Las Vegas Edition -- October 15 -- 21, 2015

LAS VEGAS

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

w w w. a s i a n

.com T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

Volume 26 - No. 41 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

O c t O be r 1 5 - 2 1 , 2 0 1 5

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

3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 • Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Sanders, Clinton take the lead in first Democratic presidential debate

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

LAs VeGAs—Democratic presidential hopefuls took to the stage for the first debate on tuesday, oct. 15 at the Wynn hotel. the two-hour debate, which was aired and moderated by CNN and

sponsored by facebook, featured five candidates: hillary Clinton, former secretary of state, senator and first lady; Bernie sanders, Us senator from Vermont; former maryland Gov. martin o’malley; Jim Webb, former Us senator from Virginia; and Lincoln Chafee,

former governor and former Us senator from rhode Island.

CNN host Anderson Cooper served as the moderator, while Dana Bash, chief political correspondent for the network, and CNN en español reporter Juan Carlos Lopez asked additional

questions.

15.3 million people tuned in on tuesday night, making it the highest-rated Democratic debate in history, the network said.

Clinton and sanders, who have been leading in the polls, got the most speaking time. the three

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

by Christina

Democratic presidential hopefuls Jim Webb, former US senator from Virgina; Bernie Sanders, US senator from Vermont; Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, senator and first lady; former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley; and Lincoln Chafee, a former governor and former US senator from Rhode Island took the stage for the CNN/Facebook debate on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

ChINA’s incursion into disputed islands in the south China sea is part of a triangle aimed at expanding its military influence close to the Us trust territory of Guam in the Western Pacific, former National security Adviser roilo Golez said tuesday, oct. 13.

PAGE A4

COnstante

AJPress

A LAs VeGAs-based non-profit organization that partnered with manny Pacquiao’s foundation sent eight tons of humanitarian aid to the Philippines in late september for children in need.

Another Joy foundation, which partnered with emmanuel and Jinkee’s heart foundation in february, delivered 10,000 toys, one million vitamin pills, 10,000 books, 2,000 slippers and a number of education materials to the Philippines using a Boeing 737.

An unloading ceremony took place on sept. 24, where Pacquiao, his wife Jinkee, and former Illocos sur Gov. Chavit singson, among PAGE A3

M. Oriel

AJPress

PH: China building Las Vegas non-profit donates aid to PH through partnership with Pacquiao foundation defense triangle at sea by agnes

email controversy has overshadowed her campaign and has been a point of attack for republicans — as she worked to regain trust from Democrats by highlighting her competency after nearly a quarter century in politics and dePAGE A2

Rep. Heck talks foreign policy, trade, local economy with LV Asian Chamber of Commerce

DATELINE Former Filipino car dealer pleads guilty to fraud in decades-old case A PhILIPPINe native who operated a large car dealership in Glendora, California before fleeing the United states nearly 30 years ago pleaded guilty monday, oct. 5, to federal charges for bank Eminiano ‘Jun’ Reodica Jr. fraud and lying to banks, according to the Us Attorney’s office.

PAGE A4

other candidates remained on the sidelines with minimal opportunities to make themselves stand out, which was crucial as this platform was their introduction to American voters. the progression of the night shifted in favor of Clinton — whose

After release of Binay graft case, Ombudsman under public scrutiny omBUDsmAN Conchita Carpio-morales has put herself under public scrutiny after the “timely” release of the resolution finding basis to criminally-charged Vice President Jejomar Binay. the office of the ombudsman made public its resolution ordering the filing of AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

PAGE A2

seafood footer ad

LAs VeGAs—rep. Joe heck spoke to members of the city’s Asian Chamber of Commerce on tuesday, oct. 13, to discuss foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region, trade and priorities he is advancing in Washington to help boost the local economy. heck began his speech by raising concern over China’s dominance in the south China sea, through which about 85 percent of the world’s goods travel. this could potentially interrupt the free flow of goods and impact the Us economy, he suggested. over 2,500 Nevada-based companies have export goods

Rep. Joe Heck AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

annually to more than 2,000 locations around the world, with China being the third largest recipient.

“We have seen China exert more and more influence over the Asia-Pacific region.

PAGE A2

A

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

october 15-21, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

From The FronT Page

Sanders, Clinton take the lead...

PAGE A1 fending her history of flip-flopping on issues like immigration, samesex marriage and trade deals.

The first question addressed that inconsistency, to which Clinton said, “Well, actually, I have been very consistent. Over the course of my entire life, I have always fought for the same values and principles, but, like most human beings — including those of us who run for office — I do absorb new information. I do look at what’s happening in the world.�

Her political leaning, whether she is a progressive or moderate, was also under question. “I’m a progressive. But I’m a progressive who likes to get things done,� she responded. “And I know how to find common ground, and I know how to stand my ground, and I have proved that in every position that I’ve had, even dealing with Republicans who never had a good word to say about me, honestly.�

When asked whether she wanted to respond to her use of a private email account while secretary of state, she firmly said “no.�

Even Sanders, Clinton’s closest opponent, came to her defense by saying Americans “are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails,� which led to agreement from Clinton and a handshake, as the crowd cheered.

In the two hours, a range of issues was discussed, from immigration, free education, gun control and national security.

On immigration, Sanders was asked to explain why he rejected Pres. Bush’s immigration overhaul in 2007 to which he responded that he has voiced concerns over guest-worker programs because of the working conditions and because temporary foreign workers do not help reduce US unemployment. “I voted against that piece of legislation because it had guestworker provisions in it which the Southern Poverty Law Center talked about being semi-slavery. Guest workers are coming in, they’re working under terrible conditions,

Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton

but if they stand up for their rights, they’re thrown out of the country,�

Sanders said. “My view right now -- and always has been -- is that when you have 11 million undocumented people in this country, we need comprehensive immigration reform, we need a path toward citizenship, we need to take people out of the shadows.�

In response to rising college costs and student loans, Sanders proposed “free� public college tuition, while Clinton said students should work 10 hours a week to earn their tuition at public institutions.

With the number of shootings in the United States, the candidates took on the issue of gun control, largely clashing over how to go about it.

Clinton criticized Sanders for not being tough enough on guns and even voting against legislation that mandated background checks. She, O’Malley and Chafee directly went after the National Rifle Association (NRA) in their responses and pressed massive gun controls, while Webb defended the 2nd Amendment.

Another moment of disagreement between Clinton and Sanders came when Sanders lashed out against the “casino capitalist process� and “Wall Street’s greed,� to which Clinton said being anti-capitalist would go against the system that built America’s middle class.

A E PAULE, CPA, LTD Member : American Institute of Certified Public Accountant (AICPA) Licensed in : California and Nevada CPA WITH OVER 15 YEARS OF EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

? TAX ? TAX ? TAX ?

!! GET YOUR TAXES DONE PROPERLY !! !! USE A PROFESSIONAL TO PREPARE YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN !! !! AVOID EXPENSIVE I.R.S. AUDITS / PENALTIES !!

Your Tax fees can be taken out of your tax refund automatically.

Ask about our “FEE COLLECT� program.

:H DUH XS WR GDWH RQ DOO ODZV )RUHFORVXUHV DQG 'HEW )RUJLYHQHVV 5HQWDO 3URSHUWLHV 3HQVLRQ ,5$ )RUHLJQ ,QFRPH DQG $VVHWV 5HSRUWLQJ )$7&$ DQG ),1&(1 6DPH 6H[ 0DUULDJH )LOLQJV 2%$0$ &$5( HWF

Business Services:

‡ 7D[ 3UHSDUDWLRQ 3ODQQLQJ 3UREOHPV ‡ &RPSLODWLRQ ‡ ,56 5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ ‡ (QWLW\ 6HOHFWLRQ DQG 5HVWUXFWXULQJ ‡ $FFRXQW 6HUYLFHV ‡ 4XLFNERRNV $FFRXQWLQJ 6RIWZDUH KHOS DVVLVWDQFH ‡ 3D\UROO ‡ 6PDOO %XVLQHVV $FFRXQWLQJ ‡ %RRNNHHSLQJ :ULWH XSV ‡ 1HZ %XVLQHVV )RUPDWLRQ ‡ 1RQ 3URILW 2UJDQL]DWLRQV ‡ ,QFRUSRUDWLRQ DQG //& FUHDWLRQ

Individual Services:

‡ 7D[ 5HWXUQ 3UHSDUDWLRQ ‡ 7D[ 3ODQQLQJ ‡ 7D[ 3UREOHPV ‡ ,56 $XGLW DQG 5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ ‡ 1RQ )LOHG 5HWXUQV ‡ %DFN 7D[HV ‡ 3D\UROO 7D[ 3UREOHPV ‡ ,56 /LHQ /HYLHV 6HL]XUHV :DJH *DUQLVKPHQWV ‡ 2IIHU ,Q &RPSURPLVH ‡ %DQNUXSWF\ ‡ ,QQRFHQW 6SRXVH 5HOLHI

A . E . PA U L E , C PA , LT D .

1771 East Flamingo Road Suite - 200A Las Vegas, Nevada 89119

Phone: 702.220.4510 / Fax: 702.220.4785 WWW.AEPAULECPA.COM $GHOLQD (OL]DEHWK “Beth� Paule, CPA

!! CPA WITH 15 PLUS YEARS OF EXTENSIVE, MULTI-FACETED EXPERIENCE!!

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

â€œâ€ŚWhen I think about capitalism, I think about all the small businesses that were started because we have the opportunity and the freedom in our country for people to do that and to make a good living for themselves and their families‌[W]e would be making a grave mistake to turn our backs on what built the greatest middle class in the history,â€? she said.

The candidates were also asked to name the “greatest national security threat to the United States�; responses included the situation in the Middle East, nuclear weapons, climate change and the US’ relationship with China.

Though there were not as many dynamic moments or bickering between candidates as seen during the past two Republican debates, the discussion provided more substance on top issues. “On this stage you didn’t hear anyone denigrate women,�

O’Malley said in his closing statement. “You didn’t hear anyone make racist comments about new American immigrants. You didn’t hear anyone speak ill of another American because of their religious belief. What you heard instead on this stage tonight was an honest search for the answers that will move our country forward‌â€?

The next Democratic debate is scheduled for Nov. 14 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Though the list of participants is yet to be disclosed, the five candidates who appeared in Las Vegas will likely be included.

Post-debate reactions After the debate, a CNN/Facebook poll showed that 81 percent of online voters thought Sanders was the winner, while 13 percent were in favor of Clinton. Scores for O’Malley, Webb and Chafee were below 3 percent.

Despite claims from Sanders’ camp that he dominated the stage, Clinton supporters praised her performance and asserted that she is the clear frontrunner in this race. “[Clinton] did really well. She showed herself to be a leader for this country‌[and] laid the groundwork for winning,â€? Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) said in the post-debate spin room, adding that Clinton demonstrated how she differs from President Barack Obama, yet how she will continue on from what he was accomplished. “I thought when she said ‘I’m a

Rep. Heck talks foreign policy, trade, local...

PAGE A1 The [country] is becoming increasingly militarily aggressive.

They’re out building their own islands in order to try to increase their territorial area throughout the Southeast Asia region,â€? he said. “It’s amazing that they’re actually‌creating an island where an island was never before, then putting an airstrip on it in order to position their military aircraft.â€?

China maintains its nine-dash line territorial claim over the entire sea, taking areas like Paracels Islands, the Pratas Islands, Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands. Earlier this summer, China announced that the creation of islands would soon be completed, where they reportedly are placing air and sea patrol units.

The country’s expansive assertion has led to ongoing disputes with Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The Philippines currently has a case against China before a United Nations arbitral court in The Hague. However, China has made it clear that it will not participate in the proceedings nor will it recognize any decision from the court.

The United States has expressed interest in helping tensions in the region with its plan

to send naval vessels to monitor close to the disputed reefs.

In addition to the sea dispute, Heck expressed another area where China poses a threat: cybersecurity. “China is becoming more and more aggressive in the cyber threat arena. They are primarily hacking into US-based companies. They’re not hacking in to get our personal information‌they’re trying to hack into companies to steal intellectual property,â€? he said.

By stealing the product plans that companies invest millions — and even billions — of dollars in developing, he said, China is able to develop cheaper versions and “flood the US market� before an American company has a chance to bring its product to the market and recoup its investments.

The FBI has continually warned companies to be wary of malicious computer programs, which could be linked to Chinese hackers. “These types of things have a direct impact on the future of our economy and the future to create jobs in the United States. The United States is trying to push back in a diplomatic way as gingerly as we can‌,â€? Heck said.

Chinese President Xi Jinxing, who had a state visit to the US

earlier this month, has denied accusations that the country was stealing industrial secrets.

Heck went on to emphasize the importance of foreign trade on Nevada’s economy, citing 350,000 jobs in the state that rely on the sector. “Clearly trade with other countries and economic prosperity for our state and nation are closely linked,� he said.

In addition to foreign policy and trade, Heck noted legislation that will help local sectors, like tourism. “The House has passed bipartisan legislation that empowers small business, reduces regulatory burdens, and extends tax relief to small companies, all of which will help grow our local economy. One of my top priorities is passing the JOLT Act, legislation that will boost job creation by bringing more international travelers and tourists to destinations within the US, like Las Vegas,� he said.

Heck, who has represented Nevada’s third district since 2011, is running under the Republican ticket for the Senate seat that will be vacated by Sen. Harry Reid.

In addition to his political service, Heck is a board-certified physician and brigadier general in the US Army Reserve.

James Yu, Walter Ho, Rep. Heck, Robert Young and Bill Wong at the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Rep. Heck was the guest speaker, discussing foreign policy, trade and the local economy.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

After release of Binay graft case, Ombudsman...

PAGE A1

graft raps against the Vice President, his son, suspended Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun�

Binay and others in connection with the overpriced Makati Parking Building.

Former University of the East (UE) Law Dean Amado Valdez, now President of the Philippine Association of Law Schools said “the timing definitely adds fuel to the question on VP Binay’s Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Makati Mayor Junjun integrity, intended or not.�

Inquirer.net photos The Binay camp said the Om- Binay. budsman should have just waited The Ombudsman said Binay is investigated yet,� said Joyas. until his term ends since the case not immune from investigation. “Selective prosecution is obvicould not be filed.

The resolution was released ous and manifest,� said Joyas.

PAGE A4 the same day the Vice President Among the unresolved cases filed his certificate of candidacy involving administration allies for President. were two complaints against BudREAD: Binay, Honasan un- get Secretary Florencio “Butchâ€? fazed; file COCs amid corruption Abad. charges While Abad is already being “The Ombudsman put itself subjected to preliminary investihere under public scrutiny‌The gation over the controversial Disagency is bigger than any of bursement Acceleration Program, the players in this drama,â€? said he is facing a separate case in Valdez. connection with the multi-bilFormer Integrated Bar of the lion-peso pork barrel fund scam.

Philippines (IBP) President Vi- Named respondents along with cente Joyas meanwhile said it ap- Abad were President Benigno pears that there is a concentration Aquino III and Agriculture Secreon the Binay cases. tary Proceso Alcala. “It seems that a timeline was The Department of Agriculture set that the resolution be done served as one of the implementing before the filing of the certificate agencies of PDAF disbursing the of candidacy,� he added. funds to purported bogus NGOs. Meanwhile, Joyas also acAnother plunder complaint was cused Ombudsman Morales of later filed against Alcala, in June “selective prosecution� because 2014, for his involvement in a purcases against administration allies ported overpriced “midnight� rice gather dust in her office. importation deal from Vietnam. It “I am just surprised why the was one of four plunder cases other cases involving some Cabiagainst the agriculture secrenet members and for plunder filed tary that remain pending with the before the Binay cases are not Ombudsman.(Inquirer.net)

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

Dateline USa

Las Vegas non-profit donates aid to PH through...

PAGE A1 others, were present.

The mission of Another Joy is to deliver joy and hope to children and families in need through clothes, new school supplies and toys. Its founder, Alden Crowley, is the CEO and president of a company that purchases, refurbishes and sells or leases airplanes. He established the organization after delivering an empty Boeing 737 commercial aircraft to Cambodia in 2006.

The plane he flew was empty, and he learned afterward that it could hold up to six tons of weight.

“Right then it hit me that I needed to start an organization to utilize these resources available to me,” Crowley told Asian Journal in May. Another Joy and Pacquiao’s foundation officially became partners in February. The aircraft used

A

Washington pauses to honor Fil-Am History Month

by Jon

Melegrito Inquirer.net

with Filipino Americans assuming the role of “swing voters.”

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – relatively smaller states but with significant numbers of Filipino Americans asserting their presence.

And 21 US Representatives, all Democrats. A handful of Republicans were expected to sign on but a leadership crisis (triggered by a failure to elect House Speaker John Boehner’s successor) got in the way.

The congressional resolution basically notes the contributions to America by Filipinos and Filipino Americans, notably World War II veterans, farm workers and labor leaders, nurses, doctors and health professionals, artists and architects, educators and entertainers, entrepreneurs and elected officials.

Obama’s proclamation But it was President Obama who kicked-off the national commemoration with his October 1 Proclamation. He enjoined all Americans to reflect on “the struggles and victories of the many Filipino Americans who have helped shaped our Nation” and to “celebrate the extraordinary ways Filipino Americans have contributed to our country.”

The president noted that the victory of Allied forces during World War II was “made possible

in part by thousands of Filipino Americans who fought for our Nation but who, for far too long, were denied the compensation they had earned.”

The next day, Obama hosted – through the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) – more than 200 Filipino American leaders from across the country.

They toured the White House in the morning, and in the afternoon they assembled in a large hall where they were addressed and entertained by Nani Coloretti, the highest ranking Filipino American in the Obama administration and the Number Two official in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas and a few others.

Timed with the occasion for maximum effect was the muchawaited announcement that the Department of Homeland Security would soon be processing parole visas for families of Filipino World War II veterans. No less than Leon Rodriguez, director of the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, broke the news to a cheering crowd.

It will be recalled that President Obama, frustrated by Congress’ inability to pass comprehensive immigration reform, has taken upon himself to issue executive orders granting immigration relief to undocumented immigrants.

PAGE A4

WASHINGTON, DC—Despite infighting and partisan bickering among the nation’s elected leaders about how to avert government shutdowns or deal with climate change, some of them at AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal least took the time last week to focus on something less controto deliver the aid was an airplane month.

In giving back to the Philippines, versial. purchased by Singson.

Like recognizing Filipino AmerCrowley, who is one-quarter the foundation is focused on providFilipino, is planning to continue giv- ing prenatal vitamins, as Crowley ican History Month (FAHM).

October is a month celebrated ing to the Philippines in the future was informed that mothers often by transporting 40-foot containers receive insufficient nutrition during by the nearly four million Filipinos containing approximately $2.5 mil- pregnancy, resulting in children be- and Filipino Americans, many of whom call America home, and lion or more worth of humanitarian ing born with deficiencies.

Since it was founded, Another that figure certainly matters come aid to the country from Las Vegas.

He hopes to eventually be able Joy has donated more than $60 mil- election time.

Introduced October 8 by US to boost shipments to once each lion worth of aid worldwide.

Senator Maize Hirono (Dem.-Hawaii) and US Rep. Mike Honda (Dem.-Calif.), the FAHM resolution bills itself as “bipartisan” and bankruptcy in 1988. Filipino pro- “bicameral,” which means it has their auto loans.

Afterward, it was found that fessionals, many of whom were the broad support of Democrats Reodica hid from banks that cus- doctors, were among those who and Republicans. It’s a rarity in tomers were delinquent on their invested in Reodica’s business. this very politically polarized auto loan payments, that his em- Some families also had to file for town. ployees allegedly made payments bankruptcy, according to a 2014 Among the supporters: for delinquent customers, that Asian Journal report.

Democrat Harry Reid and ReIn 1992, Reodica became an publican Dean Heller, US Senahe repossessed and resold cars without informing banks, and Australian citizen under the name tors from Nevada – a state with the that he erased negative informa- Roberto Abrian Coscolluela, Jr., fastest growing Filipino population on customers’ credit reports, according to court documents. tion in the nation. according to a 2014 Asian Jour- He lived in Australia for two deRepublican Senator Mark Kirk cades where he defrauded cus- of Illinois and Democratic Senanal report.

The fraudulent scheme further tomers, posing as an accountant, tor Tim Kaine of Virginia – two involved employees who were real estate agent and insurance key states, which always figure instructed to forge customer agent in Cairns and Brisbane. prominently in national elections, signatures on car contracts. The Court records and sources from forged contracts would then be Brisbane allege that Reodica, as Coscolleula, defrauded several promised to a second bank.

Reodica also admitted he di- members of the Filipino-Austrarected his employees to take lian community.

Authorities arrested Reodica at loans for cars they weren’t actually buying, as a means of bringing Los Angeles International Airport more money into the dealership. in November 2012, during a layThe 1994 indictment claimed that over on a flight to Canada. Travthose cars would be sold to deal- eling under his Australian alias, ership customers; the dealership Reodica was requested by airport would then make payments on security to complete a fingerprint the employee loans and include scan, which revealed his identity.

“The guilty pleas by this defenthe fraudulent sales in their reports to persuade investors to dant should be a warning to all continue financing the operation, fugitives facing charges in federal court that the United States according to court documents.

In a September 1988 inter- Department of Justice and the view with the Los Angeles Times, United States Attorney’s Office Imperial Savings lawyer Vic- have a very long memory,” said tor Vilaplana called Reodica’s United States Attorney Eileen M. scheme “one of the most elabo- Decker of the Central District of rate and well-conceived scams California.

Reodica will be sentenced in imaginable.”

A number of investors in Re- February 2016. He faces up to 79 Among the dozens of US Senators and US Representatives who signed the bipartisan Resolution recognizing Filipino American History Month odica’s scam, including Impe- years in federal prison and a $6.5 are (from left, back row) Sen. Tim Kaine (Dem.-Virginia), Rep. Juan Vargas (Dem.-Calif.), Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Dem.-Hawaii), Rep. Joe Heck rial Savings, suffered financially million fine or two times the loss (Rep.-Nevada) and Sen. Maize Hirono, seen in this photo with Filipino World War II veterans, including Maj. Gen. Taguba (left) at a June 8 press after Grand Chevrolet filed for that resulted in his offenses. conference.

Inquirer.net photos by Jon Melegrito

Former Filipino car dealer pleads guilty to...

PAGE A1 Eminiano “Jun” Reodica Jr., 71, entered his plea a day before he was scheduled to go to trial in Los Angeles, City News Service reported, admitting to defrauding banks out of nearly $50 million in the 1980s. At the time, Reodica was president of Grand Wilshire Group of Companies, which included Grand Chevrolet, then the country’s third-largest car dealership.

He further admitted to engaging in schemes to defraud banks and making false statements to at least five banks from 1984 to 1988, according to a release from the US Attorney’s Office. Among these banks include First Central Bank, First Los Angeles Bank, Imperial Savings, Manilabank and Union Bank. Specifically, Reodica admitted to simultaneously promising the same car contract as collateral to two different banks.

Press reports in the 1980s told the story of how Reodica initially worked as a busboy at restaurants in Los Angeles and then went on to own one of America’s largest dealerships.

However, when investigations into the business began as it was collapsing in 1988, Reodica fled to the Philippines.

A 1994 indictment filed against Reodica stated that lenders who approved substantial lines of credit to his dealership were allegedly impressed with his highrisk customers’ ability to make on-time monthly payments on

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 15-21, 2015

A

Dateline USa

october 15-21, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

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

Sanders, Clinton take the lead...

PAGE A2 progressive who could get things done,’ that kind of summed it up and it was the best combination of ‘I’m right there on the issues that people care about but I know how to make it happen,’ added Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.).

She noted that much of the focus on Tuesday was on domestic policy, but has no doubt that foreign policy — an area Clinton has expertise in — will be brought up in later debates.

“I think all of the candidates sounded so much better than the Republicans. There is general consensus that we need to have comprehensive immigration reform.

Senator Clinton laid out a plan for expanding DACA and DAPA and making sure the children here are able to go to school, get a job and obtain their potential. So, I’m very pleased that they are making this a priority,” Titus said.

Titus, who represents Nevada’s 1st District, which has a large concentration of Asian residents, particularly Filipinos and Chinese, said she will continue mobilizing voters leading up to the election.

“Education for children in the Asian community is very important — they want their children to get ahead and I respect that. A number of Asians in my district own small businesses so they want to be sure that the economy is moving forward and that the tax structure benefits them,” she said.

A rally for Clinton was scheduled on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 14, at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, before she continues on the cam-

paign trail.

In Southern California, a coalition of Filipinos is gearing up to launch Filipinos for Hillary next week. “…I know [Clinton] will be the best advocate in the Oval Office for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Her campaign is the only campaign that has reached out to the community and is actively engaging with us and for this I will make sure she wins in 2016,” said Melissa Ramoso, immediate past state chair of the Filipino American Democratic Caucus for the California Democratic Party who is spearheading efforts for Filipinos for Hillary.

Ramoso, who watched the debate with her socially conservative parents, said that it’s important for AAPIs to recognize Clinton’s track record of listening to and fighting for the community.

Despite the rally of support for Democratic contenders, Republicans have reacted to what was discussed on Tuesday.

“Tonight’s Democrat debate proves once again that the Democrats are only interested in promoting an out-of-touch liberal agenda and not providing long-term solutions to everyday issues facing Filipino Americans. Republicans will continue working toward earning the trust of voters across the country – something Hillary Clinton and the Democrats have failed to do,” Ninio Fetalvo, APA Press Secretary for the Republican National Committee (RNC), said.

RNC chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement that the debate

was predictable and showed the “weak caliber of Clinton’s competition.”

“Clinton’s record of hypocrisy and flip-flops on everything from Wall Street, trade, immigration, and foreign policy was on full display. Her unwillingness to fully explain the circumstances surrounding her secret email server, and the ongoing FBI investigation into it, further damages her credibility,” he said. “Judging from tonight, it’s clear why the Democrat National Committee limited the number of debates – their bench of candidates for the most powerful office in the world is laughable at best. Clinton needed to shine and she came up short.”

Real estate mogul and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who live tweeted the “boring” debate, wrote that, “there is no STAR on the stage tonight!” “[Clinton] got through it fine.

It was a very kind debate, very gentle. She came out the winner,” Trump later told ABC, adding that Sanders missed his chance to attack Clinton.

There is no word yet on whether Vice President Joe Biden will enter the Democratic race, though he is expected to announce his decision sometime this week. Even with Clinton’s strong performance on Tuesday, supporters are still pushing for the vice president to run.

When asked to comment to about the debate, Biden briefly told reporters in Washington, “I thought every one of those folks last night…I thought they all did well.”

PH: China building defense triangle...

PAGE A1 Golez, 68, a former Parañaque representative, told a breakfast forum that he met in Japan with a group of experts with military and strategic defense background early this year. He said they all concluded that Beijing was building a South China Sea triangle that started with its control of the Paracel Islands.

The graduate of the Philippine Military Academy and the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, said the triangle expanded to its second point in the Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef), Zamora Reef (Subi Reef) and Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef), all within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief appear to have 3-kilometer-long

runways that can accommodate all the aircraft in the inventory of China’s Air Force such as fighters, bombers, transport and surveillance planes,” Golez said.

The third point in the triangle is Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal), which is also inside Philippine territory, he said, adding that China recently sent a survey ship to Recto Bank (Reed Bank), which President Aquino promised to defend in his 2011 State of the Nation Address.

“If they (Chinese) can complete this triangle, they will have full control of the South China Sea. This will be a game changer, it will affect our security and the region,” Golez warned.

The triangle, according to Golez, would provide China with a first

defense line that would prevent hostile forces from going to China through the South China Sea, and a second defense line through which its naval and air forces could cover the West Pacific to prevent the US 7th Fleet from coming to the aid of its allies in the region.

“Through Scarborough, China can deploy fighter planes and bombers over Borneo, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia and employ an antiaccess, area denial strategy to prevent the 7th Fleet from going inside or going close.

China can declare South China Sea an aerial defense identification zone,” Golez said.

He said China had built a killer missile, which could destroy any of America’s vaunted aircraft carriers.

(Inquirer.net)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) was met by Gayle Anderson, international protocol officer for City of Las Vegas & Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, and Rita Vaswani, president of the Las Vegas India Chamber of Commerce, at the sideline of the Prime Minister’s visit at San Jose, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 26. Modi was in the country to boost economic partnership between the Indian economy and Silicon Valley. He also encouraged Indo-Americans to contribute to this goal.

Washington pauses to honor Fil-Am...

PAGE A1 Knowing how broken the immigration system is, the president also took executive action to fasttrack the visa petitions of family members who have been waiting for years (20 in most cases) to reunite with their aging parents.

It is estimated that from 2,000 to 6,000 Filipino Veterans still residing in the US will benefit from this humanitarian gesture.

Call to action The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), a bipartisan group of lawmakers, also noted the valuable role Filipinos – notably World War II veterans – have played in the nation’s pursuit of peace and prosperity.

On October 1, CAPAC hosted a press conference in the US Capitol. Led by Sen. Maize Hirono (Dem.-Hawaii), and joined by US Representatives Mike Honda (Dem.-Calif.), Grace Meng (Dem.New York), Mark Takai (Dem. Hawaii) and Madeleine Bordallo (Dem.-Guam), they called on their colleagues to sign on to the Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015. Its passage will once and for all secure official rec-

ognition of the 260,000 Filipino and Filipino American soldiers who served in World War II. In the days following the kickoff events, a number of Filipino Americans from California, Florida Illinois, Nevada, Texas and Washington fanned out to different Capitol Hill offices, urging their US Representatives and Senators to support the Congressional Gold Medal legislation. As a result, seven more Senators and four more US Representatives signed up as co-sponsors.

Month in the sun Just hours before the October 1 deadline, on the morning after Congress voted to avert a government shutdown, Obama expressed relief and remarked that “we should celebrate where we can.” Soon after, he issued his proclamation calling for the celebration of Filipino American History Month.

As it turned out, averting a shutdown was propitious, which made the celebration happen: CAPAC didn’t have to cancel its press conference; the White House Initiative on Asian American Pacific Islanders didn’t have to postpone

the Tour and White House event; and Capitol Hill offices remained open for their constituents.

“You know, it’s a good indicator that you’ve arrived when you don’t only have your own month but that the White House is saying they want to celebrate it, too,” said Coloretti in her opening keynote remarks.

“The Filipino American culture deserves its month in the sun,” chimed in New York Senator Chuck Schumer in his press statement honoring FAHM. But the sun was nowhere to be found in Washington’s dark skies during the first three days of October. Hurricane Joaquin was passing through and tried to grab all the attention. But it didn’t matter. The spirit of Filipino American History Month in the nation’s capital asserted itself with Pinoy-style humor and laughter, despite relentless drizzle and soggy weather.

“Well take this over a government shutdown, anytime, rain or shine,” said Rozita Villanueva Lee, former WHIAAPI Commissioner who flew in from sunny Las Vegas.

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

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 15-21, 2015

A

D ateline PhiliPPines Comelec, DFA urged to extend overseas Australia looking to send refugees to PH absentee voting registration deadline

by JAden

gArCiA

Philstar.com

MANILA—A Filipino migrant group has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Foreign Affairs-Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat (DFA-OAVS) to extend the registration of overseas absentee voters (OAV), which ends on Oct. 31, 2015.

“We understand that the OAV registration will be ending on October 31. However, there are more overseas Filipinos who have manifested their willingness to register so that they can vote for the incoming national elections,” John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said.

Monterona said since OAV registration requires personal appearance, many overseas Filipinos in the Middle East and other regions have difficulty in reaching the Philippine diplomatic post due to work and financial constraints Though there are scheduled field mobile registrations, Monterona said that they should also be conducted outside the major cities to reach more Filipinos.

Last week, the Comelec and DFA-OAVS announced the exten-

There are 1,103,809 registered Filipino voters overseas.

sion of the reactivation of overseas voters who have failed to vote during the two previous succeeding elections, until December 31.

“We welcome the Comelec and DFA-OAVS decision to extend the reactivation period until December 31. But many OFWs will be more than happy if the overseas voters’ registration will also be extended until the 2nd week of January 2016,”Monterona said.

He said that Migrante chapters will be sending OAV extension letter request to Comelec and Philippine diplomatic posts.

Monterona said all Migrante chapters, allies and networks of OFW groups were in fully mobilized to reach out OFWs, urging them to register especially during the remaining Fridays of October.

As of September 2015, as per Comelec-DFA-OAVS statistical report, there are 1,103,809 registered voters overseas.

Middle East and North Africa registered voters 475,729, Asia Pacific with 278,060, North and Latin America with 222,661, and Europe with 127,359.

MILF, MNLF sign ‘unified declaration’ for approval of BBL

by John

Unson Philstar.com

MAGUINDANAO—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Tuesday, Oct. 13 signed a “unified declaration” calling for the approval the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as an embodiment of each other’s separate peace pacts with Malacañang.

The two-page declaration was signed in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao by the figurehead of the MILF, Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, and former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema, chairman of the largest of three factions in the MNLF. The crafting of the declaration, where both groups warned of rejection of a “diluted BBL,” was witnessed by representatives from various civil society organizations and officials of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT).

The draft BBL is still pending in Congress, mired by controversies and constitutionality issues. Senate has its own version of the bill, but stripped of most of what are for the MILF important provisions needed to address the decadesold Moro rebellion in Southern Mindanao.

Murad and Sema acknowledged extensively in separate messages the presence in the event of the representatives of IMT, which is comprised of soldiers from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Libya and non-uniformed conflict-resolution experts from Norway, Japan and the European Union.

The IMT has been helping enforce the government-MILF interim non-aggression pact since the late 2003.

Murad and Sema had both said enacting the draft BBL into law, based on its original draft, is a fulfillment of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro between Malacañang and the MILF and the September 2, 1996 government-MNLF final truce.

They also both stated in their unified declaration that only a BBL patterned from the draft submitted to Congress by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) can address the nagging decades-old Mindanao Moro issue.

The BTC, chaired by the MILF’s chief negotiator, Muhaquer Iqbal, is comprised of seven representatives each from the rebel group and the government.

Sema’s group, the largest from among three factions in the MNLF, is not hostile to the MILF. Sema said they will readily recognize and honor the BBL if passed into law according to its original draft as proposed by the MILF-led BTC, The founder of the MNLF, Nur Misuari, who also leads another faction in the group, is rabidly opposed to President Benigno Aquino III’s diplomatic dealings with the MILF. Sema said Misuari has turned his back from the Mindanao peace process by reverting to the MNLF’s original demand of independence of Moro communities from Philippine sovereignty.

The MNLF-MILF unified declaration also stated that both groups are to reject any BBL which is not a prototype of the proposed measure the BTC drafted.

The proposed BBL is the enabling measure for the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with a more politically and administratively empowered Bangsam-

MILF’s Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim (left) and Muslimin Sema of the MNLF (right) sign a declaration, recognizing the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law as a convergence of the separate peace accords of their respective groups with Malacañang.

Philstar.com photo by John Unson

oro political entity.

The declaration also called on Mindanao’s Moro communities to continue supporting the Mindanao peace process and the efforts of President Aquino and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to put diplomatic closure to the decades-old secessionist uprising in the country’s south.

The OIC, a bloc of more than 50 Muslim states, including petroleum-exporting countries in the Middle East and North Africa, helped broker the now 19-year government-MNLF peace agreement.

Sema and Murad had told reporters, after the signing of the unified declaration, the government should consider as dividend of the peace process their

respective groups’ having opted for self-rule under the Philippine flag instead of secession from the country as originally demanded.

The event, held at the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in west of Sultan Kudarat town, was witnessed by about a thousand field commanders of the rebel group and MNLF community leaders from across Mindanao.

Also present in the ceremonial signing of the unified declaration were MNLF representatives from the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi area, among them former ARMM Assemblyman Hatimil Hassan and Muslimin Jakilan, who is incumbent regional labor secretary of the autonomous region, both ethnic Yakans from the island province of Basilan.

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

WITH asylum seekers from remote Pacific islands attempting to reach Australia illegally by boat, the country has engaged in talks with the Philippines for their possible relocation, Australia’s immigration minister said Friday, Oct. 9.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton declined to release details of the deal, but a report from The Australian stated it could cost more than 150 million Australian dollars ($108 million).

Furthermore, multiple reports have stated there has been verbal confirmation between officials from both countries that the deal would move forward.

The Australian reported that Bishop met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario on the sidelines of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, and received verbal assurance that the refugee agreement would materialize.

Similarly, a report from The Daily Telegraph quoted Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton saying: “We have had bilateral discussions with other countries including the Philippines at an official level, at a ministerial level, over a number of months and the foreign minister obviously spoke with her counterpart in New York.”

According to Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, spokesperson for the DFA, a meeting between del Rosario and Bishop covered areas of the countries’ bilateral relations, with a focus on working toward a comprehensive partnership, Inquirer reported.

Asylum seekers have long been a controversial political issue in Australia, although the country has never experienced the influx of refugees currently entering Europe. Australia refuses to take in refugees who try to reach its shores by boat and instead pays Nauru and Papua New Guinea, which has a detention center on Manus Island, to hold them.

Australia currently has a $29 million deal with Cambodia, which it struck last year, to resettle refugees. However, with only four refugees having moved there, the agreement has been called a waste of money. The Cambodia plan has received further criticism from hu-

man rights groups that claim the country, given its history of poverty, corruption and human rights abuse, is not an optimal new home for refugees.

Similar concerns have been raised for the Philippines.

“It is just shameful that a developed nation like Australia would refuse these refugees and instead move to have them relocated to a struggling, developing country like the Philippines,” said Renato M. Reyes Jr., secretary general of Philippine advocacy group Bayan.

The Associated Press reported that Dutton addressed guarantees of safety Australia could offer refugees who settle in the Philippines, which is combating terrorism and violent kidnappings.

“We can provide the same guarantees that we can to Australians that travel to the Philippines each year, the expats that live in the Philippines and across southeast Asia or other parts of the world,” he said.

Bernard Kerblat, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees representative to the Philippines, said Australia realized the poor conditions of asylum seekers in Manus Island and Nauru, after which it reached the deal with Cambodia last year.

“But there were questions raised about the appropriateness of the agreement,” Kerblat said,

according to Inquirer, noting that Australia has been handing its commitment to the 1951 Refugee Convention to another state.

“Assuming that Australia is speaking with the Philippines on this, there is already a problem when Australia pushes the refugee back to the sea and park them in those two islands,” Kerblat added.

While Dutton did not reveal details on the number of refugees that could be resettled or a timeframe on the deal, he confirmed Friday that Australia is talking to multiple countries.

“We have been very open to discussions for a long period of time with those partners because we have been very clear about the fact that people on Nauru and people on Manus who have sought to come to our country illegally by boat won’t be settling in Australia,” Dutton told reporters. “We have a bilateral agreement with Cambodia. If we can strike other arrangements with other countries, we will do that.”

Dutton added that the country will continue to negotiate with the Philippines because there “is good faith on both sides.”

“If we can strike an agreement that is in the best interests of our country and from the Philippines’ perspective, their country, we will arrive at that point,” Dutton said.

A

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

OctOber 15-21, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

OpiniOn

Defensive

Features

MILITARY superpower China is not afraid to flex its muscles as it once again asserted sovereignty over its reclaimed islands in the South China Sea. It warned any country against taking “risky and provocative action” by attempting to come within 12 nautical miles of the islands.

“We ask relevant parties to speak and act discreetly, respect China’s sovereignty and security interests, and do not make any provocative moves,” Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hua Chunying said.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent this stern warning following a planned deployment of US Navy ships in territorial waters claimed by China.

Earlier, the US Pacific Command (USPACOM) presented the White House and Pentagon leaders the option to conduct a freedom of navigation exercises off of the disputed territory. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that the US would, “fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as US forces do all over the world.”

The Philippines welcomed this development and echoed the clamor for freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Charles Jose said that if the US “decides to send naval vessels within 12 nautical miles of the reclaimed low-tide elevation features in affirmation of this objective, this would be consistent with

international law and a rules-based order for the region.”

China and the Philippines have competing claims to some parts of the South China Sea. China claims the largest swathe of the strategic water, which is believed to have significant oil and gas deposits.

It has continuously rejected other nations’ claim (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei) on the strategic waters.

Citing peaceful resolution on the jurisdiction over the disputed waters, the Philippines has pleaded its case to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). It is now awaiting results of the preliminary hearings over the Philippine claim.

The ITLOS is an intergovernmental organization created through the directive of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed at Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Dec. 10, 1982.

Ironically, China is a signatory of the UN charter, which is governed by the rules and principles of general international law. Under the UNCLOS, all parties have agreed to “due regard for the sovereignty of all States, a legal order for the seas and

Editorial

Inquirer.net photo

oceans which will facilitate international communication, and will promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans, the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preservation of the marine environment.”

To ensure the general peace and to obviate the recourse to force, all parties involved should be

reminded of their adherence to international law.

In international conflicts such as the South China Sea dispute, multilateralism should be the detente before affected parties turn to belligerent forces.

The principles representing international law are simple, they are based upon universally accepted values and moral standards to achieve global peace and order. (AJPress)

Kababayans react to law allowing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients

CALIFORNIA has joined Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont when Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that legalizes assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. Beginning January 1, doctors can prescribe medication to end a patient’s life if two doctors agree the person has only six months to live and is mentally competent to make such decision.

Supporters of the bill said the measure would help end-stage cancer and other patients to die with less pain and suffering, allowing people who are terminally ill to die with dignity and greater comfort. Those who oppose the law contend that unscrupulous caregivers or relatives could pressure vulnerable patients to take their own lives.

As a compromise with lawmakers who were worried about unintended consequences, such as the targeting of the poor, elderly and disabled, the law will expire after 10 years unless extended.

Our kababayans around the world have mixed reactions about this law and here are some of their comments: Ramon Yadao from Manila stated: “Yes. My life.

My terms.”

Rowena Orejana from New Zealand said NO, sharing the following reasons from the website NZCatholic.com, articulated by Dr. Peter Saunders, the campaign director of the United Kingdom-based Care Not Killing Alliance.

“In the UK, there are four reasons why politicians are against the bill.

The first is public safety. ‘If you change the law, you inevitably end up putting pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives out of fear of being either a financial or emotional burden upon others.

And so it’s been all about protecting the vulnerable

people, particularly those who are elderly depressed, or who are The Fil-Am disabled or sick,’ he said.

The second is that the status Perspective quo is okay. He said the law is clearly defined and in cases where there are justifiable causes, few end up in jail. ‘The best laws are those that give clear-cut bound- Gel SantoS-ReloS aries. We say, you must not travel above 100km/h on the highway. We don’t say it’s 100km/h unless you’ve got a sick child or you’re late for a really important appointment,’ he said.

‘It’s clear. Then, we deal with cases of those, after proper investigation, that have [a] legitimate excuse.’

He said there are limits to personal freedom.

‘We are not entitled to the freedoms which undermine the reasonable freedoms of others. Changing the law for a small group of determined people actually removes legal protection from a much wider group of vulnerable people who then become prey to those with an interest in their deaths,’ he stressed.

The third reason, he said, is when there is good palliative care, requests for assisted deaths are rare. The fourth is the fact that opposition comes from a lot of different groups. Dr. Saunders said legalising physician-assisted suicide is not a slippery slope but more of a ‘mission creep’ or an ‘incremental extension’. ‘Sympathetic doctors will try to widen it. If you think about their main arguments, choice and compassion, those could apply to a wide range of people.’

He said people will put a value on human life, whether or not it is still financially or emotionally

viable. ‘It’s the relative costs of chemotherapy, palliative care and lethal drugs. Is that a temptation that we want to put in front of our legislators?” he asked.”

Leandro Quinatana from Hawthorne, California intimated: “If living with extreme, unendurable pain, an individual should have the legal option to end his life in a civilized and dignified manner.”

Teta Limcangco from Manila tweeted: “This is a tough question but at the end of the day ..it still boils down to one’s conscience. IMHO… I doubt if that bill will pass here coy. RHbill nga, pahirapan pa.”

Alvinture8 from Manila also tweeted: “I prefer natural death, I still believe in miracles.”

Amber Khan, a doctor from New Jersey, wrote: “I do believe in life and I believe in God. I don’t believe in taking over the role of God. The multibillion dollar Pharmaceutical Pain Industry can make [the] end of life comfortable, till it is the end of life! Every life will come to its natural end.

Would I ever want to suffer? No!!! But will I kill myself or put that burden on another person? ABSOLUTELY NOT! As a doctor, over the years I have learned that people have a very different threshold for pain, suffering, or even patience.

Please be mindful and ask yourselves that once euthanasia is legalized, who will determine that it is ok to end a person’s life, when pain and its perception is so subjective! When every doctor has a different threshold for dealing with patients who are suffering? Do you want me to kill you because

you are taking too much of my time, my emotions, and my endurance? And then, remember, that the Hippocratic Oath, that we as doctors, take to heart, and what drives us to take care of every life, regardless of anything, including our own safety i.e. driving in a blizzard with unpaved roads or regardless of the fact that we will never be paid because you don’t have insurance, will mean nothing!

So Dear advocates of euthanasia, kill yourselves! Deal with the consequences. Or let your loved ones live with that burden! Do not make your doctor your scape goats! Or seek an expert field of amazing Pain Management Doctors. Your Insurance covers it. YES! It is your life. It is on your terms!

Extreme pain? You want to end your life in a dignified manner by asking a doctor to drown you with Morphine? Where is the dignity there?

So please, before you all start with the right to die because you can’t take it, or you can’t let your family suffer, think about the implications, the manipulation by family members when a patient can’t speak for themselves, or even the convenience of a doctor who now will be given the power not to just save lives, but takes lives! Talk about the God Complex!!!!! And keep in mind, once euthanasia is legalized, you won’t ever be able to trust your doctor. One of the last breeds of humans, still living and fighting every day for their patients at the expense of everything and everyone in their lives. “ *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos

Philippine politics, the movie WE probably won’t live long enough to Street see it, but there could yet be a feature film Talk on Philippine politics, in the tradition that has apparently been established by the film, Heneral Luna, GreG B. MacaBenta which depicts Philippine history’s most prominent personalities as transactional, self-serving and self-preserving individuals. Heroes with feet of clay.

But unlike the biopic about Gen. Antonio Luna, I hope that the makers of Politikang Pilipinas will treat it like the Japanese film classic,Rashomon, with satirical touches such as those in Manuel Conde’s Juan Tamad Goes To Congress.

The film directed by Akira Kurosawa told the story of a man’s murder and the rape of his wife from the perspective of four people, each version different from the others. Conde’s satire, on the other hand, was about the den of crooks and charlatans that everyone wants to get elected to, in a pre-Hispanic setting of datus and maharlikas.

It was obvious whom Conde was satirizing. The actor who played the datu could have passed for a twin brother of then President Carlos P. Garcia. Rashomon, on the other, drove home the point that the truth is in the

eye of the beholdernarrator or the writerhistorian.

In today’s mediasaturated environment, the truth about Philippine politics and its various characters and personalities is in the version presented by the demolition specialist or the professional apologist – but most of all, the truth is in the eye of the journalist, based on that person’s political, ideological or financial persuasion. Thus, the need for a Rashomon treatment.

Take the Aquinos for instance, with two presidents (Noynoy Aquino and Cory Aquino), several senators (Ninoy, Butch, Tessie Oreta and Bam) and assorted public officials in the clan. Ninoy, who was assassinated at the Manila international airport after having declared that the Filipino was worth dying for, has virtually been declared a national hero. But in a Rashomon type of retelling of Philippine history, Ninoy’s father, Benigno Aquino, Sr., could be portrayed both as a statesman who served the Philippine commonwealth with distinction and as a Japanese collaborator who was tried for treason by the American liberation forces.

Cory, who has practically been elevated to sainthood by her admirers “for

restoring Philippine democracy,” could also be portrayed as a wealthy housewife who was thrust, ill-prepared, into the presidency; who, by her incompetence, allowed members of her family to enrich themselves and who presided over a new Philippine constitution to which many of our country’s economic and political ills may be traced.

Noynoy – Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III - our current president, may be different from the classic Rashomon characters, because in this case, while there are contrasting perceptions of him by supporters and detractors, he has an entirely fanciful perception of himself that is not necessarily grounded in reality.

Thus the Rashomon-style treatment of his presidency will depict him as a knight in shining armor who saved the country from the clutches of the evil couple, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, and set it on the Straight Path (Tuwid na Daan) to economic progress and corruption-free governance.

In that version, all the problems of the country, well into the sixth year of Aquino’s presidency, will be blamed on the Arroyos and her minions.

To add a Conde-style satirical touch to that version, even the defeat of GILAS by the Chinese basketball team will be blamed on Arroyo (i.e., Arroyo played footsies with China over the

Spratleys which Noynoy denounced and which caused the rift between China and the Philippines, which in turn motivated the Chinese basketball team to trounce the Philippine contingent).

On the other hand, the not-so-flattering portrayal of Aquino will be all about his being a palpak and manhid (incompetent and insensitive) Malacañang occupant whose working hours are limited to the brief period between waking up and going to sleep, and who leaves it to his Rasputin, Budget Secretary Butch Abad, his former bodyguard, Gen. Alan Purisima, and his kabarilan, kaklase and kapartido (shooting buddies, classmates and political partymates) to ransack the country’s coffers and run the government to the ground. Appropriate Conde-like depictions of Metro Manila traffic, NAIA Terminal One and the MRT, intercutting with scenes of Filipinos in a torture chamber, will be incorporated in this version.

Then, of course, there will be Aquino’s perception of himself: well-loved, incorruptible, unerring, completely innocent of the Mamasapano massacre, the unconstitutional Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) and the stag party at the Liberal Party event in Laguna, featuring half-naked girls.

He will be shown with both hands in a prayerful pose, lily white from habitual washing, and above his head will

be a saintly halo plus a balloon that declares, “It’s their fault!”

Who else will be depicted in Politikang Pilipinas? Vice-President Jejomar Binay will be portrayed by Senator Antonio Trillanes as the King of Kurakot and by Makati residents as their Supreme Benefactor. Mar Roxas will have be depicted as Aquino’s loyal reformist and champion of Tuwid na Daan while his critics will portray him as the Prince of Palpak and poster boy for government incompetence.

Senator Grace Poe will have the most interesting Rashomon-style portrayal of all. As an American. As a Filipino.

As a Filipino American. As a foundling and adopted daughter of FPJ and Susan Roces. As a biological daughter of FPJ and Susan Roces. As a love child of President Ferdinand Marcos and Rosemarie Sonora. As the Great White Hope for the Philippine presidency.

And as the Great Pretender. The last will have the famous song of the Platters as background music.

Senate President Franklin Drilon will also have a multi-faceted portrayal in the literal rather than the figurative sense. He will be shown with several faces attached to his enormous frame.

As an Arroyo loyalist. As an Aquino loyalist. And as a loyalist of whoever wins the presidency. A fourth face will show him as Mae Paner alias Juana PAGE A7

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.

ADVertISING AND ADVertOrIAL POLIcIeS ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

Main Office: 1210 S. brand blvd Glendale, cA 91204 tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Manila Office: 2/F D&e Fort Palm Springs cond.

30th St., cor. 1st Ave., bonifacio Global city, taguig tel.: (632) 856-4921 • 856-0397 • Fax: (632) 856-1661

Northern california: 1001 bayhill Drive, Suite 200, San bruno, cA 94066 tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152

New York office: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (213) 481-0854

Las Vegas Sales Office: 3700 W. Desert Inn road Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

New Jersey office: 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey city, NJ 07306 tel.: (212) 655-5426. • Fax (213) 481-0854

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer ROBERT MACABAGDAL Vice President & General Manager Las Vegas Asian Journal MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

Asian Journal Publitions, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publition by client. (“client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. client represents and warrants that a client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publition of a client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition. client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any claims by any third party relating in any way to client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publitions, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern lifornia, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 15-21, 2015

A

Cayetano still waiting for Duterte

by PAtriCiA lourdes VirAy Philstar.com

UNLIKELY CLIQUE. Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is flanked by former first lady Imelda Marcos, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile after Marcos formally declared his intention to run for vice president in next year’s elections.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Erap vows to be UNA substitute bet if...

by Jose rodel ClAPAno Philstar.com

MANILA—Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said that he would “definitely run for president” again in 2016 should Vice President Jejomar Binay and his goddaughter Sen. Grace Poe be disqualified from the presidential race.

“I can withdraw my candidacy for mayor of Manila and run as substitute candidate of Vice President Binay and Senator Poe if they are disqualified. But as of now, I am concentrated to run for re-election as mayor of Manila,” Estrada said.

Binay is facing corruption allegations, including his involvement in the overpriced Makati City parking building.

Poe, on the other hand, is leading in pre-election surveys on preferred next president but she

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada

is facing citizenship and residency issues. Since she is a foundling and resided in America for years, it cannot be ascertained if she is a natural-born Filipino and if she can

meet the residency requirement for presidential candidates under the Constitution.

“Anything can still happen. I haven’t endorsed any presidential candidate yet. If they disqualified the two candidates of the opposition, I will definitely run for president in 2016,” Estrada said.

Estrada also said the opposition party United Nationalist Alliance would automatically adopt him as its presidential candidate if Binay and Poe are disqualified, and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno would be his substitute for the mayoralty race in Manila in case he seeks the presidency.

“There will be no more democracy. If the two are disqualified, I will be forced to run to preserve democracy in the country. If he (Binay) is jailed, he cannot run and campaign. It’s like he is disqualified,” Estrada said.

Arroyo camp to file bail petition anew by riC

sAPnu Philstar.com

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga— The camp of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to file another petition for bail before the Sandiganbayan after the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found her continued detention arbitrary and illegal under international law.

Lorenzo Gadon, lawyer for Arroyo, said they are planning to file a new petition for bail before the anti-graft court based on the recom-

mendation of the UN body.

In its opinion released on Oct. 2, the five-member UN body urged the Philippine government to reconsider Arroyo’s bail plea “in accordance with the relevant international human rights standards and to accord the former president with an enforceable right to compensation for her continued detention.”

The gist of the UN working group’s opinion was relayed to Gadon by international human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin Clooney by e-mail on Oct. 7.

Clooney had filed a human rights

violation case against the Philippine government before the UN on behalf of Arroyo.

“The Philippine government will lose face if we will not abide by the internationally accepted principles of law,” Gadon said.

Arroyo’s camp maintained that the former leader should be granted bail while on trial for plunder for alleged misuse of intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Arroyo is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

Japanese royals visiting Philippines next year

by AureA CAliCA Philstar.com

Nations-Japan commemorative summit in December 2013 and a working visit in June 2014.

The President received the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan’s most prestigious award, during his state visit there.

Aquino in turn conferred the Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Supremo on the emperor and the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Raja on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when the latter visited the country in 2013.

Coloma said the visit of the emperor and the empress was significant given the strategic partnership and robust bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said the friendship and cooperation of the two countries were further strengthened during the President’s state visit in June.

“I think the President mentioned in one of his speeches that the (emperor and empress) were looking for ‘ube ice cream’ or other Filipino delicacies that they knew were delicious,” Coloma said.

He said it was good to note that after more than five decades Akihito and his wife had not forgotten their happy and good memories of the Philippines.

Japan is a top trading partner of the Philippines and a major source of official development assistance, investments and tourists.

MANILA—Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will come for a visit early next year upon the invitation of President Aquino, Malacañang announced on Monday, Oct. 13.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government has started coordinating with Japan for the visit.

“It will be the first time a reigning emperor of Japan will be visiting the Philippines, and return the warm welcome their majesties extended to the President when he visited Tokyo earlier this year,” Coloma said.

The emperor and empress made a state visit here on Nov. 5 to 10, 1962 as crown prince and princess. At the time, Akihito was conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Raja by former President Diosdado Macapagal, who in turn received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum from the royal couple.

During his state visit to Japan in June, Aquino gave the couple a photo showing Akihito raising the arm of former President Emilio Aguinaldo at the balcony of the Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite.

Aquino’s first visit to Japan as president was in November of 2010 to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

He also went there on an official visit in September 2011, the 40th President Benigno Aquino III is welcomed by Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko Association of Southeast Asian upon his arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo last June 3.

PAGE A6

Philippine politics, the movie

Change.

How will Francis Tolentino and Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya be portrayed in the movie, Politikang Pilipinas? It seems to me that there will be different versions of them, but none will be flattering. Trillanes, on the other hand, will portray himself as a hero while everyone else will depict him as a heel.

And finally, the Filipino people – how will we be portrayed in the movie? In a paper I delivered back in 1984 at the Asian Adver-

tising Congress in Seoul, Korea, I described the Filipino as praying in the Spanish manner, savoring Chinese food, watching American shows on Japanese-made TV sets, but deep down, possessing a uniquely Filipino soul.

The Pinoy is the perfect subject for a Rashomon-style motion picture. We are a study in contrasts. At once beautiful, bright, cheerful and optimistic and constantly griping, disheartened and looking persecuted.

The epitome of hospitality and of criminality. God-fearing and

completely undisciplined. The majority wallowing in poverty but packing the malls and eating out even on weekdays. Demanding a corruption-free government but expecting to be paid or bribed for our votes.

Indeed, only a multi-faceted (figuratively) people like us could enjoy and survive Philippine politics in which, like the Romans in Nero’s colosseum, we comprise both the crowd yelling for blood and the hapless Christians being fed to the lions. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

MANILA—Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday, Oct. 14 revealed that he will wait in filing his certificate of candidacy for vice president “until the last minute” as he is still hoping that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will run for president.

“I’m waiting ‘til the last minute and we’re praying na magbago ang isip ni Mayor Duterte. He is the candidate that will really be a game changer,” Cayetano said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart.

Last Monday, Duterte reiterated that he will not seek the presidency in 2016.

Duterte said that he is still con- Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano earlier met with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to discuss a sidering reelection as Davao City possible teamup in the 2016 national elections. Cayetano has declared his vice presidential mayor if his daughter Sara does bid while Duterte insisted that he will not run for president. not agree to run for mayor. aspirant Sen. Grace Poe. Tuesday.

“I am committed to him whethSantiago said her running mate “I really don’t know but I wish er or not he chooses me as his has already announced his vice them well,” Cayetano said when running mate. So until the last presidential bid but refused to asked if Sen. Ferdinand “Bongminute we’re hoping that we can identify him. bong” Marcos Jr. was the running file together,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano ruled out Sen. An- mate of Santiago.

Cayetano also clarified that he tonio Trillanes IV as Santiago’s Marcos filed his certificate of is not the running mate of Sen. running mate, pointing out that candidacy for vice president on Miriam Defensor Santiago, who he has already expressed his sup- Tuesday, Oct. 13 as an indepenannounced her presidential bidon port for independent presidential dent candidate.

A

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

OctOber 15-21, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JOUrNAL

seafood city fpfc

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

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 15-21, 2015

VEGAS&STYLE

B

Journal

Vincent RodRiguez iii

On facing challenges as an Asian American actor and scoring a lead role in CW’s ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’

By Allyson

EscobAr

Francisco, California, and grew up in what he calls the “Second “YOU do crazy things when Philippines of the World:” south suburban Daly City. He is the you’re in love.”

At least that’s what Filipino- youngest and only boy of four, American actor Vincent Rodriguez with three older sisters all born III believes: that love is an all- in Manila.

“I was the bunso,” Rodriguez consuming and powerful thing-especially when you absolutely told the Asian Journal. “My sisters love what you do, it can make you are all smart, musically talented, and into theater. I [had] really crazy.

“I walked into my first day of powerful role models growing acting school and the teacher asked up.”

Motivated by a desire to try and us, ‘Is this what will give you life?

Is this the part you want to play in learn new things, at a young age society?’ And then I asked myself, Rodriguez was involved in track ‘What else could I possibly be do- and field, taekwondo, and martial ing?’ From then on, I knew exactly arts. Later he became very active in his high school’s drama departwhat I always wanted,” he said.

“If you want something badly ment, where he quickly found his enough in life, you work hard to love for musical theater.

After graduating from high go get it. It’s not an easy path--it is arguably the hardest journey you school and a year in junior colwill ever have. But in the end, it’s lege, Rodriguez enrolled at the Pacific Conservatory of Performworth it.”

Finding home in the theater ing Arts (PCPA) in Santa Maria, Rodriguez was born in San California, and began to pursue

acting as more than a hobby, but a full-time career.

“My family was always supportive of me, but it was not an easy journey,” he said. “My dad didn’t always think I could make this [acting] into a viable career.

When it came to showbiz-ness, he wanted me to be a businessman.”

“But that initial resilience pushed me to be a harder worker, and has made me even more passionate about what I do.”

After finishing musical training in acting, voice, and dance, Rodriguez ventured to Los Angeles for his first successful audition, becoming a member of the ensemble (and later principal understudy) in the first national tour of “42nd Street.”

“It was my first professional role,” he recalled. “I really put my whole self into it, and I began to relish in the joy of being an entertainer.”

Vincent Rodriguez III in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Photo courtesy of Lee Wallman

Photo by Leon Le Photography

AJPress

Photo courtesy of Billy Bustamante

Pursuing his dreams in the theater, Rodriguez moved to New York City to audition for numerous acting, singing, and dancing roles. He eventually joined the companies of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Xanadu,” “Honor,” “Pipe Dream,” as well as the original cast of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” in Toronto and Boston.

“Half of my career was in the ensemble, and then the other half I played feature parts, joined national tours and other New York productions, and was asked to sing on cast recordings,” Rodriguez said.

Most recently, he joined the 1st national tour of “Anything Goes,” appeared on CBS’ “Hostages,” and workshopped for Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire’s new musical, “Waterfall.” He also sang ensemble in a cast recording of the stage production of Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Wanting to share his life lessons with other aspiring actors, Rodriguez became a teacher back at his alma mater, PCPA. He taught professional technique, song interpretation, dance workshops, and other aspects of the musical audition process.

“It’s not about making people into professional actors, or to be like me. For me as a mentor, it’s about helping the person to see what their potential is, and to learn how to use the theater as a form of expression, or as a gateway to who they really are,” Rodriguez noted.

The young actor’s extensive background and resume boasts a double black belt in martial arts, CrossFit, stage combat, rollerskating, billiards, and even magic tricks. “A good amount of my previous jobs required special skills [like dancer, comedian, magician], and on TV, they can write these

skills into the show,” he said. “The cool thing is that the writers know my special skills are things I’ve learned to do growing up. I knew that my interests would help color my career as an actor.”

One of Vincent’s most recent, favored theatrical roles was in the 2014 off-Broadway revival of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s “Here Lies Love,” a disco-rock musical about the life of Filipino former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

“I met Ruthie Ann Miles, who was playing the lead, and she encouraged me to audition,” he recalled. Along with Miles, Rodriguez understudied other distinguished Fil-Am actors, Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos) and Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino), and played the DJ for a month.

“Here Lies Love” eventually led Rodriguez to the right people--including film director Marc Webb (“The Amazing Spider-Man”)-and to his first audition as a TV series regular: playing ex-boyfriend Josh Chan in The CW’s new musical-comedy, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”

Many of the actors involved with the show--including Santino Fontana, best known as the voice of Hans in Disney’s “Frozen”-have a theater background. In true musical-fashion, the writers have prepared a killer comedic soundtrack with different musical styles and genres, from 1940s Hollywood to 90s R&B. Rodriguez is excited to use his Broadway theater experience on the TV screen. “Yes, I will be singing,” he said excitedly.

Crazy parallels, crazy in love Being Filipino-American and making waves both onstage and onscreen, Rodriguez faced many challenges as an actor.

“The Filipino community is big into entertainment, karaoke, performance culture. At first, pursuing theater and other talents were more like hobbies for me, until I began taking them seriously,” he said. “And my family noticed too; it wasn’t just a hobby anymore.”

When Rodriguez first auditioned for the title role in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” directed by Marc PAGE B7

Features

B october 15-21, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

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

‘Fashion arts autism BeneFit’

Wearable art, Fashion and autism

By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

The United Nations established April 2 as ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ back in December 2007 in order to raise more knowledge and understanding about this health concern, which affects approximately one out of every 150 children around the world. The UN General Assembly unanimously agreed to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

The entire month of April is Autism Awareness Month, giving more time to offer the opportunity to highlight the growing number of children identified with autism.

This early, the people behind San Francisco-based non-profit Autism hearts Foundation has partnered with agencies in order to come up with big events to celebrate next year.

Last week, Autism hearts, in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations, and Autism Speaks presented the Fashion Arts Autism Benefit Fashion Show (FAAB) at the Gallery Lobby of the Philippine Center in New York.

Consul General Mario De Leon hailed the program partners in their work that uplifts the lives of persons diagnosed with autism and to increase the public understanding of the condition.

“I’m proud to be wearing a Barong Tagalog with a design by the National Artist Abdulmari Imao and the hand-painting was done by an autistic child. These children can have positive contributions to the society and it’s just a matter of us helping them in the process,” Consul General de Leon said. “Among Filipinos, there is this stigma attached to autistic children but I think it is about time that we see their contribution to mainstream society and this particular event today depicts that.”

Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippine Mission to the UN Susan Natividad spoke

The following “red flags” may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, please don’t delay in asking your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation: • No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter • No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months • No babbling by 12 months • No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months • No words by 16 months • No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months • Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age (Source: Autism Speaks)

in behalf of Ambassador Lourdes Yparraguirre and relayed their preparations for the United Nations World Focus on Autism.

“People with autism have enormous potential. Most have remarkable visual, artistic or academic skills. Thanks to the use of assistive technologies, non-verbal persons with autism can communicate and share their hidden capabilities,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the celebration of the World Autism Awareness Day earlier this year.

Autism Hearts “For this fashion show, we are showcasing the talents of our special artists with autism as young as 14 years old,” said Lynda Borromeo, Founder and President of Autism hearts Foundation Philippines, Inc., a community-based center engaged in the development of support services for children and adults with autism.

The organization currently has five artists who hand-paint their masterpieces on piña (pineapple) fabric, which are eventually transformed into beautiful Filipiniana gowns and barong tagalogs. They are trained in Kalibo, Aklan by the India de la Cruz-Legaspi.

“This is the first time that it is going to be done and we would like to raise awareness and inspiration to other people like them, that they can be the best that they can be. We would like to show the world that when you see them and

their work, you will not see the disability, you will see the abilities that they have,” Borromeo said.

Artworks hand-painted by autistic children into piña fabrics are also fashioned into shawls, wraps, skirts and evening wear by designer Anthony Legarda. Some of these were highlight in the show, along with a couple of intricately designed evening gowns.

Masterpieces by Filipino National Artists Jose Joya, Fernando Amorsolo, Vicente Manansala, Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco and Mauro Malang, among others served as inspiration for the creations of the autistic artists.

“What we showed tonight is just a teaser for the big fashion event we are doing next year,” Borromeo added while explaining that what she was wearing was created by mixing the work of autistic artists inspired by top Filipino artists Oscar de Zalameda and Manuel Baldemor. “But they don’t copy, they are inspired our national artists and they do their own versions.”

After a tour in Manila, San Francisco, New York and Geneva, the gowns will be showcased in April 2016, in time for the celebration of the next World Autism Awareness Day. The year-long fashion tour will come full circle in April 2017, with the gowns given to the winning bidders in Manila. According to organizers, the proceeds of the auction will help the participating

Consul General de Leon with Lynda Borromeo and guests

Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr.

Lynda Borromeo, founder and president of Autism Hearts

Lynda Borromeo showing Consul General and Mrs. Mario de Leon her outfit, inspired by premiere Filipino artists Zalameda and Baldemor.

artists save up for their future.

While most artists would think of putting their masterpieces on canvas, the group behind Autism hearts thought of coming up with ‘wearable art’ and as such, the ‘Fashion Arts Autism Benefit’ Show was conceived. Instead of painting on canvas, the five artists would paint their masterpieces on the exquisite silk-like threads of the piña fabric, considered by many designers as the queen of Filipino fabrics.

Once their work is done, fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda gets into the picture.

“It’s a new medium, since most of them have been used to painting on canvas,” Legarda remarked. “After a month or so of doing it, it became easier for them to express their ideas and emotions. They are really very artistic people.”

he considers this new chapter as an exciting moment not only in his career but in his life as well.

“We get to help young people express themselves through art. This is, really, fashion for a cause,” he emphasized. “People with autism are very talented, we just have to give them a chance and include them in our daily lives and we will be a better community because of that.”

According to the UN, autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. It results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, mostly affecting children and adults in many countries irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. It is characterized by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication

and restricted, repetitive behavior, interests and activities.

The five artists featured by Autism hearts sent in their video messages to the supporters of the project. It showed the range of autism across a spectrum of developmental disorders where a couple of them who were nonverbal attempted their best to say thank you to the audience while one was articulate in extending his feelings and emotions.

“We’ve seen a lot of great artistic work from people with autism and it is about time that we bring these talents to the international stage,” Borromeo stated. “The hand painting they do on piña fabrics is meaningful to them as we are empowering them to become more self-sufficient and who knows, this [work] may open more doors for them in the future.”

Shawls, wraps and gowns, all hand-painted by artists with autism.

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

Philippines enters ‘heneral Luna’ in oscars MANILA—historical action biopic “heneral Luna” has been officially selected as the Philippines’ entry to the 88th Academy Awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said “heneral Luna” has completed all the requirements to qualify for the Oscar foreign film category. “heneral Luna,” which stars John Arcilla, tells the story of Antonio Luna, a patriotic general who led the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American war.

The film opens with the hostilities between US colonizers and Filipinos and culminates in the brutal assassination of Luna on June 5, 1899 – an era in which Luna served as the supreme chief of the army under the first Philippine republic.

A total of 81 countries have sub-

mitted their official entries for the foreign language film Oscar race.

Paraguay is the only first timer, with its entry “Cloudy Times” by director Arami Ullon.

Nominations for the 88th Academy Awards will be announced on Jan. 14 at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly hills, and the hardware handed out Feb. 29 at the Dolby Theater in hollywood.

Last year, Polish film “Ida” won the Oscar best foreign language film award. Among the notable entries for the 2016 foreign language Oscar are Spain’s “Flowers,” Sweden’s “A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on existence,” Poland’s “11 Minutes,” Switzerland’s “Iraqi Odyssey,” Taiwan’s “The Assassin,” Uruguay’s “A Moonless Night,” Afghanistan’s “Utopia,” Canada’s “Felix and Meira,” Czech Republic’s

“home Care,” Colombia’s “embrace of the Serpent,” China’s “Go Away Mr. Tumor” and Argentina’s “The Clan.”

The Academy picks nominees

for the foreign language Oscar from submissions from individual countries, which can only put forward one candidate each year.

(Philstar.com)

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

EntErtainmEnt

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 15-21, 2015

B

Lea Salonga has something to say Filipino girl group wows X-Factor

by IrIsh

judges anew with ‘Burlesque’ rendition

ChrIstIanne DIzon Philstar.com

MANILA—Lea Salonga’s name conjures images of sold-out concerts in big-league venues like the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Singapore’s Esplanade, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Hong Kong Cultural Center, Bangkok Convention Center, and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

If you haven’t seen her perform live, there are countless YouTube clips of Lea’s most notable performances (i.e., as Kim in Miss Saigon and as Eponine/Fantine in Les Miserables). In each one, a standing ovation from an ecstatic crowd almost always follows. This is Lea Salonga: daughter of fortune (when asked about why she thinks she is where she is now, meaning, an icon, her sincere answer was, “My life is a series of divine interventions. That has a lot to do with it.”); possessor of sheer, prodigious talent that has earned her fans from Manila to Ottawa.

But it wasn’t always like this.

What biographies fail to mention is how, once upon a time, even Princess Lea (the title of an actual children’s book about her inspiring life) had to endure deafening boos from irate teenagers inside a jampacked concert venue.

“I was 14 years old, getting booed at Folk Arts Theater,” she recalls, a wry smile on her lips.

Menudo, the equivalent of One Direction back in the day, was in Manila for a series of shows, and Lea was the lucky girl chosen to be their front act. In every gig, Lea had to soldier on and keep performing despite the jeers.

Good thing she was a toughie even back then. “Okay lang i-boo ako because the boys were cheering me on backstage,” she says with a triumphant grin. To this day, whenever she bumps into exMenudo member Ricky Martin, he still reminisces about those days, extra nostalgic about a production number they did involving umbrellas. “I’m like, ‘Oh my God. Ako nga nakakalimutan ko na. Ikaw naalala mo pa. It says a lot.” ’80s Baby Though unpleasant, that Menudo front-act experience had a great effect on Lea. Being chosen for that job imbued her with unshakable confidence early on. “I think that’s partly why I don’t have hang-ups about my looks. I figured, ay ang ganda ko to be able to do that,” she says, tongue (firmly) in cheek. Lea believes growing up in the ’80s era showbiz industry was very good for her psyche. “The atmosphere then was very different. I mean, you compete, but it was healthy, not catty. We were all friends.

Hiraman pa kami ng lipstick,” she reminisces. In the variety show That’s Entertainment, there were 20 girls and 20 boys, each one different from the other. “You had people like Nadya Montenegro, Tina Paner, Manilyn Reynes, Lilet.

You had tisay, kayumanggi, chinita; different shapes, heights, sizes. It was so much more diverse than it seems to be now, where everybody has long hair, is payat, chinita — pare pareho yung hitsura,” she observes.

In short, there wasn’t a mold they had to fit. The ’80s were the pre-glam team age, so the girls’ looks were truly their unique creations. “Back then, it wasn’t, ‘I have to be pretty’ for the show.

It was about what you could do.

It was about your talent.’” And that mindset hasn’t left Lea two decades later. For her, it still boils down to one’s skill set. She knows hers and can speak about it objectively (“I can act, sing, dance, and write. That’s what I do.”), but cautions people against equating hype with ability. “When the flowery adjectives start coming into play, that’s when I’m like, ‘tama na,’”

THE judges of British talent television show X-Factor UK have nothing but praises for Filipino girl group “4th Power” following their impressive performance of Christina Aguilera’s “Show Me How You Burlesque.”

In the show’s latest episode, judge Rita Ora called the girl group’s rendition as “absolute perfection.”

“It was absolute perfection for me. Your voices, your adlibs—you all have a moment to show off yourselves vocally. It was like, perfection,” Ora said.

Simon Cowell, meanwhile, Filipino sisters Mylene, Akmira, Irene and Celina continue to make waves in the ‘X Factor said the group’s performance was UK.’ amazing, noting that the British thrilled that you have chosen this ate magic.” audience cannot help but fall in show, this country to compete in,” Fourth power, better known as love with them as evident in the Cowell said. the Cercado sisters in the PhilipTheir mentor Cheryl Fernan- pines, first impressed the judges crowd’s wild cheers.

“I think you are actually amaz- dez-Versini added: “I don’t think with their rendition of Jesse J, ing. I think you need some help that you are amazing. I think that Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj in terms of the direction of music you are phenomenal. You know hit “Bang Bang,” which also went you should be singing, but I am what, you and I together can cre- viral online. (Inquirer.net)

Lea Salonga (Disney princess, Broadway legend, Filipino pride, but you already knew that) wants you to know the woman behind the myth. You know, the one that gets booed, bashed, and though it doesn’t show, grows old.

Philstar.com photo by Patrick Diokno

she says, hands pushing an invisible compliment away. “You have publicists who are paid to drum up hype, to make you look good.

And the worst you can do is believe yourself to be any more than what you actually are. Just believe in who you are. Period.”

(Trivia: That super flattering Buzzfeed list-icle Definitive Proof That Lea Salonga Is A Living Disney Princess? Lea has seen it and thinks it’s “pretty cool,” but she has never shared it on any of her social media accounts. Our turn to say: It says a lot.)

Surprise: She’s Not a Vampire Even though talent is king for Lea, fact is she’s also blessed with a winsome face that never seems to age. She considers fellow ageless stars like Cherie Gil and Agot Isidro beautiful. “Iba yung pretty sabeautiful,” she stresses. “What makes someone beautiful for me is when, all of a sudden, they open their mouth and they’re smart and they can recite poetry or they know what’s going on in the world; or they’re witty; or they’re funny!

When it’s pretty lang with the long hair, the good skin, pero tanga ka naman…” She leaves it at that.

Lea got to 44 years old without plastic surgery, and would like to get to 50 without it. The most she does to delay aging is to have regular facials at 20-year-old skin clinic Facial Care Centre. (Lea swears by the Deep Anti-Bacterial Facial to combat her nemesis, adult acne; and UltraFace, a non-invasive facial contouring treatment, for a slimmer, more defined face.) But really, aging does not scare her: It’s inevitable and she embraces it. (“I celebrate my birthdays. I really look forward to every age I turn into. Every year above ground is a blessing.”)

What scares her about aging isn’t the idea of losing her youthful looks; it’s losing her mind. She narrates how her 86-year-old father now asks the same questions every five minutes and shudders at the thought of that happening to her someday. “I’m more afraid of not being able to memorize music or songs, just losing my mental faculty.”

She’s 40-something years away from her 80s, so instead, she gamely shares the things that she does now to age gracefully: Moisturize every night, drink six to eight glasses of water, lay off the junk food (“I love burgers though.”), and try to work out regularly. She’s also an advocate of snoozing, saying “I try to sleep as much as I can, but sometimes, I’ll have sleepless nights from think-

ing too much.”

Invisible Bricks On Sept. 26, Lea had one of those sleepless nights. She tweeted a harmless midnight thought that was blown out of proportion: “Okay lang sa akin ang kababawan, pero hanggang doon na lamang ba tayo? #NagtatanongLangPo.” People assumed it was a thinly veiled invective against the wildly popular love team #AlDub and started to pounce on her without verifying their assumptions. That drama has died down: Lea clarified her tweet had nothing to do with #AlDub (She even asked for links so she could acquaint herself with the current national obsession) and pointed out it was just a matter of bad timing. (The day she tweeted was the same day #AlDub was celebrating “National Pabebe Wave Day.”) Lea is all for kababawan (“Chances are, I will be more focused on an episode of Teen Titans than on anything more serious.”). But she insists on balance.

Translation: Enjoy your favorite Kalyeserye but maybe watch a brilliant indie like Heneral Luna, too. Addressing the Pinoy audience, she pleads, “Don’t be afraid to explore and watch everything.

Don’t be intimidated just because you think it’s beyond your reach.

Chances are, it’s exactly the one thing you’re supposed to see and watch, and hopefully be touched by. Watch a movie kahit hindi mo masyadong kilala ang mga artista.

Watch a concert na classical, baka magustuhan mo. Try it once. Kung ayaw mo, e di ayaw mo talaga.”

Her dream for the Philippine entertainment industry is “variety, as in something for everybody,” and “for everything to be affordable enough for everyone to take in and enjoy.”

Her Twitter account is relatively quiet these days, the silence only broken by the occasional posts about show schedules and “career highlights of the day.” “Right now, I’m too busy with Allegiance to have much of an [online] presence,” she shares in a direct message. Which is too bad, if you think about it. Her musings may not sit well with everyone, but they encourage discourse; they make you think.

This is not the last time Lea Salonga will receive hate tweets from assuming trolls. (Being a national treasure apparently does not grant her immunity from Filipino bashers.) And the good news is, this is not the last time she’ll slay them all with class, with that signature sass.

Yaya Dub’s Twitter account 3rd fastest-growing profile worldwide by alIxanDra

Caole Philstar.com

VIla

MANILA—”Eat Bulaga’s” segment “Kalyeserye” has undoubtedly catapulted Maine Mendoza to fame. And her ever growing army of social media followers can attest to her ever-growing popularity.

With a total of two million followers on Twitter, Maine Mendoza, also known as Yaya Dub, was ranked bysocialbakers.com as third on the list of fastest-growing celebrity profiles on Twitter worldwide for September. According to the Twitter monitoring site, Maine has gained 1,094,813 followers in just a few months, placing her behind two of the world’s most famous singers, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.

In terms of location, Maine ranks first on list of fastestgrowing celebrity profiles on Twitter in the Philippines, for this month.

Coming in at the second spot is her onscreen partner Alden Richards, who gained a total of 933 896 followers. The tandem is followed by fellow fellow “Eat Bulaga” mainstay Joey de Leon in

With a total of two million followers on Twitter, Maine Mendoza, also known as Yaya Dub, has been ranked by socialbakers.com as third on the list of fastest-growing celebrity profiles on Twitter worldwide for September.

third place and Vice Ganda of “It’s Showtime” in fourth place.

Meanwhile, the website says Anne Curtis’Twitter account still has the largest audience in the Philippines with over 8 million followers at present, followed by Angel Locsin with 6.8 million followers and Vice Ganda with 6.08

million followers.

The website based the rankings on three categories: the total number of profiles followed from a specific Twitter profile, the total number of followers of a specific Twitter profile, how likely a user is to recommend a page/profile within his or her network.

Why James-Nadine love team hasn’t turned from reel to real MANILA—Fans of James Reid and Nadine Lustre have been expressing their desire for the two to turn their onscreen partnership into a real one since they first worked together in the 2013 movie “Ang Dairy ng Panget.”

But while James and Nadine are not completely closing their doors, the two said they won’t want to mess up their tried-and-tested love team by injecting it with real-life romance.

“Choice lang namin. We want to focus on our work. And friends lang talaga kami,” James said when asked why his relationship has not progressed into a romantic one during the press conference for ABS-CBN primetime series “On The Wings of Love” on Monday.

He added, “What we have is good. We don’t want to spoil it.”

Nadine agreed with the 22year-old actor.

“Sa ngayon po kasi, focused kami [sa work]. Kasi parang nagwo-work po siya ngayon, ayaw namin maging complicated,” she said.

“What if magkaroon ng away or something, medyo mahirap pong magtrabaho kapag meron pong ganun,” she further explained. espite being open that they are

friends, a number of fans have reportedly bashed James for being seen being other girls off screen.

For instance, James was seen with actress Debs Garcia in an upscale club recently.

The actor admitted he does go to clubs and bars. “Pero iniiwasan ko na because I don’t have time, I’m so busy,” James said. “That’s really how I am… Minsan fans get upset. But they eventually understand.”

“I guess it’s normal naman po talaga kasi love team,” Nadine said of the bashers. While they don’t mind the bashing, James and Nadine said negative comments online affect them at times.

“Usually, I can just ignore it. But sometimes it builds up too much,” James said.

Nadine, for her part, said: “Kapag nababash siya (James), nababash din ako.”

“Minsan po kasi nagiging masyado silang personal... Pero iniignore ko na lang po. Kasi pag pinatulan mo, sasabihin sa’yo pumapatol ka. So huwag na lang pong pansinin,” she added.

Nadine wants to remind fans that she and James—regardless of what is or isn’t happening in their personal lives—are “partners

James Reid and Nadine Lustre during the press conference for ABS-CBN’s primetime series “On The Wings of Love” on Monday, Oct. 12.

in crime.”

“It’s normal naman kung super fanatic ka talaga [to want their favorite love teams to end up together in real life]… Thank you pa rin still kasi sumusuporta pa rin sila,” she said. “Me and James, we’re a team. We’re partners in crime. So kahit naman in real life gusto nila kami magkatuluyan, okay lang kasi sumusuporta pa rin sila sa amin.”

(Philstar.com)

Features

B october 15-21, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

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

99 Ranch Market opens doors to new Las Vegas store

by AJPress

A new 99 Ranch Market store opened its doors on Saturday, Oct. 10, with grand opening festivities attended by Las Vegas political and community leaders.

In a ribbon cutting ceremony led by 99 Ranch Market Vice Chairman Jonson Chen and other executives, Rep. Dina Titus and members of city chambers of commerce, the Maryland Parkway location — which is over 40,000 square feet — is a testament to the ongoing wave of economic development in that area of the city.

Titus, who represents nevada’s 1st District, remarked at how the store is contributing to the local economy.

“This [store] is in the heart of District 1 and it’s an area that’s being revitalized. You usually think of the Asian community on the other side of the freeway, but look at the excitement on this side. It’s really wonderful,” Titus said.

99 Ranch Market’s second location in Las Vegas is estimated to provide 150 jobs for the local community. “we need those jobs here in Southern nevada and it’s a great company — they have 35 stores

around the country, so we’re welcoming them into the neighborhood,” Titus said. “You’ll be seeing me shopping here because I don’t live too far away.”

On Saturday, guests were entertained with live music, a lion dance, food samplings and a tour of the new store. During opening weekend, customers received specials such as a free pace of shrimp crackers or spicy green peas with a purchase of $20 or more; an iceshaver with a purchase of $40 or more; or a five-pound bag of Sunvoi jasmine rice with a purchase of $80 or more.

Inside the store, the modern interior design and spacious shopping area are instant attractions, with shelves and displays stocked with fresh produce, seafood, highquality meats and other products that reflect the demographics of the community. Those yearning for foreign products from their home country can surely find them at 99 Ranch.

“For 99 Ranch Market, nothing gives them more joy than creating an establishment in a new community to share the excitement for the brand and quality [of] Asian foods at reasonable prices

99 Ranch Market executives, local business owners, political and community leaders led the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 10.

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

to customers old and new,” the market said in a statement.

Customers can enjoy madeto-order Chinese, Taiwanese and Filipino dishes. At Ihaw Ihaw, customers satisfy their Filipino taste buds with grilled meats and traditional cuisine. For those who want a sweeter side, BF Bakery & Cafe offers freshly baked euroAsian breads and pastries, beautifully decorated sponge cakes and made-to-order coffee and tea drinks.

On top of shopping for products from Asia and around the

world, 99 Ranch Market is a onestop shop for other items and services: Fil-Am Jewelry, Health & wellness Factory and XYZ Global express.

99 Ranch Market is located at 3768 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite #650, Las Vegas, nV 89119. It is opened Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9:30 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9 am to 10 pm.

(Advertising Supplement

Rep. Dina Titus

99 Ranch Market Vice Chairman Jonson Chen

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

SERVICES

FOR RENT

Features

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

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 15-21, 2015

B

USCIS issues proposed guidance on Calendar of Events across America ‘extreme hardship’ and expansion of the provisional waiver program ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! Your Immigration Solution Atty. RobeRt Reeves ben LovemAn nAncy e. miLLeR Two recent developments in the world of ‘extreme hardship’ waivers will allow many more applicants to apply and should result in a higher proportion approval for well-prepared applications. First, USCIS recently announced that the provisional waiver process will be made available to all persons who have an immigrant visa available regardless of the petitioner’s status. This proposal significantly expands eligibility to apply for the provisional waiver which was previously limited to beneficiaries of immediate relative visa petitions, essentially spousal or parentalchild petitions (not including adult children) from U.S. citizens. Under the new regulation all persons with an approved petition and available visa, regardless of visa category will be eligible to participate in the provisional waiver program if otherwise eligible. of course, obtaining a provisional waiver still requires establishing extreme hardship to a US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.

The second change involves how USCIS will judge ‘extreme hardship’ and is seen by many experts as a sign that USCIS may be relaxing the ‘extreme hardship’ standard. on october 7, 2015 USCIS disseminated a draft policy memorandum which, if made effective, will significantly impact the way the agency makes decisions on applications for ‘extreme hardship’ waivers.The new policy would impact all types of waiver application including waivers for unlawful presence-including provisional waivers which were discussed above-, for misrepresentation and for criminal convictions.

This new policy should be of particular interest to persons who

Health@Heart PhiLiP s. chuA, mD, FAcs, FPcs THE clamor for a healthier lifestyle has transformed society into more conscious, more intelligent, and more discriminating consumers of food and food ingredients.

Truth in food labeling is a law that is strictly implemented, especially in the United States. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on this subject.

Why are some meats irradiated?

Some companies irradiate their meats to prevent food-borne illnesses. At the legally prescribed level, irradiation is effective and safe. However, some people are uncomfortable about it. In the United States, the Radura symbol (international symbol for radiation) must be on the label of foods that are irradiated, together with the wording “treated by radiation” or “treated with radiation.” Science has shown over the past several decades that the irradiated food items are safe for consumption.

Does MSG have to be listed too?

Yes, monosodium glutamate food taste enhancer (Vet-Sin) must be printed on the label of food items containing such ingredient.

Some people are allergic to MSG, and some others may react to it with headache, sensation of chest tightness or and/or warm flushing sensation all over. MSG is commonly used in Chinese restaurants, where a special request from the diner to the waiters should preclude its use in the cooking of the food ordered.

How long can an unopened can of food be stored safely?

Canned low acid foods, like meats, pasta, spinach, corn, can be safely stored in a dry, cool, pantry for two years, while high acid foods (foods packed in vinegar based marinades, fruits, and tomato products), one year to 18 months. one caviat: If in doubt, throw it out!

Do yogurts contain live cultures?

Most yogurts on the market do, in varying amount, but the average is about 10 million Lactobacillus acidophilus, 10 million Bifid cultures, and over 10 million Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus cultures, per gram. There are now probiotic capsules in blister packs not requiring refrigeration which has 10 Billion L. acidophilus in each capsule, to be taken once a day.

Why are soybeans good for us?

Soybeans are the richest natural

have filed for waivers in the past and had their applications denied or to persons who have not filed waiver applications because they were worried that they would not be able to establish the required level of ‘extreme’ hardship. of course, it will also be beneficial to all new waiver applicants going forward.

Before turning to the particulars of the proposed new policy it will be useful to have a little background on the ‘extreme’ hardship waiver and when it is required.

To be eligible for permanent residency in the United States a person must be admissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA lays out multiple potential grounds that will make a person inadmissible.

Some of these grounds include having made a material misrepresentation (like lying about one’s marital status, or using an altered visa or passport to enter the country), having been unlawfully present in the United States for over six-months and then departing the country, and certain criminal convictions. However, these and other grounds of inadmissibility can sometimes be waived.

Most such waivers require a showing“extreme hardship” to qualifying relativesincluding US citizen or Lawful permanent resident family members.

The challenge in extreme hardship waiver cases is establishing that the hardship to a qualifying relative rises to the level of ‘extreme.’ USCIS has long recognized that some hardship will result if a family member is not allowed to stay in the U.S. with their loved ones or if U.S. citizen or lawful permanent relatives must relocate to a foreign country to be close to their spouse, parent or child. This being the case USCIS has said that ‘extreme hardship’ is hardship that rises above and beyond the level of hardship which is typically to be expected under either scenario.

Importantly, the new policy provides direct guidance to USCIS officers about factors which would

‘strongly suggest; and support a finding of ‘extreme hardship’.

Some of these factors are hardships which experienced attorneys have raised with USCIS for years but which USCIS previously did not recognize as justifying a finding of ‘extreme hardship’.

Some of the factors identified include substantial displacement of care of applicant’s children, Travel warnings against travel to country of residence, active military duty of qualifying relative, medical disability, and prior grant of asylum or refugee status.

Extreme hardship can still be established absent one of these factors and, crucially, the mere presence of one of these factors may not be sufficient in and of itself. As always obtaining approval of an ‘extreme hardship’ waiver will come down to carefully and thoroughly documenting all issues relevant to hardships in any particular case. often, even when applicants have strong equities in their case they have their waivers denied because of a failure to present their cases effectively to USCIS. This is why quality representation can be the key to obtaining a waiver.

In coming weeks we will provide additional information from this new proposed policy on ‘extreme hardship’ determinations.

If you or a loved one believe you have inadmissibility issues, you should consult a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer. *** Atty. Reeves has represented clients in numerous landmark immigration cases that have set new policies regarding INS action and immigrants’ rights. His offices are located in Pasadena, Irvine, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Makati City.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

All about foods

source of isoflavones, phytochemicals that are also found in tofu, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, some herbs. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, and beneficial to the body when consumed regularly by lowering the incidence of certain forms of cancer and heart diseases.

What is flash pasteurization?

This is a process used in food “sterilization” to kill food-borne pathogens, utilizing 170-180 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 seconds.

If the label says fat-free, is it really cholesterol-free?

No, when the food label says fat-free, and you see oil in the product, it only means the product has less than one half gram of fat per serving. This is in consonance with the official FDA labeling definition of fat-free. This is the reason we should all be familiar with the system.

What are trans fat?

Adding hydrogen to unsaturated vegetable oil results in trans fat. The hydrogen crosses the chemical bond and the liquid oil becomes solid in room temperature, like lard. This is also found in foods with hydrogenated oils and naturally seen in meat and dairy products.

What is the source of canola oil? originally, canola oil came from Canada, as an altered form of Rapeseed oil, but not Rapeseed oil. Canola has less saturated fats compared to non-virgin olive oil, is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and is high in monosaturated fats that have been proven to lower the bad cholesterol (LDL, low density lipoproteins). Virgin olive oil first, and Canola oils second, are the preferred cooking oil, followed by safflower is next. The other so-called vegetable or corn oils are not as healthy.

What are essential fatty acids?

These are fatty acids that are important for our body but which our body cannot produce, unlike fats, cholesterol and triglycerides which our liver can synthesize. we must therefore get our essential fatty acids from the food we eat. The two types are linolenic acid, an omeg-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. Safflower, sunflower and corn are rich in linoleic acid, while sardines, salmon, albacore tuna, herring, and flaxseed oil have abundant linolenic (omega-3 fatty) acids.

Is oat meal really good for us? one of the healthiest breakfast foods is oat meal, better and healthier than eggs and bacon/ ham/sausages, etc. Together with

fruits in the morning, oat meal, like wheat and bran cereals, are health food items that lower our cholesterol, make our bowels regular and reduce the incidence of heart diseases and malignancies, like cancer of the colon.

How about the “flake” cereals?

The various “flake” cereals (cornflakes, rice flakes, chocoflavored ones) are high in sugars and much less on fiber. These are carbohydrates with high glycemic indices and not recommended. wheat, bran cereals, oat meal, are the best. And the same thing with wheat bread being better than regular white bread, and brown rice superior to white rice.

Is sugar-free food devoid of sugar?

The name would make one think so, but, unless the label says “zero” sugar, the product could have sugar in it, in spite of the label. The official FDA rule says if the product contains less than one half gram sugar per serving, it may be labeled “sugar-free.”

What are malitol, sorbitol, xylitol and manitol?

These are sugar alcohols (not related to alcoholic drinks), which are used as artificial sweeteners, used by many, especially diabetics. They are absorbed by the body more slowly (lower glycemic index), which is good. They also promote lesser dental carries compared to regular sugar. These are also used in sugar-free chewing gums or mouthwashes, etc. Stevia leaf extract is now the popular choice sugar substitute.

Why are non-diet drinks unhealthy?

Regular pop beverages are not healthy drinks because they are toxic to the body, besides their high sugar content. They are the worst enemies of overweight people trying to control their poundage.

Children are especially advised not to drink pop beverages, not only for its effect on blood sugar and body weight but for its bad effects on their teeth. The global sales of soft drinks has come down, while the sale of sparkling water is spiraling upwards. Indeed, the best beverage is really the healthy and refreshing filtered water.

*** 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

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

O c tO b E R 1 5 -1 8

Legionarios del Trabajo in America Triennial Convention The Legionarios del Trabajo in America, Inc. will hold its 18th Triennial Convention, October 15-18, 2015, at the Clarion Inn and Suites in Stockton, CA (4219 Waterloo Rd, Stockton, CA 95215). For more information, please contact Cora Gines at (209) 957-0217 / (209) 4065438, or Elena Gabriel at (209) 598-1436.

O c tO b E R 1 6 -1 8

CANA in Galilee Couples Retreat The CANA Marriage Renewal Movement will have their 59th couples retreat at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Fullerton, CA (2932 Nutwood Ave Fullerton, CA 92831) on Oct. 16-18. It is a 3-day experience designed to revitalize the interpersonal growth of the couple towards each other and God. Through a particular method of communication and dialogue, they discover their “coupleness” and couple power in a new way. The retreat starts on Friday evening with registration and orientation at 6 pm, and ends with the celebration of Eucharist on Sunday evening. We request a donation of $300 per couple to cover hotel accommodations, meals and snacks. No one is refused the opportunity to attend the retreat because of lack of funds, but prior arrangements must be made. Registration is still open, please contact Alain or Cecile Graziani (818 421-6505), email cnagraziani@charter.net, or St Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Office (909) 595-9545.

O c tO b E R 1 7

UNITED LAB-USA 32nd Anniversary The UNITED LAB-USA will celebrate their 32nd Anniversary on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Royal Garden in Cerritos. The association is headed by Rey Guieb, President. Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other questions, please call Felix Belen, outgoing president at (626) 839-0736.

UERMMMC - Medical Alumni Association Inaugural Ball The University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center - Medical Alumni Association of Southern California (UERMMMC - MAASC ), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which participates in many humanitarian projects and medical missions to barangays in the Philippines, will hold its Inaugural Ball and Dinner=Dance on October 17, 2015 at the Manhattan Beach Marriott (1400 Parkview Avenue; Manhattan Beach, CA 90266). Proceeds from the event will benefit underserved areas and families in Lucena, Quezon and District 2 of Pampanga (Lubao, Sasmuan, Guagua, Floridablanca) who are in need of medical and surgical care. The theme of the Inaugural Ball will be “A Black and White Event.” The evening starts at 6:00pm. Tickets are $90 per person and are tax deductible; VIP packages ranging from $500 and up are also available. For more information, please call Dr. Teri Pastor at 310-707-8480, Gloria Legaspi at 951-496-0536 and Lucy Babaran at 818-395-9348. We thank our guests and sponsors for their generous support!

FACCOC 21st Annual GALA Join the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County on Saturday, October 17th for an evening of casino games, recognition of local business owners, inspiring presentations, and entertainment at the 21st Annual GALA, “Monte Carlo Night,” at the Wyndham Hotel (12021 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840). Registration and networking starts at 5pm. There will be cocktails and classic casino games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and wheel of fortune available to guests from 5:30 to 7pm. Arrive early to take advantage of casino-style games and the photobooth (provided by OC fotobooth) before our main program and dinner starts. For RSVP tickets, sponsorships and vendor tables information, please visit www.faccoc.org.

O c tO b E R 1 8

FilAm Art Alive! Comes to San Diego FilAm Art Alive! is proud to announce the first annual San Diego event bringing together amazing local Filipino-American artists, entertainment, food vendors, and more surprises.

FilAm Art Alive! will be on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at Sushi On A Roll (1620 National Ave. San Diego, CA 92113) restaurant from 2-6pm. The Art Miles Murals Project in partnership with Philippine Art Miles is thrilled to join the festivities with the magnificent “Fishes of the Ocean” mural, a 250-foot section from the 6-mile longest mural visiting from the Philippines.

The mural is presented by On The Spot Artist Association, headed by Rolando De Leon of Quezon City. “Fishes Of The Ocean” is a part of UNESCO’s 70th Anniversary celebration. This FREE event will feature interactive art of various mediums, food vendors, live entertainment, folklore and dancing, and much more! For further information and questions about FilAm Art Alive!, please contact: filamartalive@gmail.com, or Laarni Thornton at 619.781.2727. Visit our Facebook for more details: www.facebook.com/FilAmArtAlive.

O c tO b E R 24

Mandacal 26th Anniversary Dinner-Dance MANDACAL (Mandaluyong Civic Group of Southern California) would like to invite you to attend its 26th Anniversary Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Embassy Suites Glendale (800 North Central Ave. Glendale, CA 91203). The event is a sit down dinner with live music by the Hill Tops Band #1, providing your favorite dance music from 5pm until midnight. There will be raffle prizes and many fabulous door prizes to be given away. Come enjoy a night of great food, excellent music, and pure fun with your family and friends! Tickets are $55 each. For tickets and information, please call: Becky 818-572-3261, Espee 626-3833621, or Julie 858-337-9224.

Bohol Children Bamboo Ensemble in Concert Presented by Bible Christian Fellowship Church, the one-of-a-kind Bohol Children Bamboo Ensemble, hailing from Alicia, in Bohol province, will perform at various locations during their first-ever tour in the US. 23 young performers from Katipunan Elementary School and the Bohol community will perform using traditional bamboo instruments, including a ukulele, drums, flutes, and bass. There will also be special guests, inspiring music, and traditional dances of the Philippines. For many of these young performers, it is their first time to visit the US, and they are eager to share their talents with the community. The show on Saturday, Oct. 24 will take place at Rosemont Elementary School Auditorium (421 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm; on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Bible Christian Fellowship Church (456 Rosemont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm; and on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA - 3200 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026) at 6:30pm. Light refreshments will be served. Ticket prices vary from $10, $25, and $50. For tickets and more information, please call 213-249-6672.

Helping Hands Marriage Enrichment Seminar Couples, please join for the Marriage Enrichment Seminar on Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 5pm at Helping Hands Adult Day Health Care (9051 Woodman Ave, Arleta, CA 91331). Featuring fun games and prizes, biblical teachings, and engaging interactions relevant to couples’ everyday life. Price for couples is $50, and $20 for single participants. Call Henjie Pimenta at 818-486-7481 for more information.

O c tO b E R 25 -27

Paco Catholic High School Class of 1964 Reunion sa Amerika” at the Gold Coast Casino & Hotel (4000 Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103) in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 25-27, 2015. Reminisce with your schoolmates from 50+ years ago and re-live memorable high school days! Reconnect with your old friends and make some new ones! This is the first reunion gathering in the US since our 50th grand reunion. For more information, please contact: Dan Hidalgo - danielh616@hotmail.com; tel. (914) 3100864 / (914) 740-7028. Ester Tadeo Celestino - cesarucelestino@yahoo.com; tel. (201) 4330727/ (551) 574-8511. Minda Cuario Cameron - meandatwo@aol.com; tel. (813) 633-5642. Ed Bondoc - bondoced@yahoo.com; tel. (415) 342-9877. Gertrudes “Nette” Descallar Collyer - mycolly@roadrunner.com; tel. (818) 767-8175.

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

Features

B october 15-21, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Conclusion of 3 parts)

VIGAN has plenty of other points of interest to offer. Go see Chavit Singson’s “Baluarte” or “fortress” —it’s name emblazoned on a rise for all to see. As of this writing, Chavit has a collection of exotic animals which include about nine tigers and a lion, ostriches, deer, a yellow snake, ducks, a stable full of miniature horses and on the softer, gentler side, a butterly garden of over 500 varieties. It’s open to the public and there are still no entrance fees at this time.

All you need do is to tip the guides generously for the time and trouble it takes to bring you around. Be warned that not everyone is given the privilege of touring the innards of his private house. It’s a selective process and largely the luck of the draw.

The grapevine tells me that occasionally, the man who is seen frequently with Manny Pacquio, if he is in the mood, conducts the tour himself. I suppose that depending on the timing, the volume of the crowds and how you come across to the guide on the day you visit, you may be given the chance to explore Chavit’s Baluarte, which is appropriately named. It sits atop a strategic high point of Vigan real estate, that can give advance warning of the approach of enemies from the ground and air, in times of war while affording a magnificent nearly 180 degree view of the horizon where the sky and the South China Sea merge and meet seamlessly in deep shades of shimmering blue during quiet times.

Chavit’s older house sits on a bluff and can be accessed by stairs carved in stone from the reception area where Aries, our guide, gave us a comprehensive tour of Baluarte and its features.

There’s a lot of thought that went into this house and it shows. Chavit Singson is the colorful, controversial self-proclaimed “Tiger of Ilocos” and two color photo cut-outs of Chavit cuddling with two of his pet tigers meant to greet visitors to his enclave make sure you remember that image of power, strength and wile clearly. You somehow wait and listen for the movie soundtrack

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

Ms. Olivia Quido-Co: ‘Beauty’ in the Life of a Beauty Expert

Begone to Vigan!

Chavit’s ‘Baluarte’ ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the tradewinds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.’

— Mark Twain

of Rocky’s “Eye of the Tiger” to play off the sound system dramatically to complete the presentation. There’s nothing of the sort though. For the moment, you forget the controversy he was embroiled in, the “Jueteng gate” that helped topple one Philippine presidency years ago as you explore his lair, or come to think of it, perhaps this is just one among others. After all, a really smart tiger in a jungle full of foes, must have two strongholds at least, one public and another one, far beyond probing eyes.

Baluarte was still a work in progress about 5 years ago. The concrete, multi-storied turretlike, round, glass-walled structure — a Viganesque version of the Tower of Babel under construction at the time, standing on its toes to kiss the skies, is now complete and is part of the attraction for curious tourists.

But the older house itself is interesting, holding insights to the owner’s personality, eccentricities, taste and preferences. Its size is unimposing and its proportions just right using the principles of classic bilateral symmetry and wide open spaces. It’s glass walls allow as much light as it can take. The principles of feng shui is practiced here, or so it seems. It uses huge mahjong tiles as décor on its wrap-around glass walls while climate controlled air conditioning keeps the temperature just comfortable.

A life size stuffed toy tiger sits draped atop the grand piano.

A multi-gallon aquarium of exotic fish blends unobtrusively, quietly with the surroundings while a stand of black-faced computers line one side. A stack of books on a side table by the sofa on a surprisingly wide range of classical subjects give an insight to the man’s intellectual pursuits.

Or it can all be for show, depending on your persuasion and perception of the man himself. The tiger is a wily creature after all

that can size up its quarry with quick accuracy.

There is a sparkling pool, waterfall and a gazebo. The water supply and plumbing system must be top grade or all that green sweep of the land would turn to brown crud in the oppressive tropical heat, not to mention the stink that would reek from the animal droppings, if water were scarce. Everything is neat and clean and odor-free. Credit the man for his intelligence and thorough planning. Manicured, velvet green lawns and trim grounds on the basin below where well-fed animals are kept by a bevy of trained keepers, attendants and groundskeepers attest to that.

A chapel stands just before the approach to the house and grounds itself. You can’t help noting a rich man’s toy— a bright yellow 2-man submarine gathering dust like a fish out of water— splayed hopelessly just beside the cooped up South American alpaca probably wondering what the heck he is doing in Vigan instead of grazing an Andean mountainside. Ostriches strut about chasing a flock of ducks on the grounds.

A “tiger” such as this one with the financial clout and strong and loyal political base can always hold his own jostling and moving with the powers-that-be while surrounding himself with a coterie of armed bodyguards for self-preservation. It takes serious money to build, maintain and preserve a place such as Baluarte. To his credit, he shares the place for the public to enjoy as well. Altruism? Perhaps. Ego massage? You decide.

Begone to Vigan. With its old and new facets, it is well worth the trip. * ** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

By Monet

Lu

AS many would say, “Beauty comes in many forms.” From someone coming from the aesthetics department, I know this by heart. It is the very core of my project, “The Beautiful Life Celebration,”which celebrates the beauty in life. Whether it is through one’s beautiful career, passion and even womanhood.

Today, it is my honor to tell the story of our 2015 Beautiful Life Celebration’s Woman of the Year, Ms. Olivia Quido.

My earliest recollection of Olivia Quido-Co (most commonly known to her clients and friends as “Ms. O”) is when I met her in 2003 at a convention in LA. She was in her booth when I approached her and asked if I can feature her in one of my shows.

She was still starting out as an esthetician.

Back then, she was just renting out a small space for her skincare business. Now, they have successfully branched out into two outlets, one in Cerritos and the other in Eagle Rock—talk about hard work and determination.

Yet, aside from Ms. O’s impressive work ethics, she has passion and an astounding faith that “can move mountains.” When she told

me about her plans, I instantly believed with all my heart that this woman is going to make it.

I know when a person is dead serious and determined to fulfill her passion.

One important quality that stands out in Ms. O is her faith in Christ. She is a born-again Christian who lives out her faith and strives to “do the will of God.” She says that her life verses include: Malachi 3:10, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that

The Nevada chapter of National Federation of Filipino American Associations announced the elected officers for 2016-2017: Chair Bernie Benito; Vice Chair Leo Belmonte (IAAN); Treasurer - Jocelyn Borromeo (Filipiniana Dance Company); Secretary Marilyn Ante (Bikolnon Association of LV). Appointed positions are Executive

there may be food in my house.

And thereby put me to the test… if I will not open the windows of heaven for you…” Another one is Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the Kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you.”

Olivia and her family goes to Shepherd of the Hills for Sunday Service. I love that I can always come to her for advice. She has the wisest words to calm my fears and worries. When I was going PAGE B7

Director Cynthia Deriquito (Seven Lakes); Violy Horn as audtior (All Tax & Business Consulting); Alex Pena as PRO (SMISAN). Board of directors are Asela Engel (ATBC); Ceasar Elpidio (FACAI); Jo Devlin (FAHF); Jun Capistrano (ATBC); Loni Andal ( Ixpo Las Vegas); and Michael StaJuana (ACRC)

U.S. Air Force Filipino-American Veterans Group Global Grand Reunion Saturday, November 7th at 6 pm One Six Sky Lounge Eastside Cannery Hotel & Casino 5255 Boulder Highway, Las Vegas, NV 89122 ŽŶĂƟŽŶ͗ $100 ƫƌĞ͗ Semiformal, Barong, or Military Uniform &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ Aldy Calbay (702) 767-2309 dŽŶLJ 'ĂƌĐŝĂ ;ϳϬϮͿ ϴϲϬͲϵϱϭϴ Ronnie Delos Santos (702) 289-2997 Alex Pena (702) 373-9522 Chito Dumo (925) 577-3158 Nestor Que (702) 334-5050

Features

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

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OctObER 15-21, 2015

B

Vincent RodRiguez iii Jodi Sta. Maria, Richard Yap to replace Kris, Herbert in MMFF entry - report On facing challenges as an Asian American...

PAGE B1

MANILA—Kris Aquino backing out of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) may be the best thing that could happen for fans of Maya and Ser Chief.

According to a report by Vinia Vivar published in the tabloid Pang-Masa, Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap will replace Kris and Herbert Bautista in the MMFF movie “All You Need is Pagibig.”

It can be remembered that Kris announced she is backing out of the movie, to be directed and cowritten by Antoinette Jadaone, last week.

Star Cinema, the movie’s producer, is yet to make an official announcement about “All You Need is Pag-Ibig.” However, Richard

gram post.

Jodi and Richard worked together in the daytime TV series “Be Careful With My Heart” as Maya and Ser Chief from 2012 to 2014. They were supposed to be part of the 2013 MMFF with a movie adaptation of their TV show; however, due to the cast’s busy schedule at the time, the project was canceled.

This year’s MMFF has had a number of cast changes and additions since the lineup was announced in June. Most notable was when Jericho Rosales replaced JM de Guzman in the romantic-comedy “Walang Forever, while Cesar Montano replaced Robin Padilla in the action-suspense movie “Nilalang.” (Philstar.com)

Webb (who initially discovered the actor through his character in “Here Lies Love”), he knew the part was special. Esteemed writers Aline Brosh McKenna (“The Devil Wears Prada”) and Rachel Bloom (from “Robot Chicken” and YouTube’s Rachel Does Stuff) are a part of the project, and it has a primetime spot (Monday nights at 8:00pm) on the CW network.

The show follows Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a successful, miserable young woman who impulsively leaves her job as a Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap real estate lawyer in New York hinted in an Instagram post on in search of love and happiness Monday that he will be doing a in West Covina, California--also project with Jodi soon. the suburban hometown of her “Ito na ba ang hinihintay niyo...

Filipino ex-boyfriend.

Abangan,” he said in his Insta“‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ explores this idea of feeling crazy over someone,” said Rodriguez, adding that the show includes themes of family, friendship, and finding Gerald and Maja broke up this home away from home. “When MANILA—Kim Chiu is happy concurred with Maja’s stateyear due to reasons they decided you’re in love, it’s fun, ridiculous, that everything is going well be- ment. and exciting.”

“Friends naman talaga kami,” not to disclose. tween her and Maja Salvador.

“As the show progresses, you Kim added that she prefers to In an interview with Boy Abun- Kim said in a recent interview, da in the ABS-CBN talk show during the ATC 10th year an- “forgive kaysa buong buhay mo learn what makes Rebecca that may burden [sa puso mo], mas way--she’s just a normal girl in “Tonight with Boy Abunda on niversary. love. Each of us have been in a The two were best friends until masayang wala kang kaaway.”

October 8,” Maja said that she and The three recently performed place where we’ve been infatuKim are in the process of “rebuild- they had a falling out in 2013, after Kim’s ex-boyfriend Gerald Ander- together for “ASAP 20’s” show in ated with someone or the idea of ing” their friendship. someone, the idea of love, and Laguna. (Philstar.com) The “Etiquette for Mistresses” son started courting Maja. we’ve all done pretty crazy things because of it.”

“There’s such a crazy parallel between my character, Josh Chan, and who I am as a person,” he adPAGE B5 sculpting and stem cell rejuvena- whom she considers an “engineer mitted. “From Josh’s personality, through a lot in my life, she was tion, among others. She also has trapped in a financial advisor’s his family and friends, and how he there for me. She is, for me, a liv- TV beauty segment in “Adobo body.” She says her husband grew up--it’s kind of scary.” ing testimony of what a Woman Nation” called, “Beauty by Ms. handles and operates their spa Josh Chan is basically “a SoCal of God is like.

O.” It is featured every Sunday at machines. He is very supportive Asian bro,” Rodriguez described.

Before her success in the skin 6:45pm through Kapamilya TFC. and a great father to their three Coming from a family of mixed care business she started out as a When I asked Olivia to talk beautiful children namely, Faith parents (Filipino, Chinese, and regular employee. After finishing about the beautiful life she lives, (6), Timothy (4), and twins, Toby Spanish, just like Rodriguez), her course in Cosmetology (with she said, “Everyday is a day to and Julia, who are turning 1 this Josh--the one that got away--is focus on skincare) she worked give thanks to the Lord for the October 23. also finding his place in reality and To my friend who knows a lot romance. at a spa in Monterey Park. After beautiful life he has given me realizing that her meager income through the years. I have nothing about Beauty, thank you for show“You’re going to meet Josh just won’t cut it, she decided else to ask Him because I honestly ing us what real beauty is like.

Chan, find out that he’s Filipino, *** to open up her own business. believe that He has blessed me and see his family values,” RodriMonet Lu is a Marikina-born, award- guez shared. “The Chan family She rented a small room inside with everything – and even more. I Lody Styling Center in Artesia. love being able to help others look winning celebrity beauty stylist with his dynamic is very true to form--it The owner, Lody Garcia maybe beautiful, but most importantly, own chain of Monet Salon salons across feels very real to my own family.” saw what I see in Ms. O, that she I love the opportunity to show Southern California and Las Vegas, “It’s exciting to see Filipino became one of the people who God’s love and share His Word to Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known culture being portrayed in the helped Ms. O build her brand and my clients. As Matthew 4:19 says, as an all-around artiste who produces mainstream,” he added. network. Lody stands as Ms. O’s ‘Follow me, and I will make you sold-out fashion and awards shows “I always wanted to be the second mom. fishers of men.’ – This is what I as well as unforgettable marketing ASIAN guy” Right now, Ms. O owns and long to do for the rest of my life. campaigns. Monet is also the founder At the 2014 PaleyFest Fall TV operates O Skin Care+Spa (Medi- A life of worship to God is for me of the revolutionary all-natural beauty Preview, main actress Rachel cal Spa). It is a complete medical is the most beautiful life anyone products such as Enlighten, your solution Bloom said she wanted the locato discoloration. To contact Monet, please tion of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” to service facility that specializes could live” on a wide a range of skin treatOlivia is married to her equally visit www.monetsalon.com or email him be in Southern California, based ment, from facials to 3D eyebrow talented husband, Jason Co, at monetsalon@aol.com off her own childhood experience

Kim Chiu ‘rebuilding’ friendship with Maja Salvador

Ms. Olivia Quido-Co: ‘Beauty’ in the...

Rachel Bloom as Rebecca and Vincent Rodriguez III as Josh in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Photo by Lisa Rose/The CW -- © 2015 The CW Network, LLC.

living inland.

“We knew we wanted it to be a fish-out-of-water story, but most of those happen in the Midwest or on the East Coast,” Bloom said this month in an interview with Vulture, adding that she and McKenna were drawn to the number of chain businesses and cultural diversity that San Gabriel Valley is known for. “We also liked how multicultural Southern California was, which is…what new suburbia is, and will continue to grow and be—people from all different cultures going to the same Applebee’s.”

Since the show is set in a suburb notorious for Asian American (and especially Filipino) families, the writers were careful to make sure actors accurately represented the culture and diversity of West Covina.

“We always wanted the male lead to be Asian,” Bloom shared, “because I grew up with Asian bros, and I hadn’t seen that represented on TV.” Rodriguez is proud to be among a growing number of Asian American series regulars on fall TV. “It’s an honor,” he remarked. “It means that we’ve evolved, that we’re at a new place when it comes to television. It’s breaking ground.”

“You know how there’s always ‘the Black guy,’ or ‘the Mexican guy?’ I always wanted to be the ASIAN guy, the mirror of society,” Rodriguez said.

“As a Filipino actor, I always wanted to be a part of the growth of Asian-American representation on TV and onstage. Now I feel like I’m a part of that journey to exposing modern, cultural America.”

He added, “I’m hoping that my presence in this show will open up the minds of the Filipino community, especially young Filipino men.”

Rodriguez also applauded shows that put Asian-Americans in the forefront, such as ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat,” which successfully portrays both the stereotypes and the injustices experienced by the minority community in a fresh, comedic way.

“There are always extremes that exist with all ethnicities, and it’s nice to be a part of a show that explores these identities, and portrays who we really are: people with a specific background and a place,” he said, regarding comedies [like “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”] that put Asian-Americans in starring roles.

“We’re showing the world our reality--sometimes, that can be painful and uncomfortable. But it can also be funny.”

Be who you are To aspiring actors, musicians, dancers, and entertainers of every color, Rodriguez offers a simple piece of advice that is reflected throughout his new show: be who you are.

“Be open to yourself, to new experiences, to your interests, and never let anyone tell you you can’t do something. As an actor, you get to create who you want to be, and become who you really are. Be kind to yourself, strive to be the best in whatever you choose to do.

Love your life, and live it joyfully, fully, and authentically.”

It just might make you a little crazy.

B october 15-21, 2015 • LAS VeGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

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

seafood city fpfc