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w w w. a s i a n Volume 28 - No. 14 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

.com T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

APRIL 13-19, 2017

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Duterte calls on US to help fight terrorism in PH

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines and the United States should work together to address issues concerning terrorism, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte affirmed this week.

In his speech for the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Pilar, Bataan on Sunday, April 9, Duterte

DATELINE

said the two countries’ long-standing relationship serves as the basis for bilateral cooperation against terrorism.

“As we fought together to stay above the enemy then, so we should help each other to address the threats that confront our societies, our region, and our world,” the president said.

He further added, “Now the menace of terror-

ism, violent extremism and transnational crimes such as the illegal drug trade have called into question, efforts uphold the responsibility to defend the common good.”

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Manila expressed agreement with the president.

“Today the new challenge of terrorism has emerged,” U.S. Charge’ D’Affaires Michael Klech-

eski said. “We must also remember the importance of standing together as what the Philippines and the United States have done for many decades.”

On the same day, the embassy warned its citizens in the Philippines to avoid traveling to the Central Visayas, citing an “unsubstantiated yet credible information” of kidnapping threats in

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World Bank: PH economy top performer in East Asia

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Growth forecast close to 7 percent in the next three years

USCIS hits annual H1-B visa cap

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated 85,000 H-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2018, it announced in a statement.

The quota was met within five days since the applications opened on April 3, the federal agency said on Friday, April 7. This is the fifth consecutive year that the cap has been fulfilled in less than a week.

The program has allocated 65,000 slots for foreign workers and an additional 20,000 for the U.S. advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap.

The total number of H1-B applications received this year has yet to be announced.

Businesses in the United States use the H-

u PAGE A3 SECURITY CHECK. A Coast Guard personnel and his bomb-sniffing dog check the luggage of passengers at Pier 4 in Manila. The exodus of passengers to the provinces started on Tuesday, April 11 as the nation prepares to mark Holy Week.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

THE World Bank on Tuesday, April 11 says the Philippine economy will grow close to 7 percent in the next three years, remaining the top performer in East Asia.

In its report, the bank retained its 6.9 percent economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year, and is likely to sustain the same growth rate in 2018 — which is down from its December projection of 7 percent.

The bank also projected the domestic economy to slightly ease to 6.8 percent in 2019.

However, World Bank lead economist for the Philippines Birgit Hansl downplayed the downward adjustment in the 2018 growth forecast.

“The revisions from the forecast in December is minor. Statistically, it’s insignificant. It’s just that we have more information now than last year,” Hansl said.

“So as you can see, there is no major change. On the opposite, we see it as positive development.”

Taking note of the expected increase in the government’s infrastructure spending, Hansl said the World Bank “continues to have a positive economic outlook

PH, US sign child protection agreement Ramos tells Duterte: US is PH’s ‘most sincere, devoted’ ally against trafficking

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines and the United States have signed the Child Protection Compact (CPC) on Tuesday, April 11, as part of efforts to address trafficking and abuse of Filipino children.

Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who is also chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), signed the agreement with U.S. Embassy in Manila Chargé d’Affaires Michael Klecheski at the Department of Justice (DOJ) office.

“To protect the future generation of Filipinos from exploitation by organized criminal groups, the Philippines and the United States

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THE United States is the Philippines’ “most sincere, devoted, patriotic, and fearless” ally, former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos said on Tuesday, April 11.

In his speech during the third day of commemorating the Bataan Death March of 1942, Ramos expressed his hope that President Rodrigo Duterte would realize in time the great importance of the decadeslong relationship between the Philippines and U.S. Duterte, who assumed the presidency in July last year, reportedly had a strained relationship with the U.S. under former President Barack Obama. Duterte constant-

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ly attacked Washington with profane-laced speeches, and even threatened to end joint military drills and chase U.S. troops out of Mindanao.

Lately, however, Duterte seems to have warmed up to the U.S. after President Donald Trump took office earlier in January.

“He (Duterte) may not know it, but I’m sure he will know it very quickly that the Americans have always been our most sincere, devoted, patriotic, and fearless allies in war and peace,” said Ramos.

On that day, Ramos lead the 10-kilometer “Freedom March” as part of the commemorating the bravery and heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who were subjected

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Former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos and Pres. rodrigo Duterte

Robredo won’t object Marcos’ Photojournalist wins Pulitzer Prize for photo possible Cabinet appointment series on PH drug killings

by AJPRESS

Malacañang “respects” Pulitzer decision

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

In this image released on Feb. 13, 2017 by photographer Daniel Berehulak for The New York Times, heavy rain pours as police operatives investigate inside an alley where a victim, Romeo Joel Torres Fontanilla, 37, was killed by two unidentified gunmen riding motorcycles in the early morning in Manila, Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines began his anti-drug campaign when he took office on June 30, 2016. Since then, more than 2,000 people have been slain at the hands of the police alone. Beyond those killed in official drug operations, the Philippine National Police have counted more than 3,500 unsolved homicides since July 1. The victims, suspected users and pushers, are not afforded any semblance of due process.

Daniel Berehulak for The New York Times/World Press

A FREELANCE photographer for The New York Times was one of the many journalists selected for the coveted 2017 Pulitzer Prize for his photographs depicting the anti-drug campaign in the Philippines.

The Pulitzer Prize board selected Australian photojournalist Daniel Berehulak’s blistering photo series “They Are Slaughtering Us Like Animals” for the Breaking News Photography category for his “powerful storytelling...showing the callous disregard for human life in the Philippines brought about by a government assault on drug dealers and users.”

Berehulak’s series — which was shot over a span of 35 days — featured 57 murder victims at 41 sites in the Manila and Quezon City areas. It provided an inside look at rainy crime scenes, overcrowded jails filled with drug suspects and night

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PHILIPPINE Vice President Leni Robredo will not oppose any decision to appoint former Senator “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to a Cabinet position, her camp said on Monday, April 10.

Robredo’s spokesperson, Georgina Hernandez, made the statement amid speculations that President Rodrigo Duterte may appoint Marcos as the new Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief, following the dismissal of former Secretary Ismael Sueno earlier this month over corruption allegations.

Emphasizing that the appoint-

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Vice President Leni Robredo

A

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april 13-19, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal

From The FronT Page

Duterte calls on US to help...

PAGE A1 the area. “The U.S. Embassy has received unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces,� the Embassy posted on its official website.

It also reminded U.S. citizens of the recent Worldwide Caution which was released on March 7, indicating that “there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.�

According to the U.S. government, extremists have targeted public venues where large crowds gather, citing high-profile public events, tourism infrastructures, and public transportation systems, among others. “U.S. citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as you make your travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds

President Rodrigo Duterte

and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times,� the embassy said.

The embassy also reminded its citizens of “taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines.�

Following the U.S. Embassy’s travel advisory, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that it received reports of a pos-

sible terrorist plot in the Central Visayas. “We’re preparing for that. I was briefed by the regional director of the Police Regional Office 7 that they’re monitoring it, and they have the corresponding actions to thwart this threat,� Police Chief General Ronald “Bato�

Dela Rosa said in a press briefing on Monday, April 10, reminding Filipinos to stay calm.

World Bank: PH economy top performer...

PAGE A1 for the Philippines that will be sustained throughout 2018.� “The implementation of planned infrastructure projects could generate positive spillover effects for the rest of the economy, spurring additional business activity, accelerating job creation, and ultimately contributing to higher household consumption and poverty reduction,� she fur-

ther added.

Citing higher employment, low inflation and improved incomes, the World Bank also said in its report that the poverty rate in the Philippines fell down from 25.2 percent to 21.6 percent in 2015.

This is likely equivalent to the 1.8 million Filipinos who have been lifted out of poverty within three years.

Likewise, the unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in 2016 with 1.4 million jobs created.

Hansl, however, made note that the underemployment rate remains high at 18 percent. “Underinvestment contributes to high rates of informality and low job quality, and it weakens the impact of employment growth on poverty reduction,� Hansl said.

Ramos tells Duterte: US is PH’s ‘most sincere...

PAGE A1 to a death march by Japanese invaders in 1942.

The former president highlighted in his speech that the surrendering of 80,000 death march victims in Bataan does not mark the end of the country’s war against Japan.

According to Ramos, Filipino and American soldiers continued its resistance against invaders through guerilla warfare. “It was their bravery, their

determination to fight the enemy, their desire to see the Philippines liberated once more that made them so successful,� he said.

Ramos also made note that it was Colonel Wendell Fertig of the United States Armed Forces, an American mining engineer, who led the most successful guerilla unit in the Philippines.

Stressing the need of a nation to maintain its diplomatic and socio-economic relations with other countries, Ramos

said there are threats, citing, in particular, environmental and health issues, that could only be solved through international cooperation. “We must work towards closer cooperation among nations,� he said. “The world is too dangerous if left to itself.�

Ramos also urged the public to not believe any reports suggesting the end of Philippine-U.S. ties under the present administration.

PH, US sign child protection agreement... took it as a responsibility to device a concerted and wellcoordinated response against child labor trafficking,� Aguirre said in a statement.

According to Aguirre, the CPC aims “to increase the number of victims-centered investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) and Child Labor Trafficking (CLT) cases.�

The CPC also seeks “to strengthen government’s and civil society’s capacities to identify and provide comprehensive services for victims� and “to strengthen existing

community-based mechanisms for identifying and protecting child victims.�

The implementation of the deal will be piloted in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Visayas (Region VII). “The evil of human trafficking should be fought on all fronts.

We should channel our collective efforts towards eradicating it. Anything that debases or dehumanizes the dignity of a person is an abomination that must end,� Aguirre said during the signing of the agreement.

He further added, “Slavery and exploitation [have] no place in any society. Any act that

which enslaves or exploits our children magnifies the evil a hundredfold.�

Under the deal, the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons will provide $3.5 million to fund non-governmental or international organizations that would address OSEC and CLT. According to Aguirre, $3 million of the said fund will be allocated to support capacitybuilding related to improving the Philippines’ response to OSEC. The remaining $500,000, meanwhile, will be used to support activities related to the Philippines’ response to CLT. The Philippines, for its part, will also allot P40 million for the intensified child protection programs.

Apart from the DOJ, also included in the agreement are the following Philippine government agencies: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). “Let us not leave no stone unturned in our avowed purpose to protect our children. Let us send a message, a strong one at that.

Hurt our children, and we will come after you. And you will not like it,� Aguirre said.

Also involved are the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

(Dana M. Sioson/AJPress)

NO PENITENTS. Members of militant groups carry crosses as they march in Manila to show how they are being burdened by labor contractualization, extrajudicial killings, low wages and rising prices.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Photojournalist wins Pulitzer Prize for...

PAGE A1

shots of city life that set the backdrop of the crackdown. “What I experienced in the Philippines felt like a new level of ruthlessness: police officers’ summarily shooting anyone suspected of dealing or even using drugs, vigilantes’ taking seriously Mr. Duterte’s call to ‘slaughter them all,’� the photojournalist wrote in the article that accompanied his photos.

This is Berehulak’s second Pulitzer; he won in 2015 for feature photography for his coverage of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

Despite its criticism of Western coverage on the drug war, Malaca-

Ăąang respects the decision to reward Berehulak for images. “The Pulitzer Prize Board has its own criteria and selection process and we respect their decision on this matter,â€? Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella wrote in a statement on Tuesday, also acknowledging “the Western press has been highly critical of the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drug traffickers and violators.â€?

Media coverage on President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent drug crackdown has made international headlines since the president assumed office last June, and the president has not taken too kindly to the coverage.

Most recently, Duterte called out the media for “unfair� and “twisted� coverage on his presidency, accusing various domestic publications of distorting his words regarding the war on drugs. “They become really vicious and virulent,� the president said in remarks before the Philippine Councilors’ League on Thursday, March 29. “Ganun yan. Mabasa, makita mo naman talagang tinitwist nila. Yung slant na slant.

Sinasadya nila. (They’re like that.

You can read and see how they twist [the story], the slant. They do it consciously). They do not complete the sentence. They zeroin on the adjective or however you describe the situation.�

US Marine’s conviction upheld for killing transgender Filipina THE Philippine Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld the conviction of United States Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for killing a transgender Filipina three years ago.

In a 48-page decision dated April 3, the CA’s special 16th Division affirmed the March 2015 ruling of the Olongapo City regional trial court (RTC) which found Pemberton guilty of homicide for the killing of Jennifer Laude in 2014. “[T]he instant Appeal is denied for lack of merit and assailed [Nov. 18, 2015] Decision and the [March 29, 2016] Order of the Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City, Branch 72 are hereby affirmed,� the CA decision read.

Pemberton’s motion for reconsideration has been junked by the lower court, prompting him to raise his case before the CA. In his petition, Pemberton argued that he killed Laude in self-

defense after the latter allegedly molested him. He claimed that he was only defending his dignity and self-respect.

But the CA, in its ruling penned

by Associate Justice Marlene Gonzales-Sison, stated that “the only reason why [Pemberton] attacked Laude was that he was furious at him for pretending to be a woman, nothing more, nothing less.� “Indeed, a plea of self-defense cannot be justifiably appreciated where it is not only uncorroborated by independent and competent evidence, but also extremely doubtful by itself,� the CA added. “Self-defense, like alibi, is a defense which can easily be concocted, as it is in this case.�

The order went on to say that Pemberton did not only level Laude unconscious, “but ensured his death by submerging his head inside the toilet bowl.�

It dismissed the American’s

claim that he had no intention to commit the act.

The court said this “clearly� shows that Pemberton “intended the natural consequence of his wrongful act.� “To our mind, placing Laude’s head inside a toilet shows that Pemberton never thought of Laude as a human being, but as a fecal matter due to his sexual orientation,� the CA stressed.

In its decision, the CA affirmed the RTC’s ruling which sentenced Pemberton to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment.

It also raised the civil indemnity and moral damages set by the RTC at P50,000 to P75,000 each.

The Laude family, meanwhile, welcomed the CA’s decision.

Their lawyer, Kabayan partylist Rep. Harry Roque, described Pemberton’s conviction as “an affirmation of Philippine sovereignty.� (AJPress)

Major General Tony Taguba sounds off on caregiving, Filipino WWII vets recognition

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AFTER 35 illustrious years serving in the United States Army, Major General Antonio “Tony�

Taguba has dedicated his life to two crucial missions: stressing the importance of family caregiving and assuring Filipino World War II Veterans receive the recognition they deserve.

The major general’s efforts go beyond the mere expression of these two very important issues that greatly affect the FilipinoAmerican community.

Taguba — who is the second American citizen of Philippine birth to be promoted to the general rank in the U.S. — has lobbied lawmakers to provide more benefits to Filipino WWII Veterans, even rallying behind the Congressional Gold Medal award, which was signed by former President

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Barack Obama late last year.

Taguba currently serves as a community ambassador for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the nation’s leader in advocating for more benefits for retired senior citizens.

At AARP, he lobbies for more resources in public health, particularly for family caregiving, which he calls a crucial “national public health issue� that “starts with the family.� “Caregiving is a 24/7 job, 365 days a year,� Taguba told the Asian Journal.

Taguba learned how difficult family caregiving can be from his own experience of caring for his mother. She was dying of stomach cancer and Taguba and his six siblings had to organize a family caregiving system, and it was not easy. “We were not prepared,� he recounted. “I called it ‘discovery learning.’ We were just going along, relying on primary doctors and not looking at other forms of care like looking into social workers or geriatricians. That would have made a difference.� “I share my story because there’s always a better plan,�

Taguba added, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “It’s never going to be perfect, but it can ease the pain, grief, and guilt because if you’ve done it once, you’re going to do it again. After a while, we thought if it could happen to my mom, it can happen to us.�

Family and the comfort of home play two important roles when it comes to making end-of-life decisions for Filipinos, and Taguba recognizes that.

Most families will eventually have to turn to family caregiving, and it will be a struggle, he said.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible; he advises all loved ones to

Filipino-American Major General Tony Taguba shares his experiences with family caregiving and lobbying on behalf of Filipino World War II veterans.

research all the options available rather than relying on only a few sources.

As an ambassador for AARP, he goes around the country to tell the stories of people’s experiencing in caregiving. In collaboration with AARP, he created a documentary called Caregiving Dahil Mahal Kita (Because I Love You).

Through this, he exemplifies an important point: there’s no onesize-fits-all option for caregiving.

He’s committed to letting people know that all the resources are out there and that families can get started at AARP. “There’s no one answer, but there’s a lot of answers,� Taguba affirmed. “AARP is the lead organization for those that want to get started on family caregiving because they’re the leader in identifying resources and getting families prepared. The elderly have a multiplicity of ailments and you can’t just rely on one source, and you can’t do it alone. You’ll get PAGE A3

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DATELINE USA

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 13-19, 2017

A3

Horn on Pacquiao taking him lightly: Keep it up

by DINO

MARAGAY Philstar.com

IT has been reported the past days that Manny Pacquiao is looking to dispose of Jeff Horn quickly when they lock horns this July.

The message has been clear so far: Pacquiao sees Horn as an intermission number, a prelude to a much-bigger fight at the end of the year.

And Horn, for his part, wants it to stay that way.

In a report by the New Zealand Herald, the 29-year-old Horn said he welcomes the fact that Pacquiao seems to be underestimating him, hinting that it could be the cause of the Filipino icon’s downfall.

“Pacquiao and his managers CHRIST’S SUFFERING. The suffering of Christ comes to life on Kawa-Kawa Hill in the village of Tuburan, Ligao City, Albay province, through life-size images that draw thousands of faithful and tourists to the site during Lent.

Inquirer.net photo by Mark Alvic Esplana sound a bit confident and cocky,” he said.

“It’s like ‘we will just take this fight, come to Brisbane, knock over Jeff Horn, make their millions and go do the [Amir] Khan PAGE A1 cessing Service for a Form I-129, current H-1B workers to change fight,’” added Horn, referring to 1B program to employ foreign Petition for a Nonimmigrant employers; and allow current H- the statement from Pacquiao’s workers in occupations that re- Worker which requests the H-1B 1B workers to work concurrently camp claiming the fighting senator quire specialized knowledge, nonimmigrant classification. We in a second H-1B position. plans to get rid of Horn as quickly such as science, engineering will notify the public before reThe Trump administration is as possible. and computer-related fields. suming premium processing for reportedly looking to crackdown The agency will reject and re- H-1B petitions,” it said. on H1-B abuses, with the USCIS turn filing fees for all unselected Petitions filed on behalf of saying it would conduct site viscap-subject petitions that are not current H-1B workers who have its of petitioners suspected of duplicate filings. It will, however, been counted previously against misusing the program.

PAGE A1 continue to accept and process the cap, and who still retain their In a statement earlier this petitions that are otherwise ex- cap number, will also not be month, the Department of Jus- ing of the members of the Cabiempt from the cap. counted toward the congressio- tice (DOJ) said it “will not tol- net depends on the president, On April 3, USCIS said it would nally mandated FY 2018 H-1B erate employers misusing the Hernandez guaranteed that Rotemporarily suspend premium cap.

H-1B visa process to discrimi- bredo will “respect” Duterte’s processing for all H1-B petitions, The agency will continue to nate against U.S. workers. U.S. decision.

“Ang sa atin naman, yung pagincluding cap-exempt petitions, accept and process petitions workers should not be placed for up to six months. filed to: extend the amount of in a disfavored status, and the tatalaga ng miyembro ng Gabi“While H-1B premium pro- time a current H-1B worker may department is wholeheartedly nete, alam natin at tinatanggap cessing is suspended, petition- remain in the United States; committed to investigating and po natin na ito po ay desisyon ng ers will not be able to file Form change the terms of employment vigorously prosecuting these Pangulo (We accept the fact that appointing members of the CabiI-907, Request for Premium Pro- for current H-1B workers; allow claims.” (AJPress) net depends on the President’s decision, which will be respected

by Vice President Robredo),” Hernandez told DZXL RMN MaPAGE A2 years. Nobody cared about them Project (FILVETREP), an orga- nila in an interview. devastated and overworked on and history was not kind to them nization with the mission to proWhile no decision has been your own. But the first thing I tell and the past five to six years we mote academic research to raise made yet, Marcos — if appointed people is to ask around the area. decided that we have to congre- public awareness of the massive — would only be able to assume Ask a doctor, ask a nurse or find a gate something for them by re- Filipino efforts during the Second the role in mid-May, as the Consocial worker.” warding them the Congressional World War. stitution bans defeated candiHe’s also lobbied in Congress Gold Medal,” Taguba said.

The retired major general ac- dates from serving any Cabinet to challenge lawmakers who want Filipino WWII veterans were knowledged the progress that post until a year after the electo reduce funding to Medicaid one of the seven minority veter- has been made in terms of pro- tion. and other government-funded ans who fought in the war with viding Filipino WWII with pay“Ang sa atin po basta po maprograms that provide resources about 260,000 Filipinos lending ment, benefits and public recog- linaw yung plano at yung kredito public health their efforts to fight for the Allied nition. But he believes that more bilidad at yung kakayahan ng As a veteran of the U.S. Army Forces. However, they were “the work needs to be done with edu- taong itatalaga, sana po ay yun and the son of a Filipino WWII last to have been disenfranchised, cating the youth about these vet- po ang ma-consider (As far as guerilla fighter who escaped the disassociated and denied recog- erans and the enormous effort on we are concerned, we are just Bataan Death March, Taguba nition,” Taguba noted. their part. hoping that the credibility, comholds dearly to him the recogni“Kids and grandkids [of those petence and the vision of the per“We need to do something tion of the efforts of Filipino WWII right; 75 years is a long time to be soldiers], like myself, want to tell son would be the things considveterans, about 15,000 of whom forgotten,” he said. the world that their history is our ered),” Hernandez said. are still alive today.

Taguba chairs the Filipino Vet- story, their story is our history,” In an earlier interview, howev“They struggled for over 75 erans Recognition and Education Taguba declared. er, Robredo described the possi-

USCIS hits annual H1-B visa...

Jeff Horn and Manny Pacquiao are set to fight this July.

After confirming last week that his client has signed on to fight Horn, Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said they’re looking for a quick win over the Australian prospect.

Koncz added that they’re focusing on a more lucrative fight against Amir Khan—Pacquiao’s preference—in November.

Horn, meanwhile, has no issue with it.

“I hope he keeps feeling that way,” said Horn, who is looking to score a mammoth upset against the heavily favored Pacquiao.

And if Horn indeed he pulls it off, it will be one of the biggest sports upsets in recent memory.

Robredo won’t object Marcos’ possible...

Major General Tony Taguba sounds off...

bility of Marcos getting a Cabinet position as “scary in the sense that he will again be given an opportunity to do what they did before,” referring to the reign of his father, former President and dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“There have been several decisions already asking them to pay back whatever they got from the people but all of these judgments are not satisfied yet and now he is aiming for another Cabinet position and for me that is scary in the sense that he will again be given an opportunity to do what they did before,” Robredo said in a television interview last February.

Nevertheless, Robredo maintained that she would respect Duterte’s decision.

“It is always the president’s privilege whom to appoint in his Cabinet but my concern here is that the Marcoses have not paid for what they did to the country,” she said.

In response to speculations, Marcos said he is open to joining Duterte’s Cabinet.

“If the President asks you to serve in whatever capacity, hindi mo pupuwedeng tanggihan (you can’t refuse). Siyempre para sa bansa yan (Of course it’s for the country) and of course I’d be happy, I’d be proud, I’d be hon-

ored to serve in any position in the Duterte administration,” he said in an interview.

He admitted that Duterte has not offered him a position “I have not spoken to the president for a... few weeks now so, and never pa namin napag-usapan ang kahit na anong klaseng (we’ve never discussed any kind of) appointment,” he said.

Earlier, Duterte disclosed that he is not planning to appoint Marcos, saying it would affect the latter’s electoral protest against Robredo.

In June of last year, Marcos filed an electoral protest against Robredo before the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

He accused the vice president of committing massive poll fraud after she won the seat only by a slim margin.

Sought for comments over Duterte’s statement, Marcos said, “I guess I’ll leave that to the lawyers to study, pero pagkaalam ko (as far as I know), it is only during an election that you are abandoning.”

“But don’t worry, I won’t stop until all the votes you gave me have been counted, and we will bring that out in the open,” he added.

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Neil Gorsuch confirmed to Supreme Court

by KlARize

MeDenillA AJPress

AFTER tensions flew over who’d replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Judge Neil Gorsuch was confirmed on Friday, April 7 as the 113th justice of the nation’s highest court.

In a Senate vote that was largely based on party, Gorsuch, 49, was confirmed with a 54-45 in favor of, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a voluntary final vote as Senate president.

President Donald Trump nominated the Republican judge — who sat on the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals — just over two months ago. During his 20-hour confirmation hearing, the Democratic senators who questioned him criticized him for evading questions.

What was proven, however, was that he will likely vote conservatively, shifting the power of the court to the conservative bloc of justices, 5-4.

The Supreme Court has been divided on contentious issues in Judge Neil Gorsuch

the past year including the tie on former President Barack Obama’s immigration executive order.

However, the court has pending cases that, if ruled according to party with Gorsuch on the bench, would expand gun rights, uphold state voting restrictions that many say disenfranchise minority voters and allow private businesses to refuse service to gay couples on the grounds of religion.

Gorsuch’s confirmation is a big win for the Trump administration which has been burdened by Senate investigations into possible Russian ties during the presidential campaign and the failed healthcare bill and Obamacare replacement, the American Health Care Act, among other controversies.

In a statement, Trump hailed Gorsuch for his “judicial temperament, exceptional intellect, unparalleled integrity, and record of independence.”

“As a deep believer in the rule of law, Judge Gorsuch will serve the American people with distinction as he continues to faithfully and vigorously defend our Constitution,” the president added.

The confirmation fulfills one of the president’s agenda plans: to find a conservative replacement for Scalia and disregard and thwart Obama’s nomination, Merrick Garland, a Democrat.

The 49-year-old holds many similar lauded credentials of a typical Supreme Court justice; he graduated from Columbia, Harvard and Oxford universities.

In the 1990s, he worked as a clerk for federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices Byron White and Anthony Kennedy. He also held a private practice at a law firm, and then became a deputy associate attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 2006, Gorsuch was nominated by then-President George W. Bush to the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

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SCHOOL CHAIR DONATIONS. The students of Beatitudes Technology & Theology College in Brgy. Anabu, Imus City, Cavite, happily sit on the plastic chairs donated by Senator Cynthia A. Villar as they, along with teacher had a photo shoot with the senator. Villar has been providing to schools in Metro Manila and nearby places sturdy and durable school chairs made from recyclable plastic wastes. Aside from helping clean the environment, the recycling process also gives livelihood to communities.

Senate photo

‘There are no do-overs’ - advocates sound alarm on 2020 Census

by HonoRA

MontAno New America Media

WITH the 2020 Census three years out, civil rights groups and census experts are sounding the alarm that pending actions by the Trump administration and Congress could severely hamper an accurate count of all communities.

“Congress’ failure over the past few years to pay for rigorous 2020 Census planning, and now the Trump Administration’s insufficient budget request for 2018, will strike at the heart of operations specifically designed to make the census better in historically undercounted communities,” said Terri Ann Lowenthal, former staff director with the House Subcommittee on Census and Population.

She spoke during a national press call hosted by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The call was moderated by Wade Henderson, president and CEO of Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

“The decennial census is by far the most important and critical tool in our country to ensure that diverse communities are equitably served with government resources and that the American people are adequately represented at all levels of government,” said Henderson. “The census is required by the U.S. Constitution and policymakers are responsible for making sure the job gets done right. All of us must insist that they do that because there are no do-overs.”

Currently the Census Bureau is being funded at 2016 levels, as Congress has not approved final spending bills for 2017. The bureau has requested a 25 percent “ramp up” for preparation activities. But President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal recommends keeping funding levels where they are currently, $1.5 billion.

Census advocates say this is a crucial time for laying the groundwork and are calling for Congress to reject the administration’s budget proposal in favor of one that covers all preparation activities.

A ‘major civil rights issue’ Recently, the U.S. Government Accountability office deemed the 2020 Census a “high risk federal program,” in part because the

U.S. Census Bureau is planning to utilize several never-before used strategies – such as collecting responses over the internet – but may not have the time and resources to adequately develop and test them.

Budget limitations have already hindered major preparations, including the cancellation of tests of new methods in Puerto Rico and on two American Indian reservations, and resulted in mailed tests rather than electronic or in-person ones, as well as delayed community outreach and advertising campaigns.

Advocates say current funding shortfalls will result in many people – particularly black, Latino and rural households, and families with young children – being missed by the count. Arturo Vargas is the executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund. He calls the underfunding of the census a major civil rights issue for Latinos and other communities of color.

“A successful 2020 Census is not possible if Latinos are not accurately counted,” Vargas said.

Millions of Latinos, the second largest ethnic group in the U.S., were missed in the 2010 census, including 400,000 children under four, according to Vargas.

For each uncounted person, state governments and communities lose thousands of federal aid dollars, which go to anti-poverty programs, education, infrastructure, emergency services, healthcare and other programs.

An undercount can also trigger changes in political representation – from redrawn district lines, to fewer seats in local, state and federal offices, often diminishing the power of communities of color.

Advocates say that new costsaving strategies like collecting responses over the internet rather than paper forms require investments on the front end.

Delayed preparations cannot be made up later. Surveys administered online may also be hampered by the “digital divide” if adequate field tests are not taken.

Lack of access to broadband and the internet may make it “more challenging to [reach] those historically left out of the census in the first place,” Vargas warns.

The ‘first high tech census’ The first “high tech” census also opens the door to cyber security concerns, which have been exacerbated of late by evidence of foreign attacks on the 2016 presidential elections.

Such concerns could make Americans even more hesitant to participate.

Lowenthal says she and other advocates must be prepared for a “wild card” event, such as President Trump publically questioning the importance of the census via social media.

“One errant tweet could shake public confidence and in the process depress participation and undermine faith in the results, conceivably all the way to the halls of Congress,” Lowenthal said.

Census advocates are eyeing several other threats to the decennial count and its yearly counterpart, the American Community Survey. The ACS is sent yearly to about 1 in 38 households to collect demographic data on everything from employment and home-ownership to educational attainment.

Republicans in Congress are pushing to make participation in the ACS voluntary which could severely damage the data, says John C. Yang, president and executive director of the non-profit advocacy group Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

“The ACS updates the Census throughout the decade. As such it is required by law and must remain so to provide the vital info needed from our communities,” Yang said, emphasizing that the ACS is the only source for detailed data of ethnic subgroups, such as Vietnamese of Chinese descent.

Census advocates are also on high alert because an unsigned leaked executive order, titled “Protecting American Workers from Immigrant Labor,” referenced a directive to the Census Bureau to collect data on immigration status.

Advocates are alarmed by the intentions behind this unsigned order.

“Latinos and other immigrant families are keenly aware of heightened immigrant enforcement actions in their communities, and this may increase distrust in contact with public agencies including the Census Bureau,” Vargas said.

Wesley So is new US Chess champion

by Joey

VillAR Philstar.com

THE newest United States chess champion hails from the Philippines.

Wesley So, a Cavite-born chesser who now lives in Minnetonka, added the US Championship plum to his growing collection of trophies as he bested Alexander Onischuk in the deciding twogame playoff, 1.5-.5, in St. Louis, Missouri on Tuesday, April 11.

The Cavite-born So, 23, won the first showdown in 31 moves of an English Opening and then eked out a marathon 62-move draw in the second of a King’s Indian Attack to secure the win and his very first US crown while denying Onischuk, the 2006 winner, his second triumph.

The World No. 2’s US triumph was actually not as tough and strong as the other super tournaments he won including the Tata Steel Masters where he won over reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen early in the year and the Sinquefield Cup last year.

But So made it known he wanted to win the event participated by the US’ top 12 players and won by legendary players, including the late great former world champion Bobby Fisher.

“I really wanted to win this one this year, because it’s the strongest national competition

by Joey

A. gAbietA Inquirer.net

by Denison

Rey A. DAlupAng Philstar.com

Wesley So

in the world, So told the US’ Star Tribune.

“All the great (US) players have won this one,” he added.

So and Onishchuk both ended up on top with seven points apiece after the 11-round tournament and needed a pair of rapid games using 25-minute time control to break the tie.

It was all So, who came to US from the Philippines on a Webster University scholarship five years ago before deciding to change affiliations a few years later, needed to dispatch Onischuk, who 18 years older.

In their first game, So pounced

on a two-pawn sacrifice that allowed Onischuk to seize the initiative a dangerous queenside attack.

But Onishchuk failed to find the correct continuation in deep time trouble, giving So a chance to neutralize it by providing a rook for a bishop for an unstoppable passed pawn on the center.

In the second, Onischuk gained the early upperhand when he managed to emerge with a dangerous pair of bishops against So’s two galloping knights but the former threw away his advantage to allow So to escape with the title-sealing standoff.

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OpiniOn

A call for piety

Features

“MAY the virtues of kindness and benevolence that Christ exemplified serve as our inspiration to aid in the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen. Let the story of crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society,” said President Rodrigo Duterte in his Holy Week message to Filipinos this Lenten season.

Despite being a known critic of the Church, Duterte imparted his wish that Filipinos would experience a meaningful and purposeful Holy Week.

“This moment of renewal of our faith sends a message of solidarity to everyone regardless of our denomination. Despite our differences as individuals, may we always choose to embody compassion as Chris has personified,” he added.

As Filipinos flocked to churches on Sunday, April 9 to have their palm fronds blessed—in commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem— Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle reminded the Filipino faithful of how the tradition symbolized the acceptance of Jesus.

“Accepting the real Jesus is accepting His presence among the poor; those who get spat at and insulted in the society; those who kept silent even when they are being slapped. But they are the ones

who have dignity because only God knows the truth. And that’s how Jesus is, and that’s how we should follow Him,” Tagle said.

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ hold a fundamental place in the lives of most Filipino Catholics. It is central, not as an abstract belief, but rather as a medium of experience and tradition that provides continuity in life, structure in the community, and principled purpose for existence.

Remembering these events is more than a history lesson. To many devout Catholics, Holy Week is a chance to reenact the significant moments of Jesus Christ’s life. Pinoy Catholics reflect upon the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through prayers.

Some pray for good health and fortune, while others wish for deliverance. Some ask for a miracle, a few want to give thanks. Regardless of one’s

Editorial

desire behind his or her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith.

Regardless of one’s desire behind his/her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith.

This season’s message is simple: do right by others, through Christ’s example.

ManilaTimes.net photo

The life and times of Jesus Christ leave us with a great example to emulate. We are called to live like saints, not to make a mark in the world through suffering or death, but to appeal similar honest lives.

Saintly people live life the best way they can—to simply make a difference. (AJPress)

Reversing his long-held position, Trump strikes Syria: What changed?

AMID his historic 35 percent approval rating and an ongoing investigation into his alleged conspiracy with Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, President Donald Trump ordered a missile strike on Friday, April 7 in Syria without seeking Congressional approval, following news reports about Syria dictator Bashar Al-Assad slaughtering innocent civilians using chemical weapons on Tuesday.

According to news reports, at least 73 people were killed, 23 of whom were children, in the sarin gas attack in the rebel-held Idlib province.

This “decisive” act from Trump must have been “cathartic” for a lot of people all over the world who found the horrific murder in Syria unacceptable, and felt that something would have to be done to help the people of Syria who has been suffering in the past seven years. To date, close to half a million people have been killed in the civil war waging in Syria, with many civilians forced to flee their country and seek refuge in other countries, even when this escape could mean their deaths.

While CBS News polls show that a majority of Americans support Trump’s decision to launch the measured attack using 59 Tomahawk missiles in Syria, they are reluctant to get more involved in this “war” with the Middle Eastern nation.

More questions arise from Trump’s action. What made Trump change his long-held position in the Syria conflict after aggressively firing tweets for then President Barack Obama to not get involved in the Syria conflict?

Looking back, what were his thoughts about Obama’s possible motive in getting involved in Syr-

ia? Flashback to October 2012: “Now that Obama’s poll num- The Fil-Am bers are in tailspin – watch for him to launch a strike in Libya or Perspective Iran. He is desperate.”

In 2013, Obama wanted to launch air strikes against Syria in 2013 when Assad “crossed the Gel SantoS-reloS red line” following a chemical attack on the Damascus suburbs that killed up to 1,300 people.

However, Obama backed down, mainly because he could not get the British Parliament’s support, which deprived America of a key ally in any military action.

When Obama asked for congressional approval pursuant to the rule of law (and Congress voted against it), Trump tweeted: “AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA - IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE U.S. GETS NOTHING!” Obama then reportedly authorized the CIA to begin arming Syria’s rebels fighting Assad in 2013, and the U.S.-led coalition currently provides intelligence, supplies and training to rebel groups — a move that Republicans had criticized Obama for.

During the presidential campaign and even after being elected president, Trump continues to say that his policy is “America first.” In his first address to Congress, Trump said, “My job is not to represent the world…My job is to represent the United States of America.”

Just a week before Assad’s gassing civilians in

Syria, Trump continued to maintain a hands-off position. He said the U.S. diplomatic policy on Syria was no longer focused on making Assad leave power.

However, the Tuesday slaughtering in Syria shocked the world anew. When the news showed gut-wrenching videos of people, including helpless babies, dying slowly and painfully because of the gas attack, public outrage all over the world made people ask what the most powerful nation would do to help the Syrian people.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley condemned the UN Security Council for failing to intervene in the Syrian civil war.

“When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action,” she said before the UN Assembly.

Following this, Trump said in a press conference at the White House: “A chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria, against women and small children, and even beautiful little babies, and their deaths, was an affront to humanity.”

“It had a big impact on me. It was a horrible, horrible thing. I’ve been watching it and it doesn’t get any worse than that,” he continued. “My attitude to Syria and Assad has changed very much. You are now talking about a whole different level. What happened yesterday is unacceptable to me.”

Trump said Assad had crossed not only the “red line,” but “many lines.” And on Friday, he ordered

the attack.

What changed?

He had seen thousand being gassed by Assad in 2013. He wasn’t moved then? He wasn’t changed then? Yes, he was not yet president then, but he did not need any classified intelligence reports to see the horrific images that everyone in the world saw four years ago.

Trump had also seen the many babies being killed as many Syrian families tried to escape from the war zone in Syria, which prompted the nations of the world to be in agreement to accept Syrian refugees for humanitarian reasons.

And yet during the presidential campaign, Trump demonized the Syrian refugees, instilling fear among the American people against these people and saying the U.S. should end the Syrian refugee program to protect the American people from terrorists using the Syrian refugee program.

Trump ran on the campaign promise of banning Muslims, and even made it his priority to fulfill this by signing an executive order to ban Syrian refugees indefinitely.

But, what changed? And moving forward, how would this epiphany translate to Trump’s foreign policy? What will be his long-term strategy in Syria and in the Syrian refugee crisis?

The world is watching. *** 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

Cigarettes: The macho killers SOME years ago, I was asked to create Street an ad campaign to debunk the argument Talk that a non-smoking section in restaurants and other public places could spare non-smokers from the hazards of GreG B. MacaBenta second-hand smoke.

I depicted a public swimming pool where someone urinated at one end of the pool, causing all the swimmers to jump out. The headline read: “Does it make sense to have a non-pissing section in a public pool?”

Indeed, if urinating in a public pool can make others “rest in piss,” second hand-smoke in a public place can literally make folks RIP. While this may seem “punny,” the health risks posed by cigarettes and second-hand smoke are no joke. This harsh reality struck me after I read a paper written by Dr. Edilberto B. Garcia, Jr., president of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Inc., along with a news item about the anti-smoking campaign being waged by Vital Strategies, described as “a global health organization that seeks to accelerate progress on the world’s most pressing health problems.”

I think I’m familiar enough with the hazards of smoking. I used to smoke three packs a day. At the time that I still smoked, no health warnings or scare tactics could keep me away from my “yosi” – not even the fact that, on most mornings, I suffered from smoker’s cough and felt as if a cat had slept in my mouth

I spent my teenage years in the movie industry where smoking was a macho thing. Holding a stick between my fingers or letting it hang from my mouth made me feel like the rugged Marlboro Man in that classic Western-themed TV commercial.

Well, guess what. The Marlboro Man – in fact, four men who played that role in the commercial series - died of lung cancer caused by smoking.

Another macho man, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, who predated Manny Pacquiao in the world boxing hall of fame, was knocked out by lung cancer. He was a chain smoker.

It is no exaggeration to say that smoking is a Macho Killer.

Mercifully I quit smoking before the addiction could inflict any lasting damage on me. I can’t say as much about some of my friends and relatives. An in-law has a severe case of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which he attributes to years of smoking. His elder brother died a couple of years ago from emphysema, with cigarettes suspected as the culprit. A lawyer friend managed to quit smoking, but it was too late. He died of lung cancer a few months after taking his last puff.

I could rattle off the names of celebrities who succumbed to lung cancer and other respiratory ailments caused by smoking, but that won’t necessarily convince people to kick the habit. The

most common excuse is that quitting is not easy or that it’s too late to stop.

There has to be a very persuasive, hard-to-resist reason to stop smoking.

My motivation was provided by my children.

I had four growing kids for whom I initiated a physical fitness regimen, as an alternative to the temptation of drug use. The tactic worked. Then one day, my eldest son chided me: “Papa, you’re exercising everyday but you’re smoking. Do you know that it’s bad for your health?”

The next day, I stopped. Cold turkey.

None of my children learned to smoke or do drugs and I haven’t touched a stick for almost 40 years.

For different folks, different reasons for kicking the habit can work. According Vital Strategies, the Department of Health reported that over a million Filipinos quit smoking from 2009 to 2015 – down from 17 million to 15.9 million – apparently due to the graphic warning on cigarette packs and the higher taxes on tobacco products.

But that’s still nearly 16% of the population who are at risk, not to mention those endangered by second-hand smoke. Clearly, there is a need for more aggressive anti-smoking action.

This should include an executive order, said to be awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte, that will ban smoking in public places and will add more teeth to Republic Act 9211.

RA 9211 – “An Act Regulating the Packaging, Use, Sales, Distribution and Advertisements of Tobacco Products” - is actually a “fence-sitter” law because, while it purports to “promote

a healthful environment and protect the citizens from the hazards of tobacco smoke,” the law also provides that “the interests of tobacco farmers, growers, workers and stakeholders are not adversely compromised.” Stake holders include Big Tobacco.

Said Vital Strategies President and CEO Jose Luis Castro, “Public health is best served when a comprehensive set of tobacco control policies are enacted to deter youth from initiating smoking, encourage current smokers to quit, and protect the health of non-smokers who make up the majority of the population.”

Castro added: “Graphic health warnings and the single, unified rate of tax on cigarettes have been positive steps forward, as have regional smoking bans, but a national smoke-free policy and – critically – higher tobacco taxes would help to deliver real reductions in smoking prevalence.”

If I might suggest: Also needed is a sustained and aggressive anti-smoking information campaign on both traditional media and social media, like the one successfully mounted in the US. As a result, in America, smokers are regarded as virtual pariahs.

I also think special attention should be given to second-hand smoke because it poses a more insidious hazard due to the false impression that being a non-smoker necessarily spares one from the threat. In this regard, I think excerpts from the paper of Dr. Garcia can be very enlightening: “Every week in my clinic I see people harmed by secondhand smoke especially among infants, children and

members of their household. The science is clear – second-hand smoke can cause a range of harms including respiratory illness, impaired lung function, middle ear disease in children and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, while in adults it can cause lung cancer, stroke, and asthma attacks and delivery of low birth weight infants among pregnant women.

“We call it the invisible killer, because the harm isn’t just in the smoke you can see and smell - nearly 85% of tobacco smoke is invisible and odorless, but causes just as much harm.

“Even brief exposure causes harm.

Just 30 minutes of second-hand smoke increases risk of a heart attack. The national Global Adult Tobacco Survey showed that millions suffer exposure every month: 55% of all Filipinos report breathing second-hand smoke recently on public transport and 33% in restaurants, and 77% who work in a place with no formal anti-smoking policy are routinely breathing in this hazardous cloud of dozens of toxic chemicals.”

Did I say that the anti-smoking campaign has been successful in the US? Read this Google post and weep. Big Tobacco has simply shifted its focus to the Third World: “U.S. tobacco companies have a long history of deceit, deception and duplicity in their relentless pursuit of profit. These companies have hooked generations of American smokers using the tools of manipulative advertising, disinformation campaigns refuting the health consequences of PAGE A7

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

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D ateline PhiliPPines For vote recount, SC orders Marcos to pay P66-M

by Jomar

Cigarettes: The macho killers

Canlas

PAGE A6

Manilatimes.net

THE Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), has ordered former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr. to pay P63 million for the recount of votes in his poll protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.

Robredo was ordered to pay P15.4 million.

The tribunal directed Marcos to deposit P33 million before April 14, Good Friday. The P30 million should be paid before July 14.

Robredo was also ordered to pay the P15.4 million in two installments—P8 million on or before April 14, 2017 and P7.4 million on or before July 14.

A source at the court said that Chief Justice Lourdes AranalSereno “hostaged� the release of the resolution.

Marcos’ lawyer George Erwin Garcia hot hold of the resolution on April 10, 2017. The source said the court en banc ruled on the issue on March 21, 2017.

The source said that the resolution was “stuck� in the office of Sereno and was released “belatedly.� “Inipit ni Sereno yung resolution ni Bongbong. Biruin mo March 21 pa na en banc yan tapos ilalabas niya kung kailan Holy Week para gipitin si Bongbong sa pagbabayad ng protest nya (Sereno sat on the resolution. The en banc tackled the issue on March 21 but she released it on Holy Week to make it difficult for Marcos to pay the amount)� the source said.

As a matter of procedure, the ponente shall make the draft as agreed during the en banc and this will be sent to the chief justice for approval and release of the resolution.

Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa is the ponente of the election protest.

The source said that with the late release of the resolution, Marcos will be at a disadvantage because if he fails to pay the amount on time, his poll protest will be dismissed.

However, under the Rules of Court, if the last day to comply with the order of the court falls on a holiday, the payment

A

Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Vice Pres. Leni Robredo

or compliance shall be made on the next working day. This means that the Marcos camp is obliged to deposit the money with the court on April 17, a Monday, since Black Saturday and Easter Sunday are holidays.

The PET ruled that Marcos should pay P500 for each of the

132,446 precincts where votes for the vice presidential election will be counted.

In his protest, Marcos questioned the election result in 39,221 clustered precincts.

Marcos lost to Robredo by only 263,473 votes. The former senator claimed that he was cheated.

smoking, and political lobbying.

In the process, they have grown into enormous multinational conglomerates. In recent years, as smoking has declined in the United States, they have begun to look elsewhere for growth. “While cigarette sales fell by 4.5 percent in North America between 1990 and 1995, they increased by 5.6 percent in Eastern Europe and 8 percent in the Asia-Pacific region. By the turn of the century, per capita consumption in developing countries will be greater than that of developed countries, says the World Health Organization (WHO)‌Multinational cigarette companies are flooding developing countries with ads that say smoking is exciting, glamorous and Western. The situation is only going to get worse as more women and children start smoking.â€?

I suggest that Vital Strategies

should borrow the anti-smoking TV commercial in the US featuring a former Marlboro Man, Wayne McLaren, who died of lung cancer at age 51. After quitting his modeling assignment with Marlboro, he appeared in the anti-smoking campaign until his death.

Said McLaren, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times: “I’ve spent the last month of my life in an incubator and I’m telling you, it’s just not worth it.�

Vital Industries could name the TV commercial, The Macho Killers. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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Journal

Maine Mendoza takes the spotlight in ‘Eat Bulaga’s’ Lenten special Maine Mendoza headlines “Prinsesa,” one of the six episodes for this year’s “eat Bulaga’s” Lenten special. in “Prinsesa,” Mendoza plays Mayang, a professional pickpocket who fosters an unlikely friendship with a child who will teach her the value of family and forgiveness.

Joining her in “Prinsesa” are Wally Bayola, Ryzza Mae Dizon, anjo Yllana, and Trops stars Tommy Peñaflor and Joel Palencia.

“Snatcher ako. Prinsesa ng lansangan ba kung tawagin. Tapos, hindi ko kasi nakasama yung pamilya ko dito kaya lumaki ako na ganun yung ginagawa kong trabaho,” Mendoza said of her role.

The role is both a challenge and a privilege for the young actress.

Renowned for her comedic timing, the “eat Bulaga” co-host usually plays cheerful and optimistic roles — in short, characters not far from the real-life Maine Mendoza.

But for the Lenten special, her role requires her to dig deep, acting-wise. “isa ito sa mga kakaibang characters na nagawa ko, ever. Si Mayang kasi, very serious. Seryoso siyang tao. Medyo siga. So nahirapan din ako na mag-adjust sa

(From left) Raymundo’s disfigured face right after the accident; the crumpled linen showing an image of a bearded man; and a year after his miraculous recovery.

Lance Raymundo enacts Christ’s suffering in ‘Martir Sa Golgota’

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

Maine Mendoza in a scene with Ryzza Mae Dizon

ganung character,” she said. nevertheless, Mendoza is no stranger to acting. Despite making her mark in show business as an “eat Bulaga” mainstay, the 22-year-old TV host has displayed her acting chops in projects such as the 2016 hit movie “imagine You and Me,” and the 2015 blockbuster hit “My Bebe Love.” She is also used to doing dramatic scenes thanks to her ongoing GMa primetime soap opera “Destined To Be Yours.”

But Mendoza said her role as Mayang is perhaps her most difficult — and most interesting — yet.

“Yung persona ko as Maine Mendoza, malayo sa character ko. Kasi si Mayang, galit lagi sa mundo. Meron din naman siyang sympathy sa tao, kailangan lang kunin yung kiliti sa puso. Doon lang kami nagkakapareho ni Mayang,” she said.

Mendoza continued, “Most of my roles are happy lang na babae na optimist. alam naman ng mga tao na most of my roles ay medyo happy-happy lang. Pabebe.

Pero dito, iba ako. Parang mas kailangan dito ng acting since

hindi naman ako ganun talaga as a person.” indeed, Mendoza is really making her mark in show business as a versatile actress. But she is not letting the praise and the laurels [she has won a Best Supporting actress award in the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival]get to her head. “admittedly, hindi pa ako talaga adjusted sa acting life,” she said. “nahihirapan pa rin ako, kailangan ko pa rin ng tulong ng acting coach and directors. May adjustments pa rin, naiilang pa rin ako kapag umaarte. But i just let it flow. ang ginagawa ko talaga is i focus sa work ko and sa script. i really take it seriously para makadeliver ako ng maayos in terms of acting.”

“Prinsesa,” directed by Mike Tuviera will air on Tuesday, april 11. it is among the stories to be featured in this year’s “eat Bulaga” Lenten special. This yearly eat Bulaga tradition has been airing during Holy Week since 1981.

Many year’s special is perhaps its most star-studded edition yet. alden Richards and Ryan agonPAGE B2

SinGeR-actor Lance Raymundo was rehearsing for “Passion Of The Christ” as the Messiah for the stage play’s 25th anniversary in March 2014 when he met a freak accident at the gym. His trainer dropped a 95-pound barbell directly hitting his face, entirely damaging his nose bridge and part of his cheek.

While the accident prevented him from joining the play, it nevertheless strengthened his faith, which in turn helped him resolve to forgive—one of the most important lessons Jesus Christ ever taught mankind.

The younger sibling of singer Rannie Raymundo recalls accepting his fate—that of a damaged face and possibly being physically impaired for life—when he came to terms with his misfortune.

“The day after my near fatal accident, i realized the gravity of the situation. i was half blind, and the small crack on my skull made me vulnerable to meningitis, seizures and attacks. and through functioning eyes, i took a good look at the mirror and didn’t recognize my own reflection because my face had been disfigured. But for some reason, instead of feeling angry, depressed and negative, i

just took another look at the ‘new me,’ smiled back at my reflection, and thanked God i was still alive.”

A life of meaning Raymundo then asked God to guide him in planning a meaningful life with his situation. He began by finding it within him to completely and sincerely forgive the fitness trainer who accidentally dropped the barbell on his face, praying for the person’s peace of mind. at approximately 5:45 p.m. that day, he narrated, “i heard a voice within my head saying, ‘Your suffering will only last for six days because on the seventh day, everything will be restored.’ i’m human, so naturally, i had my doubts. The doctors told me that due to extreme swelling all over my face it will take around three weeks before i can undergo the first surgery. So i asked the voice, ‘God i have full trust in you, and i fully accept my situation because i know there is a reason for everything, and i know that you will not put me in any situation i can’t handle. But i just want to know if i’m really hearing You, or if my mind is playing tricks on me, making me hear what i want to hear just to help me feel better.”

He continued, “The voice merely told me that if i have

Every year since 2015, Raymundo has appeared as Jesus Christ in a travelling passion play in and around Metro Manila.

enough strength to sit down, then i will know the answer. i used all the strength i had to sit down on my own. When i finally got up from my hospital bed, the first thing i saw was the crumpled linen of my hospital blanket. it had the image of a bearded man, which to me looked like Jesus! i felt a little embarrassed for doubtPAGE B2

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Awra: From Internet sensation to certified star Janella Salvador to play mermaid in new film

by Kane

errol Choa Philstar.com

by riCKy lo Philstar.com

AwrA Briguela’s journey to stardom saw its peak Sunday night, April 9 when he was named the first-ever grand winner of the top-rating musical-variety program “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” after his epic impersonation of rapper Nicki Minaj.

The so-called Breakout Child Star, who shot to Internet fame with his signature “awra” facial expression, has dabbled in acting in both TV and film. But it was Awra Briguela wins P1M, a house and lot and a trip for four to Jeju Island, South Korea. his stint in “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” that got him a le- natural flair for performing and trip for four to Jeju Island, South Korea. gion of admirers as the show gave entertaining.

He garnered a total score of After his impersonation of him an opportunity to flaunt his Nicki, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Va- 95.41 percent from the combined lenciano, one of the show’s jurors, jurors’ scores and public text votes, besting his seven co-percalled him a superstar.

“All I can say is, I hope that as formers AC Bonifacio, Alonzo the show business’ newest super- Muhlach, Elha Nympha, Justin star, you don’t forget where you Alva, Lyca Gairanod, Sam Shoaf came from because a lot of people and Xia Vigor.

The two-night grand showthere look up to you and get inspiration from you. I hope and pray down did not only feature the that you keep it up. If you do that, performers’ cute transformations that will be the result, whatever but also a rare performance from the three jurors with their kids stage you step on,” he said.

His co-jurors, Megastar Sharon Frankie Pangilinan, Leila Alcasid Cuneta and singer-songwriter and Kiana Valenciano who sang Ogie Alcasid, also took a moment OPM hits “I-Swing Mo Ako,” to commend Awra’s performance, “Sumayaw, Sumunod” and “Mahal na Mahal Ko Siya.” as well as his character.

Premier love team Kathryn Sharon said, “Your performance was so great. You give me Bernardo and Daniel Padilla also and our viewers so much joy every delighted viewers with their performance of “Can’t Help Falling week. Tonight, you gave it all.”

“You were so great. All I want in Love.”

Awra’s victory in “Your Face to say to you is, many people don’t know how you are backstage and Sounds Familiar Kids” is bound off-cam. You are a really kind and to give his already shining star humble person. Thank you that a boost. At just 14, he has alI met you that way. Congratula- ready shown potential to be the country’s next biggest entertainer, tions, well done,” shared Ogie.

As the grand winner, Awra and Kapamilya fans will surely see Awra transforms into Nicki Minaj. won P1M, a house and lot, and a more of him.

Maine Mendoza takes the spotlight in...

PAGE B1

cillo, meanwhile, star in “Kapatid,” a tale of two brothers who learn to look after each other despite their differences. Also starring in the episode are ruby rodriguez, Pia Guanio, and Jerald Napoles. It is directed by Joyce Bernal.

In Jose Javier reyes’ “Inay,” Paolo Ballesteros and Ai-Ai delas Alas play a mother and son who “raise” each other by recognizing their sacrifices and accepting their differences.

Lorna Tolentino headlines “Pagpapatawad,” a story of a broken family’s newfound chance to reconcile and start anew by learn-

ing from the mistakes of the past to help them face the future. Gina Alajar directs the episode, which also stars Kenneth Medrano and Taki of the teen-oriented show “Trops,” child sensation Baste, and Patricia Tumulak.

Jake Ejercito returns to “Eat Bulaga” via “Mansyon,” starring Jose Manalo, Tito Sotto, Barbie Forteza, Trops’ Kim Last, Miggy Tolentino, and Jon Timmons. “Mansyon,” directed by Linnet Zurbano, revolves around a family who finds a home in each other as they build on their dreams and try to overcome obstacles that threaten to drift them apart.

Finally, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon star in “Kaibigan,” a heartwarming tale of two friends who face circumstances that elevate their bond from friendship to family. Directed by Joel Lamangan, the episode also stars Bianca Umali and Kim rodriguez.

“Siyempre 1980s pa sinimulan ng ‘Eat Bulaga’ ito, kumbaga naging tradisyon na ng mga Pilipino na kapag Holy week, bukod sa panata, mapapanuod mo Eat Bulaga yung mga host na makukulit na nagda-drama. Nakakatuwa na pinapagpatuloy namin yung tradisyon ng mga Pinoy,” Paolo Ballesteros said.

DID you know that when Janella Salvador turned five years old, her mom Jenine Desiderio dressed her up like a mermaid?

“I have always been fascinated with mermaids,” admitted Janella who happily announced that in regal Films’ “My Fairy Tail Love Story,” with suitor (pa lang?)

Elmo Magalona as leading man (and Kiray as co-star), she’s playing a mermaid!

Janella Salvador has many reasons to be jumping with joy, one of which is her Regal Films starrer “My Fairy Tail Love Story” in which she realizes her dream of playing a mermaid (with suitor Elmo Magalona as her leading man). The photo shows Janella dressed as a mermaid for her fifth birthday with her mom, Jenine Desiderio.

Janella was having merienda with movie writers a few days ago when Jun Nardo got a call from regal Matriarch Lily Monterverde who asked Jun to tell the movie press that “My Fairy Tail” would be submitted as regal’s entry in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Upon hearing the good news, Janella waved her hands in victory and screamed with joy.

But unlike other screen mermaids, Janella won’t be doing any boob exposure. Let’s wait and see what her costume will

be.

Besides the regal movie, Janella and Elmo (with Joshua Garcia) are also starring in Star Cinema’s “Bloody Crayons,” directed by Topel Lee, and in “Kung Kailangan Mo Ako,” an ABS-CBN teleserye.

More reasons for Janella to be jumping with joy: “Super Janella,” a digital concert produced last March 5 by One Music Philippines, was successful while her eponymous debut album by Star Music got a Gold record and Platinum Awards.

Lance Raymundo enacts Christ’s suffering...

PAGE B1 ing my faith, but I was also very thankful for the direct response from God.” His mom, former beauty queen Nina Zaldua, said she saw the same image, picked up her cell phone and took a picture as remembrance, which he shared on Facebook.

True enough, six days after the tragedy, his doctor scheduled him for his first surgery, which was successful. The singer-actor recovered a lot faster than expected, and after his second and final reconstructive surgery, raymundo looked more handsome than before.

“This is not about religion.

Anyone can feel free to relate to this story. [But] to me, this is more of a testimony of faith, hope, forgiveness, positivity, love, family and a smile that can truly work miracles,” he said of his ordeal and recovery.

A passion renewed In 2015, the role of the Messiah was offered anew to raymundo. without thinking twice he accepted it, saying that playing Christ was the best way to celebrate the gift of new life.

Since then, the singer-actor had pledged to portray the role of the redeemer every year in the long-running Lenten musical. Titled “Martir Sa Golgota” for 2017, he first went on stage on April 7 at Greenfield Central Park in Mandaluyong City, then in Greenfield City, Sta. rosa, Laguna.

Playing the redeemer is both a privilege and blessing for any actor, and as raymundo attests, it has brought him closer to the Lord each time.

“My understanding of Jesus is that God the Father allowed him to descend upon the Earth as human like us, going through the same things—hunger, pain, happiness, joy, temptation, anger—but he

drew his power through his faith, love and obedience to his Father,” raymundo shared.

He furthered, “For me, the reason why Jesus humbled himself to be incarnated on earth as human is to show us that we are actually capable of living a Christ-like existence by his Father’s words. I tackle my role by embracing my own humanity and by trying to understand how Jesus was able to fulfil his mission despite all his human qualities.” raymundo emphasized that the Jesus he portrays on stage is not detached from humanity.

“I’m playing Jesus just like he is just your friend, brother, neighbor. And I’m doing it in all humility, acknowledging the fact that my portrayal is a gift and blessing from God. I don’t do this on stage to showcase my skills as an actor and singer but to be able to spread God’s good words.”

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The meaning of Holy Week FOR Christians, Holy Week is definitely a very sacred time of the year. Starting on Palm Sunday onto Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, it is a time to reflect on Jesus Christ’s journey to the Cross — beginning with his entry into Jerusalem, his lonely trek from the Upper Room through Gethsamane, and ultimately to Calvary and the empty tomb.

So what makes each day holy, you may ask. Let’s explore the meaning of each of the solemn days of Holy Week.

Palm Sunday Palm Sunday celebrates the glorious and brilliant feast of the Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:1-18).

Zechariah had prophesied the entrance of the Messiah into Jerusalem, saying: “Rejoice greatly … O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King comes unto Thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass”, Zech. 9:9. The contemporary Jews associated this prophecy with the expected Messiah. This action of Christ testifies to His nature as Messiah, but with the definite declaration that His Kingdom was not of this world. The main road leading to Jerusalem was covered with palm trees. The multitudes, with palm branches in their hands, spread their cloaks on the road as a show of respect, crying out, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Holy Monday On Holy Monday we commemorate Jesus’ return to Jerusalem with his disciples. Along the way, Jesus cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit. Some scholars believe this cursing of the fig tree represented God’s judgment on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Israel. Others believe the symbolism extended to all believers, demonstrating

Bethany was about two miles east of Jerusalem. Here Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha lived. They were close friends of Jesus, and probably hosted him and the disciples during these final days in Jerusalem.

Just a short time previously, Jesus had revealed to the disciples, and the world, that he had power over death by raising Lazarus from the grave. After seeing this incredible miracle, many people in Bethany believed that Jesus was the Son of God and put their faith in him. Also in Bethany just a few nights earlier, Lazarus’ that genuine, living faith is more sister Mary had lovingly anointed than just outward religiosity. True the feet of Jesus with expensive faith must bear spiritual fruit in a perfume. person’s life.

Maundy Thursday When Jesus arrived at the From Bethany Jesus sent Peter Temple he found the courts full and John ahead to the Upper of corrupt money changers. He Room in Jerusalem to make the began overturning their tables preparations for the Passover and clearing the Temple, saying, Feast. That evening after sunset, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Jesus washed the feet of his disTemple will be a house of prayer,’ ciples as they prepared to share but you have turned it into a den in the Passover. By performing of thieves.” (Luke 19:46) this humble act of service, Jesus On Monday evening Jesus demonstrated by example how stayed in Bethany again, probably they were to love one another. in the home of his friends, Mary, Today, many churches practice Martha, and Lazarus. foot-washing ceremonies as a Holy Tuesday part of their Maundy Thursday On Tuesday morning, Jesus services. and his disciples returned to JeruThen Jesus shared the feast salem. They passed the withered of Passover with his disciples. fig tree on their way, and Jesus As the Lamb of God, Jesus was taught them about faith. about to fulfill the meaning of At the Temple, the religious the Passover by giving his body leaders aggressively challenged to be broken and his blood to be Jesus’ authority, attempting to shed in sacrifice, freeing us from ambush him and create an op- sin and death. During this Last portunity for his arrest. But Je- Supper, Jesus established the sus evaded their traps and pro- Lord’s Supper, or Communion, nounced harsh judgment on instructing his followers to conthem. tinually remember his sacrifice by Holy Wednesday sharing in the elements of bread The Bible doesn’t say what and wine. the Lord did on Holy Wednesday.

Later Jesus and the disciples Scholars speculate that after two left the Upper Room and went to exhausting days in Jerusalem, the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus and his disciples spent this Jesus prayed in agony to God the day resting in Bethany in anticipa- Father. He was later betrayed tion of the Passover. with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Sanhedrin. He was taken to the home of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the whole council had gathered to begin making their case against Jesus.

Good Friday Christ’s journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death on Good Friday.

According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself.

PAGE B5

Observing Holy Week

By Monet

Lu

LENTEN season is the time when Christians — Catholic and other religious denominations — remember Christ’s passion (his suffering and death) and resurrection.

Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter Sunday) marks the beginning of this season, it is when you will see Catholics with ashes smudged on their foreheads in the shape of a cross.

Holy Week is from Palm Sunday to Black Saturday, then Easter Sunday. It is traditionally a solemn occasion, most commonly known as Semana Santa in the Philippines and other countries.

Priests and religious statues are dressed in purple to symbolize gloom. Devout Catholics go to church every day; some fast as a symbol of respect and faith while the born-again Christians just pray directly to God without worshiping statues or saints. Although different, these practices convey the same message.

This time of the year commits people to fulfill their vows, to ask God for forgiveness or favors, such as cures for health, personal and financial problems.

Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Filipino Catholics bring palaspas (palm fronds) to church to be blessed by the priests.

Then, they bring the fronds back home with them.

In the Philippines, for most of the week, especially after Tuesday, the towns are eerily quiet with TV and radio stations going off the air and no loud noises or revelry whatsoever. Catholics stop eating meat, turning to fish, and the more devout ones go on a completely liquid diet. Many businesses are closed, so make sure you have supplies, especially food, stocked up.

The traditional pabasa (the “reading” or chanting of verses about the suffering of Christ) starts on Sunday and ends on Maundy Thursday, which is the day when the washing of the feet is celebrated.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Christ. On this day, you will see religious figures being carried

through the towns on top of carrozas (carriages). religious images and statues are veiled in black in mourning of the death of Jesus.

Now the tourist spot and the most striking feature of the Holy Week celebrations in the Philippines is the sight of Filipinos publicly whipping themselves.

These are reenactments of the torture and death of Jesus. Some of the hardcore devotees not only whip their backs into a bloody mess, they also have their feet and hands nailed to a wooden cross. Tourists come from all over the world for the sight! Tondo in Manila is the place to see these flagellants. Outside the capital, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija are famous for their flagellants who cover their faces with white cotton hoods. Crowns of thorns are placed on their heads to cause blood to drip.

I remember one of the superstitions on Good Friday is the prohibition against children playing. This is because they might injure themselves and not have their wounds heal. You will always be reminded that during this time that Jesus is dead, and so everything is awry and bad things are apt to happen.

Black Saturday is when Christ is entombed. Filipinos spend the day preparing for the night vigil leading up to Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

At four o’clock in the morning, Filipinos do a ceremony commemorating how the Virgin Mary met her son Jesus who has come back to life. Her image will be brought to the image of the Christ at the local church. Flower petals will be rained down on them.

Everyone is happy that Jesus is alive again and that the world is back right.

In contemporary times, these Philippine traditions are slowly disappearing. Young Filipinos now use the Holy Week to vacation at the beach, while socialites and members of the upper class fly to out of Manila or go to another country. In my experiences of Holy Week, it truly is the time to renew our faith and feel the lords suffering for mankind. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 13-19, 2017

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Filipino traditions and practices during Holy Week IN a country where Roman Catholics make up 81 percent of the population, it is no surprise that Filipinos have numerous traditional events during Holy Week.

In the early days, these traditions and practices religiously for people to reflect on their sins and the sacrifice Jesus Christ has made.

However, the onset of modern technology has introduced these traditions to other countries that they become more of a spectacle, with less emphasis on its significance. At present, these traditions are very much alive and practiced

by Filipinos: Palaspas Palm Sunday is observed by Catholics in the Philippines every Palm Sunday is observed by Catholics in the Philippines every year. year. It is a festive event wherein tivity, in the household. Filipinos Christ is chanted in many differchurchgoers raise their “palaspas” often keep the palm leaves till the ent ways. The organizer of the or palm leaves into the air, waiting next year. “pabasa” prepares two books for to be blessed by the presiding “Pabasa” the readers. One group of readers priest. When mass is finished, One of the traditions during reads or chants one verse and the people take their newly blessed is the reading of religious texts other group of readers reads or palm leaves home. Many attach or “pabasa.” The “pabasa” usu- chants the next verse. them onto their windowsills and ally starts after the mass on Palm The “pabasa” can last all day roofs. This is a Filipino belief that Sunday. But it is also organized on and all night and are usually blessed palm can bring good for- other days of the Holy Week. done next to a chapel, in a tent tune, as well as remove any negaThe book of the passion of PAGE B5

Interesting facts about Easter Sunday EASTER is the Sunday that marks the end of the Holy Week and is greatly influenced by the Christian faith as it reminds believers to remember the sacrifice of the Son of God. Others think of it as a time of celebration with Easter eggs, bunnies and peeps.

So to celebrate, here are a few interesting facts about Easter: • The name “Easter” originated from “Eastre,” the AngloSaxon goddess who symbolizes the hare and egg. From the very early times, the egg has been considered as the most important symbol of rebirth.

• The traditional act of painting eggs is called Pysanka.

• The white lily, the symbol of the resurrection, is the special Easter flower.

• The initial baskets of Easter were given the appearance of bird’s nests. The maiden chocolate eggs recipes were made in Europe in the 19th century.

• Next to Halloween, Easter holidays paves way for confectionary business to boom. Each year, about nearly 90 million chocolate bunnies are made for Easter. Seventy-six percent of

people prefer eating the ears of this yummy treat first.

• The most popular treat for the holiday though are jellybeans. Jellybeans were first made in the U.S. by Boston candy maker William Schrafft, who ran advertisements urging people to send jellybeans to soldiers fighting in the Civil War. Americans consume over 16 million jellybeans on Easter, enough to circle the globe three times over.

• The Easter Bunny tradition made its way to the United States in the 18th century. It is believed to have originated in Europe where it was actually the Easter Hare. Other Easter traditions include wearing Easter bonnets, making Easter baskets and having Easter egg hunts.

• The White House hosts an Easter Egg Roll on the front lawn each year. This tradition was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878.

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Join this year’s new Ambassadors Tour to PH and experience the best of Manila and Davao THe highly popular tourism program that drew hundreds of balikbayans and Filipino-Americans to revisit their homeland is back. This year, the new Ambassadors’ Tour to the Philippines is featuring new and exciting destinations meant to further showcase the country’s tourism gems.

Scheduled for July 11 to 16, 2017, this year’s Tour will not only reacquaint participants from all over the United States to the enduring charms of Manila but will also provide the opportunity to visit and explore the southern city of Davao.

Touted as the cleanest and the safest city in the Philippines, Davao City is home to the country’s current leader, President Rodrigo Duterte.

Davao boasts of outstanding recreational areas like museums, nature parks, fantastic beaches and zoos, in addition to adventure activities like scuba diving, island hopping, wake boarding, white water rafting.

Participants to this year’s tour can look forward to exciting destinations and highlights, most important of which is the opportunity to have an audience with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in addition to a dinner • Transfer to Domestic Airport to be hosted by no less than Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte.

• Leave for Davao The very affordable and irresistible package price for the 6 days/5 • Arrive in Davao International Airport nights Manila and Davao tour is as follows: • Welcome reception at Davao International Airport by the Dept. of Following is the full itinerary of the 6-day tour covering both Manila Tourism and Davao: • Lunch at local restaurant • Afternoon at Malagos Resort and Philippine eagle Center Tour NET RATE PER PERSON IN USD • Return to hotel PACKAGe COST 7Days/6Nights Package 6Days/5Nights Package • Overnight stay at the Hotel (July 10-16) (July 11-16) DAY 3: JULY 12, 2017 (Wednesday) SGL $1,240.00 $1,090.00 MARCO POLO DAVAO (5*) • Breakfast at hotel TWN $865.00 $790.00 • Audience with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte TRPL $852.00 $785.00 • Lunch at local restaurant SGL $1,215.00 $1,065.00 • Afternoon Davao City Tour PARK INN BY RADISSON (4*) TWN $855.00 $780.00 • Visit the Crocodile Park for reptilian adventures. Get to know “PanTRPL $842.00 $775.00 gil” the 2nd largest crocodile in captivity and “Buloy” the friendly 15ft SGL $1,200.00 $1,050.00 python. Just nearby is the Tribung K’Mindanawan where it showcases SeDA ABReeZA (4*) TWN $845.00 $770.00 our rich cultural heritage and replicas of the different tribal houses in TWN $827.00 $760.00 the region. Amaze on the vast collections of animal skeleton at the Bone INCLUSIONS: Museum. Sample on the local fruits and bountiful harvest of Davao such • Airport transfers in Manila and Davao with meet and greet assistance by Department of Touras the pomelo, mangosteen, marang or take your first whiff of the Durian ism and Rajah Tours Coordinators • 2/1 Nights stay at Nobu Hotel or Hyatt City of Dreams for the 1st call in Manila at the fruit market. Otherwise settle for the candies at the Durian Candy • 3 Nights stay at choice hotel in Davao City Factory or the Durian Flavoured Cappuccino.

• 1 Night stay at Makati Shangri-la Hotel for the 2nd call in Manila • A scenic view of Davao from the top of the Shrine hill at the Holy • Meals as stated in the itinerary • Tours as stated in the itinerary Infant Jesus or at the Jack’s Ridge. Visit the Museo Dabawenyo where it • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour houses the rich collection of Davao’s History displayed in their galleries.

• Services of an english-speaking and DOT accredited guide throughout the duration of tour Bargain for some souvenirs at the Aldevinco Souvenir Shops. After the EXCLUSIONS: tour, we shall transfer you back to your hotel.

• International air fare • Return to hotel • Domestic air fare • Meals not specified above • Overnight stay at the hotel • Personal expense throughout the stay DAY 4: JULY 13, 2017 (Thursday) Participants coming from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and other parts of the United • Breakfast at hotel States will have various airfare options and can choose to fly to the Philippines with any of the • Assembly at hotel lobby Tour’s airline partners, among them Philippine Airlines, and China Airlines, with round trip • Depart for Samal Island with Lunch ticket priced as low as $1,795.00 • Pick up from hotel. Transfers from hotel to Sta Ana Wharf. Boat ride to Samal Island passing through Pearl Farm, Malipano Island, Wishing DAY 1: JULY 10, 2017 (Monday) Island, Coral Garden, Angel’s Cove and Isla Reta. Picnic lunch will be • early morning arrival in Manila served at the Isla Reta. Free time on the beach. Boat ride back to mainland • Welcome reception by the Department of Tourism Davao and transfers to hotel.

• Transfer to hotel/check-in • Dinner hosted by Mayor Sara “Inday”Duterte • Assembly for Malacanang Tour • Overnight stay at the hotel • Depart hotel DAY 5: JULY 14, 2017 (Friday) • Proceed for Wreath Laying Ceremony at Rizal Park • Breakfast at hotel • Running tour of Intramuros • Check-out • Proceed to Malacanang Museum Tour with lunch • Transfer to airport • Return to hotel • Depart for Manila • Welcome dinner hosted by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) • Arrive Manila • Overnight stay at the hotel • Transfer/Check-in at the hotel DAY 2: JULY 11, 2017 (Tuesday) • Optional activity in the afternoon • Breakfast at the hotel • PASAYA. PASARAP & PAGANDA Package• Check-out • Packages to distress and pamper yourself

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• Dinner hosted by Western Union • Overnight stay at the hotel DAY 6: JULY 15, 2017 (Saturday) • Breakfast at hotel • Check-out • Transfer to airport • Depart for homebound journey The Ambassadors’ Tour is a joint project of all Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the US, namely: Agana, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board.

Seats are fast filling up, so don’t waste any time. Register now and be part of this year’s 11th Ambassadors Tour to the Philippines and experience the best of Manila and Davao.

For more information and to register, contact Majestic Vacations by sending email to: ambassadorstour@majestic-vacations.com or call tel. numbers: (213) 251-9401 or 1-800-423-4480 and ask for Angie or Jeanet; the Philippine Department of Tourism at: (213) 487-4525 and the Philippine Consulate General at (213) 639-0980. *** Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years professional experience in the overseas tourism and travel industry. He is currently the Director for Business Development and Marketing of GTT International/Majestic Vacations, one of the biggest airlines consolidators in the United States, and wholesaler of package tours worldwide.

He also provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various Filipino-American newspapers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York, and other Manila-based newspapers as well. For comments or questions, you may reach him at manilagan@gmail.com.

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Your Immigration Solution atty. EriC WElSh & NaNCy MillEr

Features

ApRIL 14

for “trader” or “investor” status under these criteria can receive E1 or E-2 visas, as can their spouses and children under age 21. If the company is majority-owned by citizens of the treaty country, the E visa may be a viable option.

Workers who are currently employed abroad might avoid the H-1B visa if they are seeking a transfer to an office in the U.S. that is affiliated with the foreign employer. Such a worker may be qualified to apply for an “L” via for intracompany transferees. The L visa is available to an employee who has worked for at least 12 months during the last three years for a foreign employer, and is seeking to transfer to an office or organization in the U.S. that is a branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent of the foreign organization. The L visa is only available to employees who are executives, managers, or who have specialized knowledge.

Playing the lottery rarely comes with good odds, and the H-1B lottery is no exception. Every applicant has unique circumstances, and persons who are serious about living and working in the U.S. should consult with a knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorney to plan for the possibility of lottery rejection, or to explore other options that may prove better than the H-1B. ***

a U.S.-earned master’s degree or higher have access to an extra 20,000 H-1Bs, and can still apply in the general pool if that number is met.

Additionally, numbers are set aside within the cap specifically for citizens of Singapore and Chile applying in the “fast track” H1B1 category (1,400 for Chile, and 5,400 for Singapore). The requirements to qualify are identical to H-1B, but the procedures for applying abroad are streamlined, and extensions are permitted beyond 6 years. Because the demand for the H-1B1 is not as high as the H-1B, there are usually visas available for H-1B1 applicants throughout the year, meaning that applicants from Singapore and Chile are not affected by the lottery.

Qualified professionals from Mexico and Canada can avoid the lottery by applying instead for a “Tn” visa. The Tn visa is a product of the north American Free Trade Agreement (nAFTA).

Because nAFTA defines a professional more broadly than H-1B, there are typically more options for a Mexican or Canadian applicant seeking to enter to work in a professional capacity.

Other alternatives may exist for professional workers who were rejected by the lottery, or who missed the narrow filing window during the first week of April.

Treaty-trader (E-1) and treatyinvestor (E-2) visas are excellent options for nationals of qualifying countries. An individual can apply for an E-1 visa if the person is engaged in substantial trade with the U.S., defined as at least 50% of the trader’s international business. An individual who makes a substantial investment into a real and active commercial enterprise in the U.S. can qualify for an E-2 visa. In additional, certain employees of companies that qualify

Health@Heart

Sleep less and get fat

An important study conducted at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in norfolk, Virginia showed that people who sleep less tend to weigh heavier than those who sleep more.

The clinical investigation, which included 1,000 subjects, reported that “total sleep time decreased as the body mass index (a measure of weight based on height) increased.”

Whether this means that heavier individuals tend to sleep less, and vice versa, or having enough sleep makes it easier for people to control and maintain their normal weight, was not clear.

The authors of this study warn that “this does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between restricted sleep and obesity (but) future investigations demonstrating success in weight loss via extensions of sleep would help greatly to establish such a relationship.”

“We’ve put so much emphasis on diet and exercise that we’ve failed to recognize the value of good sleep,” said Fred Turek, a physician at northwestern University in Chicago, who wrote

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MoNEttE aDEva Maglaya LOU’S story is always worth retelling. Lou Xiaoying is one remarkable Chinese woman who is a beacon of light, a ray of hope and a surge of warmth in a world that has grown dark and cold.

I wrote about Lou a few years back to shine a light on the life of a woman, who despite humble circumstances, managed to save the lives of babies salvaged from the trash heap, apparently discarded by women in compliance with China’s draconian one-child policy to curb its population growth.

Contrast Lou’s life with that of a 25 year-old new Jersey woman who claims she is not ready for her pregnancy, filmed her own abortion, with full make-up, lights and gazing at the camera and exclaiming with joy at the end of the procedure purportedly to “inspire” and show women that abortion is a positive experience. She even writes about it in one publication. notice I refuse to give a shout out to her name or the publication’s name. Some bask in infamy and one can show displeasure by refusing to give a shout out.

The woman who is a wanna-

B

Beating the lottery: Calendar of Events across America Understanding and overcoming the H-1B cap

On Monday, April 3, 2017, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting petitions from employers seeking to hire professionals with “specialized knowledge” in the H-1B nonimmigrant category.

An approved petition will allow a foreign worker to change status in the U.S. or apply for a visa abroad and start work at the beginning of the fiscal year (i.e., October 1, 2017). USCIS has announced that once again, it will be using a random lottery to pick petitions for further processing, and will stop accepting petitions once it receives a sufficient number to begin the lottery. Based on recent years, we expect that USCIS will close the window for filing by around April 10.

USCIS uses this lottery system because the H-1B category is severely oversubscribed, meaning that there are more petitions filed than there are H-1Bs available.

The H-1B is capped at 65,000 for each fiscal year. Last year, USCIS initially received about three times that number of petitions. If a petition is subject to the cap but not randomly selected in the lottery, USCIS will summarily reject the petition and return the filing fee to the employer.

Some workers are not subject to the cap and can file at any time. A person who was already counted against the cap in the previous 6 years and applies for an H-1B with a new employer is not subject to the cap. Extensions are not capped, and spouses and children applying for H-4 are not counted against the cap. Certain workers at institutions of higher education, related or affiliated nonprofit entities, and nonprofit or government research institutions are not subject to the cap.

A physician holding a J-1 visa who receives a waiver can avoid the cap. Persons who possesses

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 13-19, 2017

a related editorial in a recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, where the study was published.

Some earlier researches have shown sleep deprivation to cause a decline in an appetite-suppressing protein hormone called leptin, and an increase in another hormone (ghrelin) that causes a craving for food. In addition, neuropeptides in the brain governing sleep and obesity appear to overlap.

In another study involving more than 8,000 adults, researchers found that those who sleep only six hours a day had a 23 percent risk of getting obese; five hours, 50 percent; and for those who sleep less than four hours a day, 73 percent, compared to those who sleep eight to nine hours a day.

“It is now critical to determine the importance of lack of sufficient sleep during the early formative years in putting our youth on a trajectory toward obesity ... a trajectory that could be altered if sleep loss is indeed playing a role in this epidemic,” Turek’s editorial said.

The alarming rise in obesity, especially among children — a subject we have written about in this column the past several years — is now an epidemic in many developed countries, especially in

Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

the United States, where “supersizing” of hamburgers, French fries, high-calorie, high-sugar beverages, and other high-carbojunk-food items, have dominated the fast food chains. As “admirers and followers” of trends in food and fashion in the United States, Filipinos are now facing the same overweight and obesity dilemma in the Philippines.

What is alarming is not the negative aesthetic effect of obesity or of being overweight, but their multitude of dangerous implications on the health and longevity of the victims. Insufficient sleep has been shown in other previous studies to lead to a “cascade of metabolic, cardiovascular, and general medical disorders,” but the lay public has somehow not made the connection yet. Hopefully, this recent study will help convince people that enough sleep (minimum of eight hours a day, which does not have adverse effects or possible complications anyway) is essential, not only in weight control, but in maintaining our health and well-being, and in warding off illnesses in general.

As we have stated before, obesity increases the risk, not only for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, but also for cancer.

Those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — who snore and PAGE B6

Greenlining Institute Economic Summit in Oakland, CA

On Friday, April 14, the Greenlining Institute’s 24th annual Economic Summit will boldly tackle local and national controversies as it focuses on the theme, “Racial Justice on the Frontlines.” With Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza moderating the opening discussion, community activists, political and business leaders will take on such challenging issues as gentrification, tech diversity (or the lack thereof), possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act and the impending arrival of Uber in downtown Oakland. It will be held at Oakland Marriott City Center at 1001 Broadway, Oakland, California. Registration opens 8 a.m., program starts at 8:30 and runs to 5:45 p.m. For more information, please visit www. greenlining.org.

ApRIL 15

‘A Musical Odyssey’ in Cerritos, CA Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, Inc. and DreamAgeGroup presents Rudolf Paleaz Golez, an internationally acclaimed Filipino virtuoso pianist in “A Musical Odyssey” on Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Other local singing talents will be present at the concert, such as recording artist Sean Collado, aspiring actress and singer Sheila Tejada, Sabrina Oxciano and Samantha Murray. Ticket prices are $35, $65 and $100. Proceeds of this performance will go toward the Pangansian Brotherhood-USA’s scholarship funds, which helps academically successful seniors who are college-bound in both the greater Los Angeles area and the Philippines. The performance will be at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts’ Sierra Room at 12700 Center Court Drive South, Cerritos, California 90703. Interested parties may contact project managers Dan E. Nino at (562) 921-5116 or denino1951@gmail.com; E. Mendoza at (623) 341-6247 or thedreamagegroup@gmail.com; Lino F. Caringal, Jr. at (714) 808-2642 or linojr.caringal@gmail.com; Bong Soriano at (909) 851-1493 or believe1156@gmail.com; Neil Estrada at (562) 301-9972 or bluezero2sixty@yahoo.com; or Feliz Lopez at (562) 572-2301 or fblopezinsurance@msn.com.

ApRIL 20

CAUSE’s annual gala in Los Angeles Join Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) for its annual gala on Thursday, April 20. It will be held at LA Hotel’s California Ballroom at 333 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact kim@causeusa.org or visit www.causeusa.org.

ApRIL 21

Fundraising event to benefit the first-ever Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum in Las Vegas The Filipino American Heritage and Arts Museum (FAHAM) will host “Heritage Celebration - Filipinos Landing in California,” a fundraising event on Friday, April 21, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Dallas Ballroom of Texas Station Hotel and Casino. Festivities include a buffet dinner, arts exhibits, vendor booths, cultural entertainment a native fashion show, a Philippine history presentation, and dance performances. The cultural entertainment will be provided by the FAHAM Cultural Dance Group, Heart of Polynesia, Gina Kim Korean Dance Group, Filipiniana Dance Company of Las Vegas, Sophia Ramos, Sharon Tanyag, and DJ Mike. Emcees will be Amie and Leo Belmonte. The donation is $50 / person. Attire is formal. FAHAM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is currently America’s first Filipino American Museum, Archives, Legacy, Culture, Innovation Research Center, and Library Garden founded in Delaware by Mrs. Ditta Camomot, M.Ed., M.A. Its holdings are artifacts, ethological materials, and ecclesiastical, historical, arts and ephemera collections, as well as environmental projects. Texas Station is located at 2101 Texas Star Ln, North Las Vegas, NV 89032. For tickets and more information, please contact Salve Edelman at (702) 418-8968.

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

PAGE B3

The meaning of Holy Week

Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of capital punishment.

Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed him to the wooden cross.

Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. His first words were, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, nIV). His last were, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

(Luke 23:46, nIV) Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last and died.

By 6 p.m. Friday evening, nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus’ body down from the

cross and lay it in a tomb.

Black Saturday Jesus’ body lay in the tomb where it was guarded by Roman soldiers throughout the day on Saturday, which was the Sabbath.

When the Sabbath ended, Christ’s body was ceremonially treated for burial with spices purchased by nicodemus. nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was a member of the Sanhedrin, the court which had condemned Jesus Christ to death.

For a time, both men had lived as secret followers of Jesus, afraid to make a public profession of faith because of their prominent positions in the Jewish community.

Similarly, both were deeply affected by Christ’s death. They boldly came out of hiding, risking their reputations and their lives because they now realized Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited Messiah. Together they cared for Jesus’ body and prepared it for burial.

Easter Sunday On Easter Sunday we reach the culmination of the Holy Week. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the

most important event of the Christian faith. The very foundation of all Christian doctrine hinges on the truth of this account.

Early Sunday morning several women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna, and Salome are all mentioned in the Gospel accounts) went to the tomb and discovered that the large stone covering the tomb’s entrance had been rolled away.

On the day of his resurrection, Jesus Christ made at least five appearances. Mark’s Gospel says the first person to see him was Mary Magdalene. Jesus also appeared to Peter, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and later that day to all of the disciples except Thomas, while they were gathered in a house for prayer.

The eyewitness accounts in the Gospels provide undeniable evidence that the resurrection of Jesus Christ happened. 2,000 years after his death, followers of Christ still flock to see the empty tomb, one of the strongest proofs that Jesus Christ actually did rise from the dead. (Source: Faith Church Online)

PAGE B3 or “kubol.” In some places the best reader at a “pabasa” gets a small prize.

Most “pabasas” are public, organized for the whole community, but there are also private ones organized by families in their homes. They invite relatives or friends to join them.

A “pabasa” usually ends on or before Good Friday. What follows is the reading of “Siete Palabras” or the Seven Last Words of Jesus before he died on the cross. Everything is broadcasted on national television.

Moriones Festival Provinces like Marinduque celebrate the Moriones Festival.

The festival is a weeklong event that commemorates the miracle of Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced the side of the crucified Jesus. Longinus was blind in one eye, and as blood gushed from Jesus’ body, a drop fell into his eye and restored his vision eventually making him a believer of Christ and an enemy of Rome.

‘Morion’ means mask, and was once a standard part of a Roman soldier’s helmet. Thus, colorful Roman costumes, painted masks and helmets characterize this uniquely Filipino festival. Apart from several parades, mask paintings, and processions, one of the most entertaining activities in the festival is a reenactment of Longi-

nus’ story. Longinus runs around town, hiding inside houses and markets, climbing trees and lampposts, losing himself in the crowds of tourists just to escape the morions pursuing him. This festival culminates on Easter Sunday.

“Sinakulo” “Sinakulo” are Lenten plays narrating the life, suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To present the entire story, plays are held each night beginning from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

“Visita Iglesia” In the evening of Maundy Thursday, the Mass of the Last Supper is celebrated in churches all across the Philippines. After PAGE B7

Two women, a boy Filipino traditions and practices during... and the jellyfish “…The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …” be actress of low-budget slasher horror movies which slaughter children works as an abortion counselor. She says, “I feel in awe of the fact that I can make a baby. I can make a life…” Sadly, it was a life that she chose to end coldly. The delusional woman, as if reading from a script even says at the end of the murderous procedure, “Yay, Cool! I feel good.”

She decides to keep a sonogram of the baby as a memento.

Did she even bother to ask the father of the child? Even more disturbing is the distinct possibility that she may have become pregnant to create a prop so she can pull this contemptible youtube stunt and become an internet sensation. If she did, this makes it all the more egregious and revolting.

This stunt she pulled at the expense of an innocent life to grab her few minutes of dubious fame cries out for justice and she will

be held to account. The laws of karma are irrevocable, sometimes swift, sometimes slow, but without bone marrow-deep repentance, comes without fail in due season.

There is still hope for humanity. The response had been worldwide revulsion and condemnation at the celebratory tone of her scripted abortion. At the very least, women who see abortion as a solution to a complex problem do so in a somber, quiet way, head bowed down, away from the limelight.

What has women’s liberation come to these days? Shallow, soulless creatures who call themselves women walk the earth. Fortunately, for every one of this kind of vile woman, there are thousands who shun the limelight and work quietly in the trenches fighting the evil of abortion, women I know like Gerri and PAGE B6

“Sinakulo” are Lenten plays narrating the life, suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To present the entire story, plays are held each night beginning from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

Features

B april 13-19, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal

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DACA recipients who can adjust status Immigration Corner Atty. MAriA ritA reyes-stuby And bernAdette bretAnA A non resident alien who marries a U.S. citizen or has a U.S. citizen child who turns 21, or a parent who becomes a U.S. citizen before the alien turns 21, can adjust status and obtain a green card. For this to happen, one essential requirement is the entry to the U.S. “with inspection”, i.e., as a tourist, student or J1 visa (not subject to 212 [e]), to mention a few. An alien whose entry is thru ‘crossing the borders’ or “without permission” (generally referred to as “entry without inspection” or ‘EWI’) are specifically excluded from adjusting status while in the U.S. This is to make it difficult for those who come to the U.S. without inspection to get green cards by marrying an American citizen or women giving birth and later be petitioned by the U.S. citizen child.

There were children (newborns up to just under 16) of these aliens entering without inspection (EWI) who were brought to the US when they were too young to know and recognize the consequences of their parents actions . They stayed,, studied in U.S. schools, assimilated but remained in legal limbo. They eventually became DACA recipients. otherwise known as “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” DACA is a policy/program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that provided a reprieve to

approximately 665,000 (to date) undocumented children who came into this country before they were 16 years old. The program covers those who studied and/or finished in U.S. schools, have continuously lived in the country since entry, are less than 30 years old as of June 12, 2012, and have no criminal record, among others. They were allowed to apply for and granted work permits in order to be productive members of society. The matter of their illegal status are in the meantime put aside or ‘deferred.’ They have not been provided immigrant visas that would pave the way for a path to citizenship; just a privilege to stay and work as long as the administration grants proper authorization. As life saving as the work permit is, these DACA recipients can also avail of the privilege to travel abroad for business, work, study or personal reasons. A subsequent application for a travel permit will have to be submitted before the U.S. DHS for permission to temporarily travel abroad. If granted, the DACA recipient obtains an ‘advance parole’ to travel to another country and still be admitted back to the U.S. Without the ‘advance parole’ documentation consider your travel to another country as ‘goodbye USA’ and definitely you shall not return . The rules and guidelines pertaining to the grant of the ‘advance parole’ to DACA recipients are stringent and its approval, limited. But for those who are granted the privilege to travel out of the country and allowed to return, such act of courage can reap a reward. There are stories of U.S. port of entry officers denying entry to those who only

have ‘advance parole’ documents in their possession if they find any other suspicious and actual grounds to exclude the alien from re- entering the U.S. DACA recipients can actually adjust status and obtain their green cards when there is an available immediate relative petition such as a U.S. citizen spouse who marries and petitions for her or him. By obtaining the ‘advance parole’ document and leaving then returning to the U.S. the DACA recipient would have complied with the essential element for adjusting status, i.e., that you entered “with inspection” and therefore qualified to adjust status under that classification .

This was not primarily intended when DACA recipients were allowed to travel temporarily but it is the best that could ever happen to the undocumented whose visa processing would have been next to impossible, if you even qualifies for a visa. It may be important to note further that those DACA recipients who came into this country “with inspection” (with tourist, work and other nonimmigrant visas) will continue to be able to adjust status when the right petition of an immediate relative can be filed. *** Maria Rita Reyes-Stuby is a licensed attorney in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law. She specializes in immigration and practices in Las Vegas, Michigan, California and other states. Bernadette Bretana, a graduate of the Ateneo Law School and Ms. Stuby are licensed attorneys in the Philippines. Please call @702-403-4704 or email her at stubylaw@aol.com or go to www.mrstubylaw.com for any questions on this article.

Sleep less and get fat PAGE B5 do not breathe for a long time, depriving themselves and their organs of oxygen — do not sleep well, waking up tired and without energy, are candidates for a Sleep Study. Sleep apnea also raises the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic illnesses and cancer. once the diagnosis of oSA is confirmed by the Sleep Study, the standard of care, the best treatment today, is the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) during bedtime.

This stops snoring, allows the person to sleep better and longer, waking up refreshed and full of

energy — recharged! The CPAP also minimizes heart attack and sudden death during sleep. The use of the CPAP is a lot more comfortable than people think.

Hundreds of millions are on CPAP therapy. Adequate quality sleep is indeed vital.

However, I would like to state that adequate sleep is only onefifth of the total equation for a healthier, happier, more productive, and longer life. The other four are (1) a healthy diet that is high-fiber, high-grain, low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-carbohydrate, low-salt; (2) daily exercises; (3) stress management and re-

laxation; and (4) abstinence from tobacco and strict moderation in alcohol intake. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

Burgosinians across the globe gather in Burgos, Ilocos Sur PRIDE comes echoing to our town from the proud roars of all Burgosinians families, friends and guests across the globe!

The 2nd global reunion of Burgosinians of Ilocos Sur Global organization, held in Burgos, Ilocos Sur Philippines was a triumphant huge success. The five days event, February 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20, 2017 with the global theme, “Panagiinniliw (nostalgia), Panagtitimpuyog (Togetherness) Panagkakapya (Peace) and Panagraragsak” (Celebration).

Benilda Filart Degracia-Hizon, Founder and President of BISGo shared that, it’s most important that we find ways to invigorate activities such as reunions that promote family togetherness and cultural appreciation most especially to our fellow Burgosinians who have long been away from our beloved town and families.

The 2nd global reunion brought out excellence in the towns spirit and camaraderie. Every attendees hold parties, filled their reunion days event with a sumptuous fiesta, fun, dancing, singing, school and family reunions and visiting other resorts and nearby Asians countries in grand style. Under perfect weather, record numbers of Burgosinians families gathered to share and enjoy the fellowship of many near and distant relatives. Guests present were representative of many countries such as USA, Spain, Italy, The Middle East, Canada, Singapore, Germany, London, Ireland, norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, new Zealand and of course the Philippines. The majestic Burgos Municipal Center and Town Plaza served as the perfect venue for the occasion. over all reunion organizers led by BISGo Adviser, Ambassador by BISGo Adviser, Ambassador Catalino R. Dilem Jr, Mary Ann onnis Mamsaang, Leo Birog, Susan Almazan Luciano, Mary Jane Guerzon, Shirley Molina Madriaga, Aida Duque Abuyen,Aida Degracia Muya and to all Burgosinians who had work tirelessly and exceptional contributions for the success of the reunion.

The reunion kicked off for many on Wednesday early morning, wherein early arrivals participated in the “Walk For A Cause” event. Early walkers flocked the busy Burgos town national road.

The town’s civic center proved to be a great venue for the Meet and Greet session.. BISGo’s global project, “ PreSchool Back Pack Initiative”, was distributed during the town fiesta’s education

day. More than 200 pre schoolers were delighted to received the tools for schools initiative which aims to inspire Burgos youth the value of education in making a difference to our world. The town’s parade was well attended with participants wearing the BISGo’s reunion T shirt. Friday evening was the Burgos town local government night, where there’s more dancing and merriment for the attendees. BISGo members was proud to share their blessings to the town, thru the Turn over of Disaster Preparedness and Materials, which fosters the groups generosity and gift giving.

Saturday’s event, started with the BISGo Motorcade. A beautiful sunny day awaited the line up of floats of cars, trucks, motorcycles and buses. The excitement of seeing all parade attendees from Burgos town plaza to nearby town route was memorable sight to keep for ages. Highlights for the day included the floral offering to town’s monument of Fr. Jose Burgos, traditional games and chess tournament and the group photo session that followed.

The highly anticipated Burgosinians Gala night showcased the many guests who came in their finest to share this very special day. With the BISGo theme” Panagraragsak, Panagtitimpuyog, Panagkakapya, Panaggiinniliw- and the Burgos towns theme” Adu ti maaramidan ti panagkikinnibin” which means, “Joining our hands together we can do great things” truly all inspires the crowd. The gala night candle lighting ceremony was surely another “MoMEnT To REMEMBER”!! Keynote speakers reflecting the rich diversity of the Iloco Heritage included the Honorable Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson. In his powerful speech he stressed the importance of looking back, which serves to bond togetherness and to foster the love of culture and

traditions.

Memorable time lines of the gala night were the Induction officers by Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson and award recognition to all deserving and outstanding Burgosinians. one of the weekend’s touching moments, was the parade of all Burgosinians representing their own barangays ( villages). In addition, performance groups showcased their talents at the cultural show where they perform the traditional Folk dance, Tadek, the Hula, the fun line dancing, the talent search contest and live band.

Selected BISGo dancers wowed the audience for their Modern Rigodon dance steps. Burgos town Mayor Riolita Balbalan and Vice Mayor nathaniel Escobar congratulated the reunion leaders and members for the successful celebration and empowers the group to look back, give back and have the vision to engage as trailblazers to positive change for the town. The gala night shines as Finale fireworks display filled with neon colors illuminates the Burgos night sky.

The fifth day of the event was the Vigan tour, courtesy of Governor Ryan Luis Singson.

The bus tour added fun, cultural knowledge about the province capital as world Heritage site and luncheon continues. The reunion celebration was all made possible by the remarkable wonders of goodness for a memorable service and conclusion to unforgettable 2017 global reunion.

BISGo Founder and President Benilda Filart Degracia Hizon, summed the reunion as a “ToTAL SUCCESS! It was truly a milestone event, one for the ages, to be cherished forever and a dream come true.” THE 2nD BISGo reunion was one full of laughter, hugs and happiness overall.

Mark your calendars now for the 3rd BISGo GLoBAL REUnIon, July 17-21, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Two women, a boy and the...

PAGE B5 Anna Maria and members of the Shield of Roses who have been quietly pounding the pavement, persuading women to consider adoption instead and knocking unceasingly on heaven’s doors with prayer and fasting to help in the struggle against the seemingly prevailing culture of death and darkness.

But let’s get back to Lou. Her story is like a laser light and her story is worth repeating. She lived in the rural countryside in Eastern Zhejiang province. Picture her home. It is a humble hovel, its small yard littered with debris and recyclables. A little boy of 7 plays in the yard. Lou lived in that home with her husband Lin until he passed away 20 years ago.

When I first wrote about Lou in 2012, she was 88 years old and lay languishing of kidney failure in a hospital. Despite pain and impending death, Lou looks beautiful in repose. Her eyes sparkle with joy. A calm peacefulness is etched in her face. If she is still alive, she would be about 93 years old. It has been 5 years and an internet search again show no updates about Lou. At her age and condition, no news is good news.

Lou and her husband made a living scavenging the village trash for recyclables. It was a tough, backbreaking way of life trudging through the streets and sifting through other people’s often filthy and smelly discards. over the years, they picked up 30 abandoned babies from the trash heap. of the 30 foundlings

they saved, the couple kept 4 babies to raise themselves and the rest, they gave away to friends and relatives. They have one biological child, a woman, who is now past 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and already a widow, she saved one more baby from the trash.

She said, “Even though I was already getting old I could not simply ignore the baby and leave him to die in the trash. He looked so sweet and so needy. I had to take him home with me … My older children all help look after Zhang Qilin … I named him after the Chinese word for rare and precious.”

Lou’s story is riveting for its simple, unquestioning reverence for life despite living in stark poverty. She didn’t start out wanting to rescue foundlings but in 1982, her heart was touched when she found the first child, a baby girl, who was lying helpless and abandoned amongst the trash.

“Watching her grow and become stronger gave us such happiness and I realized I had a real love of caring for children …

These children need love and care. They are all precious human lives. I do not understand how people can leave such a vulnerable baby on the streets. I realized if we had strength enough to collect garbage how could we not recycle something as important as human lives?”

Since 1978, the Chinese communist government has enforced, with few exceptions, its one-child policy. Families are prevented from having more than one child

under pain of penalty. Those who abide by the rule are given bonuses and incentives. Boys are preferred in Chinese culture so that couples who want a son feel compelled to throw away infant girls. It is claimed that the policy prevented the birth of 400 million babies.

Lou’s life story bears resemblance to the story of the little boy and the jellyfish.

There was once a little boy walking on the beach. He noticed that as the tide receded, there were thousands of jellyfish being washed up and lay stranded helpless on the shore. He picked them up one by one and began tossing each jellyfish back into the water, into the sea where they can survive and live.

A man also walking along the shore watched the boy in utter disbelief. To him, the boy was trying to do the impossible. Shaking his head, the man approached the boy and asked, “Hey, kid, what do you think you’re doing? You can never make a difference. There are thousands of jellyfish. You’ll only save a few of them.”

The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …”

Each precious human life saved certainly made a difference to that one life. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

PeoPle and events

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • ApRIL 13-19, 2017

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Free Jazz in the Park series returns for 28th year Ronald McDonald Family Room at Sunrise Top notch talent announced for 2017 series

LAS VEGAS – Clark County Parks and Recreation kicks off summer with their annual Jazz in the Park Concert Series, which celebrates its 28th year. “Jazz in the Park is a cultural institution in this town, a free event where we bring some of the biggest names in jazz here,” said County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani. “It’s a great opportunity to enjoy great music in our beautiful amphitheater.

Just bring a blanket, some lawn chairs and something to eat and drink and enjoy the music and the company of your neighbors and fellow jazz enthusiasts.”

This year, the free series will feature: · Lindsey Webster and Halsey Harkins and the Shapiro Project on May 13 · Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles and Home Cookin’ on May 20 · Joey Defrancesco and Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo on May 27 · Eric Darius with The Lao Tizer Trio and Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo on June 3 · Spyro Gyra and Extreme Measures on June 17 Seating for those with picnic baskets, blankets, and low-back chairs will begin at 5 p.m. with performances beginning as early as 6:30 p.m. at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Admission and parking are free.

Lindsey Webster is an American contemporary jazz singersongwriter. Her song “Fool Me Once” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart in February and March 2016. The success of her second album, You Change, and achieving the only vocally driven song to hit No. 1 on theBillboard Contemporary Jazz chart for four weeks (beating out Sade’s previous record of three weeks) led her to release her third album, Back To Your Heart.

This third release shows a real transition and beautiful growth for Webster as an artist. While humbled, her voice has been compared to R&B royalty Sade, Mariah Carey, and Anita Baker. Webster looks to bring fans her distinct style to Soul R&B and continue to make music that resonates with music lovers.

Born in Brooklyn, Cory Alexander Henry is an American

jazz organist and pianist, gospel musician, and music producer.

He began playing at just two years old and started his music career in 2006 by touring with various mainstream and gospel artists. Mainstream artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Michael McDonald, P. Diddy, Boyz II Men, Kenny Garrett and The Roots, and gospel artists, among them Israel Houghton, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, and Yolanda Adams. He released his album First Steps in 2014, with his second album, a live recording, The Revival, being released two years later by GroundUp Music. The album charted on the Top Gospel Albums and Top Jazz Albums, where it peaked at No. 5 and 2, respectively. Henry is a multi-instrumentalist and producer with a catalog worthy of a man twice his age who also performs and records with the Brooklyn-based jazz ensemble Snarky Puppy.

GRAMMY winner organist and pianist Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles bring their captivating and high octane musical blend of jazz, blues and funk to the stage.

American jazz organist, trumpeter, and vocalist Joey DeFrancesco is a GRAMMY-nominated artist who has released more than 30 albums, including recordings with Miles Davis and Jimmy Smith. DeFrancesco signed his first record deal at the age of 16 and has played internationally with musicians that include David Sanborn, Arturo Sandoval, Larry Coryell, Frank Wess, John McLaughlin, Benny Golson, James Moody, Steve Gadd, Danny Gatton, Elvin Jones, Jimmy Cobb, George Benson, Pat Martino, John Scofield, Joe Lovano, and recorded with musicians that included Ray Charles and Bette Midler. Born into a musical family that included three generations of jazz musicians, DeFrancesco’s music style has been referred to as a swinging Philly sound which he “embellishes with his own ferocity and improvisation.” He has received numerous accolades for his performances, including being called the best B3 player on the planet by JazzTimes. The New York Times has called DeFrancesco a “deeply authoritative musician, a master of rhythmic pocket, and of the custom of stomping bass lines beneath chords and riffs.”

Eric Darius is a contemporary jazz saxophonist and composer

who likes to play by his own rules.

Fearlessly pushing all musical boundaries, he is one of the most exciting musicians to enter the Contemporary Jazz scene in the last decade. His explosive arrival as a recording artist at the age of 17 caused a frenzy worldwide.

Now, with six critically acclaimed albums under his belt, a No. 1hit single, and seven Top 10 radio hits on Nielsen’s R&R/Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts, international recording artist, Eric Darius’ star continues to rise straight to the top. Prophetically hailed Debut Artist of the Year by Smooth Jazz News in 2004, Darius has shared the stage with innumerable world renown, GRAMMY Award-winning artists, such as Prince, Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, David Foster, Carlos Santana, Babyface, Wynton Marsalis and George Benson, just to name a few. His music innovatively crosses over all music boundaries from Jazz, R&B, and Hip-Hop to Pop, creating a very distinctive, fresh sound and approach that is uniquely his own.

Spyro Gyra shows no signs of slowing down. Over the last 40+ years, they have performed over five thousand shows, released 31 albums (not counting “Best Of…” compilations) selling more than 10 million albums while also achieving one platinum and two gold albums. Although few acts have accomplished this type of record, they have done it by constantly challenging themselves as is evidenced by their last studio release The Rhinebeck Sessions which was written and recorded over three days in the studio.

Local and regional performers will be showcased on this year’s series each date featuring the Shapiro Project and Las Vegas Academy Alumnus Halsey Harkins on May 13, funk legends Home Cookin’ join the fun May 20, Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo supporting the May 27 and June 3 dates, and June 3 with the Lao Tizer Trio, followed by Extreme Measures on June 17.

Jazz In the Park Series is produced by Clark County Parks & Recreation and sponsored by Findlay Volkswagen.

Those interested can call Clark County Parks and Recreation at (702) 455-8200 or visit the website at Clark County Parks and Recreation also can be found on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Children’s Hospital celebrates 1st birthday

LAS VEGAS, NV – The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas and Sunrise Children’s hospital staff, volunteers, and supporters celebrated the one year anniversary of the Ronald McDonald Family Room on Tuesday, April 4. Baby Sivan’s mom shared her testimony about how much this special place of respite meant to her family during some of the most difficult days of their lives.

“We hear every day from the moms and dads who use this Family Room what a gift this place of rest and comfort is to them,” said Executive Director, Alyson McCarthy. “Often times, it provides the much needed break they need to remain strong for their little ones.”

The Ronald McDonald Family Room would not be possible without the generous in-kind donation of 1300 square feet of space at Sunrise Children’s Hospital. In addition, thank you to our generous sponsors who made the completion of this room possible: Del E. Webb Foundation, Engelstad Family Foundation, NV Energy, and Speedway Children’s Charities.

“Sunrise Children’s Hospital is a community of caregivers who are dedicated to healing. It is encouraging to know that the Family Room is contributing to the healing of children because it allows parents and family to be

close by at every step in the recovery process,” said Todd P. Sklamberg, CEO of Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and Sunrise Children’s Hospital. Sklamberg is President of the Board of Trustees of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Believing that every child deserves a safe and supportive place to grow, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Greater Las Vegas creates and supports programs that directly improve the health, education and well-being of children in our community.

We fulfill our mission by providing a home-away-from-home at the Ronald McDonald House for families who travel to Las Vegas to receive critical medical treatment for their children, and manage programs that service the immediate needs of children

and families in our community.

For more information on RMHC of Greater Las Vegas, visit www. rmhlv.org.

Sunrise Children’s Hospital Sunrise Children’s Hospital is the largest, most comprehensive children’s hospital in Nevada that also serves the surrounding region and millions of visitors that come to Las Vegas. Sunrise Children’s Hospital offers a full range of specialized services, including Nevada’s only pediatric heart surgery program, a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department and the largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the state. Sunrise Children’s Hospital is located on the same campus as Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center – Nevada’s largest acute care facility. Follow us @SunriseHosp and Facebook.com/SunriseChildrensHospital.

Filipino traditions and practices during...

PAGE B5 the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is put in an Altar of Repose or “monumento.” After that churches remain open for visitors or as Filipinos would call it, the “Visita Iglesia.”

“Siete Palabras” or Seven Last Words The main activity on Good Friday is the “Siete Palabras” or Seven Last Words, starting in churches from 12 noon and ending at 3 p.m. when Jesus died.

Then there would be a three-act liturgy, and a procession of religious images at the end. The religious images are often veiled in black and carried through towns in carrozas (carriages). Its highlight would be the image of the dead Jesus.

In the evening, the Soledad Procession commences. The

highlight of this procession would be the search of Jesus by the tres marias (Three Marias, referring to Maria Magdalena, the sinner turned saint; Maria Cleofe, mother of the apostle James the Younger; and Maria Jacobe, mother of the apostles James the Greater and John).

“Penitensya” Many Filipinos also participate in taboo practices, which the Catholic Church prohibits and does not endorse. These include “penitensya” or self-flagellations and crucifixions. Especially in the province of Pampanga, devotees re-enact Jesus’ suffering by having themselves nailed to crosses.

This Kapampangan tradition began in 1955 after writer Ricardo Navarro came up with the play narrating Jesus’ story, and the actual crucifixions followed in

1962. Many also dress up as Jesus Christ, walking barefoot, and carrying life-size crosses around town for the entire day. In “penitensya,” hooded men whip their backs as a form of repentance for their sins.

Thousands of locals and foreign tourists flock to see this extreme Filipino tradition every year.

“Salubong” On Easter Sunday, Filipinos celebrate the “Salubong,” a 4 a.m. vigil commemorating the meeting of the Mary and the Risen Jesus.

It is also a welcoming rite for the Son of God. The image of Mary will be brought to the image of Christ at a local church, where people throw flower petals and sing songs of glory. Everyone is happy that Jesus is alive again, and families celebrate by preparing feasts.

(AJPress)

B april 13-19, 2017 • laS VEGaS aSiaN JOUrNal

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