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US monitoring of South China Sea remains in dispute DATELINE USA from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

AAPI groups file briefs in support of affirmative action

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

As tensions over the south China sea escalate, United states Defense secretary Ash Carter said he would visit an American aircraft carrier in the sea on thursday, Nov. 5. speaking after a regional summit on Wednesday, Nov. 4, Carter said he would fly out to the nuclear-powered Uss theodore oVer 160 Asian American and Pacific roosevelt, which “is conducting routine operislander (AAPi) groups have filed amicus briefs calling for equal opportunity and for the supreme Court to uphold affirmative action policies.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), the Asian American Legal Defense and education fund (AALDef), and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), PAGE A3

ations while transiting the south China sea,” according to AfP. Carter’s visit could increase discord between Washington and Beijing over China’s claims to virtually the entire sea, and its attempts to reinforce those claims by turning reefs and tiny islets into full-fledged islands through repossession. the sea has long been viewed as a potential flashpoint, and the Chinese island-building

has intensified fears of international conflict. runways and other large-scale development are in the works, making the islands potentially capable of hosting military personnel and hardware.

Last week, the Us Navy challenged China’s sovereignty claims, pressing its right to freedom of navigation by sending the missile destroyer Uss Lassen close (within the 12PAGE A2 US Defense Secretary Ash Carter

Arum: No deal yet for Pacquiao-Khan fight

toP rank chief Bob Arum denied a report claiming that a deal has been reached between the camps of manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan for a fight next year. the report by Jeff Powell of mail online quoted shah Khan, father of Amir Khan, as saying that they have agreed with the terms for the bout. “our paperwork went off to Arum on friday and every point is covered,” the elder Khan told Powell, even adding that the fight will be held in the Us. PAGE A2

orEjAs Inquirer.net

iNsteAD of the usual avalanche of “balikbayan” boxes, overseas filipino workers (ofWs) seem to be sending the message “better safe than sorry” this pre-

by AgnEs

constAntE AJPress

AmiD an ongoing alleged “laglag-bala (dropping bullets)” scheme targeting passengers at Ninoy Aquino international Airport (NAiA),

the Department of Justice has directed the National Bureau of investigation (NBi) to create a special task force to investigate reported incidents, according to PhilPAGE A2

Poe: DNA samples didn’t match

by MAilA

AgEr Inquirer.net

EXTRA PROTECTION. Passengers waiting for their flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 go to great lengths to protect their luggage by having these wrapped in plastic to prevent anyone from planting bullets (“tanim-bala”) in their baggage. The tanim-bala scam involves airport inspectors who allegedly place bullets in the luggage of passengers and then ask them for bribes to be spared from arrest.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

‘Balikbayan’ backlash: fewer boxes this year by tonEttE

DOJ, NBI to form special task team to probe bullet planting scheme in NAIA

holiday season. “the volume of balikbayan boxes being sent home at this time is not reflective of the peak season,” ofW advocate susan ople said in a media forum on PAGE A2

seafood footer ad

seNAtor Grace Poe disclosed on Wednesday, Nov. 4 that her DNA samples did not match with several persons, who submitted their samples for testing.

But Poe was quick to say that the result of the DNA test was not the only evidence that they need to prove that she is a natural born filipino citizen.

“Alam nyo po mahabang PAGE A3

A

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november 5-11, 2015 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

From The FronT Page

US monitoring of South...

PAGE A1 nautical mile/22-kilometer territorial limit) to an artificial islet in the Spratlys chain, angering China and causing it to send two war ships to shadow the vessel.

The challenge was not designed as a military threat, the head of US Pacific military forces said, according to Associated Press. “I truly believe that these routine operations should never be construed as a threat to any nation,� said Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr in a statement. “These operations serve to protect the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.�

China’s Navy chief, Admiral Wu Shengli, warned his US counterpart that encounters between their forces could spiral into conflict after the Lassen incident, according to Inquirer. Shengli’s comments were made in a video call with US Admiral John Richardson. “If the US continues to carry out these kinds of dangerous, provocative acts, there could be a serious situation between frontline forces from both sides on the sea and in the air, or even a minor incident that could spark conflict,� Wu told Beijing’s Xinhua news agency. “I hope the US cherishes the hard-win, good situation between the Chinese and US Navies, and avoids similar incidents from happening again,� he added.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Carter attended an Asia-Pacific defense ministers’ meeting in Malaysia, where the US and China butted heads over whether a final joint statement should mention the South China Sea. “We could not reach a consensus on a joint declaration,� Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told reporters.

Meanwhile, Carter said he had gone into the summit with “no expectation� there would be an agreement, said AFP. The two nation’s lack of action illustrates “the level of concern that was reflected in the conversation about activities in the South China Sea,� he said,

noting that all countries he met with raised the issue. “It was a persistent topic,� he added. “To me, that says that’s something we all need to pay attention to.�

Pointing fingers, the US and China could not reach an agreement. The US claimed that Southeast Asian defense ministers opposed China’s demand that the South China Sea be left out of any statement.

A US official said the United States felt that “no statement is better than one that avoids the important issue of China’s reclamation and militarization in the South China Sea.�

China’s claims over almost the entire waterway are widely disputed by other nations as well.

Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also have various claims over the controversial islets, some overlapping, although none are as extensive as Beijing’s. “We urge all claimants to permanently halt land reclamation, stop the construction of new facilities and cease further militarization of disputed maritime features,� Carter said.

An anonymous US official stressed that the USS Roosevelt would be far from any of the reclaimed Chinese “islands� at the time of Secretary Carter’s visit, and the naval ship was not conducting the sort of freedom of navigation cruise performed by the USS Lassen. “The Teddy Roosevelt’s presence there, and our visit, is a symbol of our commitment to our ‘rebalance’ and the importance of the Asia-Pacific for the United States,�

Carter said.

PH wins first round in case against China In July, the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal in the Netherlands heard a second round of oral arguments from the Philippines, regarding the disputed territory in the South China Sea. Though official negotiations are ongoing, the tribunal Permanent Court of

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Arbitration ruled that the court has jurisdiction over the case, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The maritime ruling was just two days before the USS Lassen warship incident. “China has on many occasions expounded its position by neither accepting nor participating in the arbitrary procedure unilaterally initiated by the Philippines in breach of the agreement repeatedly confirmed with China as well as the Philippines,� Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a news conference in Beijing in July, when the second round of UN hearings had taken place.

Philippine officials, however, have denied such an agreement, claiming that China has previously agreed to solve conflicts based on international law, according to Inquirer. Among these includes the 1982 United Nations convention allowing coastal states to exclusively take full advantage of resources within 200 nautical miles of waters from their territory.

The Philippines is the first country to challenge China’s nine-dash line territorial claim (first established after WWII by the Chinese Nationalist government) in the region, saying that Beijing violated international maritime laws, damaged coral reefs, and stepped on the rights of other nations.

The case is important “not just to our country but to the entire world, owing to its impact on the application of the rule of law in maritime disputes,� said Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The overlapping claims involve sovereignty ocean territories, the Paracel and the Spratly island chains. These largely uninhabited, not-yet-explored territories are considered valuable because of the natural resources preserved there.

The Southeast China Sea is also a major shipping route, and home to valuable fishing grounds that supply multiple Southeast nations, said BBC. The Philippines has invoked its geographical proximity to the Spratly Islands, which include the Scarborough Shoal reefs, as the main basis of its claim. The Shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China, 500 miles away) is northeast of Luzon and just a little over 100 miles (160 km) from the Philippines. “The Philippines has specifically requested that the tribunal find that Chinese law enforcement tactics around Scarborough Shoal are in violation of UNCLOS and the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea,� wrote Philippine Star’s Elfren S. Cruz, in an opinion piece. “A favorable ruling will mean that any ramming and harassment of Filipino fishermen and ships in the Scarborough Shoal will be considered as internationally unlawful. If China continues its harassment, the world will consider their actions illegal.�

PROTECTION AGAINST AIRPORT SECURITY. Travelers have their luggage wrapped in plastic for P160 a piece as security against the “tanim bala� (bullet planting) racket at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

DOJ, NBI to form special task team to probe...

PAGE A1 star.

In a growing list of cases, Filipinos and foreigners alike have fallen victim to what is also known as the “tanim-bala (planting bullets)� scam, which involves planting bullets in travelers’ baggage and threatening lawsuits unless they give money. Airport personnel are allegedly behind the scam, Rappler reported.

Department of Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa ordered the NBI to establish a seven-man team that will examine evidence, including video and audio recordings, related to the scam. The team will also gather sworn statements of reported victims of the extortion scam, verify current cases and determine who perpetrators are, according to Philstar. The task force was given 15 days from Wednesday, Nov. 4, to conclude its probe.

Data from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) indicates that 1,394 ammunition interceptions have been reported at Philippine airports so far this year. Last year, there were 1,813; in 2013 there were 2,184; and in 2012, there were 1,214 incidents, according to OTS data released on Wednesday.

The Aviation Security Group says the scam has resulted in 30 recorded cases of illegal possession of ammunition from January to early November this year.

Last year, there were 12 cases;

in 2013, there were 21; in 2012, there were 20, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group Supt. Jeanne Panisan told reporters at a press briefing.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said cases of bullet planting at airport terminals “have been blown out of proportion,� Philstar reported.

While many passengers in reported cases deny that they own bullets found in their luggage, some have admitted to owning ammunition found in their belongings, saying they either keep them as charms or forgot to remove them from their carry-on baggage.

In an incident on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Qatar-bound OFW Melody Valdez, 40, was stopped when her bag was discovered at the initial security screening checkpoint at NAIA Terminal 1 to contain a .45caliber bullet. Valdez denied having a bullet and agreed to open her bag for inspection.

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, London-bound Monalisa Valmonte Rico was stopped when a rifle bullet was detected in her luggage at the final security screening checkpoint at NAIA, Philstar reported.

In the same article, a 59-yearold man was reportedly stopped Wednesday at the final security screening checkpoint NAIA for possessing a gun. Ramon Loarca admitted the gun was his and said he forgot to remove it from

his bag.

The three passengers are now in the custody of the Avsegroup National Capital Region headquarters and are set to be charged for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, according to Inquirer.

Legislators respond to scam Lawmakers have called for an investigation into the alleged scheme while MalacaĂąang has vowed to put an end to the scheme. “Government is there to make sure everything will be in order.

Whatever is happening there, we’ll look into it. We assure the public that we will go after whoever the culprit is,� said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, according to Manila Bulletin.

Sherwin Gatchalian, a member of the tourism committee in the House of Representatives, said the ongoing incident is becoming an “international embarrassment� and warned that perpetrators are “not afraid to prey on foreigners.�

In a statement, Sen. Francis Escudero said NAIA personnel should stop “assassinating�

Filipinos passing through the airport, as in the case of former Senator Ninoy Aquino who was shot and killed at the airport tarmac in 1983. “Planting bullets in the baggage of Filipinos and tourists passing through the NAIA is a PAGE A4

Arum: No deal yet for Pacquiao-Khan...

PAGE A1

“The location is definitely the US. The date in April may vary by a week or so but April is the month,� he continued.

But Arum was quick to deny Powell’s report. Speaking to veteran scribe Kevin Iole of Yahoo!

Sports, the seasoned promoter categorically stated that a deal hasn’t been finalized yet. “It’s total [expletive]. It’s complete [expletive]. I’m sitting here

trying to figure a way to sell tickets to my fight [bout between Timothy Bradley and Brandon Rios] and now my phone is ringing off the hook because this lunatic made some [expletive] up,� Arum told Iole.

Pacquiao will fight one more time in April before retiring to focus on his political career that would center on a quest for a senate seat in next year’s national elections.

Apart from Khan, in the running for a date with Pacquiao is the undefeated Terrence Crawford, a fighter whom Arum also promotes.

Khan has been eyeing a clash with Pacquiao after being repeatedly ignored by Floyd Mayweather Jr., who in September announced his retirement.

Arum, for his part, confirmed that Khan is still in hunt for a

Bob Arum

Pacquiao fight, and that nothing has changed so far. “He’s in the running, yes, but we’re nowhere near a deal with anyone, let alone him,� said Arum.

(Dino Maragay/Philstar.com)

‘Balikbayan’ backlash: Fewer...

PAGE A1 Friday, citing information from cargo forwarders.

Sending fewer of the customary box of goodies could be “the aftermath of the (planned) manual inspection� earlier announced by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) as a measure to curb smuggling, Ople said.

In August, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said the boxes would be opened and inspected manually as they were being used to smuggle highly dutiable items, drugs and firearms. The government was losing P3 billion to P6 billion a year in customs duties because of the illegal practice, the BOC chief said.

No physical inspection But public protests against the planned manual inspection that, families of OFWs said, could result in pilferage prompted President Aquino himself to reverse the move.

On the President’s instructions, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said there would be “no random or arbitrary physical inspection of balikbayan boxes.� Instead, the boxes would undergo mandatory X-ray and K-9 examination, at no cost to the sender or the OFW. “Only in cases where there are derogatory findings from the X-ray or K-9 examination will there be a physical inspection of goods,� Purisima added, quoting Mr. Aquino.

Public confusion Should a manual inspection be necessary, representatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and an OFW association will be present, and the procedure monitored and recorded by a closed-circuit TV camera, the finance official said.

Ople said the reduced volume might be the result of the public’s confusion about the policy, as well as fear among OFWs that their packages would be opened without their permission. “The Bureau of Customs should fast-track its information campaign on the current policy on balikbayan boxes,� Ople said during the forum of the Capampangans in Media Inc. In a meeting with Inquirer editors and reporters in August, Purisima and President Aquino “emphasized that OFW families view the balikbayan box as an integral part of the family relationship (meant) to nurture loved ones at home, and a tangible sign of their love and concern for family members.�

Purisima said employees who would violate the new protocol and engage in pilferage of the balikbayan boxes would be prosecuted and punished.

The finance official estimated that 1,500 cargo containers of balikbayan boxes are brought in a month, totaling some 7.2 million boxes a year.

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DNA nakasalalay. Nakasalalaly po ito sa karapatan ng mga bata bilang mga pinanganak dito sa ating bansa,” she added.

Poe, who is running for president in 2016, was referring to a number of disqualification cases filed against her over her citizenship.

“Ako’y Pilipino, ako’y pinanganak dito sa ating bansa, ako po’y lumaki sa ating bansa, pinag-aral ng aking mga magulang dito…Hindi lamang dito lumaki, ngayon ako’y naninilbihan dito sa ating bansa. Wala po akong duda sa aking puso, sa aking isip. Ako ay Pilipino,” she stressed.

Sen. Grace Poe

by

filed three separate amicus briefs urging the High Court to uphold the affirmative action policy at the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin).

“Such broad support for race conscious admissions policies sends a clear message that AAPIs overwhelmingly support these policies and will not be used as a racial wedge to disenfranchise other communities of color,” said Laboni Hoq, litigation director at Advancing Justice -- Los Angeles.

The briefs were filed on behalf of over 160 organizations that support equal opportunity and affirmative action in higher education, and they represent the large diversity within AAPI communities, including Arab, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander organizations.

“With long histories of serving the most vulnerable members of our community, these organizations range from large, pan-Asian national organizations and professional associations, to student and grassroots groups,” continued Hoq. In addition, the briefs represent 53 individuals, including higher education faculty and school officials.

The filings are in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s second review of Fisher v. University of Texas, reported NBC News.

Caucasian student Abigail Fisher was rejected when she applied to UT-Austin. Her initial lawsuit, heard by the United States District Court in 2009, alleged that UT-Austin’s affirmative ac-

tion policies prevented her from gaining admission.

The Supreme Court justices heard the case in 2013, but sent it back to the Fifth Circuit to see if UT-Austin had used other ways to achieve diversity in its campus before it used race as a factor. The next year, the Fifth Circuit determined that the university used “race-neutral methods (e.g. “Top Ten Percent” Plan), and still did not achieve the diversity it sought.” Therefore, it “upheld the use of race as part of a holistic admissions approach, which is constitutional under current law.”

The Fisher case also relied heavily on the claim that Asian Americans were discriminated against by UT-Austin’s admissions policy.

In its brief, however, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) argued that nothing on the record showed that the school’s admissions process disadvantaged or discriminated against that demographic.

Asian Americans in UT’s freshman class has risen from 6 percent in 1986 to 23 percent in 2014.

“Supporters of Fisher have mischaracterized UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy,” AALDEF executive director Margaret Fung told NBC News in an email statement. “It can benefit Asian Americans through an individualized review of applicants that avoids harmful stereotypes based on the ‘model minority’ myth.”

The use of race in a holistic review of applicants is “constitutional, and nothing in UT’s

Agnes ContstAnte AJPress

AAPI groups file briefs in support of...

PAGE A1

A

Larry Itliong’s son fights to continue legacy

Poe: DNA samples didn’t match

PAGE A1 proseso itong sa DNA sapagkat hindi lamang isang tao ang aming kinunan dito pero aamin ko sa inyo, yung ang aming mga nakuha na ay hindi po nagtugma ang aming DNA,” she said in an interview over DZMM. “Ngayon nakakalungkot din sapagkat matagal ko na rin inaasam na malaman na rin ang katotohanan tungkol sa mga mismong pagkatao ng aking pamilya na kadugo. Gayunpaman hindi naman ako nawawalan din nag lakas-loob dito sapagkat ang aming tinatayuang legal na basehan ay hindi lang naman sa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 5-11, 2015

policies indicate any cap, quota, bias, or other kind of negative action, formal or informal affecting Asian Americans or any other group,” AALDEF’s brief argued.

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders--a unique cross-section of identities and experiences that spans a range of comparative privilege and disadvantage-benefit from this individualized approach to admissions, as do African Americans, Latinos, and Whites,” the brief read.

The AALDEF amicus brief also distinguishes between the two distinct concepts of negative action and affirmative action, noting there is “no evidence in the record of discrimination” by UTAustin.

The amicus brief filed by Advancing Justice argues that an applicant cannot be evaluated holistically without the consideration of race, according to the group’s press release.

In UT-Austin’s holistic review program, where test scores play a dominant role in the admissions process, it is crucial to consider race because the tests disproportionately limit access to educational opportunities for minority students, Advancing Justice claims.

The brief also shows how racially conscious admissions programs opened the doors of higher education for AAPI students, after a century of discrimination and exclusion to their communities and families. These programs and opportunities have continued to benefit many AAPI students, who face significant educational barriers today.

IN the last 32 years, community leader Johnny Itliong has attended nearly 400 events to spread awareness about the role his father and the Delano manongs played in the eventual creation of the United Farm Workers (UFW).

“My big picture goal is to get everybody educated about how a group of people can get together regardless of their background, set their differences aside, get rid of political correctness…and treat everybody as people. And really to have our rights as a person to be recognized by each other and share that with each other,” Itliong said.

It is Mexican-American labor leader Cesar Chavez who is most often associated with the founding of the UFW. But the contributions of Itliong’s father, Larry Itliong, have long been ignored. On Sept.

8, 1965, Larry led about 1,500 farmers in what marked the beginning of the Delano Grape Strike.

A victory came earlier this year when California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law legislation, AB 7, that designated October 25 as Larry Itliong Day, the day Larry was born in 1913. Itliong says it is one of the top three strides that have come about since he committed himself to informing the public of his father’s legacy more than 30 years ago.

Awareness of Larry Itliong’s

part in the story of the UFW has been on the rise in recent years. In 2010, the City of Carson became the first in the United States to issue a proclamation dedicating a day to Larry Itliong, with Los Angeles County doing the same shortly afterward.

This year alone, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and San Jose City Council issued proclamations declaring Larry Itliong Day on Oct. 25. The City of Milpitas recognized Filipino American History Month, and the work Larry and the Delano manongs did in the same resolution. Solano County was another body that recognized the day.

Much has been accomplished this year, but Itliong has no plans to stop telling people the story of his father.

“Just because a couple of places recognize it, the state recognizes it, doesn’t mean everybody knows.

And even here in California, even Filipinos. And if they do [know about it], who’s telling [them] what it is? What information are they getting? Because there’s a lot of wrong information out there,” Itliong said.

Along with the several resolutions passed by various counties and cities, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Delano Grape Strike. A successful celebration in September this year is another one of Itliong’s top three moments in his ongoing journey to educate

the nation about Larry’s legacy.

Last weekend, Itliong participated in events in Los Angeles County commemorating Filipino American History Month and his father.

On Oct. 23, he was recognized at Los Angeles City Hall, where he said in an emotional address that Larry deserves more than to be ignored for half a century; on Oct. 24, he tabled at Carson’s Larry Itliong Day celebration with informational booths and photos on display to educate visitors; on Oct. 25, he was among panel members who discussed the significance of the Delano Manongs after a screening of a documentary called “The Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers” at the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) headquarters.

During a Q&A session with the panel at SIPA, Itliong shared that he has encountered opposition, specifically citing an instance at a university campus where one student yelled at him, “That’s not the Cesar I knew!”

“I told him, Cesar was a dictator with the UFW. It was his way or no way.... And I witnessed that as a child. I asked [the student], ‘Did you sit on Cesar’s lap as a child?

Did he change your diapers? Did Helen [Chavez’s wife] change your diapers?’ [I loved Cesar] and I called him Tio and I called [Helen] Tia. They were family. And it PAGE A4

Fil-Am ’48 Olympics diving champ nominated to sports hall of fame

SAN FRANCISCO—Filipino American Olympic diving gold medalist Victoria Manalo Draves may soon join the ranks sports legends in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Draves was nominated to the Hall of Fame whose roster includes Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Bill Russell, Juan Marichal, Frank Robinson, Rosie Casals, Joe Montana and Billie Jean King.

The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame committee will determine if Draves merits inclusion on the ballot that goes out to 60-80 reporters and sports writers in the Bay Area in December. The new inductee class will be announced in January 2016.

Recognized in the 1948 edition of Life Magazine as one of the top PAGE A4 athletes at the 1948 Olympics,

Draves achieved fame internationally as the first woman in Olympic history to win gold medals in both springboard and platform diving competitions.

Born in San Francisco to an English immigrant mother and a Filipino father, Draves faced discrimination when the San Francisco’s Nob Hill diving club required that she drop her father’s Filipino name, Manalo, and take her mother’s maiden name, Taylor, in order to be acceptable to the organization.

Draves persevered and claimed gold medals in the 3-meter springboard and the 10-meter platform competitions at the 1948 Olympics. Her performance continues to serve as an inspiration for all athletes interested in competition regardless of race, creed or na- Draves performing gold-winning dive.

Inquirer.net photo tional origin. (Inquirer.net)

A

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Mayweather named WBC ‘Emeritus Champion’ Tuberculosis is now a leading killer bacterial disease Award, as announced by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman during the sanctioning body’s WORLD Boxing Council (WBC) annual convention in China.

In a report on ESPN Deportes, named retired undefeated champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. as its Sulaiman said, “It’s official. We “Emeritus Champion” for the gave him time to make this ofwelterweight and junior middle- ficial presentation here at the weight divisions after the un- convention. We are proud to do defeated American has finally it this way. He is a champion for eternity with the WBC and vacated the belts.

Aside from the honorary titles, he knows that his is his family. the brash American was also We are celebrating one of the given the Lifetime Achievement greatest.”

by Randolph

B. leongson Inquirer.net

Sulaiman also said that if Mayweather decides to come out of retirement anew, he can immediately challenge for his vacated titles.

“If he leaves and comes back, it’s secondary. I would not want to speculate,” he said.

Amir Khan and Danny Garcia are the top contenders for the welterweight title, while Jermell Charlo and John Jackson are at the top of the list in the junior middleweight division.

Larry Itliong’s son fights to... AAPI groups PAGE A3 hurts and it hurt the Itliong family to have to see this through years and years. Fifty years, finally, to get this out and tell the story. And it’s not my fault but that’s what they did...I’m going to sit here and correct it. I want to set the record straight,” Itliong said.

He added that his goal is not to bring down Chavez or the UFW, but to tell the real story and show that two communities united to fight against the largest industry in the United States.

Despite opposition, Itliong says his work in spreading his father’s legacy isn’t challenging except when it comes to finances, as most expenses – including travel and lodging – are out-of-pocket.

“I put more into it than I’ve ever gotten out of it,” he said.

Itliong currently serves as the executive director of the Larry Itliong Foundation through Educa-

tion, which seeks to educate communities, schools and the public about his father’s contributions.

Based in Northern California, Itliong is open to attending events that aren’t too far from him.

“I’ll do it because I’m definitely not in it for the money,” he said.

Ultimately, Itliong hopes that his dad’s legacy will be that he was a man for the people.

“I think he was never a man for just himself, to honor himself,” he said.

Moving forward, Itliong plans to keep doing what he’s been doing over the past three decades for Larry and the manongs.

“Yes I want to recognize my father, but you know what, my father was not alone and it was never [his] union: it was my dad worked for the union, for the people of the union, and he was the voice of it,” he said. (Agnes Constante / AJPress)

file briefs in support of...

PAGE A1 The groups also looked at disaggregated data from the US Census Bureau, revealing large disparities in educational attainment among Asian American ethnic groups.

Based on the data, the educational attainment of Hmong, Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans is the lowest among Asian American ethnic groups, and similar to those of Latinos and African Americans. Only 61 percent of Hmong Americans have a high school diploma, while only 12 percent of Laotian Americans have graduated from college.

“Supporters of Fisher have mischaracterized UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy. It can benefit Asian Americans through an individualized review of applicants that avoids harmful stereotypes based on the ‘model minority’ myth,” said AALDEF Executive Director Margaret Fung.

“We recognize that Asian Pacific Americans, like other groups, have endured cases of discrimination and lack of opportunities which continue to impact us today. The low numbers of minority groups in the legal profession, government, and corporate leadership underscore the need to remove barriers to higher education and increase diversity,” agreed George C. Chen, president of NAPABA. “Courtrooms, law firms, and law schools must be filled with people of different backgrounds so that we can better understand and respect the diversity of the American public.” (Allyson Escobar/AJPress)

According to report, over 4,000 people are dying each day by allyson

escoBaR

AJPress

DESPITE lower death rates, tuberculosis (TB) is now killing more people each year than HIV, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO announced that the fight against TB--one of the top infectious bacterial diseases, mainly affecting the lungs--has paid off, with this year’s mortality rate at nearly half of what it was in 1990.

However, 1.5 million people still died from the airborne disease in 2014, with over half (54 percent) in China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

“Most of these deaths could have been prevented,” according to WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2015, released on Wednesday, Oct. 28 in Washington, DC. WHO estimated that there were almost 10 million new cases of TB last year, making it the number one infectious killer, according to NPR. The United Nations reported that 4,400 people are dying from the transmittable disease every day.

“Despite the gains, the progress made against TB is far from sufficient, which is unacceptable in an era when you can diagnose and cure nearly every person with TB,” said Dr. Mario Raviglione, Director of WHO’s Global TB Program.

In 2014, TB killed 890,000 men, 480,000 women and 140,000 children, according to the analysis. The disease ranks alongside HIV as a “leading killer worldwide.”

Some 400,000 fatalities were double-counted in the report,

included under each disease, because the deceased had both infections.

Detection and treatment gaps need to be closed, funding shortfalls to be filled, and modern development of diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines are needed to reduce TB’s overall burden, WHO said.

On the positive side, effective diagnosis and treatment have saved 43 million lives between 2000 and 2015, according to the report.

“The report shows that TB control has had a tremendous impact, in terms of lives saved and patients cured,” said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. “These advances are heartening, but if the world is to end this epidemic, it needs to scale up services and, critically, invest in research.”

The 2015 report describes “higher global totals for new TB cases (9.6. million) than in previous years,” reflecting increased and improved national data and greater in-depth studies, rather than any increase in the spread of the disease.

Among new cases, an estimated 3.3 percent have multidrug-resistant TB, a level that has remained unchanged in recent years, said the UN News Service.

The report showed detection and treatment gaps are especially serious among people with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), which remains a public health crisis. The three countries with the largest numbers of these cases are China, India and the Russian Federation.

“MDR-TB is rampant in some parts of the world such as the former Soviet Union, where

up to a third of all [TB] cases are MDR,” said Dr. Raviglione.

“Something is not going well there.”

Public officials are worried that TB is not moving as fast as progress against other diseases, and not as fast as they would like.

Additionally, TB does not attract nearly the funding for research or treatment that goes to HIV. WHO data claimed about $6.6 billion was spent fighting TB in 2014, compared to $20.2 billion invested in the fight against HIV/AIDS in low- and middle-income countries.

“Our point is that we should have the same type of investment going to TB and as of yet that hasn’t been achieved,” said Raviglione.

Last year, 1 million people living with HIV were given TB preventive therapy, an increase of about 60 percent compared with 2013. Over half (59 percent) of the population was in South Africa.

“From 2016, the global goal will shift from controlling TB to ending the global TB epidemic,” the WHO report stated.

“Ending the TB epidemic is now part of the Sustainable Development Goal agenda,” said Dr. Eric Goosby, UN Special Envoy on Tuberculosis.

“If we want to achieve it, we’ll need far more investment – at a level befitting such a global threat.”

Mark Harrington, executive director of Treatment Action Group, agreed. “We’re in this dire situation because the vigorous community response, massive research effort and political leadership that distinguished the response to HIV are utterly absent from TB.”

DOJ, NBI to form special task team to probe...

PAGE A2

great disservice to the memories of the late senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. who died from the bullets fired by dishonorable men,” Escudero said.

“The government must seriously act now to stop these figurative assassinations of Filipinos and tourists. We must hold accountable to the fullest extent of the law these dishonorable airport officials and personnel,” he added.

Among lawmakers seeking a probe into the scheme are Sens.

Miriam Defensor Santiago and Alan Peter Cayetano, who announced Friday, Oct. 30, they filed resolutions for an investigation into the matter.

Santiago proposed the creation of a task force to investigate “alleged illicit activity” of state agents.

Cayetano proposed improving surveillance by upgrading the airport’s 20-year-old analog cameras with IP surveillance videos, implementing a 48 hour rule where airport officials must catch culprits of scams and send them to prison within 48 hours or resign, and implement a rule where supervisors rotate so as to reduce the time and opportunity for theft and extortion in airports, Rappler reported.

Santiago said that the scam could affect tourism, instill fear in foreigners and decrease the public’s trust in law enforcement.

Jess Martinez, assistant head of the Media Affairs Division of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), said the fear of the traveling public is unsettling but understandable.

“MIAA assures the public that all concerned agencies are closely looking into this already. Surveillance has been enhanced ever since reports were brought to the attention of management,” she told Philstar.

President Benigno Aquino III has been called on to fire MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado because of the scandal, but Malacañang said its priority is to identify the problem correctly -not fire Honrado.

“Because we only have what media is reporting.... That’s why the president wants to cast a wide net. Let’s look at the entire picture,” Lacierda said.

Honrado, who is Aquino’s cousin, was appointed by the president. He said he would not resign unless Aquino instructs him to do so.

Victims of the alleged “laglagbala” scam Among recent cases of the scheme involved a 77-year-old Filipino-American bound for Los Angeles at NAIA. Santiago Peñaflorida was stopped Tuesday, Nov. 3, after Department of Transportation and Communications-Office for Transportation Security personnel saw a bullet inside his backpack on the x-ray scanner, Inquirer reported.

Peñaflorida, who had come to

NAIA for a connecting flight from Iloilo Airport, said no bullet was detected in Iloilo. He refused to have his bag opened and examined until after media arrived, after which a .32-caliber bullet was found. He was then brought to the PNP Aviation Security Group for questioning and missed his flight.

In September, Lane Michael White, a 20-year-old American missionary, and Filipino balikbayan Rhed Austria de Guzman, were also reported as victims of the scam.

White was supposed to be on a flight to Palawan but spent six days at the NAIA Terminal 1 police aviation facility. On Sept. 17, he accused airport personnel of allegedly planting the bullet in his baggage and trying to extort P30,000. White was only released after posting P40,000 bail.

On the way to Los Angeles on Sept. 18, de Guzman said she was forced to give P500 to two NAIA personnel at Terminal 2 upon the discovery of two bullets in her luggage. She denied the bullets were hers, according to Rappler, but paid airport personnel after they allegedly threatened to document the incident on her travel records.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, Nimfa Fontamillas, 65, was stopped from boarding her flight to Singapore after a bullet was found in her bag through the x-ray scanner; on Oct. 25, Hong Kong-bound overseas Filipino worker Gloria Ortinez, and Japanese tourist Kazunobu Sakamoto, were arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition. Sakamoto also posted P80,000 bail.

All three individuals denied that they owned the bullets.

Some passengers detained were released upon finding that bullets were blank, while others were taken to court for refusing to pay fines, BBC reported.

International travelers were warned about the bullet scam as early as 2012. On Sept. 17, 2012, the father of a British woman – identified only as “BritPaul” from Northamptonshire, United Kingdom – took to TripAdvisor to write about how his daughter was allegedly victimized by the scam. “[The staff] ‘found’ a bullet casing and told her there would be an investigation and that she would have to miss her flight,” he wrote on the website. “Obviously, she was very frightened and distressed.”

He said airport staff requested for $1,000 in exchange for fixing her case by erasing the security X-ray image displaying the banned item, Inquirer reported.

He added that his daughter, who only had $100, was taken to an ATM, after which “the agent pocketed the money.”

Bullets as charms Not all travelers stopped for possessing bullets have denied owning them.

On the same day 77-year-old Peñaflorida was detained for the

bullet found in his luggage, three females were stopped for possessing ammunition.

Milagrosa Cadiente, 48, was stopped at NAIA for having a bullet in her wallet. She said she was aware bullets are prohibited at the airport but forgot to take the “charm” out of her bag, Inquirer reported.

“It is just stupid to put people in jail for having one or two bullets. They have to understand that Filipinos carry them as charms,” Cadiente said.

Another woman, Rowena Otic, 33, who was not a traveler but was dropping off her sister, was stopped at the airport for possessing two .38-caliber bullets. Otic told reporters she carried them to ward off danger but forgot to remove them from her handbag.

“I also thought only passengers were inspected and arrested for having bullets,” she said.

Marilou Rose Espinola, 27, who was bound for Bacolod, was also stopped for possessing ammunition. She admitted to putting the bullet in her bag but said she did not know it was banned at the airport.

Travelers wrap luggage, OFWs threaten to reduce remittances, NAIA workers deny allegations Airport terminals are offering luggage wrapping services for P160 per bag, while travelers have also opted to seal their bags at home with packing tape to avoid falling victim to the scheme.

Meanwhile, OFWs abroad are threatening to slash the amount of money they send back home as a means of pressuring the government to stop the bullet scam.

“OFWs and our families should act decisively versus the laglagbala that victimizes our fellow OFWs, thus we need to launch a campaign that will pressure the government to put an end to this extortion scheme at NAIA airports,” John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East regional coordinator, said in a statement.

Although airport personnel have been accused of perpetrating the scheme, NAIA porters who help travelers carry luggage say they have been affected by the allegations.

“The passengers must understand that this is our livelihood and we will not do anything to lose their trust,” Porferio Lavado, 42, who has been a porter at NAIA for 17 years, told Inquirer in Filipino.

Inquirer reported an incident witnessed between a female passenger at NAIA and porter who offered to help her with her luggage.

“Get away from me,” the publication reported the female telling the porter. “I don’t want you to plant any bullet on me.”

The porter said he used to help about 20 passengers in 24 hours.

However, as of Monday, Nov. 2, he was helping less than 10 since reports of the scam went viral on social media.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 5-11, 2015

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D ateline PhiliPPines PH assures safety, security of PH under fire for unsolved killing of journalists world leaders in APEC summit

by Julliane love de Jesus Inquirer.net

The Philippine National Police assured that the 21 world leaders–including United States president Barack Obama–who will visit the Philippines for the Asia Pacific economic (APeC) Leaders’ Meeting will be safe and secured.

Although close-in security of the leaders would come from the Presidential Security Group, the PNP will take charge of the security of the venue, traffic, anti-criminality operations and emergency preparedness.

Police said it is halfway done installing security cameras in the billeting areas of the foreign delegates as well as in several venues of the APeC meetings and related events which will take place from November 16 to November 20.

Leaders of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam are expected to attend the Apec economic Leaders’ Meeting from Nov. 17 to Nov. 20.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the police had started conducting dry runs of the security coverage for the event where at least 7,200 delegates from the participating countries are expected to attend.

“The PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies will be joining in ensuring that the Apec meetings are

secured,” Mayor said.

Mayor declined to divulge the number of policemen to be deployed for APeC, but he assured that sufficient number of security forces will be sent in the field. he said Metro Manila policemen will be augmented by personnel from police regional units in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa.

APeC attendees are expected to reach more than 7,200 delegates from the participating countries.

The number only represents the official delegates and does not include the number of foreign media delegations.

Since August, personnel of the Police Security and Protection Group have undergone series of training on close protection, billet security among others.

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the official launch of the APEC Logo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City.

Malacañang photo

Palace: No signs Xi Jinping will snub APEC in Manila by louis

Bacani Philstar.com

MANILA—Malacañang expressed confidence on Wednesday, Nov. 4 that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the AsiaPacific economic Cooperation (APeC) summit in Manila this month.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said China has yet

to confirm Xi’s attendance to the APeC economic Leaders’ Meeting (AeLM) “but there are no indications that he will not go.”

“Thus far, their home office has been working with us kasi may mga advance visits po ‘yan, may mga advance teams. They are all represented,” Valte said.

In a previous interview with reporters in eastern Samar,

Pres. Benigno Aquino III said there is no reason to relate the West Philippine Sea dispute with Xi’s decision to attend the APeC summit.

Aquino said he is open to hold a possible bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader if he attends the Manila event.

The president said he would want to discuss stability with Xi.

Iriberri: No ransom for Samal kidnap victims

by Roel

PaReño Philstar.com

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Armed Forces Chief of Staff General hernando Iriberri reminded ground military forces in Sulu to strictly adhere to no-ransom policy and to keep the Abu Sayyaf group on the run.

This is after the gunmen believed to Abu Sayyaf militants released Tuesday, Nov. 3 its second video of three foreigners and a Filipina taken from Samal Island, demanding P1 billion ransom for Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri ordered his men to strictly adhere to each of them. the government’s no-ransom policy.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), reported to Iriberri the second video footage posted on social media. “his guidance to me is to abide or to strictly adhere to the no-ransom policy of the government,” Arrojado said.

Iriberri also ordered JTGS forces to always consider the safety of the kidnap victims in every rescue and focused military operation.

Arrojado said Iriberri directed to rotate units in combat operations “to keep the Abu Sayyaf group on the run and without rest periods.”

In the 87-second video, Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert hall, Filipino Marites Flor and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad were shown, together with armed men in black garb.

The gunmen ordered their captive foreigners to make the appeal and issue the P1 billion ransom for each of them.

One of the gunmen even held a machete above Ridsdel, threatening that hostages would be killed if their demand was not met.

Ground military officials maintained that they cannot confirm yet on the possible sighting of the victims in Sulu.

Capt. Antonio Bulao, spokesman of JTGS, said their latest information on the ground revealed sighting of the kidnap victims in the island province.

Navy Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad, deputy commander of the Task Force Zambasulta, said they are still conducting an assessment of the video to determine the place and period it was taken and the group behind the kidnapping.

Trinidad said the footage could be part of the propaganda of the gunmen.

“We are not pressured, the operation will continue,” Trinidad said.

by Ryan

d. RosauRo Inquirer.net

ILIGAN CITY—The Philippines is one of four countries that are at the center of a global campaign for freedom of expression even as the local journalism community has just lost another member to unidentified killers.

Jose Bernardo, a reporter and broadcaster for dwBL radio station in Manila, as well as a reporter for dwIZ radio, also in Manila, was shot repeatedly by one of two men riding a motorcycle outside a restaurant in Quezon City on Saturday, Oct. 31 and died later in hospital, police said.

No suspects have been arrested in the attack, which also wounded a restaurant worker, and authorities said they were checking whether it was linked to Bernardo’s work as a journalist.

The global freedom of expression campaign runs from Nov. 2 to Nov. 23.

In December 2013, the United Nations declared Nov. 2 International Day to end Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Nov. 2 is All Souls’ Day in Christian countries, including the Philippines.

Nov. 2 was chosen because it was on that date that two reporters of Radio France Internationale (RFI), Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, were killed in Mali in 2013.

Nov. 23 marks the sixth year after the attack that claimed the lives of 58 people, 32 of them journalists, in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province, in the Philippines. The Maguindanao massacre was the worst single attack on the press.

In a statement, the Brusselsbased International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), a global organization representing more than 300,000 journalists, said its annual campaign, along with other freedom of expression networks, sought to “hold world governments and de facto authorities accountable for impunity records for crimes targeting journalists.”

“Murder is the highest form of these crimes but all attacks targeting journalists that remain unpunished must be denounced…

There can be no press freedom where journalists work in fear,” the IFJ said.

Four countries The IFJ campaign puts specific emphasis on the Philippines, Mexico, Ukraine and Yemen owing to

the gravity of the situation in these countries.

According to the IFJ, on a global scale, only one in 10 cases of media deaths are investigated.

“Impunity not only endangers journalists, it [also] imperils democracy and the right for the public to know. It is more than time for bringing those who kill the messengers to justice and we must relentlessly hold governments accountable for this,” said Jim Boumelha, president of the group. he urged IFJ affiliates to get involved in the campaign “to show solidarity to those who struggle for telling the truth and their loved ones.”

“The calendar gives us enough reason to remember. But every killing is enough reason to rage,” said Rowena Paraan, chair of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

Maguindanao massacre In the Philippines, the IFJ notes that not a single killer has been convicted for involvement in the Maguindanao massacre. More than 190 people are accused in the crime, 18 of them surnamed Ampatuan.

“The [Maguindanao] massacre remains the key focal point of the Philippine media’s battle with impunity, but it must be stressed that the killing of journalists didn’t start on

Nov. 23, 2009, nor did it end there,” the IFJ said.

“The fallout for the media continues—as do journalist murders with shocking regularity… which makes the country the deadliest for journalists in Southeast Asia,” the group said.

The NUJP has recorded 32 journalist killings since the 2009 massacre, five of these in 2015.

These brought to 169 the number of journalist killings since 1986 when the Philippines regained press freedom after the fall of strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

“This year there was a small breakthrough when the two accused masterminds in the killing of journalist Gerry Ortega were arrested in Thailand on unrelated charges. They have since been deported to and detained in the Philippines while awaiting trial for their role in the 2011 murder of Ortega,” IFJ said, referring to the arrest of former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes.

Threats by text In the case of Bernardo, police said on Monday, Nov. 2 that the broadcaster had received “threatening text messages” before he was shot on Saturday.

Bernardo’s cell phone was submitted to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for “digital PAGE A7

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november 5-11, 2015 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

O piniOn Entrapment

Features

IS it really more fun in the Philippines? In 2014, the government has recorded 34 million domestic and international arrival and departures at the country’s premier gateway. Despite a “worst airport” tag, it is a welcome development.

But if you ask 56-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Gloria Ortinez, she would blatantly say “No.” After her recent balikbayan trip, Ortinez was prevented from leaving the country after an Office of Transportation Security (OTS) personnel allegedly found a bullet for a carbine rifle in her hand-carried bag.

Ortinez was bound for Hong Kong to resume her employment. She was barred from leaving the country and was detained after failing to pay P80,000 ($1,900) bail on charges of illegal possession of ammunition filed before the Pasay prosecutor’s office.

Lane Michael White, a 20-year-old American missionary, shares Ortinez’s sentiments. White and his family were in the country last month to look for a lot in Palawan where they can build a church for their congregation. The family trip was disrupted when the OTS allegedly found a 22-cal. inside White’s baggage. White was held at a detention cell for six days after he was charged for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. White, who is from Florida, insisted that the bullet found in his luggage was “planted” and that an airport officer tried to extort P30,000 ($640) from him to avoid legal problems. “They can lie to people but not to God. I stand by my statement. If my being jailed was needed to make the truth come out and save other people, then being in jail was worth it,”

White shared.

Ortinez and White shared the same ordeal that apparently has been going on for two decades. A reliable source told ABS-CBN News that the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) scam has gone unabated for the past 20 years. The source also disclosed that airport security screening personnel are allegedly employing ‘spotters’ to help them find the ‘perfect’ passenger to victimize.”

“The source said, before the tanim-bala modus operandi was exposed and reported by the media, the group normally victimized more than 20 passengers a day, raking hundreds of thousands of pesos from passengers who do not want to be hassled,” ABS-CBN News further reported.

The reported cases of “tanim-bala” have caused a pandemonium. On social, media airport passengers are now posting photos of them wrapping their bags in plastics and duct tapes or other embellishments to secure their own pieces of luggage.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to investigate the bullet-planting incidents.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was also tasked to probe and conduct “a thorough, in-depth, and comprehensive investigation and case build-up” on the scam that has gained international attention.

Aquino convened a meeting on Monday, Nov. 2 to

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

verify the allegations and formulate long-term solutions.

“These are assumptions that we need to validate.

That is why we need to look at all the assumptions that were put out. We want to make sure that what measures that we are going to come up with are measures that in the long run would ensure the safety of each and every passenger and guarantee their security as they use the terminals,” Presidential

Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

The impact of these recent incidents poses a great concern for travelers who are eyeing the Philippines as their destination this holiday season. The national government and its concerned agencies must immediately resolve this extortion scam to ensure passenger safety for local and foreign air travelers and restore confidence in the country’s aviation system.

(AJPress)

The ‘laglag bala’ scheme and the state of paranoia at NAIA: more fun in the Philippines?

ONE of the things we Filipinos living abroad always look forward to and are excited about is the ability to travel back to the Philippines and feel “at home” in our Motherland, where we feel welcome, safe and taken care of. However, the recent headlines about the alleged “bullet planting” (laglag bala) scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has created paranoia in the minds of not only Filipinos, but of the international media and travelers as well.

As Balitang America has reported, even the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is now warning its staff members of this scheme, used by perpetrators within NAIA to extort money from passengers.

The UNDSS says in a statement: “Staff members are advised to keep your luggage with you, lock your luggage and consider wrapping your luggage in plastic as an extra precaution.”

As of press time, the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group says that there have been 30 alleged cases of this “laglag bala” cases this year alone. Balitang America further reports that according to the The Manila International Air-

port Authority, there have been five cases of this bullet planting The Fil-Am scheme in the last two weeks Perspective alone.

However, these passengers, including foreigners, contend that they were “framed”, and that the one or two bullets that the airport inspectors claim to have found Gel SantoS-reloS in their luggage upon inspection were not theirs, but were planted by these inspectors in an effort to extort money from them.

Such is the case of Rhed de Guzman, a kababayan from Santa Ana, in the Los Angeles area of California. Rhed happens to be the sister of my “inaanak sa kasal”. The de Guzmans are decent, hardworking people. My “inaanak” sa kasal are both lawyers and one is even a judge in the Philippines.

We had the de Guzman family over for lunch a month ago and that is when we talked about the “laglag bala” scheme reported in the local media.

To our surprise, Rhed turned out to be the person who first reported on social media about being traumatized by the experience. Her post became

Recognizing October as Filipino Street Talk American History Month Commentary

Senator Harry reid NEVADA would not be the state that it is today without the contributions made by the FilipinoAmerican community. The hard work of our Filipino-American community continues to help move our state forward and makes our state stronger. I am proud to represent thousands Filipino-Americans in Nevada, and I am deeply grateful for what they have done for our state and our country.

Last month, I was proud to cosponsor a resolution recognizing October as Filipino American History Month to honor the rich culture and tradition of the thousands of Filipino-Americans who have made an indelible mark on the Silver State and the United States.

Over 260,000 Filipinos fought alongside American soldiers during World War II. Despite their service and sacrifice, these deserving veterans were denied the U.S. citizenship they were promised.

Those veterans were finally eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship in 1990 but even those who became citizens have been waiting for up to 20 years to reunite with close family members. I have worked for many years trying to help reunite Filipino veterans and their families, but our broken immigration

system has sadly delayed – and prevented – these families from coming together. However, President Obama’s recent executive action, will help modernize this system, and I am pleased that a new policy will expedite the reunification of Filipino families.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will work with the State Department to create a new program that will allow certain family members of Filipino-American World War II veterans to receive parole to come to the United States. These are all important steps to righting the wrongs of the past, and also to ensure that aging veterans can receive the support and care that they need. There are only approximately 6,000 Filipino World War II veterans still alive and living in the U.S. and they are have been waiting to reunite with family for decades. It is important to note that individuals cannot apply for the program at this time, and that DHS will inform the public when the application process is in place.

I remain committed to helping Filipino veterans reunite with their families and honoring the promises made to them while fighting on behalf of the United States. I will continue to work with my colleagues so that they can get the recognition and support they deserve. I know how much the Filipino-American community has done for the state of Nevada and our country, and to them I would like to say: Maraming salamat po!

GreG B. MacaBenta I HAVE just read, with extreme fascination, a discussion paper published by Norberto B. Gonzales, secretary of national defense and national security adviser under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It has a title that immediately grabs you: Revolution Now? After going through the piece, the question that immediately comes to mind is: Revolution?

How? And who?

The paper proceeds on a very idealistic premise. It proposes a peaceful, bloodless revolution even as it warns against the intrusion of sinister forces that, according to the writer, are already preparing for a power grab, given the current state of discontent in our country.

It also acknowledges that two previous “revolutions” had been mounted – the one in February 1986 that ejected the Marcos dictatorship and the one in 2001 that caused the “forced resignation” of President Joseph Estrada. The first only saw “the restoration of old oligarchic rule” and the second “failed to change the unjust systems.”

There was in fact a third “revolution” of sorts. Not the failed EDSA Tres that Estrada’s supporters tried to mount but the one that catapulted Benigno S. Aquino III to the presidency. Like the first two mass movements, the last one was launched with high hopes for meaningful change in

viral and she was even interviewed by several media outlets in the Philippines.

Her personal experience was very much like what the others after her have gone through. In a report by Steve Angeles on Balitang America, Rhed shared that last September, she was returning from Batangas to California.

She was then wheelchair bound when she went through security inspection.

Rhed alleges that porters and airport security claimed to have found bullets in her luggage.

These airport personnel allaegedly told her that to avoid being detained, she just would have to pay 500 Pesos, which is about $12, to make the issue go away.

Rhed knows these bullets are absolutely not hers, but because the whole process was scary and she was even emotionally lost because her mother was then terminally ill, she decided to give the money they were asking for so she could hop on that plane and not miss her flight back to

California.

However, she knew in her heart what happened was wrong, and so she started positing about her ordeal on social media so that the government could do something about it.

“Hindi dapat nangyari ito kasi nasa Pilipinas tayo…kapwa Pilipino…Bakit nangyari ang ganito?

Tapos akalo ko noon titigil na kasi nakuwento ko na sa social media…Wala lang rin pala…Marami pang kaso, sunod sunod,” Rhed laments in the Balitang America report. She is ready to file a formal complaint soon.

“Stupid”, embarrassing, frustrating, in addition to the paranoia are some thoughts that kababayans now express about this scheme. They wonder why the government has not been able to be on top of the situation. How could this happen inside NAIA? (To be continued) *** 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

Revolution now? How and who?

Philippine society. And, like the two, the results have been distressing – which, apparently, is why “Revolution Now” is being proposed.

Now limping towards the end of his six-year tenure, Aquino and his administration are clearly the object of this new clarion call for change. Aquino’s promise of “Kung walang kurap, walang mahirap” (Where no one is corrupt, no one will be poor) has become nothing more than a bad advertising slogan. His Tuwid na Daan (Straight Path) style of governance has been like a provincial dirt road, bumpy, with potholes aplenty and anything but straight.

I actually do not doubt that Noynoy Aquino and many (or at least some) of those who drafted him to run for the highest office in the land had the most noble of intentions. In fact, it must be acknowledged that those noble intentions have seen some meaningful improvements in our country.

But like a badly tailored suit with one arm longer than the other and the buttons not properly sewed on, the Aquino government has only been consistent in its inconsistency, whether it is in the dispensation of “justice” or in the apportionment of largesse drawn from the national treasury or in acknowledging faults and taking responsibility for mistakes and not passing on the blame to everyone but itself.

Indeed, Aquino’s presidency has aptly confirmed the adage that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

One reason, of course, is the fact that – like all past Philippine presidents – Aquino was quickly surrounded and continues to be surrounded by individuals and power blocs with special interests to protect and larcenous agendas to promote, as well as incompetents and deadwood. And, in fairness to him and his predecessors, the total system – political, social, economic, cultural – is designed to frustrate the best laid plans of mice and presidents.

This brings me back to the idealistic paper prepared by Norberto Gonzales, who we may recall, was one of the pillars of the much-maligned Arroyo government that Noynoy Aquino ostensibly replaced.

With due respect to Gonzales and to the National Transformation Council, to which he plans to present (or has presented) his treatise, the following questions needs to be asked by simpleminded individuals like myself: 1. Who will lead the “revolu-

tion”? Who will spearhead the establishment of a “revolutionary transition government,” dissolve Congress and the Comelec, write a new Constitution, reconstitute the Supreme Court and “overhaul the entire justice system”? It would help if the proponents were to present a list of these sterling individuals who, like Caesar’s wife, are beyond reproach, the better for the citizenry to vet them.

Will they be able to withstand the vicious scrutiny that has characterized legislative inquiries and media commentaries?

Do they have any past associations that raise red flags? Do they have proverbial skeletons in their closets or, at the very least, have they been cleansed of past transgressions like Saul after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus?

2. Who will constitute the “unicameral consultative assembly” that will serve as the PAGE A7

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A

International monitors push passage of BBL

by Jose

Rodel Clapano Philstar.com

ALERTED. President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with heads of agencies concerned Monday, Nov. 2, to investigate the alledged tanim-bala incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Present during the meeting are PNP-Aviation Security Group Chief Supt. Pablo Francisco Balagtas, PNP Chief Ricardo Marquez, Airport Gen Manager Jose Angel Honrado, PMS Head Julia Abad, Cabinet Sec. Jose Almendras, DILG Sec. Mel Senen Sarmiento, DOTC Sec. Jun Abaya and other cabinet members.

Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea

P15-B disaster fund still unspent by dJ

Yap

Inquirer.net

SURVIVORS of Typhoon “Lando” (international name: Koppu) run the risk of becoming victims twice as government agencies appear incapable of using P15 billion in available disaster relief funds to help them, Sen. Loren Legarda said Monday, Nov. 2.

Appalled by the slow use of quick response funds (QRF) and disaster relief funds, Legarda, chair of the Senate committees on finance and climate change, said the agencies concerned must explain their failure to spend money for typhoon victims before their budgets for 2016 could be approved.

Citing data from the Department of Budget and Management, Legarda said a balance of P10.28 billion remained in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund, formerly known as the calamity fund, as of September.

This is on top of the remaining P5.458 billion in the QRF for 2015 out of a total allocation of P6.7 billion, meaning as much as 81 percent of the available fund has not been used, Legarda said.

“We have more than P15 billion worth of government funds that we can use for Lando victims. Yet many survivors of calamities in recent years are still suffering and have yet to rebuild their homes and regain their sources of livelihood,” she said.

The QRF is a standby fund used for the government’s rehabilitation and relief programs and projects, including prepositioning of relief and equipment, in areas stricken by calamities, epidemics, crises and catastrophes, from the last quarter of the preceding year to the current year.

Agencies with QRF The fund, however, is not to be used for “predisaster activities.”

The QRF is a separate fund derived from the NDRRM fund, which is mandated funding under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

Of the QRF in 2015, the Department of Education received P1 billion; Department of Health, P500

million; Department of National Defense (DND)-Office of Civil Defense, P530 million; DND-Office of the Secretary, P352.5 million; Department of Agriculture (DA)National Irrigation Administration, P500 million; DA-Office of the Secretary, P500 million; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), P1.325 billion; Department of Transportation and Communications, P1 billion; and Department of Public Works and Highways, P1 billion.

“We have 81 percent of the QRF unutilized. Does this mean that these agencies have been able to provide for relief and other postdisaster needs of those who were affected by the 11 typhoons that entered the country before Lando?” Legarda said.

Spend it now She urged all agencies with QRF to “spend it now when survivors of Typhoon Lando most need it.”

“We do not approve funds just to go stale in banks,” she added.

Typhoon Lando wreaked havoc across northern Luzon last month, leaving 48 people dead, 68 injured, four missing, and destroying P11 billion in agricultural crops and infrastructure.

On Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said P122 million worth of assistance had been given to Lando victims, much of it on the behest of the DSWD. In its 2014 annual report, the Commission on Audit (COA) criticized the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for the very slow use of the QRF, as well as of donations for disaster victims.

State auditors said the unused QRF allocated to the OCD had ballooned to P923 million as of December. The OCD administers the NDRRMC. The COA also said that out of P466 million in foreign and local donations received by the NDRRMC for various disasters since 2008, only P81 million, or 17 percent, had been disbursed as of last year.

Detailed accounting Legarda said she would ask the agencies to give detailed accounting of how much had been spent

for Lando victims, and victims of earlier typhoons.

“Do not make them victims twice over—victims of natural calamity and man-made calamity, which is government inaction. The latter is the worst,” she said.

“Billions of [pesos in] available funds are not being used judiciously and expeditiously. We need to have compassion and urgent action. The people are asking for help. Let us not be insensitive to their needs. Let us act fast, for the help they need is not today, it was Monday,” Legarda said.

She said, however, that she had no plan of impeding the passage of the QRF in the proposed P3-trillion budget for 2016.

Another P530 million has been proposed for the OCD’s QRF for 2016, on top of separate allocations for the other agencies composing the NDRRMC. Budget deliberations Also Monday, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to bring up the issue of unused calamity funds during the deliberations on 2016 budget in the Senate to ensure these will be used as intended.

Marcos also urged the government to use the idle calamity funds to provide permanent shelter to survivors of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan), which ravaged Eastern Visayas in November 2013, and help victims of other recent calamities.

“It has been two years since [Supertyphoon] Yolanda devastated Tacloban and other nearby areas but many of the survivors are still complaining that they have yet to get permanent shelters that the government promised for them,” Marcos said in a statement.

“The sad thing is that the government could have used these funds to help disaster survivors.

This smacks of not only insensitivity to the plight of the disaster survivors but also negligence of duty,” he said.

Asked to comment on the issue, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said he wanted first to hear the explanations of the agencies involved “before blasting away at anybody.”

PH under fire for unsolved killing...

PAGE A5 forensic examination,” the report said.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police, said investigators had yet to determine whether the attack on Bernardo was related to his work.

Mayor said investigators had learned that Bernardo was not a regular reporter at dwIZ. According to earlier reports, Bernardo told his family that he was going to Quezon City to meet someone.

A witness said Bernardo was parking his motorcycle in front of a restaurant on Zabarte Road, in Barangay Kaligayahan in Novaliches district, when a man walked up to him and shot him in the head and body.

After the shooting, the gunman walked to a motorcycle driven by another man and the two sped away, heading toward Caloocan City.

If the attack was job-related, Bernardo would be the 170th journalist to be killed in the Philippines

PAGE A6

since 1986.

In the line of duty In Mexico, 50 journalists have lost their lives in the line of duty since 2010. Of these cases, 89 percent remain unsolved, the Mexican National Human Rights Commission said.

In Yemen, the IFJ has recorded 15 journalists killed since 2011.

Ten of the journalists died in 2015.

None of the perpetrators has been brought to justice.

In addition, 14 reporters remain captive as a consequence of the fighting between the Houthis, the Saudi-led coalition and al-Qaida terrorists.

In Ukraine, the IFJ cited eight killings, 125 intimidations, 322 assaults, 162 attempts of censorship and 196 cases of impeding journalistic activities since 2014.

Of 54 investigations launched, only three cases have reached the courts.

In 2000, the body of Ukrainian journalist Georgy Gongadze was found beheaded in a forest outside Kiev.

In 2015, the IFJ recorded 86

journalist killings throughout the world.

Last year, a journalist was killed every 10 days, the IFJ said. Most of the journalists—94 percent—were men, and citizens of the countries where they were killed. Only 6 percent were foreign correspondents.

The group said 41 percent of the slain journalists worked for newspapers.

South Asia In South Asia, India and Bangladesh are also countries of special concern. Of the 86 journalist killings this year, 23 are in the region.

India has seen six journalist murders this year while five bloggers have been killed in Bangladesh.

“In Bangladesh where the press is not free, bloggers fill the gap of informing the public,” Jane Worthington, deputy director of IFJ Asia-Pacific, said.

In 2014, 39 journalist killings were recorded in the region, with Pakistan topping the list with 14, also the highest in the world. (With reports from Jaymee T. Gamil in Manila and from AFP)

Revolution now? How and who?

“legislative advisory body of the revolutionary government”? Will they not be the same powerful families, warlords and political dynasties who currently rule over the fiefdoms that constitute what passes for the Republic of the Philippines? And will they not “aspire to win at all cost” to remain in power, thus perpetuating “the root of evil in our electoral system”?

3. Will this revolution be able to uproot the “old oligarchy” peacefully, without any bloody

resistance? Will the wealthy families and business conglomerates that control virtually every aspect of life in the country be willing to let go of their privileged status without any struggle?

4. Will the overhaul apply mainly to the system of government or will it include a total cleansing of society and the interest groups that make it up, including the clergy?

5. Granting that peerless, perspicacious, selfless and noble leaders can be thoroughly vetted to constitute the revolution-

ary council that will overhaul the system, how will they deal with those who are less noble, like rotten apples threatening the rest? Will they apply the Duterte solution? And wouldn’t that be bloody?

I’m sure I’m not the only one eager to know the answers to these questions. I’m sure, too, that if these questions can be satisfactorily addressed, many of us will willingly, enthusiastically march to the beat of revolutionary drums. (gregmacabenta@ hotmail.com)

MANILA—Congress should show its leadership in promoting peace by passing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the third party monitoring team (TPMT) said.

In a statement issued Monday, Nov. 2, the TMPT, which is tasked to monitor, review and assess the implementation of the agreements between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said peace is within the reach of Filipinos.

“We believe that the political will and vision of Congress can indeed allow it to seize this historic moment,” TMPT spokesman and chairman Alistair MacDonald said.

“By adopting now a basic law giving legal expression to the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) and providing for the real autonomy foreseen under the 1987 Constitution, Congress will have shown its leadership in promoting peace, security and prosperity for the benefit of the nation as a whole,” he said.

MacDonald said their group has been monitoring the implementa-

tion of the agreements signed between the Philippine government and the MILF since July 2013 and met with the widest possible range of stakeholders.

“Those who have lived with more than four decades of armed conflict in Muslim Mindanao have understood the tremendous benefits which peace can unlock, allowing the region to achieve its full potential and to contribute more effectively to the prosperity and security of the nation as a whole,” he said.

He said the international community has watched with admiration how the Philippines worked to push the peace process.

“We are now at a critical juncture in the peace process, when a successful conclusion to 18 years of negotiations is almost within reach. Expectations are running high, though fears of failure are also growing,” he said.

MacDonald said deliberations in Congress and the wide-ranging consultations have allowed all stakeholders to express themselves on the substance and the detail of the agreements and the draft law.

The TPMT has five members — Rahib Kudto (United Youth for

Peace and Development, Philippines), Huseyin Oruç (Turkey), Steven Rood (The Asia Foundation, USA), Karen Tañada (Gaston Z Ortigas Peace Institute, Philippines) and MacDonald.

The government and MILF peace panels reiterated their appeal to lawmakers to pass the BBL. Chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, citing issues on lack of quorum and absenteeism in the previous Congress, called on lawmakers to work for the passage of the landmark legislation.

Ferrer said Congress would allow the next president and the incoming set of lawmakers to focus on other measures by passing the BBL before the end of President Aquino’s term.

She said the MILF is ready to undertake the continuous decommissioning of its weapons and combatants upon the passage of the BBL. “Our mechanisms are ready to undertake this, especially the IDB (Independent Decommissioning Body) and the Joint Task Force on Decommissioned Combatants and Their Communities,” she said.

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 5-11, 2015

VEGAS&STYLE

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Journal Margot Robbie finds ‘heaven’ in El Nido ‘Kid Kulafu’ shows Pacquiao’s early years THE star of the highly anticipated DC movie “Suicide Squad” Margot Robbie has visited the Philippines and found her “heaven” in the country.

In a post on her Instagram account on Sunday, Nov. 1 Robbie spoke highly of El Nido.

“I think I died and went to heaven @elnidoresorts,” she said.

Aside from Palawan, Robbie also visited Bohol and Cebu.

In a video she posted last week, she let out her inner Jane Porter when she swung on a rope and jumped into a river in Bohol.

In Cebu, she cooked meals for less-fortunate kids through the Rise Above Foundation.

Screengrab from Margarot Robbie’s Instagram account The Hollywood actress even asked her 1.3 million followers on “Suicide Squad” will be on A-list celebrities like Will Smith, Instagram to visit the Philippines theaters in August 2016. Robbie Viola Davis, Jared Leto and Cara or donate to the foundation. will star in the film along other Delevingne. (Inquirer.net)

Alden on Yaya Dub: We just enjoy every moment

by ChuCk

Smith Philstar.com

MANILA—Alden Richards knows a number of his fans are waiting for his onscreen partnership with Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza to turn into a real one.

But the GMA-7 actor said he feels no pressure to right away develop his relationship with Maine into something romantic.

“Ang nakakatuwa po kasi, most of the AlDub fans, they really want this to continue and develop into something romantic. But walang pressure,” Alden said.

He added, “We just enjoy every moment.”

Alden said he has remained single since entering show business in 2011. Now, with Maine in the picture, does he feel like his chance to have a romantic relationship has diminished?

“Malay n’yo po, baka si... “ he said, teasing the press.

The 23-year-old actor added: “Hindi naman po natin alam.

Since before, sabi ko naman sa lahat ng nakaka-love team ko,

Alden Richards (center) talks to members of the press during the his launch as the newest endorser of Snow Caps Whitening Capsules in Quezon City on Thursday, October 29.

hindi ko sinasara ‘yung pinto ko sa chance na ma-develop or something ng something serious out of that. We’ll see.”

Asked to describe Maine,

Alden said: “Slowly, medyo nabre-break ko na po ‘yung wall of shyness.”

“Mabait naman si Maine saka makulit.”

by AgneS

ConStAnte AJPress

BEFORE Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao became a world boxing champion, he was known as Kid Kulafu.

In a film titled after Pacquiao’s childhood boxing nickname, the rags chapter of the people’s champ’s rags-to-riches story is conveyed in a dramatization that focuses on his younger years.

“Kid Kulafu” takes viewers on an in-depth journey through Pacquiao’s life in poverty and in an area of the Southern Philippines where strife between militants and police often leaves locals caught in the middle.

The biopic also depicts how his Tio Sardo got him started in boxing, how he worked collecting bottles after school, how he and his brother sold bread to earn money for the family after his mother suffered a heart attack, and how his mother was against his desire to box because she wanted him to become a priest.

A number of stories have already been told about the Philippine boxer, however, director Paul Soriano came with a different approach when pitching the idea to Pacquiao.

“I told him, well, the handle for this would be about your childhood, something maybe that not many people know in detail.

And that kind of lit a fire in him I think,” Soriano said during a Q&A session following a “Kid Kulafu” screening on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the ArcLight in Culver City for the Asian World Film Festival.

It took three years from the start to completion of the film, which included extensive research and hours of stories from Pacquiao.

“Manny is a hard guy to catch.

You don’t get him every day, so when he calls, you kind of have to make time to talk and the challenge was what do we put in the film,” Soriano said.

Completing the movie took two years of research and about

Director Paul Soriano and Fight Director Erwin Tagle discussing a shot for one of the boxing matches.

Photo by (c) Ten17P

“Kid Kulafu” producer Marie Pineda & director Paul Soriano

a year of filming, which included six months of preparation work and 34 days of filming in a span of three to four months.

With a runtime of 108 minutes, Soriano said, “Kid Kulafu” is only a small snippet of what Pacquiao went through in his life. And with the boxer’s abundance of vibrant memories while he was growing up, Soriano found it challenging to find the heart of the story.

However, he said 80 percent of the storyline is factual.

“Of course in every biopic that you do there’s always that creative license that you take. We didn’t make up anything. We just compressed it to make it look like it happened all right at the same time,” Soriano said.

Photo by Peter Dumaual

He added that he is happy with the finished product, which was completed with a budget equivalent to about $1 million.

Big-name Philippine actors The film stars big-name actors, with 17-year-old Robert “Buboy” Villar portraying the younger Pacquiao, Emmanuel; Alessandra de Rossi as his mother, Dionisia; Cesar Montano as Tio Sardo; Alex Vincent Medina as his father, Rosalio; and Khalil Ramos as his friend Eugene, who died in the boxing ring.

While the cast is well-known in the Philippines, Soriano said it was more important to choose actors who possessed a similar appearance to the roles in the PAGE B3

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New documentary explores what it means ‘Heneral Luna’ gives thanks to be Asian American through food

by BAyAni

sAn Diego Inquirer.net

by Agnes

ConstAnte

AJPress

ON Dec. 8, a new documentary that explores what it means to be Asian American through food is set for release on PBS. “Off the Menu: Asian America,” directed by Grace Lee, chronicles a journey from Texas to New York, to Wisconsin to Hawaii, where Lee delves into food traditions in Asian American cultures.

In the four areas Lee visits, she uncovers a wide spectrum of food traditions and the role food plays in people’s lives, from sushi in Texas to Langar – where food is served for free to all visitors – at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, and even catching and cooking octopus in Hawaii.

“Off the Menu” came to life after the Center for American Media approached Lee, whose credits include “The Grace Lee Project” (2007) and “Makers: Women in Politics.”

In choosing which stories to feature in the film, Lee said she cast a wide net and wanted to include a segment on the midwest, as stories on Asians from the region are rare. “[I] definitely wanted to go into the farther reaches where people might not be so familiar with Asian American cuisine or what that meant,” she said during a Q&A session following a screening of the documentary on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Japanese American National Museum.

Another goal was to ensure wide geographic diversity and ethnic diversity. The film also explored food supplies in Asian Pacific Islander culture in Hawaii, where a father and daughter

are shown going out to sea for octopus, and a separate group of youth farm and sell produce to a local restaurant.

While “Off the Menu” does not feature any Filipino stories, Lee emphasized that the film was not necessarily talking about specific ethnicities, but an Asian American experience.

“If you have any kind of connection to that, whether you’re a first generation immigrant or third generation, I think that a lot of the themes in the film connect that way. These themes of tradition, home, family, trying to make … a business, trying to succeed in business, how food can also Grace Lee, director of “Off the Menu: Asian be part of a spiritual practice, or America” sustainability or farming is part Youa Yang of Yang Farms; writer of the food supply. Those stories and sociologist Oliver Wang aren’t specific to those ethnicities, served as moderator.

“Asian eaters are pretty smart.... those just happen to be the people We just eat out a lot, we love eatthat we met on this journey.”

Food writer Christine Chiao ing. It doesn’t matter if it’s Asian was also among panelists who food or Mexican food, we’re very engaged in discussions after the smart eaters and we don’t mind screening, and touched on how going out of our comfort zone,” she is drawn to stories that are Phan said.

Sunday’s screening was hosted untold. She specifically cited one story involving a Fil-Am brother by non-profit organization Visual duo who reached out to her in late Communications. “[The documentary] encap2014, pitching their story about sulates how cultural pride as their pop up called LASA. “And I found that really fas- an Asian Pacific Islander can cinating because even though be a shared celebration here in we have a very rich Filipino America. I’m excited to launch Angeleno community, we don’t [Grace’s] film in advance of her see those stories come out as national broadcast...” Francis much in food media. And so that Cullado, executive director of was my motivation to go out and Visual Communications, said in meet Chad and Chase [Valencia] a statement.

“Off the Menu: Asian America” and hear about their narratives,” is a multimedia project for CenChiao said.

Others who weighed in on the ter for Asian American Media panel were chef Minh Phan of (CAAM) and KQED. It is suitable Porridge+Puffs, scholar and USC for general audiences and has a professor Karen Tongson and total run time of 56 minutes..

Brillante Mendoza to work with Asian directors

by MArinel

r. Cruz

Inquirer.net

TOKYO—Filipino filmmaker Brillante Ma. Mendoza said he would never pass up the opportunity to work on an omnibus film with two other directors from Japan and Cambodia because it would mean having another shot at representing the country in the global film industry.

The project, called “Asian Three-Fold Mirror,” is a coproduction of the Japan Foundation Asia Center and the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF).

“The project will reflect each country’s society and culture in three different angles and presentations,” the TIFF said in a statement.

Aside from Mendoza, Japan’s Isao Yukisada and Cambodia’s Sotho Kulikar will be working on the omnibus film. The world premiere of their completed project will be at the 29th TIFF. It is also expected to tour major film festivals and to be released in Japan in 2016, the TIFF statement stated.

“TIFF organizers went to Manila in 2014 to ask me if I would be amenable to doing it

and I said ‘yes’ immediately. I liked that we would be given 100-percent creative freedom on how we would execute the film,” Mendoza told the Inquirer in an interview at the Mori Tower Cinema Lounge in Roppongi Hills here.

“We’ve already met twice—the first was in July,” Mendoza said.

The second discussion happened on Oct. 23, a day after the 28th TIFF opening ceremony. They all agreed that the three films would have one unifying thread.

Elderly “I can’t divulge the details, except that the films will be about the elderly. There will also be one object that will link all three.

Mine will be shown first.”

The TIFF project is not the first multinational omnibus for Mendoza. He did a five-minute film for a project produced by the Hong Kong IFF, and another, a one-minuter, for the Venice IFF. “However, this is the longest so far at 30 minutes. It’s a privilege to work with Asia’s best artists,” he said.

Mendoza stressed that he would not be competing with the other two directors. “What’s im-

The director says his collaborators are “very professional, easy to approach and are willing to listen.”

portant are the lessons the directors will be able to impart to their audience,” he noted. “They’re both very professional and are willing to listen to my ideas.”

The 28th TIFF organized a retrospective of Mendoza’s works. Among those featured in the festival’s Crosscut Asia section were “Foster Child,” “Lola,” “Serbis,” “Thy Womb” and “Taklub.” TIFF ended on Oct. 31.

Jr.

IT was a three-in-one celebration. Not so coincidentally, the thanksgiving party of “Heneral Luna” fell on the same day as the 149th birth anniversary of revolutionary Antonio Luna on Oct. 29.

The big bash was held at the Sampaguita Gardens in Quezon City and the entire cast—led by Heneral Luna himself, John Arcilla—trooped to the venue.

Also spotted at the party were cast members Ronnie Lazaro, Nonie Buencamino, Joem Bascon, Bing Pimentel, Mon Confiado, Archie Alemania, Ketchup Eusebio, Alex Medina, Mylene Dizon and Paulo Avelino, among others.

Producers Fernando Ortigas and EA Rocha and filmmaker Jerrold Tarog beamed all night, mighty proud that the historical epic earned P253 million after eight weeks in cinemas.

The producers also announced at the party that the second part of Tarog’s historical trilogy, “Gregorio del Pilar,” is now “of-

ficially in development.”

Avelino is being eyed to reprise the Del Pilar role, which he portrayed in “Heneral Luna” as well.

“I hope ‘Del Pilar’ will match, if not surpass, the success of ‘Luna,’” Avelino said.

The gathering also feted the producers’ five entries in the Circle Competition of the recently concluded QCinema International Film Festival: Lemuel Lorca’s “Water Lemon,” Chuck Gutierrez’s “Iisa,” Mihk Vergara’s “Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo,” Cesar Hernando’s “Gayuma” and Jet Leyco’s “Matangtubig.”

Arcilla, who had just returned from a concert tour in Europe, has run out of words to express his gratitude. “I initially felt the project’s success when the audience took ownership of the film on its second week in cinemas.

They started promoting it on social media. As early as then, I had already thanked God and congratulated everyone in the production—especially Tito Nando (Ortigas) for having full

John Arcilla, in costume as the revolutionary Antonio Luna, salutes viewers for supporting the film. Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

confidence in the film.”

Ortigas never imagined that “Heneral Luna” would become not just a box-office sensation, but a social media phenomenon as well.

“I still have another wild dream… that ‘Heneral Luna’ would make it at the Oscars,” Ortigas said.

“Heneral Luna” is the country’s bet in the best foreign language category of the Academy Awards in 2016.

Lindsay Lohan shows love to ‘4th Impact’ HOLLYWOOD actress Lindsay Lohan has expressed her admiration to the all-Filipino singing and dancing group “4th Impact” which is competing at “X Factor UK.” In a post on her Instagram account, Lohan said that she is rooting for them.

She even tagged X Factor UK judges Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell.

“I love these girls and my vote is with them! @cherylofficial said it best,” the actress said.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, 4th Impact’s Almira, Celena, Mylene and Irene moved on to the next round of the competition after surviving the show’s first double elimination.

For their first live performance, the Cerados performed Ariana Grande’s “Problem.”

(Inquirer.net)

Screengrab from Liondsay Lohan’s Instagram account

Richard-Dawn tandem brings out the best in ‘You’re My Home’ BEAUTIFUL as they both are, the timeless on-screen team up of actors Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta can be very intimidating on the set for younger celebrities.

This is not to say, however, that the pair making up Philippine show business’ “Eternal Love Team” comes to work with an air of superiority. In fact, cast members of their upcoming return to prime time television via family drama “You’re My Home” on ABS-CBN validate Richard and Dawn’s description of themselves as a “playful twosome,” who enjoy bantering with co-actors and crew members, just as they have always done since first working together in 1991’s “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit” (Reyna Films).

According to Jessy Mendiola who plays the couple’s daughter in “You’re My Home,” it is the caliber of acting that Richard and Dawn bring to the project that demands respect, and more importantly, professionalism from the entire production.

“Marami akong eksena kasama

The cast of ‘You’re My Home’: Sam Concepcion, Paul Salas, Mika Dela Cruz, Lara Quigaman, Jobelle Salvador, Assunta de Rossi, Dawn Zulueta, Richard Gomez, Jessy Mendiola and JC Buendia with director Jerry Lopez Sineneng

ang parents ko—yung CharDawn (Richard-Dawn) so nakakakaba.

Kapag nakikita mo silang magkaeksena, doon ka talaga magugulat so ikaw, kailangan talaga na hindi ka lulutang-lutang sa set; kailangan makipagsabayan ka rin sa kanila,” explained the young actress who had already top-billed her own teleserye, “Maria Mercedes.” “Sobrang thankful talaga akong maging anak ng CharDawn kahit sa TV lang.”

Similarly, JC Buendia, who is one of the main antagonists in the series, said, “Ako ginawa ko lang talaga kung ano ang dapat kong gawin. I know that we’re all guided by our director and the creative staff,” he related during the series’ press conference held on October 21.

He added, “Ang mag-step up [for the show] ay kasama talaga sa challenge. Kailangan mo talagang ibigay ang best mo para dun sa character, and throughout the show ‘yun lang din ang ginagawa ko.”

“You’re My Home” tells the heartfelt story of a daughter who would do whatever it takes to bring back her family together amid incredible adversity and difficult test.

Premiering November 9, get to know the Fontanilla family through the eyes of eldest daughter Grace (Jessy Mendiola). After many years of living in simplicity, the lives of the Fontanillas suddenly change when Gabriel (Richard) handles the frustrated homicide case against Chris-

tian Vergara (JC), son of a powerful senator (Tonton Gutierrez). With their new and luxurious lifestyle, Grace rebels against her dad and mom Marian (Dawn) who no longer has time for their brood.

One night, Grace leaves home to be with her friends, forcing her brother Rahm and the house help to run after her, leaving behind youngest sibling Vince (Paul Salas) on his own. When they all return, they find Vince missing, and their lives are changed forever.

Twelve years later, the Fontanillas continue to face the consequences of Vince’s disappearance.

Marian and Gabriel are no longer together. Marian keeps herself busy with a business, while Gabriel finds comfort in the arms of Roni (Lara Quigaman), the police officer in charge of the unresolved kidnapping case. Rahm already has a son and a wife, while Grace still blames herself for what happened.

One day, Grace crosses paths with her long lost brother Vince, and her chance to right a wrong finally begins.

Also included in the cast of “You’re My Home” are Assunta De Rossi, Jobelle Salvador, Mika Dela Cruz, Minnie Aguilar, Peewee O’Hara, Belle Mariano, Bugoy Carino, and Raikko Mateo.

The family drama is directed

by Jerry Lopez Sineneng and is produced by Star Creatives, led by business unit head Malou Santos.

(ManilaTimes.net)

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 5-11, 2015

B

Vilma Santos prays for guidance Charo Santos: It’s not over until the battle is won as she marks another milestone by maRineL

R. CRuz

Inquirer.net

by RiCky Lo Philstar.com

AS she celebrates her 62nd birthday, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos said that she has a lot to be thankful for after having made what could probably be one of the most difficult decisions in her political career—that is, to say no to being Mar Roxas’ running mate.

“There was never any formal invitation,” said Vilma. “As I was saying, I was not ready to serve on the national level. Mas kabisado ko ang regional level, that’s why I opted to run for congresswoman in the lone district of Lipa City.

I’ve served Lipa City as mayor for three terms and the province as governor also for three terms, at gusto ko pa talagang pagsilbihan ang aking constituents.”

The 2016 campaign will be hectic for Vilma because her husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, is running for reelection.

“That’s why today,” added Vilma, “I’m praying for guid-

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos: Running for congressman because, as she said, ‘I’m not ready for the national level’

ance not just for myself but for my family, guidance as a public servant.”

Asked what gift she wants for her birthday, Vilma said, “None.

Prayers are good enough for me.”

Today, Vilma will host a

thanksgiving salu-salo at the Provincial Capitol for “my constituents,” colleagues in public service and well-wishers from outside Batangas.

“I’m deeply grateful to my coBatangueños for their support and trust in me. To the Lipeños na nagbigay ng ibang kahulugan sa buhay ko by trusting me to serve as their mother of what I consider my bigger family. They will always be part of my life.”

Vilma has just wrapped Star Cinema’s “All Of My Life” with Angel Locsin and Xian Lim, among her co-stars.

“We chose that title because masuwerte sa akin ang word na ‘life.’ Mayroon ding ‘life’ sa title ng last movie ko with Star Cinema, In My Life, where I appeared with my son (Luis Manzano) and John Lloyd (Cruz).”

As a tribute to Vilma, reader Judith de Leon (obviously a Vilmanian) sent copies of Vilma’s endorsement through the years (spread out here in a collage).

Kris Aquino bashed over airport ‘laglag-bala’ scheme

by ChuCk

Smith Philstar.com

MANILA—Kris Aquino became the target of netizens frustrated over the alleged “laglag-bala” or bullet-planting scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

On Monday, Nov. 2, the TV hostactress posted about her flight back to Manila from Hawaii, commending an airline for her “comfortable” trip on her Instagram account.

But her followers criticized Kris’s post, with some netizens reminding her that she probably received preferential treatment because she is President Benigno Aquino III’s sister.

One of the comments on Kris’s Instagram post read: “Bakit kapag mga celebrities at politician eh hindi ninanakawan ang baggage at hindi nabibiktima ng tanim bala?

Anong klaseng gobyerno meron ang Pilipinas? Ito ba ang definition ng demokrasya?”

A number of netizens also commented about the “laglag-bala” scam, saying Kris’s post is “insensitive” given the recent news about the Manila airport.

“Wrong timing lang kasi ang pag-post mo,” a netizen told Kris.

Another netizen said: “The president has the capacity to handle such situation if he really is capable.

Such an insensitive post and very timely with the current events.

Thumbs down.”

ABS-CBN president and CEO tells employees, “I hope you understand me now.”

chair of the 43rd International Emmy Awards, which will take place on Nov. 23 at the New York Hilton Hotel.

The Academy recently unveiled the 40 nominees across 10 categories and 19 countries that include Angola, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

As chair, Concio will preside over the gala, during which the International Academy will recognize programming in 10 categories and present special awards to Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of “Downton Abbey” (Founders Award) and Richard Plepler, chair and CEO of HBO (Directorate Award).

Concio is the first Philippine TV network executive to be invited as gala chair in the international award-giving body.

Angel Locsin: Goodbye Darna, hello Coco Martin movie Kris Aquino received the ire of netizens over the alleged “laglag-bala” scheme.

Yet another commenter said: “Paano hindi magiging good service eh kapatid ka ng presidente!

Di na kayo nahiya sa nangyayari sa airport. ‘Di na kayo naawa sa OFW @withlovekrisaquino Hinuhuthutan pa ng pera sa airport. Grabe naman! Lahat takot na umuwi dahil sa tanim-bala! ikaw kaya maging biktima?”

The ABS-CBN star posted another photo on her Instagram account following her earlier post about her flight: a picture of Olivia Pope (played by actress Kerry Washington) from the US TV series “Scandal” with text, “It’s handled.”

Olivia Pope plays a crisis manager in the hit TV series. The caption on post reads: “I spoke to my

brother... I love my brother. I support my brother. I trust my brother.

I believe in my brother. And by tomorrow you can start looking for a new issue to bully me about.”

This prompted netizens to speculate if Kris has spoken to the president about the “laglag-bala” scam.

On Monday, Nov. 2 the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group said it is unlikely a syndicate is involved in the alleged scam, claiming Filipinos still carry bullets as amulets believed to be good luck charms. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will also conduct a hearing regarding a taxi driver allegedly involved in the alleged “laglag-bala” scheme.

‘Kid Kulafu’ shows Pacquiao’s early years

PAGE B1 story.

“I couldn’t get a young kid to play Pacquiao if he didn’t have kind of a resemblance ... so I had to go with authenticity as much as possible because it was a biopic,” the director said.

In casting Villar for the lead, Soriano said the teenager still had to audition despite his popularity in the Philippines.

“I still wanted to see as [much] talent as possible and it was a challenge because did you want to get a boxer and teach how to act, or did you get an actor you teach how to box?” Soriano said.

It was Villar’s acting capabilities, his resemblance to Pacquiao and his ability to emulate the boxer’s fighting style that set him apart from others who auditioned for the role, Marie Pineda, producer of the film, told the Asian Journal.

“It was a challenge because did you want to get a boxer and teach how to act, or did you get an actor you teach how to box?

It was just very fortunate that we got a great actor who also learned how to box. It’s just I guess one of those blessings you thank God for,” Soriano said.

Villar trained for about three to four months with a mixed martial arts champion in Asia who served as the film’s fight director. They studied Pacquiao’s earlier fights, where he was more of a brawler.

“The fight scenes were extremely tough because you’re mimicking one of the world’s best boxers and you kind of have to do justice to that,” Soriano said.

But he commended Villar for his performance.

“He really embraced the character, took the challenge. He did a great job,” he said.

Another cast member the crew got “lucky” with was de Rossi.

“I think she was able to capture Manny’s mom’s humor and strong personality without making it too much of a caricature. She was able to balance showing her love for her son while also showing her humorous side,” Pineda said.

Pacquiao helps with filming locations and release In addition to ensuring the authenticity of “Kid Kulafu” through the actors, the crew also did so through the filming locations. A considerable portion of the movie was shot in the mountains – one

“I’M sorry if I showed you tough love, and sometimes, painful love. I really just wanted the best from each one of you,” said ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio, who recently celebrated her 60th birth anniversary.

Concio was addressing Kapamilya employees, “especially the people in production,” who were present at the party hosted for her by the network, led by its chair Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III. The birthday treat was held at the Isla Ballroom of the Edsa ShangriLa Hotel in Mandaluyong City, with an estimated 300 guests in attendance.

“I hope you understand me now,” she added. “I wish for all of you strength of character, stronger values and excellent leadership. As I always say to Cory (Vidanes, head of free TV), I thank you for giving your best every time, but it is not over until the battle is won.”

Meaning Concio then challenged “everyone in the room to make sure not to forget the meaning behind all your hard work.”

Halfway through the party, Lopez proposed a toast for Concio and said, “Your story is really the story of ABS-CBN. It’s a story that all Filipinos can be inspired by. I speak for everyone present when I say that it has been an honor to work with you all these years.”

As a gift, Vidanes presented Concio “a one-of-a-kind” Ikebana or Japanese flower arrangement.

Vidanes said the network would bring Concio “at her most convenient time” to Japan to learn the

art of Ikebana from a Japanese master. Lopez also said a biography of Concio would be released in 2016.

“It will be about the humble beginnings of Charo. It will inspire Filipinos all around the world to follow her path,” he said.

Gary Valenciano, who performed with Sharon Cuneta, made a speech “on behalf of every artist of ABS-CBN.” The singer said, “You stood by every artist, served as inspiration to us, too.

You’ve made our world a happier place.”

Christopher de Leon, Richard Gomez, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and Aga Muhlach, whom Concio described as “five of my favorite leading men,” performed a medley.

Dulce opened the show with her version of the Constancio de Guzman classic piece “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” the theme of Concio’s long-running drama anthology of the same title. Dulce was accompanied by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, with Gerard Salonga as conductor.

Touching number Zsa Zsa Padilla, Toni Gonzaga, Angeline Quinto, Billy Crawford and Bamboo also sang some of Concio’s favorite dance tunes.

However, what was perhaps the most touching performance for Concio was that of her granddaughters Julia and Talia, who sang together as their dad, Francis Concio, took over Salonga’s role as orchestra conductor.

“Thank you to my family for the unconditional love, for your understanding and patience. Thank you for the respect and the love,” said Concio.

Incidentally, Concio is the gala

Director Paul Soriano and Producer Marie Pineda by the monitors on set Photo by (c) Ten17P

of the biggest expenses, Soriano said – and many scenes were filmed in original locations in General Santos City.

Pineda said the ring where Pacquiao fought in General Santos was the same one featured in the biopic.

“So we traveled very far to get the authenticity of the location,” Pineda said.

Despite logistical challenges, Pacquiao helped in securing locations in the area, where the filming took place for about two weeks.

The boxer also helped with promoting the movie, which hit theaters in April this year, despite the fact it was around the time of his bout against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. “Kid Kulafu” was shown in select theaters in North America, but Soriano said the concentration was likely on Filipino communities. He added that the release was not as wide, likely due to the outcome of the Fight of the Century on May 2.

Since April, the biopic has been screened at multiple film festivals, including the Raindance in London, Tokyo International Film Festival the Guam International Film Festival, where Villar won the Achievement in Acting award. Later this month, it will be screened at a film festival in Hawaii.

“Kid Kulafu” is also being shown on Red, a channel by HBO, on a rotational broadcast.

Pineda and Soriano said Pacquiao will further be hosting free screenings of the film in General Santos City at the end of November.

The biopic will also be released on DVD before the end of the year and possibly online, according to Soriano.

Overall takeaway Pineda and Soriano hope “Kid Kulafu” will be seen by as many people as possible and that Pacquiao’s story will inspire viewers to work hard and believe that they can accomplish what they set out to do.

“I was very captivated by Manny’s story. Hopefully it gives inspiration to the people who watch the film that with hard work and determination, you can do anything. What a better example than through Manny Pacquiao, who is known all over the world,” Soriano said, adding that Pacquiao’s faith in God is a significant key to his success.

The film further shows how Pacquiao got to where he is, not only with hard work, but with talent and the support of his family.

In the development of the storyline, Soriano said Pacquiao gave the production the freedom to put everything – both good and bad – and did not dictate what parts to put in.

“We were trying to show the human side of Manny as a child, his drive, his relationship with his family – especially [with] his mother. Those are things we really wanted to highlight,” Soriano said.

Although “Kid Kulafu” specifically tells the story of Pacquiao, it isn’t just about him: it’s also a story about faith and dedication.

“At the end of the day, his goal was to be the best boxer in the world. Hopefully the film can kind of trigger that,” Soriano said.

MANILA—Angel Locsin bids goodbye to the movie “Darna” and says hello to a movie with Coco Martin.

“I’m excited to say na makakatrabaho ko si Coco na matagal ko nang inaawitan talaga,” she said in an interview aired in ABS-CBN news program “TV Patrol.” “Kahit imposible, ang ABS-CBN ay binigyan ako ng Coco Martin. So excited ako.”

The Kapamilya actress had to give up her role as Darna after having a disc bulge on her spine.

Angel just hopes that whoever replaces her has the capability to give “hope” and “inspiration” to the viewers. (Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com)

Angel Locsin is set to work again with Coco Martin, this time in a movie set to be released next year.

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17-year-old Filipino wins gold in Paris dance competition Esquire PH cover girl Marian Rivera shows baby bump

by Yuji

Vincent Gonzales

JuST a few weeks before she is due to give birth to her first child, actress Marian Rivera graced the cover of the November issue of Esquire Philippines, proudly showing off her baby bump.

Rivera was only wearing a black bra and black underclothes in the magazine cover, which was helmed by acclaimed photographer Raymund Isaac.

On its Facebook page, Esquire Philippines said that its November issue celebrates women.

Rivera is due to give birth to her first child with husband Dingdong Dantes in the second This month, ESQUIRE dedicates their November issue to women, with the strong female week of November. (Inquirer. protagonist, Marian Rivera, gracing the cover. Inside, she talks about the one role she has net) yet to play: motherhood

Inquirer.net

A 17-year-old Filipino bagged the top prize in a recent dance competition in Paris, France.

Ballet dancer Klievert Jon Mendoza of Tacloban City won the gold medal at the pre-professional category of the Concours International De Danse Classique De Grasse held last Oct. 25.

In a Facebook post, Mendoza said he considered his victory as an “early Christmas gift from God.” He also expressed gratitude to his ballet mentor, Jonathan Guillarme.

“I would like to thank God for the early Christmas Gift I got.

And aslo Jonathan, for making my dreams come true. All of these victory our team have now is for you and because of you. You are the best! The best in being a friend, a teacher and as a second Dad,” he said.

Mendoza bested six other contestants in his category, being the only boy at that, all throughout the three stages of the competition—the first two rounds were classic ballet solo, while the final round was one classical and one contemporary solo.

Mendoza told Inquirer.net that he did not expect to win or even make it to the finals, noting that he prepared a contemporary solo a night before the championship.

“It was very surprising for us that I made it to finals. Because we did not expect that I would make it to the finals. And we didn’t even

Jolina Magdangal’s little family is ‘super’ Ballet dancer Klievert Jon Mendoza (left) of Tacloban City won the gold medal at the preprofessional category of the Concours International De Danse Classique De Grasse held last Oct. 25. In photo also is his ballet mentor, Jonathan Guillarme.

prepare a contemporary solo. Then we found out that I got into the finals, so we made the contemporary solo night before the finals, it was about 1 am, when we were creating the solo,” Mendoza said.

He added that failure should not hinder aspiring dancers to pursue their dreams.

“I just want to say that what ever or who ever stands in your way between you and your success, don’t let it. And if you fail, “get up

and never give up” because failure is the stepping stone to success.

But once you give up, its over,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza is a scholar of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore.

The Paris International Competition of Dance is an annual contest of contemporary dance and classical ballet, which originated in 1984.

Matteo Guidicelli is on his own

MONTHS after his first concert stint with fellow heartthrobs Daniel Matsunaga and JC de Vera in Dreamboys, Matteo Guidicelli goes solo via MG1 on November 28 at the Music Museum Truly serious with his singing, perhaps inspired in a large part by his pop superstar girlfriend Sarah Geronimo, Matteo told The Manila Times this solo concert isn’t just a way to tick off a challenge in his bucket list.

In fact, one of his special guests in MG1, Concert King Martin Nievera, has even encouraged and guided him to put the concert’s concept together, as well as an upcoming album with Star Records.

Strike while the iron is hot is what Matteo decided to do as he pursues a singing career alongside Matteo Guidicelli is very serious about a thriving presence on TV, as well as an active lifestyle as a triathlete singing

and actor.

“This concert is like participating in an extreme sport—exciting and nerve-wrac-king yet fulfilling,” he added. “One thing’s for sure, no matter what happens, I’m going to give my audience my very best.”

His repertoire will mostly consist of ballads, which he describes songs that capture his journey toward finding love. He will also have several Cebuano numbers as a tribute to his beloved hometown.

Besides preparing for MG1, Matteo is also busy with an indie film titled Tupang Ligaw, and Cinema One’s Single Single Season 2, he is also launching his self titled album under Star Records.

Produced by Hills & Dreams Events Concepts Co, MG1 is under the musical direction of Marvin Querido and directed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril. (ManilaTimes.net)

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THE Manila Times happily witnessed the kind of family life that former teen actress and now fulfilled wife and mother Jolina Magdangal-Escueta has made. On Wednesday, the ABSCBN actress and recording artist, together with her musician husband Mark of Rivermaya, presented her one-year son Pele at the Escueta family’s endorsement launch for Filipino diaper brand Super Twins.

“Iba po pala talaga ang feeling pag may sarili ka nang anak,” said the 36-year-old celebrity who practically grew in front of the public eye. “Ngayon po that I’m a wife and mother, more than ever, I really feel the spirit of family.”

The former teen idol who has always been a positive figure in show business continues to be so even in her adult life. It is for this very reason that Megasoft Hygienic products said they chose her family to endorse their latest product, following the success of their sanitary napkin brand, which had Maja Salvador as ambassador.

“We’re so happy to have the three of them with the Megasoft family especially since I’ve long been a fan of Jolina. And as expected, wala kaming naging problema sa kanya and her beautiful family during the photo and video shoot because they are not just endorsers but partners.

Concerned sila sa lahat ng bagay and will give us their feedback from the product to our concept,” shared company owner Aileen Go. “Ang nagustuhan namin sa Megasoft ay pina-try talaga nila

Jolina Magdangal, her husband Mark Escueta and their son Pele

sa amin yung product at nakinig sila sa mga observations namin from using Super Twins kay Pele.

Nandoon yung na-appreciate ko yung kapal niya dahil nasa stage si Pele na malikot pero hindi balansyado, na yung diaper mismo nagiging cushion sa pagka-hulog niya habang natututo lumakad,” Jolina responded.

Moreover, Jolina thanked her very supportive and hands-on husband for being such a true

SERVICES

partner in raising their son.

“Saludo po ako sa mga single parents kasi ang na-realize ko hindi madali ang magpalaki ng anak. Si Mark, nag-papalit ng diaper at tumutulong sa lahat ng gawain na pag-alaga kay Pele. He’s also such a reader na mas alam pa niya sa akin yung mga dapat gawain sa baby kaya napakasaya ko po na siya ang kasama ko sa araw araw.” (ManilaTimes.net)

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 5-11, 2015

It ain’t over till the alien wins! alendar of Events C across New hope for non-citizens with crime of violence convictions Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves GReGoRy J. boult NANcy e. MilleR Yogi Berra once said “it ain’t over till it’s over”. The truth is, even then, it may not be over.

Many non-citizens have been placed into removal proceedings as a result of a criminal conviction. if the Department of Homeland Security said their conviction was a crime of violence as defined under a specific code section and they were sentenced to a year or more, they heard the dreaded words “aggravated felony” leave the immigration judge’s mouth.

Those words were probably followed by an order of removal – especially if the non-citizen had previously been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. They may have appealed that decision and lost. They may have appealed in federal court and not succeeded because the law was against them.

They may have spent years going from lawyer to lawyer hoping to hear that there was something that could be done. Sadly, the answer was usually that there was not. it was over. But, now, thanks to a new decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, it’s not over. in fact, for many people, the new fight may have just begun.

The court challenge which led to this dramatic legal change stems from the case of a Filipino national who had been twice convicted of burglary after being granted lawful permanent resident status. As a result, he was sentenced to two years in prison for each of his two felony convictions. Due to these convictions, he was placed into removal (deportation) proceedings where he was charged with having been convicted of two crimes of violence, and thus of two aggravated felonies which warranted the loss of his green card and his deportation. Subsequently, the immigration Judge ordered him deported for having been convicted of two crimes of violence, and this order was upheld on appeal by the Board of immigration Appeals. This decision, however,

Health@Heart PhiliP s. chuA, MD, FAcs, FPcs THE influenza season is upon us once again. While flu is common and those afflicted usually recover uneventfully, this viral infection could be serious, or even fatal, for some people as discussed below. Statistics worldwide cite between 250,000 to half a million die of flu complications each year.

What is influenza?

Commonly known as “Flu,” “grippe” or “grip,” influenza is a specific acute viral respiratory disease characterized by fever, coryza (cold or “sipon”), cough, malaise, headache, and inflamed respiratory mucous membranes.

During this flu season people usually take drug remedies for cold, cough, sneezing and congestion.

The US FDA in November 2000 warned the public that some these over-the-counter and even prescription cold and flu medications (and diet pills too!) contain an ingredient in them that could cause fatal cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), an issue we shall discuss in more details below.

What causes influenza?

The viruses that cause Flu are called orthomyxoviruses, tiny “germs” who sizes vary from 80-120 nm. They are classified into types A, B and C. Type A is the most common single cause of Flu. Type B causes epidemics about every five years. Type C is not a very prevalent virus.

The influenza pandemic of 1918 left more than 20 million people dead. in the winter 2002, the flu viruses were: A/Moscow, A/New Caldeonia, and B/Hongkong.

How does it spread?

Flu is a very contagious illness. it spreads by person-to-person contact. Airborne droplet spray (from sneezing or coughing) into the atmosphere infects people and contaminates objects that can transmit the infection. This is why persons who have the Flu are advised to cover their nose and mouth. Washing hands frequently is highly recommended to limit the transmission of the virus.

Who have the greatest risk?

Persons of all ages are afflicted, but school children are most prone to catch the Flu. People at highest risk of develop-

This finding by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has a profound and dramatic impact as many individuals who have been previously ordered deported from the United States might now be able to seek the reopening of their immigration cases and be legally permitted to remain in the United States. Even if the noncitizen was ordered deported years or decades ago, it may be possible to reopen their court case as a result of this change of law. was appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. on appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals took issue with the vague definition of what exactly constituted a crime of violence under the immigration laws.

Specifically, the Court expressed concern that the law was so vague that an individual could not necessarily know what conduct would be deemed a crime of violence, and that immigration Judges were being placed into a precarious position where they were often compelled to speculate as to whether a particular conviction in a particular case actually qualified as a crime of violence. The Court ultimately concluded that this vagueness was legally improper and contrary to the Constitution, and therefore found that the definition of a crime of violence was unconstitutionally vague.

This finding by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has a profound and dramatic impact as many individuals who have been previously ordered deported from the United States might now be able to seek the reopening of their immigration cases and be legally permitted to remain in the United States. Even if the non-citizen was ordered deported years or decades ago, it may be possible to reopen their court case as a result of this change of law. once the case is reopened and the deportation order vacated, the alien may no longer be subject to removal. in a different scenario, the alien may now be eligible for a waiver of their removability. Depending on the potential waiver, the alien will have to show that they are rehabilitated and deserving of a favorable exercise of discretion.

They may have to show that their US citizen or lawful permanent

resident parent, spouse or son or daughter would suffer extreme hardship if the alien were forced to leave the US. Those currently in removal proceedings who had no hope of relief may now have a fighting chance to keep their green cards.

Upon a successful fight in immigration Court, they may even be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Those currently in criminal court should hire a lawyer experienced in criminally-related immigration matters to consult with their criminal defense lawyer to try to fashion a plea agreement that will not result in their being ordered removed.

Anyone who has be ordered deported from the United States because of a criminal conviction, or told that they cannot immigrate to the United States because of a criminal conviction, should consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney to determine how this case, and other recent legal developments regarding criminal convictions and the immigration laws, might affect their current or future immigration status in the United States. *** 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)

Flu could be deadly ing severe disease are those with chronic lung disease and valvular heart disease, and those with lung congestion. The elderly, the very young, the bedridden and women in their third trimester of pregnancy are also at great risk. Deaths have been reported following a bout of Flu in these groups, especially those who are old and bedridden.

Why is aspirin unsafe for children?

Aspirin was once used among children like water. However, since about 1963, a fatal condition known as Reye’s syndrome was discovered and was linked to the use of aspirin, which increases the risk of having the syndrome by as much as 35-fold. The cause is still unknown but viral agents (influenza A or B and Chicken Pox virus) have been implicated. With aspirin ingestion among children under 18 years of age, children can develop acute encephalitis, go into a coma and die. Today, pediatricians no longer prescribe aspirin and prefer acetominophen (Tylenol) for fever and aches and pains in children.

What are the other measures to prevent the flu?

Having a healthy lifestyle helps a lot in warding off many forms of illnesses. This includes high fiber, low-fat diet, no smoking, daily exercises, taking multivitamins daily, including Vitamins B, C and E, and the mineral Zinc.

Most one-a-day multivitamins already include these. Flu vaccines are now available, and are recommended to be taken by adults october 15th-November 15th each year. This annual Flu shot (4-strain version) has been found to be 75 percent effective in preventing flu. it also reduces the severity of the disease and can even be lifesaving for some people. Both the person with the Flu and those around him/her should be careful to prevent airborne droplet transmission of the virus and infection by contaminated items. Kissing, handshaking or any form of physical contact can transmit the virus. Again, simple, old fashioned hand-washing that we learned in kindergarten can prevent infection.

Is there a painless way to get the vaccine?

Yes, there is, without the needle. Flu Mist is a nasal spray vaccine that is now available in the United States, Europe and Asia. Ask you physician

about it.

What is the treatment for the flu? generally, the treatment is symptomatic: Bed rest to conserve energy and minimize malaise. To reduce fever and body aches, antipyretic-analgesic (anti-feveranti-pain) pills (Tylenol) is given.

To feed and hydrate the patient, lugao, arroz caldo, chicken soup, juices, water, other oral fluids, etc.

Sponge bath or cold compress over the forehead, if fever goes above 39 C (102 F). The physician might prescribe an antibiotic if he/she suspects a superimposed bacterial infection, and antiviral drugs for those who are at high risk of developing complications.

As always, prevention is most essential.

What is the FDA drug warning about?

The Yale University Hemorrhagic Stroke Project researchers found that a common ingredient in many cold, flu and diet medications called Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride (PPA) increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain).

Many of these drugs are sold over the counter and some of them are prescription drugs, which physicians have prescribed over the years, until the recent FDA warning about the dangers of PPA. What are these medications in the US? Any medication containing Phenylpropanolamine Hydrocholoride, or diet aid ephedra (ma-huang, which is converted to PPA when ingested), can potentially cause brain hemorrhage and death, according to the Yale study.

Some products with PPA include Dimetapp, Vicks DayQuill Sinus caplets, Robitussin CF, Comtrex, Tavist-D, some Triaminic products, Contac 12-hour, some Alka Seltzer Plus cold medications, appetite suppressants like Acutrim and Dexatrim. *** 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

B

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS N OV E m b E R 1 -3

Calapan Central High School Reunion Please save the date for the 60th anniversary year of Calapan Central School in Oriental Mindoro.

Where: Oakland, CA When: November 1-3, 2015.

Contact: Luz Yu (luz_yu@yahoo.com)

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FPAC 24 - “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” Save the date! The 24th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012). and will feature contemporary and traditional Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. FPAC is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. This year’s theme for the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event is “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” a Tagalog phrase meaning “looking backward, looking forward, and celebrates the rich experiences of being Filipino American. As a community we honor the culture paved by our ancestors, and move forward with a grateful understanding of our Filipino American history. This is the spirit that keeps FPAC going. Please check www.filmarts.org for more event updates. For Sponsorship Inquiries please contact us at 213-380-3722; or info@filamarts.org. For exhibitor (food and business) information, contact John Swing at jswing@esipa.org. #FPAC24

N OV E m b E R 5 -1 4

16th San Diego Asian Film Festival To celebrate its sweet 16th, the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) is proud to welcome and pay tribute to entertainment and film legends and pioneers during its 10-day film festival, from November 5 - 14, 2015. Presented by Pacific Arts Movement, the SDAFF is the largest showcase of Asian cinema on the West Coast, with more than 130 films and programs from 20 countries. This year, the SDAFF presents the West Coast premiere of documentary TYRUS, paying tribute and welcoming entertainment legend Tyrus Wong, a 105-year-old Chinese American artist who is best known for inspiring the artwork in Disney’s original classic Bambi. Other contemporary pioneers in entertainment such as Ken Jeong and Eugene Lee Yang will be present. The film festival will take place at the Ultrastar Mission Valley at Hazard Center (Main Theater & Box Office), 7510 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108. For all screenings at Ultrastar, tickets can be purchased at the Ultrastar Mission Valley box office (Member $9, General $12) starting October 30. Student/Military/Senior and Group discounts are available at the door. Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night tickets are $15 for General, $12 for Members. Limited All-Fest Passes are available for $250. For ticketing info, film program/gala awards night details, and a full schedule, please visit festival.sdaff.org or contact 619.400.5911 | info@pacarts.org.

N OV E m b E R 1 4

Saint Martin of Tours Fiesta Invitation to Taaleños to host the celebration of the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours, the Patron Saint of Taal, Batangas, on Nov. 14. Holy Mass will be offered at 10 am at 401 Spur Trail, Walnut, CA 91789, followed by a potluck luncheon to be hosted by expats from Taal.

A ‘Silent Auction’ is planned to raise funds for the repair and beautification of the Old Catholic Cemetery. Musical entertainment will be provided by Tony Mijares of San Jose, Calif. Please contact potluck coordinators Lorna and Eddie B. de Sagun (626) 780-8272, and the following to confirm your attendance: Baby Patolot (626) 202-3172, Jeannette C. Ilagan (626) 922-4330 or Lydia V. Solis lvsolis@aol.com.

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Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Excellence Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award For Excellence In Medicine, Education, Arts & Literature and The Youth When: Saturday, November 28, 2015, 1-6 pm Where: Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens, NY Hosted by: Knights of Rizal - New York For More Information, please contact: Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba, Esq., KCR Commander, Knights of Rizal - NY E-mail: SUBALAW@aol.com

D EC E m b E R 3

AAPA Awards Gala Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) will host The Achievement Awards & Graduation Gala, honoring prominent leaders who trailblaze and inspire others to become leaders, and celebrating the 2015 graduating class of AAPA Mentees. The theme is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.” The gala will take place on Thursday, Dec 3 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Hilton San Gabriel (225 West Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776).

Expose your brand to the professional community who are your customers, clients, potential employees, entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders. Your support will directly benefit the AAPA mentees in the program. To purchase a ticket or ad, the cost is $50 each (limited time only); full/half/quarter page ad sizes are available in full color. Please visit http://aapaawards.eventbrite.com/ for more details and to RSVP by Nov. 13. Please get involved by emailing lia.andika@aapamentoring.com.

D EC E m b E R 5

Santo Nino de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance The Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801). For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 997-1026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779.

m AY 27-29, 2 0 1 6

PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global Reunion Attention all graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Commerce: join us in our FIRST GLOBAL REUNION being organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association, USA Inc. scheduled on May 27-29, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We promise a weekend of fun-filled activities, of friendship and camaraderie as we reminisce our best memories during our high school and college days. There will be lots of entertainment, singing and dancing and photo opportunities with your classmates and friends.

For more information, please contact any of the following: Loi Herrera at 562-544-8210 or loiherrera@yahoo.com; Monette Santillan-Rivera at 818-970-8317 or Monette_santillan@ yahoo.com; Rose Mejia at 323-997-3838 or Rosemariemejia@kw.com; Marissa Sugay-Palanca at 818-281-7460 or marispalanca@yahoo.com; Rose Maghari at 661-794-8906 or rmaghari@gmail.com; Sally Mendoza at 323-695-0235 or sally.mendoza616@yahoo.com; Honeylette De Leon at 562-480-5743 or honey@worldclassfreight.com; Virginia Herbito at virginiaherbito@gmail.com; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 or connieacosta1@att.net; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-880-5808 or vee@cristobalcpa.com; Jun Mapoy at 323-627-5326 or jcmapoy@yahoo.com.

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

PeoPle and events

B november 5-11, 2015 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

Ms. Loida Lacson-Atienza on what it takes to succeed in mortgage and real estate: ‘Transparency and integrity’

By Monet

Lu

I RARELY write on business philosophy per se but if writing about it meant gaining wisdom straight from an industry expert who also happens to be a good friend, then I would definitely make an exception.

This year’s Beautiful Life Celebration Distinguished in Mortgage and Real Estate Awardee is Ms. Loida Lacson-Atienza. It is our honor to feature a wise and resolute woman who knows her numbers, treats her clients as if they’re family and talks about the “REAL” deal in REAL-ty.

Suit up, my readers; today is Mortgage and Real Estate 101.

“When I deal with clients, I walk them through every single thing they will encounter when buying a property or a business,” Loida shares how she does – and keeps – her business solid. Her business ethics is probably the main reason why she is one of the most trusted brokers of her time. Loida is the owner of Weichert, Realtors ATIENZA & Asscociates, L.A. financial Management & Services Mortgage/ Loans and L&A Escrow Services.

Her company specializes in providing mortgage and realty services for several residential, commercial and industrial entities.

Loida has been in the real estate business for over 25 years and is showing no signs of stopping. She says, “I am in this business not just – or not even– for the money, but because I see that there are a lot of people needing sincere and honest realtors and brokers who can tell them the ins and outs of buying and selling a property. And this is what I do. I don’t sell properties just to make commissions. I aim to educate my clients so they can make an informed decision, as well as meet their financing needs.”

Her company motto, “The Weichert Difference” promises to provide a high level of service marked with integrity, transparency and hands-on guidance in every major decision one will encounter in the process of securing home financing, insurance and acquisition. furthermore, Loida understands the main factors in loan & real estate transaction because she herself has bought and sold businesses, and has been a corporate financial executive for 10 years. She stressed, “My company treats every transaction as if

Loida Lacson-Atienza is a proud lola to 3-year-old Rue.

we are the ones “buying.” We put in as much financial planning as they (buyers) do. This makes our clients trust us more and refer us to other people” One of the commendable business practices that Loida is known for is her knack for going above and beyond her responsibility as an agent or a broker. “ I don’t deal with just selling. I see to it that I exercise transparency by explaining to my clients what they need and what they should expect when they buy a property or business.

Once we established a firm plan and decision, I deliver to the best of my ability. I am also very hands-on. In fact, if it calls for it, I would go with my client to the city council to get a license or get into the nitty gritty part of securing a loan. Basically, whatever it needs to make it happen, I’ll do it.”

I asked Loida what got her started on this profession and she said, “It started off as a part-time job because I wanted to make some supplemental income while I stay home with my kids. After getting my real estate license, I became an agent under my brother-in-law’s brokerage business. At first I was only interested in buying and selling properties for personal use but in the course of doing that, I saw the necessity of becoming a good broker to real estate agents. When my brother in law passed, I was basically ushered into the business as the company’s broker and started loving it.”

A native of Angeles City, Philippines, Loida immigrated to Califor-

nia in 1978, attended University of California to pursue second degree in Accounting (but did not continue on). There, she met the love of her life, Oscar San Pedro Atienza, now a retired licensed Architect, and they got married in 1982. Before becoming a “real estate guru”, Loida was a controller for a manufacturing firm.

Loida and her husband, Oscar raised three sons namely Byron (32,married), Brandon (29) and Blake (26). Now grown men, all three of them are professionals in their chosen field. Byron and Blake are both in the advertising field while Brandon works as a Junior Escrow Officer. Loida is also a proud and doting grandmother to her adorable 3-year-old granddaughter, Rue. To my good friend Loida, who for me is a walking “real estate encyclopedia”, I wish you all the best in your business. Continue upholding unprecedented business values. The world -- not just the fil-Am community -- needs people like you. *** 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

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

WesTern Union VeTerAns DAy ProMoTion

Western Union celebrates military: Veterans Day Promo, Career open House DID you know that money transfer is frequently a vital service for members of the military? Often, when soldiers are deployed, families send money overseas to support spouses and children. Earlier this month, more than 8,530 veterans participated in conversations about money transfer (during October 1-15, 2015) according to research

by Network Insights. These facts show how these services provide a vital lifeline of support between service members and their families from whom they are separated for long stretches of time.

This year, there are two special programs that Western Union, a global leader in money transfer, is offering to celebrate our military and honor Veterans Day. Western Union is waiving the money transfer fee for US domestic sends for consumers who use the promo code “HERO.” this November 11th in honor of the men and women of the US armed forces and is hosting a Veterans Career Open House on November 6th. fee free: On Wednesday, November 11, the company will offer ALL customers the op-

portunity to make qualifying US domestic money transfers—and transfers to and from US military bases around the world where Western Union has a retail Agent location--free of charge in honor of veterans and active service members. This offer is available only at Western Union retail Agent locations throughout the US, and customers using the promo code “HERO” will have the normal transaction fee waived. There is no dollar amount or limit for these “fee free” transactions.

To raise awareness of this promotion, Western Union is employing social media (including facebook and Instagram), as well as their extensive network of Agents and robust customer relations management resources.

Customers can visit wu.com to find an Agent location.

Veterans Career Open House: This free event takes place at Western Union’s corporate offices in Denver (12500 E. Belford Avenue Englewood, Colorado) on November 6, between 9am and 12pm. This event is open to all veterans, as well as guard, reserve and active service members.

Attendees will receive information on career opportunities available to military members, as well as useful career advice on resume tips, successful interviewing techniques, how to translate military skill and build an effective LinkedIn profile.

Another illustration of the importance of money transfer to military personnel is that Western Union currently has retail Agent locations on many military bases throughout the world. Military personnel, who are often Western Union customers, use money transfer in situations, such as: • A new, younger service member who hasn’t established a checking account, receives funds for basic support and emergency needs (as a sender or receiver) • A service member away on temporary assignment and who doesn’t want or need to establish a local checking account because they won’t be stationed at the location for a long period of time • Parents and family of active service members often wire money to the spouse and children to help out, as well.

(Advertising Supplement)

Car maintenance tips

Car Care

by Excel

100,000 km. It is very important that you adhere to this routine as a snapped timing belt can spell the end of your engine. It is not

by Ged GelleGo recommended to change your If you are after some car timing belt yourself; however this maintenance tips then this article car maintenance tip is vital so I felt is going to be extremely helpful I should mention it here.

Obviously one of the biggest to you.

We will start with the timing car maintenance tips involves belt. Not every car has a tim- changing the engine oil. This ing belt, some have a timing should be done every 3000 miles chain which does not need to be or so (5000 km). Changing the changed. A timing belt on the oil stops the engine from getother hand is basically a rubber ting sludgy. When this happens belt which controls the timing the parts will not fluidly work and motion of your entire engine. together, which can cause a It is little wonder then that this whole stack of problems. Oil eventually wears out and must changes can be done yourself be replaced. The bad news is that and generally cost no more than it’s a long, tedious task due the $20 for the oil. You will want to number of parts which rely on the change the oil filter every oil change as well. These can be timing belt.

In most cases, the engine must bought for around $15 or less, be almost completely pulled apart depending on your type of car. to replace the timing belt. Each EXCEL Auto Service Oil Change car will have a different timing is only $11.99 ++ Including Oil belt maintenance schedule; how- filter (Most Vehicles).

Tires are another important car ever the average is to change it at around every 60,000 miles or maintenance tip. Your tires should

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 1 of 3)

THIS series of articles seem relevant and appropriate in the wake of the mass murder of 9 Christian students in Umpqua Community College in rural Roseburg in Oregon by a demented, twisted young man just in the last month.

Politicians with an agenda were quick to make political hay of the tragic event. This is why career politicians are going the way of the dodo. Empathy and sympathy, the genuine kind, are quickly set aside to push gun control with the thinly disguised end game of subverting second amendment rights mandated by the Constitution. The college where the perp carried his heinous, dastardly deed was a gun-free zone. Does it occur to most that gun-free zones are the habitat of the deranged which in effect, make sitting ducks out of intended victims?

Unless and until the world becomes a utopia where everyone is an angel with no evil thought and there is no further need for law enforcement, walls and doors, I believe everyone should be given the chance and the wherewithal, both physical and spiritual, to defend themselves from the tyranny of evil.

There is a consistent pattern here — as plain as the speck on one’s nose — for those with clear eyes, a keen sense of historical perspective, plain common sense, and more importantly perhaps, with no self-serving agenda to push. These people are sick. At the root of the matter of every atrocity in recent times that deranged gunmen who had no qualms about killing others before they kill themselves is the deplorable state of mental illness so many Americans are afflicted with these days.

This is, perhaps, the reason there are so few happily-everafter stories these days that can make the collective heart of the human race glad. In just one act, one sick, demented soul can cause so much incalculable grief.

be regularly inspected for wear and punctures. Tires should be replaced every 2-3 years, depending on tire type and what sort of surfaces you drive on.

These are just a few car maintenance tips which hopefully will help you to keep your car in safe and perfect condition during the Holiday Season.

If you have any concerns regarding your car, please contact Ged Gallego at excelautolv@ gmail.com or visit EXCEL AUTO SERVICE @ 5120 S. Decatur Blvd. #105 Lv Nv 89118. Excel Auto Service has been of service since 2009 and is filipino owned.

Excel Auto Service provides fREE Diagnostic. Call for inquiry 702.2217272 *** This column is shared monthly by Ged Gallego, owner of Excel Auto Service, to help educate readers on how to care for their vehicles. If you have any questions or concerns about your car, please email Ged Gallego at gedgallego@yahoo.com, visit at www.excelauto.biz or call 702221-7272.

Whatever happened to ‘Happily Ever After’? “ … All the lonely people Where do they all come from? … All the lonely people Where do they all belong?…”

—Eleanor Rigby, Lennon-McCartney

Stories make up the fabric of human life. Each life story is one thread in this vast cosmic tapestry of billions of stories all of humanity is weaving from one generation to the next.

We are born in this world with our own unique set of circumstances. We like to believe that each of us is created for a purpose wired into our DNA, like a GPS directing us to a destination — a state of being — whatever that may be.

In the age old fairy tale of “Sleeping Beauty,” Princess Aurora’s life was protected by Three Good fairies: flora, fauna and Merryweather. They have gifted her and her Prince Charming with the weapons to fight off the evil of the villainess, Maleficent.

In real life, from princes to paupers, most people like to think that they too have been given gifts that serve as shining weapons when they do go through those dark periods in every season of life. The darkness can range from just being lonely and isolated for periods of time to the more extreme and detrimental negative emotions that drive people to insanity or worse, to suicide.

We want to have those weapons to deal with those inner struggles in order to do battle with deep, dark depression and fend off those eerie voices that urge the afflicted to inflict selfharm or even worse, to kill others as well. The “dark night of the soul” seems to be occurring with more alarming frequency these days.

We would like to become courageous, even bold, as we come out swinging with our blessed swords slaying our dragons every time they rear their ugly

heads. Until finally at the end of all earthly struggles, we become happy and content as we stride off into the sunset, victorious and fulfilled. Well, there you have it – the final frame of a movie. There’s that happily-everafter ending to the life stories we seek.

Alas! How we wish most of life’s stories end happily. These days, instead of happily ever after endings, we have sad stories, cautionary tales, even horror stories to drive us out of our wits’ end. It’s like being trapped in our seats, strapped tight, in the Theatre of the Macabre and watching grim Tim Burton stories unfolding onscreen on repeat mode.

What is causing all this darkness, all this loneliness that seems to affect so many people in the world today? You scratch your head and wonder who let those rabid monstrous creatures out from the gates of hell? It seems the gates are wide open, unleashing all the evils that can be conjured from a witch’s brew simmering in a big black cauldron over the fires of hell. All the evils are unleashed from Pandora’s box with just one thing left at the bottom of the box — HOPE. There is an onslaught of overwhelming assaults that come in all forms from just everywhere, facilitated by the startling phenomenon of social media and the ease of anything going viral through the internet. This warped, perverse world we live in today seems to delight in mischief and mayhem. (Continued next week) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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

Features

Boyz II Men ink three-year extension at The Mirage R&B vocal icons extend Las Vegas strip residency through 2018

LAS VEGAS—Four-time Grammy Award-winning R&B vocal group Boyz II Men announced it has extended its residency at The Mirage Hotel & Casino through December 2018.

The trio, featuring baritone Nathan Morris alongside tenors Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman, will continue to perform in the Terry Fator Theatre on select weekend dates over the next three years.

“It has been incredible to call The Mirage and the city of Las Vegas our home for the past three years— and we are thrilled to be extending our residency here for another three years,” said Nathan Morris, founding member of Boyz II Men. “We look forward to giving our all to our fans each night and our journey here is far from done!”

Formed in 1990, Boyz II Men holds the distinction of being the all-time best-selling R&B group having sold more than 64 million albums worldwide.

The group redefined popular R&B with its smooth harmonies and timeless themes delivered through a multi-octave sound and incredible vocal styling. Shows at

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WGU Nevada announces new scholarships for veterans Online, competency-based university honors veterans with new scholarship program

LAS VEGAS—In commemoration of Veterans Day and to honor all those who have served our country, nonprofit, online WGU Nevada is launching a new scholarship program to help veterans and their spouses go back to school and earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The WGU Nevada Salute To Veterans Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500 per student, will be applied at the rate of $625 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms, toward WGU Nevada’s already-low tuition of about $3,000 per term for most programs. WGU Nevada will award at least five scholarships to new students throughout the The Mirage are highlighted by go on sale Thursday, Nov. 5 at state. Applications are being the trio’s biggest hits including 10am and can be purchased at accepted now through January “Motownphilly” and “It’s So Hard any MGM Resorts International 31, 2016 at nevada.wgu.edu/ to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” ticketing outlet, online at mirage. veterans. Additional military mixed with enduring Motown com or ticketmaster.com, or by scholarships are available for classics as well as selections from calling (800) 963-9634 or (702) active-duty personnel and their 792-7777. Visit mirage.com for families at nevada.wgu.edu/militheir newest album, Collide.

Tickets starting at $39.99 (not an official schedule of dates and taryappreciation. including tax and service fees) show times.

“As a military spouse, I needed the flexibility that WGU Nevada provides. This was crucial to my success,” said Carly Merritt, who recently graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and recently began her first year teaching kindergarten at a Las Vegas elementary school. “Over a span of a few years, my husband and I moved from California to Guam to Hawaii back to California and Among the services are: preven- WestCare professionals will then finally to Nevada. Being able to tion education; outreach; outpa- either intake the patient or direct study and complete coursework tient counseling; substance abuse and facilitate the patient’s reloca- anywhere I had an internet connection allowed me to earn my outpatient treatment; mental tion to other facilities.

“We are always looking for degree and move my career health services; and assessment intake. The Community Triage new ways to serve the community forward.”

WGU Nevada’s parent uniCenter provides safe, medically and underserved populations,” supervised detoxification services said Steinberg. “This new facil- versity—Western Governors and triage services for people ity will be open to anyone who University—has been honored is battling addiction and mental for eight consecutive years with mental health issues.

WestCare President and CEO health issues. We are proud to be Richard Steinberg said the new a light in the dark for those who WestCare Foundation was Community Triage Center will are suffering.” founded more than 40 years ago WestCare Nevada is partially in Las Vegas with the goal of help alleviate much of the overcrowding that hospital emer- funded by Substance Abuse and “uplifting the human spirit.” The gency rooms experience when Mental Health Services Admin- non-profit provides a variety of first responders bring individuals istration, Nevada’s Substance programs across the continuum there who need immediate mental Abuse Prevention and Treatment of health and human services. health attention. Rather, the new Agency, Clark County, City of Las Every doorway into a WestCare center will allow paramedics and Vegas, the Veteran’s Administra- program is designed, not only to police officers a place to trans- tion, Nevada Division of Mental lead to solutions for the presentport individuals seeking mental Health and Developmental Ser- ing issue, but also to be a first step crisis help. Following assessment, vices. toward identifying other potential

Mayor Goodman joins Westcare Nevada and other officials for ribbon-cutting event at new Community Triage Center in Las Vegas New 22,000 square-Foot WestCare Facility to aid in relief of mental healthcare access & care during crisis situations LAS VEGAS—It’s no secret that the mental healthcare sector in southern Nevada is often overwhelmed by the number of people seeking immediate crisis services verses the number of available facilities to meet this need. WestCare Nevada today announced a facility designed to combat some of that strain: the WestCare Community Triage Center and Community Involvement Center. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 22,000 square-foot renovated building took place on Oct. 28 at the building, located at 323 N. Maryland Parkway near 13th Street.

The center is divided into two sections – a crisis portion and a community resources area - and will provide a variety of services.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 5-11, 2015

by Military Advanced Education Magazine among the Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities and five consecutive years as a Military Friendly School by militaryfriendlyschools.com. WGU Nevada’s degree programs are designed to provide the kind of flexibility that nontraditional students like veterans and their families need.

Of the 1,100 students currently enrolled at WGU Nevada, nearly 150 are active-duty military personnel, veterans, or dependent family members of military personnel.

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

The WGU Nevada Salute to Veterans Scholarship is open to new WGU Nevada students who have been officially admitted to

WGU Nevada. While multiple scholarships will be awarded, it is a competitive program, and scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations.

For more information, visit nevada.wgu.edu/veterans.

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

Formed through a partnership between the state of Nevada and nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Nevada is open to all qualified Nevada residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand career fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*.

For more information, visit the WGU Nevada website, nevada. wgu.edu, or call 877-214-7005. *Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington, DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

complicating and co-occurring factors impacting the life of individuals as a whole. WestCare’s trauma-informed, person-centered continuum of care spans 17 states and two U.S. territories and is recognized for clinical excellence, coordinated access and collaborative innovation.

Addressing the issues of substance abuse, mental health disorders, homelessness, do-

mestic violence, criminal justice, HIV/AIDS, and Veterans support, WestCare offers services such as: outpatient and residential treatment; women and children’s programs; education/prevention efforts; emergency shelters and transitional living services; Veterans programs; mental health services; and community triage centers. For more information, visit www.westcare.com.

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