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Volume 27 - No. 48 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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US Embassy warns Americans DATELINE USA Trump supports of terror threats in PH FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Duterte’s drug crackdown

The president-elect makes first phone call to Duterte

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

“Worldwide Caution” issued by the Department of State last SepTHE United States Embassy in tember, declaring that there’s “an Manila advised Americans to elevate ongoing threat of terrorist actions their level of security awareness and violence against U.S. citizens against the “ongoing threat of ter- and interests abroad, including the rorist actions and violence” in the Philippines.”

“The U.S. citizen community Philippines.

In its official website, the embassy should remember that terrorists have reminded its citizens of the recent proven time and again their prefer-

ence for ‘soft targets,’ or places that offer inherent vulnerabilities, ease of access, and the potential availability of a large number of unprotected people,” the advisory, dated December 5, read.

It also cited the recent bombing attempt near its premises, which, according to the embassy, sets “as a PAGE A2

IN the first official phone call between the two leaders, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said that United States President-elect Donald Trump expressed that the Duterte administration is handling the Philippines’ drug problem in the “the right way.”

“He understood the way we are handling it and I said that there’s nothing wrong in protecting a country,” Duterte said in a statement following the phone call on Friday, December 2. “It was a bit very encouraging in the sense that I supposed that what he really wanted to say was that we would be the last to interfere in the affairs of your own country.”

Duterte said that the seven-minute phone call covered a wide range of topics, including Duterte congratulating Trump on his victory and reassurance of the solid ties between the Philippines and the U.S. Duterte’s positive feedback of the call comes after months of the president’s straining of the longstanding alliance between the two nations, which mostly resulted from his aggression toward President Barack Obama PAGE A3

New US ambassador to PH looks forward to strengthening diplomatic ties

RECENTLY appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim held a lengthy and substantive discussion with President Rodrigo Duterte after officially presenting his credentials on Tuesday, December 6.

Kim said the intertwined histories characterize the bond between the U.S. and the Philippines during a press conference following his first meeting with Duterte. He hopes to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect that will facilitate the stability and growth of that relationship.

“It is an incredible honor for me to be in the Philippines to have this opportunity to contribute to one of America’s most enduring partnerships,” Kim told reporters at Malacañang on Tuesday.

A seasoned diplomat, Kim had served as the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of PAGE A3

The third suspect arrested in connection with the foiled bomb attack near the US embassy in Manila was presented to the media on Wednesday, Nov. 7. National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde told reporters in Camp Crame, Quezon City that Mohammad Jumao-as, 25, was one of those who conducted casing and surveillance in the vicinity of Rizal Park, where their group initially planted the improvised explosives device (IED) last Nov. 28.

Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos

Duterte: ‘Yellows’ behind impeachment plots to install VP Robredo as president

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

RAPPORT. US to the Philippines Sung Kim meets with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang to present his credentials on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Kim described their meeting as “fruitful.” Kim arrived in Manila Thursday night to start his tour of duty. The Korean-born ambassador is replacing Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who hadd been the subject of Duterte’s personal attacks.

Photo from Twitter account of Ambassador Sung Kim

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has accused the ‘Yellows’ of allegedly plotting to oust him, apparently referring to the Liberal Party (LP), which uses the color as its political symbol.

“Yung mga Yellow diyan, nagdedemonstrate kayo (You Yellows, you are demonstrating).

You want me out because you cannot accept defeat,” President Duterte said in his speech during the 4th State Conference of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on Wednesday, December 7, at the Malacañang Palace.

In the recent May 2016 elections, LP candidate Mar Roxas lost against Duterte, with the latter winning the presidential post in a landslide victory.

“Pulitika ito eh (This is politics). They wanted me out, syempre ‘yung (of course the) Vice PAGE A2

Vice President Robredo resigns from Cabinet position Palace: Duterte uncomfortable working with VP

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL AND DANA SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE Vice President Leni Robredo has resigned as housing secretary, citing “major differences in principles and values” from President Rodrigo Duterte, who barred her from attending future Cabinet meetings.

Robredo revealed that she received a text message from Secretary to the Cabinet Jun Evasco, Jr. that said Duterte has ordered her to “desist from attending all Cabinet meetings starting Monday, December 5.”

This prompted Robredo to resign from her post as the Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

In her resignation letter addressed to the president, she pointed out that remaining in

Duterte’s Cabinet has become “untenable” and has made it difficult to perform her duties.

“I have exerted all effort to put aside our differences, maintain a professional relationship, and work effectively despite the constraints because the Filipino people deserve no less,” the vice president’s letter, dated December 5, read.

Despite leaving the housing post, she will stay on as vice president of the country.

“We will not allow the vice presidency to be stolen because that is against the voice of the majority,” Robredo told reporters in Manila, referencing an alleged plot to unseat her from the nation’s second-highest office.

Vice President Leni Robredo maintains a sunny outlook after leaving the Duterte Cabinet as Malacañang clarified that the president’s she faces teachers from Caraga Region. Robredo attended the Department of Education’s decision to ask Robredo to not attend future Teachers’ Congress at Surigao Provincial Gym in Surigao City.

Inquirer.net photo by Julliane Love De Jesus PAGE A2

Asian-themed Lucky Dragon Hotel and Casino opens in Las Vegas

by CHRISTINA

M. ORIEL

AJPress

LAS VEGAS — An extensive lion and dragon dance and burst of firecrackers marked the official opening of Lucky Dragon Hotel and Casino in this city over the weekend.

Unlike regular grand openings with a lineup of speeches, the ceremony on Saturday, December 3, stuck to symbolic Chinese rituals, such as opening the dragon’s eyes to bring Photo by Larry Hanna, courtesy of Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino

ğPæ į/ĉ æÃæµ

in good fortune and prosperity, and drinking tea to welcome guests.

Located on the north end of the Strip along Sahara Avenue, Lucky Dragon is the first hotel and casino in Vegas to be constructed from the ground up and opened since the recession.

James Weidner, the managing principal of Lucky Dragon, said being on board with the project was partly inspired by his and

u PAGE A2

PH House approves reimposition of death penalty

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

The House of Representatives Justice Committee passed the substitute measure that seeks the reimposition of capital punishment in the Philippines.

With a vote of 12-6-1, the committee on Wednesday, December 7, approved the death penalty for

u PAGE A4

A

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december 8-14, 2016 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

From The FronT Page

US embassy warns Americans...

PAGE A1 timely reminder of the recurring threat that terrorism and political violence pose in the Philippines.�

Last November 28, a street sweeper reportedly found an improvised explosive device (IED) in a trash bin around 25 meters from the U.S. Embassy’s gate in Manila. The explosive device was later safely detonated, with no

one injured.

According to the advisory, possible places that could be targeted by terrorists include sporting events, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and shopping malls. “With this information comes the reminder for U.S. citizens to elevate your level of security

awareness. It is imperative that you enhance your personal sense of vigilance and remain alert and cognizant of your surroundings and of those around you,� the advisory added.

The embassy also told Americans to immediately report anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement or security official.

Duterte: ‘Yellows’ behind impeachment...

PAGE A1 President – kayo, you had your chance,� Duterte said, claiming that the Liberal Party wanted to install Leni Robredo as the new president of the Philippines.

Robredo, who is the vice the president of the country, holds the highest position in government among the members of the LP. This, however, was not the first time Duterte accused the party of planning to impeach him.

L a s t S e p t e m b e r, D u t e r t e claimed that ‘Yellows’ were allegedly destroying his reputation in the international community so he would be ousted from the presidency.

Robredo, on the other hand, previously denied allegations that the LP was plotting to impeach the president.

De Lima: Duterte defending cops in Espinosa slay an impeachable offense Meanwhile, Senator Leila De Lima, who is also a member of the LP and was the former Justice Secretary under the previous Aquino administration, said Duterte could be impeached for taking the side of the cops supposedly involved in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier this week concluded that Espinosa was slain in a ‘rubout,’ and not in a shootout incident, contrary to the initial police report, which states that Espinosa was fatally shot inside his cell at the Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail in Baybay City after allegedly resisting arrest and exchanging shots with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on

November 5. “I will not allow these guys to go to prison. Maski na sabihin ng NBI [na] murder. Eh tutal ano naman ang NBI, under ko rin yan eh (even if the NBI says it was murder. After all, the NBI is under me), Department of Justice,� Duterte previously said.

According to De Lima, Duterte has committed “betrayal of public trust� when he pronounced that he would not let the allegedly involved cops be held accountable. “Kinakasuhan pa lang ng NBI, pina-pardon na niya (The NBI was just about to file a case but he’s already granting pardon). That’s tantamount to pardon, ina-abswelto niya kaagad. That’s not even his duty because the duty belongs to the judiciary, the courts; so bordering na ‘yan to impeachability eh,� De Lima explained.

ESPINOSA KILLING PROBE. Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin M. Drilon fields queries to various officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, on the third day of the Senate investigation on the shooting and death of former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, on Monday, December 5. Also in photo is Senator Paolo “Benigno� Aquino IV. Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

Vice President Robredo resigns...

PAGE A1 Cabinet meetings has nothing to do with her political affiliation, but rather, it was primarily because the president felt “uncomfortable� with some of her political engagements, according to Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella.

The spokesman, however, did not elaborate on what those engagements were and what conflicts the president had with Robredo.

During a press conference on Tuesday, December 6, Abella said it was the president’s “personal choice� to bar the vice president

from the Cabinet. “...[S]hould the president come to the point where he feels that he cannot fully work with or is uncomfortable with a particular Cabinet secretary, then it is his prerogative to release such a member,� Abella said.

Robredo, who belongs to the Liberal Party, has vocalized her disapproval of some of the president’s actions and remarks. “Since I assumed office, I have been consistent in my opposition to issues such as the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, extrajudicial killings, reinstating

[the] death penalty, lowering the age of criminal liability, and sexual attacks against women,� the vice president noted.

As reported by Rappler, Evasco said, there is “no point� for Robredo to attend meetings if “her position is always contradictory to the president’s.�

Robredo’s resignation comes a week after Maria Serena Diokno stepped down as chairwoman of the National Historic Commission of the Philippines, following Duterte’s decision to bury late president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the National Heroes’ Cemetery. n

Asian-themed Lucky Dragon Hotel...

PAGE A1

Ribbon cutting

A sample of the standard room

Lanterns at Dragon’s Alley

Dragon dance

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

his father William’s trips to China. “It presented an opportunity to do something here [in Las Vegas] that really respects the culture directly and approaches the Asian market, which is really powerful,� Weidner told the Asian Journal.

The overall aesthetic and ambiance of the hotel and casino buildings were deliberately created to be “culturally correct, authentic and respectful,�

Weidner said. That meant employing Feng Shui experts and design consultants who could really craft the Asian theme throughout the property.

The nine-story boutique hotel boasts 203 rooms, including 22 suites, with a modern translation of Asian design. The standard rooms are simple and are not too ostentatious, compared to what can be found elsewhere on the Strip. Each room has a wall mural, such as a depiction of ornate red and pink flowers, to represent the “peace and tranquility of ancient China,� according to a release from the hotel.

On the lobby level is the pool with a golden dragon mural and the Cha Garden, a tea garden and lounge area.

It’s not your average hotel lobby bar; though beer, wine and cocktails are on the menu, the main attractions are the Chinese teas that require a careful steeping and serving process.

(A few items bear interesting names when translated in English, including “Peaceful Monkey Leader� and “Golden Beautiful Eyebrow.�) “Some of the teas on the menu are in the United States for the first time,� Weidner said. “We’re the only place in the city with a tea sommelier.�

The 27,500-square-foot, twostory casino — which is connected to the hotel by a bridge walkway — is located at the adjacent building. Though more compact than its casino neighbors blocks away, Lucky Dragon has 37 table games (Baccarat, Blackjack, Pai Gow and Roulette, to name a few) and 287 slot machines.

Upon walking in, one’s eyes are directed toward the 2.5 story, 1.25-ton glass dragon sculp-

ture that is suspended from the ceiling and hovers above the Pagoda bar on the ground floor. This is reportedly to be a good luck charm for casino players. Higher-end gaming can be found at the Emerald Room and a VIP lounge.

Though it may not be a destination for live entertainment or shopping, Lucky Dragon’s food offerings are reasons alone to make a trip.

On the ground floor is Bao Now, a 24-hour stand that has dim sum, noodles and Boba, and Dragon’s Alley, a cafeteria-style eatery reminiscent of night markets in major Asian cities. There, you’ll find Chinese staples from roasted duck to dumplings. In coming months, dishes from other Asian countries, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, are slated to be offered.

Upstairs are two full-service, sit-down restaurants: Pearl Ocean and Phoenix. At Pearl Ocean, expect an authentic dim sum meal items like juicy pork dumplings, jellyfish, and peking duck. Next door is Phoenix, the exclusive 60-seat dining room, where you can find more indulgent dishes like shark fin, bird’s nest soup, and black truffle and abalone.

With the careful attention to detail, it won’t be hard for international Asian tourists to feel at home at Lucky Dragon. Local Asian American residents and those from California and across the U.S. are also target customers for the hotel and casino. “It’s a growing population and a relatively wealthy population at home and regionally,�

Weidner said.

Jordan Seager, vice president of marketing at the property, said feedback over the weekend is a good sign of the reception from the Vegas community. “We know we hit a sweet spot when it comes to making our Asian guests feel at home, while giving others the opportunity to experience Asian culture,� Seager said. “Our Grand Opening weekend was a great indicator of things to come.�

The property was unveiled just in time for the Christmas holiday, but it will surely be a site to visit for the Chinese New Year in January.

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 8-14, 2016

A3

Commemorating Pearl Harbor and the heroism of Filipino World War II veterans WASHINGTON, D.C. — Seventy-five years ago on December 7, Japanese fighter planes bombed Pearl Harbor. On the same day, Japanese forces attacked the Philippines, a U.S. territory at the time. More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers responded to President Roosevelt’s callto-arms to defend the Philippines and the United States. They would go on to endure some of the most horrific conditions anywhere in the world, including the Bataan Death March and the ravages of the bombing of Manila, second only to Warsaw in its destruction.

They would not accept defeat. They would not quit. They would not leave a fallen comrade.

Half of them died in battle fighting under the American flag, making the ultimate sacrifice as soldiers in the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and as guerrilla fighters during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Those who survived suffered the scars of battle and the invisible wounds of war.

They were forced to endure additional humiliation and a slap in the face when the U.S. Congress passed the 1946 Rescission Acts, which stripped them of their rights and promised benefits.

Righting a wrong “This extraordinary moment can only be consoled with the award of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal,” said Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project. “Through all this time, the veterans – those who have passed and those still alive today, remained steadfast and resolute hoping our country they had willingly defended would right the wrong brought upon them. Their determination to gain recognition was long and arduous.”

On November 30, Congress finally passed legislation granting recognition to the 260,000 Filipino soldiers for their service and sacrifice. It took more than 72 years.

“The passage of this bill on the eve of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941, and the attack on the Philippines on Dec 8, 1941 is a momentous event, which is now enshrined in U.S. history,” adds Taguba. “Commemorating the anniversary of ‘the day of infamy’ and the courageous response of Filipino and American soldiers to call to duty, should serve to remind us that their uncommon valor should never be forgotten, that this American story should be preserved for posterity. Always remembering what they did is the best way to protect our children and their children from the horrors of war.”

Today, less than 16,000 remain, most of them ailing and in their 90s.

Global conflict The Pearl Harbor bombing led to a global conflict. As a Commonwealth of the United States, the Philippines was inevitably drawn into the war. Filipino soldiers fought the Japanese Imperial Forces from December 1941 to December 1946. Thousands were killed, wounded and captured as Prisoners of War. Thousands more fought as guerrillas until the enemy was finally defeated, liberating the country and preserving freedom and democracy in the United States.

“While Americans of all ages remember Pearl Harbor as a key event that triggered our nation’s involvement in World War II, we rightly commemorate the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for our freedom in the years that followed,” Taguba pointed out. “But much less is known or remembered of the thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who fought bravely for our freedom more than half a century ago and half a world away. Granting them recognition ensures that their story is now a significant part of American history. Honoring and remembering them is the best way to keep their memory alive.”

They are America’s Filipino Soldiers of World War II. They are part of our American story. ■

Trump supports Duterte’s drug...

PAGE A1 and his administration.

“I appreciate the response that I got from the President-elect Trump and I would like to wish him success,” Duterte remarked.

“He will be a good president for the United States of America. I am very sure.”

The Trump team has yet to confirm the endorsement of Duterte’s drug crackdown, but rather offered a statement on Friday afternoon indicating that both leaders stay committed to working “together closely on matters of shared interest and concern” and acknowledged the “long history of friendship and cooperation between the two nations” Duterte also said that Trump invited Duterte to visit him in New

York City and Washington, D.C. He also invited the president-elect to the next Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2017.

“I could sense a good rapport, an animated President-elect Trump.

And he was wishing me success in my campaign against the drug problem,” Duterte added.

Prior to communicating with Duterte, Trump also made a phone call to Taiwan to the surprise of critics, who say that the call may rub China — who has a strained relationship with Taiwan and still sees it as their province — the wrong way.

“The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!” Trump

tweeted on Friday.

Since then, White House officials have been communicating with Beijing about the matter.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Monday, December 5 that the call could put strains on U.S.-China relations.

“Some of the progress we have made in our relationship with China could be undermined by this issue flaring up,” Earnest said, adding that it was “unclear what the potential benefit” of Trump’s interaction with Taiwan might be.

Upon the backlash he received for the Taiwan call, he tweeted, “Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)

SOLIDARITY. Families of ‘political detainees’ stand in front of a giant lantern as they hold a protest to mark the ‘International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners’ in Manila.

ManilaTImes.net photo by DJ Diosina

Asian civil rights org opposes Health and Human Services secretary nominee LOS ANGELES — As a national civil rights organization, Asian Americans Advancing Justice opposes the nomination of Congressmember Tom Price (R-Ga.) as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary.

As a member of Congress, Rep. Price has been one of the lead critics of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has repeatedly attempted to repeal or gut the ACA. Among Rep. Price’s most dangerous proposals are limiting tax credits for the poor, privatizing Medicare, barring federal funding to Planned Parenthood, and converting Med-

icaid to block grants (effectively gutting its role as a safety net program). Since implementation in 2010, the ACA has given 20 million previously uninsured Americans access to critical health care services. Among the ACA’s success stories is the significant increase in health insurance coverage amongst Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Repealing the ACA would likely double the uninsured rate to 19.4 percent and cost an estimated 24 million people their health coverage.

“The Asian American and Pacific Islander community has seen the greatest decrease in our uninsured rate—by 59

percent—under the ACA, the largest of any racial group nationally,” said Doreena Wong, director of Advancing JusticeLA’s health access program.

“And consistently, AAPIs have expressed significant support for the ACA, even across party lines — for example, a poll in Spring 2016 found that 76 percent of Asian American voters supported the ACA, including 60 percent of those identified as Republican. A repeal of the ACA means that hundreds of thousands of our community members stand to lose critically needed health coverage.”

Advancing Justice opposes PAGE A4

New US ambassador to PH looks...

PAGE A1 Korea from 2011 to 2014 and was nominated to his most recent position by President Barack Obama on Thursday, May 19.

He also acted as the special representative of the United States for North Korean Policy.

Additionally, he acted as the U.S. Special Envoy for the SixParty Talks, which aimed for the peaceful resolution relating to security concerns amid the discovery of the North Korean

nuclear weapons program.

The Korean-born immigrant moved to the U.S. at the age of 13 and became a citizen in 1980. He went on to earn a doctorate in law from Loyola University Law School in Los Angeles and a masters of law from the London School of Economics.

On Tuesday, Kim said he is ready to learn more firsthand about the Philippines and its people, and is looking forward

to enhancing the country’s ties to the U.S. “I look forward to working closely with the Philippines’ government and Filipino people to expand our relationship and to engage in many areas of mutual interest,” Kim said.

He succeeds former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who has been a subject of criticism by Duterte. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

A

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FYLPRO delegates meet with gov’t officials, experience community outreach & PH culture

EARLY CHRISTMAS. Visually impaired children from Alabang Elementary School in Muntinlupa City (Metro Manila) are given free rides at an amusement park at the Alabang Festival Mall on Tuesday , Dec. 6 as the country celebrates International Day of Persons with Disablities. Ten percent of the Philippine population comprise children, youth and women with disabilities.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

Trump warns companies about outsourcing abroad

by Camille

Diola Philstar.com

MANILA — US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday warned American companies of consequences if they try to outsource their operations to other countries.

Speaking in a factory of airconditioning contractor Carrier in Indianapolis, Indiana, Trump said his government will not make it easy for companies to leave and source workers in Mexico, India and other countries.

“Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences. It’s not going to happen. I’m telling you right now. We’re losing so much,” Trump said.

“We’re gonna have a lot of phone calls to companies when they say they’re thinking about leaving this country, ‘cause they’re not leaving this country.

And the workers are not gonna leave their jobs,” he added.

He said companies can negotiate deals in different states, but choosing to go abroad “is going to be very, very difficult.”

Trump said outsourcing companies will be taxed heavily across the border, while those that choose to stay will benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate.

“So one of the things we’re doing to keep them is we’re going

THE ten delegates of the 5th Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) met with Philippine Government officials o learn more about current political and governance issues confronting the country on November 25 and 28.

“Government Day,” a core element of the Filipino Young Leaders Program, aims to inform the delegates about the priorities and policies of the present Administration, with a view to identifying possible areas of cooperation and joint action. This year, Government Day was divided into two parts to allow the delegates and Government experts to delve into subjects of mutual interest.

The FYLPRO delegates and several alumni also joined Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo at the Ayala Museum for the turnover ceremony of books to the students of Ayala Foundation’s Center for Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX) in line with the observance of National Reading Month. They also toured the Presidential Museum and Library to trace the history and heritage of the Office of the President.

The delegates as volunteers

for Habitat for Humanity’s Juan Build program at Bistekville 4, Visayas Ave., Quezon City. The Bistekville 4 is the fourth of the “Bistekville” socialized housing projects by the Local Government Unit of Quezon City to address the lack of affordable and decent in-city housing for informal settler families in Quezon City on November 26.

They visited the National Museum on November 27, as part of the cultural immersion program before proceeding to Intramuros.

The delegates also gathered at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for a roundtable discussion on the following day. The discussion focused on Philippine conditions with representatives from the DFA, National Economic and Development Authority, National Commission on Culture and the Arts, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“When we started FYLPRO in 2012, our goal was to reintroduce a new generation of Filipino Americans and mobilize them to become a force in the Philippines and the US,” said Assistant Secretary Maria Andrelita Austria.

“We wanted this program to foster bilateral relations be-

tween PH and US. We hope you will be able to contribute to the development of communities in projects where your talents and expertise are needed. I hope you identify yourself with something you can be proud of and direct your energies to something you find noble,” said Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. In the afternoon, several members of the Philippine Senate met with the FYLPRO delegates to discuss the current legislative agenda, particularly those items pertaining to the youth, innovation, and poverty reduction.

Senators Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan shared their programs and insights into leadership, political and civic engagement, and advocacy.

The 5th FYLPRO is a joint undertaking of the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States, Ayala Foundation, Inc., and the FYLPRO nonprofit organization, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and this year’s corporate sponsors Ayala Corporation, PhilAm Life, SGV, PHINMA Corporation, and Philippine Airlines.

President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Vice President-elect Mike Pence arrive at Indianapolis International Airport for visit to the Carrier factory, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Indianapolis, Ind.

to be lowering our business tax from 35 percent, hopefully down to 15 percent, which would take us from the highest taxed nation virtually in the world—this is terrible for business—to one of the lower taxed,” the incoming US leader said.

Tax analysts in the US say, however, that Trump’s tax plan would lead to government revenue losses of $6.2 trillion, thereby hurting the economy. Others argue that the the richest taxpayers would see their incomes increase significantly.

Local BPO sector In the Philippines, where nearly three fourths of BPO earnings come from the US, economists fear Trump’s White House term

will be a blow to the local outsourcing sector.

BPOs in the Philippines have generated 1.2 million jobs. Last year, the sector earned P1.7 trillion in revenue, contributing almost 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, a value at par with remittances from overseas Filipinos.

“I’m worried about a recession,” John Forbes, senior adviser at the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, told the STAR earlier this month.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, meanwhile, said the country is ready for a possible protectionist America under Trump due to its foreign policy pivot to China. n (Top left photo) FLYPRO delegates participate in the roundtable discussion with government agencies and a Q&A with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs during the FLYPRO Government Day at the Department of Foreign Affairs. (Top right photo) FLYPRO delegates as volunteers for Habitat for Humanity’s Juan Build program at Bisketville, Quezon City. (Bottom photo) FLYPRO delegates with Sen. Paulo “Bam” Aquino IV, Sen. Juan Eduardo “Sonny” Angara, and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. The senators and delegates participated in a lively discussion of current legislative agenda and ways forward to discuss their respective advocacies.

‘Balikbayan’, OFWs told: Carry your own luggage

by Benjie

Vergara ManilaTimes.net

AUTHORITIES at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) reminded returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to reject offers from “business personalities” who will ask for favors in exchange for cash.

“We are expecting thousands of returning OFWs and balikbayan this Christmas holiday from around the globe.

As port courtesy, the OFWs’ luggage will be excluded from examination and inspection unless there are commercial goods and illegal items such as guns, drugs,” Customs District III Collector Ed Macabeo said

on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Macabeo added that he is reminding the OFWs to carry their own luggage and not accept things from persons they do not know personally and who will only put them at risk.

He said that during this season, some unscrupulous individuals abroad are taking advantage by offering cash to would-be victims to carry pieces of luggage for supposed recipients in the Philippines.

Macabeo warned that luggage of OFWs bringing in commercial quantities of goods will be automatically subjected to X-ray.

Manila International Airport

Authority General Manager Ed Monreal has instructed his terminal managers to ensure safe, reliable and convenient operations at the NAIA terminals where thousands of OFWs and balikbayan are expected to arrive this Christmas.

Terminals 1 and 3 managers Dante Basanta and Ric Medalla, respectively, said their personnel are already in place to welcome thousands of passengers on the second week of the month.

Airline officials, meantime, were also asked to assist their passengers regarding luggage left behind at their point of origin.

PH House approves reimposition...

PAGE A1 21 heinous offenses which include: treason, qualified piracy, qualified bribery, parricide, murder, infanticide, rape, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, destructive arson, plunder, and carnapping.

Also included in the bill’s list of crimes punishable by death were: importation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals; sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals; maintenance of a drug den, dive, or resort; manufacture of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals; possession of dangerous drugs cultivation or culture of plants classified as dangerous drugs or are sources thereof; unlawful prescription of dangerous drugs; criminal liability

of a public officer or employee for misappropriation, misapplication, or failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs, plant sources of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment including the proceeds or properties obtained from the unlawful act committed; and criminal liability for planting evidence concerning illegal drugs.

The bill also proposes hanging, firing squad or lethal injection, as methods that may be used in executing the capital punishment.

In 2006, the imposition of the capital punishment was suspended when former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed the enactment of Republic Act 9346, or “An Act Prohibiting the Imposition of Death Penalty in the Philippines.”

The punishment was then downgraded to reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who co-authored the death penalty bill, previously said he hoped the bill would pass the final hearing in Congress before the upcoming Christmas break.

After passing the House, the bill will be deliberated next at the Senate committee before it can be signed into law by the President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte, who won the presidency in a landslide victory last May, promised during his campaign that he would support the revival of capital punishment in the country.

Following the reports that the death penalty hurdled the committee level in the House of Representatives, Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon said he has estimated that nine senators are against the bill.

“Nine or 10, kasama na ako, mga ganung numero (Nine or 10 including me, around those figures),” Drilon said.

Asian civil rights org opposes...

PAGE A3 Rep. Price also because of his track record of supporting such anti-immigrant policies as voting to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, to punish “Sanctuary Cities,” to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. with undocumented par-

ents, to eliminate the visa lottery for immigrants, and against the DREAM Act. This record of hostility toward immigrants should disqualify Rep. Price from leading HHS which, through its Office of Refugee Resettlement, is responsible for the work of resettling and integrating refugees as well as the care of unac-

companied minors apprehended by immigration officials.

Price’s proposals and past positions harm the most vulnerable Americans, such as those who are poor, elderly, or immigrant. Advancing Justice opposes Rep. Tom Price as Health and Human Services Secretary and urges Congress not to confirm him. n

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A

Emotional De Lima grills PNP chief in Senate hearing

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

A VISIBLY emotional Senator Leila De lima confronted Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in a heated argument over the latter’s failure to immediately disclose who reinstated Supt. Marvin Marcos as head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 8.

The Senate on Monday, December 5, continued its inquiry into the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. in an alleged shootout incident by a police unit headed by Supt.

Marcos while serving a warrant of arrest on November 5.

Dela Rosa said that he put Marcos back to his post under the orders of a person he initially described as a “higher-up,” and later, a “kumpare” (friend).

On Saturday, December 4, President Rodrigo Duterte revealed that he called and ordered Special Presidential Assistant Bong Go to ask Dela Rosa to reinstate Marcos.

During the Senate hearing on Monday, De Lima asked Dela Rosa why he failed to immediately reveal that it was President Duterte who gave him the order.

The senator asked the PNP chief if he would disclose the identity had it been not an order from President Duterte to which Dela Rosa answered, “I will cross the bridge when I get there.”

But the senator pressed Dela Rosa to name the “kumpare” he

PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa and Sen. Leila De Lima

was referring to in his previous interviews.

The PNP chief then replied that President Duterte was his godfather during his wedding and said, “he’s also my kumpare.”

“So siya pala ang ituturo mo, eventually and ultimately. Siya pala talaga ang ituturo mo (So he’s the one you will point, eventually and ultimately)?” De Lima pressed Dela Rosa for an answer.

Dela Rosa then responded, “Kung maipit, your honor, sasabihin ko. Magpalit tayo ng posisyon, your honor. Ikaw ang mag-chief PNP. Kung kaya ‘nyo bang i-blame si Presidente (If pressed, I will reveal. Let’s switch position. You chief the PNP. If you can blame the president)?”

Raising her voice, De Lima cut off Dela Rosa, “I’ve enough of you, kayong lahat na mga nagsisinungaling (all of you who were lying)!”

Philstar.com photo

During the hearing, De Lima’s former driver and lover, Ronnie Dayan, and suspected drug lord and son of the late Mayor Espinosa, Kerwin, both testified that the senator was involved in the alleged drug trade at the National Bilibid Prison.

The senator, in her part, has repeatedly denied the accusations.

“Alam ko may mga dahilan kung bakit napipilitan kayong ituro ako. Hindi ko kayo pipilitin (I know there’s a reason why you were forced to point me. I will not force you), although I’m telling you I forgive you... Hindi po ako talaga galit sa inyo. Galit po ako dun sa mga taong gumagamit sa inyo (I’m not angry at you. I’m angry with the people who were using you). You are both vulnerable. Ginagamit kayo para siraan lang ako. Dun ako galit. And I will know in due time who they are,” she said, addressing Dayan and Kerwin.

PH defense chief explores possible military cooperation with Russia MANILA — Upon the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana visited Russia to explore prospects for a military technical cooperation between the two countries.

Lorenzana met with Alexander Fomin, director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of the Russian

Federation, in Moscow last Monday, Dec. 5.

This was the first ever visit of a Philippine Defense secretary to Russia since the establishment of Philippines-Russia diplomatic relations in 1976, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“The Philippines is upgrading

its modest defense capability and is keen on engaging Russia in military logistics, including possible procurement of defense equipment, training, and technology transfer,” the DFA said in a statement.

Fomin said that Russia is ready to cooperate with the Philippines and willing to supply defense products PAGE A7

CHRISTMAS WARMTH. Two students hug in front of the newly lit Christmas tree at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Alvin Joseph Kasiban

Liberal Party solons: Bongbong pursuing own Plan B

by KriStian Javier Philstar.com

MANILA — If anyone has an experience in stealing, it is not Vice President Leni Robredo, Liberal Party lawmakers said after the camp of defeated candidate Bongbong Marcos accused her of stealing the post.

“Sino ba ang may karanasan magnakaw? Sino ang nagkamal ng hidden wealth na nagkakahalaga ng bilyon-bilyong dolyar?” the solons said in a statement.

“He should stop spreading lies,” it read.

Vic Rodriguez, a lawyer of Marcos, said on Monday, Dec. 5 that Robredo has been driven by her political ambition, wanting to see the previously ruling party get back to power. “(The vice presidency) was indeed stolen and it was stolen by no less than Mrs. Robredo herself,” added.

Rodriguez also said the alleged “Plan B” of the Liberal Party is now in “full swing.”

The senators, meanwhile, urged Marcos to stop spreading lies about Robredo and her resignation from President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet.

On Monday, Robredo formally filed her resignation after Duterte

Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos

asked her to desist from attending Cabinet meetings. The Palace later on admitted that Robredo’s ban from the meetings is due to “irrenconcilable differences” with the administration.

Robredo has recently been vocal in her opposition to Duterte’s decision to have Marcos’ long dead father, dictator Ferdinand Marcos, buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani or Heroes’ Cemetery.

Several Liberal Party (LP) lawmaker’s slammed Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after a statement from the Marcos camp accused that the alleged “Plan B” of the party is now in “full swing” now that Vice President Leni Robredo has resigned from her

Cabinet post.

LP lawmakers defended Robredo’s decision, which they interpreted as a contructive response to her dismissal from the official family.

“Bongbong Marcos’s accusation is a projection of his own Plan B to regain power at the expense of those killed, tortured, and made to disappear,” the statement read.

The lawmakers, however, stressed that they remain united with the administration in its efforts to bring down poverty, provide more jobs and address hunger.

“We call on to follow VP Leni’s lead in voicing out our position to defining the issues of out time,” they said.

“Let us not surrender that freedom again, not to bullies, not to dictators,” they added.

Senators affiliated with the Liberal Party include Francis Pangilinan, Benigno Aquino IV, Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima.

Observers see Robredo’s resignation from Cabinet as a move that solidifies her figure as an opposition leader. Robredo herself said that she is ready to lead the opposition if the party sees the need for her to play the role.

A

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OpiniOn

Futile attempt

Features

THE Philippines has been a victim of drug abuse. This is why Pres.

Rodrigo Duterte personally waged war on illegal drugs during his campaign. He promised to rid the country of drugs and crime not only at the streets but also at the higher echelons of society. In doing so, he warned that 100,000 people would fall when he finally launches his war on drugs and crime.

Officials said there are about 3.7 million drug addicts in the country, a figure that they said reflects a problem of “epidemic proportions.”

The Philippine National Police recently reported that a total of 5,882 suspected drug dealers, traffickers, and users have been killed across the country since Duterte launched his war on illegal drugs. The latest PNP data culled from July 1-Dec. 6, 2016, showed that 2,041 drug suspects were killed by the authorities, while 3,841 were “murdered outside police operations” from July 1 to November 30.

Is anyone winning the war on drugs?

For me PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, the government is on the winning side with more people now saying they feel safe in their neighborhoods.

“I’m very proud to say that despite all the criticisms and noises, extrajudicial killings and summary killings accusations against me and the PNP, things like that, still we face our mission with more courage

because I know that we are working for the people,” the PNP chief said.

The PNP chief cited that within three months, 720,000 drugs users and peddlers have surrendered and 22,00 others were caught in buy-bust operations as proof that extra-judicial killings were not a recourse in the drug campaign.

“When you hit drugs, when you neutralize the drug problems, it follows that criminality rates will go down. So (you are) hitting two birds in one stone,” Dela Rosa explained.

While the government may be celebrating the rise of fatalities as an indication of their impending victory, many other express alarm at the number of drug-related casualties.

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Chito Gascon said that the current data is already higher than the recorded death during the first year of Martial Law. Duterte has also managed to lock horns with of-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

ficials of the United States, European Union and the United Nations, who criticize his leaderships because of possible human rights violations in his anti-drug campaign.

The government can’t win this war alone. If alternatives are not considered now, a lasting solu-

tion may never be possible. This is a war with many fronts and needs an engagement both from the government and civil society. It also requires a strategy that will weaken criminal organizations, reconstruct law enforcement institutions and improve the judicial system. (AJPress)

Legislation resulting from congressional hearings AT my favorite watering hole in Daly Street City, California, the hottest topic has been Talk the series of Senate and House committee hearings, particularly those on the extrajudicial killings under the GreG B. MacaBenta administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and the alleged involvement of Senator and former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima with drug lords, as well as with her driver.

“Can somebody please explain the objective of these congressional hearings?” asked Pete, to kick off the discussion.

“The hearings are in aid of legislation,” replied Johnny. “To help Congress come up with bills to fill possible gaps in the judicial system or to streamline the governmental processes.”

“Or to unearth anomalies in government or instances of graft and corruption,” added Harry, as he nurses his beer at a table.

“If the anomalies or the corrupt practices are dug up, what happens?” Pete asked. “Does the Senate or the House of Representatives have the authority to file charges or indict” “No, no, that’s the job of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan,” Johnny knowingly explained. “The job of Congress is to legislate.”

“In that case,” asked Pete, “what kind of bill does the House of Representatives expect to file following its inquiry into De Lima’s amorous relationship with her

Babe’s Eye View BaBe roMualdez THE six-day firefight in Butig, Lanao del Sur between the military and the Maute Group has devastated the town and displaced residents. But while the Armed Forces has recaptured the area, members of the terrorist group have vowed retribution, promising to behead their enemies including the President.

Last June, the military successfully flushed out elements of the Maute Group but obviously, they managed to regroup, with the Maute brothers Omar and Abdullah having reportedly aligned with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or ISIS. This potential terrorist alignment with the ISIS underscores even more the importance of maintaining our close relationship with the United States especially with the exchange of vital information. Over the years, intelligence information from the United States has proven to be critical in helping pinpoint terror-

driver?”

At this, Gerry chimed in from behind the bar.

“Maybe they’ll file a bill making it illegal for public officials to have extra-marital affairs.”

“That would never pass either the Senate or the House,” said Johnny. “Too many guilty parties.”

“And Duterte would veto it,” added Harry. “Too many extramarital affairs.”

“Maybe the law should only apply to women public officials or lady senators,” continued Gerry, without losing a beat.

“Para kang si Chief Public Attorney Persida Acosta,” said Johnny. “She wants the law on adultery to be stricter on women.”

Gerry beamed: “And the law should be strictest of all on lady senators and their drivers. I even have a title for the bill. The Anti-Screw Driver Law.” Pete realized that the discussion has become ridiculous. But he is dead serious and pursues the topic.

“Aside from providing sexual excitement for lecherous members of Congress, what’s the point in raking up De Lima’s extra-marital affair with her driver if no sensible bill can be filed?” Pete asked.

“To destroy her reputation,” said Johnny, an old hand in Philippine politics. “Whatever happens, wasak na ang reputasyon ni De Lima. Of course, in the Philippines, lumilipas din ang hiya. The shame will wear off.”

Harry picked it up: “Pero may basis daw naman ang investigation kay De Lima. I think it has to do with the driver’s role as go-between for De Lima and the drug lords, in exchange for protection,” “Dayan denies it,” said Pete. “In fact, he denies knowing the drug lords in the New Bilibid Prison.”

“But the drug lords all pointed to Dayan as the bagman,” said Harry.

“Ang problema, their testimonies were not consistent,” said Pete. “Each one denied knowing the others and each one denied being the principal while pointing to the others. They only agreed on one thing – Dayan.”

“Maybe that’s all they remembered of the script,” quipped Gerry.

“What script?” asked Pete.

“Di ba obvious? Scripted ang mga testimony ng mga sinasabing drug lords,” explained Gerry. ”Ikaw naman ang pangakuan ng immunity. Of course, you will be happy to follow a script.”

“But the testimonies have not been consistent,” said Pete. “According to one congressman, everyone swears to be telling the truth while the others are lying…and that includes Dayan.”

“And a congresswoman also admitted that it is not up to the committee to determine who is telling the truth,” said Johnny. “Only a court of law can do that.”

“In that case, what kind of legislation can result from the investigation?” asked Pete.

Gerry had a suggestion: “They should file a bill requiring scripted testimonies

to be rehearsed so that they do not contradict each other.”

“I think I like that,” said Harry with tongue-in-cheek. “Kasi, the hearings are televised, kaya dapat may rehearsals.”

“In fact, the bill should make it mandatory for the members of Congress to wear make-up before they go before the cameras, para photogenic” added Gerry.

“They should also be required to fix their peluka.”

“Wait,” said Harry. “What about Kerwin Espinosa, the self-confessed drug dealer? He has admitted giving millions to De Lima through Dayan. He even has a picture with De Lima in Baguio.”

“Duterte also has a picture with alleged drug lord Peter Lim,” said Pete.

“Does that make Duterte a drug coddler?”

“Espinosa says he contributed to De Lima’s senatorial campaign,” said Harry.

“Receiving political contributions from crime lords and bigtime scam artists isn’t new – ask the pork barrel queen, Janet Napoles. Every politician does that. But they all deny knowing that they’re dealing with crime lords,” said Pete.

“Besides, that’s difficult to prove in court. No receipts.”

“Ah, I know what bill should be filed,” Gerry cut in. “It should be made mandatory for crime lords to issue an official receipt for their contributions – or keep a ledger, just like Napoles.”

“You should have been a congressman, Gerry,” said Harry.

Gerry, who is the bartender, shot back:

“Wellll…I’m a member of the bar.”

“What about the Senate hearings on extra-judicial killings?” Pete asked.

“What legislation do they expect to file as a result of that?”

“Senator Dick Gordon has already concluded that part of the Senate hearing,” said Johnny. “According to his findings, there is no evidence of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration – at least, nothing that can be traced to Duterte.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Harry said with unveiled sarcasm. “After all, Duterte only promised to kill several thousand drug lords and pushers and offered a reward to the police for every killing.”

“Gordon’s committee reminds me of the three monkeys,” added Gerry. “Hear no evil. See no evil. Speak no evil.”

“What about the killing of Mayor Espinosa inside the jail cell?” asked Pete.

“That was not extrajudicial,” says Gerry. “Espinosa was in police custody – therefore, it was judicial.”

“According to the police, they were serving a search warrant on Espinosa when he attempted to engage them in a gunfight,” said Johnny, brimming with sarcasm.

“Serving a warrant on someone already in custody – and at 4 o’clock in the morning???!!!” Pete asked incredulously.

“Senator Ping Lacson says it was premeditated murder. Salvaging,” said Johnny. “Lacson should know. He’s an expert in salvaging.”

PAGE A7

Rebooting our relations with the US ist strongholds in the country.

Even on the issue of illegal drugs, the US has been actively supporting our efforts, cooperating with Philippine authorities with many of the drug busts at the airport having come from tips provided by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Although there are apprehensions regarding diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States – which is quite understandable considering the strong rhetoric of President Duterte against the US in the past, plus the uncertainty triggered by the election of Donald Trump as the next US president – a reboot in diplomatic relations seems to be ready to go. The phone conversation last Friday night between President Duterte and president-elect Donald Trump is the perfect way to start.

Our man in the US tells us Trump and Duterte “noted the long history of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, and agreed that the two governments should con-

tinue to work together closely on matters of shared interest and concern.”

The brief phone call, which was described by the Palace as “very engaging and animated,” signals potentially warmer relations between our two countries.

Things have been quite testy owing to President Duterte’s strong rhetoric against the US and Barack Obama over what he perceived was meddling on domestic issues. On the other hand, there has also been concern with Trump’s pronouncements about reviewing Obama policies, among them the “pivot to Asia” as well as immigration and outsourcing of jobs which could affect many Filipinos in the country.

I spoke to former US Ambassador to the Philippines and first ever Director of US National Intelligence John Negroponte during dinner the other night hosted by former Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario. John told me people at the State Department are also uncertain how diplomacy will be conducted under a Trump administration since the US president-elect has also been

unorthodox in his approach. According to Negroponte, being in Washington will be an interesting and cerebrally challenging time.

As I mentioned to Karen Davila during her program “Headstart” aired on the ANC news channel last Thursday, a good headway in the relationship would be for President Trump and President Duterte to meet as early as April next year for the ASEAN, which will be hosted by the Philippines. I am told reciprocal invitations were made for a visit by both leaders.

The arrival of the new US Ambassador, Sung Kim, is also opportune and should augur well since, as I said, he is the first line of official communication between President Duterte and the United States.

I am certain Ambassador Kim, a career diplomat, has been briefed extensively by his staff in the embassy – well aware of the current situation and will do well as far as understanding where the Duterte administration is coming from on many issues. As the new ambassador said, the relationship between

the United States and the Philippines has been one of the most enduring, with so many important dimensions that also come with it.

Admittedly, there is the great possibility that diplomatic relations will have a slightly different tone, especially since President Duterte would also like to have stronger ties with other countries such as China and Russia. But as far as military relations are concerned, I agree with many that the alliance between the Philippines and the US is crucial for security especially in this region. I’m pretty sure president-elect Trump has also been briefed during his intelligence briefing with the US military and the CIA about the critical importance of the areas where the presence of the US is required.

Our agreements such as the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) can be scaled down to a certain level that could potentially be manageable. Cancelling EDCA completely is unwise because it has been, and will be, beneficial to our security down the road, not

to mention the disaster and humanitarian component which is included in the agreement.

Having had the opportunity to interact with the president during his visit to Japan, there is no doubt he has a clear vision of where he wants to take our country. During his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the latter had impressed upon the president that the relationship with the US is important for the region.

I must admit Karen Davila’s ANC program is one of the most widely watched judging from the numerous text and email messages I received. I must commend Karen for the excellent work she has been doing as a broadcast journalist, proving to be one of the best with the insightful and incisive questions she asks from her guests.

Like I told Karen and her TV audience – any nation in the world, no matter how small, whether friend or foe, should consider the United States as an important country to have to deal with. *** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.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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A

Reds threaten to end monthslong cease-fire MANILA — Communist rebels in the country warned President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, Dec. 7 that they may be forced to end their monthslong cease-fire and resume fighting if he does not suspend the government’s counterinsurgency program and withdraw troops from rebel-influenced areas.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said that if Duterte fulfills the demands by January and releases remaining political detainees through an amnesty, it can guarantee the

cease-fire’s extension, helping to foster peace talks brokered by Norway.

New People’s Army guerrillas, however, will be forced to engage troops if the president presses the military’s deployment of troops in what the rebels claim as “guerrilla zones” in the countryside, the outlawed party said in a statement.

“He will only have himself to blame if this forces the hand of the Communist Party of the Philippines to terminate its unilateral cease-fire declaration,” it said.

While no fighting has erupted

since both sides declared separate cease-fires in August, the Maoist guerrillas have complained that troops continued to be deployed in rebel areas to carry out surveillance and other counterinsurgency operation in what they say are violations of the government’s own truce.

The military is unlikely to relent to the rebel demands. It has denied rebel allegations that it has violated the government cease-fire by deploying counterinsurgency troops in rural areas where the rebels claim to have in-

DND chief Lorenzana explores...

PAGE A5 at a reasonable price.

Many countries are lining up to buy Russian defense products as the country is flexible and a “responsible arms seller,” Fomin said.

“Russia’s successful operations in Syria have shown that its military equipment (e.g. attack helicopters and anti-aircraft missile systems) are indeed of high quality,” the statement read.

Lorenzana and Fomin agreed to move the cooperation forward and continue inter-agency discussions.

The FSMTC regulates the export of Russian defense equipment and dual-use products. The agency reports directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin but is linked to Russia’s Ministry of Defense.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. had also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier this week in Moscow to discuss the current state of bilateral relations.

Meeting between Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Director Alexander Fomin of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation of the Russian Federation in Moscow on December 05. (Left side, foreground background: Brigadier General Duco Arnel M. Duco, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Luningning G. Camoying, Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, DND Assistant Secretary Raymund Quilop, Embassy Interpreter Ekaterina Kuznetsova, and Maj. Ranier Mabus. Right side, foreground-background: Mr. Valery Orel, Sergey Bugakov, Director Alexander Fomin, Deputy Director Vladimir Drozhzhov, Mr. Nikolay Martsenuk, and Mr. Timofey Zubov.

The meetings came after the meeting between Duterte and Putin at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific

Legislation resulting...

PAGE A6 “Whether or not it’s salvaging, the courts will have to decide that,” said Harry.

“Not the Senate committee?”

Pete clarified. “So what bill will be filed as a result of the investigation - in aid of legislation?”

Once more, Gerry had a mischievous suggestion.

“They should file a bill making it illegal to serve a search warrant at four o’clock in the morning.”

The conversation had already spun out of control and has become a joking session.

“Kung sabagay,” said Pete, resignedly. “I get the impression that the congressional hearings are all a big joke. A useless exercise.”

Harry agreed. “It’s been seven years since the Ampatuan massacre, three years since typhoon Yolanda and questions about missing calamity funds, almost two years since the Mamasapano slaughter of 44 Special Action Force troopers, and over two years since Senator Grace Poe led the inquiry into the MRT anomalies. Ano na ang nangyari?”

“They’re still asking about justice for the media people killed in that massacre and for the Fallen 44,” said Johnny. “The Yolanda funds are still unaccounted for.

And we still have the traffic problem in Metro Manila. Pero lahat iyan nagkaroon ng congressional hearings.”

Economic Cooperation Summit in Lima, Peru a few weeks ago. (Patricia Lourdes Viray/Philstar.com) “In other words, the congressional hearings were a useless exercise,” said Pete.

“Not necessarily useless,” Johnny corrected Pete. “The media mileage that Senators and Congressmen are gaining from the investigation is worth millions. And they’re getting that for free.”

“But it’s at the expense of the Filipino people,” protested Pete.

“Not necessarily again,” Johnny continued. “The public is getting its money’s worth in entertainment, drama, romance, sex, suspense and comedy.”

“And you’re saying that the public should be satisfied with that?” asked Pete.

“Why not? Mababaw ang kaligayahan ng Pinoy,” was Johnny’s quick response. n

fluence. Troops deployed in rural areas were either accompanying government workers or helping to carry out rural projects, military officials say.

Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, a longtime combat intelligence officer who was inaugurated as the new military chief of staff Wednesday, said the military would support government efforts for the peaceful resolution of armed conflicts.

“But even as we uphold and respect the primacy of peace, make no mistake about it, we shall remain to be a lethal force capable of destroying any threat to our nation,” Ano said. “We will not let our people cower in the face of lawlessness and terrorism.”

Battle setbacks, surrenders and infighting have weakened the rebel group, which is blacklisted as a terrorist organization by the United States.

A confidential Philippine government assessment obtained

by The Associated Press says the guerrillas had declined to 3,800 fighters with more than 4,500 firearms in the first half of the year, with about 700 of the country’s 42,000 villages affected by the insurgency. (Philstar.com)

MARY’S CHILDREN. Thousands of Marian devotees join the annual procession of Marian images in Intramuros, Manila on Sunday. The Catholic Church observes the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, December 8.

ManilaTimes.net photo by DJ DIosina

A8

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VEGAS&STYLE

B

Journal Driving ForwarD

A speciAl feAture on the Auto industry Part 2 of 2

Driving tips for first-time drivers BEING able to get a driver’s license is an enormous step in a person’s life, whether the new driver is a teen or older. Once the ability to drive is earned, a car and the freedom to travel without the help of others symbolize independence for many, regardless of age.

However, a driver’s license should be considered as a serious responsibility and should not be taken lightly. There are many factors that a driver must understand to earn and maintain an excellent driving record.

Learning the rules of the road Prior to and after obtaining a license, the driver must first learn the basic rules of the road to help maintain safety for everyone on the road. Recognizing, following and understanding these rules will help the driver know how to properly drive on any kind of road

Buckle up for safety: Why the seat belt is your best protection

by Eric Anthony LicAs AJPress

CONfusION and panic often accompany the sounds of screeching tires and metal slamming into metal. A passenger’s body hurtles forward during a front end collision, carried by momentum for a few horrific seconds after the moment of impact.

Road conditions, the speed at the time of the collision and a wide variety of other circumstances will affect exactly how that scenario There are many factors that a driver must understand to earn and maintain an excellent plays out.

The number one factor in driving record. deciding whether or not drivers — surface streets, highways and speed limits that may change freeways, and at intersections depending on the road or weath- and their passengers survive a er conditions. These can also collision is seat belt use. The Naand special crossings.

Drivers should also know change according to the pres- tional safety Council (NsC) lists what to do during traffic haz- ence of pedestrians, people seat belts as the best protection against injury during a collision. ards, as well as know and obey PAGE B2 Analysis of data collected from car crashes over the decades suggests that vehicle occupants who don’t wear a seatbelt are over four times more likely to sustain serious injury in the event of a collision, according to the Road safety Observatory (RsO).

A number of studies conducted during the ‘60s and ‘70s showed a dramatic fall in injury and fatality rates amongst seatbelt wearing passengers compared to those who went unrestrained, according to the RsO. In 1968, the federal government passed a law making them a required feature in most automobiles sold in the united states. some of the earliest seat belts, patented by swedish car manufacturer Volvo in 1889, only restrained occupants at the waist, according to the Governor’s HighPAGE B2 Prior to and after obtaining a license, the driver must first learn the basic rules of the road to help maintain safety for everyone on the road.

The number one factor in deciding whether or not drivers and their passengers survive a collision is seat belt use.

B DECEMBER 8-14, 2016 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Features

Weird on the road: Unusual driving laws you may not know

by Eric Anthony LicAs AJPress The rules of the road aren’t always as straightforward as red, yellow and green. For example, if a police officer were to pull over a driverless car, who would get the ticket? how will cops in states that have legalized marijuana distinguish when drivers are too high to drive without an accurate test like a breathalyzer?

In addition, there are laws on the books in states across the country that might raise at least as many questions as they answer.

In California, whales are the only animal that can legally be shot from a moving vehicle. A similar prohibition enforced in Unusual driving laws aren’t restricted to California, they abound across the country. To keep Connecticut does not exclude you aware, you may visit DMV.org for a more comprehensive list of some of the most harebrained driving laws you should be aware of. whales from protection.

The golden state also prohib- ple with ambiguity, authorities in fornia can be fined for jumping its women from driving while Nevada are explicit: it is illegal to out of a moving vehicle at 65 wearing a housecoat. The law is drive one down any of the state’s mph. Laws in Georgia expressly less clear about the propriety of highways. The humped beasts prohibit motorists from driving smocks, bathrobes, dusters, or of burden were first imported through playgrounds. In the frigid popovers. to the silver state in the 1860s state of Alaska, it is a crime to The city of Carmel, California and used to transport goods by tie a pet to the roof of a car or might have taken fashion policing private companies. Over time, otherwise transport one outside too far by requiring a permit to roaming camels started becom- of a vehicle. wear shoes with heels taller than ing a nuisance on public roads, Whether or not travelers plan two inches. however, the law was leading to the passage of the on bringing their pets with them enacted to protect the municipal- state’s unique rule. as they drive out to holiday gathity from lawsuits and isn’t strictly Other laws make so much erings, they need to stay wary enforced, according to the city’s sense that one might wonder of the laws governing the roads website. why they had to be passed in the they travel. Statutes regarding Meanwhile, although most first place. ubiquitous driving concerns like states leave camel riders to grapDaredevils in Glendale, Cali- cellphone and seatbelt use can differ from state to state.

When in doubt, it’s best for those braving the roads to minimize distractions and stay buckled up to ensure a ticket and accident-free winter season.

PAGE B1

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Driving tips for first-time...

riding bicycles and in school zones. Understanding traffic and pedestrian signals, traffic signs and pavement markings are essential as well as hand signals. A list of these basic rules is available on the Department Motor Vehicle (DMV) website.

Getting that license Rules and regulations on getting a driver’s license differs from one state to another, but almost all require a written test and a driving test. Apart from these, certain paperwork is needed to prove one’s identity and age. Some states allow teens as young as 14 years old, others 16.

For people under the age of 18, all of the 50 states have some form of graduated licensing system in place that requires them to go through a period with a limited license. This is often called a probationary or intermediate license and will be used before they can obtain their regular license. These licenses will typically restrict how and when the teen can drive and how many passengers they may have in the car, if any. This type of system is designed to allow the driver to gain the skills and experience needed to safely operate a vehicle.

Safety first A new driver must make safety a priority at all times as this will lower his risk of causing or being involved in an accident. In short, he must drive defensively as the driver can only control how he drives. This is a method of driving in which the driver anticipates and avoids accidents

Buckle up for safety...

PAGE B1 way Safety Association (GhSA).

Over time, these were replaced by the more effective three-point harness, recognizable in most modern vehicles, which further reduced injury by spreading the restraining force of the harness more evenly throughout the passenger’s torso. They were developed by engineer Nils Bohlin, and became a feature in a production automobile for the first time in 1959 on the Volvo PV 544.

Although seat belts became standard equipment for most models by the ‘60s, vehicle occupants were not forced to use

them at first.

New York passed the first law mandating their use in December of 1984. Since then, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of seat belt regulation, the last of which was South Dakota in 1995. New hampshire’s rules only apply to children.

Most states employ one of two methods to police these rules. In New York, California and most other states, a seat belt violation is a primary offense and can be the sole reason for a traffic stop and citation. In Nevada and 17 other states, failing to wear a seat

Equally important to how one drives is the way he/she maintains his/her vehicle.

caused by the action of other drivers.

One part of defensive driving is being alert and attentive to other drivers on the road. There is also a course to master this type of skill.

Other ways of ensuring safety in driving are obeying speed limits and adjusting speed according to weather conditions — fog, rain, and snow — to reduce the risk of an accident.

Car maintenance equally important to how one drives is the way he/she maintains his/her vehicle. Practicing good car maintenance can reduce the chance of getting into an accident and is good for the environment. It also can save the driver money when it comes to fuel as well as avoiding costly repairs.

A routine car check-up has a great impact on all of these issues. Checking all four tires for the right air pressure de-

creases the risk for a flat while on the road. Tires not correctly inflated wear out faster and will require early replacing. They also cause the vehicle to consume more gas.

Checking the motor oil and air filters, as well a routine check on the brake fluid, transmission and power steering coolant is also part of good car maintenance. Cleaning the car in terms of cleaning the windows, mirrors and lights, is also important and improves the safety of the vehicle. If the driver is unable to perform maintenance on his or her vehicle, a car mechanic may be hired. A qualified mechanic is also needed when spark plugs, brakes and the timing belt need replacing.

Remember, driving is a huge responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Ignoring safety on the road not only affect the driver’s life, but other drivers and pedestrians as well. (AJPress)

belt is a secondary offense that can only be cited in conjunction with another moving violation like speeding.

Regardless of what their local laws stipulate, drivers and passengers risk having travel plans transform into tragedy if they neglect to buckle up as they head out this holiday season. The chances of getting into a traffic collision are higher now than they have been in the past.

Rising employment and falling gas prices over the last few years have led to more cars on the road and more car crashes, according to the NSC. In 2015, about 38,300 people died in traffic collisions, eight percent more than the number of deaths reported in 2014. In

addition, 4.4 million people were seriously injured in car crashes last year.

The NSC encourages drivers to stay buckled-up, aware, rested and sober whenever they hit the road. They also discourage cell phone use while driving, encourage motorists to become familiar with whatever accident prevention technology their vehicles are equipped with, and recommend vehicles fitted with airbags.

“Americans take their safety on the roadways for granted,” National Safety Council President and CeO Deborah hersman told NPR in February. “engage your defensive driving skills and stay alert so we can reverse this trend.”

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Features

B DECEMBER 8-14, 2016 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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INDUCTION OF OFFICERS. The Philippine Medical Association of Nevada (PMAN) held its Induction of Officers and Inaugural Ball on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino. PMAN was founded in 1995. The association was founded with three objectives: community service, to foster camaraderie among Filipino physicians in Nevada, and the promotion of continuing medical education of its members by keeping abreast of advances in medicine.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

2016 PMAN Officers

Executive Board President Teresita Melocoton, MD Vice President Paul Hamor Jr., MD Treasurer Rosalita Jurani, MD Secretary Estella Racoma, MD Asst. Secretary Mylene Vicuna, MD

PRO Brian Vicuna, MD and Joey Aquino, MD Auditor Francis Jimenez, MD Advisory Board Noel Fajardo, MD Benito Calderon, MD Manuel Gabato, MD Sotero Fabell,a MD Emmanuel Taguba, Belen P. Gabato, MS, RN

PH filmmaker wins Best Short Film in US action film competition “BlOOD Hunters,” a film written, produced and directed by Filipino filmmaker and martial arts action star Vincent Soberano won the Best Short Film award

Vincent Soberano

EMPLOYMENT

at the Cinemax HBO Action Film Competition and the Urban Action Showcase & Expo in New York City.

His triumph sets the stage of a new era of Filipino action films penetrating the international market. As Soberano said in an interview following the awards night, “My main motivation in doing ‘Blood Hunters’ is to promote Filipino martial arts in Filipino movies to international audiences.

They’ve used Filipino martial arts in blockbuster action films like John Wick, Jason Bourne, Frankenstein, and a huge list of other films. But no one knows it’s Filipino because its’ always portrayed

by Hollywood stars. It’s about time we change that.”

With “Blood Hunters” So-

berano started his quest to make Filipino martial arts action films with the quality and finesse that can compete on the international stage.

In a nutshell, the short film tells the story of a rugged band of demon hunters who capture an aswang queen to extract her blood, which is known to bring the dead back to life. When greed and betrayal gets in the way, mayhem ensues between the hunters. The aswang escapes to face off with them in a final, action-packed showdown.

“Martial arts is my passion,” Soberano enthused. “And winning a best picture award for a martial arts film that I made is like winning a world title.”

Besides this short film, So-

EMPLOYMENT

berano has made two other action films this year. The latest one is the full-length version of the short film starring martial arts legend Monsour Del Rosario in his return to a leading role on the silver screen.

Soberano will also star alongside Del Rosario, supported by a cast of real Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) masters and experts. This project is due for release in 2017.

“Monsour and I, we want to inspire the young men and boys of the country to build a strong character and fighting spirit, and this can happen if they involve themselves in martials arts. In the movies I create, I portray Filipinos as powerful and formidable warriors.”

He continued, “The action se-

quences are so unique and have never been seen in action cinema before, this is a big factor in the success of film – that and the introduction of ancient Filipino folklore and superstitions, with characters such as the aswang, dwende, kapre, multo, and diwata. A cultural, martial arts, fantasy action film is always a great combination if done right. This is the perfect blend that we want to achieve.”

Notably, Soberano is a former Muay Thai world champion with multiple championship belts who also coaches several fighters in the UFC. Now he is mainly dedicated to representing martial arts in movies. He has recently worked on notable projects such as Jackie Chan’s Police Story 2013 and the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter (China)—

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Season One reality TV show. Soberano studied film and television arts at San Diego State University, California and currently owns IndieGo Pictures Entertainment, an independent film company based in Beijing, China All the positive public feedback that his latest martial arts film has received serve as a motivation for m Soberano actively work on the renaissance of action films.

He enthused, “This is a new era. Filipinos are eager to see a change in Filipino cinema, particularly with a revival of the martial arts action genre. There have been thousands of positive feedbacks regarding this project as the Filipino public is clamoring for a new generation of action films.” (ManilaTimes.net)

Features

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Your Immigration Solution Atty. Devin Connolly & nAnCy Miller HOlIDAyS are here and that means travelling to see family members. But before you go, here are a few things to remember.

Departing the United States when you are not a U.S. citizen can lead to serious problems upon your attempt to return.

This is true for both lawful permanent residents and for noncitizens with pending applications or non-immigrant visas.

Many lawful permanent residents mistakenly believe that a green card guarantees their re-admission to the U.S. after traveling abroad. However, all persons seeking to enter the U.S. are subject to inspection. If the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer suspects that the alien is inadmissible to the U.S., she may

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, MD, FACS, FPCS What is anorexia nervosa?

This is a “psychological” disorder where the person has a disturbed sense of body image. He/she has a morbid fear of obesity, refuse to maintain a minimally normal body weight, and in women, amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period).

What causes this condition?

The cause is still unknown, but it appears that social factors play a big role. In the western society, there is a pervasive obsession among people, especially among the young females, to stay thin. Obesity is looked at as unhealthy, undesirable, and unattractive. Roughly about 85% of prepubertal children are conscious of these attitudes and more than 50% of these children go on a diet themselves, or practice habits to control their weight. But since not many of them develop anorexia nervosa, it is obvious that there are other factors that play significant roles.

What other factors could be involved?

Some undefined psychologic,

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 8-14, 2016

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What to know before you go issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) that refers him to Immigration Court. In Immigration Court, the alien will have to fight to remain in the U.S. and to obtain or keep his lawful status.

There are many reasons why a person already granted permanent resident status may face problems when attempting to return to the U.S. One common reason is based of the amount of time the alien has spent outside of the U.S. The reasons for wanting to remain out of the U.S. for a significant period of time include attending school, working abroad, caring for an elderly relative, etc. The issue is a matter of intent. Did the alien always intend to continue to live in the U.S.? The question is one of fact and must be resolved by sufficient persuasive evidence submitted by the alien.

To help reduce the risk of being charged with abandonment, the permanent resident who foresees being out of the U.S.

for an extended period of time should obtain a re-entry permit.

The re-entry permit may allow a resident to remain outside of the U.S. for up to 2 years while maintaining permanent resident status. This travel document must be applied for before departing the U.S. and is usually granted for a 1 or 2 year period of time.

However, while the re-entry permit makes admission at the end of the period of absence more likely, it is not a guarantee that the green card holder will be readmitted as a lawful permanent resident. Again, the question is one of intent and the evidence provided to show proper intent is essential.

A special immigrant returning resident visa (SB-1) may become necessary if the resident failed to obtain a re-entry permit before leaving or remained outside beyond its expiration date. The SB1 is issued by consular officers at a U.S. Embassy. It will only be issued if the resident is able to

Anorexia nervosa & bulimia genetic or metabolic vulnerability might predispose some persons to develop anorexia nervosa. It is interesting to note that anorexia nervosa is most rare among the deprived sectors of the world, where there is food shortage.

Does peer pressure play a role?

Peer pressure and a sense of competition, especially among young girls, could play a role.

The only chubby one in a circle of friends might feel uncomfortable and under stress to be “as shapely as all my friends.”

The psychological impact of this could lead to misguided and unhealthy practice in dieting and weight control, more likely to happen among those with weaker personality and character. are females more prone? yes, roughly 95% of patients with anorexia nervosa are female. The usual onset is mostly during adolescence, much less often among adults. Majority of these people are in the middle to upper socioeconomic classes.

What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa?

The manifestations could be mild and temporary, others severe and chronic. The classic victims are usually intelligent,

high-achiever, compulsive, meticulous, very conscious of how they look, and success-driven.

The initial indication is their extreme concern about their weight (even if their weight is normal) and their religious diet control practices. They study diets, measure everything and count every calorie consumed.

There is an extreme anxiety and anger with any increase in weight, disproportional to the situation. There is lying and denial about what is going on and a great resistance to seeking medical treatment.

Isn’t anorexia a misnomer? yes, it is, in fact, a misnomer.

Anorexia means lack of appetite.

These patients have a normal appetite, but do not want to eat for fear of obesity. They only become anorexic once they are cachectic (extremely emaciated and wasted). These persons are manipulative and conceal their behavior, like binge eating followed by induced vomiting, which is called Bulemia, a condition found in 50% of those with anorexia nervosa. These anorexia patients also lose interest in sex, have low heart rate, low blood pressure and slightly cooler body temperature. Malnutrition, dehydration and elecPAGE B7

clearly demonstrate that he or she always maintained the intent to reside in the U.S. They must also demonstrate that the cause of their protracted stay outside of the U.S. was beyond their control. Consular officers are skeptical in adjudicating these applications because they believe that one who intended to remain a permanent resident would have applied for a re-entry permit prior to departing the U.S. Another reason why a green card holder might be refused admission is a prior criminal conviction. Crimes of a serious nature (and sometimes even those that might not seem serious) may result in a refusal of admission.

At that point, the alien could be paroled into the United States and given a chance to fight for their green card status in Immigration Court. Resolution of this potential problem might include obtaining a waiver of inadmissibility or naturalizing (if eligible) prior to departing.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAglAyA “REMEMBER the Wonder” was a catchy TV ad slogan for Wonder Bread. But the phrase can very well be used to refer to the true season of wonder — CHRISTMAS. December days and nights seem to slip from our grasp like fine grains of sand. The hours seem to hurtle through the day as we complete a year’s cycle and move on to the next.

Many of us, particularly the women, try in earnest to mesh the unusually heavy demands of the roles we play in our lives specially this season. If we get completely sidetracked by the minutiae and the methodology, the expenses and the endless activities of what constitutes Christmas, we are more than likely to morph into the likes of Ebenezer Scrooge and be tempted to say “Bah, humbug!”

But unlike the tightwad Scrooge, the cost of doing Christmas has little to do with it. More than likely, the heaviness and drudgery that we seem to associate with this season have a lot to do with the failure to find that somewhat elusive sense of real joy that this season can bring in abundance to those

A person who has a pending application for permanent resident status may encounter difficulties upon their attempt to return to the U.S. If the applicant did not obtain advanced parole before she left, she will be deemed to have abandoned her application. So, advanced parole is essential if one wishes to travel out of the country and continue to pursue her application for a green card.

Advanced parole is also necessary in order to avoid incurring the 3-10 year unlawful presence bars for having remained in the U.S. in unlawful status beyond a period of time. The Board of Immigration Appeals has ruled that aliens who travel on advanced parole are not considered to have departed the U.S. and, therefore, have not triggered these bars.

Non-immigrant visa holders who changed status should remember that the only official evidence of their status may be on the I-94 that they will be required

to turn in upon leaving. They may be required to apply for the visa at their U.S. Consulate before they return to the U.S. Anyone without U.S. citizenship should keep in mind that reentry is not guaranteed. It is the non-citizen’s burden to show that they are eligible for admission.

Give yourself the best chance of making your readmission to the U.S. uneventful. Consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer before you go. *** 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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Yet again, remembering the wonder “Lest we forget ……… CHRIST is the reason for this season.” who are open to it.

Sure, we can go through the motions of Christmas activities, shopping, baking, decorating, partying, drinking and binging. And yet, very often even if we diligently check off all the things in our list, something remains amiss. We fail to catch that Christmas feeling.

As I have written before, the spirit of the season is like a butterfly. If you keep mindlessly trashing about in endless activities, it will elude you. But if you sit very still, that Christmas feeling might simply alight on you. Be still and soak in the sight, sounds and smells of the season.

One trick I have learned is to SIMPlIFy and not try to take on too much of anything. That includes refraining from maxing out my credit cards, no matter how infinitely tempting it is to rush out and join the shopping madness.

Each day of the season, count at least ONE BlESSING that you may have taken for granted — like yOUR FAMIly, dysfunctional

or imperfect the members may be, including yourself, we are all we’ve got.

To borrow from a song, “love the one you’re with.” That means stop looking elsewhere. The internet and social media could be a minefield of dashed hopes and dreams. For the most part, it is definitely not the place to find what you think is missing in your life. It is an illusion.

If you still have relatively good health and do not have to depend on a cocktail of drugs to get you through the day, REJOICE AND BE GlAD! Many wealthy yet ailing people longing to live a bit longer, will trade places with you in a heartbeat. TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED. love your life but without conceit. It is simply on loan to you.

Treasure the hours. Forcibly yank out just an hour each day to sit in the silence during this season to take the time to smell the coffee, steep the tea or quaff the cocoa in PAGE B6

Features

B DECEMBER 8-14, 2016 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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A ‘hero’s burial’ and the path to forgiveness Acting according to Luis Manzano

by GeorGe

Vail Kabrisante ManilaTimes.net

By Monet

Lu

The late Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. he who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”

Of all the virtues – that are much easier conceived than achieved – the virtue of forgiving transgressions holds the most weight for me.

I say that because it affects so many aspects of life. As what Martin Luther King Jr. said, “he who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.” Forgiveness equates love and goodness and peace and wisdom. I can go on and on but you get the point.

Such is the point that a number of people who are for the hero’s burial of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos were making. For them, the former president and dictator deserves this burial because he contributed a lot to our nation’s progress. Plus, it’s time to move on. On the other hand, protestors do not see this as a question of whether they are ready to move on or not, rather a travesty on what our country has fought for during the eDSA revolution.

The 21-year administration of Marcos is notorious for its many human rights abuses.

Amnesty International recorded about 70,000 people imprisoned, 34,000 tortured, and 3,240 were killed from 1972 to 1981 – the years when the Philippines was placed under martial law.

Yet, a decision has been made.

Despite public opposition, the Supreme Court ruled that Marcos be entombed in the cemetery, where former presidents, soldiers and national artists have been interred.

A 21-gun salute preluded the ceremony earlier in November.

Soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention at the cemetery after Marcos’s body was secretly flown to the

venue in an apparent effort to avoid protests.

On one hand, I was relieved because the long-running issue of whether or not the former president should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani has finally been put to rest. however, I also empathize with some of my fellow Filipinos who are opposed to the idea of a “heroes burial.” I feel their pain and I understand where they are coming from. I myself witnessed and experienced Martial Law. I remember having a curfew – and actually keeping it for fear of being “reprimanded.”

But I hope I won’t gain enemies when I say that I think it is time this issue is laid to rest.

As I’ve said in my introduction, forgiving is key. I said, forgive – NOT forget. Those are two different things – and sadly, is misused (or misperceived) all the time. There is a saying, “To forgive is to forget.” But for me, that’s an illusion. You may be able to move on from a mistreatment or harm done to you but it’s not easy to forget the pain and the cost of it.

I think – and again, this is just my opinion – we should forgive the former president and not let anybody else suffer more, including – and most especially – his family. The “sins of the father are not the sins of the children.” We don’t necessarily need to forget all the horrible things that happened during his regime. I don’t suggest that at all.

It’s impossible to just erase all those tragic memories. Forgiving doesn’t always mean you get an amnesia and forget what has been said and done. It’s the ideal but not the norm – and definitely not physically and mentally possible. We can move on without forgetting. There will always be a part of us that would remember.

But we can – and we should – try to forgive.

Whenever I hear comments from the opposition camp, I sympathize. But I also consider the many things the Marcos Administration achieved. Infrastructure development is one of them.

Infrastructures that were unprecedented in the history of our country such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Folk Arts Theatre, Philippine International Convention Center, Makiling Center for the Arts (National Arts Center), Malacañang ti Amianan in Laoag, Nayong Pilipino, Museum for Native Art in Tacloban, and Palace in the Sky. These projects provided venue for the Filipinos to highlight cultural heritage, propagate arts and culture, and generate tourism.

Also, during Marcos’ time, there was great concern on public health. Specialty hospitals like the Philippine heart Center, Lung Center, Kidney Institute, and Philippine Children hospital were built. These hospitals opened access to the nation’s best doctors.

More road networks and PAGE B2

CAVeAT had thought of the books written about the craft of acting after having gone into a lengthy discussion over pizza and iced tea with Luis Manzano, one of the very few articulate actors we have in the business.

With Luis as my trigger, I would in the direction locate the germinal concept of acting in particular for the movies, tracing in part how acting for films has come to have a logical and scientific life of its own partially seen from the lens of the history of Philippine cinema.

Pushing back, realistic acting in modernistic time came into the scene with the emergence of famous movie directors like Lino Brocka, Celso Ad Castillo and Ishmael Bernal. Previous to them there was Gerry De Leon. These directors have made a dent in terms of portraying psychological realism, ample away from their predecessors, whose school of acting was largely based on physical nuances, almost devoid of what’s called “guts out” performance or “hugot,” as they say it now.

Realism in film acting was brought into being from an original school of acting popularized by Konstantin Stanislavski, the famous Russian guru known worldwide for his “Stansilavski System.” The same system was renamed “Method” when transported to America and popularized by Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler.

Famous in the Stanislavski System is the “affective memory” recall exercise in which one resorts to reliving similar and highly emotional experiences in the past as stimuli in approaching a role in parallel terms to come up with a more organic and truthful performance.

This is commonly called “inside out” technique as opposed to “outside in” attack in which the primary stimulus is in the cognitive understanding and interpretation of one’s role based on the script at hand that involves discussing it with the director, finding subtexts and the like.

On this vein, Luis Manzano locates himself more on the “outside in” technique of acting more than the “inside out,” saying that scraping one’s innards and guts as stimulus to come up with specific psychological truth in acting is not exactly his style of acting. he had successfully made use of the “outside in” technique in most of his comedies including “In My Life” as gay lover to John Lloyd Cruz and son to Vilma Santos.

This has been his approach even long before he got into all sorts of acting workshops like the one he had under Laurice Guillen who popularized eric Morris’s Being and No Acting Please school of acting in the country.

This is not to say that Luis cannot do an “inside out” technique usually associated with Method Acting. he has done this success-

Yet again, remembering...

PAGE B5 a quiet spot, free of the interruptions of all those annoying electronic beeps.

Unless your job entails spelling the difference between life and death, CUT OFF YOUR eLeCTRONIC LeASh, at least for just an hour. Who said you have to be on call all the time?

That hour you gift yourself with is yours to savor and JUST Be. That hour might very well help you to remember the wonder — to get back that gift of amazement we once had when we were children, before we became jaded, cynical FOOLS. Lest we forget, ChRIST IS The ReASON FOR The SeASON. Pay no attention to the godless fools who would like to delete Christ from the season. Those are minions of the devil at work in the

Luis Manzano

fully the last time he shot a film abroad with Toni Gonzaga for Star Cinema.

The scene called for a wedding ceremony between him and Toni who was dying of terminal cancer. Luis recalled he was already agonizing from some kind of unexplainable deep pains cutting inside him which seemed to explode any moment before he could actually shoot the scene with Toni.

The tension worked organically well in this particular scene with Toni, but he had the most difficult time getting out of the so-called “lived character” even after the shoot. he has to carry the scathing weight of the monkey on his back so to speak the morning after.

Luis has a dream role in mind: to portray the character of a mentally challenged. The mere thought of it however makes him shrivel in fear, admitting to the fact that it’s one challenge of a lifetime he could not pass on if it comes his way. come inured to the possibilities of joy each moment brings.

Conditioned by years of mundane repetition, we have lost the magic and instinctive sense of wonder we were born with. We went through the motions of getting an education, raising a family, earning a living, running a business, working ceaselessly, it seems till we drop down dead or until Social Security says we can stop, (whichever comes first), sleeping and doing the same things all over again at daybreak.

Routine and predictability though calming and reassuring, can numb the soul over time.

Don’t let that happen.

Take heart. This season of wonder, as God intended it to be, will always be a joyful reminder of hIS LOVe for us and its many expressions through hUMAN LOVe. ***

guise of multi-culti political correctness.

The strongest evidence of Christ living in our hearts during this season is an inner glow becoming outward display of joy that wells within, overflows and like a heaven-sent viral infection affects those we work and live with within the orbit of our existence.

Sorrow, pain and disappointment, heartache and heartbreak in spades — we will always have.

They have a place in the general scheme of things. They work like a sculptor’s tool kit that shapes and molds the structure of resilient souls that can weather all seasons.

But just for this season, BeLIeVe that you are allowed to get a moratorium from all that.

This season is filled with awesome wonders and all it takes is to Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian open our eyes, sharpen our senses Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, eand soak them all in. We have be- mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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City of Las Vegas issues call for artist submissions Three opportunities are available THE city of Las Vegas requests submissions from artists who are interested in applying for one or more of the following opportunities.

Qualified firms or individuals are invited to submit written proposals for an archway, pillar, free-standing sculpture, marker, sign, or structure for the West Las Vegas Arts Center (WLVAC), located at 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. The proposed piece must speak to the WLVAC’s identity as a vibrant performing and visual arts center as well as address the poor visibility of the entry drive into the parking lot. The city offers $72,000 for materials, fabrication, installation, artist fees and any site work. Proposals are due at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 and should be submitted through

ngemnv.com. For questions about this program, NGEM registration assistance, or more information, contact 702-2296231 or 7-1-1 (TTY). Ward 5.

Proposals for artistic bike rack designs also are being accepted through ngemnv.com.

Interested firms or individuals are invited to submit written proposals for artistic bike rack designs, including required engineering services. The city has budgeted up to $30,000, broken down as follows: $10,000 per design plus a reimbursement of up to $5,000 for engineered drawings, all-inclusive, for up to two (2) designs. The deadline to apply is 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016. For questions about this program, NGEM registration assistance, or more information, contact

702-229-6231 or 7-1-1 (TTY).

All Wards.

To promote community participation and support local art, the city requests submissions from artists who are interested in painting utility boxes to beautify the urban environment as part of the AMP project. The city offers $2,500 to paint up to four (4) utility boxes along Maryland Parkway between East Charleston Boulevard and Stewart Avenue. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 6, 2017. Artists must be at least 18 years old to participate. City of Las Vegas employees are not eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, visit artsregistrylas. vegas/?entry=2055. For questions, contact Laura Aguiar Machado at 702-229-4631.

Ward 3.

WGU Nevada announces ‘Women in Leadership’ scholarships LAS VEGAS — In an effort to make convenient and affordable education more accessible to women who wish to further their careers in business, IT, healthcare or teaching, the online, nonprofit university, WGU Nevada, recently launched its Women in Leadership Scholarship program.

Applications are now being accepted for the Women in Leadership Scholarships, which provides up to $2,000 ($500 per six-month term, up to four terms). Applicants will be asked to demonstrate their desire to achieve a leadership role and how a degree in any of WGU Nevada’s programs fits in with that goal. The application deadline is January 31, 2017.

To be eligible, scholarship applicants must be officially admitted into one of WGU Nevada’s undergraduate degree programs, complete the scholarship application, and be interviewed by a WGU scholarship counselor. While WGU Nevada will award multiple scholarships, recipients will be selected based on their academic records, financial need, and readiness for online study at WGU Nevada.

“Many of our students are professionals and mothers who seek to earn higher education degrees,” said Dr. Spencer Stewart, WGU Nevada chancellor. “Our online, flexible schedule has proven to be an

ideal fit for these adult learners. And this added scholarship makes it a win-win for many individuals.”

WGU Nevada uses an innovative approach called competency-based education, which measures learning rather than time spent in class. Competencybased education is a good fit for working business professionals because it allows them to study and learn at their own pace and advance as soon as they have mastered course materials. Students have 24/7 access to their course materials, and faculty members provide one-on-one support. Terms are six months long, and students pay a flat rate of $3,000 per term for most programs, regardless of the number of courses completed. Because WGU Nevada programs are self-paced, many students are able to accelerate their studies, finishing their degree sooner, which saves them both time and money. As a result, the average time to complete a bachelor’s degree at WGU Nevada is less than three years.

WGU Nevada WGU Nevada is an online, nonprofit, competency-based university established to expand Nevadans’ access to higher education throughout the state.

Formed through a partnership between the state of Nevada and nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Nevada is open to all qualified

Nevada residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand career fields of business, K–12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WGU’s Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*.

In addition to WGU Nevada, there are five other WGU statebased, state-endorsed universities: WGU Indiana, established in June 2010; WGU Washington, established in April 2011; WGU Texas, established in August 2011; WGU Missouri, established in February 2013; and WGU Tennessee, established in July 2013. For more information, visit the WGU Nevada website, www.nevada.wgu.edu, or call 877-214-7005. *Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington, DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

A ‘hero’s burial’ and the path...

PAGE B5 bridges were constructed during his time. The first modern toll-way, the Manila North Diversion Road, precursor of the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex), the Marcos Highway to Baguio increased the City’s income, and the San Juanico Bridge that links the islands of Samar and Leyte were constructed through his spectacular civil-works program.

Although Marcos was branded as a corrupt, heartless dictator and a human rights violator by

tales passed on from generation to generation, there is no denying that his achievements were remarkable and still impacts our country’s system to this day.

“There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies,” said. Martin Luther King Jr. We all make mistakes and we all need forgiveness. We can’t bring Marcos back to life and force him to beg for forgiveness but we can wake up everyday with less grudges and a forgiv-

Anorexia nervosa...

PAGE B5 trolyte imbalance can lead to serious complications.

What is the treatment for this illness?

The two-phase management consists of short term regimen to restore body weight and prevent death, and long term treatment to cure the psychological dilemma and prevent relapses.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required or even crucial for survival. Individual psychotherapy, psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, and even family therapy, are essential. Some oral medications have been used after the weight loss has been regained.

How does Bulimia differ from Anorexia?

Bulimia is an uncontrollable and recurrent binge eating (2-3 times a week) where the individual consumes an enormous amount of food followed by remedial efforts to avoid weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, vigorous exercises or fasting, use of diuretics and/or laxatives. Only about 50% of Anorexia Nervosa patients have bulimia. The other half simply eat very little or not at all for fear of gaining weight. About 2 % o f you n g wom e n h av e bulimia, of varying severity.

Bulemic patients have wide

variation in their body weight.

Because they frequently induce vomiting after binge eating, they have swollen parotid glands, scars on their knuckles and fingers, and dental erosion. Bulemic patients usually have normal weight, and more revealing of their problem and more likely to seek medical care, compared to Anorexia patients.

What is the treatment for Bulimia?

Psychotherapy and use of antidepressant drugs are the mainstay of the therapy for bulimia. Experts now believe that the combination of cognitivebehavioral psychotherapy and antidepressants is the treatment of choice. While antidepressants and diet suppressants help a lot, psychotherapy is more effective with more lasting results. The patient should be under the care of a specialist in diet disorders and a psychiatrist.

Any new development in the management?

Recent studies on the role of the family and social media have been found to have positive impact on the enhancement in the effectiveness of the overall management of anorexia nervosa and bulimia, on top of psychotherapy and pharmacologic treatment.

Family support and compassion and beneficial social interaction

ing heart. ***

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 with peers are of paramount value to individuals affected by these conditions, whose prognosis is generally good.

Any preventive measures?

Family and friends can help minimize the development of these eating disorders by showering our children early (starting in the crib) and often with love and reassuring words as they grow up. This will reduce the social and environmental stress on these young individuals, making them feel loved, secure and accepted. As they grow, children must learn that inner beauty and character are more attractive and more important than physical appearances. That while having a nicely shaped body is great, having a beautiful personality, good character and brain is more important, admired, and adored in today’s society.

Visit www.philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com *** 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

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 8-14, 2016

B

Fil-Am Diva Everlita Rivera-David, Yamaha virtuoso Relly Coloma shine at the Smith Center Hall LAS Vegas classical music afficionados, who were recently treated to one of the most stellar performances ever heard in this city of entertainment, are still talking about it. On October 26 and October 30, 2016, internationally acclaimed Fil-Am diva Everlita David, along with Yamaha keyboard virtuoso Relly Coloma, made history as one of the very first Fil-Am concert artists to perform at the elegant Smith Center Hall which has seen artists like Johny Mathis, Jack Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck and other musical stars perform. Assisting Ms. Rivera-David and Mr. Coloma were the versatile Las Vegas pianist-arranger and music director Larry Walker and the Las Vegas Fil-Am Chorale directed by Sol Llasos.

From the title of their show “Songs, Music and Memories”, one would think that the music would mainly be old songs and the like. Much to the audiences’ delight, both artists performed a whole gamut of classical themes to modern music, and popular hits arranged with a classical flavor. Relly Coloma was a true “master” of the Yamaha keyboard symphonic sounds as he played music themes such as his arrangements of the “Olympic Fanfare”, “Chariots of Fire” and the all-time favorite “New York, New York” interpersed with the classical Bach’s “Solfeggieto” played like a jazz piece and the extremely difficult “Dizzy Fingers” When the grand symphonic intro played by Larry Walker and Relly Coloma ushered in soprano Everlita Rivera-David’s entrance onstage, her stunning presence and heavenly voice entranced the audience. Her singing tugged at their heart strings as they sighed in amazement and gave thunderous, ecstatic applause after each song. Her programme included Vincent Youmans’ “Without A Song” , Cole Porter’s “So In Love” from Broadway’s Kiss Me Kate, Stefano Donaudy’s 18th century aria “O Del Mio Amato Ben”, Agustin Lara’s “Granada” , Ernani Cuenco’s “Bato sa Buhangin” , Nino Rota’s “A Time for Us” from the movie Romeo and Juliet, a medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera”

songs, Puccini’s popular “Nessun Dorma” from the opera Turandot and the majestic Gospel song by Andrae Crouch , “ My Tribute- To God be the Glory” sang at the finale backed by the 40-voice Las Vegas FilAm Chorale.

Soprano Everlita David, who has been listed in the top ten of the Philippines’ “Greatest Voices of the Century” by the Philippine Star and in the National Press Club of Manila’s list of “Fifty Golden Voices of the Philippines”, is blessed not only with a Godgiven gift of extraordinary vocal beauty but also with an intelligent mind that could fathom human emotions and express them dramatically with the many colors in her voice. Though trained as an opera singer, having graduated with a Masters degree in Vocal Performance with top honors at the University of Southern California and later having received rave reviews from many American and European music critics for her dramatic performances of Puccini’s “ Madame Butterfly”, she can also sing pop hits stylistically, having started her career in Manila as a recording artist with the famous “Mabuhay Singers” and as a television star of the favorite TV series, “Aawitan Kita”.

A motley of enthusiastic comments from the audience many of whom were artists themselves, patrons of the arts and professional opera-lovers describe how pleased they were with what they heard. Popular Las Vegas harpist Mariano Gonzales commented, “ I was so enchanted with her angelic voice and her singing

Calendar of Events across

style. I had the goose bumps from her first song on to the last! “. Bellagio Hotel pianist Norman Vito exclaimed, “ When she sang her high notes, it seemed as if I was being transported to the high heavens! She sings so effortlessly but with great dramatic power -I don’t know where that energy comes from.” Mr. Vito and other audience members came back again to the second show.

Gateway Arts Foundation founder Camille Duskin described her as , “A beautiful person and a magnificent soprano voice! What a singer!” Californian Aura Cajuiat commented, “ She sang so perfectly and she owned the stage!

A truly great performer.” Debra Scandura , owner of Frank’s European Services, commented, “ Not only is she a great singer, but she knew how to make people laugh!

Her anecdotes about her life were both funny and sad that everyone could relate to her. We loved her for that!” FilAm Power president & NAFFA Regional Chairwoman Amie Belmonte remarked, “ A heavenly voice, but most of all, she uses her voice to give glory and honor to the giver of that gift -- God Himself!”

Many more ecstatic comments were heaped on our shining artists saying that it was truly a great evening of beautiful music by Fil Am diva Everlita Rivera-David and keyboard virtuoso Relly Coloma - who are both so grateful to all the people who supported them and came to their concerts with a wish to see them again as they prepare for the sequel to “Songs, Music and Memories” coming soon!

America

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Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA (FACC-GLA)’s 15th year anniversary The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA (FACC-GLA) is celebrating its 15th year anniversary by recognizing businesses and community partners and installing officers and board members on Sunday, December 11 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. The event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Westside at 6333 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230. The cost to attend is $50 and formal attire is required. Please make your check payable to FPACC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the educational scholarship funds and to help the underprivileged children in the Philippines. For any inquiries, please email info.faccgla@gmail.com.

Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado Philippine Center New York City Part of the nine-day (and night) novena of masses that has become a tradition among Filipino-Americans of New York-New Jersey-Connecticut and Philidelphia This one has Msgr. Oscar Aquino, JCD as principal celebrant. Each Mass is sponsored by a number of Filipino community organizations. The Simbang Gabi for Sunday, Dec. 11 is sponsored by the Alliance of Manila and Philippine Islander, S.A., the International Network of Filipinos Overseas (INFO), Inc. METROBANK-New York, Filipino Association of St. Michael’s Parish, Philippine American Association of Connecticut (PAAC-CT), United Association of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED), and Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL).

D EC E M B E R 1 4

Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado Philippine Center New York City The final day of the traditional Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in the heart of Manhattan, New York City (556 Fifth Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets). Each of the nine masses is sponsored by several Filipino –American community organizations. This final Simbang Gabi Mass will have Monsignor Oscar Aquino, JCD, as the principal celebrant. It is sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), the JCI-Philippine New York (JayCees) and the Catholic Fellowship of Young Filipino Professionals.

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Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will once again host the Annual Simbang Gabi Advent (night mass) on Thursday, December 15. It is the 14th anniversary of the liturgical celebration of the Philippine tradition of culture, faith, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Our theme this year is “JESUS, MAKE US GENEROUS DISPENSERS OF YOUR DIVINE MERCY” translated in Tagalog, “HESUS, GAWIN MO KAMING MASAGANANG DALUYAN NG IYONG BANAL NA AWA.” Ministers from parishes of the Pastoral Regions of Santa Barbara, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Pedro and Our Lady of the Angels together with Dignitaries, Civic, Business and Non-profit organizations will march with their banner and parol (lantern), a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. Most Reverend Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, D.D will be the main celebrant. Other Concelebrants will be the Bishops and Priests of the Archdiocese. Over 3,000 individuals are expected to attend. The celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at 555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Parking is available at the cathedral for $8 or at adjacent lots. For more information, please email Lem Amit at filipinoministryola@gmail.com or (323) 793-5141.

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B DECEMBER 8-14, 2016 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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