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Volume 27 - No. 9 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

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Super Tuesday results show Clinton, Trump as frontrunners by

allyson Escobar AJPress

Donald Trump

DATELINE

Hillary Clinton

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

US officials, diplomats fete outgoing DFA Chief del Rosario AmerICAN officials and filipino diplomats recently honored outgoing foreign Affairs secretary Albert del rosario for his years of dedication in championing the strong ties between the us and Philippines. us and filipino diplomats gathered in Washington, d.C. to honor del rosario as he is set to step down his office on march 7. the farewell reception coincided with the inauguration of the newly-renovated Chancery Annex of the Philippines along massachusetts Avenue, a few blocks away from the White house.

Constructed in 1917, the brick building was the former four-story embassy building of the Philippines. It served as the office of the resident Commissioner of the Philippines to the united states in 1943, then as Chancery of the embassy of the Philippines following the country’s independence and establishment of diplomatic relations with PAGE A2

Obama bans US imports of slaveproduced goods uNder new provisions of a law signed

by President Barack obama this week, federal officials will enforce an 86-year-old ban on importing goods that were produced by children or slaves. “this law slams shut an unconscionable and archaic loophole that forced America to accept products made by children or slave labor,” said sen. ron Wyden (d-oregon), who worked on the legislation. the tariff Act of 1930, which gave Customs and Border Protection the authority to seize shipments where forced labor was suspected and block further imports, was last used in 2000, reported the Associated Press. the Act has been used only 39 times altogether largely because of “consumptive demand,” which denotes that if there was not sufficient trade supply to meet the domestic demand, imports were allowed, regardless of how they were produced. the trade facilitation and trade enforcement Act signed by obama on Wednesday, feb. 24 eliminated that clause and allows stiffer enforcement. us Customs and BorPAGE A3

tuesdAy, march 1 was a big day on the road to November’s presidential elections. unofficially nicknamed “super tuesday,” it is when a dozen states (and one us territory) held nominating contests to narrow down party candidates during the primaries.

Also known as the “seC Primary,” 661 republican delegates and 865 democratic delegates were allocated on super tuesday. It is the only day in which a single candidate has a bigger chance to declare certainty over his or her nomination, with that many delegates grouped at once, reported Politico. real estate billionaire donald trump was PAGE A2

Candidates differ on how to deal with China PresIdeNtIAL and vice presidential candidates on Wednesday, mar. 2 proposed different approaches in dealing with China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine sea. the administration’s presidential candidate, mar roxas, appealed for sobriety amid reports that Chinese vessels had anchored near a Philippine-claimed atoll in the disputed sea. “for me, it’s important for us to stay calm because if we start violence, we don’t know how this would end,”

roxas told reporters in an interview after visiting loom weavers in tubigon, Bohol province.

Accompanied by his running mate, Camarines sur rep. Leni robredo, roxas embarked on a four-town swing in Bohol. roxas reiterated that bringing the territorial dispute before the united Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration was still the best option for the government to prevent the problem from escalating.

PAGE A2

Inquirer.net, Philstar.com file photos

11 Filipinos among Forbes 2016 world billionaire list

by Doris

Dumlao-abaDilla Inquirer.net

billionaires. forbes magazine – which has mANILA—the global stock ranked the world’s richest for the market downturn has trimmed 30th year – reported a decline in the fortunes of most tycoons in the global headcount of billionthe Philippines but 11 of them aires to 1,810 billionaires from remained on the list of wealthiest a record-high 1,826 a year ago. people on the planet, based on the publication estimated the forbes magazine’s 2016 roster of combined net worth of this rare

breed at $6.48 trillion, $570 billion less than last year. eleven of those billionaires were from the Philippines and this year’s list was pretty much the same as in 2015 – except that this year, most of these tycoons saw their wealth shrinking. there was PAGE A2

Binay camp: UNA will not take advantage of Pacquiao fight

by Patricia lourDEs Philstar.com

Viray

mANILA—the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday, march 2 clarified that the united Nationalist Alliance (uNA) will not take advantage of the publicity of sarangani rep. manny Pacquiao’s upcoming fight in April.

Commission on elections Chair Juan Andres Bautista

earlier said that Pacquiao’s upcoming boxing match against American timothy Bradley may be a violation of election rules as it is another way to promote the boxer, who is also a senatorial candidate under uNA’s slate. “tayo po hindi naman tayo sumasabay sa issue. Basta po ang malinaw dito tumutulong po tayo at kung hihingin po

ang ating patnubay ni Congressman manny Pacquiao, tutulong po tayo,” Binay’s spokesperson rico Quicho said in an interview with radio dzmm.

Quicho said that Binay’s nationwide campaign is ongoing while Pacquiao, a senatorial candidate of In this July 2015 photo, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao uNA, faces the issues thrown attend the launching of the United Nationalist Alliance as the main opposition party in the PAGE A3 2016 elections.

Philstar.com photo by Jonathan Asuncion

Sen Marcos: Hero’s burial my dad’s right

by JaimE

r. PilaPil ManilaTimes.net

From left to right: Bernie A. Benito (NaFFAA Nevada Chairman), Amie Belmonte (NaFFAA Region XI Chair), Joe P. Gloria (Clark County Registrar of Voters), Cynthia Deriquito (NaFFAA-Nevada Executive Director/FilAm Vote Region XI Coordinator) and Leo Belmonte of NaFFAA Nevada

FIL-AM VOTE. Filipino-American leaders on Thursday, Feb. 25 launched Fil-Am Vote, a voter registration and get-out-the-vote initiative atD’ Pinoy Restaurant in Las Vegas. Joe P. Gloria, Clark County Registrar of Voters, spoke at the event, encouraging Fil-Ams to register for the upcoming elections. The effort is spearheaded by National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) as a way to strengthen voter registration, voter education, voter protection and get-outthe-vote capabilities of Fil-Am communities nationwide. In addition to Las Vegas, similar events were held in San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C. and Houston.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

moroNG, rizal—Vice presidential aspirant ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. on monday, feb. 29 said his father and namesake has the right to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (heroes Cemetery) because he was a veteran soldier who fought during World War II and once the country’s leader. “he was a decorated soldier and a former president. his bravery was recognized. he was president for some time.

According to the rules, he has PAGE A3

A

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

march 3-9, 2016 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

From The FronT Page

Super Tuesday results show...

PAGE A1 the clear winner for the Republican Party on Tuesday night, with 319 total delegate counts—the most of any candidate in the field. Trump won the votes in seven states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Virginia, and Vermont.

New Jersey governor (and former candidate) Chris Christie also stunned the nation by endorsing Trump, standing awkwardly behind him during Trump’s Tuesday night address in Palm Beach, Florida. “I am a unifier, I know people are going to find that a little bit hard to believe, but believe me that I am a unifier,� Trump told his supporters. “Once we get all of this finished, I am going to go after one person—that’s Hillary Clinton, on the assumption that she’s allowed to run.�

Trump’s main rival Hillary Clinton, however, also had a good night.

The former Secretary of State won overwhelmingly in all of the big, delegate-awarding states (Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia), with 577 counts. According to Washington Post, Clinton also had major support (more than 80 percent in Georgia and Virginia) of the black vote. “Instead of building walls, we’re going to break down barriers, and build ladders of opportunity and empowerment, so that every American live up to his or her potential,�

Clinton said in her remarks. “Then, and only then, can America live up to its full potential too.� “America never stopped being great,� she added, speaking directly to Trump. “We have to make

America whole.�

The question that now remains is whether both strong candidates can get the rest of the delegate votes needed to win the party nomination.

For the Republicans, despite Trump’s dominance in the field, Texas Senator Ted Cruz took three states—Alaska, Oklahoma, and Texas—and won 226 delegates.

Cruz is favored to be the alternative to Trump, given that a loss in his home state would have effectively ended his campaign. “Our campaign is the only campaign that has beaten and can beat Donald Trump,� the senator told his supporters on Tuesday. ‘Meanwhile, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio struggled behind, winning the vote in just one state (Minnesota) and 110 delegates. Trailing behind at the end of the night was Ohio Governor John Kasich (25 delegates) and Dr. Ben Carson (eight delegates).

The Republican candidates need a total 1,237 delegates to win the party nomination.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders ultimately lost that night, with just four states (Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and his home state Vermont) and 386 delegates, out of the 2,383 needed to win for the Democrat nomination.

In his speech given at his home state, before the final results of Super Tuesday votes, Sanders said, “You know, we want to win in every part of the country, that goes without saying. But it does say something and means so much to me that the people who know me best, the people who knew me before I was elected, who knew me as mayor, knew me as congressman,

and know me as senator, have voted so strongly to put us in the White House.� “At the end of tonight, 15 states will have voted, 35 states remain.

And let me assure you that we are going to take our fight for economic justice, for social justice, for environmental sanity, for a world of peace to every one of those states,�

Sanders vowed.

After Super Tuesday, the next crucial votes will take place on Saturday, March 5, with the Louisiana primaries and Kansas caucuses.

Over the weekend, Republicans will also vote in Kentucky and Maine, while Democrats will vote in Nebraska, and in Maine on March 6.

Poll: Clinton and Sanders both top Trump According to a new CNN/ORC International poll, Trump is not Chinese defense capabilities in the South China Sea as mapped by Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International leading among US voters after Studies. all.

The poll, which sampled at least 1,000 telephone interviews with American adults between Febru- PAGE A1 ary 24-27, and included at least Like ordinary Filipinos who 920 interviews among registered seek settlement of their legal voters, concluded that both of the concerns before the courts, he remaining Democratic candidates said the country should bring easily beat out Republican frontrun- the territorial dispute with China ner Trump. “to the international court of the Although Clinton won by a land- United Nations.� slide over the weekend in the South “That’s what our government Carolina primary, putting her well did. Our actions were just and ahead in the race for the Demo- according to the legal process. cratic nomination, she is likely to That’s what we should pursue,� face stronger Republican opposi- he said. tion between Rubio or Cruz.

Chinese Coast Guard ships had According to the poll’s hypo- reportedly taken over Quirino thetical match-up scenario, which Atoll, which is sandwiched be- Presidential candidates Mar Roxas and Rodrigo Duterte appears most likely to emerge from tween the Philippine-occupied Philippine-claimed atolls and “If our bilateral agreements the looming primaries, Clinton tops Lawak Island and the Chinesereefs in the West Philippine Sea. with other countries do not serve Trump 52 percent to 44 percent occupied Panganiban (Mischief) Bullying our own interests, then let’s among registered voters. The Reef. The atoll, reef and island Robredo does not share the continue to talk to China in a PAGE A3 lie in the Philippines’ exclusive position of two of her rivals on multilateral arrangement,’’ the economic zone. the need to hold talks with China, UNA vice presidential candidate The Chinese vessels reportedly saying these may lead to Beijing said in a statement. left two weeks ago, according to “bullying� the country.

Too complacent officials in Manila and Beijing.

Robredo stood squarely on the In the House of RepresentaBilateral talks side of the government in filing a tives, lawmakers criticized the Vice President Jejomar Binay, case in the UN Permanent Court Aquino administration for reportstandard-bearer of the United of Arbitration. edly allowing another atoll to fall Nationalist Alliance (UNA), has “I do not agree that we become into the hands of China. said he would rather have bilat- an aggressor in this because we Magdalo Rep. Ashley Acedillo eral, or country-to-country, talks have no capability, but having said that five years ago, China had with China. said that, we need to take all steps already targeted Quirino Atoll off Davao City Mayor Rodrigo to protect our sovereignty,â€? she the coast of Palawan province, Duterte, a presidential candidate, told students of a university in Las which should have sent alarm said he was open to talks with PiĂąas City on Tuesday. bells ringing for the government China to ease the escalation of Marcos, Honasan to increase its presence in the insurance premiums in the cargo Senators Ferdinand Marcos Jr. area. shipping industry, but he added and Gregorio Honasan II, both Senatorial candidate Walden China should first honor the rul- vice presidential candidates, fa- Bello said the Department of ing of the UN arbitration court. vor talks with China to ease the Foreign Affairs and Department “I am open to bilateral talks tension over disputed territories of Defense should have made with China about the disputed in the West Philippine Sea. 24/7 surveillance of the area territories to ease the increasing Advising the government not much earlier. fees of shipping insurance of to pin its hopes on resolving the “We have good air surveilvessels that have to pass through dispute through the UN tribunal, lance capabilities and access to these areas, which is hurting Marcos said dialogue with China international satellite monitorthe industry,â€? Duterte told the could be by way of trade, culture ing systems. We should have a Inquirer. or even sports. preemptive strategy from now “But first if the ruling of the In a statement, Marcos said: on, keeping the world informed arbitration court is favorable to us “(W)e should talk to China and of China’s possible next moves,â€? they should honor it. I am open tell them what we want and that said Bello, a former Akbayan to it, but I will not initiate it,â€? the we are not in favor of what they representative. mayor said. are doing and start from there.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri ColmenOutgoing Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario Manila initiated arbitration What is important is we start a ares, a senatorial candidate, said: proceedings in January 2013 after dialogue.� “It seems that China’s strategy In a letter addressed to del Ro- and a personal friend.�

He pointed out that the sign- now is to take as much territory as “There’s simply no doubt that Beijing refused to withdraw its sario and read by Kenney during the event, US Secretary of State today’s close US-Philippines rela- ships from the disputed Panatag ing of the Philippine-Indonesia it can in the West Philippine Sea John Kerry expressed pride in tionship is thanks in large part to Shoal, internationally called Scar- maritime baseline agreement before the ruling of The Hague after 20 years of negotiations Arbitral Court comes out, so other calling him a “trusted colleague your sound judgment and strong borough Shoal.

A ruling by the UN tribunal could be used as a template for claimants would be hard put to commitment to diplomacy. Your evict the rising superpower from steady leadership not only en- is expected later this year, even the talks.

Honasan said the country their claimed areas.� (DJ Yap sured the vitality of our countries’ while China has refused to particshould continue to talk to China and Gil C. Cabacungan, Marlon friendship, it has also helped steer ipate in the arbitration process.

The Asian giant has been mili- in a multilateral arrangement, Ramos, Nancy C. Carv, Jeannette the course of events in the Philippines and around the world in the tarizing the resource-rich waters including considering joint explo- I. Andrade and Christine O. Avenof the South China Sea, including ration of disputed areas. daĂąo/Inquirer.net) right direction,â€? Kerry wrote. “As we live in an increasingly uncertain and complex world, the international community will need more statesmen like you,â€?

PAGE A1 worth declined from last year’s beverage (URC), airline (Cebu he added.

Senator Mazie Hirono also likewise some slight realignment $14.2 billion but he remains the Air) and property (Robinsons Land expressed appreciation for del among mid-ranked local tycoons. only tycoon from this country to be Corp.) businesses. The group As expected, the 2016 list was among the world’s top 100, based likewise has equity investments in Rosario’s leadership.

Del Rosario said the two coun- topped by SM group founder on Forbes’ ranking. He was ranked the Manila Electric Co., Philippine tries should not stop working to Henry Sy Sr., JG Summit Holdings as the 71st wealthiest person on Long Distance Telephone Co. and Singaporean property developer founder John Gokongwei and LT the planet. enhance their ties.

SM Investments Corp., the UIC Ltd. “Even if it is our belief that Phil- Group Inc. founder Lucio Tan. Tycoon Lucio Tan kept his The 91-year-old Sy – patriarch flagship conglomerate led by ippines-US relations have never been better, we must still persist of the SM group which dominates the Sy family, is now the most number three ranking with an in working together to further local property (SM Prime Hold- valuable company in the stock estimated net worth of $4 bilstrengthen our alliance so that ings), banking (Banco de Oro market with market capitalization lion compared to $4.4 billion last we can proactively, effectively, and China Bank) and retailing of P704 billion as of Wednesday year. Tan’s group is into tobacco and strategically address our (SM Retail) businesses, and is (March 2). Its banking arm BDO (49.6 percent of Philippine Morris shared formidable challenges in also a philanthropist – remains is the first among local banks to Fortune Tobacco Corp.), beverage the Asia Pacific region,� he added. the richest person in this part of breach the P2-trillion mark in total (Tanduay Holdings and Asia Brewery), banking (Philippine National (Michael Joe T. Delizo/ManilaT- the world with an estimated net resources.

JG Summit’s Gokongwei, who Bank), airline (Philippine Airlines worth of $12.9 billion. His net imes.net) is turning 90 this year, remained and property development (Eton number two on the list and like- Properties). wise saw a decline in estimated GT Capital Holdings’ George net worth to $5 billion from $5.8 Ty slid to fourth place on the local Member : American Institute of Certified Public Accountant (AICPA) billion last year. list with an estimated net worth of Licensed in : California and Nevada Gokongwei has been called the $3.7 billion, down from $4.4 billion CPA WITH OVER 15 YEARS OF EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE “industrialist challenger,� unafraid last year. Last year, Ty was estito venture into highly competitive mated to be just as rich as Lucio new sectors like telecommunica- Tan (who has a daughter married !! GET YOUR TAXES DONE PROPERLY !! tions, or dipping into untested wa- to Ty’s son). !! USE A PROFESSIONAL TO PREPARE YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN !! !! AVOID EXPENSIVE I.R.S. AUDITS / PENALTIES !! ters, like petrochemicals, and nurConstruction magnate David turing them no matter how long Consunji, property tycoon Andrew Your Tax fees can be taken out of your tax refund automatically. it takes to achieve profitability. A Tan and Jollibee Foods Corp.

Ask about our “FEE COLLECT� program. :H DUH XS WR GDWH RQ DOO ODZV )RUHFORVXUHV DQG 'HEW )RUJLYHQHVV 5HQWDO 3URSHUWLHV 3HQVLRQ ,5$ )RUHLJQ ,QFRPH long time ago, he also planted the founder Tony Tan Caktiong were DQG $VVHWV 5HSRUWLQJ )$7&$ DQG ),1&(1 6DPH 6H[ 0DUULDJH )LOLQJV 2%$0$ &$5( HWF seeds for overseas diversification all valued at $3 billion, sharing the Business Services: and built an expansive Asia-Pa- fifth place in the local list. ‡ 7D[ 3UHSDUDWLRQ 3ODQQLQJ 3UREOHPV ‡ &RPSLODWLRQ ‡ ,56 5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ ‡ (QWLW\ 6HOHFWLRQ DQG 5HVWUXFWXULQJ cific footprint for Universal Robina Andrew Tan – who is into prop‡ $FFRXQW 6HUYLFHV ‡ 4XLFNERRNV $FFRXQWLQJ 6RIWZDUH KHOS DVVLVWDQFH ‡ 3D\UROO ‡ 6PDOO %XVLQHVV $FFRXQWLQJ ‡ %RRNNHHSLQJ :ULWH XSV ‡ 1HZ %XVLQHVV )RUPDWLRQ ‡ 1RQ 3URILW 2UJDQL]DWLRQV ‡ ,QFRUSRUDWLRQ DQG //& FUHDWLRQ Corp. (URC). In 2014, URC bought erty development (Megaworld Individual Services: Auckland-based Griffin’s Foods Corp.), integrated gaming resort ‡ 7D[ 5HWXUQ 3UHSDUDWLRQ ‡ 7D[ 3ODQQLQJ ‡ 7D[ 3UREOHPV Ltd., New Zealand’s leading bis- (Travellers International Hotel ‡ ,56 $XGLW DQG 5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ ‡ 1RQ )LOHG 5HWXUQV ‡ %DFN 7D[HV ‡ 3D\UROO 7D[ 3UREOHPV ‡ ,56 /LHQ /HYLHV 6HL]XUHV :DJH *DUQLVKPHQWV ‡ 2IIHU ,Q &RPSURPLVH ‡ %DQNUXSWF\ ‡ ,QQRFHQW 6SRXVH 5HOLHI cuit and snack food manufacturer, Group) and beverage (Emperador for about NZ$700 million (P26.37 Inc.) businesses – saw his net billion). value decline from $4.8 billion A . E . PA U L E , C PA , LT D .

1771 East Flamingo Road Suite - 200A Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 JG Summit is a conglomerate last year. Tan has been expandseen to have benefited and yet ing his property businesses while Phone: 702.220.4510 / Fax: 702.220.4785 to benefit further from favorable Emperador has been gobbling WWW.AEPAULECPA.COM demographics in the country and up assets in Europe, the latest of $GHOLQD (OL]DEHWK “Beth� Paule, CPA the region through its food and !! CPA WITH 15 PLUS YEARS OF EXTENSIVE, MULTI-FACETED EXPERIENCE!!

PAGE A4

Candidates differ on how to deal with...

US officials, diplomats fete outgoing DFA...

PAGE A1

the US in 1946. It was abandoned in 1995 when the diplomatic mission moved to a new office across the street. “While the inauguration of this historic building is already a compelling reason to celebrate, our gathering tonight is made even more special as we pay tribute to a man for whom we hold the highest respect and admiration—the man that the Filipino people are privileged and proud to have as Secretary of Foreign Affairs,� Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. said.

Del Rosario was the Philippine Ambassador to the US from 2001 to 2006 under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He quit his post due to policy differences with the Arroyo government.

In 2011, President Benigno Aquino 3rd swore in del Rosario as secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Former US Ambassador to the Philippines and newly-appointed State Department Counselor Kristie Kenney said it was through del Rosario that she “first came to know and love the warmth, the charm, the grace and the dignity of the Filipino people.�

11 Filipinos among Forbes 2016 world...

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Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 3-9, 2016

A

Super Tuesday results show...

PAGE A2 result has also slanted in Clinton’s favor, since the last CNN/ORC poll in January.

Against Rubio and Cruz, however, Clinton faces the same likability challenge in the polls. The former Secretary of State trails closely behind Rubio, 50 percent to 47 percent, and she holds 48 percent to Cruz’s 49 percent, narrowing the race match-up from 3 points to 1.

Sanders, who has the most positive favorable rating (60 percent of registered voters) of any presidential candidate in the whole field, Sen. Bongbong Marcos is overwhelmed by the show of support of Rizal residents to his Unity Caravan as they lined the streets of Cainta and beat out all three Republicans by Taytay to welcome him.

Senate photo wide margins: outnumbering Cruz 57 to 40 percent; crushing Trump 55 to 43 percent, and 53 to 45 percent against Rubio.

Sanders also fares better than PAGE A1 Clinton in each match-up among the right to be buried there,” the men, young voters, and indepensenator from Ilocos Norte told dents. reporters.

Overall, Clinton and Trump are He said his family is aware of still seen unfavorably by majorities the people and groups who are of voters: almost 6-in-10 have a opposed to bringing to rest his negative view of Trump, with 38 father at the Libingan ng Bayani, including President Benigno Aquino 3rd.

“What are the rules for? The family has not changed our PAGE A1 position. The rules have been der Protection Commissioner Gil established way before my father Kerlikowske and federal agency died. In fact, we have not done leaders are planning a briefing to anything to promote our desire explain how they will implement to have him buried there. But, we continue to hold on to that belief,” President Benigno S. Aquino III joins the funeral march to the gravesite during the transfer the new law.

The provisions were linked to according to Marcos, who for the and reinterment of the remains of the late President Elpidio R. Quirino at the Libingan ng mga cases of US imports of fish caught first time elaborated lengthily on Bayani in Bayani Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday, Feb. 29.

Malacañang photo by Joseph Vidal by slaves in Southeast Asia, gold his views on the issue. mined by children in Africa, He said they could have gone He died on September 28, 1989 Aquino administration officials. and clothing garments sewn by to court to have his father buried while in exile in Hawaii.

“Even my hair was recognized,” abused women in Bangladesh. at the Libingan ng Bayani.

His body was brought home he said referring to the accusation “If the US government works “We don’t want to go to court. in 1993 and since then has been of President Aquino that his gray We want to achieve that via the placed at a mausoleum in Batac hair was dyed black to make it to really keep out goods made with forced labor, this change established rules. That’s our posi- City, his hometown in Ilocos appear he is still young. will have a profound ripple eftion and that will not change.”

What encourages him to purNorte. fect on supply chains worldThe elder Marcos was president Marcos jokingly said he is sue his candidacy, however, is the from 1965 until he was kicked out feeling that he is running for warm welcome of his countrymen wide,” said David Abramowitz, from Malacañang via the 1986 president already since he is the everywhere he goes, the senator who advocated for the change as vice president for Humanity people power revolution. constant target of criticisms of said.

United.

To start an official investigation, Customs and Border Protection needs to receive a petition PAGE A1 naman sa partido ay suportado fied that it is beyond its jurisdic- from anyone—business, agency, po kung ano man ang magiging tion to stop Pacquiao’s upcoming even a non-citizen—showing against him. “reasonably but not conclusively” fight.

On Tuesday, the Comelec gave posisyon niya,” Quicho said.

“You have to distinguish the that imports were made at least Quicho added that it is not yet Pacquiao five days to comment on the letters of former Akbayan certain if Binay will be able to fight from the fact that it is being in part with forced labor.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), party-list Rep. Walden Bello and attend the April 9 match of Pac- broadcast in the Philippines. Performer Sen. Rene Saguisag re- quiao in Las Vegas as it falls under sonally, I don’t think I can prohibit who offered the amendment Pacquiao from boxing. That is his eliminating the “consumptive the campaign period. garding his match. demand” clause, said that his “Sa tingin ko po, sa pagka- profession,” Bautista said.

“Kaya nga po tayo, 110 percent However, former Comelec office is already asking Customs po na sumusuporta kay Congress- kataong ito mukhang wala pong man Manny at tiwala naman po pagkakataon na makapanood. Chair Sixto Brillantes advised and Border Protection to ensure kami na ito pong issue na ito ay Pero tingnan po natin, mahaba pa Pacquiao to postpone his fight as that they begin enforcing the new pinagaaralan pong mabuti ng naman po ‘yan,” the lawyer said. it would give him advantage over rules.

“It’s embarrassing that for 85 The Comelec on Tuesday clari- other senatorial candidates. kanyang mga abogado... Kami

Sen Marcos: Hero’s burial my dad’s...

percent in favor; while 53 percent have a negative view of Clinton, 44 percent positive.

Cruz also has a net negative rating, while impressions of Carson, Rubio, and Kasich leaned positive.

According to the poll, 78 percent of US voters (including almost the same share among Democrats, Republicans and Independents) say that the nation is even “more deeply divided on major issues facing the country,” than it has been in the past.

The nationwide survey asked voters to choose which of all the remaining top candidates, regardless of party, they trust most to handle seven key issues. According to CNN, Trump tops the list on the economy, terrorism and immigration, while Clinton is the top choice when it comes to health care, race relations and foreign policy. Voters are about evenly split between Trump and Clinton on gun policy.

Though the share of leaned Republican voters choosing Clinton

on any of the tested issues tops out at 8 percent on health care, Trump is the most trusted for 15 percent of leaned Democrats on terrorism, 14 percent on the economy and 13 percent on immigration.

Republicans generally have the edge on the economy, terrorism, immigration and gun policy, while more voters choose either Sanders or Clinton on race relations and health care. Foreign policy has about an even split between the two parties.

The margin of sampling error for the results, based on the total sample, is plus or minus three percentage points.

The poll also determined that if Michael Bloomberg, an independent and former mayor of New York City, decide to run as an independent candidate, his candidacy would harm Clinton’s bid to beat Trump, more than it would defeat Sanders’ campaign. However, few polled said they would consider backing Bloomberg, should he decide to run.

Obama bans US imports of slave-produced...

Binay camp: UNA will not take...

President Barack Obama

years, the United States let products made with forced labor into this country, and closing this loophole gives the US an important tool to fight global slavery,” Brown said.

A Labor Department list of more than 350 goods produced by child labor or forced labor provides a detailed breakdown that human rights groups plan to use as they petition the government to take further action. The list includes peanuts from Turkey, gold from Ghana, carpets from India, and seafood imports from Thailand.

An expose by The Associated Press in 2015 found Thai companies ship seafood to the US that was caught and processed by

trapped and enslaved workers. As a result of the reports, more than 2,000 trapped fishermen have been rescued from illegal fishing islands, while more than a dozen alleged traffickers were arrested and millions of dollars’ worth of their fishing vessels seized.

A month after the investigation, Pres. Obama promised to repeal the consumptive demand exception’s loophole, and ensured “swift, strong and effective enforcement.”

Gavin Gibbons, a spokesman for National Fisheries Institute (which represents about 75 percent of the US seafood industry), said their members want to see the ban implemented and enforced.

“We support the closing of this anachronistic loophole and look forward to fair and judicious implementation,” he said.

According to a study by the WWF, over 85 percent of the world’s fish stocks are at significant risk of unreported, illegal fishing tactics, associated with slave labor, drugs, and arms smuggling.

Obama also signed the Port State Measures Agreement earlier this month, which bars foreign vessels from accessing ports if suspected of illegal fishing, reported The Independent.

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Apple, FBI testify at congressional hearing about hacking iPhone of San Bernardino shooter

by Agnes

ConstAnte

AJPress

TECH giant Apple and the FBI faced off Tuesday, March 1, in front of the House Judiciary Committee, arguing whether the agency should have the right to compel technology companies to assist the government in accessing encrypted devices.

Apple and the FBI are engaged in a legal battle about if the company should be forced to hack an iPhone used by Syed Farook, one of two shooters who killed 14 people in a shooting rampage last December in San Bernardino, California.

The agency wants Apple to create software that would bypass the iPhone security feature that erases data on the device after 10 incorrect passcode entries.

Legislators accused the Justice Department of overreaching its authority, and undermining privacy and cybersecurity, The Guardian reported. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-California) also called the department’s attempt to coerce Apple into unlocking Farook’s phone a “fool’s errand.”

“We are asking to ensure that we can continue to obtain electronic information and evidence pursuant to the legal authority that Congress has provided us to keep America safe,” said FBI Director James Comey.

On Thursday, Feb. 25, Comey told a different house panel that

the code Apple was directed to write would work only on Farook’s phone and would not leave the company.

Apple, however, has said the case would set a significant precedent that could amount to creating a master key for its devices. Tim Cook, the company’s CEO, has called such a software the “equivalent to cancer.”

“The FBI has asked a court to order us to give them something we don’t have, to create an operating system that does not exist because it would be too dangerous,” Bruce Sewell, Apple’s general counsel, said during Tuesday’s hearing. “They are asking for a backdoor into the iPhone – specifically to build a software tool that can break the encryption system which protects personal information on every iPhone.”

Sewell also said that writing a new operating system “will weaken our safety and security, but it will not affect the terrorists in the least.”

During his testimony, Sewell added that the company believes Congress should strike the balance on the security issue. However, Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisconsin), warned, “I can tell you you’re not going to like what comes out of Congress.”

Other tech companies, including Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Twitter, support Apple’s stance.

Former congressman and presi-

dential candidate Ron Paul has also called on the public to stand

by Apple.

Paul also said it would be a “precedent-setting case” if Apple cooperates with the FBI in this particular instance.

Critics of Apple include New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., who said at a press conference last week: “This has become the Wild West in technology. Apple and Google are their own sheriffs and there are no rules.”

Tuesday’s hearing comes one day after a federal judge in New York ruled that Apple does not need to help investigators unlock an iPhone in a separate drug-related case.

A federal magistrate previously ordered Apple to cooperate with the FBI and unlock the phone.

Federal agents believe the device could contain information about whether or not Farook and his wife, Malik Tashfeen, worked with others to plan the attack.

Furthermore, Comey on Thursday, Feb. 25, told a congressional panel that the iPhone could have “locator services” that would help the FBI fill in a gap in the whereabouts of Farook and Tashfeen when they fled police after the San Bernardino shooting rampage last December.

“We’ve looked at every gas station camera, every intersection camera, we have the whole route, but we’re missing 19 minutes before they were finally killed by law enforcement. The answer to that might be on the device,” Comey said.

Those who testified agreed that Congress needs to approve legislation that clarifies when technology companies must turn over consumers’ encrypted data.

In Congress, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Senate Intelligence Committee member Mark Warner (D-Virginia), have introduced a measure that would establish a National Commission on Security and Technology Challenges. The entity would consist of 16 “experts representing all of the interests at stake so we can evaluate and improve America’s security posture as technology – and our adversaries – evolve.”

Attorneys are scheduled to respond to Apple’s appeal regarding the San Bernardino iPhone by March 10. A court hearing is slated on March 22. n

President Barack Obama talks with (L-R) Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt), Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev), and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky), at the conclusion of a meeting with the leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Oval Office on Tuesday, March 1. The President, with Vice President Joe Biden, met with the committee members, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, to discuss topics including the Supreme Court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, opioid legislation and criminal justice reform.

White House photo by Pete Souza

Study: Undocumented Californians paid $3.2B in state and local taxes AN updated study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) found that undocumented immigrants who reside in California collectively paid almost $3.2 billion in state and local taxes in 2013.

The nationwide analysis released on Wednesday, Feb. 24, entitled Undocumented Immigrants’ State and Local Tax Contributions, concluded that the Obama administration’s executive actions (including the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA) would increase state and local tax contributions in California by at least $184 million.

An even more substantial increase of $450 million is projected under comprehensive immigration reform granting all undocumented immigrants lawful permanent residence, reported ITEP and the California #Health4All Initiative.

“Regardless of the politically contentious nature of immigration reform, the data show undocumented immigrants greatly

contribute to our nation’s economy, not just in labor but also with tax dollars,” said ITEP State Tax Policy Director Meg Wiehe in a statement.

Nationwide, undocumented immigrants contribute more than $11.6 billion to state and local coffers each year, and pay an average of 8 percent of their total incomes in state and local taxes.

(The top 1 percent of taxpayers nationwide pay an average effective tax rate of just 5.4 percent.)

The analysis also found that combined state and local tax contributions of the nation’s total undocumented immigrant population (around 11 million) would increase by more than $800 million, under full implementation of President Barack Obama’s 2012 and 2014 executive actions to grant temporary protection for up to 5 million (1.52 million in California) eligible undocumented immigrants living in the US. Under comprehensive immigration reform, these contributions are estimated to rise to over $2.1 billion.

“With immigration policy playing a key role in state and national debates, and President Obama’s 2014 executive action [on immigration] facing review by the Supreme Court, accurate information about the tax contributions of undocumented immigrants is needed now more than ever,” Wiehe added.

While the report focuses on the financial and economic consequences of immigration reform on state and local-level taxes, ITEP reported, the results mirror those at the federal level.

According to a 2010 report from the Congressional Budget Office, full immigration reform at the federal level would decrease the deficit and generate more than $450 billion in additional federal revenue over the next decade.

Obama’s executive actions are also estimated to have overall positive effects on labor market growth, productivity, wages, and economic growth, said the Council of Economic Advisers and the Center of American Progress.

(Allyson Escobar / AJPress)

11 Filipinos among Forbes 2016 world...

PAGE A12

which is the acquisition of Spain’s iconic brandy-maker Fundador.

Consunji also saw a drop in fortune compared to last year’s net worth of $4.1 billion. DMCI Holdings is into construction, property development, water, coal/nickel mining and power generation (Semirara Mining and Power Corp.).

Jollibee founder and recently retired chief executive officer Tony Tan Caktiong is the only one among Philippine tycoons in the 2016 list who saw an increase in net worth to $3 billion from $2.7 billion last year. Apart from Jollibee – which a globalizing company and a favored consumer play in the stock market – Tan Caktiong co-founded fast-growing property developer Double Dragon Properties Corp. with younger magnate Edgar “Injap” Sia II. “From Saudi Arabia to the

borough of Queens in New York City, Tony Tan Caktiong’s fast food restaurants dot the globe.

His publicly traded Jollibee Foods marked its entry into the mainstream burger market with a 40 percent acquisition of food chain Smashburger in October of 2015.

Jollibee Foods is the fastest-growing Asian restaurant chain in the world. They sell Filipino, Chinese, American and European recipes adapted to a modern, quick serve, affordable format,” Forbes magazine said.

International port terminal and gaming operator Enrique Razon Jr. was sixth on the list with an estimated $2.4 billion in net worth, which marked a big drop from last year’s estimated fortune of $5.2 billion. Razon is the controlling shareholder in International Container Terminal Services Inc. and integrated gaming resort Bloomberry Resorts Corp. The decline

in wealth is due to the slump in the shares of gaming stocks in the region.

Retailing couple Lucio and Susan Co of Puregold Price Club Inc. ranked next on the list with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, at par with the fortunes of Robert Coyiuto, who derives most of his wealth from the family-held private insurance business and a 30 percent stake in the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. The Cos’ estimated wealth declined from last year’s $2.3 billion while Coyiuto’s fortune also slipped from last year’s $1.8 billion.

Completing the list was former Senator Manuel Villar, a real estate magnate, who focused on growing Vista Land & Lifescapes after losing to President Aquino during the 2010 presidential elections. The businessman – who is making up for decades lost when he was busy with politics – has an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, lower than $1.6 billion last year. He made it to the global list for the second year in a row.

Amid the global stock market volatility, oil price slump and strengthening of the US dollar, Forbes magazine reported a “dynamic reshuffling of wealth around the globe and a drop in ten-figure fortunes for the first time since 2009.”

“It was also the first time since 2010 that the average net worth of a billionaire dropped – it is now $3.6 billion, $300 million less than last year,” the magazine said.

Forbes reported a reshuffling of billionaires starting at the top.

“Only two people in the top 20 managed to hold onto their ranks.

Bill Gates remains the richest person in the world with a net worth of $75 billion, despite being $4.2 billion poorer than a year ago,” the magazine said. Gates has topped the list for three years in a row and topped the list 17 out of 22 years.

Legendary American investor Warren Buffett remained at No. 3. while Zara’s Amancio Ortega climbed to No. 2 for the first time, displacing Mexico’s Carlos Slim, who slipped to No. 4. The magazine estimated that Slim’s fortune had fallen by $27.1 billion to $50 billion in the past year, as shares of his telecom business América Móvil tumbled.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had “the best year of all billionaires,” the magazine said, with the 31-year-old social media tycoon adding $11.2 billion to his fortune and moving up to No. 6 from 16.

Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos both made it to the top 10 list for the first time.

Meanwhile, a billionaire from China’s mainland, Wang Jianlin – whose company owns AMC Theaters and soon will own Legendary Pictures – has climbed into the top 20, according to the magazine.

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A

Dateline PMalacañang hiliPPines cites huge disappointment

Supreme Court decision based only on Poe’s residency issue ‘possible’ over non-passage of Bangsamoro Law

by TeTch

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

ToRRes-TupAs

Inquirer.net

A Supreme Court (SC) decision based only on whether Senator Grace poe has met the residency requirement to run for president is possible, lawyers said Wednesday, march 2. election law expert Atty. romulo macalintal said residency issue involves facts and evidence.

“Citizenship merely involves legal interpretation while residency is factual or based on facts and evidence of residency,” macalintal said.

He noted that it is easier to prove or disprove residency because it involves months, years and the places where poe has stayed.

Another election law expert Atty. edgardo Carlo Vistan II, on the other hand, offered an explanation why the SC was likely to decide on poe’s residency and not on her citizenship.

“Siguro, nagkasundo ang mga mahistrado na kung magkakaroon sila ng mayorya sa isyu ng residence, ay hindi na nila tatalakayin ang issue of citizenship para iwasan ang isyu na tingin nilang mas kontobersyal at maari namang magbago ang kasagutan kung masiguro kung sino at ano ang citizenship ng mga magulang ni Senator poe,” Vistan said.

(Perhaps the magistrates have agreed that if they would reach the majority on the issue of residence, they would not tackle the issue of citizenship to avoid the issue as they think that it is more controversial and the answer to such may change if the identity and citizenship of Senator Poe’s biological parents would be ascertained.) “maaring naiisip nila na kahit malaman pa kung sino ang mga magulang ni Senator poe, hindi naman magbabago ang kakulangan niya sa aspeto na ten-year residence requirement,” he added.

(Maybe they are thinking that even if Senator Poe’s would be known, her lack of the 10-year residence requirement will not

Presidential aspirant and Senator Grace Poe.

Photo courtesy of Senator Grace Poe’s Office

change.)

However, Vistan said it would still be best to just wait for the official release of the decision.

“Kung ano pa man ang talagang lalabas na desisyon, dapat ang lahat ng mga partido sa kaso ay handang tanggapin ito at sumunod dito,” he said.

(Whatever the decision would be, all of the parties involved in the case must be ready to accept and abide by it.)

Vistan said he believes there is strong evidence that poe failed to meet the 10-year residency and citizenship requirements.

While a possibility of issuing a decision only on residency, Vistan said he is hoping that the high court will also issue a ruling on her citizenship.

“Kaya kahit na pumasok pa sa isip ko dati na posibleng magkaroon ng hindi ganap na pag resolba sa lahat ng isyu sa pag disqualify kay Senator poe, umaasa ako na sasagutin pa din ng Kataas-taasang Hukuman ang lahat ng mga katanungan na pinag-isipan at tinalakay na din ng publiko noong mga nakaraang buwan tungkol sa kung pwede bang tumakbo si Senator poe sa

pagka pangulo sa darating na halalan,” said Vistan.

(That’s why although I have thought that it is possible that not all the issues will be resolved on the disqualification of Senator Poe, I hope the high court will answer all the questions that have risen and discussed by the public in the last months on whether Senator Poe is qualified to run for president in the upcoming elections.) poe, an adopted foundling from Iloilo, migrated to the uS to finish college and have a family. She became a naturalized uS citizen in 2001 and acquired dual citizenship in 2006.

Having returned to the country in 2005 following the death of her adoptive father Fernando poe Jr., the senator insisted she has met the 10-year residency rule for the 2016 polls. To prove she had intended to settle back in the philippines, poe said she bought properties and enrolled her children in metro manila in 2005.

Those pushing for her disqualification said poe continued using her uS passport despite reacquiring her philippine citizenship.

PROMOTED. Over a hundred police personnel of chief inspector ranks from different units took oath as superintendents in a donning of ranks ceremony held at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters on Monday, Feb. 29. PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez administered the promotion of 121 new superintendent officers after they passed the Police Superintendent Continuous Promotion Program. A total of 146 police personnel applied for the said promotion. “Think of ourselves last. When we get promoted, much much more is expected from us,” Marquez said in a speech.

PNP photo

Missing German found off PH coast

by Agnes

consTAnTe AJPress

THe body of a missing German adventurer was found inside an abandoned yacht off the coast of Barobo in Suigao del Sur. Two Filipino fishermen over the weekend discovered the body of 59-year-old manfred Fritz Bajorat inside a 40-foot yacht called Sayo, which had been sailing around the world for the past two decades. Bajorat’s body, which was preserved in part to salty air, dry ocean winds and hot temperatures, was found sitting at a desk near a radio telephone.

It remains unclear how long Bajorat was dead, but reported sightings of him have not been mentioned since 2009. Cause of death and how long Bajorat was missing also remain a mystery.

Bajorat’s body was taken to Butuan City for an autopsy, which showed there was no foul play involved.

“The doctor believes that the man died of natural causes, and there is no evidence of foul play,” a spokesman from the Barobo police station told mailOnline.

Dr. mark Benecke, a forensic criminologist in Cologne, Germany, told German newspaper Bild that the way Bajorat was sitting appears to indicate that his death

The wreck of a yacht, with an unidentified dead man inside, was found by fishermen and the Coast Guard off Surigao del Sur province.

PNP photo by Christopher Templanza

was unexpected, and suggested it could have been from a heart attack.

The German embassy in manila is working with local officials to find his daughter in Germany, according to the Daily mail. Bajorat is believed to have a daughter who works as a captain on a freight vessel. police are also attempting to retrace Bajorat’s last voyages and the people with whom he last spoke. One person told Bild he last heard of Bajorat a year ago on Facebook for his birthday, the Daily mail reported.

most of the cabin was underwater, but paperwork on board was used to identify Bajorat. The Daily mail reported that other items retrieved include photo albums of Bajorat’s family and friends, clothes, tins of food, and a letter he wrote to his wife, Claudia, who died of cancer in 2010.

Christopher rivas, 23, a resident of p-$ poblacion, was fishing with a friend about 40 miles off the coast when he saw the yacht with a broken sail. The pair then informed authorities of what they saw, according to news. au.com.

mANILA—The government admitted there was a “huge disappointment” over Congress’ failure to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) amid ongoing clashes between security forces and armed men apparently dismayed by the bypassing of the measure. presidential Adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles nevertheless said the ceasefire mechanisms are still working and the moro Islamic Liberation Front (mILF) is not standing in the way of the military operations in Lanao del Sur. “Certainly, the huge disappointment over the non-passage of the BBL provides more enticing, fertile ground for recruitment to radical, extremist thought and action,” Deles said in a statement forwarded to reporters by presidential Communications and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma.

“Thankfully, our ceasefire mechanisms particularly, the GpH (government) – mILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, with the International monitoring Team are working closely and robustly with the security sector to maintain peace and order on the ground, including curbing the spread of extremism,” she added. reports have quoted mILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar as saying that the armed men presently clashing with military forces in Butig, Lanao del Sur are not terrorists but moros disappointed with the way the government handled the peace process.

The Armed Forces Western mindanao Command (Westmincom) previously said security forces are launching offensives against local terrorists led by brothers Abdullah and Omar maute. The maute brothers are believed to have ties with the Southeast Asian regional terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah.

Deles said the ceasefire mechanisms have repositioned mILF troops to allow law enforcement

operations to proceed. She said the mILF has also provided sanctuary to displaced civilians.

The proposed BBL aims to form a new Bangsamoro political entity with enhanced autonomy. It will also implement the peace agree-

ment signed by the mILF and the government in 2014.

Congress adjourned session early this month without passing the BBL, one of the priority measures of the Aquino administration.

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March 3-9, 2016 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

OpiniOn

Pessimistic

Features

FOR a country infamous for its “dirty politics,” conducting a peaceful and clean conduct of elections will be a challenge for the Philippine government. While the country’s polls have been automated since 2010, some Filipino voters still express concern over possible cheating in the general elections in May. About four in every 10 Filipinos believe that there will be cheating in the May elections, according to the latest poll by Pulse Asia. The survey, conducted from Jan. 24 to 28, showed that an alarming 39 percent of the respondents are sure that candidates will cheat, while only 29 percent believed otherwise. 32 percent of those polled were ambivalent on the issue.

The same poll also revealed that seven out of 10 Filipinos or 65 percent said there will be massive vote-buying, 37 percent believe that there will be tampering of vote-counting machines. Others believe that there will be changing the actual vote count (32 percent) and the deployment of flying voters (31 percent) as forms of cheating.

Voters hoarding, replacing ballots inserted in machines, threatening other voters and election officers, machines being stolen and brownouts were also among the forms of cheating schemes that the respondents believe may occur.

For the May 9 elections to have a satisfactory conclusion, senatorial candidate Richard Gordon on Monday, Feb. 29, urged the Supreme Court to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to issue receipts to voters after casting their votes.

In his 24-page petition for mandamus, Gordon cited the Republic Act 9369 or the Automated Election Law, which states that the Voter Verification Paper Audit Trail or VVPAT is one of the mini-

mum systems capabilities of the automated election system and a major security feature of the vote counting machine. He explained that VVPAT allows every voter to confirm whether or not the machine cast the vote correctly based on the choice of the voter, thereby ensuring the integrity of the elections.

“The right to suffrage is a powerful tool placed in the hands of every Filipino giving them the ability to change the course of our country’s future.

Therefore, it is essential that the sanctity and credibility of our election system be continuously protected from threats putting its results in question. In order for the system to be protected, it is essential that implementation of various security systems must be complied with,” Gordon said.

The Comelec voted 7-0 “not to enable the feature of printing a receipt,” deciding against using the VVPAT because it could be used as a tool for vote-buying and would also extend the voting period by seven hours.

Despite some doubts on the accuracy of the automated polls, the Comelec allayed fears of possible tampering of the May 9 elections with voters not getting a print out of their votes. Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista assured that there is no reason to worry because safeguards are in place even in the absence of printed record of votes.

Last week, the Comelec conducted mock polls

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

to identify the possible problems that the Comelec may encounter during the actual transmission of votes in May. Bautista reported that the mock election would enable the Comelec to improve the system long before the scheduled May 9 elections.

Political reform in the Philippines is hounded by higher a public expectation. The growing cynicism in Philippine politics is like a cancer where a cure remains elusive. The stakes are higher in May, this makes it imperative to have empowered citizens

who appreciate and are responsible for the votes they will cast.

To discourage people who will rely on cheating to win, Filipino voters must exercise the right of suffrage with tenacity and good cheer. They must realize the power that belongs to them, which is to choose the leaders they think are adequate to hold an office. It will strengthen their participation in this democratic process and trust in the system after this election. (AJPress)

The nomination race to the White House must go beyond Super Tuesday

WHO won on “Super Tuesday”? As I write this on March 1, primaries and caucuses were held in a dozen states (and one US territory) to select a presidential candidate in both the Republican and Democratic Party nominating contests this year. In the most recent polls leading up to Super Tuesday, news organizations have projected that GOP front-runner Donald Trump and Democratic Party front-runner Hillary Clinton are on the verge of being coronated as the winners, but let the actual figures after the elections tell the story.

What exactly is “Super Tuesday”?

Politico explained that “Super Tuesday” is the unofficial name for a Tuesday during the presidential primary election when the largest number of states hold their nominating contests.

The results of these contests will account for about half of all delegates that will determine who will be each party’s nominee.

The states choosing their nominee this day were Ala- The Fil-Am bama, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Perspective Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia will hold contests for both Republicans and Democrats. Republicans in Alaska will hold caucuses. Gel SantoS-ReloS Democrats in Colorado will hold their caucuses as well. Finally, Democrats in American Samoa also held their nominating contest this Super Tuesday.

Politico explained the significance of Super Tuesday: “No other primary day has as many delegates grouped at once, and thus no other day gives a single candidate as much of a chance to declare a sense of certainty about his or her position.”

The results of Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses will certainly give so much momentum to whomever may win decisively in more states for both parties.

Sometimes, many candidates concede and suspend their candidacy, making the frontrunner the apparent nominee until formally coronated during their respective party’s convention. This puts an end to the primaries and caucuses scheduled in other states after Super Tuesday.

But there are times, like in 2008 between candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, when the race was been tight, pushing the scheduled primaries and caucuses to continue in all states to determine the nominee.

No matter what the results of Super Tuesday

might be, I hope we have a repeat of the 2008 election process. Citizens in all states must have their voices heard in choosing whom they want to be their party’s nominee. This also gives the voters the opportunity to present their views and aspirations on different issues that may have an impact on how the next president of the United States may stir the country moving forward. This will also energize and motivate citizens from all states to exercise their right of suffrage in the general election in November, after being heavily invested during the primary season. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

Fighting all forms of discrimination Post-script to the first Philippine presidential debate Commentary

SenatoR HaRRy Reid THE internment of thousands of Japanese Americans was a dark chapter in our nation’s history and a period of terrible injustice. Last month, Senate Democrats introduced a resolution recognizing the 74th anniversary of President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066, which allowed for Japanese internment camps in the United States during World War II. The resolution addresses the unjust measures taken to restrict the freedom of Japanese Americans during that period, and supports a National Day of Remembrance as an opportunity to oppose hate, xenophobia, and bigotry, and uphold justice and civil liberties for all people. It also reiterates that discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion is contrary to American values. This is an especially important issue to highlight given the vitriolic rhetoric we’ve seen throughout this campaign season.

As we look back on the 74th anniversary of this event, we should re-dedicate ourselves to fighting all forms of discrimination, wherever it occurs. Sadly, this sort of bigotry has been seen in recent months as Republicans call for barring people from the United States based on their religion and attack hard-working immigrant families. In the wake of the November terrorist attacks in Paris, we witnessed unconstitutional

calls to register Muslim Americans and bar millions from entering the United States solely because of their religion. Most recently, the leading Republican presidential candidate refused to disavow hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan. Such actions go against the values of our country and repeat the mistakes of 1942.

On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, and over the two years that followed, 120,000 Japanese Americans in western states, including 70,000 U.S. citizens, were evacuated from their homes and forcibly relocated to internment camps. None of the 120,000 victims were ever convicted of espionage or sabotage, or even accused of disloyalty. In 1983, the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians finally acknowledged that the internment program was a “grave injustice” that was conceived in haste and executed in an atmosphere of fear and anger at Japan.

Our resolution recognizes that fact and reminds us all that, as Americans, we must dedicate ourselves to defending the values of freedom and equality upon which our nation was founded. The legislation is supported by leading AAPI groups, including the National Coalition for Asian Pacific Americans, Japanese American Citizens League, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, South Asian Americans Leading Together, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Council of American Islamic Relations, and Muslim advocates.

Discrimination is wrong in all its forms and we must take a stand against it.

Street Talk GReG B. MacaBenta WHAT was billed as a debate among the candidates in the May presidential elections turned out to be a race against the clock for each speaker and an occasional exchange of light jabs.

It wasn’t really much of a “debate” as typified by the war of innuendos and insults in the US between the Republican presidential wannabes, as well as the cogent explanation of plans and policies that have marked the exchanges between Democratic contenders, Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders.

Given the 90-second time limit set for each candidate to respond to a question from the moderators, the 30-second limit set for what was supposed to be a rebuttal from a rival candidate and another 30 seconds for a counter-rebuttal, there was very little by way of depth that could have been expected from the first Philippine presidential debate.

Indeed, there was more meat in the 30-second spots that some of the candidates managed to air within the two-hour session, 48 minutes of which were allotted to commercials.

Perhaps due to her show business upbringing, Senator Grace Poe had obviously spent a lot of time preparing and memorizing her responses to the predictable topics. She delivered her lines well and one could concede that

she did a good job of acting presidential.

Of course, between acting and knowing what to do in a real-life presidential environment, there can be a humongous gap.

I’m reminded of the inaugural speech of President Noynoy Aquino which a delegation of Filipinos from the US (of which I was a part) had the privilege of listening to, up close (we had special seats in front of the Luneta grandstand). Aquino also delivered his lines well and some of them were quite memorable – things like “Wala nang wang-wang.” (No more sirens, meaning no more special treatment).

Unfortunately, between that impressive speech and his actual performance as leader of the country, there has been a wide and disappointing gap. This prompted the late Senator Joker Arroyo to describe the Aquino presidency as OJT or on-the-job training and to compare it to a college student council.

This was also obviously what LP standard bearer Mar Roxas meant when he patronizingly reminded Poe that the presidency is not meant for OJT. In the next breath, Roxas then rattled off his credentials as a public official, trying hard to impress his rivals and the audience with them. Too bad, Poe’s 30second rebuttal was rather tentative and not forceful enough.

She could have shot back, “With all of that experience, why haven’t you learned to do your job well?”

She did try to point that out but her statement was diluted by an effort to sound civil. Re-

ferring to the problems in the DILG and DOTC, Poe quipped, ‘I don’t need extensive experience to understand our transportation problems.’

That, of course, was a mouthful. True, Poe doesn’t need any experience to know that there is a transportation problem in Metro Manila but it will take more than memorizing a prepared spiel to get at the root of the mess and untangle it.

In that exchange between Roxas and Poe, Vice-President Jejomar Binay could have butted in with, “Bakit hanggang ngayon, palpak ka pa rin?” (Why are you still incompetent up to now?).

But the format of the debate did not allow that kind of verbal cross-fire. According to the papers, Binay did subsequently take a direct dig at Roxas in a campaign stop in Iligan City, the day after the debate. He reportedly described Roxas as “Secretary Palpak.” He should have said that line during the debate.

Some of the most memorable responses came from Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Asked to rebut the 90-second answer of Senator Miriam DefensorSantiago to a question from the moderators, Duterte quipped, “There’s nothing to rebut. I agree with what she said.” Or words to that effect.

And when it was Duterte’s turn to respond to a question from the moderators, this time concerning his reported penchant for extra-judicial killings and his alleged loose morals, he denied the first and attributed the second to “biological” needs.

Like Poe, Duterte also said a mouthful when he vowed to stop corruption and criminality, including drug trafficking, “in three to six months” from assuming the presidency.

If Duterte had such a talent, he would be the crime fighter of choice for the United States which has had difficulty getting rid of the mob and is not getting far in combating the problem of drugs.

Someone could also have reminded Duterte that when the New People’s Army collects “revolutionary taxes” and demands payment for “permits to campaign,” those are criminal acts – yet he has abetted them.

That makes him an accessory to the crime.

At any rate, it was Poe who was designated to react to Duterte’s statement, but she tried too hard to be polite. She only managed to remind Duterte to be careful because the women he dealt with could have a boyfriend or could be married. It was the former teacher in Poe telling a naughty pupil to behave. Spank.

Spank.

One almost wished that it was Santiago who had been asked to make the rebuttal – she with her convoluted English and barbed tongue – but then, Duterte and Santiago had nice words to say to each other, early on, and could not have been expected to throw verbal daggers.

Mar Roxas was the most pugnacious of the five presidential contenders. Perhaps owing to his poor survey ranking, behind Binay, Poe and Duterte, Roxas PAGE A7

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CBCP to OFWs: Vote based on 4Ps

MANILA—An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) laid down guidelines for overseas Filipino voters in choosing the country’s next leaders.

Balanga, Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP-episcopal commission on the pastoral care of migrants and itinerant people, urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will cast their votes during absentee voting period starting in April to choose candidates based on the four Ps – program, protection, promotion and prosecution.

“Choose government officials who have programs to create jobs at home, and not just be a laborsending country, and will not resort to contractualization,” Santos said in an interview.

He said OFWs must also choose leaders who can give them protection.

“Protect them from illegal recruitment, human traffickers, and syndicated scam such as tanimbala (bullet-planting),” he added.

The prelate suggested that the

next leaders must also “promote their rights and dignities as human persons, including having respect for their balikbayan boxes, and put an end to the charging of P550 terminal fee.”

Santos also urged absentee voters abroad to “prosecute all those who abused, falsely accused and extorted our overseas Filipino voters.”

The absentee voting will be held from April 9 to May 9. Absentee voters will only be voting for national positions—president, vice president, senators and party-list group.

Environment-friendly leader Meanwhile, Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday said the next president must make climate and disaster resilience a priority of the government, especially because the Philippines is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and natural hazards.

“Our media forums have been discussing these issues but still not as extensively as they should be.

Super Typhoon Yolanda was an eye-opener on the devastating ef-

fects of climate change,” Legarda, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction global champion for resilience, said in a statement.

She added that disaster and climate resilience should be at the core of development.

“Disasters like Yolanda can undo years of economic growth, while climate change impacts like stronger episodes of El Niño can slow down development programs. Unless we address the risks posed by disasters and climate change, extreme weather events will continue to destroy our farms and crops, decrease fish yield, increase poverty incidence, threaten public health and security, and cause loss of lives and biodiversity, among other impacts,” she said.

She said presidential candidates must incorporate in their plans of action the measurable targets under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

LP senatorial campaign wracked by infighting, sources say

by Paolo

They cited the Nueva Ecija sortie of the LP coalition last week where the senatorial candidates visited only two areas, including San Jose City where President Aquino was present.

“If this lack of stops continues, we’ll get nowhere,” a campaign insider said.

Since the campaign period started last Feb. 9, it was also evident that some senatorial candidates were not on good terms with some of their colleagues, like former senator Panfilo Lacson and former justice secretary Leila de Lima.

De Lima had tried to prosecute Lacson in 2011 over the DacerCorbito murder case.

The two, however, said earlier this month that they have patched up their differences.

RomeRo

There was also talk that Aquino was not exactly happy with re-electionist Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, who had also missed some campaign sorties.

Marikina City Rep. Romero Quimbo, campaign manager for the administration senatorial ticket, however downplayed the grumblings, which he attributed to “birth pains of a large and major national campaign.”

“These are nothing new. I’m sure other campaigns are experiencing the same issues but we’ve resolved them. And most importantly, we’ve resolved them quickly,” Quimbo said in a telephone interview.

The big difference between the LP sorties and those of others is that the administration has a complete slate, he said.

BIGGEST SOLAR FARM. Rather than harvest rice and corn, this 160-hectare farm in Calatagan, Batangas province, the largest solar facility in the country, generates heat from the sun, providing power to the western part of Batangas.

Inquirer.net photo

75% of Aquino reforms completed

by Richmond meRcuRio Philstar.com

MANILA—Agribusiness, infrastructure, creative industries, MANILA—The senatorial telecommunications and mining campaign of the Liberal Partyshould be given greater attention led Daang Matuwid coalition by the government as part of its appears to be floundering and continuing reform activities, forwracked by bickering among the eign business groups in the Philipcandidates themselves. pines said.

Some senatorial candidates The Joint Foreign Chambers and insiders in the campaign (JFC), the largest coalition of forhave been complaining of erratic eign investors in the Philippines, schedules and have reduced their made the assessment based on sorties to woo voters. recommendations from local and While senatorial candidates foreign groups originally published of other slates, like those of in 2010 in Arangkada Philippines.

Sen. Grace Poe, are able to The JFC said it was happy to stomp through five towns and report that nearly three fourths of cities in a day, the LP ticket so the reforms pushed by business far has managed, on average, and investors groups in 2010 have to campaign in two cities or been addressed by the governmunicipalities in one trip, they ment as of last year. said.

“The public sector is the enabler of job growth, while the private sector is the engine. The two must work in parallel for inclusive growth and job creation,” the JFC said.

“The private sector is doing its share and is ready to do more to improve inclusive growth through investing. Various firms generously support a wide range of socially responsible and economically oriented activities, especially in education, health, housing and disaster relief and recovery,” it added.

The JFC lauded the national government for major improvements in the Philippine economy over the past five years but said a number of binding constraints still remain which prevent the country from achieving inclusive growth.

The Arangkada assessment for On Monday, Feb. 29, The Star reported that the Liberal Party-led Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid is wracked by infighting among its senatorial 2015 showed 74.50 percent or 333 candidates. of the 462 recommendations are active and moving, an overall improvement from the 51.44 percent in the first assessment in 2011.

PAGE A6 SNAFU – Situation Normal. All Yolanda disaster.

It was a slight improvement tried to come on very strong, Defensively, Roxas protested F*cked Up. from the 74.22 percent posted in both in his attacks on his rivals that he was in Tacloban the day As a native of that city, I know and in his claim to an impressive before, on the day of and in the that Taclobanons have not forgivrecord of performance. days following the tragedy. He en Roxas for his heartless remark, At one point, Roxas offered claimed staying for 16 days at- “Bahala na kayo sa buhay niyo.”

MALAYSIAN Foreign Minisan analogy as quoted in media: tending to the problem.

One of the most significant ex“I have a simple question with Well, Roxas’s presence was changes between Roxas and Bi- ter Wisma Putra has summoned a simple answer. Who will you not much help. Millions in Yolan- nay was when the former pointed a senior Philippine diplomat choose as your daily driver to da relief funds are missing, tons out that “there are two Makatis.” over published remarks by Vice entrust your child: Is it someone of relief goods and food were He referred to “the Makati of the President Jejomar Binay that he with a case of corruption, a hot- left to rot, and to this day, thou- Ayalas” and the poor sections of would pursue his country’s terrihead who is prone to accidents, sands of missing persons have the city governed by the Binays. torial claim to Sabah, according or someone who is just learn- not been accounted for in the Someone could have added to reports from the Asian News ing to drive? Or will you choose government’s desperate effort that, in truth, there are also two Network.

The Malaysian Foreign Minsomeone you have known for to minimize the official casualty countries in our hapless Philipa long time, someone who has count. . pines. The country of the wealthy istry said in a statement it had never taken advantage of you, I myself wrote a piece on the and the influential and the coun- called in the Philippine Embasand someone who comes with Roxas-Soliman-Gazmin man- try of the poor, the jobless and sy’s charge d’ affaires, Maria Antonina Mendoza-Oblena, over a good recommendation from a agement principle which they the homeless. former employer?”

Hopefully the next two presi- Binay’s remarks. called, “The Convergent Ap“The Malaysian government This left him wide open for a proach” – meaning, no one was dential debates will focus on that reminder from Binay that Rox- really in charge and each one without the forced civility and reiterates its position that it does as had been the epitome of in- was left to his or her own de- politeness. (gregmacabenta@ not recognize and will not entertain any claims by any party on competence in dealing with the vices. No wonder, the result was hotmail.com) Philstar.com

A

Post-script to the first Philippine...

Pres. Benigno Aquino III

last year’s assessment.

“There has been great progress, not enough, but great progress.

Philippine economy is doing very well but it can do better,” American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines senior advisor John Forbes said.

The Arangkada assessment 2015 identified the sectors of business process outsourcing, infrastructure, manufacturing and tourism as having benefited much from policy and economic reforms.

Arangkada Philippines is a major advocacy launched in 2010 by the JFC. It is funded by a $1-million grant from the US Agency for International Development and is administered by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, foreign business groups appeared unimpressed by the business platforms presented by representatives of presidential aspirants at yesterday’s Arangkada Philippines forum. The candidates did not show up and only sent their representatives.

Former finance secretary Gary Teves represented Jejomar Binay, vice presidential candidate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano showed up for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Valen-

zuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian came for Sen. Grace Poe and Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo represented Manuel Roxas II. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago had no representative.

“I was not satisfied with the answers the candidates gave as to addressing the vast array of the protectionist restrictions and regulations in the government and other regulatory agencies,” Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Julian Payne said.

“We’ve heard what we wanted to hear. The issues have never changed, they remain the same.

What I want to hear is how do we get there,” said Ryan Evangelista, executive director of the AustraliaNew Zealand Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

The issues brought up by the candidates include pursuing economic growth, addressing corruption in the government, improving infrastructure and tax reforms.

The foreign chambers of commerce in the country are urging the next administration to initiate bolder measures to steer the Philippine economy to greater progress over the next decade.

Sabah,” Wisma Putra said.

It said that Sabah has been recognized by the United Nations and the international community as being part of Malaysia since the formation of the federation on Sept. 16, 1963.

Sought for comment, Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesperson, said, “We do not understand the reason for summoning the charge d’ affaires. The statement of the Vice President is consistent with the official position taken by the Philippine government on the matter.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, is verifying the report.

Binay, who is running for President under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), told reporters during a campaign sortie in Quezon he would revive the Sabah claim if he wins the presidency.

“Ipagpapatuloy natin ang claim natin diyan, atin naman ‘yan [We will pursue our claim there, that is ours],” Binay had told reporters in Candelaria town.

One of UNA’s senatorial candidates is Sulu Sultanate Princess Jacel Kiram, whose family claims historic ownership of Sabah. (ANN, with a report from Niña Calleja/Inquirer.net)

PH envoy summoned over Binay’s Sabah remarks

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Oscar Night: Asian American onstage Oscar winner wears piña by Oliver Tolentino presence, reactions to racist joke ‘Inside Out’ Filipino director takes home prize

By Allyson

EscobAr AJPress

Amid the glitz and glamor of the much-awaited Academy Awards, the 88th annual awards show was criticized after the show’s host, comedian Chris Rock, made race the butt of his jokes. “i’m here at the Academy Awards, otherwise known as the White People’s Choice Awards,” Rock said to an audience during his opening monologue. “Hey, if you want black nominees every year, you need to just have black categories. That’s what you need. You need to have black categories.”

“Hollywood is sorority racist,” he continued.

Another tense moment occurred when Rock brought out three young Asian Americans for a joke that perpetuates racial stereotypes. “The results of tonight’s Academy Awards have been tabulated by the accounting firm of Pricewaterhouse Coopers. They sent us their most dedicated, accurate, and hard-working representatives,” Rock said, before three Asian American kids wearing professional attire came out onstage, named “ming Zhu, Bao Ling, and david moskowitz.” “if anybody’s upset about that joke, just tweet about it on your phone, which was also made by these three kids,” Rock continued, as the audience laughed at the Asian kids--dressed as accountants/bankers--standing onstage.

The award joke upset many people and minority groups alike, many of whom took to social media to express their views.

“Seriously though, when is this going to change?!? Tired of it being ‘cool’ and ‘ok’ to bash Asians [shaking my head] #Oscars,” tweeted basketball star

FiL-Am Oscar winner Ronnie del Carmen, who co-directed and co-wrote “inside Out,” wore a piña tuxedo by Hollywood Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino at the 88th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 28. “inside Out” won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. Codirector Pete docter and producer Jonas Rivera collected the award. del Carmen personally was nominated for Best Original Screenplay for the same film, along with four others. The script was based on a story del Carmen created with docter.

Going into the awards night, “inside Out” was favored to win best animated film, but it was a different story in the original screen-

play category, as “inside Out” was competing with “Straight Outta Compton,” “Bridge of Spies,” “Ex machina,” and “Spotlight,” which won. While it’s often a cliché, it really was a win for del Carmen just to be nominated in this category with all of the live action films. del Carmen, who previously worked on “Up,” chose a midnight blue Oliver Tolentino piña tuxedo to wear to the awards. His wife, Tess del Carmen, also chose a Tolentino creation, opting for an emerald green lace mermaid gown.

Tolentino is known for promoting Philippine eco fabrics, especially in Hollywood. del Carmen is the first Oscar nominee to wear

piña to the Academy Awards.

Nominee matthew Libatique wore an abaca tie with his Tolentino tuxedo in 2011 when he was nominated for cinematography for Black Swan. Celebrities to wear Oliver’s piña outfits in Hollywood have included Carrie Underwood, Emmy Rossum, Jessica Alba, maria menounos, Sophia Bush, Tara Lipinski, and maggie Grace.

Tolentino’s creations are lucky for animated films (and for himself). At the 86th Academy Awards, the designer became the first Filipino in 53 years to dress an Oscar winner when Jennifer Lee won for Frozenwhile wearing his black gown. For more info: www.OliverTolentino.com.

Pia gives Miss Universe ‘crown’ to Leonardo DiCaprio for Oscar win

Ronnie and Tess del Carmen at the 2016 Oscars both wearing Oliver Tolentino creations.

Photo by Sthanlee B Mirador

Jeremy Lin. “Umm, no @chrisrock. Using little Asian kids to joke about math stereotypes and child labor isn’t funny,” said Grace Hwang Lynch (@HapamamaGrace). “did that appalling joke about Asian kids actually happen?”

asked Justin Chang (@JustinCChang).

Even politicians got involved.

CA Rep. Judy Chu of district 27, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, released the statement: ““it is PAGE B2

miSS UNivERSE 2015 Pia Wurtzbach lauded Hollywood actor Leonardo diCaprio for his Best Actor win in the 88th Academy Awards for his performance in “The Revenant.” in a post on the miss Universe Facebook page, Wurtzbach said: “You deserved it! Leonardo diCaprio takes the Oscar for Actor in a Leading Role! #Crowned - Pia” The photo showed diCaprio wearing the bejeweled miss Universe crown in his Oscars red carpet garb. Wurtzbach joined netizens in congratulating diCaprio in his first Oscars win. in his acceptance speech, the 41-year-old actor urged people to act and counter the threats brought by climate change.

“Climate change is real. it is happening right now. it’s the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together,” said diCaprio on Sunday, Feb. 28.

“Let us not take this planet for granted; i do not take tonight for granted. Thank you so much,” he said. diCaprio edged out Bryan Cranston, matt damon, michael Fassbender and Eddie Redmayne for the award.

He was previously nominated for five times for an Oscar in “Wolf of Wall Street,” “Blood diamond,” “The Aviator” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” but always came home empty-handed. in “The Revenant,” diCaprio played a fur trapper who was attacked by a bear and was left for dead.

(Inquirer.net) Photo uploaded on Miss Universe official Facebook page

‘Twilight’ actress wears Francis Libiran to Oscars party Direk Wenn Deramas remembered as ‘a loving, caring friend’

ANOTHER Filipino-made gown has rolled out in one of Hollywood’s biggest events.

“Twilight” alumna Nikki Reed showed up with her husband ian Somerhalder at the 24th Annual AidS Foundation Oscars viewing party wearing a semi-serpentina gown made by Filipino designer Francis Libiran.

Nikki completed the ultra-glam look with a dark shaded lipstick and Brian Atwood heels.

Libiran took to instagram to confirm that the nude-toned gown is indeed one of his creations.

Libiran’s creations have been conquering the Hollywood red carpet for the past few years. in 2012, supermodel Tyra Banks wore his piece at the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s fourth annual Blossom Ball, which landed Banks on the best dressed list. moreover, his collections have been featured twice in fashion reality series “America’s Next Top model.” (Philstar.com) Nilkki Reed

by MArinEl

Photos posted by Francis Libiran on his Instagram account

Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo ‘exclusively dating’ Jennylyn Mercado

r. cruz

Inquirer.net

mANiLA—Jennylyn mercado admitted that she and dennis Trillo are “exclusively dating.”

The actress admitted this in an interview with YES! magazine, which will come out this march. in the interview, parts of which were published in the showbiz news site Philippine Entertainment Portal, Jennlyn said chose to keep mum on the real score between her and dennis.

“Gusto na lang namin, tahimik na lang,” she said. it can be remembered that Jennylyn and dennis were in a relationship from 2010 to march 2011.

Rumors that they have reconciled spread last year, but the two maintained their silence regarding the issue. (Philstar.com)

“HE was a loving and caring friend. He was never too shy to say ‘mahal kita‘ when we speak to each other on the phone,” a close friend said of movie and television director Wenn v. deramas who passed away on monday, Feb. 29 due to cardiac arrest.

“We’ve been friends for as long as i can remember,” the director’s talent manager and friend, June Rufino, said. “i will miss the times when he would crack jokes and tease me because i was always the last one to understand them.”

Rufino described her relationship with deramas as “very open.”

She explained: “He would call me when something displeases him—at home and at work.” deramas’ massive heart attack could have been triggered by his reaction to the death of his younger sister, deramas’ talent manager told the Inquirer. He was 49. doctors at the Capitol medical Center in Quezon City declared deramas’ death at 6:15am. “This could have been a reaction of his body to his sister’s passing.

The doctors tried to revive her in front of Wenn,” Rufino told the inquirer. deramas’ sister died on February 28 due to complications of diabetes. She also underwent kidney dialysis for a long time, Rufino said.

Vice Ganda and Wenn Deramas

deramas had a stroke and underwent angioplasty in November 2015. “We talked often but he never mentioned feeling any physical pain,” Rufino recalled. “i got a call from Cory vidanes at 4am demanding that i go to the hospital immediately. He was already being revived then.” vidanes is the chief operating officer of ABS-CBN, where deramas was a talent contract artist. She was with comedian and deramas’ friend vice Ganda at the hospital.

Rufino added that deramas went to the hospital on Sunday at 9pm to check on his sister, who died shortly. He had his heart attack at 2 a.m. “Cory and his sisters in the United States talked on the

phone. They insisted that doctors revive him, but they did not hear a single heart beat anymore. From Paranaque where i live, i arrived there at 5am,” she recalled.

Rufino said she was in contact with deramas’ sisters, who authorized her to make arrangements for the director’s wake and burial. deramas’ remains will lie at the Arlington memorial in Quezon City. interment will be announced later. deramas first worked as a production assistant in the Tv show “Tatak Pilipino” in 1990. He was also a writer for the show “Teysi ng Tahanan” and an executive producer of “Calvento Files.” His PAGE B3

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Melai not competing with Pokwang Why LizQuen tandem clicks by

by Boy

ABunDA Philstar.com

Bot Glorioso Philstar.com

MANILA—Besties. BFFs. Friendship. You can call them whatever you want. After all, Melai Cantiveros and Pokwang are friends in real life.

However, like most relationships under the showbiz spotlight, their friendship has also been viewed by people as either fake or genuine. There were some who surmised that there is competition between the two comediennes.

But Melai and Pokwang do not let the “fame game” get in the way of their bond.

“Ate Pokie (Pokwang’s nickname), I really treat her as my Ate. Although we’re not the type who would text each other often, we know in our hearts that we are true friends,” said Melai after the grand press con of ABS-CBN’s latest Primetime Bida offering “We Will Survive” that premiered this week. “Ang bait-bait ni Ate Pokie sa akin kaya nahihiya talaga ako sa nag-iisyu sa amin.”

The close bond began six years ago when Melai entered showbiz right after she became the PBB Double Up grand winner in 2010.

Melai shared that it was Pokwang who always gave her “raket” during her “newbie” days when projects only came in trickles.

“Whenever she’s not free or cannot attend to her commitments, she would suggest me to the bosses to take her place.”

The 27-year-old comedienne also recalled how Pokwang had been so supportive to her in their first TV project together as mainstays of Happy Yipee Yehey. “Kaya turing ko talaga sa kanya Ate. At kahit sa Banana Split dati, she was there to help me with my outfit and make-up.”

Until this day, Melai and Pokwang’s relationship exactly defines the old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” They, too, can easily prove that their friendship is not about fame or money but about trust and having fun.

At the press con, Pokwang revealed that Melai became a regular visitor at her home when she and husband Jason Francisco were ironing some marital kinks.

“Melai is so genuine; a very kind person,” said Pokwang on their rivalry issue. “That’s why I cannot take it seriously. Besides, we are working under the same network; magkakapamilya tayo.

We should help one another.

Kagaya ng sinasabi ni Mang Dol-

Melai Cantiveros (left) treats Pokwang as her big sister. They both star in the ABS-CBN latest offering “We Will Survive” that is set to air on the Primetime Bida.

phy nung nabubuhay pa siya, ‘Magtulungan kayong mga komedyante.’”

Without a doubt, Pokwang and Melai followed the Comedy King. They are supportive of each other’s careers, especially in their first primetime show We Will Survive.

“I feel nervous. I cannot believe that we will be airing on Monday.

That’s why I am praying so hard to the Lord because a primetime (slot) is not a joke. But at the same time, I really am very thankful because I am with Ate Pokie. She helps me how to effectively deliver in drama sequences,” Melai said. “And I’m sure the show will put an end to whatever comparison is made between us kasi talagang nag-mamahalan kami ni Ate Pokie.”

According to Pokwang, among the stars of We Will Survive, it is Melai who never seems to run out of energy. The former admitted there were times when she felt too sleepy during their location shoot in Bicol where most of the cast members stayed for three weeks.

“Pero pag bumulong na si Melai at narinig mo na nagsasalita siya ng ganun, mawawala talaga ang antok mo. Pero ‘pag love life ang usapan, buhay kaming lahat.”

Pokwang added, “Melai has a hard time turning emotional right after completing the light scenes; galing kasi sa katatawa. But once I hold her hand, expect tears in her eyes.”

“But the drama here is not OA (overacting) because we want to show what normally happens in our everyday life na may dumarating talaga na moment na emosyo-

nal tayo,” Melai said.

Asked what she admires most in Pokwang, Melai replied, “Her being strong in facing life’s challenges. She has survived the painful moments in her life and I cannot think of anything that I hate about her because I love Ate Pokie inside out.”

Apart from Pokwang, Melai has also found true friendship with other celebrities like Alex Gonzaga, Angelica Panganiban, Jolina Magdangal, Nyoy Volante, Edgar Allan Guzman, Maja Salvador, Kim Chiu, Cacai Bautista, Jay-R and Maxene Magalona. “I can’t mention them all. I have lots of friends in showbiz who I didn’t expect to get along with when we first met. But it only took a short while for me to feel comfortable with them. Nung una kasi na-intimidate pa ko; mababait naman pala sila. Although we don’t normally text one another, still we (have a good time) every time we meet.”

Melai is also blessed with a lot of TV projects. “I am enjoying whatever it is that comes my way.

As they say, strike while the iron is hot. I’m contented with whatever project is there for me; I’m not choosy with roles.”

On the personal front, Melai makes sure to spend quality time with Jason and their daughter Mela on weekends. They either go to the mall or stay in a hotel for some leisure.

“I divide my time between work and family because I want to save for the future. Alam mo na may baby na kami kaya ipon pa more, hahaha.”

WHAT makes a successful love team? There are a lot of things, but mostly, it’s just magic. Sometimes you can never really tell when two people will click. Then there are people who you think will be good for each other, but things don’t work out, and it’s as much of a surprise when that happens and you’re left wondering why. In the case of Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, it was easy for them since they were already friends, given that they are both Kapamilya stars and have the same handler at Star Magic, but there were other factors that conspired to bring the two of them even closer together.

Enrique, or Quen, says working on “Forevermore” at La Presa in Baguio was one of them. Up there, in the mountains, cut off from social media and the busy-ness of life and work in Manila, there were no distractions and they had plenty of opportunities to talk and bond.

So the friendship just got “deeper and better,” says Enrique, and this translated onto the screen.

People saw how they were gradually becoming closer, and it helped make their chemistry more real, onscreen and off. In a manner of speaking, their chemistry leapt off the screen and turned their love team into a phenomenon. Based on how things went for them in Forevermore, Quen is hopeful that with their next project, things will be even better between him and Liza. “Oo naman, I mean, sa tagal namin nag-bonding doon sa Baguio, sa Forevermore, it just goes deeper and better.”

One reason the LizQuen love team is such a hit is because the chemistry is not forced. Quen says the secret is in trying to not even think about it because that’s when it comes out looking that way.

“I think the secret to having this chemistry is in not trying to have any chemistry at all,” he says. “It just comes naturally. ‘Yon ang narealize ko. Try not to think about it.

Just enjoy it.”

He’s told Liza — who tends to overthink and worry too much at times — the same thing. Their love team’s growing popularity can either be something to celebrate, or a source of pressure, and Quen, who is the more happy-go-lucky one, encourages Liza to just go with

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano.

Philstar.com photo by Ver Paulino

the flow and not think about it so much. “(I tell her), try not to think about it. Just believe in yourself and enjoy the moment.”

But Liza admits that she’s not really a go-with-the-flow type person.

She’s more logical and methodical than Quen is in her approach to not just her friendships or relationships, but especially in terms of her career. She has set rules for herself that she tries to follow religiously.

“Ako, kabaligtaran niya (Quen),” says Liza. “I tend to overthink, so ako ‘yung hard on myself. Kasi I get scared that one day, I won’t be as good as my last show. Gusto ko, every show, may bago. I want to show that I am capable of giving something else, offering something else to the audience. I just want that the management will see more potential in me, that I can do other things, parang ganoon po.”

But while their personalities may differ in that respect, Liza always looks forward to working with Enrique. Both of them have reached a point in their friendship where they feel totally comfortable with each other. Liza confirms this. In fact, in their new show Dolce Amore, this same chemistry (which viewers saw in Forevermore and their other projects) will come to bear on how they act out their roles. Liza plays a girl from a rich family, while Quen

plays a poor, hard-luck raketero from the streets of Manila.

“It’s always a pleasure (to work with Quen),” says Liza. “Actually, hindi pa po kami masyado nagkaroon ng scenes together, may ilan, pero excited ako for ‘yung paparating para sa aming dalawa.”

In “Forevermore,” it was the other way around — Quen played the son of rich hoteliers, while Liza came from a strawberry-farming family. In Dolce Amore (literally, “sweet love”), their roles are reversed. Playing the role of a poor raketero, someone who does odd jobs to get by, was an eye-opener for Quen. It made him think.

“How easy we have it sometimes ‘no? When I was shooting sa construction, nakikita ko na ‘yung iba tinuturan mag-welding, magganyan. You know you see all these establishments and how hard these people worked for that, and to be in it and do what they do, (it makes you feel like) you have no reason to complain. So it just opens your mind. It shows you things that you really didn’t know. It’s a humbling experience.”

People around them are betting that their new show will become just as big a hit as the last one, and that their natural chemistry will again prove why theirs is such a winning tandem.

forming for an Indonesian or Filipino audience?

Both. No matter where I am singing, it’s always fulfilling.

Would you consider relocating to Indonesia to pursue a full-time singing career?

Anything is possible, but as of now, I don’t think I can leave home for a long time.

How do you deal with aggressive fans?

Aggressively. Just kidding. I try my best to be patient.

What was the craziest thing a fan did to you on or offstage?

A fan jumped on me while I was singing. Offstage, someone tried to grab my ear.

Any rituals before a concert?

I jump up and down for energy.

What’s your song for yourself these days?

“The Way You Look at Me.” What do you wish you were good at?

Dancing.

What are your thoughts on marriage and fidelity?

You should always aim to be honest and full of love.

When do you plan to settle down?

Not in my agenda yet.

Are good singers born, not made?

Some are born; some are made with the help of voice lessons.

What has fame taught you?

To always strive to be the best version of myself.

Christian Bautista’s charms

by Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

CHRISTIAN Bautista continues to make waves in Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia. The dashing crooner is fresh from Jakarta, where he had a successful Valentine show. He also guested in top-rating Indonesian shows.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Christian: What’s more fulfilling, per-

Christian Baustista

Inquirer.net photo

Oscar Night: Asian American onstage presence...

From Page 1 not right to protest the exclusion of one group by making jokes at the expense of another.

I am so disappointed that the Academy and ABC would rely on such offensive characterizations, especially given the controversy over the lack of diversity.”

“While much attention was paid to the way African Americans have been ignored by Hollywood, true diversity must include other minorities as well.

It is outrageous that the only role that Asian Americans had at last night’s Oscars was to appear as the butt of a joke. Young children stood up on stage as the audience was made to laugh at Asian and Jewish names,” Chu continued. “Reinforcing stereotypes of Asians as good at math or child laborers runs counter to multicultural understanding and inclusion. It’s time for Hollywood to see Asians as more than just punchlines.”

The historic lack of Asian and Asian American representation and recognition at the Oscars was also called out by viewers.

According to The Economist and NBC News, Asians make up less than 5 percent of the “Hollywood breakdown” of actors, writers, and directors nominated for an award.

“How unnecessary to make fun of Asians on the Oscars, when Hollywood isn’t even evolved enough to give Asians

Asian-specific roles yet,” tweeted Jen Chae (@fromheadtotoe).

Several familiar Asian Americans appeared onstage to present, including South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun, Priyanka Chopra, and Dev Patel. Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won an award for her short subject documentary, “A Girl in the River.”

Disney/Pixar’s ‘Inside Out,’ a colorful story about emotions and the wide complexities of the human brain, took home the prize for Best Animated Feature.

It was the eighth Pixar film to win in the category, according to USA Today.

“Regardless of whether we get a gold man or not, we get to make stuff,” said the film’s director, Pete Docter. “This film was really born from watching our kids grow up, which is not easy. Anyone out there who is in junior high, high school, working it out, suffering, there are days you’re going to feel sad. You’re going to feel angry, you’re going to be scared. That’s nothing you can choose, but you can make stuff.”

The movie’s co-director, Ronnie del Carmen (from Cavite City and alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas), is the first Filipino to codirect a film at Pixar, as well as the first Filipino to earn an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay.

“Ronnie should be up here,

too,” said producer Jonas Rivera in the backstage press room at the Oscars. “Ronnie is an essential part of the movie.

He contributed so much to the emotion, the heart of the movie, and we are incredibly lucky to work with him.”

“I am so grateful to be a part of this movie, working with Pete Docter and being part of Pixar!

This movie would not be made if our champion, John Lasseter, did not push for it and support it all the way,” Del Carmen told Inquirer. “As an immigrant from the Philippines, I kept my goals modest and stayed realistic. Because of where I come from, we worked so hard for so little back then. So this means so much to our family for our story.”

At Sunday night’s show, Del Carmen and his wife Theresa wore Philippine-made creations

by Hollywood red carpet designer, Oliver Tolentino.

“This is for my parents who worked so hard to save us; my country where so many are like me wishing for what seems impossible,” he continued. “For my people in the Philippines, I can tell you—dreams keep you going. Awards or no awards, let this be a point of reference that anyone can dream the impossible. Do the work, be as good as you can be, fail and learn as you go and you’ll get to a grand place where you’ve become the dream.”

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Features

A lip-synching showdown begins

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 3-9, 2016

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Nyoy Volante ties the knot with Mikkie Bradshaw

MANILA—Nyoy Volante has finally found his forever with theater actress Mikkie Bradshaw.

MANILA—Celebrities pitted The two tied the knot on Friday against each other, although not at the Manila Cathedral in Intraliterally, but in a TV contest, is muros, Manila. It was attended by always a run-down hit. No wontheir family and friends, which inder, “Lip Sync Battle Philippines” clude some showbiz personalities (LSB), the latest musical reality like Karla Estrada, Vina Morales competition that premiered on and Freddie Webb.

GMA Network, has undoubtOn the video posted by Nice edly been a weekend, primetime Print Photography on their Youwinner even after only its pilot Tube page, the two answered the episode. presiding priest when they were Hosted by Michael V, with Iya asked why they have chosen Villania as Color Commentator, each other.

Iya Villania congratulates Dennis Trillo who earns the Lip Sync Battle Philippines belt after “Lip Sync Battle Philippines” pits “Sense of humor,” replied two celebrities against each other performing as Sia. Mikkie when asked what she in a lip synching showdown for rities who have graced the show performed lip-synched numbers two rounds, with the audience included Tom Cruise, Channing in the show. Not even LL Cool J deciding on who will win at the Tatum, Justin Bieber, Dwayne has done a lip-synch number in the end.

“The Rock” Johnson, Anne Ha- original program in Hollywood.

The show is a spin-off of a thaway and John Legend, among “Kapal ng mukha at todo bigay PAGE B1 segment in “The Tonight Show others. ang kailangan dito,” Michael V With Jimmy Fallon,” which was Today, “Lip Sync Battle” has seemingly warned the celebrity film “The Unkabogable Praybeyt introduced by actor John Kra- paved the way for a number of in- contestants. The winner at the end Benjamin” was the highest-grosssinski. John and his actress-wife, ternational TV franchises — China, of the show gets the LSB champi- ing Filipino film in 2011, after earning P300 million in the boxEmily Blunt, were contemplating Chile, Canada. Indonesia, United onship belt. on what to do in the show for his Kingdom, Poland and, most reThe country’s hottest leading office. In 2012, the record was guest appearance and the idea to cently, the Philippines. men, Dennis Trillo and Tom Ro- surpassed with yet another Deralip-synch came about.

In the pilot, Michael V gave a driguez, went head-on with the mas movie, the Metro Manila Film Jimmy Fallon apparently loved sampling of lip-synching by aping lip-synching battle in the pilot Festival entry “Sisterakas,” which the concept so he made it a recur- celebrities such as Taylor Swift episode. Popularly known as Tom- earned P350 million.

He is also the director of the ring segment in his show. Being (Shake It Off), Idina Menzel (Let Den, they were best remembered consistently well-received, the It Go) and Miley Cyrus (Wrecking in the primetime tele-series, My successful “Tanging Ina” fransegment eventually evolved into a Ball), complete with costumes. Husband’s Lover, which also chise that made comedienne Ai-Ai deals Alas a household full-length TV program developed Yes, he donned Elsa’s trademark, starred Carla Abellana.

by John and Stephen Merchant. It powder-blue gown in Frozen. His “Dito kami magkakasubukan,” name. Deramas’ last film was the didn’t take long before the show, co-host, Iya, did her share with a teased Dennis before his number. action comedy flick “Beauty and hosted by singer-rapper LL Cool J, few rap numbers.

“Dati acting, ngayon singing and the Bestie,” which was an official entry to the 2015 Metro Manila became a “legitimate hit.”

Michael V can brag that he and performance.”

So far, A-list Hollywood celeb- Iya are the only hosts who have PAGE B3 Film Festival and featured Vice Ganda and Coco Martin.

Actress-TV host Kris Aquino, star of “Sisterakas” posted this on her Instagram account about Derby JoyCe Jimenez singer. They both used Anne as an emas: “He made being a creative, as a singer.

Philstar.com ratings and box-office genius in During the press conference example for their answer.

“Ang parang sa akin kasi, it’s both television and film seem efMANILA—Lani Misalucha and for “I Love OPM,” Martin and Martin Nievera see Anne Curtis Lani were asked what makes a not necessarily talaga ‘yong gaano fortless and easy.” She described ka kahusay. Kasi ‘yong proseso Deramas as a loving father and a bago mo marating ‘yong gano’n, co-worker who was always happy and easy to work with. “[He was] e,” she said about Anne.

Lani said she admired how the a generous and caring mentor…

Kapamilya actress “nag-effort po A true inspiration.”

Aquino’s son, James Yap Jr., talaga siya, she worked so hard at talagang gusto niya talaga matu- was part of the “Praybeyt Benjatunan. Minsan ‘yong gano’n mas min” hit franchise.

“I can’t even celebrate and valuable sa akin, ‘yong lahat binigay mo na effort, ‘yon ang mas enjoy the 88th Oscars because I’m so devastated and shocked,” matimbang para sa akin, e.”

As for Martin, he believes that Ruffa Gutierrez posted on Twit“compared to other singers in our ter about Deremas. “I will miss country, she has more passion, you so much. Why did you leave more honesty because she doesn’t us so soon?” The 2016 Academy claim to be Barbara Streisand, Ce- Awards aired on Monday morning (Manila time). line Dion or Lani Misalucha.”

“I’m in utter shock as I’ve just “She’s one singer, I think, knows the truth of her talent as heard the sad news that director Lani Misalucha and Martin Nievera admire Anne Curtis as a singer, especially her passion for a singer, but she has more drive, Wenn has passed on,” said Dawn Zulueta who worked with Deramusic Philstar.com photo by Joyce Jimenez more passionate,” he added.

by Leah

C. SaLterio Philstar.com

liked about Nyoy. “I need a man who makes me laugh my whole life.”

Nyoy, on the other hand, said he has found his “forever” with Mikkie.

“Noong nakita ko si Mikkie, naramdaman ko kaagad na naiintindihan niya ako, tapos she’s kind... tugma talaga lahat,” he explained.

“Kahit sobrang contrast naming dalawa, the way that we approach this, iisa lang ang pakay namin - to be together. ‘Yon ang Nyoy Volante has tied the knot with theater kailangan ko talaga, to have a actress Mikkie Bradshaw at Manila Cathedral partner hanggang sa pagtanda in Intramuros, Manila. Instagram/Nyoy ko,” he added. (Philstar.com) Volante’s account/Nice Print Photography

Direk Wenn Deramas remembered as...

Lani, Martin admire Anne Curtis as a singer

for

mas in the 2010 teleserye remake of “Mula sa Puso.” “I’ve grown so fond of him. I loved his wry sense of humor. He always made me laugh… Working with him always felt more like play. It was pure joy with Wenn.”

Zulueta added: “I loved how generous he was with his friends and family. He shared everything he earned with them—he had a golden heart…We will see each other soon, and I will again get stomachaches for laughing so hard at your jokes. Many are crying right now, and I am one of them.”

Broadcaster Christine BersolaBabao said she had a chance to chat with the director only re-

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cently. “He was full of life, but death comes like a thief in the night. RIP Direk Wenn.”

Comedian Michael V, who worked with Deramas in the programs “Ready, Get Set, Go!” and “Teysie ng Tahanan,” sent his condolences to the director’s family. “I will miss his infectious laugh,” he said.

Anne Curtis said the “saddening news” broke her heart.

“Paalam ‘Nay. I mss you and love you so much Direk Wenn.”

“Isang napaka lungkot na araw.

Sagad hanggang buto ang lungkot. Paalam Direk Wenn. Mahal na mahal kita,” said Vice Ganda.

This was followed by another post, a broken heart icon.

B march 3-9, 2016 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

EntErtainmEnt

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Aiza Seguerra, Liza Diño on ‘delayed honeymoon’ in Machu Picchu, Peru in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District in Peru. it’s the same place that sweetA little more than a year after their ceremonial wedding in the hearts Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Philippines (following their civil Kho visited a few years ago as part wedding in the US), Mr. and Mrs. of their bucket list. Because of its loAiza Seguerra (nee liza Diño) are cation, Machu Picchu is the perfect enjoying their “delayed honey- place for a honeymoon since, acmoon” in Machu Picchu, a 15th- cording to record, “it is situated on century inca site located 2,430 a mountain ridge above the Sacred meters (7,970 feet) above sea level Valley” 80 kilometers northwest of

by Ricky Lo Philstar.com

Cuzco. it is said that most archeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the inca emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472), often mistakenly referred to as the lost City of the incas. this report came from Funfare’s New York-based “beauty expert” Felix Manuel who referred to Aiza in the pronoun “he” (which is how Aiza wants it) and the couple as ZaZa.

Rachelle Ann Go jams at Arnel Pineda gig

by PochoLo

concePcion Inquirer.net

ARNel Pineda was brimming with energy and enthusiasm in a rare, one-off gig Feb. 27 at the Music Museum. the sight and sound of Arnel singing non-Journey songs– backed by fellow Pinoy musicians led by his longtime guitarist Mon Cajipe–was exciting enough, but the night’s vibe turned explosive when Rachelle Ann Go stood from her seat to oblige Arnel with a jam on the Beatles’ “Help,” Sarah Vaughn version–which ended on a glorious note onstage.

Near the song’s end, right after Rachelle nailed down a lung-busting note, Arnel bowed down in respect.

Rachelle is set to play Fantine

Mr. and Mrs. Aiza Seguerra (nee Liza Diño) must be feeling ‘high’ at the Inca site in Peru.

Rachelle Ann Go jams with Arnel Pineda at the Music Museum.

Inquirer.net photos by Pocholo Concepcion

in the Manila performances of the world-renowned musical “les Miserables” this March at the theatre at Solaire.

Arnel is set to fly again abroad to join American rock band Journey’s coming tour as its frontman.

Jolina Magdangal denies Toni Gonzaga Erich Gonzales no pressure in settling down with Daniel Matsunaga causing delay in ‘Written In Our Stars’ by

Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MANilA—erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga have no plans to settle down yet.

“Wala pa, matagal pa po ‘yan,” erich replied when asked about plans to settle down, in an interview on Monday when she was launched as first Choobi CHoobi celebrity endorser.

She explained that for now, both of them still have big plans for their careers.

“Pareho kaming may mga pangarap pa na gustong matupad,” she said. “May mga goals din kami in life na individually, siyempre gusto rin naming maggrown individually. Siyempre gusto rin namin mas marami pa pong mangyari, like mga roles na magawa, iba pa pong projects.”

EMPLOYMENT

MANilA—Jolina Magdangal denied that toni Gonzaga is the cause of the delay in their shoot of the tV series “Written in Our Stars.”

“Ang huling sinabi nila ‘yong istorya kailangan pang ayusin. ‘Yon pa lang, tapos hindi pa kami nagtanong ulit,” she replied when asked for update in the shoot of their show, in an interview on tuesday.

She added that toni has not yet talked to them about her rumored pregnancy.

“Hindi pa siya nagsasabi, e,” she said. “Wala pa talagang confirmation so wala pa talagang alam kung totoo ba o hindi. Ayoko naman magtanong, nahihiya naman ako.” it was early in February when reports came out about toni’s pregnancy.

However, the Kapamilya actress remained mum Erich Gonzales about the issue, saying there’s a right time to talk For now, she’s happy to be ent with them. about the issue.

“New discovery namin na we spending a lot of time with Daniel For now, Jolina and the rest of the “Written in Our as they star in the morning tV love each other, naks!” she said, Stars” cast are just waiting for the “meeting na manglaughing. On a more serious note yayari. Ang sabi lang sa amin magkakaro’n muna ng series “Be My lady.”

Contrary to the belief that she added, “Okay naman po ‘yong meeting bago mag-resume. So wait lang kami.” couples who work together tend relationship namin and ‘yong Other cast of the show are Piolo Pascual and Sam to fight a lot, erich said it’s differ- working relationship namin.”

Milby. (Philstar.com)

EMPLOYMENT

Jolina Magdangal said Toni Gonzaga has not yet confirmed pregnancy rumors.

ABS-CBN photo

EMPLOYMENT

Features

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Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves Devin M. Connolly nAnCy e. MilleR The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) will being accepting h-1B petitions for Fiscal Year 2017 on April 1, 2016. It is vitally important to file the petition exactly on April 1st. If not, as discussed below, you risk the h-1B cap being met before you even submit your petition. A wellprepared, approvable petition takes time to prepare. Therefore, now is the time to begin preparing your h-1B petition.

The h-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign workers to work in “specialty occupations.” A “specialty occupation” is an occupation that requires the theoretical or practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. More commonly, a “specialty occupation” is an occupation that typically requires a Bachelor’s degree for entry into the field. examples of “specialty occupations” include teachers, engineers, accountants, computer

Kite Runner

PRof. enRique soRiAno I hAve decided to prioritize this timely article related to the Year of the Red Fire Monkey hoping our dear readers can use the information as a good reference point in dealing with family members and business owners in the areas of relationships and growth.

At the start of any new year everyone is filled with anticipation and bated breath, eagerly wanting to know what will happen and what will be the trends that will drive the direction of activities in the upcoming year. It’s always useful to read some forecasts from a wide range of industry pros for the information can help validate or adjust one’s direction in his career or business.

2015 has been an interesting year. We have seen businesses experience both success and failure but struggle at times to understand why. This article will present interesting predictions for 2016 from the perspective of Feng Shui experts, the Philippine government, Asian

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 3-9, 2016

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Working in the US with an H-1B visa programmers and scientists. Occupations that qualify for an h-1B visa require a significant amount of education and training.

The h-1B petitioner is the employer. Though an employee will benefit greatly from an approved petition by being granted the opportunity work in the US, they are not permitted to formally make the request before CIS. As part of the petition, the employer must demonstrate not only that the position qualifies as a “specialty occupation” as discussed above, but that the foreign national is qualified to perform the occupation.

This requires the employer to show that the prospective worker has the required education. The foreign national must have previously earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. It is acceptable for the Bachelor’s degree to have been acquired in a foreign country, as long as the employer can demonstrate that it is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree awarded by a college or university in the US. That determination must be made by a qualified evaluator.

In addition, the employer must

show that the Bachelor’s degree is in a subject that is related to the h1-B occupation. For example, a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy would not qualify one for a job as a computer programmer. While a computer programmer is likely a qualified “specialty occupation,” a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy does not provide the education and training needed to perform that job. Therefore, it does not meet the sufficiently-related requirement.

If the foreign national has not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree, it is possible for them to qualify through their long-term employment experience in the occupation. Three years of professional experience is considered equivalent to one year of college of university education.

Assuming we have a “specialty occupation” and a qualified foreign national, we must be concerned with the h-1B cap. The h-1B program is limited to 65,000 new h-1B visas per year. There are also an additional 20,000 visas available for foreign nationals who have earned a Master’s degree or higher from a university in the

“The H-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign workers to work in ‘specialty occupations.’ A ‘specialty occupation’ is an occupation that requires the theoretical or practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. More commonly, a ‘specialty occupation’ is an occupation that typically requires a Bachelor’s degree for entry into the field.”

US. These limits have been set by Congress. Recent past history has shown that there are far more than 65,000 petitions being filed each year. In fact, in 2015 there were approximately 233,000 petitions filed for the 65,000 visas available for Fiscal Year 2016.

Due to this high demand of h-1B visas, it is crucial that the petition is filed on April 1, 2016.

Submitting it after that date may cause your petition to be rejected entirely simply because the cap may have already been met.

Unfortunately submitting your petition on April 1st does not guarantee that it will be accepted. If CIS receives more petitions than there are available h1-B visas (as is most probable), it will conduct what is referred to as the “h-1B lottery.” Un-

der this system, CIS selects a sufficient number of petitions to be reviewed and rejects the others. The rejected petitions are returned—unread—to the petitioner. If the cap is reached on the first day of filing (as has been the case for the past several years), all petitions received by CIS after that date are rejected and returned to the petitioner.

Therefore, in order to have a chance at having CIS review and adjudicate the petition, it must be received by CIS on April 1.

It is time to start preparing h-1B petitions. The first (and maybe only) day to file will be here very soon. Failure to timely file can doom your chances of being granted the opportunity to lawfully work in the US. Do not let that happen to you – contact an

experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law to prepare your h1-B petition and increase your opportunity for success. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Family businesses in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey Development Bank and business consultants, both local and foreign.

Feng Shui Predictions While we have officially welcomed 2016, the Chinese Zodiac New Year ushered in the Year of the Fire Monkey only last February 8, 2016. Cheerful and energetic by nature, monkeys represent flexibility, intelligence and confidence.

The Year of the Fire Monkey, being propitious for regular money supply, is also the right time in 2016 for families and couples to reconsider their daily relationships and break the routine.

Pa r t n e r s h i p s a n d n e w projects According to an online article, the combination of Fire with the sign of the Monkey brings vitality and innovation to both business and personal relationships. If you start a new project, make sure you get associated with the right business partners, as new sparkling energies also mean heavier risks in case of failure. At work, provided you stay quick, focused and surrounded by the right people, your business might become mature enough for takeoff in 2016.

Although the monkey may bring instability because it is an animal that’s crafty and restless, open to volatility and change, it could also herald major innovation, says hong Kong-based soothsayer Thierry Chow, as technology falls into the “fire” category.

In an article written by George Sison, consciousness guru and founder of the Temple of Prayer, Peace and Prosperity (TOPPP), wrote that the Fire Monkey is particularly good in ventures that are speculative and is an expert in its evaluation of risks to be taken. The key words for this year are achievable, workable and feasible including what many may consider impossible. everywhere, new inventions and improvisations will arise. The year is described as highly “competitive” and has also been compared to a big bluff game similar to poker. This will be played in all sectors including politics, big business and even diplomacy – and everyone will be given a chance to join.

The key is to fix all family feuds and misunderstandings Business will prosper in expected and unexpected ways as a

result of new and unconventional ways of doing things. On the other hand, according to Feng Shui expert Marites Allen, future success is likely for anything associated with the water element as well as industries like spa, tourism, banking and shipping.

Lucky colors for this year include blue, black and grey. (No wonder Miss Universe 2016 Pia Alonzo was extra lucky in her stunning royal blue gown by designer Albert Andrada.) As things go, the coming Year of the Fire Monkey is ripe with possibilities, fraught with obstructions and challenges, with people (not necessarily politicians) looking for opportunities and advantages—much like the monkey, who is known for his “scheming tactics.” Of course, one need not be a feng shui expert to know this as the national elections is on May 9.

Change is inevitable “everybody will be looking out for themselves, especially financially. The elections will be largely peaceful but marred by conflict, and the next president, whoever that may be, will naturally have to deal with a lot of politicking and challenges,” Allen says. She

refuses to predict who will win the polls without a thorough look at the candidates’ charts. She did say most of the candidates were born in the Year of the Rooster (so expect a cockfight, figuratively, when elections come). Allen also warns against air, shipping or land disasters during the year. Traffic will continue to become a major problem.

On a positive note, those born in the years of the Sheep and Monkey will be financially blessed this year. “The number 8 [Wealth Star] flies to the Southwest this year. This is the corner of the Sheep and the Monkey, so they will enjoy the benefits of the wealth star throughout the year. What’s more there will be two months during the year that the number 8 doubles up.

So, you might win in the lotto”, she advises, not totally in jest. Other lucky signs of the year include the Rabbit (prosperity), the Dragon and Snake (victory luck), horse (windfall), and Rooster (romance luck). (sorianoasia@gmail.com) *** Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business

Illustration by Kendrick Tan

Advisor, Book Author, Executive Director of ASEAN-based Consulting group, Wong + Bernstein Advisory and former Chair of the Marketing Cluster of the ATENEO Graduate School of Business. He is back in Manila after a 2 week coaching work and book launch in the US where he shared his second book “Ensuring Your Family Business Legacy” to Asian and American Family Business owners.

Get Prof Soriano’s book by calling Marianne at +639255224713 or email her at mrevilla@wongadvisory.com. Prof Soriano’s business articles can also be accessed at www.Faminbusiness.com.

B march 3-9, 2016 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS Can post-open heart patients have sex?

In general, yes, after full recovery, which is usually after a period of two to three months, depending on the severity of illness, the extent of surgery, and the individual stamina or tolerance. The aim of open heart surgery is to bring the person back to the normal stream of life, as much as possible. The recommendation is for the patient be the passive partner (lying flat) during the lovemaking, minimizing heavy exertion. Some may even benefit from taking a nitroglycerin pill under the tongue before the act.

It is most prudent for the person who had surgery, whether for the heart or other organs, to consult with the attending physician or surgeon for advice on this, and other related, matters, including the indication, safety and risk in using Viagra as an aid for male erectile dysfunction. Those on any form of nitroglycerin pills MUST NOT take Viagra because the combination of these two drugs can lead to fatal consequences.

Is it safe to warm breast milk in a microwave oven?

No, it is not safe to warm breast milk in a microwave oven. Collected breast milk should never be warmed in a microwave oven because it destroys many important natural protective elements in breast milk that are beneficial to the infant. As a matter of fact, even milk formulas in cans or bottle should never be warmed in a microwave oven. In both instances, the milk and the bottle itself can be too hot for the baby and could result in burns, and the bottles can also explode. Many times, the bottle may feel cool but the milk inside can be too hot for the baby.

The best way to warm or take the chill out of milk is by soaking the bottle of milk (formula or breast milk) in warm (not boiling) water.

Swirl the bottled breast milk a few times to mix it well. Before feeding the baby, let a few drops of milk land on your wrist to check the temperature. If it not too hot for your skin, then it is probably just right for the infant. It is always better to err on the cooler side.

Some babies may even prefer milk at room-temperature or cool (not cold) milk. And they will usually let you know, in not so many words.

Features

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Frequently asked medical questions Why is improperly cooked pork dangerous?

Poorly cooked or insufficiently barbecued pork (or any meat, for that matter) is dangerous to the health, because of the infection or infestation with parasites that they can cause. Improperly cooked pork, for instance, can lead to a parasitic disease known as Trichinosis, caused by a roundworm called Trichinella spiralis. The larvae are killed by high temperatures. If the pork is undercooked, the larvae survive, and when ingested, the digestive juices dissolve the cyst capsule and liberate the larvae in the intestine where they grow to maturity, ready to travel and invade the muscles of the eyelids, the heart, and other muscles in the body. This causes pain, fever, profuse sweating, chills, swelling of tissues, hemorrhages in the retina of the eyes, extreme photophobia (sensitivity to light). All these happen after an incubation period of seven to 14 days, from the time of ingestion.

Mortality is less than 5 percent.

Most patients recover fully with treatment. This disease is 100 percent preventable, so we do not have any excuse to catch it at all.

How can we live longer?

While waiting for the discovery of the fountain of youth, here are some tips on healthy activities that could add years to your life: abstinence from smoking adds 1.3 years; a vegetarian diet (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grain), 2.4 years; eating nuts five times a week, 2.9 years; maintaining a healthy weight, 1.5 years; and vigorous exercise three times a week, 2.1 years. All these good habits alone can add up to more than 10 years to your life, according to the studies conducted by health experts at Loma Linda University in California. This is one of the many scientific investigations that support the same conclusions. Noteworthy too is the fact that persons with high blood pressure and/or diabetes mellitus AND normal total cholesterol level (not higher than 150) do a lot better and have lesser hardening of the arteries, compared to those individuals with high blood pressure and/or diabetes whose total cholesterol is high. Staying away from red meat and concentrating on fish, vegetables, fruits, a highfiber diet, and following the other tips listed above, do, indeed, pay great dividends in terms of health and longevity.

How can we beat a hang-

over?

Taking a couple of spoonfuls of honey, before or after drinking, may aid in preventing a hangover, according to research by the National Headache Foundation.

Headache experts say that the fructose in honey speeds up alcohol metabolism and its effects on our body dissipate more rapidly.

Tomato juice also has a lot of fructose in it -- the reason why a Bloody Mary (the virgin type) is considered a treatment for the hangover the morning after. Obviously, tomato juice may also be taken before, and/or after, imbibing alcoholic beverages to minimize hangover symptoms.

Is Oregano an antibiotic?

Technically, no, oregano (our friendly spice on the kitchen shelf) is not an antibiotic. Not on the drugstore shelf yet anyway. It has recently been found to be a very potent antioxidant, more powerful than many fruits and vegetables. Oregano oil has also been found to kill dangerous and some drug-resistant bacteria, including staphylococcus. Researchers from Georgetown University discovered that a tiny amount of oregano oil diluted with olive oil prevented bacterial growth, just like some potent and expensive antibiotics.

I won’t be surprised if sometime soon a pharmaceutical company came up with a new antibiotic called “Oregacillin” or something of the sort.

Is the aspirin-Vitamin E combo cardioprotective?

Yes, taking aspirin and vitamin E daily has been found to protect the cardiovascular system, especially the heart. This combination of aspirin (a blood thinner) and vitamin E (an antioxidant) can significantly lower the risk of coronary heart disease (heart attack), reported Domenico Pratico, M.D. of the University of Pennsylvania.

These two medications, taken together, help reduce the severity of hardened arteries (the culprit that causes heart attack and stroke) by as much as 80 percent. Although they are sold over the counter, they should not be taken without medical advice and supervision. This combination is not recommended for all persons. There are possible risk and complications, like bleeding in the stomach or in the brain, among others.

Can a nearly frozen person be revived?

According to studies at the University of Pittsburgh, physicians may soon be able to bring people

back to life after they have been nearly frozen. Investigators found that by rapidly flushing the blood vessels of experimental animals with an ice-cold salt solution, they can lower the body temperature of the animals to a nearly frozen state (50 degrees F), stop the heart from beating, and then revive the animals after two hours of suspended animation or hibernation.

One immediate application of this in the near future is the ability to freeze severely injured accident victims at the scene, to suspend the progress of injuries, bleeding, swelling, stabilizing the patient’s condition, and allowing for a safer transport of the patient to a medical center for proper resuscitation and definitive treatment. When the technique is perfected for a safe extended frozen animation, it may be possible for us to freeze a person who has a disease with no known cure in the present and revive him/her for treatment when the cure for the disease is available in the future -- say 5, 10, 20 years, or longer, down the line. Science fiction? Today, yes. But I have no doubt this will come to fruition in the future.

More medical pearls Overweight persons have a higher risk of developing cancer of the pancreas.

A better way to take the blood pressure, to reflect a dynamic and more accurate situation, is by doing so while the person is exercising. Just like a stress EKG taken while the individual is walking on a treadmill.

Doctors in England have developed a line of sterile maggots (the crawly creatures that eat dead tissues) that is great for wound debridement (cleaning) and disinfecting wounds.

The first vaccine for AIDS is soon entering clinical trials in humans. The vaccine will aid the body in developing immunity against HIV. Once immunity is established, future HIV infections will be impossible. In the meantime, abstinence, if not safe sex, is still the rule. *** 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

Host Michael V channels Elsa in Frozen during the pilot episode

A lip-synching showdown...

PAGE B3 Dennis gamely rapped Andrew E’s Andrew Ford Medina, with Jennylyn making a surprise guest appearance. Dennis was even heard shouting the lyrics of the rap song, proof that he really memorized his piece.

Tom displayed the rocker in him, as he performed Bon Jovi’s You Give Love a Bad Name and even stage dived towards the end of the number. In the second round, Tom donned a leopard print frock a la Scary Spice Mel B and sang Wanna Be, with Rafael Rosell, Dion Ignacio, Billy James and JC Tiuseco as the other “Spice Girls.”

“Kami lang ho ang Spice Girls

na may buhok sa kili-kili,” Tom smilingly said after his number.

Dennis, meanwhile, performed Chandelier, a la Australian singer Sia, highlighted by literally hanging from a huge chandelier while singing. That made Tom, as well as the entire audience, ecstatic. It was the first time for Dennis to display his terpsichorean talent, much to the delight of the adoring crowd.

Apparently, that gave Dennis the LSB championship belt at the end of the show.

Michael V assured participants they don’t have to have the best voice, what is important is that they’re “game” to perform.

Tom Rodriguez (center, as Scary Spice) leads the ‘Spice Girls reunion’

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • mARch 3-9, 2016

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Business leaders invited to Improve Educational Outcomes at Business + Education (BE) Engaged Summit 2016: Accelerating a New Nevada

GRAND OPENING. World Financial Group/Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. held a grand opening event for its new location on Saturday, Feb. 20. The photo shows (l-r) Darren Weiss (Inter-Vivos), Glenn Wagstaff (Inter-Vivos), Margie A ntonio ( WFG), Jun Capistrano ( WFG/TFA), Christina S. Gannon ( WFG), Scott Hammond ( Nevada State Senator District 16), Benjamin Affleck (WFG/TFA), Linda Mazo ( WFG/TFA), Tess Velasquez ( WFG/TFA), Robin Bundy ( WFG/TFA), Mary Ann Tolcidas-Santos (WFG/TFA), Emelly Dadivas (WFG/TFA), Tere Nelums ( WFG/TFA), Marylou Solamillos ( WFG/TFA). World Financial Group / Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. is located at 3230 S. Buffalo Drive, Suite 108, Las Vegas, NV 89117.

A happy wife is a happy life:

Meet Lilian Masaya

By Monet

Lu

Happiness is the first thing you would think of once you meet her. aside from the obvious english translation of her last name (i kid you not, it is really her actual surname), you would definitely want to know her after you’ve tasted her bestselling rice cakes (kakainin) and “cebuchon” (cebu lechon or roasted pig). To quote a famous adage that “[we] are what [we] eat,” would suggest why Lilian’s food creations are as sweet as its maker. presenting the sequel to my previous column on La’s Filipino Food destination, is the story of the sweet and charming baker of Lilian’s Breads & sweets in northridge, California. Meet owner and baker, Lilian Gutierrez– Masaya.

A happy tummy means a happy hubby Lilian Masaya had one dream when she was young. Being the youngest among 8 siblings, Lilian watched her sisters grow up and have families of their own. she loved hearing people complement her (older) sisters’ cooking and telling their husbands about it. it was then that she started wishing that she’d receive the same kind of praises when it’s her turn to become somebody’s wife.

Beaming she says, “pag ako nagasawa ako, gusto ko ganun din. sasabihin din ng mga kaibigan ng asawa ko na magaling din ako magluto. Matutuwa siguro yung asawa ko.” (When i get married, i want the same thing; that friends of my husband’s will tell him i am a great cook. That would’ve make my future husband happy). it wasn’t unlikely for Lilian to have the same talent in cooking.

Her aunts and her mother are known for their culinary skills, especially in making rice cakes.

However, among the sisters, it was only Lilian who tried her hand at rice cakes – and it was a hit! soon, people complemented her baking skills. and as she had wished, it was her husband that received the commendation. Lilian’s dream of making her husband happy became the foundation of what is now, by far, the best Filipino bakery in san Fernando Valley.

A bakery inside a car wash station When Lilian and her husband, Maxwell Masaya, decided to put up a bakery, it did not initially

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA THeRe are no shortcuts in arriving at a decision to live a simple life. sometimes, one has to go through a personal hell experiencing an inner fatigue and helplessness over the never-ending chase for the almighty dollar and quality of life in order to come to a conclusion that there has to be a better way than what is commonly believed.

Money is a major consideration in deciding to simplify one’s life. Let’s face it. Our attitude and relationship towards money have a lot to do with it. if you are always strapped for money because you are too deeply buried in debt, then money has you in a stranglehold.

You have to work longer, harder hours in order to pay off the debt. Think of it this way. if you buy a new car which you have to pay on installment for the next five years, you have just signed yourself on to work for the next five years to pay it off. if you love your work and can see yourself doing it for the same company for the next five years, then driving a new car and being able to pay for it are bonuses of the work

include a strategic—not to mention, unique—location such as the inside of a car wash station. a friend of mine raved about it when she and her husband had their car oilchanged (and washed), which led them to check out Lilian’s bakery. she said she now looks forward to having their car washed because that would mean she could eat at Lilian’s while waiting – not a bad reason, i thought. it might be the smell of coffee or the freshly baked chicken empanadas and pandesal that lure anyone into leaving their cars (in good hands, so far) to enter the hidden gem inside the car wash station. One small bite off their bibingkang kalamay will make you want to stay there the whole afternoon (yeah, even when your car’s all washed up and cleaned). “it’s like hitting two birds with one stone,” as one customer says. ‘Car wash duties and dining pleasure!’

A labor of love if Lilian is the hand behind all those delicious treats, her husband is the brain and the “wind beneath her wings” – or hands.

Lilian and Maxwell got married in 1992. she had vowed to lovingly submit to her husband as the head of their family. On the other hand, her husband, who is more strong-willed and determined, promised to give her all that he could out of love for her – one of them is to put up a food business or a restaurant for her lovely wife.

19 years later and after a series of trial-and-error-recipes, their labor of love and commitment birthed

Lilian’s Breads and sweets. and guess who pushed, urged and consistently supported the passion – even researching and going through all recipe notebooks, testing and modifying ingredients? it was Lilian’s husband. The menu that started with a tasty pandesal, was then followed by mouthwatering rice cakes. Later, they added roasted pork belly as part of their catering menu. since then, they have been supplying rice cakes to a Filipino grocery, bakeries, as well as catering to parties and events.

A happy Life means a life that honors God Behind the thriving business of the Masaya’s, is a loving Christian home led by a super supportive husband and great father to their teenager son named, psalm.

Throughout their journey, and in everything they put their heart into, it is their desire to always bring honor to God. The joy that is so evident (not only in their last names) comes from serving God who has blessed them so abundantly. *** 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

Money, debt and your psyche “Every time you borrow money, you’re robbing your future self.”

— Nathan W. Morris that you love to do. But if you hate your job, it becomes a big problem. as shakespeare would say.“aye there’s the rub…” Overwhelming financial problems will prevent you from living simply.

Many who have taken the simple life path will tell you that being debt-free can be very liberating. it will allow you to breathe freely and lead you to appreciate everything with a twinkle in your eyes, about life under these big blue skies. saved money can give you options to take an extended leave, extended sabbaticals, switch gears to study for a change in career or simply to do the things you have always wanted to do but could not because you have been slaving your life away over things you have bought stashed in the garage, in the closet or in the basement unopened or things you have been maintaining to impress and create an image.

To be able to save money, you will have to live below your means and pare down your expenses to the barest minimum to cover the basic necessities. Your treacher-

ous, fat ego—the one that keeps wanting to impress others with bogus symbols of power and success—must be cut down to size. if you have neither the motivation nor the discipline to do this, it won’t happen. ergo, put that big, fat ego on a diet, pronto. if you begin to understand your attitude about money and how you can make it work for you instead of you working for it, then you are on the right track.

When it finally hits you that money can either free you or make a slave out of you depending on how you view it and how you use it, you can then begin to exercise the control you never knew you had over it.

The reward is tremendous. You begin to experience a rare sense of freedom that only a simple life gives. With little or no debt, you can be living in a relatively stress-free state of grace. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Las VeGas—Leading southern nevada business organizations are coming together to commit time, talent, and resources in order to accelerate student achievement, and are asking local business owners and executive decision makers to join them in a one-of-a kind activation event: The Business + education (Be) engaged Conference 2016: accelerating a new nevada. The conference, to be held March 7 at The smith Center for the performing arts, from 7:30 – 11 a.m., followed by a nonprofit trade show and Vip luncheon, promises to align local businesses with some of the most effective education programs to help accelerate the education reforms passed during the last legislative session, offering business leaders a forum to engage then and there.

The Las Vegas Metro Chamber and Las Vegas Global economic alliance (LVGea) are cohosting the Be engaged conference. Las Vegas Metro Chamber Chairman John Guedry, CeO of Bank of nevada and LVGea Chairman Ray specht, Vice Chairman Toyota Financial savings Bank, are working to connect businesses from across southern nevada with various education nonprofits and program providers. The program will be in partnership with the asian, Henderson, Latin and Urban chambers of commerce, as well as The smith Center for the performing arts, Bank of nevada, Cox Communications, Toyota Financial and Vegas pBs as corporate sponsors of the event.

The Be engaged program will highlight four areas of need that are tied to student success in the classroom. The areas are literacy, poverty, workforce development and human capital.

The forum will highlight data that will make the case for businesses to get involved, as well as showcase examples of busi-

nesses that are currently committed to supporting students through volunteer and monetary support. elaine Wynn, president of the nevada Board of education, will address the audience about the urgent need for businesses to engage in education reform efforts.

The program will be followed by a trade show of nonprofit and school program providers with which businesses can sign up to support targeted programs, whether through volunteerism, mentorship, in-kind supplies or monetary donations. additionally, there will be a limited-seating luncheon with a thought-provoking keynote address by Dr. alan Gomez, founder and chief academic officer of The sTeM academy, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic development by improving sTeM (science, technology, engineering and math) literacy for all students. Dr. Gomez sat on the national academy of engineering’s committee that is charged with “Understanding and improving K-12 engineering education in the United states” and is a former nasa astronaut selection Candidate. “nevada is locked in a global race for talent and opportunity. Our ability to compete, attract new business, diversify our economic base and create more good paying jobs is being hampered by the performance of nevada’s K-12 education system. That’s why the Metro Chamber and other business leaders stepped up and supported education reform during the 2015 legislative session.

We know that business needs to be a big part of the solution,” said John Guedry, CeO of Bank of nevada and 2016 Metro Chamber chairman. “This conference is designed to be a catalyst for business leaders to engage directly with some of the most effective nonprofits dedicated to improving education

Calendar of Events across

throughout our community and whose missions map specifically to the governor’s education initiatives and can help enhance achievement.” “education and economic development are inextricably linked. as the regional development authority for southern nevada, we know that the greatest barrier to entry for a company’s relocation to our market is our education system and ability to provide quality workers,” said Ray specht, Vice Chairman of Toyota Financial savings Bank. “successful students are more likely to become successful and talented workers, which in turn will help us to recruit more high-wage companies.

The LVGea was a strong supporter of Governor sandoval’s education reforms in 2015 and believes now is the time to build on that progress by engaging the business community to accelerate achievement in the classroom.”

“We owe it to our children to remove roadblocks and provide the resources they need to be successful in the classroom, which will ultimately help strengthen our economy by producing a highly educated workforce,” saidMichael F. Bolognini, vice president and market leader for Cox Communications Las Vegas. “Children and education have been part of Cox’s philanthropic cornerstones for decades, which makes it an easy decision to lock arms with the rest of the business community and support this powerful program.”

The Be engaged conference is limited to the first 1,000 guests who purchase tickets at The smith Center box office or online at bit.ly/Beengaged. The cost is $10 for the program, including a continental breakfast.

The Vip luncheon is limited to 200 guests. The cost is $50 for the luncheon and includes preferred seating for the program.

America

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GK USA National Summit 2016 There is no better time for Gawad Kalinga (GK) to present the Philippines as the new land of opportunity, with a steadily rising economy--the fastest growing in the world next to China, according to Bloomberg--and alleviating poverty. GK continues to evolve as a movement, starting with philanthropy expanding to sustainability, and creating hybrid, innovative systems to end poverty. The Summit will provide an opportunity for Filipinos, GK volunteers, partners, and millennials to reconnect with their homeland, contribute to their country and social entrepreneurship, and help to build bridges for a thriving nation. Asian Americans will have a taste of the emerging market of world-class, affordable Philippinemade products, such as Bayani Brew, First Harvest Peanut Spreads, Human Nature beauty products, and Theo Philo chocolates. Support GK’s humanitarian efforts to provide home and livelihood to the poorest of the poor, and learn about GK, GK USA, and GK Enchanted Farm programs. The Summit will take place from March 4-6, 2016, at the Radisson Midtown at USC, Los Angeles (3540 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007). To register, please visit gk-usa.org.

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“An Enchanted Evening” Dinner-Dance for Gawad Kalinga As part of the GK USA National Summit, you are cordially invited to a dinner-dance, themed “An Enchanged Evening,” to benefit programs of Gawad Kalinga and GK Enchanted Farm. The Dance will take place on Saturday, March 5, 7:00pm, at the Radisson Midtown at USC, Los Angeles (3540 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007). The cost is $100, with formal attire. The all-night program will include dinner, induction of the GK-USA Board of Directors, remarks from the Chairman of the Board, and all-night dancing. For more details on sponsorship packages for Gawad Kalinga builders and feeding programs, as well as GKEF programs and scholarships, please visit gk-usa.org. For tickets, please visit gk-usa.org/dinnerdance.

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Love to Nippon 2016 “Love to Nippon 2016” is the fifth-anniversary memorial event and community-wide tribute to those lost and the survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The free event will support the recovery and rebuilding efforts in the devastated regions, and helps prepare and train Southern Californians for future natural disasters through sharing information and education, and designating “3.11” (March 11th) as the official statewide natural disaster preparedness training day. The formal program includes peaceful interfaith prayers, incense-burning, musical tributes, panel discussions, and outdoor information booths hosted by the American Red Cross, Home Depot, LA County Fire Dept., US Coast Guard, and affected prefectures of Japan. Love to Nippon 2016 takes place on Sunday, March 6, from 1 pm – 5:30 pm at LAPD Headquarters, Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium (100 West First Street, Los Angeles, California 90012). The event is free.

To register (limited auditorium seating available), please visit www.lovetonippon.com. For more information, please call 310.484.1800 / lovetonippon2016@gmail.com.

Sacramento Showing of San Pedro Calungsod Movie, ‘Batang Martir’ What: A one-time showing of a previous Metro Manila Film Fest movie on the life and message of the 2nd Filipino saint, Pedro Calungsod. This showing is a fundraiser by Pacific Rim Heritage Foundation, to benefit the Filipino Community Cultural Center building fund.

Only 300 tickets are available.

When: Sunday, March 6 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm Where: Century Laguna 16 (Big Horn Blvd.), Elk Grove, CA 95758 Contacts: Josie Patria, (916) 392-6252; Lilia Rivera (916) 524-8008; Manny Buenaventura (916) 505-8555

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 march 3-9, 2016 • LaS VEGaS aSIaN JOUrNaL

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