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Volume 27 - No. 4 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

J A N U A RY 2 8 - F E BR U A RY 3 , 2 0 1 6

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AT THE REOPENING OF THE MAMASAPANO INVESTIGATION

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by CHRISTINE

O. AVENDAÑO

Inquirer.net

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Filipina fatally stabbed in Hawaii A 65-year-old Filipina was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband of 35 years on the morning of January 18 in Oahu, Hawaii.

Melita Fajotina died from stab wounds to her neck and was found in her home in Aliamanu, Oahu at around 5:43 am, reports said. The Honolulu medical examiner’s office declared her death a homicide.

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THE line of command in the Armed Forces of the Philippines was paralyzed the day 44 elite troopers were massacred in Mamasapano a year ago.

Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, seeking to prove an alleged failure of leadership, Wednesday, Jan. 27 said President Benigno Aquino III had “compartmentalized” the Mamasapano operation on Jan. 25, 2015, that left out the existing police and military hierarchy, immobilizing ground commanders at the critical moments and leading to the massacre of the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos.

Enrile said at the reopening of the Senate inquiry into the slaughter of the G8>< 8)

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A homecoming House panel approves fit for a queen bill exempting Pia Wurtzbach from taxes

by AJPRESS

THE Philippine House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means approved a bill on Tuesday, Jan. 26 exempting Pia Wurtzbach from paying taxes on her earnings as the reigning Miss Universe.

House Bill 6367, filed by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. of Abante

Mindanao party-list, was unanimously passed in the committee.

“In view of the tremendous achievement of Kagayanon Ms. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and for bringing pride and honor to the Philippines by winning the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, it is only right that all her winnings G8>< 8)

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach returns to the Philippines by

ALLYSON ESCOBAR /AJPress

FANS lined the streets of Manila to Makati City as Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the newly-crowned Miss Universe 2015, traveled by float in her homecoming parade on January 25.

The float traveled for more than three hours from the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila, down Roxas Boulevard to Ayala Avenue in Makati City. At one point

it rained, but the weather did not stop adoring Filipinos hoping for a selfie with the beauty queen from attending.

With thousands of supporters present, Wurtzbach smiled and waved a Filipino flag to the crowd, wearing her signature crown and a teal dress by Filipino designer Albert Andrada with

Roach still ‘bothered’ by Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight, wants rematch

by DINO

MARAGAY Philstar.com

G8>< 8*

Filipino in Virginia Beach wins $1-M from Powerball WHILE most people were closely watching the national Powerball lottery drawing live on television on Wednesday, Jan. 13, an 82-year-old Filipino man from Virginia Beach, Va. was not one of them.

It wasn’t until he checked online when he realized he had a winning ticket.

Teofilo Mesina won $1 million – before taxes – from the record $1.5 billion jackpot, after correctly picking five numbers. He missed only the Powerball number.

“Not many people win that kind of money,” Mesina told The Virginian-Pilot on Jan. 19, as he claimed his prize.

Mesina bought his ticket from a 7-Eleven at Lynnhaven Parkway and Salem Road in Virginia Beach.

“I would buy just sometimes,” he said. “I played a mix of my own numbers, and some computer pick numbers.”

His numbers – 04, 08, 19, 27 and 34 – were selected from significant dates for G8>< 8*

G8>< 8)

MANILA—If there’s one person who is still finding it hard to move on from Manny Pacquiao’s loss to Floyd Mayweather in boxing’s richest fight ever, it is Freddie Roach.

For Roach, that fight could have ended differently had Pacquiao not injured his right shoulder in training.

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Binay reunites with Aquino in state banquet for Japanese imperial couple

by NIKKO

DIZON Inquirer.net

VICE President Jejomar Binay stepped inside Malacañang Palace for the first time on Wednesday night, Jan. 27 after severing ties with President Benigno Aquino III last year.

Binay and his wife, Elenita, attended the state banquet

hosted by President Aquino for Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

At one point during the dinner, the microphone picked up President Aquino introducing Emperor Akihito to Binay.

“The Vice President,” the President said, as the Emperor and Binay shook hands, with a

wall of white orchids as backdrop.

Mr. Aquino introduced the Empress to Binay afterwards.

The Emperor and Empress flanked President Aquino at the table, while Binay sat on the Empress’ left.

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Roach is expected to arrive in the Philippines next week to open Pacquiao’s training camp for the Filipino icon’s fight with Timothy Bradley in April.

It’s a fight – something Pacquiao insists would be his last – that Roach is confident of winning.

Nevertheless, the multi-awarded cornerman admitted still being haunted by the ghost of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas last year.

“I haven’t even watched it again because I’m just so [ticked] off about [it], because I thought G8>< 8)

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G8>< 8( SAF troopers after they had killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, that the planning and execution of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oplan Exodusâ&#x20AC;? were left only to Alan Purisima, the then suspended chief of the Philippine National Police, and Getulio NapeĂąas, the director of the Special Action Force (SAF) who had been sacked.

In a meeting in MalacaĂąangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bahay Pangarap on Jan. 9, with NapeĂąas, Purisima and Supt.

Fernando Marquez, the President gave the go ahead that Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and then the PNP officer in charge, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, be informed of the operation â&#x20AC;&#x153;time on targetâ&#x20AC;? when the SAF troopers were on the ground.

Purisima also later said he would take care of informing Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., the then Armed Forces chief of staff on the day of the operation to get Marwan.

Enrile berated Catapang for not responding fast enough to help the trapped SAF men. He was irked at Catapang at first when he asked the number of military troops sent to aid the SAF men and the former AFP chief replied by saying this could be answered by Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For heavenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake, you are the chief of staff. If we are at war with China, and that is what you do, this country is doomed,â&#x20AC;? Enrile said.

Eight blunders He said this compartmentalization was among eight blunders that the Chief Executive committed in the planning and execution of Oplan Exodus, the code for project Marwan, and these were â&#x20AC;&#x153;at the centerâ&#x20AC;? of the Mamasapano debacle.

Saying he was out to seek justice for the dead and survivors in the bloody clash with Moro rebels after Marwan was killed, Enrile blamed Mr. Aquino for the Mamasapano debacle as he pointed out the role the President played in the police operation.

After the seven-hour hearing of the Senate committee on public order, Enrile said he focused on the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role, responsibility and accountability in the Mamasapano episode because this was not discussed in the earlier hearings of the committee chaired by Sen. Grace Poe. He said he had â&#x20AC;&#x153;establishedâ&#x20AC;? the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in the operation, and that Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearing was enough.

Asked on the possible liability of Mr. Aquino, he said that this will be up to the courts if this reaches them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let the law enforcement people do the job in the future,â&#x20AC;?

Enrile said.

Fulfilling promise In his opening statement, Enrile said that he was just fulfilling his promise to the wounded SAF survivors who were confined at the

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PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Enrile was detained there on a plunder case against him in connection with his alleged misuse of pork barrel funds but was released on bail in August last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am doing this so the people will know the national leaders who failed them because of ineptness and lack of leadership. I am doing this for truth and for no one else,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Facilitator Enrile was able to confirm from NapeĂąas that Mr. Aquino, along with Purisima, NapeĂąas and Marquez, had discussed the details of Oplan Exodus, including the capture of Marwan dead or alive, on Jan. 9 at Bahay Pangarap.

NapeĂąas also said the President did not object or comment to his proposal on the usage of time on target or the manner of cooperation of the SAF with the military. He confirmed to Enrile that he asked Mr. Aquino that they would coordinate with the military only after the assault force was on the target location and that the Chief Executive did not object or comment.

Asked by Enrile what his role was at that meeting, Purisimaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; who was then suspended by the Ombudsman on a graft caseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;said he was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;facilitator.â&#x20AC;?

Enrile pointed out that President Aquino was â&#x20AC;&#x153;never heardâ&#x20AC;? during the 12 hours of the firefight.

Based on the text messages that Purisima sent the President on the police operations, including the groups that the SAF groups were engaged with at that time, the Chief Executive was â&#x20AC;&#x153;fully informed about the ongoing operations,â&#x20AC;?

Enrile said.

Interviewed by reporters after the hearing, Enrile said he did not agree that President Aquino was misinformed by NapeĂąas as he noted that the Palace has a massive intelligence fund for them not to know the real score.

NapeĂąas, for his part, told reporters that Enrile was able to show President Aquinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in the police operation as he insisted that the Chief Executive had the final say in the approval of Oplan Exodus.

Enrile told NapeĂąas that President Aquino â&#x20AC;&#x153;compartmentalizedâ&#x20AC;? or agreed to compartmentalize Oplan Exodus to himself and Purisima and NapeĂąas agreed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I say compartment of Oplan Exodus, I mean the President intentionally, deliberately and actually confined and arrogated unto himself full knowledge, command and control and strategic decisions. The President excluded all others, including members of the Cabinetâ&#x20AC;Ś he left it to himself and his trusted men,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Enrile asked Purisima if he understood what he meant by compartmentalization that the President did on the police operations.

He replied by saying that Oplan Exodus was â&#x20AC;&#x153;crafted by the PNP SAF and our part is informatory.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your defense,â&#x20AC;? Enrile said of Purisima, adding that President Aquino â&#x20AC;&#x153;excluded everyone else.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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A homecoming fit for...

G8>< 8(

traditional butterfly sleeves. She stood elegantly on top of a decorative float with her parade band, surrounded by police escorts.

The parade was one of the nearly week-long homecoming in the Philippines, which will end in a grand parade and show at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Jan. 28. Wurtzbach told press that she would also be advocating for HIV awareness and testing, as well as disaster relief, while visiting her home country and attending to her duties as Miss Universe.

Wurtzbach also visited MalacaĂąang Palace, home of President Benigno Aquino III, and paid a courtesy call to the President, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and

the Philippine Senate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re erasing the image that Filipinas are not palaban [fighters], because in fact we are,â&#x20AC;? she said following the visit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We go out there and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re brave and fearlessâ&#x20AC;Śmuch more different than what people think we used to be. I think that speaks on how modern we are now.â&#x20AC;?

She also confirmed her appearance as a special correspondent at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers on February 7. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see it as a great compliment.

It is a great way of me connecting to more people and being recognized, not only as Pia and as Miss Universe, but as a Filipina,â&#x20AC;? she said, according to CNN Philip-

pines.

Wurtzbach, 26, is the Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first Miss Universe in 42 years, since Margarita â&#x20AC;&#x153;Margieâ&#x20AC;?

Moran-Floirendo was crowned in 1973.

Last year, beauty queen Filipinas also took over the pageant scene with Trixie Maristelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory in the Miss International Queen, Ann Lorraine Colisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; win in Miss Globe, Angelia Ongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big success in the Miss Earth, Leren Mae Bautistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high accomplishment in Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International, and Wurtzbachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned triumph in the Miss Universe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re finally getting the recognition that I think we deserve,â&#x20AC;? Wurtzbach said.

House panel approves bill exempting...

G8>< 8( and prizes be exempt from any form of taxes and duties,â&#x20AC;? the bill read.

The tax break measure came in response to Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henaresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; statement that Wurtzbach has to pay taxes for her winnings. The BIR earlier said that the winnings should be subjected to a maximum 32 percent tax. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am aware just like any employee that I have to pay taxes.

I have never (missed it) when I was with ABS-CBN, Binibining Pilipinas. When I start working in

the US, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be doing that as well,â&#x20AC;?

Wurtzbach previously said of her intentions to pay taxes, according to Inquirer.

The measure is expected to be submitted for plenary approval.

The prizes covered under the measure include: her year-long salary, accommodations in a New York apartment for the duration of her reign, living expenses, wardrobe and personal services, among others.

In addition to her one-year salary, Wurtzbach brought her $300,000-crown â&#x20AC;&#x201D; made of 18k gold, diamonds and blue sapphire â&#x20AC;&#x201D; back with her to the

Philippines. Wurtzbach said the crown was given on loan and cannot be subjected to tax by the BIR, according to GMA News.

Joined by her mother Cheryl Alonzo Tyndall, Wurtzbach also received the congressional medal of distinction on Tuesday afternoon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know you have our country in mind when making laws.

On that note, we have the same inspiration, the Philippines. So letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continue confidently working with a heart for the Filipino people,â&#x20AC;? Wurtzbach told 173 House members before receiving the House medal.

Roach still â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;botheredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Mayweather-Pacquiao fight...

G8>< 8(

Manny couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won that fight. â&#x20AC;Ś Manny thought he won the fight anyway, but I think he couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a lot more,â&#x20AC;? Roach continued.

Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last-minute request to use anti-inflammatory injections was denied by the Nevada Athletic Association, which supervised the fight. Roach once again

recalled Pacquiao complaining of pain in his shoulder during the fight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But when he came back after the fourth round and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My shoulderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shot,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well, do the best you can,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? said Roach.

The trainer couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold back from expressing his desire for a rematch between Mayweather and Pacquiao, saying the lure of

money would be hard to resist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He [Pacquiao] still thinks he won the fight, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. And I would like to get that one back,â&#x20AC;?

Roach added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did ask [Pacquiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promoter] Bob [Arum] if it [Mayweather rematch] was a possibility and he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think so,â&#x20AC;? Roach said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the way they both spend money, maybe they will fight again.â&#x20AC;?

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Binay joins Aquino in state banquet...

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leader after breaking ties with Mr. Aquino, a longtime political ally, in June last year, saying he was fed up with the administration alliesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attacks against him.

He had expressed disappointment that President Aquino had not defended him.

Binay is the leading presidential contender in the May elections.

Meanwhile, Emperor Akihito on Wednesday night said the Japanese people â&#x20AC;&#x153;must never forgetâ&#x20AC;? the loss of Filipino lives caught between the battles of Japan and the United

States in World War II. The emperor made the statement as he raised a toast for the continuing strong relations between Japan and the Philippines at the state banquet hosted by President Benigno Aquino III for the imperial couple at Rizal Hall in MalacaĂąang Palace. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, Japan marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. During this war, fierce battles between Japan and the United States took place on Philippine soil, resulting in the loss of many Filipino lives and leaving many Filipinos injured. This is

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something we Japanese must never forget and we intend to keep this engraved in our hearts throughout our visit,â&#x20AC;? Emperor Akihito said.

The 82-year-old royal also praised President Aquino for his â&#x20AC;&#x153;sagacious and distinguished leadershipâ&#x20AC;? that made the Philippines achieve a â&#x20AC;&#x153;steady development as a vital member of the Asian community.â&#x20AC;?

President Aquino led a toast for â&#x20AC;&#x153;the strategic partnership of our two nations (which) serve as a firm cornerstone for peace, stability, and progress in our part of the world.â&#x20AC;?

Filipina fatally stabbed in...

G8>< 8( Police arrested her husband, Isagani â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sonnyâ&#x20AC;? Fajotina, on Tuesday, Jan. 19 on suspicion of second-degree murder, but he was released pending further investigation.

The case is being investigated by detectives as a murder-attempted suicide. Isagani Fajotina â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who relatives said suffered from mental health problems â&#x20AC;&#x201D; remains hospitalized at Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center with a self-inflicted stab wound.

He is expected to survive, police said.

Isagani, a Vietnam War veteran, and Melita Fajotina moved to Hawaii from the Philippines. The retired couple previously worked at Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center where he

was a janitor and she was a nursing assistant.

Several relatives, including a daughter and two grandchildren, and tenants live in the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. There were a few witnesses to the fatal domestic violence, according to police. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand cause the sister-in-law was screaming in Filipino and the daughter was just screaming, running out here waiting for the cops,â&#x20AC;? Wiiu Wilson, a tenant, told Hawaii News Now. The suspectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister-in-law also suffered a minor cut on her neck after trying to intervene, reports said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was one other individual who was injured when she attempted to intervene, but she was

treated and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in good condition,â&#x20AC;? said Lt. Phillip Lavarias of the Honolulu Police Department.

A recent study presented by lawmakers found that 30 percent of fatal domestic violence cases in Hawaii involved Filipinos. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What stood out for me was the level of over-representation of D.V. related deaths within the Filipino community,â&#x20AC;? state Rep. Della Au Belatti, chairwoman of the House Health Committee, said according to Hawaii News Now. The study noted that most of the women killed previously sought help or contacted agencies, such as law enforcement, the prosecutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, courts and health care providers. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)

Filipino in Virginia Beach wins $1-M...

G8>< 8( loved ones, he said. (A friend was born in April, the fourth month of the year, so he chose number 4.)

When Mesina looked at the numbers, he first thought he was misreading. He checked with his wife, Irene, then other family members to make sure he had won. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was shocked; I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe it,â&#x20AC;? Irene Mesina said.

Including Messina, there were 72 $1 million winners -- 12 of whom are from California -- and eight $2 million winners. More than 635 million tickets were sold for the drawing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I finally called my son when I realized the numbers matched,â&#x20AC;? he told Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WTKR News Channel 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The next day, I talked to a financial advisor so I can decide how to handle my winnings.

I wanted to win the whole thing, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lucky because I won a million!â&#x20AC;?

Three winning tickets in Florida, California and Tennessee will share the largest prizes in the $1.5 billion jackpot.

Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drawing marked the first time a ticket matched all five numbers and the Powerball since the jackpot began on Nov. 7 at $40 million. The pot had been rolled over 20 K\fĂ&#x201D;cf D\j`eX# /)# `j af`e\[ Yp _`j n`]\ @i\e\ Xj _\ ZcX`dj X ( times before win- d`cc`fe Gfn\iYXcc gi`q\% G_fkf Zflik\jp f] Gfn\iYXccĂ&#x2039;j f]Ă&#x201D;Z`Xc n\Yj`k\ ners emerged dur- plans yet for how he will spend the ing Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money, except to pay off his mortdrawing.

Mesina is retired from work- gage first.

As an occasional lottery player, ing in a sign shop, where he bent glass. After claiming his prize, pre- Mesina is not done trying his luck. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, [Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll] win some more sented by the Virginia Lotteryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputy director Randy Wright, he money,â&#x20AC;? he said. (Allyson Escobar/ told reporters that he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any AJPress)

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New York, other states dig out after epic blizzard

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

NEW YORKâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;The great blizzard of 2016 unloaded 26.8 inches of snow, the second biggest snowfall in New York City history, almost breaking the record set in 2006.

According to unofficial totals reported by the National Weather Service, the historic blizzard now ranks among the biggest snowfalls in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record books, missing the record by a tenth of an inch.

Communities across the northeast United States began digging out from the blizzard on Monday, Jan. 25. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This weekend, Mother Nature sent us the second largest snowfall since 1869 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and hundreds of our tireless workers rose to the challenge to keep our city safe,â&#x20AC;? said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Yorkers should continue to use extreme caution when walking and driving. When shoveling, remember to stay safe, and do not overexert yourself.â&#x20AC;?

Because of the predicted snowfall, a travel ban was imposed in New York City, including Long Island. New Jersey Transit, the Long island Rail Road and the Metro North trains were also shut down as major roads, state highways and railways were covered with feet of snow.

Under the ban, only emergency vehicles were allowed on the streets. Drivers who ignored the order faced heavy fines and license points. Even the public was warned not to go outside. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you want to go really quickly to someplace near your home, stay with your kids â&#x20AC;&#x201C; adult supervision necessary,â&#x20AC;? de Blasio said on Saturday, Jan. 23. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a vastly intensifying storm and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slippery, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gusty. I, as a parent, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let my kids out of my sight.â&#x20AC;?

Many New Yorkers heeded warnings to stay home, but not after going to Central Park to snap a few photos and enjoy the blanket of snow covering the entire park.

Among them were Fil-Ams Marilen Clemente and Nina del Rosario who both live in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Upper East Side neighborhood and a few blocks away from Central Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went to Chinatown and bought water and ingredients for sinigang on Friday,â&#x20AC;? Clemente told the Asian Journal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I also readied water in a pail and other

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containers in case thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electricity and water shortage. I also made sure my phone was fully charged.â&#x20AC;?

Shortly after noon, Clemente and del Rosario went to Central Park to take some photos. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was more excited than scared,â&#x20AC;? Clemente said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But of course, we were careful and we were hoping that no one gets injured.â&#x20AC;?

By 2:30 pm, it was announced that only emergency vehicles were allowed on the streets and by 4:00 pm, anyone caught walking around the city would be subject to a ticket and possible arrest. It was also around this time when the travel ban was imposed. The ban was lifted early Sunday morning.

The blizzard of 2016 affected more than 60 million people as the stormâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effects stretched from Georgia to Massachusetts.

According to Weather.com, eleven states have declared states of emergency.

In Leesburg, Virginia, the snowfall was also as historic.

With almost four feet of snow burying parts of the state, many private company employees were not able to report for work on Monday because of unplowed roads.

Carol del Pilar-Boado, a banker, was one of them. The bank where she works is running on two-hour delays because of employee shortage. Out of their

35 branches, only six were able to open, including the branch where she works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure if the roads will be plowed by Tuesday, otherwise, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d still be working from home,â&#x20AC;? she told the Asian Journal.

Boado and her family were prepared for the arrival of blizzard Jonas. They stocked up on food and the basics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; eggs, water, bread and milk. She said she also marinated lots of meat, and on Friday, she cooked four Filipino dishes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were a little worried about losing power because we do not have a fireplace and it is freezing,â&#x20AC;? she added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we have flashlight batteries, lanterns, extra blankets in case we lose power.â&#x20AC;?

Louise Bejer, a lawyer in midtown Manhattan, had no chance to prepare. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I worked late on Friday evening and I got home past midnight, by then there were already flurries,â&#x20AC;? she said. She was not that worried, though since she always keeps supplies in her apartment, from canned goods, frozen meats and fish in the freezer, bottled water, matches and candles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the most preparation I did was I made sure that all of my gadgets were charged so if we lose power, I could still work,â&#x20AC;? she said. (Momar G. Visaya / AJPress)

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Bayan seeks FBI’s help to uncover US role in Mamasapano

by YUJI

VINCENT GONZALES Inquirer.net

AN overseas chapter of militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request before the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in a bid to uncover the supposed involvement of American forces in the ill-fated Mamasapano operation last year.

Bayan’s announcement of the filing on Wednesday, Jan. 27 co-

incided with the reopening of the Senate inquiry on the botched police operation that left 44 Special Action Force troopers and several others dead in the hunt for international terrorist Zulkifi bin Hir alias Marwan.

“Over 60 Filipinos died and witnesses also saw the body of an American at the covert US-designed Mamasapano operation one year ago, yet the US has still not come clean about the extent of its role in the carnage,” Bayan-USA chair Bernadette El-

lorin said in a statement.

“We are filing this Freedom of Information Act request with the FBI because the Filipino and American people have the right to know the full truth about this botched mission,” she said.

Bayan-USA’s request asks for documentation on the FBI’s involvement in the operation, including internal correspondence between the FBI Los Angeles Field Office and Philippine authorities on Marwan’s apprehension; manuals or guidelines used by US agents in training the SAF to execute the operation; responses to the requests of the Philippine government for assistance in the evacuation of casualties in the aftermath of the operation; results of the FBI Laboratory’s analysis of Marwan’s DNA; and provision of any monetary award to the SAF or Philippine authorities for the identification of Marwan’s DNA. Citing official reports by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Senate, Ellorin said the US involvement in the operation previously called “Oplan Exodus” became clear as proven by the presence of six Americans at the Tactical Command Post for the mission, and an American who “ordered a Philippine Major General to fire artillery.”

In a sworn testimony, former SAF chief Getulio Napeñas previously said Marwan’s tissue sample acquired by the SAF was forwarded to FBI agents in General Santos City.

In the probe’s reopening on Wednesday, Napeñas said the US government, through the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, aided the SAF in terms of “real-time intelligence support, training, equipment, humanitarian support through medical evacuation and investigation.

Ellorin said it would be “senseless” to give the US military increased access to Philippine territory under the controversial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) if the US government would not admit “any wrongdoing” in the operation.

“The US has dodged accountability for the Mamasapano carnage and countless more military-related crimes against the Filipino people, but (US President Barack) Obama and (President Benigno) Aquino continue to push for the implementation of the Edca,” she said.

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Report: Humans to lose 5 million jobs to robots by 2020

by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

BY the year 2020, humans are expected to lose a net of 5.1 millions of jobs to robots and artificial intelligence, according to a report from the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In the report, 15 economies that make up 65 percent – about 1.9 billion workers – of the total global workforce were surveyed.

About 7 million jobs will be lost while 2 million will be gained due to technological change in these developed and emerging nations.

Robots have already begun taking over manual labor and jobs, such as cashiers, that involve redundant tasks.

However, smarter machines are also jeopardizing more skilled occupations.

“As entire industries adjust, most occupations are undergoing a fundamental transformation,” according to the report.

“While some jobs are threatened by redundancy and others grow rapidly, existing jobs are also going through a change in the skill

sets required to do them.”

Jobs in every industry would be displaced, according to the report. But the effects would vary and the most at-risk jobs include data processing and administrative jobs. Latest findings say that two-thirds of anticipated losses will probably be in the office and administrative sectors.

A Business Insider report states that humans could also lose nine jobs to robots: pharmacists, lawyers and paralegals, drivers, astronauts, store clerks, soldiers, babysitters, rescuers (the article notes that robots are able to search areas that are inaccessible to humans), and sportswriters and other reporters.

CNN cited a Bank of America study stating that there is a 90 percent risk or more of the following jobs being replaced: bakers, butchers, tour guides, tax collectors, telemarketers, insurance sales agents, retail salespeople, clerks, accountants and pharmacy technicians.

That report also stated that robots will likely be performing 45 percent of manufacturing tasks

by 2025, compared to just 10 percent today.

“To prevent a worst-case scenario – technological change accompanied by talent shortages, mass unemployment and growing inequality – reskilling and upskilling of today’s workers will be critical,” the authors wrote. “It is simply not possible to weather the current technological revolution by waiting for the next generation’s workforce to become better prepared.”

Jobs involving much social interaction, empathy and intuition are least likely to be replaced by technology, according to CNN. Among these occupations include teachers, artists, mental health care workers, police and detectives, and social workers.

Women are projected to be disproportionately affected, with more than five jobs lost for every one gained throughout the next five years, versus one job gained per three lost for men. This is due to the low participation of women in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

PH calls for international action vs terrorism

by PIA LEE-BRAGO Philstar.com

WITH terror attacks across the world becoming bolder and indiscriminately targeting civilians, there is greater need for nations to close ranks to fight terrorism “in all its forms and wherever they may occur,” a statement from Manila addressed to the international community said.

“The Philippines and the Filipino people stand in solidarity with other peace-loving countries and individuals in expressing deep concern on the continuing

terrorist acts happening in many parts of the world, which are indiscriminately targeting innocents and civilians,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The DFA issued the statement in the wake of terror attacks across the globe, including in major urban centers like Paris and Istanbul.

A new UN action calls for a comprehensive approach to combating extremism, including taking systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to

radicalize and join violent extremist groups.

The UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism appeals for concerted action by the international community and cites critical elements for its success including good governance, rule of law, political participation, quality education and decent jobs and full respect for human rights.

The action plan provides more than 70 recommendations to UN member-states to prevent the further spread of violent extremism stemming from “poisonous ideologies.

PH seas rising fast, according to US study

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MIAMI—The amount of sea level rise that comes from the oceans warming and expanding has been underestimated, and is likely about twice as much as previously calculated, German researchers said Monday, Jan. 25.

Sea level rise was also found to vary substantially from place to place, with the rate around the Philippines “five times the global rate.”

The findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a peer-reviewed US journal, suggest that increasingly severe storm surges could be anticipated as a result.

Sea level can mount due to two factors — melting ice and the thermal expansion of water as it warms.

Until now, researchers have believed the oceans rose between 0.7 to one millimeter per year due to thermal expansion.

But a fresh look at the latest satellite data from 2002 to 2014 shows the seas are expanding about 1.4 millimeters a year, said the study.

“To date, we have underestimated how much the heat-related expansion of the water mass in the oceans contributes to a global rise in sea level,” said co-author Jurgen Kusche, a professor at the University of Bonn.

The overall sea level rise rate is about 2.74 millimeters per year, combining both thermal expansion and melting ice.

Meanwhile, sea level on the US West Coast is largely stable because there is hardly any ocean warming in that area, said the findings. (ManilaTimes.net)

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D ATELINE PHILIPPINES Binay camp belittles Senate probe: Bongbong to DOJ: Explain delay No credible, admissible evidence

THE CAMP of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday, Jan. 26 belittled the findings of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee, saying that after 25 hearings it was unable to prove the corruption allegations against Binay.

Binay’s political spokesperson Rico Quicho said the final hearing Tuesday “highlighted the obvious’’ as “no credible and admissible evidence has been presented to support the outrageous allegations against the Vice President.’’

mending plunder and graft cases against Binay in connection with construction of the Makati City Hall Building II. No-show Binay did not participate in the proceedings of the subcommittee and lashed out against senators for the way they treated witnesses from the city government and certain agencies under him.

In a statement, Quicho also claimed that key witnesses, particularly lawyer Renato Bondal and

behind in the surveys,’’ Quicho said of Trillanes.

Evidence against VP Binay’s camp also belied Trillanes’ claim that the folders that the Vice President had presented in a television ad were actually evidence against Binay.

Joey Salgado, Binay’s media affairs head, said that the folders were submitted by the Makati City government to show cooperation in the Senate and that the contents showed that “all transactions and

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in resolving Mamasapano case

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

MANILA—Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, Jan. 26 called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to explain the delay in filing charges against the suspects for the death of 44 Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year.

“The DOJ owes it to the family of the victims, and to the public in general, to explain why a year after that tragic incident no formal charges have been filed in court against those responsible,” Marcos said in a statement.

Marcos added that the DOJ can submit to the Senate a report on the status of the case even if they

are not formally invited to testify in the hearing.

Acting Justice Secretary Emmanuel Caparas earlier assured that the agency will come out with a resolution soon.

Marcos said that former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and the National Bureau of Investigation should also assist the Senate in identifying the cause of delay in the progress of the case.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier expressed his dismay over the slow progress of the justice system in the country during the commemoration of the first anniversary of the Mamasapano incident.

“Gaya ninyo, ako man po ay naiinip sa bagal ng pag-usad ng

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sistemang pangkatarungan sa ating bansa. Ika nga: Justice delayed is justice denied,” Aquino said.

Optimistic Filipinos at record high -SWS

by YUJI

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“The hearings were just a waste of time and resources of the Senate,’’ Quicho said in a statement he issued after the almost three-hour hearing.

The Senate subcommittee concluded its hearings Tuesday after more than a year of inquiry into allegations that Binay and his family had amassed illegal wealth through projects and programs under the city government and under him as Vice President.

The subcommittee submitted last year a partial report recom-

former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, had “no personal knowledge whatsoever on the issue they testified on.’’

He belittled Bondal for basing his testimonies “from newspaper clippings from a biased newspaper,’’ in reference to the Inquirer.

In the case of Mercado, he said the former vice mayor just retold “lies’’ he had been saying since last year.

“The rest of the ‘testimonies’ are just political rhetoric from a vice presidential candidate lagging

projects are transparent and in compliance with established rules and procedures.’’

He said senators had admitted they were not able to read all the documents, adding this was not a surprise considering that the senators had prejudged the matter even before the start of the hearings.

Salgado also said the photo of folders used in a TV ad of Binay were taken last year and showed these were in a store room “gathering dust.’’ (Christina Avendaño/ Inquirer.net)

Supreme Court hearing gives Poe hope ‘Impossible’ requirement for foundlings cited

by JEROME

C. ANING,

TARRA QUISMUNDO Inquirer.net

IF THE COURT upholds the “impossible” requirement for a foundling to prove his unknown parentage, generations of Filipino foundlings will suffer the unintended consequences.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno had this to say in her 20minute interpellation of Alexander Poblador, counsel of presidential candidate Grace Poe, a foundling now facing challenges to the status of her citizenship and qualification for public office as the senator fights to remain in the running for the nation’s top post.

Sereno Tuesday, Jan. 26 underscored the magnitude of any decision the high court would make on Poe’s challenge to her disqualification, saying generations of foundlings would be affected by how the court would rule on the case.

Sereno zeroed in on who should carry the burden of proof that Poe is not a natural-born Filipino and hence not qualified to seek public office—the reason the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had voted to disqualify her from the May presidential election.

For Sereno, compelling a foundling to prove his or her unknown parentage was an “impossible condition,” and that upholding such a requirement would betray the presumption in Philippine adoption laws that a foundling is a Filipino.

“We have to be careful that we’re not held by a rigid reading of what we consider as a failure to enumerate foundlings. We are going to create unintended consequences, the difficulties of which are not only going to be visited on your client but on so many foundlings in this country,” said Sereno, the last justice to ask Poblador questions in three-hour oral arguments Tuesday.

Profound implication “The implication is very profound, not only for your client. I would put a blinder on who your client is and just focus on the implication on foundling rights, who are being required by the position of petitioners to prove an impossible condition,” Sereno said.

She sought to establish how the country’s laws on domestic and international adoption carried the presumption that foundlings in the Philippines were in fact Filipinos, hence Philippine courts had jurisdiction over them.

By mere title, she noted that Republic Act No. 8552 is called “An act establishing rules and policies on the domestic adoption of Filipino Children, and for other purposes.”

“Meaning foundlings are covered by rules on the adoption of Filipino children,” Sereno said.

Republic Act No. 8043 is titled “An act establishing the rules to govern intercountry adoption of Filipino children and for other purposes,” and also spells out rules

said, “no court can assume jurisdiction of the foundling if foundling is not presumed Filipino.”

Sereno said that while the law may at times be “silent, obscure or ambiguous,” courts were tasked to issue rulings based on legislative interpretation so that justice would be upheld.

“The law intends for justice and right to prevail. So the point of us making sure that justice prevails is not a vox populi requirement. I disagree with that. It is a duty which justices are required to observe because it is even statutorily required of us in keeping with our mandate under the civil code and inherent J\e% >iXZ\ Gf\ functions we are exercising as a on the intercountry adoption of court,” Sereno said. foundlings in the Philippines.

“I’m very interested because “The legislature itself accords there are parents now who want to foundlings the presumption of adopt. What this court is going to citizenship,” Poblador said. say will speak to them… Whether Under the country’s adoption we find it strictly by saying that the laws and the civil code, Poblador G8>< 8.

VINCENT GONZALES

+37 in March last year.

Malacañang welcomed the SWS survey results, saying that a record-high optimism among Filipinos would encourage the administration to continue its reform efforts.

“Encouraging results such as (this) continue to inspire us in government to serve our Bosses better. By aiming for growth that is not only sustained but also inclusive, the Aquino administration ensures that national progress translates to concrete benefits for

our people,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a FILIPINOS’ personal optimism statement. on the quality of life has surged “Over the past five years, such a to a record high during the last policy has led to advancements in quarter of 2015, pollster Social education, healthcare, and other Weather Stations (SWS) said. social services, including the The SWS survey showed that sustained expansion of our Con45 percent of Filipino adults were ditional Cash Transfer (CCT) proexpecting their quality of life to gram. During the next elections, improve in 2016, while only five we trust that the Filipino people percent said otherwise. will vote to continue our upward This resulted in a net personal trajectory along Daang Matuwid, optimism of “very high” +40, and help make the Filipino dream breaking the previous record of possible for many generations to come,” he added.

Lacierda said the percentage of “optimists” rose to 38 percent from September, the highest in 28 years.

The same survey also showed that 39 percent of Filipinos expected the economy to get better in the next 12 months, 9 percent higher than the data in the previous quarter.

Those who expected the economy to deteriorate, meanwhile, dropped from 12 percent to 8 percent.

Thirty-one percent of respondents said their quality of life improved over the past 12 months, up from 29 percent in the previous quarter.

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Inquirer.net

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OPINION

Recurrence

FEATURES

IT has been a year since the bloodbath between the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), and elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. That fateful Sunday on Jan. 25, 2015 left 44 elite policemen and 19 Moro rebels dead.

The government’s failure to successfully resolve the Mamasapano encounter has become emblematic of persistent dangers that affect everyone. Criminal charges have been filed against 90 commander and members from different Moro entities, but justice has yet to be delivered for the victims’ kin.

Justice department spokesman and Undersecretary Emmanuel Caparas said the agency is aware of the cry for justice for the families of the slain policemen and vowed to have a resolution soon.

“The DOJ continues to do what it needs to do so that it can deliver justice to all parties involved.

Let’s just say the authorities are moving as quickly as they can, as responsibly as they can, as judiciously as they can so that justice may be delivered,” Caparas said.

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile initiated the resumption of the Senate investigation into the Mamasapano encounter and vowed to implicate Pres. Benigno Aquino III for his active and direct involvement in the planning and preparation of the botched “Oplan Exodus.”

For Sen. Bongbong Marcos, the reopening of the Senate investigation will address the government’s unfulfilled promises and the continuing

cries for justice of families of the 44 slain SAF commandos.

“No case has been filed in court to prosecute those responsible.

We owe it to the families of the SAF heroes to resolve these issues and the Senate investigation will allow us the opportunity to do that,” Marcos said.

Earlier, Aquino admitted that he believes that the resumption of the Senate investigation is fueled by politics and an attempt to put blood on his hands.

“We all know that the campaign period is coming soon. Among our opponents, they see that this has been the greatest burden I have had since I took office. Perhaps, they are trying to take this opportunity,” Aquino said, alluding to his administration’s rivals.

Meanwhile, on the first anniversary of the Mamasapano encounter on Monday, Jan. 25 Aquino awarded the fallen SAF troopers with medals to honor their their gallantry during the operation that resulted in the death of Zulkifli Abdhir (also known as Marwan), who was one of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted terrorists.

“On this day, we are gathered to honor the valiant efforts of the Philippine National Police Spe-

Editorial

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cial Action Force. Together with the whole nation, we whole-heartedly recognize them for their service. To our valiant SAF: Thank you so much for your heroism to promote peace,” Aquino said in Filipino after presenting the posthumous awards to the fallen SAF troopers’ families. The President also assured them of the government’s assistance and vowed justice over the killings.

Another victim of the Mamasapano encounter is the fate of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

(BBL). The peace pact made between the national government and Muslim rebels in the country— meant allow comprehensive growth and development in the southern region—has been gaining headway, and an expected passage in the legislature was already underway, until the Mamasapano tragedy occurred.

Depending on the outcome of the Senate investigation, the future of the peace and stability in Mindanao will remain in a precarious balance.

Surprises ahead of the start of presidential election primaries and caucuses IN less than a week, the race to the White House takes off in Iowa for both the Democratic and the Republican parties. The voters of this state and all the others, as scheduled perhaps until summer, will head to the polls and choose the candidate who they believe will best represent the principles, vision and advocacies of their party.

The developments of the week preceding the February 1 Iowa caucuses headlined so many unexpected twists and turns many were not expecting in the past six months.

The Bush brand did not seem well for Jeb Bush, who many thought would be the frontrunner for the GOP, but six debates later and the entry of billionaire real estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump has shaken and perhaps redefined what “conservative” means for the Republican Party.

Donald Trump has been perceived as someone embracing more liberal principles, and yet he has emerged to be the candidate most likely to be the nominee of the Republican Party. Trump dominated the recent CNN/ORC poll with 41 percent of Republican voters nationwide saying they

former Maryland Gov. Martin will vote for the billionaire. CNN O’Malley’s 3 percent. Sanders further reported that more than The Fil-Am remains the frontrunner in New two-thirds believe he will win the Perspective Hampshire, the first primary party’s nomination. state after Iowa with a 56 perTrump has beaten candidates cent to 34 percent advantage in the polls who were more traover Clinton. ditional Republicans embracThe surge of Bernie Sanders ing conservative principles with G EL SANTOS-RELOS in the polls over time has been strong ties to evangelical Chrisfueled by the support of the tians. According to CNN, the nearest competitor, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, got 19 younger voters who see the 75-year-old senator as the candidate who can bring real change in percent support in the poll.

The CNN/ORC poll revealed that no other can- America, with his “democratic socialism” prindidate hit double-digits. Florida Sen. Marco Ru- ciple.

This is different from the Soviet Union kind of bio landed at 8 percent, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson at 6 percent, former Florida Gov. Jeb socialism, and Sanders defined it in the recent Bush at 5 percent, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Democratic town hall meeting in Iowa: “What democratic socialism means to me is at 4 percent, and the rest at 1 percent or less.

In the Democratic Party, the latest Fox News that economic rights, the right to economic secuPoll shows frontrunner Hillary Clinton’s national rity, should exist in the United States of America,” lead among likely Democratic primary voters has said Sanders, who calls himself a “democratic socialist.” He said the term means that government narrowed -- 49 percent to Sanders’ 37 percent.

In Iowa, the Fox news poll reveals Clinton with listens to the middle class as much as it listens 48 percent support to Sanders’ 42 percent and to the rich, and that government helps students

have access to college. “Creating a government that works for all of us, not just a handful of people on the top. That’s my definition of democratic socialism.”

The CNN-sponsored debate highlighted how each candidate differentiated themselves from each other, with Clinton perceived as the more “experienced” candidate while Sanders highlighted that aside from his experience and preparedness for the highest post in the nation, he has the better judgement to be President.

We will know by February 1 who among the candidates in both parties will have the wind behind their backs heading to New Hampshire. And we will see if another billionaire, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, will join the race as he has been seriously thinking of doing so.

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A financial aid application process Did Aquino expect the US to save the that works for students, families SAF, as they did his mother in 1989?

Commentary

REP. JOE HECK ALL around the Las Vegas Valley, high school seniors are making important decisions about where to continue their education next fall. As the father of a college freshman, I know this is an exciting time. But preparing for post-secondary education can also be a daunting task when families start to think about costs and financial aid.

Unfortunately, there are many flaws in our student aid application process. This is why I recently joined a bipartisan group of colleagues from the Hose Committee on Education and the Workforce to introduce H.R. 3177, the Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act. This bill will help address the numerous roadblocks Nevada families face when going through the financial aid application process.

Many students’ and parents’ first introduction to the headache that has become the financial aid process begins with completing the Free Applica-

tion for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA in January if they wish to register for fall classes. It may seem as though getting ahead of financial aid applications and filling them out early is a good idea, however it’s not that simple.

The FASFA form is 10 pages long and includes over 100 questions on topics such as income, expenses, family size and assets. It also requires submissions of income tax data from the previous year, which is often unavailable at the time students are asked to begin filling out their applications. Sometimes the process is so frustrating that students and families give up, thereby disqualifying themselves from receiving much needed aid.

Our bill will make applying for financial aid much easier for students and parents. First, it will allow the use of family income data from two years prior to the date of FAFSA application as opposed to just one year. This way students can easily apply in January and get a portion of the college-preparation stress out of the way early. Next, this bill will make filling out the FASFA form easier than ever. It will directly link the online FAFSA

form to a family’s income data available through the Internal Revenue Service. That way, many of the over 100 FAFSA questions will be automatically filled in, not only increasing speed but accuracy. Finally, this bill will allow more time for student aid administrators and institutions to verify reported income data, thus strengthening the overall integrity of the application process and ensuring that your tax payer dollars are going to those who truly need the aid.

Applying for financial aid is a necessary part of postsecondary education for many Nevada families but it does not need to be so overwhelming. The Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act provides a significant step towards making this process quicker and easier. I am determined to get this legislation passed in the 114th Congress because it should not be such a hassle to ensure that our children are able to receive financial support for the education they deserve. ! ! ! :fe^i\jjdXe Af\ ?\Zb i\gi\j\ekj E\mX[XËj K_`i[ ;`jki`Zk `e k_\ ?flj\ f] I\gi\j\ekXk`m\j n_\i\ _\ j\im\j fe k_\ ?flj\ :fdd`kk\\ fe <[lZXk`fe Xe[ k_\ Nfib]fiZ\%

Commentary

RIGOBERTO TIGLAO THE United States’ role in Oplan Exodus that killed an international terrorist but led to the worst massacre of Philippine troops in recent history must be established if we are to understand and put closure to this national tragedy brought upon us by this incompetent president.

A report by the respected Los Angeles Times on the episode, published September 2015 or after months of investigative work, depicts our government and the military as puppets that US special forces de facto directed as part of its international war on terror.

According to the LA Times report, US special forces trained the police commandos, gave them high-tech equipment, “ferried them around” using aircraft flown by US contractors, pinpointed where Marwan was hiding, provided photographic aerial maps to the site, and even provided “real time” intelligence while the operation was being undertaken using drones.

Indeed, Zulkifli bin Hir, aka “Marwan,” a Malaysian, wasn’t really high in the Philippine po-

lice and military’s order of battle, as he was believed to have been given refuge by the MILF for his huge financial donation to the insurgents, but only on condition that he didn’t undertake his terrorist activities in Mindanao.

It was the US who designated him as “HV1” (high value target no.1) here as an international terrorist linked to its archenemy Al-Qaeda, with the FBI putting a $5 million bounty on his head; this was mainly because he was believed to have supplied the bombs in the 2002 Bali attack, and had trained Islamic terrorists around the world in bomb warfare. The US also wanted to prove that nobody can escape the long arm of its law: Marwan was indicted in August 2007 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

Former police colonel Getulio Napeñas, then commander of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force that undertook the mission, testified in the Senate hearings on the massacre last year: One of the Americans ordered (Army 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Edmundo) Pangilinan to fire the artillery.

However, Pangilinan refused and told him “Do not dictate to me what to do. I am the commander here!”

Why would an American dare order an army general to fire ar-

tillery if he had no commanding role in the operation?

There were several pieces of evidence of US involvement in the operation disclosed in the Senate hearings: testimonies of a local mayor and an SAF trooper that they saw drones circling the battle field, Napenas’ disclosure that there were six Americans at the operation’s command post, and his explanation that a Federal Bureau of Investigation officer was waiting at General Santos City airport to whom a SAF officer gave Marwan’s severed finger right after the operation, for DNA testing in an FBI laboratory in the US. There was in fact photo evidence of US involvement: Newspaper photos of Caucasians tending to and loading the wounded on a helicopter on the day of the massacre. The chopper’s markings are clearly visible. Why didn’t the Senate establish who or what agency or what country operated this helicopter? Like meek colonial subjects, the Senate and the press shirked away from finding out why that helicopter was there pre-positioned for the operation.

How can we pretend to be a sovereign nation when Oplan Exodus was almost entirely an American operation, from which it swiftly distanced itself from when it resulted in 44 of our elite police troops massacred?

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PH drops 10 notches in global corruption index by ranking countries.

“This year’s index ranks 186 Philstar.com countries/territories by their perMANILA—The Philippines ceived levels of public sector ranked 95th out of 186 countries corruption,” Transparency Interin the Corruption Perceptions national said in a statement.

The Philippines shared the Index for 2015, 10 notches lower than its rank in the previous 95th spot with Armenia, Mali and Mexico. year.

Denmark topped the list folTransparency International reported that the Philippines scored lowed by Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, 35/100 in the latest survey.

The survey covered 186 coun- Switzerland, Singapore and Cantries in 2015 and 175 countries in ada. Germany, Luxembourg and 2014. The index corruption shows United Kingdom are tied at the the relative degree of corruption 10th spot.

by PATRICIA LOURDES VIRAY

8.

Meanwhile, North Korea and Somalia were deemed as the most corrupt among the countries surveyed.

Also at the bottom of the list were Afghanistan, Sudan, South Sudan, Angola, Libya, Iraq, Venezuela, Guinea-Bissau and Haiti.

Transparency International reported that 68 percent of the countries worldwide have a serious corruption problem.

“Not one single country, anywhere in the world, is corruptionfree,” Transparency International said.

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Did Aquino expect the US to save...

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Eucharistic Congress calls for love, compassion for the poor

by EDU PUNAY, KRISTINE QUINTAS Philstar.com

A MASS, celebrated in a humble plaza to show the message of hope, kicked off the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu City on Sunday, Jan. 24.

Yangon Archbishop Charles Maung Cardinal Bo, who was sent

by Pope Francis to represent him in the weeklong event, said in the homily that the Eucharist and the poor are inseparable as he noted that 20,000 children die every day, about 90,000 a month or 10 million a year due to starvation and malnutrition.

“In our world, where there is a shortage of hope, mankind needs to hear the message of hope in Christ Jesus,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma in a post on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website.

He added that since the Congress is an event of hope, Cardinal Bo wants to show this message by interacting with those who languish in prison and spending time with a number of Cebu’s poor children.

Bo visited the Don Bosco Training and Youth Center, established by his Filipino confreres to reach out to poor children and out-ofschool youths, and a vocational school in Barangay Pasil, which is identified as one of the city’s most depressed areas.

Palma also said Pope Francis tapped two priests – Marvin Mejia and Dominic Bar Bu – for “special pontifical missions” that he did not specify.

In the mass celebrated at the Plaza Independencia, Cardinal Bo reminded everyone that all humans are equal before the Eucharist.

“Today, we have gathered from various backgrounds, the rich and the poor, the noble and the blessed, aristocrat and the servant, but when you approach the altar, the Eucharist strips you of all your social stages. You are equal among equals in an unequal and uncaring world,” he said.

At least 1,500 priests, 200 bishops and 10 cardinals concelebrated the mass with Archbishop Palma presenting the Holy Bible given by Pope Francis as a gift.

Authorities estimated the total at-

SC hearing gives Poe...

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language is silent—so the right of foundlings is completely silent—or will resort to interpretation, not only statutory construction, but judicial interpretation, and administrative practices in order that a just and right ruling will result,” Sereno said.

Enough evidence Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, picking off where he left during the first hearing on Tuesday last week questioning Poblador, reiterated that those seeking the senator’s disqualification never presented any evidence that she was a foreigner, and thus she was presumed a natural-born Filipino eligible to seek the presidency.

Leonen questioned whether evidence was presented in the Comelec enough to prove that Poe was a natural-born Filipino citizen, considering that the proceedings at the poll body were summary in nature, meaning there were no hearings.

Poblador admitted that Poe’s foundling certificate and decree of adoption were not enough to prove that one of the senator’s parents were Filipinos.

The lawyer, however, reiterated Poe’s position that she is naturalborn based on presumptions under both domestic and international laws, to which Leonen replied, “Maybe to some of us it is too iffy, too ambiguous, too tenuous a link.”

The justice also asked Poblador to discuss in the memorandum to be submitted to the court on whether a foundling can be given a natural-born Filipino citizenship just because the foundling was found on Philippine territory.

On the residency issue, Poblador said the senator lived in the Philippines since birth, except for some 14 years when she was in the United States.

He also agreed with Leonen that the constitutional provision requiring a 10-year residency “immediately preceding the election” for presidential candidates did not say that the 10 years must be continuous.

Question of loyalty The justice said that if the purpose of the 10-year residency rule was for the candidate to be familiar with the conditions in the country, then there may not be a reason for Poe not to be so since she lived most of her life in the Philippines and that because of technology

such as the Internet, she could have been familiar with what is happening in the country.

Leonen also challenged the premise that the reason for imposing a natural-born citizenship requirement on candidates for President was to assure their loyalty to the country, asking if there ever was a scientific finding proving that non-natural-borns are not or less loyal.

He pointed out that a child born in Hawaii of parents who are Philippine citizens could theoretically run for president of the United States, although it would be up to American voters to decide to vote for the child when he runs for the office in the future.

Justices Antonio Carpio and Teresita Leonardo-De Castro focused on Poblador’s citation of international law in declaring that foundlings like Poe had the right to be citizens of the country where they are found.

Carpio pointed out that the 1930 Hague Convention cited by Poblador could not have been construed as international law applicable in the Philippines at the time the 1935 Constitution was enacted, saying that the convention only took effect in 1937 when the required 10 states ratified it.

Incremental acts Carpio asked if Poblador could submit the income tax returns submitted by Poe in 2005 and 2006 while De Castro asked the lawyer to submit to the court the basis used by the Bureau of Immigration in declaring Poe as a natural-born citizen.

Justice Presbitero Velasco asked Poblador on the lawyer’s assertion that Poe’s decision to reestablish her residency in the Philippines was a “series of incremental acts.”

“Relocation is difficult. There are steps which must taken in totality,” adding that the elements of reacquisition of domicile—physical presence, intent to stay and no intention to return to previous residence were all present in Poe’s case.

Justice Mariano del Castillo, on the other hand, asked Poblador about his position that it should be up to the people to decide Poe’s qualifications in the election.

“You say vox populi vox dei [but] isn’t the Constitution also the voice of the people?” he asked, to which Poblador said the Constitution provided elections in which the people could continue to make their decisions.

tendees at 400,000.

Palma said the Eucharist is the primary source of renewal, center of community and hope of glory.

G8>< 8- It is the American role in the Mamasapano operation that explains what had been a mystery to me. This is something that can’t be discussed, for some flimsy national-security reason, only in closed executive sessions in the Senate. The nation, the loved ones and relatives of the massacred SAF 44, deserve to know the truth.

Where could this President — who had never really shown himself to be really decisive and courageous — find the guts to pretend to command Oplan Exodus, even asking his close friend Police Chief Alan Purisima – in

spite of Purisima’s having been sacked a month before — to be his “executive officer?”

From the Americans, who assured him that, short of having American boots on the ground, they were on top of Oplan Exodus. The Americans probably told him: “We’ll do all the work.

Just be in Zamboanga City to congratulate your troops for a job well done.”

As the operation unraveled, Aquino was still probably hoping for the American military to somehow turn things around.

After all, the Americans saved his mother at the last minute in

1989, when US Phantom jets swooped from Clark Air Base to force down the RAM rebels’ T28 Trojans (the so-called “Tora-Toras”) that were bombing Malacanang, and thereby defeating that coup that had nearly won.

This time around, of course, no US fighters swooped down on Mamasapano. The kind of drones the US sent were unarmed.

This president could be guilty not only of criminal negligence but treason, for letting a foreign power undertake a military operation within our country, one that resulted in 44 SAF troopers massacred.

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JOURNAL Dante Basco: Creating stories & opportunities in entertainment for Asian Americans Follow Dante Basco: Wordpress: dantebasco. wordpress.com/ YouTube: youtube.com/ user/thedantebasco Twitter: @dantebasco Tumblr: rufiozuko.tumblr. com Facebook: facebook.com/ OfficialDanteBasco Instagram: @dantebasco Snapchat: @rufiozuko ;Xek\ 9XjZf `j XZk`m\ fe j\m\iXc jfZ`Xc d\[`X gcXk]fidj kf Zfddle`ZXk\ n`k_ _`j ]Xej%

by AGNES

CONSTANTE AJPress

video games online and use social media, both of which are ways he IT’S a Wednesday afternoon at communicates with his fans.

The Honor Bar in Beverly Hills, “The more you communicate, where Filipino-American actor the more you build this relationship.

Dante Basco decides to order a The way I look at my whole online crispy chicken sandwich with no life is an ongoing conversation I tomatoes for lunch. Wednesdays have with fans ... and it’s kind of happen to be one of his three des- like you’re talking to a collective ignated workout days during the group,” he says. week—the other two are Monday One of his favorite ways to interand Friday—and he’s knocked out act with fans is by answering queshis exercise for the day in the morn- tions in the middle of the night on ing before his midday meal.

Tumblr, a blogging platform used While waiting for his food, Basco widely by younger generations. picks up his cell phone to respond Some questions he has been asked to an email. He leads quite a busy include what his favorite snack is, life in which he wears many hats: his favorite Filipino food, his favorhe’s also a creative consultant, ite non-computer game hobbies, producer, poet, writer and speaker. and others pertaining to life choices He even carves out time to play and heartbreak.

Kathryn Bernardo:‘We need someone to give our generation a wake-up call’

by STEFAN

PUNONGBAYAN Philstar.com

MANILA—Kathryn Bernardo is game, all day long. That’s exactly what she told me when I asked her for a one-on-one following her coronation as the latest face of a top haircare brand. We’ve all seen her grow in front of the camera.

We hardly could have predicted that she was destined to be one of the most sought-after actresses and crushes ng bayan.

Apparently, the Teen Queen always leaves room for her royal subjects. She fixes her blush-hued dress and silky hair, and beckons me to sit with her on her throne — a fuchsia and white sofa — eager to tell me the tales of her victory. Love her or hate her, she has managed to rule while having fun. She is, after all, Kathryn Bernardo and not Kathryn Bernardon’t.

Philstar.com: This year, you’re pushing 20. What have you learned so far from your reign as the Teen Queen of Philippine showbiz? ÈJfd\k`d\j `kËj ^ff[% Jfd\k`d\j bX`cXe^Xe cXe^ eXk`e^ dXklkleXe ble^ gXXef `$YXcXeZ\ Xe^ Kathryn Bernardo: A lot, actually, cX_Xk gXiX _`e[` kXpf dX^`e^ gXY`^Xk f dXjXY`_Xe^ jgf`c\[ Xk \ek`kc\[#É jXpj BXk_ipe% G8>< 9) G_`cjkXi%Zfd g_fkf

“I don’t think everyone really understands how old I am,” says the 40-year-old actor. “[My fans] ask me for a lot of advice. I think in a lot of ways I’ve become like a cool uncle or older brother figure talking to [them].”

Basco’s acting career has spanned over 25 years, longer than the lives of many of his younger followers. He’s no stranger to the big screen and television, with filmography including the iconic role of Rufio in the 1991 movie “Hook” and the voice of Zuko in the popular Nickelodeon animated television series “Avatar the Last Airbender,” for which he has become well-known among the younger generation.

In 2000, the Fil-Am actor played G8>< 9*

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How Patricia & Rob keep marriage intact Meryll Soriano: No to abolition of MMFF despite â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;injusticeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

by ALLAN

POLICARPIO Inquirer.net

by RICKY LO Philstar.com

In a field where most marriages donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last (so many pressures, so many temptations and so many intrigues, you know), Patricia Javier and Robert â&#x20AC;&#x153;Robâ&#x20AC;?

Walcher III are among the very few exceptions. They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Dec. 27 last year. At the start, some cynics predicted that the east-meets-west union wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last. The couple has proven them terribly wrong.

Asked how they keep their marriage intact, Patricia told Funfare in an exclusive interview, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to fight in English. It takes time for me to decide what to say. And by the time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about to open my mouth, wala na ang galit ko.â&#x20AC;?

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a joke. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seriously,â&#x20AC;? continued Patricia, â&#x20AC;&#x153;give-and-take kami. We compromise. We meet halfway on some issues. Rob is patient and understanding. Simple lang.

Mabait na tao siya, sobrang makapamilya.â&#x20AC;?

A chiropractor, Rob is partGerman and part-Scot who grew up in the States (Reno, Nevada) while Patricia is a homegrown actress-singer raised on Filipino custom. Luckily, they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suffer from culture shock. They instill the best of both cultures in their children Robert IV, eight years old, and Ryan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We train them to be punctual in everything, always American time and never Filipino time,â&#x20AC;? said Patricia, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and to be independent.

We teach them Filipino values such as respect for elders, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yung pagmamano, and to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;poâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;opo.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

They were two right people who met at the right time. She was free and so was he. They met in San Diego, California, introduced to each other by their mutual friends Dr. Benjamin Camacho, and Melinda and Romy Casas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was perfect timing,â&#x20AC;? recalled Patricia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take time before Rob began courting me.

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Before I knew it, we were going steady already.â&#x20AC;?

But when Rob proposed marriage, Patricia said that she developed cold feet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ang daming pinagdaanan bago natuloy ang kasal,â&#x20AC;? laughed Patricia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had my wedding gown made in the Philippines but it got lost on my way to the States. I thought that was a bad sign until I found out that my gown was misplaced at the Customs.â&#x20AC;?

It helps that they are both Christian who put God at the center of their marriage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rob didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t used to be religious and I was able to influence him,â&#x20AC;? said Patricia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dati, he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to church as often as he should.

Malaking factor na pareho kami ng religion.â&#x20AC;?

After living for years in San Diego where Rob ran chiropractic clinic and Patricia resumed her rudely-interrupted career as a singer, the couple decided to settle down in the Philippines.

The Dec. 27, 2015, event was a celebration of both their 10th wedding anniversary and their happy homecoming. Joining them

were their close friends, including (as principal sponsors) the late German â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kuya Germsâ&#x20AC;? Moreno, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, Bernie and Ernesto Leyva, Melinda and Romy Casas, and Dr. Ann and George David.

The event organizer was Kristine Rose Cruz of Krissybey Events Management. Other credits: Susie Bonaobra and Bing Cristobal (gowns), Wilfoto (photo and video), Joane Quimio (hair and make-up), Dawn Escarte of Rojo Flowers (florist), Acoustic After Class (reception band), Studio 22 (mightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and sounds), Bente Dos Akustik (ceremony band), Sweet Solutions (cake), Jeff Quinquileria of Walkabooth (photo booth), Wedding Digest Philippines (souvenirs), Red Veil (candy buffet), and Janne Rabe and Phoebe Walker (emcees).

The reception was held at Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ at The Paris Beach Club of Azure Urban Resort & Residences, catered by Lady Lynn Catering Services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are here to stay,â&#x20AC;? said Patricia. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Enjoy na dito ang mga bata.â&#x20AC;?

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and a former child star, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had and will always have a bigger share of grown-up problems than most of us. Plus, you have to constantly stay pretty. How do you cope with, say, Metro Manila traffic, given your ultra-fast-paced lifestyle? â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Wag kang magpaapekto sa stress. Sobrang stressful ng pagiging actress â&#x20AC;&#x201D; maingay at mabilis ang lahat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; pero ang secret dun ay dapat diyan ka lang, kalmahin mo ang sarili mo, planuhin mo kung paano mo magagawa ang schedule for the day, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get through it.

Do you keep a playlist handy to help you deal with it? Who are your top five musicians?

Usually kapag nase-stress ako, I listen to Michael BublĂŠ, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and of course, Taylor Swift.

How would you describe your relationship with your peers, Liza and Nadine? What can you say about the apparent rivalry among the three of you and among your respective fan bases?

We all work for the same station, so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think dapat lagyan ng malice o kulay. Kaming tatlo, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very okay. Wala naman talagang

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the industry feel the same way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was great to see that even people who werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t part of our film trooped to Congress to show their support. We were very pleased with how things went,â&#x20AC;? related the 33-year-old artist, who also maintained that she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t upset about losing the best actress awardâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for which she was touted as a strong contenderâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to Jennylyn Mercado of â&#x20AC;&#x153;#WalangForever.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;A trophy is an acknowledgment of your talent, but the only thing that saddened us was our filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disqualification,â&#x20AC;? stressed Meryll, who has always made it a point

Anne Curtis on viral Jasmine-Erwan photo: This is a non-issue

Kathryn Bernardo:â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We need someone to... especially in 2015. Mas kilala ko na ang sarili ko, I think. I feel that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m stronger and more mature now.

Like, kung may problema, I handle things differently.

Were there any struggles, pressures and perks?

Of course, nandiyan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yan. Hanggang ngayon, hindi mawawala ang pressure. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing, though, kasi yun ang motivation ko.

Ngayon, sa every project, sa every show na ginagawa ko, nandoon pa rin yung pressure na kailangang itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better than my last work.

I take it that, as a teen actress

FOR Meryll Soriano, the contentious disqualification of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honor Thy Fatherâ&#x20AC;? from the best picture category in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) turned out to be a blessing in disguise, after the incident sparked discussions and became a catalyst for possible changes in the annual event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was disappointing because we worked hard and were passionate about the project. We felt that there was injustice, but things happen for a reasonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and in this case, perhaps because some things needed to be brought to light,â&#x20AC;?

Meryll told reporters at a press conference for GMA 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new TV series, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Amboy.â&#x20AC;?

The exclusion of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honorâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;apparently due to its exhibition in other festivals prior to MMFFâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; prompted Rep. Dan Fernandez, also a cast member, to bring the matter to Congress. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy that there was a stir, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud to be part of this movement. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high time to point out that somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong,â&#x20AC;? Meryll said, adding that she feels heartened that a lot of her colleagues in

to be part of independent movies â&#x20AC;&#x153;to feed my soul.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my goal to be part of projects that I can be proud of.â&#x20AC;?

Asked about her thoughts on some critics calling for the MMFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abolition, Meryll said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To stop it completely would be sad, because many people look forward to the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great platform to see local films without competition from their foreign counterparts.

An overhaul, however, is much needed.â&#x20AC;?

Despite the controversy, the actress remains optimistic that things would eventually turn out for the better. Personally, she said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to see local movies in general get better distribution deals and given ample screening dates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to support our own.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hoping for more awareness among moviegoers about the different genres the industry offers,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Meanwhile, Meryll, who now plans to focus on acting after studying in London for the past four years, said she was thrilled to be back on TV and doing comedy, especially after working on such a dark and â&#x20AC;&#x153;heavyâ&#x20AC;? film.

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isyu sa amin, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just that ibang tao lang siguro ang gumagawa.

And haters? Can you give us tips on shaking them off?

Walang artistang walang hater.

Ganun naman, eh. It comes with the package. Just ignore them. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best revenge. Kapag hindi mo sila pinansin, wala silang makukuha sa â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yo.

Moviegoers were abuzz recently about the controversy that was the MMFF. From where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sitting, if you could change a few things about the current entertainment landscape, what would they be?

Bigyan ng chance ang lahat ng tao, hindi lang yung dahil mas kilala ang isang tao o kaya related siya

MANILAâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was all an inside joke,â&#x20AC;? this is how Anne Curtis described the photo of her sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Erwan Heussaff hugging each other, which went viral on social media on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

On her Twitter account, the Kapamilya actress said that the photo was â&#x20AC;&#x153;wrongly screencappedâ&#x20AC;? from her private social media account.

Anne was sad that the people â&#x20AC;&#x153;reacted maliciouslyâ&#x20AC;? about the photo and that â&#x20AC;&#x153;such viciousness is being thrown to the people I love.â&#x20AC;?

She then clarified that â&#x20AC;&#x153;nothing happened, we are all fine. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lucky that Erwan treats Jasmine as his own sister.â&#x20AC;?

In the end, Anne said that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be the last time sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll talk about the issue and asked the public to â&#x20AC;&#x153;stop saying awful things about my sister & boyfriend.â&#x20AC;?

Solenn on Tuesday also reacted on the viral photo by posting a photo of her and Erwan hugging. â&#x20AC;&#x153;OMG!!!!! Nakakaloka sila!!!! Magkapatid sila!!

Soo groosss! At tignan niyo shirtless pa si solenn!!!

Full of malice!!!!,â&#x20AC;? she said in the caption. (Philstar. com) kanino man. Sana the entertainment industry would open more doors for these people na talented pero hindi nabibigyan ng opportunities.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your dream role? Like, what would be the wildest project youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d do if you had anything to choose from?

Action! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to take on action roles. Yun yung gusto ko kasi nakapag-drama na ako, romcom, horror, so yun na lang ang kulang.

We millennials have been obsessing about having a generational identity. Do you think we really need to hail someone to be the â&#x20AC;&#x153;voiceâ&#x20AC;? of this generation?

I think aside from having someone speak for us, we need someone

to give us a wake-up call. Kasi iba na talaga ang generation natin.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very advanced because of technology at dahil sa lahat ng nakikita natin ngayon. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good. Sometimes kailangan lang nating matutunan kung paano i-balanceang lahat para hindi tayo maging pabigat o masabihang spoiled at entitled, at ma-prove na kaya nating makatulong especially with the many resources we have nowadays.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for Kathryn Bernardo in 2016?

Well, right now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still doing Pangako Sa â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yo. After that, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be working on a movie with DJ. Yun ang abangan niyo. Surprise na ang iba.

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Box A Smile delivered smiles to 3,000 children over the holiday season THE busy holiday season was made extra special with the activation of Box A Smile, LBC’s Christmas Gift-Giving activity during which smiles were delivered to 3,000 underprivileged children in various communities. With the invaluable assistance of Project Pearls, the Box A Smile gift-giving events were a success, drawing volunteers both from the LBC & Project Pearls communities.

Project Pearls, a volunteer, nongovernment agency headed by Melissa Villa, gathered children in the various communities of Helping Land/Newland, Tondo, Manila, Lubusang Alyansa ng Katutubong Aeta ng Sambales (LAKAS) in Botolan, Zambales, and relocated residents of Ulingan now in Barangay Batia, Bulacan. A total of 3,000 children were treated to a Christmas party with games and prizes, lots of dancing and singing, and of course, food and drinks.

With these events, an overwhelming sense of community and camaraderie was felt throughout, in keeping with the spirit of giving, the true spirit of the holiday season. Over 3,000 donor participants from the US were engaged, and co-sponsors likewise provided much-needed assistance for the events.

LBC volunteers from various

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the role of Ben Mercado in “The Debut,” a landmark film for the Filipino community where his character struggles between his family’s Filipino traditions and his American dreams.

“Being able to represent for the community in that way and for it to be as impactful as it was, [I’m] super proud of that,” Basco says of the movie.

Also featured in “The Debut” were Basco’s brother, Darion Basco, and Filipino actors Gina Alajar and Tirso Cruz III. “[That movie] really connected me w/being Filipino in a real way.

“And if you watch it today, it still means something to people. So this is Filipinos doing it in America.

I’m as proud of that as anything,” he says.

Working toward elevating Asian Americans in entertainment In addition to acting, Basco continues his creative journey these days in ways that help elevate Asian Americans in entertainment.

In late 2013, he helped found an Asian American arts collective in Downtown Los Angeles called We Own the 8th. The collective meets on the eighth of every month and is meant to curate, educate and inspire the next generation of content creators, including singers, writers, actors and YouTube personalities.

“One of the first questions I asked was, why are we, as Asians, the most affluent ethnic community in America, yet the least represented in media? Why? It’s on us. We need to educate ourselves about the importance of us telling stories, the importance of us. Being affluent is cool: we eat at nice restaurants, we drive nice cars, we live in good neighborhoods. For all intents and purposes we’ve kind of achieved the American Dream, but we’re invisible within what the cloth of American media is. And for us to be just happy enough with us just being here is not good enough,” Basco says.

Another way he’s working toward boosting opportunities for Asian Americans in media is through a production company he established a few years ago with a partner called Kinetic Films, which is focused on creating projects for Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI). The company has so far produced three films starring AAPI YouTube stars, all of which have been sold and done well. A fourth project involving Filipino-American YouTube singer AJ Rafael is also underway.

“We’re on the right track. People are very impressed with us as an indie company, creating as much product as we have, being able to sell the product. We haven’t broken through any crazy monetary boundaries yet, but we’re building an audience. Now that’ll also help inspire that if my company is doing this, there’s also got to be a lot of other companies that can do this,” Basco says.

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departments and areas participated in the gift-giving activities: from the principals, executives, and their children, to warehouse personnel, associates and front-liners, delivery associates and teams.

The LBC family came in full-force, some employees dressed as Santa Claus, enjoining the children and all present that it is indeed FAMILY that truly makes the holiday season special and memorable.

“LBC has been a very important C9: :_`\] @eefmXk`fe F]ÔZ\i =\ieXe[f È;`efÉ partner for Project PEARLS. LBC 8iXe\kX [`jki`Ylk`e^ ^`]kj `e 9XiXe^Xp 9Xk`X# LAS VEGAS—The Fourth AnUSA has generously provided 9lcXZXe nual Las Vegas Spring Festival assistance to Project PEARLS in transporting in-kind donations to to hundreds more children in the Parade presented bywesterManila from United States. Be- communities we serve mainly in nunion.com will be held on February 13 at 11 a.m. in downtown cause of this, we are able to provide G8>< 9+ Las Vegas. The theme this year is “Celebration of the Year of the Monkey,” and the parade will again feature local businesses, organizations, marching bands, The Fil-Am actor has expressed include four years at a university, drill teams, and dance groups. interest in creating a self-sustain- speaking at colleges allows Basco, Parade participants will showable system where Asian Americans as an artist, to live the experience case their talent and creativity put out 10 to 15 independent films vicariously through engaging with with the most extravagant floats per year so that the community can students and touring the campus in vibrant colors to commemoexpect to see about one per month, while he’s there. In conversing rate the rich history of the most and so AAPI creatives involved in with today’s generation, he learns important holiday of the Asian the process continually improve at about their thoughts, fears, hopes, community.

The parade route will start at their respective crafts. and what it feels like to receive an the intersection of Fremont and “A historical film, horror film, acceptance letter to an ivy league 11th Street and will end at the teenage comedy, let’s keep it go- institution.

“I don’t know a lot,” he says, “but entrance of Downtown Container ing. No one’s going to like all of Park at Fremont and 7th Street. them, but they’re going to like one I write what I see.”

Basco notes that he is infinitely Immediately after the parade, of them,” he says, and the really good ones will carry over to the curious, able to talk to anybody and there will be a parade aftermainstream. that people he sees or meets may party at Container Park from Basco himself has taken a hand sometimes wind up in his future Noon until 6 p.m. Container Park is proud to sponsor the at writing, having co-written one creations. of the films produced under his “I can talk to anybody. I can talk family-friendly celebration feaKinetic Films called “Hang Loose,” to a plumber about being a plumb- turing Lion Dance blessings, which came out in 2012. er. I really want to know. I can talk the Hunan Provincial Song and More recently, during the holi- to an eyeglass maker about making Dance Theatre Company from China, cultural dance performances, martial arts, fashion shows, and more! There will be complimentary lantern-making

Westernunion.com presents the Fourth Annual Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade

Dante Basco: Creating stories & opportunities...

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days, he spent some of his time off working on an original play he wrote called “Midnight Makeout Session.” The play ran in December of last year and depicts the lives of friends in Los Angeles attempting to find a way to get back to a time of romance and magic in life that they’re missing.

Inspiring others and finding inspiration through speaking & observing Basco’s success in the entertainment industry is demonstrated in the longevity of his career as an actor, as a poet who began the venue that inspired Def Jam Poetry and in his having started a band in the ‘90s that ran for a decade long, among a number of other feats.

He also travels across the country speaking at prestigious post-secondary institutions including Duke University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, University of California campuses and Brown University.

But it’s ironic, Basco says, because while he never attended a four-year college, he speaks at colleges where he talks about his career and his own story.

“I didn’t go to regular college, but I grew up in LA and I understand the education I got on the sets of Hollywood, the streets of Hollywood, graduating high school, starting a poetry venue out of my living room, that venue becoming inspiration to Def Jam Poetry on HBO, and [that] now being the biggest open mic in the country ... having the career I’ve had, these are all college,” he says.

Although his own life did not

eyeglasses because I insatiably want that interesting information.

Even stupid information. It’s all important to somebody, and why?

There’s a connection. I don’t know why. But all those details make great stories.”

As Basco continues to create with his community in mind, he holds a strong opinion about Asians making their own stories in America.

“If you ask people still to this day, ‘Who’s a famous Asian you can think of?’ I guarantee you 99 percent are going to say Jackie Chan.

Nothing against Jackie Chan, and it’s not the industry’s fault. It’s just that we have to, as a group, make more product, because at the end of the day in this town, product wins. Talking doesn’t win, raging, being mad... what product can you make? That’s what wins. So that’s what I’m trying to instill in the next generation.”

After all his accomplishments and as he achieves even further success, the Fil-Am actor says life has become less about him personally and more about lending a hand to the community, something he’s doing through his production company and We Own the 8th.

“Once you’ve acquired some success, you’re able to drop a lot of ego and see the importance of helping others and the group.

Whether the group is the production company I’m a part of, the community at large, the world, or the Asian American community or the Filipino community, there’s a lot of room for us to help out and help grow things,” he says.

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stations sponsored by Palm Eastern throughout the festival. All entertainment is free and open to the public.

Best band, float, and prizes will be awarded at the Dragon Fest Dinner to be held in the fall.

Applications for parade participants and complete details about the parade can be found athttp://www.cnyinthedesert. com/.

Learn more about Western Union at www.westernunion. com.

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Asian American Business Roundtable Aquino approves privatization of IBC-13 gathers unprecedented group of industry leaders for multi-day summit PepsiCo, JP Morgan Chase, and Zappos Among Key Speakers to Address Global Business Challenges and Help Foster Asian American Leadership in US, the Venetian Las Vegas to Host “Taking Risks and Changing The Game” Summit January 29-30, 2016

LOS ANGELES — Asian American Business Roundtable (AABR) announced that it was launched to promote the growing prominence of Asian American executives throughout the US and capitalize on Asia’s continuing emergence as an engine of global economic growth. As part of the launch, AABR will bring together the most accomplished, forwardthinking Asian American innovators and entrepreneurs, many of whom have been honored as “Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business,” at its first multi-day Summit, in partnership with The Venetian Las Vegas, on January 29-30, 2016 (www.aabusinessroundtable.org).

“Asian Americans have a unique understanding of both Western and Eastern cultures and business practices, which can be crucial in helping companies identify untapped business opportunities, reach new markets and operate cross-culturally,” said John Wang, President of Asian American Business Development Center, which formed AABR. “We are launching this Summit to leverage the collective knowledge, experience and networks of recognized industry leaders, and enable access to their unprecedented source of business intelligence and ability to enhance global relations.”

The Summit, Taking Risks and Changing the Game, will discuss issues of social and economic appeal, as well as gamechanging strategies to inspire personal development and corporate growth. Key speakers to date include: Mehmood Khan, Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer, Global R&D, PepsiCo; Phyllis Campbell, Chairman, Pacific Northwest, JP Morgan Chase; Jon Spector, President and CEO, the Conference Board; and Maggie Hsu, Chief of Staff to Tony Hsieh, Zappos. The Summit will address current national and global business challenges as well as key growth strategies, focused on the following topics:

EMPLOYMENT

PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III has approved the privatization of Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13) based on the recommendation of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).

The privatization rationalizes the State’s portfolio in the Communications Sector in view of the overlap with PTV-4, which is already sufficient to address market failures in the private broadcast industry, such as providing programs with social value but are not considered profitable. This comes in the wake of the recent revitalization of PTV-4 mandated

by Republic Act No. 10390 which identified the privatization of IBC-13 as one of the sources of funding the increase in PTV-4’s capital.

IBC-13 was also in financial distress–operating at an average net loss of P45.26 million from 2010 to 2014 and receiving operational subsidies amounting to P23.56 million in 2015. The privatization should pave the way for the infusion of additional capital to revitalize the network, which will also be able to operate with more flexibility as a private entity.

The privatization of IBC-13 will

be done through public bidding with an estimated floor price of P1.977 billion. A committee composed of representatives from GCG, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), and IBC-13 shall implement and conduct the said process.

Since GCG’s establishment in 2011 as the central advisory and oversight body for ensuring the active exercise of the State’s ownership rights in GOCCs, it has abolished 22 nonperforming GOCCs and classified 25 more as

inactive or nonoperational.

IBC-13 started out in 1960 as a private company known as Inter-Island Broadcasting Corp., and then was sequestered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) in 1986 as part of the recovery of ill-gotten wealth. It has been one of 2 networks considered as GOCCs aside from Philippine Television Network, Inc. (PTV-4). The State also has a minority share in Radio Philippines Network (RPN-9).

Box A Smile delivered smiles to 3,000...

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1. Bringing New Talent into the C-Suite and Boardroom 2. Building Social Networks and an Innovation Marketplace 3. Retaining High Ability Women Innovators 4. Successful International Business Alliances “The Asian American Business Development Center does an incredible job of recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans in the business community, and we are grateful to partner with them in bringing this new concept to our Las Vegas resorts,” said George Markantonis, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo, and Sands Expo. “We hope this new annual Summit will become a leading platform for knowledge-sharing among key executives and leaders in the Asian-American community.”

Through its Summit, AABR

seeks to increase the visibility and presence of Asian Americans in US business, address national and global business challenges of the 21st century, and develop a mentorship program to groom future generations of Asian American business leaders. AABR also looks to assist global corporations seeking to expand in Asia, as well as Asia-based companies seeking US partnerships.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Asian American Business Roundtable Summit are now available. For more information, please contact Xiaotang Huang, at (212) 966-0100 or xiaotang@aabdc.com, or visit www.aabusinessroundtable.org.

AABR Summit is taking place January 29-30, 2016 at The Venetian, Las Vegas.

EMPLOYMENT

Bulacan and Tondo, Manila.

“When they informed me that they would like to partner with Project PEARLS for a gift-giving for 3,000 children, I was very grateful and humbled, not to mention, I was jumping up and down from excitement because this is the first time we are able to provide Christmas gifts to over 1,000 children. ÈC9: Xe[ Gifa\Zk G<8ICJ gXike\ij_`g `j dfi\ k_Xe aljk X ZfigfiXk\ gXike\ij_`g# `k `j i\Xccp X LBC BOX A SMILE would not gXike\ij_`g ]fi _ldXe`kp% Kf^\k_\i# n\ Xi\ _\cg`e^ Xe[ jlggfik`e^ \XZ_ fk_\i `e dXb`e^ k_`j nfic[ have been possible without the kind X Y\kk\i Xe[ b`e[\i gcXZ\ ]fi Xcc $ i`Z_# gffi fi gffi\jk#É j_Xi\[ D\c`jjX M`ccX# Gifa\Zk G\Xicj assistance of co-sponsors and donors who heeded our call to action. ing LBC make this possible, and Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC Express Namely, Mc Donald’s Philippines, bring smiles to 3,000 children. pioneered time-sensitive cargo *** LDL Marketing, Inc., Children’s LBC Express, Inc. is the Philip- delivery and 24-hour door-to-door Hour, Belo Essentials, Adriatic Manufacturing Corp., Agron and pines’ market leader in payments, delivery in the Philippines. Today, United Laboratories, Inc. Media remittance, courier products, it is the most admired and trusted Partners in the US included: Asian mail, parcels and, cargo logistics. courier, cargo, and remittance Journal, Philippine News, Week- Through a global presence in over service of millions of Filipinos, an end Balita, Filipino Press, Fil-Am 30 countries in Asia-Pacific, North iconic and global Filipino brand.

Inquirer, Philippine Weekly, One America, the Middle East and LBC can move it for you: visit us Philippines, Fil-Am Courier, Manila Europe, LBC Express’ network at www.lbcexpress.com, or call Mail and Filipino Star; in Canada: of 4,400 locations, partners, and telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Philippine Canadian Inquirer and agents is growing steadily, and Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (ProAtin Ito. We thank all our co-spon- commits to moving lives, busi- vincial), and follow LBCExpress sors, and volunteers, and likewise nesses, and communities in the (Facebook and Twitter). our customer participants for help- Philippines and across the globe.

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Your Immigration Solution ATTY. ROBERT REEVES BEN LOVEMAN NANCY E. MILLER ON Tuesday, Jan. 19 the US Supreme Court threw a life-line to the Obama administration’s deferred action programs known as DAPA and expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Parents of US citizens and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, respectively) agreeing to hear the case in this Court term.

Of course, the Court’s decision to hear the case is just a first step and is not an indication that the Court will overrule the lower court decisions or allow DAPA to be implemented.For those hoping that DAPA and expanded DACA will be implemented, we continue to urge that you explore all options available as many other changes to the immigration landscape have opened new pathways to residency and other benefits over the last

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA AMID all the hype about climate change, global warming and all junk science made possible by manipulating data to support predetermined results to advance a political global agenda, we all need to step back, take a deep breath and SEE THE BIG PICTURE. The Big Bang Theory claims that out of gas and dust, the universe was born 13.2 billion years ago in a spectacular explosion.

The solar system where our tiny, fragile, magnificent earth orbits was born only in the last 4.5 billion years.

Life, in the form of single celled organisms began on earth 3.4 billion years ago and man began to walk the earth just a few million years ago. How does one fathom the unfathomable?

One brilliant writer drew a more readily comprehensible parallel about the existence of human life as we know it, in this way. If the time frame of 13.2 billion years were to be thought of as a 24-

Kite Runner

PROF. ENRIQUE SORIANO GXik ( f] ) “FIGHTING multinationals was very tough. At first, everyone thought I was crazy. They told me, how would I survive this? True enough, it’s by the grace of God that I’m still here in the toothpaste industry after 20 years. God is good,” – Cecilio K. Pedro In our fast-paced, hectic world we all need a daily dose of faith, hope and love. Stories of heroic struggle against odds, survival and eventual triumph have always inspired people, given them hope, courage to fight, and egged them on to persevere.

When you read inspirational rags-to-riches stories, you’ll start to see a few common threads.

Hard work, passion, determination, and drive are all common elements of these stories. Surprisingly, obstacles, failure, and incredible odds are also elements of these stories. In almost every case, the main character of the story would never have been expected to achieve so much in a single lifetime. These individuals, however, overcame tough odds, surpassed difficult obstacles, and laughed in the face of failure.

“Things aren’t always what they seem.” If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later. I am sure Cecilio Pedro’s story would ignite your never-say-die spirit and inspire you to become all that you can be.

His company, Lamoiyan Corporation, is the manufacturer of Hapee toothpaste, the first homegrown toothpaste in the Philippines.

I first had the opportunity to exchange notes with Cecilio more than a decade ago when he was our speaker in an ATENEO MBA Roundtable meeting with fellow Professors. Then a little more than a year ago, we had the rare opportunity to share stories when we were both invited as resource speakers in a Family Business Conference at AIM. Knowing the man up close and listening intently to his inspiring story gave me goose bumps in a positive way and today I want to share his story. Reflecting upon it, the key to success is the owning of the family’s devotion to the business, its resilience in coping with disappointment, and the intensity of its long-term commitment to the business. That in a nutshell best characterizes the country’s

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Deferred Action program to receive Supreme Court review several years.

For months the DAPA and expanded DACA programs have taken one legal hit after another and looked in peril of fading with the end of the Obama presidency.

However, the United States’ highest court agreed to hear the case and could potentially invalidate an injunction issued in 2015 by a US District Court Judge in Texas which has to date blocked implementation of the program which could benefit millions of families with undocumented family members.

Importantly, the decision by the Supreme Court to hear the case was made in time so that the Court could receive briefs and argument from the parties and issue a ruling by June of 2016 prior to the November elections. Many Republican candidates have indicated in no uncertain terms that they would immediately rescind the program if elected. However, November is a long time off and

election results are unknown and unknowable at this time. Further, even assuming a Republican wins the presidency, rescinding benefits from the parents of US citizens could be a costly and unpopular move and could prove easier said than done.

While many immigration group advocates rejoiced in the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case, they did so cautiously. The groups and the immigrants they represent are all too aware of the fact that the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case is a far cry from a victory in this matter and that the Court could still uphold the lower court’s rulings which have to date prevented the programs from being implemented. In the meantime potential beneficiaries of these programs should seek professional assistance from experienced immigration attorneys to assess what other options might be available and to ensure that if the programs go in to effect that

Seeing the big picture hour day, human life only began the last two or three seconds just before midnight.

Our planet earth, with its satellite moon, is the third rock from the sun — an ordinary, garden variety, midsize yellow star — only one of two billion stars in an ordinary, garden variety spiral shaped galaxy called the Milky Way. Scientists estimate that our sun has enough fuel in its belly to burn for another 9 billion years at current brightness before it dies. There was a time when men thought that the Milky Way comprised the entire universe.

Now we know better. Galaxies huddle together to form clusters and superclusters and our galaxy — the Milky Way — is only one of a small group of about 20 galaxies orbiting in our tiny neck of the woods of the visible cosmos.

Scientists now claim that there are perhaps 125 billion galaxies.

Edwin Hubble — for whom the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was named — theorized that the universe is still expanding. In 1993, the Hubble telescope has been able to turn out stunning photographs of about

40 billion other galaxies orbiting in space in a universe that is perhaps, boundless. Since then, that telescope, the extension of the human vision into the vastness of the universe, has continued to astound even the most cynical among us. It has photographed the existence of another 1,500 galaxies, previously undiscovered. In 1997, the Hubble showed evidence of a black hole bigger than the sun’s mass — 300 million times at least.

A few astronomers even theorize the distinct possibility that there is not just one universe but the existence of multiverses. The concept and the imagery of watching the night skies particularly on clear, moonless nights boggle the mind and strains the limits of the human imagination.

Man has been sending out probes to find some other forms of life comparable to human life in the outer reaches of space but have found nothing convincing — as of yet. And while we search and probe for other life forms, we know that absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence.

they will be ready.

The programs in question, if implemented, could benefit millions of persons across the United States. The programs were conceived to be implemented as a form of executive action known as prosecutorial discretion. Existing regulations enable beneficiaries of prosecutorial discretion who are granted deferred action to apply for and receive employment authorization. The DAPA and DACA programs aimed to provide deferred action to millions and thereby provide a route to work authorization and a way out of the shadows and away from a living in fear of deportation.

Specifically, DAPA would provide a three-year work authorization and potentially the ability to later apply for travel authorization.

To qualify you must have: (1) a US citizen or permanent resident son or daughter (of any age) as of November 20, 2014; (2) continuous presence in the US since before

January 1, 2010; (3) physical presence in the US both on November 20, 2014 and at the time of making the request for DAPA. Applicants must also not be considered a priority for removal. The DACA program would be expanded by the elimination of the upper age limit of 31 and by bestowing eligibility to applicants arriving in the United States before January 1, 2010 whereas before eligibility required arrival before June 15, 2007. If the Supreme Court allows the programs to be implemented it is likely that the Obama Administration would roll out the programs as quickly as possible to beat the November election cycle.

The benefits that the DAPA and expanded DACA programs could achieve for the affected people, their families, and for the United States as whole are tremendous.

However, there is no indication of which way the Supreme Court will rule and those who are waiting for a decision on the case would be

well-served by seeking the advice and assistance of a reputable and experienced immigration attorney to explore options for obtaining benefits at this time under existing laws. Many new programs and changes to old ones have been implemented in the last several years and may provide a route to residency or employment authorization where none existed before. !!!

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“Get out of yourself and out of the house, preferably in the countryside with less artificial sources of light on a moonless, cloudless, velvet night and gaze at the stars in the heavens. Fall in love with your own life all over again.”

What is the point of bringing up this cosmic canvass that seems little to do with our mind, body and spirit? The point is this.

It has taken billions of years in a universe so incredibly vast — it staggers the human imagination — for anyone born on earth to be given the wondrous gift of life the Creator of the Universe is giving each one of us — whether we deserve it or not — a gift that puzzles us no end.

One thing is certain, there is nothing on earth more precious than life itself. Looking at the big picture makes us see how infinitesimally tiny we are in the grand scheme of things, most times, how laughably insignificant our concerns are, how trivial our pursuits, how fearfully short and delicate life is and how utterly foolish to throw away the minutes and the hours in useless, useless fretting and worrying.

Next time you feel overwhelmed with tension, worry and ill health and seriously thinking of giving up — as you are perhaps tempted to do

while you figure out the complexities and parry with the slings and arrows of your life — do what the wise among us have done — sometimes out of sheer desperation. Look heavenward. Get out of yourself and out of the house, preferably in the countryside with less artificial sources of light on a moonless, cloudless, velvet night and gaze at the stars in the heavens. Fall in love with your own life all over again.

Thoreau was right when he said that the darkness reveals the heavenly lights.

Carl Sagan, the noted astronomer who began researching the origins of life beginning in the nineteen fifties made his mark in astronomy and cosmography showing that Venus is too hot, Mars is too cold and our wondrous planet, the Earth, a tiny blue and white marbled dot, a mere iota, in the vast expanse of the cosmos — just right, for human life. We live in the tiny sliver of the Goldilocks zone with liquid water.

To the question of whether we are alone, there are, as yet, no answers. Unfazed and undaunted by the silence of galactic neighbors to earthly probes by radio telescopes beamed into outer space, listening for signs of intelligent life, similar to ours perhaps with a mind-body-spirit connection as well, somewhere in deep space, Sagan wrote: “It says something about the rarity and preciousness of life on this planet.

The flip side of not finding life on another planet is appreciating life on earth.”

If the earth with all its beauty and abundance and the vast expanse and majestic glory of the heavens themselves cannot impress upon thinking, feeling man the fragile and utterly precious nature of his own life, it is doubtful anything ever will. *** EfkX 9\e\1 Dfe\kk\ 8[\mX DX^cXpX `j JMG f] 8j`Xe AflieXc GlYc`ZXk`fej# @eZ% Kf j\e[ Zfdd\ekj# \$dX`c dfe\kk\%dX^cXpX7 Xj`XeaflieXc`eZ%Zfd

Faith and Pinoy pride: Calendar of Events across America Outperforming and YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT Outhinking the giants ADVERTISE GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW.

Toothpaste King.

It is my fervent hope that family business owners and visionaries can learn so many lessons about Cecilio’s values, faith, tenacity and vision for his company.

Cecilio Kwok Pedro is an entrepreneur who made it to the top after his failure back in 1985. His principle is much grounded and to quote this man of humility, he once said, “We are competing against the giants. Without faith

and without the intervention of the Divine, it is really difficult to survive in this industry.”

Twenty-five years ago, people thought Cecilio Pedro was crazy for competing head-on with global toothpaste brands Colgate and Close Up. Faith will give you courage, courage will give you faith Before he went head-to-head with Colgate and Close Up, the G8>< 9-

CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS A8 E L8 IP )/

E\\[ XZZ\jj kf ZXg`kXc6 ?Xm`e^ [`]ÔZlck`\j n`k_ YXeb cfXej6 The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA (FACC-GLA) is hosting a FREE workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs or business owners in need of a small loan. This free workshop and consultation will include beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Please join us at FACC-GLA (5121 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 205 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403) on Thursday, January 28. For more information, please contact FACC-GLA president Leo Maranan, 818-290-0577.

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@e]Xek A\jlj f] GiX^l\ 0 _fli Efm\eX Xe[ DXjj The Infant Jesus of Prague Apostolic Group is celebrating 32 years of service and prayer, and will hold its 32nd annual 9-hour Novena and Mass in honor of the Divine Child Jesus on Saturday, January 30, at Saint Joseph the Worker Church (19855 Sherman Way, Winnetka, California). The Novena starts at 7:00am with Mass following at 3:20 pm. Based in San Fernando Valley, the Apostolic Group aims to promote the Gospel message of Jesus and spread devotions to the Infant Jesus. For more information, please contact Leo Nevada at (818) 633 3926 or visit www.IJPAG.com.

P\Xi f] k_\ Dfeb\p Z\c\YiXk`fej Xk K_\ >ifm\ Xe[ k_\ 8d\i`ZXeX Xk 9iXe[ Both The Grove in Los Angeles and the Americana at Brand will transform into a grand celebration of cheer and good fortune on Saturday, January 30 from 2:00 – 5:00pm with two Chinese New Year parades, including traditional lion and dragon performances, Chinese and Korean folk dancers, and a special appearance by cast members from the comedy TV series “Fresh Off the Boat” at The Americana. Guests can also enjoy traditional lantern décor, calligraphy artists, face painters and craft activities for kids, gourmet food and cultural bites, special shopping offers and surprise gifts (including cash prizes or gift cards) in lucky red envelopes, from now until Feb. 8. The dancing fountains at both properties will turn red for Lunar New Year, and the event will conclude with a final parade. Share your photos of the event by tagging #LunarAmericana and #LunarGrove.

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Gif]% <ei`hl\ Jfi`Xef KXcbj 8Yflk G_`c`gg`e\ 9lj`e\jj Xe[ =iXeZ_`j`e^ Fggfikle`k`\j Prof. Enrique Soriano, ASEAN Family Business Advisor and book author will be delivering a talk on Philippine business and franchising opportunities on February 1st at the Philippine Consulate in New York and on February 4th in Boston. Free admission but reservations required. This is a wonderful opportunity for kababayans to learn about owning a business while still working in the US. This event was put together by BKP, a US based social enterprise group helping Filipino children to read their way out of poverty; the Philippine Consulate in New York, and the Harvard Philippine Forum.

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<X^c\ IfZb ?`^_ JZ_ffc Dfek_cp Fg\e ?flj\ Kflij Eagle Rock High School invites the community to International Baccalaureate Open House Tours, from 8-10am during the spring semester on Friday, February 5; Friday, March 11; and Friday, April 1. Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School serves students in grades 712, and was the first school in the LAUSD to be authorized to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (grades 7-10) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (grades 11-12), a project-based program for concept and content-based learning to promote global mindedness and service to others. The IB Open House is open to all interested students, and will include an introductory presentation in the ERHS library, followed by campus tours, classroom visits, and a short questionand-answer period. To register for the Open Houses, please visit www.erhs.la, and click on the “IB Open House Registration” link. Please email Mylene Keipp mylene.keipp@lausd.net for more information. We look forward to your visit!

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The radiant glow of a beautiful bride

BY MONET

ATTY. MARIA RITA REYES-STUBY AND BERNADETTE BRETANA

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“THE radiant glow of my bride is simply breathtaking.” This was what people have told me about beautiful actress Joyce Jimenez, and countless other brides that have trusted me to be part of their very special day. Even after many years of making brides shine on their wedding day, I still have this important task—to master perfection and pursue my passion to continuously update my knowledge in the latest styles in make up and hairstyle, like the new “ 3D illusion technique 2016.” My stylists and I have done weddings so many times that they have become second nature to us.

If you have been doing this as long as we have, I think you reach a certain level of proficiency. It is my passion, and I am still so excited to apply the skills that I gained after all these years of being in the beauty industry. I employ highly proficient hair and makeup artists as my part of my team. We work together in unison to create a perfect makeup look and style for the whole bridal entourage. Timeless elegance starts with perfection.

Personalized service is a key element in my profession and experience, especially for brides who are still deciding on a look they want to wear on the big day. It’s important that the bride communicates how she wants her overall look to be. It’s her day and she should be the center of attention.

As experts, we can make recommendations and perhaps improve on her raw ideas but ultimately it is up to the bride.” From our variety of personalized service menu, brides may opt for salon-caliber makeup and hair service from the comforts of their own home or hotels. More than this, brides can also count on me and my crew to dish out useful tips on the essential pre-wedding must-knows, such

Immigration Corner

Actress Joyce Jimenez and her groom Ely as choosing the perfect gown, the placement of the tiara, skin care and other details.

One suggestion would be light makeup, which is very soft, glowing and flawless. The aim is to look like you are not made-up.

The natural, timeless look never runs out of style, nor do the dramatic smoky eyes -- so that when a bride looks back at her wedding pictures, she will be reminded that she wore a style that never ages.

I have been grooming beautiful brides from all over Southern & Northern California, Nevada, the East Coast and even as far as Europe. Budget is never an issue, as I give personalized and reasonable prices depending on the bride’s need and location. We understand that price is always a big consideration when it comes to choosing your hairstylist and makeup artist. There are other salons out there who charge lower than Monet Salons, but the important question to ask is: “Will I be happy with the outcome?”

Brides should choose talent and

expertise over budget. My team of makeup artists and hairdressers boast of extensive training and experience both in the Philippines and in the United States. We have three locations in Panorama City and Winnetka, California. All are full service salons that specialize in hair and makeup for weddings, debutante balls, and other special occasions. For the full service menu and a complimentary consultation, visit www.monetsalon. com or call (213)216-4923 and ask for me. I would love to be of service to you. !!!

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GXik ( f] ) THE issues surrounding the presidential candidacy of Senator Grace Poe will not seem to die down. Whether it is purely an honest attempt to search for the truth and comply with constitutional requirements or a political ploy to keep her out of the race, the issues are worth the Supreme Court’s valuable time to adjudicate on what could be a landmark case in Philippine jurisprudence.

Grace Poe has filed her certificate of candidacy for president of the Philippines. The election is set for May 9, 2016. Her qualifications for the office has been challenged and the Commission on Elections has barred her from pursuing her candidacy. Her case is now before the Philippine Supreme Court (SC).

The SC has issued TROs (Temporary Restraining Orders) to stop the COMELEC from implementing their orders. The oral arguments is set for January 19, 2016. She appears to be a viable candidate, otherwise, there won’t be too much controversy as to whether or not she is qualified to be the next president of the Philippines.

Perhaps, for the first time in Philippine history, the birth history of a candidate for the highest elected office of the land has opened the gate to numerous issues based on domestic and international law.

WGU Nevada offers $240,000 in Teach Nevada Scholarships one of the Teach Nevada Scholarships, prospective students must be officially admitted to WGU Nevada.

This is a competitive program and scholarships will be awarded based on an applicant’s academic record, financial need, readiness for online study at WGU Nevada, current competency, as well as other considerations.

WGU Nevada’s parent university—Western Governors University—has long been recognized as a national leader in teacher education. In 2014, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) named WGU’s secondary teacher education program number one in the nation. In addition, WGU is the largest producer of math and science teachers in the country.

WGU Nevada uses an innovative approach to learning called competency-based education, which measures learning rather than time spent in class. Students earn their degrees by demonstrating mastery of the subject matter they need to know to be successful—real-world competencies developed with employer input. Designed to meet the needs of adult learners in Nevada, competency-based education allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Faculty members work oneon-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction. While WGU Nevada’s degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their programs, saving both time and money. For more information about WGU Nevada, visit nevada.

wgu.edu.

For more information about WGU Nevada’s Teach Nevada Scholarship and Alternative Route to Licensure program, please visit http://nevada.wgu.edu/arl.

About WGU Nevada WGU Nevada is an online, nonprofit, competency-based university established to expand Nevadans’ access to higher education throughout the state. Formed through a partnership between the state of Nevada and nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Nevada is open to all qualified Nevada residents.

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

In addition to WGU Nevada, there are five other WGU statebased, state-endorsed universities: WGU Indiana, established in June 2010; WGU Washington, established in April 2011; WGU Texas, established in August 2011; WGU Missouri, established in February 2013; and WGU Tennessee, established in July 2013. For more information, visit the WGU Nevada website, nevada.wgu.edu, or call 877-214-7005. *Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington, DC 20036, 202-8776791).

Faith and Pinoy pride: Outperforming...

G8>< 9, two multinational toothpaste brands were Pedro’s only customers. His first company, Aluminum Container Inc., sold aluminum toothpaste tubes to these foreign firms from 1978 to 1985.

“At that time, I was thinking that toothpaste is something that everyone uses. And multinational firms will be here for the long term, so I thought it was a safe business,” he said.

All was going well for his company until plastic toothpaste tubes were invented. Both Colgate and Close Up decided to switch to plastic tubes in 1985, forcing Pedro to close shop.

“I never thought that they would switch to plastic tubes. My business got in trouble when they left,” he lamented.

Relying on a few customers

was Pedro’s biggest mistake yet.

Money stopped coming in, and he was left with millions of aluminum tubes.

Deeply mired in debt, he could have committed suicide had it not been because of his deep faith in God’s power and mercy. He turned his crisis into opportunity when he opted to compete with Colgate despite its being a multinational. With faith, guts and hard work, he put up a “David vs.

Goliath” type of fight. When his sales started to dent Colgate’s, they offered to buy him out but he answered, “I don’t think you can afford my price.” Lamoiyan has now captured 30% of the market and still growing.

Now, Hapee toothpaste tubes and sachets are selling like hotcakes in the Philippines, making his company, Lamoiyan Corpora-

tion, the country’s first homegrown toothpaste empire. (To be continued) *** Gif]% Jfi`Xef `j Xe 8J<8E =Xd`cp 9lj`e\jj 8[m`jfi# 9ffb 8lk_fi# <o\Zlk`m\ ;`i\Zkfi f] 8j\Xe$YXj\[ :fejlck`e^ ^iflg# Nfe^ " 9\iejk\`e 8[m`jfip Xe[ Gif^iXd ;`i\Zkfi ]fi I\Xc <jkXk\ Xe[ k_\ ]fid\i :_X`i f] k_\ DXib\k`e^ :cljk\i f] k_\ 8K<E<F >iX[lXk\ JZ_ffc f] 9lj`e\jj% ?\ `j jcXk\[ kf [\c`m\i X kXcb fe G_`c`gg`e\ 9lj`e\jj Xe[ =iXeZ_`j`e^ Fggfikle`k`\j% K_\ Ôijk kXcb `j `e EP fe =\Y ( Xk k_\ G_`c`gg`e\ :fejlcXk\ Xe[ 9fjkfe fe =\Y + Xk k_\ ?XimXi[ :Xdglj Xe[ `e C8% K_\ kXcb `j fi^Xe`q\[ Yp k_\ G_`c`gg`e\ :fejlcXk\ `e E\n Pfib# `e Zffi[`eXk`fe n`k_ k_\ 9X^fe^ BlckliXe^ G`efp Ybg`eZ%fi^ # K_\ ?XimXi[ G_`c`gg`e\ =fild# K=: n`k_ 8j`Xe AflieXc Xj d\[`X gXike\i% =fi k_fj\ `ek\i\jk\[ kf Xkk\e[# gcj \dX`c eql\cb\7^dX`c%Zfd% Gif] Jfi`XefËj Ylj`e\jj Xik`Zc\j ZXe Xcjf Y\ XZZ\jj\[ Xk nnn% =Xd`eYlj`e\jj%Zfd

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The ‘Grace Poe’ dilemma The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides, among others, that a candidate for president should be a natural-born citizen. This is where the problem lies. Unlike in the United States where the bases of citizenship by birth are both the ‘jus soli’ principle (right to birthplace) and ‘jus sanguinis’ (right of blood), the Philippines anchors its birth laws solely on ‘jus sanguinis’. A natural-born citizen of the Philippines, therefore, should have Filipino citizen parent/parents at the time of birth, in order to be considered as such. It does not matter where the child was born. Grace Poe was registered as a foundling.

Under Philippine law, a foundling is defined in the Civil Registration law (R.A. 3753) as “a deserted or abandoned child found, with parents, guardian or relatives being unknown or a child committed to an institution, with unknown facts of birth and parentage.” The Philippine Supreme Court, in the past, has had occasion to rule on who is a “foundling” in accordance with the above quoted statute. While the definition is not in dispute under the facts of the present presidential case, the issue of whether being a “foundling” at birth casts doubt on a candidate’s citizenship and therefore qualification for the office being sought should be considered of utmost importance and novelty. For Grace Poe to be qualified to run for the presidency, she has to prove that her parents are Filipino citizens when she was born. This is somewhat impossible but maybe doable due

to technological advancements in DNA testing. Electing a president is different from custody battles or inheritance issues where bloodlines are challenged. It is an issue imbued with a public interest. Her qualification to run for president of the Philippines is a legitimate issue which should be tackled by the Philippine Supreme Court.

The issue of particular interest in our column is Grace Poe’s travel history to the United States before she filed for her candidacy.

Such fact goes into the issue of compliance with the citizenship requirement as well as proving one’s 10-year residency, another vital requirement in order to be qualified to run for president. She admittedly came to the United States and became a naturalized American citizen in 2001. In 2006, she applied for dual citizenship under R. A. 9225 otherwise known as “Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003” to retain her Philippine citizenship. When is one considered to have changed her oath of allegiance to a country or will this issue even be relevant to one’s becoming the President of the country that she has at one point in time, renounced citizenship to? ! ! !

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Nonprofit, online university to award up to 20 full-ride scholarships to individuals interested in teaching career

NEVADA—To help alleviate Nevada’s teaching shortage, WGU Nevada is partnering with the Nevada Department of Education to offer up to 20 full-ride scholarships to residents with a desire to pursue a career in teaching.

In 2015, the Nevada Department of Education provided $240,000 to WGU Nevada as part of the Nevada Legislature’s Teach Nevada Scholarship Initiative. Individuals interested in applying are required to complete WGU Nevada’s Alternate Route to Licensure program for elementary and secondary teaching.

The ARL program is an accelerated pathway for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree but do not have a teaching license.

After successful completion of the accelerated program, students will have completed a series of rigorous courses, in-person observations, and clinical experiences in a public school classroom that prepares them to be highly effective teachers.

To learn more about the scholarship, please email scholarships@ wgu.edu.

“WGU Nevada has a nationallyrecognized teaching program, and we are very pleased to be helping the state as a whole with its aggressive strides to gain new teachers here,” said WGU Nevada Chancellor Dr. Spencer Stewart.

Winning scholarship recipients will be awarded $3,000 per term, not to exceed a total of $12,000 per student. Scholarships are available to new students who possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a non-education related field from an accredited university. Unlike traditional schools, WGU Nevada starts new terms on the first of every month, so it’s never too late to begin the journey. To be considered for

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Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WE are what we eat and drink, philosophically and medically. Diet plays the most significant role in our health and longevity -- more than genetics and exercise in most instances. Food provides us nutrition and also stimulates and controls the natural production of hormones, electrolytes, and other chemicals, good or bad, depending on our mood and what we ingest.

Our body chemistry determines how we think, act, and behave, the same way prescription and illegal drugs influence our psyche and demeanor.

Literally, the foods we eat and the liquids we drink are digested and metabolized into chemicals in the body. The various chemical reactions that follow are reflected in the person’s thinking, feeling, mood, disposition, and judgment --- all of which eventually affect health and longevity.

While exercise and our personal attitude also stimulate chemical reactions in our system, for this discussion we will concentrate on the effect of diet.

Diet determines life What we have at the end of our forks and spoons on most days determines what bodily chemistry takes place inside our body. According to the 2013 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, “diet ranks as the single most important factor when it comes to premature death and diseases.”

For example, occasionally eating chocolates or one’s favorite decadent snack stimulates the secretion of the happy hormones, resulting in a sense of joy and satisfaction, which is a positive state of mind. Some of the major vital hormones are: Serotonin: The happiness hormone regulates the mood, prevents depression and makes us feel happy. This substance can also be triggered by exercise, exposure to sunlight, or by eating foods rich in carbohydrates.

Endorphins: Also known as feelgood hormones, they reduce your anxiety and sensitivity to pain. It is also released during exercise.

Melatonin: The hormone secreted by the pineal gland that controls our circadian rhythm for normal sleep cycle. Now in a pill, it helps fight jet lag.

Ghrelin: Gherlin is a relaxing hormone that lowers stress and

The wonders of Pegan diet anxiety. Hunger triggers the release of this hormone. So, it is best not to eat a lot to full satiety where the Ghrelin level would fall. To maintain a good level of Ghrelin, push yourself away from the table when you are less than full, which is a healthy habit, anyway.

Dopamine: Dopamine induces mental alertness. The lack of or reduced level of dopamine causes lack of attention and concentration and leads to bad moods. Eating foods rich in protein stimulates the secretion of dopamine.

Phenylethylamine: This substance results in the feelings we get in the early stages of a relationship or love, and the good feeling following ingestion of chocolates and products from cocoa beans.

Adrenalin/Epinephrine: This is the substance secreted in a fright, fight, or flee situation when we face a catastrophe or an emergency. It prepares the body, sharpens our senses, and tones the muscles, ready for combat.

The “ideal” diet?

Medical science and nutrition continue to evolve in man’s quest for the “ideal diet” and the fountain of youth that would lead to the healthiest body and the maximum longevity potential of every person.

Several diets have emerged, such as: low-fat, low-carb, the Atkin’s diet, South Beach, Mediterranean, Paleo, and now the Pegan diet.

The Atkin’s Diet emphasizes a low-carb diet and has allowed more meat and is generous about calories, unlike the South Beach diet, a low-carb diet that restricts red meat. Both advocate liberal amounts of vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, olive oil, and whole grains. The vegan diet prohibits any food from animals, limiting its diet to mainly vegetable, fruits, nuts, and legumes.

The Paleo diet is heavily focused on meat, a diet mimicking the diet of our Paleolithic cavemen ancestors of 10,000 years ago, who laboriously hunted for their food and ate berries and nuts, but not many vegetables because there was no agriculture then.

The Pegan diet combines the best of the paleo and vegan diets to provide balanced, sustainable, easy-to-follow daily eating habits.

While the Paleo diet is heavy on red meat as the main event, the Pegan diet makes meat only a side dish, with the large portion of vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits, olive oil, as the main dish. Scientifically, the Pegan diet appears to combine all the good features of the Atkin’s, South Beach, Mediterranean, Vegan and

Paleo diets into one, with caloriecounting, which makes sense.

A fascinating trend It is easy to notice nowadays that the human civilization is trending toward the past, the original oldfashioned natural ideas and ways of living, except in the continuously evolving world of technologies.

Women’s dresses, for instance, used to cover their bodies from the neck all the way down to their feet; but now the clothing has plunging low-neck lines, baring part of their breasts, and skirts up to mid-thigh, reminiscent of the cave woman’s bare-breasted past.

The popular addicting soft drinks of the past, like Coca Cola which was introduced in 1896 to practically all households, like other soft drinks that followed, are now gradually waning in sales.

Purified water and its various forms are today gaining popularity around the world. We seem to be going back to the past, and the trend is more natural and healthy. We are today also zeroing on ecology by curtailing man’s abuse of Mother Earth to manage global warming and save the only hospitable planet we know. And so goes the trend in our diet to maximize health and longevity.

People are more health conscious today, thanks to the various media, especially the internet.

Anyway, besides the benefits of daily exercise, abstinence from tobacco and moderation in alcoholic intake, the bottom line of diet is the obvious evidence-based medical recommendation that all refined and processed foods, and soft drinks are toxic to our bodies and responsible for the major diseases killing us today, including cancer. Low carbohydrate, low to moderate lean-meat (preferably fish and chicken), generous portions of vegetables of all kinds and colors, nuts, and other high-fiber foods, are healthier for us.

The only ingredients in the recipe we need to add are our wisdom, personal responsibility, and resolve.

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Fiesta Filipina celebrates opening of its third branch FIESTA FILIPINA—the home of your favorite Lutong Pampanga—makes your Pinoy dining experience extra special by offering three locations for you to enjoy its specialties including Crispy Pata, Lechon Kawali, Pork and Chicken BBQ, Beef Kaldereta, Dinuguan and Pork Sisig.

On Friday, Jan. 22, Fiesta Filipina celebrated the opening of its southeast Branch at 8545

W. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas.

The branch was formally opened to the public on Saturday, Jan. 23.

For inquiries, please call (702) 776-7733.

Fiesta Filipina was founded

by Ernie and Dory Guevarra who hail from Pampanga. The couple migrated to the United States and settled in San Francisco.

Dory has always had a passion for cooking, which made the couple decide to open Fil-Am

Cuisine in Sept. 1995. They became known in the area for their delicious BBQ. The Guevarras opened Fiesta Filipina Cuisine in Las Vegas in Dec. 2001 and the second branch in Henderson in Oct. 2010.

Make your plate full with Fiesta Filipina’s other specialties such as Pancit Palabok, Fried Boneless Bangus (milkfish), turon (banana fritters), Beef Caldereta, Dinuguan, Lechon

Kawali, and more!

Southwest Branch 3310 S. Jones Blvd. (corner Desert Inn) Las Vegas, NV 89146 Tel: (702) 252-00664; Fax (702) 252-5154 Henderson Branch 2980 St. Rose Parkway Ste. 120 Henderson, NV 89052 Tel: (702) 476-1122; Fax: (888) 509-8916.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

FASFOS trains Vita volunteer tax preparers Ready to serve for 2016 tax season, Jan. 29 – April 17, 2016 THE tax season begins on January 29, 2016 and ends on April 17, 2016. Fil-Am Scholarship Foundation and Outreach Services (FASFOS) partners with NFTC & IRS in the implementation of the Vita Program in Southern Nevada and Pahrump community.

FASFOS’ Vita Site remains at the lobby of Seafood City Supermarket located at 3890 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Free income tax preparation starts on Jan. 29, 2016 and ends on April 17, 2016, days of service are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm until 6pm.

It provides assistance to lowmoderate income individuals and families ensuring that they seek and receive tax credits which they are entitled to based on their family structure. The VITA PROGRAM allows the NFTC and its group of non-profit organizations to fulfill the mission of contributing to the long term financial stability and strengthening of neighborhood and communities.

FASFOS Vita tax preparers had been trained and certified during the training dates of January 16, 22 & 23, 2016.

The training took place at the

ACRC/FASFOS office at 2270 S Maryland Pkwy, Ste 212, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Trainers were Felipe Danglapin and Minerva Honkala assisted by the more experienced and returning Tax Preparers German Eusebio and Myra Picache. The group of IRS Certified Tax Preparers finished the courses with a total of 20 hours (theory & hands on). Those who got certified were: Felipe Danglapin, Minerva Honkala, German Eusebio, Myra Picache, Maria Ramirez, Jason Quino, Linda Caampued, Lourdes Espino, Rosette Loga-

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log, Jorge Rodriguez, Andrew Harris, Victoria Martinez, Violeta Horn, Asela Engel, Jeffrey Mania and Sandra Vallejo.

Requirements: Taxpayer’s income: $58,000 & below, valid photo ID/driver’s license, Social Security cards/ITINS of all

including dependents, all tax documents: W-2, 1099, Form 1095-A, (Health Insurance Coverage ) Unemployment, SS Benefit Statement, daycare payment records, daycare provider’s Tax ID number, Voided check if you want direct deposit of refund. If filing

jointly, both spouses must be present and sign the return.

FASFOS VITA will prepare: filing single, married filing jointly, head of household, qualifying widow(er). Walk-ins only. For inquiry, call or text Minerva, 7028028159.

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