netizens, it looks like “Jackass” star Steve-O has indeed recently been in Philippine shores.

The 43-year-old television personality posted a photo of himself riding the magnificent waves of Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.

Prior to the photo confirmation, netizen Michael Carlton Abalon shared a snap of himself along with the raunchy stunt performer, who he claimed to have bumped into Ongpin St. in Binondo, Manila.

Judging by his recent posts on Instagram, Steve-O looks to be traveling in Asia, as he was also recently spotted in Hong Kong, which is just a few hours away

Photo from Steve-O’s Instagram account

from Manila by plane.

Meanwhile, Steve-O, who’s born Stephen Gilchrist Glover, first rose to prominence through the MTV reality show “Jackass.”

Along with other daredevils like Johnny Knoxville and Bam

Margera, the group performed absurd, crude and self-injuring sets of stunts and pranks in the TV show.

The series was so popular that it spawned eight adaptations in the big screen.

Ariel Rivera happily back where he belongs

by Edgar

o. Cruz

Philstar.com

Ariel Rivera

IN his recently piloted teleseries, “Mulawin Versus Ravena” where he plays Panabon, the kind and brave if rebellious member of the Mortals, Ariel Rivera departs from good father/husband roles, the diversification disallowing burnout. He, wife Gelli de Belen, their brood and avid followers must be brimming broadly.

Concert director Calvin Neria had always talked about bringing back Ariel Rivera to singing whose career has been sidetracked by television acting. Calvin did just that in Royale Chimes Concerts and events, Inc. Valentine offering this year, #LoveThrowback2 at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine

International Convention Center (PICC).

Calvin proved correct as the combination of Ariel, Hajji Alejandro, Christian Bautista, Joey G., Jinky Vidal and Nina, their Original Pilipino Music (OPM) menu given a hugot treatment, and correct timing proved the right mix and it ended highest grosser among the four mid-priced shows of the five shows featuring the country’s best and most viable concert performers.

“Mahirap kasing pagsabayin kapag may teleserye ka. Ang kadalasang taping namin, four times a week. Mahirap isabay yung pagkanta sa serye,” he said when quizzed by this writer why PAGE B7

Fil-Am designer on designing gowns...

PAGE B1

lay Bay hotel in Las Vegas. And it is not a stretch to claim this outstanding talent as one of our own, as Joey Galon unabashedly hashtags himself a #filamfashiondesigner.

Through a bio sent by my cousin Gilda Stiefel, who met Galon when she won the Mrs. American Pinoy 2015 title, I learned that the fashion designer-cum-pageant coach was born in San Francisco.

His father was from Bohol while his mother hails from Cebu. He went to Hillsdale High School (where he was recently inducted to the alumni hall of fame), earned his Bachelor of Arts in Fashion and Textile Design from San Francisco State, studied business management at San Diego State and opened his Joey Galon, Atelier in Los Angeles.

No stranger to television, you can find Galon as a fashion correspondent on Fox 5 TV and a reality TV personality on Lifetime Network’s “24 Hour Catwalk,” TLC Network’s “Vegas Brides” and on NUVOtv’s “Model Latina,” with an upcoming show to release, “Veganista,” as a fashion makeover expert on the Las Vegas strip.

His creations have been showcased at LA Fashion Week, editorials and TV shows, and pageants at all levels (state, Miss USA, Miss America, Mrs. Universe, Miss Asia USA, Mr. International).

“I prayed and wished and dreamed to one day have my

Galon handing the gowns to Miss Alaska and Miss Hawaii.

gown on the stage at Miss USA. Seeing it tonight on TV for the preliminary competition at MISS USA is so surreal. I’m speechless, I’m grateful & I’m so so so so blessed. Prayer works!” he posted on social media.

“Miss Nevada USA 2015, Brittany McGowan, in a silver, platinum, (over 2000) hand-applied encrusted Swarovski crystal gown with platinum silver dupioni silk edwardian train,” Galon added in a post on his Facebook page in 2015 of his first foray into the national pageant and fashion scene.

In 2017, Galon not only had two gowns worn by contestants onstage but he also created the gown worn by Deshauna during her pre-turnover interview by host Juliana Hough. He gushed: “Miss USA 2016, Deshauna Barber wore my purple floral gown on the in-

ternationally televised Miss USA pageant stage. She blessed my gown and me with her!”

Of her unique gown, which she sashayed again as one of the Top 10, Miss Alaska Alyssa London wrote on her FB page: “By wearing a gown with this design work, I felt I had the strength of my ancestors and my whole community behind me on stage. Also, in doing so, I am blending tradition with modernity, showcasing the vitality of our indigenous cultures today.

Thank you Joey Galon, Atelier for honoring my culture and vision for my gown. I am the cultural ambassador for my tribe appointed by Sealaska Heritage and this is what I envisioned to show the beauty and vitality of our art and culture.

I am very proud of making this statement through this gown, it will always be a treasured moment and memory.”

Kiana Valenciano and Sam Concepcion join...

PAGE B4 to share the limelight with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra.

She was chosen in 2014 as 89.9 Magic’s Most Promising Female Artist. She took a few months off in 2015 to take some special courses in Fashion Design at the prestigious art school, Central Saint Martins in London.

• The blogosphere also became her platform as she was chosen as Candy Magazine’s Reader’s Choice as Favorite Blogger for 2015 with her www.kianavee. com platform.

• Her journey in the field of music reached greater heights when she bagged the Most Promising New Female Singer of Magic 89.9 for the song “With You,” a duet with her dad which he wrote for her older brother Paolo’s wedding and which was the title of the best inspirational album

for the Catholic Mass Media Awards last year. In 2015, she bagged the Awit Award’s Best New Female Recording Artist trophy for “Dear Heart,” a finalist in the 2014 PhilpopSongwriting competition.

Sam Concepcion Sam on the other hand, is a popular singer, dancer, actor, VJ, and host.

• In the span of his spectacular 15-year career, he has come out with five successful studio albums, and he was featured in several soundtracks including the Asian soundtrack of the international blockbuster animated flick “Kung Fu Panda.” His duet with Tippy Dossantos “Dati” has generated a staggering 40 million views on YouTube.

• Sam has also appeared on some of ABS-CBN top-rating shows such as “ASAP,” “Maalala Mo K a y a ,” “ Yo u r Fa c e S o u n d s

Katrina Velarde

Familiar” season 2, and the hit drama series “You’re My Home.”

• In movies, he headlined such blockbuster hits such a s “ C i n c o ” a n d “ Wa y B a c k Home “under Star Cinema as well as the classic “I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPOSila.”

(Advertising Supplement)

EntErtainmEnt

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 27-30, 2017

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The beautiful winged creatures of ‘Mulawin vs. Ravena’

by Tessa

Mauricioa-arriola ManilaTimes.net

Sanya Lopez

Sanya Lopez and her winning formula for stardom

“No other time could be perfect in mounting a sequel to GMA Network’s ground breaking fantasy series “Mulawin” than now,” declared the show’s creator, writer and co-director, Don Michael Perez. He was emotional as he stood beside his co-director Dominic Zapata and a talented cast of bignamed stars that make up 2017’s “Mulawin vs. Ravena.”

“It was in 2004 when Direk Dominic and I were still starting out—he was already a director and I was a writer. While we were doing Mulawin, alam namin na we were doing something important, but we didn’t think that it was

SANyA Lopez merely was part of the audience when she watched her brother Jak Roberto [one of the leading men in the current primetime series “Meant To Be” perform in “Walang Tulugan” at a GMA Network studio five years ago.

Fast forward to 2017, she is now a household name on Philippine TV for breathing life to Dayana, one of the iconic Sang’gres in “Encantadia.”

Luck may have scored her the break she had been waiting for after the late Master Showman German “Kuya Germs” Moreno discovered her, but it is hard work that brought her stardom.

In fact, so popular is Lopez today that she was overwhelmed with the crowd that came to see her in Vancouver for the “Kapu-show: Encantahan at Saya sa Canada” on May 12 with on-screen partner, Rocco Nacino. It also marked her first trip abroad.

She had just been getting the hang of being recognized in public so it was a huge surprise when the same thing happened in Canada. “one of the best memories that I took with me from Canada ay yung ‘pag nasa labas kami, may bumabati sa akin ng ‘Danaya,’ tapos saka nila maaalalang ‘ay, Sanya nga pala!’” she excitedly shared upon her return to Manila.

With the warm welcome of her overseas fans, she became more excited to perform on the show. In fact, got too busy preparing for it and had very little time going around, she missed seeing the famous tourist spots of the North American country.

“First time ko talaga out of the country, so I was really looking forward to seeing everything. Nasa plano talaga namin na makapag- Dennis Trillo Stanley Park, but unfortunately umuulan nung nandun kami. Pero yung mere fact na naramdaman ko yung lamig, nakapaglakad-lakad sa daan, and went to different restaurants, na-excite talaga ako!” she related.

The reward came in shortly after the Vancouver crowd showed their love and brought huge banners while screaming out her name.

Lopez enjoyed her short trip to Canada so much that she gave away plans to go back.

“Everything about the trip was an instant favorite kasi eh. Gusto ko pa sanang ma-explore ulit ang Vancouver, and mas matagal. Sinabi ko sa sarili ko, babalik-balikan ko ang Canada because I also gained new friends there.”

Now that “Encantadia” has ended, Lopez wants to show her deep gratitude to everyone in the show—from director Mark Reyes to her fellow actors, as well as the production team. The production not only opened a lot of new opportunities for her but also made her prove her prowess in acting. Best of all, she found new friends along the way.

She is now preparing for more challenges in her career, and vows to face them all head on. (ManilaTimes.net)

Ariel Rivera happily back...

PAGE B6 he seemed to display partiality to acting over singing.

“It was my choice obviously na to accept it, but it’s been one teleserye after another. So, mahirap namang tanggihan ‘yung mga ganoon. Right now, in this business, iyon ang bumubuhay sa amin, iyong TV. Teleseryes, specifically, so it wasn’t a conscious effort to stay away from music, it’s just an evolution I guess,” explained Ariel.

Foremost a balladeer known for his “Sana” platinum sellers (“Sana Kahit Minsan,” “Ayoko Na Sana,” “Sana Ngayong Pasko”), he diversified when his record company, BMG Records, closed.

“Hindi ako naghanap ng new

recording company dahil alam kong karamihan sa mga ito ay mas gustong ipag-produce ang mas batang singers.”

A natural progression, Ariel ventured into acting and discovered a new lucrative niche — teleseries acting — that allows him to accept less frequent projects such as live singing, musicals and foreign shows. And he got good roles from the networks, bringing out the actor in him that he believes all singers possess as they express emotion on stage.

And then he got the offer from Royale Chimes and Concerts managing director Beth Mercado to sing in #LoveThrowback2 that allowed him to return to his outstanding genius.

going to be this major,” Perez continued.

“So we worked on this project for about two years—2004 lumabas ‘yung unang Mulawin series, and then we did the movie noong 2005. Doon sa dalawang taon na ‘yon, ‘yon ang naging buhay namin.

“Twelve years later, GMA assembled the best cast and production team. Nag-advance na din ‘yung technology, nag-advance na ‘yung paggawa ng TV shows. And I would say that this is the perfect time for Mulawin vs. Ravena to fly high.”

It was easy to understand why Perez was overwhelmed by the fruition of his dream sequel for Mulawin. A sneak peek was shown on a high definition screen that was breathtaking in special effects, elaborate costumes, and the cast’s dedicated acting.

And with the likes of Dennis Trillo, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana and Regine Velasquez at the frontline of the story, what more can he and his co-director ask for?

The plot Following previous events, Aguiluz and Alwina, the saviors of the human and Mulawin race, successfully defeated the Ravena tribe in their quest to annihilate the human race.

In Mulawin vs. Ravena, the sequel will continue the fight between good and evil as both tribes strive to defeat each other.

Dennis Trillo returns as Gabriel who embraces his fate as a Ravena and now king of Halconia. With a new ruler, the Ravena tribe strengthens its forces. While no

major battles spawn among the Mulawins and Ravenas over the years, some believe that this is merely the calm before the storm and that war is imminent.

Goddesses Joining the powerhouse ensemble are Lovi Poe as Magindara, the goddess of the sea and daughter of Sandawa; Carla Abellana as Aviona, one of the most respected and well-loved Mulawin; and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in her first fulllength telefantasya as Sandawa, the immortal goddess of nature and keeper of Mt. Apo. Adding glimmer to the show in a very special role is Heart Evangelista-Escudero as Alwina, saviour of the Mulawin and humans.

30-strong Close to a 30-strong cast bring “Mulawin vs. Ravena” to life, Tom Rodriguez as Rodrigo, a human who falls in love with and marries Aviona; Ariel Rivera as Panabon, representative of the Tabon or Mulawin half-bloods.

The network’s hottest young

stars have also been given the honor to revive the iconic series, namely Bea Binene as Anya, the half-blood daughter of Aviona; Derrick Monasterio as Almiro, the noble son of Aguiluz and Alwina destined to be the ruler of Avila; Kiko Estrada as Rafael, Almiro’s best friend turned mortal enemy; Bianca Umali as Lawiswis, a beautiful young Avian and the love of Pagaspas’ life; and Miguel Tanfelix as Pagaspas, a former owl that transitioned into a Mulawin.

Completing the star-studded cast are the mortals: Angelu De Leon as Lourdes, Bobby Andrews as Dionisio, Joko Diaz as Antonio, Martin del Rosario as Aramis, Charee Pineda as Savanna, and Nova Villa as Lola Elo; the Mulawin: Roi Vinzon as Daragit, Valerie Concepcion as Tuka, JC Tiuseco as Tangos, David Licauco as Malik; and the Ravena: Chynna ortaleza as Reyna Rashana, Dion Ignacio as Siklab, Winwyn Marquez as Ribay, and TJ Trinidad as Greco.

(ManilaTimes.net)

B may 27-30, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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COMMUNITY Journal

Your Immigration Solution Devin M. Connoly anD nanCy Miller THE death of a close family member is obviously a very difficult time in a person’s life. This is even more true when the death results in both the loss of a beloved family member and the loss of the potential to become a permanent resident status in the U.S. (Green card). Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an approved visa petition is automatically revoked when the petitioner dies before the beneficiary is issued a green card. The law is harsh but not absolute. A person may still be able to get their green card despite the petitioner’s death.

Section 204(l) of the INA allows people to still be granted their green cards if they are able to demonstrate that they meet certain eligibility criteria as stated in the INA. In order to qualify under Section 204(l) of the INA, the immigrant beneficiary must have resided in the United States at the time of the petitioner’s death and must continue to reside in the U.S. Prior to this important change, only certain widows and widowers who were petitioned by their U.S. citizen spouse were granted the opportunity to obtain permanent resident status after the death of the petitioner.

The first issue that must be resolved surrounds the definition of “residence.” As stated above, the beneficiary of the visa petition must actually reside in the U.S. at the time of their family member’s death. They will not be eligible under INA 204(l) simply by being physically present in the U.S. on the exact day that their relative passed away. Rather, it is required that they maintained a residence in the U.S. at the time of the petitioner’s death. However, it is not required that they were physically present in the U.S. on the date of death. Thus, an immigrant beneficiary may still be eligible for adjustment of status if they were actually abroad when the petitioner died, so long as they can establish that

Permanent residence still possible after petitioner’s death “A person may still be able to get their green card despite the petitioner’s death.”

they were actually residing in the U.S. at the time of the petitioner’s death. It is also important to note that the law does not require that they have lawful status in the U.S. at the time of death.

There are also other requirements that must be established in addition to residence. These including demonstrating that the beneficiary deserves a favorable exercise of discretion and that they have an acceptable substitute sponsor. Finally, Section 204(l) of the INA may also provide immigration benefits for more people than just the beneficiary named on the petition. It may also allow the named beneficiary’s spouse and children to be granted permanent resident status.

In some instances, the deceased family member was also the only or primary qualifying relative for a needed waiver of a ground of inadmissibility. Section 204(l) allows the beneficiary to continue to pursue the waiver with the deceased family member as the qualifying relative.

Section 204(l) of the INA is clearly greatly beneficial to many people. Unfortunately, though, not everyone qualifies. For those beneficiaries who are not eligible to apply for adjustment of status under INA 204(l), they still have the opportunity to apply for “Humanitarian Reinstatement.”

As stated earlier, the underlying petition is automatically revoked upon the death of the petitioner. However, “Humanitarian Reinstatement” provides hope for those family members living abroad that waited patiently for their immigrant visa petition to become current. A request for “Humanitarian Reinstatement” is a request that the petition be reinstated on humanitarian grounds.

If the request is granted, the beneficiary, and potentially his or her spouse and children, will

be permitted to continue with the Immigrant Visa process and reunite with their remaining family members in the United States.

The United States Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual provides a list of factors the USCIS should consider in evaluating requests for reinstatements.

These factors include, but are not limited to, whether there will be a disruption of an established family unit; any potential hardship to U.S. citizen or lawful permanent residents; if the beneficiary is elderly, has strong family ties to the U.S., or is in poor health with no home to go to, and whether there was an undue delay in the processing of the petition.

The death of a loved one can devastate a family. And, for some prospective immigrants, the death may also threaten to further tear apart the family unit.

But it is important to remember that immigrating to the U.S. may still be possible despite the death of your close family member.

Anyone who has lost a petitioning family member prior to obtaining their green card should consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to find out whether they can still obtain lawful permanent residence. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila.

For more Information please call (800) 7958009 or visit www.rreeves.com.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-30, 2017

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Community Journal

C MAY 27-30, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Minding Your Finances

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Negotiating with credit card companies to avoid bankruptcy

credit card companies will negotiate with you if they believe that it is in their best interests to do Atty. RAymond so. Many times you can negotiBulAon ate a reduction of your interest rate, elimination of late charges YOUR credit card payments and annual membership fees. If are past due. You’re confused you are delinquent in payments, and don’t know what to do. The they may even agree to settle for bill collectors are calling you less than the full amount of your non-stop and writing you threat- debt. The fact that the account is ening letters. What do you do? already in collections, a lawsuit Should you just file bankrupt- has been filed or even if a judgcy? Or are there other options? ment has been obtained doesn’t Most people are unaware that even matter. If a debt collector

tells you that it is “their policy not to settle debts”, don’t believe it.

For example, a recent study revealed that over half of credit cardholders who called and complained about their interest rates got an interest rate cut, resulting in as much as a 33 percent reduction. Now, why would the credit card companies do this?

Well, you have to understand that the credit card companies are in a very competitive market. These companies know that it always costs more to obtain a new client than to keep a current one. Thus, if you have been paying on time, you are in a good bargaining position to re-negotiate the terms of your contract.

But what if you are behind in payments and can no longer pay the amount owed? This is where debt settlement may be a good idea especially if you are trying to avoid filing for bankruptcy. This doesn’t work in all situations but there are certainly a lot of sce-

narios where bankruptcy may be avoided and debts can be settled using the least amount of money possible. It is a known fact in the collection business that as time goes on, the ability to collect on a debt diminishes. Thus, the longer your accounts have been in collections, the better your chance of settling your debts for a significantly reduced amount.

For example, it is my experience that creditors will settle for about 30-60 cents on the dollar.

What debts can be negotiated?

Actually, debt settlement is possible not only for credit cards but for almost all types of debts.

The list includes medical bills, bounced checks, personal loans, department store cards, auto repossession deficiencies, etc.

Debt settlement works best in situations where the debtor has the ability to produce enough cash to settle for 30-60% of the amount owed. The reason is that creditors are often only willing

to settle for less than full amount only if you pay them in a lump sum as opposed to paying in installments. If you are a homeowner, you may be able to refinance and use your home equity for debt settlement. If you do not own a home, perhaps you can sell personal property that you don’t need, borrow cash from a relative or maybe take money out of your 401K plan. If, on the other hand, you don’t have a lot of cash available, do not lose hope. So long as you are employed or have some source of income, creditors may still agree to monthly payments over a period of time.

Filing bankruptcy may make more sense than debt settlement in certain situations especially where property is exempt and beyond the reach of the bankruptcy trustee and creditors. If you are eligible, Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to wipe out debts you can no longer afford to pay so that you can start fresh

immediately. Chapter 13 allows you to consolidate debts into one affordable monthly payment so you are not stressing out every month with not having enough income to pay living expenses and debts at the same time.

Debt settlement, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 —these are your usual options in dealing with debt problems. If you are currently in financial hot water and don’t know what to do, seek legal help and find out what is appropriate for your situation. For more information and to schedule a free consultation, please call Toll-Free 1866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

How courts determine child custody in california

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRSuA ReyeS

amples would be decisions such as where the child shall attend school, whether the child can ONE of the most emotional travel to another jurisdiction aspect of a marital dissolution or state, legal decisions involvcase is dealing with Child cus- ing the child. In cases where tody issues. Sadly enough, this joint legal custody is ordered is an area where most parents by the court, either parent alone play games with each other try- can make decisions concerning their best to deprive the ing the health, education, and other parents of their right to welfare of the child unless othmaintain relationship with their erwise specified in the order. child. Child custody comes in two parts, 1) physical custody and 2) legal custody. Physical custody may be awarded solely to one parent or jointly. Sole physical custody means that the child will reside primarily and In making its determination on under the supervision of one parent subject to visitation from the child custody issues, the court other parent upon order of the considers various factors dependcourt. Family Code §3007. Joint ing on the specific facts of the physical custody on the other case. The court usually follows hand means that the child gets to the public policy of ensuring and spend frequent and continuing encouraging the child’s frequent contact with both parents. Fam- and continuing contact with both ily Code §3004. The court would parents after the divorce unless it state specifically the periods would not be in the best interest of time the child will be under of the child. Fam. Code §3011. If the supervision of each parent. the court is inclined to order sole Legal custody on the other custody to one parent, the conhand deals with the right and re- sideration boils down to which sponsibility of a parent to make parent is more likely to allow the decisions regarding the health, child frequent and continuing education, and welfare of the contact with the noncustodial child. Family Code §3006. Ex- parent. Family Code §3040(a)(1).

“

A major factor that would tilt the courts decision are incidents or history of child abuse and domestic violence. This can be from the part of a parent, a parent’s co-habitant, or other person to whom a parent has a relationship with. The childs amount and nature of contact with the parents is also another factor considered.

Fam. Code §3011(c). Other factors that can be considered are

Child custody comes in two parts, physical custody and legal custody.

”

the parent’s use of controlled substance, prior criminal convictions and registration as a sex offender, and existence of restraining order against a parent.

The family code requires that the parties go to mediation and attempt to agree on the custody issue prior to the court hearing the contested case. Family Code §3170(a).

If the case is not settled in mediation, it gets decided in court through a contested hearing. At times, the court will order a child custody evaluation if it determines that it would be in the best interest of the child. The

court may also appoint a minor’s counsel if it feels it would be in the best interest of the child.

Family Code §3150(a).

The court retains continuous jurisdiction over issues of child custody and support until the child reaches 18. This means the order may be modified all throughout this period if there has been a change in circumstances. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation.

(Advertising Supplement)

12 Easy ways to attract an audit

Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA

WHILE there are no guarantees to avoid an audit, there are creative ways to attract one.

Here are 12 ridiculously easy ways to help the IRS target your tax return for audit: 1. Do not report savings accounts that you want to hide from your spouse…, I mean the IRS. 2. Use big round numbers such as $1,000 or $5,000.

Better yet, dump your solid $1,000 or $5,000 into “miscellaneous” deductions.

3. Create a mismatch with IRS data base files by estimating income from interest or independent contractor, instead of using exact numbers from forms 1099 and K1.

4. Create another mismatch by estimating mortgage interests instead of using numbers from form 1098.

5. Claim high and unsupported charitable contributions. Claim casualty losses to increase your

To Live With Faith ReVeRend Rodel G. BAlAGtAS “DOUBT isn’t the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith…

Sometimes I think it is my mission to bring faith to the faithless, and doubt to the faithful.” –Paul Tillich It’s good to be critical of our faith. Otherwise, we’re merely blind followers, not fully understanding what we’re believing and practicing. It’s healthy to go through doubts about our religious beliefs, to ask questions about them.

It’s part of maturing in faith.

Even Saints wrestled with their faith while doing works of charity. St. Teresa of Calcutta, for example, admitted that she rarely had periods of consolation during prayer. St. Teresa of Avila humorously complained to God in the intimacy of prayer: “Dear Lord, if this is how You treat your friends, it is no wonder that You have few!”

Pope Francis also expressed

refund. While you are on a roll, claim high medical insurance and zero insurance reimbursement.

6. Submit Schedule C Income from Business or Profession with an attractive net loss. Report low gross receipts and deduct few but unusually high expenses. Make the schedule even more attractive by claiming deductions for home office and 100% depreciation on a car or home computer.

7. Opt out of e-file and use a name different from the one that appears on your social security card.

8. Claim a number of dependents—your mom, grandpa, aunt, cousins—and huge child care expenses.

9. Claim a dependent relative without verifying with child’s parents or guardians. IRS computers automatically tract and identify dependents who are claimed more than once.

10. Consistently file late returns.

Don’t break tradition.

11. Submit sloppy returns. A sloppy return speaks of a sloppy

person with shoddy supporting tax documents. You’d be a good catch for an auditor.

And here’s a bonus for you: join a tax protest group. Join a Barter Club. Stand up for your constitutional rights. The IRS loves people who fight for immunity from income taxes.

They love you so much that they will even send you an invitation to visit them… for an audit. *** 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)

On critiquing our Christian faith

a similar sentiment by saying these words: “Who among us has not experienced insecurity, loss and even doubts on their journey of faith? We’ve all experienced this, me too.”

Indeed, our journey of faith is a continuous struggle and wrestling with questions of meaning, sufferings, creeds, traditions, and other existential matters.

I write this insight because of

their doubts, still commissioned them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that that he had commanded them.

Discipleship will never be devoid of questioning of faith, as long as we are in the process of growth, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

And despite this process, the Lord still entrusts to us to continue his mission of love and mercy on earth.

Our anchor is his promise of eternal life. As we pray with the priest in Preface I of the Feast of the Ascension of Lord: “He ascended, not to distance himself from our lowly state but that we, his members, might be confident of following where, he, our Head and Founder, has gone before.”

Let’s keep asking questions about our faith--questions that make our relationship with God stronger and keep us continuing Christ’s mission of love, justice, and peace here on earth!

“Worshiped, but they doubted.” the experience of the apostles in this Sunday’s Gospel. After seeing Jesus crucified, died, and raised from the dead, it boggles my mind why the disciples in Matthew’s Gospel during the Ascension scene (Matthew 26”16-20) “worshiped, but they doubted.” Didn’t they have enough evidence that Jesus is the Son of God? Isn’t his rising from the dead and being with them for forty days in his glorified body enough reason to worship him as Lord and Savior?

What still strikes me, even more, is how Jesus, despite

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Community Journal

Employee’s right to final paycheck at termination Q: TWO WEEKS AGO I WAS FIRED FROM WORK. MY EM- Protecting PLOYER TOLD ME MY LAST PAYCHECK WILL BE MAILED Employee TO ME BY NEXT PAYDAY. I & Consumer HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT YET. WHEN I CALLED THE COMPA- Rights NY TO ASK WHERE MY CHECK IS, I WAS TOLD IT WAS ON THE Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. WAY. I WAITED AGAIN BUT STILL NO PAYCHECK. WHAT ARE MY RIGHT? A: Your employer should have paid you immediately all wages due to you when it fired you.

Making you wait for your final paycheck until “next payday,” which was several days away, is a violation of the employer’s legal obligation to you.

Under California law, employers must immediately pay all compensation due to discharged employees. Aside from pay for all regular hours worked, compensation owed to employees may also include pay for all work performed beyond 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. It may also include additional pay for lunch or rest breaks that the employer did not provide. If the employee was eligible for vacation, he or she may also be owed payment for unused vacation time.

(Note: “Use it or lose it” vacation pay policies are illegal.)

Generally, discharged employees should be paid “at the place of discharge.” If the employer tells you that they will mail the check, you must consent to such an arrangement. If the employer sent the final paycheck by mail without your consent, and the check was not received, it is considered that no payment was made. You may also authorize the employer to pay the wages into your bank account. The employer has the obligation to make sure that you receive your payment.

If employees quit (this means they were not discharged), they should be paid at the office or agency of the employer in the county where they worked. If they resigned from work, the employer must pay all compensation due to them within 72 hours of the resignation. If they gave more than 72 hours’ notice of resignation, then all compensation due to them must be paid on the last day of their work.

If an employer willfully fails to pay all wages due to an employee after the termination, the employee’s wages continue as a penalty until paid,

for up to 30 calendar days. This is called “waiting time penalties.” Hence, if the employee worked 8 hours per day and was regularly paid $15 per hour, the employer may be held liable to pay up to $3,600 in penalty for not paying the terminated employee on time. Even if the employee only waited two weeks to receive the final paycheck, based on the $15 per hour rate, the employee will still be entitled to receive $1,680 in waiting time penalties.

These amounts may not all be that significant if one considers the hassle factor of trying to claim these penalties. But what if the employer has implemented a company-wide practice of delaying the wages of all its terminated employees? Then the harm is not just to a single employee but a large number of former employees could have been victimized. Consider the case of former employees from Bank of America: A class of Bank of America (BOA) employees sued their employer, claiming that BOA violated California law by failing to pay them immediately all wages due, when BOA fired them from their jobs. BOA’s paychecks were often late. For example, the class representative said that when he was fired, he did not get his paycheck until two weeks later. BOA’s practice of delaying the final paychecks for fired employees apparently affected about 29,500 former employees in California.

Rather than continue to litigate the case, the parties agreed to settle with BOA agreeing to pay $8,000,000.

If an employee thinks that his or her rights have been violated prior to, during, and even after a termination, it would be smart for that employee to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced employment attorney to protect his or her rights. *** 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 or our Facebook page Joe Sayas Law. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is the recipient of PABA’s Community Champion Award for 2016.]

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Client seeks chapter 13 relief for mortgage default, credit cards Senior seeks chapter 7 for relief for 40K credit cards

CLIENT is 48, married and has a good job paying him $100K gross a year. A family emergency has caused him some financial hardship because money meant to pay for the house and credit cards were used instead for medical expenses of his brother abroad. Brother is only 35 and single and lives abroad, waiting his turn to receive his visa to migrate here. Another 4 years to wait. Brother has a good job abroad working as representative in a call center. He makes about $700 a month. For a single person making $700 a month, and just waiting for his visa to come to the Promised Land, life can’t get much better. No responsibilities; enough money to spend; and good health. What else can a guy ask for? On weekends, he goes scuba diving about 40 miles off the capital. He says its very enjoyable because going under water with a lot of live corrals and fish to see is “like traveling to another planet”.

However, lately, brother noticed that his legs were getting “fatter.” The doctor says that his legs are starting to retain water because he has some kind of heart problem. Thoracic and car-

Estate Corner

Atty. BriAn Lerner QUESTION: I found a person who called himself a ‘notario’ and said he would do the work I needed for ½ the cost of an attorney. He also said I did not need a Waiver. Should I hire him?

Answer: Your immigration situation and your immigration case is critcally important. Is it worth to save some money to hire somebody who is not even a lawyer? A notario, or notary public, is not a lawyer and cannot practice law in the United States. Confusion about what a notary public can do in the U.S. is common for many immigrants, however, because in some other countries, notaries can act as attorneys. An immigration consultant similarly is not an attorney.

Many notary publics take advantage of immigrants, leading them to believe that a notary can advise them on the law. Do not hire a notary to handle your immigration matter — for that you need a lawyer.

Generally, it is not a good idea to hire a notario or immigration consultant. Even well meaning notarios or immigration consultants can seriously harm your immigration case. If the notario doesn’t have sufficient knowledge about immigration law, he

Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrenCe yAng diac surgery had to be performed immediately as otherwise his physical condition would rapidly deteriorate and he could very well die from cardiac arrest! Not cool. Brother had no medical insurance to pay for the surgery and medical expenses estimated at $20K. The family depends on client for financial help because at $100K gross a year, client does have the resources to help.

And since he loves his younger brother, client sends the $20K by not paying his mortgage and using $10K of credit cards. So that’s done. The surgery is performed and brother has a new lease on life. Thanks be to our God Almighty, Yahweh, and His beloved son, Jesus Christ! Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to Him, “You are my defender

and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.” He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. This is what Moses said in Psalm 91 so it is true. Moses was as close as a man could get to our God. After the family emergency, client is now behind 3 mortgage payments, is faced with $20K of credit cards. He also owes $5K to the IRS for 2016. He has sent this month’s mortgage payment to the bank. But that payment has been returned to him with a notice that the bank will be sending him a notice of default with intent to foreclose soon if he does not send the bank 4 payment or $12K. The best relief for this kind of financial situation is Chapter 13.

Why? First, Chapter 13 will stop the foreclosure process upon filing. So client does not have to worry about losing his house to foreclosure. Second, client will be given 5 years to pay the default of $12K without interest. Third, he will also be given 5 years to pay the $20K of credit cards and the $5K of back taxes. So, Chapter 13 gives client a breathing time of 5 years to handle his mortgage

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A notario or immigration consultant is not an attorney or she may file documents incorrectly and permanently harm your case. Some notarios may take your money without ever even intending to file your paperwork.

If you receive incompetent immigration help, your application may be delayed, you may incur unnecessary fees, and you could even face removal proceedings.

If you’ve been the victim of immigration fraud, visit the American Bar Association’s resources for victims of notario fraud for information about where to get help.

The immigration consultant and/or notario are not licensed by any governmental organization as are attorneys. Similarly, attorneys have passed the Bar and are licensed by the State to give legal advice and to best help your case. Can you imagine if you are directed by a legal consultant or notario to leave the U.S. for Consulate Processing and find out it is denied as you needed a Waiver and are barred for years from coming into the U.S.? These type of gross errors would most likely not occur with a seasoned immigration attorney.

Question: Well, who legally can represent me?

Answer: While immigrants aren’t required to be represented, immigration law can be very complicated so it’s a good idea

to obtain competent legal advice before submitting any paperwork to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). But who should you consult with?

There are two main categories of professionals that can legally help with your immigration case: Attorneys who are licensed to practice law in your state, and Accredited representatives of organizations recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Neither of these categories would be a notario or legal consultant.

In other words, make certain that you properly have done your research when you are hiring somebody to help you with your immigration and make sure he or she is a qualified attorney. *** Atty. B r i a n D. Le r n e r h a s b e e n a n Immigration Attorney for nearly a quarter of a century. He is married to a Filipina and has helped thousands of Filipino families all over the country. In addition to his offices in Southern California in Long Beach and Carson, he has an office in Quezon City.

He is a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the Legal Board of Specialization, California State Bar. The initial consultation is free. Call (562) 4950554 and/or send an e-mail to blerner@ californiaimmigration.us.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-30, 2017

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

A motion to reopen the removal/deportation proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order can be filed in immigration court. If the motion to reopen the proceedings and rescind the removal/deportation order is successful, the alien can pursue whatever relief from removal/deportation that is available to him/her. For the scenario cited in the first paragraph, the relief would be adjustment of status to permanent resident via marriage to a U.S. citizen spouse. The relief would be presented in immigration court, with the immigration judge to decide the merits of the adjustment of status application. Alternatively, if an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can be obtained to terminate the proceedings, a decision on the adjustment of status application can be made outside immigration court, by the USCIS. Generally, a motion to reopen removal/deportation proceedings must be filed within 90 days of the date of entry of the removal/deportation order.

However, several bases upon which a motion to reopen may be filed past 90 days exist, and are discussed below.

Under 8 CFR § 1003.23(b)(4), a motion to reopen can be filed at any time if notice of the proceedings was not received by the person subject to the removal/deportation order, and a removal/deportation order was entered in his absence.

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

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

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

“

A motion to reopen the removal/ deportation proceedings and rescind the removal/ deportation order can be filed in immigration court.

”

*** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philipp ine American Bar Association.

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

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C MAY 27-30, 2017 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

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Client seeks chap. 13 relief for mortgage default, credit...

PAGE C3 t default, his credit cards, and his back taxes. During all this time, client is immune from all collection efforts of creditors, including foreclosure of house, lawsuits, garnishment, and liens.

Second client is 74. Pretty much a senior but doesn’t look a day over 60. She is now a widow.

Her husband predeceased her 5 years ago. Her single daughter lives with her and they help each

other. Her income is still ok. She receives social security and a work related pension that gives her a combined gross of $2400 monthly. She still works full time as a caregiver and is paid $1800 gross monthly. So, she has $4200 monthly. Not too bad. The problem is that she owes $40K of credit cards. She needs $1500 to make minimum monthly payments on these cards, which she has kept for the last 10 years. To

make a long story short, she has paid $180K on $40K of credit cards for the last 10 years but still owes today the same $40K. This is why Visa is a good stock to own. It makes tons of your money! As a result, everything that she makes from the full time job goes to pay her credit cards.

Chapter 7 will wipe out all of the $40K credit cards so she can start saving her net take home pay from her caregiving job. It’s

about time. At 74, she certainly needs to be able to save all of the money she makes. She really should have filed for Chapter 7 ten years ago. If she did, then she would have $180K in the bank saved up today, wouldn’t she?

If you are saddled with debt, now is the time to get them discharged. Better now than later when you are about to retire. But if you have not yet gotten rid of your debts yet and you are now

a senior, believe me, you need to get rid of your debts now that your income is less than half of what it was when you were younger.

If you need bankruptcy relief, please call my office for an appointment and I will analyze your case personally.

“THERE WILL BE NO MORE NIGHT. PEOPLE IN HEAVEN WILL NOT NEED THE LIGHT OF A LAMP OR THE LIGHT OF THE SUN, FOR THE LORD GOD

WILL GIVE THEM LIGHT. AND THEY WILL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER. “ REVELATION 22:5 *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in bankruptcy, business, real estate and civil litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

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

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People and Events

Asian Americans Advancing Justice celebrates 11th anniversary of Orange County office Awards luncheon honors key business, philanthropy, and community leaders

IRVINE, CA - On May 18, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Orange County (Advancing JusticeOC) celebrated another successful year of work in the region and highlighted the growth of the organization’s programs and services. The third annual luncheon was held at KIA Motors America headquarters in Irvine, CA and attended by 400 guests. The luncheon honored the individuals and institutions that have made a significant impact in the Orange County community. Funds raised

from the awards luncheon will directly support Advancing Justice-OC. This year’s honorees were: Home Depot, Corporate Impact Award Jack Toan, Chairman, Orange County Funders Roundtable & Vice President, Community Relations-West Region, Wells Fargo - Public Service Award Orange County Opportunity Initiative - Philanthropy Partner Award Orange County Asian and Pa-

cific Islander Community Alliance - Community Partner Award “Advancing Justice-OC is proud to celebrate this year’s honorees,” says Stewart Kwoh, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice-LA). “Each honoree has contributed immensely not only to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community in Orange County, but has been instrumental in helping our Orange County

office flourish.”

In 2006, Advancing Justice-LA first opened its Orange County office in Garden Grove to better serve and reach AANHPIs living in the region, working with community members facing domestic violence and immigration issues and helped launch the nation’s first self-help court program in Vietnamese. In just the last year, Advancing Justice-OC has tripled its staff and operational capacity as well as expanded its program offerings to include citizenship

(L-R) Sylvia Kim, Regional Director, Advancing Justice-OC; Jack Toan, Chairman, Orange County Funders Roundtable & V.P., Community RelationsWest Region, Wells Fargo; Diana Kelly, Regional V.P.; Home Depot; Mary Anne Foo, Executive Director, OCAPICA; Cathleen Otero, V.P. of Donor Relations & Programs, OC Opportunity Initiative; Rochelle Karr, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility & Alumni Relations, O’Melveny & Myers; Gloria Lee, Client Relations Partner, Rutan & Tucker, LLP; Yoko Yagi, Corporate Council, Home Depot; Stewart Kwoh, President & Executive Director, Advancing Justice-LA.

services.

During the past decade, the organization has helped thousands of clients and callers and co-published a popular demographic report on the region, “A Community of Contrasts: Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in Orange County.” Currently, an Orange County AANHPI Needs Assessment is underway, to be released in summer 2017.

“We look forward to continuing strengthening our relation-

ship and partnerships with the Orange County community,” says Sylvia Kim, regional director of Advancing Justice-OC. “With Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders now comprising over 20 percent of the County’s population, the community is truly becoming a force to be reckoned with. We hope to continue to advocate for the community in order to further uplift them politically and socially.”

Advancing Justice-OC Staff (L-R) Sylvia Kim, Regional Director, Andrew Ji, Supervising Attorney, Daniel Cheung, Staff Attorney , Nhien Tran, OC Citizenship Coordinator, Katelyn Ogawa, OC Policy Coordinator.

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Veronica Tsang of Cathay Bank receives 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honor

LOS ANGELES – Veronica Tsang, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Administrator of Cathay Bank, was presented with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) at its 31st annual ceremony held on May 13, on Ellis Island in New York. This medal recognizes individuals who have made it their mission to share their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents, and selfless generosity with those less fortunate,

Vice Chairperson on the board of the Chinese American Planning Council, as Chairperson on the board of the Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Academy-St. Michael’s School, as Chairperson on the board of the Gift of Life, Inc., and as Vice President of Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts.”

“These non-profit organizations focus on helping new immigrants and less fortunate individuals so they can live the American dream,” she continued. “I strongly believe it is better to give than to receive.

Everyone needs a little break; whatever help I can give might make a difference in someone’s life. This is one of the reasons I stay active and involved in these organizations.”

Since its founding in 1986, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been officially recognized by the House of Representatives and Senate, and each year’s recipients are read into the Congressional Record.

NECO has honored such distinguished and diverse Americans including seven U.S. presidents; Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel; Generals Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell; Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice, and Hillary Clinton; Bob Hope; Muhammad Ali; Frank Sinatra; and Rosa Parks — all of whom have distinguished themselves through their significant philanthropic and humanitarian contributions to this country.

About Cathay Bank Cathay Bank is a subsidiary of Cathay General Bancorp (NASDAQ: CATY). Founded in 1962, Cathay Bank offers a wide range of financial services. Cathay Bank currently operates 34 branches in California, 12 in New York State, three in the Chicago, Illinois area, three in Washington State, two in Texas, one in Maryland, one in Massachusetts, one in Nevada, one in New Jersey, one in Hong Kong, and a representative office in Taipei and in Shanghai.

Cathay Bank’s website can be found at www.cathaybank.com.

FDIC insurance coverage is limited to deposit accounts at Cathay Veronica Tsang of Cathay Bank in the Ellis Island Gallery after being presented with the 2017 Bank’s U.S. domestic branch loEllis Island Medal of Honor. cations. all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America.

“As I read through the list of past honorees, I am humbled but proud to be selected as one of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients by NECO. I am grateful for Cathay Bank’s support of my involvement in the work I do for the community,” Tsang said.

“One of my passions is community involvement. My current community activity involvement includes serving as the

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 27-30, 2017

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 27-30, 2017

MARKETPLACE SHOWROOM

& Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ

U.S. bankers know it will soon be time to raise the key lending rate again, according to minutes from the last Federal Reserve meeting released Wednesday, May 24

PH expects US rate hike in June Markets now digesting temporary setback in stock peso

AN interest rate hike in the U.S. in June is no longer just a possibility but a certainty as far as financial markets are concerned, and players in the Philippine market, like most investors around the world, are beginning to discount it as inevitable.

U.S. bankers know it will soon be time to raise the key lending rate again, according to minutes from the last Federal Reserve meeting released Wednesday, May 24.

U.S. monetary authorities are seen waiting only for further confirmation of a firming growth trend in the economy before the impending interest rate increase takes effect. “’Soon’ means a possible rate hike in June or July 2017,” Guian

Angelo Dumalagan, market economist at the Land Bank of the Philippines told The Manila Times.

“A U.S. rate hike next month could result in an increase in domestic (Philippine) interest rates, a depreciation of the peso, and a possible decline in the PSE index,” he said in an email.

“These events are likely to take place on account of potentially higher capital outflows to the US,” Dumalagan added.

The IHS Markit in Manila said with the U.S. economy continuing to show steady growth, and unemployment having fallen to 4.4 percent in April, the lowest rate since May 2007, the U.S. Fed PAGE D2

The Philippine peso weakened to P49.995 against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, May 24 trading on the Philippine Dealing Sytem, the day after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law for Mindanao, down P0.175 from Tuesday’s P49.82:$1.

BSP expects peso to be ‘stable’ despite initial security setback

by Aberon

VoltAire PAlAñA ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine peso weakened to P49.995 against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, May 24 trading on the Philippine Dealing Sytem, the day after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law for Mindanao, down P0.175 from Tuesday’s P49.82:$1.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. pointed out that other currencies in Asia have also been depreciating.

“Again, this is more of the behavior of the US dollar affecting the currencies in Asia. You might know that the rate of weakening of the peso is somewhat higher

than other currencies but this is because of the cautiousness,” Tetangco said, referring to traders’ reaction to the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that he has declared martial law for Mindanao.

“There was also legitimate corporate demand that affected the movement of the peso this morning,” Tetangco said. “But overall it remains stable.”

Asked if he sees a need at some point for the central bank to be in the market, Tetangco said: “Our policy is to allow market forces to determine the rate. But if there are very sharp fluctuations, we may send signals to the market,” he said.

Potential business deals herald new chapter in PH-Russia ties by iris

GonzAles Philstar.com

MOSCOW – The Philippines and Russia have ushered in a new chapter in economic ties, with businessmen from both countries jumpstarting negotiations for potential business deals on a wide array of products, from CNG buses, bananas and steel to guns.

While President Duterte has cut short his official visit here, the lobby of the posh Ritz-Carlton hotel turned into a virtual business hall as some Filipino businessmen met with their Russian counterparts including the Eurasian country’s biggest conglomerates.

In an interview with The Star, Raul Lambino, head legal counsel of the Philippines-Russia Business Council (PRBC), said his group signed on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Food City Center, paving the way for the entry of Philippine products to the Eurasian country.

Food City Center is the Philippines’ version of Food Terminal

Inc. (FTI), which was a grand market place for local produce.

Here, Food City gives spaces for rent and helps tenants sell their products.

“We already signed an MOU with Food City. It’s a trading house similar to FTI. Sixty percent of food in Moscow pass through that,” Lambino said.

Under the MOU, Food City will connect buyers and sellers.

While it doesn’t take products for sale, it connects sellers with wholesale companies.

“That MOU will bring in many of our agricultural products here,” Lambino said Tuesday night.

The MOU was signed between Food City Agrocluster represented by Omar Ambramov, chairman, and Boris Ivonin, CEO, and Minavida de Mindanao Corp., represented by chairman Alex Fu Kong Sang, and PRBC, represented by chairman Roberto de Venecia and Lambino.

Russia has agreed to buy $2.5 billion worth of fruits and other agricultural products from the country over the next 12 months, PAGE D2

Business Quote of the Week “Think about it: if someone had found a way to manipulate human choice and free will – if someone actually had that kind of power – wouldn’t it be a tad surprising if they then decided to share their secret with the masses in a book for $20? Not to mention how it would be just very slightly unethical.”

— Chris Murray, author, “Selling with EASE: The Four Step Sales Cycle Found in Every Successful Business Transaction”

IF a person commits certain immigration violations (such as fraud, or overstaying in the U.S. for over six months and then departs, etc.), the person may not be eligible to receive a green card, unless the person applies for, and is granted, a “waiver of inadmissibility” (or “forgiveness”) on a Form I-601.

To be eligible for the waiver, the person must demonstrate he or she has a spouse or parent who is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder (“qualifying relatives”), and the qualifying relative would suffer “extreme hardship” if the applicant is not granted the waiver.

But what is extreme hardship? How does a person demonstrate or prove extreme hardship on the qualifying relative?

How should the immigration officer evaluate the qualifying relative’s extreme hardship?

The USCIS has a policy manual (PM), to provide some guidelines on establishing extreme hardship.

In the past, applicants had to rely on published immigration cases that discussed extreme hardship, USCIS memos, etc. to figure out

D

What is ‘extreme hardship?’

what constitutes extreme hardship and how to prove it. USCIS’s PM on extreme hardship aims to clarify how USCIS should make extreme hardship determinations.

But even with this PM, figuring out what constitutes extreme hardship can still be confusing. Even USCIS admits that the term “extreme hardship” is not expressly defined in the law, regulations, or in case law. USCIS further states that to meet this “extreme hardship” requirement, the person must show that the refusal of admission would “impose more than the usual level of hardship that commonly results from family separation or relocation.” That’s an important point: “extreme” simply means “more than usual,” or more likely than not, or 51% probability.

Among the items to be considered are: • Hardship to the qualifying relative if they have to relocate overseas (to be with the applicant), or, in the alternative, remain in the US, (separated from the applicant).

• Strong family ties in the US • Social and cultural impact if the qualifying relative has to relocate overseas to be with the applicant • Economic impact on the qualifying relative if the hardship waiver

is not granted • Health conditions and medical care of the qualifying relative • Country conditions, and State Department travel warnings for the country where the qualifying relative would have to relocate.

The PM lists dozens of specific factors which could constitute extreme hardship on a qualifying relative, and points out numerous factors which would not be considered extreme hardship. The PM provides some hypothetical examples where the claimed hardship would be considered normal or a “common consequence of relocation”, as opposed to being “extreme”.

Many people, when faced with having to file a waiver of inadmissibility, do it on his or her own, rather than seeking the advice or guidance of an attorney. While hiring an attorney does not “guarantee” approval, the determination and evaluation of extreme hardship can be a complex and complicated task. Putting together an effective presentation is also critical. The PM is 48 pages long. The instructions for filling out the Form I-601 are 21 pages. The I-601 form itself is 13 pages long. The stakes are so high in applying for the waiver.

If a person is not granted a fraud waiver, it could result in a lifetime ban. If the 3/10 year bar waiver is

not approved, the relative may not be able to apply for a visa to come to the U.S. for at least 10 years.

That is why when you have something as complex as a waiver of inadmissibility, you should seek the advice and guidance of an attorney, rather than doing it on your own. Learning immigration law (or figuring out what is “extreme hardship” and how to prove it) by doing the waiver on your own could have lifetime consequences on your relative. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different.

The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

D may 27-30, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

Marketplace

Excise tax on sugar-sweetened drinks to hike prices up to 140%

by Richmond

meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA - Carbonated drinks, energy drinks, sweetened tea and coffee, fruit drinks and other similar products are expected to see minimal to substantial price increases should the proposed excise tax adjustments on sugarsweetened beverages be pushed by the Congress, data from the Department of Finance (DOF) showed.

According to a price survey conducted by the DOF, the implementation of House Bill 5636 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act could push the prices of sugar-sweetened beverages by two percent to as much as 140 percent.

Under Section 150-A of the bill, sugar sweetened beverages will be levied an excise tax of P10 per liter of volume capacity.

This is with the exemption of 100 percent natural fruit juices, 100 percent natural vegetable juices, yogurt and fruit flavored yogurt beverages, meal replacement beverages, weight loss product and all milk products.

Based on the survey, DOF estimates that the cost of soft drinks and carbonated drinks will climb by as much as 36 percent from the current prices.

The retail price of one-liter bottle of Coca Cola, for one, is projected to increase to P42.2 per bottle from the current P31 per liter.

Meanwhile, the price of a 350-milliliter bottle of Cobra, an

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DTI: Substantial increase in US trade and investment

told reporters.

Total investment coming in from U.S. is expected to grow by 5 THE government sees a sub- percent to 10 percent, he added.

If you’re competing with other stantial increase in trade and investment from the U.S., a trade countries for the U.S. market. And, official said on Wednesday, May if the U.S. impose certain remedial measures to offset what could be 24.

“There’s a substantial increase allegedly unfair measures that in investments and trade, and these countries are implementing, we’re very bullish about our re- in n a relative sense, we’ll be more lationship with the U.S.,” Trade competitive in the U.S. market, Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo Rodolfo said.

by Raadee

S. SauSa ManilaTimes.net

Rodolfo also urged Chinese businessmen to invest in the Philippines and take advantage of duty free access to U.S. and European markets.

“We encourage you to go to the Philippines and locate here your facilities so that you will take advantage of duty free market access to Europe and to the U.S. also,” he said during the China-Philippines Business Matching Seminar for Entrepreneurs.

Hungary offers P30-B fund to PH

by LouiSe

mauReen Philstar.com

energy drink, could rise by 18 percent to P25.1 per bottle from P21.2.

Sweetened milk, tea and coffee beverages will also be affected by the proposed excise tax with price increases. A pack of Yakult, for example, could cost P40.9 with excise tax from the current price of P40.

Fruit drinks, meanwhile, will bear the brunt of the proposed excise taxes. The retail price of liquid fruit beverages, such as a 250-ml punch of Zest-O mango drink, could rise by as much as 48-percent.

Cost of powder fruit drinks, including Nestea, Tang, and Eight O-clock, meanwhile, is projected to increase as much as 140 percent. From P8 per sachet, Nestea’s price could jump to P19.2, accord-

ing to DOF estimates.

HB 5636 was crafted by the House Committee on Ways and Means after consolidating all tax-related bills in the Lower House.

Earlier, Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua estimated that the imposition of P10 per liter excise tax would generate P47 billion in government revenues in the first year of its implementation.

But Chua clarified that sugar tax would serve more as a health measure to dissuade consumers from buying sugar-sweetened products.

“It is more of a health measure.

I understand (Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrellita Suansing) explained it has to be high enough to dissuade consumption,” he had said.

Simeon

MANILA - Hungary has offered a P30-billion credit facility to the Philippines to fund private businesses, despite the recent announcement of the Duterte administration it will reject grants from the European Union.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol, who is currently on a European tour, said Hungary has offered a €530-million (P30 billion) credit facility, including a €20-million (P1.1 billion) grant for the conduct of a study on the clean-up of Laguna Lake and Manila Bay. “The fund was offered by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto after I mentioned the clean-up of lakes, rivers, creeks and bays in the Philippines as part of the Department of Agriculture’s fisheries program for sustainable fishing,” Pinol said.

He added the credit facility could

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol

be accessed by private business groups in the Philippines to fund businesses which could contribute to the strengthening of ties between the two countries.

“The grant and the credit facility is part of the Eastern shift policy of Hungary which includes strengthening relations with the Philippines and other countries in East and Southeast Asia,” Pinol said.

Furthermore, Pinol said Hungary emphasized the credit facility and the Laguna Lake and Manila Bay clean-up study fund are offered without any attached conditions which would be perceived as interference in the internal affairs of the Philippines.

President Duterte recently announced the Philippines will reject aid and grants from the EU which

are given with attached conditions.

“Hungary said they respect the sovereignty of our country and that we must be allowed to run our own affairs without interference from other countries,” Pinol said.

The European country also offered 35 scholarship slots to Filipino post-graduate students in the field of agriculture to be sponsored by the Hungarian government and five more slots under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) program.

Meanwhile, the DA allowed three Hungarian companies to export meat products to the Philippines.

Hungary is one of the biggest exporters of meat among Eastern European countries.

PH expects US rate hike...

PAGE D1 is expected to continue to gradually tighten monetary policy during 2017 and 2018.

IHS Markit expects the U.S. Fed to hike its policy rate again at its June FOMC meeting, with at least one further rate hike expected during the second half of 2017.

“Further monetary policy tightening is also expected from the Fed in 2018, with US GDP growth forecast by IHS Markit to rise from 2.2 percent in 2017 to 2.7 percent in 2018, which is expected to result in a further tightening of the US labor market and put upward pressure on wages growth,” said Rajiv Biswas, IHS Markit’s Asia-Pacific chief economist.

U.S. Fed officials said planned spending by President Donald Trump’s administration could boost the economy more than currently forecast, although the details and timing of the projects “remain highly uncertain.”

Assuming the economy continues to perform as expected, with continued job and wage growth leading to a rebound in consumer spending and business investment, “most participants judged… it would soon be appropriate” to raise rates again, the Fed minutes stated.

“This looks like a signal that the U.S. Federal Reserve will be hiking rates by 25 bps (basis points) this June, which would be consistent as well with market expectations.

Furthermore, it’s very likely that the Fed will complete its total 75 bps hike by year-end 2017,” Marc Bautista, head of Metrobank Research, said.

Dumalagan said the attraction of higher rates for the U.S. dollar could also weigh temporarily on the general Philippine economy as that could lead to an increase in

capital outflows and amplify market volatility.

However, Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Corp., believes any capital flight from the Philippines would only be an initial reaction. He sees the BSP ready to counter its effect.

“In the short term, there may be a flight to better asset quality into the U.S., but this may be tempered with the BSP projected to raise its own rates soon,” he said.

“Will the BSP follow the trend [in raising interest rates]? Well, our projection is, sometime this quarter or the next. Is it justifiable for the BSP to hike rates? The policy has always been to fight inflation, unemployment, and protect against any sudden fluctuations [in the currency’s value]be it an appreciation or a depreciation,” he said.

Traditionally, Manila does not necessarily follow every rate hike in the U.S., Harry Liu, president of Summit Securities, Inc., said.

But even if the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) does, given other domestic factors that could trigger a sudden spike in the local lending and borrowing rates, Liu does not see a big reaction from the local market.

“The BSP usually does not follow [the U.S. in its rate hikes]… The BSP may follow or may not follow, depending on the market conditions. But given that you’ve heard it [the impending US rate hike it], I think the market also knows it. And I don’t think it’s a big problem,” Liu said.

The lending rate right now— based on current market conditions—does not seem to be a worrying factor yet. It seems it will not be a big problem. If you ask me, the market is absorbing the news already,” he added. (ManilaTimes. net with reports from AFP)

Potential business deals herald...

PAGE D1 Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol in a separate statement.

In the area of transportation, Eastern Petroleum Group chairman Fernando Martinez met with Moscow-based Gaz Group, a subsidiary of Russian Machines Company Organization, a conglomerate here that is into different businesses such as agriculture equipment and buses.

Martinez said the GAZ Group is interested in entering the Philippine market.

Talks are still at a very preliminary stage, with both parties still trying to see what arrangements can be finalized.

Martinez said the Gaz Group has a great product for the replacement of Jeepneys.

“I’m trying to promote their entry as an investor so we can go about it and introduce clean energy which is 60 percent clean

compared to diesel,” he said.

If this deal pushes through, the Gaz Group will bring in an initial 1,000 units of their buses.

Martinez said local government units (LGUs) could acquire the units while the government comes up with financing for the vehicles.

The idea is for jeepney operators to shift to buses under a lease-to-own arrangement which, Martinez said, he would help facilitate.

Meanwhile, sources in the business delegation said a separate military delegation is also working on an arms supply deal between Russia and the Philippines, which could benefit arms sellers in Manila.

Over 200 businessmen from Manila joined President Duterte’s trip to Russia. The President, however, had to cut short his trip due to the situation in Marawi where the Maute terrorist group staged an attack on Tuesday.

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FDI seen to reach record $11-B

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“We are foreseeing that for this year we can even hit between $10 billion to $11 billion, thanks also to the very strong interest of Chinese companies in the Philippines and the new foreign policy of the government—a foreign policy of being closer to our neighbors here in this region,” Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.

highly educated, English speaking, and we offer a whole range of skill set all the way from humanities to business administration to finance to technical engineering.

All of the skill set that you need when you invest in a particular country, you will find it here in the Philippines,” Rodolfo said.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier told The Star he sees the country on a stronger position as one of the most preferred FDI destinations in the region in the next few years on the back of the government’s huge and relevant infrastructure spending and trade and investment reforms.

The target, he said, is for the country to rank among the top

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MANILA - Potential U.S. trade sanctions on major Asian economies are seen to significantly benefit the trade and investment relationship of the Philippines with the world’s largest economy, a trade official said.

China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam have earlier been identified as U.S. trade partners which had significant trade deficit in goods in 2016.

The U.S. is currently assessing the major causes of the trade deficit with the identified countries, particularly if the trading partner is “directly or indirectly imposing unequal burdens on, or unfairly discriminating in fact against, the commerce of the United States by

law, regulation, or practice and thereby placing the commerce of the United States at an unfair disadvantage.”

Should trade sanctions be slapped on these countries, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said this may “substantially increase” investments coming from the U.S. as well as boost trade between the two countries.

Rodolfo said only five to 10 percent of total US investments being poured into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are going to the Philippines.

“U.S. investments here are already mature but a country like Vietnam is a virgin territory for them. If you’re an American company and you are looking for a global value chain, your last touch is usually Vietnam. But since it is

MANILA - Six new agreements between Guangxi state-owned firms and local enterprises were signed as part of the continuing warming relations between the Philippines and China.

Of the six, three agreements were inked between Guangxi Beibu Gulf Port Group Co. Ltd. and Carrascal Nickel Corp. (CNC).

The three deals covered strategic cooperation agreements of international logistics network nodes building, lateritic nickel ore procurement and freight routes.

The Port Group and CNC agreed to jointly build international logistics network nodes and participate in the development, operation and management of Philippine port projects through necessary investigations and preliminary feasibility studies.

The two firms will also maintain a stable supply-demand relationship of laterite nickel ore, with CNC agreeing to supply not less than 1.5 million tons of laterite nickel ore that meet grade requirements annually to the companies under the Port Group.

Both parties chose Beibu Gulf

five in the region in the next three to five years after lagging in the past.

This forecast was supported by foreign businessmen, who said reforms being undertaken by the Duterte administration, which, among others, include higher infrastructure spending, easing of economic restrictions in the Constitution and tax reforms, bode well for enticing more FDI to the Philippines.

The BOI, for its part, is targeting to grow its investment approvals to its highest level in

by LawRence agcaoiLi nearly two decades, with a full Philstar.com year growth forecast of at least 13 percent as it looks to breach the MANILA, Philippines - The real P500-billion mark. estate exposure of Philippine banks finally eased below 20 percent in the first quarter as housing prices remained steady amid sustained demand, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

The BSP said real estate loans jumped 21.6 percent to P1.32 trilfacing trade remedy measures lion in the first quarter from P1.08 from the U.S., then how will you trillion in the same quarter last year export back your products to amid the steady rise in housing the U.S.? So it is the Philippines prices due to strong demand.

Residential loans grew 21.3 that should be your last touch,” percent to P322.9 billion from Rodolfo said.

“That is why we’re very bull- P266.1 billion while commercial ish with our relationship with the real estate loans increased 21.6 percent P994.85 billion from P817.78 U.S.,” he added.

In a China-Philippines business billion The share of real estate expomatching seminar for entrepreneurs yesterday, Rodolfo also sures from the banks’ total loan presented the country’s case as a portfolio increased to 19.5 percent good gateway to the U.S. market in end-March from 19.2 percent in for Chinese companies should end-March last year but eased from trade sanctions be imposed on 20.8 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.

China.

The total loan portfolio of Philip“The Philippines is also a good location if you’re looking at the pine banks increased 19.3 percent U.S. market because 70 percent to P6.75 trillion in end-March from of the exports of the Philippines P5.66 trillion in end-March last to the U.S. market already enter at year.

The BSP monitors the real estate zero percent duty,” he said.

PH to gain from US trade sanctions on other countries

by Richmond

PH, China firms ink 6 new deals

by Richmond

by Richmond

MANILA - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects foreign direct investments (FDI) to surge this year, eclipsing a record high forecast set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

“We are foreseeing that for this year we can even hit between $10 billion to $11 billion, thanks also to the very strong interest of Chinese companies in the Philippines and the new foreign policy of the government—a foreign policy of being closer to our neighbors here in this region,” Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said.

The DTI forecast represents growth of up to 39 percent from the 2016 FDI level of $7.9 billion. It also exceeds the BSP’s revised target for the year pegged at $8 billion.

The country’s net FDI last year zoomed 40 percent to a new record level, surpassing the full-year target of $6.7 billion from $5.64 billion in 2015. This prompted the BSP to hike its previous forecast of $7 billion for 2017.

Rodolfo said one of the major drivers of the country’s sustained economic growth in the past years has been the robust FDI it has been getting.

“One of the most important assets of the Philippines is our population. The median age of Filipinos is about 23.1 years old.

Also critical is our population is

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • mAy 27-30, 2017 D

Shipping Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Port Group, as the carrier of the lateritic nickel ore that CNC ships to China.

The Port Group is a stateowned enterprise that operates and manages ports and modern terminals, while CNC is a local company engaged in the mining and export of nickel ore.

Another agreement signed is a hydropower station contracting project between China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Co. Ltd., one of China’s biggest integrated construction enterprise, and Coheco Badeo, a Filipino firm primarily engaged in green energy development.

Their agreement involves the development of the 500-megawatt Kibungan Badeo pumped storage hydropower project in Benguet expected to cost $550 million.

Another pact inked was a framework agreement of strategic cooperation on tourism between Guangxi Tourism Development Group and the JTKC Group Co., owner of Discovery Coast in Boracay.

Under the agreement, the two parties will share resources

and play the advantage of each country to organize a number of prime tourism lines targeted at the tourists.

They will also strengthen the business cooperation of travel agencies by organizing the tourists of one country to travel and take vacation in the other country.

A separate agreement for charter flights between Nanning and Manila has likewise been reached between Nanning Xi Yangyang International Travel Agency and the FAB View Travel and Tours.

In line with the improving relationship between China and the Philippines, the agreement seeks to capitalize on the rich tourism resources of the Philippines and the huge market of Guangxi.

Peng Qinghua, secretary of Communist Party of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee, said in his speech during yesterday’s China-Philippines business matching seminar for entrepreneurs that total import and export volume between the Philippines and Guangxi recorded an annual average growth of 16.5 percent from 2012 to 2016, demonstrating the huge potential in trading cooperation.

Real estate exposure of PH banks dips below 20%

exposures of universal, commercial, and thrift banks as part of its broader role of assessing the quality of bank exposures to the different sectors of the economy.

The BSP stepped up its watch over the real estate sector as early as 2012 by ordering banks to disclose more comprehensive reports on their exposures to property industry. It has set the cap on real estate loans at 20 percent of the bank’s total loan portfolio.

Housing prices nationwide remained steady in the fourth quarter of last year amid sustained demand as the economic expansion is also being felt in the provinces.

The Residential Real Estate Price Index (RREPI) was nearly unchanged, inching up 0.3 percent to 113.9 in the fourth quarter of last year from 113.6 in the same quarter

in 2015.

The growth was slower than the 2.2 percent increase booked in the third quarter of last year when the RREPI stood at 113.4 against the 111 registered in the third quarter of 2015.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo earlier said there is a strong domestic demand in the Philippines for both residential and commercial properties as there is a large shortage of housing units supported by a big base of young, employed people especially in the services sector.

Guinigundo pointed out some developers build their projects on a pre lease bases wherein there are establishments willing to sign contracts for lease even before the actual construction of the building.

D may 27-30, 2017 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL

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Still in love with the Beetle

by Kathy

Moran Philstar.com

Blame it on a childhood of watching the movie “The love Bug.” The movie was first shown in 1969, when I was around nine years old. It was one of the first movies I watched on the big screen, and thus started my love affair for fast cars and Herbie, the VW Beetle star of the movie.

In this Disney film, Herbie is a lovable Volkswagen. The story goes that Herbie was abused by his first owner, a bad racecar driver. He gets rescued by Jim (Dean Jones) and because he is grateful for the rescue, Herbie enables the luckless Jim to win one race after another. Of course, no story is without its twists and turns — and this one is no different. The fun begins when the ruthless former owner does all he can to get Herbie back.

Fast forward to may 2017.

When I was recently offered a chance to test-drive the 2017 VW Beetle Club edition, it was with bated breath that I patiently waited for my turn at the wheel. First car love never dies — and my love affair with the Beetle has spanned my over 50 years in the world.

Back to the future I have to say that it’s always a joy to see and get into the cockpit of the Beetle. This Beetle Club edition was no different. as soon as I enter, I notice the glove compartment, as it remains faithful in design to the Beetles of old. Yes, I know, there is a second glove compartment, which is bigger and can hold all those important papers — but seeing that old compartment look brought a smile to my face.

Of course, the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Club edition is stylish as always, but also very functional and easy to drive.

The changes like the leather upholstery, touch-screen multimedia radio with navigation and mirror link, front and rear sensors and the really cool hyper black alloy wheels did not escape my notice either. as I drove the Beetle out of the showroom garage of VW in BGC I took a quick corner and then made a stop so I could become familiar and to ogle, too, at the many details of the Beetle.

For starters, I realized that the VW Beetle Club edition is a car of the 21st century. It boasts more masculine, flatter and wider appearance. The design lends that Beetle a sturdier feel and look. I also fell in love with the extended

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First love never dies: The 2017 VW Beetle Club Edition and Herbie from The Love Bug (right).

bonnet, the steeply angled windscreen, which is set further back, and a flat roof line that somehow gave me the feel of being behind the wheel of a sports coupe, if you like.

But, there are also the old familiar like the circular headlights and the rounded roof, which come from the classic Beetle. let me not forget to add here the tone-on-tone interiors, which are both classic and elegant. and, oh, the steering wheel with its multi-function capacities for controlling the multi-function display, radio and telephone did not go unnoticed either. and, before I got a ticket for parking on a no parking zone, I notice the Park Distance Control, which is a great aid when backing up. The sensors worked on a dime as I backed out of the space I had parked in. The reliable sensors in the front impressed me and rear bumpers that beep to alert me of any obstacle there might be — either in front or behind the Beetle.

Yes, these little beeps helped me as I got closer to an object that may have been out of my sight — as the beeps quickened as I got closer to the object.

Just drive love Bug It was time to take the Beetle for a spin. Since the test drive happened on a weekday, I set my sights on nearby Tagaytay for a late lunch at Bag of Beans.

Driving down the SleX was a little bummer that afternoon as there was a traffic build up before I hit the alabang exit — and rain had started to fall.

I was only too happy to try out the standard electronic Stabilization Program and anti-lock braking system (aBS) including brake assistant, aBS, electronic differential locks (XDS), anti-slip regulation (aSR) that the Beetle

is equipped with.

Since the rain was falling, leave it to the many private jeepneys, cars and the humongous buses to switch lanes (minus a signal light) at a moment’s notice. although, the lane shifting is a real bummer, I was glad that the oh so high-tech braking system managed to allow the Beetle to top at a moment’s notice allowing me to stay on course with masterful ease.

The Beetle’s DSG transmission ran smoothly because of its wellspaced gear ratios. DSG gearboxes are made up of two independent gearbox unit, which move through the gears, allowing the engine to engage with each of the two gearboxes via two drive shafts.

The dual-clutch gearbox permits an automatic gear change with no interruption in power flow.

I made it to Bag of Beans (which is now located a little further down the main road of Tagaytay) happy from the drive — and famished because it was almost 3 p.m. late lunch over — it was time to head back. as I drove the Beetle down the Sta. Rosa route back to manila I imagined myself as a racecar driver — much like the main hero in The love Bug. It was so much fun recalling the day I watched the movie with my siblings in tow.

There were four of us — and my brother even won the raffle before the movie. We watched the movie at Rizal Theater in makati (it no longer exists today).

I guess that’s why I love the Beetle — it brings back the joys of a childhood that I had, and at the same time it reminds this 50 something adult that first car love never dies — especially since this VW Beetle Club is everything good that comes with the 21st century.

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