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Volume 28 - No. 10 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

O C T O BE R 1 2 - 1 8 , 2 0 1 7

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

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PNP exits drug war, police chief apologizes over drop in Pres. Duterte’s ratings

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

WITH the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered “hands-off” on the anti-illegal drug operations, PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said the police body can now focus on cracking down on other crimes.

On Tuesday, October 10, President Rodrigo Duterte named the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the “sole agency” in charge of the government’s war on drugs amid public outrage over alleged police abuses.

Under the new order, the PNP’s task in the drug war is now limited to “maintaining police PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa

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DATELINE

USA

Palace: Duterte satisfaction, trust ratings decline but ‘love is still there’

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Filipino taxi driver hailed for helping Las Vegas shooting victims A FILIPINO taxi driver has been hailed as a hero for helping out wounded victims evacuate during the mass shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 1.

Winifredo “Winnie” Maquindang, who is from Loboc town of Bohol province, said he was driving in the vicinity of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino when Winifredo Maquindang Photo form Maquindang’s he heard successive Facebook account

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As 2020 Census approaches, minority groups risk undercount LACK of preparation and appropriations have already put the upcoming decennial 2020 Census at risk of an inaccurate count. With less than three of years to go, advocates are making the public aware of the consequences.

While the census looks to find population changes and other information of who makes up the United States, it more importantly uses the derived data to address the nation’s needs, like determining representation of each area in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As previously reported, more than $600 billion is allocated through federal programs based on census data. Among the many programs dependent on the census are those regarding education, assistance for veterans, hospitals, and transportation.

With the census date set at April 1, 2020, the U.S Census Bureau has been hit hard with challenges — such as the resignation of its director and improper funding — which have initiated a detrimental domino effect on need-

Philstar.com photo

PORT VISIT. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes to Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Adelaide Captain Jonathan Earley as the president boards the Australian Navy’s largest vessel which is docked at the Port of Manila on Tuesday, October 10. Also in the photo are Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely and Australian Embassy Manila Assistant Defense Attache Lt. Col. Gideon Scrimgeour.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

MANILA - The Filipinos’ love for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte remains despite a sharp drop in his satisfaction and trust ratings, the chief executive’s spokesman said on Monday, October 9.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the decline in Duterte’s rating was “expected” after more than one year in the office, as the adminis-

tration’s so-called “honeymoon period” with the public has ended.

“These things usually happen. This is traditionally happening after a year, a year and a half, and you know, the love is still there,” Abella pointed out.

The latest survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that Duterte’s net satisfaction rating has dropped 18 points from +66 or “very good” rating in June 2017 to ANTI-SMOKING CHAMPION. Sen. Manny Pacquiao filed a bill seeking higher tax on tobacco “not only to collect more revenues but to protect the people’s health.” The neophyte senator filed +48 or “good” in September 2017.

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Senate Bill 1599, seeking to amend Republic Act 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Law. The boxerturned-senator was awarded the first anti-smoking champion belt by the Bawas Bisyo Youth for Sin Tax Movement for filing the measure.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

PH gov’t to extradite Filipino Pacquiao retirement suspect in foiled NY terror plot

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippine government is set to begin processing a request from the United States to extradite a Filipino suspect in a thwarted jihadist plot targeting New York’s subway system and Times Square in May 2016.

Thirty seven-year-old orthopedic surgeon Russell Salic has been charged for his alleged involvement in a plan to carry out attacks Russell Salic, a Filipino doctor, is accused of sending money to help fund in the name of the Islamic State the planned attacks in New York City locations, including concert venues, (IS) group during the Muslim holy subway stations and Times Square in the summer of 2016.

Philstar.com photo

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has Arum’s blessing

by DINO

MARAGAY Philstar.com

MANILA – If Manny Pacquiao ever decides to hang up his gloves, there will be no opposition from his longtime promoter Bob Arum.

Speaking recently to veteran scribe Steve Kim of Undisputed Boxing Network, the Top Rank Inc. chief said he will support Pacquiao’s plan to retire.

“One-hundred percent,” said Arum.

The veteran promoter then

brought up the case of undefeated light heavyweight champion Andre Ward, who recently shocked the boxing world when he announced his retirement from the sport.

The 33-year-old Ward is still widely considered to be at his prime, making his decision to call it quits a surprise to many observers and fans.

Arum hinted that it will be a good move on Pacquiao’s part to follow Ward’s example and ride

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PH House votes to impeach Comelec Business tycoon & philanthropist chief after announcing his resignation Washington SyCip dies at 96

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by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

MANILA - The Philippine House of Representatives voted to impeach Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chief Andres Bautista just hours after he announced his resignation on Wednesday, October 11.

A total of 137 lawmakers voted to reject the earlier resolution of the House Committee on Justice, which recommended the dismissal of the complaint against Bautista after it was found to be insufficient in form due to defective verification.

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Only 75 lawmakers voted to adopt the resolution while two opted to abstain, making Bautista the first poll chief to be impeached.

The committee was then directed by Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu to prepare the articles of impeachment for transmittal to the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court.

At the same day before the plenary session, Bautista announced that he is stepping from his post by the end of the year, adding that he has already filed a resignation letter at

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by VICTOR

Washington SyCip

SY, CPA MBA

WASHINGTON SyCip died on Saturday, October 7 aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Manila to Vancouver/New York. He was 96 years old.

Washington SyCip, a Philippine national treasure, is the founder of SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co (SGV), an accounting, tax and auditing firm. He also founded Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to

mold business leaders.

SyCip was a philanthropist who was devoted to children’s education. He went beyond advocacy by spending energy and money to support more than 200,000 children.

He also founded a Zero Dropout Program to give elementary children a chance to acquire basic education. He explained

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From The FronT Page

Palace: Duterte satisfaction, trust...

PAGE A1

Duterte’s net trust rating likewise suffered a 15-point drop from the previous +75 or “excellent” rating in June to +60 or “very good” in September.

According to Abella, the decline occurred as the public started to manage their expectations and wait for Duterte to deliver “the full spectrum of public services” he promised during the last year’s

campaign period.

“Some people during this particular honeymoon period, their expectations were high, and the actual wait for the implementation of these things may have led to the dip,” the Palace official explained.

He also referred the survey results as snapshots of the public’s sentiment on the government’s performance, pointing out as it

PNP exits drug war...

PAGE A1

visibility.”

“The PNP shall, at all times, maintain police visibility, as a deterrent to illegal drug activities leaving to the PDEA, however, the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations as aforestated,” the president’s memorandum read.

In a media interview at the Senate, Dela Rosa welcomed the transfer of responsibility to the PDEA. He vowed that the PNP will now concentrate on other crimes, as well as on cleansing its ranks.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella “Yes! Hayahay na kami ngayon was conducted between Septem- (We’re relaxed now),” Dela Rober 23 and 27 or just days after sa told reporters.

“You can just imagine, finocus the National Day of Protest.

Duterte has declared Septem- namin halos 100 percent resourcber 21 as the National Day of Pro- es of the PNP for the [past] year, test, allowing citizens“to freely finocus namin lahat sa war on vent their grievances about the drugs, do’n naka-focus we focused excesses and shortcomings of the (all of our resources on the war on drugs for the [past] year). We government.”

“Some sentiments may have spilled over,” Abella said.

In spite of the decline, Abella emphasized that the “people are PAGE A1 still, in general, still satisfied.”

The Palace official likewise as- fasting month of Ramadan last sured the public that the govern- year.

Salic was accused of sending ment would “continue to work harder to address the public’s money to fund the attacks. Acurgent needs in order to bring a cording to U.S. court documents released on Friday, October 6, he comfortable life for all.”

“We enjoin everyone to set sent $423 to the other suspects for aside self-interest and together the operation.

U.S. authorities said the FBI build a nation worthy of the next agent posed as an IS supporter generation,” Abella added.

‘Filipinos beginning to see and communicated with Salic and two other alleged plotters: 19light’ In a statement, Senator Antonio year-old Canadian Abdulrahman Trillanes IV welcomed the decline El Bahnasawy and 19-year-old American citizen living in Pakistan in the chief executive’s ratings.

“It’s very encouraging to know Talha Haroon.

The U.S. Department of Justice that the Filipino people are beginning to see the light. They are said it has requested Salic’s extranow seeing Duterte for who he dition following his arrest in the really is: a lying, rude, amoral, Philippines in April of this year.

In a statement, Palace Spokescorrupt and oppressive former mayor who is totally incompetent person Ernesto Abella said the about governance at the national level,” said Trillanes.

“Worse, his bloody war on drugs has killed thousands of his PAGE A1 own people and created a climate off into the sunset with his faculof fear across the country,” added ties still intact. the senator, who has been among “Nobody was more delighted the president’s fiercest critics. when Andre Ward was packing it Trillanes said he expects the in because he had made enough next survey results “to be worse” fighting and he wanted a career as it was conducted before the in announcing. It’s great. Why Ombudsman announced its in- should these guys stay and risk vestigation on the president’s permanent injury, particularly supposed ill-gotten wealth. when they have the ability to get For Senate Minority Leader out with their health?” he continPAGE A4 ued.

can now focus on other crimes,” he added.

The Duterte administration has been the center of public scrutiny due to the deaths of drug suspects — especially of minors like 17year-old Kian delos Santos, who was killed in a police operation last August.

Critics of the administration also blamed the drug war killings for the recent sharp decline of Duterte’s public satisfaction and trust rating.

A recently released Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results showed that Duterte’s public satisfaction rating dropped sharply by 18 points — from +66 in June to +48 in September from +66 in June. His net trust rating, on the other hand, suffered a 15point drop from the previous +75 or “excellent” rating in June to +60 or “very good” in September.

The poll results likewise showed that 54 percent of Filipinos believe that majority of the drug suspects killed did not really fight back, contrary to police’s claim that the suspects violently resisted arrest.

In an interview on Wednesday, October 11, Dela Rosa apologized for the decline in the satisfaction and trust ratings of the president.

“We feel guilty, kung totoo ’yon na naging dissatisfied yung mga tao dahil kay presidente dahil sa war on drugs na ginagawa namin (if it’s true that people are dissatisfied at the president because of the police’s war on drug), we feel guilty,” the PNP chief told reporters.

He added, “We’re very guilty.

Sorry. Sorry na kami ang nagbigay ng dissatisfaction sa mga tao (we’re to blame for people’s dissatisfaction) towards the president.”

PH gov’t to extradite Filipino suspect...

Philippine government will initiate the extradition proceedings as requested by the U.S. According to him, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue its preliminary investigation on the local complaint against Salic while extradition proceedings are being processed.

In the Philippines, Salic is under investigation over the abduction of six and the murder of two sawmill workers in April in the province of Lanao del Sur, located at the southern part of the country.

He is also accused of being connected with the Maute terrorists, the IS-pro group behind the attack in Marawi City, also in Lanao del Sur. “The Philippines shares information and extends full cooperation with partners on matters per-

taining to terrorism,” the Palace official said.

According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Eduardo Año, Salic is currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Año said Salic sent funds to other nations for the “IS terrorist network.”

“He is providing financial support to several extremists or suspicious terrorists in the Middle East, in the U.S., and Malaysia from 2014 up to 2016. (He) has been under watch and surveillance for his suspicious activities in coordination with allied foreign intel agencies,” Año told reporters.

“He was very active on social media, websites that groups related to ISIS have been using,” the AFP chief added.

Pacquiao’s boxing career has been on hold since the Filipino icon suffered a stunning defeat to Australia’s Jeff Horn in July. While calls for Pacquiao to quit the sport have again intensified immediately following the loss, the fighting senator insisted he will continue fighting on “until the passion is gone.”

Pacquiao is keen on exercising his rematch clause with Horn, but that fight won’t happen anytime

soon as the 29-year-old Australian is already set to defend the WBO welterweight belt against Gary Corcoranin December.

But in the event Pacquiao decides he has finally had enough of boxing, Arum, for his part, said he will be among those celebrating.

“So I think Andre did a really smart thing in retiring and, if Manny decides to retire – which I don’t know – but if he does, I’ll be applauding it.”

Pacquiao retirement has Arum’s...

As 2020 Census approaches, minority groups...

PAGE A1 ed preparations and tests.

For example, the upcoming census will be the first to be taken online, but lack of testing makes the census vulnerable to an inaccurate count.

The 2020 Census has already been listed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a “high risk” federal program in its 2017 High Risk Report.

The result? Derailments of important tests and resources, including the measurement element of the dress rehearsal (the only way of evaluation), and assessment strategies of communications, outreach, and partnership programs.

Most likely to feel the repercussions are minority groups and general populations living in hard-to-count areas, say advocates.

California, a state with many diverse communities has already seen groups go underrepresented in previous censuses, and advocates say the risk of them being missed in the next one are still disproportionately high.

“In order for California to receive its fair share of federal funding and political representation, the census bureau must accurately count all of our state’s residences,” said Dr. John Dobard, manager of Political Voice, Advancement Project California.

Distrust and the digital divide Distrust of the government with personal information, along with the evident digital divide, are key concerns of advocates from across minority groups.

Ofelia Medina, Director of State Civic Engagement Policy for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), found this especially true in the Latino community, which makes up 39 percent of the Californian population.

“It’s going to be really difficult to make sure that they do [participate in the census] when they might not have even dial-up at home,” said Medina, stating that many in California do not have access to internet service.

While libraries and internet cafes may provide internet access, Medina admits that the census might not be much of a priority that people would go out of their way to these places to fill out the census.

The increasing climate of fear incited by rhetoric on immigration enforcement has further been discouraging in communities of color when it comes to participating in programs involving government contact.

“It’s definitely been something we’ve been seeing in the last couple of months,” said Medina referring to recent issues like the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

This is also true in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities where approximately 1.3 million are undocumented, according to Stewart Kwoh, Founding President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Los Angeles (AAJC).

“They don’t want anybody, including their own family mem-

bers, to know often times,” said Kwoh.

‘Statistical genocide’ According to the California Department of Finance, 20.5 percent of Californians live in hardto-count areas, or communities at high risks of not being fully counted as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. Ten of the 50 hard-to-count counties in the nation are in California, accounting for an estimated 8.4 million people.

Furthermore, one in three (34.3 percent) of Hispanics in California live in hard-to-count areas. For Asian Americans, it is one out of every five (19 percent).

Especially at risk of being undercounted are California’s more than 2.5 million children who would thus be beneficiaries of data derived allocations after the census.

“The greatest amount of children that will not be counted are the children that are being born right now, up until 2020,” said Medina.

Of the top 100 places with the highest percent of children living in hard-to-count areas, 16 are in California — Black and Hispanic children hold highest net undercounts.

Medina stressed that in California specifically, the last 2010 Census significantly undercounted Latino children.

“Nationwide, about 400,000 under the age of five were not counted in the census. About 113,000 of them were from California,” said Medina.

PAGE A4

MESSAGE SENT. Members of an international human rights mission hold placards protesting the spate of killings in the Philippines during a news conference on Monday, Oct. 9.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

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DATELINE USA

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-18, 2017

Business tycoon & philanthropist Washington...

PAGE A1 to this writer why some children were failing: Yes, schooling was free but children could not learn on empty stomach!

As his passing went viral, tributes poured from public, private, and civic groups: “Mr. Washington SyCip was a highly valued adviser to the Board of Directors of BDO Unibank. We will always remember him for his guidance over the years,” said Teresita Sy-Coson of Shoe Mart (SM) Group of companies.

“Mr. Wash SyCip was a true giant in the world of Philippine business. He was a leader, advisor, and guiding force behind many other Filipino businesses and philanthropic organizations. Mr. SyCip was a legendary mentor who inspired us to strive for the highest measure of excellence and integrity in the conduct of our business, and in serving the Filipino public,” PAL of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies said in a statement.

“His passion for excellence and commitment to mold business leaders, combined with his unfaltering generosity, led to the foundation of the Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business at AIM. His legacy will live on in the AIM alumni who strive to be ethical and responsible business leaders, and live up to Mr SyCip’s call to lead, inspire, and transform,” Asian Institute of Management (AIM) wrote.

“SyCip was a respected voice in corporate governance and staunch believer in Filipino talent. He gave us all a sense of what Filipinos could be,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

Added former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares, “With his demise, we lost one of the great minds ever produced by the Philippines. The auditing industry has a lot to thank him as he pioneered the growth of the industry not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of Asia. But more importantly, he trained and was a great influence to a lot of the captains of industries.”

“Mr. SyCip was a man who radiated intelligence and inspired respect. He was the Sage of our Age and was a person I greatly admired. I actively sought his counsel and learned from his wisdom,” reflected Senator Grace Poe.

Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said, “Today we mourn the profound loss of a dear boss, friend, and mentor.

I owe much of who I am to the privilege of having been under his wing. Washington SyCip was a towering pillar of the Philippine economy. For decades, he stood as an exemplar of excellence and integrity while shining the light of his sage guidance on our business community.”

David Balangue, former SGV chairman, wrote, “He was a pillar in the local accounting industry. He dedicated his entire life to excellence and was instrumental to improving business and society. We will terribly miss him.”

Benjamin Punongbayan, former SGV senior partner and founder of accounting firm Punongbayan & Araullo, said, “SyCip was unique and one of a kind. He had a very strong passion for utmost excellence, not only for himself but also for the people around him. I learned much from Wash and for which I am truly grateful. He was my mentor and model. I will greatly miss him.”

Roman Felipe Reyes, former senior partner at SVG, and cofounder of Reyes Tacandong & Co, noted, “He is a big loss. He contributed a lot to the accounting industry. His death will create a big vacuum.”

Marivic Espano, managing partner and CEO of P & A Grant Thornton, said, “Mr. SyCip was one of the great pillars of the profession and played a key role in shaping it. He built a strong firm that is acknowledged as a good training ground for CPAs. He is [a] leader who believes in the goodness and talent of Filipinos.”

Business advisory firm Bower Group Asia also tweeted, “RIP Mr. Washington SyCip. This great patriot & leader of the Philippines, we learned so much from him.”

SyCip received numerous prestigious Awards including: Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding; Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Excellence (Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service); Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander conferred by the Philippine Government; Lifetime Achievement Award given by the Columbia Business School; Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government;

The Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the Federal Republic of Germany; Officer First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by His Majesty the King of Sweden; Star of the Order of Merit conferred by the Republic of Austria; Accountancy Hall of Fame conferred by Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and Management Man of the Year conferred by the Management Association of the Philippines.

While his parents Don Albino and Helen SyCip could afford private schooling, they opted to send their children to public schools to assimilate with local children at Burgos Elementary School and Mapa High School.

They also walked to school.

After learning the imprisonment of his father in the Philippines by Japanese forces, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

He joined the infantry but was found to have attained the highest IQ level ever recorded in his regiment. He studied Japanese in a language school in Colorado and cryptography in Virginia and was assigned to Intelligence Unit and deployed to Calcutta, British India as a codebreaker.

His father Don Albino SyCip was the first Chinese-speaking lawyer to top the bar exams. He founded China Bank and was acknowledged as the Dean of the Philippine Banking. He lived traditional virtues of frugality, quietness, hard work, patience, and integrity that he imparted to his children. He raised a family of achievers: David graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines and graduated with honors from the Colorado School of Mines. He headed Northern Motors and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation; Alexander headed the U.P. debating team for three years and founded the law firm of SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan; Washington graduated Summa Cum Laude at age 17 from UST and founded SGV and AIM; Elizabeth earned a Math degree magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines (U.P.) and another degree with honors from Columbia University; and Paz, the youngest child, was musically inclined.

Washington SyCip was the last survivor of the five siblings.

He is survived by his wife Anna Yu, and his children Victoria, George, and Robert.

A3

MORE CHARGES. Horacio Castillo Jr. and his wife Carmina sign their supplemental complaint impleading UST law dean Nilo Divina as one of the respondents in the death of their son, Horacio III. Castillo died in hazing rites allegedly conducted by the Aegis Juris Fraternity.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

PH House moves to impeach Comelec chief...

PAGE A1 Malacañang.

The Comelec chief, whose term was supposed to expire on February 2, 2022, said his resignation is effective by December 31, 2017.

“It is with deep sadness that I am informing you about my decision to resign as the chair of the Commission on Elections by the end of the year,” Bautista said in a letter addressed to the Comelec.

“After much prayer and discernment, I believe that this is the right time to step down given the postponement of the barangay and SK elections. This was not an easy decision. But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever,” he added.

In the complaint filed by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and former Negros Occidental representative Jacinto Paras of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), Bautista was accused of alleged culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

The case against him stemmed from allegations of his estranged wife, Patricia Paz Bautista, that he had about one billion pesos of undeclared wealth in his 2016 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth (SALN).

‘Unnecessary move’ Following the House decision, Bautista said the impeachment move against him was unnecessary following the announcement of his resignation.

“It is unfortunate that the decision of the House Committee on Justice, which was voted upon

twice by a vote of 26-2, to dismiss the impeachment case against me was overturned this afternoon by the House of Representatives,” he said in a statement.

The Comelec chief, however, vowed to abide by the Constitution regarding the impeachment process as he acknowledged that all House members are entitled to their own opinion.

“While it may be an unnecessary move since I already tendered my resignation to the president today effective end of the year to ensure a smooth transition, I will abide by the Constitution and the relevant rules regarding the impeachment process,” Bautista added.

Trial to proceed Despite announcing his resignation, Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the Senate will still have to proceed the impeachment trial against Bautista.

“If the impeachment case will be transmitted to us, we have to act on it,” Sotto told reporters. According to him, the Senate might start its hearing on the case either on late November or the first week of December.

Sotto, however, noted that the impeachment case would be deemed moot should the Comelec chief immediately file an irrevocable resignation.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, meanwhile, pointed out that Bautista’s resignation was still not in effect.

“He announced his plan or intention to resign but he has not yet actually resigned so impeachment is still an available remedy/proce-

Comelec Chair Andy Bautista Inquirer.net photo

dure,” Escudero said.

Sharing similar view, Senator Panfilo Lacson noted that Bautista’s resignation is “prospective.”

“His resignation, as announced, is prospective so once the impeachment complaint is transmitted to the Senate, and his resignation is still not in effect, then we will proceed with the trial,” Lacson remarked.

But for opposition senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, putting Bautista on trial would be a “waste of time.”

“The penalty for a conviction in an impeachment trial is removal from office. Since he has resigned effective end of the year, I don’t see any reason why the Senate should convene as an impeachment court,” Pangilinan reasoned.

“It would be a waste of our time.

For all intents and purposes, the matter is moot,” he added. ■

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Dateline USa

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UMC, Sunrise Hospital workers honored for heroic work following Las Vegas mass shooting Hospital employees’ critical role in saving lives and providing care to victims of Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting recognized and honored by SEIU Nevada and UMC As the influx of victims from the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history flooded nearby emergency rooms, hospital workers heroically answered the call to serve, tirelessly providing around-the-clock treatment and care. Among the heroes is Jacqueline Rodriguez, a nursing aide at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, who immediately raced back to the hospital despite just finishing a 12-hour shift.

Running from patient to patient, rushing hospital equipments to doctors and nurses who needed to administer them to patients, lifting patients onto gurneys and moving them to treatment areas were some of the work Rodriguez did as she

and her colleagues dealt with the aftermath of Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting.

In recognition for saving lives in a time of crisis, SEIU Nevada and University Medical Center (UMC) gave recognition to the exemplary, selfless work of thousands of employees at UMC and Sunrise Hospital on Friday, October 6, 2017.

UMC hospital workers and Sunrise Hospital workers came together with foreign dignitaries and elected leaders: Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, Consul General of the Philippines; Dyan Miranda-Pastrana, Vice Consul General of the Philippines; U.S. Representative Dina Titus, NV1; State Senate Majority Leader

Rep. Ruben Kihuen of Nevada’s 4th congressional district

Aaron Ford, SD-11; State Senator Tick Segerblom, SD-3; State Assembly Member Chris Brooks, AD-10; Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, District D; Mason VanHouweling, CEO, UMC; Luisa Blue, Executive Vice President, SEIU; Rusty McAllister, Executive SecretaryTreasurer, Nevada AFL-CIO; Christian Bato, Representative for U.S. Senator Cortez-Mastro; and Reverend Rozita Lee, Community Activist for the recognition ceremony.

Community groups, union workers, blood donors and volunteers were also present to kick off a day-long blood drive sponsored

by United Blood Services, SEIU Sunrise Hospital workers were honored by SEIU Nevada and UMC for their work during the Las Vegas mass shooting.

Nevada and UMC. (AJPress)

Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada’s 1st congressional district

University Medical Center (UMC) employees were also recognized on Friday.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

A moment of silence for victims of Oct. 1 massacre.

Philippine Consul General Adelio Cruz and Vice Consul Dyan Pastrana (2nd row middle) join Filipino-American hospital employees and SEIU members on Friday, Oct. 6 during an event Las Vegas community leader Rozita Lee speaks to attendees and is joined by SEIU Executive Vice honoring those who worked during the deadliest mass shooting in Las Vegas on Oct. 1.

President Luisa Blue.

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Filipino taxi driver hailed for helping Las Vegas...

PAGE A1 gunshots he initially thought were sounds from a fireworks display.

“I thought it was fireworks.

I wait and wait and then he fired again, the second time the glass was falling down [on] the ground,” Maquindang told ABSCBN news.

He added, “So I know this is real now. I left, pumunta ako sa scene kung anong nangyayari, doon sa nakita ko, parang warzone doon yun eh (I went to check what is happening, and there, I saw what looked like a war zone).”

Continuing his narration of events, Maquindang said he was able to transport six wounded

victims to a nearby hospital.

The Boholano driver recalled driving like a police car or an ambulance—with a speed of around 80 miles per hour and unmindful of traffic signals—as some of the passengers were in critical condition, including one who was shot in the neck.

Joel Willden, Maquindang’s boss, saluted the driver’s “act of bravery,” noting that it had only been four days since the Filipino was hired when the incident happened.

“It was an amazing act of bravery...Some of them might have died if he didn’t step up. I’m just extremely proud of him,” Willden said.

As of this writing, 59 people

have died and over 500 more were injured during what is considered the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history after Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire at a country music concert on Sunday.

According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), two Filipino-Americans were injured in the mass shooting.

In a statement issued Thursday, October 5, DFA Spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said one of the two injured sprained his ankle and was already discharged.

“The other is still in hospital under observation but is expected to make a full and speedy recovery,” he added. (AJPress)

Palace: Duterte satisfaction, trust...

PAGE A2 Franklin Drilon, the drop in Duterte’s ratings should serve as a “wake-up call.”

“Certainly this is a wake-up call... Sa akin self-inflicted ngunit ito’y isang survey lamang (To me, this is self-inflicted but this is just one survey). I will not pass judgment until the next one or two surveys because that will show the trend,” Drilon told reporters in an interview.

He also added that the government “must better take a second look at their policies and the way they enforce their policies.”

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, downplayed the ratings decline.

Likening the survey results to a basketball match, Sotto said what’s more important would be the president’s ratings at the end of his term.

“Sa survey mismo, matagal na ako diyan, every week halos nagpapalit ang opinyon ng tao.

Gano’n talaga ‘yan. (I’ve been familiar with surveys for a long time. Almost every week, people’s opinions change. That’s how it is.)” he said.

Sotto went on to say, “Six years

ang binigay sa kanyang mandate eh. Parang basketball ‘yan – ‘yung three points pinapalakpakan pero ‘pag naagawan malungkot.

Gano’n din ‘yan. Ang importante ‘yung last quarter [kung] ano’ng score. After 6 years saka majajudge si President Duterte, hindi ngayon. (He was given a mandate of 6 years. It’s just like basketball – when a player scores three points, we cheer, but when the ball is stolen, we get disappointed. That’s how it is. What’s important is his score in the last quarter. We can only judge President Duterte after 6 years, not now.)”

As 2020 Census approaches, minority groups...

Fax résumé to:

info@asianjournalinc.com

PAGE A2 These undercounts come not only from Los Angeles County, but from counties of Orange, San Diego, Riverside, Santa Clara, San Bernardino, and Alameda, added Medina.

For Native American communities, the issue of being undercounted is one of identity. During the 2000 Census, a number of tribes in the San Diego County were recorded at zero.

“That is statistical genocide,” said Dr. Joely Proudfit, Director of Californian Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, and Professor at California State University, San Marcos.

Asian Americans and data disaggregation Legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (AAJC) has been formally conducting census campaigns since the 1990s.

“This is probably the most important census,” said Kwoh.

A little over 15 percent of the Californian population, and six percent of the U.S. population, belong to the AAPI community.

The 2010 Census found that Filipino-Americans became the largest Asian American group in California, while Chinese Americans remained the largest in the U.S. In LA County, Filipino and Koreans were the two largest, and Thai Americans were seeing new growth as well.

“If you don’t have an accurate census, you won’t know any of this,” said Kwoh. “If you lump all Asians together, then you really don’t know us at all.”

Disaggregated data from the census is very important and is needed to ensure specific communities are served accordingly whether in education, health, or

other needed programs.

Nevada for example, is one of the three states with the fastest growing Asian populations, said Kwoh. When looking at the data, Filipinos made up half of the overall Asian population.

“Let’s say there’s a disaster in Nevada. Wouldn’t you want to know that Filipinos are half the Asian population? And how you are going to outreach to them?,” Kwoh told Asian Journal.

“Culturally, in language, you need to have that disaggregated data. Otherwise the government agencies are almost blind to who they are serving. It’s crucial.”

While the current 2020 Census proposal provides checkbox options and a write-in option for more detailed ethnicity descriptions, making sure people are included at all in the census remains the biggest issue. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

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A

D ateline PhiliPPines SC junks De Lima plea to nullify her arrest order Duterte reiterates support to allies, warns North Korea amid nuclear threats

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, October 10, called for unity against nuclear threats posed by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, as he reiterated Manila’s full support to its allies.

Speaking aboard the HMAS Adelaide, Duterte warned the region would suffer if North Korea was allowed to continue to strengthen its nuclear capabilities.

“Any distraction using nuclear bombs, nuclear arms, would destroy Southeast Asia immediately. And the Philippines is no exception,” said the president in a speech during his tour at the Australian ship which is docked in Manila for a visit.

The HMAS Adelaide will be in the Philippines until Sunday, October 15, for a goodwill visit as part of the regional deployment by the Australian Defence Force to strengthen ties within the region.

Duterte then urged for a solidarity between the Philippines and its allies in bid to stop Kim from from playing with what he described as “dangerous weapons.”

“It’s good to raise our awareness actually now. And it would be also to our advantage if you

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

just go around showing solidarity with the rest of the world. Not only because we face so many challenges and threats, but the small guy there in North Korea is playing with dangerous weapons,” he said.

Duterte further called on the North Korean leader to “stop threatening the world” as he “runs the risk of being destroyed first.”

“So I hope that in the coming days, we should stay together, especially the alliance between us, Philippines, America, and even China,” he said.

“And that is why we reiterate our full support with our Australian friends, Americans, and even Chinese, Malaysian, all, to show to this one guy that he has to stop threatening the world.

Philstar.com photo

Because he runs the risk of being destroyed first,” the president added.

According to Duterte, China could be “the only monkey wrench” in the violent plans of North Korea.

“China appears to be the only monkey wrench in the violent plans of Kim Un… Un Jun… I can’t even pronounce the g*** stupid name. You have to keep watch over him. And it is always good to be prepared,” he remarked.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had repeatedly expressed concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests, as it further urged the nation to exercise “self-restraint” amid rising tensions in the region.

BICAM ON PROPOSED GIFT CHECK ACT. Senator Migz Zubiri, chair of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, presides over the bicameral conference committee hearing, Monday, October 9, on the disagreeing provisions of Senate and House versions of the proposed Gift Check Act. The measure removes the expiry dates on gift checks and cards. Once approved into law, all gift checks, certificates, and cards should be sold at a discount of 5 percent from its face value.

Senate photo by Romeo Bugante

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

idence presented at the preliminary investigation and not simply WITH a vote of 9-6, the Su- the report and the supporting evpreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, idence the prosecution proposed October 10, dismissed Sena- to present at the trial, which was tor Leila De Lima’s petition that based on the evidence presented questioned the legality of the ar- during the preliminary investigarest warrant issued against her tion,” the decision further read. by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Among the justices who conCourt (RTC).

In an en banc session, the high court also ruled to reject the senator’s petition to nullify the illegal drug charges filed against her.

De Lima, in her petition, insisted that it was the Sandiganbayan which has jurisdiction over the drug cases against her. She argued that she falls under the jurisdiction of the anti-graft court because of her salary grade during her term as the Justice secretary when she allegedly committed the offense.

The senator also accused Judge Juanita Guerrero of committing grave abuse of discretion for ordering her on February 23 earlier this year without resolving her motion to quash. De Lima likewise pleaded the high court to stop Guerrero from conducting further proceedings on her drug case.

However, in a decision penned

by Associate Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr., the SC maintained that the RTC has jurisdiction over drug cases regardless of the official’s salary grade.

“It also noted that the exclusive original jurisdiction of the RTC over violations of (Republic Act) 9165 is not transferred to the Sandiganbayan whenever the accused occupies a position classified as Grade 27 or higher, regardless of whether the violation is alleged to have been committed in relation to the office being occupied,” the decision read.

It pointed out that the Sandiganbayan is only “limited to violations of the anti-graft laws and do not extend to violations of the drugs law.”

The high court also ruled that Guerrero did not commit grave abuse of discretion in issuing an arrest warrant against the senator, saying that the judge was not required to resolve De Lima’s motion to quash it.

“The Court noted that respondent judge considered all the ev-

curred in the main ruling were Justices Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano Del Castillo, Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes, and Alexander Gesmundo.

The dissenters, meanwhile, PAGE A7

A

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OctOber 12-18, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

‘The love is still there’

Features

THE honeymoon is over, but the love is still there. This was Malacañang’s response on Monday, October 9, to the biggest slide so far in President Rodrigo Duterte’s satisfaction and trust ratings. The president suffered double-digit drops in the third quarter survey conducted by pollster Social Weather Stations Inc. from Sept. 23 to 27.

It may be more accurate to say that the hope is still there, that the President will use his immense powers and popularity to focus on the many pressing matters requiring the attention of his administration. While surveys also show that Filipinos agree with the need to deal decisively with the drug menace, the unrest generated by the methods employed in waging the war is hogging the attention of the government.

Last week, two major business groups, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, called for less political bickering and more action on reforms and infrastructure projects. The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, representing nearly 3,000 companies and members of the private sector, have been pushing for reforms in several key areas to accelerate economic growth.

Recently, employers have also expressed concern over policies that are dampening invest-

ments, such as additional contributions to the Social Security System, new rules on private security guards and janitorial services, and an increase in wages when the rates are already the highest in Southeast Asia.

The principal consideration, the employers said, must be the creation of jobs by encouraging more investments.

Such sentiments of course must be weighed against the need to promote the welfare and increase the productivity of the workforce. These are matters that need careful consideration, without the distraction of political noise.

Malacañang officials and Duterte’s supporters said the slide in his survey ratings was not surprising, and that the numbers could still bounce back. The steepness of the fall, however, is noteworthy. While the presidency is not a popularity game, governance is easier with strong public support. Despite the ratings plunge, the numbers remain high. With proper focus, a downward spiral can be prevented. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

White House wants Fil-Am professor investigated after she delivered a lecture critical of Trump THE White House is calling on the Uni- The Fil-Am versity of Nevada-Las Vegas to investigate a Perspective Fil-Am history professor after she expressed an opinion critical of President Donald Trump during one of gel SantoS-ReloS her lectures.

This comes in the wake of the deadly massacre in Las Vegas that claimed the lives of 58 people and injured about 500 others after Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay casino during a country music concert on Sunday, October 1.

As FOX News reported, Prof. Tessa Winkelmann said, “Right when he got elected, I told my classes, three semesters ago, that some of us won’t be affected by this presidency, but others are going to die...Other people will die because of this. And we’ve seen this happen, right?”

Winkelmann was quoted based on a video reportedly obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal that showed her speaking to her class also saying:

Commentary

RigobeRto tiglao THE National Endowment For Democracy (NED), accused of being a channel for Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) propaganda and destabilization operations in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, has stepped up its funding for three local media outfits that have been publishing articles in the Internet very critical of President Duterte and his administration.

These media outfits getting substantial amounts from NED are the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), and Vera Files.

NED documents show that for 2015—the earliest year for which data is available—2016 and 2017, it gave the PCIJ $106,900; Vera Files $70,000, and CMFR, $278,000. (Another funder of Vera Files is Reporters without Borders, which is also recipient of NED funds.)

Even if NED wasn’t a CIA conduit, it is an institution funded by the U.S. government, and therefore advances U.S. interests.

Shouldn’t we be outraged that the US government is funding anti-Duterte media outfits here?

While these moneys may seem small, an NGO activist in Europe pointed out this was the same pattern in Ukraine several years

“He’s [Trump] threatened to declare violence against North Korea and other places...And words, especially if they’re coming from someone who is the president, have consequences. . . I don’t know that these events would have inevitably happened whether or not he got elected, but he has rhetorical powers every president has to encourage or to discourage (violence). So far all he’s done is to encourage violence.”

One of the students was reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal to be “dumbfounded” and said the professor’s comments were “appalling,” in the wake of the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal also wrote that a student told them that Winkelmann’s comments polarized the classroom and students began shouting at each other.

According to FOX News, Winkelmann’s commentary has since been

criticized by both the university and the White House.

“While we respect academic freedom in the classroom and the right to free speech, we believe the comments were insensitive, especially given the series of events this week and the healing process that has begun in the community,” UNLV spokesman Tony Allen said.

FOX News reported that White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants the University of Las Vegas to investigate Winkelmann, saying “She should be ashamed of herself, and the university should look into it. What a terrible example to set for students.”

“It is sad she is teaching students such divisive, inaccurate and irresponsible rhetoric,” Trump’s press secretary added.

Amid all these reactions to her comments, the Fil-Am professor apologized through a statement emailed to the Review-Journal: “This week has been very difficult for members of our community, and we have allowed students space in our classes to discuss how they have been affected and to openly convey their feel-

ings,” Winkelmann said. “I regret that my comments caused more pain during this difficult time. Emotions were running high and I wish I would have been more thoughtful in how I directed the conversation.”

While I respect Prof. Tessa Winkelmann for her humility and compassion for the people of Las Vegas as the nation is still in shock and pain over the tragedy, I am unsettled by the thought that this incident shows how in the United States of America under President Donald Trump, a history professor giving her own commentary and academic analysis about an issue in a university setting may be chastised by the same university and even be subject of an investigation as prodded by the White House only because her commentary was critical of the president.

What was false, malicious and inaccurate about her opinion? Was she attacking the president personally?

Wasn’t she talking about the power of the “words” uttered by the leader who holds the most powerful position in the nation, and perhaps in the whole world?

And why should she be criticized over comments that “polarized the classroom and students began shouting at each other”?

A university should give the students the platform and the training to express and take dissenting critical opinions, and learn through the process how to exchange differing opinions in a respectful and constructive manner. This should be the training ground for the responsible exercise of our constitutionally protected right to free speech.

This incident is but one example of how the response of the White House and the University of Nevada may have a chilling effect on the exercise of our First Amendment right.

Would, could, and should the citizens of the United States of America — the land of the free and the home of the brave — be silenced? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

CIA conduit funding anti-Duterte media outfits

back. The NED initially extended modest funds to Ukrainian opposition groups, and increased them substantially as the political crisis in that country broke out that led to the overthrow in 2014 of pro-Russia Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, to be replaced by pro-US leaders.

NED president Carl Gershman, who has been openly rabidly anti-Russian would boast after Yanukovych’s fall: “Ukraine is the biggest prize“. (Another US outfit that has funded NGOs in Ukraine that helped topple Yanukovych is Omidyar Network, owned by tycoon Pierre Omdiyar. It is one of the two foreign financiers of another anti-Duterte media outfit, Rappler.)

Banned by Russia Convinced that it has been a CIA front, Russia banned NED in 2015, claiming that it “poses a threat to the constitutional order of the Russian Federation and the defensive capability and security of the government”.

An editorial in the Washington Times recently urged Trump to stop Congress’ funding of NED: “Killing the NED would have another big benefit to America and the world: It would end the meddlesome activities of the endowment’s longtime leader, Gershman, who as president of the organization since its founding, has acted as a kind of grandscale global busybody, dispensing some $100 million a year in behalf of efforts to undermine governments around the world.”

Among the many respected investigative journalists who have exposed the NED as a CIA conduit is Robert Perry, who broke many of the Iran-Contra stories for the Associated Press and Newsweek in the 1980s. He was awarded the George Polk Award for National Reporting in 1984 and the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence by Harvard’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism in 2015.

He explained in a 2014 article in consortiumnews.com, which he founded in 1995 as the first investigative news magazine in the Internet: “NED is a U.S. governmentfunded organization created in 1983 to do what the Central Intelligence Agency previously had done in financing organizations inside target countries to advance U.S. policy interests and, if needed, help in ‘regime change.’

It was founded at the initiative of Cold War hardliners in the Reagan administration, including then-CIA Director William J. Casey. Essentially, NED took over what had been the domain of the CIA, i.e. funneling money to support foreign political movements that would take the U.S. side against the Soviet Union.

Though the Reagan administration’s defenders insist that this “democracy” project didn’t “report” to Casey, documents that have been declassified from the Reagan years show Casey as a principal instigator of this

operation, which also sought to harness funding from right-wing billionaires and foundations to augment these activities.

In one note to then-White House counselor Edwin Meese, Casey endorsed plans ‘for the appointment of a small Working Group to refine the proposal and make recommendations to the President on the merit of creating an Institute, Council or National Endowment in support of free institutions throughout the world.’

Casey’s note, written on CIA stationery, added, “Obviously we here should not get out front in the development of such an organization, nor do we wish to appear to be a sponsor or advocate.

We would be pleased to make suggestions on the composition of the Working Group and Commission.’”

Trojan horse William Blum, a former State Department official and author of several books critical of US foreign policy called NED the “CIA’s Trojan horse”. He quoted NED co-founder Allen Weinstein as telling the Washington Post in 1991: “A lot of what we do today was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA.” The NED has telegraphed its message that Duterte is now on its cross-hairs.

In an article in a journal last July, Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, claimed that the Philippines had caught the “au-

thoritarian virus”. He lumped the Philippines with Tanzania, Bangladesh, South Africa and Hungary where “there has been a swift decline in democratic accountability”. In its website, NED declares: “The Duterte administration represents a sharp break from the Aquino administration and its emphasis on good governance.”

If you were media outfits relying on its funds, wouldn’t you toe NED’s anti-Duterte line and prove it through your articles?

I asked Vera Files president Ellen Tordesillas if she was aware of claims by respected researchers that the NED has been and is a conduit of the CIA. She replied: “I have not heard or read from any ‘respected researcher’ about NED and CIA.“ Tordesillas, a veteran columnist of the Malaya and Abante newspapers, has been known to be a shrill critic of Duterte, and has been active in social media posting anti-Duterte memes. Her favorite target has been blogger Mocha Uson, now an assistant secretary in the Malacañang communications group.

Hostile to CMFR I asked CMFR’s executive director Melinda Quintos-de Jesus who are the funders of her outfit.

She gave me a list of 12 funders, 10 of which were foreign, including NED. When I asked her the same question on whether she was aware of NED’s alleged links to the CIA, she replied: “There is no

point in further engaging in this conversation as you are clearly hostile to CMFR.” If government officials and other subjects of journalists behaved like de Jesus, newspapers would contain only press releases.

(De Jesus is the wife of Edilberto de Jesus who had been personally very close to the Cojuangco family and was President Cory Aquino’s adviser on rural development. He writes a very pro-Yellow column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. His most recent column gloated that the Philippines under Duterte is now No. 1 in the Global Impunity Index. He didn’t mention that the index was based on data for 2014, when his idol President Aquino was been president for four years.)

I posed the same questions through several emails to PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas, an old friend and colleague in the outfit which I helped found in 1989, but which the center denies. (The PCIJ chairman is GMA7 media man Howie Severino.)

At the deadline for submitting this column, I had not received any response from Mangahas, not even an acknowledgement of the receipt of my emails, or that reply I often get from people who can’t be told the truth, “go to hell.”

I have not been a fan of Vera Files, PCIJ, and CMFR because these have had that

u PAGE A7

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 12-18, 2017

A

Embattled Sereno faces judges, reminds them to stay true to oath

by Kristine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MANILA — Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has reminded local court judges that the “greatest battle” in the country’s democratic system is in their courtrooms, and not in the halls of the Supreme Court.

Facing the public for the first time since the impeachment complaint hurdled the House Committee on Justice, Sereno took time to tell local judges to “stay true to their oaths.”

“Remain steadfast in the conduct of your duties; zone out of politics, and decide on your cases THEY’RE CLEAN. Inmates of the Quezon City Jail wait for jail officials and police officers to finish their search of cells under the Operation with openness, sobriety, and fairGreyhound launched by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. No illegal drugs were found.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan ness,” she said.

On October 4, the House Committee on Justice, voting 5-2, found sufficient ground to impeach Sereno, who has been PAGE A5 accused by lawyer Larry Gadon are Chief Justice Maria Lourdes of violation of the Constitution, Sereno, Senior Associate Justice corruption, other high crimes and Antonio Carpio, and Associate betrayal of public trust.

Justices Estela Perlas Bernabe, Sereno said she did not grace Francis Jardeleza, Marvic Lethe event to ask them to “wear onen, Alfredo Benjamin Caguiarmbands or hold placards,” but oa. instead stressed to the members In February, the Department of the bench to “work hard, work of Justice (DOJ) filed three comwith integrity, be honest in all your plaints against De Lima in reladealings, and defend the Constitution to the alleged drug prolifertion as we all swore to do.” ation inside the National Bilibid Sereno was speaking at the Prison (NBP).

24th annual convention and biDe Lima was accused of reennial election of the Philippine ceiving bribes from drug lords In this file photo taken on June 30, 2017, Senator Leila de Lima gives her sentiments to the Trial Judges League Inc. in Palo, in exchange of their protection media as she steps out of the Muntinlupa regional trial court room following the deferment Leyte. when she was the Justice sec- of a court proceeding for her second drug trade charge. Inquirer.net photo by Erma Edera ‘Political maneuverings’ retary. She was also accused of ity Floor Leader Franklin Drilon three branches of government for The chief justice noted the using the money from drug trade expressed his disappointment his evil political ends. Dapat tin- “political maneuverings” that to fund her 2016 senatorial cam- but added that he respects the digan natin ito (We should stand “can only erode” the judiciary in up against this),” he added.

SC’s decision. paign.

For her part, Senator Risa “Nakakalungkot. Ang aking In a statement, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II wel- paniwala ay dapat Ombudsman Hontiveros said the fight to free ang mag-hear nito. (It’s sadden- De Lima remains, as she urged comed the high court’s move.

“I think that’s a correct deci- ing. My belief is that the Om- people to support the detained PAGE A6 sion. It’s the decision we have budsman should hear the case.) senator.

“Nakakalungkot ang desisyon. distinct Yellow DNA: hypocrisy been fighting for. Tama lang But I respect the decision of the Ganun pa man, tuloy ang laban and a holier-than-thou attitude.

Supreme Court.

I’m a lawyer and (It’s just right) that our position that the RTC has jurisdiction has former justice secretary, I dis- para palayain si Senator Leila De Aquino, the Liberal Party and agree but I will respect the SC Lima sa pagkakapiit gamit ang their gang profess to be crusadbeen vindicated,” Aguirre said.

With the SC’s ruling, the Jus- decision,” Drilon told reporters. mga peke at walang basehang ing for some noble cause—deSenator Antonio Trillanes IV, kaso (The decision is saddening mocracy, rule of law, human tice secretary noted that De Lima’s trial and arraignment on the other hand, said that the but the fight for Senator Leila de rights—but in reality have only scheduled on Friday, October SC’s decision proved President Lima’s release from jail using advanced the interests of their 13 could proceed, “assuming Rodrigo Duterte’s “total control fake and baseless case is on),” gang of oligarchs.

These three outfits—include that there would be no motion and manipulation of the three Hontiveros said.

Rappler, of course—all profess to A staunch critic of Duterte, De to make amendment to the infor- branches of government.” have as their goal the professionLima and other critics of the ad“The SC ruling is quite unformation.” alism of journalism as a tool for tunate as it virtually puts a stamp ministration has considered her‘Saddening, unfortunate’ democracy. self as the president’s “political of legitimacy on the political Following the high court’s deThey claim to be objective, but cision, several minority senators persecution and injustice being prisoner.” She is being detained any casual reading of the posts at the Philippine National Police done to Sen. Leila De lima.

It expressed support for the deof these outfits will show beyond also highlighted Duterte’s total (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp tained senator. any doubt that they are merely Crame, Quezon City. n control and manipulation of the In a statement, Senate Minor-

SC junks De Lima plea to nullify her arrest order

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno

the long-term, but she remained unfazed.

“I am like this because I know that the truth is on our side.”

“To tell you the truth, I do not feel as embattled as the news stories may portray me to be. As one of my younger staff remarked, ‘Ang chill ni CJ, bagay ang pangalan—Sereno, as in serene…

Kalmado,’” she quipped. “[I]n a time of constant spin, when narratives are co-opted to serve the personal agenda of a few, the truth is our bedrock,” Sereno added.

Atty. Joshua Santiago, one of Sereno’s spokespersons, earlier said that their team remains “hopeful but not certain” that the impeachment proceeding at the House of Representatives will remain free of pressure from external forces.

“Our hope is that the congressmen realize that it’s not too late,” Santiago said Following the Committee on

Philstar.com photo

Justice’s finding of sufficient ground for the impeachment, members of the House will vote in plenary on whether to approve or reject the committee’s report.

If at least a third of the members of the House—98 of 292 members—vote to approve the committee report, this will then constitute the Articles of Impeachment. The Articles of Impeachment will be transmitted to the Senate, which will try the case as an impeachment court.

The House of Representatives is dominated by lawmakers allied with Duterte, with whom Sereno has been at loggerheads since last year.

Early in his administration, Duterte accused and identified some members of the judiciary as “narco-judges.” Sereno called the disclosure of the list premature and wrote to Duterte to inform him that the SC would be launching a probe on the judges he named. n

CIA conduit funding anti-Duterte... following the agenda of the Yellow Cult based on that worn-out EDSA playbook: To demonize Duterte so much for public outrage to unseat him. That they are funded by an alleged CIA conduit is huge slap on our nation, and my profession.

Shouldn’t we do what the U.S. does through its Foreign Agents Registration Act, and require political and media enterprises to first register their foreign funders? PCIJ, Vera, and CMFR appear to be 90 percent funded by foreign entities, while Rappler, about 50 percent..

But then that wouldn’t be fair, when we allow the country’s

biggest media outfits to be controlled or funded by foreigners, namely Indonesian magnate Anthoni Salim in Philippine Star and TV5 and North Base Media and Omidyar in Rappler. Isn’t this an outright violation of the Constitution?

Can somebody please explain to me: Why is it that foreignfunded media outfits, newspapers in the West, and those who have abandoned their country to enjoy life abroad are the most critical of Duterte, while Filipinos living here who are and will be affected by this president’s actions are mostly supportive of him?

(ManilaTimes.net)

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 12-18, 2017

VEGAS&STYLE

B

Journal #KeepGoing: Celebrities shower love for Filipina-Italian model sexually Nadine Lustre, #WorldMentalHealthDay assaulted by Harvey Weinstein in 2015 DEPRESSION, said the World Health Organization, “will be the most common single cause of disability in both developed and developing countries by 2020.”

To mark the commemoration of World Health Mental Day on Tuesday, October 10, celebrities have circulated a black and white picture of a giant semicolon with a hashtag, #KeepGoing.

Since a semicolon encourages one to continue reading the sentence, it has been used to symbolize the giving of love and hope to those struggling with mental health issues. #KeepGoing and #WorldMentalHealthDay were among those top trending on Twitter.

The trend, according to music channel Myx, was started by “It’s Showtime” host Nadine Lustre to raise awareness about suicide prevention as her brother reportedly died last Sunday, Oct. 8.

Nadine Lustre

struggling from depression due to to social media bashing or other causes.

In her Twitter account, celebrity athlete and TV host Gretchen Ho said: “Light up the dark for someone ; whenever you can.”

Likewise, TV host Bianca Gonzalez advised those experiencing depression: “You can overcome this. You are not alone.”

Award-winning singer-actor Gary Valenciano also expressed his support for the cause by posting the image on his Instagram account.

Singer Kiana Valenciano, daughter of Gary, also assured those experiencing depression: “You are stronger than your depression.” Singer Gab Valenciano also expressed support.

So did actors Julian Trono and Bret Jackson.

According to the New York Post, millennials “are more depressed at work than any generation,” and young women “are particularly at risk.”

As a result, the New York Times added that suicide “surges to a 30-year high” in the U.S., backed by a Washington Post report that said, “U.S. suicide rate has risen sharply in the 21st century.”

“Optimism is much needed now because there are so many things happening in social media now that make children get depressed.

Depression is now rampant globally,” explained Dr. Aurorita Roldan, University of the Philippines College of Home Economics Dean and Professor on family life and child development.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health has launched “Hopeline Project” which aims to boost its campaign to prevent cases of suicide in the country.

“Hopeline” is a phone-based counseling service available 24/7 to individuals who suffer from crisis situations and depression.

(Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/ Photo from Instagram/@nadine Philstar.com)

Nadine is backed and comforted by boyfriend and recording star James Reid.

The campaign comes after recent events involving Joey de Leon, host of the rival noontime show “Eat Bulaga!,” making a remark deemed “insensitive” about depression. De Leon was slammed by other celebrities, including co-host Maine Mendoza, actress Kisses Delavin, and beauty queen Mariel De Leon.

Mariel also drew flak on social media for saying “ew” to her and Joey sharing the same surname.

Joey has since apologized for the remark, while Mariel has since deleted the Twitter post. Her mom, Sandy Andolong, apologized for her daughter.

Actress and rockstar Arci Munoz, who has been bashed in social media for her alleged plastic surgery, posted the semicolon in support of those who might be

The film producer’s sexual advances caught on audio

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AFTER the New York Times published a bombshell investigative story about the sexual misconduct committed by renowned Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein, more details are beginning to emerge with more victims sharing their own stories.

Since the story broke last Thursday, October 5, it became publicly known for the first time that for three decades, Weinstein — who has since been fired from his company, The Weinstein Company — reportedly had multiple sexual harassment and assault allegations against him from a slew of actresses and colleagues; he had reached at least eight settlements.

Among the stories surfacing this week includes one from Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez who accused Weinstein of sexual assault, a story that broke on the morning of Tuesday, October 10 by The New Yorker.

Gutierrez, 24, was a finalist in the Miss Italy contest in 2015 when she met Weinstein at a reception for “New York Spring Spectacular”, a show he was producing at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

After the event, Weinstein emailed Gutierrez’s agent to set up a business meeting at his office in Tribeca. She sat with him in his office and, while reviewing her modeling portfolio, Weinstein reportedly stared at her breasts and asked if they were real. He then “lunged” at the young model and groped her breasts and attempted to put his hand up her skirt as she protested.

He backed off and invited her to see the Broadway musical he was producing, “Finding Neverland” with him. Instead of going to the

Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez

show, Gutierrez visited the New York Police Department to report the assault. While sitting with investigators from the Special Victims Division, Weinstein called her and demanded to know why she didn’t come to the show.

With the help of investigators, she agreed to meet with Weinstein the next day at the bar of the Tribeca Grand Hotel where she would wear a wire and be guided by undercover officers.

After meeting with him at the bar, Gutierrez was invited to join Weinstein in his hotel room and watch him shower. She repeatedly refused, but Weinstein persisted.

When they reach the hallway outside his room, a tense exchange

Photo from Instagram/@ambrabgutierrez

ensues which was recorded.

She repeatedly said, “I don’t want to,” “I want to leave” and “I want to go downstairs,” before asking him directly why he had groped her the previous day.

“Oh, please, I’m sorry just come on in,” Weinstein replied, as heard in the audio recording.

“I’m used to that.”

“You’re used to that?” Gutierrez asked, sounding horrified.

“Yes,” he replied. “I won’t do it again.”

If Weinstein would have been charged, the producer would have faced a count of sexual abuse in the third degree, an offense punishable by three months in jail.

PAGE B3

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Daniel Padilla speaks up on chardGel as ‘threat’ to Kathniel

by Deni

Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

RumoRs have it that Angel Locsin will be leaving the ABsCBN primetime series “La Luna sangre” as she could not take the bashing anymore.

While Locsin’s return to the series as a new character, Jacintha magsaysay, was well-received by fans of her and Richard Gutierrez’s defunct love team, ChardGel, it has not been taken lightly by fans of the Kathryn Bernardo-Daniel Padilla love tandem or KathNiel. Fans allege that ChardGel threatens to outshine KathNiel in the show, where KathNiel takes the lead.

During the last star magic Ball on september 30, Philstar.com asked KathNiel about the issue and Daniel profoundly explained his side.

“May ganun ba? Walang ganung feeling! Naninira lang sila!”

Daniel said of those believing that ChardGel is a threat to KathNiel in “La Luna sangre.”

He thinks it is not the KathNiel

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

fans who are bashing Angel on social media. “Mga naninira lang sila o nagpapanggap lang sila!” he said.

According to him, he has nothing against Angel, Richard, ChardGel, or anyone in the show, so he encourages the real KathNiel fans to stop the bashing.

“Kahit sinong dumating sa show namin, malaking tulong ‘yun

Philstar.com photo

para sa’min, very thankful kami, very blessed na tinatanggap ng mga beteranong artista ‘yun at tinutulungan kami, tinutulungan namin sila. Nagtutulungan kami, walang competition dito dahil at the end of the day, pare-pareho naman kami ng goal — pagandahin ‘yung show. Saka mababait na tao ‘yan! Dapat hindi natin sila ginaganun!”

KathNiel’s ‘third wheel’ Tony Labrusca fights cyberbullying

by MaRiDol

Rañoa-BisMaRk Philstar.com

As Jake Arguelles, the third wheel in maila (Kathryn Bernardo) and Tristan’s (Daniel Padilla) romance, Tony Labrusca leaps, kicks, rolls on the ground and performs other stunts in ABsCBN’s “La Luna sangre.”

In real life, the 22-year-old actor-model fights cyberbullies.

Not that he cannot handle these people, some of whom, shrouded in a cloak of anonymity, bash him for many reasons, like being the fly in the ointment in the KathNiel (Kathryn and Daniel) tandem.

Yes, Tony admits: he has a lot of bashers. But he is sensible enough not to let them ruin his day.

“Lots of people are sending love my way,” he told an intimate group of press people who saw the music video of his debut single “Tanging Ikaw.” so, he ignores his critics, and focuses on being productive instead.

“I focus on showbiz instead of

negative energy.”

Tony explains that dwelling on bashers will change him for the worst. It could even force lesser mortals to take their own lives.

“Cyberbullying is one of the causes of hundreds of thousands of deaths every year worldwide,” Tony reports. “What I worry about in the Philippines is people who can’t stand up for themselves. What if someone gets bashed, and that person happens to be suicidal and kills himself?” since Filipinos are one of the most active social media users in the world, Tony thinks it is high time everyone focuses on this life-threatening issue. He talked about the power of social media and officially take a stand against cyberbullying on August 26 at The Red Whistle in Rockwell, makati.

Tony is glad his status as a Tony Labrusca Photo from Instagram/@tony.labrusca celebrity gives him the chance to “make my country a safer place illegal drugs. But he cannot join for young people to live in.” that battle for now. Fighting Yes, he admits, the Philippines cyberbullying is his way of fixhas a lot of other problems, like PAGE B6

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Atom Araullo is ‘color-less’

by Ricky lo Philstar.com

oF course, the Balik-GmA Atom Araullo is a colorful person (even if, unlike most TV guys, he doesn’t flaunt his personal life).

But when Funfare asked him during a one-on-one before the general presscon what his “color” was, he was stumped. “my color?” he asked, adding, “I don’t know how to answer that.”

I reminded him that “color” was very much in the news these days — you know, there’s Yellow/Dilaw (the Liberals), there’s White/Puti (sen. Kiko Pangilinan’s group?), there’s orange (manila mayor Erap Estrada’s), there’s Red (the marcoses) and what color is Pres. Du30 waving? “oh, I see,” smiled Atom. “I’m me. I don’t know what color that is.” Hmmm, “color-less,” maybe?

As a journalist, does he stay neutral (not taking sides)?

“As people, we have our own take on issues and I’m no different from any citizens of the Philippines,” explained Atom (who is turning 35 on oct. 19; he will be in Greece and Turkey at that time). “But as a journalist, I have to employ an extra level of discipline because the public has given us journalists a certain level of trust to deliver information on their behalf.”

Atom is the son of a famous activist (his mom who was imprisoned during the martial Law days) and an engineer (his father).

How has (especially) his mom influenced (if she did) Atom’s political views? “of course, my world view and my politics have been influenced not only by my mom and my dad but also my friends and the people I met during my college days (He was a councilor at the uP student Council.—RFL),” replied Atom.

“We are all shaped by our family and friends. The only difference in my case is that, since my mom is politically active, I’m not afraid to explore that area of my life. up to now, we still engage in discussions and we don’t always agree on issues. But for the most part, we always find a common ground.”

As the newest member of the GmA News & Public Affairs, Atom won’t be doing newscast but more documentaries which are right down his alley.

His first Kapuso project (set for airing Nov. 5, sunday, at 3:30 p.m.)

Atom Araullo

is about the “Philippine seas,” the making of which he described as “life-changing.” He began shooting it as soon as he moved from ABs-CBN (where he worked for 10 years) to GmA where he cohosted the kiddie show “5 & up” with Rayver Cruz, Chynna ortaleza and maxene magalona.

“Technically,” Atom clarified, “I haven’t been a Kapuso because ‘5 & up’ was on block time. It’s only now that I am officially a Kapuso” which he will be in the next two years.

“Philippine seas” hopes to uncover the wonders and threats surrounding the Philippines’ marine gems. To really get to know the Philippine seas, Atom went on a rigorous 10-day expedition across Luzon, Visayas, and mindanao where he experienced many firsts in his career as a documentarist.

For example, in moalboal, Cebu’s world-famous dive site, Atom witnesses hundreds of thousands of sardines gather in a single ball in a moment that he can only describe as “impressive”; while in nearby Bais, Negros oriental, he looks into the current situation of dolphins once being caught and slaughtered before becoming the province’s leading tourist attraction. Here, Atom encounters a group of “bow-riders,” dolphins that ride alongside passenger boats.

Philstar.com photos

off the coast of sarangani, Atom experiences what life is like for tuna fishermen who wait days for a single catch. under the harsh elements, Atom and his team witness the daily struggles of those who rely on the seas for a living. The most heartbreaking moment is discovering a group of fishermen detained in Indonesia for fishing in foreign waters. Atom talks to samuel, a fisherman who has not seen his newborn child since being detained in Indonesia.

Through the “Philippine seas” team, samuel gets a chance to look at his newborn daughter for the first time.

In this special documentary, GmA Public Affairs will also feature the exploration and expedition on the 13-million hectare Philippine Rise. on top of the teeming corals and marine species, it is said that this undersea plateau is potentially a rich source of natural gas and other resources. Is it true that the Philippine Rise can deliver the country from poverty?

During his formal media launch as a Kapuso yesterday, GmA executives led by Angel Javier presented Atom with a birthday cake before the Q&A. “I am overwhelmed,” exclaimed Atom after blowing the candles. “Hopefully, I can contribute something to GmA and live up to their expectations.”

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 12-18, 2017

LBC brings holiday cheers to overseas Filipinos as BOC suspends Tariff Act on balikbayan boxes LBC’s customers abroad who are now busy filling up Balikbayan boxes to send to their loved ones here in the country will now be able to do so without worrying about the rules and regulations imposed by the Bureau of Customs last August 1, 2017 This is after BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapena issued a memorandum last September 28, 2017 suspending the implementation of the Customs Modernization Tariff Act (CMTA) until

March 31, 2018.

The CMTA carried with it certain provisions which set parameters for Balikbayan shipments and who was qualified to send them so they can avail of tax exemptions. It was enacted, not just to prevent revenue loss which comes when balikbayan boxes are shipped abusively or inadvertently, but also to simplify clearance procedures and adopt clear and transparent customs rules, consistent with international standards.

LBC, the largest and leading forwarding company in the Philippines, welcomed the development saying many Overseas Filipinos are still unaccustomed to the CMTA and that the suspension will give them time to focus, instead, on sending joy and gifts to loved ones this Holiday Season.

LBC LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress. com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

(Advertising Supplement)

Filipina-Italian model sexually assaulted...

PAGE B1 But the police investigation was hindered as details of Gutierrez’s life began to surface in tabloids, including associations with controversial former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his notorious “bunga bunga” sex parties, according to The New Yorker report. She also made an allegation of sexual assault against an Italian businessman as a teenager, but refused to cooperate with prosecutors.

Two sources involved in the 2015 police investigation on Weinstein told The New Yorker that there was no reason to doubt the young model’s account, and that there was enough evidence to prosecute the high-profile film producer.

But the tabloid stories of Gutierrez’s life complicated the

case for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, who later dropped the criminal charges.

Since then, Gutierrez has been prohibited from discussing the incident with reporters due to a tightly-written nondisclosure agreement she signed with Weinstein’s lawyers, including an affidavit that stated that the events recorded on audio never happened. She also received an undisclosed payment.

Days after the Times’ initial report, the Manhattan DA defended their decision not to prosecute Weinstein. Chief Assistant DA Karen Friedman-Agnifilo told the NY Post that the recorded meeting between Gutierrez and Weinstein was done so “without our knowledge or input.”

“The seasoned prosecutors in our Sex Crimes Unit were not af-

forded the opportunity before the meeting to counsel investigators on what was necessary to capture in order to prove a misdemeanor sex crime,” she said. “While the recording is horrifying to listen to, what emerged from the audio was insufficient to prove a crime under New York law, which requires prosecutors to establish criminal intent.”

“Mr. Weinstein’s pattern of mistreating women, as recounted in recent reports, is disgraceful and shocks the conscience,” she continued, adding that she urges all victims of sexual assault and misconduct to contact their local DA’s sex crimes hotline.

Other actresses that have come forward with their own stories include Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, among many others.

By Monet

Lu

THE night of October 1 left us all in shock and devastation. With at least 59 people killed and more than 500 injured, the mass shooting in Las Vegas will go down as one of the darkest moments in U.S. history. Filled with horror and uncertainty, it was the darkest night in Las Vegas and one of the most horrifying scenes you never wish to see in your lifetime. But brave first responders and concertgoers-turned-heroes provided a light and showed love in a time of terror.

I’ve been hearing stories about police officers shielding citizens, military veterans plugging wounds, people who used their bodies to shield bullets, and those who turned their trucks into makeshift ambulances. These acts of bravery bring back whatever ounce of faith in humanity I have left.

One woman told ABC News that she loaded as many as six people into her car, some of whom needed immediate medical attention, and took them to the hospital. KRCA reported that people who were not at the concert also sprung into action donating blood and stocking local food banks.

Democratic Rep. Dina Titus praised everyone who helped after the shooting in a statement she released on Twitter. “The brave Las Vegas police officers who raced towards an active shooter during this horrible mass shooting. My hearts aches for the victims, their loved ones, and our community. I am grateful for law enforcement’s swift response and the many good Samaritans whose selfless acts of bravery showcased Las Vegas’ values to the world.”

The first responders and the selfless civilians who willingly extended help that night have shown us that there are still good people out there. I heard about a man who shielded his wife to protect her from the bullets that pierced his back and claimed his life. Another woman shielded her younger brother during the shooting. In an interview she recalled, “Every time the crowd got up the shooting started again.

I was laying on my brother shield-

B

Love in a time of terror: Stories of bravery during the Las Vegas shootout

ing him. I’m 30, he’s 21. I love him to death; he has more life to live,” Channel News Asia quoted concert-goer Corrine Lomas as saying.

A witness told ABC News that he helped at least three people who were injured by the shooter get loaded into ambulances, and he held another victim who died in his arms.

Then there’s this 53-year-old man by the name of Mike McGarry who reportedly used his body as a human shield to protect younger concert-goers from the spray of bullets that rained down on the country concert on the Las Vegas strip.

“It was crazy — I laid on top of the kids. They’re 20. I’m 53. I lived a good life,” McGarry said in an interview with Channel News Asia. His act of selflessness is the reason those kids were able to go home to their worried parents.

President Donald Trump was quick to issue a statement thanking everyone who helped and went above and beyond – to the point of death – to protect the lives of others.

“I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for their courageous effort and helping to save the lives of so many.

The speed with which they acted is miraculous... It shows what true professionalism is all about,” he said.

More and more stories of bravery are being told and while that terrifying night is one that would forever haunt the streets of Las Vegas, it is also the day that the

truest and purest form of love was shown. And hopefully, this is where we draw our hope from. For it is through the sacrifice of these people that someone still gets to hug their loved ones, or that young kid can still live another day and dream of being a brave paramedic or police officer.

I’ve been to Las Vegas several times. Some times with friends, other times by myself. Never in those times have I ever imagined that one day I’d be looking at those familiar streets with tears in my eyes. I guess it’s no longer safe anywhere. Tragedies like this can strike any second at any place. Sad to say but this is now the world we live in. Yet, as I end this piece, I want to leave my readers something to ponder on: In such a time where all we see is darkness, let’s remember that the smallest yet purest act of love could bring so much light and hope. To those who are grieving the loss of their friends and family, I give my condolences. May you be comforted in this trying time. *** 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

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Iza Calzado engaged to Fil-Brit boyfriend Alisah Bonaobra secures spot in ‘X Factor UK’ six-chair challenge

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

ABS-CBN actress Iza Calzado is now engaged! Her Filipino-British entrepreneur boyfriend Ben Wintle proposed to the talented celebrity in Tagaytay on Sunday, Oct. 8,in front of close friends and family.

Calzado and Wintle have been together for five years now.

Good friend and fashion designer Rajo Laurel posted an Instagram a photo of Wintle down on his knee offering Calzado a ring.

“Iza said yes! Congratulations to my friends @missizacalzado & @benmwintle on their engagement! What a blessing to witness this special moment in your lives.

So happy for you both!” the caption read.

Calzado’s manager Noel Ferrer also posted a short video of the proposal. The clip shows an emotional Calzado wiping away tears. She also jokingly bit the ring that Wintle brought out to check if it was real.

“And the greatest of all … is love,” captioned the manager.

Meanwhile, Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon—the couple’s friend and business partner for their mobile application venture Booky—in uploading a video clip of the proposal shared a short story about the couple and how Wintle asked the actress’ dad, late director and choreographer Lito Calzado, for permission to date Calzado when he was admitted in the hospital before.

“I first met @benmwintle and his payong in almon marina…then we watched the Black Eyed Peas later that night. Eventually, we became partners in his @bookyapp, traveled to KL, LA, shared stories

EMPLOYMENT

LOCAL “kontisera” Alisah Bonaobra’s journey in the “X Factor UK” continues as she secured a spot in the Six Chair Challenge in the Girls category to be mentored by judge Sharon Osbourne.

But that was not a breeze for the 22-year-old Filipina singer when she was asked to give up her seat, but the audience demanded to bring her back.

At the beginning of the episode, Bonaobra walked on stage in her red evening gown and performed a classic Celine Dion hit “All By Myself,” that drove the crowd, other contestants, and judges Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh on their feet.

It did not impress judge Sharon Osbourne much. Nevertheless she got a seat, edging Taliah Dorto, but was told to give up the chair for Grace Davies.

Simon Cowell walked out and Louis Walsh also expressed his disbelief with the decision.

Engaged couple Ben Wintle and Iza Calzado Photos from Instagram/Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon, Rajo Laurel, Kat Cruz

about adventures,” Yuzon wrote.

“I’ve watched him as a pole on the dance floor and i watched him gently stay at iza’s side during the bad times. I made sure to get Tito Lito’s approval which of course Ben Tumbling got at the hospital. @missizacalzado, you know how much we love each other naman na. Love u both and congratulations,” she narrated.

Celebrity fashion stylist Kat Cruz, who was also present at the event, shared a photo of the engagement ring.

“And she said yes,” Cruz

captioned.

During an episode in the nowdefunct show “Kris TV”, Calzado and Wintle talked about how they met back in 2011 during a magazine event. At the time, Calzado was still moving on from her failed relationship of two-and-a-half years with businessman Atticus King.

“I was heartbroken that time.

That was the first night that I told myself that I’m going to stay out, socialize, mingle, and hopefully meet somebody. I was really looking for a foreigner that night because I’ve never dated a foreigner,” she admitted.

According to Calzado, Wintle approached her first and asked if he could invite to be friends on Facebook.

“Tinawanan ko siya kasi ang daming mga fake accounts sa Facebook. So sabi ko, ‘you know what, let’s not complicate things.

Just get my number.’ Ganun kasi naiirita ako pag madami pang games,” she said.

“He was there for me. He was very strong, patient kasi nga gulo gulo pa ako noon,” Calzado further recalled in that interview, especially during her father’s death in November 2011.

From hereon, Calzado will have her with him (hopefully) for eternity.

EMPLOYMENT

With the audience booing, Osbourne asked a sing-off for the Filipina singer with Scarlett Lee and Rai Elle Williams.

The girl from the Philippines, who had been crying since she walked back on stage was the last to take her chance on the sing off.

Bonaobra showed how badly she wanted that seat and surprised everyone with her powerful version of “Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, making sure she hit all the high notes and aced the rap part of the song.

“Well, Alisah, you showed me, didn’t you?” Osbourne exclaimed after the sing-off performance.

She then decided let go of Lee, kept Rai Elle Williams, and had Bonaobra finally locked in one of the six chairs.

“Where were you hiding that?

Oh my Lord!” Osbourne told Bonaobra.

The girls who are in the Six

Alisah Bonaobra

ManilaTimes.net photo

Chair challenge are Deanna, Alisah, Rai Elle, Grace, Georgina and Holly. They are all moving to the next round of the competition which is the judges’ house.

(ManilaTImes.net)

Alden’s ascending artistry by edgar

O. Cruz

Philstar.com

ONLY screened works can redeliver history with sufficient interpretation.

Alden Richards finally went beyond his matinee idol image as the young Bonifacio “Boni” Ilagan, chairman of Kabataang Makabayan UP Diliman, in the GMA Public Affairs documentary drama, “Alaala: A Martial Law Special,” as directed by Adolf Alix Jr. and “Rember Gelera” to recall the 45th year of military rule.

Alden acts realism to Boni’s severe tortures by the notorious Fifth Division of the Philippine Constabulary, emphasizing its disquieting or deplorable horror every time he pulls down his pants. Not once did his well-loved dimples pop out.

Alden started early as a serious actor. Cast as the young Simeon, Bong Revilla’s character in the historical drama “Indio” in 2013, this did not halt there.

That same year, he acted the young lead character Gabriel Alcaraz providing convincing transition to Robin Padilla’s adult role in “10,000 Hours” that gathered for action idol the Best Actor plum at the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival.

Towards the end of 2014, Alden

at 22 headlined “Ilustrado” where he played the full-length role of patriot José Rizal essayed by veteran actors Cesar Montano, Albert Martinez and Joel Torre in film.

Alden was solo nominee from GMA network who competed with actors from rival networks. His nuanced performance reaped a first Best Actor trophy from the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television.

And then the Alden-Maine Mendoza sensation surprisingly surfaced in 2015, turning Alden into a certified matinee idol and one-half of the Aldub love tandem.

By the leap of his parents’ faith, Boni and younger sister Rizalina were named after national heroes and both turned out national democracy fighters.

Quite naturally, they suffered similar destiny with their namesake, torture and death, its circumstances interpreted by Alden with undeniable justice.

Script by Boni to refresh the circumstances of the deprivation of his human rights, how his mother (Gina Alajar) attempted to restore it and a clenched left fist reconnected him with Rizalina (Bianca Umali) but led to her disappearance. He was incarcerated with Pete Lacaba (Rocco Nacino) who Boni idolized.

Alden’s intense interpretation of

SERVICES

As Bonifacio ‘Boni’ Ilagan in Alaala: A Martial Law Special, discolorations, dried blood and dread swap Alden Richards’ dimples.

Boni’s torture scenes exceeds the impact of Piolo Pascual’s imagined scenes in Chito Roño’s “Dekada ‘70” and Nico Antonio’s water boarding punishment in Lawrence Fajardo’s Posas. Alden deserves a Best Actor award for this single performance.

Interspersing footage and recreations of actual scenes, “Alaala’s” main strength is being retold by Boni and Pete and substantiated by resource persons and mindboggling statistics. As the only documentary presented on the 45th year of martial rule, Alaala deserves recognition as a masterpiece of contemporary Philippine history.

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

Your Immigration Solution Atty. Devin Connolly & nAnCy Miller There are countless numbers of people who dream about lawfully living and working in the United States. Making this dream a reality is a possibility for many of them, but only if they are able to successfully navigate the United States’ confusing and complex immigration laws. Given the incredible importance placed on being granted permanent resident status (green card) or U.S. citizenship, it is surprising how many people attempt to achieve their immigration goals without the assistance of an experienced attorney that specializes in immigration law. It is true that some do succeed, but many others fail. And this failure may lead to their ultimate nightmare — being deported.

A person that is presently living in the United States must file their request for immigration benefits with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). however, do not think that the process merely requires the completion of a simple form. First, the forms are not always easy to understand. Many of the forms contain complicated questions that require a person to understand terms and language which have a precise meaning unique to immigration law. This meaning may differ from what many people expect it to be. Thus, a person may deprive themselves of lawfully residing in the United States simply because they did not understand the question they were being asked.

More important than the forms though is that an applicant should carefully review their eligibility for the requested benefit before submitting any application to the USCIS. This assessment requires a review of many things, including

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette ADevA MAglAyA (Continued from last week’s issue...)

LeT’S do a reality check. So okay, your partner is the consummate slob and you have to pick up after him. he thinks he has a maid living with him for free. he has this maddening habit of not putting the toothpaste cap back on.

That’s easy. Get one with a cap that snaps back on. The point is to find a way to work around an annoyance or when all else fails, accept the tiny irritations.

With time and patience, things get easier. As you get older and hopefully, wiser, your eyes dim and your hearing goes for a reason. You become less critical as you see the bigger picture more clearly and the end game is within sight. You become aware of your own mortality.

The point is that you can choose to look through the lens of kindness and forgiveness and instead see if he still has those itty bitty, wonderful things about him that attracted you to him in the first place. his sense of humor maybe or the way he still makes you laugh…

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, MD, FACS, FPCS What are renal calculi? renal calculi (kidney stones) are chemical crystals that form into a hard salt solid structure that looks like and feels like a common stone we find on the streets. They vary in size, shape, and consistency, according to their chemical composition. They could be calcium oxalate stone, cystine stone, uric acid stone, infection stone, or even a combination.

Where do these stones come from?

Our two bean-shaped kidneys are important blood filters which eliminate chemical waste from our body and excreted into the urine.

Without our kidneys, the build up of chemical waste in our body could reach a poisonous, even deadly, level within a few days.

In people who have a high risk of forming stones, these chemical crystals solidify in the kidney calices (cup-shaped areas of the kidney). Some of these stones could travel down the ureter (a small muscular tube the connects each kidney to the bladder), causing severe colicky pains from ureteral irritation and spasm. how large are these stones? renal stones vary in sizes, from the size of a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Many small stones (silent stones) are passed naturally. Medium stones are often crushed with eSWL (extracor-

Community Journal

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 12-18, 2017

B

The importance of an Calendar of Events across America immigration attorney dates of entries and exits from the U.S., type of visa (if any) held at entry to the U.S., the immigration status and history of the applicant and their family members, etc.

The failure to make this assessment before submitting the application may lead to something much worse than a denial – it may lead to being deported, perhaps within a matter of hours.

After eligibility is established, the applicant must submit a well-documented request for an immigration benefit. The submission of sufficient documentary evidence, ranging from a birth or marriage certificate to complex medical records, is vital since it is the applicant who has the burden of proving that they are eligible for the requested benefit. Since it is the applicant who must prove admissibility, they should do everything they can to maximize their chances of being granted the requested benefit by submitting evidence that is thorough and persuasive.

It is clear that an assessment of eligibility is important, as are properly completed forms and sufficient supporting documents, but perhaps the most important reason to retain an experienced immigration attorney is to be adequately represented at your personal interview before a USCIS officer. A decision on the application will frequently be made based off statements made by the applicant during their interview.

These interviews can be stressful, nerve-wracking experiences, but the aspiring immigrant needs to do everything possible to ensure their personal interview is successful. That is not always easy though. It may be the applicant’s first time attending a personal interview for an immigration benefit with the USCIS, and they are likely to be ques-

tioned by an experienced USCIS officer who has conducted many of these types of interviews. In addition, the USCIS officer may aggressively question the applicant, they may pressure them to answer questions to which they do not know the answers, and they may also allow the applicant to make statements that are harmful to their case. Saying the wrong thing during an interview can make it significantly more difficult to ever lawfully reside in the U.S. And while the applicant may later realize they misspoke or that they did not actually understand the questions they were being asked, it may too late to fix the problems created. The application may already be denied and the Department of homeland Security may have already begun the process of deporting them to their native country. As you can see, the personal interview is extremely important.

In conclusion, it is always advisable for immigrants to retain the services of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who is dedicated solely to the practice of immigration law. hiring the right attorney may be the difference between obtaining a green card and being deported. It is therefore one of the most significant decisions that a person will make in their lifetime. ***

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

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

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Two magical words “Gratitude is the memory of the heart” — Jean Baptiste Massieu Love is a two-way street. Note how you behave towards him. how do you look to him? Do you take the time and the effort to look va-va-voom and give him that look that can make his heartbeat race just a tad? Or did you let yourself go, letting gravity and the ravages of time run rough shod over your physical appearance? Put up a fight. There’s help out there. Or do you nag him to death for every little thing? Do you make him feel small with your smartass barbs?

Or does he feel he can soar like an eagle when you are around him?

Don’t buy into the modern concept of the throwaway or trade-up society that seems to imply you can change partners every five years or so. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. It may work for cars and appliances but falls flat for human relationships.

Fix what can yet be fixed. Nurture what can grow into something beautiful. eat humble pie, if you have to. There is no shame if you truly love. Ask a higher Power to help you keep things whole.

When you value your partner

and are mindful of him or her, it shows that you are grateful for his part in your life and that you are interested in going the distance and making the relationship work maybe even till life beyond death.

Taking your husband, wife or partner for granted is the biggest cause of so many divorces these days. If alarming numbers are to be believed, half the population already live in Splitsville.

There is a disproportionate number of single moms and single dads worldwide struggling with severely diminished finances and dealing with court-appointed visits. They juggle schedules, shuttling children in two locations and in cases of bitter, acrimonious divorces, compete for their children’s affections while complicating things further by starting up new relationships. All these are piled on top of broken, disappointed, cynical lives.

They are left to deal with what I call the BIG D’s – the doldrums of doubt, darkness, disease, depression, desperation, dejection, PAGE B6

Painful renal calculi poreal Shock Wave Lithotripsy), popularly known as Lithotripsy for short. Large stones may need Percutaneous Lithotripsy. Very large stones may need surgical removal, especially the staghorn calculus, which “staghorn” shape and large size lodge it in the kidney pelvis (main chamber) and prevent it from entering and passing down the small ureter. Some stones have round, smooth, surface, and could pass down the ureter to the bladder with lesser pains. Others have sharp, jagged edges, causing more pains when they travel down, or get caught, in the ureter.

What increases the risk for stones ?

Not drinking enough fluids, dehydration, eating certain foods, urinary tract infection, living in hot climate, and family history of kidney stones are the more common factors that increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Metabolic or endocrine problems are more rare causes. how much water should one drink a day?

In a normal average daily situation, it is advisable to drink about 8 glasses of fluids (water, juices, preferably not pop) a day, whether one had kidney stones before or not. Those who had kidney stones in the past are advised against cola drinks, tea, chocolate, spinach, and peanut, which are high in oxalate, and dairy products which are high in calcium. Those with cystine stones are advised against eating foods high in Methionine, like fish.

Is renal colic really more painful

than childbirth?

Yes, women who had kidney stone colics and had given birth say so. The pain is most excruciating, and in men, it could radiate down to the lower abdomen and to the scrotum of the affected side where the stone is. One thrashes around to find a more comfortable position, only to find none.

Narcotic shots are given for the relief of the severe renal colic.

Sometimes, renal colic could mimic, or be confused with, acute appendicitis. In some patients, there could be blood in the urine, from the irritation of the ureter where the stone is lodged.

What are the diagnostic tests for kidney stones?

After a thorough history-taking and physical examination, your physician may order urinalysis, urine culture (for bacteria), blood count, blood chemistry (including calcium, phosphorus, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, and electrolytes) a KUB (plain x-ray of kidney, ureter, bladder), an IVP (intravenous pyelogram, x-ray with dye to see locate the stone), an Ultrasound (a “3-Dimensional” picture of the kidney); and/or a CT Scan (Computed Tomography, an X-ray technique showing cross-sectional images of the abdominal area to locate and identify the stone).

Twenty four-hour urine samples may also be taken to find out the levels of stone-related chemicals in the urine. Provocative Tests may also be done to see how the kidneys handle chemicals. Stone analysis is essential to determine PAGE B6

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 O c tO b E R 9 -1 3

Glendale Tech Week Glendale Tech Week offers the best of tech from within Glendale and the Greater LA area. Attendees will have access to talent, networking, and business opportunities. Passes, schedule of events, and list of speakers available at Glendaletechweek.com.

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Book talk with Merlinda Bobis at Philippine Expressions Bookshop in San Pedro, CA Merlinda Bobis is a multi-awarded literary artist from Bicol and has taught in universities in the Philippines before she left in 1991 on a study grant to Australia. She has three novels, five poetry books, seven dramatic works (stage and radio), a collection of short stories, a monograph on writing and researching fiction and more than 80 poems plus scholarly articles in literary anthologies, journals and magazines. Her scholarly research covers transnationalism, postcoloniality and crossing cultures, migration and creative-critical intersections.

She will doing a book talk on Friday, October 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Philippine Expressions Bookshop (479 West 6th St., Suite 105, San Pedro, CA 90731). A light dinner will be served from 6 to 7 p.m. and the talk begins promptly at 7. RSVP is required by October 12 to linda@philbooks.us or call (310) 548-8148 or (310) 514-9139.

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26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

18th annual Asian Small Business Expo in Alhambra, CA On Saturday, Oct. 14, the 18th annual Asian Small Business Expo will be held at the Almansor Court Conference Center (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801), featuring free workshops, exhibitors, networking opportunities, and more! Jonny Hwang, founder of 626 Night Market, is the featured guest speaker with special guest, Jerome Horton, chairman of the California Board of Equalization. It is FREE to attend! The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. For more information, please visit http://www.apisbp.org/expo.html.

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Award-winning journalist Raissa Robles holds speaking tour in Los Angeles As part of a six-city U.S. tour, Raissa Robles, a Manila-based award-winning investigative journalist, will share her insights into the significance of the rise of the Marcoses and the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Robles is the author of “Marcos Martial Law: Never Again, a brief history of torture and atrocity under the new society,” nearing her the International Award for Excellence in Journalism by the Geneva-based International Christian Organization of the Media (ICOM). The community special events will take place followed by a Q&A. These events are free and open to the public: Saturday, October 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pilipino Workers Center (153 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026) and Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church (6657 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028). For more information, call (323) 606-1322 or email mrjaimeg@ hotmail.com.

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City of Carson’s 8th annual Larry Itliong Day Celebration Join the City of Carson for its 8th annual celebration of Larry Itliong Day on Saturday, Oct. 21 with a parade and program. Assembly time begins at 8 a.m., with the parade from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be held at Veterans Park at 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. Admission is FREE. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www. naffaa.org.

Mutya ng Lahi in Santa Clarita, CA To celebrate Filipino-American History Month, the Fil-Am Association of SCV, Inc. proudly presents Mutya ng Lahi (Jewel of Ancestry) on Saturday, Oct. 21. It will be held at the Centre at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA 91351 from 6 to 10 p.m. The program will showcase traditional folk dances, songs, national costumes and an exhibition of Philippine Centennial. Tickets for the dinner and show are $35 for adults, $20 for children (4-12), and free for under 3 years. For ticket sales, please contact the following no later than Oct. 13: Emie R. Carrillo at (661) 877-2699, Zeny Justiniano at (661) 294-0181, or Zony Gordon at (661) 312-3422.

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FACC-GLA’s Halloween Dance Party in Canoga Park, CA FACC-GLA’s Halloween Dance Party in Canoga Park, CA The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce - Greater Los Angeles (FACC - GLA) invites members and guests to its Halloween Dance Party on Friday, October 27 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Best Western Canoga Park Hotel. Come in with your scariest attire as there will be special gifts for the best costume attire. Food & drinks will be included. Tickets are limited and entry will only be allowed for those who paid online or through check on or before Tuesday, October 24. Payment can be made through the website www.filamchambergla.org. Strictly NO payment will be accepted at the door.

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3rd annual Larry Itliong Day parade & festival in Los Angeles Join the Larry Itliong Day Committee (LIDC) in honoring the legacy of Filipino American Labor Leader Larry Itliong on Saturday, October 28. There will be a parade followed by a festival with cultural music, dance performances, food vendors, art exhibits, health screenings and various vendors. Parade starts at 9 a.m. with a light breakfast, opening ceremony and line-up at 8 a.m. at Unidad Park (1648 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026). The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Columban Church at 125 Loma Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90026. There will be film screenings of “Delano Manongs” by Marissa Aroy at the church at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. For more information on sponsorships, parade registration, exhibitor opportunities, and volunteering, please email larryitliongdayLA@gmail.com.

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Franchise Expo West in Los Angeles Franchise Expo West, the premier franchise event in the western U.S. is returning to Los Angeles after a five-year absence, to provide the strongest business opportunities for potential franchisees in this dynamic, growing region. Attendees can engage with over 200 franchise brands in every industry at every investment level, access over 60 free educational sessions where in depth answers are provided to any franchising questions, and meet with lenders and consultants to learn about financing options. It will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center at 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015 from Thursday, Nov. 2 to Saturday, Nov. 4. For more information, please visit: www.franchiseexpowest.com. For free registration, use promo code AJ here: https://r1.events-registration.com/franwest2017/.

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

Features

B october 12-18, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

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

Division D Areas 1 & 4, Areas 2 & 3 Fall Speech Contest Humorous & evaluation speech contests

COME & join the Toastmasters for the Fall Speech Contest On October 14, 2017 (Sat).

Area 1 & Area 4 Speech Contest starts at 7:30 am (Registration/ Briefing) and Speech Contest begins at 8:00 am.

Speech contests are an important part of the Toastmasters educational program. They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience, as well as an op-

portunity for other Toastmasters to learn by observing proficient speakers. Non-Toastmasters are most welcome to join and watch.

Area 2 & Area 3 Speech Contest starts at 12:30 pm (Registration & Briefing) and Speech Contest begins at 1:00 pm. Both Speech Contests will be held at the MGM Resorts International Offices located in 840 Grier Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89119.

The fee to enter is $10.00. There will be food, fun, friends, opportunity drawing, and loads of fun.

Please join us and experience this occasion with wonderful Toastmasters from all over the valley. For further information, please connect with Minerva M. Honkala, DTM, Division D Director at 702-8028159. Log in at www.toastmasters.org. for more information about toastmasters.

Rutherine to perform at Asian Festival on Oct. 28 RuTHERINE, an incredibly versatile independent Asian pop artist, is performing in a concert and releasing her first CD on Oct. 28, 2017. Not only is Rutherine

a talented pop artist and dancer — whose performance ranges from ballad to pop — she is also a co-producer of “Hollywood Show Live,” which will be coming to Vegas to give away movie tickets prior to the concert at 3 p.m. To join in on the celebration, excitement, and giveaway head over to the Asian Festival, located on 638 Craig Ranch Road at Craig Ranch Park.

Rutherine’s single “BlahBlahBlah” is currently playing on Powerhouse 106FM in CA, CO, OK, uT, MI, MO, IL, WA, FL, NY, andID. The music video is available on PBS channel 38 in Florida, FilmOn and on YouTube. Digital downloads of the single areavailable on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, and other music services.. Follow Rutherine on

Martin Nievera

Martin Nievera—always unfiltered

Rutherine

Facebook (Rutherine),Instagram (@rutherineofficial), and YouTube (Rutherine), where you will find upcoming news and events. Visitwww.rutherine.com to order her album and other merchandise.

KathNiel’s ‘third wheel’ Tony Labrusca...

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ing the country and making it a better place, especially for young people like him.

Young people can easily relate to the 22-year-old Tony’s “La Luna Sangre” character, who who falls secretly in love and feels jealous when he sees his crush with someone else (again in the teleserye).

Therefore, he feels they can also relate to “Tanging Ikaw,” a song Tony wrote with urie Tesorio and Bryan Lotho. The song and its music video (directed by Callalily frontman Kean Cipriano) tells the story of a young man’s crush on a girl (played by Ysabel Ortega) he has been pining for from a distance.

Tony is just being himself in “Tanging Ikaw,” presented by McJim Classic Leather and also

released on Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon Music and other music platforms in over 240 countries.

He admits that he has yet to have a relationship that will deeply hurt him. So he cannot write and perform a song full of “hugot” lines.

Admiring a girl is more up his alley. Feeling like a kid again and playing arcade games in Timezone during the rare times he has a free day, is just as exciting for Tony.

“God gave us one life. I don’t want to waste it by being unhappy,” he explains.

When the pressures of showbiz stress him out, Tony reveals that I “feed my soul” by doing the things that make him happy.

It works wonders for him.

He advises others to do the

Philstar.com photo

same and keep their mind and body healthy.

But Tony knows he cannot have fun all the time. So he makes room for mistakes. By the time he turns 30, he expects to have learned enough from these mistakes and “put my life together.”

Before that, he dreams of seeing the world and “experiencing different cultures” after he is done with “La Luna Sangre.”

This high school graduate also wants to go to college and buy his own car and get a house for his family.

That is a tall order. But opportunities are knocking for this guy with a series of viral videos (care of McDonald’s), a primetime teleserye, and a new single.

He is striking while the iron is hot.

WITH singing competitions discovering new talents almost every day, it becomes a challenge for long-time performers to keep up with the influx of artists. Iconic as they may be with record-breaking hits, younger singers always pose a challenge to them especially with the need to expand one’s presence and following online today, beside churning albums and mounting concerts.

One OPM icon who continues to thrive amid this very different landscape in music is Martin Nievera.

The Concert King, a title no one has taken from him to this very day, is celebrating his 35th year as a singer with a concert at The Theatre of Solaire Resort and Casino on December 8.

“It’s another excuse for me to sing my old songs again,” Nievera shared in jest at the show’s press conference.

Dubbed “Martin @ 35: #unfiltered,” the evening promised a musical evening stripped of special effects and other gimmicks expected of concerts today.

“You know me, I don’t want a tribute concert or anything like that. I just want an orchestra and the chance to sing my songs.

There will be no LED screens, no distractions. What you’ll have is the chance to really hear the lyrics and put your focus on me, the singer,” the 55-year-old noted with a knowing smile.

Nievera later divulged that the inspiration of the concert stemmed from his comparison of the digital world he now shares with the new generation and that of the “analog” generation where his career flourished along with

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

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

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

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

those of colleagues and friends Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla and former wife Pops Fernandez.

“I want to make it a sort of tribute to the ‘analog’ period.

This is the digital world but when we started our careers—Pops, Zsa Zsa and Gary alike—it was the analog world and we made big long playing albums with no filter, and no auto tunes,” the singer noted.

“When we were doing our songs three decades ago, there were no digitally produced or digitally mastered music. Back then it would take an hour just to record a song. But now, I put my voice on track—do it three or four times—and they can do the whole thing for me. They can turn my voice from Pavarotti to Anne Curtis,” Nievera chattered away without pause, realizing in the end he may have said too much.

Then again, it is for this very nature that his concert has been titled #NoFilter.

“Well, yeah, I have never filtered myself,” he laughed.

“Maybe I should have,” he added sheepishly.

Another indication that Nievera is still thriving amid the tight competition among singers today is because he is officially the first celebrity to ink an ambassadorship for a casino. Now the face of Solaire Resorts and Casino, he is tasked to promote the casino’s amenities and lend his voice to the property’s theme song, “Follow the Sun.” “It’s a new thing; they are just trying it out. My role is to be the guy in front and I hope this will open more doors for other artists,

especially those who have been in the industry for a while like me to be the face of other casinos,” the singer noted.

Inevitably, the conversation moved on to the shocking and unfortunate shootout in Las Vegas last week, which, besides being the world’s gambling capital, also holds a special place for Nievera. It will be remembered that the singer lived there for a time and pursue a career, holding concerts at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts the Golden Nugget, the Steve Wyrick Theater at Planet Hollywood, Flamingo Las Vegas, Suncoast Showroom and M Resort, among many others.

“What happened in Vegas is a true tragedy. If it’s your hometown, you’ll always think, it’s not gonna happen here, it’s gonna happen somewhere else. So I was so devastated with that news because it was so close to home,” Nievera offered.

For Nievera this is a time when he and other performers can make use of their status as celebrities.

“As a people, terrorism cannot and should not change our lives.

We should move on and go on. I know it’s easier said than done especially for all those whose lives will never be the same again, and those who lost loved ones. But we as entertainers, that’s our job—we have to continue to make you smile,” Nievera said after expressing sympathy to the victims.

“We are the court jesters of the world. No matter what the tragedy is, we always have to keep the people positive,” he ended.

Whether in analogue or digital.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Two magical words

disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment. You just wish you can DELETE all these ugly D’s from your life. Some go to the deep end. Sadly, tragically some of these cases end in death.

Love has died. Nothing matters.

Yet love, according to the “Desiderata” is as perennial as the grass.

While there is life, hope springs eternal. Those who are not put off by a disastrous relationship think that the “right one” is just around the corner. Perhaps. But if they do not learn from their previous mistakes, they are doomed to repeat them. There’s that D again. They will cycle in and out of one disastrous relationship after the other.

Single parenthood is no cakewalk in most cases. Ask around.

Do not believe the distortion of truth in movies spun by Hollywood or this trend of celebrities adopting babies and the media glamorizing the lives of single parents. That is one tall tale of an ego on overdrive. There is no romantic or comedic element in going it alone. Single parenthood is more like the Theater of the Ab-

surd. The honest truth: there is little glamour or fun in single parenthood – in far too many cases, just an endless, harrowing tale of one struggle after the next.

There are exceptions of course. unless you made a foolish or tragic fatal choice or fate played a dirty trick on you and you ended up meeting and marrying the partner from hell. He or she could be a sociopath, a psychopath, a criminal, a user, a liar, a pervert, a druggie, a murderer, a serial philanderer or just unfit to live in this planet with another human being.

Perhaps, the best way to happiness would be to love, appreciate and say “thank you” to the one you’re with every single day of your life together. And while you’re at it, blow a kiss to the heavens for making you a winner in the love lottery stakes sending you someone you love or can learn to love AND (THE BLESSING of all blessings) who loves you back!

Love is not a 50-50 proposition. It’s not even giving 110% of yourself to the other. It sounds

sentimental, sappy and old fashioned but whether you like it or not, it is giving of yourself without counting the cost. It is the pure, intrinsic nature of life’s greatest mystery - LOVE. Those couples buried six feet deep, side by side at Forest Lawn probably understood what love and devotion meant. Their souls may have fused. Their hearts in the life beyond beat as one. That is one story you can believe in.

(Or if you’re in for a laugh and have a sly, dry, wicked sense of humor, you might say those savvy couples probably got a twofer from the cemetery plot sales rep!

LOL ;) How to find THE ONE if you’re on the hunt? Or how can you make THE ONE realize that you’re THE ONE for him or her without beating him or her over the head?

That is one story for yet another day. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

PAGE B5 the chemical composition of the stone, which will help identify the cause of the stone formation and aid in the preventive treatment in the future.

Are some stones dissolved by medications?

Yes, bicarbonate/potassium citrate may dissolve uric acid stones and cystine stones. This is why it is important strain the urine when one suspects kidney stones, to find out what the chemical composition of the stone is. Medications prescribed to dissolve kidney stones are taken for a lifetime. unfortunately, not all stones are dissolved by medications. However, many kidney stones are passed naturally. Sometimes alpha blocker drug is used to relax the muscles of the ureter to allow passage of larger stones. Newer extracts to dissolve all types of kidney stones (and gallstones also) are being researched in laboratories around the world.

How does one prevent renal stones? uric acid stones are found among those who overproduce uric acid (gout), and can be worsened by a high-meat diet (high in purines), especially pork and beef.

Allupurinol is one drug that reduc-

es uric acid. Cystine stones come from too much cystine (amino acids) in the body, caused by an inherited condition. Penicillamine or Tiopronin reduces cystine. Prevention in this case includes diet low in methionine (a normal chemical found in fish). Infection stones, as the name suggests, is caused by a rinary tract infection. Antibiotics are given before the stones are removed. In all these three conditions, drinking lots of water helps a lot in preventing recurrent kidney stones. Popular old-fashioned lemonade is effective in reducing kidney stone formation.

What is ESWL? If the stone or stones cannot be dissolved by medications or are too large to pass down the ureter, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy is an option. There are several types of ESWL but the principle is the same for all. The patient lie down or sits up in a water bath, high-energy shock waves from the high-tech machine are precisely aimed at the stone (with pin-point accuracy). The waves, passing through the water cushion, travel at a high speed, pass through the soft tissues of the body without harming them and “shatter” the stone (only) into very fine sand. The procedure is done with

mild sedation, and may last about an hour and done as an outpatient or on an overnight stay.

What is the surgical treatment?

If all of the above therapies fail, invasive or surgical approach is the final option. This includes fishing out the stone in the ureter with a ureteroscope. Percutaneous Lithotripsy is used for stones larger than one inch in diameter and where ESWL did not work.

A small skin incision is made in the affected flank and the stone is shattered by painless ultrasound, or removed by Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. With the available modern technology today, open surgery is now reserved only for those with very large or oddly located kidney stones.

Painful renal calculi

*** 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

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

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 12-18, 2017

Mr. SyCip goes to Washington

B

Articles and photos from Balikbayan Magazine April-May 2011 issue

by Lito ocampo cRuz Louie Jon a. Sanchez and Jamie maRie eLona Balikbayan Magazine

Owls and turtles abound on all sides—figurines, paintings, and stuffed toys. When asked about the seemingly symbolic preponderance, he told us that he is not really collecting them.

According to him, “they were more of gifts to me in different occasions.” One write-up spoke of this particular painting on his wall about a man who seems to be communing with a turtle. In the article, SyCip explains that the turtle is telling the man to take it easy. What profound wisdom!

Perhaps, after living a full life, he has not only come home to stay, but has also come full circle, circumspect and wise. At 90, SyCip spends his time reading newspapers everyday, and at certain moments like our interview, remembers his many adventures. The figures around him presaged for us not only a life celebrated, but a legacy well kept.

This was how it seemed to appear that morning as we went on to meet the man who, five decades ago, brought together two other accounting greats to form the country’s most respected firm, the SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co.. (SGV). We arrived on time to see him at his posh penthouse office at the SGV Headquarters along Ayala Avenue, and the man’s aura was easily recognizable in the mementoes he keep that we have seen as we arrived in the floor where he usually spends his time when in office.

From the beginning, it appeared that SyCip was living in hybridity. Aside from his name, both his parents came from different Chinese lineages.

He recalled: “My mother was from Shanghai and my father was from Fu Tsen. They spoke different languages.” His father went to the University of Michigan Law School and later cofounded Chinabank. Meanwhile, his mother, whose family operated the Chinese Commercial Press, studied music in Oberlin College in Ohio.

And he also enjoyed the best of both worlds in education. At 18, he finished B.S. Accountancy, summa cum laude in 1939 at the University of Santo Tomas, some ten years after it transferred to the España campus. After graduating, he took the board for Certified Public Accountants and passed the exams at age 19. As one of the youngest in history, he wasn’t able to practice immediately because he was underage.

The next option for him was to take up further studies. He went to Columbia University in New York to study at its graduate business school. A former professor convinced him to study there where he could get to meet and learn from another accounting education giant, Roy Kester.

“That teacher even asked me to get a copy of his dissertation at

pany with eight offices across the country with a stable of almost 2000 professionals in accounting, law, economics, engineering, finance, and human resource development. In 2002, it became an affiliate of Ernst & Young International.

SyCip today quietly enjoys life.

As founder of SGV, he still spends his time there and admits that he still does not have “leisure time.”

In a week he still attends board meetings of the different companies he holds, and every night, he is usually attending dinners and receptions. “I usually eat home twice a month,” he said.

But nevertheless, what is important probably is his continuous work to further improve the lives of his countrymen, something his father insisted on when he was convincing him to stay. A notable project he supports is Synergeia, which helps in educating the young. “To improve the Philippine situation, fix basic education first,” he said, in a report of the Philippine Daily ter of numbers, he was surely Inquirer.

His legacy in business is still the fittest for the job. His talent was put to use in Calcutta, India, very much felt with the constant where he encrypted intercepted presence of the Asian Institute information from the Japanese of Management (AIM), which he founded in 1968. Its roster of Imperial Army for two years.

After the war, he had intended graduates includes some of the to come back home, perhaps major policy makers—both in longing for the homeland af- public and private sectors—not ter the treacherous years of the only in the country, but also in war. “But I was told that I had Asia.

AIM continues to place the to return to New York, because that was where I enlisted for Philippines in the international the service. So I did.” He took business school map. It is the the ship back, not knowing that first best Full-Time MBA Prohe was actually at a crossroads. gram in the 2009 The Economist “When I was able to go back to Asia-Australia rankings. It has Manila, I had the option to take also received accolades from the a job or go back to the States..” Beyond Grey Pinstripes Awards, His father’s advice, however, led the QS Global Business Schools him to the decision to stay in the Report, the QS Top MBA List of Philippines. “My father told me Top Business Schools, and the there’s a lot of work to be done United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and here,” he shared.

And so he stayed and worked the Pacific. In 1995, AIM won his way and eventually founded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for SGV, just as the country was ris- its work in promoting internaing up from the ruins, in 1946. tional understanding.

If only to become an embodiAlong with Ramon Gorres and Alfredo Velayo, his boyhood friend, ment of wisdom and experience, he founded the firm, which has SyCip’s presence in the SGV innow grown into what Wikipedia spires the many who continues describes as a “multidisciplinary his work. And it seems there is professional services.”

SyCip no stopping him. He is basically single-handedly managed the at home—both in his country, firm and has made it grow from and his lifework—and he seems being a small accounting firm to persevere out of passion and for start-up businesses to a com- love.

Columbia, which I did,” he said.

“I went there precisely because of Kester who is known for the books he wrote on accounting.”

When World War II broke out, SyCip was working on his dissertation. “I was never able to finish it. I joined the Philippine regiment.” The war for him was a compelling reason to serve, a bigger reason to find meaning in a time when the world is in utter misery. “I wanted to be part of something that will eventually be helpful to the Philippines.”

He recalled being trained for three months before landing a position in Intelligence. “Before you join the military, you would be asked to take an IQ test. I garnered the highest score. Because of that I was sent to Denver to study Japanese. After that, I was also sent to Virginia to learn cryptography.” Being a mas-

“I wanted to be part of something that will eventually be helpful to the Philippines.”

Meeting the man and the legend

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by

RogeR Lagmay oRieL

Asian Journal CEO & Publisher

I have finally met the man and the legend, Washington SyCip. At 90, Wash, as he is fondly called, is still very much in good shape, and he carries with him an aura of wisdom and humility.

I myself am indebted to him as he once shaped my early life.

In the late ‘70s, the SyCip, Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV) firm, the first and only company I worked with in the Philippines, took me in as a junior auditor.

I learned a lot from my baptism of fire at the SGV, considered today as a legendary accounting and auditing firm in the country. To say the least, it seemed to be a continuation of my Thomasian education.

Mr. SyCip is also a proud Thomasian, and we were able to talk about his many amazing experiences. But what I cherished most deeply about the encounter was his stories while living in the States, and the various challenges he had to face as a Filipino studying in a foreign land at a time when war was about to break out. He knew he was at the threshold of history.

Leaving his graduate studies at Columbia, he served as cryptographer in India during the war.

He came back to the Philippines after the war and could have easily continued to live his life the way he used to.

Fate however had its own way.

Upon the prodding of his father, he was convinced that indeed, there is much to do in this country. In 1964, with the two other accounting greats Ramon Gorres and Alfredo Velayo, he formed what is now known today as the SGV, which services national and multinational companies around the country.

The work of accountancy has been the lifelong calling of Mr. SyCip, and he continues to fulfill it by means of his legacy at the SGV. He may not be as active as before in the management, but what he has sown in the beginning are already being reaped by the present generation of SGV associates. We remain inspired by the great example of Mr. S yCip, who lands on our cover this issue. His life and work will really inspire many outstanding Filipinos, worldwide to continue persevering and giving back to our country.

Speaking of Filipinos worldwide, let me also take this opportunity to further spread the inspiration. We have known them by their many names: the literary ladinos, or the translator crossing the borders of language, the ilustrado of the affluent Spanish times, the pensionados of the American period, the Balikbayan in contemporary times, the Overseas Contract Worker of the diasporic boom, and much lately, the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).

The abbreviation “OFW” has

been the identity of the Filipino for a long while, though much had been said about it. While many argue that not all are literally Filipino workers overseas and are also more comfortable with the term “Balikbayan,” OFW the name has rendered not only the selflessness and the sacrifice of the Filipino who leaves home to provide a better future for his family; it has also set him apart from the rest of the working world as coming from a culture where honor is valued over personal interests. When we talk of the OFW, or an OFW, we are certainly not only talking about any professional, scholar, nurse, or skilled worker. We are talking about a man (or woman) raised in the highest tenets of cultural values, spiritual firmament and love of country. The OFW has always been the man of the hour—hospitable, flexible, and persevering..

That is why we would like to create a new meaning, and consequently, a new dimension to the word OFW—for when we say this, we also mean Outstanding Filipinos Worldwide. The Filipino succeeds wherever he goes, and the pages of all Asian Journal publications are testaments to their untiring courage and heroism across all fields of endeavor.

Like the original balikbayan himself, the great Washington SyCip, may their continuing chronicle inspire.

B october 12-18, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

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