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Duterte delivers second SONA Maintains stand on fight against illegal drugs as ‘unremitting, unrelenting’

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24, covering a wide range of issues — from his administration’s policies, such as his “unrelenting� drug war; call for implementation of laws, including capital punishment; and government spending on infrastructure projects; to lambasting his critics and warning to tax mining companies to

“death.�

He also cited his administration’s achievements in his first year of presidency, including the establishment of Citizen’s Complaint Hotline, as well as the implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy, and the recent nationwide smoking ban.

The president mentioned the West Philippine Sea issue and federalism as matters the Philippine government has “to tackle sooner or later,� but were not

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Fil-Am groups hold rally, rate Duterte’s first year in office

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BOC promotes tax-free ‘Balikbayan Box’ program PH signs MOU on

by JENNIFER

US gov’t vows to address bells of Balangiga issue THE United States Embassy in Manila on Tuesday, July 25, vowed to work on a solution to address the issue concerning the bells of Balangiga church in Samar, which were seized by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war in 1900s. “We are aware that the bells of Balangiga have deep significance for a number of people, both in the United States and in the Philippines.

We will continue to work with our Filipino part-

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cooperation with China

SORIANO

AJPress

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is encouraging Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to use the tax-free “Balikbayan Boxâ€? program, saying that no one has availed of it yet as of this month. “We are encouraging the OFWs to avail of this program. Isa itong pagpaparangal sa ating mga OFWs (This is one way of QualiďŹ ed Filipinos While Abroad (QFWA) can send balikbayan boxes to recognizing our OFWs),â€? their families and relatives without having to pay for duties and taxes up to three times and not exceeding P150,000 in a calendar year, under Customs Commissioner the Republic Act No. 10836 or the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act Nicanor Faeldon said.

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte was sworn into office on June 30, 2016, and Filipinos around the world have mixed feelings about the controversial leader’s first year in office.

On Monday, July 24, nearly 50 students, social justice activists and religious leaders (CMTA). gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles to address Duterte’s track re-

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NO MORE TALKS. President Rodrigo Duterte takes the stage put up by leftist rallyists outside the Batasan complex on Monday, July 24. He told them to go home as peace talks would no longer push through.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Qualified Filipinos While Abroad (QFWA) can send balikbayan boxes to their families and relatives without having to pay for duties and taxes up to three times and not exceeding P150,000 in a calendar year, under the Republic Act No. 10836 or the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA).

However, Faeldon said that as of July 2017, the program has no takers

Inquirer.net photo

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE governments of the Philippines and China have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOU) on strengthening their bilateral cooperation.

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PH gov’t eyes abolition of PCGG, other agencies THE administration of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is planning to abolish the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), the agency tasked to recover the ill-gotten wealth of late President Ferdinand Marcos.

This was according to Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno in a press briefing on Wednesday, July 26. “I don’t think we need a PCGG at this time... There are many agencies, there are many task

forces created in the last 30 years.

So this gives us the opportunity to once and for all clean up the government,� Diokno said.

The plan to stop the PCGG operations is part of the administration’s bigger proposal to trim redundant agencies in the executive branch, he elaborated.

On Monday, July 25, Duterte, in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) called on Congress for the “expeditious� passage of the House Bill No. 5707 or the “Rightsizing the National Govern-

ment Act.�

The bill, which was introduced

by Senator Loren Legarda in September last year, aims to improve public service delivery by merging or abolishing agencies under the executive branch with redundant operating functions. “There are many specific recommendations for policy actions under the rightsizing bill. One such proposal is to abolish the PCGG and to transfer its remaining activities to the Department of Justice,�

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COOPERATION DEAL. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano exchange pleasantries in Manila on Tuesday, July 25. The two agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, trade, ďŹ nance and ďŹ ghting illegal drugs.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

PH tourism revenues hit P220-B #ELEBRATING 9EARS

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippines’ tourism revenue has reached to P220.30 billion during President Rodrigo Rodrigo Duterte’s first year in the office, according to the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT).

In its one-year accomplishment report released on Monday, July 25, the department said the tourism industry has become a “bright spot� for the country’s economy.

It noted that the country’s tourism revenue during the first year of the Duterte administration doubled in comparison with his predecessor’s, former president Benigno “Noynoy�

Aquino III, during the same period.

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In its one-year accomplishment report released on Monday, July 25, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said that tourism has become a “bright spot� for the Philippine economy, hitting revenues up to P220.30 billion.

Philstar.com photo

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From The FronT Page

BOC promotes tax-free ‘Balikbayan Box...

PAGE A1 yet.

“P75 billion annually, this is the amount the government has given to the OFWs (in this project) instead of the government collecting tax from the OFWs,” Faeldon said.

Packages sent under this program is limited to packages sent to the OFWs’ family or relatives up to the fourth civil degree of con-

sanguinity.

The program does not include items in commercial quantity or intended for barter. It should only contain personal and household items, Faeldon said.

How to avail Qualified Filipinos who can avail of the program are OFWs with valid passports and certified for overseas employment, the Customs chief said.

Qualified applicants for the program also includes: Filipinos under job contract that do not require certification from the Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; non-resident Filipinos who are permanently living abroad but retained their Filipino citizenship; and resident Filipino citizens that are holders of student visa, investor’s visa, tourist visa, and similar visas which allow them to establish temporary stay abroad.

The OFWs will have to provide the biographical page of passport, the itemized list of their packages, and receipts of newly-purchased items to the consolidator.

Thereafter, international forwarders will then submit information sheets from the senders through a secured electronic format simultaneously to the BOC and to the deconsolidator.

The Philippine forwarder, on the other hand, will also submit the information sheets and documents in a secured electronic format to the BOC. Migrant workers group calls it a new ‘money-making’ ploy Meanwhile a migrant workers’ rights group hits the Bureau of Customs’ new guidelines on balikbayan boxes, calling the memorandum a “money-making” requirement.

Migrante International opposes latest order Customs Memorandum Order 04-2017, specifically on the items that requires the balikbayan boxes to include an “itemized list” of the contents and receipts of the newly-purchased items inside the box. Also, the new directive requires the recipients of the packages to show proof that they are a relative of the sender.

BOC said it issued the directive “to adopt transparent custom rules regulations policies procedures consistent with international standards and best practices and “to prevent revenue loss from possible abuse in the availment of the privilege on the tax and dutyexempt importation of balikbayan boxes.”

“Itong mga taga-Customs, halatang walang malasakit at walang respeto sa mga OFW. Hindi ba nila alam na kasama sa sayang dulot ng balikbayan box ang surpresang dulot nito sa mga pamilya? Pati ba naman ito PAGE A4

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Duterte delivers second...

PAGE A1 further elaborated.

‘Unrelenting’ drug war Despite what he described as international and local pressures, Duterte maintained that his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs will be “unremitting as it will be unrelenting.”

The drug war has earned heavy criticisms over its alleged violation of human rights and related summary killings. But the unfazed president, while clarifying that he “value[s] human life,” insisted that he has no intention “to loosen the leash in the campaign or lose the fight against illegal drugs.”

“I will not allow the ruin of the youth, the disintegration of families and the retrogression of communities, forced by criminals whose greed for money is as insatiable as it is devoid of moral purpose. Neither will I be immobilized into inaction by the fear that I will commit an act that will expose me to public condemnation or legal prosecution,” he remarked.

Addressing his critics, Duterte went on to say: “Your efforts will be better spent if you use the influence, moral authority and ascendancy of your organizations over your respective sectors to educate the people on the evils of illegal drugs instead of condemning the authorities and unjustly blaming for every killing that bloodies this country.”

Martial law ‘fastest way’ to quell rebellion Defending his martial law declaration and suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the entire Mindanao, the president said he believed it is the “fastest way to quell the rebellion at the least cost of lives and properties.”

“At the same time, the government would be adequately equipped with the constitutional tool not only to prevent the escape of rebels who can easily mingle and pretend to be civilian evacuees only to re-group in another place to fight another day, but also to prevent them from spreading their gospel of hate and violence in the rest of Mindanao,” he added.

Death penalty, implementation of laws Duterte called on Congress for the implementation of several bills, including capital punishment, Rightsizing the National

President Rodrigo R. Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a jampacked attendance at the House of the Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, July 24.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Government Act, Salary Standardization Law, tax reform, and establishment of a new authority or department for disaster resiliency, among others.

In his speech, the president asked Congress to “act on all pending legislations to reimpose the death penalty on heinous crimes — especially on the trafficking of illegal drugs.”

He pointed out that capital punishment is “not only about deterrence” but also “about retribution.”

“In the Philippines, it is really an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. You took a life then you must pay for life. That is the only way to even. You cannot place a premium on the human mind that he will go straight,” he said.

Duterte also called on for the “expeditious” passage of the “Rightsizing the National Government Act,” which aims to improve public service delivery.

For the government owned and controlled corporations, the president cited the implementation of the existing Salary Standardization Law pending the review in the Compensation and Position Classification System.

“Salaries and allowances, incentives, benefits, and bonuses across the government owned and controlled corporations – at this time increases will have to pass by my office. And I am not inclined to increase your allowances, bonuses, and salaries at this time,” he said.

The president also asked the Senate to support his tax reform in

full and to pass it without haste.

“The passage of the Tax Reform Law is needed to fund the proposed 2018 budget which I am submitting here and today.

The poor and vulnerable are at the heart of my tax reform. Your support would ensure that the benefits of the tax reform can be felt immediately by them,” he added.

Duterte also called the members of Congress to “craft a law establishing a new authority or department that is responsive to the prevailing 21st century conditions and empowered to best deliver [an] enhanced disaster resiliency and quick disaster response.”

Golden age of infrastructure The administration is targeting to increase government spending on infrastructure from 5 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) this year to 7 percent of the GDP by 2022, amounting to a total of 8 to 9 trillion pesos or 160 to 180 billion dollars.

“We will make the next few years the Golden Age of Infrastructure in the Philippines to enhance our mobility and connectivity, and thereby spur development growth equitable in the country. In other words, we are going to build, build and build,” Duterte said.

In connection with sea connectivity, he cited the launching of 15 brand new Ro-Ro vessels to ply major nautical routes all over the Philippines.

An ASEAN (Association of PAGE A4

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PH tourism revenues hit...

PAGE A1

The current administration, according to the department, achieved a 109.13-percent revenue increase.

“The tourism industry has become a bright spot for the Philippine economy during the first year of the Duterte administration, with the country more than doubling its tourism revenues to P222.3 billion from July 2016 to May 2017, a 109.13-percent increase compared to P106.297 billion receipts during the first 11 months of the Aquino administration,” the DOT said.

It attributed the tourism boom to the government’s “fi rm resolve in dealing with threats, creating a more secure and safe environment, and raising tourists’ confidence.”

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo also mentioned several events that contributed to the success, citing the country’s hosting of Miss Universe pageant in, the third Madrid Fusion Manila, as well as the United Nations World Tourism Organization Conference, among others.

She also took note of the cooperation pacts the Philippines signed with other countries like China, Russia, Cambodia, Thailand and Turkey.

“The numbers are expected to increase as China has committed to sending at least a million travelers to the Philippines this year,” Teo added.

Netizens, however, slammed the government agency for its supposed misleading data.

Some pointed at the omitted

Joint gas exploration Earlier on Monday, July 24, Duterte cited a possible joint oil exploration between Manila and Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. In a conference after delivering his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte, while saying he could not reveal the details, disclosed that the talks about the joint exploration are ongoing.

“When they start to excavate the gas and all. I tell you, it’s going to be just like a joint venture.

Para pareho (So it will be fair),” the president said.

“We are there already, may partner na (There’s a partner already),” he added. “Di ko lang masabi kung sino. Nandoon na ang atin pati kanila (I just cannot reveal the partner. Our representatives and their representatives are there). They are talking and they are exploring.”

Asked about potential joint oil exploration with Beijing, Cay-

A3

tourism revenues in years 2011 to 2015 from the DOT’s “Bright Spot report” graph, which aims to compare tourism revenues during Aquino administration’s first year and the current administration’s.

“Department of Tourism-Philippines, why is your chart missing a few years? Isn’t this a misleading graph? Selective use of data? As a matter of fact, 2016 had 313.6 billion tourism revenue from 306 billion in 2015,” a netizen tweeted, quoting data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Another netizen commented in part, “Compared to 2010, revenue increased during Duterte’s first year in office but compared to the last year of Noynoy Aquino in office, we lost a lot.”

PH signs MOU on cooperation with...

PAGE A1 Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano and his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, signed the agreement on Tuesday, July 25, during the latter’s official visit to Manila.

In a press briefing, Cayetano described the friendship between the two countries under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “friendship worth fostering.”

Cayetano said the agreement “will reinforce the foundation of the relations” between the two foreign ministries “through exchanges and collaborative activities.”

“Taking to heart the Philippine Constitution and President Duterte’s independent foreign policy, we seek to strengthen ties and cooperation with all countries in order to bring tangible benefits to all Filipinos and to the people of our partner countries,” he added.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2017

etano expressed hope that both countries would find a way to use the natural resources in the area “for the benefit of the people.”

“As very spiritual people, we believe natural resources are blessings from God that should be enjoyed by His people,” Cayetano told reporters.

He went on to say, “Thus, the natural phase two of better relations here and of the environment of dialogue, peace and stability is seeking to be able to use those natural resources to benefit your people.”

Wang echoed Cayetano’s sentiments.

“In waters where there are overlapping of maritime rights and interest, if one party goes for unilateral development, then the other party will take the same actions, and that might complicate the situation at sea that might lead to tensions, and as end result nobody might be able to develop the resources,” Wang said.

Various Fil-Am activists gathered in front of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles and released a “report card” of President Rodrigo Duterte’s performance thus far.

AJPress photo by Klarize Medenilla

Fil-Am groups hold rally, rate Duterte’s...

PAGE A1

cord as he surpasses one year as president.

Called the “People’s State of the Nation Rally and Report Card for Duterte’s First Year,” the groups critiqued Duterte’s administration and condemned its handling of several national issues.

The rally was a part of a national movement in which cities across the U.S. and internationally held their own People’s State of the Nation Rally to call attention to many of the Duterte administration’s “unfulfilled promises.”

There was an emphasis on the Duterte administration’s handling of the illegal drug war, the recent extension of martial law in Mindanao and the increased militarization amid the stall of the peace talks between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

“People were very hopeful for change, but what has rePAGE A1 the PCGG as a “huge blow to ally changed?” Deputy Secretary the president,” Diokno said.

Since its establishment three human rights groups especially General of BAYAN USA Nikole the budget secretary said.

He noted, however, that the decades ago, the PCGG has so those who have been against the Cababa told the Asian Journal. abolition of the PCGG remains a far recovered an estimated $10 Marcos dictatorship.”

“We still see abject poverty, low “This administration seeks to wages and contractualization, suggestion, and that the decision billion-worth of cash and assets on the issue would be made by a plundered by the Marcoses and absolve the Marcoses from their people being pushed out of the responsibility to the Filipino peo- country...and at the same time, committee chaired by Executive their allies.

The Defense of Human Rights ple,” iDEFEND Spokeswoman we’re seeing this extension of Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“All decisions by the commit- and Dignity Movement (I-DE- Jean Enriquez said in an Agence martial law which has led to a lot tee will be in the nature of an FEND) Philippines, however, France-Presse (AFP) report. of human rights violations.” executive order to be signed by described the plan to abolish (Dana Sioson/AJPress) Cababa added that Duterte

PH gov’t eyes abolition of...

“should take a note in the history books,” in that martial law is widely condemned by people all over the globe. She also said that social justice organizations, like BAYAN USA, encourage Duterte — and all world leaders — to explore fighting terrorism through socio-economic reform, like addressing poverty and the need for social services.

The rally began with the diverse group of young Fil-Ams holding colorful signs and several chants, which were met with supportive car honks from drivers driving along the adjacent Wilshire Blvd.

One sign, in particular, was a blown up mock report card for Duterte, which criticized his handling of many foreign and domestic issues, including education, housing, the drug war, contractualization and more.

The rally grew as the speakers voiced their concerns for the growing tensions in the Philippines, with a focus on socio-economic reform, especially poverty and education. Annalou Lingat, vice chair of ANAKBAYAN LA spoke about the lack of education reform and stressed the importance of public programs and affordable education.

In 2013, the Philippine Department of Education added two more years to the country’s 10-year basic education system, implementing the K-12 system, widely implemented throughout

the globe. Educators, parents and students have petitioned to have this system revoked, calling it “unfair” and a “catastrophe,” according to a petition sent to the Philippine Supreme Court.

“Under this new education system, it’s much harder to gain access to quality education, forcing many Filipinos to settle for lower wage jobs or even make the hard decision to find jobs abroad. The Duterte administration should be able revive a free, accessible education for all.

The rally was hosted by BAYAN USA Southern California, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHROP) Southern California Network and National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) Southern California.

Filipino youth and student organization ANAKBAYAN and Filipino women’s organization GABRIELA USA also joined in to voice their concerns over the president’s lack of attention on the ongoing human rights abuses.

“Human rights are still violated in the country right now,” Cervas told the Asian Journal after the rally. “We still have over 400 political prisoners who were imprisoned, in the first place, for trumped up charges.

They were arrested because of their political beliefs and for fighting for a more just and free Philippines.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPRess)

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july 27-august 2 2017 • las VEgas asIaN jOuRNal

Dateline USa

Supreme Court broadens family exceptions of Pres. Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’ Top court rules against Trump’s request to expand the controversial travel policy

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

THE United States Supreme Court this week ruled in favor of a lower court opinion that temporarily banned extended family members of American citizens from six Muslim-majority nations.

The highest court in the U.S. on Wednesday, July 19 voted to allow a ruling by a federal judge in Hawaii who argued that grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and siblings-inlaw should be added to the list of close family members who can get visas to travel to the U.S. The ruling is a loss for the Trump administration, which has looked to expand the scope of the travel ban, an executive order on immigration first introduced on January 31. The mission of the ban was to provide a temporary halt in immigration from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

However, Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision did block

requests from the Hawaii court that included refugees; the Hawaii court argued that refugees that made arrangements with a humanitarian aid organization in the U.S. should be exempt from the ban.

This means that, unless the appeals court rules otherwise, the nearly 24,000 refugees who have already been assigned to a resettlement program in the U.S. will not be admitted.

The travel ban — colloquially called the “Muslim ban” — represents the strict immigration reform promised by President Donald Trump, who affirms the temporary ban is for national security purposes.

Since its introduction in January, several courts have ruled that many stipulations of the ban violated the Constitution, including providing preferential treatment of religions.

Lower courts have blocked certain aspects of the ban.

On June 26, a Hawaii declared that the list of exempted individu-

als was too restrictive in its allowance of only parents, parents-inlaw, spouses, fiances, children, and children-in-law. He ruled that people “who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship” with a relative or organization in the U.S. would be exempt from the ban.

The Supreme Court ruled that that should be up to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to make the decision.

The scaled-down version of the travel ban was put into effect last month following the June 26 ruling by the Supreme Court. As of press time, travel to the U.S. is banned from the six nations for 90 days, and the refugee program is temporarily suspended for 120 days.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to rule on the legality of the ban as a whole in the fall, but travelers may bypass the ban if they can prove that claim of an established “bona fide relationship” with a relative or organization.

US gov’t vows to address bells of Balangiga...

PAGE A1 ners to find a resolution,” U.S. Embassy press attache Molly Koscina said.

The embassy issued the statement after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte demanded the U.S. to return the century-old bells back to the Filipino people during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24.

In his speech, Duterte recalled the Balangiga massacre during the Philippine-American War in 1901, when U.S. soldiers retaliated by “mak[ing] a desert of Balangiga” through killing Filipinos aged ten and above in Samar.

Duterte said the killings “reduce[d] Samar Island into an island of ‘howling wilderness’.”

Three bells were taken from Balangiga Church by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war — two of which were presently displayed at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming as a memorial to U.S. troops killed by Filipino insurgents. The third bell was in South Korea.

“I say today give us back those Balangiga bells, they are ours,

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

Duterte delivers second...

PAGE A2 Southeast Asian Nations) Ro-Ro Shipping Route connecting the ports of Davao and General Santos, Philippines to Bitung, Indonesia, were also opened.

To further address the congestion of seaports in the country, ports of Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga were “modernized.”

“We shall complete strategic road and bridge projects and some of the road sections shall be widened and improved to address the worsening traffic,” Duterte added.

The president also said that the government of China has “committed to build two bridges to span Pasig River free of charge.”

He went on to say, “We might get some money also from China and we’ll have new airports in the coming days and we are now accelerating the implementation of the communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic managements system projects which will result in the on-time arrivals, departures better managed air traffic, reduced flight operational cost and safer and more convenient travel experience.”

Prioritizing environment over mining Duterte warned mining companies and contractors in the Philippines “to refrain from the unbridled and irresponsible destruction of [the country’s] watersheds, forests, and aquatic resources.”

In his speech, he emphasized the government’s advocacy for “responsible, regulated and sustainable development,” saying

that protection of the environment must be prioritized ahead of mining and all other activities that adversely affect it.

He then warned mining companies: “Either spend to restore the virginity of [your] source or I will tax you to death.”

“So I will increase the taxes.

Then I will think of something that will compensate or make up for the damage or at least the income restored. Otherwise, I’ll have to stop mining. I will ask you to stop it. It’s not good,” he added.

The president further warned government officials tasked with monitoring mining operations to “do their job without fear or favor.”

Duterte also said that if possible, the government “shall put a stop to the extraction and exportation of our mineral resources to foreign nations for processing abroad and importing them back to the Philippines in the form of consumer goods at prices twice or thrice the value of the original raw materials foreign corporations pay for them.”

Achievements Citing some of the administration’s achievements, Duterte mentioned the establishment of Hotline 911, which allowed the government to receive and immediately respond to emergencies; and of Hotline 8888, or the Citizen’s Complaint Hotline, which receives feedbacks or concerns on government services.

Executive Order No. 26 imposing a ban on smoking in public places was also implemented to “minimize access to tobacco products, and provide a more support-

ive environment for those who are attempting to quit tobacco use.”

In securing the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) the president said he has ordered the increase of government assistance from 400 million pesos to more than 1 billion pesos.

Meanwhile, to ensure that Filipinos are given equitable access to quality and affordable health services, Duterte said the administration has “expanded health insurance coverage and benefits.”

“The destitute and the indigents, or those who just could not afford hospitalization, can now be provided with free services of government-operated and public hospitals as well. We have strengthened the implementation of the No Balance Billing Policy,” the president said.

The administration also “sustained investments in higher education” and “committed to the full implementation of the K-to-12 Basic Foundation Program.”

Duterte added that his administration “took steps to promote inclusiveness in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission [BTC] by expanding its membership through Executive Order No. 8,” which he signed in November last year.

“By giving representation to indigenous peoples, women, children, and sultanates, and key stakeholders in the drafting of the Bangsa[moro] Basic Law, we ensure a Bangsamoro government that truly reflects the aspirations of our Muslim brothers and sisters as well as our indigenous brethren,” the president said.

BOC promotes tax-free ‘Balikbayan Box...

This May 2001 photo shows the two bells of Balangiga at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base outside Cheyenne, Wyoming, that signaled an attack by Filipino insurgents on occupying American troops in 1901.

Inquirer.net photo

they belong to the Philippines.

They are part of our national heritage. Isauli naman ninyo, masakit yun sa amin. (Return those to us, it is painful for us),” the president said earning applause from the audience.

He pointed out that the bells serve as “reminders of the gallantry and heroism” of Filipinos who “resisted the American colonizers” and “sacrificed their lives in the process.”

This was not the first time Duterte brought up the Balangiga massacre in his speeches.

In September last year, the president took a swipe at the U.S. government for the around 2,500 Filipinos killed in Samar under U.S. General Jacob Smith’s order, saying that his soldiers “hijacked [the Balangiga bells], stole it and never returned it” to the Filipino people.

Despite several attempts by previous administrations, the bells have yet to be returned in the Philippines. It remained to be a perennial issue between the two countries’ bilateral relations.

(Dana Sioson/AJPress)

PAGE A2 ay tatanggalin nila? Gusto nilang tanggalin ang saya ng OFW at pamilya sa pagpapadala at pagtanggap ng balikbayan box (The Customs does not care and respect the OFWs. Don’t they know that the idea of surprise brings happiness to the OFWs and their families? And now, the Customs will remove this? They will remove the happiness brought about by sending and receiving balikbayan boxes to the OFW and their families?),” Migrante International spokesperson Arman Hernando said.

Hernando described sending balikbayan boxes as the “most personalized translation of love and affection for its recipients,” a

culture practiced by Filipinos and their relatives abroad since then.

“Bakit kami ang pinagdidiskitahan ng gobyerno gayong hindi naman nila masawata ang mga malalaking iligal na smuggler at sindikato? Pawis at dugo ng mga OFW ang puhunan para mapuno ang bawat isang balikbayan box (Why are we the one being blamed by the government now that they cannot suppress the big time illegal smugglers and syndicates? It requires hard work for the OFWs to fill in their balikbayan boxes),” Hernando said.

“The least the government could do is to make sure that this simple vehicle of love is not burdened by unnecessary requirements and money-making schemes at the

expense of OFWs and their families,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Monday, July 24, shared the sentiments of the migrant workers group, saying the present BOC guidelines and implementation on balikbayan boxes has loopholes that can encourage “pilferage and theft by corrupt customs personnel.”

Recto said that attaching a list of contents was “tantamount to providing a keyhole that might tempt unscrupulous handlers to open it and rid it of its contents.”

“We should review it because of the complicated requirements, balikbayan boxes will be wrapped in red tape,” Recto said in a statement.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 27-AUGUSt 2, 2017

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A

D ateline PhiliPPines Duterte vows to attain peace amidst ‘trying times’ Robredo reiterates call to human rights in pursuing anti-drug campaign

by Jennifer

Soriano

AJPress

A DAY after President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Vice President Leni Robredo reiterated the need to uphold the human rights in pursuing the president’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“Ako po naniniwala ako na sa pagpapatupad ng anti-drug campaign, sa pag-aayos ng peace and order, hindi pa rin dapat labagin iyong karapatang pantao (I believe that in the implementation of the anti-drug campaign, in ensuring peace and order, human rights must still be upheld),” Robredo said.

The vice president also stressed that the rule of law is dictated in the 1987 Constitution.

“Ito naman iyong sandata ng mahihirap natin na mga kababayan laban sa pang-aabuso ng mga nasa kapangyarihan (This is the weapon of our poor countrymen against abuses committed by the power-

Soriano

AJPress

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) cannot be easily abolished, Commission chair Jose Luis Gascon reminded Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

After the president mulled abolishing the constitutionally created CHR, Gascon pointed out that it would take constitutional amendments or a charter change to do that.

“Any discussion to abolish CHR or any other institution for that matter can be taken in the proposed constitutional-reform process…

In other words, we shall cross the bridge when we get there,” Gascon said in a text message to reporters on Tuesday, July 25.

This comes after Duterte’s complaints toward human rights advocates during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) and his subsequent press conference

Soriano

AJPress

SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez cited the need for a law to support civil partnerships and dissolving marriages easier as he enumerated priority measures and accomplishments in the chamber.

Alvarez gave a rundown of legislative priority measures and triumphs which commenced the second regular session of the 17th Congress on Monday, July 24.

“We must also be considerate of the fact that marriage may not be for everyone. I will file a bill that will recognize and protect civil partnerships,” Alvarez said, as he opened the second regular session.

“The bill will give legal protection to couples who cannot be married under existing laws, as well as save the children from the unwanted effects of failed marriages, Alvarez explained.

The legislation will provide legal protection to couples who cannot be married under existing laws. Their children too, will benefit from the ill effects of unhappy

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marriages, he said.

These couples “must be treated with equality under the law” said the speaker who earlier admitted that he has separated with his wife and has sired children to different women.

“The sad reality about marriages: We do not always get it right the first time around. If it causes harm to the husband, wife, and worse the children, we must change this,” he added.

Alvarez earlier said that under his bill, couples can skip the painful process of annulment. This can be done by allowing them for a joint petition to a court for the dissolution of their marriage.

Just recently, President Rodrigo Duterte received the draft of the said bill at the Palace and has expressed his support for its passage.

Federal transition, accomplishments Alvarez also said brought up the Philippines’ shift to federal government, one of the campaign promises of Duterte The speaker announced to representatives that on average,

they have produced two bills in one session per day compared to previous first regular sessions.

They also have produced a total of 210 legislative measures on third reading during their 97 session days.

“We didn’t waver and falter. We did our job,” the speaker said.

Alvarez also commended Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas for his efforts during their first regular session wherein they have reached a quorum every meeting day.

The speaker linked the immediate passage of the 2017 budget and the death penalty bill to their “collective hard work.” To date, the bill is awaiting for the Senate approval.

Other accomplishments include the extension of passport and license validity to at least five years and free tertiary education and internet access.

However, the speaker emphasized that there is still a lot of work to be done.

“We have plenty of challenges to finish,” Alvarez pointed out to lawmakers.

House panel releases detained ‘Ilocos six’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Philippine House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability has ordered the release of the so-called “Ilocos six” government officials from detention on Tuesday, July 25.

House Majority floor leader Rudy Fariñas, who is also the Ilocos Norte representative, ordered the release of the officials after they answered the panel’s questions during the House inquiry into the P66.45 million-worth tobacco excise tax anomaly.

The six provincial officials have been detained since May 29 for their “dismissive answers” during an investigation into the alleged illegal purchase of motor vehicles by the Ilocos Norte Provincial office using the tobacco excise tax.

They were provincial planning and development officer and bids and awards committee chair Pedro Agcaoili, provincial budget officer Evangeline Tabulog, provincial treasurer Josephine Calajate, accountant Eden Battulayan, and treasury office staff Genedine Jambaro and Encarnacion Gaor.

Earlier on the same day, Ilocos

AJPress

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House Speaker cites bill on civil partnerships, marriage dissolution among priority measures

by Jennifer

Soriano

tial law extension and suspension corpus is hereby approved by the of the privilege of the writ of ha- Congress,” Speaker Pantaleon JuST a few days after the Con- beas corpus in Mindanao until the Alvarez said, reading the results, gress approved President Rodrigo end of 2017. before pounding the gavel.

“The result of the voting in ConDuterte’s request to extend marThe Constitution dictates that tial law in Mindanao, the president gress show that 261 in the affir- the president has the sole power went further to justify military rule, mative and 18 in the negative. The to declare martial law, in cases marking the move as one step to- motion to extend proclamation of of invasion or rebellion. The decwards his persistent pursuit for martial law and the suspension laration should not go beyond 60 of the privilege of writ of habeas peace for the country.

PAGE A7 “Sometimes, I am almost tempted to conclude that peace might not be able to come during our lifetime. But, believe me, it will not be for want of trying,” Duterte said referring to the long-standing inVice Pres. Leni Robredo with daughter Tricia before they attended Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s State surgency in Mindanao, during his of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24. Photo from Tricia Robredo’s Twitter account second State of the Nation Address drug war, has said that the drug (SONA) on Monday, July 24. ful),” she said.

Duterte used much of his two- problem should be addressed using “And I will persist on our goal hour speech to talk about his a “health-based approach.” of attaining peace to the last day Robredo has since initiated the of this administration and maybe flagship program against illegal drugs and further pounced on creation of a community-based even beyond, although in a differhis critics for their stand on the rehabilitation program, through the ent capacity, “ said the 72-year-old premise of human rights and the local government units and civic president. organizations. rule of law.

“The present terrorism threats )VHYK *LY[PMPLK 0U[LYUHS 4LKPJPUL Earlier, the vice president said in Marawi is quite a challenge in The two highest officials in the Philippine government do not have that illegal drug problem is a “com- the country’s quest for peace and the same views when it comes to plex public-health issue linked stability, to which the declaration the situation of the illegal drug intimately with poverty and social of martial law “was the fastest inequality” that needs to be ad- way to quell rebellion at the least problem and human rights.

The vice president, who has re- dressed appropriately instead of cost of lives and properties,” said peatedly slammed Duterte’s brutal using bullets. the president.

The move, which the president said was necessary to crush the insurgency, earned criticisms from opposition lawmakers saying that it is Duterte’s ploy to expand the military rule in the whole country.

“To those who oppose and think Rights must investigate the issue that all these efforts are out of oron Monday evening, July 24.

The CHR, which has kept a keen on Presidential Security Group, der, I hold myself — me and me eye on the Duterte administration’s including the police. If you will not alone should be responsible,” said brutal handling of his campaign have that report, do not bother us. Duterte against illegal drugs, would be “bet- I’ll throw it again at your face)” the “We will not be disheartened, ter abolished,” the president said president, known to utter offensive we will not be cowed, we will not remarks in public, said. during the press conference. be overwhelmed. It is during try“Patas tayo (Let’s be fair). Jus- ing times and troubled events that “I will not allow my men to go 4VUKH` [V -YPKH` -YVT ! HT [V ! WT there to be investigated. Human tice for all. What is sauce for the the resilience, perseverance and >HSR 0UZ >LSJVTL Rights Commission, you address gander is sauce for the goose,” the determination of people are testyour request through me because president told the media after his ed,” the president also vowed. the Armed Forces is under me and SONA before the joint session of 6U :P[L :LY]PJLZ! Citing the resilience of Filipithe police is under me,” Duterte Congress. nos, he further raised the hope t 7YL]LU[H[P]L *HYL “The CHR is concerned about that peace awaits as long as they warned.

The president said the human the rights of all persons, and in par- unite towards the attainment of r 3HIVYH[VY` :LY]PJLZ rights commission should not inter- ticular, we are concerned when the one goal. fere with the government’s affairs state violates the rights of people “The Filipino is no stranger in the exercise of their function,” to situations like the one we face and operations. ;V 7YL YLNPZ[LY HUK (JJLZZ “Imbestigahin na muna ng Hu- said Gascon. today. We can and we will over“You have to ensure that the come, as we did countless times in man Rights yung ambush nung @V\Y /LHS[O 0UMVYTH[PVU sa Presidential Security Group police comply with the established the past,” said the president. pati yung pulis. Pag wala kayong provisions of the bill of rights and to .V ;V 6\Y 7H[PLU[ 7VY[HS Martial law extension report niyan, huwag mo kaming ensure that no abuse occur. That’s On Saturday, July 22, the Senate ^^^ *HSKLYVU4LK JVT [anong tawag diyan?] Huwag mo what we do,” he added. and the House of Representative Support for the abolition kaming guguluhin diyan. Itapon convened on a special joint session In a press briefing on Tuesday, where majority of the lawmakers ko uli, yan sa mukha ninyo. Better > *OHYSLZ[VU )S]K - 3HZ =LNHZ 5= do an equal job here, (The Human : =HSSL` =PL^ :[L 3HZ =LNHZ 5= PAGE A7 called for the approval of the mar-

CHR chief cites due process after Duterte’s abolishment threats

by Jennifer

by Jennifer

Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos hugs one of the “Ilocos Six” after they were ordered released from detention for contempt by the House of Representatives.

Inquirer.net photo by Marc Jayson Cayabyab

Norte Governor Imee Marcos attended the House panel’s hearing into the alleged anomaly.

This was after the House panel issued a subpoena against her, warning that she will be detained for contempt if she did not attend the Tuesday’s hearing.

The panel issued the subpoena after Marcos skipped previous hearings, where she was invited to explain her knowledge in connection with the issue.

“Pagkakataon na rin para magsalita (It’s now time to speak),” Marcos told reporters in a chance interview.

During the hearing, the governor maintained her innocence in connection with the issue.

“Walang korapsyon at katiwalian sa pagbili ng pamahalaan ng Ilocos Norte sa minitruck.

Walang kickback o ghost purchase (There was no corruption or anomaly in the Ilocos Norte government’s purchase of minitrucks. There was no kickback or ghost purchase),” Marcos insisted.

The House panel’s next hearing into the alleged misuse of tobacco funds is slated on Wednesday, August 9.

A6

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JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2017 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

‘Bane of efficiency’

FEATURES

TEMPORARY restraining orders, President Duterte said on Monday, July 24, are “the bane of our efficiency.” The president made the observation as he directly urged Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who was seated in the audience during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), to lift the Supreme Court’s TRO on the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act. THE RH law was passed in 2012, and the TRO has been in place for two years now. Contraceptives and other drugs costing millions in public funds, bought by the Department of Health before the TRO was issued, are about to expire because of the restraining order, Duterte said.

Last May, the SC stressed it had tossed the issue to the Food and Drug Administration, which was ordered by the tribunal to determine if two contraceptive implants are safe to use and not abortifacient. The SC should give the FDA a deadline for completing a task that doesn’t require rocket science.

Similar deadlines should be given for resolving the subjects of TROs throughout the judiciary. A two-year TRO is anything but temporary. Criminal cases in many other countries are resolved with finality within that period. President Duterte correctly pointed out that TROs have grossly delayed many government projects and programs, setting

back poverty alleviation and reform efforts.

He’s not the only one complaining about the TROs. Local and foreign investors have long lamented the issuance of TROs and denounced the corruption that underpins many such orders. The orders are not only issued arbitrarily, they complain, but can also take forever to lift. This is what the Supreme Court TRO on the RH law is starting to look like.

Benigno Aquino III, during his presidency, had also feuded with the SC over “judicial overreach” including the restraining orders. President Duterte, who at the start of his term included the promotion of reproductive health in his 10-point socioeconomic agenda, asked Congress in his second SONA to give him a law that would deal with judicial TROs. The judiciary should not wait for this. The SC should be able to temper the exercise of its power without the need for checks and balances from the two other branches of government.

(Philstar.com)

Guest Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MY HEART goes out to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. As you are reading this piece, the man President Donald Trump appointed to be his Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary may either have been fired or has resigned, following the barrage of tweets the president has made on Twitter over the past several days that publicly criticized and even humiliated Sessions.

Trump said in his tweets how disappointed he’s been with Sessions for recusing himself from the investigation probing into the alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign to meddle in the U.S. presidential election last year.

Sessions was the first Senate Republican who endorsed Trump and has, in fact, been instrumental in winning many conservatives to believe in Trump, whose conserva-

PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR. TWO weeks ago at the first meeting of Asian and European Political Parties in the Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF) held in Seoul, July 6-10, 2017, we listed the major conflict areas in Asia and some of their extensions in Africa and at the same time pointed to some of the successful but seldom mentioned geo-political settlements in explosive conflicts in the region including some of the solutions that we thought could be useful.

Today it is correct to say that the most dangerous of the conflict areas in Asia and in the world is the continuing confrontation between South Korean and U.S. forces on one side with those of North Korea across the 38th Parallel, which slices the two Koreas at the waist, with the nucleararmed North under the young President Kim Jong-un, supported but also restrained to some extent but perhaps not controlled by the People’s Republic of China.

Over the years since the Korean Armstice of July, 1953, which ended the Korean War without a formal peace treaty, the threat of new fighting has always plagued the peninsula. The Philippines bravely sent three Army battalions to help South Korea over three years since 1950, barely five years after the end of a crippling World War II in our own country

Phlstar.com photo

Trump’s imminent ‘firing’ of Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing in Russia probe is an assault to conservative causes tive principles were being questioned when he announced that he was running for president.

Sessions was very much respected in his home state of Alabama for his conservative principles, programs and advocacies.

He went on board the Trump train because he wanted to help Trump solve the problem of illegal immigration in the United States — an issue that is very close to many conservative Filipinos in America.

The senator left behind his secure seat to serve the Trump administration as his DOJ Secretary (also known as Attorney General), and has, in the past six months, been earning accolades and support from among his fellow Republicans for being an honest-to-goodness law and order officer who has helped lower the number of illegal immigration to the United States, and has been working hard to implement laws to solve the drug problems. He has been deemed

as a defender of the Constitution and the rule of law.

BUT TRUMP, in his recent interview with the New York Times, as well as in a news conference this week said he was disappointed in Sessions for recusing himself from the Russia probe in March, saying that had he known, he wouldn’t have hired him to be Attorney General.

His recent tweets have revealed that he has lost his amour for his loyal number one supporter and is willing to let go of him. President Trump has labeled him “beleaguered” (troubled, having a lot of difficulties). He also tweeted that Sessions was weak on investigating Hillary Clinton’s crimes and the leaks coming out of the U.S. intelligence community.

BUT why was Trump surprised? Sessions had been forthcoming during the Senate confirmation hearings in January that he would recuse himself from any investigation of Clinton

if confirmed because of the comments he previously made during the campaign about Clinton’s use of the email server and her family’s charitable foundation. He explained that this could place his objectivity and impartiality in question.

Trump said that by recusing himself, Sessions was unfair to the president and to the presidency. WHY? In my opinion, Sessions showed “delicadeza” in deciding to recuse himself from the Russia probe because he was part of the Trump campaign being investigated on after his undisclosed meeting with Russian officials during the campaign. How is that damaging to the presidency or to the Office of the President?

His recusing himself, in fact, has been helping Trump so that there will be no doubt in the investigation which, in fact, should be Trump’s way to prove he has nothing to hide and has not truly

The many possibilities in North Korea in 1945.

Over the years, an explosion between South and North has always threatened intermittently.

But today a new war is even more dangerous, more fatal because it is clear nuclear weapons are now available to both sides.

At the conference in Seoul which we presided, we recalled that in 1990, as a young Congressman, we led a small Philippine Congressional Mission to Pyongyang, and we had an almost oneand-a-half hour meeting with the founder of North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK) Kim Il Sung, who led the North Korean Armies which fought the U.S., U.N. and South Korean forces in 1950-53 since the founding of North Korea in 1945, following the partition in the peninsula.

Then with us were the late Congressman Miguel Romero, businessman Len Oreta, the late President Corazon Aquino’s brother-in-law, Education Undersecretary Nestor Kalaw, and we were later joined by Kiyoshi Wakamiya, the Japanese journalist who later accompanied the late Sen. Benigno Aquino on his last fatal plane trip to the Philippines on August 21, 1983.

When we asked him then about persistent reports that he planned to attack and invade the South, the North Korean leader replied in serious terms: “If we attack the South, the South will be destroyed but we in the North will also be destroyed”.

His tone was indicative of how

the leaders in Pyongyang regarded the seriousness of an all-out war with the Americans and with the Koreans in the South.

We had recalled earlier in this column that our conversation went so well that we asked him for a written assurance that he would not extend material assistance to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Philippines and he did, and we then journeyed back to Manila via Beijing, and feeling elated, we proudly presented his letter to a then pleased President Corazon Aquino and Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus in Malacañan Palace. Over the years, Pyongyang kept his word of their non-involvement with the Communist NPA. In a couple of weeks as he promised, and on our invitation, he sent to Manila then North Korea Vice-Premier Kim Dahl Hyun who set the schedule for the exchange of notes formalizing diplomatic relations between North Korea and the Philippines. We distinctly remember his last day’s visit in Manila because in that afternoon the Mt. Pinatubo volcano erupted and the gray ash rained over us all the way to Manila.

We also remember that the day before we took Vice-Premier Hyun on a helicopter visit to Corregidor and on the World War II island fortress, he suggested to us that we consider building a connecting bridge with enclosures between Bataan province to Corregidor to Cavite province, which links could be opened or closed to let ships in and out as needed, so

Manila Bay could then be part of a large reclaimed area for development as the North Koreans did with a successful similar project in North Korea (food for thought!)

Our friend, Kim Il Sung, has since passed away and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong Il who also led North Korea in many tense sessions with the South but did not live long enough. Today his 33-year-old son, the first President’s grandson, Kim Jong Un, is leader of a nuclear-armed North, over whom China apparently does not have overwhelming influence, since he has inherited and also built his own strength, developed a large army and created his own nuclear weapons and is today developing an inter-continental ballistic missile delivery system, already in an advanced stage, within easy reach of Japan and Guam, with its large U.S. bases, and farther, to the distant frontline areas of the U.S. in Alaska (range 6,700km).

We believe therefore the time has come for direct face-to-face talks, perhaps no longer avoidable, not through intermediaries, between a U.S. President and the young North Korean leader, in Beijing or in Hongkong, both reachable by train, the preferred means of transport by the North Korean leaders as far as we could remember.

We could also urge as well the revival of the long-postponed 6Party talks among the U.S., North Korea, China, South Korea, Japan and Russia to help the process but there is no substitute now to

been colluding with the Russians as alleged.

Trump’s critics are alleging that the reason why Trump was disappointed in Sessions’ recusal from the Russia probe was because it paved the way for the hiring of Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the highly respected former FBI Director, by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to head the independent probe on the Russia connection.

As we read from the news, Mueller has now expanded the probe to include the Trump family’s business and financial ties to Russia.

His critics likewise allege that in firing or letting Sessions go, Trump could now appoint a new DOJ secretary who can fire Mueller (but the law says there needs to be a compelling cause to do this), OR, have this new AG stop the investigation because there was nothing out there, in support of Trump’s labeling this probe as

a “witch hunt”.

Trump has to understand that the Department of Justice, despite being under the executive department, is an independent body tasked by the Constitution to seek justice and the rule of law for ALL, and should not let anybody, not even the president, be above the law.

Trump tweeted this week: “It’s very sad that Republicans, even some that were carried over the line on my back, do very little to protect their President.”

MR. PRESIDENT, our public officials— both elected and appointed are there to defend the Constitution and NOT you, as a person. Let them do their job. ***

direct talks.

The case is difficult but successful direct talks have been done before between the two Germanys and the two Vietnams, which have been both long united, and as we pointed out before, an inter-Korean family might perhaps emerge someday united in a unique, federated system under common inclusive or alternating leadership which could lead to a modern prosperous first-world power in Northeast Asia, or with an accepted separate North, which later could join an ASEAN Plus 4.

In Seoul, in an earlier conference not too long ago, we told our friend, former U.S. Ambassador to the Six-Party Talks Joseph De Trani, South Korea’s religious and economic leader Sun Myung Moon and now his widow, Madame Hak Ja Han Moon, that the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) under President Thomas Walsh and its network which includes the Washington Times, could perhaps revisit their friendships in Pyongyang. The late Reverend Moon, born in Pyongyang, a religious Christian leader with an influential global following, became a successful business leader in Seoul and in the U.S., built a hotel and automobile factory in Pyongyang, which he both later donated to the North Korean government. The goodwill remains and the Moon family and the UPF can avail of their useful links in Pyongyang. The International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) could also rekindle its ties with the Korean Workers Party, the only political party in the North.

It is now clear that the conversations between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jingping although helpful in other ways have so far failed to get any positive response from the young North Korean leader.

Other sincere initiatives have failed over the years and the danger today continues to mount.

We believe the time has now come for the U.S. President and the young North Korean leader to meet face to face, and subsequently to be joined by the new South Korean President Moon Jae-In to try to settle the mounting crisis in direct talks, for there seems to be no other workable alternative. The U.S. and China might offer to supply some of the North’s petrol requirements; Japan and South Korea might establish economic joint-ventures in the North; Russia and China can help build a railway across North Korea all the way to Pusan in the South, linked with the Caucasus and Europe.

In the latest move, President Moon offered rare direct SeoulPyongyang military talks at the Panmunjom truce village on the militarized inter-Korean border in the 38th Parallel but has elicited no response. Also, the Seoul Red Cross proposed an early August meeting to discuss “reunions of families reported by the 1950-53 Korean War”. These two proposals have good value and are workable.

But we believe only direct U.S.-North Korean talks will be the ground-breaking first choice for the North Koreans. Even Mr. Trump says direct talks with the North is now possible.

Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABSCBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFilAmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

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

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De Lima to Aguirre: Disclose your ‘verified’ EJK cases Duterte submits early budget plan for 2018

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

SENATOR Leila De Lima on Monday, July 24, dared Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to disclose the breakdown of the supposed 219 “verified” cases of extrajudicial killings (EJK) in connection with President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“We should ask for a breakdown of the 219 ‘verified’ cases of EJKs disclosed by the DOJ (via a July 21 article by Rappler) by way of a retort to my claim, based on reliable sources that the SOJ issued an internal directive not to file cases against law enforcement officers enforcing the War on Drugs,” De Lima said in a statement.

The senator made the challenge after Aguirre denied her claim that he failed to investigate and prosecute more than 7,000 killings allegedly related to Duterte’s drug war.

Earlier on July 13, De Lima filed a complaint against Aguirre before the Office of the Ombudsman, accusing him of issuing an illegal directive ordering National Pros-

Sen. Leila De Lima

ecution Service (NPS) to restrict the filing of cases against any official enforcing the drug war.

This is the reason, she claimed, why “not a single case” of summary killings — apart from cases exposed in Senate hearings — “was ever investigated or prosecuted by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and the NPS under respondent DOJ Secretary.”

In defense, Aguirre said that the DOJ has “219 verified cases of EJKs” covered by the Administrative Order No. 35 (AO35) or the Inter-Agency Committee on Extra-Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture and Other Grave Violations of the Right

to Life, Liberty and Security of Persons.

The figure, according to the department, include three cases under preliminary investigation of the NPS, one case under preliminary investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman, 6 under police investigation, 21 under trial, 48 unsolved, 64 archived, and 76 terminated.

De Lima, however, stressed that AO35 pertains to the extrajudicial killings that occurred before the Duterte administration.

“I should know because I was the one who drafted the AO35 (as then SOJ) and recommended the same to then President PNoy (Benigno Aquino ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III) who signed and issued the same,” said De Lima, who also served as the justice secretary during Aquino’s term.

She also pointed out that she was “obviously referring to the present-day EJKs” in her recent complaint.

The senator went on to say, “Mukhang nanloloko na naman kayo (Looks like your’e fooling anyone again). Stop misleading or fooling the people, please.”

Duterte vows to attain peace amidst...

PAGE A5 days. The proclamation can either be revoked or extended for a period determined by Congress through joint voting.

Social and financial support to soldiers The president has also expressed his support to the troops and their families. The chief executive further promised to provide a comprehensive social and financial assistance for soldiers and policemen.

“For the family of those who are rendered totally disabled in the line of duty, we shall provide shelter health care assistance, education,” Duterte said.

“I am reiterating my unwavering support and commitment to the armed forces and members of the police force. Those who are on the ground and the battlefield risking their lives for our country and democracy, I have your backs,” he added.

On May 23, Duterte placed Min-

danao under martial law after Islamic State-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi.

The rise of the terror group in the southern city of Mindanao is considered the biggest security problem to face the Duterte administration in his first year of presidency.

The Marawi conflict which has been going on for two months, and has left over 565 people dead, most of which were terrorists.

CHR chief cites due process after Duterte’s...

PAGE A5 July 25, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the CHR is “no longer needed” because of the Bill of Rights.

“When we took our oath (of) office, the most important part of the oath is to defend and protect the [1987] Constitution of the Philippines. What is the most important part of the Constitution? It is the Bill of Rights. No person shall be deprived of his life, liberty or property without due process. If we will only follow it, I think we no longer need Human Rights (Commission),” explained Lorenzana.

Philippine National Police Chief (PNP) Dir. Gen. Ronald M. dela

Rosa also expressed his full-support.

“It’s okay with me. No problem.

It’s okay with the president, then it’s okay with me. Why? Whether there is CHR or none, if the police will violate human rights, it will violate human rights. It now lies in the conscience of the police. Even if there is no CHR, if you are a decent police, you will not do any wrong.

“I am just being practical, with or without CHR, we can do our job properly without violating the human rights of the people, with or without them. We don’t need them to watch over us,” Dela Rosa also added.

Asked for comment, Gascon said

in a text message that Lorenzana and Dela Rosa’s support to the president’s threats against the Commission is expected.

“That is expected as they will, of course, follow the position that their principal takes — so, no surprises there. The CHR is a constitutional office (and) will continue to perform its mandate as an independent nonpartisan institution to protect (and) promote the human rights of all people,” said the CHR chief.

He added that the CHR will continue “its responsibilities of factfinding and documenting of human rights violations as well as inform the public about the importance of human rights in society.”

by iriS

Vicente AJPress

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s administration submitted a P3.767 trillion budget for 2018 to Congress on Monday, July 24.

For the first time since the administration of former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos in the 1990s, the budget was submitted on the day of the president’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

About a quarter of the 2018 General Appropriations Act will be used for infrastructures.

Duterte plans to spend P8-trillion in his six-year term to set up new roads, bridges and airports and lead a “golden age” of infra-

structure.

“The rationale for submitting on time is to give Congress more time and an early start to approve the budget, which also means an early start for us in the executive,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in an interview with ANC. A big portion of the budget will also go to the education sector, as well as the war-afflicted city of Marawi apart from its P5 billion allocated for rehabilitation in the 2017 budget.

“If the need arises, we’ll look for additional funds. But as I said, financing follows the plan. Unless we see the plan, we cannot com-

mit additional funding,” Diokno added.

Moreover, an outline for next year’s budget also includes the government giving P2,400 monthly to 10 million households to mitigate the possible effects of the president’s tax reform program.

However, the provision for the Bangsamoro Basic Law legislation is not yet on the proposed 2018 budget.

“As soon as it’s approved—and I don’t know when it will be approved—we’ll provide for it,” said Diokno. He also said that Duterte can sign the 2018 budget by November this year once it is approved by lawmakers.

Mayor Estrada slammed for inappropriate publicity stunt by iriS

Vicente AJPress

NETIZENS slammed the local government of Manila, especially Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, for heading the clean-up drive of Manila Bay last Friday, July 21 which turned out to be a publicity stunt.

The supposed clean-up drive initiated by the local government of Manila was a trending topic for the past few days when video footage of an ABS-CBN reporter circulated online showing trash that was being scattered prior to the efforts for “picture purposes.”

The video revealed how the reporter asked whether the people were serious about deliberately throwing out trash in the water before administering the clean up drive.

“Cleanup po iyan. Pupulutin po ulit para lang may photo.

(This is a cleanup. They’ll pick this up later after taking a photo),” the man in the said video explained.

The video was shared multiple times earning criticisms from the public.

It was later revealed that the environmental activity was spearheaded by Rizal Park Hotel not by the City of Manila.

“This is spearheaded not by the city but by Rizal Park Hotel in cooperation with some government agencies such as the City of Manila... It will be done monthly,” said Atty. Sol Arboladura, the director of Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

Estrada was asked if he was aware or had given instructions for his staff to throw trash into the water for the publicity photo

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada

but he answered vaguely saying, “For publicity only, but we are serious in cleaning Manila Bay.” Even former Manila Mayor and now Buhay Party-List Rep. Lito Atienza showed repulsion over the absurd incident.

“Maling mali. You cannot have photo opportunity [cleanup drive] tapos magtatapon ka ng basura. Masamang example ito para sa publiko.(It’s very wrong.

You cannot have a clean up drive and throw wastes. It’s a bad example for the public),” he said in an interview with ABSCBN. He also stated that someone should be held accountable for it.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) expressed indifference towards the controversy.

“Kapag nagtapon ka ng basura sa Manila Bay, mayroon naman

Philstar.com photo

talagang parusa ‘yan sa batas.

Ang depensa siguro nila diyan ay kinuha rin naman nila. Sana lang nalahat nila. Hindi sana natin kailangan gawin ‘yun kasi marami namang puwedeng kunin sa Manila Bay. Kalkalin mo lang ‘yung kaunti sa shore.

(Throwing wastes in Manila bay is punishable by law. Although they had taken the garbage they had thrown, I just hope they took all of them. There’s no need to do that, in fact they can just dig a little bit on the shore and the wastes would come out),” Undersecretary Maria Paz Luna said.

Asked whether Estrada has any liability over the incident, “Di naman natin siya nakitang nagtapon e. Nakita mo ba siyang nag-utos?

(We didn’t see him throwing out garbage. Have you seen him giving directives?)”Luna said.

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VEGAS&STYLE

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Journal

Fil-Am tattoo artist Niño Lapid on his craft and meeting GSW’s Steph Curry

By MAlou liwAnAg-Bledsoe AJPress

The fever on the win of the Golden State Warriors (GSW) as this year’s NBA champions may have died down a bit, but one person — artist Nino Lapid — also made it to the news. Besides, his art has made it the GSW’s star player Steph Curry’s arm.

Right after GSW’s win, Steph and his whole family celebrated by holding a tattoo party at his home, all done by Nino.

A tattoo artist for Zebra Tattoo and Body Piercing in Walnut Creek, in the Bay Area for seven

years now, Nino explained that he enjoys working with his bosses Moe and Siobhan Delfani. he also shared that being able to ink Curry and his family was “destiny.”

“We had that call in the afternoon and the next thing you know it, we were there,” he said in an interview with the Asian Journal. “[My] initial reaction was I was shocked...jaw dropped, open mouth...eyes wide open. I had butterflies in my stomach on the way to their house,” Nino shared.

“It was mixed emotions — excited and nervous at the same time. But it was an amazing experience.”

It was indeed a surreal experi-

ence for Nino, sharing that the Curry family were enjoying their win, dancing and just having a great time while he was doing their tattoos. “[Steph] Curry was trying to play a guitar,” he said, laughing.

“They were very down-to-earth.

Some got lettering, mostly hebrew letters that are memorable to them.”

Nino has been doing tattoos for 11 years now. he, however, said that he feels like he’s “always been an artist” all his life.

“When I was a young kid, my grandfather ‘Daddy Pike’ would buy all my drawings for one peso.

It made me believe in myself that I am a good artist. Until now I hold to it and I’m very grateful for that,” he said.

Still, he considers himself as a “late bloomer” when it comes to doing art. Prior to moving to the United States in 2000, he was actually a pre-school and assistant special education teacher in the Philippines.

Since the media picked up the story of him inking the Curry family, Nino’s once quiet life has turned upside down.

“The attention I got was from all over the world which is very insane,” he said. “People are hitting me up on Facebook and

Stephen and wife Ayesha Curry get tattoos from Filipino artist Niño Lapid in these photos posted on Instagram.

Sarah Geronimo is starring in her fourth movie with John Lloyd Cruz in “Finally Found Someone.”

Star Cinema photo

What kept John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo from dating

By Krissy

AguilAr AJPress

Instagram.”

Not that he hasn’t known a lot about being with celebrities as he has tattooed some NFL players like the Oakland Raiders in the past, as well as other local Bay Area personalities. he admits, however, that by far, “Curry is up there.”

Also, his mother is the former Miss World 1973 1st runner up and actress, evangeline Pascual. however, Nino doesn’t put all that attention in his head. What is important to him is to continue honing his craft.

“It was like 15 minutes of fame,” he said. “Learning the craft, it’s a never-ending process.

You always try to better yourself... stay hungry.” happy to have made the Filipinos proud, Nino also believes that we should all stay connected. “ We all gathered to celebrate the Warriors victory despite our differences. Filipinos are like the Warriors team,” he shared. “We have a sense of community that drives us to stay connected. We are Filipinos — let’s love one another.”

Follow Nino Lapid at www. mrzebra.com and on Instagram @zappyzip.

FOR actor John Lloyd Cruz, timing kept him from having a real-life relationship with onscreen partner, Sarah Geronimo.

“Laging (always) timing is not our friend really, ‘no?” Cruz said in a press conference for their upcoming movie, “Finally Found Someone.”

“I have always felt this affection for her,” he confessed. “I wonder

if this would ever disappear. These days, I just observe her from afar.

I’m OK with that.”

The actor also further shared that from “A Very Special Love” to “You Changed My Life,” timing had always been an issue between them.

“She has this certain charm— she is well-loved, even by my own mom and aunties,” he added.

On the other hand, Geronimo jokingly replied: “Thanks!

PAGE B2

Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz join The Academy

By Krissy

AguilAr AJPress

I N T e R N A T I O N A L LY- a c claimed filmmakers Lav Diaz and Brillante Mendoza were recently named as new members of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind Oscars.

In a press release on the Oscars website, Mendoza and Diaz are among the 774 artists and executives from 57 countries invited to join The Academy’s.

The members will vote in the annual Oscar awards under the

categories they have been invited in. This means that Mendoza and Diaz will help choose Academy Awards best director for 2018.

Its “Class of 2017” brought the prestigious organization a total of around 8,500 members, a huge leap from last year’s 683 new members.

“We’re proud to invite our newest class to the Academy. The entire motion picture community is what we make of it. It’s up to all of us to ensure that new faces and voices are seen and heard, and to PAGE B2

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American comic book writer Fil-Am Angelica Hale earns Golden creates ‘Rocket Girl’ from Manila Buzzer on ‘America’s Got Talent’

By Krissy

by Joanna

EstorquE AJPress

aguilar

AJPress

AN American comic book writer put a Filipino-American character in the spotlight of his comic book series called “Rocket Girl.”

The story’s creator, Fred Corder, originally hails from Washington DC. He is also the founder and creative director of Pockets Fulla Pillz (PFP), an art design company that publishes the “Rocket Girl.”

The original comic series is illustrated by Corder’s Filipino artist friend and business partner, Jeck Flores.

“Rocket Girl” delves into the life of a Filipino-American neurologist, Rashida Johnson, whose work is taken by her Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) boss.

Rashida is a Filipina born in Luzon and was adopted by African-American physicians who were conducting a mission in the Philippines.

While Rashida looks like your typical superhero, Corder said that she has no superpowers in the classical sense.

“She just can’t die properly,” he told FilAm.net. “Each time she dies, she comes back 15 minutes before it happened. That’s just the beginning of the oddity of her predicament. It really plays with the question of morality and causality. Her character’s journey asks the central question: Do you define your actions? Or do your actions define you?”

The only power that Rashida possesses is her quick-tempered nature, hence the code name “Rocket Girl.”

What makes her different from other superheroes is that the only villain present is Rashida herself.

“She is fighting the enslavement imposed by her own dark emotions and pride,” Corder said, “and that makes her relatable and interesting for fans.”

The comic duo, Corder and Flores, have been working to-

THE extraordinary voice of 9-year-old Filipina-American singer Angelica Hale continues to prevail on “America’s Got Talent” as she incredibly performed “Girl on Fire,” convincing guest judge Chris Hardwick to bestow her the coveted Golden Buzzer on Tuesday, July 18.

The Golden Buzzer automatically advances contestants to the live shows, the later round of the contest.

“I’m so blown away because you walk out and you’ve got these sneakers on, and you look like this adorable little child. And then you open your mouth and it’s like, ‘How do those pipes fit in that tiny body?’ You are unbelievable!” Hardwick said before pushing the Golden Buzzer.

He continuously praised the singer by saying, “Angelica, I feel you’re the chosen one.”

Aside from Hardwick, the rest of the judging panel, which includes Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell were also impressed by the

That’s Lloydie’s role in my life — to appreciate me. For that, I’m happy.”

The singer-actress is currently dating fellow ABS-CBN artist Matteo Gudicelli.

Fil-Am’s rendition of the Alica Keys’ hit.

The child wonder first impressed the judges with her astonishing performance of Andra Days’ “Rise Up” on her audition.

She further amazed viewers with her kind heart for using her voice to sing on charity events.

“I wanted to become like [popular singers], but instead of doing it for something else, I did it for

Photo courtesy of NBC

raising money for the hospitals.

I won’t forget my experience in my hospital because that is kind of like a centerpiece in my life,” Hale said in a video.

The experience she was pertaining to was the bacterium infection in her lungs that damaged her kidneys, requiring her to undergo a kidney transplant when she was just four years old.

Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz join...

gether for six years already. They previously worked on designing album covers and other graphics before eventually shifting their focus to comics.

In 2012, Fred left his job as a psychologist in DC and made his move to Manila official to further expand his business.

“It took me by surprise honestly; the graphic artists of the Manila area are the best in the world,” he said. “I immersed myself and intentionally got lost in the colorful world that is the Manila art

underground scene.”

While writing the story and dialogue of his comic, Corder has also been on a lookout for new artists within Metro Manila to join his PFP team.

“Create! Create! If you are an artist, you must draw nonstop.

If you are a writer, you have to write nonstop,” he advised aspiring comic artists. “Even if your art or writing sucks, as long as it’s original and there is a scary amount of it everywhere you will succeed eventually.”

What kept John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah...

PAGE B1

Angelica Hale performing Alicia Keys’ “Girl On Fire”

Geronimo described the special connection she has with Cruz: “It’s not just chemistry, it’s a gift. We are blessed to be given this kind of tandem. With it, we are able to make many people happy.”

The duo first collaborated on

the big screen in 2008 for the boxoffice hit “A Very Special Love.”

This was followed by equally successful “You Changed My Life” in 2009 and their most recent movie, “It Takes a Man and a Woman” in 2013.

PAGE B1 take a shot on the next generation the way someone took a shot on each of us,” Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said.

This year’s members also include high-profile directors such as Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes”), Barry Jenkins (“Moonlight”), Anthony and Joseph Russo (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) and David Ayer (“Suicide Squad”).

Hollywood stars like Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”), Chris Evans (“Captain America”), Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”) and former wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson were also invited to the Academy Class of 2017.

“I am glad that we now have representation in the Academy,” Mendoza said in an interview with Inquirer. “In spite of our contrasting aesthetics, Lav and I were invited to join the same group.This can only mean that Hollywood now recognizes Philippine cinema.”

In 2016, Mendoza’s “Ma’Rosa” was chosen as the Philippine

Brillante Mendoza

Lav Diaz

submission to the 89th Academy Awards. He was also the acclaimed Cannes best director winner for “Kinatay” in 2009.

“It’s a good development, and I hope other Filipino filmmakers will continue our work of making positive contributions to the world of cinema,” Mendoza said.

It’s a historic first for Filipino directors to be invited. “It is an acknowledgment that Philippine cinema and Southeast Asian filmmaking are finally a part of the Academy’s once-exclusive

forum,” Diaz told Inquirer.

“Now, they are opening up—albeit only in terms of the Oscars’ voting process. Uy, sama na rin kayo. May konting boses na rin kayo. (You can now join us. You now have a little say.)”

Diaz’s film, “Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan,” was the country’s entry to Best Foreign Language Film to the 87th Academy Awards.

He also directed the Golden Lion prize-winning epic, “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” in Venice Film Festival last year.

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18 Filipino kids join the int’l A path to fortune: The Golden production of ‘Sound Of Music’ Dragon Baccarat Tournament

By Joanna

EstorquE AJPress

THE search for the cast of the international production of “The Sound of Music” is over as the auditionees who triumphantly showcased their talents in acting, singing, and dancing have been announced. out of 400 talented hopefuls who tried their luck to become part of the production, orenci Ken Soleta (Binangonan, rizal), Kyle robert rafanan (Talisay City, Negros occ.), and Joseph Alexander Leggatt (Biñan, Laguna) were chosen to alternately play the coveted character of Captain von Trapp.

Eighteen Filipino kids clinched the roles of the captain’s seven children. Jia ruth Lauren Condino (Taguig City), Alysha Mari Africa (Parañaque City) and Faline Dorado (Pasig City) will alternately bring into life the character of Gretl, the smallest and the cutest von Trapp.

Tory Gil Emilio Cortez (Pasig City), Dean Adhiel Angelia (Noveleta, Cavite) and James Christian Hess (Makati City) will act as Kurt.

Meanwhile, Samantha Lagman (Sta. Ana, Manila), Leani Columna (Las Piñas) and Princess Aliyah rabara (Marilao, Bulacan) will substitute as Marta.

To perform the role of Brigitta were Krystal Brimner (Laguna), rayne Yssibel Cortez (Pasig City) and Sophia Isabella reyes

For fans of the ancient and beloved game of baccarat, few events create as much excitement as the Golden Dragon Baccarat Tournament. For two weeks this summer, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas hosts one of the most exciting gaming events in Las Vegas: the sixth annual Grand Dragon Master Baccarat Tournament Championship™, with its Las Vegas prize pool totaling more than $1,000,000. on July 21-24 and 28-31, a simple turn of the cards could give lucky players a piece of $25,000 daily prize pools 18 Filipino kids were included in the international production of the “Sound Of Music.” featured in the Golden Dragon Baccarat Tournament.

(Marikina City). on the other Pretorius to her young co-stars.

The stakes are high, and every “Never forget your passion for hand, Gwyneth Jearei Dorado (Pasig City), Quinn o’Hara (Biñan, what you do. Don’t forget that moment of the tournament is an Laguna) and Angelica Mabuting it’s supposed to be fun. Find the opportunity to win, pushing win(Malolos, Bulacan) will act as magic in every single minute,” ners on toward an even greater tournament, especially since she added.

Louisa.

The Sound of Music is about The kids described their audition experience as “fun and excit- Maria, a young novice who being.” Brimner said, “I really en- came the governess of Captain joyed it. It brought out the best in von Trapp’s seven children. She me. It was really exciting.” Aside changed the life of the family from being fun, Tory admitted that through music, and eventually, the widowed captain married her. The it was also “nerve-wracking.”

Lead actress Carmen Pretorius new family crossed the Austrian believes on the talent of the kids. mountains to escape tensions “They’re all quite good and ador- prior to World War II. The musical was written by able too. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them make it big,” she team rodgers and Hammerstein, a legendary music-and-lyrics said.

“Always watch and learn. Learn team, who was also behind the from them, soak it all up like a hits “My Favorite Things,” “Dosponge. Those are valuable mo- re-Mi,” and “Sixteen Going on ments, no one can teach you that Seventeen.” (With reports from in a textbook or at school,” advised Rappler and Manila Bulletin)

Glaiza De Castro oozes with generosity

By Joanna

EstorquE AJPress

Glaiza De Castro

GMA photo

ouTSTrIPPING her usual role of entertaining people—through her music, films, and TV shows— to lend a hand to the poor and the needy, singer-actress Glaiza De Castro received back-to-back recognition.

The Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. (PCCAI) appointed De Castro as its first celebrity Ambassadress of Goodwill to collaborate with the group on humanitarian and charitable missions.

PCCAI runs the Philippine Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, Chinese General Hospital Colleges, Chinese Cemetery, Charity Clinic Binondo and Home for the Aged.

Dr. James G. Dy, PCCAI Presi-

dent and Chairman Emeritus, said they picked the 29-year-old actress for being a good example to the youth.

“We hope to inspire the youth of today to actively participate in humanitarian missions that would help shape this nation for the next generation. our collaboration with Glaiza is based on her heart of helping the poor,” said Dy. “We believe Glaiza will help champion the charitable cause of our organization and help us reach wider audience to promote charity and inspire more people to help our cause for the needy,” he added.

Despite her busy schedule, De Castro makes sure to find time in sharing her blessings to other people.

The singer-actress first realized PAGE B6

they’ll receive a complimentary Tournament™ that will be held daily entry, as well. Each day, the october 6-8, offering a substantop finisher automatically advanc- tial prize pool of $250,000. es to the ruby Dragon Baccarat of course, the fabled hospitality of The Venetian and The Palazzo is as much a part of the fun as the tournament proper. our world-class entertainment shines nightly, and our luxury retailers offer the matchless goods that connoisseurs love. Fine dining from chefs like Mario Batali and Lorena Garcia make every meal a symphony. And even the parking is complimentary, something to be appreciated on the Las Vegas Strip.

Participation is open to all, so don’t miss your chance to take part in this one-of-a-kind event.

(Advertising Supplement)

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Christian Bables not pressured Netizens feast on alleged mother-daughter feud to star in ‘Die Beautiful’ sequel between Jenine Desiderio and Janella Salvador

by IrIs

VIcente AJPress

by IrIs

VIcente AJPress

Breakout star Christian Bables admits not getting pressured starring in the “Die Besequel “Born Beautiful” amidst people’s possible expectation from the success of “Die Beautiful,” which also starred Paolo Ballesteros. ever wonder what happened to Barbs (Bables) after trisha’s (Ballesteros) death? Fans of the internationally-acclaimed comedy-drama is up for a big treat as Bables, a scene stealer in “Die Beautiful,” will soon tell the rest of Barbs’ story in Cignal entertainment’s “Born Beautiful.”

Bables said he is not worried if the tV series will be compared to the movie.

“Na-excite. But I’m actually not pressured kasi sobrang ineenjoy ko siya. Na-excite ako doon sa fact na gagampanan ko ulit ‘yung character na sobrang mahal ko. kasi si Barbs ang somehow bumuo ng pangalan ni Christian Bables” the actor said in an interview with Pep.ph.”

(I’m excited. But I’m actually not pressured because I’m enjoying it. I’m excited about the fact that I get to play the character that I love so much coz Barbs

Paolo Ballesteros (right) and Christian Bables of “Die Beautiful” won as Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively at the 40th Gawad Urian held at ABS-CBN on Thursday, July 20.

Philstar.com photo by Christopher Toledo IV

somehow made the name Christian Bables) With the massive success of the movie, it’s not surprising how people would expect the same for the sequel series. When asked about whether Bables is pressured, “Wala akong maisip na ganon. ang siguro, hindi naman nakakakaba, ang ikina-oC ko ngayon as an actor ay kung paano, kasi ngayon po sabay-sabay yung mga pelikulang ginagawa ko so iba’t-ibang characters, kung paano ko po iaalign yung sarili ko sa mga yun” the actor

explained.

(I won’t think of it that way.

Not really nerve-wracking, coz right now i’m working on different movies simultaneously, I think as an actor, im OC about how to align myself with those characters) a teaser to the original series, which was created by “Die Beautiful” director Jun robles Lana, was released online last July 12.

Bables won Best Supporting actor in the 2016 Manila Film Festival for his performance as “Barbs” in “Die Beautiful.”

Filipino artists react to the death of Chester Bennington

By Joanna

estorque AJPress

tHe news of Chester Bennington’s death shook the universe, including Filipino artists who have been influenced by the music of Linkin Park’s lead singer.

Several condolences for the family, tributes and reactions from Bennington’s fans, fellow artists, and friends outpoured on social media.

In her twitter account, former “Miss Saigon” cast Lea Salonga said, “rest In Peace, Chester Bennington (lead singer of Linkin Park).

Condolences to his family, band mates and fans.”

Chicosci vocalist Miggy Chavez posted a sketch of the Linkin Park frontman on Instagram. “rest in peace, Chester. thank you for the music,” he captioned the photo.

Francis Brew reyes, the Dawn guitarist, reminisced the phone interview he had with the singer.

“Had the chance to interview Ches-

ter Bennington over the phone a few years ago for Yahoo PH. It was a wonderful conversation and he was very forthcoming, delightfully chatty. rest in Peace,” he posted on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Gabby alipe of the rock band urbandub recalled the chance their band had to open for Linkin Park members during the Manila leg of the “Living things World tour” back in 2013. “Will always be grateful for the opportunity to open up for you and share the same stage,” he said in a Facebook post. the artist was also impressed by Bennington’s warmth and humility. “among your band mates, you were the only one that took the time to approach us and say hello and acknowledge we were there with you backstage. rest in power,” he added. on the other hand, Jamir Garcia, vocalist of the veteran local band Slapshock, paid tribute by posting photos of their band with Chester.

ForMer “Miss Saigon” star Jenine Desiderio hollered on social media about what is seemingly a rift between her and daughter Janella Salvador. the actress-singer, who is known for playing kim in “Miss Saigon,” reacted to a controversial twitter post last July 19.

“Napakahirap bang magpaalam? 2 simple, basic rules hindi masunod. kase ayaw sumunod. #nuknukanngtigasngulo #angtigasngloob. (Is it so hard to ask permission? Can’t follow 2 simple, basic rules because u dont want to follow #hardheaded #stubborn)” her tweet read.

Desiderio’s tweets were immediately flocked by her followers who were curious if she was referring to daughter Janella, who is one of the most popular actresses on aBS-CBN, and actor-rapper elmo Magalona, who is Janella’s loveteam and rumored boyfriend.

Some netizens advised Desiderio about talking it out and solving the rift privately instead of calling her daughter out in public which will do no good especially with Janella’s career. Without confirming or denying anything, Desiderio went on to answer her followers and slammed back at comments saying that they will never know because they are not in her situation. Her problems with her daughter is not the same as other parents’ problems. one follower tweeted: “ha-

Jenine Desiderio and daughter Janella Salvador

hanap at hahanap yan ng lusot pag masyado mong pinaghihigpitan. (she’s going to find ways to sneak out if you’re restricting her).” to which Desiderio replied: “pinaghihigpitan ba? (am I restricting her?)”

Netizens feasted on the long thread of tweets that suggests that the mother and daughter is going through something serious as Desiderio also tweeted “I will not get to this without reason.” Some of her followers asked her to just delete her tweets but Jenine was not fazed and even told them that it was her own space until all of them chimed in.

It wasn’t the first time Desiderio ranted on social media about a suspected disagreement with her

Inquirer.net photo

daughter. In February, she also posted a series of cryptic tweets in which people were quick to associate elmo as the person she described as “a guy who pretends to be decent but sneaks behind my back.”

Janella later denied those rumors in an interview with Pep. ph in april, saying that she just had a misunderstanding with her mom in which they have already resolved. three months later, Desiderio once again ranted loaded tweets which implied a brewing melee between her daughter and a “mystery guy”.

No words yet from both sides on whether they have patched things up or not.

Ahron Villena clears name over Twitter outburst

By IrIs

VIcente AJPress

Lea Salonga

He also recognized the influence of the Linkin Park singer to him and his band, “this man and his band helped shape me and my band to what we are right now.”

Bennington was found dead inside his home on July 20, thursday, according to Los angeles County coroner. the cause of death of the 41-year old lead singer of Linkin Park, an american rock band that helped pushed the ‘nu-metal’ genre in early 2000s, was suspected suicide.

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aCtor ahron Villena apologized in a statement via a Facebook post regarding his controversial tweet last July 20. the bitter exchange stemmed with Cacai Bautista seemingly admitting to having a romantic past with Villena, but also saying “accepted ko naman kung ano man siya (I accepted whatever he is.)”

VIllena responded through twitter and people are calling him out for his offensive “bakit ano ba ang alam mo sa pagkatao ko? Naging tayo ba? (Why? Wat do you know about who I am?

Were we in a relationship?)” post on twitter.

In a lengthy Facebook post last July 22, Villena expressed remorse towards his statement, in which others found as obnoxious. He maintained that everything he said were true.

“Yes, the words I used in an earlier post related to this matter

Ahron Villena and Cacai Bautista

are quite strong. But those were not intentional. I am angry, and the words that came out are those of an angry person,” his post read. the Star Magic actor also reiterated that he made the right decision to voice out his anger as he refuses to let his reputation be abused by someone who finds

it convenient to use him. Villena is referring to Bautista’s upcoming concert entitled “Live,Love, Laugh.” the two were romantically linked in 2015 when they kept posting videos of themselves together in their respective Instagram accounts.

SONA 2017 red carpet

and

by rosette adel PatrIcIa lourdes VIray Philstar.com

CeLeBrItIeS and politicians attending Pres. rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation’s address donned their best Mindanao-inspired outfits as they walked the red carpet toward the plenary hall of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Most guests followed the president’s call for less pomp and pageantry. Some of them ramped in modern designer creations, while others marched in their own interpretations of traditional tribal costumes, showcasing Filipinos’ creativity and the beauty of Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano t h e c o u n - Spouses Audrey and Sen. Migz Zubiri said they try’s native opted to be simple in this Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez graces the red weaves. year’s SONA.

carpet with daughter Juliana.

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info@asianjournalinc.com

Department of Tourism Sec. Wanda Teo, who hails from Mindanao, wears a Zamboangamade gown.

Sen. Chiz Escudero arrives with wife Heart Evangelista, who is wearing a Mindanao-inspired Philstar.com photos by Rosette Adel and

Patricia Lourdes Viray outfit by Boom Sason.

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Your Immigration Solution

Community Journal

in jail) will be included in the definition of an aggravated felon. the same would be true for a person convicted of crimes of violence, including assault, assault regardless of the severity or circumstances of the assault if a one-year sentence is imposed.

Most immigrants and many criminal defense attorneys are unaware of the draconian consequences that follow these convictions. the result is that persons enter guilty pleas to these seemingly minor offenses (whether to avoid either exposure to more serious charges or the cost or time of fighting the charges, or both), receive what appears seems to be a good deal from criminal authorities but then tragically learn that they are forever barred from citizenship, face certain deportation or other harsh immigration consequences. former california law offered little recourse for persons in this situation to challenge the validity of their underlying criminal

A significAnt recent change to california laws is providing new hope to persons formerly barred from immigration benefits. A new penal code section allows noncitizen-defendants to contest and potentially vacate a conviction at any time based on prejudicial error affecting the defendant’s right to understand and consider the immigration consequences before entering a guilty plea. former law only allowed challenges while a person remained in custody and thus severely restricted the ability to bring such challenges especially since many people only learn of the severe immigration consequences of their conviction either directly after completing their sentence or many years after the fact. criminal convictions for even

Health@Heart

Tanning salons and skin cancer

PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS tHE United states food and Drug Administration (fDA) has issued warning on the use of tanning beds at home and at tanning salons: tanning increases the risk for melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, up to 59 percent! More than 2.5 million teens, mostly girls, use tanning booths each year in the U.s. Just like with poison, the more exposure, the more sessions, the higher the risk. the data are from the national Health interview survey’s cancer control supplement, published in the center for Disease control’s (cDc) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. the World Health Organization has also determined that ultraviolet (UV) rays from tanning beds cause cancer. the second most common cancer, melanoma has the following 5-year survival rates: About 95 percent for stage iA, when diagnosed early, and between 5 to 20 percent for stage iV, when it has already spread to other organs.

Amazingly UV rays emitted from tanning beds are up to 15

EMPLOYMENT

B

New California law provides key to opening locked doors to remaining in the US seemingly “minor” offenses can have major devastating consequences in the immigration realm. convictions for common offenses like theft, drug possession or sale, shoplifting, or domestic violence can result in permanent bars to citizenship or green cards and can result in deportation.

An “aggravated felony” conviction (which may be neither aggravated or a felony under criminal law) subjects a person lawfully in the United states to removal and leaves little defense from removal. At first blush these consequences might seem fair enough. the person has been convicted of an “aggravated felony” after all and so must have committed a serious crime. Wrong. the inA defines aggravated felony to include minor offenses like the ones listed above. for instance, a person convicted of any type of theft offense who receives a one-year sentence (even if the sentence is suspended and the person never spends a day

Atty. nAnCy Miller & Ben loveMAn

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 27-AUGUSt 2, 2017

times greater (deadlier) than the rays from the sun. Melanoma kills one person every 50 minutes, or about 28 every day. And these are useless and preventable deaths!

Let us review some facts about sunlight and its harmful UV rays.

What is in sunlight that is beneficial and harmful to us? the sun and its light are not only beautiful, but vital to our life and survival on this planet. Without the sun, we will be frozen to death, and life forms on earth will cease to exist as we know it today.

About 75 percent of our body’s supply of Vitamin D is generated by our skin’s exposure to sunlight (UV-B rays in particular). Abnormally low blood level of Vitamin D increases the risk of colon and breast cancers and may also speed up .the growth of an existing or early melanoma. Of course, Vitamin D can be taken by mouth. the harmful effects of sunlight come from its UV radiation, which could be dangerous to our health in more ways than one, depending on the amount of exposure and dose that a person gets.

What are the sun-related diseases of the eye? cataracts (cloudiness of the lens), which, in severe forms, could cause blindness, especially expo-

sure to UV-B radiation; macular degeneration, the major cause of impaired vision in the UsA for people older than 55; photokeratitis, a reversible sunburn of the cornea, also from excessive exposure to UV-B; pterygium, growth of pinkish tissues on the while of the eye, which may spread on the clear cornea and block vision. this results when one has prolonged sun exposure on the beach or snow without eye protection, and can be very painful for 1-2 days, with temporary blindness. Even with eye cover, the high dose of UV rays from a tanning bed is still most harmful to vision. A nice tan is too high a price to pay for blindness, much less cancer.

How about adverse effects on the skin?

Excessive exposure to UV rays predisposes to skin cancer, which includes the face and the eyelids, besides skin in other parts of the body. there are three major types of cancers of the skin: Basal cell carcinoma, the most common one, squamous cell carcinoma, second most common, and Malignant Melanoma, the most deadly, but fortunately, the rarest. Malignant Melanoma spreads easily and often deadly if not caught early.

PAGE B6

FOR RENT

conviction. While many states have laws allowing such challenges, the legal framework of california’s system required that any such challenge be brought while the person was still in “custody’ of the state of california. the new law has no time limit and no requirement that the person still be in custody of the state at the time the motion is filed. the law provides that a motion to vacate a criminal conviction or sentence can be brought at any time on the grounds of “prejudicial error that damages the defendant’s ability to meaningfully understand the immigration consequences of the conviction or sentence, defend against them, or knowingly accept them.” the ability to bring a motion challenging an old conviction even after service of the full sentence and completion of parole and/or probation is a huge development for persons suffering from harsh immigration consequences of convic-

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

tions. However, simply making a perfunctory motion will not be enough to win such claims and vacate old convictions. Judges and prosecutors are likely to push back against overturning old convictions unless motions are carefully prepared and welldocumented to meet all the requirements under the law. central to winning in this type of case will be presenting a clear case to the criminal court laying out the harsh consequences of the conviction, solid proof that the person would have not accepted the plea agreement had the harsh consequences been properly explained and understood, and that there would have been some other rational course of action for the defendant, like proceeding to trial or crafting some alternative reasonable plea agreement. Each of these elements must be carefully explored and then strongly supported in the motion to vacate a conviction. the new law has opened a

pathway to immigration benefits like permanent residency, naturalization, relief from removal, and possibly reopening of old removal and deportation orders to persons who were previously stuck. Determining whether you or a loved one might benefit from this new law will involve a detailed and careful analysis of the circumstances of each individual case. if you or a loved believes that this new law might apply you should contact an experienced and reputable immigration attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. *** Reeves, Miller, Zhang & Diza Law Corporation’s offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

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Children just like you “The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.”

- Alfred North Whitehead

(Continued from last week’s issue …)

(2 of 2 parts) DAEDALUs took off flapping his wings faster and faster to get vertical lift-off and escape gravity. icarus followed suit and took off shortly after. As they flew, the people on the ground in crete watched in amazement wondering whether the winged creatures are the gods themselves flying. icarus trailed his father closely at first, following his flight pattern and struggling to take heed of his father’s admonitions. But feeling an overwhelming sense of growing power in his ability to fly, reveling in his freedom and giving in to his impetuous, youthful nature, icarus deviated a little at first, taking little swoops and side trips and catching up with his father who was intently flying on a steady speed and altitude.

As icarus swooped, dived and indulged frivolously in his aerial acrobatics, icarus soon forgot his father’s words and flew higher and higher towards the noonday sun. then the wax in his wings

melted, the wooden framework broke apart and the feathers blew away. Wingless and panicking, icarus plunged headlong like deadweight into the blue waters.

Daedalus swooped down in hot pursuit to save his son but it was much too late. All he saw were a few feathers floating on the surface.

Daedalus, with a heavy heart at the tragic loss of his beloved icarus, managed to fly to sicily. in his grief, Daedalus retired his wings, lost his love for life and never flew again.

Over and over again through the generations, we see this tendency of some of the young ones to “forget” the things they have been taught and allow hubris and folly to rule. some throw away everything they have learned and painstakingly worked for in one impetuous decision or action. it is as if their overwhelming sense of freedom, newly-attained independence and sense of power goads them to “fly close to the

SERVICES

sun.”

Humility gets torpedoed and overweening pride rules. they feel they no longer need guidance from anyone. sometimes a good scare or a tiny thorn of bad experience can be humbling and worth more than a lifetime of warnings, advice and admonitions to nudge prideful youth back to reality and on the straight and narrow.

While we may think that this tendency of the youth today is unique to our times, we only have to look back several thousand years to know that the scenario may have changed, the cast of characters in every generation in every nation may be different, but the predilection for hubris particularly in the young, remains the same. notice the youth within your immediate daily orbit. With few exceptions, you might see that the egocentric self-absorption that consumes the severely disPAGE B7

Features

B july 27-august 2, 2017 • las VEgas asIaN jOuRNal

Hernan M. Reyes, MD, FACS, FAAP, emeritus Chairman of Surgery at Cook County Hospital and emeritus Professor at Rush Medical College in Chicago (second from left), who delivered the 3rd Dr. Ricardo L. Alfonso Memorial Lecture, listens as Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Chairman of the Lecture series, reads the plaque of appreciation for Dr. Reyes. The event was held at the 38th FEU medical alumni convention-reunion at the Hyatt Long Beach in Long Beach, California from July 19-22, 2017. Others in the picture are Noli Guinigundo, MD, chairman of the alumni foundation and Licerio Castro, MD, president.

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

Miss Philippines USA 2017 winners

Photo courtesy of Miss Philippines USA

Sixth time’s the charm: 6th Miss Summer health tips from SilverSummit Healthplan Philippines USA, a roaring success

LAS VeGAS – The heat in Las Vegas can mean only one thing, we’re still in the midst of summer. With weather this hot, it is important to focus on actions and activities that maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“SilverSummit healthplan recognizes the importance of wellness and prevention, and many things are simple for people to do at home in order to stay healthy,” said Chief Medical Director of SilverSummit healthplan Dr. Tanya Phares.

Hydrate. During summer months, hydration is especially important. Make sure to hydrate with water and avoid sugarsweetened beverages. Keep a bottle of water handy on your desk, in the refrigerator, or in the car. Try adding a slice of lemon or lime to improve the taste and

increase your water intake.

Eat fresh. Take advantage of the various farmers’ markets in Las Vegas. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Stay safe in the sun. Avoid sun exposure during midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15 when you go out in the sun. Make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours when swimming since it can wear off. Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection to protect your eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts. Wide brim hats can provide good protection from the sun as well.

Water safety. Water activities are popular during summer months. Children should always be supervised in and around

Glaiza de Castro oozes with...

PAGE B3 her mission to support special children when her sister gave birth to a special child. She then established the Glaiza De Castro Foundation, which focuses on supporting children with special needs. Two years after the establishment, the foundation have already benefitted over 600 children.

De Castro also promotes women empowerment. She is the face of the United Nation’s Safe Cities Metro Manila Program, which highlights the need to increase awareness on harassment and sexual violence against women in public spaces.

The actress continued to shower people with her generosity and goodness as she held her benefit concert on her 28th birthday which she titled “#28: Goals. Dreams.

Compassion.”

“For me, I am so overwhelmed with the blessings I receive in my life, it seems like I receive many, some are actually doubled, so I said that on my birthday, I want to share my blessings to other people,” De Castro shared. her efforts were further noticed by the fathers of Valenzuela as she was awarded Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela Award, the highest honor given to excellent residents

water. It is important for children to learn how to swim and summer is a great time to enroll children in swimming lessons.

Always wear a life jacket that is properly fitted when boating. Make sure home pools are fenced and not accessible to unsupervised children. *** SilverSummit healthplan (SilverSummit) is a managed care plan that provides health insurance to the people of Nevada. established in 2017, SilverSummit exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. SilverSummit is a whollyowned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a diversified, multinational healthcare enterprise.

For more information, visit www. silversummithealthplan.com of the city.

The actress organizes charity projects for the residents of Valenzuela. her goal to benefit SPeD students also proliferated in the city, opening a center for SPeD students.

“My purpose as a celebrity is to entertain people through music, films or TV shows and as years go by, I’ve realized that there must be a deeper meaning of my existence here in showbiz.

I’ve been receiving a lot of blessings with material things that continue to double so I thought why not turn them to something meaningful for others and then the urge to help other people began,” she said.

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

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

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

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

The sixth installation of the Miss Philippines USA 2017 and Miss Young Philippines 2017 held last Sunday, July 16 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale proved to be one of the most successful FilipinoAmerican pageants in Southern California.

This year had the most number of contestants with 33 candidates vying for the crown.

“This year we are proud to stage a production with a fusion of Filipino and American. We have more candidates this year, and have screened more than 100 hundred applicants since 2016. There are teens that are already interested in beauty pageants and Miss Young Philippines USA is their platform to prepare themselves for their career choice. We are amazed at how many young applicants sent their profile to us,” said CeO and founder Lou Razon.

The evening’s co-hosts, broadcast personality Tony Cabrera and Cher Calvin, news anchor on KTLA 5 News, who have been cohosting the pageant for six years, introduced the candidates as they opened the show with a dance number.

“The most memorable was the opening dance performance of the candidates wearing contemporary national costumes designed by me. I was screaming for joy while watching the girls perform,” Razon continued.

The swimsuit competition drew louder cheers from the crowd as 22 contestants competed in the Miss Philippines USA swimsuit category, while eleven competed for the Miss Young USA swimsuit round and was won by Jazlynn Dizon. Kayla

Nadres won Best in Swimsuit for Miss Philippines USA 2017. The swim apparels were provided by Dylee & Lylee Active & Swimwear Apparel.

More exciting announcements were made throughout the program which was attended by over 1,400 distinguished guests. Mrs. Cora Aragon Soriano, the first Mrs. Philippines USA, officially announced that Mrs. Philippines USA segment would be included in the competition category for next year’s pageant.

The Long Gown category followed shortly and was won by April Rose Maniwang in the Miss Young Philippines USA category and by Nicole Guerrero for Miss Philippines USA. Seven semi-finalists were chosen from the 11 young contestants and 13 semi-finalists were chosen from the 22 Miss Philippines contestants to compete in the final question-and-answer portion.

The Question-and-Answer segment concluded with the following special awards: Alexandra Dalumpines won Miss Filipinotown; Jessica Cabanos won Miss Foodtrients World, Alyssa Sandra Guevara and April Rose Maniwang were appointed 2017 Ambassadors; Alyssa Sandra Guevara was the second runner-up and Sabrina Garcia was the first runner-up.

The winners in all final categories for Miss Philippines USA 2017 were: Kayla Nadres who won World 2017; Gabby Pangan who won Filipinotown; Kristine Macalutas and Valerie Bondan who were appointed 2017 Ambassadors; Angelica escandon who won third runner up, Andrea Valera as second runner up, and Angelica escandon who emerged as the first runner up.

The evening culminated with the joyous crowning of both Miss Philippines USA 2017 and Miss Young Philippines USA 2017. Nicole Guerrero emerged as the Miss Philippines USA 2017 and won Miss Philippines USA Top Model

Jonas Gaffud (left) and Megan Young (right)

Photo by Robert Khoi

By Monet

Lu

of the World and Miss Philippines USA Foodtrients World. The title Miss Young Philippines 2017 was awarded to Jazlynn Dizon!

Amazing guest performances filled the night; Michael Keith, the Filipino “Michael Jackson,” performed two songs to get the show started, as well as an energetic performance by Bagyo, eric G serenaded Miss World 2013 Megan Young, who was also one of the 11 jurors, and Ding Dong Avanzado closed with an awesome song number. Aces and Queen Founder and Beauty Queen Maker Jonas Gaffud was also among the judges that night. he joined Young on stage as they crown the Miss Philippines USA and Miss Young Philippines 2017. he and Young functioned as mentors of the candidates during the pre-pageant season. he pledged his support for next year’s competition and said, “it will be bigger and better–if not best.”

The Miss Philippines USA is co-produced by program and technical director Randy Trinidad.

This year’s pageant was directed

by John De La Vega. With such an amazing team behind her, Ms. Razon expresses her deepest gratitude to all who made this event a successful and worth trailing, six years and beyond.

She said, “I feel blessed that we are in our 6th year. It is getting bigger and better and I feel like we need to move to a bigger location (laughs). This year, we wanted to come up with a more cultural show that shows the roots of Filipino-Americans. It took us three months to plan the theme and the costumes and the staging. Turnout was fabulous, the event was fun and exciting, it is a fusion of the Philippines and USA. I would like to thank all our sponsors, judges, candidates, parents, staff and crew and the audience for their support!

I would like my candidates to know that they all looked beautiful. This year’s batch was one of the best. I do appreciate their hard work and dedication in making the pageant successful.” *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

Tanning salons and skin...

PAGE B3 How prevalent are skin cancers?

This is an epidemic and is a global phenomenon. In 1978, in the United States alone, there were 480,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancers, rising to over one million in 1994, with a growth rate of seven percent per year. In Canada, from 1970-1986, melanoma frequency rose six percent per year for men and 4.6% per year for women. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. It is said that by age 75, two out of three Australians will have been treated for some typed of skin cancer. In the United States, the estimated 30,000 cancer deaths each year could be prevented if Americans, who love sunbathing, do not over-expose themselves to the sun.

How do we protect ourselves from UV radiation?

First and foremost, let us not intentionally expose ourselves to UV rays, thru tanning salons (a costly way) or via the sun (for free). Just like anything in life, moderation is the key when it comes to the sun.

Tanning beds must be avoided at all cost. While Americans laugh at Asian women when the latter stay under the shade or umbrella on the beach, they also recognize that Asian women’s complexion looks more youthful, with less wrinkles, and that Asian women look younger in general, compared to Caucasian females. Asian women also have lower incidence of sun-related diseases.

Since UV radiation comes not

only from the sun but is reflected from the ground, snow, sand, water, and other reflective surfaces, the use of wide-brimmed hat or cap will reduce the UV radiation to the eyes by 50 percent. Wrap around UV absorbing eyewear provides the greatest protection, because it also limits radiation from the peripheral rays. Polarized sunglasses or transition lenses reduce glare but do not, by themselves, provide protection from UV radiation.

Which are the best glasses?

Sunglasses, and or prescription lenses, that absorb 99-100 percent of the full UV spectrum to 400 nm are the best for babies, children and adults. Labels on sunglasses should be closely scrutinized to make sure that they say the lenses absorb 99-100 percent of both the UV-B and UV-A. If they do not have labels, do not buy them.

Consumers must be cautious when the label claims the lenses “block harmful UV” but does not specify how much.

Are skin lotions effective for cancer protection?

For skin cancer protection, do not rely on sunscreen skin lotion.

The best is not to sunbathe for more than 15 to 20 minutes, and apply “physical” sunscreen lotion.

Wear protective clothing and widebrimmed hat when you go outside during sunny days. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. if possible. Also, it has been shown that taking vitamin C, D, and e and selenium protects against the damages of UV rays by lessening the adverse effects of the UV rays

on the immune system.

If one must absolutely be out in the sun, he/she must wear a “physical” sunscreen with a SPF of 15, which contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or talc. “Physical” sunscreen works by reflecting the UV radiation rather than absorbing the sunscreen into the skin. Doubling the amount of the lotion, or re-applying it later in the day, does not confer added protection. The best is to minimize sun exposure to a safe degree. Tanning beds are dangerous and must be avoided.

Lastly, if you develop any skin spots or notice any mole in your body to be growing larger or darker, or feel any lumps in your body, consult your physician without delay. If treated early and caught in time, most skin cancers are curable.

To our legislators and civic leaders: Tanning beds and tanning salons must be banned to protect the public from the unconscionable, greedy, and reckless entrepreneurs out to rob the ignorant people of their hard-earned money while exposing them to cancer and death. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT

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Charo Santos-Concio: ‘You learn more from your failures than your success’

by IRIS VICENTE AJPRESS

AT 61, Charo Santos-Concio is considered as one of the most powerful women in local media industry—surging from production assistant to now Chief Content Officer of ABS-CBN. The host of the longest-running television drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” passes on new life lessons these days including aging gracefully and leaving a legacy based on values.

“Legacy is really more about values, a universal truth that you leave your children. Whatever role a person portrays because we wear different hats in life, I hope they were able to touch the lives of everyone they meet along the way and teach them lasting values,” Concio said.

The media executive teaches everyone to face their fears saying, “you learn more from your failures than you would ever learn from your success.”

She believes that having confidence allows people to take risks, learn from experience and reach their goals.

“It’s really courage and having the inner strength to face the truth and your fears and see how you can stretch yourself and see your capacity to excel, to love, to do good,” she said.

Charo Santos-Concio

Now in her golden years, Concio starts to confront the next phase of her life— retirement.

Nonetheless, she has become more adventurous and open.

“I knew that I’ll be going through some adjustments but I look forward to it because I’ve been working all my life. I’m enjoying this stage where I’m able to try things I have never done in my life. I’m still discovering myself.

You reach the stage where you

have gone through so much, you learned so many lessons. Maybe because I’m so open na to all the opportunities coming my way.

That also speaks about my attitude ever since I was young. Surprises continue to come my way,” Concio shared.

She said that at her age, the only thing that has changed is her attitude towards life, she has now more desire to try different things.

The mother of two also shared what she’s doing to secure the future of her children, what with the early demise of her father, it taught her the importance of preparing for the future of the loved ones that individuals leave behind.

Concio is an award-winning actress who starred in criticallyacclaimed films both local and international. She was appointed as the 5th President of ABS-CBN in 2008, making her the first woman president of the media conglomerate and the Lopez Group of Companies.

On January 1, 2016, she retired as President and CEO of ABS-CBN Corporation. She remains as the Chief Content Officer of ABS-CBN while having an additional role as the President of ABS-CBN University and serves as the executive adviser to ABS-CBN Corporation Chairman Eugenio Lopez III.

Liza Soberano, Daniel Padilla are not pairing up for ‘Darna’

by KRISSY AGUILAR AJPRESS

SPECULATIONS about Teen King, Daniel Padilla, being Soberano’s leading man in highly anticipated “Darna” surfaced online.

The rumor created an online buzz especially to fans who are expecting Soberano’s on-screen partner, Enrique Gil, to be the leading man.

“Not true po,” Liza Soberano’s manager, Ogie Diaz, said as he shuts down the rumors in a recent Facebook post.

There is no official announcement yet as to who will play Soberano’s male lead in “Darna” as well as the movie’s other cast members in the upcoming movie directed by Erik Matti.

Matti confirmed that he will pen the script, but has yet to cast the characters because he’s more focused on the technical aspects of the film.

“Look at this [new movie] as a coming-of-age film—not just as Narda to Darna, but also Liza to becoming a serious actor,” he told Spot.ph.

As Soberano is still undergo-

CALDERON

ManilaTimes.net

OPM icon Ogie Alcasid launches his new abum titled “Nakakalokal,” a first-of-its kind musical collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under Star Music.

“This is my way of paying tribute to OPM,” said the songwriter. “It is also my way of saying thank you to all those who have supported my music for three decades.”

His wife Regine Velasquez did the back-up vocals, for free, of course.

Ogie sang five songs during the launch — “Do You Wanna Dance With Me” (a song with a disco beat), “Di Na Muli” (a song dedicated for those who don’t want to fall in love again), “Kailangan Kita” (his own version of the theme song of the Aga Muhlach-Claudine Barretto movie), “Ikaw Ang Tanging Pagibig Ko” (dedicated to people

tracted young these days is borne of hubris that a modern, techsavvy culture seems to engender with short-cuts that only serve to short-circuit.

Self-confidence and a healthy self-esteem come only after the young have paid hefty dues in life’s lessons learned. Humility, erroneously perceived as meekness these days, is scoffed at and swept under the rug. And yet without humility that instinctively knows and accepts that one needs to learn from others to grow in wisdom, no real learning is possible. There are lives all around us who can serve as models that we can emulate and cautionary tales we can learn from.

On the part of adults who have

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 28 -29

The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International’s annual reunion/convention in Garden Grove, CA The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association (UPNAAI) announces its 38th annual reunion & convention on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29. Calling all UP Nursing Alumni and Jubilarians to celebrate the milestone of their careers! This two-day event will be held at the Hyatt Regency of Orange County (11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA). The theme is “Charting the course for optimal impact.” The highlight of this reunion is the awarding of the JVSotejo Medallion of Honor to Lydia A. Palaypay, GN ’51, BSN, MSN, DSc (Hon.), RN. To read more about her, please visit http://upnaai.org/LAPNamed-2017-JVS-MOH-Recipient.

The full program can be accessed at www.UPNAAI.org. For questions, please contact Merly Abrenica at (818) 384-5064 or Natalia Matitu Mercado at (818) 894-5142.

J U LY 29

The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. hosts annual picnic in Hercules, CA The Filipino-Americans of Contra Costa County, Inc. (FACCC, Inc.) invites you to its annual potluck picnic on Saturday, July 29 at Foxboro Park in Hercules, CA. It will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share. FACCC, Inc. will provide barbecued beef, chicken, hot dogs and water. For any inquiries, call Chairperson Roy de Leon at (510) 5655465 or Vice Chair Joe Medrano at (510) 417-0585.

Spotlight on Vets in Van Nuys, CA Together with and under the leadership of Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, Mutch Carino of Maxx Promos is presenting a fundraiser show Spotlight on Vets, in support of the Filipino WWII Veterans. The benefit show was launched during a press conference that was hosted by Goldilocks Norwalk in Cerritos through the courtesy of Robert Yee and Ms. Jo Ann Kyle. The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 was passed and was signed into law by President Obama on December 14, 2016. With this Act, our Filipino veterans will be honored by Congress with the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) for their service and sacrifice during World War II. Spotlight on Vets aims to raise funds in order to purchase and award Congressional Gold Medal replicas in bronze to living veterans and posthumously to surviving family members. It will be held on July 29, 2017 Saturday 7:00pm at the Envision Center - 15055 Oxnard Street in Van Nuys, California. For tickets and sponsorship information, please call (626) 716-5442.

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

17th Annual St. Francis Children’s Fund fundraising dinner dance silent auction in Burbank, CA Liza Soberano

ing training for her role as the Filipina superhero, Star Cinema still hasn’t announced the movie’s release date.

“You know the amount of challenge Liza is facing, not just emotionally or psychologically, but also physically. All these years, hinahasa siya sa (she was trained for) light teen stuff, but now it’s

Daniel Padilla

ABS-CBN photos

coming-of-age for her,” the filmmaker explained.

Some of the actresses who previously played Darna in a film or television series include Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera, Nanette Medved, Anjanette Abayari, Sharon Cuneta, Lorna Tolentino and Vilma Santos, among others.

who are in love) and Nakakalokal which is the theme song of this year’s Himig Handog Songwriting Competition.

The album is the first joint project of the premiere ensemble with a solo artist in an album. The orchestra, led by music director Gerard Salonga, complements Ogie’s latest offering to his fans and those eagerly awaiting the new OPM pieces to hit the radio.

He said this album is a big one for him as he is turning 50 this year. “I am looking forward to that,” Ogie said of his forthcoming birthday but which he is celebrating earlier by having a concert at the Kia Theatre.

“It is a dream of any artist to do an album together with an orchestra,” said the singer.

And since this is his first album under Star Music, that makes it even more special. “A song always sounds best when it’s with the orchestra as there are a lot of things you can’t do with

been there and done all that and have the scars to show for it, achieving perspective and an empathetic bone are needed to remember we were once just as young, just as foolish, or perhaps even more so. But that we praise the God of our being and with all humility admit that we were the lucky ones who got a pass because life was magnanimous enough to let us get past that harrowing stage of youthful folly, with barely a scratch and live long enough to see the cycle repeated in our children. Sigh.

Picture a flashback. You can almost see your mother or father, eyes rolling upward, throwing their hands in the air in sheer frustration after you’ve committed a stupid, arrogant stunt or act-

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

AU G U ST 1 2

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

AU G U ST 1 3

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

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

AU G U ST 1 9

Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Ogie Alcasid

ManilaTimes.net photo

a software that an orchestra can deliver. It is a blessing that the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra agreed to do this musical collaboration with me.”

Children just like...

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Ogie Alcasid pays tribute to OPM with ‘Nakakalokal’ album

by RICKY

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2017

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

AU G U ST 2 0

Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA ed like a mindless jackass for the nth time when you were young, quipping a line that sounds like a curse, “May you have children just like you!”

Of course, it works just as well on the flip side of the coin. When you have children who have finally become wise after being foolish, you can say the same line as a blessing and heave a sigh of relief.

Take heed, young ones. One day, you will become adults who will have children of your own.

Then you’ll know that what goes around, definitely comes around. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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

SEPTEMBER 1-4

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

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

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

B july 27-august 2, 2017 • las VEgas asIaN jOuRNal

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