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Volume 28 - No. 30 • 2 sections – 16 Pages

august 3-9, 2017

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US conducting talks with PH gov’t to address ISIS threats

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the United states has been collaborating with the government of the Philippines and other countries within Asia-Pacific to address threats posed by the Islamic state (Is) extremist group in the region.

In a press briefing, U.s. secretary of state rex tillerson noted that the terror group has gained a foothold in the Philippines,

referring to the Is-linked rebels’ attack in marawi City, Lanao del sur in mindanao.

“We already see elements of IsIs (Islamic state of Iraq and syria) in the Philippines, as you’re aware, gaining a foothold. some of these fighters have gone to the Philippines from syria and Iraq,” tillerson told reporters on tuesday, August 1.

Apart from the Philippines, tillerson said the U.s. is also con-

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USA

DATELINE Asian American voter potential eyed in 2018 and beyond from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Rep. Judy Chu, Fil-Am actor/ activist Lou Diamond Phillips discuss importance of mobilizing the AAPI electorate By now, many are seeing the significance of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) electorate following the 2016 general election.

Particularly, the AAPI community won big during the senate races and AAPI voter turnout was the largest in American history.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the Asian American electorate is the fastest-growing voter group in the United states — and political organizations are taking notice.

At this year’s Politicon, the annual nonpartisan political convention held in LA, rep.

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US Navy lists 3 major threats to Asia-Pacific

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson

DELIVERY. An official of the Joint United States Military Assistance Group turns over crates of rockets and munitions to the Philippine Air Force. In a statement provided to the press, the transfer was made by the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) through the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) with the AFP. Photo courtesy of AFP

Aquino hits threats to abolish PCGG, CHR

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III expressed his apprehension against the plan to scrap the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), the agency tasked to recover the ill-gotten wealth of late President ferdinand marcos. he also criticized the threat of his successor, President rodrigo Duterte, to abolish the Commission on human Former Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III at the tomb of his parents, former Pres. Corazon C. Aquino rights (Chr). and Sen. Ninoy Aquino, on the 8th death anniversary of his mother on Tuesday, Aug. 1. speaking to reporters, Inquirer.net photo by Lyn Rillon

wealth acquired by marcos and his cronies. “have they finished their job yet? During my term, they had still recovered some of the [ill-gotten wealth of the marcoses],” Aquino said of the PCGG. since its establishment three decades ago, the agency has so far recovered an estimated P170 billion-worth of cash and assets plundered by the marcoses. the agency also reported that it was able to recover P57.1 billion in 2012, P631 million in 2013, P1.57 billion

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Pacquiao visits troops in Marawi amid war Sen. Angara wants revision of tax rules on balikbayan box

by John

UnSon Philstar.com

LANAo DeL sUr — sen. manny Pacquiao on saturday, July 29, urged soldiers in marawi City to vigorously restore law and order in the area, convinced it can be accomplished even sooner than expected.

Pacquiao, an international boxing icon, held a brief meeting with Lt. Gen. Carlito

Galvez Jr. of the Western mindanao Command and other military officials while in marawi City.

Also present in the meeting were Brigadier Generals Joselito Bautista, emmanuel salamat of the Philippine marine Corps, ramiro rey of the Joint task force ranao and felicisimo Budiongan of the mechanized Infantry Division.

Pa c q u i a o a r r i v e d i n

marawi City on board a private helicopter that landed inside the sprawling compound of Camp ranao, the command base of the Army’s 103rd Brigade, located in a strategic spot there.

Pacquiao, a reservist-colonel in the Philippine Army, wore the regular brownshaded special forces camouflage uniform during his engagement with soldiers

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by Winona

SaDia

Inquirer.net

the Department of finance (Dof) should revise its implementing rules on duty- and taxfree balikbayan boxes to give due benefits to millions of overseas filipino workers (ofWs), senator sonny Angara said on tuesday, Aug. 2.

Under the Customs Administrative order No. 5-2016, which

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the North Korea’s missile tests, China’s aggressiveness in the south China sea, and the Islamic state (Is) threat in the Philippines are among the three major regional concerns the United states Pacific Command (PACom) is facing.

PACom Chief Navy Adm. harry harris Jr. discussed these three issues during the Japan-U.s. military statesmen forum in Washington, D.C., on friday, July 28.

During the forum, harris described North Korea as “a clear and present danger” to global peace and stability.

Last week, Pyongyang launched its 12th missile test this year, which is also its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBm) test in less than a month. the PACom chief said that the regime of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-Un, is not only a threat to south Korea, Japan, and the SURPRISE VISIT. Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao (center) poses for photos with soldiers during a visit to a military camp in U.s., but also “to the entire world because Marawi City. Pacquiao lifted the spirits of government troops who have been battling pro-Islamic State terrorists for over

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Aquino stressed that the Philippines still needed the two government agencies, which were both created during the term of his mother, the late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

Budget secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier disclosed the current administration’s proposal to abolish the PCGG and transfer its power to another agency as part of a bigger plan to trim redundant agencies in the executive branch. the PCGG was created in 1986 to recover about $10 billion-worth of the ill-gotten

two months. Pacquiao said he was confident the crisis in Marawi City would end soon based on the dwindling number of Maute terrorists.

Photo courtesy of AFP

Senator Sonny Angara

Inquirer.net photo

Sereno impeachment case eyed over purchase of luxury car

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PhILIPPINe supreme Court (sC) Chief Justice ma. Lourdes sereno is facing a possible impeachment case over her reported order purchase of a luxury sportutility vehicle (sUV) using judiciary funds.

Lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, president of Pro-Duterte Constitutional reformers to federalism, said sereno’s purchase of the “immodest and extravagant” vehicle can be considered as betrayal of public trust, which is grounds for impeachment.

Using government funds, sereno reportedly ordered the purchase of a toyota Land Cruiser worth over P5 million for her official business.

About P3 to P4 million, also from government funds, was allegedly used for the bullet-proofing of the said vehicle.

While Gadon said sereno is entitled to buy a vehicle as a high government official, the lawyer insisted that it should not be too expensive. “she (sereno) is entitled to buy a vehicle. the issue here is why is

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From The FronT Page

Sen. Angara wants revision of tax rules...

PAGE A1 contains the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Customs Modernization Tariff Act (CMTA) as signed by the DOF and Bureau of Customs (BOC) in December last year, “all balikbayan boxes per sender in any calendar year shall not exceed P150,000.”

This rule, Angara said, was

contrary to the intent of the CMTA, which allows OFWs to send up to three P150,000-worth of duty- and tax-free balikbayan boxes, or not exceeding the amount of P450,000 in a year, given that the goods are not in commercial quantities.

“Ang intensyon ng CMTA ay gawing tax-free ang balikbayan boxes na may halagang

P150,000 times three kada taon, at hindi P150,000 divided by three (The intention of CMTA is to make tax-free the balikbayan boxes amounting to P150,000 times three per year, and not P150,000 divided by three),” Angara said during an oversight committee hearing on the review of CMTA’s implementation.

“Ang bawat balikbayan box ay karaniwang naglalaman ng P80,000 worth of items. Talagang pinag-iipunan po ito ng ating mga magigiting na OFW. Kung kaya, para dagdag pakunswelo sa kanila, ginawa nating P150,000 ang tax-free kada kahon (Each balikbayan box usually contains around P80,000 worth of items.

This is our OFWs’ heard-earned money. That is why to provide additional comfort to them, we made it P150,000 the amount of each box that is tax free),” the lawmaker added.

But DOF Assistant Secretary Mark Joven explained during the hearing that there was an “ambiguity” in the language of the law which led to the Finance Department misinterpreting the said provision.

Ang Asosasyon sang Mangunguma nga Bisaya-Owa (AAMBIS-OWA) party-list Representative Sharon Garin, a member of the oversight committee and who was part of the CMTA bicameral committee, said the DOF should have reviewed the records of the bicameral hearing which could help them determine the intent of the law.

Angara then urged the BOC and the DOF to immediately resolve the issues on the IRR of the balikbayan box law as Christmas season is nearing and this is the period when OFWs send their gifts to their loved ones in the country.

“Magbe-Ber months na naman po at sigurado akong nagsisimula nang mamili ng mga ipapadala ang ating mga kababayan abroad. Noong nakaraang taon pa namin naipasa ito. Sana ay mapakinabangan na ngayon ng ating mga OFW ang mga benepisyong hatid ng batas na ito (‘Ber’ months are coming and I’m sure our fellow Filipinos abroad are already buying stuff they intend to send here. We passed this since last year. I’m hoping our OFWs can benefit from this law),” he said.

US conducting talks with PH...

PAGE A1 ducting talks for cooperation with the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia to address the threats.

He pointed out that the next step to defeat the terrorist group is to recognize it as a global issue.

“We are in conversations with the Philippine government, with Indonesia, with Malaysia, with Singapore, with Australia, as partners to recognize this threat, try to get ahead of this threat, and help them with training — training their own law enforcement capabilities, sharing of intelligence, and provide them wherewithal to anticipate what may be coming their direction,” Tillerson said.

For its part, the Philippine government is also eyeing a “closer regional cooperation” with its neighboring countries.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte spoke of “new” and “serious” terrorism threats in the Mindanao provinces during the latter’s meeting with Senate and House leaders on Tuesday.

“He briefed us on intelligence information of new threats posed by the ISIS in the south and he is looking for a closer regional cooperation in the neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia,” Drilon disclosed to reporters the following day.

According to the senator, the threat discussed by Duterte is not just the threat posed by Maute

rebels that attacked Marawi City.

He said the president “was referring to the ISIS.” Asked how serious it was, Drilon responded, “in the president’s briefing, it appears to be serious.

That’s what he said.”

“He informed us of that renewed threat because the secretary of national defense has requested for additional manpower, and, therefore, that would require budgetary allocation,” he added.

The attack in Marawi City on May 23 prompted Duterte to impose martial law in the entire Mindanao. With the local government’s fight to quell the extremists in the area still ongoing, the strict security measure has been extended until December 31 of this year.

Aquino hits threats to abolish...

PAGE A1 in 2014, P14.01 billion in 2015 and P481.95 billion in 2016.

“Indeed their work is not yet finished. There’s no single person who knows all that needs to be recovered,” the former president added.

Referring to the CHR, Aquino said its functions were not “maximized yet.”

“Will we allow ourselves to submit to threats abolishing the agency which protects human rights? As long as we haven’t reached a perfect society, I think we still need an agency such as [the] CHR,” he remarked.

Duterte previously threatened to abolish the CHR in a press conference after his second State of the Nation (SONA) last week.

He later dismissed his threat as a “joke.”

Malacañang also clarified that the commission “cannot be abolished by mere legislation.” It noted, however, that the chairperson and its members can be replaced.

The CHR was created in 1987 to protect citizens from all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights.

It has been monitoring reports of thousands of summary killings and human rights abuses allegedly done by the police in connection with Duterte’s controversial anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Questioning Duterte’s drug war, Aquino said the campaign seemed ineffective.

He noted that in 2015, during his term, data from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) pegged the number of drug users to 1.8 million, but at the end of 2016, during Duterte’s first year in power, the number of drug users in the country remained the same.

President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the 113th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, Aug. 2.The president defended the bloody police raid that killed Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, his wife and 14 others, and called former President Benigno Aquino III a “fool” for saying the war on drugs is ineffective.

Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales

“Parang wala yatang nangyari (It seems nothing happened),” Aquino said.

Duterte fires back In response to Aquino’s criticisms, Duterte responded to the former president with expletives.

“Anong walang nangyari? G*** ka. (What do you mean nothing happened? You’re an idiot),” Duterte said.

“Sabi ni PNoy [Aquino], ‘Parang walang nangyari.’ Sige, pumasok ka sa droga, PNoy, ‘pag hindi kita pinutulan ng ulo, buwang ka, (PNoy said, ‘It’s like nothing happened.’ Okay, go into drugs, PNoy, and you’ll see I’ll cut off your head, you’re insane),” he added.

In a separate statement, Malacañang stressed that the results of Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign “speak for themselves.”

“Comments like the above from past leaders imply a jaded cynicism borne of a history of

Pacquiao visits troops in Marawi...

PAGE A1 in Camp Ranao.

“Huwag kayong sumurrender dahil kumbaga sa boxing, nasa last three rounds na lang tayo ngayon at malapit nang matapos,” Pacquiao told enlisted soldiers and officers during a traditional military “talk to the men” dialogue that he presided over.

Army and Marine servicemen told reporters their morale was boosted by Pacquiao’s visit to Marawi City.

“Masaya kami. Ito ay isang pagbigay pugay sa aming paghihirap,” a Marine officer, who requested anonymity, said.

An Army Scout Ranger, Pfc. Allan Benbinuto, said he and his companions were honored by the

political opportunism,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

He pointed out that the campaign resulted in the unprecedented voluntary surrender of more than 1.3 million drug personalities.

Abella took note that in the first year of the Duterte administration, 96,703 drug personalities have been arrested, while 2,445.80 kilos of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) have been seized.

The figures, he said, are higher compared to 77,810 drug personalities arrested and 3,219.07 kilos of shabu seized in the six years of the Aquino administration.

“Much ground has been gained in the campaign against hard drug traffickers and violators, but the mission is to end the demand, production, distribution and sale of illegal drugs,” Abella added. senator’s visit to Marawi City.

Benbinuto is still recuperating from an eye injury he sustained in an encounter with Maute terrorists last month.

Galvez said the brief engagement of Pacquiao with soldiers in Marawi City was “very positive” for military units clearing the area from Maute terrorists.

“We are very grateful to Senator Pacquiao for spending time with the troops,” Galvez said.

Sereno impeachment case eyed over purchase...

PAGE A1 it too expensive and too luxurious when there are other models that are cheaper but have the same function,” Gadon reasoned.

The lawyer further remarked that President Rodrigo Duterte himself only uses a second-hand vehicle.

“Even President Duterte did not ask for a new car and the one he uses is only a second-hand,” Gadon said, claiming that Sereno’s predecessors did not buy luxury vehicles using public funds as well.

The lawyer also pointed out that the dealer’s website shows that the cost of the SUV was only around P4.5 million, which is about P600,000 less than the P5.1 million acquired by the High Court for Sereno.

Sought for a statement, the camp of the chief justice refused to give any comments on the issue.

“There will be an appropriate time for comments on things like those. This is not the time,” SC Spokesperson Theodore Te told reporters.

Apart from the car purchase, Gadon also questioned Sereno’s alleged undeclared earnings in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) when she was a private lawyer and represented the government in an arbitration case.

In his complaint, the lawyer claimed that the chief justice deliberately excluded” in her SALN the alleged “exorbitant lawyer’s fees” amounting to $745,000 or P37 million.

“Accordingly, the failure of Respondent Sereno to be truthful

VACC leaders show off their impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Inquirer.net photo by Marc Jayson Cayabyab

in her SALN is another instance of culpable violation of the Constitution that merits her immediate dismissal from the service,” Gadon said.

Additionally, he accused the Sereno of committing corruption for allegedly using taxpayers’ money to “stay in opulent hotels when attending conferences in the Philippines and abroad, and flying on business or first class together with her staff and security.”

“She used public funds to flaunt her extravagance by unnecessarily bringing a huge entourage of lawyers in her supposed official foreign trips,” he said.

According to him, Sereno “organized an international conference in Shangri-La Boracay and got herself billeted in the Presidential Villa, easily a P200,000-anight room” last year.

He also pointed out that she “obstructed justice by ordering the Muntinlupa City judges not

to issue warrants of arrest” on drug charges against Sen. Leila de Lima.

On Wednesday, August 2, Gadon said members of the House of Representatives are willing to endorse his complaint but he was advised to secure at least 10 signatures from other House members.

“They wanted more [of their colleagues] to sign the complaint, not just one or two,” he said.

Under the Constitution, an impeachment complaint filed by a non-House member is only considered official if endorsed by a House member.

A separate impeachment complaint against Sereno has been filed on Wednesday by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) Chair Dante Jimenez and Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution (VCPI) President Eligio Mallari, but no member of the House endorsed their complaint.

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Asian American voter potential eyed...

PAGE A1 Judy Chu (D-Calif.) acknowledged the shift in the overall American electorate.

“Asian Pacific Islanders are on the rise in this nation and I see it with my own eyes,” said Chu, who became the first Chinese American woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 2009.

Chu was one of the panelists at the convention’s panel called “Asian American and PAcific Islanders: Crucial Vote in Swing States” which explored the potential impact of AAPIs in the American political system.

Chu, who also chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), sung the many achievements of Asian Americans in the last election alone: the number of AAPIs in Congress jumped from 13 to 18 (the most in U.S. history), the “unexpected” election of three Asian American women in the U.S. Senate and the highest voter turnout for AAPIs in U.S. history (35 percent, nationwide).

Notably, she discussed the impact of AAPI voters in swing states. For example, 9 percent of Nevada’s population are AAPIs, but 69 percent of them voted for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for the 2016 presidential election; Clinton ended up winning the state.

In Virginia, another swing state, AAPIs are 5 percent of the population and 81 percent of AAPIs voted for Clinton; Clinton also ended up winning Virginia.

“The potential for the AAPIs to be the swing vote is enormous, and that’s what I mean when I say we can go from being marginalized to the margin of victory,” Chu said to massive applause.

The congresswoman emphasized the importance of the AAPI role in the 2018 midterm elections, which are “critical” and can give the Democratic Party (the party preference for a majority of AAPIs) a chance to win back the House.

During midterm elections, the opposing party of the current president historically wins more seats. But Chu discussed going further and tackling historically Republican districts that voted for Clinton, many of which are in California.

California’s 45th congressional district — which comprises of a heavy Republican votership from Orange to Mission Viejo — voted for Clinton and has an open congressional seat in

2018. The state’s 48th district (centered in Huntington Beach) also has an open seat next year.

Both these districts have a strong AAPI votership that have the power to shift the midterms.

“Can you imagine, if you mobilize those voters and get them to turn out and get them to be the swing vote, how we could turn those seats and win back the House? It would make a huge difference,” Chu said.

Also on the panel was Filipino-American actor and activist Lou Diamond Phillips, who discussed the shift happening among younger AAPIs. “We’re seeing a generation that is starting to embrace their own and perhaps even break away from the more stained traditions of their immigrant parents. They’re becoming more vocal which is exactly what we need,” the actor said.

Phillips is no stranger to social activism. Since the early 2000s, he has been an outspoken advocate for the Filipino Equity Act, which called for stronger recognition and benefits for Filipino World War II Veterans. He has also actively fought for rights of Native Americans One thing all the panelists agreed on was that prospective representatives — on local, statewide and national platforms — must address the issues of individual communities and avoid treating the AAPI community as a monolith.

“What I don’t want to see is a homogenization of Asian American experience. You cannot necessarily segment or subdivide the Asian vote,” Phillips asserted. “There are so many of us classified as Asian, and each of these individual communities must be addressed and not just washed over the same big brush. So it’s going to be incumbent upon representatives to address our community’s needs, individually.”

Also on the panel were MSNBC journalist and anchor Richard Lui, political strategist Bill Wong and founder and president of the Millennial Action Project Steven Olikara.

Fil-Ams weigh in on representation, urge AAPIs to become politically active Asian Americans in the public eye are not the only ones noticing the impact of AAPI participation in the political system.

Helen Ronaldo of Buena Park, California became “more politically minded” during a high

Dateline USa

school class government class where she learned about the importance of Asian American representation in governing roles.

“I realized that up until recently, the people governing our country were basically all white, straight men who were ignorant of the issues facing many demographics. I’m happy to be alive at this time when we’re seeing a shift in our government in term of diversity, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Ronaldo, 18, told the Asian Journal after the panel on Saturday.

The future political science major at Cal Poly Pomona added that although she advocates a more diverse pool of lawmakers, she notes that “it’s not about filling a quota”, but rather “it’s all about who is best fit for the job.”

“Historically, a lot of people weren’t elected because of their race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation,” Ronaldo remarked.

“There are a lot of qualified folks from the Asian community who can serve all Americans and shed a light on people who were once ignored by senators, Congressmen and other political leaders. Representation is really important in all spheres, but especially in our government because our government is supposed to be a representation of all of America.”

Jun Uy also believes in the importance of representation to mobilize the AAPI community and praised Asian Americans currently serving in the government, notably CA Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Alameda) — who is the first and only Filipino American in the state Legislature — and Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois).

“I rally behind them, not just because of their ethnicity though, but because now I can rest easy and know that there’s someone who has my interests in mind and understands the Asian American experience,” Uy, a social worker living in Burbank, told the Asian Journal.

“It’s like when you see videos of little girls who are excited about Wonder Woman: there’s finally a mainstream female superhero on the forefront. They’re excited that there’s someone who looks like them making waves, and that’s how I feel about seeing Asian faces in government, as well as entertainment and other places.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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BLUE RIBBON HEARING. Senator Richard Gordon (center), chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, talks to Senators Sonny Angara and (left) and Sherwin Gatchalian (right) during an inquiry on Monday, July 31, on the P6.25-billion worth of illegal drugs recently smuggled to the country from China. The probe was prompted by the seizure of over 600 kilos of shabu or metamphetamine hydrochloride from separate warehouses in Valenzuela City last May 26. The drugs were reportedly concealed in cylindrical roller printers that were allegedly cleared by the Bureau of Customs.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

It’s official: Los Angeles will host 2028 Olympics City promises economic upturn leading up to the games

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AFTER weeks of negotiations, the City of Los Angeles has finally locked in a deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, a move that officials are confident will be financially advantageous.

The deal brings the Summer Games back to LA for the third time after the city hosted in 1984 and 1932.

“This is a big win for Los Angeles,” Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA Olympic bid committee, told reporters at a news conference on Monday, July 31 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, which is slated to be one of the venues for the 2028 Games.

For the last few weeks, the city has been in talks with both the IOC and officials from Paris, a rival bid city about which city shall host the 2024 and 2028 games. Last month, the IOC complicated the competition for the 2024 Games when it named two winners in LA and Paris.

The latter city is slated to host the 2024 Games.

“There is no other metaphor. It was a marathon,” LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said at the press conference. “A couple times, we were counted out altogether. But we never hit a wall. We never lost our focus, and today we are at the finish line.”

“We are here today to make history,” Garcetti said. “I’m proud to

say the Olympics are coming back to the United States of America.”

According to Wasserman, the predicted contribution from the IOC to Paris in 2024 will be $1.7 billion. Significantly, the IOC contribution to LA in 2028 would be at least $2 billion because of the sponsorship money the city is predicted to receive.

Additionally, LA would also generate more savings and supplementary revenue in domestic sponsorship deals that would be unclaimed by international corporate partners of the IOC. Usually, the bulk of contributions from the IOC isn’t sent to the host cities until a couple years before the games, but the IOC has agreed to give LA an advance of $180 million that will cover the organizing committee’s costs for the additional four years.

Notably, as much as $160 million of the advanced contribution will be funneled into public youth sports programs, which Garcetti promised could see increased funding as soon as within the next year.

Moreover, LA’s bid estimate includes a $487.6 million contingency, money set aside for cost overruns to avoid huge financial blows that have plagued host cities in the past. If the 2028 games finish at or are under budget, that contingency would be converted into a surplus; and, city officials have made a deal to keep most of that money.

“I can look people in the eye

and say this is a much stronger deal financially,” Garcetti said. “I want something for the people of LA now. I want the excitement to build.”

Garcetti, who led the city’s campaign to bring the Olympics back, is positive that the terms of the agreement should “outweigh” any perceived uncertainties in hosting a massive global event 11 years in advance.

Addressing the costs of infrastructure and transportation projects the city has lined up, Garcetti assured that upcoming city projects were not dependent on the bid, adding that the city is “modeling the Olympics around the city, and not modeling the city around the Olympics.”

Experts have said that rather than constructing new stadiums and arenas, LA could save billions by relying on existing venues such as the Staples Center, the Coliseum, and the StubHub Center. Additionally, rather than constructing a new Olympic Village, athletes and members of the media could be housed at the UCLA and USC campuses.

When asked whether he was upset the city lost the heavily-campaigned-for 2024 Olympic Games, Garcetti said that hosting 2028 is more beneficial to Angelenos.

“What we were able to negotiate — this deal was too good to pass up,” Garcetti said. “This legacy can inspire a whole new generation.”

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US senator calls for renewal benefits program for Filvets

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

WAShINGTON, D.C. – Amid its looming expiration, United States Senator Mazie K. hirono sought the renewal of a provision under “Keeping Our Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act” which extends the country’s authority to operate the Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office in Manila, Philippines. hirono introduced the bill on Wednesday, July 16, pointing out that it is “imperative” for Congress to renew it, citing its thousands of beneficiaries.

The day coincides with the 76th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s order to incorporate the Philippine Army into the U.S. forces in 1941. “hawaii’s deep cultural and family ties to the Philippines extend to the sizable community of veterans and their dependents who rely on the Manila VA to receive their pensions and health care,” hirono was quoted saying in a news release.

According to the VA, its regional office in Manila supports around 13,000 beneficiaries through over

Senator Mazie K. Hirono

Photo from senate.gov

$19 million per month in disability compensation or pensions.

The office also serves about 6,000 enrolled patients through its outpatient clinic.

“We must keep our commitment to these veterans and all veterans who rely on the Manila VA. It is imperative for Congress to promptly renew authority for this facility to avoid any impact to the hard-earned critical services these veterans deserve,” the senator added.

If not extended, the bill will expire on September 30, 2017. edmund Aczon, chairman of the board of directors of the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, hawaii, thanked the senator for her “steadfast efforts to support [the] Filipino World War II Veterans,” including those who are currently residing the Philippines.

“We are grateful to Senator hirono for introducing this bill to reauthorize the Manila VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic to ensure stability for the tens of thousands of veterans and their families who receive VA disability compensation, pensions or healthcare which will give peace of mind to their families in hawaii,” Aczon added.

Retired U.S. Army Major General Antonio Taguba, chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and education Project, also expressed gratitude to the senator for her leadership in introducing legislation to reauthorize the Manila VA. Taguba said the VA’s longtime presence in the Philippines is a reflection of Washington’s duty to provide the benefits and services the veterans have earned during World War II. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Legislative Director Carlos Fuentes, on the other hand, described the Manila VA as not only a testament to Washington’s commitment but also serves as “a reminder of the sacrifices of those veterans in the Philippines who answered President Roosevelt’s call to service during World War II 76 years ago.”

“The VFW thanks Senator hirono for her leadership in introducing this bill to ensure veterans in the Philippines continue to have access to their earned health care and services,” Fuentes added.

US Navy lists 3 major threats to Asia-Pacific...

PAGE A1 North Korea’s missiles point in every direction.”

“It’s the reason why we call for all nations to implement far stronger economic sanctions against Pyongyang,” he added.

According to him, China plays a vital role in the issue, and should exert influence and help promote denuclearization in the region. harris, however, noted that China must also tone down its aggressive activities in the South China Sea, citing Beijing’s reported militarization and construction of artificial islands in the disputed area.

“Some might find it odd for me to advocate cooperation with China on one hand while criticizing Beijing on the other, but as I like to say, great powers can walk and chew gum at the same time,” he said.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, with neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, as its rival claimants.

Regarding IS, harris said the terror group is a clear threat that must be brought down.

While its main operating areas are in the Middle east and North Africa, the PACOM chief

noted that the terror group is trying to expand its influence in Southeast Asia, particularly in Marawi City, Philippines.

An IS-linked terror group laid siege of Marawi City on May 23, and the Philippine government’s operation to reclaim the area has since been ongoing. harris pointed out that the incident in Marawi should serve as a wake-up call for the IndoAsia-Pacific nations.

“Only through multinational collaboration can we eradicate ISIS and other violent extremist organizations before they spread,” he stressed. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

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Philippine team wins silver at Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival by rae

ann Varona AJPress

The Philippines Dragon Boat Alliance Team (Alliance) took silver in both the Men’s and Women’s 500-meter events and placed 6th overall in the Toyota Super Dragon Final during the annual 2017 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival.

The 2017 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival took place on July 29-30 at Marine Stadium in Long Beach, California, where local and international dragon boat teams from various age groups came together to compete in the annual dragon boat races.

“Over 200 teams from different countries competed in 18 different divisions,” Dr. howard Chen, the festival’s founder and organizer, told the Asian Journal.

Included in the international lineup were teams from Taiwan, Canada, and Singapore, among others, added Chen. Representing the Philippines for the first time in the festival was Alliance. established in 2016, the team consists of Filipino paddlers from different parts of the world including the U.S., Qatar, Dubai, Singapore, Canada, and the Philippines. All were former members of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) teams, the governing body for dragon boating in the Philippines as recognized by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF).

Although it was Alliance’s first time competing at the festival, which started in 2003, the team was welcomed with a lot of support from the Filipino-American community, including Filipino paddlers from other teams.

“Racing with Alliance is like you are part of [the] Justice League,” Benj Rodrigo, one of the team’s rowers, shared with the Asian Journal. “We support each other and fight together.”

With members from all over the world, Alliance only trained together as a boat for a couple of days before the festival, but have been communicating regularly via group chat.

“We were competing with teams who trained together the whole year round,” Alliance Team Captain John Panuelos told theAsian Journal. Because Alliance consists of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the team was only able to squeeze in around two hours of practice together total. Rodrigo is based in Singapore, Panuelos in Abu Dhabi, their co-captain from Qatar, and their coach from the Philippines.

Nevertheless, they were able to pull through, bagging two silver medals and placing 6th overall in the Toyota Super Dragon. Among their competitors were national teams from the U.S. and Taiwan.

Rodrigo, who started rowing in

2014 back in the Philippines, was glad to be representing the country at the festival.

“It was my first time pacing in a big event while representing our country,” he shared. “I kept reminding myself that every stroke of my paddle was for my country.”

Dragon boat festivals, or Duanwu Jie, have many origin stories. One, which the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival refers to, goes back to Qu Yuan, an ancient poet who served as a top advisor to the Chu state’s king during the Warring States period of China. Slandered by jealous officials upon advice he gave to the king, he was sent into exile where he wrote poems.

In 278 BC, the capital of Chu was conquered by the Qin state. This lead Qu Yuan to commit suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Saddened by his death, locals began to row out searching for his body. This eventually became a festival commemorating his death spanning over 2,000 years throughout southern China. The water sport gradually gained popularity abroad including in the Philippines.

“Dragon boat racing has been popular in the Philippines for some time,” said Panuelos. The country holds many dragon boat festivals and regattas with the biggest being the Cherifer Premium-PDBF Dragon Boat Regatta in Manila Bay. Rodrigo’s Philippine home team, Triton Dragon Boat Racing Team, just recently held

its first-ever Triton PCL Dragonboat Cup in July, which he said was a success.

According to the PDBF, more than 30 teams have been organized in the Philippines, comprising of students, professionals, businessmen, and military personnel. Aside from the country’s National Team, which holds many world records, club teams have been active in dragon boat races across Asia, Australia, europe, the U.S., and Canada.

At the recent 2017 Taiwan International Dragon Boat Championships held in July, the Philippines set a new world record, taking gold in the 20-seater men’s 200m along with three other gold medals, according to the Manila Bulletin.

The feeling of reaching the finish line together as a team is one of Rodrigo’s favorite things about racing.

“It’s a team sport,” he said, adding that Alliance felt like being with family. “You are not doing it for yourself, but you’re doing it for everybody and for the team.”

For Panuelos, the whole process is what he enjoys most. “From prep to the actual race, to getting results and seeing what we have accomplished...every race is different,” he added.

Prior to the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, Alliance participated in the 21st Annual Kaiser Permanente Northern California International Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California last year, where they won four gold medals and one bronze.

Top Rank to consider Horn vs Crawford if Pacquiao retires

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

Fax résumé to:

info@asianjournalinc.com

MANNY Pacquiao’s longtime promoter is ready to move on with plans for its latest champion, Jeff horn, in case the Filipino icon calls it quits.

While the company is expecting a rematch between Pacquiao and horn, it is also willing to pit the Australian against another star in its stable — the undefeated Terence Crawford.

In an interview with On The Ropes Boxing Radio, Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti said they are eagerly awaiting word from Pacquiao.

“Well, I don’t know right now [what will happen with Jeff horn].

You got the rematch being discussed between Jeff horn and Manny Pacquiao, so depending on what happens with that decision, it could impact Crawford in some ways or it could not,” said Moretti.

There has been no word from Pacquiao’s camp regarding his next plans, other than the fighting senator previously stating he wants the chance to get back at horn.

For his part, horn, who shocked

Manny Pacquiao, Jeff Horn and Terence Crawford

the world when he defeated Pacquiao last month in Brisbane, Australia, is eager to defend the WBO welterweight championship.

The 29-year-old Australian is likewise looking at a rematch with Pacquiao, but if that doesn’t materialize, he is ready to move on.

The other day on social media, horn called out IBF champion errol Spence for a unification bout, stressing he only wants big fights from now on.

But Top Rank is more inclined to match horn with Crawford, the unbeaten WBC and WBO super lightweight champion who was once also considered for Pacquiao.

Philstar.com photos

“If Manny decides to retire, then Jeff horn could look at a fight with Terence Crawford if that made sense for everybody,” Moretti added.

But first, Crawford has to get past Julius Indongo on August 19, then Pacquiao has to announce he is leaving the sport – which is unlikely for now, as the Filipino icon had said he will continue fighting “until the passion is gone.”

For now, Top Rank is on a waitand-see mode.

“But like anything else, it’s tough to predict now what’s going to be the case four months from now. You just have to play it out on every angle,” said Moretti.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUSt 3-9, 2017

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

D ateline PhiliPPines Ozamiz City mayor, 14 others killed in drug raid

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

OzAMIz City Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong� Parojinog, Sr. and 14 others were killed in simultaneous pre-dawn drug raids conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday, July 30.

At least six search warrants were reportedly served by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and operatives of the Ozamiz City police at several of the family’s properties in Barangays Baybay San Roque and Baybay Santa Cruz around 2:30 a.m.

Among those killed in the raid include Parojinog’s wife, Susan; his brother, Misamis Occidental Board Member Octavio Parojinog Jr.; and his sister Mona.

Meanwhile, his daughter, Nova and his son, Reynaldo Jr., were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs and for possessing loose firearms.

Parojinog and his daughter Nova, who sits as the city’s vice mayor, were included in the list of alleged drug lords and narco politicians announced by President Rodrigo Duterte last year.

The Ozamiz City mayor was also tagged as the leader of the Kuratong Baleleng crime syndicate that gained national attention for its robbery, smuggling, kidnapping, murder, and extortion, among other crimes.

In a statement, Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb, director of the Northern Mindanao regional police, said the cops who were trying to serve the warrant were met with gunfire while approach-

ing the mayor’s residence. “The PNP personnel serving the search warrants were met with volley of fire from their security, prompting our law enforcers to retaliate,� the regional commander said.

Authorities said they were able to recover more than one kilogram of shabu from the houses of the Parojinogs. Firearms were also reportedly recovered, including an M16 rifle, two hand grenades, and a .45 pistol.

Denying the allegations police intended to wipe out the Parojinog family, Pacleb assured that the raid is a “very legitimate operation.�

Several senators, however, questioned the raid, particularly the disabling of CCTV cameras prior to the incident and the time of serving the warrant. “All 15 suspected drug lords at the scene of the crime and their ‘armed to the teeth’ bodyguards are killed. No injuries or casualties on the side of the PNP. Unrealistic.

This can be done to anyone,� said Liberal Party President Senator Kiko Pangilinan.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, also asked, “Why are search warrants, served before dawn as in the cases of Mayor Espinosa and now, Mayor Parojinog, result in the deaths of the persons being searched? Both are tagged as drug lords. Too much of a coincidence?�

Drilon was referring to the late Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera who was killed in an alleged “shoot out� during a raid conducted by the police last year.

But Senator Panfilo Lacson said

there is presently no reason for the Senate conduct a probe on the Ozamiz City raid. “At this point, I don’t see any reason why the Senate should investigate because that was a police operation,� Lacson told reporters.

Lacson, also former PNP chief, chairs the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs.

He then added, “Unless something develops later showing that (the Parojinogs) were summarily executed... it’s not good that the Senate investigate every police operation.�

In a statement, PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato� Dela Rosa maintained that the Ozamiz raid is not a rubout incident. “They were meant to be operated upon, not liquidated. It depends.

If they fight back, then there will be an encounter. We won’t have control over that,� the PNP Chief said in a media briefing.

He went on to say, “I want him (Parojinog) alive but since he fought back, then... I want my men alive more than him. After the smoke has cleared it should be a good man standing.�

He also pointed out that “any time is a legal time to serve a search warrant.�

For the PNP Chief, however, the disabling of CCTV prior the operation was wrong. He claimed that he is unaware that the enforcers tinkered the security cameras. “If you were to ask me it’s right to disable it, it’s wrong. CCTV forms a part of transparency, so why must it be disabled?� Dela Rosa asked.

WET WEEKEND. A family gets a chilly spray as strong waves pound the sea wall along Roxas Blvd. in Manila. Intermittent downpours had soaked Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon, leaving some areas flooded.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger RaĂąada

ASEAN, China to endorse sea code of conduct

by Catherine

Valente ManilaTimes

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China are expected to endorse the framework of the code of conduct on the South China Sea on Sunday, Aug. 6, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Foreign ministers from ASEAN and China are in Manila for the 50th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting this week.

They are joined by their counterparts from Korea, Japan, United States, Canada and other countries considered as Asean dialogue partners. “We have a commitment from Asean and China to finalize, to approve the framework of the Code of Conduct within the chairmanship year of the Philippines, which is this year. We expect that the foreign ministers will endorse the framework as it is currently approved by the senior officials in — last May — to endorse it during their meeting on August 6 in Manila,� Foreign Affairs spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said. “So after it is endorsed, after the approval process has been done, dealt with, we expect that A commuter shows off his smartphone’s free WiFi connection at an MRT-3 station along EDSA. Philstar.com photo the talks on the actual Code of

Duterte OKs free public internet access in PH PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law Republic Act 10929 or an act establishing free internet access program in public places in the country.

Under the new law, free Wi-Fi access should be established in all national and local government offices, public schools, public transport terminals, public hospitals and public libraries. “The State hereby recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building, and declares its policy to promote an environment for the development of structures that would ensure the availability and accessibility to reliable and secure internet access suitable to the needs and aspirations of the nation,� the new law read. (Catherine S. Valente/ManilaTimes.net)

A

Conduct will begin in earnest,� he added.

But Bolivar said no timeline has been set for the approval of the code. “This is actually a very big step that we have a framework that will be endorsed by the ministers in a few days. As you may recall, there was a different strategic environment in 2002 when we adopted the Declaration of Conduct to Parties in the South China Sea. For this particular year, in fact since late last year, we have a commitment from Asean and China to complete this framework and this is already a major step toward realizing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea,� he said.

However, the ruling of an international arbitral tribunal nullifying China’s massive claim on the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) may not be included in the regional code of conduct, the DFA said.

Bolivar said the code of conduct should reflect the common interests of all parties involved.

He described the framework as an “outline� that defines the nature of the code of conduct, detail the legal basis for it, and state “how countries should

behave in the region.â€? “There is no specific mention‌ but the general headings, it’s an outline, the nature of the code of conduct, what principles govern the behaviors of [nations]. I would think it’s something more generic so there’s no specific mention [of the arbitral ruling],â€? he told reporters.

Bolivar, however, said the Philippines will push the arbitration ruling on the disputed sea. “Anything that is to our interest, definitely, we will push,� the DFA spokesman said.

Efforts to finalize the pact have dragged on for years.

In place of a legally binding code, Asean and China in 2002 settled for a mere declaration that called on all claimants to exercise restraint and stop new occupation of areas in the South China Sea. But China refused to turn it into a legally binding “code of conduct,� using the intervening time to build its artificial islands in the area.

Beijing claims nearly all of the South China Sea, despite partial counterclaims from Taiwan and several Asean members, including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

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Linda P. Simpson, Contracts Administrator Procurement & Contracts Ph: (702) 477-3144; TDD (702) 387-1898 lpsimpson@snvrha.org or if not available

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august 3-9, 2017 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL

O piniOn Law enforcement

Features

During the early morning of Sunday, July 30, members of the Philippine national Police and Criminal investigation and Detection group (CiDg), armed with search warrants, raided homes of alleged illegal drug personalities in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.

Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog Sr. and his wife died during the raid on their house, while 13 other people were left dead after the police operation.

Authorities claimed that the shootout ensued when the Parajinogs and their supporters fired at police officers.

Ironically, close circuit television (CCTV) cameras are installed in and around the Parojinog residence. However, the CCTV cameras were “paralyzed” during the time of the incident.

Citing irregularities on how law enforcers conducted the raid, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is awaiting the official police report and is already initiating its own investigation on the incident.

“No conclusions yet at this time, but the purpose of the investigation is to determine if protocols were followed in the implementation of the search warrant and use of deadly force,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia.

CHR commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana reminded the PNP to comply with the existing rules of engagement covering arrest and search warrants.

“There are set procedures on how to legally and validly serve warrants of arrest or search warrants,”

Gana said.

Several lawmakers have assailed the credibility of the police operations and expressed doubt that due process was followed in the raid.

The slain mayor’s daughter, Nova, accused the policemen of planting drugs at the scene.

Meanwhile, Malacañang vowed that it would not meddle in the CHR’s investigation.

United Nations human rights experts urged the government to immediately act on the increasing reports of human rights violations, including murder, threats against indigenous peoples and the summary execution of children.

There are unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines that have become emblematic of persistent dangers that threaten everyone.

Unless the PNP clarifies what really transpired during that fateful morning, the Parojinogs’ case will just be added to the string of criminal incidents wherein police officers have instantly shot suspected drug peddlers and pushers upon encounter.

We live in a civilized society that is bound by laws, which required all people to live based on respect for the sanctity of life, democracy and human rights.

It is unpleasant to see officers you expect to uphold the law and apprehend criminals, as the

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS THE White House is in chaos, but let us look at the glimmer of hope in President Donald Trump’s appointment of General John Kelly as chief of staff, replacing Reince Priebus, who reportedly served for the shortest time in White House history — January 20 to July 27, 2017.

Kelly previously served as the secretary of Homeland Security until Priebus stepped down amid the controversies, legislative failures, and internal turmoil that continue to hound the Trump administration. Priebus was the chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) since 2011 until Trump appointed him in January this year.

Kelly was a decorated retired Marine general whose service to

From A Distance CaRmen n. PedRoSa PRESIDENT Duterte’s demand for the return of the Balangiga bells has revived an issue when Americans took over the Philippines. The U.S. has not returned the bells after more than a century since the war. Both Americans and Filipinos claim these bells are trophies of war.

“Give us back those Balangiga bells. They are ours. They belong to the Philippines. They are part of our national heritage.” Duterte said in his second SONA. The U.S. Embassy replied “We are aware that the Bells of Balangiga have deep significance for a number of people, both in the United States and in the Philippines. We will continue to work with our Filipino partners to find a resolution.” The bells were used to signal the Filipino attack on American soldiers eating their breakfast.

There is a book entitled “The Ordeal of Samar,” by Joseph L. Schott. A review by Thomas Connell wrote that troops were sent there to civilize the natives because Samar was a hotbed of rebel activity.

“On Sunday morning, Sept.

28, 1901, some 500 Filipino rebels who had slowly gathered inside the church, some dressed in women’s clothing, waited for the

ManilaTimes.net photo

same people the citizenry should be afraid of. It is a betrayal of trust and a degradation of peace and security. They are, after all, in charge of ensuring the public’s safety and purging misfits from the streets.

Without proper enforcement, stringent national and international laws do little in promoting and protecting the right of every citizen. When this happens, the world succumbs to senseless violence. (AJPress)

Could the new chief of staff General John Kelly reign in on Trump? the country includes three tours in Iraq. He has earned the respect of people he has worked with, with a kind of leadership that can withstand pressure, instill order and structure in the system. As a person, Kelly has been admired for his adherence to the truth, respect for people and the rule of law.

In the seven month-old Trump presidency, many Americans hope Kelly as chief-of-staff can reign in on what is wrong in how the Trump administration is being ran, be able to help weed out all the drama in the White House and help the president be on the right track in fulfilling his promises to the American people.

His first few days give us reasons to be optimistic — he fired the potty-mouth Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. He has started to implement the military discipline and chain-of-command,

initially by making people in the White House like Steve Bannon, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Kellyanne Conaway, etc. report to him instead of going directly to Trump, as was the case during Priebus’ term.

BUT the big test here is how he can be effective in his job with the 71-year-old Donald Trump as the “boss”. Questions we need to follow up on: Will Kelly be able to reign in on Trump’s Twitter problem which has proven to be the source of many of the Trump’s presidency problems — his reckless, impulsive use of twitter to accuse President Obama and the British spies of wiretapping and surveilling him; to lambast government officials in co-equal branches of government like judges, legislators who disagree with him; to pick a fight against leaders of other countries (except Russia’s Putin) as well as international or-

ganizations whose policies go against his own agenda; to announce policy changes like the banning of transgenders in the U.S. military which has blindsided even his own Defense Department secretary and Pentagon officials; and to use twitter aggrandize himself without regard for the truth?

WHICH brings me to the next point — could Kelly reign in on Trump to be honest, transparent and faithful to the truth? Could he convince him to cooperate with the Mueller investigation instead of demonizing the investigators and the investigations themselves and help get to the bottom of the allegations against him? Could he convince Trump that doing this would actually help remove the cloud of doubt hovering over his presidency if indeed he is not hiding anything?

Just last Monday, another expose came out from the Wash-

ington Post which alleged that Trump “dictated” the misleading statement Donald Jr. gave regarding his meeting with the Russian lawyers and other Russian players in the Trump Tower in June of 2016, during the U.S. presidential campaign season.

This, after their repeated denials about Trump’s having no knowledge about the meeting and denials about having anything to do with Donald Jr.’s statement, which also came from no less than his personal lawyer. Could Kelly make Trump stop all the lies and be transparent and forthcoming from this day forward?

Could Kelly rub off on Trump the RESPECT he needs to accord to people he work with, people he does not agree with, people critical of him, and make him realize he is now representing the Office of the President of the United States of America?

Could he make Trump under-

stand that the three branches of government are co-equal and he, as president, should therefore respect their authority and treat them as partners in making America great again? Could he make him comprehend that he, as president, is not above the law, and should be leading with example on how to respect and follow the rule of law?

I sincerely hope Kelly succeeds, because if he does, Trump has a better chance of succeeding in fulfilling his promise of making America great again.

Otherwise, one of two things may happen: either Kelly resigns or Trump tells him, “YOU’RE FIRED!” *** 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

It is not the bells, but the story of Balangiga that matters signal to attack. While the U.S. troopers were having breakfast, police chief Sanchez grabbed a sentry’s rifle and fired it, signaling the insurgents to begin their assault on the garrison. The bells rang and the church doors burst open, with screaming rebels brandishing bolos and other improvised weapons such as picks and shovels. It was combat at close quarters; bolos against Krag rifles. The only advantage held by the rebels was the element of surprise,” wrote Ramon Farolan in a column.

“Reprisal was swift in coming. First on the scene was Company “G,” also of the Ninth Infantry, stationed at Basey. The force entered Balangiga, firing away with Gatling machine guns and light cannon. Twenty natives captured at the edge of the town were brought to the plaza and executed. All houses were torched to the ground.

The brigade was headed by Brig. Gen. Jacob Smith. who commanded“I want no prisoners.

I wish you to kill and burn, the more you kill and burn the better you will please me. In his handwriting were the words “The interior of Samar must be made a howling wilderness.”

The Americans argued that the bells were part of the spoils of war, paid for with the blood of American soldiers. We, too, paid a terrible price for a war not of our own making. Theirs was a war of conquest; ours was a fight

for freedom. That is the story of the bells of Balangiga. Whether or not the US returns the bells has become moot. The event is about how the Philippines was colonized and how the poor townsfolk of Balangiga fought back. The bells are the symbol of one of the bloodiest events of America’s colonialism of the Philippines.

“In the mean time some of the liberal left wing extremist newspapers back home started a series of anti-military articles stating that the military was out of control and was randomly executing peaceful Filipino citizens.”

Many careers were ruined as a result of this political lynch mob spurred on by the Democrats back home. There is a lot of action taking place in this book and one would recognize many of the players like; Presidents Mckinley, Roosevelt and Taft, Army Generals Chaffee and Smith and USMC Captains Bears and Porter and many others. The political intrigue reminds one of today’s political arena even though this story took place over one hundred years ago. The reader might also find it interesting that “water boarding” was used by the U.S. Army in this story. “ according to an American review.

The author writes about the ordeal of the American soldiers trying to clean Samar of insurrectos.

Because the author was an

This May 2001 photo shows the two bells of Balangiga at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base outside Cheyenne, Wyoming, that signaled an attack

by Filipino insurgents on occupying American troops in 1901.

Inquirer.net photo

American the purpose of the story was to impart the experiences of the American soldiers.

I do not know if a book has been written by a Filipino. “I mean, this is about Samar, would it perfectly make sense if a Filipino would write about it? Anyway, the book was based on the courtmartial records and after reading it, it was fair and objective enough,” the review continues.

“The Ordeal of Samar” talked more of the hardships of the American soldiers who had to go through in order to clear Samar of the members of the Katipunan. It also exposed the horrors, torture and deaths of the

Filipino insurrectos in the hands of the Americans.

In short, some of the American officers during that time did go beyond and had taken advantage of their position. They viewed Filipinos as a group of people to be subdued and they thought that all means were applicable.

But in fairness to Major Waller who led the troops, he only acted in line of what he has ordered or in accordance of his duty. He was not involved in any torture.

He lost a few of his men in the Samar campaign. I think the failure and controversy surrounding the Samar campaign, the execution of 11 natives by firing squad,

the torture and other indiscretions by the American soldiers to eventually give the Philippines its independence.”

To me, Americans committed a propaganda blunder by not returning the bells. They could have done so earlier and be done with it but keeping it only reminds Filipinos of American infamy. It is the story that has become historical with a worldwide audience. The Americans might have taken over Balangiga and taken the bells but it is not something to be proud about. To Filipinos this is a story of courage and bravery against all odds.

(Philstar.com)

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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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUSt 3-9, 2017

A

Ombudsman dismisses government CHR: We will guard our independence execs anew over pork barrel scam

by Patricia lourdEs Philstar.com

by ElizabEth

MarcElo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has issued another dismissal order against officials of three abolished state firms in connection with their alleged involvement in the multibillionpeso pork barrel fund scam.

In a decision recently signed

by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, nine officials of the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC) and Technology Resource Center (TRC) were ordered dismissed from service as they were found guilty of administrative offenses of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The dismissal order was in connection with the alleged misuse of P47.5 million worth of the Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel of former Misamis Occidental congresswoman Marina Clarete from 2007 to 2009.

Ordered dismissed from service were NABCOR manager Romulo Relevo and bookkeeper Maria Ninez Guañizo, NLDC directors Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal and Chita Jalandoni, NLDC divi-

sion chiefs Gregoria Buenaventura, Ofelia Ordoñez and Sofia Cruz, and TRC chief accountant Marivic Jover and budget specialist Consuelo Espiritu.

The ombudsman, however, clarified that since the respondents were no longer in service, the suspension is convertible to a fine equivalent their salary for one year.

The ombudsman also ordered their perpetual disqualification from government service, cancellation of their civil service eligibility and forfeiture of their retirement benefits.

The ombudsman said the then officials of NABCOR, NLDC and TRC extended “unusual accommodation” in the release of Clarete’s PDAF to Kabuhayan at Kalusugang Alay sa Masa Foundation, Inc. (KKAMFI), Kasangga sa Magandang Bukas Foundation Inc. (KMBFI) and the Aaron Foundation Philippines Inc. (AFPI), the non-government organizations which the then congresswoman had personally chosen to be the implementers of her so-called “integrated livelihood development projects”.

The ombudsman said field investigation revealed that none of the projects were ever implemented as the supposed beneficiaries denied receiving any of

the items or attending any of the supposed livelihood seminars.

The ombudsman said the respondents certified the disbursements and issued checks to the NGOs without verifying their submitted supporting documents such as the list of beneficiaries as well as accomplishments and liquidation reports, which the investigators found to be fictitious.

“Instead of using the PDAF disbursements received by them to implement the livelihood projects, the officers of KKAMFI, KMBFI and AFPI, as well as their suppliers, all acting in conspiracy with Clarete and herein respondents, diverted the PDAF for their own personal benefits,” the Ombudsman resolution read.

The nine government officials are facing multiple cases before the Sandiganbayan in connection with their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

The ombudsman, in September last year, ordered the indictment of Clarete with 18 counts of graft, 11 counts of malversation through falsification of public documents and seven counts of malversation of public funds over the alleged misuse of her PDAF. No cases, however, has yet been filed before the Sandiganbayan.

Viray

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) maintained its independence following President Rodrigo Duterte’s calls for its abolition.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, however, clarified that Duterte was only expressing his frustration over the supposed bias of the commission for criticizing the administration’s war on drugs.

The agency stressed that it is an independent and nonpartisan office established by the 1987 Constitution.

The CHR acknowledged Abella’s clarification but stressed that the agency would continue to perform its constitutional mandate to protect and promote human rights as a “watchdog” institution.

“Words are important in all circumstances but particularly so when uttered by the sitting President as these could quickly render into State policy - regardlesas of the context of such statements,” the CHR said in a statement.

The agency stressed that it would continue to cooperate with government bodies and other authorities to fulfill its obligation to the state.

“To this end, we shall continue to be unafraid in speaking

Alvarez: No apology needed for Customs official’s ‘imbecile’ remark by rosEttE

adEl

Philstar.com

MANILA —House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Tuesday, Aug. 1, said there is no need for a Bureau of Customs official to say sorry for referring to him as an imbecile in a private social media post.

Alvarez he said he does not mind the criticism against him posted in social media comment by lawyer Mandy Anderson, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon’s chief of staff.

“Ah, hindi naman po kailangan e,” Alvarez said when asked if Anderson has reached out to him and apologized.

“Kasi lalabas at lalabas din yun kung sino talaga yung imbecile, lalabas yun. At saka bale wala sa akin yun. Alam mo, this is a free country, you can call anybody kung anong pangalan. Kung anong tawag, kung yun ang gusto mong itawag sa kanya. Go ahead, this is a free country,” he said in a tran-

scription of an interview released by his office.

On June 16, Anderson called Alvarez an “imbecile” online as she posted an article regarding Alvarez’s call to abolish the Court of Appeals.

“I’m hoping and praying he tries so he realizes what an imbecile he is when is he fails,” Anderson wrote on her Facebook post, which she has pointed out was private.

“Isn’t there any one else in the House composed of 200+ representatives who can actually be speaker? Nakakahiya na!,” she added.

Anderson was called out by House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas last week, saying she disrespected the whole House of Representatives.

The BOC official apologized before the House panel but not to the speaker. She claimed she did not mean to insult anybody but was just “angry at that time over several issues,” citing Alvarez’s

endorsement to promote an official, whom Anderson considers unqualified for the post.

For Alvarez, however, it is better to focus on more legitimate issues. He cited the country’s drug issues as he referred to an issue involving the BOC and P6.4 billion worth of drugs that passed through Customs and was later seized in a BOC-led raid. “‘Yung sa akin lamang ay mas concerned ako dito sa mga legitimate issues na kung saan kailangan talagang tutukan natin, dahil yung ating Pangulo ay hirap na hirap na para i-address itong problema natin sa droga,” Alvarez said.

“At eto tayo ngayon tons of shabu ay pinalusot ng Bureau of Customs. At kung hindi pa tayo nag-iimbistiga ay maaaling isailalim na lang ito sa rug,” he added.

Faeldon was summoned to the presidential palace on Tuesday afternoon and had to leave even

truth to power and in demanding an end to impunity by steadfastly asking for justice and accountability,” the statement read.

The CHR commissioners and staff reiterated that the agency would guard its independence in performing its mandate of investigating human rights violations, whether the alleged perpetrators are state or non-state actors.

“We shall, at all times, adhere to the rule of law even as we ask all other public officers to also do the same, particularly by

respecting the systems of checks and balances and separation of powers, as well as established constitutional reform processes,” the CHR said.

Under Section 18, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution, the CHR is mandated to investigate all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights.

The commission is also mandated to monitor the Philippine government’s compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights.

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Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is seen hours before President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Congress at the House of Representatives last July 24.

Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando

as the House inquiry was in progress.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said in a statement after the meeting that Duterte “has expressed his full confidence in Commissioner Faeldon and told him to focus on serving the country.”

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august 3-9, 2017 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL

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

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUSt 3-9, 2017

VEGAS&STYLE Journal

RACHELLE ANN GO & CHRISTINE ALLADO

All set to play the Schuyler sisters in the West End production of ‘Hamilton’

By MoMAr

g. VisAyA

AJPress

FILIPINA thespians Rachelle Ann Go and Christine Allado are both embarking on a major career move as both will star this fall in the West End production of “Hamilton: An American Musical.”

The two ladies will take on the roles of the Schuyler sisters: Rachelle Ann will be Eliza Schuyler Hamilton while Christine will take on dual role of Peggy Schuyler and the temptress Maria Reynolds.

This Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and Grammy Award winning musical will be staged at the Victoria Palace Theater in London at the end of this year.

We caught up with Rachelle Ann at the Broadway Theater a couple of weeks before she leaves her “Miss Saigon” family. Fans have until August 5 to catch her as Gigi Van Tranh, the same role she had at the West End revival of “Miss Saigon” a few years ago.

Performing on Broadway has been very fulfilling for Rachelle Ann and she said she would miss

the entire cast, particularly Jon Jon Briones and Eva Noblezada, who were also her co-stars in London.

“Nakakalungkot because I will leave my cast here in New York, sobra na akong napalapit sa kanilang lahat (It saddens me that I will leave my cast here in New York, I have gotten attached to them so much). Eva has become like a sister to me, I am going to miss her a lot,” she shared as segued to the chorus of Schuyler Sisters, one of the songs from Hamilton. “Si Kuya Jon Jon din, and mga Pinoy sa cast (Also Jon Jon, and the Filipino cast), actually, the entire cast because we’re all one big family here.”

Rachelle Ann’s last show will be on August 5 and after that, she will fly to Manila for a month before embarking on yet another journey to London to start the rehearsals for “Hamilton.”

She is excited for this new chapter in her life where she takes on the demanding role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, the wife of Alexander Hamilton. It is a big role and Rachelle Ann is making sure that she fits the shoe real

Christine Allado with Paolo Montalban Photos from Christine Allado’s Instagram account: @christineallado

B

Derek Ramsay clarifies rumors on network transfers

By Krissy

AguilAr AJPress

ACTOR Derek Ramsay dismissed rumors about him transferring to another television station.

“Wala, wala pa (None, there’s none yet),” he told Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), denying that he already talked to another network.

“I think it would be very disrespectful for me to entertain other offers,” the 40-year-old model said. Nonetheless, he thought these offers were not serious.

Ramsay transferred to TV5 in 2012 after being with ABS-CBN for six years. Although there was no announcement that he was banned from the station after Rachelle Ann Go with fellow “Miss Saigon” cast, Eva Noblezada leaving, ABS-CBN allegedly have Photos from Rachelle Ann Go’s Instagram account: @gorachelleann had bad blood with the actor.

During the promotion of the well. She has been listening to the she saw fellow Filipina Christine movie “A Secret Affair” with music over and over again for it to Allado. The two stars have met a Anne Curtis on the same year few times in London. become a part of her system. he left, Derek’s name was not Christine Allado Rachelle Ann heard that there mentioned while promoting the Christine Allado is an acwere auditions in London for movie on ABS-CBN shows.

Hamilton so she signed up and claimed classical Filipino crossauditioned for the show last year over singer making her name in without having seen the show, theater. She is a proficient artist which she finally watched on and actress with a voice that fuses Broadway weeks before they her classical soprano roots with a opened “Miss Saigon.” She has contemporary spin of pop, musiseen it twice already and she is cal theatre and jazz.

“I still can’t believe it,” Christine planning to catch it one more told us at the Ma-Yi Anniversary time before she flies to Manila.

“It’s another dream musical Gala held in Tribeca earlier this for me. I listened to the album year. “I am so excited to be a part and na-in love ako sa music (I of the ‘Hamilton’ family in London, fell in love with the music). Sabi I can’t wait.”

Recently, she had the great ko, ‘Naku, Lord, parang gusto ko ito!’ Then narinig ko yung songs honor of singing the Philippine ni Eliza so sabi ko, ‘This is what national anthem at the Battle of I want’. At that point, cli-naim ko Brisbane, the title fight between na, I’m going to do this. (I said, Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn.

‘Lord, I think I like this!’ Then, I As a performer, Christine joined heard Eliza’s songs so I said, ‘I’m the world-renowned tenor Anclaiming it, I’m going to to this),’” drea Bocelli as his featured artist in CINEMA World Tour around she shared.

Rachelle Ann auditioned for Europe and Asia.

This fall, she will be a part of two roles – Eliza and Peggy and sang a number of songs - “Burn,” the multi award winning musical “Schuyler Sisters,” “Helpless,” “Hamilton.” Christine will play a dual role of Peggy Schuyler and Andre Paras “That Would be Enough.”

During the same auditions, PAGE B3 Photo from his Instagram account

Derek Ramsay

Philstar.com photo

However, Ramsay already made it clear that he’s already in good terms with ABS-CBN. “Nag-movie na nga kami ni Coleen. May project kaming naka-line-up ni Bea. Nag-guesting na ko sa GGV, nag-guesting na ko kay Kuya Boy [Abunda] (I made a movie with Coleen Garcia. Bea Alonzo and I have a new project coming up. I guested in GGV, I guested with Boy AbunPAGE B2

Andre Paras on balancing basketball and showbiz

By ElijAh

rodEros AJPress

SON of the Philippine basketball legend, Benjie Paras and actress Jackie Forster, Andre Paras is making names both inside the court and in the showbiz industry.

It can be told that Andre’s first love is basketball. He debuted as a part of La Salle Greenhills in high school and continued to play in college for the University of the Philippines (UP) and San Beda College.

On the other side, the 6’4 basketball rookie has also pursued acting when he starred in hit Wattpad films “Diary Ng Panget” and “Girlfriend For Hire.” He PAGE B2

B august 3-9, 2017 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL

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Donita Rose still on the process Janice De Belen on parenting: ‘Allow your kids to do what they want’ of healing her broken heart

By EliJah

rodEros

AJPress

Multi-award winning actress and a mother of five, Janice de Belen, is a proud mom of her two recently graduates, Yuan Estrada, 18, and Kaila, 21.

Kaila finished arts Management, while Yuan graduated from high school.

Her other children, luigi Muhlach, with aga Muhlach, has his own family, inah, 25, and Moira, 24, with his ex-husband John Estrada are also done with their studies. when it comes to the courses her children want to take, Janice says that they are free to choose whatever they want. “i mean it’s not my accomplishment. it’s their accomplishment.

Kasi kahit naman ipilit ko sa kanila na magtapos, kung hindi sila makakatapos, wala akong magagawa. (Eventhough, I push

them to finish their studies, if they can’t, I can do nothing about it),” an interview with Janice by PEP stated. “ako, (For me) [the] most important [thing] is to allow your children to do what they want...to study the course that they want.

“Hindi mo puwedeng pangunahan kasi hindi naman ikaw yung nag-aaral eh kundi sila (You should not rush them to it, because you’re not the one studying but them).

“Plus if you keep on forcing the course you want on your children, hindi sila mag-e-enjoy. Kailangan ‘yung gusto nila. (They will not enjoy it. It should be what they really love.)” when her children were younger, Janice used to impose her daughters a 1 a.m. curfew.

“Kunwari lalabas kami, night out. Kailangan sa ganitong oras naka-uwi na kami, kapag lumagpas kami kahit kaunti, hindi na

by Joanna

EstorquE AJPress

aCtrESS donita rose said she wanted to heal her heart first before thinking about love after disclosing her divorce with exhusband Eric Villarama.

“You really need to heal first,” she stressed. in december 2015, donita admitted having marital problems with Eric. the unfixed problem caused their divorce in december 2016. right now, the actress is finalizing their annulment in the Philippines to officially revoke their marriage.

Janice De Belen GMA photo when asked if she is ready to kami p’wedeng lumabas (For an entertain suitors, “absolutely!” instance, we’re going on a night out. We need to go home at exactly this time, if we exceed even in a slightest minute, we are not allowed to go out anymore),” Kaila said in an interview on “Magandang Buhay.”

donita jokingly said. “is there anyone? do you know anyone?” during the press launch of her new cooking show in GMa-7 titled “Heartmate Kitchen” last July 25, the actress mentioned that as of the moment, no one is courting her and she wanted to fix everything in her life first. “i’ve been single since the separation. it’s been like three and a half years. i’ve never dated, never thought about anything,” she added. donita admitted that she is still in the process of moving on. She will focus on her new tV show and fulfilling her co-parenting obligations with Eric to their only son JP.

Donita Rose

Inquirer.net photo

Rocco Nacino reveals lesson from staying single By iris

VicEntE AJPress

a YEar after his failed relationship, rocco Nacino shared the most valuable lesson he learned from staying single. it can be recalled that the former “Encantadia” star broke up with actress lovi Poe after their two-year relationship in July last year, which they described as an “amicable” split. asked about whether his decision to stay single has anything to do with his failed relationship in the past, “Siguro, siguro. Posible.

You can say that. actually, ngayon ko lang nare-realize, oo nga ano?

But every failed relationship comes a great lesson. (Yes I guess you can say that. Actually, I also realized that now. But every relationship comes a great lesson),” the actor replied.

“Masaya ako na pinagdaanan ko dahil alam ko ngayon kung paano ko dapat i-handle ang isang relationship. So lahat ng mali na ginagawa ko dati, itinatama ko ngayon. (Im happy to have gone through that because now I know how to handle a relationship. So, all the things that I failed to do in the past, I can now make it right),” he added. rocco will star in the upcom-

Rocco Nacino Photo from his Instagram account

ing indie movie, “Bar boys” which is written and directed

by Kip Oebanda and produced by tropic Fills, alongside Carlo aquino, Kean Cipriano and his best friend Enzo Pineda. ironically, Enzo was his rival in the GMa reality talent competition “Starstruck” in which they emerged as princes to the ultimate survivor, Steven Silva. asked about his friendship now that Enzo works for aBS-CBN, “ako na lang ang GMa. nakakatuwa na kahit lumipat na siya, i’m happy for him sa move niya dahil ang dami niyang projects.

Napaka-close, napaka-tight pa rin namin (I’m the only one who works in GMA. Im happy even though he switched to the other network, I’m happy for his move because he has a lot of projects now. We’re still close), he said. the actor is happy especially now that he has a lot of time to love and understand what he truly wants for himself. as he is known for being a party-goer, he shared that he now choose to stay at home and sleep these days.

“Kasi sunud-sunod yung tapings namin, wala rin akong oras lumabas, e (I had a series of tapings so I don’t have the time to go out),” he added. rocco, who owns a couple of business establishments, is deviating his attention and focusing on his ventures. He owns two boxing gyms (two Elorde gyms in Ortigas and Marcos Highway) and three restaurants (rufo’s in timog ave., Backyard in the Fort, and Yuan asian Bistro in Pasig). He plans to invest in hair products and considers putting up a company after he builds his own house. asked if he is building his home for his own family, the actor shared, “Oo. actually, iyon ang built niya, for my family na talaga, (Yes. Actually, it’s built for that purpose, for my own family).”

Jona Soquite

ABS-CBN

Jona Soquite wins ‘The Voice Teens’

By EliJah

rodEros AJPress

“diSCiPliNE and humility are the traits of a true champion. and i believe you possess these traits.” these were the words uttered

by Coach Sarah Geronimo on Jona Soquite’s journey before the big reveal on “the Voice teens” winner.

Jona was hailed as the Grand Champion of “the Voice teens” Philippines last Sunday, July 30. under the wings of Coach Sarah, Jona soared high on the grand finals’ performance with her rendition of “i Believe i Can Fly” by r. Kelly.

Voted as the first ever winner of the teens’ edition, Jona got 44.78 percent total of viewers’ vote cast via text and various online sites. the 14-year-old diva was followed by isabella Vinzon from

Bamboo’s team, Mica Becerro from lea Salonga’s team and Jeremy Glinoga from Megastar Sharon Cuneta with 22.42, 17.79 and 15.01 percent, respectively.

She took home a brand new house and lot, P1 million pesos trust fund, P2 million life insurance plan, a recording and management contract, along with fashion, business, and dental packages.

Jona who’s dubbed as the “tabing ilog Sweetheart of davao,” also sang lady Gaga’s “Just dance” and “Better days” with Geronimo during the first part of the finale on Saturday, July 29. “it’s always magic when you sing,” Sarah proudly says.

She proved her doubters wrong when she performed George Bensons’ “the Greatest love of all”

during the semi-finals. “talagang nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga sumuporta sa akin.

Maraming salamat po. Sobrang saya po na noon sinasabi nila na parang ayaw nila ako, pero sa nakikita ko na halos kalahati yung naniwala sa akin. ang saya ko po na napakita ko yung totoong Jona,” she said in an interview on aBS-CBN News.

(I am very thankful for those who supported me. Thank you so much. I was so happy when they used to say that they didn’t like me, but I saw that half of the public believed in me. It was a great feeling knowing that I showed them who the real Jona is.)

Jona was a 4-chair turner with her version of the OPM Classic “anak ng Pasig” during the blind auditions of “the Voice teens.”

Derek Ramsay clarifies rumors on network...

PAGE B1 da),” ramsay said. “So hindi na ako banned sa aBS (So I’m not banned in ABS-CBN anymore),” he added. when asked if there’s a possibility for him to return to the Kapamilya network, the former aBS-CBN talent said, “tV5 is my priority.”

He said that tV5 considers his interest when they offer him a project that’s why he accepts them. “i was never forced to do a project in tV5,” ramsay added. right now, they are conceptualizing a new program which will tackle the stories and lives of young athletes.

ramsay is almost six years under tV5 and he expressed how he doesn’t have any regrets for transferring. “when we sat and we talked, they said ‘hey, we’re very happy with what you’ve done and we want you to sign on for another three years.’ No hesitation, i said yes,” the actor said.

Andre Paras on balancing basketball...

PAGE B1 started in showbiz in 2011. andre was last seen in “Encantadia.”

Currently, he is on the cast of “Sunday Pinasaya” (SPS), which recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary last July 9.

“Of course, super-happy po ako kasi nakasali po ako dito kasama yung ibang mga bagong ipinasok last year lang.

(I am happy because I’m in [SPS] and I got to join other people who are already here [in this show] just last year.)

“So, kumbaga ako one year pa lang.

(As for me, I just joined [SPS] a year ago.)

“Pero feeling ko rin naman two years na rin ako dito, of course sa pagwe-welcome nila, pagiging close namin,” (But I felt like I’ve been here for two years already, of course [it is because of] their welcoming presence, our closeness…) andre told PEP in an interview. andre believed that “SPS” will go on a long way. “talagang confident po ako, kahit nung hindi pa ako kasama.

(I am really confident, long before I joined [SPS]) “Yung cast pa lang, yung mga original—sila Kuya wally, sila Kuya Jose—sobrang... you know, natutuwa ako kapag pinapanood ko sila every Sunday pag wala po akong ginagawa.

(With only the cast, the originals- Kuya Wally, Kuya Jose, is so—you know, I am very happy when I watch them [the cast of SPS] every Sunday when have nothing else to do.) “then just to be part of it, of course… of course i want to contribute din, di ba?

Basketball comeback He took a break from basketball after his hectic schedule in

Andre Paras currently plays for the AMA Education Online in PBA-D League.

showbiz until his recent debut on the first season of PBa-d league. after two-year hiatus from basketball, andre admits that he still has a lot to learn before going to pros. “i still need to work on a lot of things,” he said as the aMa Education Online’s win left far off from its first game on 2017 Foundation Cup on thursday, July 27.

Paras is averaging 8.67 points, 13.33 rebounds, and 1.56 assists this conference in a promising showing with the titans. the 21-year-old said that he’s willing to take the long route to step up his game while trying to help the titans on a better bet

PBA photp

next season. “i’m not hiding anything. we need to work on a lot of things especially on offense and defense,” he said. “For those out there who understands basketball, we’ve had so many lapses, and as a player and as someone who loves the game, we really lack execution and defense. we need to develop our individual skills too, so that when you combine all of those, it will look fluid in the game,” he said in an article

by Inquirer. “it’s growing pains. the chemistry is there, but i think in the court, we need to mature as players. when it comes to the game, everyone should have one mindset,” andre asserted.

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B

All set to play the Schuyler sisters in...

PAGE B1 Maria reynolds. christine was a sophomore at the University of the Philippines Diliman, taking up Business Administration, when she decided to pursue her dream. She moved to Hong Kong for that and ended up doing “High School Musical” in 2009 and “the Golden Mickeys” in 2010. chasing her dream eventually brought her to London where she further honed her singing and acting chops. Her journey led her to West End, where she became a part of “Here Lies Love” as an understudy for Imelda and starred as Vanessa in the triple olivier Award-winning musical and another Lin-Manuel Miranda creation “In the Heights” at the King’s cross theatre in London’s West End and performed in the olivier Awards at the royal opera House on ItV, broadcast worldwide.

She also filmed for the BBc’s production of the 60th Anniversary of “West Side Story” playing the lead role of Maria. At the Burnham Stage she played christine Daae in “the Phantom

Rachelle and Eva with Jon Jon Briones

Rachelle Ann Go on the ‘Hamilton’ stage.

of the opera.”

Getting the role “they told me last December, pagdating na pagdating ko sa Pilipinas, sabi nila I got the role, Eliza Hamilton. Yun ang pinakamasaya ko sigurong Pasko sa ngayon. (As soon as I arrived in the Philippines, they said I got the role, Eliza Hamilton. That’s my happiest Christmas so far),” she said laughing.

And that is why she made sure that even in the thick of rehearsals for “Miss Saigon” earlier this year, she made it a point to watch the musical.

She cried during and after watching it not only because she is going to be a part of that family but because of how amazing the show is.

She is now looking forward to a month-long break in the Philippines where she hopes to rest and recharge while doing more research on Eliza. For now, an uncle of hers is doing the research for her and he has been sending her lots of links and books.

For now, rachelle Ann is taking it all in and enjoying her remaining days in “Miss Saigon.”

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto Christine Allado

Photo by Troi Santos

“I want to enjoy every single night. When I learned that I was leaving on the 5th, yung araw na yun naiyak ako sa stage. Parang kailan lang, we opened on Broadway and now I have a couple of weeks left na lang. So I am just enjoying the moment kasi hindi ko alam kung makakabalik pa tayo sa Broadway, di ba? So I just give 101 percent every night. (I cried on stage the day I learned that I was leaving on the 5th. It was like yesterday, we opened on Broadway and I just have a couple of weeks left. So I am just enjoying the moment because I don’t know if I would still be back on Broadway, right? So I just give [my] 101 percent every night),” she remarked.

From her West End debut as Gigi in “Miss Saigon” in 2014 to Fantine in “Les Miz” (both in London) and then making her Broadway debut reprising her role as Gigi to going back to London for the role of her life, rachelle Ann is enjoying every minute of her life as a theater performer.

She is eternally thankful to friends who pushed her to audition for “Miss Saigon” a few years ago, along with some well-meaning people around her warned that she will be forgotten in the Philippines when she leaves her pop star career there. She also thanked a fellow Filipina for leading the way.

“Laking pasalamat talaga kay (I am extremely grateful to) Lea Salonga for opening these doors for Filipinos. It is a good thing for us to be essaying these roles, like me doing Fantine in ‘Les Miz’ and now this,” she expressed. “Wala na sa kulay, nasa talento na. (It’s not about skin color anymore, it’s about talent.) ”

ABS-CBN photo

Joshua Garcia assures he and Julia remain humble

By Joanna

EstorquE AJPress

Actor Joshua Garcia refuted the allegation hurled by netizens that he and rumored girlfriend Julia Barretto are “feeling famous” after a picture of them wearing masks while malling went viral. “the people know how downto-earth we are,” the young actor said in an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP. ph) and cinema News last July 26, at Ninoy Aquino International

Airport (NAIA) terminal 3.

Garcia joined the Sunday noontime show “ASAP” tour in toronto, canada. the actor said they wore masks because they do not want to lose their endorsements while shopping.

“When we went to the mall, we buy at stores that we should not visit because we endorse products,” the actor stressed.

Garcia assured that they were not hiding and they just wanted peace.

“We work too much and we

just both want to watch ‘Spider Man,’” he said.

He also added that he and Julia do not want to reject people who want to take pictures with them while they were malling.

Netizens bashed them for wearing masks and said they were assuming that people would crowd over them in a public place. the rumored couple would soon finish their next movie together. Joshua said they are halfway done and the teaser is already out.

Jak Roberto on molding his ‘hunk’ image

by Krissy aguilar AJPress

Actor Jak roberto’s management, GMA Artist center, avoids assigning gay roles to him to continue his leading man-hunk career path.

Asked if he wanted a wholesome look or to carry on with the “Abs ng Bayan” image for his next project, the actor responded: “open po ako sa kahit anong role!

Actually kahit gay nga, e (I am open to accept any role. Actually, even a gay role).”

Since GMA Artist center rejects the idea, roberto explained to Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) “Kasi minomold ako na Abs ng Bayan, tapos gay role (They’re molding my image as Abs ng Bayan and a gay role doesn’t fit that).”

After the successful run of his primetime show “Meant to Be,” the 23 year-old actor and model

returned to the GMA comedy anthology, “Dear Uge.” It was in this show where he garnered the tag “Abs ng Bayan” because his character was always topless.

“Pagkapasok ko ng tindahan, topless na ‘yan, kabitan na ng lapel (When I enter the store, I’m already topless and ready to wear the lapel),” he said.

However, his character Berto has evolved from being a water boy to a professional. the actor said that he now wears leather shoes, black pants and polo shirt.

Nonetheless, it didn’t mean he won’t be topless anymore in the show because “Nagagawan ng paraan, e (They make a way for me to be topless)!” roberto is one of the semi-regular hosts of “Sunday Pinasaya.”

He’s also a member of the trio boyband, 3LoGY.

Jak Roberto Photo from his Instagram account

Town mates and Friends:

Please join us in celebration of our

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A role cut out for Ryza Cenon Kris Aquino talks about possible deal with ‘a network’ and political plans

by Honey

orio-escullar Philstar.com

After its limited run at the 2016 QCinema International filmfest which merited positive feedback, Prime Cruz’s “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” is set for a nationwide release as part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) happening on Aug. 16 to 22. that’s why lead star ryza Cenon is excited that the movie is going to reach a wider audience this time and she expressed hope that those who are yet to watch the movie will also like it. “this movie is not just your typical manananggal story so they should watch it kasi hindi siya nakakatakot kundi nakakakilig,” ryza said during a media gathering for the movie.

“Sobrang proud po ako na nakapasok itong movie sa PPP. Sabi ko, ganito pala ang feeling kapag meron kang (movie) na nakapasok or napili.” those who were able to catch Manananggal in last year’s QCinema fest can expect “newly shot scenes for this (PPP) release because it also has a slightly different audience,” according to movie producer Perci Intalan.

“Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” is a tale about the mythical creature as told from a different angle. A dark romance, it tells of a mysterious and lonesome woman named Jewel, who is living in the city with a dark secret. She would later on meet the broken-hearted Nico. Jewel is torn between wanting to love him and wanting to save him from herself.

According to reviews, ryza was a revelation in the film. It’s been said that her performance was notable at the same time, controversial due to some daring scenes she did in the film.

She mused, “Eh nag-reveal naman po talaga ako (laughs)!

Erstwhile Queen of All Media continue to pursue digital platform with iFlix by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

Ryza Cenon

But seriously, masaya po ako kasi sobrang pinaghirapan po namin lahat ito. Kasi konti lang po yung araw namin to shoot eh tapos magpapasa na po kami. I’m happy that all the hard work and sleepless nights bore fruit.” the movie, on the other hand, has also earned praises. the “controlled” way of humanizing amanananggal is what sets the film apart from past manananggal films. According to reviews, direk Prime was subtle in letting the emotions of this creature connect with the audience. “the story of the film is from the point of view of the manananggal, which is the bida so the role is very demanding sa artistang gaganap,” explained screenwriter Jen Chuaunsu. “that’s why we needed an actress who has charm but can be dangerous; has strength but can be vulnerable. And when we met ryza and having worked with her, we realized that we couldn’t have had a better actress for the role. And whatever positive feedback she’s been receiving, she really does deserve it.”

Speaking of being daring, ryza clarified that she doesn’t want

Philstar.com photos

to be “typecast with these kinds of roles and can do other things aside from going sexy. I am not also getting any younger so I want to try other roles as much as possible,” said ryza.

Nevertheless, she added that it really depends on the story. If the script is good, she won’t mind if it requires her to be daring. “that’s what I also told (Viva’s) Boss Vic (del rosario),” shared ryza while hinting that she has two upcoming movies. One is a romcom but she is not at liberty to give further details. ryza signed up with Viva Artist Agency last month.

“As of now, hindi pa makasingit yung Viva sa schedules kasi nakatali pa ako sa ‘Ika-6 na Utos’ (her GMA 7 soap). But I’m looking forward to doing the movie because it’s different from anything that I’ve done before. It’s my first time to do rom-com. It’s light and I want to do films like that. Ibaibang emotions para mapakita ko na kaya ko kahit ano.” the main antagonist in “Ika-6 na Utos” is no longer a contract star of GMA Artist Center (GMAAC). She, however, assured that she still remains a Kapuso.

Ryza with her “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” co-star Martin Del Rosario

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A yeAr has passed since Kris Aquino took the major decision of leaving her home network of 20 years in ABS-CBN. During that time, she pursued digital projects with a social media team, had a one-shot travelogue aired on GMA Network in April, and went on about landing a Hollywood role she refuses to discuss in interviews. finally though, as typhoon Gorio dumped rains and blasted winds across the metro on July 27, the country’s erstwhile Queen of All Media took the spotlight at ondemand subscription video brand iflix’s event, and was launched as its newest ambassador. there, she talked about another wave of possiblities in her career and public life, which, when it comes to how Aquino’s luck seems to be going these days, requires a wait and see attitude from those who still keep an eye on the daughter and sister of two former presidents.

Is it GMA? “tomorrow is when I get the offer sheet from the other network, so let’s pray for that,” Aquino blurted out at her iflix welcome, again skipping a major detail in her statement, that of the network’s name.

“I am not saying no to being on free tV because that’s where I started, but I am also very open to be on the newer platforms. I think that’s the great thing too with our country that we embrace all platforms.”

So did Aquino mean GMA Network? this was the hunch after talent manager Lolit Solis, who was her former co-host on “Star talk,” posted bits of the conversations that took place at rep. Alfred Vargas’ wedding just the weekend before. Both in attendance as principal sponsors, another ninang present was in the person of GMA Network Vice President for entertainment Lilybeth rasonable.

Solis’ post said, “Natawa ako kay tetay [her nickname for Aquino] nang sabihin nyang gawa daw kami ng talkshow…”

No hard feelings As for how things are between her and ABS-CBN, the 46-year-old host maintained she remains on good terms with everyone. “everybody I’ve worked with, we still text, we still communicate. It’s not like umalis ka dun tapos magdi-disappear ka na from the face of the earth. Mga dati kong kaibigan have remained my friends. I don’t think you just erase everything just like that—I think that’s so weird. Walang bad blood with anyone I’ve worked with in the past.”

Aquino also explained an issue that it was never her intention to unfollow “Magandang Buhay” hosts Karla estrada and Jolina Magdangal on Instagram. the said morning show had replaced Aquino’s “Kris tV” as soon as she left the network, and quickly went up the ratings.

Kris Aquino

“you know, I don’t know if I should say this but, there are three of us who handle my Instagram account. there are some things they’re fixing, but I will ask them what happened.”

Aquino then went on to apologize for what happened, saying, “I actually didn’t know na na-unfollow. And I’m sorry if it’s an issue.

I will tell them [her staff]to follow them again.”

She quickly clarified, however, that while she has “administrators” who upload posts like her, she is the only one who writes the captions. “there are three of us who have access to that account only because there are times that certain things need to be posted while I’m abroad.”

How about gov’t?

As for her other option, to run for government now that her brother President Benigno Aquino 3rd is Citizen Noynoy again, the youngest of Ninoy and Cory Aquino’s brood insisted politics is not on the table.

She directly addressed and doused rumors she is planning to run against Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte for Quezon City’s top post in 2019. “[Going into] leadership means you are already [capable] to put food on the table. Meron akong pangalan, may legacy ako, pero kailangan meron din akong nagawa on my own. And on my own, that would be my food businesses, but by 2019, baka hindi ko pa nare-reach yung goal na yun.

“But beyond that, pag na-hit ko yung target na yan, that’s when I can enter politics because that’s when I can prove to the people that I’ve been a success in my business. And with that I can make a city work.”

“I admit I can’t handle being in Congress or in the Senate so I need to be in an executive position. I need to have a physical responsibility so I should know how to handle people’s money.”

ManilaTimes.net photo

“But I will open too many wounds in Quezon City … romantic wounds… huwag na tayong maglokohan. Secondly, we go so far back, my mom’s best friend is Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte’s mom and ang haba ng pinagsamahan nila.”

“It’s not in my time and I am still young enough. I need to prove myself first as a successful businesswoman and an entrepreneur.

Safe to say na ayaw ko makabangga si Joy because she deserves the position kasi nag-antay siya,” Aquino lengthily explained.

Upcoming movie expectedly, the only topic Aquino was able to talk about with certainty is her new partnership with iflix. Leveraging off her extensive experience in the entertainment industry, Aquino will serve as key advisor for the company besides being a talent.

She has been given an important role in jointly developing projects for iflix Original Productions, as the brand continues to commission and develop local original content both independently and in collaboration with local producers and studios.

In addition, Aquino will also star in a film produced by iflix.

It will be remembered that her last movies were both Metro Manila film festival entries, “the Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin” in a guest role, and as lead in “feng Shui 2.”

“Iflix is making me a movie for me and they’re are negotiating with a director I really love.

He is known to work beyond the number of days that are allotted in the contract that I signed. they really have me for 15 days, but I said if they need me for 45 days for the movie, then they can have me. I think it’s going to be worth it because that’s the other thing about iflix. they are really investing in quality products and pushing the boundaries,” Aquino said again, without giving any further details.

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid celebrates 30th anniversary

by BaBy

a. gil

Philstar.com

tHe Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena is of fairly recent vintage but it already holds a lot of memories for regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

She was the first filipino artist to perform solo at the MOA on Nov. 16, 2012. It was an important event, her 25th career anniversary. the time had come to celebrate because after years of going around various amateur contests, the 14-year-old singer who made her professional debut in 1987, then 25 years ago had become a big star. regine’s fans came in droves and filled up the huge venue.

But a few tentative renditions into the show, a tearful regine announced that she had lost her voice because of a viral infection and was therefore unable to go on with the concert. But she made a promise. She will perform for free at the MOA when she recovers.

And she did. In January 2013, regine returned to the MOA stage in a free concert for the fans who went home disappointed when she got sick. Once again, they came in full force and filled up the place to capacity. And regine sang her heart out. fast forward to five years later, 2017 and the Mall of Asia Arena will once again be the setting of another regine milestone. It is now time to celebrate her 30th anniversary as Asia’s Songbird and where else can she do that best than at the MOA. the concert is titled r.30 and will be held on Oct. 21, this year. And the fans who have stood alongside her all these years once more eagerly

showed off their support.

And what support it is. they goggled up the tickets. the show is already almost sold out as of this writing. Come to think of it, it must already be completely sold out by the time this piece comes out, what with all those fans in a state of panic because they were unable to go on line to buy their tickets, or those nearly pushed into hair-pulling while arguing who should get the few tickets available. thank heaven for online shopping where there is no chance of getting pushed or elbowed or even beaned on the head by somebody who wants your regine tickets.

I say not bad for a girl who had been singing since she was six and who has now been in show business for 30 years. But then regine is a performer who has never stinted on giving her best. from her first solo concert at the folk Arts theater in 1990, she has built a reputation on being most appreciative of her audience. this dedication is unchanging whether she is on the august stage of the Carnegie Hall in New york or at the Sunken Garden of the University of the Philippines.

All of those regine fans lucky enough to already have tickets to r.30 are assured of a fantastic performance by their favorite Songbird. As always, I am sure she does not intend to dance but she will sing with all her might her big hits and lots of other special songs she will perform for the first time.

Incidentally, the concert r.30 coincides with the release of a special commemorative album composed of also 30 songs. ten of

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid

these cuts will be all new compositions by filipino songwriters. the next 10 will be new versions or as titled rerecordings of her big hits like you Are My Song, I Have to Say Goodbye, I Canand others.

And then she has Versions, which will be made up of old and new songs she is sentimental about like her contest pieces, Love Story (Where Do I Begin), Bakit Ako Mahihiya and her current favorites like tadhana.

And not to forget, those of you already excited to get into a regine mood before the big day, check outSpotify where a Viva playlist of 30 of her most popular songs is ready for you to enjoy.

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Ins & outs of immigration detention Your Immigration Solution Atty. NANcy Miller & lorellA t. Hess ICE raids are in the news frequently as the agency ramps up enforcement efforts against aliens who may be removable from the4 United States. Although official publicity emphasizes efforts to round up non-citizens with criminal records, ICE also makes “collateral arrests” of many otherwise law-abiding residents without proper immigration status. A raid that originally targeted one person could result in the arrests of many others who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The new enforcement priorities emphasize arrest and removal of anyone not legally authorized to remain in the United States, rather than focusing on people who pose a threat to public safety.

The Trump administration plans to dramatically increase the numbers of people held in ICE detention and ultimately deported, over and above the record high levels reached for both categories during the Obama years. This has led to grave concern among non-citizens and their loved ones throughout the country. Anyone who is out-of-status for any reason (or whose continued status is endangered—for example, by a criminal charge), is vulnerable to arrest and deportation. Those who have already been ordered removed by an immigration judge, and those who have been in the U.S. for less than two years, are likely to go into expedited removal proceedings that could have them deported within days or even hours of their arrest. For most people, however, the legal process takes much longer. In these cases, whether a noncitizen is held in ICE detention or

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS What is “sore eyes”?

Sore eyes, medically known as conjunctivitis, is a highly contagious infection of the eyes, commonly cause by an adenovirus.

There are several serotypes of adenoviruses. The incubation period (from time of exposure to appearance of symptoms) is 5 to 12 days. The conjunctiva (thin lining of upper and lowers eyelids that extends to the rim of eyeballs) becomes irritated, inflamed, red, stinging, with watery discharge, and the eyelids could get stuck to each other following sleep. This usually starts with one eye and spreads to the other eye by eye-tohand-to-eye contamination. The lymph glands (body’s defense filter) behind the ears could be sore and enlarged in many cases. how is “sore eyes” transmitted?

Acute viral conjunctivitis spreads very fast, from one eye to the other of the same person, and to other persons the patient comes near to. It is transferred from one person to another by droplet (air environment in the

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya DURING the 2010 Super Bowl, a 30-second pro-life ad featuring Tim Tebow and his mother, Pam, got some precious air time before a captive audience of over a hundred million.

It’s theme: Celebrate Life.

It was a simple ad in a white backdrop that has Tim’s mother telling a short narrative that when she was pregnant with Tim while she and her husband were doing missionary work in the Philippines more than 20 years ago, she contracted a lifethreatening disease, which had her doctor advising her to abort her baby. She decided against aborting her baby.

The ad closes with the result of that decision, the young Heisman Trophy winner — Tim Tebow, her football playing son who takes time to do Christian missionary work in the Philippines and elsewhere, playfully tackling her mother and asking, “Are you still worried about me, Mom?” Pro-abortion groups, NOW and NARAL, worked hard to prevent CBS from airing this ad.

As it turns out, the ad was so benign that many, on both sides of the issue, had their heads scratching about why there

released on bond can make a big difference in their family’s life for months or even years.

While some non-citizens are subject to mandatory detention, a knowledgeable immigration attorney will analyze whether one is entitled to a bond hearing and, if so, pursue that relief to help non-citizens either avoid detention or get released as soon as possible. The goal will be to prove that they do not pose a danger to society and will appear in court for their future hearings.

These are the same issues an Immigration Judge will consider at a formal bond hearing on whether to release an alien who is already detained. Even if your loved one is already in custody, an experienced immigration attorney may be able to help secure their release.

The alternatives to detention for which non-citizens may qualify will vary with their current immigration status and the reasons why they are deportable.

In almost every case, avoiding detention has important advantages: it keeps the non-citizen’s family together while awaiting their day in court, protects the non-citizen from the physical and psychological hazards of ICE detention, and enables the non-citizen to more effectively help with their defense against removal from the United States.

Most non-citizens held by ICE in California are entitled to a bond hearing after six months in detention. However, if someone is transferred outside the Ninth Federal Judicial Circuit, that protection could be lost. Regularly visiting a detainee may help to keep the person held locally, because it shows ICE that the non-citizen has friends or family in the area. State lawmakers have acted to ensure that, whatever happens with construction and expansion of detention centers at the federal level—and big spending increases for that purpose are planned--California’s ICE detention capacity will not be allowed

to grow. This could lead to more Californians being detained out of state. However, the state’s goal is to encourage alternatives to detention for more California residents.

For some detainees, unfortunately, there is no alternative to detention. Federal law requires that non-citizens whose criminal histories meet certain criteria must be detained by ICE pending the outcome of their removal proceedings. These detainees, who may include green card holders as well as other non-citizens, are simply not eligible for release until the final resolution of their case. The courts try to expedite hearing schedules for an alien who is detained, but someone— even someone who has already won a decision in court—could still be held in ICE detention for months or even years without any hope of release until all appeals are exhausted.

People subject to mandatory detention are those who: Committed certain crimes; and Were taken into ICE custody when they were released from criminal custody.

Not all crimes which can make an alien deportable also require mandatory detention. It is best to consult a knowledgeable immigration attorney as soon as possible if your loved one is taken into ICE custody, even if you are told there can be no bond because they are subject to mandatory detention. *** 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.

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Beware of ‘sore eyes’ same room or house), fomites (items touched by the patient’s contaminated hands), and by direct hand-to-eye inoculation.

Indeed, this is a very contagious disease. This condition can also be due to allergies or to irritants like dust, wind, smoke, fumes, intense sunlight, ultraviolet light of sunlamps, electric arcs, etc.

Obviously this type of conjunctivitis is not contagious like the adenoviral ones.

Does this cause photophobia?

Yes, temporary photophobia (“fear,” oversensitivity to light) is present in many patients with acute viral conjunctivitis, together with the feeling that there is a foreign body in the affected eye.

There could also be some residual corneal scarring following the conjunctivitis, which could even last up to a couple of years. Occasionally, this scarring might even affect visual acuity and result in glaring. Fortunately, this does not happen too often, but, nonetheless, care should be taken to avoid exposure to persons with conjunctivitis. how about secondary bacterial infection?

Secondary bacterial contamination, which is very rare, can also happen to those with viral con-

junctivitis. In this contaminated case, the eyes will have purulent (pus) discharge and bacterial cultures can be done to identify the bacteria and the antibiotic most effective for it. This is viral infection with superimposed bacteria infection.

Can sex transmit conjunctivitis?

Yes, if one of the partners has conjunctivitis. But another type of conjunctivitis, known as Adult Gonorrheal Conjunctivitis, which is not very common, is caused by contamination (by finger-to-eye contamination) from a person with the venereal disease called Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted illness. As a rule, only one eye is involved here, but the condition is very severe. Both sexual partners must be treated without delay.

Can conjunctivitis be caused by bacteria also?

Yes, this is called nongonococcal bacterial conjunctivitis, meaning the bacteria causing it is not of the gonorrhea variety. These bacteria are usually staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae and hemophilus influenzae. To prevent further transmission of any type of conjunctivitis, the examining physician must wash his/her hands well, and so with the patient.

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The fight for dear life “America your very future as a nation depends on your willingness to protect the right to life of the most defenseless in your soceity.”

- Pope John Paul II was so much banshee-wailing and offensive counter-positioning from women pro-abortion groups whose intolerance of viewpoints other than their own, has become more and more strident and desperate.

Edmund Burke, once said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” The issue of ABORTION stares us in the face. That is why true blue dyed-in-thewool Christians and Catholics who voted for Clinton in the last election despite knowing full well she stood for abortion even at near full term must deal with cognitive dissonance so strong and unrelenting, their conscience should make it difficult to sleep most nights.

All God-fearing and /or Godloving citizens everywhere across the nation should fully engage in this issue. As a dyed-in-the-wool Catholic conservative in agreement with millions of Christian evangelicals in many parts of the county, I staunchly believe that the gift of life is from God and that life begins at the moment of conception.

There can be no equivocation on this issue. Abortion is nothing less than the murder of innocents — a most grievous offense against the Holy Spirit from whom all life emanates. It is the duty of all who hold human life sacred to fight for it and uphold moral laws that guarantee the life of future generations.

It’s not easy to stick your neck out these days particularly with the so-called intellectual pundits of the liberal media spewing ridicule, bile and sarcasm over those who believe differently, relying on their Ivy League credentials for their authoritative take on social mores.

It takes courage that comes from deep down to confront the issue of immorality that is becoming so pervasive and ingrained in popular culture, we can drown in it just by switching on the television or watching the movies. The scripts of sitcoms and the stories on TV are skewed towards political correctness, rather than what is true, good and moral, while most pander to the least common denominaPAGE B7

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUSt 3-9, 2017

Calendar of Events across

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America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS AU G U St 5

2017 St. Joseph College of Olongapo City “grand alumni reunion gala night” in Alpine, CA The St. Joseph College of Olongapo City Class of 1987 is hosting a grand alumni reunion gala night on Saturday, August 5. The fundraiser will benefit the high school library project. It will be held at Viejas Casino and Resort at 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901 from 5 to 11 p.m. It is $87 / person and the attire is formal. Please contact Gemma Gutierrez Hornilla at (949)861-1732 or Maridy Salle Curry at (818)730-4490. For registration and for further details about the upcoming event, you may also visit http://sjs2017grandreunion. com.

17th Annual St. Francis Children’s Fund fundraising dinner dance silent auction in Burbank, CA Join us for a night of great food, dancing, fellowship, and answering to God’s call of helping our poor children in the Philippines. This special fundraising dinner dance and silent auction will take place on Saturday, August 5 at Burbank Legion Hall Post 150 (940 W. Olive Avenue Burbank, CA 91506) from 6 to 11 p.m. For reservations, please call Emie at (818) 748-7361 or Ramon (818) 297-6618.

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Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California’s annual picnic in El Monte, CA The Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California invites alumni, their family and friends, to its annual picnic and membership meeting on Saturday, August 12, at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Picnic Area D #9 ((near Legg Lake area with free parking for the early birds). The address: 750 S. Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733, 10 a.m. to sundown. For more information call: Jessie Mario Duran 626.715.2525, Joji Amparo 909.991.8919, and Zeny Duran Bennett 626.824.3595.

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University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz will swear in Mutch Carino as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President-Elect), Nati Matitu Mercado (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Yvee Tadeo-Guevara (Corresponding Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Melette Lampino (Assistant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Ellery Atienza, Mary Trinidad, Sonny Gancayco, Annie Nepomuceno, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Relson Banas, and Angie Alvarez. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig, and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m.

Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.

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24th annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco, CA The Pistahan Parade and Festival is an international celebration of Filipino community, culture and cuisine. Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and cuisine at the Yerba Buena Gardens. On Saturday, August 12, the Pistahan Parade will feature elaborate floats, marching bands and colorful contingents as it marches down Market from Civic Center to 4th St. The festival will include live entertainment, popular balut eating contest, delectable Filipino cuisine, cultural exhibits, hands-on workshops for kids and adults. It will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. Admission is free. For more information, please call 415. 625. 3976 or visit http://www.pistahan.net.

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Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Philippine Madrigal Singers in Concert on Saturday, August 19 is the long-awaited return to Los Angeles of the world-renowned prize-winning choir. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. The theatre is part of CSUN, and tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com.

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Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA An Evening with the MADZ on Sunday, August 20 is an opportunity to hear the awardwinning first-ever two-time European Grand Prix winning choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, at Campus Hill Church, 11057 Hill Dr Loma Linda CA 92354. The performance is at 7 p.m. $40 General Admission, $20 Child/Student. For tickets, call Ephraim Dela Cruz at (909) 831-4225, Marjorie Ann Reyno-Huynh at (909) 965-6936 or Nemuel Enriquez at (323) 2290506.

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Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept.

2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.

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26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

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NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.

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

Features

B august 3-9, 2017 • Las VEgas asIaN JOuRNaL

‘La Luna Sangre’ saga soars high on national TV

By Monet

Lu

WE all know that aside from cheesy and a la Cinderellaturned-princess movie plots, Filipinos love horror, fantasy and folklores. It doesn’t come as a surprise then when a TV series with such themes drive us crazy to the point of drooling in front of the television. However, it takes a certain mastery in direction and casting the perfect characters to achieve a rating of 33.9 percent in its first week, a feat that “La Luna Sangre” — ABSCBN’s newest serye — has gained without a doubt.

According to data from Kantar Media, “La Luna Sangre” hit a national TV rating of 33.9 percent from combined urban and rural homes, more than double the rating of its rival program — a local adaptation of a Korean series — which only got 13.8 percent.

“La Luna Sangre” revolves around the prophecy that happened during the ‘blood moon,’ which predicted that the offspring of the most powerful vampire and the chosen wolf will end the wickedness of the vampire imprinted with the cursed ink.

This child is believed to be Malia (Kathryn Bernardo).

Malia survived an attack and was orphaned, which caused her to be raised under the care of other vampires and werewolves.

They took them under their wing with hopes of her being the chosen one who is to save them from the impending doom. But then

they begin to doubt Malia when she fails to show her powers upon turning 21 years old.

Out of shame, Malia chooses to leave her responsibility and bravely faces the world of mortals. There, she meets Tristan (Daniel Padilla), a young man who is hunting the vampire who killed his father. As their bond grows closer, it would seem like Malia could be the key to the justice that Tristan been searching for all these years. The plot thickens as the dilemma of Malia’s decision of whether to return to her world (which she left behind) and re-embrace her destiny or continue her quest to be on her own and with the company of someone she might be starting to have feelings for.

“La Luna Sangre” is the third installation to the Internationally-acclaimed “She Wolf: The Last Sentinel” (“Lobo”) and its sequel “Imortal.” This epic saga about werewolves and vampires premiered last June 19 and instantly soared high on national TV ratings and topped the trending topics on Twitter worldwide.

Top-billed by the Philippines’ premiere actors John Lloyd Cruz, Richard Gutierrez, Angel Locsin (who was nominated for Best Actress in the International Emmy Awards), and sought-after young actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, the show is an amalgamation of folklore, love story, suspense featuring modern special effects and well-coordinated action scenes.

In a recent episode, Malia was

caught in the middle of the jungle as she was confronted by a group of vampires. She had no choice but to fight these blood-sucking creatures using her instincts and speed.

Following her face-off with the vampires, she decided to change her appearance by cutting her hair short to deceive Supremo, the leader of the vampires played

by Richard Gutierrez. Malia is on a mission to penetrate the vampire camp to avenge her family.

The show is heaping praises for the story and how the characters fit their roles so seamlessly.

As one of the biggest Filipino series to air this 2017, “La Luna Sangre” did not disappoint in bringing us entertainment at its finest.

Everything in this series screams world-class and the Twitter-world stands by it. I wouldn’t be surprised if the show gains praises internationally just like its successor. But until then, I’ll be on standby for the upcoming episodes that are getting more exciting by the minute. . *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

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

The Metamorphosis

ErniE D. DElfin (Part 1 of 2)

WHAT do you do when you feel a little bit less energetic or somewhat depressed to do anything?

That was a predicament that I had to fight back for about week when I lacked the stimulation to work outside my mundane tasks day after day. Alone for several weeks while my wife was in the Philippines, taking care of our two young granddaughters, some church and Rotary volunteer work, and lots of reading and writing provided some degree of subterfuge to my busy-ness.

To change a downward spiral in my internal thermostat, after my Monday morning Bible Study followed by a morning mass, I forced myself to visit the Orange County Jail to fulfill my commitment as a Catholic prison minister at the Women’s Intake and Release Center (IRC) in Sta. Ana, California, by providing communion services and bible study for a couple of hours. Miraculously, last Monday’s visit was unusually uplifting that changed my paradigm for the better.

A brief backdrop about my never-planned involvement in this prison ministry: God indeed works in mysterious ways and often uses other human beings to do His will. Despite the fact that I have been attending mass regularly since high school, and Bible study for almost ten years, I never thought nor imagined doing this unknown ministry for laymen, until a long time trusted Rotarian friend called me if I could visit her daughter in jail who was accused

Prison ministry work makes a person more grateful and fulfilled of murdering her husband. Much as I wanted to go then, I could not for many reasons. Among others, I did not have the badge as a prison minister nor the training to do that kind of ministry work then.

However, I was able to request my Bible study classmates who were already prison ministers to visit the daughter for me, which they did. The following week, all of them told me that my friend’s daughter was asking for me. That was the profound catalyst of my saying YES to my classmates’ countless invitations for me to join their prison ministry work.

Completing the required trainings and background checks from both the Diocese of Orange and the OC Sheriff’s Office over a couple of months, I was granted that prison ministry badge.

Thereafter, I was able to see, talk and minister to my friend’s beautiful daughter while she was still incarcerated at the County Jail awaiting her trial then. (She was then transferred to a California State prison for women after her unfortunate conviction, where I continue to visit her with her mom). Through God’s grace, I have been visiting the County Jail for about five years now, for a minimum 4-6 hours every month, and it has been one of the most fulfilling volunteer work that I have done in my life.

Now, let me give you a peek of what happens in our a prison ministry “classroom.” Anyone — including us prison ministers, although been “cleared” — must still go through formal procedures

to enter the facility. First, we give our IDs to a deputy who will then allow us to go to another room to get our day’s pass, and passing through a couple of metal doors that are opened every time one is cleared to enter. Then, a uniformed deputy escorts us, except a few accredited priests, deacons or chaplains, to the assigned ministry classroom. What transpires in that classroom is monitored by deputies who can hear anything being said at their discretion.

Just walking and observing through the corridors from the first entry, you can feel that you are in a different “planet” and can be very scary when you see inmates’ activities in their orange prison garbs (men and women are separated by buildings or mods). Some inmates (that’s what they are called when they are in county jails, and once there are in state or federal prisons then they are called “prisoners”) are in solitary confinement for their protection and the protection of other inmates as well. Many cats and dogs in many American homes are treated much better than many of them especially those in solitary incarceration, as many of them are out of their cells for only about two hours a day. Hence, many attend our Catholic services, although some are not Catholics, just to be out of their cells.

(To be continued next week) *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com Website: www.gkerc.org www.gk1world.com

Opportunity Village and Clark County School District celebrate 15th year of Job Discovery Program

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ

LAS VEGAS – Opportunity Village, in partnership with Clark County School District (CCSD), held their 15th annual event celebrating the Job Discovery Program on Friday, July 28.

The event acknowledged CCSD students that successfully completed the job training and discovery program, acquiring invaluable vocational training in preparation for future successful employment.

President and CEO of Opportunity Village, Bob Brown, and Nevada Secretary of State, Barbara Cevagske, were on hand to pass out the Job Discovery Program Celebration certificates.

Opportunity Village Mission: Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people within our community with significant intellectual disabilities, to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

Seven families who were determined to give their children with disabilities the best lives possible founded Opportunity Village in 1954. Now, more than 60 years later, Opportunity Village is one of the most recognized and respected organizations of its type in the United States.

Nevada’s largest employer of people with disabilities, Opportunity Village serves more than 2,000 individuals annually, providing vocational training, employment, habilitation and social recreation programs and services that make their lives more purposeful and interesting.

Opportunity Village citizens – individuals who were previously considered unemployable – work at Opportunity Village’s Employment Resource Centers and in jobs throughout the community, collectively earning wages amounting to more than $3.7 million in 2016. They are hardworking and diligent, proudly paying taxes and happily leading more fulfilling lives.

Primarily a self-funded organization, Opportunity Village generates the majority of its operational

Michael A, a past Job Discovery Program participant, spoke to the students and audience.

Nevada Secretary of State, Barbara Cevagske, and Opportunity President and CEO, Bob Brown, awarded Shandel her Job Discovery Program congratulatory certificate.

funding through its employment Great Santa Run, saving Nevada contracts and fundraising efforts taxpayers more than $37 million such as the Magical Forest and annually.

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.

Job Discovery Program honorees celebrate at the 15th annual event, which took place at the Opportunity Village Event Center (6300 West Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146). The Job Discovery Program is a partnership between Opportunity Village and CCSD.

Features

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The fight for dear...

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tor in order to serve the largest demographics and the biggest markets.

Our scandal-plagued churches and political figures seem to have lost the moral high ground and the voice that once seemed so sure and resonant in matters affecting life, is lost in the din and cacophony of so much chatter.

That is why the family which was once a strong unit of society has to be revived and energized to take charge of a child’s upbringing — not society, not government, and certainly not the treacherous, lying media.

A moral grounding that starts from childhood, nurtured in the teen years and blossoming in adult life is basic in order to see through the twisted logic of political correctness and immorality and confront it head on.

The moral issue of abortion far transcends any earthly concerns.

The battered economy, the war on terror, national security, taxes, energy independence — all these are important issues of our time but as history will attest, all these will be overcome in due time and will eventually come to pass. But the crux of all these problems hinge on how we handle the critical issue of abortion.

Western Europe is taking what looks like a dangerous turn.

Once the bastion of Christianity and of Western civilization, it seems headed towards nihilism with its ultra liberal, globalist policies. This is the third time in a hundred years that Germany, as head of the EU, is undermining Europe. World War I, World War II and now via the EU and its suicidal policies, Germany might just succeed without firing a single shot. Just consider for instance, that most of its leaders are childless and seems incapable of thinking ahead for the benefit of future generations. If Western Europe doesn not wake up from its self-induced stupor, the time will come it will be beyond help, even from above.

Its churches are empty and its populations seem bereft of the passions that a solid belief in the defense of the Christian faith requires in fighting the inroads of an antithetical faith that seek to overpower it. Alas and alack, political correctness may have already killed Europe’s soul.

With God’s blessings through

EMPLOYMENT

a change of leadership brought on by what seems like the silent majority making its voice heard so resoundingly in November last year, America still has one chance to correct the moral depravity it has fallen into in the last 50 years.

It is fundamental to our humanity and our connection to divinity to fight the evil that abortion brings to our world. Our decision to take abortion down or uphold it, will reverberate for centuries beyond our time.

Abortion strikes at the root of our essence as human beings.

This is a call to fight for the unborn — the most defenseless of all creatures, a call to preserve the life of thinking, feeling, spiritual beings in human form.

Estimates of the number of abortions in this country alone have reached the 48 million mark, the population of a country. Worldwide, the figures could be staggering. China is beginning to pay the price for its draconian one-child policy that has brought on a serious and detrimental societal imbalance in its male-to-female ratio, in a culture that puts a higher stock on sons.

While we may think we can choose to play God and decimate our own humanity in the name of a woman’s right to choose, God alone gives the gift of life and He chooses when and how to take it away. That must have been the deal from the beginning of time.

How special is man in the scheme of creation? Consider the big picture. Some wise person once said that if the beginning of time till now can be thought of as a 24 -hour day, civilization came to exist about 11:55 PM and the spark of life that is man only came to be in the last 2 seconds before the stroke of midnight.

As best as our most brilliant scientific minds through the centuries can figure out, the universe is about 15 billion years old and our sun which was born in the last 4.5 billion years with yet another 5 billion years or so left before it dies, is a common yellow star that makes it possible for man, the highest form of life as we know it, in the solar system, to live on planet earth.

We seem to take it for granted that it took a really long time, about 100,000 years or so before man, in his present form,

became the crowning glory of creation, although this can sometimes be debatable when we come to realize our collective stupidities throughout history.

Man is a thinking, feeling, spiritual being in physical form, capable of so much good or of so much evil. In between these two extremes are the multitudes, who in their lifetimes, come to learn, appreciate, enjoy and fight for that gift of life to continue for generations yet to come. Of course, along with that gift of life comes the gift of free will and therefore, the opposite can also be true. We can choose to do nothing and allow the terrifying prospect of abortion, death and decay to overcome and overwhelm us.

Sometimes, we feel that by ourselves alone, we are powerless to stop this horror from being indelibly imprinted into the fabric of modern life. But together as one voice, countless silent prayers sent heavenward by millions, maybe even billions, among us who believe in the power of prayer, are heard and miracles rain down upon us in our time of need. When we assault heaven with our prayer arrows, the Spirit comes and moves the chosen ones to action, those special human beings, a bit larger than life, who can lead and make the world turn on its axis for humanity to do God’s will.

And indeed on the issue of abortion in America, the miracle came to pass on November 08, 2016. Still, no one should become complacent. For a nation can only be as good as the people who live in it. Pray without ceasing.

The consequences of doing nothing and allowing the horrible evil of abortion to continue unchallenged, are dire. Choose life. Along with free will, nothing in the physical world of the entire universe can be greater.

If God himself in His infinite love, so valued human life that he sent His only Son in human form, for the ultimate sacrifice to save us, where do we get the gall and the temerity to think any less of it? Who do we think we are to even think that we can choose to take it? *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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Vilma Santos acknowledges Nora Aunor in lifetime achievement award

by Ronnie

CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

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A lONG-TIME Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino or Urian member (name withheld upon request) couldn’t help but feel awestruck

by Vilma Santos’ unflinching magic before a mammoth crowd of fans at their recent annual awards rites.

The Star for All Seasons is this year’s recipient of the lifetime Achievement Award, bringing ip her total number of major recognitions to 13.

“I thought the stage would collapse!” our source said of the makeshift structure at the Studio 10 of ABS-CBN, the last-minute venue of the exercise. “Eh, nag-akyatan ba naman ang mga tao – fans, including the media, who wanted to take pictures of Vilma!”

Supposedly, our source was tasked to usher all the winners to an area for the post-dinner, but he couldn’t get through the

Vilma Santos

huge crowd, “When all the ruckus subsided, Inabangan ko na lang si Vilma somewhere as it seemed impossible to pull her out of the stage.”

Such a sight reinforced his belief that, “Iba talaga ang awards night when you have Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor (who was nominated in the Best Actress category, but was nowhere in sight) in the race.

But in fairness to Ate Vi, she was applauded for her speech where

ManilaTimes.net photo

she acknowledged Ate Guy. Sabi niya, masuwerte raw silang dalawa dahil naabutan nila ang pinakamahuhusay na film directors in the country.”

Originally, the recently concluded Urian awards night was scheduled at Seda Hotel in Quezon City. However, Cinema One (which carried its live coverage) deemed it best to hold it within the ABS-CBN premises so that security could be contained.

Beware of ‘sore...

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Touching the infected eye, or the area around it, or the secretion from it, contaminates that hand, and this can spread the disease to other persons. Family members in the same household as the patient should all wash their hands very well, several times a day, and should stay away from the one with conjunctivitis, in order to minimize catching the disease.

Does one catch “sore eyes” from peeping?

Peeping toms have been scared by a myth that they will catch stye (kuliti), not conjunctivitis.

However, if a person with viral conjunctivitis had looked through the same hole, the subsequent peeping tom could be inoculated with the virus also and get the disease.

What is seasonal conjunctivitis?

Seasonal conjunctivitis is also known as hay fever conjunctivitis, usually due to allergy to airborne pollens, and the peak season is spring, late summer and early fall. Besides the itchy red eyes, the person also has rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa---inner lining of the nose) with tendency to sneeze a lot and have clear watery nasal discharge (sipon). Another form that is

due to allergy is called perennial allergic conjunctivitis or atopic conjunctivitis, where the irritants are dust mite dander or animal dander. This is a chronic form, with symptoms round the year, and usually these persons also have eczema, asthma and other allergic conditions.

Can the condition be prevented?

Yes, most definitely, in majority of cases. Careful avoidance of the known modes of transmission discussed above is the best way to prevent catching the disease, even some of those secondary to allergies. Eliminating dust, dust mite and dander at home of office by good housecleaning, abstinence from food or items one is allergic to, good personal hygiene (washing hands often, especially if someone with conjunctivitis is in the same room), care in handling items touched by the patient) and the usual common sense approach to a contagious disease.

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are real, and not just a metaphor. They are scary-looking, live, crawling, beetle-like micro “insect” with fangs and spiky legs. They are the components in dust that cause allergic reactions when inhaled, causing red, itchy eyes, stuffy, runny nose, and nasal

SERVICES

discharge. Daily vacuum cleaning and dusting (furniture, etc) is the best way to eliminate dust and dust mites.

What is the treatment for “sore eyes”?

Since the cause of conjunctivitis varies, the prudent action is to consult your physician right away for prompt diagnosis and treatment. This medical evaluation is vital because conjunctivitis could be as trivial as those due to allergies, or as serious and those caused by a venereal disease or other eye condition that could lead to blindness. There is no substitute for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, just like in any other medical conditions.

Obviously, even better than this is prevention! *** 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

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