New York & New Jersey -- November 4 -- 10, 2016

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

Volume10 – Issue 6 • 16 Pages

N O V E MBE R 4 - 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858 • 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

‘US-PH relationship does not rest on shoulders of one individual’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the United states stressed on tuesday, November 2, that its relationship with the Philippines “doesn’t rest on the shoulders of just one individual.”

U.s. state Department spokesperson John Kirby made the statement following Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s recent tirades against America.

In his latest attack, the Philippine president called the U.s. of-

DATELINE

ficials “fools” and “monkeys” for reportedly halting the planned sale of about 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines due to “concerns on human rights issue.”

“Well, because the government isn’t – doesn’t rest – especially in a democracy, it doesn’t rest on the shoulders of just one individual,” Kirby explained.

Despite President Duterte’s anti-U.s. rhetoric, Kirby reiterated that the United states continues to have a close relation-

ship with the government of the Philippines.

“Yes, he’s the head of state, but there are many agencies in his government, there are many cabinet officials, there are longstanding relationships that we have nurtured over the years with figures in his government, and those relationships are still there and they’re still vibrant,” the spokesperson added.

Kirby, however, clarified that

Philippine Senator and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao poses with WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas as they face off for the final press conference before their PPV showdown on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

u PAGE A2

Pacquiao on Vargas: ‘This is going to be a historic fight’

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Obamacare premiums to increase in 2017

for eight-division world champion manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, challenging the World Boxing organization (WBo) welterweight champion Jessie Vargas is an honor.

“It’s an honor for me to fight a champion,” Pacquiao said in a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Pacman received a warm welcome from fans upon his arrival in Las Vegas, a few days before his upcoming match with Vargas.

PremIUms for health care plans under President Barack obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will rise 22 percent for mid-level plans in 2017, according to a recent report from the Department of health and human services (hhs). hhs secretary sylvia mathews Burwell defended the program and the premium hike on CNN, saying that controversial law — commonly known as obamacare — has had a record of benefiting all Americans. “the Affordable Care Act was about three fundamental things — access, affordability and quality. It was about everybody, not just the uninsured,” she said on Wednesday, october 26.

According to the report, the premium hike won’t affect 84 percent of Americans who receive help from government subsidies, which will also increase. moreover, many Americans enrolled with obamacare receive tax credits which can also help with premium costs.

When obamacare was first introduced, insurance companies were under-pricing pre-

Senator Ben Cardin

u PAGE A3

u PAGE A3

u PAGE A2

Senator Panfilo Lacson

US stops sale of arms to PH over drug war

Sung Kim sworn in as US envoy to PH KoreAN-American sung Y. Kim was sworn in thursday, Nov. 3 as the new ambassador of the United states to the Philippines.

Kim, former special representative of the United states for North Korea Policy, was nominated by President Barack obama on may 2016 and confirmed in september. he replaces Philip Goldberg, who has been the subject of repetitive personal attacks from President rodrigo Duterte. state secretary John Kerry administered the oath of office to Kim in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Kerry has maintained that the relationship between the Philippines and the Us remains “ironclad” despite President Duterte’s antiUs sentiments. “the United states continues to place a high value on the close ties that exist between our countries,” he said. “We continue to recognize our ironclad commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and security of the Philippines. And we will continue to cooperate in efforts to maintain peace and

the Pacquiao-Vargas bout will be held on saturday, November 5, at the thomas & mack Center in Las Vegas.

“I’m very thankful for all my fans for all the support they’ve been giving me. And on November 5, I wanna be successful with a great win,” the filipino champ said.

Pacquiao, who was also elected senator in may 2016, expressed his determination to make another record in boxing history as the first senator to win a world championship.

“I’m so interested to win convinc-

by Eric

Infographics by Kendrick Tan/AJPress

anthony LicaS AJPress

A seNIor U.s. senator’s opposition to Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s bloody crackdown on crime has blocked the sale of 26,000 firearms to the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to a new report.

Aides for sen. Ben Cardin of maryland — the most senior Democrat on the U.s. senate foreign relations Committee — told

reuters on monday, october 31, that he would oppose the transaction. the announcement reportedly prompted the U.s. state Department to halt plans for the arms deal.

In the past, Cardin had introduced legislation promoting cooperation between Philippine and American law enforcement agencies. however, reports of the growing death toll linked to the Duterte

u PAGE A2

FVR resigns as PH’s special envoy to China It’s official: PH to host

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

former President fidel V. ramos revealed on monday, october 31, that he has resigned as the Philippines’ special envoy to China. “the moment the president came back from China from a successful state visit, I resigned as special envoy to China because the officials have

Miss Universe 2016

taken over,” ramos said.

President rodrigo Duterte made his first official visit to China from october 18 to 21 and announced upon his arrival in the Philippines that he the Department of tourism (Dot) confirmed that the secured a $24 billion deal with Beijing.

Philippines will host the upcoming miss Universe amid the According to the president, the deal, which was rumors of its cancellation. mostly about trade, investments, and maritime se“the Philippines will, indeed, play host to the much curity, would generate 2 million jobs for filipinos awaited 2016 miss Universe pageant,” tourism secretary

u PAGE A2

u PAGE A4

A NOVEMBER 4-10, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

From the Front Page

‘US-PH relationship does not rest on…

PAGE A1 t

the United States recognizes Duterte as the duly elected leader of the Philippine government and that he determines the country’s foreign policy.

“The point I was trying to make is that there are institutions in the government that we have good relationships with and

we’re going to try to continue those relationships, as well as try to develop a good working relationship with him himself,” he said.

Asked about the status of the controversial rifle sale, Kirby did not issue any comment.

For the past few months, the Philippine president has been throwing controversial state-

ments against the United States.

In his recent trip to China, Duterte announced that he wanted to cut off the military and economic ties with America to pursue a more independent government policy. He also cursed U.S. President Barack Obama, calling him “son of whore” during this year’s United Nations Summit. n

Pacquiao on Vargas: ‘This is going to be…

PAGE A1 t

ingly and get the belt because this is my first fight since being elected as senator,” he said.

For Pacquiao, it’s not easy SHOAL HARVEST. Filipino fishermen return from a three-day trip to Panatag Shoal in Infanta, Pangasinan, with their bounty of fish. The working both as a senator and shoal’s 150-square-kilometer lagoon, as well as the waters surrounding this disputed set of sea rocks, is home to high-value fish species, a boxer. But through discisuch as tanigue (narrow-barred Spanish mackerel), lapu-lapu (grouper) and maya-maya (red snapper). Inquirer.net photo by Willie Lomibao pline and time management, he said he has overcome the hardship.

“I’m glad that I fulfilled my duty and I maintained boxing.

PAGE A1 t Figures released by the PNP I’m so excited for the Saturday.

Souls’ Day. “We have many air place the death toll of the pres- I’m sure it’s going to be a good administration’s efforts to curb rifles here,” he said jokingly.

In his statement, Lascon went ident’s initiative to exterminate fight, more action in the ring,” he the Philippines’ illicit narcotics trade have driven Cardin to criti- on to say that “there is now more the Philippines’ illegal drug trade said. cize what has been a violent war reason for our Department of at over 3,400 people as of the first Pacquiao, 37, has a record of National Defense to revive our week of October. About 1,400 58 wins in 66 fights. Meanwhile, on drugs.

“There is a right way to ap- self-reliance program so we can were deemed the result of legiti- Vargas, 27, has fought 28 times proach this issue … and a wrong produce our own weapons and mate police operations while the and only lost once in 2015. way,” Cardin previously said on ammunition and other military remaining 2,000 cases were still While the odds of the match unresolved. the floor of the Senate on Tues- hardware.” were 5-1 in favor of Pacquiao, On Tuesday, Lascon said he some noted that the age differThe cancelled deal and Senaday, September 27. “President Duterte, in advocating and en- tor Lascon’s comments come has “yet to see an investigation ence between the two fighters dorsing what amounts to mass during a complicated moment in with the conclusion that mas- could be a disadvantage for the sive and state-sanctioned human Filipino champ. murder, has chosen the wrong Philippine-U.S. relations.

In recent weeks, President rights violations were committed way.”

“Never underestimate the He went on to say that the Rodrigo Duterte has made com- under the present regime’s drive heart of a young, lion champion,” Duterte administration has re- ments suggesting that the Phil- against illegal drugs.” warned Dewey Cooper, Vargas’s However, one of the most vo- trainer. fused to investigate alleged ippines ought to cut, or at least abuses and that if current trends scale back its longstanding ties cal opponents of the Duterte However, Pacquiao’s coach, administration, Senator Leila De Freddie Roach, does not believe continue, over 6,000 people with the United States.

Despite unresolved territorial Lima, said, in a statement re- so. could wind up as victims of extrajudicial killings by the end of disputes with China, his admin- leased on Tuesday, that the State “I think it’s a disadvantage (for istration has sought to build eco- Department’s decision not to go the year.

The senator has yet to issue a nomic, diplomatic and security through with the arms deal was statement regarding the termi- ties with the regional powerhouse a predictable reaction to signifiand other countries geographi- cant concerns. nated deal.

She went on to call the admin- PAGE A1 t In a statement released on cally closer to the Philippines.

On Tuesday evening, Duterte istration’s pivot towards greater in the next five years.

Tuesday, November 1, Philippine “I’ve done my job to...break told reporters that a Russian dip- independence from America Senator Panfilo Lascon called Cardin’s position “his opinion lomat had previously told him to “hallow and bluster” that would the ice and to help restore the and nothing more,” according to “come to Russia; we all have here alienate the Western power’s al- ties of goodwill and friendship,” ABS-CBN News. He said there anything you need,” according to lies and cause friction through- Ramos added.

Last July, Ramos accepted out Southeast Asia. were plenty of other countries the Inquirer.

“This is just the start of what Duterte’s offer to become the The shift in foreign policy folthat could probably offer the PNP lows the development of a tense we will be reaping from the U.S. special envoy to China in the a better deal.

Duterte brushed off the impact atmosphere between the Duterte as result of the isolationist whirl- wake of The Hague’s ruling reof the deal’s cancellation even administration and Washington wind this Administration has garding the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. fuelled by U.S. condemnation of sown and continue to sow.” further on Tuesday evening.

The arbitration tribunal at PNP officials said that, as of suspected human rights viola“Susmaryosep! … Is that all they can do to threaten me?” tions and the Philippine presi- Tuesday, November 1, they had The Hague ruled in favor of the the president told reporters after dent’s provocative, expletive lad- not yet received an official notice Philippines and concluded that China’s claim of sovereignty over of the sale’s cancellation. n visiting the tombs ahead of All en defense of his war on drugs.

US stops sale of arms to PH over…

PACQUIAO VS. VARGAS. Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao and World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight world champion Jessie Vargas both arrive at the Wynn Las Vegas on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The two boxers will face off on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

AJ Press photos by Robert Macabagdal

Vargas). He’s younger and he’s not experienced, and Manny... his level’s much higher than him.

He’s never fought someone like him,” Roach pointed out.

At the co-main event of Pacman’s comeback fight, Filipino boxer Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. will defend his WBO junior featherweight title against Jessie Magdaleno.

“Happy ako na kasama ko siya, na kasabay ko siya sa fight. Gusto ko may mga Filipino na may kasama akong lalaban, hindi lang ako, para makapagdala ng karangalan sa bansa (I’m happy to fight alongside with him. I want to have fellow Filipinos fight with me, not just me alone, to bring honor to our country),” Pacquiao said. n

the waters had no legal basis.

China, however, has repeatedly refused to accept the ruling.

Meanwhile, the Palace said it has not yet received the former president’s resignation.

“Moreover, it is not true that the former president can no longer have any role in our engagement with China. His stature and expertise are needed now, more than ever, to follow up and bike on what President Duterte accomplished during his recent visit to China,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

‘Consider me an older brother’ Ramos also said that his criticism toward Duterte’s actions should be considered as advice in helping solve the country’s problems.

“I must be considered by everybody, including the present president, as an older brother of the family,” he said.

In a column published in the Manila Bulletin on Saturday, October 29, the former president chided Duterte for refusing to

FVR resigns as PH’s special…

u PAGE A5

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline USa

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 4-10, 2016

A

AAPI leaders reiterate importance of voting on Nov. 8

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

FILIAL PIETY PRESIDENT. Rodrigo Duterte kisses the tomb of his father, Vicente Duterte, former Davao governor and secretary for general services under the Marcos administration. Duterte visited the mausoleum housing his parents’ remains at the Roman Catholic Cemetery of Davao City on Tuesday, November 1, joining the nation in marking All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day. Malacañang photo

Obamacare premiums to increase in…

PAGE A1 t

miums. Burwell said that the premium hikes reflect the need for insurers to adjust pricing based on data that is now available.

However, critics say that the rising premiums harm those who pay the full cost of their health insurance with no help from the government.

Larry Levitt, senior vice president for special initiatives at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said that Americans can expect a difficult enrollment period, which begins on November 1.

“Consumers will be faced this year with not only big premium increases but also with a declining number of insurers participating, and that will lead to a tumultuous open enrollment period,” Levitt told Fox News.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) promised that Republican lawmakers are working to “replace it with realpatient-centered solutions that fit your needs and your budget,” he said in a video on his website.

A fervent opposer of Obamacare, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump went on Fox News on Tuesday, October 25 to respond to the premium hikes, saying the “disastrous” law needs “to be repealed and replaced.”

“I can say that all of my employees are having a tremendous problem with Obamacare,” Trump said at a rally in Florida following the announcement of the premium increase. “What they’re going through with their healthcare is horrible because of Obamacare, so we’ll repeal it and replace it.

However, Burwell reiterated that Obamacare has kept premiums in check for Americans who are covered through employers.

“For the 150 million people who that have employer-based care,” she said, “what we know is that in the last six years they’ve seen five of the slowest years of growth in their premiums in his-

tory.”

ACA and the Fil-Am community Approximately, 55 percent of Filipinos support Obamacare according to the Fall 2016 National Asian American Survey.

Although Filipino approval ranks lower than Asian Americans as a whole — 60 percent of Asian Americans support the law — many see Obamacare as a benefit to the community.

When the United States Supreme Court voted to uphold Obamacare, Filipino healthcare professionals saw it as a win for their industry.

“We expect the ACA, or Obamacare, to stimulate America’s demand for Filipino nurses, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, speech pathologists and other healthcare workers,” Liberal Party Rep. Roman T. Romulo of Pasig City told the Business Mirror in June 2015.

“A greater number of Americans will now have access to health care, especially hospitalization — thus creating new demand for such services,” Romulo added. “Simply put, the US hospital industry is bound to boom, and so will their demand for foreign staff.”

The future of Obamacare Since it was put into effect in 2010, the law has provided income-based subsidies for Americans who select individual policies on healthcare.gov and state insurance markets. Since then, the law has helped reduce the uninsured rate to 9 percent, a historical low.

Under the law, insurance companies are cannot deny insurance or charge more for individuals with pre-existing health concerns.

In a speech delivered in Miami on Thursday, October 20, Obama addressed the benefits of the law.

He referenced Americans by name who have been previously denied insurance and now have access to coverage through the law.

He, however, acknowledged

Incoming US Ambassador to PH Sung Kim

Sung Kim sworn in...

PAGE A1 t

stability, and to promote shared prosperity in the Asia Pacific region.”

Kim’s assignment to Manila comes weeks after President Duterte announced in China the Philippines’ split from the US. Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel went to Manila to seek clarification of the President’s remark.

A report for the US Senate committee on foreign relations made favorable remarks about Kim, saying: “His outstanding managerial skills, open interpersonal style, and ability to work well with numerous US government agencies on sensitive and complex policy issues and priorities, makes him well qualified to serve as US Ambassador to the Philippines.”

Kim, a career member of the US foreign service, served as the US ambassador to the Republic of Korea from 2011 to 2014 and as special envoy, with rank of ambassador, for the Six-Party Talks from 2008 to 2011.

Previously, he was the Politi-

cal-Military Unit chief at the US Embassy in Seoul from 2002 to 2006, according to a White House news release.

From 1999 to 2002, he served as a political officer in Tokyo. His other overseas assignments included Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

In Washington, DC, Kim worked in the Office of Chinese Affairs and served as staff assistant in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, where he rose to become deputy assistant secretary.

Before joining joining the foreign service, he worked as a public prosecutor in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.

Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1960, the son of a South Korean diplomat. In 1973, he and his family moved to Los Angeles, where he grew up.

A graduate of University of Pennsylvania, Kim took his juris doctor degree at the Loyola University Law School. He earned a master of laws degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. (Anthony Esguerra/Inquirer.net)

that the law will need improvements to better serve generations to come.

“We have always known — and I have always said — for all the good that the Affordable Care Act is doing right now, for as big a step forward as it was, it’s still just a first step,” he said.

“Since we first signed the law, we’ve already taken a number of steps to improve it, and we can do even more, but only if we put aside all the political rhetoric, all the partisanship and be honest about what’s working, what needs fixing, and how we fix it,” he added. (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)

LAS VEGAS — In the final week before Election Day, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) leaders reminded the community to get out the vote.

Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.) were in this city over the weekend alongside volunteers to continue to mobilize AAPI voters and to make last pitches on behalf of Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton for president and former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto for U.S. Senate.

“If [the AAPI] vote concentrates on a particular candidate, they can determine the outcome of that election,” Chu said. “We saw that with Senator Harry Reid, who faced a tough race four years ago.”

Numerous studies have shown the power AAPIs have to swing elections, including Nevada’s Senate race. AAPIs comprise about 9 percent of Nevada’s electorate.

Though Clinton and Cortez Masto’s stances on issues that AAPIs care about have been widely publicized, Chu and Takano again spoke about how many families, including Filipinos, have been waiting years to be reunited and how both candidates are committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform.

“So many Asians have suffered from our broken immigration

Rep. Judy Chu

Rep. Mark Takano

system. They have petitioned to get their relatives from the Philippines, China, Korea and they wait 10, 20 years, with virtually no hope of getting them here.

Yet, they deserve to unite with their families. Our system is such that you can unite with your family and bring them here,” Chu said.

She added, “This could change with Hillary Clinton and Catherine Cortez Masto…Hillary Clinton has pledged to work on comprehensive immigration reform in the first 100 days, but she needs the House and Senate with her.”

Further, both members of Congress explained the latest email issue surrounding the Clinton campaign.

Last Friday, October 28, the FBI revealed that it found a number of emails relating to Clinton in a separate investigation of for-

mer New York congressman Anthony Weiner, husband of prominent Clinton aide Huma Abedin.

The bureau hasn’t officially announced a reinvestigation but is seeing if the emails are related to the bureau’s investigation into Clinton’s emails.

Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev. ) criticized FBI Director James Comey, saying the announcement violates a law, known as the Hatch Act of 1939, which prohibits government officials in the executive government from engaging in political activity.

“Your actions in recent months have demonstrated a disturbing double standard for the treatment of sensitive information, with what appears to be clear intent to aid one political party over another,” Reid said in a letter.

Chu wanted AAPI voters to know that an investigation isn’t

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

u PAGE A4

A NOVEMBER 4-10, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Nomination of new envoy to US on hold by christina

MenDez

Philstar.com

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has put on hold his nomination of a new Philippine ambassador to Washington, at least until after the election of a new US president next week, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

This follows Duterte’s declaration that he is “separating” from the United States as part of his independent foreign policy. The US elects a new president on Nov. 8.

Duterte announced in August that he wanted Palace chief protocol officer Marciano Paynor Jr. to be the Philippine ambassador to the US, citing his long experience in “the foreign service.”

Paynor was supposed to replace businessman Jose Cuisia Jr. who recently finished his tour of duty but news came out that the same post was offered to The Star columnist Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez.

Abella confirmed Romualdez turned down the offer to become ambassador but agreed to serve as special envoy to the US. “At this stage, we don’t have the information,” Abella said when asked about a new nominee for ambassador.

“I don’t know if he is totally out,” Abella said, when asked about Paynor’s status. “I think the President wants Paynor there in the Philippines because he is good,” he added.

sioson AJPress

THERE’S still a chance for a bilateral meeting between the presidents of the Philippines and the United States at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest suggested on Wednesday, October 26.

Both the Philippines and the United States are members of APEC, which will have its economic leaders’ meeting on November 19-20 in Lima, Peru.

According to Earnest, U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend the summit.

“At this point, I don’t have details about the [U.S.] President’s schedule when he’s attending the

APEC Summit. I don’t know how much time his schedule will allow for bilateral meetings on the sidelines -- presumably at least one or two,” Earnest said.

However, Malacañang has yet to release an official statement regarding Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s attendance.

Asked if the White House would be open to scheduling a meeting with the Philippines, Earnest answered: “It’s not one I’m prepared to rule out at this point. But we’ve ruled out previous meetings with President Duterte on short notice.”

Last month, Obama called off his first scheduled meeting with Duterte during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

summit in Vientiane, Laos.

Describing the Philippine president as a ‘colorful guy,’ Obama scrapped the meeting after reports indicated that Duterte called him a “son of a b*tch.”

“I always want to make sure that if I’m having a meeting, that it’s actually productive and we’re getting something done,” Obama said after the meeting was canceled.

APEC, which has 21 member countries around the world, aims “to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration.” n

It’s official: PH to host Miss Universe...

PAGE A1 t

Wanda Teo said in a statement released on Thursday, November 3.

The beauty pageant’s coronation night will be held on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with Steve Harvey as its host.

Last month, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo confirmed that venues to be used for the pageant include Cebu, Batangas, Metro Manila, Siargao, Vigan, Palawan, Bicol and Davao, following an earlier inspection visit by Miss Universe Organization representatives.

“This is one proud moment for all of us, Filipinos, to bear witness

to our reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of Cagayan de Oro City as she takes her final walk and passes on her crown to her successor, where else, but in her home country, the Philippines,” Teo added.

Maxine Medina will represent the Philippines in the pageant and attempt to succeed the crown from Wurtzbach.

Wurtzbach is the third Filipina who won the Miss Universe title, following Margie Moran in 1973 and Gloria Diaz in 1969.

This will also be the third time the pageant will be held in the country.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Sources said Paynor would be overseeing preparations for the country’s chairmanship and hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit next year.

According to Abella, Romualdez is awaiting his formal nomination papers before assuming duty.

Duterte has tapped Romualdez to be special envoy to the US in a bid to “reboot” the strained relations of the Philippines with the US. This was after his scathing remarks against US President Barrack Obama over the latter’s expression of concern over the reported human rights abuses in relation to his administration’s bloody drug war. n

White House: Duterte, Obama meeting at APEC possible

by Dana

Dateline USa

The Philippines first hosted the event in 1974 at the Folk Arts Theatre where Amparo Muñoz was crowned. The second time was in 1994 at the at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where Sushmita Sen of India won the title.

The Miss Universe 2016 in Manila is brought by the DOT, Miss Universe Organization, LCS Group headed by Gov. Chavit Singson & Architect Richelle Singson Michelle, in partnership with Okada Manila, SM Group of Companies, and Solar Entertainment Corporation. (Dana Sioson/AJPress)

SWAMPED. A local casts his fishing rod while stationed atop a tomb at the flooded public cemetery in Macabebe, Pampanga. Flooding brought by heavy rains from typhoons Karen and Lawin could pose a problem for cemetery visitors ahead of the commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Donaire guarantees KO win

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

LAS VEGAS – Nonito Donaire Jr. is gunning for no less than a knockout win when he defends his WBO super bantamweight title against undefeated prospect Jessie Magdaleno at the Thomas & Mack Center here on Saturday, Oct. 30.

At Monday’s media workout, Donaire said the only way Magdaleno will survive him in the ring is if he wears something to protect his head.

“It’s never going for 12 rounds.

Unless you have a helmet, then you can probably take it. But he doesn’t have it,” said Donaire.

Oozing with confidence, the 33year-old fighter also showcased a war cry in front of the press in which he declares himself “limitless.”

“I am a warrior! I claim victory!”

Donaire yelled.

In Magdaleno, Donaire is facing a young, hungry fighter who has knocked out 17 of his 23 opponents.

A prospect who also happens to be a brash one.

Donaire reacted to the 24-yearold Magdaleno’s claim that the

Nonito Donaire

champion is old and already past his prime.

“He can talk all he wants. The big difference is the silence that I have is because of the confidence that I have,” the Filipino-American fighter continued.

Donaire said that cockiness will be the cause of Magdaleno’s downfall.

“The more you speak, the more that you become less of what you’re gonna be. Because you’re gonna talk yourself in there, and that’s what he’s been doing,” he added.

Donaire and Magdaleno will slug it out in the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s fight with Jessie Vargas. n

San Francisco cops to do community work in PH instead

by Jun

nucuM Inquirer.net

SAN FRANCISCO — A Filipino American police group that started the now ended training exchange program between the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the Philippine National police (PNP) will continue their service to civilian communities in the Philippines although they can no longer represent SFPD. In a phone interview with Inquirer.net, Lt. Eric Quema (ret.), second vice president of the Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers (FALEO) association, said the group intends to keep going to the Philippines to help out communities as it has done usually at the start of each year, while hoping “everything gets settled, as everything gets affect-

PNP officers and FALEO members mainly from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) training in PNP camps in Manila.

Photo by Eric Quema

ed by the controversy.”

SFPD recently ended its longrunning exchange program with PNP over the Duterte administration’s controversial war on

drugs, which has featured extrajudicial killings of suspected drug addicts and pushers, which has reportedly killed more than 4,000 people. n

Ex-LA cop backs antidrug drive

by Kristine

Felisse Mangunay Inquirer.net

A RETIRED officer of the Los Angeles Police Department on Friday, Oct. 28, expressed support for the government’s antidrug campaign even as President Duterte launched his strongest tirade yet against the United States, calling Americans “bullies.”

Scott Gilliam, who is in Manila to train members of the Manila Police District to become instructors in the local Drug Abuse Resistance Education (Dare) program, said Mr. Duterte’s efforts to rid the country of drugs was commendable.

Gilliam, director for training of Dare America, fellow men-

tor Jeffrey Smith and 10 other Dare instructors were invited to the country by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, chair of Dare Philippines.

Dare is a comprehensive education program taught in thousands of schools in the United States and other countries “to address drugs, violence, bullying, Internet safety and other high-risk circumstances that today… are often a part of students’ lives.”

In the Philippines, it is being implemented in Manila, where the focus is on drug issues.

Drastic measures “Having the same mission, you have to look at that point when things are terrible in the

country. And sometimes drastic measures have to be taken to address drastic situations, or when things get beyond the point,” Gilliam said when sought for comment on the government’s antidrug drive.

Smith said the fact that the President had made an attempt to stop drugs was a “tremendous effort.”

“I know the President wants to cut down drugs in the Philippines. And I think that is very important,” Smith said.

Gilliam said it was imperative for “something different” to be done.

In a statement, Estrada said fighting the drug menace “is a fight for survival.” n

AAPI leaders reiterate importance…

PAGE A3 t

being re-opened yet.

“It’s looking at some more emails. In reality, Director Comey hasn’t said there’s something bad in there…I am upset that they would do such a thing so close to the election…Basically what they’re doing is just making a big question mark. Obviously, they’re not going to resolve anything before the election so I think Director Comey was playing politics and that’s not right for the FBI, especially when they have this long tradition in the Department of Justice of not putting things right before an election that would determine the outcome of that election,” she said.

Meanwhile, on the Republican

side, the party is continuing to reach AAPIs on the grassroots level, especially in Nevada.

“The Republican National Committee (RNC) is going to continue to do what we’ve doing the past three years—engaging AAPI voters in their communities. With the continued enthusiasm on the Republican side, our teams on the ground will continue to push hard until the last polls close on Election Day,” Ninio Fetalvo, a spokesman for the RNC, told the Asian Journal.

According to RealClearPolitics’ average of seven national polls, Clinton polled at 45.3 percent, while Trump was at 43.4 percent.

For the Senate race, a CNN/

ORC poll — conducted from Oct. 27 to Nov.1— found Rep. Joe Heck with 49 percent and Cortez Masto trailing behind two points at 47 percent.

“It’s not only Donald Trump we have to defeat. We have to defeat Trumpism — that means we have to reject Donald Trump at the polls. Do not get discouraged.

Just see that what’s going on in the news right now is totally about discourage people from voting.

But keep your hope alive and vote your values,” Takano said.

Early voting in Nevada ends Friday, Nov. 4. In the last weekend before Election Day, Cortez Masto has a series of events scheduled with the AAPI community in Las Vegas. n

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 4-10, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

‘WIN-WIN’ SITUATION AT PANATAG

Security adviser says China, PH in ‘friendly understanding’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PAL ANNIVERSARY. The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the Philippine Postal Corp.

(PHLPost) is marking the occasion by issuing a commemorative stamp. The PAL 75th anniversary commemorative stamp features the flag carrier flying over a map of the world. PAL, a trade name of PAL Holdings, Inc., is the nation’s flag carrier. It is the first commercial airline in Asia and the oldest of those currently in operation, with a long and distinguished record in the aviation industry.

Philstar.com photo

Palace to Moody’s warning on policy shifts: PH will be okay

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Philippines “will be okay” even if the government shifts its policies, Malacañang said on Tuesday, November 1.

Moody’s Investors Service recently cautioned the Philippines that its economic growth would be affected if the country made changes in its policies.

Reacting to the warning, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar pointed out that the Philippines’ economic fundamentals remain “strong.”

“The poverty rate had dropped. Inflation rate is stable.

Government-private contracts continue to be honored,” he said, adding the economy will withstand policy shifts. “We will be okay.”

In its “Banking System Outlook--The Philippines” report, the credit watchdog stated that Philippines’ banking system will remain stable over the next 12

to 18 months.

“Profitability remains stable and the banks’ high loss-absorbing buffers will provide support for unexpected losses,” Alka Anbarasu,vice president and senior analyst at Moody’s, said.

Anbarasu added that the ample domestic liquidity will also support the banks’ funding profiles.

The report, released on Monday, October 31, also forecasted that the Philippines will achieve 6.5 percent real gross domestic product growth for 2016 and 2017.

“Asset quality will remain broadly stable, supported by stable macroeconomic factors, and the stable debt servicing metrics of borrowers,” Anbarasu said.

According to Moody’s, the country’s “strong domestic consumption” and an “increased pace of investments,” underpin the robust growth expectations.

“Business sentiment remains

strong, banking sector credit growth will stay robust, and the economy has demonstrated resilience to global shocks,” the report added.

However, Moody’s warned that these growth prospects could be undermined, if there is a “significant shift in the government’s policies.”

The assessment was released a week after President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is breaking away militarily and economically from the United States, the Philippines’ longtime ally.

The presiden t later clarified that there would be no severing of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United States. However, an independent foreign policy will be pursued.

During his official state visit to Beijing in late October, Duterte also said that the Philippines will explore a more dependent relationship with China instead.

Marcos: Dismissal of cybercrime case horrible DESCRIBING as “horrible” the dismissal of a cyber crime case filed against technology provider Smartmatic and the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the camp of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Nov. 3 said they will seek reversal of the decision before the Department of Justice.

“Despite the express and categorical admission made by the Comelec IT personnel, Mr. Rouie Penalba, of his lack of authority to allow any tweaking of any component of the AES, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila still ruled in favor of Smartmatic and dismissed the case filed by Abakada Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz,” Vic Rodriguez, lawyer for Marcos, said in a statement.

“For us, the issue of the complaint was simple—were Comelec and Smartmatic authorized to change the system at the height of the transmission of votes on May 9, 2016? With the admissions coming from Comelec officials, including Chairman Andres Bautista himself, that no authority was given to change the script on the night of the elections, it would have been an easy decision for the Manila Prosecutors’ Office to make a finding of probable cause to charge the respondents with the violation of the Cyber Crime Law,” he added.

In a 27-page resolution, the city

sition when you can talk about economic relations, trade relations?” Esperon said.

However, he reiterated that the Philippines is not dropping its claims over the shoal.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that Beijing made “proper arrangements” based on the “friendship between China and the Philippines” after Duterte expressed his concerns regarding the issue.

Hua said Duterte’s visit signaled “comprehensive improvement of China-Philippines relations.”

However, Hua clarified that China would still continue to exercise its claims over the South China Sea. On the other hand, the United States said last week that it is “still assessing” the situation in Panatag, following the reports that claimed China pulled out its Navy from the shoal.

“We’d like it to be a sign that China and the Philippines are moving towards an agreement on fishing access at Scarborough reef that would be in accordance with the July 12th arbitral decision,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said in a press briefing on Friday, October 28. n

House, Senate bills filed to create first PH Space Agency

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

According to him, both the bills aim to “legislate a Philippine Space Development and UtilizaHOUSE and Senate bills seek- tion Policy and create a Philiping to create the first Space pine Space Agency.”

The Philippine Space Agency Agency in the Philippines have been filed, Filipino astrophysicist (PhilSA) will be, according to Dr.Rogel Mari Sese announced the Senate bill’s explanatory note, “responsible for developlast Tuesday, October 25.

“All the work that we have ing space science technology done in the past few years for the policies, implementing research development of a national space and education programs, and esprogram amounts to these two tablishing industry linkages bedocuments,” Sese said on his tween private and public sector Facebook account, referring to stakeholders.”

“Its consolidated programs the House Bill 3637 and Senate and strategies for space science Bill 1211.

and technology, will pave the way for future Filipino astronomers, space scientists, and astronauts by laying down a strong foundation in space science education and research,” the note added.

The Senate bill was filed by Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV. On the other hand, the House bill was filed by Bohol 2nd District Representative Erico Aristotle Aumentado and Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Representative Seth Frederick Jalosjos.

“We look forward to the sup-

u PAGE A7

Atty. Rio Guerrero

Atty. Tsui Yee

Former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

prosecutor panel dismissed the charges against Marlon Garcia, head of Smartmatic technical support team; Elie Moreno, Smartmatic project director; Neil Baniqued, Smartmatic team member; and Rouie Penalba, Comelec information technology officer, for insufficiency of evidence.

“To our mind, compliance or non-compliance on the “Protocol of Escalation” or the intention of replacing a character in the system supposedly for “cosmetic change” would have been best ventilated in a full- blown trial of facts and not on a party’s mere invocation as a matter of defense.

The same should have been af-

forded to establish that such a forbidden act of ‘tweaking’ was indeed undertaken with malicious intent,” Rodriguez said.

He added that the panel prosecutors, however, looked the other way, took the defense of Smartmatic and Comelec personnel at face value and completely downplayed the admissions on the unauthorized change.

Rodriguez said the former senator will not take it sitting down.

“Marcos would like to reiterate that he will not stop until the whole truth in the conduct of the last elections is revealed and all vote cast are properly counted,” he added. (ManilaTimes.net)

FVR resigns as PH’s special…

PAGE A2 t ratify the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“He (Duterte) is unwittingly shooting himself in the mouth, and also all of us, 101.5 million Filipinos. He may claim that to be more “insulting than friendly” to our long-established allies is part of his God-given ‘destiny.’ But, this is obviously wrong, and full of S….T !!!,” Ramos wrote.

Duterte earlier announced that he will not honor the climate agreement, arguing that it would only block the progress of Philippines’ economic growth.

The agreement was signed last April by more than 150 countries, including the Philippines, “to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C.” The Philippines, under former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, agreed to reduce the

FOLLOWING the reports that claimed several Filipinos were able to fish ‘unmolested’ at the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the South China Sea, Philippine National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said both the Philippines and China have reached what he described as a “friendly” understanding.

“The coastguard of China is there, but their Navy is gone.

And now, our fishermen are no longer being accosted, no longer being forced out, so we can say things are now friendly,” he said on Monday, October 31.

Also known as Bajo de Masinloc, Panatag shoal is located 230 (140 miles) kilometers west of Zambales, which overlaps the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Since the standoff in 2012, China has been exercising control in the shoal, claiming its “historic rights” based on the “nine-dash line.” As a result, Filipinos have been unable to fish there.

In July of this year, the arbitration tribunal at The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines and

concluded that China’s claim of sovereignty over the waters had no legal basis and violates UNCLOS, a treaty signed by both the Philippines and China.

The Chinese government, however, has refused to acknowledge the ruling.

According to Esperon, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte negotiated the understanding with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his four-day state visit to China last week.

The national security adviser was among the officials who accompanied the president on his trip.

Before his trip, Duterte remarked that Filipinos might soon be allowed to fish again in Panatag shoal.

“They didn’t dwell at length on the subject matter because they tackled several other things, so there was no agreement. I don’t know about their other agreements but our president believes our fishermen won’t be touched since the matter was also brought up,” Esperon said.

He said it’s a ‘win-win’ situation for both countries.

“Although the two presidents were not able to come up with a resolution on the disputed territories...why allow yourselves to be in that confrontational po-

Former President Fidel V. Ramos

country’s carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030.

Ramos suggested that Duterte should approve the Paris Agreement to “promote our country’s

interests and fight for climate justice.”

“Any further delay will increase Filipinos’ vulnerability to super-typhoons that are forecast to come soon,” he added in his column.

In a separate column, also published in the Manila Bulletin on October 8, Ramos said that the Philippines has been ‘losing badly’ during the first three months of the current administration.

The former president criticized Duterte’s threats to sever ties with the U.S.: “Are we throwing away decades of military partnership, tactical proficiency, compatible weaponry, predictable logistics, and soldier-to-soldier camaraderie just like that?”

Despite his attacks, Ramos said he still considers himself a part of the Duterte team, adding that he is free to give friendly advice as part of the country’s democratic culture. n

“BEST LAWYERS NATIONAL AWARD” NAPABA

“CONTRIBUTIONS TO EXCELLENCE AWARD” FANHS

“PUBLIC SERVICE AND POLITICS AWARD” TOFANY

Trust Our Award-Winning Attorneys to Win Your Immigration Case — We Are New York’s Premier Immigration Law Firm Helping Our Kababayans.

Ang Pangarap Niyo Ay Pangarap Namin.

The Woolworth Building 233 Broadway, Suite 2040, New York, NY 10279 646.545.5000 | win@guerreroyee.com www.guerreroyee.com www.facebook.com/guerreroyee

Watch us on

A NOVEMBER 4-10, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

OpiniOn

Features

Epiphany

NO more cussing.

This was promised by President Rodrigo Duterte as he narrated how God has put a stop to his verbal rants upon his arrival from a state visit to Japan.

“I was looking at the skies as I was coming over here. Everybody was asleep snoring. A voice said that you know ‘If you don’t stop, I will bring this plane down now,’” explained the president on Thursday, Oct. 27.

The president -- who notorious for throwing expletives during his speeches and interviews -- described the experience as a moment of epiphany, saying that his promise to God is also a promise to the Filipino people.

“And I said, who is this? Of course, it’s God. Oh, OK. So, I promised God not to express slang, cuss words,” he said.

However, on Monday, Oct. 31, Duterte broke his no-curse promise when he warned policemen not to be involved into illegal drugs.

“Huwag kayong magkamali pumasok diyan.

T*** i** tatapusin ko talaga kayo. Sinabi ko na sa inyo (Never enter into illegal drugs. S** of a b****, I will kill you. I’m telling you),” he said.

Despite his relapse, Duterte reminded his colleagues in the government and kababayans on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to shun greed and corruption, telling them that all things come to pass and that “deeds will outlast our mortal lives.”

“I, therefore, ask my fellow workers in government and the entire Filipino people to heed not the temptations of the temporal world,” he said. “Let us, rather, answer the call to be true servant leaders.”

For Catholics and most Filipinos, November 1 and November 2, (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day respectively) are two of the days where some of the oldest Christian traditions are displayed.

All Saints’ Day, commonly known as “Undas or “todos los Santos” in the Philippines is the day the life and times of all the saints are remembered and celebrated. Observed as a holy day of obligation, faithful believers are led in prayers in honor of the holy men and women, including those not listed in the Church calendar.

According to Church officials, this holiday “enriches the faith of all who observe it. When we honor the saints, we actually give glory to God.” All Souls’ Day is a time for solemn reunions and trips to visit and honor the resting sites of deceased loved ones, relatives and friends. Traditionally, this day is marked by offering of prayers, tance of spirituality over material possessions.

“I hope that we cherish with fondness, love flowers, and lighting of candles.

In his All Saints’ Day reflection, Duterte empha- and gratitude the spiritual inheritance left by our sized the teaching of Jesus Christ on the impor- ancestors and loved ones on their special day,”

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Duterte said. “May the nation receive the blessings of God as we exalt and emulate the holy men and women whose lives have inspired generations.” (AJPress)

Clinton or Trump: Who will you vote as the next US president?

THERE is less than a week to go before America decides who will become the 45th president of the United States.

Poll after poll has shown how much people want to have this civic exercise over and done with, given the toxicity this election cycle has been characterized with, not only by the campaigns of each major political party, but by their ardent supporters as well.

As fear, hate and disgust of the nominee of the opposing party continue to motivate voters to head to the polls and exercise their right of suffrage, it is important for us to look at the big picture. This election is beyond policy and platform or the here and now.

Whatever the outcome of the election is will become our legacy to the next generation; that is why we have to vote conscientiously, consistently with and following our very own moral compass in choosing the candidate whose message, vision, and example resonate with us.

Surely we have two flawed candidates, but this should not stop us from discerning as to whom among them will lead our nation toward the direction we want to take our kids to.

Among the many campaign speeches, First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech is a sobering reminder about this — that voting for the right candidate is our gift to our children.

Let me share with you excerpts from the First Lady’s speech The Fil-Am that has moved me so much as she spoke about allegations of Perspective Trump’s sense of entitlement in disrespecting, abusing and sexually assaulting women.

You may disagree with what Gel SantoS-ReloS Mrs. Obama said about the allegations against Trump, finding flaws and criticisms against Clinton.

That is a valid point, especially in light of the email controversies that continue to hound the Clinton campaign. But I am sharing this with you to make a point about how consequential this election is, especially for our children and grandchildren: “This is not politics as usual. This is disgraceful.

It is intolerable. And it doesn’t matter what party you belong to - Democrat, Republican, independent - no woman deserves to be treated this way.

None of us deserves this kind of abuse.

And I know it’s a campaign, but this isn’t about politics. It’s about basic human decency. It’s about right and wrong. And we simply cannot endure this, or expose our children to this any longer - not for another minute, and let alone for four years.

Now is the time for all of us to stand up and say enough is enough. This has got to stop right now.

Because consider this. If all of this is painful to

us as grown women, what do you think this is doing to our children?

What message are our little girls hearing about who they should look like, how they should act?

What lessons are they learning about their value as professionals, as human beings, about their dreams and aspirations?

And how is this affecting men and boys in this country? Because I can tell you that the men in my life do not talk about women like this. And I know that my family is not unusual.

And to dismiss this as everyday locker-room talk is an insult to decent men everywhere.

The men that you and I know don’t treat women this way. They are loving fathers who are sickened by the thought of their daughters being exposed to this kind of vicious language about women. They are husbands and brothers and sons who don’t tolerate women being treated and demeaned and disrespected. And like us, these men are worried about the impact this election is having on our boys who are looking for role models of what it means to be a man.

In fact, someone recently told me a story about their six-year-old son who one day was watching the news- they were watching the news together.

And the little boy, out of the blue, said: “I think

Hillary Clinton will be president.” And his mom said: “Well, why do you say that?” And this little six-year-old said: “Because the other guy called someone a piggy, and you cannot be president if you call someone a piggy.”

So even a six-year-old knows better. A six-yearold knows that this is not how adults behave. This is not how decent human beings behave. And this is certainly not how someone who wants to be president of the United States behaves.

Because let’s be very clear. Strong men - men who are truly role models - don’t need to put down women to make themselves feel powerful. People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together. And that is what we need in our next president. We need someone who is a uniting force in this country. We need someone who will heal the wounds that divide us, someone who truly cares about us and our children, someone with strength and compassion to lead this country forward.”

Whom ever you will be voting for, make sure you listen to that voice in your heart. *** 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

Yankee go home, but take me with you IF you scan the postings on social meStreet dia, you would get the impression that the Talk United States is anathema to most Filipinos.

Hateful statements that rake up Yankee atrocities during the GReG B. MacaBenta Filipino-American war; resentment over the U.S. ostensibly taking the Philippines “for granted” in terms of foreign and military aid; complaints about being turned down for a U.S. visa and why, in the first place, visas are required of Filipinos but not of citizens of many other countries; even the perceived “arrogance” of U.S. military officers towards their Pinoy counterparts, often accompany social and traditional media reports concerning President Rodrigo Duterte’s undiplomatic remarks against the U.S., as well as the measured response of American officials to these remarks.

Along with that, in recent days, have been cheers over Duterte’s declaration on his recent state visit to Beijing that he was “separating the Philippines from the United States” and that it would now be the Philippines, China and Russia “against the world.”

Yet a recent public opinion poll tells us that Filipinos trust the U.S. by an overwhelming percentage vis-à-vis China. And I don’t know of anyone eager to migrate to Moscow.

Data reported in the Country Migration Report, Philippines 2013, prepared by the Scalabrini Migration Center and the International Organization for Migration, in cooperation with the Philippine government, tell us that the U.S. is the migration destination of choice for Filipinos (64.84 percent) followed by a

far-second Canada at 16.75 percent.

The 2010 U.S. Census also tells us that people of Filipino descent account for the second largest Asian ethnic group in America at 3.4 million (I suppose, not counting the TNTs), next only to the ethnic Chinese.

Saudi Arabia and Canada, at 1.5 million and 842.6 thousand, respectively, are a distant second and third as a migration destination for Filipinos, according to the 2013 Country Migration Report.

One can only imagine what the Pinoy migration would be if the Philippines were like Mexico, sharing a common border with the U.S. The late Alex Esclamado, founding chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) once put it half-jokingly, “If Filipinos could walk on water, millions more of us would come to the U.S.” And – get this – America accounts for 42.09 percent of Pinoy brides and only 27.44 percent in the case of Japan, 7.86 percent for Australia and 4.24 percent for Canada. Meaning, more Filipina women fall in love with Americans than with any other foreign nationality.

Why the inconsistency? It’s almost like saying, “Yankee go home, but take me with you!”

Some pundits call it a “love-hate relationship” with America. Still, others insist that America “owes the Philippines” for having colonized it and having gotten it involved in the war with Japan and yet not treating Filipino World War II veterans equitably compared with soldiers from other countries who also fought alongside the U.S.

A certain Burt Gabriel posted something on Facebook, which I am quoting verbatim: “Phil was taken for granted, neglected, was not given economic assistance. For last 15-20 years, Phil was abandoned, no financial aid was awarded to Phil for improvement of its security, military and its infrastructure needs. [It’s] not actually a total severance of diplomatic ties with states but [the] establishment of diplomacy with neighboring ASEAN neighbor willing to extend help. U.S. is still [A Filipino] ally and States [have] diplomatic ties with PRC as well.”

The statement reflects the fuzzy understanding of the relationship between the Philippines and the U.S., as well as other countries. And as vague as many of our countrymen’s perception of that relationship already is, pseudo-nationalists and leftists have muddled that limited knowledge further with their rhetoric.

For one thing, assuming that the demonstrators in the recent march at the U.S. Embassy in Manila had a valid reason for doing so, didn’t they have an even more valid reason for marching to the embassy of the Chinese which has literally invaded Philippine territory?

In fact, why did it take Filipino-Americans to lead the demonstrations against Chinese incursion into territory claimed by the Philippines in the Spratlys? Only after media attention had been generated by the issue did Philippine-based activists spring into action over it.

But to go back to the inconsistency between what are said against the US and how Filipinos actually perceive America, one commentator wrote years ago about “the myth of Philippine-American special relations,” pointing out that we Filipinos continue

to believe that we deserve to be given “special treatment” by the US because of our shared history. The writer then urged Filipinos to wake up to the reality that the relationship between two sovereign nations cannot be based on one being overly dependent on the other, whatever their historical links might be.

For all of his vulgarities, this is what I think Duterte has been trying to say.

The trouble is, he simply muddles the message with his profanities and his jumbled way of expressing himself.

If you disregard the trash talk and try to fathom what he is trying to say, you will see that Duterte is absolutely right.

The Philippines, as a sovereign nation, should strive to stand on its own two feet, in a manner of speaking, instead of acting like a mendicant looking for a free meal and complaining that it’s getting only crumbs.

But, let’s get it straight: Are Filipinos really acting like mendicants looking for a free meal? I don’t think so. I believe we have more self-respect than that. I also believe that the ones who insist that we are mendicants should not impute their own mendicancy on the rest of our people – and I’m addressing those who love to post their idiocy on social media.

The fact that there are some 10 million Filipinos working overseas or have become permanent residents or citizens of other countries, and the fact that the majority of them have preferred to go to the US is not necessarily a sign of a “weak Filipino character.”

Rather, it is a natural survival instinct at work. Even beasts do that, and when there were land bridges connecting the continents eons ago, ancient humans moved from areas where food was

scarce to places where they could find subsistence.

That is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. A sign of love of family and the zeal to give their loved ones a better future.

It is, on the other hand, a sign of weakness on the part of our national leaders, a sign of the greed of most of our politicians who also happen to be economic kingpins. It is an indication of the imbalance in the country’s economic growth – favoring the few who are rich and throwing crumbs at the majority who are poor.

They call it “trickle down economics.”

But Pope Francis himself doesn’t think much of it, declaring, in not so many words, that the “trickle” benefiting the poor is not enough to survive on.

Thus, we see millions of Filipinos leaving their homes and their families to seek better opportunities overseas. If Duterte can make good on his vow to uplift the poor of our country, we can forgive him for his obscenity.

I think America sees through Duterte’s bluster. When he took back what he said in China (to Chinese applause) and clarified that he really doesn’t plan to cut ties with America (to Chinese puzzlement), US officials must have nodded knowingly and, to paraphrase, President Barack Obama, quipped, “There goes the colorful president of the Philippines again.”

The trouble is, while Duterte keeps flip-flopping on his rants and bluster, his rabid supporters find themselves unable to take back their incendiary postings, even while deep in the hearts of many of them, they really want to say, “Yankee go home, but please take us with you!” (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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 Northern California: 1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200 San Bruno, CA 94066 Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152

Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th Street, Cor. 1st Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York and New Jersey: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306 Tel.: (212) 655-5426. • Fax (818) 502-0858

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

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor and Editor-in-Chief New York/New Jersey Asian Journal

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication 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 applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes 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 publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

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

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California 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 California, 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 call 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

(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline PhiliPPines

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 4-10, 2016

A

Legarda: PH has everything to gain from Paris Agreement

by Kristian Javier Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has everything to gain by ratifying the Paris Agreement according to Sen. Loren Legarda.

“There is no provision in the Paris Agreement that would prevent our industrialization. We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain with it,” Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said in a statement.

Legarda said she welcomes the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on November 4 and said she will work on getting the agreement ratified by the Senate. Under the 1987 Constitution, treaties need to be ratified by the Senate after being signed by the executive branch.

The Paris climate deal aims to limit global warming ‘well below’ two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and not more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Legarda added that the Paris Agreement is very important to the Philippines since it is one of the nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

“We need to ratify the agreement so that we can access the Green Climate Fund. This is what we have been waiting for--for developed countries that are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) to aid vulnerable, low-emitting nations like the Philippines,” Legarda said.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a mechanism developed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) assisting countries in adaption and mitigation methods to counter climate change.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is now open to the climate deal after describing it as “stu-

JUDGE BATO. The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa, beams as he poses with the winners of the Miss Earth 2016 pageant Saturday night. (L-R) Miss Brazil Bruna Zanardo (Miss Earth Fire), Miss Ecuador Katherine Espin (Miss Earth), Miss Colombia Michelle Gomez (Miss Earth Air), and Miss Venezuela Stephanie de Zorzi (Miss Earth Water). The PNP chief was among the judges of the pageant at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Senator Loren Legarda has pushed for the ratification of the Paris Agreement, saying that the Philippines has everything to gain by doing so.

Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando

pid” and “absurd.”

“I will follow what my advisers would tell me.

If (environment secretary) Gina Lopez would say it’s good, and if the legal adviser says that I should sign, then I will sign,” Duterte said in a televised interview.

However, the agreement acknowledges that developing nations like the Philippines will take time to decarbonize and will be able to do so with support from the outside.

This means that the conditional target of reducing the GHG emissions to 70 percent by 2030 will depend on both the efforts and the technical and financial support the nation will receive.

The Philippines was among the most influential countries in crafting the Paris Agreement on Climate Change with 150 countries signing last April. n

341 Metro barangays not supporting war on drugs

by William

B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

TWENTY percent or 341 of the 1,706 barangays in Metro Manila are not cooperating with the police in its campaign against illegal drugs, according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRP) director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde.

He said some barangay officials are uncooperative because they have relatives who are either using or selling drugs.

“Some 15 to 20 percent of the total number of barangays in the National Capital Region have yet to give their total support or are reluctant to cooperate with the police for different reasons,” Albayalde said at the weekly Manila Bay Media Forum at Café Adriatico in Malate, Manila.

“Majority of these [uncooperative]barangay (officials) have relatives or are themselves involved in the illegal drug

trade. That is why they don’t cooperate with us,” he added.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said of Manila’s 896 barangays, 26 have yet to submit a drug watchlist and the membership of their local anti-drug council.

“We need the cooperation and support of the communities, particular the barangay officials, because they know who are the personalities involved in drugs and other crimes in their areas.

They are very important in our campaign against illegal drugs,” Coronel said.

Philippine National Police chief Ronald de la Rosa asked for a drug watchlist when the police launched “Oplan Tokhang” (Knock and Appeal) to give drug users and pushers a chance to surrender and reform.

A similar directive was issued

by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada last September so that the city government can help facilitate

the counseling and rehabilitation program for drug users who want to change their ways. Estrada had warned that charges will be filed against uncooperative barangay officials.

Albayalde and Coronel again appealed to barangay officials to set aside their personal interest and cooperate with authorities.

Albayalde said the stepped up campaign against illegal drugs has considerably lowered the crime rate in every region, particularly in Metro Manila.

The NCRPO chief disclosed that crimes against property has dropped to “zero percent.”

He admitted though that crimes against persons shot up, primarily because of extra-judicial killings.

Records show that more than 4,700 people have been killed since July 1 until the end of October. The number include the 1,700 drug suspects killed in legitimate police operations. n

Duterte breaks his vow to not curse again

by Dana

sioson AJPress

A FEW days after promising that he would stop cursing, President Rodrigo Duterte broke his vow.

Duterte, known to usually use profane words in his speeches, earlier shared that he promised to God and to the Filipino people that he would avert himself from cursing.

But the president returned to his old habit when he warned police officers to not engage themselves in illegal drugs.

“Huwag kayong magkamali pumasok diyan. T*** i** tatapusin ko talaga kayo. Sinabi ko na sa inyo

(Don’t make a mistake by entering into illegal drugs. S** of a b****, I will kill you. I’m telling you),” he expressed on Monday, October 31, in Davao City.

Last week, Duterte said he vowed not to swear again after his encounter with God on his way back to the Philippines from his state visit in Japan.

“I was looking at the skies as I was coming over here. And... everybody was asleep snoring. A voice said that you know, ‘If you don’t stop, I will bring this plane down now.’ And I said, who is this?’

Of course, it’s God. Oh, OK. So, I promised God not to express slang,

cuss words,” he related.

But the president added in the same statement that there would still be a time when a vulgar language had to be used.

“There is always a time, a time to be foul-mouthed. I don’t like anybody reading my mind. It’s all calibrated, it’s always timing,” he said.

During the past few months, President Duterte had directed foul words toward international leaders who criticized him, including United States President Barack Obama, the European Union, and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

PH to remain in UN rights body MANILA – The Philippines will continue to serve in the United Nations Human Rights Council as member of the Geneva-based body.

The UN body is responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe, addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.

This developed as the Philippines, during a dialogue with the UN Committee on Economic, So-

cial and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in Geneva, Switzerland in September, said the government would be pouring in more resources for the rehabilitation of drug addicts who had surrendered as part of its campaign against illegal drugs.

National Economic and Development Authority deputy director general Rosemarie Edillon told the UN the Philippines was considering the drug problem a health issue that must be dealt with through the rehabilitation, reformation and

reintegration into society of drug dependents.

For the Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly recently elected 14 states – Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, Japan, Rwanda, Tunisia and United States as part of the body, while reelected for an additional term were China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

All will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1. (Pia Lee-Brago, Czeriza Valencia/Philstar.com)

House, Senate bills filed to create…

PAGE A5 t

port of the whole Philippines,” Sese said.

Sese was also the program leader of the National Space Development Program (NSDP) under the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

Presently, activities that are

usually handled by space agencies were being performed by several separate programs in the Philippines.

These include National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), which handles disaster risk management; National Mapping & Resource Information Agency (NAMRIA), which gathers satel-

lite information; and PAGASA, which conducts astronomical science programs.

One of the recent advancements in Philippine space science was the launching of the country’s first microsatellite, the Diwata-1, into space April this year.

Diwara-1 was designed and built by Filipino engineers and scientists. n

A NOVEMBER 4-10, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

november 4-10, 2016

people events arts culture entertainment

†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿Ö咿¯“†â¯ÊÅÜ

dž†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿“ÊÄ

dž†Ü¯†ÅºÊåÙņ¿

XXX BTJBOKPVSOBM DPN -PT "OHFMFT LJ -BT 7FHBT LJ 0SBOHF $PVOUZ *OMBOE &NQJSF LJ /PSUIFSO $BMJGPSOJB LJ /FX :PSL /FX +FSTFZ

The MaesTro wiTh MeMbers of The ryan Cayabyab singers: PoPPerT bernadas, VJ Caber, anThony CasTillo, sheerleen dela Cruz, Celine fabie, erwin laCsa and Kaye TiuseCo

2

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N OV E M B E R 4 , 20 1 6

Ryan Cayabyab’s life journey to music

by Prosy AbArquez-DelAcruz, J.D. / AJPress “THE alphabet of grace is full of sibilants (hissing) —sounds that can’t be shouted but only whispered: the sounds of bumblebees and wind and lovers in the dark, of whitecaps hissing up flat over the glittering sand and cares on wet roads, of crowds hushed in vast and vaulted places, the sound of your own breathing.

I believe that in sibilants life is trying to tell us something. The tree, ghosts, dreams, faces, the waking up and eating and working of life, are trying to tell us something, to take us somewhere.” - Frederick Buechner, The Alphabet of Grace.

Grace is unearned blessings from the Higher Being, where doors are magically opened, and through others. By listening to Him, you walk into these doors, accept God’s will in your life, and you do your best at being the best in your craft.

Ryan Cayabyab shared his Alphabet of Grace: how he formed his identity, decided on his chosen path with the help of his mentors and his current advocacies.

“I am not in awe of people per se because we are all pilgrims, we are given everything and bakit ako nandidito (why am I here?) At bakit hindi nila nakikita ang path nila, bakit hanggang ngayon hinahanap nila? (Why can’t they see their path, why are they still in search of it?) Medium lang ako, the supernatural gift comes from the Higher Being, bigger than all of us. Kayo na ang bahala, kayo naman ang mayari ng lahat ng ito. (I am medium in talent. The supernatural gift comes from the Higher being. I surrender my fate to Him, as He alone owns all these.) I am a human being still learning in life, how to be loving and how to be caring for others. It is important for me to teach as much as I can – bahala na kayo magpalaganap nito (It is up to you to spread this [body of musicality] and grow this),” Cayabyab said in an exclusive interview with the Asian Journal on Monday, Oct. 17.

The quote above captures

his life’s mission. He had just flown into Los Angeles, from San Francisco, yet he amiably did the interview, forgoing lunch until later. I learned the meaning of these words, “patay gutom” (suppress one’s hunger) and “huli sa kainan” (last to eat) by his examples.

Even though his mother discouraged him to take up a musical career, music became his life’s path.

How many of us can say our life coincides with the history of a music industry in a country?

Considering that his mother did not choose this path for him, he has achieved so much to deserve the title, “Mister C” or “Maestro Ryan.” His career success is also his legacy to one of his children, who graduated summa cum laude at the University of the Philippines in choral conducting, and is now taking her master’s.

The measure of a man is not just in his life’s success, but how he affects others. In Mister C’s case, in thousands of students, he has taught and in millions who have heard his songs.

In 2013, Maestro Ryan received a Papal Award, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for his body of work in sacred music. Do you get to sing his arrangement of the original Tanging Yaman at Communion of Catholic Masses – do you feel the unleashed divine energy, watch how each worshipper has tears in their eyes, as they move closer to the altar, to receive the eucharist?

Or even Lead Me Lord, and Lift Up Your Hands, all his arrangements of original recordings?

The very mention of his name is an expectation, a level of quality—matched by a level of mastery and proficiency— where excellence is the end-product. It is a high level of quality, achievable by consistent practice, of teaching musical theory for two decades at the University of the Philippines and after 2003, consistent advocacies of mentoring students to harness their innate talents in writing songs, composing, and performing them.

Ryan was first taught music by his mother, Celerina Venson Pujante. He lived in Area I, in a sawali (woven bamboo strips) house, with a silong (crawlspace). His mother was an opera singer, who taught at the UP College of Music, with 10 lady boarders learning music who stayed with them.

One day, Celerina sat next to Ryan, played the piano, and sang to him. At 3 years old, Ryan played accurately what he heard.

Later, he came to know that experience more fully when one of his mother’s students became the Dean of Music in San Agustin in Iloilo, and she wrote him: “You were my thesis in music education when you were 3 to 4 years old - you gave signs of your extraordinary musical talent and you easily picked up melodies.”

Ryan was taught how to play the piano by “ouido,” using one’s ear to hear the melodies.

He surmised that when his mother was single, she got together with other musicians at the “tambayan ng mga musikero”(a supply marketplace for musicians) in Quiapo, near Platerias, parallel to Raon.

When folks needed musicians for their tertulias or some events, they were taken on an open flatbed, transported to the fiestas where they sang or performed.

As a cantor, she became part of that group. Given her hard life as a musician, “his mother’s dying wish was that none of the three children pursue a music career.” She made Ryan’s father, Alberto Austria Cayabyab promise.

Ryan lost his mother at 6 years old. From the time his mother died to high school, he did not perform, but he learned to read the music sheets, left behind by the boarders. At age 8, 9 and 10, he developed his sight reading skills.

When he graduated high school at 15 years old, he asked for a peso allowance from his father to go to Rhap-

sody Music House in Platerias.

For lack of a budget, the Music House could not give him a job.

He asked to demonstrate his piano skills for free, instead, until he was discovered by a relative who told him to audition as a pianist for the Development Bank of the Philippines Choral Ensemble.

He got the job as the pianist of a choral group which supported him through college for three years, taking up a bachelor of science in business administration and accountancy at UP Diliman. He felt more at home though at UP College of Music, where he met Andrea Veneracion who asked him to arrange pieces. The Madrigal Singers and Concert Chorus were also his friends. She asked him to train with the Madrigal Singers.

In one of his pit chorus performances, he met Victor Laurel, the son of Senator Salvador Laurel and Celia Diaz, who invited him to their family gatherings and events. He would come early before the ‘official practice’ at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP.) After the official show, some artists would rally against martial law in the early seventies, like Behn Cervantes, later joined in by the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Karilagan and the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

One day, Senator Salvador Laurel asked him, “Why are you taking accounting?” He shared his mother’s wish, to which he said: “We all serve a purpose.

Just like the laundry woman, who with newly washed clothes, newly pressed, you feel good about her work. Or the janitor, who cleans the school. We appreciate his work. We are all connected. Our jobs are to make lives better. As long as you are the best in your chosen field, you affect someone.”

The Laurels offered him a full scholarship in music at any college, noting his passion is music. In 1973, he entered the College of Music and after a ten-year journey, he finished.

Why? The gigs kept coming to travel and to perform.

His musicality: the highest level of personal best and excellence Nothing fazes Ryan Cayabyab, when it comes to music, whether he has to play at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York; Kennedy Center and Washington DC Convention Center in Washington, DC; the Shrine and Plaza del Sol-CSUN Northridge in Los Angeles; The Orpheum in Vancouver; Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, or in major cities of Southeast Asia, Australia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Japan, or even in the Middle East.

Nonoy Alsaybar, Ph.D, a four decade-strong master violinist/teacher, said: “We like working with Ryan, as we find him approachable, calm, and easy to work with.”

Nonoy described working with Ryan, as the musical director of the 42-member Philippine

Philharmonic Orchestra.

Nothing fazes the maestro, even as he performed for the King Hassan II of Morocco, Prince Fahd, now King Fahd of Saudi Arabia; not even when he performed for King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia of Spain in Manila, Queen Beatrix in the Netherlands, and U.S. President Bill Clinton in Boston, Massachusetts.

Nothing fazes him as he regards these musical events as grace, doors opened for him by fellow musicians, and venues for self-expression, “where I enjoy doing it,” he said.

When asked what is his music’s message, Ryan responded, “my pride in my heritage, pride in my Philippine music, growing up with kundimans (courtship songs) and balitaws (Visayan folk songs that are meant to be danced.)”

Later, he got exposed to genres of pop music. He stressed the importance of having an ear for music, the “arbiter for what is beautiful or not” and also being formally trained.

“It is important that musicians learn to communicate first using the mother tongue, first with the ‘sounds of music’ then, the reading of the notes.

Understand the importance of the educated, formally trained musicians, as well as the nonformally trained musicians, who are talented and play music by ear, the likes of Bobby Enriquez,” he added.

Watch Ryan Cayabyab’ s televised concerts and you feel his grace, serenity and equanimity, and recently, ABS-CBN Television gave him an entire evening’s tribute.

Just how long has he been traveling and performing?

“46 years, including 20 years of teaching music theory,” he said, and now, his latest advocacies are mentoring students how to perform, how to compose and how to write songs take him to all parts of the Philippines.

For his program on Sunday, October 23, at Plaza del Sol Performance Hall at Cal State Northridge, the first part is devoted to all of Ryan’s songs, to be sung by seven singers: two full songs and 16 excerpts, which contain sacred songs genre to R&B music to a cap-

pella.

While the second part will showcase 100 years of Original Philippine Music (OPM), starting in 1917, with Francisco Santiago’s Madaling Araw (Dawn) and ending with a new song from a CD that was just released a month ago.

Can you imagine a body of work of original music dating back 100 years?

About 188 songs are listed in Ryan’s bio in the areas of film scoring and CDs, but it does not include the television jingles and songs he created for station identifications or ads.

This prolific composer has been responsible for 23 movie scores, 15 Great OPM songs, several CDs: Great OPMs (13 songs), Pasko I (12 songs), Pasko II (12 songs), Spolarium: the Opera (12 songs), The Sacred Works of Ryan Cayabyab (14 songs), Beauty and the Beast (five songs), Great OPM in the Movies (15, which includes Tanging Yaman), Dancing in the Rain (14), One (10 songs), One X’mas (10 songs), One More (10 songs), Roots to Routes (Pinoy Jazz II with 14 songs), The Silver Album (14 songs).

At Christmas time, do you get to sing “Pasko na Naman” or “Mano po Ninong, Mano Po Ninang?” Or “Saan Ka Man Naroroon?” Do you get a sense that our universal sentimentality as Filipinos has been captured

by Ryan’s original compositions, and even punctuated?

Can you appreciate Ryan’s body of work sings aloud “Glory Be to God?” How so? He has completed 11 musicals, an opera in Spolarium performed in New York, and even a musical on the Life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, which was staged in 2013 and 2014.

His success of close to 50 years coincides with the vibrant history of OPM, to which he composed, arranged and contributed to.

[A special thank you to Annie Nepomuceno for sponsoring this exceptional group, Nonoy Alsaybar for welcoming the Maestro, classmates of St. Rita College, Batch ’67 and Toni Rodriguez, (Berklee College of Music graduate) for their contributions and insights about the Maestro, and the Chens for providing the interview venue and lunch.

1st apo reminds Lolo Gary V of day son Paolo was born Paolo Ballesteros accepts Best by ricky lo Philstar.com

“I’m speechless, I’m dumbfounded,” said Gary Valenciano at how his son Paolo has made him a first-time grandfather. “I feel blessed.

I remember the day Paolo as born.”

Paolo’s wife, photographer/ graphic designer Samantha Godinez, gave birth to a 7.9-pound girl at a little past 1:00 o’clock on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at an undisclosed hospital. In a Funfare scoop last Sept.

15, Sam announced during a baby shower sponsored by Aprica that their first-born would be named Nataleia “Leia” martine, inspired by the Princess Leia character in the Star Wars franchise of which Paolo is a big fan. As kids, Paolo and Sam were playmates. Paolo turned 32 on Oct. 12 and Sam (daughter of Jaime Godinez and Gina Tabuena) is four years younger than Paolo.

When Paolo was born, Lolo Gary was only 20. He was just starting in showbiz, he and his then young wife Angeli Pangilinan (who was 20 at that time) worried that early fatherhood would ruin Gary’s career.

Actor award as Julia Roberts by rosette ADel Philstar.com

ACTOr and noontime show host Paolo Ballesteros on Thursday, Nov. 3 won the Best Actor award at the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival.

Paolo was recognized as the Best Actor for his transgender Gary Valenciano, son Gab, daughter Kiana, wife Angeli Pangilinan and Dad Paolo with baby Leia whose official photo will be taken by Sam woman character Trisha in the film son Paolo at an undisclosed hospital where Paolo’s wife Sam gave who is a photographer/graphic designer.

“Die Beautiful.” birth on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Paolo, known for his makeup ”This has been a tough year As time has amply proven, it did not. normal way). Present to support transformations, accepted the for us,” said Angeli, “and we had a him were his parents, brother Gab Does that make Paolo (full name: award in a gold sequin gown family crisis, too. Leia has brought and sister Kiana, together with Juan Paolo martin) more prepared while cosplaying Hollywood our family so much happiness and Sam’s sister Alex and brother mikel to be a father than Lolo Gary had actress Julia roberts. He was also an atmosphere of peace and and close relatives. been? unity in the family. This next reason accompanied on stage by the film “I’ll never look at a mother the “I want to believe that I’m ushers in a grandier time for us — to director Jun robles Lana. same way again,” added Paolo. prepared,” Paolo said also during experience the extension of our mothers are the superior species! I the baby shower. “But everybody During his acceptance speech, generation into the third generation Paolo said he was surprised with can’t believe I’m a dad now.” keeps telling me, ‘You’ll never get and we are excited to play with Leia the award and injected humor Lola Angeli described Leia’s prepared. There are so many things and babysit her, hopefully if and arrival as “literally a bundle of joy that will happen. You’ll learn while by saying he thought he won the when we are allowed. I wanna take dropping like manna from heaven.” it’s happening.’ I’m very excited. I’m “Best Actress” award. He also joked her to Kidzania at BGC, Orlando or Last January, Angeli lost more excited than nervous.” that he thought he would attend Hong Kong Disneyland, read Bible her father; Gary lost his stepdad Paolo was crying the whole a red carpet event that is why stories to her!”

Vicente Ortiz a few weeks ago. time Sam was giving birth (the

Actor and noontime show host Paolo Ballesteros was named Best Actor at the recently concluded Tokyo International Film Festival 2016.

he dressed up as the Hollywood actress.

Continued on Page 7

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ (Part 2)

FOR many people, attaining US citizenship is the final step in achieving their “American Dream.”

After getting a green card, they eagerly count off the years until they are finally eligible to apply for naturalization. However, for some people, applying for citizenship could cause problems, issues, and even being stripped of their green card and deported/removed.

Applying for citizenship is not always a simple, straightforward task that a person should handle on their own. Instead, they may want to seek the advice or guidance of an attorney.

Here are more issues or problems a person should consider before filing for naturalization: • Does the person meet the residency requirements, or were they outside the U.S. for too long on too many occasions?

For a person to be eligible for citizenship, the person should have lived in the U.S. for a certain amount of time. For example, they could not have been outside the U.S. on any single trip for one year or more, and the total time outside U.S., for all trips, should not have been more than 2-1/2 years. Many people treat their green card like a visitor’s visas, and stay outside the U.S. for more than the allowable time. Some may even lie on the naturalization application, and put down they never left the U.S., or they do not disclose the full length of the trips, or back-date

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA WITHOUT assimilation by every immigrant to its adoptive country through the generations, no nation can retain the structural integrity of the foundational values that created it in the first place. That nation’s collapse is not a matter of “if” but “when.”

More simply put: Immigration without assimilation is nothing more than invasion.

Some issues and pitfalls in pursuing US citizenship their arrivals/departures. However, USCIS checks with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which has the actual records of persons’ entries and exits. If the person lied about their absences from the U.S., they could be denied naturalization, and possibly be stripped of their green card for having “abandoned” lawful permanent resident status.

• If a person obtained a green card through marriage, did they truly live under the same roof with the citizen spouse? When a person obtains a green card through a spousal petition, the law requires that the marriage should be “bona fide” (meaning it’s not fixed), and it is expected that the couple lived together. If the person obtained a green card through the marriage, and later applies for citizenship, they may be questioned (again) about the marriage, and whether they actually lived under the same roof with the U.S. citizen. This is especially true when a person is trying to get the three-year citizenship, which is based on being married to a U.S. citizen and still living under the same roof with the citizen at the time of applying for naturalization.

Some people never lived with the American, but put down the same address. They were able to get their green card and later apply for naturalization. DHS now has sophisticated computer programs and records, where they can search a person’s residences going back almost 30 years. The DHS may not have had such records when the person obtained a green

card, but now DHS’s database has much more information in it, and it could raise issues or problems about the marriage, which would be uncovered when they apply for citizenship.

• Does a person have a child who is eligible under the CSPA? There are cases that state a parent’s naturalizing after the child’s 21st birthday destroys the child’s age-out eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). It could be possible for a child to be eligible for a green card, despite aging out (or turning 21 years of age), based on a mathematical formula. Once that child qualifies under the CSPA, their age is “locked in” forever, and they will be eligible for green card even if they are far above 21 years of age – except if the parent naturalizes after the child’s 21st birthday, thereby destroying the child’s CSPA eligibility. There are published cases where a child qualified under the CSPA, but their immigrant parent naturalized after the child’s 21st birthday.

As you can see, there are so many issues that could come up in connection with a person’s eligibility for naturalization.

If you have any questions about your past, or eligibility for naturalization, you should definitely seek the advice of an attorney before filing for naturalization. This is because once you file, and USCIS digs into your past, you may have dug a hole for yourself. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an

Melting pot or salad bowl?

The case for assimilation “Immigration without assimilation is nothing more than invasion.”

Two opposing forces on the issue of immigration are aligning.

There could only be one of two ways. You are either for or against it. It was too hot to handle for previous administrations.

Presently, the conscious nonenforcement of the laws in the

books appears to be a long-term sinister agenda of seeding future electorate for one particular party. America has placed this divisive issue of immigration far too long in the back burner.

Unchecked illegal immigration has reached critical

An Asian Journal

Magazine

3

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N Ov E m b E R 4 , 20 1 6

PROVISIONAL WAIVER FOR CREWMEN DISPELS THE FEAR IN GOING TO MANILA FOR VISA PROCESSING — ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF ‘CITIZEN PINOY!’ Cindy was a crewman who jumped ship and had been a TNT for more than 10 years. After seeing a CITIZEN PINOY episode about another crewman who also jumped ship, Cindy and U.S. citizen husband, Tom decided to consult with leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel about her chances of legalizing.

Through Atty. Gurfinkel’s help, Cindy’s Provisional Waiver was approved. She went back to the Philippines, was processed for her immigrant visa at the US Embassy in Manila, and returned to the US less than a month later as a legal permanent resident. Watch an encore episode on Provisional Waivers, which could benefit: (a) crewmen without 245(i): (b) those who entered the US without inspection(EWI) without 245(i); or (c) K-1 fiancees who did not marry their US petitioner, on ‘Citizen Pinoy’ – this Sunday, Nov. 6 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-

enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES

mass and the time has come to confront this issue head on.

For Election 2016, the sick American economy is still issue number one for a majority of voters. A debtor nation plagued with a serious job crisis with over 94 million workers unemployed and owing $20 trillion dollars ($10 trillion more in just the last 8 years or double the previous years) in debt is in no position to wield its big stick in the global stage.

America has lost its superpower status to other nations, notably Russia and China. There is a new sheriff in town wielding the big stick in dealing with ISIS and his name is

Putin. There are serious doubts ex-KGB Vladimir Putin can be trusted as he has been itching for years to rebuild the lost glory of Russia on the world stage.

However, to engage Russia over Syria just as the US had foolishly done in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, costing trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives lost over essentially nothing but the death of thousands and a mountain of debt, is certainly not in America’s best interest at this time when its economy is severely battered and the psyche of most Americans dealing with day-to-day existence, at an all time low.

It is true what they say. Stupid

is as stupid does. Stupidity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.

Tied in closely with American economic woes is the issue of immigration. Whether deliberately or not, Donald J. Trump has yanked the issue of illegal immigration front and center. Anyone applying for the post of top dog must deal with it.

It seems that Trump has tapped into an angry pulsating nerve of a YUGE swath of the American population.

To the absolute dismay of both the Republican and Democratic parties, Trump’s

(Advertising Supplement)

Continued on Page 7

An Asian Journal

Magazine

4

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N Ov E m b E R 4 , 20 1 6

On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places

Revisiting the Sin City with all its raison d’êtres

BoBBy T. yalong A much anticipated business cum pleasure commitment last weekend more than enabled me to revisit Las Vegas after sixteen years since I first stepped on its arid ground where I couldn’t resist to instantly fall in love with its limitless thrills and inexhaustible excitement. This Nevada’s mojave Desert, known for its famously vibrant entertaining nightlife and luxuriously themed hotels and casinos, has relentlessly attracted and captured the hearts of its millions of annual visitors. my second whirl with the Sin city hadn’t changed my initial fascination by its splendor and, instead, made my enthrallment even more magnificent.

Through the invitation of my pharmacist friend Joanne Sy Bhatia to conceptualize and direct Fr. Gemnoli “Gem” Bandivas’s Silver Sacerdotal Jubilee, honoring him for being a dedicated and loving shepherd of God’s flock for twenty five years, I gamely obliged and together with my wife, Venny, Joanne’s friend Arlene, and pharmacy technician Rose, we all boarded united Airlines 4:10 Pm flight to Las Vegas.

We were picked up from the mccarran International Airport instantaneously after landing at 6:30 that fair-weathered Wednesday evening by the affable honoree who drove us straight to his well-appointed residence about ten miles from the Strip.

I sat down for an on-thespot briefing with the parish organizing committee over a sumptuous dinner. The discussion went smoothly after having threshed out probable impediments that left no stone unturned if only to insure the success of the most projected parochial occasion.

The following day left us with no choice but to get up early…’though much against our will for we were just starting to enjoy the lavish amenities of our suite and its breathtaking Las Vegas panoramic view from the 48th floor of the posh Palazzo hotel… but we’ve got to gather the necessary materials for the party and had to make last minute purchases.

That Thursday afternoon, tri-

AUCTION

EMPLOYMENT

Father Gem Bandivas delivers his speech

1960s super singer-performer Carina Afable

Dining at The Venetian’s The Canaletto

state’s Princess of Jazz Rasmin Diaz flew in and was picked up by uber since we were tied down by the demands of the preparation.

The uncomplaining singer-performer kept us company as we went around from one commercial area to another scouting for decorative materials and personal stuff. It wasn’t easy to be in convoy especially when running in pressured time but we cautiously managed sans untoward incident.

Disregarding our exhaustion and low energy, our feet led us the contiguous Italian-themed The Venetian hotel and feasted our eyes over its opulence and ostentatious indoor landscapes. After we enjoyed the window shops along the Grand canal Shoppes and watched lovers and couples enjoyably rode the gondolas, we chose to dine at the open courtyard of The canaletto.

Actually we tried to while away the time since we expected TOFA Awards founder Elton Lugay to join us at anytime for dinner. By the time we were at the edge of starvation Elton texted from the airport and directed him to follow us at The Venetian where I met him at the Lobby…just in the nick of time.

The big day was held at the hampton Inn Event center along Tropicana Boulevard and Dean martin Drive. The venue, all bedecked and festooned in black and silver, was already set before cocktail hour where guests (majority of whom were donned in the approved color

motif) were treated to appetizing customary hors d’ oeuvres and two whole lechon de leche with full bar service. music was provided by one of the city’s most in-demand entertainment show groups, the Klique Band headed by brothers Ramon and Fernando Ibe. The occasion was ably emceed

by Rose manuel and Tony Ruivivar, President and cEO of the famous Society of Seven (SOS) while St. Peter’s choir (of St. Peter the Apostle Roman catholic church) and Filipiniana Dance Group entertained the crowd in the first part of the show.

Award-winning singer-composer Kenny Lerum and wife Ellen made all things possible to come up with an immensely remarkable cultural presentation while former 60’s actress-singer carina Afable, who still exudes with her innate youthful charm, wowed the audience with her unfading vocal prowess. Former SOS member Art mendoza didn’t

allow himself to be outshined…his Frank Sinatra numbers were met with thundering applause.

The night’s revelation was New York’s very own Rasmin Diaz who justifiably rendered “Shine” and later joined The Klique Band’s female soloist Joy Gladys Rivera Villarin in the band’s dance repertoire to the amazement of the group. At some point, Rasmin was even offered to join the band…that indubitably proved her unprecedented musical versatility.

The program’s highlight was unquestionably kept back for the main honoree, Father Gem Bandivas, who was honored and cited with plaudits, commendations, and recognition for a solid two decades and five of pastoral and sacerdotal servitude. And who could ever be prouder than his loving mother who has supported him all the way? his response was touching and heartwarming yet inspirational.

Rasmin Diaz with The Klique Band leader Ramon Ibe.

Fr. Gem Bandivas with seminary classmates and members of the diocese.

Jazz Princess Rasmin Diaz duets with Joy Gladys Rivera Villarin of The Klique Band

Last minute Vegas shoppers Joanne, Venny, and Rasmin.

It was a bit kilometric but who cares when all ears (and eyes) were focused on him. Even his invited seminary classmates and guest priests were moved by his speech.

It was undeniably his night…his moment. There were instances when he would join the band in a couple of Pinoy rock rendition which also proved his flexibility of leaning toward rock music…making him a renaissance religious minister.

Saturday, being our last day, was just perfect for a do-anythingat-your-own-will date but still the time wasn’t enough to cover all we’ve planned. Elton brought us to the cutting Board Filipino Gastropub at Rock Springs Drive, about 13.9 miles from The Strip (roughly 17-minute drive), where we had a hearty lunch over pinakbet, spareribs sinigang, crispy pata, soufflé with milk, blue cheese, and salted egg, arroz ala cubana, dulong (silver

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

SCHOOL

fish), and halo-halo served on young coconut shell… all leveled-up Filipino cuisine envisioned to be the next big thing in mainstream uS epicurean market. Owners chef Barry Picazo and Le were generous enough to serve us with the house favorite, roasted bone marrow.

With Venny, Rasmin, and Elton, we breathlessly toured every nook and cranny of the renowned 1966established caesar’s Palace. Like lost children in an asphalt jungle we couldn’t help but be amazed by its detailed Roman architectural design, notable celebrity-owned restaurants, luxurious brand named stores, the grandiose replica of ancient Roman, Greek, and Renaissance arts, and its magnificent walkways. I and my wife had been there in 2001 when I first migrated to the uS but my bewilderment hadn’t lost a single degree now Continued on Page 6

An Asian Journal

5

Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N Ov E m b E R 4 , 20 1 6

Goodbye America, hello China

Some thoughts on Duterte’s ‘US separation’ announcement

By Monet

Lu

I remember writing about Philippine President rodrigo Duterte several months ago when he won the presidential election. I may or may have not said something about being 100 percent in favor of everything he says but I definitely remember expressing my admiration of the latter’s love for his parents (as shown in a video of the president sobbing over his parents’ grave).

As I wrote in that article, I noticed such sentimentality in the Philippine president. even his bold remarks show his emotional side and – as I’ve observed lately – his entire way of thinking.

In a state visit to beijing, the Philippine president announced his military and economic “separation” from the United States.

“America has lost now. I’ve realigned myself in your ideological flow,” he told business leaders in beijing on Thursday, October 20. “And maybe I will also go to russia to talk to Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world: China, Philippines and russia. It’s the only way.”

The strong statement could’ve been explained clearly but the president failed to provide details about how he’d break away from the United States or what it would mean for the Filipinos and the U.S. government. because of that, different reactions are coming from all sides – majority being more ‘opposed’ than in agreement. reports indicate that about 1,000 anti-U.S. protesters gathered outside the U.S. embassy in manila calling for the removal of U.S. troops from the southern island of mindanao. As the standoff escalated, the local police ran over protesters who were preparing to storm the embassy.

As a result of this dramatic collapse in U.S.-Philippine relations,

Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping and Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

the next U.S. president will have his or her hands full with not only the rapidly escalation standoff between russia and the U.S. in Syria, with mending relations with one of the oldest U.S. allies in the Pacific rim.

In a different article, it was reported that U.S. officials stressed the long history of diplomatic, military and financial ties between the two countries.

Neil Jerome morales of reuters wrote in his article: “Philippine President rodrigo Duterte said on Friday he was not severing ties with his country’s long-time ally the United States, but merely pursuing a more independent foreign policy by strengthening relations with China. A day after he provoked fresh diplomatic alarm by announcing his ‘separation’ from Washington, Duterte struck a more conciliatory tone as he arrived back in the Philippines after a four-day visit to beijing.”

“It is not severance of ties.

When you say severance of ties, you cut diplomatic relations. I cannot do that,” the Philippine leader told reporters at a midnight news conference in his southern home city of Davao. “It’s in the best interest of my countrymen to maintain that relationship.”

The Philippine president clarified his comments on Friday and said that what he meant was that manila’s foreign policy need not always rely with Washington.

“As in separation, what I was really saying was separation of foreign policy,” he said. “In the past, and until I became president, we always follow what the United States would give the cue,” he said.

The White House had responded to the “separation” speech by saying there had been “too many” troubling statements from Duterte recently. meanwhile, earlier officials in manila had a lot of explaining to do about the president’s controversial announcement.

“In terms of economic (ties), we are not stopping trade, investment with America,” Trade minister ramon Lopez told CNN Philippines. He said the Philippines was “breaking being too much dependent on one side.”

In the same interview, Duterte’s spokesman, ernesto Abella, said the president had been making a “restatement” of his bid to chart an independent foreign policy.

Duterte wanted to “separate the nation from dependence on the U.S. and the West, and rebalance economic and military relations with Asian neighbors” like China, Japan and South Korea, Abella said in statement.

As with most of what Duterte said in the past, misinterpretations have been thrown from different sectors. I think that is a given considering how the president seems to say something else but Continued on Page 7

An Asian Journal

6

Magazine

McDonald’s and customers help keep children, families close when they need it most

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N Ov E m b E R 4 , 20 1 6

‘The One Way Road’ AMIRA Allahh Arcangel, a familiar name in the N.Y.-N.J. Fil-Am community, will lead a cast of stars in a stage play titled “The One way Road” by Tino Aquino Capili. It’s a story about friendship to look forward to.

Also in the cast are Danez Balanzat, Debbie Lefort, Manny Castillo, Andre Bernardo, Anna Leah and 13 others.

“The One way Road” will be staged at the Philippine Center (Consulate), 556 Fifth Avenue,

Calendar of Events across

New York, N.Y., on Nov. 18 (Friday), at 7 p.m.

Co-producing are two non-profit Fil-Am groups: The Partnership for Sustainable Development, Inc. (PSDI) and The Rejoice for God The Greatest Artist Acting Group (RFGA).

More advertisers in the play’s souvenir program are welcome.

Tickets are available by calling (908) 723-1668; (551) 6896873; (917) 656-9443 or (551) 358-1103.

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS N OV E M B E R 5 - 6

Consular outreach in Orlando, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Orlando on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa. org and indicate “Orlando FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at Seaworld, 6850 Westwood Blvd. Orlando, FL 32821.

Rising Tohoku Food Fair in Torrance, CA The Rising Tohoku Food Fair hosted by Mitsuwa Marketplace presents two full days of food and cultural festivities to celebrate the charms of the Tohoku region in Northeast Japan, which can be enjoyed by children and adults. In addition to presenting diverse and flavorful food products originating from the 6 prefectures of Tohoku, there will be a variety of paper craft activity workshops for families such as, coloring, origami, making hanagasa ornaments which can be used as fans, and writing wishes on tanzaku paper, in addition to city-specific dance performances and photo opportunities with city mascots. Mitsuwa Marketplace Torrance Store, 21515 Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501. Fair hours are 10:00 a.m.

– 7:00 p.m. daily. The full schedule of dance and festival presentations, crafts workshops, photo sessions with mascots and food fair can be found at: http://www.mitsuwa.com/locations/torrance For more information, call 310.782.0335.

N OV E M B E R 6

Free Filipino American History photo exhibit, Nov. 6, Historic Filipinotown A free photo exhibit with attributions, sponsored by the book, Filipino American Experience: the Making of a Historic Cultural Monument” is slated for Sunday, Nov. 6th, from 12:00 to 2:30pm at the Filipino Disciples Christian Church, 301 North Union Ave., corner Court Street, Los Angeles, CA. 90026. Brief descriptions in English, Spanish and Tagalog will be shared by ten young leaders regarding each photo segment which represent the Filipino American experience in the establishment of Historic Filipinotown from the turn of the century to the turbulent 1960’s-70’s. The book chronicles the prominent role of the only historic, cultural landmark proclaimed by the City of Los Angeles in the city’s Historic Filipinotown. It depicts its contributions in the civic, spiritual and cultural advancement of the Filipino-American community in the Greater Los Angeles region. The first twelve arrivals with current college or high school enrollment I.D. will be awarded a copy of the coffee table book in landscape format and heavy glossy pages. Complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees hosted by the Filipino-American History Photo Gallery on site and the

N OV E M B E R 1 2

University of Baguio High School 40th anniversary in Chino Hills, CA Come join us in celebrating University of Baguio High School’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday, November 12 in Chino Hills, California. For more information please contact, Romy Vidal at (951) 733-7140.

Hyatt Baguio/Manila/Palawan Reunion in Las Vegas Former and current employees and guests of Hyatt Terraces Baguio, Hyatt Manila and Hyatt Palawan are having a dinner/dance reunion on November 12 in at the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas. The address is 4975 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89118. For more details, please send an email to: Beng Paraguas-Flores (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at bengparaguasflores@gmail.com or Marian Nobleza (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at minobleza@yahoo.com.

N OV E M B E R 1 4

Film showing of “Curiosity, Adventure & Love” in New York The Philippine Consulate General New York invites the public to a film showing of “Curiosity, Adventure & Love,” a film by Sunshine Lichuaco de Leon and Suzanne Richiardone.

The showing will be on Monday, November 14 at 6:40 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10036. To reserve a seat, please send an email to events@newyorkpcg.org (Subject: Fil-Am History Month) or call 212-764-1330 ext. 3866.

N OV E M B E R 1 5

Build a shelter project appreciation and book launch in New York Build a shelter project appreciation and book launch in New York The Philippine Consulate General New York in cooperation with the Assumption Alumni Association invites you to Build a Shelter Project (BASP) Appreciation and a book launch on “Yolanda: An Oral History in Verse” by Tim Tomlinson. The event will be on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center at 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036. To reserve a seat, please email events@newyorkpcg.org (Subject: BASP Appreciation) or call 212-764-1330 ext. 3866.

N OV E M B E R 1 9 -2 0

Consular outreach mission in Pensacola, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Pensacola on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and indicate “Pensacola FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at the Fil-Am Community Center at 234 West Oakfield Road, Pensacola, FL

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

OAK BROOK, IL – With the Season of Giving upon us, and as families everywhere make plans to spend quality time together over the holidays, McDonald’s customers can help families who must travel great distances to seek treatment for their seriously ill children, by allowing them to stay close to one another as well.

McDonald’s 14th Annual National Fundraiser benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) kicks off Tuesday, Nov. 1 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 13 in participating restaurants nationwide. Customers who visit a McDonald’s during this time can participate and support families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses by making a donation in $1, $3 or $5 denominations. In return, they will receive a “thank you” coupon for a free small fries or hash browns, good for use on their next visit through Nov. 30 with no purchase required.

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS “ONE isolated incident of bad breath, like a first time thief who is caught, permanently tarnishes the reputation, and the condemnation sticks for life,” goes a common presumption.

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Dental reports in the United States say there are about 65 million Americans who have bad breath. In the Philippines, as in other regions in Asia, the incidence, conservatively speaking, may be 75% or higher for the general population. This is a rough guesstimate, and the figure, of course, varies in different subgroups in the community. Halitosis, as a general rule, is less among those who live in the city, compared to rural areas, those who are more affluent, higher in socio-economic status, those who are more educated or professional, and those in the younger generation. Obviously, the financially handicapped could ill afford the luxury of toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, regular dental check-up and proper dental care. They may also be not as wellnourished, and as healthy, as those who can afford. But realistically, just about anyone, in any profession or walk of life, may have annoying bad breath, persistently or occasionally.

What causes halitosis?

There are a variety of causes of bad breath. Eating food that causes foul breath (like garlic, onion, etc), poor dental hygiene, decayed tooth or infection of the gums or oral cavity, diseases like diabetes, esophageal diverticulum, esophageal reflux, sinusitis, emphysema, etc. But the commonest underlying cause is poor dental hygiene where care of the teeth and mouth is neglected.

There are people who do not brush their teeth at all and go to bed at night with food particles stuck in between their teeth. They may gargle and rinse their mouth with water (or water and salt) after each meal, or even use mouthwash, but the food caught in between their teeth (especially meat and fish) rot and stink like dead animals on the street. This is putrefaction and the foul smelling odor is from the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by the decaying meat, which usually results in gram negative (anaerobic) bacterial infection (and more bad odor), and this makes for a vicious

All fundraiser proceeds benefit RMHC, which helps keep families in local communities close to each other and the care and resources they need when they have a sick child. Event organizers hope to raise $5 million for the Charity this year.

With over 42 years of support from McDonald’s, its customers, and other organizations, funding for RMHC comes not only through McDonald’s National Fundraiser event, but also from customer donations to restaurant RMHC Donation Boxes, ongoing donations from Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meal sales, as well as various other initiatives and organizations.

Throughout the year, McDonald’s customers can find RMHC Donation Boxes at the front counter and in drive-thrus at participating restaurants. No donation is too small, and every contribution makes a difference. From 2010-2015, McDonald’s USA’s support of RMHC through penny per Happy Meal and

Mighty Kids Meal donations, the National Fundraiser, and restaurant Donation Boxes has raised more than $220 million in contributions to the Charity.

Customers are encouraged to drop change into an RMHC Donation Box when they visit a McDonald’s restaurant any time of year, but especially on Oct. 15, the Global RMHC Day of Change, which commemorates the day the very first Ronald McDonald House opened in 1974.

In the United States, RMHC operates 180 Ronald McDonald Houses, 124 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and 38 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles. This year, donations to RMHC have helped open five new Ronald McDonald Houses, nine new Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, and one new Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

People can also donate to RMHC online by visiting rmhc. org/donate.

Do you have bad breath?

cycle.

Does the tongue harbor bacteria?

Yes, as a matter of fact, the tongue is a major culprit in the causation of bad breath. Bacteria hide in the furrows of the tongue, especially in the back (base) of the tongue. Hence, the regular use of tongue scraper or brushing all the way back to the base of the tongue (till you feel like gagging) at least twice a day is essential.

What can be done for persistent halitosis?

If proper daily oral hygiene is done and if there is no tooth decay or any infection in the mouth or throat, the bad breath may be coming from sinusitis, emphysema or from the stomach (as in esophageal reflex, where the controlling valve between the stomach and the food pipe is not closing --- airtight ---properly). A dental, or even medical, evaluation may be needed to ascertain the specific cause of this persistent halitosis.

Can mouthwash eliminate bad breath?

Mouthwash alone cannot do the trick. First, the food particles that can rot must be removed from in-between the teeth immediately after each meal (by dental flossing, since tooth pick alone will not do the job). Then, brushing the teeth using toothpaste (that contains fluoride and other ingredients like Poly (methylvinylether) maleic acid coplymer and triclosan) for added tooth protection, is essential at least 3 times a day, after each meal. Mouthwash (with Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide) is an impressive regimen that suppresses bad breath.

A study made on 15 mouthwashes showed that most masked the bad breath for a few minutes, only a few were still effective after a few hours.

Those with Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide are impressively effective.

What are the dental problems caused by bacteria?

Besides bad breath, the other problems caused by germs in our mouth include cavities, gum problems, plaques and tartar formation. Therefore, the routine regimen of dental flossing, tongue-scraping, tooth-brushing, and gurgling (with mouthwash that contain bacteria killing, and plaque-and-tartar preventing ingredients, like those with Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide), and visiting your dentist at least every 6 months will not only eliminate bad breath but lead to a healthier dental and oral state.

Can mouth containing alcohol

cause cancer?

Yes, according to a 1991 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which stated that mouthwashes “containing more than 25% alcohol could increase the risk of oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer by 50%”. Fortunately, most, if not all, mouthwashes in the market today contain less than 15% alcohol.

The safety of chlorine dioxide “has been confirmed by Richardson et al in an extensive study of the reaction of chlorine dioxide with water borne organics by the EPA (Environ. Sci. Technol., 1994;28:592).”

How effective are breathfreshener, sprays and gums?

If used as a part of the comprehensive regimen we have outlined here, these various forms of breath-fresheners could be of help, in between flossing, teeth brushing and rinsing with Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide mouthwash. Chewing parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint also helps maintain a fresh breath. In general, the incidence of halitosis is less among vegetarians. But the regimen must include all measures listed above in order to be effective.

Do people know they have bad breath?

It is odd but most people with chronic halitosis do not know they have it. Their own sense of smell is so conditioned to the bad breath in their mouth to the point that they do not even perceive or know they have halitosis. And their friends and relatives (including most spouse) would not even tell them, “to spare” them the embarrassment (which actually leads to more widespread embarrassment because of the persistence of this very offensive but treatable problem, one which can ruin one’s reputation, business, and social life.) One trick to find out is by licking your forearm and smelling it.

The next time you see your lover or a close friend, or relative, beg them to be brutally candid with you and tell you if you have bad breath. This honesty will show them you care and are considerate. The revelation might even change your reputation and love life forever, for the better. *** 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. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Revisiting the Sin City...

From Page 4

that I got the chance to have it revisited. Rasmin was consistently speechless and tongue-tied in bafflement while clicking her camera phone incessantly.

We were treated to a despedida dinner by Fr. Gem at Sushi Roku at the 2nd Floor, (Forum side) of Caesar’s Palace where our laughter was boisterous all right but deficient in high spirited energy… where bidding goodbyes only spoiled the salient flavor of the Japanese food…and where even amusing jokes sounded like dirges in twilight. Yes, parting is such sweet sorrow…but having assured of seeing soon in the near future was comforting enough to pacify our With Cutting Board Filipino Gastropub owners Chef Barry Picazo and Le. despondent moods.

We’re driven to the airport after dinner for our 10:38 flight for Newark. We left Las Vegas with a heavy heart but divergent to what they say: “What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas…” because we all kept the fond memories and warmhearted experiences neatly tucked in our hearts and brought every single recollection back home.

For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo. com.

The panoramic view from our hotel suite window.

An Asian Journal

Sarah Geronimo excited to be back on stage AFTeR two months away from the bright lights of show business, Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo is gearing up for her big return, first and foremost to her singing career.

“Yes, I’m 100-percent back in the biz, with an energized mindset and the motivation to work even harder,” she said in a small huddle just before the Halloween break.

Sarah Geronimo

“I took a break when that time in my life came with questions like, ‘What really is my purpose?’

‘What’s missing in my career, in my life?’ It was then I realized you shouldn’t work for other people to please them. That a person’s main goal mo should be to is to share whatever you have—what it is that the Lord gave you—regardless of what it is. What’s important is that you glorify and honor Him through what you do in your life,” she added.

While she is bent on concentrating on her music, she revealed there is one movie that has caught her interest as well.

“I’d like to focus more on my music and promote my past albums, which I realize I wasn’t really able to push. We’re planning to release the best tracks from my albums,” Geronimo explained.

Running through the other facets of her career: “There’s a new movie that’s just been pitched; there’s also a concert in the planning stage; while for TV

Melting pot or salad bowl...

From Page 3 message is resonating. Over the last 15 months since June last year, he seems to have morphed into the microphone for many Americans who have no voice and who are plainly sick and tired of political correctness spewed and enforced by mainstream media in the last few decades.

It can no longer be business as usual for globalists and the elite of the New World Order who really don’t care about the welfare of the middle class.

As an added attraction to the protracted front act of the primary election and nomination that precede every national election, Trump seems to instinctively know how to play the liberal media like a fiddle to the delight of many. After 2 national elections during which media played the role of an inyour-face partisan hack, majority view major networks and big publishers as dishonest and completely untrustworthy.

After all, there are only 6 companies that control American

media. Media’s main purpose is not to just to earn a profit. It has become a tool for those who own it to protect their power over varied interests and maintain or enlarge their self interests on a global scale.

There seems to be seething cold anger among the greater bulk of the population.

Something tectonic is afoot.

Major unpredictable shifts will take place. Professional life-long politicians who have made it their life’s work to keep running for office and serve the interests of those who bankroll their runs may be in for a rude awakening.

Immigration, legal and illegal, is now a white hot issue. The time has come to confront this head-on. While it is true that immigration has always been a cornerstone of the foundation, structure and substance of this amazing country, recent historical events and the current state of the US as a debtor nation, need to be taken into serious consideration when dealing with immigration.

shows, there isn’t anything lined up for now.”

She is grateful that following her break, her all-original concert From the Top in 2015 won for her the Star Awards for Music’s Female Concert Performer of the Year in October.

As a treat for fans who have missed seeing her on stage, Geronimo finally announced she is getting ready for a special show to promote her album “The Great Unknown,” which just turned Platinum. Titled “Sarah Geronimo The Great Unknown Unplugged,” the concert will take place at the Kia Theater in Araneta Center on November 29.

“I’m really excited to go live again because it’s been a while since From the Top at the Araneta.

That was back in December 2015.

So if my fans are excited to see me on stage, I’m even more excited to perform for them, and I’m making sure I’m a hundred percent for the show,” Geronimo ended.

(ManilaTimes.net) An estimated 12 million immigrants or about 4% of the total American population of over 300 million are illegal. Some experts say that it could be far more massive than this lowball estimate. It is entirely possible that there might be an effective thinning out of the numbers among the 12 million, beginning with those who have committed crimes and/or are gang members.

But the lousy economy, perhaps more than anything, is already causing natural attrition in the numbers, with jobs difficult to come by. This might be followed by a steep rise in deportation proceedings, a buttressing of border measures, the building of an impenetrable wall as Trump proposes it, a near paranoid check of the flow of goods and people in the ports and airports, a tightening of the screening process from source countries now made more possible by advanced monitoring and communications technology.

While the laws are in the books and the personnel to enforce them are in place, the political will to wield the ax and

7

Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N Ov E m b E R 4 , 20 1 6

Paolo Ballesteros accepts Best Actor award...

From Page 2

Teary-eyed Paolo then thanked the film production team, director Lana and producer Perci Intalan for the award. He also dedicated his award to his family, managers, friends and colleagues at eat Bulaga! He was also grateful to his fans in Manila and around the world, including his daughter and pets.

Paolo also thanked Liza DinoSeguerra of the Film Development Council of the Philippines for her support as well as all the volunteers, staff and judges of the

festival for accommodating them.

“To the man behind the film, Direk Jun Lana thank you so much for entrusting me Trisha’s character,” Paolo said, adding that he is grateful to all of the staff for the gift of new friendship and for their professionalism.

“To all of you who came and watched our film, I will never forget you,” he added.

“Die Beautiful” is a film about the lead character Trisha who wishes to be dressed as a different celebrity on each night of her funeral despite being in

Goodbye America, hello China mean another.

I believe it would help if he would provide more details whenever he announces something as bold as a ‘separation’ – especially when it involves international alliance – one that has been around for decades.

Coming from someone who’s been living in the United States for sometime, it brings me more confusion than clarity and ‘independence’ to think that ‘breaking ties’ with the U.S. is the right course of action. I could be wrong but I’m convinced that I am NOT the only one who sees this as unnecessary.

deal with immigration problems once and for all, has been clearly absent. Big business that funds candidates has an agenda that runs completely opposed to the interests of the American public.

These are globalist interests opposing national interests. Only one can win.

At this point, it’s anybody’s guess how this will pan out.

But drastic measures must be implemented effectively to address the issue in a much changed world where invasion is dangerously posing as legitimate immigration.

There are increasingly strident advocates who seek to shut the doors of America to immigration with the argument that recent immigration has created, instead of the melting pot society, a salad bowl of disparate, disjointed ethnic groups unwilling and unable to assimilate into the main fabric of

American life.

Some compare current American society as a mosaic that appears to be whole but is essentially fragmented. They further claim the absence of a common purpose poses a threat to the unity and structural integrity of this country.

To some extent, the argument is valid. Antiimmigrant groups reserve their biggest contempt and vitriol towards first generation immigrants who refuse to assimilate and in their view, come here to America to merely take what they can, identifying and exploiting the holes and flaws of a largely generous, humanitarian system.

Tourism citizenship or the concept of “anchor babies” pertaining to pregnant women giving birth in the US just to get citizenship for their babies is now in sharp focus. Some countries

From Page 5

a conservative Filipino-Chinese family. It earlier received the Audience Award in the same festival.

Paolo was then congratulated by his colleagues. He also posted a photo of the festival’s Best Actress Lene Cecilia Sparrok for the film “Sami Blood.”

Last October 25, Paolo also graced the red carpet of the film festival channeling another Hollywood actress, Angelina Jolie. He also previously made a makeup transformation of Jolie as the villain Maleficent. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

like Britain and Australia may have already rescinded this privilege and plugged this loophole.

After streamlining the system and enforcing the laws already in the books, immigration should be hinged to some degree, on meritocracy. It must continue as a tightly controlled, highly regulated way of attracting people, possibly the best and brightest from around the world, but perhaps more importantly, ONLY those with the ability and willingness of heart to assimilate and become part of a whole.

The founding fathers envisioned America in 1776 clearly. e pluribus Unum. Out of many, ONe. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

An Asian Journal

Magazine

8

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY NOvEmbER 4 , 2016