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DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

US Navy begins ‘routine’ patrols in the South China Sea A UNIteD states aircraft carrier strike group began patrolling the contested areas in the south China sea over the weekend. the U.s. Carrier strike Group (CsG) 1 — which is part of the U.s. Navy — launched its first routine operations in the contested waters on saturday, february 18. It deployed aircraft carrier Uss Carl Vinson, along with guided-missile destroyer Uss Wayne e. meyer, and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 2.

Beijing previously said it has respected the freedom of navigation and over flight in the south China sea. however, it “firmly opposes any country’s attempt to undermine China’s sovereignty and security in the name of the freedom of navigation and overflight.”

“We also urge the U.s. to refrain from challenging China’s sovereignty and security and to respect regional countries’ efforts to maintain peace and stability in the south China sea,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng shuang said.

Based on a ‘nine-dash-line,’ China has claimed sovereignty on almost all of the south China sea, resulting in territorial con-

f e br u a ry 2 3 - ma r c h 1 , 2 0 1 7

Ex-Davao Death Squad leader: Pres. Duterte ordered killings Philippine Senate to reopen investigation

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

WhILe mayor of Davao City, President rodrigo Duterte ordered a “death squad” to carry out killings or other criminal acts in exchange for money, a former policeman revealed this week.

Alleged Davao Death squad (DDs) leader and retired sPo3 Arturo Lascañas confessed on monday, february 20 that Duterte personally directed the group to perform killings, usually of drug dealers and criminals, during

his 22 years as the city’s mayor. “totoo po ang Davao Death squad (DDS is real),” Lascañas said during a press conference organized by senator Antonio trillanes IV and the free Legal Assistance Group (fLAG). this revelation contradicts the former death squad leader’s testimony during a senate probe on the extrajudicial killings (eJK) last year in which he dismissed the existence of the DDs, saying the claims were mere “media Retired SPO3 Arturo Lascañas flank by (left) Atty. Arno Sanidad and Atty. Jose Diokno (right) appears hype.” before the media and admitted the existence of the Davao Death Squad at a press conference at Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande PAGE A2 the Senate on Monday, February 20.

Trump administration to move forward with immigration plans DREAMers unaffected by deportation threats

by Klarize

MeDenilla AJPress

PAGE A3

Yasay eyes dialogue with US Sec. of State Rex Tillerson PhILIPPINe foreign Affairs secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. is seeking a dialogue with United states secretary of state rex tillerson as part of manila’s efforts to build a “closer relationship” with Washington.

During the conclusion of the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) foreign ministers retreat on tuesday, february 21, Yasay said he “personally would like to see through a possibility of a dialogue” with tillerson.

“I hope that this can be done as soon as possible,” he added.

Philippine President rodrigo Duterte had been distancing the country from the United states under former President Barack obama for the latter’s alleged ‘hypocrisy’ and criticisms of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs. some analysts, on the other hand, expect warmer relations between the two countries given the new administration of U.s. President Donald trump, who took office last January.

“It will be very important for us as I’m sure it will be important for the United states, in PAGE A4

31 YEARS HENCE . An anti-Marcos group hoists a banner and balloons protesting last year’s interment of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos and marking the anniversary of the 1986 EDSA ‘People Power’ revolt on Saturday, Feb. 21.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

As promised during President Donald trump’s presidential campaign, the Department of homeland security (Dhs) announced on tuesday, february 21 plans to conduct a wide crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the United states.

Dhs secretary John Kelly issued two memoranda to go forth with the president’s widely criticized executive orders which include strengthening security at the U.s.-mexico border, removing a policy that released people caught at the border on bail that they attend deportation hearings and detaining any undocPAGE A3

De Lima files motion before court, seeks dismissal of drug cases

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

seNAtor Leila De Lima on monday, february 20, asked the courts to dismiss the three cases filed against her by the Department of Justice (DoJ) in relation to the alleged drug proliferation inside the National Bilibid Prison (NBP).

According to ferdie maglalang, De Lima’s chief media

officer, the senator has filed motions before the courts in muntinlupa City to quash, hold in abeyance the issuance of a warrant of arrest against her, and for judicial determination of probable cause.

De Lima insisted that it is the office of the ombudsman, not the regional trial Court (rtC), that has jurisdiction over the cases against her. she said the cases filed by

the DoJ were “procedurally wrong based on existing laws and jurisprudence.” “sinadya nila mapunta ‘yan sa court para makakuha agad ng (they purposely filed it on the court so they could easily get an) arrest warrant. It’s quite a stretch na non-bailable,” De Lima said in a television interview. the DoJ on friday, febru- Senator Leila de Lima confers with colleagues at the Senate session hall.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan PAGE A2

Arum says Pacquiao vs Khan match ‘not true’ Philippine Supreme Court affirms Napoles indictment over pork barrel scam

Bob Arum

toP rank chief executive Bob Arum dismissed claims made by a British publication stating that a deal has been reached for a match between filipino boxing champion manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Britain’s Amir Khan. earlier this week, the Times of London cited in its report that Pacquiao, with a record of 59-6-2 win-loss-draw, and Khan, with 31-4-0, are “set” to fight supposedly on may 20 after “terms for the contest were agreed.”

But Arum, speaking to the Courier-mail of Australia, called such reports a ““total and complete bullsh*t.” “the Amir Khan story has come out of nowhere,’’ Arum said, adding that the negotiations for Australian Jeff horn to fight AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal PAGE A2

by aJPreSS

the Philippine supreme Court (sC) upheld the charges filed against businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and two others in relation to the supposed anomalous distribution of the multi-million Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAf) from 2004 to 2010. the high court also dismissed the petitions filed by Napoles and co-accused John raymund De

Asis and National Agri-Business Corporation (NABCor) President Alan A. Javellana to junk the cases filed against them. the respondents are facing charges for malversation of public funds, corruption of public officials, and violation of the AntiGraft Law, for the alleged misuse of over P25-million PDAf, also referred to as pork barrel, of former Agusan del sur representative rodolfo Plaza. “the court upheld the om-

budsman’s determination of probable cause and reiterated its deference to the ombudsman performance of said duty,” sC spokesperson theodore te said in a press briefing on tuesday, february 21. the sC ruled that it has found no abuse of discretion when ombudsman Conchita Carpio morales filed criminal charges at the sandiganbayan. the high court also disPAGE A4

A

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From The FronT Page

Ex-Davao Death Squad leader...

PAGE A1 His denial came after self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato testified last October that Duterte directed the group to carry out the killings in Davao City. Matobato pointed out that LascaĂąas was the supposed “team leaderâ€? of the death squad, which the latter then denied.

However, on Monday, LascaĂąas admitted that he was one

of the “founders� of the group, adding that the members of the squad were paid from P20,000 to P100,000 by Duterte, depending on their targets. “I was one of those who started it,� he said, as reported by CNN. “We implemented the personal instructions of (then-Mayor) Duterte to us. All of the killings we did in Davao city, whether we buried or threw them out to sea.�

He claimed that Duterte hired him to assassinate radio broadcaster Jun Pala, who was a known critic of the then-mayor, through SPO4 Sonny Buenaventura in 2003. Pala’s murder has yet to be solved, according to various reports.

LascaĂąas went on to reveal that the former mayor commanded the squad to bomb Davao mosques in 1993 to retaliate the bombing of San Pedro Cathedral.

Around 1,400 killings have been supposedly linked to the death squad based on data from human rights groups. ‘LascaĂąas was paid to recant’ In a privilege speech on Wednesday, February 22, Senator Richard Gordon, who chaired the earlier probe into the alleged EJKs, lambasted LascaĂąas for lying before the Senate.

Last year, the Senate Committee on Justice on Human Rights concluded that “there is no evidence sufficient to prove that a Davao Death Squad exists.�

Gordon said the probe’s conclusion might have been different had LascaĂąas told the “truthâ€? in the first place. He, however, insisted that LascaĂąas should not be given another chance to testify before the Senate. “We cannot allow the Senate to be a cockpit of lies. No one should be allowed to trifle with the Senate,â€? Gordon said.

PAGE A4

WALK FOR LIFE. Catholic faithful join a march against summary killings and the death penalty bill at Rizal Park in Manila on Saturday, Feb. 18. Among the participants was embattled Sen. Leila de Lima, a vocal opponent of the government’s drug war who faces drug trafficking cases that she claims were manufactured to silence her and other critics.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

De Lima files motion before court...

PAGE A1

ary 17 filed three complaints against De Lima at the Office the Clerk of Court of the Muntinlupa City RTC for supposedly violating the Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The complaints were raffled to the Muntinlupa RTC branches 204, under Judge Juantina Guerrero; 205, under Judge Amelia Fabros Corpuz; and 206, Judge Patria Manalastas de Leon.

Following the filing of complaints, De Lima said that she is prepared to be a “political pris-

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oner,� claiming that the charges against her were supposedly “politically motivated� by the present administration.

The former justice secretary—who is vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte—accused him of masterminding the drug charges filed against her last week as an example to scare the critics of the present administration. “Maitim ang pakay ng rehimeng Duterte: ang gamitin akong halimbawa para takutin ang kanilang kritiko (The Duterte regime has a dark plan: to use me as an example to scare its critics),� she said. ‘Unfit to lead’ She then called the Cabinet officials anew to declare Duterte “unfit� to lead the country, labeling him as the “the number one criminal in the Philippines, if not the world.�

However, according to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre, the RTC has the “original and exclusive jurisdiction over the three cases� against De Lima. “Trading in illegal drugs has no connection with the performance of her duties as secretary of justice,� Aguirre added.

He also denied De Lima’s accusations that the criminal charges against her are politically motivated. “Cases filed against Senator De Lima are all criminal in nature. Some of these cases involved illegal drugs. They are not politically motivated,� Aguirre said in the statement.

He further went to say, “It is wrong for Senator de Lima to refer to herself as a political prisoner. Drug cases do not involve one’s political beliefs. It involves one’s choice to be involved in illegal drugs.�

Arum says Pacquiao vs Khan...

PAGE A1 Pacquiao in April at the Suncorp Stadium were still “up in the air.’’ Last week, however, Pacquiao hinted that his next match would be staged in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a poll on February 12, Pacquiao asked his Twitter followers who should be his next opponent, citing the UAE as the venue.

Khan gained 48 percent of the more than 44,800 total votes.

Horn, meanwhile, only received

7 percent, while Kell Brook and Terence Crawford got 24 percent and 21 percent respectively. “What’s happening is that Manny is talking to these people in Dubai who have offered him an insane amount of money,� Arum said. “Whether (the offer) is real or not real – he is determined to explore it to see if it has any validity. That’s all I can say.�

Last November, Pacquiao, won via unanimous decision and defended his WBO welterweight title against Jessie Vargas.

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Filipino named president of DePaul University

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

A FILIPINO was appointed the president of DePaul University in Chicago, considered the largest Catholic university in the United States.

Dr. A Gabriel Esteban, who is originally from the Philippines, will leave his current post as the head of Seton Hall University, a Catholic institution in South Orange, Jersey.

When he assumes office at DePaul on July 1, he will become the first non-ordained leader in the institution’s 119year history. He succeeds the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., who stepped down in June of last year.

Esteban said it was a “great privilege and honor” to have served as the president of Seton Hall since 2011 and that it was a “difficult decision” to leave.

“DePaul University has an excellent academic reputation, and I am honored to have the opportunity to shape its future in partnership with the university community,” he said in a statement released on Thursday, February 16.

He added that the university’s mission and values align with his “personal beliefs.”

During his tenure — also as the first lay leader in its history — Seton Hall created a new School of Medicine in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, a new health and medical sciences campus, and a new College of Communication and the Arts.

Additionally, fundraising reportedly reached “all-time highs,” with more than $40 million raised in the last year and a half alone.

Seton Hall Board of Regents

Dr. A Gabriel Esteban

Chairman Patrick Murray noted how under Esteban’s leadership, the university “made tremendous progress and growth.”

“Working closely with Dr. Esteban for these past years has been a blessing,” Murray said.

“His love for learning and his dedication to making higher education available to individuals from all walks of life is unparalleled.”

Previously, Esteban served as interim president for six months and had the roles of provost and chief academic officer, in which he oversaw eight colleges and schools, university libraries and enrollment services.

In a statement, DePaul’s Board of Trustees chair William E. Bennett touted Esteban’s “extensive experience in higher education and strategic planning.”

Added James T. Ryan, chair of the search committee and vice-chair of the board, “In the search for DePaul’s next president, our committee sought a proven academic leader and strategic thinker with a deep

personal commitment to DePaul’s Vincentian and Catholic identity. Dr. Esteban not only shares the values that reside at the heart of our community, he also has the vision and compassion to champion DePaul’s distinct educational mission.”

The university’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted in favor of Esteban’s appointment on February 6.

According to his biography, Esteban holds a bachelor’s in mathematics and an MBA from the University of the Philippines.

He was the first Philippine recipient of the Fujitsu Scholarship, taking him to Chaminade University in Hawaii, where he earned a master’s in Japanese business studies. He holds a doctorate in business administration from University of California, Irvine.

He has received multiple accolades, including “Great Immigrant” from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2015 and one of New Jersey’s 100 most powerful state leaders by NJBIZ. Esteban is a board member and former vice chairman of the Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education, a national organization established to address issues affecting Asian American students, faculty and staff. He also serves as a commissioner on the Commission on Inclusion of the American Council on Education.

His past experience also includes senior-level leadership and faculty positions at high education institutions in Arkansas, Texas and the Philippines.

He and his wife, Josephine, have one daughter who is a medical resident at the University of Chicago.

US Navy begins ‘routine’ patrols in the...

PAGE A1 flicts with its neighboring countries including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

China has also reportedly built artificial islands along the disputed waters for military purposes.

Last month, the United States, under the new administration of President Donald Trump, vowed to prevent China from claiming ‘international territories’ along the contested waters in the sea.

The U.S. also said that China should be denied access to the islands it has built along the

disputed maritime areas.

The Chinese government, however, called on the U.S. to stop meddling in the Asian territorial affairs since the latter is ‘not a party’ to the South China Sea disputes.

According to the Philippine Department of Foreign affairs (DFA), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is fast-tracking the framework of the Code of Conduct (COC), which aims to address tensions in the South China Sea. “I think officials of both sides are working very hard to be

able to meet this deadline…I think all ASEAN member-states would like to see the early conclusion of the negotiation of actual code of conduct which I think will be useful for managing the region and in regulating the future behavior of the parties concerned in the South China Sea region,” Philippine Foreign Affairs Spokesman Charles Jose said in a press briefing on Sunday.

The COC framework — which Jose said is a “legally binding document” — is expected to be completed this year. (Dana Sio-

A

PARTY COOPERATION. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, President of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban), on Monday, February 20, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on party cooperation with Chinese Minister Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, in Malacañang. The event was witnessed by President Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of PDP Laban and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua.

Senate photo by Ariel Cagadas

Trump administration to move forward...

PAGE A1 umented immigrant convicted of any criminal activity, among other directives.

“It implements new policies designed to stem illegal immigration and facilitate the detection, apprehension, detention, and removal of aliens who have no lawful basis to enter or remain in the United States,” Kelly wrote in one memorandum.

The new, stricter immigration policies are a remarkable departure from former President Barack Obama’s immigration policies which were far more lenient and focussed more on assimilating the undocumented community into the American economic system.

Previously, under Obama, only those convicted of serious crimes were automatically detained. Moreover, the “expedited removals” of those who have only been in the country for 14 days was only implemented within 100 miles of the border.

Under Trump, that will now include those that had been in the country for two years and located anywhere in the U.S. The documented released on Tuesday also detailed that the DHS is planning to expand U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by hiring 10,000 new immigration agents and creating more detention facili-

ties across the nation.

The motions would also reintroduce a Customs and Border Protection program that will draft local law enforcement officers to assist in the identifying and removal of suspected criminals who are undocumented.

DHS officials told reporters that none of the orders will affect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has provided more than 750,000 DREAMers — undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children — protection from deportation, work authorization and driver’s licenses.

However, Washington may see a battle with so-called sanctuary cities, which have directed their police forces to not help the federal government in the crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

Los Angeles — in which approximately one in 10 residents are undocumented immigrants, according to 2013 USC study — declared itself a sanctuary city shortly after Trump was elected.

The LAPD, along with the California State University and University of California school systems, have vowed not to assist in the identification and detention of unauthorized immigrants.

“We have built relationships by effective law enforcement that doesn’t focus on where a

person was born or the color of their skin. And we don’t intend to change that,” LAPD Chief Charlie Beck told reporters in November.

LA Mayor Eric Garcetti has also been adamant about the city’s stance in refusing to assist in the crackdown with respect to the federal government’s policies.

“Immigration is the responsibility of our federal government.

We’ve been very clear it’s not the responsibility of LAPD,” Garcetti told reporters in January. “We participate all the time with our federal immigration authorities and we will continue to do so.

We just require, as the courts have decided, that there be a warrant.”

In response to the hundreds of counties and cities that have declared themselves sanctuary cities, the White House has warned them to abide by the law or face consequences.

Washington has threatened to withdraw federal funds from Los Angeles, but Garcetti warned that such a move would be detrimental to the nation’s economy.

“It would be a folly for any administration to take away funds to protect America’s port or take away vouchers that help veterans who have fought for our country off the street,” Garcetti said at a news conference in January.

A

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PH hopes to continue its growth trajectory in 2017

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Yasay eyes dialogue with US Sec...

PAGE A1 our desire to forge closer ties and closer relationships,” Yasay said.

During the press briefing, Yasay also disclosed that ASEAN foreign ministers discussed Trump’s new policies during the retreat.

“The ministers had expressed including Orlando, Houston, and their views on what they see is an San Francisco, organized by the evolving, still evolving policy, of Department of Trade and Industry the United States under the pres(DTI) and its overseas offices, idency of Donald Trump,” said the Board of Investments (BOI) Yasay, who chaired the event. in cooperation with Philippine Consulates General in the U.S. BOI Director Angelica Cayas also formed part of the delegation.

In New York, the forum attract- PAGE A1 ed 50 American companies and missed the claims of Napoles individuals from the health care and De Asis that they should not and medical insurance industry be charged with graft since they who listened to presentations were not government officials.

by Terrado on Philippine eco“Petitioners’ contentions that nomic updates, HIMAP President the absence of the elements of Cristina Coronel on Philippine the crimes they were charged offshoring opportunities and with is a matter of defense to be HIMS Roadmap 2022, as well as ventilated at the trial as these are Philippine case study presentations on Revenue Cycle Management by Myla Rose Reyes (SPI Global); on Pharmaceutical/Life Science by Ma. Cristina Coronel (Pointwest Technologies Co.); on PAGE A2 Health IT by Vincent Remo (AdHe also accused Lascañas of vanced World Solutions); and on getting paid in exchange for reCustomer Service by Phil Taylor tracting his earlier testimony.

(KMC Solutions, USA).

“And you want to believe this A testimonial presentation man? This man who lies freentitled “A U.S. Company’s Off- quently, who claims he is paid to shoring Experience in the Phil- murder? He is paid now to talk? ippines” was shared by John Can I ask that question? No, I will Chess, managing director of KMC not ask that question. I’m sure, Solutions, which was followed I’ll say you are now paid that’s by a third-party assessment of why you’re here and I don’t think the Philippines as a leading loca- you can blame me if I said that,” tion for HIMS Services by Sakshi Gordon said.

Garg, practice director of Everest New Senate inquiry Group.

While the former policeman In her welcome remarks, Con- was warned of possible perjury sul General De Vega expressed cases for retracting a previous tessupport for the HIMS industry in timony under oath, Gordon said the Philippines in light of its stra- that the cop’s allegations can also tegic importance to the country’s be used as grounds for impeachBPM industry and lauded the ment cases against Duterte. leadership of DTI and its collabo“Well yeah. Betrayal of public ration with HIMAP that deepened trust yan e, kung totoo (if it’s competencies from simple encod- true),” Gordon told Inquirer. ing to higher-value services. The “[Because] it goes into character Philippines’ HIMS sector grew by e. It goes into betrayal of public 41.03 percent (CAGR) or US$1.3 trust.”

Billion since 2011.

The Senate Public Order ComThe HIMS roadshow is de- mittee, which is chaired by Senasigned to promote Philippines tor Panfilo Lacson, is expected HIMS to U.S. stakeholders. The to conduct a new hearing to delegation is also participating investigate the alleged existence in the 2017 HIMS Annual Global of the DDS. Conference and Exhibition in Lacson, however, clarified that Orlando, Florida, an event that the new Senate inquiry would brings under one roof 1,200 not be a reopening of the previexhibitors and 45,000 delegates ous hearings conducted by the from the health care and IT in- Committee on Justice and Human dustry.

Rights. Instead, it will be based on

Global Filipino diaspora consistent contributor to PH economic growth story

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

NEW YORK — “The Philippine investment climate continues to capture the confidence of the prime movers in global business given the strong performance and sustained growth of our economy,” said Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado as she spoke before more than 150 community leaders who gathered at the Philippine Center on Saturday, February 18 for a general assembly.

Terrado was in New York with a contingent to promote health care and business process management in the Philippines through various roadshows in key cities across America.

At the general assembly, Terrado delivered a report on the Philippine economy and the current investment climate.

“We can be proud of our country as it continues to perform well and it is resilient amidst external shocks,” Terrado said, citing a host of reasons why it is the best time for businesses to invest in the Philippines. “We are very optimistic that the Philippines will continue its growth trajectory and hopefully, the global Filipino diaspora will continue to be a consistent contributor of the Philippine economic growth story.”

Terrado explained that the Philippines receives about $24 billion in remittances from all over the world, with an estimated 30 percent of the total coming from the United States.

“This is important in terms of the social impact to their families not only in the cities but in the rural areas as well. It is impactful because it creates dynamism in the consumption economy of the Philippines,” Terrado said.

The Philippines ended 2016 on a strong note by posting a 6.8 percent economic growth. It remains one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, ahead of China’s 6.7 percent and fellow high-riser Vietnam’s 6.2 percent.

“It is the golden age of infrastructure and it’s all about: build, build, build,” Terrado said.

The country’s global competitiveness ranking has also been improving across various groups

such as Top 20 Foreign Direct Investment Destination, Economic Freedom Index and Global Innovation Index.

Aside from getting higher Global Competitiveness Ranking, the Philippines’ credit rating continues to receive stable and positive investment grades by the “Big Three” rating agencies — Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.

Terrado also talked about how the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is planning to sustain this economic growth through a 10-point socioeconomic agenda, with the ultimate goal of alleviating poverty and uplifting the quality of life of all Filipinos.

This 10-point socioeconomic agenda hopes to continue and improve on the current macroeconomic policies, reform the tax system to make it more progressive, equitable and globally competitive, accelerate infrastructure spending and further improve Philippine investment climate to attract more foreign direct investments.

The 10-point agenda also aims to address contraction in the agriculture and fishery sector and high food prices as well as uneven growth in the country, along with the promotion of science, technology, and the creative arts to enhance innovation and creative capacity towards self-sustaining, inclusive development.

Promoting healthcare information management offshoring Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega together with Department of Trade Undersecretary Terrado and Philippine Senior Trade Representative Nicanor Bautista, invited prospective American health investors and executives to the Philippines during the recently held Philippine Healthcare Information Management (HIMS) Business Process Offshoring forum held at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center.

Terrado led a 17-company delegation from the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP) who travelled from the Philippines to New York for the first leg of a multi-city roadshow,

He also related that the ministers are “hopeful” that the new policies under the Trump administration “will be positive for everyone and will contribute toward peace and progress in the region.”

Earlier in December, Duterte extended Trump an invitation to attend the ASEAN summit later this year. The 2017 summit, chaired by the Philippines, will be held in November in Clark, Pampanga. (Dana Sioson/AJPress) DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.

Philippine Supreme Court affirms Napoles... evidentiary matters requiring a full-blown and not during [the] preliminary investigation,” the high court said.

Last week, Solicitor General Jose Calida recommended the acquittal of Napoles, claiming that the Regional Trial Court wrongly convicted her guilty of detaining her cousin and principal scam

whistleblower, Benhur Luy. Calida, however, clarified that the Office of the Solicitor General’s move in Napoles’ serious illegal detention case will have no implications for her PDAF cases.

In 2013, the Supreme Court declared the PDAF, a discretionary fund for lawmakers, unconstitutional.

Ex-Davao Death Squad leader... the new revelations brought forth by the former policeman.

“I’m coordinating with the office of the proponent, Sen. (Antonio) Trillanes, for the submission of Lascañas’ sworn statement and thereafter, find out who we will invite as resource persons then I will schedule a hearing,” Lacson said in a statement.

‘Political drama’ Malacañang, meanwhile, dismissed Lascañas’ recent statement as “political drama.”

In a statement on Monday, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the press conference was another attempt to “destroy the president and to topple his administration.”

Andanar suggested that the “character assassination” against the president is nothing but “vicious politics orchestrated by sectors affected by the reforms initiated by the Duterte administration.”

He also pointed out that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Senate Committee on Justice, had already cleared the president of the allegations surrounding the extrajudicial killings.

“Bringing change is not an easy task. The Duterte administration has disturbed and disrupted the establishment. However, we re-

main undistracted in delivering goods and services to serve the people, not just the interest of the few,” Andanar added.

Meanwhile, responding to Andanar’s comments, the CHR denied the claims that it has cleared Duterte of his alleged involvement in the DDS and extrajudicial killings.

“It is clear from the quoted portions of the resolution that deaths have occurred in significant numbers and no investigations were conducted by the local government. Deaths continued to occur with impunity during the term of the former mayor,” the commission said, citing a 2012 resolution that calls the Ombudsman to investigate Duterte’s supposed connection to the group.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier rejected the complaint but the case was reopened following Matobato’s testimonies last year.

The CHR said Lascañas’ revelations would be considered in its on-going probe.

In various instances, Duterte has denied his leadership role in the extrajudicial killings and the existence of the death squad as mayor.

Since taking office last June, over 7,700 individuals have been killed in relation to the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs — 2,500 of which were from police operations.

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2.

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Access www.snvrha.org. click on “Procurement” then “Current Bid Invitations” from the Vendor Center “(follow the listed directions) or Pick up a CD at no charge from the SNRHA’s Dev/Mod Department, 340 N. 11th Street, Suite 150, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89101. If you have any problems in accessing the system, please call 702-477-3150

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OpiniOn

Subdued

Features

AS Filipinos commemorate the 31st anniversary of the EDSA (People Power) revolution this year, they are not called to dramatize the wrongdoings of the past.

Instead, they should do so with a critical understanding of the aspirations and the historical realities that made this movement the catalyst for a democracy that most Filipinos enjoy today.

Malacañang is marking its first EDSA anniversary under President Rodrigo Duterte this weekend. It earlier announced that this year’s commemoration will be simple, quiet and focused on moving forward — three months after Duterte allowed the burial of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery).

“It’s time to move on from just celebrating the past, remembering the past, and to move on to the whole aspect of nation building to give it a more positive outlook and give it a more positive understanding,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said. “The whole nation is evolving. We can’t get stuck in the past.”

The 1986 EDSA revolution is not just a mere political event in Philippine history. It will be forever remembered—and taught in schools—as the pivotal moment when Filipinos dared to challenge and determine their own destiny despite hostility and dictatorship.

It seems like a lifetime ago when former Pres.

Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines on Sept. 21, 1972. Forty-five years have passed, but the wretched moments of the martial law era have continued to linger on, especially for the people who had

to endure it.

It was on February 25, 1986, that Filipinos to finally refuse to submit to oppression and degradation. They were not aiming for utopia, they fought for a society in which liberty and justice are treated as complementary.

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos joined the nationwide protest that brought People Power revolution to life. In this historic uprising, the voice of the people resonated through the country and has been forever etched in the pantheon of Philippine democracy.

The People Power revolution continues to this day, as a reminder to Filipinos of how supporting a common stand can turn them to a formidable moral power. The People Power revolution ignited the people’s longing for genuine democracy. It is empowered by the will of the people. It gives the citizenry the power to overturn the culture of corruption, unethical conduct, and self-serving antics of politics.

While the EDSA revolution is just a story of the past, it serves as a reminder for all generations to come: that as ordinary citizens, we are still capable of inciting change in our day-to-day existence. Each of us should remain vigilant in guarding the democracy that Filipinos before us have worked so hard for.

We are called to embody the values that sparked this political movement, to celebrate the ideals of democracy, and to pursue happiness and freedom for every Filipino. (AJPress)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Trump’s new guidelines and executive orders: Nail-biter week for the undocumented THIS may be one of the most unsettling weeks for kababayans who are living and working in the United States without legal status as the Trump administration unveiled new guidelines to be implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

These provisions make good on Pres. Donald Trump’s campaign promise to deport the almost 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. Trump is also to expected to sign a new executive order this week, in lieu of the executive order that had been frozen by the federal court and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

As the Washington Post first reported, the new guidelines signed by DHS Secretary John Kelly is expected to “aggressively detain and deport illegal immigrants inside the United States and at the border.”

USA Today reports that new guidelines call for the hiring of thousands of additional enforcement agents and in-

AS Senators Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV tell it, President Rodrigo Duterte is out to silence the former with trumped-up charges, and evade accusations of illicit wealth by denying the latter access to his and his family’s bank accounts.

For his part, President Duterte asserts that Senator De Lima is evading justice for her involvement in drug trafficking at the New Bilibid Prisons, under her oversight as justice secretary. And Senator Trillanes is rehashing baseless claims of sleazy bank funds.

The good news is there are long-established ways to impartially verify what’s true and what’s false.

Senator Trillanes can file charges at the Office of the Ombudsman, backed by his alleged bank records. He can also use the findings of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, which the President has instructed to probe his accounts.

Now, it remains to be seen if he can get banks to set aside secrecy and validate his claimed documents. Any institution affirming the papers would face questions, if not sanctions, over the leaking of its depositors’ records.

For fairness, Trillanes can

This means that ICE agents have the prerogative to include an apprehension for a reason like a DUI or just being in the country illegally as reasons enough to deport the undocumented.

According to the Washington Post, the new guidelines would now allow authorities to seek expedited deportation proceedings. Currently, this procedure is limited to undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for two weeks or less. The new order will be expanded to cover anyone who has been in the country for up to two years.

The Post further stated that under the new guidelines, Mexican immigrants who are apprehended at the border would now be ordered to immediately return back home, pending the outcomes of their deportation hear-

ings. They would no longer be detained in the U.S., an effort that would reportedly save detention space and other resources.

The guidelines also aim to stop the pouring in of the growing wave of 155,000 unaccompanied minors who have come from Mexico and Central America over the past three years. Under the new guidelines, their parents in the United States could be prosecuted if they are found to have paid smugglers to bring the children across the border.

The new guidelines also give the go signal for Trump’s promised border wall to begin construction, mandating the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to “immediately begin planning, design, construction and maintenance of a wall, including the attendant lighting, technology (including sensors), as well as patrol and access roads.”

Funding for the wall’s construction and maintenance, however, would still need

approval by Congress.

While the new guidelines failed to make good Trump’s campaign promise to overturn the Obama administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that has provided work permits to more than 750,000 immigrants who came to the country illegally as children, the Trump administration clarified that these DACA recipients would be spared for now, temporarily.

IF YOU THINK these guidelines and Trump’s soon to be released new executive order on immigration could make you and your family vulnerable, then you better consult a reputable immigration attorney to know your rights and options as provided for by law. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

The real score in the De Lima-Trillanes show

Commentary

RicaRdo Saludo

creasing the number of immigration judges, The Fil-Am expanding the pool of immigrants prioritized Perspective for removal, enlisting local law enforcement to help with arrests and speeding up deportation hearings. Gel SantoS-ReloS They also propose prosecuting parents and family members in the U.S. who pay smugglers to bring over unaccompanied minors.

Whereas former President Barack Obama focused his administration’s deportations exclusively on hardened criminals and those with terrorist ties, the Trump administration’s deportation efforts dramatically expand the scope of enforcement operations, giving ICE agents the power to determine the operational definition of the word “criminal record” or “crime” committed by those in the U.S. without legal status.

petition Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to recuse herself, being aunt to Duterte’s son-in-law. The OMB may decide, however, that charges against the President are not a priority, since he is immune from prosecution until he steps down in mid-2022.

As for investigations in aid of impeachment, Trillanes’s charges don’t qualify, since an official cannot be impeached for alleged offenses before he took office.

Which may be one reason the senator is going to media. The other reason, critics contend, is his real wish for grandstanding, to erode support for the administration and project himself as graftbuster.

Whatever his motives, impartial media and informed Filipinos might not indulge Senator Trillanes. Indeed, many wonder why President Duterte bothers to publicly joust with him, gifting him the publicity he craves.

But then, Digong isn’t one to back down from a fight, especially one over not just his integrity, but his family honor.

The wheels of justice and injustice For her part, De Lima has stirred public and media anticipation for her arrest, calling herself Duterte’s first political prisoner. But it is a judge whom Senator De Lima must win over in three drug-trafficking charges filed at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court by the

Department of Justice she once headed.

Her supporters complain that she cannot obtain justice under this administration. And she has constantly portrayed herself as an innocent victim of political persecution for denouncing killings in Duterte’s anti-drug war.

The cases may take years, when she may be incarcerated, since the charges are non-bailable if evidence is strong. Fortunately for her, the Muntinlupa court, not the DOJ, will decide if the prosecution’s material warrants trial, first of all, and whether there is strong evidence of guilt, for which bail may be denied.

Jail sans bail may cramp De Lima’s advocacy, but that is no big loss for the campaign against EJKs. There are more influential entities taking up this righteous cause, like the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, foreign business chambers, and the United Nations. These entities are not seen as partisan or in cahoots with narco-syndicates.

Now, if the CBCP, global business, and the UN can’t budge the government on the killings, neither can De Lima. So, allowing the wheels of justice to turn for or against her won’t derail anti-EJK protests. But letting her off the hook just to keep her talking against killings would be unjust, unlawful, and immoral.

De Lima fears what Arroyo suffered

What about the courts? Won’t judges buckle under presidential pressure and rush to convict her?

De Lima also fears she may be killed in detention, just like accused drug trafficker and murdered Albuera, Leyte, mayor Rolando Espinosa.

Those fears are real, judging from what happened in the past regime.

In November 2011, days after then-Secretary De Lima disobeyed a Supreme Court order allowing former President Gloria Arroyo to go abroad for treatment, a Pasay judge issued within hours of receiving reams of charge documents, an arrest warrant and a hold-departure order against the hospitalized congresswoman.

That was after the Commission on Elections itself, under then-President Benigno Aquino 3rd’s former poll lawyer Sixto Brilliantes Jr., took just two days to order election sabotage charges against Arroyo, even if it had nil documents demonstrating electoral fraud in the 2007 senatorial race.

That absent documentation eventually led the judge to grant Arroyo bail. So did the dubious testimony of the lone witness in the case, who was promised immunity from prosecution for claiming he overheard Arroyo order vote cheating.

After Arroyo got bail in July 2012, Ombudsman Morales filed a plunder case over alleged

Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila De Lima

misspending of intelligence funds at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office—even if OMB lawyers advised against the charge, since none of the accused got PCSO money.

Plunder requires that offenders amass at least P50 million in illicit gains.

The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court denied bail, purportedly after Aquino called the judges.

It ordered the trial to proceed, arguing that there could be plunder even if no one got state funds illegally. That ruling contravened the plunder law itself.

The court also detained Arroyo even after exonerating or granting bail to nearly all her co-accused.

No wonder the UN declared that her rights had been violated, and the Supreme Court or-

dered the case dismissed. She walked free last July.

Arroyo also faced the peril of death in detention. A misaligned titanium implant in her neck could cause food to be caught in her throat, stopping breathing.

Yet the Sandiganbayan refused to let her get corrective treatment abroad, as she rightly wanted after three unsuccessful operations by topnotch doctors at St. Luke’s Global Medical Center, one of the country’s leading hospitals.

So, judging from what happened to Representative Arroyo, Sen. De Lima could indeed suffer injustice in court and danger to her life in detention. But she won’t, because the President is Duterte, not Aquino. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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D ateline PhiliPPines Robredo: EDSA revolution deserves ASEAN foreign ministers push dialogues to ease sea tension ‘more dignified’ anniversary rites

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

FOR Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, the upcoming 31st commemoration of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution on Saturday, February 25 deserves more than just a simple and quiet celebration.

“This anniversary is an event that to me deserves a more dignified treatment than a ‘quiet celebration’ in the guise of moving on,” Robredo said during a speech before Ateneo de Manila University students on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Robredo made the statement days after Malacañang revealed that the present administration would be holding a low-key commemoration of the event.

Last week, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella announced that this year’s theme for the celebration will shift from “just celebrating the past” to “moving the nation forward.”

“It’s time to move on from just celebrating the past, remembering the past, and to move on to the whole aspect of nation-building to give it a more positive outlook, and give it a more positive understanding,” Abella said.

But Robredo, for her part, believes that the country should instead preserve the lessons learned from the historical event to avoid committing similar mistakes in the future.

“I believe that the truth of our past will ensure clarity of direction in our future. Moving on and forgetting may leave us in danger of making the same mistakes all over again,” the vice president said.

Responding to Robredo’s comments, Malacañang affirmed that a simpler commemoration does not indicate that the government is giving “less significance” to the 31st anniversary of the event.

“The theme for this year’s celebration is, ‘A Day of Reflection,’ and that’s precisely the reason why there’s no pomp in this year’s anniversary celebration,” said Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

In 1986, the non-violent and bloodless revolution ended the regime of late and former President Ferdinand Marcos as the country’s dictator, who was re-

Vice Pres. Leni Robredo

placed by former President Corazon Aquino of the Liberal Party.

“Just like any young lady who’s celebrating her 18th birthday, we normally celebrate it with pomp.

But when she celebrates her 19th birthday, that doesn’t mean that if there’s no celebration similar

to her debut that her birthday is given any less significance,” Guevarra explained.

This year, Malacañang will hold the People Power anniversary rites on Friday—instead of Saturday, February 25—inside Camp Aguinaldo.

by JefferSon

antiporDa ManilaTimes

the peaceful resolution of disputes tion of the Declaration on the Conand urged all parties to respect duct of Parties in the South China FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Per- legal and diplomatic processes in Sea (DOC) as well as efforts by the fecto Yasay on Tuesday, Feb. 21 accordance with the universally rec- group and China to complete a admitted that a number of foreign ognized principles of international framework of the Code of Conduct ministers of the Association of law including the 1982 United Na- (COC) to facilitate the early adopSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) tions Convention on the Law of the tion of the COC. The DFA chief earlier said the expressed concern over the escala- Sea (UNCLOS).

Yasay said the foreign ministers COC framework may be completed tion of activities in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and backed the effective implementa- by the middle of this year. noted the need to sustain dialogues to prevent tension in the region.

In a news conference after meeting his Southeast Asian counterparts in Boracay Island, Yasay said that the ministers are concerned that the recent developments in the area may raise tensions and erode trust and confidence in the region.

He said the ministers pushed to sustain the momentum of dialogue in order to ease the tension.

ASEAN countries reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of maritime activities )VHYK *LY[PMPLK 0U[LYUHS 4LKPJPUL and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation.

The ministers, Yasay said, sought

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February 23-march 1, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 23-mARch 1, 2017

VEGAS&STYLE Journal

Jordan Clarkson on embracing basketball and his Filipino roots

By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

IN just his third season with the National Basketball Association (NBA), Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson has already made a name for himself as a viable asset for the franchise. The 24-yearold belongs to a crop of Filipino Americans who have broken the glass ceiling in the U.S. in fields such as arts, sports, fashion, technology and business.

In the NBA, he is considered as the third one with Filipino blood, alongside Nate Robinson — who is one-eighth Filipino — and Raymond Townsend, who played his last game in 1982.

During a meet and greet with Filipino-American fans in New York earlier this month, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who was attending several meetings in the U.S., said that the sport of basketball and the LA Lakers in the NBA have a huge following among Filipinos. He referred to Clarkson as a Fil-Am ambassador of basketball among younger Filipinos and fellow Fil-Ams. He also recognized Jordan’s father, Mike Clarkson, for his effort to bring Jordan closer to the Filipino community.

“Thank you for the support.

I’m just gonna say thank you because I don’t know what else to say. Salamat po,” Clarkson said in front of the crowd. The fans rewarded his short speech with a loud applause.

Late last year, the Brooklyn Nets hosted its first Filipino Heritage Night at the Barclays Center.

The Nets had a game versus the visiting Los Angeles Lakers. Fans came in droves to see not just the Nets but the Lakers as well, particularly Clarkson.

The hoopster’s management team saw the impact that the player had on Filipino fans during that day that they asked its event organizer, community leader Mark Anthony Agbuya if a similar event can be done.

Agbuya built a team and coordinated with the Philippine

Jordan Clarkson with members of Team Clarkson, his dad Mike (left) and college coach Tim Fuller.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

Consulate General’s office to come up with the meet and greet that eventually coincided with the launching of Clarkson’s fan club in New York.

At the press briefing before the community event, Clarkson, his dad Mike and college coach Tim Fuller responded to questions from the Fil-Am media.

Jordan revealed a few fun facts about his personal life, his favorite food (chicken adobo and sisig), his love of the game, how much hard work it is to be an NBA player, his love for the Philippines, his appreciation to his fans and his deep passion for the sport.

The soft-spoken point guard said he feels very honored for all the support his Filipino fans have been giving him since he joined the Lakers organization as a 22year-old rookie back in August 2014. He was drafted in the second round by the Washington Wizards and eventually he was traded to the Lakers.

Prior to joining the Lakers, Clarks o n played basketball at Tulsa University for two seasons before transferring to the University of Missouri.

In his rookie year, Clarkson averaged 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.86 steals

and 0.20 blocks in 59 games. He was also the first-ever Lakers player to be named the Kia NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month, an award he received in April for games he played in March this year.

“Playing with the Lakers is a blessing and I feel very honored for the support [I’ve been receivPAGE B3

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

Jo Koy

March 3

9 P M // T R E A S U R E I S L A N D T H E A T R E // T I C K E T S 7 0 2 . 8 9 4 . 7 7 2 2

B

EntErtainmEnt

B february 23-march 1, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

anne Curtisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; birthday wish

Film revieW: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;THe GreaT Wallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Matt Damon saves China, but canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t save Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest film production

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

The Great Wall of China was built to protect Chinese states and empires and prevent raids and invasions. The original conception of the wall took place from 259-210 B.C.e., but then went through a few millennia of on and off construction. The Great Wall we know today was built in between the 14th and 17th century and became a lasting symbol of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resilience and strength.

Its latest portrayal comes in the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first blockbuster film, the unmemorable â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Wall,â&#x20AC;? a grand, CGI-heavy spectacle in which Matt Damon (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Will huntingâ&#x20AC;?, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bourneâ&#x20AC;? saga) and a massive infantry of Chinese warriors seek to defeat an equally massive army of extraterrestrial monsters.

The story is based on a so-called legend that could have only been conceived in hollywood: a wily european mercenary William Garin (Damon), along with his silver-tongued Spanish sidekick Pero Tovar (comedically played

by Pedro Pascal of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Game of Thronesâ&#x20AC;?), is taken captive by a secret fortress-protecting warrior army known as The Nameless Order, led by strong-willed Lin Mae (breakout actress Jing Tian) and an adviser named Wang (Andy Lau, â&#x20AC;&#x153;house of Flying Daggers,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Internal Affairsâ&#x20AC;?). Willem Dafoe (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Platoon,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spider-Manâ&#x20AC;?) co-stars as a Western prisoner, held captive by The Nameless Order for 25 years.

As the two europeans are taken captive, the army is preparing for an invasion like no other: a mythological species of savage, extraterrestrial monsters, the Tao Tei, which run from the mountains from the North every 60 years to wreak havoc upon the Chinese.

The extremely skilled Chinese warriors prove to be no match for these creatures...until Garin and

by MJ

Marfori ManilaTimes.net

DOeS Anne Curtis still have anything to wish for? her life is pretty much a bed of roses, especially with her recent engagement to foodie blogger erwann heussaff. Turning 32 on February 17, she confided that her birthday wish does have something to do with her forthcoming wedding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My wish is for a hassle-free wedding planning talaga.â&#x20AC;?

These days, Anne is still tickled pink when questions about her engagement come up. There is a part of her that is still in shock too even though the proposal happened three months ago in Connecticut, USA during her New

Anne Curtis

na parang huh! Ten months to go na lang. Parang it keeps going by so fast, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a little bit stressed but I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be a love filled year.â&#x20AC;?

by ricKy lo Philstar.com

Tovar show them how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done in the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first of many outrageous battle scenes. The Order then sees the value in these two mercenaries and they join forces to try to defeat the Tao Tei once and for all.

Amid the film boycotts due to the controversy of casting Damon â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whose unconvincing Irish accent wavers throughout the film â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as the lead in a predominantly Chinese cast, he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do well in justifying the casting choice. The incredible notion that the entire country of China could not have been saved if not for the inclusion of an Irish mercenary plays with the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tired obsession with white bodies coming to the rescue; it can be seen as, quite literally, a white savior film.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to be dismissed, however, was Tianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance, which provided a refreshing female power character who takes Damon under her wing, and the two embody the advantages of bilateralism. She assumes the

role of the Orderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commander after the Orderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patriarch General Shao (played by veteran actor hanyu Zhang, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Assemblyâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Taking of Tiger Mountainâ&#x20AC;?) is killed (in a quick scene which probably should not have been abruptly cut).

One of the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest strengths were the spectacular stunts, which are nothing new to the regular viewer of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wuxiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; film genre. Director Zhang Yimou (â&#x20AC;&#x153;house of Flying Daggersâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;heroâ&#x20AC;?) brings to the mainstream audience dazzling martial arts and impressive stunt choreography really only seen in Chinese film. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Wallâ&#x20AC;? embodies hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shortcomings when it comes to storytelling and casting, but if you can look past that, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an amusing two-hour spectacle. But you probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember it the next day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Wallâ&#x20AC;? opened nationwide on Friday, February 17.

deserves.

Mikael Daez plays edward Villareal, the handsome, rich, and principled man who will help Grace in her search for justice and eventually fall in love with her.

Lauren Young is Charie evangelista, the younger sister of Grace whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deeply envious of her. She is forced to quit school after her parents decided to invest their money on Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s law education.

Marc Abaya is William Villareal, the older brother of edward. he is a successful businessman and married with a child on the way but easily gets tempted by his circle of friends.

Rodjun Cruz is Joel Apostol, Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old love and boyfriend from law school. he will try to win back Graceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart again.

Also essaying pivotal roles are Chanda Romero as the loving mother of the sisters and Therese Malvar as Nina, the youngest

Janine Gutierrez

sibling of Grace and a thoughtful, compassionate bundle of joy who looks up to Grace and keeps her motivated in life.

Completing the cast are Lucho Ayala, Ashley Rivera, and Camille Torres. (ManilaTimes.net)

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been away from the Philippines for a decade. What are some of the fond memories that came back to you? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last time I was here in The Philippines was 2007. Ang tagal na! I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that I waited this long. So many memories, so many wonderful experiences Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had when I lived here. This is a country that has loved me for so long. No matter how long it takes me to come back, your love, your embrace and your hugs are exactly the same. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have never forgotten me and I will always be forever grateful. You have loved me as your own and I thank God for the blessing of having the end of my pageant bring me to this beautiful country that opened the doors for me, and gave so many opportunities for my career, a country I will forever call my second home.â&#x20AC;?

What are some of the changes that impressed you as you moved around Manila? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Definitely, so many constructions, so many new buildings, newly developed areas, all so modernized. But what I am most happy to see are the beautiful landscapes in the midst of all these. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful thing that you have kept a balance between nature, urbanization and tradition because I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supposed to be.â&#x20AC;?

Do you maintain regular contact/communication with the friends that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made in Manila? â&#x20AC;&#x153;After I left, I became a mother.

Life changes but I always managed to be in touch with a few friends from time to time, mainly not from showbiz. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always been in contact with Gary V and Angeli (Pangilinan) and also Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve met Martin (Nievera) a few times in the States, Ruby Rodriguez, Winnie Mariano and Dr. Joan Albito. But now that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m back, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been able to reconnect with so many friends and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to keep in touch and catch up with them. It truly feels like getting back to family.â&#x20AC;?

How has life been since you left Manila? What have been the challenges that you have to hurdle?

NOTICE OF PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION CITY OF BOULDER CITY, STATE OF NEVADA ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017

LUNGSOD NG LAS VEGAS MUNISIPAL PANGUNAHING HALALAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at which election there will be submitted to the duly qualified electors, properly registered of Boulder City, the following candidates for the office of:

ANG ABISO NA ITO AY IBINIBIGAY, Ang lungsod ng Las Vegas Munisipal na Pangunahing Halalan ay gaganapin sa Martes,Ika-4ng Abril, 2017 sa mga sumusunod na tanggapan:

Council member: Warren C. Harhay Richard Loudin Eric L. Lundgaard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fritzâ&#x20AC;? McDonald Kiernan McManus John Milburn James T. Stuckey Cam Walker FURTHER, the Primary Municipal Election on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, will be conducted in the manner as provided by the election laws of the State of Nevada and the City of Boulder City. Vote at EITHER of the following locations on Election Day. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the following locations: Boulder City Recreation Center 900 Arizona Street Boulder City, Nevada Martha P. King Elementary 888 S. Adams Boulevard Boulder City, Nevada Aides for handicapped persons and persons 65 years of age or older will be available at each vote center. Those hearing impaired persons who desire voting information may call the City Clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office T.D.D. telephone at 293-9412, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For visually impaired voters, audio voting is available during the early voting period at City Hall and on Election Day at any vote center.

Absent ballot request cards are available at the Boulder City City Clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office for said Primary Election, and all written requests for absent ballots must be received at the Clark County Election Department no later than March 28, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Early voting will be conducted in the Boulder City Council Chambers, 401 California Avenue as follows: Wednesday & Thursday Friday & Saturday

York Marathon stint. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of anything else at that timeâ&#x20AC;Ś my whole mind was focused on the New York Marathon so it really didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cross my mind that he would propose there. If ever I thought he would, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s if we were planning a trip togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;parang dun pa yun thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why ang galing niya eh. he knew I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect it and it was beautiful and charming that we were alone together there.â&#x20AC;?

Anne and erwann are still deciding if they want a private wedding or something open to the public considering her stature.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already feeling the pressure though. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit hectic. Parang as soon you get engaged you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize

Why Dayanara loves PH so much

Janine Gutierrez leads â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Legally Blindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; power cast GMA Network debuts its newest gripping Afternoon Prime series, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Legally Blind.â&#x20AC;? Based on trueto-life stories of women who have been victims of rape, the effects of drug abuse, pressure and rivalry within a household, it shows more importantly the unconditional love that binds families together and the resiliency of Filipinos in facing lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges.

Janine Gutierrez plays Grace evangelista, a beautiful, hardworking, and responsible law student who eventually passes the board exam with flying colors. however, in a dreadful turn of events, she gets raped by an unknown culprit, scarring her forever when the distress and trauma causes her to lose her eyesight.

She nevertheless chooses to pursue her passion for law and thus becomes a blind lawyer amid the quest in finding her perpetrator and seeking justice she rightfully

http://www.asianjournal.com â&#x20AC;˘ (702) 792-6678

March 22-23, 2017 March 24-25, 2017

Dated this 16th day of February, 2017. /s/Lorene Krumm_____________ Lorene Krumm, City Clerk City of Boulder City, Nevada LVRJ February 24 and March 3, 2017 El Tiempo, February 24 and March 3, 2017 LV Asian Journal, February 23 and March 2, 2017 BC Review, February 23 and March 2, 2017

7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

KONSEHO NG LUNGSOD - PUROK 2

KONSEHO NG LUNGSOD - PUROK 4

KONSEHO NG LUNGSOD - PUROK 6

Bob Beers Laura Feher Christina Roush Steve Seroka

Stavros S. Anthony Jon Edge Deborah Harris Sean Lyttle

MUNISIPAL NA HUKOM SA HUKUMAN KAGAWARAN 3

MUNISIPAL NA HUKOM SA HUKUMAN KAGAWARAN 5

Ryan M. Alarid Adam K. Christian Matthew G. Consoli Michele Fiore Christine â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chrisâ&#x20AC;? Garvey Joel Jarvis Allen Jordan Reid Rasner Kelli Ross Thaddeus A. Ynigues

Heidi Almase Cara Campbell Robert Kurth

Crystal Eller Cedric Kerns

KOREO/MANLILIBAN NA BALOTANG KAHILINGAN NA MGA TARHETA ay maaaring makuha sa Lalawigan ng Clark /Kagawaran ng Halalan, online sa sumusunod na website www.lasvegasnevada.gov/elections Lahat ng mga kahilingan para sa koreo/manliliban na balota para sa Pangunahing Halalan ay dapat matanggap sa Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan, 965 Trade Drive, Ste. A, N. Las Vegas, Nevada 89303, sa 5:00 n.h. sa Martes, Ika-28ng Marso, 2017.

SA KARAGDAGAN, ANG PANGUNAHING HALALAN na naka takda sa Martes, Ika- 4ng Abril , 2017 ay gaganapin sa pamamaraan na ibinigay sa pamamagitan ng batas sa halalan ng Estado ng Nevada at ang Lungsod ng Las Vegas.

Mga Sentro nang Botohan ay magbubukas sa 7 n.u. hanggang 7 n.g. sa mga sumusunod na lugar: Albertsons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1650 North Buffalo Drive Albertsons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4850 West Craig Road Centennial Hills YMCA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6601 North Buffalo Drive Las Vegas City Hall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 495 South Main Street Doolittle Community Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1950 J Street East Las Vegas Community Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 250 North Eastern Avenue Kitty Ward Elementary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5555 Horse Drive Meadows Mall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4300 Meadows Lane Mountain Crest Community Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4701 North Durango Drive Mountain Shadows Community Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9107 Del Webb Boulevard Rainbow Library â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3150 North Buffalo Drive Sahara West Library â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9600 West Sahara Avenue Skye Center at Skye Canyon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Drive Veterans Memorial â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 101 North Pavilion Center Drive West Charleston Library â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6301 West Charleston Boulevard

From the time the Miss Universe Pageant was held in the Philippines, Dayanara Torres stayed to embark on a showbiz career, left to pursue a career in Hollywood and her native Puerto Rico, returned briefly in 2007 and came back as judge for the third time in the recent Miss U pageant. Series of photos shows Dayanara after her Thermage treatment by Dr. Vicki Belo.

Photos courtesy of the Belo Medical Group

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I left Manila in 1999, I went back to Puerto Rico and continued with my singing career.

I released an album (which topped Billboard Latin Music Charts and the Philippines) but then I met the father of my kids and decided to take a break, got married and had my two beautiful sons, Cristian Anthony, 16, and Ryan Anthony, 13. In 2004, I got divorced, left New York and we moved to Los Angeles. The boys are happy. I am happy that I am able to balance being a mom and a career woman. I choose the projects that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take me away from my children. Those are the projects I agree to do.â&#x20AC;?

Why did you decide to discontinue your Hollywood career? â&#x20AC;&#x153;First, I worked in the soap opera The Young and the Restless with a recurring role, then I landed the lead role on a series from FOX My Network TV called Watch Over Me, a love triangle between my fiancĂŠ, a rich and powerful man, and my bodyguard. I also got the lead in a movie called The Nail with William Forsythe and Tony Danza, a heavy drama about a battered wife struggling to raise her son.

Also 200 Letters (200 Cartas) with Lin Manuel Miranda (Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hamilton) shot in New York and Puerto Rico. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never discontinued my career. I have chosen to be a part of my sonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; life as a mom 24/7!

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been lucky enough to find projects that are truly important

and that I believe in and that happen to fall on school breaks so I can take my kids with me so that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a minute of their childhood.â&#x20AC;?

How are you as a mother?

Howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your love life? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a cool mom.

Or at least thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what my kids call me. When you have kids, they are handed to you with no instructions or manuals, so I try to do my best, guide them through life the best I can, teach them whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important in life, make them understand how lucky they are, teach them to work hard for what they want and every night I go to sleep hoping I did a good job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I get the best rewards every time other parents tell me how wonderful my boys are, so sweet and loving and respectful they are, and when my own boys tell me Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a great mom. I drive them to their schools where I pick them up after school. I attend their extra-curricular activities such as music lessons, soccer, basketball, football and volleyball practice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My love life? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m single at the moment.â&#x20AC;?

How do you keep your â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miss universeâ&#x20AC;? look? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I try to eat healthy; I want my kids to be healthy, too. I drink lots of water and I take vitamins daily.

I exercise and love to dance. I do Zumba class at least five to seven times a week, and I absolutely love it! It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like working out when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dancing and having fun.â&#x20AC;?

LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF HENDERSON 2017 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Henderson Primary Election will be held RQ 7XHVGD\ $SULO IRU WKH IROORZLQJ RIÂżFHV Mayor City Council Ward III Anthony S. Csuzi Carrie Cox Angelo R. Gomez 0DWWKHZ 3 'H)DOFR Eddie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Swamperâ&#x20AC;? Hamilton -RKQ 0DU] Crystal Hendrickson 'HEUD 0DUFK -HUU\ 6DNXUD Rick Workman FURTHER, AT THE CLOSE OF CANDIDATE FILING ON FEBRUARY 2, 2017, WKH RIÂżFH IRU 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW -XGJH 'HSDUWPHQW ,,, KDG RQO\ RQH FDQGLGDWH ÂżOLQJ for nomination. Pursuant to Nevada Revised Statute 293C.180(1), Rodney T. Burr, WKH LQFXPEHQW ZDV GHFODUHG HOHFWHG DW WKH FORVH RI FDQGLGDWH ÂżOLQJ DQG QR HOHFWLRQ ZLOO EH KHOG IRU 0XQLFLSDO &RXUW -XGJH 'HSDUWPHQW ,,, Âą \HDU WHUP FURTHER, ELECTION DAY VOTE CENTERS are being utilized for the 2017 Henderson Municipal Election. Vote Centers are non-precinct based locations similar to Early Voting. The sites are fewer in number than precinct-voting stations and centrally located to major population centers (rather than distributed among many residential locations). Henderson registered voters are entitled to cast a ballot at any Vote Center regardless of the precinct or ward in which they reside.

Please note Âą 9RWH &HQWHUV ZLOO 21/< EH XWLOL]HG GXULQJ +HQGHUVRQÂśV 0XQLFLSDO (OHFWLRQ 7UDGLWLRQDO SUH DVVLJQHG (OHFWLRQ 'D\ 3ROOLQJ /RFDWLRQV ZLOO UHPDLQ LQ effect during County, State, and Federal Elections conducted in the fall.

ON ELECTION DAY ONLY - APRIL 4 VOTE CENTERS WILL BE OPEN from 7am-7pm Black Mountain Recreation Center 599 Greenway Road Henderson, NV 89015

Henderson Multigenerational Center 250 South Green Valley Parkway Henderson, NV 89012

Galleria at Sunset Lower Level, Kohlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court 1300 West Sunset Road Henderson, NV 89014

+HULWDJH 3DUN 6HQLRU )DFLOLW\ 300 South Racetrack Road Henderson, NV 89015

Green Valley Library 2797 North Green Valley Parkway Henderson, NV 89014 Henderson City Hall 2IÂżFH RI WKH &LW\ &OHUN VW )ORRU 240 South Water Street Henderson, NV 89015

Silver Springs Recreation Center 1951 Silver Springs Parkway Henderson, NV 89074 Sun City Anthem Center 2450 Hampton Road Henderson, NV 89052 Sun City MacDonald Ranch 2020 West Horizon Ridge Parkway Henderson, NV 89012

MAIL PRECINCTS Mail precincts have been eliminated for the 2017 Municipal Election. All Henderson registered voters have the opportunity to vote at any Vote Center, Early Voting site or by requesting a mail ballot.

'DWHG WKLV WK GD\ RI )HEUXDU\ 6$%5,1$ 0(5&$'$17( 00& &,7< &/(5. sabrina.mercadante@cityofhenderson.com

EntErtainmEnt

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ fEbRUARy 23-mARch 1, 2017

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Jordan Clarkson on embracing basketball... The Moffatts magic: Filipinos still crazy for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s boyband PAGE B1 ing]. It shows how much love and support there is and I will do my best to represent,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Dreams to play in the PH One of his goals is to join the Philippine national team. Asked if it will ever become a reality, Clarkson said that they have been talking with the proper authorities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is really good if everything works out with FIBA. My team is working with them as well,â&#x20AC;? he shared. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been involved with the team, practicing with them.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity to do that and I want to do it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just everything has to be worked out.â&#x20AC;?

To say that basketball is a popular sport in the Philippines would be an understatement.

That is why Clarkson has become the embodiment of pride in the community.

And as Sen. Cayetano said, back in the Philippines, especially in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s, Filipino fans were either one or the other. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Either Boston Celtics ka or Los Angeles Lakers. Toyota or Crispa.

Marcos o Aquino,â&#x20AC;? he said, the audience applauding in agreement.

Since joining the Lakers organization, Clarkson has been working extra hard to prove his worth and the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fans from across the globe have seen how prepared he is in every game, physically and mentally.

Despite the adulations, there would always be criticisms and put-downs but Clarkson is not someone who would be bothered by those. He is focused on his game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just work hard, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always going to be doubted,â&#x20AC;? he shared. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just do what they say you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do and prove everybody wrong.â&#x20AC;?

And when asked what playing with legends has contributed to his well-being, he said that

more than the advice given to him, it is the work ethic that he hopes to emulate from the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legends, like former teammate Kobe Bryant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be professional, no matter what is going on in your life or no matter what is it you are doing,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wake up, go to work, put your heart in it. Even during practice, put everything on the line.â&#x20AC;?

Looking back, Jordan said he realized he could be an inspiration to young Filipinos when he was able to visit the country for the first time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After my rookie year in the league when we first went to the Philippines and to see the impact I had in the country, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know how much impact I had over there. Seeing that was my turning point in getting me want to come back,â&#x20AC;? he shared.

He has not been back recently but he looks forward to making another trip when his schedule permits him to do so.

From Manila to Pampanga to the shores of Boracay, Clarkson could very well be a tourism ambassador as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were there for a while so we went to a lot of places. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been to Boracay. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful out there. Although Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a big vacation guy, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d definitely go out there for vacation,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Filipino heritage Clarkson proudly declared that he got his work ethic from his mom and his lola, strong women

by

Philstar.com

AJPress photos by Ding Carreon

both who faced adversity and succeeded. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My grandma, my mom, they work hard, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I got, I work hard. I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always the underdog, and so as Filipinos, we fight, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what it is,â&#x20AC;? he said.

His mom Annette Davis and dad Mike met in the military. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were in the Air Force together at technical training school and we were friends and family ever since then,â&#x20AC;? Clarksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dad said, responding to questions on how they met. The couple divorced when Clarkson was small.

Like his son, Mike Clarkson is thankful that Filipinos have embraced Jordan and that an entire country is supporting him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jordan has an entire country that supports him, that in itself is humbling,â&#x20AC;? the basketball playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In turn, he understands the responsibility that goes along with it and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s importantâ&#x20AC;Ś heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonna excel at whatever he does, but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonna make sure the Filipino community is proud of what he does.â&#x20AC;?

Before the end of the press conference, the 24-year-old Lakers guard fielded one of the last few questions, another one that was Filipino-related. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not the happiest guy all the time but seeing the Filipinos, everybody is always happy and smiling,â&#x20AC;? he said, initially with a serious face but trying to stifle a smile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably the best thing I could take in all of that, probably the only time you see me with a big smile on my face.â&#x20AC;?

Karagdagang impormasyon sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng North Las Vegas CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS NEIGHBORHOOD EARLY VOTING SITES Date

Time

Saturday and Sunday, March 18th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19th

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM

Monday, March 20th

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM

Tuesday, March 21st

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM

LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS 2017 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION

Wednesday, March 22nd

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM

Thursday and Friday, March 23rd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 24th

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of North Las 9HJDV 3ULPDU\ (OHFWLRQ ZLOO EH KHOG RQ 7XHVGD\ $SULO IRU WKH IROORZLQJ RIÂżFHV

Saturday and Sunday, March 25th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 26th

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM

Monday, March 27

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM

Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 29th

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00 PM

Thursday, March 30th

11:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 PM

Friday, March 31

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 PM

st

CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD 1 4-YEAR TERM Isaac Barron +HFWRU 5LYHUD

7+( 35,0$5< (/(&7,21 VFKHGXOHG IRU 7XHVGD\ $SULO ZLOO EH FRQGXFWHG LQ WKH PDQQHU SURYLGHG E\ WKH HOHFWLRQ ODZV RI WKH 6WDWH RI 1HYDGD DQG WKH &LW\ RI 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV With this election, the City of North Las Vegas moves from polling locations, that limit voters to casting ballots at a single location based on the voterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residence, to vote centers that give voters the choice to vote at one of the 10 polling locations across the City and as listed below. Polls will be RSHQ IURP DP WR SP DW WKH IROORZLQJ ORFDWLRQV

($5/< 927,1* ZLOO EHJLQ DW DP RQ 6DWXUGD\ 0DUFK DQG ZLOO FORVH RQ )ULGD\ 0DUFK DW SP (except as noted) at the following locations: CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS EARLY VOTING SITES OPEN THROUGHOUT THE 2-WEEK PERIOD Time

Saturday and Sunday, March 18th and 19th

Location

CLOSED

Monday through Thursday, March 20th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23rd

8:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 PM

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, March 24th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26th

CLOSED

Monday through Thursday, March 27th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30th

8:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 PM

Friday, March 31st

CLOSED

Saturday, March 18th

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 PM

Sunday, March 19th

CLOSED

Monday through Thursday, March 20th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 23rd

11:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 PM

Friday and Saturday, March 24th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 25th

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 PM

Sunday, March 26 Monday through Thursday,

CLOSED

March 27th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30th

11:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 PM

Friday, March 31st

9:00 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 PM

North Las Vegas City Hall 2250 Las Vegas Blvd North

CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS 2017 VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS* Vote Center Address Aliante Library

2400 W. Deer Springs, North Las Vegas, NV 89084

Theron L. Swainston Middle 3500 W. Gilmore Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89032 School City Hall

2250 Las Vegas Blvd North, North Las Vegas, NV 89030

Steve Cozine Elementary School

5335 Coleman St, North Las Vegas, NV 89031

D. L. Dickens Elementary School

5550 Milan Peak St, North Las Vegas, NV 89081

Raul Elizondo Elementary School

*ROGÂżHOG 6W 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 19

H. P. Fitzgerald Elementary 2651 Revere St, North Las Vegas, NV 89030 School Don E. Hayden Elementary 150 W. Rome Blvd, North Las Vegas, NV 89084 Lowes (Trailer)

th

Location Deer Springs Town Center (Trailer in Parking Lot) N. 5th St./Deer Springs Way Sun City Aliante 7390 Aliante Pkwy Neighborhood Recreation Center 1638 N Bruce St Silver Mesa Recreation Center 4025 Allen Avenue Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Trailer in Parking Lot) Craig/Losee Albertsons Ann/Simmons 3010 W Ann Rd College of Southern Nevada (CSN) NLV 3200 E Cheyenne Ave SkyView Recreation Center YMCA 3050 E Centennial Pkwy Alexander Library 1755 W Alexander Rd Alexander Library 1755 W Alexander Rd

ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST CARDS DUH DYDLODEOH DW WKH 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH IRU VDLG 3ULPDU\ (OHFWLRQ DW /DV 9HJDV %OYG 1RUWK 6XLWH 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV 1HYDGD RU E\ FDOOLQJ All written requests for absentee ballots must be made by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD 3 4-YEAR TERM (QGHU $XVWLQ ,,, Scott Black Tom Collins :LOVRQ ³:LOO´ &UHVSR Anita Wood

Date

th

2570 East Craig Rd, North Las Vegas, NV 89030

Sun City Aliante Community 7390 Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas, NV 89084 Center

Aliante Library 2400 W. Deer Springs Way (@ North Aliante Parkway)

DurIng the 1990s, the youth had to pick sides a lotâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;between the Spice girls or All Saints, Backstreet Boys or nSync, Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stone Coldâ&#x20AC;?

Steve Austin or Bret Hart, Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera. And of course, there is Hanson versus The Moffatts.

Last Saturday, Feb. 18, Team Moffatts won in Araneta Coliseum. To this day, The Moffatts remain as the biggest-selling international band of all time in the Philippines.

High school sweethearts of yesteryear came in the concert with their children in tow. Some women in the audience were even heavily pregnant. But on that night, everyone was 14 again, waving their smart phonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flashlights as they sing along with the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hits, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Be There for You,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bang Bang Boom,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Crazy,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;until You Love Meâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Always in My Heart.â&#x20AC;?

The boys also debuted their latest singles from their new branding, as Scott Moffatt and Bob and Clintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Endless Summer. Of course, they saved the best ones for last and did not complete their Farewell Tour in Manila without rendering â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life is So Short,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;girl of My Dreams,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;girls of the World,â&#x20AC;? where The Philippines has been immortalized, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miss You Like Crazy,â&#x20AC;? which was number one in the country for 14 to 15 weeks straight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The last time we were here 16 years ago, there were no cellphones yet,â&#x20AC;? Scott said, describing the dance of lights as â&#x20AC;&#x153;memorableâ&#x20AC;? and reminiscent of space in the movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;La La Land.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Miss You like Crazyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is one of the biggest songs of our time,â&#x20AC;?

Clint admitted in a press conference prior to the show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can never predict success. We never

Brothers Scott, Clint, and Bob, collectively known as The Moffatts, performed live at the Araneta Coliseum for their Farewell Tour last Saturday.

Philstar.com photos by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

thought thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to happen.

It just happened.â&#x20AC;?

Throwback to long hair Formed in their native Canada, The Moffatts was composed of brothers Scott, Bob, Clint and Dave.

Scott was born in 1983, while the triplets were born a year after.

From a country music vocal band, they rose to international stardom with the release of their first pop rock album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chapter 1: A new Beginningâ&#x20AC;? in 1998, with the hit single â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Be There For You.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;People saw us as a boyband.

We really didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it that way. We just continued to be who we were,â&#x20AC;?

Scott explained in the press con. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We respected a lot of other boy bands like nSync. We never saw ourselves as thatâ&#x20AC;ŚWe didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow people to say to us who we were and what we were.â&#x20AC;?

Scott recalled that they wrote a song by asking each other to contribute a line to a melody. When they were young, instead of telling stories, they would sing fairytales and put twists into them as they boarded the ferry from Victoria to Vancouver. â&#x20AC;&#x153;girl of My Dreams,â&#x20AC;? said Scott, pertains to â&#x20AC;&#x153;no girl in particular.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some songs are from personal experience,â&#x20AC;? confessed Bob. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Writing a song is like an actor creating a scene. You create a hook or an idea, then anybody can attach to that.â&#x20AC;?

According to Clint, all their hits are the first ones they wrote together. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scott started writing at a very young age. We had no idea that those songs are going to be embraced so massively.â&#x20AC;?

When the band toured their first album in Manila 16 years ago, the boys had their biggest audience ever at the Hard rock CafĂŠ in Manila. In fact, the glass door broke because so many people tried to get in. Their show in SM Megamall drew close to 40,000 people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That airport crazinessâ&#x20AC;Śabout 30,000 people in the mall, girls climbing to the speakers, that kind of reception we never experienced before,â&#x20AC;? Bob said of his most memorable time in the Philippines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t experienced so many people like that. It was crazy!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back in our days, we were doing about 100 shows a year,â&#x20AC;? shared Clint. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of fun. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a lot of great memories of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s.

Coming back here makes us relive some of the best memories that we had,â&#x20AC;? said Bob. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The passion that fans had for us is what I missed.â&#x20AC;?

Because of the great reception the band got from The Philippines, they made sure to include the country in the song, â&#x20AC;&#x153;girls of the World.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The one thing that we can say about our Filipino fans is that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re extremely loyal. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re passionate. They always welcome us with smiles, beautiful smiles.

And theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been there for us the whole time. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really cool and admirable trait that they have,â&#x20AC;?

The Moffattsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Farewell Tour in Manila was well-received by Filipino fans, who sang along and said Bob. flashed their smartphones in support of the group.

PAGE B4

Karagdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote.

www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/departments/city_clerk/elections.php

MAYOR 4-YEAR TERM *DU\ %RXFKDUG -RKQ - /HH 'H4XLQF\ ³4XLQF\´ 7D\ORU

Deni Rose BeRnaRDo

For additional information, please contact the North Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH DW RU WKH &ODUN &RXQW\ (OHFWLRQ 'HSDUWPHQW DW

NOTICE TO ELECTORS OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017 IN HENDERSON, LAS VEGAS, NORTH LAS VEGAS, BOULDER CITY REGISTRATION CLOSES TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that voter registration for the Municipal Primary Elections to be held on April 4, 2017, will close on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. $Q\ TXDOLÂżHG HOHFWRU ZKRVH QDPH GRHV QRW DSSHDU RQ WKH RIÂżFLDO UHJLVWU\ OLVW PD\ DSSO\ WR UHJLVWHU E\ DSSHDULQJ at the Clark County Election Department, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas; Clark County Election &HQWHU 7UDGH 'ULYH 6XLWH $ 1RUWK /DV 9HJDV WKH DSSURSULDWH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH DQ\ EUDQFK RI WKH Department of Motor Vehicles; or by appearing before a Field Registrar in the manner provided by law. The Clark County Election Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Voter registration applications will be accepted by mail or in person up until 31 days before the election. Thereafter XQWLO GD\V EHIRUH WKH HOHFWLRQ YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV PXVW EH ÂżOHG LQ SHUVRQ DW WKH DSSURSULDWH &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH RQO\ Online Registration $Q\ HOLJLEOH &ODUN &RXQW\ UHVLGHQW ZKR KDV D 1HYDGD GULYHUÂśV OLFHQVH RU DQ LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ FDUG LVVXHG E\ WKH Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles can now register or update his/her registration information online.

To register or update your information online, go to the Clark County Election Department website at www. clarkcountynv.gov/vote, in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Online Registration Servicesâ&#x20AC;? box and click on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Click Hereâ&#x20AC;? button. This service is available 24 hours a day.

To be eligible to vote in the April 4th Primary Election, online registration must be completed on or before March 14, 2017 by 11:59p.m.

0DLO LQ YRWHU UHJLVWUDWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV DUH DYDLODEOH DW YDULRXV SRVW RIÂżFHV OLEUDULHV DQG XWLOLW\ FRPSDQLHV throughout Clark County.

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Friday, March 10 - Sunday, March 12 Closed Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14 7:00 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 p.m.

City of Henderson &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 240 Water Street Henderson, Nevada Sunday, March 5 Closed Monday, March 6 - Thursday, March 9 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Friday, March 10 - Sunday, March 12 Closed Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14 7:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 p.m.

City of Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 495 S. Main Street, 2nd Floor Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday, March 5 Closed Monday, March 6 - Thursday, March 9 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Friday, March 10 - Sunday, March 12 Closed Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

City of North Las Vegas &LW\ &OHUNÂśV 2IÂżFH 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North Suite 800 North Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday, March 5 Closed Monday, March 6 - Thursday, March 9 8:00 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:45 p.m.

Friday, March 10 - Sunday, March 12 Closed Monday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 14 8:00 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 p.m.

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For more information, call the Clark County Election Department at (702) 455-8683.

'DWHG )HEUXDU\ &DWKHULQH $ 5D\QRU 00& City Clerk City of North Las Vegas

DATED: February 15, 2017 Joseph P. Gloria Registrar of Voters

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PUB: February 16, 23, March 2, and 9 Las Vegas Asian Journal

B february 23-march 1, 2017 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

EntErtainmEnt

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

Ai-Ai in love but in mourning The Moffatts magic: Filipinos still crazy...

by Ronnie

CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

iii

FRom hereon, February will be probably the most meaningful, if not the most heartbreaking month for Ai Ai Delas Alas.

While love abounds in her life all year round with long-time partner Gerard Sibayan, the country’s premiere comedienne will also remember in the season of the hearts, the ill-fated time she lost two of the most important people in her career and personal life, two years running.

Ai Ai lost director-friend Wenn Deramas who succumbed to heart attack immediately following his sister’s death on the same night of February 29, 2016. Arguably, it was Deramas who made Ai Ai the biggest box office star via Star Cinema’s family drama Tanging Ina in 2003, which was followed by a string of other successful movies.

Despite their shaken friendship brought about by box office issues in the mmFF 2015, Ai Ai paid her last respects to Deramas at the crowded wake, even visiting his buried remains without a chaperone.

A year later, on February 9 Ai Ai mourned the passing of Father Erick Santos whom she consid-

ered more than just her spiritual adviser but also a family friend.

Vignettes bore witness to several religious gatherings hosted

by Ai Ai where Fr. Erick led a group of young and good-looking priests to concelebrate mass. But of them all, Father Erick would always take center stage regaling his audience—manangs and the young alike—with his brand of “homedy” (homily-comedy).

Exuding a charismatic, cool and exuberant mien, Father Erick was unorthodox in more ways than one, a total departure from—pardon Vignettes—all the other church stereotypes whose drab and oftentimes humorless homilies could either put anyone to sleep or make him regret he stayed seated for the sermon.

In street jargon, Father Erick was a favorite among the jologs.

His roots in Tondo, manila sure had a lot to do with his impeccable enigma toward the common tao.

Why and how Ai Ai became a Papal awardee in october 2016 was all of Father Erick’s recommendation to the Vatican. However, it was he who advised Ai Ai and Gerard to abstain from you-know-what until they take the vows of Holy matrimony or at least before the conferment of the Papal honor.

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Ai Ai Delas Alas

meanwhile, a video in honor of Father Erick—with his composition “Buhay Na Buhay” which he sang himself—reaffirms the 55year-old priest’s legions of fans, both old and young. The almost eight-minute material aptly ends with a smiling Father Erick with a halo as he ascends to heaven, looking down on a motley group of people saying, “Thank you, Father Erick!” in unison.

Denise Laurel tries to be whole again after breakup by

MaRidol Rañoa-BisMaRk Philstar.com

moNTHS after she and basketball player Sol mercado called off their engagement, Denise Laurel is still trying to be whole again. It is not easy, but the actress is thankful she has work to turn to.

“I was whole before I met him.

Then I became half (since she and Sol got engaged). Now, I’m learning to be whole again. This show is helping me,” Denise, referring to her new ABS-CBN suspensedrama “The Better Half,” said in a recent press con.

She refused to reveal why she and Sol ended their long-running relationship.

“No, we didn’t get tired of each other. He was the one who initiated (the breakup). Toward the end, it was on and off (for us).

The final word was from him, but we’re friends. In fact, he hang out with my son last night,” shared the star.

Her voice bore no trace of bitterness as she described how peaceful she feels, “because everything

EMPLOYMENT

Denise Laurel with “The Better Half” co-star Carlo Aquino

in my life is as it should be.”

She and Sol are talking. And her six-year-old son, Alejandro, understands. The boy and his words of comfort have become her source of strength.

Denise did not say a word. But Alejandro sensed how sad his mom was. So, he tried to cheer her up.

Denise recalled his words: “mom it’s okay. It’s like when I have a stomach ache. Sometimes it’s painful. Then, the pain disap-

pears and returns. Sometimes it doesn’t come back. You’ll be okay because you’re strong.”

Even if she wanted to, Denise did everything she could to keep herself from crying in front of her son. She had to live up to his impression of her.

Now, all she wants is to be a good mom. Looking for another love is out of the question. Besides, Denise knows it is not her PAGE B6

EMPLOYMENT

Bob and Clint returned to the Philippines as the duo Same Same and collaborated with Filipino singer-actress Lovi Poe. When asked if they ever have been linked to a Filipina during one of their visits, Clint told Philstar.com: “We’re just friends with Lovi. We never got to know Filipino girls on a personal level.”

Bob, however, said of Filipinas: “They’re gorgeous! Beautiful! Really nice.”

The band released a second album, “Submodalities,” in 2000 before disbanding in 2001. But even after separating, they were told that Filipinos still buy their records like crazy, said Bob. Thus, six months ago, the brothers decided to reunite since “Filipinos have always been incredibly kind to us,” said Bob. “It’s not really about getting back and making a lot of money; we just want to have fun,” clarified Clint.

“It will also be fun to bring our new music to the Philippines to share and carry on the relationship and hopefully they’ll enjoy the new tunes,” added Scott.

The brothers talked to Dave to join them, but Dave has been a yoga instructor for the past 10 years and that has been his passion in life, explained Clint.

“It’s really nice if Dave is here,” said Scott. Bob sang Dave’s parts in the concert. Bob also got back into playing drums, which he was not able to do so for years.

Even after disbanding, the brothers stayed close to each other. Scott stayed in Canada and is still into pop rock, while Bob and Clint formed a country duo, Same Same, which they renamed, Endless Summer. They are based in Nashville.

“Since 16 years ago, Clint has become more comfortable in his own skin. When we were young, he had his insecurities. Now, he’s more confident,” shared Scott, who has since, cut his signature long hair and replaced it with a hat and a pair of glasses.

“As I’ve grown older, the more that I’ve gotten blind,” he told Philstar.com in a jest. “The hair?

There’s still some left. I was thinking of getting a wig!”

Clint, who used to get embarrassed easily, believes that in the past years, “there’s more depth into our lives.”

The brothers also got themselves some tattoos. Scott got his first a few days after he turned 18,

the same tattoo as Dave’s. “I took a pain killer so I will not feel the pain as much,” professed Scott, who got his second tattoo on his neck after partying in Thailand. He thinks the tattoo looks like Bob’s.

Clint, meanwhile, has a tattoo of their dog, their family crest, and a design he drew.

“I don’t party at all and I don’t have sex,” Scott said in response to Philstar.com’s query if they also experienced sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll.

“We partied sometimes then,” Clint admitted. “But we’re not here to just be wild and crazy and all. We’re here to make music.

Basically, throughout our entire career, the emphasis is on creating music and getting better as artists.

The partying was never, ever the focus.”

“A lot of other musicians were in the music industry for the girls, the money, the fame, the booze.

We wanted to make music. We got in it to make music. We cut it loose sometimes, but our goal was to make music and do the best we could,” added Scott, who takes care of his voice by taking tea instead of smoking and drinking alcohol.

1990 now Bob might be married and a lot of things have changed since their last visit to manila, but some things remain the same, he said.

“We’re still immature. our songs really didn’t change ,” noted Bob, who is happy that their songs also appeal to a younger generation.

“Singing it just feels second nature,” added Scott, not feeling awkward to sing the anthems of his youth even if he has gotten older and his voice, more mature and masculine.

“The moment I sing these songs, waves of memories come back, I come back (to being a teenager again),” remarked Clint.

They have managed to stay “cute” by trying “to be as healthy as we can” and eating right, said Bob. “What you do with your life, if you’re having fun doing what you’re doing, that plays a big role,” Clint added.

Their supposed rivalry with Hanson is “still very strong,” said Bob. “We think of them every day,” he said further.

“I actually met those guys. my wife’s a big Hanson fan…I took her to a show in Nashville and it turns out that they’re actually fans of ours. They like the ‘Submodalities’ record. They’re really nice guys and I think we have a mutual respect for

EMPLOYMENT

what we’re doing at that time.”

Though Scott has not yet met the brothers that comprise Hanson, he believes “what they’re doing is cool.”

Through social media, they got in touch with other ‘90s artists, including Next of Kin and singerheartthrob Gil. “In the ‘90s, there were no social media, so there’s much attention drawn into a concert. The show ends in the live performance, which was then, more cozy and human, more earthy,” he explained.

“Now, with social media, there’s non-stop celebrity. But it also allowed us to stay in contact with our fans and have a give and take relationship.”

Scott admitted that he also gets bashed a lot online. “We’re all flawed…so somebody really disagrees with something that I say, because I say a lot of stupid things. But I think it’s cool when we can have conversations about things and we try to understand one another. We become better through these conversations. Not to say that you’re right or I’m right, but to come to a conclusion is a happy thing.”

As he and his brothers leave the Philippines, he wishes his fans would remember him as an “authentic” artist. In turn, he remembers the Philippines as “a big part of their proudest moment as a band” because Filipinos are always there for them.

“They’re still going crazy and having a fun time and screaming like really enjoying the moment,” he observed.

Bob and Clint will be back to Nashville to continue composing songs and performing. During their downtime, they like to play videogames. Clint is also a “great camera guy,” said Scott, while Bob also plays hockey.

Scott will be back to Canada to continue writing songs and to release a new album by April or may.

He vowed that the Philippines will be the first to hear his new songs from the album. He performs live on Facebook every Friday.

What keeps him busy when not strumming his guitar?

“I can bake!” he revealed. “I bake bread. I can bake sour dough, cinnamon buns from scratch!”

He encourages The moffatts fans to stay tuned and keep in touch in social media, so that their Farewell Tour will not really mean “goodbye.” In fact, they hope to return for another concert next year.

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Your Immigration Solution atty. Brittany MilliaSSeau & nanCy Miller Exactly one week after his inauguration, President trump signed an executive order which banned entry of noncitizens from seven Muslim-majority countries, halted U.S. refugee admissions, and suspended the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program.

Signed on January 27, 2017, the executive order seeks to protect the nation from entry of foreign terrorists, but consequently led to a series of nationwide protests, constitutional challenges, and agency confusion at ports of entry and with the U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (UScIS).

One week later, a District court judge issued a nationwide temporary restraining order which halted enforcement of certain provisions of the executive order, namely parts related to the travel

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS tHE body is a wonderful natural chemical factory. Whatever we eat, drink or apply to our body is absorbed and automatically transformed into energy (fuel) or to various hormones and substances that control our total bodily function, including thought processes, mental state, behavior, and cellular responses and reactions. Medications and drugs we take are likewise metabolized and utilized by the body to effect specific chemical reactions to fight infection or cure or achieve certain conditions that will help normalize our health. Our body also has a built-in self-protective ability to heal itself, mediated by our immune system. to a certain degree, our body can protect itself from harm, self-inflicted or caused by our environment. When the dose of the insult or trauma overwhelms our immune system, dis-ease, or disease, develops.

What is that insult?

One such insult is called inflammation, which all of us have constantly, in varying degrees, depending on our lifestyles, behaviors, and habits. We normally associate inflammation with pain-

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 23-mARch 1, 2017

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Trump, the executive orders & you!

ban on refugees and noncitizens from Muslim-majority countries.

Subsequently, the Ninth circuit court of appeals unanimously affirmed the District court judge’s ruling and allowed the temporary restraining order to remain in place. While no immediate next steps have been confirmed, President trump has expressed plans to challenge the ruling, potentially at the Supreme court level, and has also not ruled out the possibility of issuing an entirely new executive order.

Meanwhile, U.S. Immigration and customs Enforcement (IcE) began enforcement raids in several states across the nation aimed at apprehending undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records. IcE has reported that 680 people were taken into custody nationwide. 161 people were taken into custody in Southern california. as legal challenges ensue, expanded enforcement begins, and uncertainty continues to loom, it is now more

important than ever to consult with an immigration attorney if you have questions about how to obtain legal immigration status.

Frequently asked questions I am from one of the seven restricted countries. Is it safe for me to travel outside of the U.S.?

If you are a citizen or national of Iran, Iraq, libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or yemen and are not a U.S. citizen, you will not be permitted to enter the U.S. if the temporary restraining order is lifted.

If the travel ban resumes, lawful permanent residents, as well as dual nationals from one of the restricted countries possessing a valid U.S. visa in a passport of an unrestricted country, should be permitted to enter the U.S., but should still carefully consider the risks of travel.

I am not from a restricted country. Is it safe for me to travel outside of the U.S.?

Due to the fluidity and changes taking place without much ad-

Our self-destructive lifestyle ful swollen joints of arthritis or back pains.

But in reality, most diseases— from obesity, to diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, alzheimer’s, infections and even cancer—are preceded by, and even aggravated by acute or chronic inflammation. actually, inflammation is not the cause but a reaction to insults to our body, from our self-abuse, unhealthy lifestyle and behavior, and from our harsh environment, like over-exposure to the sun, airwater-noise-pollution, etc. these factors are cumulative and build up over time from childhood, where the initial subtle damages to the DNa occur. after three or four decades later, the individuals begin to develop the so-called “expected diseases that naturally come with age,” which are really not expected, nor natural, and actually mostly preventable. there are hundreds of millions of people in their 70s and 90s walking around without high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, alzheimer’s or cancer because their lifestyle and habits have minimized the onset of “inflammation.”

What inflammation? the common inflammation we see in a wound, with redness, swelling, pain, irritation, and warmth is the same inflammation we are talking about, except it is

one that is happening within the inner lining of our arteries and organs in the body. It is usually subtle and subclinical (not obvious). this type of inflammation may not be from a bacterial/viral/fungal infection. the cause may vary from the foods we eat or liquids we drink, the lack of exercise, a harmful lifestyle, stressors and other precipitants in our environment. Some people (one out of 49) may have a genetic predisposition to be more prone to have this type of inflammatory reaction. But the rest of us have caused this ourselves, in a self-destructive manner, unwittingly.

Who has this bodily reaction? almost without exception, all of us have this inflammatory reaction in our body during every second of our life -- in one form or the other and in various stages and severity.

When it is aggravated by what we do or not do, by environmental factors and become severe enough, then any of those illnesses listed above, and others, may develop, all depending on which organ the insult has affected most.

Does infection play a role?

Some believe that the germs we are exposed to 24/7 in public places and even in our own homes may be one of the causes of this inflammation in our system. I have

vance warning, you may want to limit non-essential travel outside of the U.S., especially if you are from an area that may be of particular concern to U.S. national security. If you do travel abroad, please be cautious when returning to the U.S. as there have been unconfirmed reports of individuals being asked to sign documents to relinquish their green cards.

I have a pending case with USCIS. Will the Executive Order impact my case?

UScIS has confirmed that the executive order does not affect adjudication of applications and petitions filed for or on behalf of individuals in the U.S., regardless of their country of nationality. It is important however to consider that there could be delays in processing times due to the change in directives. It is recommended that you seek a licensed attorney for assistance with preparation of any application submitted to UScIS not only to ensure that a proper

legal analysis is performed, but also to ensure that the application is prepared accurately in order to minimize additional requests from immigration that could result in further delays in processing.

I think I may be eligible for a certain immigration benefit such as a green card or citizenship.

What should I do?

Due to the numerous anticipated changes to the immigration program as a whole, if you believe that you may be eligible for a certain immigration benefit, you should consult with an immigration attorney as quickly as possible. changes may happen without much advance notice and a benefit you may currently be eligible for may no longer be available.

What should I do if I am stopped by an Immigration Officer?

If you are stopped by an officer and questioned, you may politely let the officer know that you do not wish you speak with him or

answer any questions until you have spoken with a lawyer. you may also let the officer know that you do not consent to a search of your person or property.

How can I find out if my family member has been arrested in an immigration raid?

If the individual is over 18 years old, you may search the IcE Online Detainee locator System.

If your family member has been detained, you should consult with an immigration attorney immediately. ***

heard of people taking a couple of antibiotic pills once a month “to fight this inflammation.” there is no medical basis for this and this practice could be dangerous. It could lead to bacterial resistance and render antibiotics ineffective and useless when an actual infection occurs.

What test can confirm this? the blood test for cRP (c-reactive protein) level can reveal the presence of systemic inflammation. Some cases will be obvious but others may be so mild and subclinical they may be overt and undetectable. those with pains, like joint and muscles aches, and those with auto-immune diseases, would be the more apparent ones. these are the individuals who may be on pain medications like NSaIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or even steroids, acupuncture, etc. But there are natural ways to fight inflammation, like foods. Some food items cause or aggravate pain and inflammation, and others act as anti-inflammatory, pain-reducing, substances.

Which food items cause inflammation? the usual american and Filipino diets are both too high in red meat, fat, sugars, “junk food,” and dangerous processed foods, all of which increase inflammation. the healthier diets are the chinese, Japanese, and especially the Mediterranean diet, all of which consist

of many anti-inflammatory foods, which reduce joint and muscle pains and blood clot formation. the food items that cause inflammation are red meat, high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, carbohydrates with tons of sugar, all soft drinks (including diet), rice, fast foods, pasta, vegetable oil and corn oils. the other factors are the lack of exercise, being overweight, alcohol abuse, use of tobacco, lack of sleep, stress, and use of illegal drugs. I would like to emphasize that a diet totally eliminating carbohydrates, or at least reducing cooked rice to one cup a day (or to one cup of pasta or three slices of bread) would tremendously reduce the risk for the development of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, alzheimer’s, or even cancer. (Obesity and diabetes increase the risk for cancer.)

Which foods are anti-inflammatory? the anti-inflammatory foods, which reduce pains, include fish, bright multi-colored vegetables, old fashioned oat meal, whole grain, nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc), fresh whole fruits, spices (pepper, onions, gingers, scallions, curry, turmeric, etc), green tea, and olive oil. they are antioxidants that counteract and minimize free radicals, which harm the body, weaken the immune system, and hasten aging. Unlike the marketed antioxidants in pills and potions, which could have long-term harm-

ful side effects, these natural foods are healthier, safer, and cheaper.

Are we on a slow-suicide mode?

We are being a bit dramatic here, if only to put the message across more effectively for the protection and benefit of our readers their family. But the medical fact is that our self-abusive practices that go against healthy lifestyle have literally set in motion factors that tend to make us more prone to diseases and to aging faster.

We have emphasized this and other evidence-based medical information in our health book, “let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our children,” published in the USa (carried by amazon.com and barnesandnoble. com) and whose Philippine edition was released in Metro Manila and available at central Books Supply Stores in cebu, Manila, Quezon city. the book details are accessible at www.philipSchua.com.

In this guide, we have given practical tips and pointers on how to protect our DNa, especially those of the children, in order for them to ward off and escape having those wrongly-called “expected natural diseases of aging,” like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, stroke, alzheimer’s, and even cancer, all of which are actually preventable to a very significant degree. this health manual also discusses how we, adults, can minimize the conPAGE B6

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

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

(Advertising Supplement)

B february 23-march 1, 2017 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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Project 150 calls for donated formal wear for Las Vegas Prom Closet event

NATIONAL Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA)’s National Chair Brendan Flores and Executive Director Jason Tengco met with local Fil-Ams in Las Vegas earlier this month as part of their listening tour of different Fil-Am communities across the U.S. Among the issues discussed were the new presidential administration, immigration, business opportunities and why an organization like NaFFAA is more relevant than ever. “We have been really…thoughtful in ensuring that we have a voice and a seat at the table by making sure we have representations,” Flores previously told the Asian Journal. “We have been very vocal, whether it’s denouncing some of the things happening out there, so we’re partnering with national organizations to really support some of our Filipino Americans who are very much concerned with what’s happening today.”

AJPress photos Robert Macabagdal

LAS VEGAS – Project 150, in partnership with Zappos.com, is calling for donations of new or gently used formal wear through March 6 to help homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students attend prom looking their best.

“The Las Vegas Prom Closet gives students who otherwise couldn’t afford it the chance to feel special and have that memorable night, that right-of-passage that is such an important part of the high school experience,” Project 150 Executive Director Meli Pulido said. “Our Las Vegas Prom Closet event, hosted by Zappos.com, provides a boutique-style environment for these students to shop for free with their high school ID.” This year’s Las Vegas Prom Closet event will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at the Zappos.com Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas.

“Not every high school student is fortunate enough to have the means to go to prom, so joining forces with Project 150 helps us give back to the community, and make prom a day they won’t ever forget,” said Shannon Rodriguez, Zappos.com retail buyer. “The expression on their faces when they walk in and see all of the dresses, shoes, accessories, and all of the other surprises we have to offer is truly priceless. We’re so thankful

to be involved in such a wonderful event!”

Project 150 needs fashionable new or gently used prom or formal dresses, suits, shoes, ties, purses and accessories for both young men and women, with a critical need for plus-size dresses, dress clothes for young men and jewelry. Other items needed for the free teen shopping day include, makeup, makeup brushes, hair products and hair irons.

Donations can be delivered now through March 6 to Project 150’s Brady Caipa Volunteer Center, 3600 N. Rancho Drive, or to any of the additional donation drop-off locations across the Las Vegas Valley. For information, visitwww.project150.org or call (702) 721-7150.

About Project 150 Project 150 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization, founded in December 2011 by local businessmen Don Purdue and Patrick Spargur. The two had heard about 150 homeless high school students at Rancho High School in Las Vegas who were in need of support over the Christmas break.

Since that time, Project 150 has expanded and now serves more than 2,500 homeless, displaced and disadvantaged high school students in 51 schools throughout Nevada. Project 150 provides these students with food, clothing,

school supplies, sports equipment, shoes, college and workforce readiness and other needs so they have what they need to continue school and be successful in life.

For additional information about Project 150 and its programs, visit www.Project150.org, or call (702) 721-7150. Follow Project 150 on Facebookand Twitter.

Established in 1999, Zappos. com, operated by Zappos IP, Inc., has quickly become the leading destination in online apparel and footwear sales by striving to provide shoppers with the best possible service and selection. Zappos. comcurrently showcases millions of products from over 1000 clothing and shoe brands. Zappos.com, Inc. was recognized in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 as a FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. Zappos.com is also proud to be rated ELITE by STELLAService and was named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, one of only 40 companies so named in the U.S. More information about the customer service philosophy, unique culture, and job openings can be found at http://about.zappos.com.

More information about Zappos Insights, and its business membership program can be found at http://www.zapposinsights. com. Zappos.com is a subsidiary of (AMZN) Amazon.com.

Denise Laurel tries to be whole again...

PAGE B4 who will decide when the right time for love is, or if a short engagement is better than the longterm one she had.

“One thing we should remember is that it’s not our timing; it’s God’s. Things go wrong once we say this is what we’re going to do. It’s got to be God’s plan for you. Nothing is too short nor too long (for God). Everything has a purpose.”

That is why Denise called “The Better Half,” where she plays Bianca, Marco’s (Carlo Aquino)

wife, a “present from ABS-CBN.” It will break the dam of emotions she reined in for months after the breakup.

“I started worrying, because I’m an actress, and I can’t afford to be numb with emotions. I have to be very into my emotions so I can pour it all into my character.”

Denise explained that her breakup is making it hard for her to draw the line between the personal and the professional. Suddenly, she feels numb—emotionless—a big no-no for actresses like her. It is a first for Denise, who never faced

this problem before.

And that is why she admitted Bianca is her most difficult role.

This is also why Denise is grateful to her director, Jeffrey Jeturian, and co-stars for their patience and assurance that she can do it.

“I’m trying to be the actress I used to be. I was very disciplined, no matter what happened to me,” Denise said.

The good news is she is not alone. Denise has friends and the whole industry behind her to help her get back on her feet again.

Our self-destructive lifestyle

PAGE B5

ditions or infirmities we currently have and how to avoid health risks that lurk in public places and in our own homes.. ***

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Hail to the ordinary

Monette AdevA MAglAyA

“… but some sage once pointed out quite rightly that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”

THE world we live in is conditioned to emulate extremes.

We delight in the most beautiful, the tallest, the largest, the richest, the brightest, the fastest and anything else you can think of, as well as pay attention to extremes at the opposite end of the spectrum: the ugliest, the shortest, the smallest, the poorest, the darkest, the slowest. You get the idea.

We’re conditioned to pay no mind to the ordinary, the middle ground, the average run-ofthe-mill, the shades of gray, the humdrum of everyday life or the predictably dull and boring.

The heroes and heroines made immortal in books and movies were extraordinary characters.

We do not particularly care for bland characters who live lives of quiet desperation. We want to live vicariously through the lives of characters who are defiantly shaking their fists at the gods and beating all odds. We are tempted to look at movie stars, fat cats and other luminaries who dare defy conventions basking in the public limelight pursued by TMZ cameras as people worthy of awe and respect.

And if you let it, a tiny tinge of envy gnaws at our souls when you see their images commanding megabucks. They appear as titans walking among ants.

Granted a select few of them deserve the attention we give them but most can be reduced to fodder for the gristmill of entertainment.

The truth is, those who deserve our awe and respect are the ones who orbit our daily life.

Perhaps we need to look at another firmament to gain a genuine and lifelong perspective of celebrating what is ordinary, of celebrating you and I and everyone of us, mere mortals cut from the average cloth, who have to get up every single day to slay our dragons with our rusty sword and trusty steed, that is, after we’ve gulped down our java and said our prayers.

Look to the stars in the true celestial firmament, to gain a soul-searing appreciation and even love and respect for our tiny place in the universe. Nature

is a great teacher. A layman’s appreciation of astronomy and cosmology teaches us that there is every reason to celebrate the ordinary.

Our own sun is an ordinary, average, ho-hum star shining steadily in the suburbs of the center of the Milky Way (what Sagan termed as the boondocks, from the Tagalog word “bundok” meaning mountain but extended to mean far from the core).

In the hierarchy of stars, our own sun is a lowly commoner and it is located a third of the way from the center where a black hole exists, according to educated guesses by scientists. This black hole is sucking in, like the drain in your kitchen sink, all the brightest stars within its vicinity. The biggest, brightest stars in our galaxy are energy guzzlers and therefore, have short lives, about half the life span of our solar system, and thus cannot support planets that need a longer span of time to support the existence and development of thinking, feeling beings such as our home planet.

Our sun, according to scientists, is approaching middle age and has enough fire in its belly to support life for another 4 to 5 billion years before it goes into its death throes and gets recycled back as dust and gas to repeat the process of giving birth to a new star, possibly with one special planet supporting intelligent life all over again. The universe is the ultimate recycling bin after all. This is probably what it means by the phrase “world without end.”

Consider that the Milky Way is only one ordinary spiral galaxy out of billions of others in a universe that according to evidence gathered by Edwin Hubble in the 1920’s is still expanding with billions of galaxies moving away from each other at a furious pace.

To simplify the imagery, perhaps we may be given license to view the universe in its near incomprehensible vastness, as a single mega structure in infinite space. The entire cosmos could be one unit composed of galaxies as its building blocks like cells

and molecules of a human body but with gravity and plasma collectively emitted by the energy of countless stars, functioning as its cosmic lifeblood holding everything together. Whew!

The cosmos, according to evidence so far gathered by probes and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), is so inconceivably vast with more stars than there are grains of sand on earth, it strains the limits of human imagination. It is more than likely, there are other forms of intelligent life in places where there is water, complete with soul and spirit, following the laws of nature and teeming in wild abundance in the cosmos. We may never have any evidence of what sounds like science fiction, but some sage once pointed out quite rightly that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

Yet for all this awesome grandeur, consider the glorious ordinariness of the earth in the celestial heavens. It’s like Goldilocks gravitating to the porridge in the middle. Neither too hot nor too cold, earth is the only place in the solar system with a slim ecosphere that allows life to not only survive, but to thrive with astonishing tenacity, as long as the sun shines steadily while it faithfully orbits the center of the Milky Way every quarter of a million years.

The earth’s size, its tilt, its distance from the sun, its companion moon, the presence of water in various states all conspire to make it and its inhabitants the crowning glory of creation as far as human life is concerned. Our blue marbled dot is a place so wonderfully made that of all the eight orbs of different sizes and makes, revolving around that ordinary star we call the sun, it is the only one uniquely qualified to sustain life, as we know it, in our tiny neck of the cosmic woods.

Value the ordinary. Value your life. The sun, the earth and the stars at night remind us daily. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.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

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President Trump’s first 28 days: A poll survey

By Monet

Lu

IT was said to be one of the most ambitious agendas ever laid out by a president in years.

During President Donald Trump’s first few days at the White House, he took several actions: from motioning to repeal Obama’s signature health care law to renegotiating trade deals to suspending immigration from terror-prone regions.

As far-reaching as his agenda may be, Trump did come through with some of his goals, among them: an executive order to advance the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, an Inauguration Day proclamation and a waiver that allowed his nominee for defense secretary to serve. And while all of this is happening, the women’s March was also ongoing.

For my column this week, I put together survey on what people, specifically the immigrants feel or think about the president’s first month as leader of this nation.

(Note: I changed the names for anonymity).

“For me, he is doing so great!

He is a wonderful leader who is just fulfilling what he promised during the campaign. Even with all the oppositions of the prideful liberals, he still manages to work so well every single day. His direct communication with the people via social media is really one great way of communicating to the people. I love how focused he is in reaching the goals of his movement - to make America great again! Significantly, I love that he is working so intensively on the border wall that includes the areas both illegal immigration issues and business coming back in the country by setting the tax lower for the businesses here and making the tax higher for importing products in the USA. I strongly believe that if we buy American products, it should be made here in America. It is unfair for Americans to spend money while their economy is going down and many are losing jobs.

On the issues of illegal immigration, aside from security in the US, it is also fair that people respect the law and order of the

country under the Constitution.

I myself, as legal immigrant believes that we are to respect immigration policies.

On the refugees, I believe we are to help them in their country.

Well, it would have been ok to help them coming in here if they are not causing trouble but very clearly, that is not the situation with these refugees. They are demanding and making troubles.

Making it not safe for the citizens to live in their own country. What we can see from Europe are enough evidence.”

- Grace (Chicago) “It’s a little chaotic. But I voted for him … so I’ll stick with my vote. Some have asked why I did and I’d tell them America needs change. Plus, I support the republican ideologies. Regarding the travel ban. I myself know firsthand how it was to be an undocumented worker, which is why I made sure I didn’t stay that way for long. Those countries are real hot on the list… And immigrants should do the right thing by going to the right process to be a documented immigrant.”

- Mario (Delaware) “He’s ok I think. I mean even if he is notorious for strictly implementing the laws and making sure the government officials adhere to such laws; including police officers’ proper enforcement ng authority, then he cannot be faulted for that because that breeds stability more than anything. Unlike what’s happening to my home country (Philippines).

The US government now may

seem unstable because of the opposition against Trump, but not to the point that it affects the people directly. What I see instead is that the people are the ones who are causing political unrest.”

- Daniel (California) “I didn’t like him as president before because of his “morals”, but because of his plan to “make America great again, I voted Republican, mainly because of Pence. But I believe Trump’s keeping his promise and I like what’s happening with the ban and other things. I don’t believe in the media news anymore. I listen to Jay Sekulow more and Fox news.

In a time, such as this, where differing opinions don’t necessarily divide a nation, but makes them accept the differences and make compromises, I want to keep a positive outlook. I want to believe that there is hope for America and that as our new president says, “[we] can make America great again.”

- Lucia (Los Angeles) *** 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

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 23-mARch 1, 2017

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‘Norman Vito and Friends’ Concert at the Summerlin Starbright Theater on Feb. 26 he Gateway Arts Foundation of Las Vegas will be presenting Fil-Am pianist Norman Vito in a concert “Norman Vito and Friends” on Sunday, February 26, 2017, 2:00 pm, to be held at Summerlin’s “Starbright Theater” at 2215 Thomas Ryan Blvd. , Las Vegas, NV 89134. Norman Vito has provided entertainment for some years now as a resident pianist of numerous hotels and plush restaurants in Manila, United Arab Emirates , Amsterdam, California and Las Vegas including the Manila Hotel, Plaza Hotel, Ramada Hotels, the Hollywood Palladium, Golden Nugget, Caesars Palace and many others.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Santo Tomas and was also as scholar of the Music Foundation of the Philippines who presented him in a recital at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. He was also the special featured guest pianist at the Liberace Museum Inaugural Ceremony in Las Vegas.

Mr. Vito’s featured guest artists are internationally-acclaimed soprano, Everlita Rivera-David, who recently performed two very successful concerts at the Smith Center in October 2016, world renowned Paraguayan harpist, Mariano Gonzales and the extremely talented Las Vegas concert pianist, composer-arranger and music director, Larry Walker. They will collaborate with Mr. Vito in performing classical music, movie themes, favorite standards, popular Filipino compositions and Broadway hits.

Ms. Everlita David has received rave reviews from US, European and Asian music critics for her outstanding performances as “Madame Butterfly” and soloist for US and European symphonies.

She was listed in the top ten “Greatest Filipino Vo i c e s o f the Century” (Philippine Star) and has performed at the Lincoln Center in N e w Yo r k .

Manila audiences know her for her regular appearances at the musical show, “AAWITAN K I TA” a n d her Philippine kundiman recordings. Mariano Gonzalez

who grew up as a cowboy in Buena Vista, Paraguay has concertized all over the world as a classical and jazz harpist. He has also performed at the Kennedy Center (Washington,D.C.), the Carnegie Hall (New York), and has performed with artists such as Tony Orlando, Amado del Paraguay and Pilita Corrales.

He also received the 2014 Las Vegas Excellence in Entertainment award Larry Walker who is originally from Oregon is not only an excellent classical and jazz pianist, but also holds a Masters degree in Music from Northwestern University School of Music (Chicago). He composed a symphonic piece, “ Rainbows in Green Glass” which was performed by the University Symphony. He has been active as a resident pianist for Las Vegas hotels including the Four Seasons Hotel, Caesars Palace and many others and owns a recording studio.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Scholarship Fund of the Gateway Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization headed by Gerald and Camille Duskin, which is dedicated to helping aspiring Las Vegas performing artists in the field of instrumental and vocal music and dance. The Foundation seeks to continue making a huge impact on the cultural community of Las Vegas through concerts such as this.

Jamie Austria, a student of Mr. Vito, will be the concert’s emcee.

Tickets are $20 per person. To purchase tickets, please call the Starbright Theater (702) 240-1301.

For more information, please call (702) 255- 0695 or go online at : www.gatewayartsfoundation.org.

A UNQUE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

AT MONTEMARIA ESTATES, BATANGAS CITY, PHILIPPINES

WINDING ITS WAY SOON

A PROJECT OF

B february 23-march 1, 2017 • LaS VeGaS aSIaN JOurNaL

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