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PH senators vow to fight for higher CHR budget

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sept. 12 flash the clenched fist sign of President Rodrigo Duterte after they approved on second reading House Bill 6215 or the 2018 General Appropriations Bill. The bill includes reducing the Commission on Human Rights’ budget to P1,000.

Photo courtesy of the House of Representatives

USA

Banner - mANILA — several Philippine senators vowed to ensure a higher budget for the Commission on human rights (Chr) in 2018 after the house of representatives approved a measly P1,000 (around $20) budget for the constitutional body next year. one hundred and nineteen lawmakers from the lower chamber on tuesday, september 12 voted to cut the agency’s proposed budget from P677 million to P1,000.

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House panel: Sereno impeachment complaint sufficient in form, substance

by AJPress

DATELINE What’s next for DREAMers after Trump’s termination of DACA from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Fil-Am DREAMer shares her experience growing up undocumented, the importance of program tWeNty-four-year-old Jennifer* is not unlike most young people in America. she has a job, enjoys going out with her friends and has dreams of success.

But Jennifer isn’t like any other young person in America. Jennifer is undocumented.

When she was four months old, Jennifer’s family relocated from Quezon City, Philippines to the United states. the family settled in rowland heights, California, where Jennifer lived a “normal” childhood.

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PH gov’t intensifies post-disaster response operations on Irma-hit Caribbean islands WAshINGtoN, D.C. – the embassy response team entered the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and met with the filipino community there on monday, september 11, minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Chargé d’Affaires of the Philippine embassy, reported to secretary of foreign Affairs Alan Peter s. Cayetano. the primary mission of the response team is to alleviate the suffering of kababayans reeling from the devastating effects of hurricane Irma, which slammed into the BVI and other islands in the Caribbean last week. the Philippine government’s assistance is mainly in the form of providing basic supplies to and facilitating the repatriation of affected filipino nationals in the British overseas territory. to date, there are 135 kababayans in the BVI who have requested repatriation assistance from the Philippine government. the Philippine embassy clarified that those who volunteer to be repatriated will be directly brought to the Philippines.

As directed by secretary Cayetano, the embassy also dispatched a second two-member

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RECAPTURED. President Rodrigo Duterte joins soldiers in a group photograph in war-torn Marawi City on Monday, Sept. 11. Duterte visited the battlefield for the fourth time since fighting began on May 23, accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon.

Malacañang photo

The House Justice committee tackles the impeachment complaints against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno (inset) on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Inquirer.net photos

the house of representatives Justice Committee on Wednesday, september 13, found the first impeachment complaint against Philippine Chief Justice maria Lourdes sereno sufficient in form and substance. the first complaint was filed by lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, which was endorsed by 25 lawmakers. Gadon accused sereno of culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, other high crimes and betrayal of public trust.

During the hearing, 30 panel

members voted for the motions deeming Gadon’s complaint to be sufficient in form and substance.

CooP-NAtCo party-list representative Anthony Bravo, who moved to find the complaint sufficient in form, cited the need for Congress to look into the allegations that may prove her unfit for her position. “same as the charges against court personnel must be acted on by the supreme Court, so the charges against the Chief magistrate must be heard by the institution that can hold the Chief Justice accountable – the Congress,” Bravo said.

Lawmakers who voted against the complaint, however, argued that Gadon did not have “personal knowledge” because his allegations were based on newspaper clippings.

Among the members who voted against the motions were Bayan muna representative Carlos Zarate, Quezon City representative Kit Belmonte, Dinagat Islands representative Kaka Bag-ao and siquijor representative ramon rocamora.

“If we based on how we treated the (rep. Gary Alejano) complaint, if these are based on newspaper reports then I

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Critics, supporters face off at UN rights chief ‘gravely Marcos’ 100 birth anniversary concerned’ over PH killings

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Both critics and supporters of late Philippine President ferdinand marcos gathered outside Libingan ng mga Bayani (heroes’ Cemetery) in taguig city on monday, september 11, for the centennial birth commemoration of the former dictator. security personnel were deployed to maintain order in the area. the air was charged with tension, but there were no reported violent incidents between the two opposing groups, composing of around 200 each.

Imelda marcos, the widow of the late president, has invited senators, house

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by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee and their mother, Imelda Marcos, listen to the national anthem during a wreath-laying ceremony at a monument for former President Ferdinand Marcos during celebrations to mark his 100th birthday in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

ManilaTimes.net photo

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by AJPress

members, and other political personalities to the celebration of her husband’s 100th birthday anniversary.

Among those who attended the event were former President and current manila mayor Joseph ejercito estrada, and former senate President Juan Ponce enrile.

Also seen in photos released by Ilocos Governor Imee marcos, eldest daughter of the late president, were former senator francisco tatad; former Prime minister Cesar Virata; and former Central Bank Governor Jaime Laya.

President rodrigo Duterte did not attend the commemoration. the marcos family reportedly extended an invitation to him but a United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein Photo from UN.org

the United Nations high Commissioner for human rights on tuesday, september 12, said he is “gravely concerned” about Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s “open support for a shoot-to-kaill policy” against crime suspects.

In his opening speech before the 36th human rights Council in Geneva, switzerland, human rights chief Zeid ra’ad Al hussein emphasized the “lack of respect for due process rights” in the Philippines.

“In the Philippines, I continue

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Trump set to attend summit in PH in Nov., likely to visit China

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

foLLoWING his scheduled visit to the Philippines, United states President Donald trump will likely make a stop to China this coming November.

A reuters report on tuesday, september 12 cited a U.s. official confirming trump’s visit to Beijing. trump is set to attend the U.s.AseAN (Association of southeast Asian Nations) summit and the east Asia summit in the Philip-

pines in November. the U.s. president is also expected to later attend the Asia Pacific economic Cooperation (APeC) summit in Vietnam.

In April, Chinese President Xi Jinping invited trump to pay a state visit to Beijing when the two leaders met for the first time in Palm Beach, florida. they also met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in July. trump’s possible trip to China in November will come amid tensions over North Korea’s nuclear tests.

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September 14-20, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

From The FronT Page

House panel: Sereno impeachment complaint...

PAGE A1 think these are clearly hearsay, and we should not, sabi nga natin (as we said) this proceeding should not be used as a fishing expedition proceeding,” Zarate said.

Supporting Zarate’s opinion, Bag-ao added, “Secondary sources will not constitute personal knowledge and are considered hearsay.”

But Oriental Mindoro 2nd District Representative Reynaldo Umali, chairman of the committee, disagreed, saying that it is supported by authentic documents released by the Supreme Court on August 15 “In this particular case, we have a private complainant in the person of Attorney Gadon who did his homework. While he may not have personal

knowledge, he appended to his complaint authentic records and that is what is lacking in the Alejano complaint,” Umali said.

Among the grounds in Gadon’s impeachment rap include Sereno’s “whimsical” and “excessive” purchase of a Toyota Land Cruiser amounting to P5.1 million, and misuse of judiciary funds when attending local and foreign conferences.

He also accused Sereno of failing to be truthful in declaring her statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), as well as obstructing justice when she ordered Muntinlupa judges to not to issue arrest warrants against Senator Leila De Lima.

A second impeachment complaint against Sereno was also filed by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) founding chairman Dante Jimenez and Vanguard of the Philippine Constitution Inc. president lawyer Eligio Mallari.

It was endorsed by 16 House members.

The House panel, however, did not give the same verdict to the second impeachment complaint. It was deemed insufficient in form by a vote of a vote of 5-28.

Following the committee’s decision, Sereno’s camp asked Congress to “affirm their commitment to democracy over partisan or parochial interests.”

Sereno’s spokesperson, Atty.

Carlo L. Cruz, maintained that “none of the allegations” against the chief justice “rises to an impeachable offense.”

“We remain hopeful that our Congress will decide based on the merits of the case, and affirm their commitment to our democracy over partisan or parochial interests. In the meantime, the Chief Justice continues to discharge her duties with fairness, integrity and humility,” Cruz said in a statement.

He further remarked that the impeachment complaint is likely “designed to maximize the political spectacle, with the goal of eroding her credibility through innuendo and malicious allegations.”

“This is detrimental to the independence of the judiciary upon whom all citizens rely to defend their rights and to check any abuse,” Cruz added.

LOOKING AT THE DOTr’s BUDGET. Senator JV Ejercito, chair of the Senate Finance Subcommittee, and Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, listen to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade as he explains the agency’s proposed 2018 budget. The DOTr’ proposed 2018 budget, amounting to P73.8 billion, is 32.6 percent higher than this year’s budget of P55.7 billion.

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

PH senators vow to fight for...

PAGE A1

Only 32 congressmen objected to the budget.

A mix of majority and minority senators have expressed opposition to the House decision, vowing to restore the full allocation of the agency, which has repeatedly criticized the alleged killings and abuses in President Rodrigo Duterte’s so-called drug war.

The Senate finance committee, chaired by Senator Loren Legarda, earlier approved the proposed CHR budget amounting to P678 million.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, vice chairman of the committee, questioned where the slashed funds million has been realigned, noting that the House version of the 2018 national budget stayed at P3.767 trillion.

“I happen to be the sponsor of the CHR budget in the Senate, along with a few other agencies like the DND (Department of National Defense), ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), etc. I accept the challenge,” Lacson said in a Twitter post.

“It’s interesting to find out how the P677 million was chopped,” he added.

In a message, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto assured that the Senate will restore the CHR budget. Citing the increasing extrajudicial deaths in the country, he pointed out that the agency

might need more funds.

“The CHR is a constitutional body mandated by the constitution to protect our human rights. It may even need more resources considering the number of extrajudicial killings,” Recto said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian remarked that the House decision “effectively abolish the CHR,” which he said serves as an important “check and balance” to the government.

“Congress should not reduce the budget of the Commission on Human Rights, a constitutionally mandated body, to a mere P1,000.

This would effectively abolish the CHR, at least for the coming fiscal year, in clear contravention of the constitutional provision mandating the establishment of this independent office,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero also vowed to fight to restore the CHR budget, saying, “The CHR is a constitutional imperative and a necessity, however inconvenient it may be for some.”

Likewise, Senator Joel Villanueva, stressed that the CHR ”has a constitutional duty to protect the people from abuses.”

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, meanwhile, expressed certainty that Senate “will give a more generous budget” to the CHR. “It is a body tasked to check abuse and uphold fundamental

rights. Recall that was the CHR which discovered the hidden cell in a city jail with women and children unaccounted for. That act alone justifies more,” Angara added.

Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon warned of a possible deadlock in the 2018 budget and the reenactment of the 2017 budget.

“The Senate, I would like to think, will not stand for the abolition of the CHR, through giving it a P1,000 budget. If the House will insist on that, then there will be a deadlock for 2018 general appropriations act,” Drilon said.

Minority Senators Francis Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, and Risa Hontiveros also shared the same sentiments.

Pangilinan dismissed the House decision as “Kalokohan (Nonsense).” He said the Senate will “strongly oppose” the meager CHR budget’s approval in the Senate even it means the non-passage of the 2018 budget Aquino, on the other hand, said the CHR needs to continue doing its duty as mandated by the Constitution as he took note of the supposed spate of drug war killings and police abuses.

“What government in its right mind would give a P1,000 budget to the [CHR]? Speaker Alvarez’s demand for the CHR head to rePAGE A4

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Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 14-20, 2017

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Sacramento pilot convicted of traveling to PH to rape kids

SACRAMeNTO, California — A local resident who worked as a pilot was convicted September 5 in U.S. District Court here of traveling to the Philippines to engage in sex with minors and to buy children for sex and pornography.

Michael Carey Clemans, 57, also pleaded guilty on three additional charges of conspiracy to produce child pornography and making and receiving child pornography. evidence showed that Clemans conspired with a woman in the Philippines to make child pornography while he was living in Bangkok, Thailand and working Sailors load cases of food and water into a Navy C-20 Gulfstream logistics aircraft at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla. The Sailors as an airline pilot. packed vacant seats aboard the aircraft with the supplies which will be flown to NAS Key West, Fla., to provide relief from the aftermath of Clemans returned to his SacraHurricane Irma.

U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. David Hecht mento residence in April 2015 and maintained online contact with the Filipino woman. Clemans hatched strategies to acquire female chilPAGE A1

dren that he could rape.

Clemans told the Filipino woman to look for orphans, victims of typhoons and other vulnerable children and gave her $6,000 to buy photographic equipment and find private places to take sexually explicit photos of the children who were as young as seven. he also instructed the Filipina how to photograph the naked children so he could choose which ones he would come to the Philippines to rape, especially very young virgins.

Clemans also traveled from the United States to Manila in November 2013, to have sex with minors, including an 11-year-old girl. he often paid a co-conspirator to obtain temporary custody of Filipino children to make child pornography for him.

Response Team to provide logistical and administrative support from Puerto Rico. Additional teams are on stand-by in case there is a need for additional deployment in Puerto Rico or other areas. The extent of the damage in the Caribbean region is gradually becoming clear as more areas become accessible to the outside world.

In the meantime, Dr. henry B. howard, the Philippine honorary Consul in Florida, reported that “kababayan communities in Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale have largely dodged the bullet known as ‘hurricane Irma’”. Filipino leaders in Tampa also said that the storm caused less damage than what was anticipated. So far, the embassy in Washington, D.C. and the honorary Consulate in Florida has not received any report of Filipino casualty resulting from Irma’s crossing across the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean and the U.S. third largest state.

Downgraded to a tropical storm, Irma is making its way to Alabama after passing directly over the coast of southern Georgia. The latest projections indicate that Irma will weaken to the point of being a tropical depression by tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12. however, it is still expected to bring rains to central Georgia, eastern Alabama and southern South Carolina.

The Philippine embassy reiterates its advice to the Filipinos in the southeastern part of the United States to exercise extra

administration, has decried her case as political persecution.

“Many human rights defenders who are the honor of their country face a growing number of death threats, and I call on the government to ensure they are accorded full protection and the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without reprisals,” Al hussein said. he also expressed shock over Duterte’s threat to “bomb schools for indigenous children in the southern Philippines.”

Last July, Duterte threatened to bomb Lumad-run community schools for allegedly teaching students to rebel against the government.

No factual basis In a statement, Malacañang refuted the UN official’s criticism against Duterte.

“We are deeply concerned with the UNhCR Zeid Ra’ad Al hussein’s sweeping statements during the UNhR Council’s 36th session, citing instances bereft of factual basis,” Philippine Presidential Spokesperson ernesto Abella said.

Abella said Al hussein’s claims run counter to what Duterte has ordered, stressing that Duterte “has categorically and repeatedly said that there is no shootto-kill order.” he further noted that “all drug killings are subject to investigations.”

Malacañang maintained that

Michael Carey Clemans

Sentencing by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez is set for December 12, 2017. Clemans is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison for the “buying children” charge, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

(Inquirer.net)

PH gov’t intensifies post-disaster response...

FUN-USA appeals for the UN rights chief ‘gravely concerned’ over... victims of Harvey, Irma The Filipino United Network-USA (FUN-USA) had launched its nationwide appeal for the victims of hurricanes harvey and Irma, even before the second hurricane actually hit Florida, according to its chairman, cardiac surgeon Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS. FUN is a 501(c)3 United States humanitarian foundation (FUN8888.com) with various Fil-American medical alumni association members across the country, “The devastation caused by hurricane harvey to Texas and adjacent areas, and soon Irma in Florida and vicinity, especially in terms of human suffering and deaths, are heart-breaking to all Americans…. The aches and sadness could be felt across the nation and around the world,” the chairman of FUN said in his communications to all Fil-Am organizations in the United States and Canada.

“I encourage everyone to show the victims of these disastrous calamities our traditional Filipino spirit of “bayanihan and damayan” (national spirit and compassion) for our fellow Americans by donating directly to the American Red Cross... No amount is too big or too small when it comes to giving a hand to our fellow human beings in pain,” his appeal and challenge stated.

The FUN chairman concluded his message saying “The modest donation of the Filipino United Network-USA to the American Red Cross is only a micro-mini token of our love, caring, and compassion for our suffering fellow Americans, thousands of them now homeless and facing an uncertain future… We wish we could do more…Let’s all pitch in.”

Chua suggested for prospective donors to copy and paste this link to the American Red cross donation site: https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey?campname=harvey&campmedium=aspot

precautions, heed the orders and warnings of state and local authorities, and monitor weather bulletins for updates.

Those who want to share or find information about the condition of their family members and friends in the abovementioned places may reach the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C.

through the following contact information: · emergency hotline: +1 (202) 368 2767 · email addresses: consular@ phembassy-us.org / atn@phembassy-us.org · Facebook: www.facebook. com/philippinesusa · Twitter: @philippinesusa

PAGE A1 to be gravely concerned by the president’s open support for a shoot-to-kill policy regarding suspects, as well as by the apparent absence of credible investigations into reports of thousands of extrajudicial killings, and the failure to prosecute any perpetrator,” Al hussein said. he cited the killing of 17-yearold Kian delos Santos, which Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II described as an “isolated case.”

Delos Santos was killed during an anti-drug operation on August 16 in Caloocan City after allegedly resisting arrest, but witnesses claim the police dragged the boy into an alley, gave him a gun, and told him to run for his life.

“Two days after hundreds of people turned out for the teenager’s funeral, the president again told police they would not be punished for killing suspects who resist arrest. This lack of respect for the due process rights of all Filipinos is appalling,” the commissioner added. he then urged the government of to protect human rights defenders, voicing concern over the case of Philippine Senator Leila De Lima, who has been detained since February over her alleged involvement in a drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison when she was the justice secretary.

De Lima, who is among the fiercest critics of the Duterte

the objective of the anti-illegal drugs campaign is “to preserve the lives of the Filipino people, to prevent the destruction of Filipino families, and to protect the Philippines from becoming a narco-state.”

Regarding the case of De Lima, Abella clarified that the incarceration of the senator is due to “criminal, not political, issues.” he also took note that it is a court independent from the executive which ordered her arrest for drug trafficking charges.

“On the issue of human rights workers who are part of the drug trade or human rights workers who obstruct justice, the President is referring to human rights activists who aid or abet acts of violence during legitimate police operations where authorities have the right of self-defense,” Abella added.

Malacañang, likewise, said that the UN official “miss the context” of Duterte’s remarks concerning the Lumad schools.

Abella then told the commissioner to “focus on the Duterte administration’s efforts to educate the indigenous people (IP).”

“At present, there are 2,929,456 IP learners in the public school system. For next year, the IP education program will receive P130.43M, which is largely for capacity building, program support fund for implementation of IP education at the regional and division level,” he said.

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Dateline USa

September 14-20, 2017 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

Wesley So in make or break rematch with Jobava

by Joey

Villar

Wesley so, now the favorite to win it all after top seed and reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen was booted out, will have to take another game to cash in on his chances after he drew with Georgia Baadur Jobava in 40 moves of a Petroff Defense in the first of their two-game duel in the Final 16 of the 2017 FIDe World Cup in Tbilisi, Georgia on Tuesday, sept. 12.

The second-seeded so couldn’t do anything out of the white pieces as Jobava changed tact from being a known attacking player to employing a surprisingly cautious, positional game by going with the quiet and drawish line of the Russian-originated defensive setup.

It proved beneficial for the 47thranked Jobava as he easily equalized by exchanging their queens and some minor pieces and end up with half a point.

Jobava is expected to revert from his old sharp, attacking play as he plays white against so Thursday

Wesley So

night in what could make or break their campaign. so though will not be an easy prey as the Minnetonka, Minnesota native is known as one of the best defending chessers in the world.

Jobava may pose a challenge as he is coming off giant-sized upsets over heavily favored No. 18 yu yangyi of China (4-2) in the second round and No. 15 Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia (2.5-1.5) in the third.

While Jobava had to go through virtually the proverbial eye of the

Philstar.com photo

needle, so hasn’t really faced tough opposition yet after disposing of Colombian Joshua Daniel Ruiz Castillo (1.5-.5), German Matthias Blubaum (4-2) and spaniard Francisco Vallejo Pons (1.5-.5) one after the other.

With Carlsen shown the door by Chinese Bu Xiangzhi the round before, the Cavite-born woodpusher will be determined to win the top purse worth $120,000 and one of the available slots in the Candidates Matches — the final doorway to get a crack at Carlsen’s world title.

Trump set to attend summit in PH in Nov...

PAGE A1 The U.s. leader has been urging China to exert more pressure on North Korea, saying it could easily stop the latter’s nuclear advancement.

On Monday, september 11, the United Nations (UN) security Council unanimously passed a resolution imposing new sanctions on North Korea just a week after the latter carried out its sixth and largest nuclear test.

The resolution, drafted by U.s., requires UN member states to cap North Korea’s crude oil imports, ban textile exports—Pyongyang’s second largest export after coal and other minerals in 2016—and end additional overseas laborer contracts, among others.

“Today, we are saying the world will never accept a nuclear armed North Korea, and today the security Council is saying that if the North Korean regime does not

halt its nuclear program, we will act to stop it ourselves,” U.s. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said following the vote Monday.

Crediting a “strong relationship” between Trump and Xi for the successful resolution negotiations, Haley added: “If it agrees to stop its nuclear program, it can reclaim its future … if North Korea continues its dangerous path, we will continue with further pressure.”

Critics, supporters face off at...

PAGE A1 Malacañang source said Duterte was not invited to the event.

Duterte has declared september 11 a non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte, the home province of Marcos, upon the request of the late president’s family.

Justifying the decision, he noted that the people of Ilocos believe that criticism and cases of human rights abuses and corruption against Marcos were mere “hogwash” and “garbage.”

“He (Marcos) was a president. To the Ilocanos, he was the greatest president. Why do we have to debate on that? It’s one day where they can celebrate the anniversary of a great Ilocano. As far as the Ilocanos (are) concerned, Marcos is a hero,”

PH senators vow to fight for...

PAGE A2

Philstar.com

Duterte said over the weekend.

In a statement, the liberal Party (lP) condemned the celebration of a man “who has caused his country so much pain and suffering.”

“Today should not have been treated any differently. Today should not have been singled out as anything more than an ordinary Monday,” the party added.

In a separate statement, Vice President leni Robredo, who is also the lP chair, criticized Malacañang’s declaration of Marcos’ birth anniversary as a holiday.

“What’s there to celebrate? As if we are trying to forget the sins they have committed against the Filipinos. As if we’re trying to revise the story, the history, which

is not right,” Robredo said in an interview on sunday, september 10.

For Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin, there was no reason to celebrate the birth anniversary of the dictator, whose two-decade regime was marked by killings, abuses, and corruption.

“Justice not compromise, uphold our laws and punish the wrongdoers! Marcos centennial birthday is no cause for celebration but a national tragedy heaped upon us,” Villarin remarked.

He went on to say, “President Duterte’s glorification of the late dictator and his entombment in the libingan ng mga Bayani reflects how the present administration has distorted our values and beliefs as Filipinos.”

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sign is out of place,” Hontiveros said in an interview with ANC on Wednesday, september 13.

House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier insisted that the agency is the not doing its job. Prior to the deliberations, he said CHR Chairman Chito Gascon should step down if they wanted a higher budget for the agency.

‘A display of vindictiveness’ For its part, the CHR described the House decision as a “display of vindictiveness.”

“Despite this defeat in the House, we look forward to defending our budget in the senate,” Gascon said. “We hope that reason, necessity, and rational minds will prevail both in the senate and in the bicameral committee.”

Commissioner leah Armamento said the miniscule budget set aside for the CHR will greatly affect the agency’s operations—including the funding of its witness protection program and free legal assistance to human rights victims.

“Ganun ba kahalaga ang human rights ng tao para sa ating

gobyerno ngayon, yung P1000 na yun? Di ba parang nakakainsulto sa taong bayan yun? (Is human rights worth this much to our government? That P1,000? Isn’t that an insult.)” she told ABs-CBN News Armamento also pointed out that Gascon’s resignation would create a “precedent that we can be bullied and then as an independent body, we will now cater to the whims of a political party.”

“Hindi naman kami kalaban ng gobyerno (We are not an enemy of the government),” she further noted. “We are the conscience of the people so we are here to provide limitations to the immense powers of the state.”

In a separate statement, CHR reminded that Foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano promised a higher budget of the agency for 2018 during the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations (UN) body last May. “Included was a promise to continually augment the CHR’s

budget, citing last year’s increase from P439 million to P724 million, as a way to show that this administration supports human rights programs and initiatives,”CHR said in a Facebook post.

Disrespect, threat to Filipinos Vice President leni Robredo also slammed the House move, saying it threatens democracy and disrespects the Constitution and human rights of Filipinos.

“Tila pagbuwag sa CHR ang magiging epekto ng desisyong ito. (The effect of this decision is similar to demolishing the CHR.),” Robredo remarked.

Citing the “widespread violence and killings” under Duterte’s drug war, she said the budget cut was bothersome as it “cripples the main agency tasked to protect human rights.”

“Nagbabadya ito ng kawalan ng respeto sa ating saligang Batas at sa karapatang pantao -- parehong banta sa demokrasya (This signals a lack of respect for the Constitution and human rights-both threats to the democracy.)” she added.

What’s next for DREAMers after Trump’s...

PAGE A1

But Jennifer always knew something was different. Her parents told her that because she wasn’t U.s.-born, she would have to be cautious and err on the safe side of things: keep her citizenship a secret, don’t fill out applications without asking them and make a conscious effort to avoid run-ins with state and government officials. she learned because of her lack of papers, she wasn’t allowed to drive, work or have the same opportunities as her peers, which she found frustrating.

“Growing up it was very restricting, and I didn’t really understand why I couldn’t do things like travel, drive or basically do what most teenagers are allowed to do,” Jennifer told the Asian Journal. “It just felt really restricting and that I couldn’t even breathe.”

Although she knew she was undocumented early on, it wasn’t until she began applying to college that she hit her “breaking point” and understood the scope of her predicament. she had applied to three universities, excited to finally get the “real college experience” she had always dreamed of. she knew she had the grades to get in and had the determination to do well in a four-year university.

But in a cautious effort to protect her, she was advised not to apply anywhere other than community college. ““I kept thinking, ‘Why me?’”

Jennifer recalls with tears in her eyes. “I resented my dad for a while even though he wasn’t doing that to be strict; I know he just wanted a better life for us. It’s not what he ultimately wanted for [me and my siblings], but he was just trying to protect us.”

For Jennifer, a shining beacon of hope came in the form of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was introduced in 2012. It was the first time she believed her life had some kind of direction.

Through DACA, Jennifer was able to get a driver’s license, land her first job at Disneyland and, at 20 years old, apply to Cal state long Beach where she majored in kinesiology. In 2016, she graduated from college, the first in her family to do so.

“DACA was really life-changing for me,” Jennifer remarked.

“Getting that real college experience helped me discover my passion which is physical therapy. I felt very grateful being in a family with three kids and being the first to graduate from college.

It was so rewarding and I thank DACA. It was all because of that I was able to accomplish all of that.

And I knew it made my parents proud.” since it came into effect in 2012, nearly 800,000 undocumented youth — called DReAMers — have signed up for DACA and have been able to find higher paying jobs which have helped more DReAMers attend four-year universities. specific benefits vary from state-to-state; in California, DReAMers may now apply for driver’s licenses.

However, on Tuesday, september 5, the Trump administration has announced plans to slowly phase out and end DACA, which could affect a large portion of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community.

California is home to more than 200,000 “DACAmented immigrants”, the most in the country. since 2012, more than 16,000 Asian American immigrants — including over 4,500 Filipinos — received protection and benefits under DACA. And those benefits have proven to be effective for, not just individuals, but for the American economy.

Impact on the economy The most recent research on the effect of DACA on undocu-

Immigrants and others gathered Tuesday morning outside a federal building in Los Angeles to denounce the decision that they said is unfair and leaves hundreds of thousands of immigrants uncertain about their future in the U.S. Photo by Anna Gorman for Kaiser Health News

mented youth was conducted last month by the Center for American Progress (CAP), a left-leaning advocacy group. Researchers surveyed thousands of DReAMers, and found the following: since enrolling in DACA, 54.2 percent were able to land their first job, 69 percent of respondents reported that they found jobs with better pay, 65 percent “pursued educational opportunities that I previously could not”, according to the study which garnered 3,063 responses.

Currently, 91.4 percent of DACA recipients are currently working where, before DACA, 56 percent were not able to work.

CAP also found that an average of 30,000 people would be out of work each month if DACA was terminated. Moreover, ending DACA would put significant pressure on employers; experts say that ending DACA would impose major costs to employers: nearly $2 billion over two years. “so when I think about the data and what it all points to, it makes clear that DACA works, that DACA not only improves the lives of individual recipients and their families, but positively affects the American economy and society,” Tom Wong, associate professor of political science at UC san Diego, said in a press call on Thursday, september 7.

“We also see that DACA recipients are American in every sense of the word but for a piece of paper,” Wong added.

In January, the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute also found that terminating DACA and deporting those enrolled would cost the federal government $60 billion and diminish economic growth by $280 billion in the next decade.

The announcement of DACA’s end has cast a shadow of doubt over the entire DReAMer community. Many are scrambling to figure out their options before the program ends in six months.

“After growing up with these restrictions, I thought that I was able to breathe again. Now I’m just back to that state of uncertainty, and it’s been really affecting me. I’m not sure what to do,” Jennifer lamented.

The news of DACA’s termination has caused a national outrage and started a movement to save DACA. Options for DREAMers However, DACA isn’t the only option for DReAMers to retain their benefits. legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) has called upon Congress to pass the Development, Relief, and education for Alien Minors (DReAM) Act, a bill that proposes granting qualified undocumented youth conditional residency which could lead to permanent resident status. It was first introduced in 2001, and failed to pass multiple times.

“We urge Congress to pass a DReAM Act by December when the debt ceiling and government funding is set to expire,” Advancing Justice wrote in a statement released Thursday, september 7. “We need a clean DReAM Act without other immigration provisions. Those in Congress who truly care about immigrant youth

should demand its inclusion in upcoming bills. Our affiliation will continue to fight for DACA recipients and fight against an anti-immigrant agenda that is driven by hate and divisiveness.” sponsor senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and lindsey Graham, (Rs.C.) proposed a new version of the bill in July of this year which got a seemingly unfavorable response by the Trump administration. President Donald Trump’s legislative affairs director Marc short expressed that the administration had “opposed the DReAM Act and likely will be consistent on that.” still, Durbin and Graham said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that they were calling on Congress to act on the bill before the end of september.

“We need to pass in this month of september a DReAM Act — a permanent law in this country that says that these young people will have their chance to become part of America’s future, “ said Durbin.

If the revised DReAM Act is to pass, recipients would have the same protections as DACA, as well as a path to permanent legal resident status or citizenship, if certain requirements are met — DACA did not provide either.

Still room for worry On Thursday, september 7, Trump sent out another tweet assuring that DACA participants had nothing to worry about.

The tweet read, “For all of those (DACA) that are concerned about your status during the 6 month period, you have nothing to worry about - No action!”

Despite Trump’s attempt at comforting those affected, there are certain realities that may keep DACA grantees worried.

For those already in the program, their window of making sure their documents are valid is only until Oct. 5. That deadline looks grimmer for those who might not have the $495 easily available. As for the many that were unable to secure DACA benefits by september 5, they are left in limbo.

One of the many concerns recipients had even prior to the decision that the Department of Homeland security (DHs) had access to their personal information which they feared would be used for deportation. The DHs has said that DACA participant information would not be “proactively provided” to other law enforcement entities like the Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICe), or Customs and Border Protection (CBP), unless they pose a threat to national security or public safety. They also said that the policy may be rescinded or modified at any time without notice.

More recently, CNN obtained a memo by the Trump administration titled “Talking Points - DACA Rescission,” that included distressing content.

The 12th bullet point stated that the DHs urges DACA recipients to “use the time remaining on their work authorizations to prepare for and arrange their departure from the United states.” (Klarize Medenilla with reports from Rae Ann Varona / AJPress)

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D ateline PhiliPPines Tropical depression ‘Maring’ Trillanes: I trust in the ‘wisdom, exits Luzon, leaves 4 dead

by Dana

SioSon

AJPress

MANILA - Tropical depression “Maring” (international name Doksuri) brought heavy rains and strong winds to Luzon, leaving at least two minors and an infant dead before exiting the landmass.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that as of Wednesday morning, September 13, Maring was 270 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales, with sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 90 kph.

Warning signals had been lowered but the tropical depression was still expected to bring light to moderate and occasional thunderstorms over the provinces of Bataan, Zambales, and Batangas.

Maring is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, September 14, when it was expected to be 565 kms westnorthwest of Iba, Zambales.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) received reports of three landslide incidents in Calabarzon.

A landslide at around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, in Taytay, Rizal left two teenage brothers dead, who were identified as Jude Pundal, 17, and his brother Justin, 14.

WATER EVERYWHERE. Filipinos brave floodwaters dumped by Tropical Depresion ‘Maring’ on Tuesday, Sept. 12. (Clockwise from top, left): Commuters cross Rizal Avenue on a boat; residents of Tatalon, Quezon City wade in knee-deep waters; heavy traffic at South Luzon Expressway; and a school caretaker moves chairs to higher ground in Noveleta, Cavite.

ManilaTimes.net photos

Two-month-old Steve Abas died while at least 10 others were injured after heavy rain caused a riprap protection wall to collapse later around 9:30 a.m. at the back of Mt. Carmel Diocesan General Hospital in Lucena City, according to various reports.

There were also reports of flooding in the cities of Malabon, Quezon, Parañaque, Pasig, and the provinces of Camarines Norte, Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, and Batangas.

A person yet to be identified reportedly drowned in a flash flood in In Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Twenty-two domestic flights were canceled while two international flights—Air Asia Flight AK 582 from Kuala Lumpur to Manila

and Cebu Pacific flight 5J 102 from Guam to Manila—were diverted to Clark International Airport.

Around 1,170 people were also stranded in various ports in the Bicol region and Southern Luzon, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Typhoon Lannie PAGASA also continues to monitor Typhoon Lannie (international name: Talim), which it said is not directly affecting the country.

Lannie continues to move westnorthwest at 22 kph towards Taiwan, with sustained winds of 125 kph and gusts of up to 155 kph.

PAGASA expects Lannie to be 585 kms north-northeast of Basco, Batanes, and outside the PAR by Wednesday evening, Sept. 13.

Minority senators back call for Aguirre resignation

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

MANILA - The Senate Minority bloc on Tuesday, September 12 backed Senator Risa Hontiveros’ call for Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to resign after he was “caught red-handed plotting” against her.

Hontiveros, also a member of the Senate minority, earlier released a photo showing Aguirre urging a certain “Cong. Jing” in a text message to expedite a case against her.

“We reiterate our call for Vitaliano Aguirre to resign from his post as Secretary of Justice. This recent development once more highlights his unethical actions as a public official,” the Minority bloc said in a statement.

Other Senate minority bloc members include Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV of Nacionalista Party (NP); and Senators Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan, Benigno Paulo “Bam” Aquino IV, and Leila De Lima who were all members of the Liberal Party (LP).

Earlier this week, Hontiveros released a photo of Aguirre which was “inadvertently” taken by a photojournalist during a Senate probe into the death of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos last September 5.

In a photo, the Justice secretary can be seen texting “Cong.

Jing,” who, according to Hontiveros, is Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) member and former Negros Oriental Representative Jacinto “Jing” Paras.

“Naturuan na ni Hontiveros PAGE A7

A

good judgment of my colleagues’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

plaint against Gordon.

He accused Gordon of violating the Senate rules for refusing “the MANILA - Senator Antonio right of the minority to be heard,” Trillanes IV maintained that he as well as committing dishonesty has not done anything unparlia- for insisting that the phrase “commentary during the recent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings, saying that he trusts in the “wisdom and good judgment” of his colleagues who will decide on the ethics complaint filed against him.

In a radio interview, Trillanes insisted that it was Senator Richard Gordon who does not know which actions were considered parliamentary and which were not.

Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, has filed an ethics case against Trillanes over the latter’s alleged “repeated display of unparliamentary conduct and disorderly behavior.”

This was after Trillanes called Gordon’s panel “committee de absuwelto” (committee of exoneration) and accused the latter of “lawyering” for President Rodrigo Duterte and his family during a hearing on August 31 into the smuggling of P6.4 billion shabu from China.

Trillanes’ actions, according to Gordon, were “causing damage to the Senate and to the people.”

But Trillanes insisted that he “did not do anything unparliamentary” during that hearing.

“Even in the previous hearings, I am very conscious on what is parliamentary and what is not,” Trillanes told DZBB on Sunday, September 10.

“I trust in the wisdom and good judgment of my fellow senators so my fate is in their hands,” he added.

On Monday, September 11, the Senate Committee on Ethics found Gordon’s complaint against Trillanes sufficient in form and substance.

“The complaint is sufficient form and substance except for issue number 5. With no objection, motion is approved,” said Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who is also the ethics committee chairman.

Sotto said Trillanes has 10 working days to submit a counteraffidavit.

Earlier, Trillanes expressed intention to file back an ethics com-

mittee de absuwelto” was made on the record.

Likewise, he threatened to expose the Gordon’s supposed “corrupt acts” as chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

A

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september 14-20, 2017 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

Impeachment, again

Features

WILL Philippine Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno share the same fate as her predecessor? Sereno succeeded the late Renato Corona, the first Filipino magistrate to be impeached and convicted.

Beginning this week, the House of Representatives Committee on Justice will tackle impeachment complaints again Sereno. The committee will review whether the complaints are sufficient in form and substance.

Sereno is accused of alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and corruption for purportedly bypassing the Supreme Court en banc in creating new offices, her “excessive” purchase of a P5.1-million sports utility vehicle, and her alleged failure to declare “exorbitant lawyer’s fees” allegedly amounting to $745,000 or P37 million.

Under the Constitution, the House acts as the prosecuting panel while the Senate acts as an impeachment court. If at least one-third of all the House members vote to endorse the impeachment, a trial will proceed in the Senate, which will sit as an impeachment court.

The Corona trial was the first of its kind to be concluded in Philippine history. He was the third Filipino official to be impeached by Congress after martial law. The first was former President Joseph Estrada, who was deposed while still under trial by the Senate. The second was former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, who resigned days before her Senate trial.

In December 2011, members of the House of Representatives moved swiftly to impeach then Chief Justice Corona for alleged betrayal of public trust, violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption.

In May 2012, 20 senators declared Corona guilty of betraying public trust and committing a culpable violation of the Constitution, instantly removing him from his post and disqualified him from holding any public position.

Criminal charges including graft and corruption, and multiple counts of tax evasion cases before the Sandiganbayan and the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) were then filed against the former chief justice.

However, these charges were extinguished when the defendant succumbed to cardiac arrest last April 29, 2016. Corona died at the age of 67.

“It does not affect me at all,” Chief Justice Sereno said when asked about the two impeachment complaints lodged against her.

Sereno maintained that she has been living a life of modesty.

“I have been prudent in use of the court’s resources at the expenses for judicial reform. My travels, my security requirements are all regular and above board. Public documents and records will speak for itself and I have not objected in the public release of the same,” Sereno said in August during the Ulat sa Hudikatura forum held in Cebu.

“I have done nothing wrong. Nothing can be proven against me that will show that the Chief Justice has betrayed her oath of office. I have served the country with all faith and diligence. I will never waver from that pledge,” she stressed.

Editorial

This debacle portrays many forms of denigration that continuous to taint the country’s political and constitutional process. No matter which side who is on, the outcome of the trial will be difficult to predict and vagaries in the procedures will be inevitable. The seriousness of this challenge affects both parties involved, and every Filipino as it slowly but surely traces impacts on the independence of the Philippine

ManilaTimes.net photo

judiciary.

Rendering justice will strengthen the system.

It will be present a strong statement in balancing all the interests of the Constitution, the law, public welfare, and due process in this impeachment trial. Whichever camp wins, the outcome will be a guiding principle saving the country from the usurpation of the Filipinos’ celebrated democracy. (AJPress)

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma send wake-up call to climate change deniers like Trump, EPA chief Scott Pruitt & Florida Gov. Rick Scott OUR hearts go out to people and communi- The Fil-Am ties in Texas, Florida, and other states in the Perspective southeast of the United States following the devastation left by Hurricanes Harvey and Gel sAntos-relos Irma.

As of press time, at least 60 deaths have been caused

by Hurricane Harvey, the storm that dumped several feet of rain in southeast Texas in a matter of days. At least seven people in the United States have been killed as a result of Hurricane Irma, in addition to the 37 killed in the Caribbean, including 10 in Cuba.

These back-to-back natural calamities should now serve as a wake-up call to people, especially government offi-

cials like U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt, and Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who continue to deny how we are now paying back to the abuses we have increasingly been committing against Mother Nature. We have now been reaping what we have been sowing through the effects of climate change and extreme temperatures.

Since Trump took office in January, he has already rolled back some of the environmental protection laws put in place under his predecessor, Barack Obama, and announced his intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate

THE yellows still don’t get it.

The more they maneuver, the more they sink deeper into a political quicksand.

And it looks like despite their enormous intellectual arsenal firmly grounded in the top universities of the country where they have a lot of academic enablers, they fail to spin a narrative that is based on reality, and not just on the mythologies of hate that they thought would last forever since 1986.

Well, nothing lasts forever, more so if what you have is just based on socially constructed illusions that subsist on hate, hoping that the people will forever not have the resources to construct their own alternative truths.

The tragedy of the yellows is that their politics is one of hate, and is not based on any ideological grounding that defines the ideal in a positive way. It doesn’t even have to be a utopian paradise, but simply a statement of an aspiration for the Filipino people.

Their slogans tell it all. Never again. Block Marcos. Stop the killings.

But they never clearly articulate towards what end, one that is concrete and palpable, and

we can take care of Mother Nature.

As BBC News reported, “Pope Francis has warned history will judge world leaders who do not act as he blasted climate change skeptics in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.”

Pope Francis is concerned that the impact of climate change will be hardest on the people of the world’s poorest countries, calling on the moral responsibility of everybody, especially those in positions of power to do something about this problem.

“All of us have a responsibility. All of us. Some small, some big. A moral responsibility, to accept opinions, or make decisions. I think it is not something to joke about,” the Pope said.

“If we don’t go back we will go down,” he warned reporters on Monday, Sept. 11. “That is true. You can see

the effects of climate change with your own eyes and scientists tell us clearly the way forward.

Pope Francis quoted a phrase from the Old Testament: “Man is stupid, a stubborn, blind man.”

“Those who deny it (climate change) should go to the scientists and ask them,” the Pope said. “They are very clear, very precise.”

Why do people, especially President Trump, continue to deny the truth about climate change? What is the true underlying motivation behind this? *** 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

The yellows are in a political quicksand

Commentary

Antonio ContrerAs

Accord.

I do not understand how despite proof after proof and hard evidence presented by science, there is still a debate about climate change. This just impedes how we all work together to address this problem that affects our planet and the future of living things in the world.

Even Pope Francis — who according to the Official Vatican Network, studied Chemical Technology and worked as a chemical technician before he chose the priesthood — has been weighing in on this issue, something that we have yet to see being proactively done by other religious leaders who seem to have challenges in acknowledging how faith and science are not diametrically apart from each other. The fact is: God has given man intelligence far greater than any other living things on the planet so

not just empty rhetoric.

And when they prescribe a political action, they betray a sense of messianic arrogance that extols their virtues by demeaning those of others. They infantilize the people by treating us as wards to be rescued from evil, or educated because we are ignorant, or converted and saved because we are lost.

Maria Ressa wanted to retake the Internet that she thinks is being polluted by ordinary netizens. Risa Hontiveros audaciously announced that they are out to take back democracy that was stolen, as if they own its franchise. Marites Vitug exhorted public intellectuals of the yellow kind to civilize the national conversation.

The yellow narrative is deeply mired in victimization, effectively robbing citizens of their human agency. Their narratives explode in anger about victims of martial law, human rights abuses and maldevelopment, but without a blueprint of an alternative. In fact, they may not be interested in an alternative.

After all, the lifeblood of their narratives is about the victims and their victimization, and not about solutions and moving forward.

Thus, their politics is all about cultivating the pain and the hatred to keep their narratives relevant. This is the reason why they would like that people should never forget, even if it

means not being able to move forward because moving forward would deny their political enablers the stories that they would tell during political rallies. Their placards would be bereft of the convenient slogans that they have long painted. They have to develop new scripts for their political performances.

And the yellow politicians will have to devise new strategies, and begin to think that their role is not to just expose corruption, but to offer viable political alternatives in the form of public policy.

But it seems that they are so used to the negative, naysaying, investigating type of politics epitomized by Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th that the real meaning of public policy is lost in their minds.

It is one thing for yellow bloggers who insist that they are objective journos or of theater artists acting out their political biases to be confused about what public policy entails. But when a senator like Risa Hontiveros insists that public policy is simply what the President says, then the political opposition really has a problem. No wonder Hontiveros and her cohorts are trying so hard to corrupt well-established political science concepts and paint the President as a tyrant and a fascist. This is the only way they can justify their notion that

whatever the President says now automatically becomes state policy.

The yellows have demonized the Marcoses, and if they have their way they would keep on doing this precisely because it keeps their narratives afloat.

The yellows would like to paint the Marcoses as evil, yet a closer perusal of the discursive narratives and practices of the Marcos children, particularly in the acts and speeches of Bongbong and Imee Marcos, what one can discern is a welldefined focus on ideals, visions and concrete alternatives on how to move forward.

The yellows treat President Duterte as the devil incarnate, as the alleged architect of statesanctioned murder even of children. Yet, a closer examination of the President’s actions reveal a person who, while flawed, is sincerely working to deliver to people concrete relief from their poverty and fears.

The Marcoses and President Duterte offer the people a vision and a way to learn from the lessons of history, pick up the pieces and imagine the nation as we move forward.

On the other hand, the yellows continue to paint a narrative of hate and victimization, using memes, placards and political theatrics without offering concrete political programs.

The yellow political opposition and their enablers in media, the

Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Risa Hontiveros and Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV are mong the six senators who comprise the Senate minority bloc.

Philstar.com photo

arts, civil society and academe simply want the people to never forget Martial Law, stop the killings and block Marcos, even as they would like to retake the Internet, take back democracy and civilize the national conversation because the people do not know better.

In 1986, they had the monopoly of the manufacturing of narratives. Aided by their enablers who fell victim to the excesses of martial law, they freely sequestered not only the wealth of Marcos and his cronies, but also the processes of storytelling and myth-making.

But times have changed. The

age of social media has enabled the emergence of counternarratives that challenge this one-sided myth-making. What the yellows derisively call as historical revisionism, others would call as simply making efforts to make our narratives honest, balanced and fair. And if the yellows keep on infantilizing and patronizing the people with whom they disagree as ignorant, or worse, complicit, they will certainly keep on losing and alienating these people.

They would end up sinking further in the political quicksand where they are now. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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Jinggoy’s release from jail looms

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

JAILED former senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada is close to regaining his freedom, with magistrates at the Sandiganbayan deciding on whether bail could be granted in connection with a P183-million plunder case filed against the politician in connection with the priority development assistance fund (PDAF) or pork barrel scam.

Estrada, who is detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, has asked the Sandiganbayan antigraft court to allow him to post bail for his provisional liberty.

Court sources told The Manila Times a “Special Division of Five Justices” was formed after two of the original members of the 5th Division agreed to allow the former senator to post bail. These are Justices Maria Theresa MendozaArcega and Reynaldo Cruz.

The source said the chairman of the 5th Division, Justice Rafael Lagos, issued a dissenting opinion and held that Estrada should stay in prison because the evidence of his guilt was strong.

The three justices are all appointees of former president Benigno Aquino III. Cruz and Arcega are also said to be very close to Aquino’s executive secretary, Paquito Ochoa.

Because of the 2-1 voting, Jus-

Former senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada

tices Zaldy Trespeses and Lorifel Pahimna were added to the Sandiganbayan Special 5th Division to resolve the matter.

Trespeses was the senior lawyer and staff of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno while Pahimna, formerly a judge in Taguig City, is the latest appointee of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Sandiganbayan.

Another source told The Times Trespeses had cast his vote against Estrada, a former movie star like his father, former president and now Manila mayor Joseph Estrada.

With the vote at 2-2, the “swing vote” belongs to Pahimna, who the source said would cast her vote this week.

The second source told The Times Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang had expressed fear that bail for Es-

trada might affect the plunder case against former senator Juan Ponce Enrile and aide Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, which is pending before her 3rd Division.

It might also “open the floodgates” for the release of former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., also in jail for pork barrel misuse.

Estrada’s lawyers had argued that the charge sheet failed to allege and identify the senator as the main plunderer, and that there was no proof that he acquired ill-gotten wealth of at least P50 million, the threshold amount for plunder.

The defense also referred to last year’s Supreme Court ruling that dismissed for lack of evidence the plunder case filed against former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds during her presidency.

That decision led to Arroyo’s freedom.

It added that the former senator had endured varied ailments or diseases during his detention that have deteriorated his physical, mental and emotional state, “accented by his indescribable deepening depressions and disturbing emotions, triggered by the absence/longing of the members of his family…aggravated by his lonely and sleepless nights, etc. to live a life and liberty that he used to enjoy before his unwarranted confinement.”

Minority senators back call for...

PAGE A5 yung testigo (Hontiveros already coached the witnesses). Her questions are leading questions,” Paras’s message to Aguirre read.

Aguirre was seen typing a reply on his phone: “’Yon nga sinasabi ko kanina dito. Very obvious.

Kaya expedite natin ang cases ninyo vs her. (That’s what I’m saying. Very obvious. So let’s expedite your cases against her.)”

The minority senators said Aguirre’s actions “signify a lack of competence for a man who holds the highest office on justice” and “clearly violate the norms of conduct for public officials under the law.”

“The Filipinos deserve better than a Cabinet official who resorts to spreading lies, sowing intrigue and to name-calling. We need a Secretary of Justice who will uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and justice. Secretary Aguirre clearly does not fulfill these require-

ments,” they added.

The LP senators previously called on Aguirre to resign over his “repeated issuances of erroneous claims,” particularly when he claimed that they attempted to bribe the parents of Delos Santos.

“Last August 30, we called for his resignation due to his propensity for spreading fake information on those he tagged as ‘dilawan’ — for which he had to publicly apologize more than once,” the minority senators recalled.

They went on to say, “Now, he has been caught red-handed plotting against a sitting Senator during a hearing where he is supposed to be paying his utmost attention.”

In turn, a sad and enraged Aguirre said he is studying the possibility of filing a case against Hontiveros and the photographer who took the picture.

Cited Article III Section 3(1) of the 1987 Constitution, the justice

secretary stressed that text messages are “private communications” and “any unauthorized intrusion into such exchanges is illegal and betrays the Constitution.”

“I am saddened, enraged, and more importantly, afraid of how our rights to the privacy of our communication can easily be disregarded and trampled upon…and the people who subsequently trumpeted it, did so in the very hallowed halls of the Senate itself,” the justice secretary said.

He described the released of his controversial photo as a “shameless violation of a citizen’s right to the privacy of communications.”

Aguirre went on to say, “I am saddened by the thought that while I gave my time, cooperation and humble efforts to the Senate during the hearing, unknown to me, I will be victimized and my rights disregarded and my privacy intruded upon.”

CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas issued a statement condemning the killings of drug suspects especially teenagers.

A

CBCP photo

Bishops issue strongest statement vs Duterte’s drug war ‘In the name of God, stop the killings!’

by audrey

morallo Philstar.com

MANILA — Local Catholic bishops issued on Tuesday, Sept.

12, their strongest statement to date against President Rodrigo Duterte.

The bishops slammed and urged for a stop to the continuing killing of drug suspects, especially teenagers, in a statement released by Socrates Villegas, the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan and the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. This comes weeks after a string of suspected police killings of teenagers which jolted the nation.

The bishops were “appalled” by the “remorseless” killings of suspected drug criminals including young suspects.

“In the name of God, stop the killings! May the justice of God come upon those responsible for the killings!” Villegas said. “For the good of the country, stop the killings! The toll of ‘murders under investigation’ must stop now.”

The statement condemning the violence that attends the brutal war on drugs is sure to anger the irascible Duterte, who in the past minced no words to blast bishops.

The killings in the wake of a campaign that has shown no signs of let-up have impelled the bishops to call for the stop of the deaths and violence and justice for the victims.

The bishops, however, are careful to emphasize that it is not meant to offend anyone especially the president whose mouth froths with invectives when criticized.

“We are angry at none but the indifference amongst us,” he said.

A ‘bleeding nation’ Last month, the spate of killings of three teenagers spawned a level of outrage never before seen during the presidency of Duterte, who still remains massively popular among Filipinos.

The killings of Kian Loyd Delos Santos, 17, Carl Arnaiz, 19 and Reynaldo De Guzman, 14, all occurred within days of one another and shocked a nation that generally acquiesced to the brutality of the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.

Villegas said of them: “They were young boys, enjoying life, loving sons of parents who doted on them. Now an entire nation knows them by name because their lives have been snuffed out so cruelly, their dreams and aspirations forever consigned to the sad realm of ‘what could have been but never will be.’”

The Philippines must be angry for its guilt for its silence, inaction, diffidence and hesitation over the killings, according the CBCP president, as he urged its leaders to start the healing of the “bleeding nation.”

“The healing must begin. Malasakit must be restored. Pakikiramay must be active. Pakikipag kapwa taomust be gained back.

The rule of law must prevail,” Villegas said.

On silent Catholics Villegas also chided Christians especially Catholics for being quiet in the face of the “shocking attacks against human life,” saying they could not be faithful members of

the Church by being mum on the deaths.

He said, “The Church must either be at the forefront of the intense and fervent struggle against a culture of death or the Church betrays Christ.”

This is not the first time that the bishops have spoken against the killings.

Just recently, Luis Antonio Tagle, the cardinal of Manila, and Villegas condemned the violence and appealed to the conscience of Catholic Filipinos, who comprise more than 80 percent of the population.

In November last year, they also renewed their call for authorities to halt the killings in the wake of the president’s drug war.

Criticisms like this from the Catholic Church are something that Duterte does not relish.

He blasted priests in the past for their inaction on the country’s drug problem and for their supposed “hypocrisy.”

Villegas urged Catholics to offer their prayers for a period of 40 days from September 23 to November 1 for those killed in the drug war and victims of the violence and war in Marawi City, where the military is still struggling to rid the town of Islamistinspired militants after more than 100 days of ground assault and aerial bombardment.

Subject to the approval of local bishops, churches should also peal their bells as a sign of remembrance, according to Villegas.

Candles can also be lighted for the dead, and contributions to support the victims’ family can also be made, he said.

A

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VEGAS&STYLE

B

Journal

John Lloyd Cruz has ‘no regrets’ over viral videos, but apologizes

After photos and videos of an intoxicated John Lloyd Cruz went viral early this week, the award-winning actor apologized for his misbehavior but does not regret it.

In an Instagram post, John Lloyd said that while he is sorry to “the little boys & girls” for setting a bad example, he has “no regrets” because as he explained, what he did was “just life revealing its raw beauty.”

As seen on the post, the actor said what happened was a “learning” and a “very humbling” experience.

Netizens have mixed reactions on the Instagram stories posted by a friend of actress ellen Adarna. the videos and photos that went viral on facebook showed the actor singing and dancing weirdly and holding up dirty fingers, making others comment that he might be under the influence of illegal drugs, a hot topic nowadays given the government’s war on drugs.

Meanwhile, on JLC’s apology post, some netizens commented that they understand that the actor just wanted to be true to himself and to have fun. Others advised him to also choose his friends or “the right company.” they added that though the actor is entitled to get drunk and be merry, he should not forget his values. (Deni Rose M. John Lloyd Cruz Marian Rivera with husband Dingdong Dantes and their daughter Zia in Paris.

AJPress file photo by Momar G. Visaya Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com)

Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera

Rachelle Ann Go engaged to American boyfriend How Marian finally achieved the best version of herself by edmund

Go, who just ended her run as Gigi in “Miss Saigon” in AuManilaTimes.net gust, posted the moment on theAter actress rachelle Ann Instagram,with Spies down on Go and her American boyfriend one knee to ask for her hand in Martin Spies are officially en- marriage.’ gaged. the proposal took place in She captioned the photo and Boracay during a short vacation, said, “I just prayed for this on my days after Go celebrated her 31st 31st birthday and just like that this birthday. happened. What an amazing God we have. thank you father God for this man. A man who loves you first. I still cannot believe this!!! aahhh! take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.-Psalm 37:4.”

Go confirmed her relationship with Spies last month by posting several photos of them together in New York City, but the two were already spotted in several occasions early this year.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Spies, 30 years old, is a businessman and working as a general manager of the American luxury fitness club equinox.

Meanwhile, newly-engaged Go, was last known to be in a relationship with “Pinoy Big Brother”

sIlvestre Philstar.com

by Iza IglesIas

Rachellen Ann Go with fiancé Martin Spies Photos from Instagram/@gorachelleann

winner Slater Young where they broke up in 2014. She is now set to play eliza Schuyler in the London West end production of “hamilton.”

hAvING played Darna, Super Inday, Nieves the engkanto slayer, Amaya and Kung fu Diva, Marian rivera has the distinction of portraying the most number of superheroine roles in Philippine television and cinema.

And just when she thought she’s done saving the world with her supernatural powers, she’s back on GMA telebabad primetime block via the action-fantasy series “Super Ma’am.”

Yes, the Kapuso primetime queen is set to rule one’s nightly viewing habits starting Sept.

18 as Minerva henerala, the kind-hearted and passionate high school teacher bent on helping wayward students and defending them from the tamawos, Pinoy folklore creatures who suck youth and vitality off of children.

More than the spectacular effects, stunts and fight scenes, what attracted Marian to the project helmed by LA Madridejos is its social relevance and the moral lessons it will impart on students,

teachers and parents.

“I want the show to be an eyeopener for students to appreciate the sacrifices of their teachers and vice versa,” said Marian in a one-on-one with The Philippine Star at rockwell’s Grace Park restaurant. “this is for all teachers who have dedicated their lives educating children and treating them as their own. I also want to do projects that will make my daughter Zia proud of me when she watches them.”

Among other things, Super Ma’am addresses — without being preachy — disruptive and misbehaving kids who give teachers a lot of stress and hard time managing the class and impede the learning of the other students.

Super Ma’am’s alter ego, Miss henerala, endures bullies and disrespectful students until she wins them over.

In one of Marian’s favorite episodes, she recalled Miss henerala befriending an unruly student who comes from a broken family. It turns out the boy merely needs somebody to talk to who

will listen and won’t judge him, she said.

“Sometimes it’s only necessary that the lines of communication are open to understand why a student behaves this or that way,” Marian pointed out. “With everyone preoccupied and the world besieged with problems, we forget to talk to our children and ask them if they have problems or something.”

And every teacher or parent can accomplish wondrous things even without the aid of superpowers, she added matterof-factly. “this may sound a cliché but what the world really needs now is love,” Marian said. “there’s too much hatred around. even in social media, you can sense it. the bashings are too much and you can only wonder where the anger is coming from. With love comes respect, understanding, harmony.” ever since the Madrid-born and La Salle-educated actress was thrust into stardom exactly PAGE B2

B september 14-20, 2017 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

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Anthony Cailan: Fil-Am sommelier in LA Interview by Christina AJPress

M. Oriel

On a recent afternoon toward the tail end of summer, Anthony Cailan is beaming, ready to talk about new wines he has tasted that are locally sourced not too distant from Los Angeles.

For him, wine lists at restaurants shouldn’t be bound to the usual reds or whites, nor should they be intimidating to the typical diner.

“Wine is not something that should be put on a pedestal,” he says. “It is something that should be viewed as a cocktail or a beer.

It shouldn’t be read as, ‘Oh, you’re fancy. You drink wine.’”

The last name Cailan may sound familiar, as his older brother is Alvin Cailan, who has been behind Eggslut, Amboy, and Unit 120, among other projects.

In addition to helping Alvin open Eggslut and reinvigorating Los Angeles’ breakfast culture after graduating from the Culinary

Institute of America, the younger Cailan is making his own imprint on the food and wine scene, from working at famed wine shop Domaine LA to some of the best restaurants, including Bestia as a runner, server and eventually wine steward, and Animal as a line cook.

His entry into the culinary landscape began with influences from his babysitter growing up named Auntie Cita, whom he says “used to cook me the most amazing meals of my entire life,” and watching the Food network.

“I was probably the only 10year-old who would be like, ‘Mario Batali’s so cool.’ Like I would watch him and I would watch ‘Too Hot Tamales.’ I grew up watching Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken on television and eventually go to their restaurants and fall in love with the world of food. I was never really good at school. I was bad at it because I was not a book smart person…But food always made sense,” Cailan shares.

As a teenager, he got his first job at Tony’s Pizza in San Marino, California, where he says that “if you work at a really busy pizzeria on a Football Friday and you have a line out the door…and if you can survive that people yelling at you, you’ll strive in the business.”

Currently, he is the beverage director at Hayden — a restaurant and wine bar by chef/partner Ari Kolender inside the Platform development in Culver City — bearing the distinction as one of the youngest sommeliers to oversee a wine program in LA. Hayden itself gives the casual California atmosphere without the fussiness and pretense that could be presumably found at places that boast curated beverages from all over the world.

“Hayden to me is this place of deliciousness and really good wine,” he says. “Everyone from our dishwashers to cooks — everybody who works at this restaurant is on an equal playing field. We all work together so well and we just

Photos by Katie Gibbs

wanted people to come in here, try and drink something different.”

Cailan recently spoke to the Asian Journal about his start in the food industry, lessons from his older brother, the best wines to pair with Filipino cuisine, and what it takes to become a sommelier.

AJ: Your brother Alvin has widely shared his side of the Eggslut story. What was your view of working with him and having a hand in building this LA favorite?

AC: It was like going from throwing out the idea and name Eggslut out there to having a physical shop in a matter of three weeks. It was one of the most insane experiences of my life. We were working grueling hours inside a very hot truck with a bunch of dudes and it was not my favorite thing in the world but you could feel that there was something special happening. But after a while, working with your family puts a strain on your relationships so it’s like we had to not do that anymore.

AJ: But you and Alvin continue to work on projects together.

AC: We’ve done a few collaboAnthony with Hayden’s chef/partner Ari Kolender, a James Beard semifinalist. ration dinners at the old Unit 120 space. It was fun to collaborate and not think about business.

It’s like getting people drunk and feeding them. That was it.

AJ: What are lessons that you learned from him?

AC: There was a drunken night at Unit 120 after we got done through service where we sat down and we were both talking about how hard it is to continually work. He kept on reminding me that ‘You are a Filipino American.’

I’ve always just associated myself as being an Angeleno, but in realHayden boasts a fresh oyster selection and has daily specials from ity, I am also a Filipino American 6 to 7 p.m. for wine and oysters. Cailan recommends them with a representing [my] people in that bottle of 2016 Methode Sauvage San Benito Chenin Blanc, saying industry. In LA, there are only four that “Chad Hind’s delicious and zippy California Chenin is meant to of us, not a lot of us. And so, Alvin be drunk and consumed with most things but oysters sing with briny Hayden’s Jambon de Bayonne & burrata sandwich — green olive tapenade, told me, ‘You are going to have to flavors of my favorite shellfish.” ‘tutti frutti’ heirloom tomato on Focaccia bread. work harder than everybody else.

Filipino-American Anthony Cailan runs the beverage program at Hayden, an all-day restaurant/ wine bar in Culver City, California. He is considered one of the youngest sommeliers in Los Angeles.

It is not gonna be easier for you and you have to just remember to keep your head down.’ And I have already been working hard — I’ve always had that work ethic since I was a student — but like to have the weight of an ethnicity on your shoulder is a little bit more intimidating and stressful. For me, it was a was a weird, brutally honest experience that we had. I still think about that.

AJ: What has it been like working at top restaurants in LA like Bestia and Animal?

AC: It’s a lot of fun. I think that’s the most important part.

People are like, ‘Oh, you work in a restaurant, that must be so hard, you have no social life.’ You do have a social life! It just happens to be with each other, like the best part about working at those places is that the people who work there have the exact same mentality of striving for something greater, something bigger than themselves. Like when I worked at Animal, I was the line cook. I was not getting paid a lot of money but I still wanted to be there because the food was delicious and Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo were fairly rising up in the scene. To be able to put that on my resume was like an honor. The amount of people I still talk to from those restaurants — that I consider family to this day — that’s the best thing to come out of working at these places. If you ever have a question or need a dishwasher or front of the house help, the community is the best part.

AJ: Fast forward to here at Hayden, how did you land running the beverage program here?

AC: Chef Ari Kolender and myself have a mutual friend named Gloria. She reached out to me about Ari opening a restaurant around February. I had just started my hiatus and was taking a mini vacation. I had a conversation with her about what this project is and I told her that I had already been burned twice for other possible job offers so I was a bit skeptical. But then she’s like, ‘This one’s real. I promise you…’ And when I got the image of the chef, it honestly was like chemistry. He and I get along very, very well and we understand each other. Our philosophies, when it comes to the food and wine programs, is source the best quality product as possible. That’s what we’re doing and at prices PAGE B4

Vilma Santos appeals to fans to stop bickering by rOnnie

CarrasCO ManilaTimes.net

iii

STAr for All Seasons Vilma Santos had to gently put her foot down as she enjoined her supporters—and noranians alike—to end their bickering shortly after they tied in the Best Actress cat-

Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos

egory at the recently concluded Star Awards for Movies.

Santos-recto won for the film “Everything About Her,” while her five decades-long-arch rival won for “Kabisera.”

Santos’ reaction [via a text message sent to our radio show

Inquirer.net photo

“Cristy Ferminute” the other Monday, Sept. 4] came in the wake of a noranian’s text comment (from a certain Jojo) which read: “Narinig ko ‘yung nag-text sa inyo na isang award lang ang nakuha ni Ate Guy sa taong ito. Correction! Lahat na natanggap na ni Vilma sa taong ito, natanggap na ni Ate Guy! Pakisabi mo d’yan sa nag-text sa iyo na magkita kami at magbilangan ng mga awards nina Ate Guy at Vilma, hindi ko siya uurungan!”

The same texter sent an addendum, “Sabihin mo sa nag-text sa ‘yo na magkita kami, sapakan na lang kaming dalawa, hindi ko siya uurungan!”

If that Jojo wasn’t picking up a fight, we didn’t know what else to call it. Anyway, little did we know that Ate Vi was listening to CFM’s Monday edition all along.

She, too, shared her piece on the subject via a text message which calmly read, “Hi ’Te Cristy, ronnie and Wendell, maramingmaraming salamat po. Vilmanians, noranians, huwag na kayong mag-away. Magkaibigan kami ni Ate Guy…God bless, Vilmanians/ noranians. Mabuhay kayo!”

Knowing La Aunor, she would also have made the same earnest appeal most specially to that belligerent, if not barbaric fan!

How Marian finally achieved the best version of herself

PAGE B1 a year ago via the Filipino adaptation of the hit Mexican telenovela Marimar, not a few in the industry have noticed how she has matured immensely both as an actress and as a person.

Gone are the days when the three-time FHM’s sexiest frequently landed in hot water over issues she’d now rather take with a grain of salt.

“We all believe the turning point was the arrival of her daughter Zia,” a GMA insider told The Star. “Zia is constantly giving Mrs. Dingdong Dantes joy and peace and inspiration that helped her become the best version of herself.”

The Dyesebel and Temptation of Wife star has acknowledged that her now two-year-old girl has pushed her to become a super mom and taught her to prioritize things.

“When I got married and became a wife and mother, my priorities and perspective on life changed,” she noted. “I don’t

easily get affected by bashings anymore. I learned to choose my battles. There are times when you just have to stay quiet because the truth will eventually come out.”

“The social media is also a big factor because I have my own Instagram account where people see the other side of me off camera,” she said, “how I am at home as a wife, as a mother, as a friend.”

Marian’s manager rams David said the actress’ positive image has also turned her into a formidable product endorser. She is currently endorsing at least 18 popular products that attest to her high trust rating as a brand ambassador.

“I still get surprised whenever I am told that they want me to endorse their brand,” Marian revealed. “I am very grateful to showbiz industry for everything it has given me. It gave me the power to help others. It gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of people, including the man who became my husband. And I’m

really thankful that since my Marimar days, all my fan clubs are still there for me.”

Isn’t she afraid of someday giving up her throne as her network’s beloved queen? We asked her.

“Someday I will also get old and I have to give way to other stars,” said Marian, who suddenly turned serious. “I’m fully aware of that reality. It’s all about acceptance. What is clear to me is that showbiz shouldn’t be my life that when my career slows down or comes to an end, my life will end as well.”

“That queen tag is just a label,” she continued. “What really matters is how I was as an actor and as a person. What have you done for others? How many lives have you touched? Have you made a difference in this life? At the end of it all, those are the things that will matter.”

“I always believe that what you sow, you reap,” Marian added with a wide smile. “And if the fruits are sweet, it means you’re doing the right thing.”

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 14-20, 2017

Design-focused, artisan-made decors from the Philippines at NY NOW

By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

Filipinos have the world’s longest celebration of the Christmas season, which started officially on september 1 and will not end until January of next year.

Earlier this month — well, on september 1, to be exact — a number of Christmas-related posts trended on Twitter. From pasko to Christmas to Jose Mari Chan, netizens were abuzz talking about the advent of the holiday season, the most well-loved among Filipinos.

For a seattle-based Filipinoowned business however, Christmas happens year-round.

Margie Adrada is the president of Dekorasyon Gifts and Décor, a company that specializes in high quality, innovative and unique holiday & home décor items and accessories.

A proud Filipino-American, Adrada says that all the products they have are sourced out from the philippines.

“100 percent of our products, including me, are made in the philippines,” Margie said laughing when we met her at the recent nY noW show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the leading tradeshow for the home, lifestyle and gift market. “Every single thing you see here in our booth and in our website is from the philippines.” indeed, a deliberate look at what her team has brought to the show reveals a holiday collection with festive Christmas decors worthy to be displayed in every American home.

The Christmas decorations industry in the philippines is driven by a strong tradition of creativity, allowing suppliers to produce models that come in unique designs and materials, according to a Global sources sourcing report.

Adrada founded Dekorasyon in 2003 and through the years, they have steadily built a loyal customer base across the United states and most of them have been working with the company from the get go. “i’ve always wanted to have my own business, even when i was growing up. i tried to learn from the best of the best, and eventually, i outgrew that and so i said, i will try to do my own thing,” Adrada shared. she spent 15 years with nordstrom prior to starting Dekorasyon, which initially started as a retailer, going to various holiday gift shows.

Adrada realized that it would be better for the business if it ventured into the wholesale side of it. she did her own studies and researched how to get her hands into the multitude of products that can be sold to the Americanbuying public.

“This market craves for artisan-made products, not those

Margie Adrada, president of Dekorasyon Gifts and Décor AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

manufactured by machines,” Adrada shared. “There is a market for hand-made, unique products. China can try to copy but they can’t quite have that touch.”

For the past few years, China has been steadily growing their own market share by offering low cost because of their highvolume production.

As a businesswoman, Adrada is steadfast in pushing for the higher quality products that Filipino artisans churn out, and she is not alone as many like-minded people in the industry put a premium on artisan-made products using unique components.

“We definitely hit a niche, there’s a niche market that absolutely loves unique merchandise. nothing that you see at big box stores like Target,” she added.

Dekorasyon expanded into home décor and gifts aside from keeping all the Christmas-related decorations and ornaments crafted from all natural materials indigenous to the philippines such as gleaming, pearlescent Capiz shell, fragrant acacia wood and reclaimed, sustainable wood.

With suppliers coming from across the islands in the philippines, along with factories in Bulacan and Quezon City, Adrada is assured of a steady supply of products any day of the year.

The company brought about 500 items for the nY noW show, including their Christmas trees made out of leaves remain to be one of their bestsellers and the market is getting bigger and bigger every year.

“We’re probably sold out at this point. i’m nervous about inventory,” Adrada said. “it’s a good problem to have.” indeed, considering that when we did the interview, it was a couple of weeks before september, considered by many Filipinos

across the globe as the official start of the Christmas season.

Dekorasyon has also established showrooms in las Vegas and Atlanta. The company is also active in attending national and regional gift shows such as nY noW. in this kind of business, Adrada said that their clients, the retailers and small business owners, are the lifeblood of their operations. This is why she makes sure that there is a strong, repeat customer base that she nurtures, aside from developing new customer relationships. in order to do that, the products she hawks to the clients need to be of the highest quality.

From sinamay and capiz shells to Christmas trees made of dried leaves or driftwood, each and every single Dekorasyon product has Adrada’s stamp of approval. “i love being able to say that the products we have are made in the philippines. i love being able to say that it is where i am originally from,” she shared. “i think my customers connect that with me and at this point, our loyal customers know that the quality of our products is topnotch.”

And in order to successfully compete with the bigger companies – Adrada and her team make their own designs and make sure that the factories don’t release any of their patterns.

Among the new products they have are new styles of Christmas trees using a combination of components. They also put in new looks and new colors to their bestsellers to make sure that there is always something new for the clients. “it’s a cliché but i can say i am proud to sell philippine-made products. We’re happy that we have the full support of the factories, vendors and designers back home,” she added.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lion Dance & Taiko Performances Traditional dance & music Face painting & craft • Food vendors $6 adults and children FREE children ages 2 and under springspreserve.org U.S. 95 and Valley View

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Gabby Concepcion wins Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo: Their bumpy ride to a happily ever after 2017 Asian Star Prize in Korea

By Monet

seAsONeD actor Gabby Concepcion bags the Asian star Prize in the 12th seoul International Drama Awards on Thursday, sept.

7 at the KBs hall in south Korea.

Concepcion flew to seoul to personally accept the award. he was recognized for his outstanding performance in GMA Network’s afternoon drama series “Ika-6 Na Utos.”

The 52-year-old actor is the only Filipino to win the award this year. he expressed his gratitude to the award-giving body for the recognition and dedicated the award to all his fans and supporters.

“I am deeply honored and overwhelmed to receive the

Lu

There’s a well known proverb in Tagalog that’s been said so many times yet its meaning still rings true: “sa hinaba haba ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy.” Loosely translated in english as, “no matter how long the ‘road’ seems, it’ll still lead to one destination: the church.” Pardon my poor translation of the phrase but you get what I mean. If not, let me tell you about a couple who serves as a living testament of this proverb. They are no other than hayden Kho and Vicki Belo.

I’ve known Vicki since 2005. she was reflections’ Woman of Year in 2006, a Fil-Am recognition event that I have been running for twenty years. she is known to many as Dra. Vicki Belo, the famous cosmetic surgeon and the woman who captured the heart of celebrity hunk hayden Kho, who is now a born-again Christian and reportedly training to be a pastor.

Quite the transformation from being a former celebrity and a controversial figure (for not-too-good reasons) to a man who, and I quote, “gave [his] full commitment to the Lord (Jesus Christ).” Now it is not only to his Lord that he gave his commitment to. he recently committed himself to be a husband to Vicki, his girlfriend of 12 years and mother of his daughter scarlet snow.

The couple recently tied the knot in Paris following their civil wedding in the Philippines.

Around 50 local celebrities, most of them endorsers of Belo’s beauty empire, flew to Paris to attend the event that was said to be the “wedding of the year.” It was reported that the couple spent a total of P80 million for their grand celebration.

PeP online reported, “Among these are the P1.7-million firstclass flight of Belo, Kho and their daughter scarlet snow to Paris; the P83,000 “donation” to

Photos courtesy of Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo

prestigious Asian star Prize.

Thank you very much to seoul International Drama Awards for this recognition. I also thank all my Filipino supporters as well as the Korean viewers for recognizing my talent. It is indeed a blessing and I will surely treasure this award,” Concepcion noted. seoul International Drama Awards is an annual TV drama festival that celebrates the diversity and creativity of international scripted programming. It aims to be a universal hub for exchanging TV dramas worldwide and drives diverse ideas for where the industry should go. (ManilaTimes.net)

Fil-Am sommelier in LA

PAGE B2 doctor at the time and is from that are not unattainable to the a middle-class family in Marin- average person. duque. hayden was a former AJ: What are some features of employee of Vicki Belo Medical the wine program that you want Group when they fell in love to share? and became lovers against all AC: The wine program that I am odds. One of the odds was the focusing on is everything in small disapproval of Vicki’s daugh- production. I work with small ter Cristalle. Yet love prevailed producers in California and small and the two officially admitted amounts from Italy and Germany. their May-December romance The goal for me is to highlight in 2005. wine producers and farmers who In 2008, rumors surfaced that work hard on their wonderful the two have broken up over a products and grapes that are third-party issue, followed by the not the most known. If you look greatest test that they ever had to around town, wine lists end up all face which was the hayden video looking kind of the same — you scandal that also caused him to have your Cabernet sauvignon, lose his medical license.

Pinot Noir, sauvignon Blanc, and Though the public only caught Chardonnay. But the world of wine wind of that specific break-up, is so huge. The diversity of grapes some sources said that the two in this world is thousands upon have broken up and made up thousands. My goal is to create so many times. The last break something different where you up was said to be the cause of can have a different glass or bottle hayden’s several suicide at- of wine — something that you tempts. The relationship spi- wouldn’t have at a normal place. raled down and dragged both of I get people to try something them. You could say that it has to new, which I think is the most do with their age gap or hayden’s satisfying thing in the world and sudden fame and fortune when then you’d see their face saying, he tried showbiz, but nonethe- ‘Oh, I’d never tasted anything like less, it was a bumpy ride that they it.’ It’s the best feeling. both had to hit the brakes on.

AJ: As a sommelier, how do It was in 2013 that hayden you keep searching for and exfound Christ or, as he kept say- panding your knowledge on the ing in his interviews, “Christ different type of options there found [him].” In an episode of are all over the world?

The 700 Club, hayden shared his AC: The best part of being a testimony of how he hit rock bot- wine buyer is that the owners of tom and sought Christ through wineries come to visit you and the guidance and teaching of a give you a taste of what they have PAGE B7 coming. I’ve been working with

wine reps and importers for five years and these are people I’ve developed relationships with. We hang out outside of our workplaces and drink. These are people who I trust, so I get to taste things that wouldn’t normally be in most places.

AJ: What do you see as an upcoming trend in wine?

AC: The current trend is ‘all pink and everything.’ everyone seems to love rosé. But I think the next trend is realizing that you can chill red wine. There are red wines lower in alcohol that are very refreshing. If you serve it with a chill, it’s like you could have red wine in the summer of Los Angeles. You can drink lots and lots of chilled red wine.

AJ: For people who don’t really know wine, what would you say for them to get started in tasting and exploring wines?

AC: Find a wine shop in your neighborhood that has a very curated selection, not a liquor store, not a grocery store. There are so many shops now in the city where you can tell them, ‘I want to learn about Pinot Noir.’ They’ll give you three options: one that’s $15, one that’s $25, one that’s $100. If you want to buy them all and open them, you can experience that.

But I think the best way to really learn wine is to keep drinking wine with food every single day.

At 21 when I first got my job at Domaine LA, I was very lucky where we had a video conference with eric Asimov, the wine writer for the New York Times...

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their ceremony church; the twoday rent for the Palais Garnier’s Grand Foyer at P11.6 million; Belo’s one-week stay at the ritz hotel’s Coco Chanel suite at P1.35 million per night; the bridal gowns by Michael Cinco at P8 million; the rented chauffeurdriven luxury cars for wedding guests at P1.76 million for 48 hours; and the five-course meal at the reception starting at P16,000 per head for 250 guests.”

The hefty price tag may feel like an exaggeration (and downright impractical) for some people but to family and friends (myself included) who have witnessed all the dramas and tribulations that these two have endured, it’s the BesT way to mark the new chapter of their romance.

It was such a beautiful wedding as told by their guests. It may not be your typical marriage since the couple already has an adorable daughter to begin with but their relationship is no different from any typical “hanging by a thread” kind of relationship. It was marked with controversies, lies and infidelity.

I remember how these two started out as one of the most unlikely couples in the industry.

For one, they came from different worlds – Vicki was formerly married with two kids, a successful business owner and a multimillionaire cosmetic surgeon and is many years hayden’s senior – who was a struggling

2017 Asia Star Prize awardee Gabby Concepcion with Korean actress Park Bo Young at the 12th Seoul International Drama Awards.

ManilaTimes.net photo

My question was ‘Where do I begin?’ he told me, ‘every day, with your meal, with your family, with your friends, have a bottle of wine…Always have some wine wherever you go.’

AJ: Where are some of your favorite regions in the world for wine?

AC: My favorite region is the Loire Valley. There is so much diversity of the grapes in that region of France where you could literally hop from one part of the valley to another and the wine’s going to be different.

All the wines that I wanna drink copious amounts of and are doing the interesting work at the same time are from this region.

There are light-bodied red wines, full-bodied red wines, wines that age for a long time, sweet white wines…the whole thing is crazy.

If you did like a full year of tasting the Loire Valley wines every day, you would learn something new every single day.

The amount of interesting wine that’s happening in California is blowing my mind. There is so much deliciousness that’s coming out of [the state]. It’s the new California wine movement. I think that because this is California and Los Angeles, I find a moral obligation to also support them. You may root for different baseball teams but that’s fine. The wines are delicious and it brings us all together.

AJ: What are some wines that could be paired with Filipino food?

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Community Journal

Is DACA truly gone? What now?

Your Immigration Solution Atty. nAnCy Miller As we all know, President Donald Trump has announced that he will end the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (commonly known as “DACA”) program in sixmonths. He has told Congress that he wants them to enact and send him legislation that will address the immigration status of those currently in the DACA program.

If Congress does decide to act, this will give them an opportunity to address the immigration issues of both the DACA recipients, their parents and others similarly situated. Within the past few days, President Trump reached out to the leaders of the Democratic party to resolve (albeit temporarily) the looming budget and debt-ceiling concerns. This action may empower the moderate Republicans and Democrats to work together toward a reasonable and fair resolution to the problem of the Dreamers and their families.

In the meantime, to review, Department of Homeland security (DHs) issued a Memo with some guidelines as to what will happen in the immediate future: • Previously issued EADs and DACA grants will remain valid for their full validity period.

• Pending (those already filed by september 5, 2017) initial requests for DACA and related EADs will be adjudicated.

• Initial applications not filed by today will not be accepted after today.

• Pending DACA renewals will be adjudicated.

• Not-yet-filed DACA renewals will be accepted for filing until October 5, 2017. • Renewals can only be filed for those whose DACA grant will expire between september 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018. No one knows how long the

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Continued from last week...)

renewals will be granted for.

• No new DACA-based advance parole applications will be approved. All pending advance parole applications will be administratively closed and the filing fees will be refunded.

• Previously approved advance paroles will be generally honored though DHs retains the authority to deny admission and/or revoke or terminate parole where it deems appropriate.

Recipients of DACA have varied immigration histories and issues. some had previously had no contact with Department of Homeland security or Immigration Court. Others were in the middle of removal proceedings which are now administratively closed (NOT terminated – just asleep). Others have existing removal orders. As DACA comes to a close, the effect on each of these groups will be different. Even before DACA is completely ended, these different situations may impact how the recipients may be treated if they leave the U.s. on advance parole. DACA recipients and all other non-citizens should remember that advance parole does not guarantee that they will be permitted to re-enter the United states.

Prior misrepresentations, criminal convictions, or even arrests may affect the reception they receive from CBP at the border. For this reason, anyone with potential problems should always consult an experienced immigration attorney before they make plans to go out of the United states.

Many people did not apply for DACA because they believed they were not qualified due to prior criminal history and they did not want to bring themselves to the attention of DHs. However, had they consulted with an immigration lawyer who is knowledgeable in “crimmigration”, they might have discovered that they were a good candidate for post-conviction relief. They might also have learned that changes in California law had a positive effect on their immigration situation. As DACA closes (or morphs into legislation),

it is more important than ever to find out whether those with past criminal indiscretions are eligible for some form of relief.

When/if Congress turns its attention to immigration, many different factions are likely to speak up. Those who wish to bring permanent relief to those who are out of status will be one voice. Those who wish to dramatically change and restrict legal immigration will be another voice.

A final result may include compromises on both sides. Those compromises may include the elimination of some categories of family immigration. Brothers and sisters of United states citizens and married sons and daughters of United states citizens have long been considered to be on the “chopping block”. United states citizens who have been considering filing petitions for family members in these categories should stop considering and actually file. If Congress votes to end these categories, the chance will be gone.

Because immigration (and criminal) law is constantly changing, those who were previously told that they have no hope should contact a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer to find out if that is still true.

What was not possible before may be possible now. Consult with a lawyer an immigration lawyer and find out. After all, President Trump reached out to the Democrats and they reached an agreement. Who knows what can happen next? *** 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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Angels among us menting how their guardian angels are a real part of their lives guarding, guiding and protecting them from harm and on many occasions, even from death, because their time had not yet come. I am sure many others have their own personal stories to tell about this unseen entity that can be ascribed to the presence of god himself – an ever-present help to aid us in navigating life on earth.

The common image of an angel is a beautiful heavenly being with piercing eyes, big white pair of wings and long cascading golden hair, robed in androgynous white gown and who is neither male nor female but to which we ascribe the word “he” just for convenience.

An angel, who is an eternal ce-

Health@Heart

Lemonade for kidney stones

NOTHINg to date can dissolve kidney stones, in spite of various marketed herbal substances or “natural and home” remedy potion or pills that claim to be able to do so. Don’t be fooled by false advertisements which are only after your hard earned money.

If you are prone to develop kidney stones, drink lemonade.

It cannot dissolve kidney stone crystals, but it can slow down the development of stones. It is a delicious way to control your stone formation.

“When treating patients in our kidney stone center, we put everyone on lemonade therapy,” says steven Y. Nakada, chair and professor of urology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.at a previous annual meeting of the American Urological Association in Atlanta.

Potassium citrate is usually prescribed for patients with kidney stones. Citrate is a kidney stone preventing substance, and lemonade (lemon juice) is full of citrate. The pill is more potent but the citrate in lemonade has been found to also slow down kidney stone formation. An alternative to “another pill” to take.

Liquid biopsy?

The term biopsy conventionally means cutting a piece of solid tissue for microscopic analysis to make a diagnosis. Liquid “biopsy” is a new promising procedure for

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS SEptEmbER 15

Kayamanan Ng Lahi performs at the Ford Theatre in Los Angeles “Tao Po!” – We Are Here! is a multi-disciplinary production that will cover the breadth of Philippine folk-based dance, music and song, juxtaposed with contemporary dance forms and musical stylings with underlying positive social messages. The show declares that Filipinos are here, there and everywhere, adding to the richly diverse cultural landscape of America. The evening will feature guest stars Deedee Magno Hall and Jennifer Paz of singing group Mama Bares and voice actors of Steven Universe, original music by Anthony Fedorov of American Idol, and the Glendale College Concert Singers with their musical director Dr. Peter Green. The performance will also include appearances from the following guests: Rondalla Club of Los Angeles – Philippine rondalla music; Giovanni Ortega – actor, playwright, director; Annie Nepomuceno – singer, T.V. personality, producer; Marc Macalintal – musical director; Guro Alvin Catacutan – Kali master; Beatriz Eugenia Vasquez – dancer/ choreographer; Kumu Keali’i Ceballos – choreographer for hula piece; Faith Santilla and Alison de la Cruz – spoken word; Vince Reyes – musician; and Culture Shock Los Angeles – street/urban dance. To purchase tickets, please visit https://secure.ticketsage.net/websales. aspx?u=fordtheatres&pid=320003.

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Liliwenos reunion in Las Vegas, NV Calling all Liliwenos living all around the world! There will be a three-day reunion in Las Vegas, NV starting with a picnic on Friday, Sept. 15 at Silverado Ranch Park. On Saturday, Sept. 16, it is a dinner/dance party at the Palace Station (2411 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102) at 5 p.m. The attire is semi-formal and costs $50 / person. Souvenir t-shirts cost $10 regardless of size. Deadline of payment for both the reunion and t-shirt cost is August 31 to be sent to Ms. Nerri Monteagudo at 9252 Bronze River, Las Vegas, Nevada 89149. On Sept.

17, participants are free to explore the Strip and other Vegas activities. For more information, please contact Bob and Nerri Monteagudo at (702) 339-3838; Carmen P. Manguin (702) 526-8005; Loida Borgonos at (201) 654-5482; or Fred Polistico at (818) 527-3476.

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43rd Bicol fiesta in Los Angeles The big Lincoln Park at 3529 N. Mission Road (cross st. Valley Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90031, will again be hosting an overflow of thousands of Bicolanos and their guests during the 43d “kafiestahan” (feast day) in LA in honor of their patroness, Our Lady of Penafrancia, on Sunday, Sept. 16. The festivity is held yearly under the auspices of the United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA), a local association of Bicolanos who originally hailed from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon, designated as Region V, in the Philippines. The day begins at 8 a.m. with the recitation of the 9th day novena, the last-day continuation of the previous eight days of novena prayers; at 9 a.m., a fluvial parade, a mass at 10 a.m., and a lunch at 12 p.m. After lunch, a “velada” of cultural and entertainment presentations will follow.

Celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila in North Hills, CA

ANgELs were strong proactive characters when the story of humanity unfolded during biblical times. And while today, cynics, atheists and those on the dark side might argue that angels are figments of the human imagination, there are countless people who will brave the scorn of scoffers, fight back vehemently and attest to the very real presence of angels in their lives.

Trawl the internet and social media and read about how angels, though unseen in many instances, can be felt by many who believe in them. There are many instances when the presence and oftentimes the direct interventions of one’s personal guardian angel are a part of the twists and turns of the unraveling story of many people’s lives.

Many have written about their encounters with angels, docu-

PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS

Calendar of Events across

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S E p t E m b E R 23

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

— From Frank Capra’s film, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

detecting early-stage cancers by blood test, which replaces cutting a “solid tumor,” hence termed “liquid biopsy.” The article about this future much less invasive way of finding cancer at its early stage, edited by William E. Chavey, MD, Ms, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and science Translational Medicine.

The report says, “the technique allows assessment of sequence changes in circulating cell-free DNA.” Researchers used the method to look for alterations in nearly 60 cancer-related genes in blood samples from 44 healthy individuals and 200 patients with colorectal, breast, lung, or ovarian cancer. None of the healthy patients showed genetic changes related to solid cancers, while the test detected genetic alterations in 60–70 percent of those with stage I or II cancer. The researchers say the approach could “in principle” be implemented for cancer screening, pending validation studies. Early detection and intervention are likely to be the most effective means for reducing morbidity and mortality of human cancer. When it is validated and accepted as a standard diagnostic procedure, “Liquid Biopsy” could save hundreds of millions around the globe.

Your mouth and diabetes Most people do not know or realize that poor dental/oral health increases our risk for diabetes T2 and, in turn, this metabolic disease adversely affects our teeth. It is a vicious cycle of cause and effect highlighted by the American Dental Association.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 14-20, 2017

lestial being, is not subject to the constraints of gravity, time, space or language problems. Communication between protector and protectee is often wordless and automatic. some are messengers and some bring punishment and death but each has a definite purpose, most of which are beneficial to humans. some claim to have seen their angels appearing differently from the common image we believe of winged beings. some morph into human form to lend a hand, to protect from danger or avert disaster then disappear quickly.

They appear specially when the humans they are protecting find themselves in dire straits and need help. As one might imagine, angels are extremely PAGE B6

The ADA clarification: “Blood sugars fueling the acidity that leads to tooth and root decay and gum disease, and dental disease that leads to infection and boosts blood glucose when the body’s immune system responds. The 2017 publication recognizes the close association of dental disease and diabetes, even though ADA acknowledges that causes and effects aren’t yet universally understood.”

Also, dental/oral infection, and infection (inflammation) in any other parts of the body increase our risks for cardiovascular diseases and cancer too.

This is why dental hygiene and regular visit to the dentist is paramount.

Sleep and diabetes Impairment in sleep raises our risk for metabolic disease, like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular illnesses, like heart attack, stroke, and even cancer. Yes, lack of restful sleep leads to increased proneness to all these major ailments, including deadly cancers.

Indeed, sleep is that important to our health and well being.

More and more, physicians today are far more vigilant about Obstructive sleep Apnea (OsA) as a most common cause of impairment of sleep and its association and role to the development of (and as a worsening factor) for the major illnesses listed above About 3-7 percent (roughly about 10 to 16 million) of the U.s. population have sleep apnea, more among men. There are countless undiagnosed OsA cases. Almost PAGE B7

Come celebrate with us! The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Filipino Ministry San Fernando Region invites all to the 9th regional celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Our Lady of Peace Parish (15444 Nordhoff St., North Hills, CA).

It starts with a procession at 4:15 p.m. and mass at 530 p.m. The Principal Celebrant is Most Rev. Gerald Wilkerson, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus. A reception and program follows right after mass at Schneider Hall. For a schedule of the nine-day novena masses prior to the event, please call Christine Hart at (818) 612-5060 or Patty Santiago at (818) 472-4288 or email Betty Defensor at bettydefensor@yahoo.com.

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3rd annual Kultura: Filipino-American food & arts festival in Chicago Kultura Festival is a contemporary Filipino-American food and arts festival taking place at Logan Square’s Emporium Arcade Bar (2363 N. Milwaukee Avenue) on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carefully curated to appeal to those who personally identify with Filipino culture and the merely curious or uninitiated, Kultura Festival aims to highlight the best in Filipino-American food and arts in Chicago and around the Midwest. Kultura Festival signals the start of Filipino-American History Month, a nationally commemorated holiday every October since November 2009, with the passage of U.S. House Resolution 780 and Senate Resolution 298. Kultura Festival will showcase Chicago and Midwest-based FilipinoAmerican chefs such as Hapa Chicago (Chicago),Meat on the Street (Milwaukee), and Sarap Detroit (Detroit), Guerrilla Street Food and Skip To Malou (both from St. Louis), as well as Chef Sharwin Tee of Lifestyle TV’s Curiosity Got The Chef (Manila, Philippines). Additional chefs and the full festival menu will be soon announced. The curated menu promises to tantalize festival-goers with a wide variety of chef-prepared Filipino and Filipino-inspired dishes between $5 and $7 each.

Filipino American artist-entrepreneurs will offer their unique wares for purchase at the festival: custom tailored barong Tagalog (traditional formal wear) from New York Citybased Pineapple Industries; artwork, books and apparel based on the prePhilippine script, baybayin, from San Francisco-based expert Kristian Kabuay; and clothing, jewelry and accessories centered around indigenous symbols and spirituality from Los Angeles-based Ginto Seeds.

This year, Kultura Festival patrons can learn about the connections between Filipino cuisine and culture. Admission to the Lechon Lectures, hosted in adjacent The Upside Down pop-up bar, is included with Kultura Festival ticket. Two time Hugo award winning editor of Uncanny Magazine Michi Trota leads a panel discussion on the role of food in science fiction and fantasy storytelling and how Filipinx creators in these genres integrate food and cultural identity into their own work. Descriptions of the full Lechon Lectures lineup and schedule will soon be announced. As in previous years, Filipino American DJs will provide the soundtrack for the festivities (schedule TBA). Kultura festival general admission tickets are available for $20 ($15 ticket plus 5 Kultura dollars) online at https://ti.to/filipino-kitchen/ kultura-2017. Discounted general admission tickets are available for students with ID, senior citizens with ID, and children under 13 years of age. More information can be found at http://filipino.kitchen/kultura-festival/.

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PeDRO celebrates its 13th anniversary with a fundraising dinner dance The Philippine Disaster Relief Organization, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation invites everyone to “A Dinner to Remember” with surprise guests on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Crystal Ballroom, Quiet Cannon, 909 N. Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Free parking; $55 cost and formal attire. Maricar and the 4700 Band will provide musical entertainment with DJ George Cunanan. For more information, contact President Archerie Calunod (714) 655-4285 or PRO Bettie Francisco (323) 828-7648.

SF Assessor Carmen Chu’s free Family Wealth Forum Free one-on-one counseling with experts. Multi-lingual workshops. Exhibitors hall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at City College (Ocean Campus), 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112. To register: http://sfassessor.org/familywealthforum or call (415) 554-7434.

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A3M Starnight 2017 annual gala in Long Beach, CA In the past 25 years, A3M has given hope and a second chance of life to many patients.

Their journeys have inspired and motivated the organization to continue its mission of increasing and diversifying the Be the Match Registry. A3M is committed to supporting patients from the communities that are underrepresented in the Be the Match Registry. To continue its life-saving work, you are invited to support A3M at its Annual Gala Dinner held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach (200 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802) from 5 to 9 p.m. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.flipcause. com/secure/event_step2/MTk3NjI=/13381.

City of Carson’s Filipino-American History Month Kick-Off The City of Carson will kick off this year’s Filipino-American History Month on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the CJMM Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 980745).

From 8 to 9 a.m., there will be refreshments at the Community Center East Parking Lot. It will be followed by a wreath laying at Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s monument from 9 to 9:15 a.m. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be a program at the Carson Dominguez Room. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

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B september 14-20, 2017 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

DACA: What now?

Immigration Corner Atty. MAriA ritA reyes-stuby And bernAdette bretAnA Your guess is as good as mine.

Last Tuesday, September 5, 2017, the President, through Attorney General Sessions, announced that the DACA program under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is being rescinded effective the very same day. Since its implementation more than 5 years ago (June 15, 2012), a lot of people still do not know about it or for whom it exists. Immigrants, documented or not, want clarity if the grand announcement on ‘DACA rescission’ will impact their status.

DACA, “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals”, was an administrative grant by the uS government (thru President obama) to some young people who were unaware that they entered this country illegally as children. It was not for everyone. In order to qualify, the applicant (a) should have been here when under 16 years of age; (b) 31 years old on June 15, 2012; and (c) went to u.S. schools and earned a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

DACA allowed those qualified to remain in the u.S. and not be subject to deportation for the time being. How long? only as long as the DACA grant is in place.

The obama administration believed that these children who are mostly u.S.-educated and trained should be considered assets of this nation, illegal status notwithstanding But only Congress (not the office of the

PAGE B5

President) can grant lawful immigration status with a pathway to citizenship so President obama utilized a DHS policy program already in existence, i.e., exercise of “prosecutorial discretion” on low priority cases (aliens who are not criminals), to put on hold the removal of these children. DACA recipients, like other “deferred action” cases, such as the “Temporary Protective Status” (TPS granted to defer removal of Salvadorans, Guatemalans, etc.) and Cuban parolees, can stay and work in the united States. The work permit allowed them to obtain a social security number, be ‘registered in the system’ properly and acquire a driver’s license from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

A valid work permit is a prerequisite for employment and must be renewed. DMV will not re-issue a valid driver’s license without a valid work permit. The 09/05/2017 rescission Memo directs that DACA applications and advance paroles (travel permit applications relative to DACA) filed on 09/05/2017 and onwards will be rejected. DACA applications and renewals filed prior to this date will be adjudicated, but its corresponding advance parole applications will be closed and the fees returned; only advance parole/s already approved will be honored. DACA already in place will be recognized only until its expiration date and will not be renewed. Further, renewal applications covering the period between 09/05/2017 and 03/05/2018 and which applications have been accepted as of 10/05/2017, can still be adjudicated. A blanket statement contained in the said

Memo emphasized that the DHS “(W)ill continue to exercise its discretionary authority to terminate or deny deferred action at any time when immigration officials determine termination or denial of deferred action is appropriate.”

A clear warning to those with issued DACA or advance parole to not cross that line nor defy any convention or custom because you never know what’s coming.

Five years ago when the DACA was in its inception even qualified recipients were wary. And rightly so. The application forms contain extensive information about family, all places of residence since day one in the u.S., among others.

They are definitely easier to find and deport compared to those illegals who should be removed from the united States but cannot be tracked as efficiently. on the other hand, if THE TWEET is sincere, the tide might turn in their favor and their existing DACA status is proof of their integrity.

Continued advocacy for a Congressional grant of a status that could provide a smooth transition to a path to u.S. citizenship is in order. Are the majority of our representatives and senators in Congress listening? *** Maria Rita Reyes-Stuby is a licensed attorney in Michigan. She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law. She specializes in immigration and practices in Las Vegas, Michigan, California and other states. Bernadette Bretana, a graduate of the Ateneo Law School and Ms. Stuby are licensed attorneys in the Philippines. Please call @702-403-4704 or email her at stubylaw@aol.com or go to www.mrstubylaw.com for any questions on this article.

Angels among us

busy considering the weakness of humans and their predilection to stray from the straight and narrow.

In Frank Capra’s classic Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Clarence, a portly, bumbling character aspiring to become an angel must earn his wings by doing something good for a human being in desperate need and contemplating suicide. “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,” is a memorable line in this classic film that is intended never to get old and aptly becomes new again for a new generation around the Christmas

season. on the other hand, in the warped imagination of liberal film makers, “Michael” supposedly about Michael, the Archangel, the highest seraphim who fought Satan and flung him to the burning sulfurous depths of hell and believed to be the protector of the nation of Israel, is portrayed as somewhat of a sleaze who is more human than angelic.

In this film, Archangel Michael can charm females because he smells of cookies and who is a bit of a Lothario to boot. It may be somewhat funny to color outside the lines in portraying angels but don’t be fooled by the liberal

yarn on angels. Hollywood, in my opinion, has no gravitas on angelic matters.

Trust your own instincts. Your own personal experience will color the lens with which you view and relate with your personal guardian angel. God so loved the world, He sent His only son to redeem us from sin and death so we may gain eternal life — not unlike His angels.

(To be continued …) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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Great American Foodie Fest returns to Sunset Station Casino

Showcasing some of the Nation’s best foods seen on Food Network, Cooking Channel & Travel Channel HENDErSoN, NV – The Great American Foodie Fest returns to Sunset Station on September 28th-october 1st, 2017. The festival will be open from 5pm to 11pm on Thursday 5pm to 11pm on Friday, 12pm to 11pm on Saturday and 12pm to 10pm on Sunday.

The Great American Foodie Fest was formerly the Las Vegas Foodie Fest. The event draws 40,000-50,000 Foodies at each event and has been voted ‘Best of Las Vegas Event’ by the Las Vegas review-Journal’s in 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016!

The event has been featured on Cooking Channel’s Eat St. and has also been ranked as the Top 10 Food Festivals in America by the The Telegraph Travel and Top 15 Food Festivals in the u.S. by Cardsbull.com.

The Great American Food Festival is a culmination of the best specialty food vendors & gourmet food trucks from all around the country that have been featured on the Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel.

Special appearance and cooking demos by Celebrity Chef Phillip Dell winner of Food Network’s Show “Chopped”, Three Time Grand Champion on the National Barbecue Circuit and also ranked #1 in Chicken on the National Barbecue Circuit (KCBS).

In addition t o a wide variety of food and drink options, the festival will feature a beer garden and live entertainment, along with carnival rides, games, eating competitions, arts/craft vendors, retail vendors and more.

General admission to Great American Foodie Fest will be $8 Presale for a Four Day Pass (unlimited re-entry) per person if purchased in advance online at GreatAmericanFoodieFest.com or $10 for a Day Pass (unlimited re-entry) at the gate.

VIP experience (VIP line pass at the gate, access to VIP section, $25 food/ beverage vouchers, one souvenir -Shirt and goodie bag) can be purchased for only $50 presale for a Four Day Pass (unlimited re-entry) per person if purchased in advance online at GreatAmericanFoodieFest.

com or $60 at the gate day of the event.

Active military personnel and veterans, seniors 59 and older will receive a discount of $2 off ticket purchased at the gate with a valid ID. Children 48 inches and below are free! Individual food and drink items are priced per purchase. Parking will be available at no cost.

Great American Foodie Fest LLC (originally the Las Vegas Foodie Fest) was founded in 2012

by Noel Casimiro, Art Casimiro, oliver Tolentino and Marc Tolentino.

Their mission was to create an innovative food festival that

would encompass the Nation’s best food trucks and food vendors that have been featured on the Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and other popular food shows.

After the event’s huge success in Las Vegas, the founding members new partner Arthur De Joya, made a decision to expand the event to other major markets across the u.S. In 2015 the Great American Foodie Fest made its debut in San Diego California and Tempe, Arizona.

For more information about Great American Foodie Fest go to GreatAmericanFoodieFest. com.

Nevada State Contractors Board joins local agencies and industry groups to hold disaster preparedness kit drive LAS VEGAS – September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, and the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) wants to help Southern Nevada residents become disaster ready.

From now until oct. 6, NSCB, along with industry groups and local agencies, will be holding a Community Disaster Preparedness Kit Drive, which will supply local families with the necessary items to build their own disaster preparedness kits.

“Southern Nevada is uniquely vulnerable to a variety of natural and man-made disasters. From wildfires, flash floods, high winds and earthquakes to vandalism, human error and terrorism, severe property damage can occur at any moment and with no warning,” said Jennifer Lewis, public information officer for NSCB. “Whether you think you’ll be personally affected or not, it’s always better to be with than without in your time of emergency need.”

Items needed include, but are not limited to: water bottles/gallon jugs; non-perishable

food items; batteries (AA/C); flashlights; First-Aid kits; diapers; baby wipes; matches; dust masks; duct tape; whistles; garbage bags/plastic ties; multi-use tools; toiletries (toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste); activities for children (coloring books/ crayons); disposable cups, plates, and utensils.

Donations can be dropped off at: • ABC Nevada: 5070 Arville Street, Suite 4, Las Vegas, NV 89118 • National Association of Minority Contractors- Nevada: 3400 W Desert Inn rd., Suite 19, Las Vegas, NV 89102 • Nevada Subcontractors Association: 4175 S. riley St. Suite 204, Las Vegas, NV 89147 • The Ferraro Group: 9205 W. russell road, Ste. 340, Las Vegas NV 89148 Additional locations will be added throughout the month at www.nscb.nv.gov.

In partnership with the Clark County office of Emergency Management, all items collected

during the drive will be distributed to residents who attend the Clark County Fire Station “Fire Safety Day” open House, from noon to 3 p.m. on oct. 14 at 7929 Mountains Edge Parkway.

Additional items will be held and distributed at future fire station open house events.

“We encourage residents to attend the event to obtain information on fire safety and earthquake preparedness from the office of Emergency Management,” Lewis said. “We’ll also be there to provide tips on how to hire properly licensed contractors in the event of property damage from a disaster. unscrupulous and unlicensed contractors may seek to take advantage of homeowners in the wake of catastrophe. It’s important to have an action plan when it comes time to contracting for emergency home repairs.”

For more information on the Community Disaster Preparedness Kit Drive, updated list of drop off locations and more, please visit www.nscb.nv.gov.

WGU offers $200,000 in scholarships for women in technology Nonprofit, competency-based university will award 100 IT scholarships for women

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.

LAS VEGAS/rENo, NEV. — According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the maledominated IT field are projected to grow by 12% (about 488,500 new jobs) through 2024. In an effort to help women gain the education they need to fill these positions, nonprofit, online Western Governors university (WGu) has announced 100 new scholarships for any of its bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the College of Information Technology.

Each Women in Technology Scholarship is valued at up to $2,000—$500 per six-month term for up to four terms. Applications are now being accepted for these scholarships through December 31.

Learn more about WGu’s Women in Technology Scholarship at www.wgu.edu/tuition_financial_aid/scholarships/wom-

en_in_technology.

“The moment I started my program at WGu, I got promoted to a director of IT for a transportation organization,” said Manjit Sooch, WGu MBA in IT Management graduate. “Now, with my new skills and credentials, I’m preparing for a C-level position.”

To be eligible for one of these scholarships, female applicants must be officially admitted to WGu, complete the scholarship application, and be interviewed by a WGu scholarship counselor.

While WGu will award up to 100 scholarships, recipients will be selected based on their academic records, financial needs, and readiness for online study at WGu, among other considerations.

WGu’s online, competencybased programs allow working professionals to study and

learn on their own schedules and advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course materials. When paired with the university’s affordable tuition of about $6,000 per year, WGu’s flexible learning model makes it possible for working adults to earn an accredited degree and recognized industry certifications.

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

Formed through a partnership between the state of Nevada and nationally recognized Western Governors university, WGu Nevada is open to all qualified Nevada residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand PAGE B7

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EntErtainmEnt

C. SaLterio Philstar.com

WHEN he was still pre-occupied with television work, Paolo Bediones had his hands full. It was next to impossible to go back to school and pursue further studies. He finished his college degree of AB Interdisciplinary Studies (Dean’s Lister) at the Ateneo de Manila University, then was immediately given the chance to make a name for himself as a TV host.

“In the 12 wonderful years I was in GMA, my schedule was so packed and there was no way I could squeeze in any kind of masteral education,” Paolo asserts.

“When I moved to TV5, I was even busier. I remember that at one point I had five television shows and a radio program as a Kapatid for five great years.”

Paolo was nonetheless happy he was blessed with work. “It has always been a dream of mine to pursue further studies since graduating from the university,” Paolo offers. “I found that I actually had so much time on my hands, so I decided to chase my dream and apply at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), mastering in Entrepreneurship. I’ll graduate in March next year. Going back to school has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.”

He was prompted to take up entrepreneurship after putting up his restaurant and bar, Punta Mandala, in Mandaluyong City.

Cliché as it may sound, but Paolo knows things happen for a reason. After the controversy he got involved in back in 2014, Paolo

took a self-imposed hiatus from mainstream TV. “I don’t mind talking about it because it does serve as therapy for me and in many situations, it is the elephant in the room,” he asserts. “In 2010, I had my laptop fixed that had very sensitive content I had deleted. Three months later, I started receiving extortion letters for P3M. I lived in anguish and fear for the next four years until July 27, 2014.

“The stolen material went viral and there was nothing the PNP or the NBI could do, because it spread too quickly with too many uploaders. Yes, I did suffer from severe depression and I despised myself.

For the next few weeks, I isolated myself from the world and started reading social media posts and messages. Good, bad, nice, nasty, encouraging or scathing, I read each one whether it came from a person I knew, a friend, family member, fans, strangers, posers, trolls and all sorts of avatars.

“It was when I read and appreciated the words of comfort and love from so many people that I realized it was truly not the end of the world. With each message I felt myself feeling better and my desire to pick myself up became stronger.

I decided to end my self-imposed exile and step back out into the world. I was surprised that the affection I received online was what I also received in person.”

He thought he could walk away from TV or the entertainment industry after the trauma, but he proved himself wrong. “There’s absolutely nothing that I don’t miss about TV,” Paolo stresses. “I miss

Lemonade for kidney...

PAGE B5 25 percent of individuals with diabetes T2 also have OSA, In OSA, there is frequent (could be hundred times a night) breath holding, severely reduced oxygen level, and the person wakes up gasping for breath. Some do not even wake up at all, suffering anoxia and heart attack or fatal heart-rhythm problem. The constant reduction in oxygen due to OSA every night also leads to fatigue, sleepiness during the daytime, lack of concentration, poorer decision-making, and inferior performance. Depriving the body oxygen and rest also increase the risk for those major diseases mentioned above, including cancer.

Among diabetics, Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB), OSA, and all other stresses, impair the metabolism of our body in general and, among those with diabetes, the body’s ability to allow the medications to work fully.

Metformin, the most popular drug for diabetes T2, which acts to reduce the glucose production in the liver and reduce the cell insulin resistance, acts less than 100 percent when the patient has an untreated sleep disorder. This makes the treatment less optimal. And the same thing is true among those patients with high blood pressure or other major ailments on treatment. A good restful sleep every day is essential for all of us.

After a sleep study has confirmed the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the best treatment is the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) whenever going to sleep. CPAP has saved and improved countless lives.

Undermining global health The pernicious and criminal modus operandi of tobacco companies, particularly Philip Morris International (PMI) and British

American Tobacco (BAT), of running secret campaigns to block or undermine the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and governmental negotiations at the FCTC Conference of Parties (COP), according to the investigative reports by Reuters and The Guardian in Bangkok July 14, 2017.

These companies are undermining, not only health governance but the health of the people around the world, all in the name of income and profits as they act as the purveyors of diseases, family disruption, misery, and deaths.

The report says “the investigations reveal multiple tobacco industry offensives across at least 14 countries in Africa, America, and Asia, including Vietnam, and how they subvert the treaty on multiple levels.

Tobacco kills more than half a million annually in the ASEAN region, creates poverty among the users, and burdens the national economy with more than ten billion U.S. dollars in healthcare costs each year because of tobacco-related diseases and premature deaths.

These unconscionable criminal companies and their principals ought to be prosecuted and held accountable for their crime against humanity.

*** 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

Fil-Am sommelier in LA

PAGE B4

AC: In my experience with Filipino food specifically, it’s hard to generalize the wine or like a couple wines that would boost the flavor’s range so wisely because of all the influences, such as Chinese, Japanese, American, that make their own flavor profiles. But honestly, high acid white wine. If there’s a rich, fatty dish, that wine will refresh your palette. Something like krispy pata would be good with really light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling — stuff that’s just happy.

AJ: Where do you see yourself in the next few years in terms of your career?

AC: The end goal for myself is to have my own restaurant/wine bar. I don’t know where. Historic Filipinotown would be cool or Chinatown. But I’m an Eastside Angeleno, born and raised, so I feel like it’d be my obligation. I could open a wine bar in the San Gabriel Valley. I wanna like do something interesting because it’s home. Comfort food doesn’t necessarily mean Filipino food, so when I crave comfort, I crave like soup dumplings and classic Chinese food, and with wine, oh my, it’s pure, pure joy.

AJ: Being one the of the youngest people in the wine industry, what’s your advice for people who want to get started

in it as well?

AC: Work hard. Don’t have a huge ego. Wine tends to do that to people, but work really hard and honestly, have humility. If someone has a different palette than you, that’s normal. Be someone who’s always open-minded and always be willing to try something new or even try something you have already written off. Try again.

Find a place where someone will give you a shot. I was lucky that when I was in Domaine LA at 21 years old, I got a shot to work there one day a week. All you gotta do is persist. Or if you want a restaurant, be 21 years old and be a busser. Don’t be afraid to work somewhere that has a very good reputation, has really delicious food, has an amazing wine program.

Just don’t be afraid to let your intentions be known to those in charge and tell them that you want to learn more about the wine. And eventually, there will be a moment after your shift where someone says, ‘Hey, would you like to taste some of this wine?’ Wine people love to share — it doesn’t matter who you are and what spectrum of wine you know. I’m very lucky to have had opportunities fall in front of me and I grabbed them as fast as I could.

[This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.]

B

WGU offers $200,000 in...

Paolo Bediones back on TV

by Leah

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 14-20, 2017

PAGE B6 career fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

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

In addition to WGU Nevada,

This year has been ‘a year of dreams’ coming true for Paolo Bediones, host of Good Vibes with Paolo.

Philstar.com photo

the daily grind, the 24-hour tapings, the adrenaline rush of being on camera and the creative juices that flow endlessly.”

Fast forward to 2017. Paolo is thankful that he is back on TV. This year has been “a year of dreams” coming true for him. “I’ve finally produced and created new content for my own television program.

I’m also conducting a series of workshops on hosting, risk and redemption and how to deal with cyber bullies.”

Last January, Paolo started a project that married his two passions: Hosting and music.

“Without a clue as to how I could possibly monetize it, I invited 12 OPM bands and recorded them at my restaurant-bar,” he relates.

“Using my stint as an MTV VJ

as inspiration, I created a show where we could hear the stories behind the songs and witness the organic nature of music, while showcasing the undeniable global talent and creativity of the Filipino artist. After putting together the show and showing some episodes to Cignal TV, they decided to partner with me in my endeavor and now I am back on television with my program,Good Vibes with Paolo.”

Recently, Paolo also signed up with Viva, in what he describes as a “true partnership of interests and goals,” where he can pursue his love for TV hosting and for events, conduct workshops on various topics and subjects, and co-produce high-quality content for the company.

there are five other WGU statebased, state-endorsed universities: WGU Indiana, established in June 2010; WGU Washington, established in April 2011; WGU Texas, established in August 2011; WGU Missouri, established in February 2013; and WGU Tennessee, established in July 2013.

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

Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo...

PAGE B4 Christian evangelist named Dr. Ravi Zacharias. It was one of those moments when he saw the futility of his life and decided to commit himself to following Jesus Christ. He took a sabbatical from the limelight; in 2014 his medical license was reinstated, and a couple of years later, he was back into Vicki’s arms once again. In 2016, the two officially introduced their uber-cute and doting daughter Scarlet Snow, whose name was taken from a bible passage in Isaiah.

Now that Hayden and Vicki have promised to love each other as husband and wife, I couldn’t help but get emotional as I recall what they had to go through before they finally reached their destination. Like what our grand-

fathers would say, “sa simbahan din ang tuloy.”

To Hayden and Vicki Belo-Kho, I have nothing but best wishes to you both. It was a bumpy ride alright but it eventually led to the fairytale wedding you both deserve. *** 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

B september 14-20, 2017 • LAs VeGAs AsIAN JOUrNAL

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