New York & New Jersey -- October 21 -- 27, 2016

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Volume10 – Issue 4 • 16 Pages

O C T O BE R 2 1 - 2 7 , 2 0 1 6 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Duterte declares DATELINE USA Fil-Am convicted military, economic of killing father separation from US in West Covina FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by DANA

A JUDGE in West Covina, California found a 20-year-old Filipino American who had been accused of killing his own father guilty of involuntary manslaughter and the use of a knife during the commission of a violent crime Wednesday, October Maverick Jacob Jimenez 12.

Maverick Jacob Jimenez had originally been charged with murder in connection to the stabbing death of Joey Alfred Jimenez, 49.

On Wednesday, the defendant pled no contest to less severe crimes as part of a plea agreement that spared him from a potential life sentence.

Prosecutors did not explain what caused a fight between the father and son that led the Jimenez’s neighbors to call 911 at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2015.

When officers arrived at the family’s home on the 900 block of Las Rosas Drive in West Covina, they discovered the elder Jimenez suffering from a stab wound, according to Rudy Lopez of the West Covina Police Department.

Paramedics rushed the victim to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

His son is scheduled to reappear in court for sentencing next year on Wednesday, January 4. He is expected to receive a six-year sentence. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress

SIOSON AJPress

20, Duterte said he would now be relying on the Chinese officials and businessmen.

“I announce my separation from the MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte United States both in the military…not soannounced that he is breaking both in mili- cial, but economics also. So please you have tary and economic aspects from the United another problem of economics in my counStates (US), the Philippine’s longtime ally. try,” Duterte declared in front of Chinese During the Philippines-China Trade and businessmen and government officials, Children holding Chinese and Philippine flags wait to greet President Rodrigo Duterte in Beijing, Philstar.com photo by Krizjohn Rosales Investment Forum on Thursday, October u PAGE A2 China on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Poll: Most Filipinos trust US, not China

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

MAJORITY of Filipinos trust the United States (US) but have opposite feelings towards China, according to a Social Weather Stations survey released Tuesday, Oct. 18.

The latest poll showed that 76 percent of adult Filipinos have “much trust” for the US while 13 percent are undecided and 11 percent have “little trust.” This garners a “very good” net trust rating of +66 for the country’s long-time ally.

Meanwhile, 22 percent of adult Filipinos have “much trust” for China while 55 percent have “little trust,” registering a “bad” net trusting of -33.

Australia garnered a +47 net trust rating followed by Japan with +34, Norway with +16, the Netherlands with +14 and Taiwan with +3.

The survey was conducted from September 24 to 27 among 1,200

AAPI millennials encouraged to vote in upcoming election ‘Cabinet not consulted on termination of PH-US exercises’ PARTNERSHIP. President Duterte receives an architect’s perspective and blueprint of the proposed drug addiction treatment center to be donated by the Friends of the Philippines Foundation during a lunch meeting at Dadong Roast Duck Restaurant in Beijing on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Malacañang photo

ALTHOUGH Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) comprise the fastest-growing minority group in the United States—with more than 18 million—only about half of the population is registered to vote, which is lowest of all races.

Only about 37 percent of Asian American millennials (ages 18-34) are registered.

This past Sunday, October 16, over two dozen performers gathered at the Wiltern in Los Angeles to share their stories of why this election matters and to perform popular songs in a jam-packed theatre.

u PAGE A3

by MARVIN

SY

Drilon wanted to find out the actual status of the exercises as well as the other defense agreements with the MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte US in light of the statements made by never consulted his Cabinet before Duterte that he wanted an end to the coming out with statements regarding military drills with the Americans.

At the moment, Lorenzana said there the termination of joint military exercises between the Philippines and the was no decision to suspend or terminate United States, Defense Secretary Delfin the joint exercises, the Visiting Forces Lorenzana disclosed on Wednesday, Agreement and other agreements with the US. Oct. 15.

Lorenzana said he sought guidance During his confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments, from the President regarding these isLorenzana was asked by Sen. Franklin sues and was told to present his recomDrilon about his position on the military mendations during the Cabinet meeting next month. exercises with US forces.

Philstar.com

As far as Lorenzana is concerned, the joint military exercises are mutually beneficial to the two countries.

“It benefits our troops also. On the other hand, I think the Americans benefit more from these exercises with us,” Lorenzana said.

If the exercises are mutually beneficial as stated by Lorenzana, Drilon questioned why these would have to be terminated.

“I really don’t know because the President has been issuing these statements without first consulting the Cabinet,” Lorenzana said.

“If the President is really intent on

u PAGE A2

what he is telling the media, I think I will recommend the scaling down of exercises next year – Balikatan, PHIBLEX and concentrate on maybe upgrading HADR (human assistance disaster response) and counterterrorism,” he added.

Lorenzana said the President should be able to come out with an official decision on the issues after next month’s Cabinet meeting.

Duterte previously stated the Balikatan exercises this year would be the last.

He has also threatened to terminate the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. ■

Police driver in embassy rally sacked, faces raps ‘Typhoon Lawin’ leaves 12 dead in Northern Luzon

by JAIME LAUDE

by NON

ALQUITRAN Philstar.com

Manila Police District (MPD) chief Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said Police Officer 3 Franklin Kho of the District Police Security Battalion (DPSB) could face criminal charges for serious physical injuries after he drove the van that rammed and injured protesters.

Philstar.com photo

Philstar.com

MANILA - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) relieved on Thursday, Oct. 20 nine police officers involved in the violent dispersal of militant activists in front of the US embassy in Manila last Wednesday, including the policeman who rammed protesters with a van.

Manila Police District (MPD) chief Senior Supt. Joel Coronel said Police Officer 3 Franklin Kho of the District Police Security Battalion (DPSB) could face criminal charges for serious physical injuries after he drove the van that rammed and injured protesters.

Coronel said the policeman could also be held liable for gross misconduct, particularly violation of existing police operation procedures.

NCRPO director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde said the

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MANILA - At least 12 people were killed in the wake of ferocious winds and rains brought by Super Typhoon Lawin in Northern Luzon overnight, officials said on Thursday, Oct. 20.

Two construction workers died when a landslide buried their shanty in La Trinidad town in Benguet, while two villagers perished in another landslide and another was swept away in a river and remains missing in Ifugao province.

POWER LINES DOWN. Electric posts toppled by Supertyphoon “Lawin” block Campos Street in A 70-year-old man died ap- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province. Even so, authorities reported a low death toll after the

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typhoon barreled through northern Luzon.

Inquirer.net photo by Richard Reyes

A OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Duterte declares military...

PAGE A1 t

President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua as he arrives in China for a four-day state visit. Also in the photo is Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Malacañang photo

Police driver in embassy rally sacked...

PAGE A1 t

relieved police officials included Senior Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo, MPD deputy district director for operations, whom witnesses heard to be directing the dispersal of the rallyists.

Also relieved were Supt. Albert Barot, Station 5 commander; Chief Insp. Dionelle Brannon, commander of the Pedro Gil police precinct; Chief Insp. Elmer Oseo, deputy commander of Station 5; Chief Insp. Joebie Astucia, operations chief of Station 5; Chief Insp. Roberto Marinda, Company commander the augmentation force; Chief Insp. Roberto Mangune, commander of the US embassy team; and Senior Insp. Edgardo Orongan, chief operations officer of the DPSB. Albayalde directed Pedrozo and the eight other policemen to report to the NCRPO Regional Police Holding Administrative Unit (RPHAU) while the investigation on the incident is ongoing.

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was tasked to investigate the incident.

A police van driven by Kho rammed into protesters, leaving several bloodied. At least 40 people including over 20 police officers were hurt after policemen clashed with the demonstrators.

earning a standing ovation.

“I have separated from them so I will be dependent on you for a long time but don’t worry we will also help,” he added.

The president also expressed that he prefers the Chinese compared to the Americans, describing the latter as “loud, sometimes rowdy,” adding that their “larynx is not adjusted to civility.”

“Duterte of the Philippines is veering towards China because China has the character of an Oriental. It does not go around insulting people,” he said, earning a loud applause.

Later on in his speech, Duterte said there’s a possibility for him to go to Russia and talk with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

“There are three of us against the world. China, Philippines, Russia,” he expressed.

Later after his speech, Duterte’s economic planners said in a joint statement that the Philippines will maintain relations with the West but will desire stronger integration with its neighboring countries.

“The Philippines is integrating with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Chi-

PAGE A1 t

DISPERSAL. An anti-U.S. rally turned violent on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in front of the American embassy along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. The militant groups were joined by students and indigenous communities as they protested the presence of visiting US troops in the Philippines and expressed their support for the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent foreign policy.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

“Pedrozo and his fellow police officials would be temporarily assigned at the RPHAU for the easy issuance of summons pertaining to the investigation being conducted by the CIDG,” said Albayalde.

He said the relief of the nine police officials was made to pave the way for an impartial investigation of the incident.

Those relieved would be temporarily replaced by their respective deputies, he added.

According to Albayalde, there is no evidence as yet to warrant the relief of Coronel on the principle of command responsibility.

Director Benjamin Magalong, PNP deputy chief for operations, admitted policemen committed some lapses in the police operational procedures (POP), which resulted in the injuries of both policemen and rallyists.

Magalong said the PNP will investigate the entire scrum, not only the ramming incident.

Coronel pointed out that the protesters also committed several violations that could have contributed to the chaos.

He said the protesters had no permit to rally, which is illegal.

Coronel said the police had en-

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na, Japan and South Korea. In a way, Asian economic integration is long overdue compared with the regional economic integrations,” Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.

On Wednesday, October 19, Duterte stressed his point that the Philippines only gained little from its long alliance with the US. “Your stay in my country was for your own benefit. So time to say goodbye, my friend,” the president said, seemingly addressing the US. “I will not go to America anymore. I will just be insulted there,” he added.

The president also praised China for not criticizing his administration on the alleged spate of extrajudicial killings in relation to his campaign against illegal drugs.

“Some other countries know we are short of money, (but) instead of helping us, all they had to do was just to criticize. China never criticizes. They help us quietly. and I said that’s why it’s part of the sincerity of the people,” Duterte said.

For the past few months,

Duterte has continuously lashed out at the United States after it repeatedly criticized the Philippine administration’s bloody war against illegal drugs.

Earlier, he announced that October’s joint military exercises with the US would be the last under his term.

Asked if he would forge a military alliance with China instead, Duterte said he is also not keen on pursuing any military partnership with them or even with any other country to avoid being caught up in the middle of any possible tensions.

“There will be no military alliances entered into. There will be no military alliances broken.

What I am just saying is that we are not interested in adding fuel to what is already a volatile world… There is no such thing as allowing the missiles there or missiles there, I would not allow it,” Duterte said.

“I am not into that. And if you talk about America, Russia, vis-à-vis China, Great Britain, France, Iran, Pakistan, India, there is a conflict going on, it’s getting hot,” he added.

The president is scheduled to return in the Philippines on Friday, October 21. n

Poll: Most Filipinos trust US...

adult Filipinos nationwide with a margin error of plus or minus 3 percent.

The independent poll was released as President Rodrigo Duterte heads to Beijing for a four-day state visit.

The chief executive is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss issues of mutual concern including the maritime dispute over the South China Sea. Duterte earlier expressed his intent to end the annual joint military exercises with American troops as China is not in favor of the war games. He had also threatened to break the Philippines’ ties with the US following criticisms on his campaign against the illegal drug trade.

The president is eyeing to boost ties with Beijing, which has been marred by the maritime dispute.

In July, the Permanent Court

of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines in its arbitration case against China’s nine-dash line claim over the disputed wa-

ters. Beijing refused to honor the decision and insisted that it has indisputable claim over the South China Sea.

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

From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 21-27, 2016

AAPI millennials encouraged to vote...

PAGE A1 t

JDV IN CHINA. Former Speaker Jose de Venecia, Chairman of International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), is received at Beijing’s National People’s Congress by parliamentary leader Fu Ying, chair of NPC Foreign Relations Committee, who earlier conferred with special envoy former President Fidel Ramos. De Venecia conferred after with Minister Song Tao, head of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee’s International Relations (CPC), as de Venecia presented both a 20-point informal proposal on the improvement of Philippine-China relations. He later conferred with Director General Xu Lin at the Confucius Institute Headquarters, which has 500 Institutes all over the world, on a new unique Chinese-English language system, dictionary and website (Kanji-Hanzi Hybrid) which de Venecia’s Manila group, Chinese, Japanese, English Language Systems (CJELS) is working on.

‘Typhoon Lawin’ leaves 12 dead...

PAGE A3 t parently of a heart attack in an emergency shelter while another man died after being pinned by a fallen tree in Isabela province.

An 85-year-old woman identified only as Cariaga perished in Pasuquin town in Ilocos Norte.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Ricardo Jalad said landslides that hit two towns in Benguet claimed the lives of Jhon Carlos Hatop, a 19-day-old baby; Joshua Halle, 19, Jessie Hella, 28, all of Sagpat, Kibungan and 65-year-old Arsenio Lantaen of Abatan, Buguias.

Over in La Trinidad, 40-yearold Edgar Genese and Jonie Borja, 35, also died in a landslide that hit their village.

In Ifugao, a certain Junior Cha-

wagan, 16, and Jeramel Alfaro, 17, perished in a landslide that hit residential areas in Hungduan town.

A certain Larry Duyapat, also from Hungduan, was reported missing.

Jalad said forced evacuations from high-risk communities helped prevent a larger number of casualties.

“Search, rescue and retrieval operations are ongoing,” he said.

Jalad said they forced the evacuation of 18,157 families from villages in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region, Bicol and the Cordillera Administrative Region. (With reports from AP)

Police driver in embassy rally sacked...

PAGE A3 t forced maximum tolerance but there were unprovoked actions by the militants, who stormed the gates and threw paint and other debris as well as spray painted the perimeter walls of the embassy which, under the Vienna convention, the government is obliged to protect.

Supt. Surki Sereñas, spokesman for Region 10 police, condemned the policemen involved in the violent dispersal of protesters.

“We are saddened at the thought that a policeman figured in an unfortunate incident involving rallyists being rammed and injured,” said Sereñas in a statement.

Sereñas said they empathize with the victims as he reiterated that the police have no policy to hurt people.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II is studying if the National Bureau of Investigation should join the probe.

He said a parallel investigation of the NBI with the police probe might be necessary to dispel fears of a whitewash.

House probe Lawmakers called for a House inquiry on the violent police dispersal of protesters at the US embassy.

The seven members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives that included partylist Reps. Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna, Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of women’s group Gabriela, Antonio Tinio and France Castro of Act Teachers, Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis and Sarah Elago of Kabataan filed House resolution 487 calling for an impartial probe of the clash of the policemen with anti-US activists.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III called on the leadership of the PNP to investigate the violent incident and to “take action against those responsible, uniformed or otherwise.”

In calling for the probe by the PNP, Pimentel appealed to the public not to rush to judgment based on the footage of the incident alone, which has sparked widespread condemnation.

Video footage showed a police vehicle backing into protesters.

Pimentel clarified that his call does not mean he is presuming guilt on any party.

“The video on its own is very disturbing, but is not the whole picture. We must not pass judg-

ment until we know the whole story,” he said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin Drilon said the deadly force used by the police is alarming and warrants a full-blown investigation by the PNP and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, came to the defense of the policeman who drove the wayward van and the PNP as an institution.

“That was a judgment call made by one policeman behind the wheel of a police van who might have felt threatened by the possibility of being lynched by the protesters, and who impulsively drove the van wherever he could to avoid the dire consequences of his inaction,” Lacson said.

“I think it’s unfair to the Philippine National Police as an institution to be accused of police brutality. It was a personal judgment call of the driver of the van.

Maximum tolerance or not, he acted based on his appreciation of the situation prevailing at the time he made that move,” he added.

Police lobbed tear gas and arrested at least 20 protesters.

Sen. Richard Gordon said both sides should be taken to task for the incident, but more so the policemen who ran over and hit the protesters.

The protesters, mostly members of indigenous peoples’ alliance Sandugo, Bayan and Alliance of Health Workers, trooped to the US embassy at around 10 a.m. and held a program in front of its main gate to dramatize the plight of indigenous communities.

Some activists splashed red paint on the gate of the embassy and on the police officers securing the gate.

Others wrote graffiti on the white perimeter fence of the embassy.

Rallyists were supposed to end their program around noon by burning a US flag and the indigenous groups performing a war dance, when the violent dispersal occurred.

The left-leaning lawmakers stated in their resolution that they want an immediate investigation in aid of legislation of the US embassy dispersal by the House committee on human rights chaired by Zambales Rep. Cheryl Montalla-Deloso. n

A

Wanting to engage young Asian Americans in the voting process, #IAmAsianAmerican, a national campaign was created with the goal of registering at least 15,000 new voters with the free concert event in four cities with major Asian American populations: New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and the flagship city, Los Angeles.

Uyen Tieu, founder and executive director of #IamAsianAmerican, used all her friends and circle of contacts to put the show together in the last few weeks.

“Asian Americans are actually more than 10 percent of the population in 85 congressional districts. There is power in these numbers, so I want to make sure that their power will be heard,” said Tieu. “For all the older generations - you know you worked hard. You know you want a better life for your kids. You put food on the table and you’re making money to provide a stable life for your kids. But when one in ten of your kids is not even speaking out are not voting, you are letting other people talk for them. You are letting other people who may not agree with you, or who may even hate you, speak and decide for your kids. That’s why it’s so important as a community for parents and their kids go out and vote. When you stay home, you let someone else make the decision for you.”

Comedians Parvesh Cheena

from the TV series “Crazy ExGirlfriend” and Jenny Yang, popularly seen on BuzzFeed, hosted the two-hour concert event featuring popular artists, such as AJ Rafael and the Poreotics, winner of the fifth season of “America’s Best Dance Crew.”

Rafael, a 27-year-old Filipino American who has been accumulating over a hundred million views on YouTube since 2006 said, “I think it’s important for Asian Americans to get involved. Growing up, I wasn’t encouraged that much to engage in political conversations, but I think it’s especially with this specific election. Most of our parents are immigrants. I encourage, especially the millennials, I want to be that voice for them to help their voices get heard too.”

Lawrence Bravo Devera of the Poreotics added, “The more that Asian Americans are making more noise in the entertainment world, it causes more blimps on the radar, the more blimps we cause, the more apparent we are in society. Having this concert is just a ripple effect. It’s a positive reinforcement for people to take action and make our voice heard.”

With less than a month until the election, many popular voices are doing their best to mobilize young Asian Americans to voting booths. Jose Antonio Vargas, who revealed his undocumented status in The New York Times in 2011,

stated that when we vote on November 8, “We think of our parents and grandparents.”

Seti X, a Muslim American MTV rapper said, “The youth are listening to hip-hop, rock, and pop – they’re taking in forms of entertainment that older generations are not.

Whatever we explain and transcend through our media goes through our subconscious. So if we use our voice to get them to mobilize the vote, they’ll want to be involved. Media and music [are] already the way they’re getting their information, so I feel like it’s the perfect way for us to mobilize them and use their voices to speak up.”

Attendees of the concert included both older and younger performers, which was reflective of the hundreds of attendees.

Ashley Liao, known from “Fuller House” and “Fresh off the Boat,” who is just 14 years old appealed to those who are not yet eligible.

“The person you are voting for isn’t just going to affect your parents who are able to vote but also you in your future because if they’re paving the way, then it will affect you. Politics do matter and we should know what’s going on,” she said.

With Asian Americans’ power to be the swing vote in the election, the concert reminded attendees of their civic duties as Americans and to increase voter turnout. (Heather Domingo/AJPress)

A OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Councilman Jon Wong runs for Mayor of Mahwah, NJ

COUNCILMAN Jonathan S. Wong of Mahwah, NJ is running for Mayor of that township in the November 8 elections.

The Councilman is 25 years old, believed to be the youngest Asian American elected official in New Jersey, if not in the entire USA. Jon Wong is a businessman, licensed real estate broker and an aspiring lawyer. He expects to finish law school in December, one semester early.

Jon belongs to the so-called millennial generation (those born after the 80s). This group refers

to “American teens and twentysomethings who are making the passage into adulthood at the start of a new millennium — have begun to forge theirs: confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change.”

In 2013, when he was asked why he was running for a seat in on the Township Council, Jon replied, “I’m running for a seat on the Township Council because I believe it’s important for a younger generation to be involved in Mahwah politics and I would like to give back to a town that has given me so much.”

For the past two years, he has been giving back to his hometown honest and transparent public service, qualities which have earned the respect and likes of his constituents.

In a statement earlier this week, the young candidate said he was humbled to see the support from the Mahwah community.

Asked why he was running for Mayor. Jon said, “I believe greater transparency in our township government is extremely crucial to the community and growth of our town – not just during Town Council meetings but through more areas of administration. I want to improve the leadership and vision for the future of the community. Mahwah is a great place to live. But the leadership requires reasonableness, cooperation, and discipline between the Mayor and Council for the success of the town.”

Jon was raised by his parents, Steven & Grace Wong in Mahwah, where he has lived for 22 years. He graduated from Mahwah High School, Class of 2009.

In 2013, he finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Investments from City University of New York Baruch College.

Currently, he is a senior law student at Brooklyn Law School.

He is business owner and licensed real estate broker. n

Let’s go out and vote!

With the General Elections only less than two weeks away, NaFFAA is calling on all Filipino Americans to make their vote count and cast their ballots on November 8.

NaFFAA is also encouraging those who have not registered to do so. There are states like Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Vermont where voter registration is still taking place. Also, many states are still issuing absentee ballots, up to a day before the election in some cases.

“As a community that is still largely invisible to elected officials and national policy makers, we need to make our voices heard by going to the polls on election day,” says NaFFAA National Chair Brendan Flores. “We have a stake in who will lead our country and what direction it will take in the future. Indifference or not voting at all is not an option

at a time when critical issues will have a significant impact on our lives.”

Flores notes that there are nearly 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the U.S., constituting the second largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group in the country. “Our voter registration rate, however, is very low,” Flores adds. “To strengthen our voting power, we launched FilAmVote last year to get more voters registered, educate them about the issues, protect their rights to ensure nothing prevents them from voting, and to get them out on election day and make their vote count.”

NaFFAA’s Fil-Am Vote is a national program directed at strengthening the voter registration, voter education, voter protection and get-out-the-vote capabilities of Filipino American communities nationwide.

Juanito Amor, FilAmVote National Director, points out that by

registering more Filipino voters and mobilizing a huge turnout in polling booths, “we will most assuredly make a difference in electing public officials who represent our interests and advocate for those issues that most concern us.”

NaFFAA Regional Chair Myrna Farinas Reyes of San Diego, CA. is calling on the Filipino American community to “come together and demonstrate our collective strength as an influential voting bloc. Let us proudly and unequivocally assert ‘I am a Filipino American Voter.’”

For more information, go to www.fil-amvote.org.

A voter hotline will be live and accessible to those who have questions or need help voting.

Call 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888274-8683). Bilingual assistance is available in English, Tagalog and seven other APIA languages.

Calls to the hotline will be answered within 24 hours. n

Dateline USa

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

Rep. Lieu, congressional candidate Rosen talk importance of AAPI vote in Nevada

by Christina

M. Oriel

AJPress

LAS VEGAS — With less than 20 days to go before Election Day, one of the hot races to watch is the state’s 3rd Congressional District, where Asian Americans comprise 16 percent of the population.

The district, which has been represented by Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.) since 2011, covers Henderson, Boulder City, and parts of Las Vegas and Clark County.

With Heck vying for the U.S. Senate, Jacky Rosen is hopeful that she can turn the seat blue.

The political newcomer, who has built a career as a computer programmer and software developer, was personally tapped

by Sen. Harry Reid Reid (DNev.) to run for the office.

On Monday, Oct. 10, Rosen was joined by Rep. Ted Lieu of California’s 33rd District to speak about the untapped potential of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) — an electorate that can help Rosen win.

“In Nevada, Asian Americans now form enough voters to make a difference in an election.

They can be the swing vote in a swing state that decides the next president,” Lieu said. “So it’s enormously important for the community to get out and vote.”

The AAPI population is the fastest-growing minority group in the state, increasing by 116 percent, according to the last U.S. Census.

In her remarks, Rosen shared her family’s immigration story of fleeing their home country and being the first in her family to attend college — a familiar narrative that she said many

AAPIs can relate to.

Touting her experience as president of the Congregation Ner Tamid — the largest synagogue in the state — Rosen is “clearly the best-qualified candidate,” said Lieu.

“Jacky’s opponent has endorsed Trump, embraces Trump, and it is just a very clear difference for the Asian American voters here, who they need to vote for in November,” the congressman said, citing the Republican presidential nominee’s anti-immigrant stance, including the controversial Philippines as a ‘terrorist nation’ comment.

Rosen is running against Republican commercial real estate developer Danny Tarkanian, who previously had unsuccessful attempts for the state Senate, secretary of state, the 4th Congressional District, and U.S. Senate.

Tarkanian was endorsed by local organizations, such as the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Asian American Group, both noting his track record in business and reaching out to the AAPI community. (He previously shared his views on small business growth and immigration with the Asian Journal.)

To undecided voters in the district, Rosen said the main responsibility of working in the best interests of the district’s constituents is what motivated her to run for office.

“That’s what really spoke to me about the job is that I can really impact lives here for large businesses, small businesses, community banks, getting access to capital, helping veterans or seniors…and then take what I learn and what I know and take

Rep. Ted Lieu

Jacky Rosen

those voices to Washington to help inform my decisions…,” she appealed.

She continued, “Wanting to make the world a better place, wanting to really serve here in the district and make sure I can make a difference in the 3rd district for individuals speaks really strongly to me.”

After speaking with AAPI reporters, Lieu and Jacky Rosen participated in a potluck and phone bank.

As of this writing, polls show Rosen at 42.5 percent and Tarkanian at 41.5 percent, according to ElectionProjection. com.

Fil-Ams told that PH wealth in wildlife needs urgent care

Panel of experts (left to right): Atty. Ipat Luna, Terrence Gosliner, Ph.D., Roberta Lopez Feliciano and Almira Astudillo Gilles echo the pride and awe for the biodiversity of the Philippines.

Inquirer.net photo by Pia Lopez Banos-Carrion

by Pia lOPezbanOs-CarriOn Inquirer.net

SAN FRANCISCO — “There is nothing more magical than taking a child into the water with a mask to see the world under,” said Dr. Terrence Gosliner, senior curator of Invertebrate Zoology of the California Academy of Sciences, describing the diverse and colorful life underwater in the Philippines.

Gosliner spoke at the recent book launch of Hotspot, Cool Country: Biodiversity in the Philippines by Filipino American author Almira Astudillo Gilles.

“Inflatable sharks, frogs that fly, metal-eating plants, cicadas that laugh” are just a few of the unique species that can be found in the Philippines.

Gosliner reported that there are 9,253 species of plants, 535 species of birds, 281 species of freshwater fish, 245 species of mammals found in the country, to name a few. These numbers constantly change because many new species are being identified, while others could vanish or become extinct.

The book launching, held at the Social Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco, was supported by the Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA), Inc./Filipino American Book Festival, California Academy of Sciences, SEA Institute, Pusod, Inc., ABS-CBN Bantay Kalikasan/Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. and the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco.

ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) provided full media support for the event. The talk was emceed by Edwin Lozada from the Board of Directors of PAWA. Unique biodiversity Hotspot, Cool Country, a picture book, features the Philippines’ unique wildlife and ma-

rine life, which are among the most at risk on the planet. The book shows that the Philippines is megadiverse, meaning it has more species concentrated in its territory than other countries, making it “cool.”

At the same time the dangers facing wildlife makes it a “hot” spot.

“Cool country is a good thing because there are new species being discovered every day in the Philippines. But being a hot spot is not a good thing.

That means it is vulnerable to species extinction. The need for conservation is urgent,” Astudillo-Gilles said.

Gilles says, “There is no book right now that introduces students to the natural wonders of the Philippines” and instills pride in them. Her book was written to fill this need.

Panelists identified the Verde Island Passage (VIP) as key center of biodiversity. It is approximately 1.14 million hectares of seascape stretching between the provinces of Batangas, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon.

Richest part of PH “The Verde Island Passage is the richest part of the Philippines,” stated Gosliner.

His colleague, Rich Mooi, director of Citizen Science, California Academy of Sciences, also said, “The diversity of the species completely blew me away. I’ve never been anywhere on a planet that was even remotely like that.”

The throbbing, thriving life in this region has led experts to call the VIP the “center of the center” of biodiversity. It is also threatened by technology, industry, overdevelopment and pollution.

Astudillo-Gilles’ book reveals that “there is a race between species extinction and discovery. The Earth is now

losing species at the fastest rate since the disappearance of dinosaurs. That is why it is imperative to protect identified hot spots. It is important to safeguard and preserve this very important stretch that is the VIP.” Roberta Lopez Feliciano, chairman of the SEA-VIP Institute (Science, Education and Advocacy), which promotes science-based conservation in the Verde Island Passage, is setting up systems and processes to bring together government, NGOs, businesses, the academe and local communities to align research, educational outreach and conservation efforts.

A little goes a long way Feliciano believes that “every little ripple of action goes a long way.” She is convinced that “you can’t really care about the environment unless you experience it first-hand.

That is why the SEA-VIP Institute wants to bring science into people’s lives.”

Similarly, Atty. Ipat Luna, environment activist and president of Pusod, Inc. an environmental non-profit organization in the Philippines, stressed the importance of encouraging FilAms to go to the Philippines “to see and experience what it is they are trying to protect.”

“Until someone is able to link what he or she is eating to environment conservation advocacy, that person will not give a sustained commitment,” she contended.

In this light, various groups in the Philippines are putting conservation measures in place. Feliciano reported that Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez, has marked 17 hot spots in the country to serve as models on how nature can be protected in other areas. n

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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House panel won’t recommend Sen. De Lima’s prosecution

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE House committee on justice will not recommend the prosecution of Senator Leila De Lima, panel chair Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali said on Monday, October 17.

In a press briefing, Umali said he does not see any need to recommend the further filing of charges since there were already cases filed against De Lima.

“I guess it can be done, but as you very well know, charges have already been filed. So what is there to recommend?” Umali told reporters.

On Tuesday, October 11, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) filed a complaint against De Lima and her alleged cohorts for their supposed involvement in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) drug trade.

The complaint cited the violation of Section 26 (b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or the attempt attempt or conspiracy in sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical.

A similar complaint was also jointly filed by former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Deputy Directors Ruel Lasala and Reynaldo Esmeralda on Thursday, October 13.

Umali explained that the prosecution is the job of the Depart-

ment of Justice (DOJ) and not of the House committee.

According to him, the House’s inquiry into the alleged proliferation of illegal drug trade inside NBP is in aid of legislation, noting that its goal is to is to establish the accountability and involvement of government officials.

“Our role is to legislate and that is what we will focus on in our committee report,” Umali said.

Despite the committee’s stance, however, several solons expressed their opposition, suggesting that the panel should include recommending of the filing of criminal charges against De Lima in their report.

“I dissent from the proposed Justice Committee report on the investigation of the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison,” Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque said in a statement.

For Roque, De Lima’s supposed benefiting from the drug trade in Bilibid and for coddling drug lords are punishable under Sections 6 and 27 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“I understand why the majority wants to desist from such a recommendation because it wants to avoid the impression that the investigation was a witch-hunt against Senator de Lima. However, we are elected legislators and we took an oath to uphold the laws of the land. I believe it is incumbent upon the members of Congress to recommend the

Former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his sister Irene are welcomed by supporters at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

Sen. Leila De Lima

filing of criminal charges if we believe that our laws have been violated,” Roque said.

He added that De Lima should also be charged for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. From late September to early October, the panel probed the proliferation of drugs inside the NBP during four separate hearings, which Umali described as the “most expeditious” House investigation and a “shining moment” for the chamber.

Umali also assured the public that the claims made during the probe would still be “forwarded to concerned agencies.”

Pacquiao near speak condition, says Roach

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

fighter Jose Ramirez and another four rounds against Filipino boxer Sonny Kabandagho last week.

But as Pacquiao wanted to spar SENATOR Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is approaching his more, they made it a total of 12 peak condition just in time for rounds, Roach related.

“We still have three sparring his comeback match, his coach sessions next week and several Freddie Roach assured.

“Not that Manny’s already rounds more with the mitts which reached his peak, but we’re head- we believe are enough before going to that. He’ll be there,” Roach ing through the fine-tuning phase of the camp two weeks from now said.

According to a Philboxing re- in LA,” he added.

In April, Pacquiao announced port, Roach said Pacquiao sparred six rounds against undefeated his retirement from boxing after

winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Timothy Bradley Jr. to focus on his political career.

Pacquiao was elected Senator in earlier in May. On November 5, Pacquiao will face World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title holder, Jessie Vargas, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Vargas has a record of 27 wins, one loss, and 10 knockouts. He won via TKO against his previous opponent, Sadam Ali, in March this year.

Supreme Court extends anew halt order against Marcos burial

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 18, extended anew its status quo ante order (SQAO) that halts the planned interment of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City.

SC Public Information Office chief Theodore Te said the extension goes up to November 8, temporarily stopping the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from the burial preparation of the late dictator.

Asked if the court provided a reason for the extension, Te told reporters, “Nope. That’s it.”

Marcos’s supposed burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani was initially set on September 18.

The High Court first issued its SQAO last August 23 effective until September 12, at the request of petitioners who sought to stop the burial.

At the conclusion of the oral arguments last September 7, the SC extended the SQAO anew to October 18.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte announced in August that he would permit the interment

of the late Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery, seven petitions have been filed that opposes the burial of Marcos at the Libingan.

The petitioners, including the martial law victims, argued in summary that the burial is allegedly against the law, citing R.A. 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act as a basis.

Last month, Filipino Americans in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC, among other cities, joined in a global protest against the burial.

“This is clear and final proof that the decision to push for [the] burial of Marcos in the Heroes’ Cemetery -- in flagrant violation of the Constitution and multiple law, is not anchored on any public interest,” one of the petitions led by former Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Etta Rosales said.

Duterte, however, believed that Marcos should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani since he is a former president and soldier, arguing that in doing so, would unite the nation and heal the past grievances.

The government also clarified that Marcos would not gain the status of a “hero,” acknowledging

Filipino drug suspect arrested in Abu Dhabi

the “dark pages of history during Martial Law,” where thousands had been killed and jailed for opposing Marcos’s dictatorship.

Marcos died of kidney, heart and lung ailments in 1989 while in exile in Hawaii after being ousted during the 1986 EDSA Revolution.

His remains were brought back to the Philippines in 1993 and have stayed remained in a glass coffin in Ilocos Norte.

Last Sunday, October 16, Duterte expressed his hope that the SC’s decision regarding Marcos’s burial will be based on the law and not on emotions.

“I hope that the Supreme Court will decide not on the emotion but of course, we know that it will be all legal at the end of the day.

What the Supreme Court will rule must be followed,” the president told reporters in Davao City before his flight to Brunei.

Despite the protest from petitioners and martial law victims, the president maintained his stance that the interment has legal basis.

“My position is that there is a law which grants Marcos a burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

My position that as long as there is that law, it shall be followed,” Duterte said.

OFW tipped authorities to son of Albuera mayor

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

ONE of the most wanted Filipino drug lords was arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital on Monday, October 17 after an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) tipped the police, media reports said.

Abu Dhabi police arrested Rolando “Kerwin” Espinosa, Jr., whom President Rodrigo Duterte described as a major drug kingpin. Espinosa refused to surrender to the Philippine police in August after his father, Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte, was arrested.

Duterte had ordered the police to shoot Espinosa “on sight.”

“He went directly to Abu Dhabi from Malaysia. He was able to do that because during that time, no arrest warrant was issued against him,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa told the media on Monday, October 17. But his stay there is limited so he went to several travel agencies there, asking for help on how his stay could be extended.”

Dela Rosa said that the anonymous OFW informed the PNP about Espinosa which prompted the chief to send the PNP’s AntiIllegal Drugs Group (AIDG) to work with Abu Dhabi officials.

Philippine Ambassador to Abu

Dhabi Constancio Vingno, Jr. told the Associated Press that the Abu Dhabi Criminal Investigation Department (CID) used information from the Philippine National Police to locate Espinosa, 35, who had fled from the Philippines to the UAE. Senior Superintendent Albert Ferro, the head of the AIDG who led the team to catch Espinosa, told reporters that Espinosa was the most prominent drug kingpin in Eastern Visayas and was the second most wanted man in the Philippines. “[Vingno] is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior for the possible repatriation to the Philippines of Espinosa,” Ferro said. “There is no definite date yet for this but we will comply with the requirements so Kerwin can finally serve justice for the crimes he committed in our country.”

In July, Duterte gave a list of government officials he suspected were involved in illegal drug networks, including Espinosa and his father. Shortly after, the father surrendered, but was released since no charges were filed against him.

However, police found 11.5 kilos of shabu (methamphetamine) and a stash of firearms in the Espinosa’s home in Albuera during a raid.

Police then charged the father

Atty. Rio Guerrero

Suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa was arrested in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Oct. 18.

in son for illegal possession of illegal drugs and firearms, and shortly after, the court issued a warrant.

Mayor Espinosa is currently being detained at the Leyte Provincial Jail in Baybay City.

According to Dela Rosa, the son is being held by Abu Dhabi police, but arrangements are being made to see if he can return to the Philippines.

“I do not know if all the documentary requirements will be done today, maybe they can now travel,” Dela Rosa said. “If not, it will depend on the first available flight after the suspect is cleared to travel to the Philippines.”

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OPINION

FEATURES

Reciprocated

ON Monday, Oct. 17, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that money sent home by Filipinos living and working abroad reached $2.319 billion in August—growing at its fastest pace in over two years.

This resulted in a 4.6-percent expansion in the amount of money sent home by Filipinos abroad to $17.64 billion in the first eight months from $16.87 billion in the same period last year.

According to BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, the jump in the amount of cash sent home by Filipinos abroad in August could be attributed to the increase in overseas deployment.

Remittance from overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) plays a large part in the Philippine economy’s recent positive showing. It is essential to the country’s goal to achieve economic development and stability. The annual outflow of Filipinos abroad also aids the government in maintaining a manageable gross domestic and gross national product (GDP and GNP), a visible major source of gross international reserves and the country’s external debt.

They are glorified as modern heroes, but back home, the reasons why they left remain a harsh reality.

In May, a pro-migrants group dared then presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte to stray from the Aquino administration’s “tuwid na daan” and come up with policies that will

counteract the causes of forced migration.

“We want a new government that will depart from all the failures and empty promises of the so-called ‘tuwid na daan,’” said Migrante International in a statement.

“We will hold you to your promise to make OFWs your top-most priority in your labor agenda,” Migrante said. “We want new leaders who will be nurturing to OFWs and their families. We want a new government that will uphold and protect our rights and welfare.”

While his campaign against drugs may be intense, it should be noted that one of Duterte’s priorities is the welfare of OFWs. “My first priority is our workers who go abroad. They have such a hard time going to so many agencies. There should be just one department,” the president promised in May. “I will give importance to the life, blood, and sweat of OFWs.” In response to Duterte’s directive to make it more convenient for OFWs to access government services, the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE) launched the One-Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO) in August. The OSSCO aims to reduce expenses of OFWs in avail-

Editorial

ing of all government frontline services and to shorten the processing time of their documents and requirements.

The government has also intensified its campaign against human traffickers and illegal recruiters. POEA reported that in the first eights months of this year, 35 cases, involving a total of 59 victims of human trafficking, have been

endorsed to the DOJ for preliminary investigation. Seventeen establishments have been closed down for illegal recruitment activities.

It is about time that the protection and promotion of OFWs’ economic rights are given appropriate actions. These so-called heores should be afforded with the benefits and recognitions they deserve. (AJPress)

Watch The Filipino Channel’s ‘The Fil-Am Vote 2016’ on Oct. 30 before choosing the next president of the US IN less than three weeks, on November 8, the American people will elect the 45th President of the United States, along with the VP and other public officials. Filipinos in America, both naturalized and natural-born, will have their voices heard and will cast the consequential vote that will determine the future of the country in the next four years.

To help Fil-Ams make an informed decision, The Filipino Channel (TFC)’s daily newscast “Balitang America” will air “The Fil-Am Vote 2016” on October 30, Sunday on TFC. Written and produced by Troy Espera, the election special examines the race to the White House through our uniquely Filipino-American lens,

found out that 42 taking off with a thorpercent of Fil-Ams ough review of the the The Fil-Am identify as Demobackgrounds and platcrats while 26 perform of the major can- Perspective cent identify as Redidates for president publicans.

— Republican Donald This poll’s results Trump and Democrat are consistent with Hillary Clinton — by GEL SANTOS-RELOS the findings of othour New York Correer independent surspondent Don Tagala.

I sat down with Clinton and Trump veys covering minorities/voting blocs surrogates to discuss if their respec- in the nation, as discussed by Dr. tive candidate has the character Robyn Rodriguez, professor of Asian needed to hold the most powerful American Studies at the University of position in the nation, and arguably, California, Davis.

In a two-way match-up, the same of the world.

Balitang America conducted its poll reveals that Clinton leads by 15 own scientific national survey of Fili- point, 53 percent versus Trump’s 38 pino-American registered voters and percent.

Balitang America Senior Correspondent Henni Espinosa presents a closer look at the issues that Filipinos in America, and even in the Philippines, are keeping an eye on in this election.

Northern California Correspondent Rommel Conclara presents a focus group discussion with millenial voters— those between 18-34 to know what issues matter to them and what motivates them to go out and vote, including how they see the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte may influence their decision.

Southern California Correspondent Steve Angeles takes a closer look at the Filipino-American community’s heightened engagement

in the political process, while my round table discussion with veteran journalists Odette Keeley and Emil Guillermo covers how much our community has been seen and heard in this campaign, highlighting the power of the Fil-Am vote as the “sleeping giant”.

WAKE UP that sleeping giant!

Watch Balitang America’s “The FilAm Vote 2016”, and make an informed decision come November 8! *** 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

The Philippine political circus

Street Talk GREG B. MACABENTA RINGLING Bros. and Barnum & Bailey should add a new act to its circus lineup, considering how Cirque de Soleil appears to have outdone the veteran big top masters in their own game.

I suggest the Philippine Political Circus.

As circus acts go, the Philippine political version has all of the features of a great attraction: intrigue, drama, suspense, and a predictable finale.

Predictable. That’s what makes the circus fun. Nobody really dies in the trapeze act (which usually provides a safety net anyway) and nobody really gets mauled by a lion or a tiger or gets trampled by an elephant, except for occasional accidents. Just like Philippine politics. The interminable congressional hearings in aid of legislation never really get consummated with either a conviction or a meaningful piece of legislation. But the intrigue, drama and suspense are all there.

Indeed, you can best describe Philippine politics with the lyrics of Frank Sinatra’s song, “Paper Moon”: “It’s a Barnum and Bailey world, Just as phony as it can be…”

Take the recent probe by the House of Representatives on the alleged involvement of Senator Leila de Lima in the multi-million peso drug trade managed from inside the New Bilibid Prison.

After trotting out witness after witness, testifying (emboldened by guaranteed immunity) to have personally handed millions to then Justice Secretary De Lima in exchange for protection, the Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Reynaldo Umali of Oriental Mindoro, has announced that his committee “might not recommend the filing of criminal charges” against the lady senator.

Of course, Umali has a convenient – if not believable – reason for not being in a hurry to complete the crucifixion of De Lima who was dragged through the mud and made to look like a two-bit whore and a big-time criminal mastermind by the honorable congressmen and the new honorable Secretary of Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II. According to press reports, “Umali said that there are already cases filed against De Lima and so he does not see any need to recommend the further filing of charges.”

“I guess it can be done, but as you very well know, charges have already been filed,” Umali was quoted. “So what is there to recommend?”

Umali was, of course, referring to the “complaint” filed with the Department of Justice by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, a citizen’s group. He said the primary reason for the congressional inquiry was to aid in legislation.

He failed to explain how threatening to show an alleged “sex act” by De Lima with a male partner could be translated into

a meaningful House bill.

Concerning the charges filed by the VACC with the DOJ, that looks, smells and sounds like another Barnum & Bailey act designed to give the group some priceless exposure in media. How the group expects the Justice Department to act fairly and objectively on the allegations against De Lima, is left entirely to the public’s imagination.

That should be easy to predict, just like a circus act. After all, it was Justice Secretary Aguirre himself who provided the “witnesses” to De Lima’s crimes and, in effect, already adjudged her guilty.

To Aguirre’s assurance that he was “not using (his) office or abusing (it) to prosecute (De Lima),” one can only recall what the senator said about Aguirre’s allegations being as fake as his wig.

At any rate, to add more twists to the circus act, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has announced that her honorable office “will not investigate on its own Sen. Leila de Lima’s alleged links to the drug trade” because it prefers to leave it to the Department of Justice to look into the VACC’s accusations.

As you can see, it’s a merrygo-round or, to use a Tagalog term, “turo-turo” or pointpoint. The House, the DOJ and the Ombudsman can always say, “We’re waiting for the proper parties to make the proper moves.”

As if the whole act, by itself, is “proper,” in the first place.

And now comes Sen. Dick Gordon, chairman of the Sen-

ate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Gordon has announced that his committee will soon “release its report on the inquiry into the rising number of drug-related killings,” which De Lima initiated before she was summarily ejected by her peers.

According to the media, “Gordon did not reveal the contents of the committee report but said that the Senate panel will recommend the filing of charges against witness and confessed hitman Edgar Matobato.”

The news report continued: “Asked if he believed that extrajudicial killings were statesponsored, Gordon pointed out that killings began even before the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.”

In other words, if the Senate really wants to get to the bottom of it, then, heck, every administration, including that of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos, Corazon Aquino, Ferdinand Marcos, Diosdado Macapagal, Carlos P. Garcia, Ramon Magsaysay and maybe even Manuel Quezon should be investigated for the possible extrajudicial deaths of such victims as Moises Padilla, the folks at Maliwalu, the farmers killed at Mendiola, etc. etc.

To reassure the Filipino people and the anxious and concerned international community, Gordon declared: “We have established na may rule of law sa ating bayan. It is not perfect but you can see that the branches of government are working. There is a rule of law, the Rule Book has not been thrown out of the window.”

And he added: “There is no

proof to show that there is a sustained systematic policy of state-sponsored killings. The President is motivated to kill the use of illegal drugs because he really means to eradicate illegal drugs. But I don’t think he is really going to push anybody and say kill.”

Indeed, why even suspect President Rodrigo Duterte simply because he has compared himself to Hitler in his willingness to slaughter 3 million drug suspects, simply because he has offered to reward policeman who kill these suspects, simply because he claimed that human rights are not part of his vocabulary and simply because he has boasted about personally liquidating criminals himself? Is that fair?

Is that just?

To echo Sinatra’s ditty: “It’s a Barnum and Bailey world, just as phony as it can be…”

But, wait, Gordon’s inquiry will result in meaningful legislation like bigger license plates for motorcycles to more easily identify killers riding in tandem, a deadline for police officers investigating a crime to come up with results, the suspension and dismissal of police involved in criminal cases filed by the Department of Justice, and others.

Gordon even went further with respect to the performance of police chiefs: “You commit crime by omission or commission. Dapat yung mga hepe, ginagawa yung trabaho nila. When you omit to do your duty, that’s a crime, pag wala kang naso-solve sa mga crimes sa presinto mo, dapat suspindihin or i-dismiss ka,” Gordon

said.

However, Gordon failed to elaborate on whether or not the lack of results on the “investigation” ostensibly being conducted by the PNP on the alleged extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s watch constitute a “crime of omission” or a “crime of commission.”

And, naturally, no one will dare investigate Duterte for alleged crimes imputed to him by such “liars” as De Lima’s witness, Matobato. At least, that much Gordon’s committee has concluded: Matobato lied.

Ergo, so did De Lima.

But the biggest Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey act yet will result from the official visit of Duterte to China.

This one is full of drama and suspense. And a predictable ending.

The drama and suspense have to do with whether or not Duterte will be able to convince China to honor the Philippines’ claim to the areas in the Spratlys that China has already occupied.

We know the predictable ending. China will offer Duterte a basketful of incentives to keep him happy and give him enough reason to boast of the success of his official visit.

And the Chinese will probably humor Duterte and allow him to maintain the illusion that he has not given an inch with respect to the Philippines’ territorial claim – just like the Philippine claim to Sabah.

“It’s a Barnum and Bailey world, just as phony as it can be…” (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.

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 21-27, 2016

Duterte to be cleared from alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

President rodrigo duterte is set to be cleared of his alleged involvement with the summary killings related to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, the chair of the senate Committee on Justice and Human rights said on Monday, October 17.

“For the moment, that is my report. nothing was proven.

First of all, i did not call on any witness other than the local police,” senator richard Gordon, the panel chair, said.

For Gordon, he does not think the killings in the administration’s war on drugs were statesponsored, adding that he would put that finding in his committee report. “i believe many police officers are involved there. But is that state-sponsored? no. it’s just that they are the ones taking action,” he said. the senator suggested the spate of alleged extrajudicial killings in the war on drugs could be a clean-up job by police. “the fact that there is a new policy, a new sheriff in town saying we will not fool around, the fact that the President is saying we are at war against drugs, that he unmasked five police generals [allegedly involved in illegal drugs], opened the dam for the police to kill those involved in drugs,” Gordon said. the senator, however, warned that the police will not be spared.

De Lima: ‘premature ending’ According to senator Leila de Lima, it was still premature for

the House to end its inquiry on the spate of killings in the country. “i want to see the report again so that… i will decide what i will do. Will i dissent? Will i sign?

But that’s why i don’t like that the proceedings have been terminated. to me, it’s still premature. Because why are the other CHr (Commission on Human rights) witnesses not given the chance to be heard?” she told reporters. despite de Lima’s pleas for other witnesses to be given a chance to be heard, Gordon has terminated the hearings.

“Any conclusion that the killings are not state-sponsored to me would also be premature,” de Lima pointed out.

Trillanes: ‘Gordon covered Duterte’ Meanwhile, senator Antonio trillanes iV accused Gordon of “covering up” the role of duterte’s administration on the extrajudicial killings. “eventually, the truth would come out and when that day comes, senator Gordon should be remembered as one of those who tried to cover it up,” trillanes said in a statement. trillanes lashed out at Gordon for his conclusions, arguing that the latter did not even try to investigate the matter. “sen. Gordon cannot prove what he did not attempt to investigate in the first place,” trillanes said. the senator added that Gordon won’t be able to convince the people who witnessed what transpired during the hearings.

Lacson: ‘DDS probe might be reopened’

On the other hand, the issue of the davao death squad (dds) killings can be reopened, senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the public order committee, said.

Lacson said the reopening of the case is possible if a new witness or physical evidence is presented before the court, since edgar Matobato’s earlier statements have ‘inconsistencies.’ “either a corroborating witness or physical evidence man lang, pwedeng mag (it’s possible to) resume ulit (again) upon manifestation on the floor. Otherwise, it’s pointless to continue the investigation because of so many inconsistencies, even to the point of perjuring himself before the committee.” Lacson said in a text message, according to reports from rappler.

Matobato, 57, is a confessed hitman and member of the supposed dds.

He first appeared publicly in a senate inquiry over the alleged extrajudicial killings related to the present administration’s war on drugs, claiming that the dds killed people under the orders of duterte when he was still the mayor of the city.

According to Gordon, Matobato is expected to be held liable for lying under oath, and for the murders he had publicly admitted.

“He might face perjury charges at the very least. And, at the most, they will have to look for murder charges against him, because he admitted [to killings]. We will submit it to appropriate authorities for proper disposition,” Gordon said.

Poe calls for hearings on police rules of engagement

by Jonathan De

SantoS

Philstar.com

MAniLA - sen. Grace Poe has filed a resolution for the senate to hold hearings and come up with measures to make sure that police follow the rules of engagement and avoid the excessive use of force. the resolution was filed a day after a violent dispersal in front of the us embassy in Manila, where a police officer driving a police van was caught on video plowing

through protesters gathered there to support President rodrigo duterte’s independent foreign policy. the Philippine national Police (PnP) has relieved the officers involved in the dispersal pending the results of an investigation into the incident. “though it could be argued that the protesters might have crossed the line at some point during the violent dispersal, it is clear that the act of repeatedly ramming over numerous protesters with a police van

A

DEMAND FOR HIGHER PAY. Government employees hold a rally in front of the House of Representatives to press their demand for higher pay. Lawmakers had earlier warned that the salary increase promised to soldiers and policemen will cause agitation among state workers.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Four Philippine airports included in top 30 best in Asia

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

FOur airports in the Philippines are among the 30 best airports in Asia for 2016, according to an online travel website. the website, the Guide to sleeping in Airports, ranked iloilo international Airport no.

12, the Mactan-Cebu international Airport no. 14, the Clark international Airport no. 15, and davao international Airport no. 26. the davao airport made it to the list for the first time. On the other hand, the remaining airports all moved up in ranking: iloilo from no. 21, Cebu from no. 18, and Clark from no. 24.

Meanwhile, the site’s top 10 best airports in Asia were: singapore Changi ranked 1st, seoul incheon (2nd), tokyo Haneda (3rd), taipei taoyu-

an (4th), Osaka Kansai (5th), Hong Kong international Airport (6th), Kuala Lumpur (7th), tokyo narita (8th), Mumbai india (9th), and nanjing Lukou in China (10th). the Guide to sleeping in Airports survey rates airports in Asia according to votes by tourists based on their overall experience in terms of comfort (rest zones and gate seating), services, facilities and things to do, food options, immigration/security, customer service, and cleanliness.

Meanwhile, the ninoy Aquino international Airport (nAiA) was still included on the site’s worst airport in Asia 2016 list, ranking 5th.

“Once again, survey respondents were quick to let us know when things were not going well. Major complaints include a bullet-planting scam, frequent power outages, laps-

es in air conditioning, uncomfortable (and insufficient) seating and complicated terminal transfers,” the 2016 report read. still, the site acknowledged nAiA’s “signs of improvement” after series of renovations and improvement of facilities that has started during the previous administration.

“While some travelers report improvements to the airport structure and facilities since 2011, survey responses this year indicate cleaner bathrooms, more chairs and some general organization of taxis in front of the terminal would help to make life here a lot more manageable,” the site stated.

Last year, nAiA’s ranking improved after it was completely dropped from the list of World’s Worst Airports in 2015. n

without due regard to their presence and safety is an act worthy of utmost condemnation and should be labeled barbaric and illegal,” Poe, former chair of the senate Public Order committee, said in a statement thursday.

Poe said that police officers are supposed to observe maximum tolerance during protests.

“We should be reminded that

government was established to protect the people, thus, its power should not be unleashed against defenseless citizens,” she said in the explanatory note to her resolution. the Public Order committee, which has oversight over the police, is now chaired by sen.

Panfilo Lacson, a former PnP chief.

Lacson, in a statement earlier thursday, said the PnP should

not be judged on the actions of PO3 Franklin Kho, the van’s driver. “that was a judgment call made by one policeman behind the wheel of a police van who might have felt threatened by the possibility of being lynched by the protesters, and who impulsively drove the van wherever he could to avoid the dire consequences of his inaction,” he said. n

A OCTOBER 21-27, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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people events arts culture entertainment

october 21-27, 2016

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Dennis Crisostomo

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New York ComiC CoN 2016 Filipino Illustrators at Artist Alley

by MoMar

G. Visaya/AJPress

EvEry year, there is one event that New york City geeks and nerds (and their friends) excitedly look forward to – the New york Comic Con, the east coast’s biggest popular culture convention.

Now on its 11th year, the comic con has evolved in such a big way and this year alone, the 180,000 fans in attendance had a dizzying choice as to which panel and special event to attend, with over 400 events to choose from.

From autograph- and book-signing to screening a yet to be shown episode of a hit Tv series to a panel discussion with the cast of a little known show like Walking Dead, there was a multitude of things to do throughout the four days that the comic con was on.

The Jacob Javits Convention Center – the comic con’s home base - was not big enough to accommodate all the fans who wanted to attend so organizers added The Theater at Madison Square Garden and Hammerstein Ballroom as venues for the film screenings and cast Q-and-As. While most people attended with their friends, some families come together and make the comic con as their weekend bonding session.

Just ask David and rozel Abis and their daughter Kai, from East Windsor, New Jersey. They’re on their second comic con.

“We enjoy the event as we get to see people in all ages in different characters from movies, books, comics, and Tv,” David said. “It’s very fun, entertaining, and never boring. We also get a chance to see artists and celebrities in person. Plus free stuff everywhere!”

For Clovy Pe and her son Bryce, going to the comic con has become an annual tradition for them.

Pe admitted that she went to her first comic con about six years ago because of her fascination with it. She wanted to know what the hype was about and experience it for herself. Apparently, she liked what she saw because she and her son have been coming back year after year.

“I am glad that as he grows up, he can have all these fun, amazing memories to look back on and that I am able to be there with him and share them,” Clovy shared. “I hope he continues to go every year because he wants to become a comic book/graphic novel artist someday. Who knows that maybe in 5-10 years, he will be part of the panels on Comic Con or have his own booth at Artist Alley?”

Artist Alley Like Jim Jimenez and Dennis Crisostomo, both Filipino comic illustrators.

Through the years, Filipino and Filipino-American illustrators, comic book creators and artists have participated in this annual pop culture gathering.

Whilce Portacio, a legend among Filipino comic aficionados, is one of them. Many say that he was instrumental in opening the door for

more Filipino comics illustrators to make it in America.

This is Jim’s first comic con outside Manila.

“It was an awesome experience, I met a lot of interesting people and learned more about the world of comic con abroad,” he shared.

For him, it is all about his passion in illustration.

“I would like to make a name in the comic industry just like all the other big artists,” Jim added.

Jim admits that he has attended some comic cons back in the Manila, although he was not fully immersed in it back then because he is also in the recording industry as a member of a band called J Brothers, along with his two siblings Joy and Jay. With a couple of hit songs such as “Pasaway”, “Sana’y Bigyan mo ng Pansin”, “Kung Sakaling Ikaw ay Lalayo”, “Wait for Me”, “Labanan ang Tukso” and some awards under their belt, the band had a chance to play music abroad. and, is just happy to be back again at NyCC Artist Alley and see some of his peers in the industry. He is in town to promote his new book, Pedro Penduko, produced by Epik Studios and published by vrJ Books of viva Entertainment. Prior to this, he worked for ten years as an inker at Marvel, working on Emma Frost, Xtreme Xmen and Superior Carnage.

“What got me to seriously enter the comic industry back then

is when I saw other Filipino artists breaking through and making it,” Crisostomo admitted. “It gave me confidence to try to break in to the industry as well.”

Crisostomo has been in the comic industry for a decade now, both working with small independent publishers and some of the big publishers in comics while working with some of the best and talented artists and writers in the industry.

He intends to continue working on as many titles as he can with different publishers, which might also lead to other opportunities in the creative industry, he said.

For the younger generation – like Clovy’s son, Bryce - who want to start a career in this industry, Jim said they need to have “patience, focus and aim for the goal”.

“There will be a lot of challenges you will encounter, all of the artist started down below and worked their way up. It is nicer to experience hardship first then at the finish line you reach your glory,” roy advised.

If it is really something that one wants to pursue, Dennis added to just simply follow their passion.

“If creating and illustrating comics is what you love, study it and continuously draw. Ask for advice and critiques from professionals who can help you continue/evolve your growth as an artist,” he said.

Getting Creative This year, Bryce went to the comic con as Sans, a character from Undertale, an rPG or role-playing game.

“He gets a real kick when people recognize his costume and they talk to him about it. He loves the social interaction and the attention.

He is very creative and built his prop out of Legos and white clay,” mom Clovy said.

Last year, he went as Master Chief from Halo and fashioned his weapon from a cardboard box. Clovy said he also got many compliments last year.

A big animation fan herself, Clovy grew up watching all these 80s/90s cartoon shows like voltron, X-Men, Transformers, He-Man and She-ra, “Till now, I still love watching cartoons and am always fascinated with new superhero movies and shows. I love that Bryce loves it just as much as I do and I am able to talk to him about them,” she shared.

The proud mom says that Bryce is a big reader and loves poring over graphic novels and books about the characters being featured in Comic Con. He loves watching shows on Cartoon Network and also he started getting really into anime after he watched his first Hayao Miyazaki film.

“He has always been a creative and artistic boy so allowing him to have access to comics and cartoons (all of course tempered with the appropriate age rating) inspires him to dream and see big. I want to continue nurturing his imagination and creativity in any way I can,” Clovy said.

How the Papal Award affects Ai-Ai by ricky lo Philstar.com

AS they say, when it rains, it really pours. And, yes, good luck also comes in three’s, and it does in the case of Ai-Ai delas Alas.

Last September, she was named Most Influential Actress of the year by the Sixth Edukcircle Awards. Soon after, Area (in which she plays an aging prostitute running a brothel), won a Special Jury Award at the Eurasia International Film Festival. The other day came the good news that Ai-Ai (real full name: Martina Eileen delas Alas) will receive a Papal Award, with the “solemn investiture” to be held on Nov. 11 at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on regalado Avenue, Novaliches Quezon City.

“Ito na ang pinakamataas,” AiAi said, adding half in jest, “talo ang international award ko. It must be God’s way of telling me not to ask for more. Sa kahihiling ko ng Urian Award, ito ang ibinigay sa akin.”

Dating back to 1866, The Papal Award is being given (not annually) to a person who has done charity work for the church in her archdiocese. Among the Filipino awardees were the late Imelda Cojuangco, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sy, ryan Cayabyab and banker/ philanthropist/art-collector/ Philippine STAr columnist Danny Dolor who was nominated by the Archdiocese of Lipa where he has numerous charity projects (he has just built an our Lady of Mediatrix “Kalye-serye” couple, Alden Richards and Church beside his vacation place at Maine Mendoza, recently held a pre-nuptial the outskirts of Lipa). shoot.

It was Bishop Antonio Tobias

‘AlDub’ getting ready to walk down the aisle by rosette adel

hundred pre-nuptial photos of AlDub which was taken by their BEForE the hit noontime show official photographer, Manny love team AlDub walks down the and April Photography. These aisle, the “Kalye-serye” couple, Alden were also released online by richards and Maine Mendoza, first the photographers and earned had a pre-nuptial shoot. positive reactions from netizens, Alden and Maine (yaya who mostly said that they felt Dub) more popularly known as “kilig.”

AlDub of Eat Bulaga’s “Kalye-serye,” Photographers Manny and recently had their pre-wedding April said they had fun doing the shoot of various themes that will shoot with Alden and Maine. surely swept away the AlDub Alden even shared one of nation. their photos on Instagram.

The onscreen couple got Swoon over the all-white, “engaged” during a “Kalye-serye” laid-back, formal, and streetsegment, which is now set five themed pre-nuptial photos of years later.

Alden and Maine shared by their Eat Bulaga shared over a photographers and Dabarkads.

Philstar.com

A Marian devotee (left); Ai -Ai delas Alas with (from left) Fr. Allan Samonte, Michael Angelo and Fr. Erick Santos during the presscon at Victorino’s restaurant.

who nominated Ai-Ai for the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal. In his nomination letter sent to Pope Francis, Bishop Tobias enumerated Ai-Ai’s contribution to the church (Ai-Ai belongs to the Archdiocese of Novaliches, Quezon City), among them: For more than 20 years serving the sick and the elderly (by bathing them) in the Missionaries of Charity’s Tahanan in Tayuman, Tondo, Manila (the MoC was founded by the then Mother Teresa who was declared a saint by Pope Francis several weeks ago); sponsoring poor seminarians in their priestly formation in different dioceses in the Philippines; donating motorcycles to depressed and poor parishes in Mindanao where parishioners can be reached only through dirt and rough roads; organizing Christmas fellowship with the poor every year without fail, at the same time sharing her blessings with parishes and institutions that care for the poorest of the poor; and sending poor but deserving students to

school as scholars.

“I sent my nomination letter to the vatican almost a year ago,” revealed Bishop Tobias.

“The vatican would give the award based not only on the nomination letter but after making its own investigation. I got the confirmation from the Nunciature a few days ago.”

A Funfare story last September quoted as excerpt from Ai-Ai’s friend Fr. Erick Santos to Jojo Gabinete:During her heyday as a stand-up comedienne in mediocre comedy bars and playing bit roles in movies and Tv, Ai-Ai readily and unconditionally helped and supported, financially and with her presence, the Missionaries of Charity. As a newcomer in showbiz, she had to rent a small apartment in Quezon City where I would visit her on her birthdays. She would serve her specially: Spaghetti, plain spaghetti matched with barbecue bought from a nearby sidewalk vendor. She had her own financial Continued on Page 7

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ There have been many people who claim non-citizens are registering to vote in the upcoming elections, and their votes could affect the ultimate outcome of the Presidential election. These claims and accusations are unfounded, and there is no vast conspiracy to have non-citizens vote in the upcoming federal election.

I realize there could be situations where an alien may have accidentally or inadvertently registered to vote.

Sometimes this can happen when they renew their driver’s license.

There is a section on the form allowing them to register to vote.

Not understanding what that section means, they fill the entire form out, thereby unintentionally registering to vote. Other times, they may be coming out of a supermarket, and a person with a clipboard asks if they want to register to vote, without explaining they must be a US citizen to do so, they register even if they are non-citizen.

What these critics need to understand is that the punishment and consequences for any noncitizen voting in the election are harsh and severe. First, it is a

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 1 of 2) A ‘SelFIe’ is a do-it-yourself self-portrait using a handheld digital camera or the now ubiquitous cellphone. A ‘selfie’ can be taken for laughs. But more often than not, it is for the purpose of immediate electronic posting in any one of the social networks, usually Facebook or Instagram for all to see. In our electronic world, it is a way of attracting or demanding attention, sort of saying to your world of followers or connections, “look at me. look at me.”

The most famous ‘selfie’ is the one taken by one of 3 heads of state (USA, Denmark and the

False claims about unlawful voting criminal offense for a non-citizen to vote in a federal election.

Therefore, if a non-citizen votes in the election, that person could go to jail.

Second, it is also a ground of inadmissibility/removability to vote in a federal election. So even if the person is not charged with a crime and jailed, they could be deported, even if they are a green card holder.

Third, if the person ever wants to apply for US citizenship, there are several questions on the N-400 about whether they registered to vote or voted in federal elections.

If they check “yes”, not only will their naturalization application be denied, but they could be placed in deportation/removal.

Fourth, USCIS has the ability to access voter registration records, to confirm if the applicant for naturalization ever registered to vote. So even if the person checked the “no” box on the naturalization application, then “crime” could still be discovered, resulting in possible jail or deportation.

Therefore, with non-citizens knowing the severe consequences of unlawful voting or registering to vote, they would be foolish to take the chance to do so. however,

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if you are among the people who may have mistakenly or inadvertently registered to vote or voted in a federal election, seek the advice of an immigration attorney, who can evaluate your situation, and determine if waivers or relief are available to you. The bottom line is I do not think critics must be concerned about unlawful voting by non-citizens, because the stakes and penalties are just too high. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an 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 attorney-client 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

A MOTHER’S AND HER ATTORNEY’S PERSISTENCE RESULT IN HER DAUGHTERS FINALLY BEING ISSUED CSPA VISAS BASED ON “EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES”-- ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY! Lolita left her two daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US, with the dream that she would eventually have them join her. However, her previous attorney missed the one year “sought to acquire” filing deadline for CSPA eligibility, resulting in the Embassy refusing to issue their immigrant visas.

Leading US immigration attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL was her beacon of hope, as he did not give up in trying to convince the Embassy that the daughters should be entitled to visas, despite missing the one-year deadline. Find out how Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to prove extraordinary circumstances, have the two “aged-out” daughters be issued visas, and reunite this family on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

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The ‘selfies’ generation idolatry on steroids

physical limitation of arm’s length.

The ‘selfie’ is a telling indicator of the age we live in. We cry for and demand attention from others. There are those who are falling in love with their own images, their own thoughts and their cyber persona thinking they have thousands of followers.

Some even think they have become legends in their own on someone else to take a photo minds. They believe the world of yourself on your cellphone. revolves around them and that Although I must say the results of their personal happiness is all those close-up ‘selfie’ shots with paramount. a moon face and all the eye bags Following the lead of and the wrinkles magnified are celebrities in the sports and strong arguments against selfies. entertainment world, we are Not to worry though, vanity being led to believe that life is all will always find a way. There are about I, Me and Myself at center telescopic, retractable stick-like stage. The songs and stories in gadgets you can buy that you can popular media all amplify and place your cellphone at one end sell the story of self-love as the that enables one to take shots of highest form of love. It isn’t. yourself farther than your arm and We have all the electronic hand can manage. There are even tools for self-absorption at hand apps you can use to correct that these days: camera phones,

“Vanity of vanities; ALL IS VANITY.” —Ecclesiastes UK) during the funeral of Nelson Mandela. That ‘selfie’ created a big flap for its impropriety considering the somber occasion. It also reportedly became a source of jealousy and frosty discord in the White house. The blonde Danish head was flanked by 2 men in that photo while Michelle Obama sat on one side of the President, looking appropriately somber and visibly unimpressed by the juvenile stunt.

I have used that cellphone feature myself a few times. It is convenient not to have to impose

An Asian Journal

computers, tablets, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and other forms of social media and the unceasing, unrelenting advertising messages that prick and capitalize on our vanity.

Advertisers know our hot buttons and the messages they cleverly craft and send are designed to keep pressing those buttons until we succumb and buy what we are being sold.

Self-absorption is certainly not a new phenomenon. It is probably written in the human DNA from the beginning but is just more widespread because of the available technological platform to profess self-love.

Advanced, wealthy civilizations in history have fallen for the same trap. Maybe it’s time to dredge out those stories from mythology, told and retold from the distant past, so we can better understand how to deal with this interesting yet disconcerting

trend and see how too much self-absorption driven by obsession can eventually lead to despondency and unhappiness.

The antidote to selfabsorption, just like for many ills that plague our world today, is still the same as it was in the past — love and concern for others, interest in the well-being of someone or being involved in something bigger, higher, loftier than one’s self. The idea of sacrifice still remains the most concrete, visible form of love for another. In an age of instant gratification, sacrifice has become passé, a thing of the past. And that, perhaps, is the reason for much of the world’s troubles these days.

In the end, happiness finally comes with the humble awareness and quiet appreciation of what was, what is and what is yet to come — right now, right Continued on Page 4

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong (Part 3 of 3)

Knowing that our days were numbered and the overwhelming thrill would soon subside, we struggled to make the most out of every single moment and enjoyed it ultimately while it lasted. our overnight stay at Amman international Hotel brought about a sudden wisp of cold air into our faces the morning we met at the breakfast hall. After a solid week of togetherness, there seemed a strange fear of separation looming over us but still we managed to overcome such immensely effecting sentiment through

Travelogue: Israel sojourn, the Holy Land Diary laughter and shaggy dog stories.

The 7th day gave us a tour of downtown Amman and thereupon learned that Sunday is a working day in Jordan since Friday is their weekend holiday; that 88 percent of Jordanians are covered with medical insurance; that Jordan is number one when it comes to healthcare in the Middle East; that they manufacture their own medicine and supplies hospitals outside the country; that Jordan welcomed 1.5 million refugees from Syria; that education is compulsory for only $10 a year tuition with free books and uniforms; that college education is cheap with government subsidy; and that the minimum wage for

fresh graduates is $400 a month. we attended the Sunday mass at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church built in 2000 from donations courtesy of a rich jeweler, Karam imseech. its female faithful heard mass with traditional veils or scarves to cover their heads.

The greco-Roman ruin at the marvelous ancient city of Jerash was our next destination, Jordan’s second favorite tourist spot after Petra, which was 80 miles north of Amman. we were greeted by the famous 2nd century Hadrian’s Arch as we went through the Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis and the huge Forum’s oval colonnade. ice cold beverages and comfy chairs at Artemis Restaurant (our lunch source for the day) fully quenched our desiccated throats and cramping legs. it was actually a meal under time pressure since we had to drive at least two hours to the Jordan-israel border where we’ll be met by our israeli guide, Rame.

To exit the border we observed the same strict security procedures, underwent similar rigid inspection and stern

The Greco-Roman columns of Jerash, Jordan

verification of travel documents before being permitted to exit the north border entry to israel which was only separated by wooden barricades and barbed wires.

Finally we were met by Rame. imagine everyone’s excitement being reunited after a little more than 2 days. immediately we were driven to the town of galilee after passing by the giliad Mountain Ridges. This part of israel is in lower Jordan with vast vegetations all over its verdant plains in total contrast from the other side. it was already late afternoon when we reached the Sea of galilee, the largest water basin of israel with a western shoreline of 12 miles of land and 8 miles of swamps, where we experienced to sail on a mini noah’s Ark… on the very waters where Jesus sailed and walked on. we had so much fun aboard and what actually touched us was when the crew raised the Filipino and American flags side

The famous 2nd century Hadrian’s Arch in Jerash, Jordan

Haifa, Israel...the seat of business and commerce

by side while playing the two countries’ national anthems.

The whole-day’s loaded schedule and cross-country escapade were justifiably capped with a rewarding respite at the

The view of the Mediterranean Sea from the 14th floor of our Seasons Hotel suite

posh Caesar’s Hotel at the Tiberias, a hearty international dinner buffet, and a social drinking spree at the hotel lobby…unmindful of what schedule awaited the following day.

Capernaum, the hometown of Jesus during His ministry years, was our target site on the 8th day. we visited the Mt. of 7 Springs after the Church of the Tabgha at the Capernaum, a Byzantine religious synagogue reconstructed from a 5th century ruined church.

There were three places here where Jesus spent days after His resurrection: the Mount of Beatitudes, the Mount of Tabgha, A pilgrim avails of the Sea of Galilee’s healing power and Capernaum. we passed along Migdal, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, on our way to the Downtown Amman, Jordan Mount of Beatitudes where the “Calming of the Sea” took place.

The sacred place, now being maintained by Franciscan sisters, was where Jesus started preaching, did sermons, and performed miracles of multiplication of the fish and bread.

Then we went to the Church of Menza Christi which was built to commemorate the breakfast meal Filipino-American pilgrims sailed the Sea of Galilee aboard a mini A farewell party for our group at the hotel bar Caesar’s Hotel in He prepared for His disciples and Continued on Page 6 Tiberias, Israel Noah’s Ark

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

The altar of the Church of Menza Christi

The Transfiguration Church on top of Mount Tabor

SCHOOL

SERVICES

Catching up with Krista Kleiner

By Monet

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

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Lu

KRIsTA is a jack – rather queen – of all trades. Aside from winning the Binibining PilipinasInternational title in 2010, she has made a name for herself in the Philippines as a TV personality who hosts, acts and performs on a number of primetime television shows. she has also ventured out to other countries in southeast Asia and around the world with international balladeer Julio Iglesias.

I had a chance to recently catch up with her, now that she moved back to LA to continue pursuing her passions.

Monet: What is keeping you busy these days?

Krista: Gosh, where to begin?

I have my hands on so many projects right now, but there are only a few that I can share at this point. It’s a really exciting time in my career as I’ve been able to wear different hats as a singer, writer, producer, and actress. I’ve been developing two shows that I will be hosting, while writing and recording music for my upcoming eP, an extended play that will comprise of four to six songs. I recently graduated from a two-year acting program and started getting into production for scripted and non-scripted TV shows. While taking select hosting, commercial and modeling jobs, I’ve also recently come on board to help with strategic partnerships and sales for a clothing brand called Neoclassics. I feel extremely blessed to be surrounded by so many talented and creative minds that I have the opportunity to learn from.

M: Any shows and albums (coming out) that we should keep an out?

K: I’m currently still in development of my music eP, but in the meantime, I’ve uploaded a few new original songs that have been part of the process to my website, kristakleiner.com. The producers and writers I’m working with right now are so incredible, but you’ll have to stay tuned to my social media for updates about those releases.

My team and I are gearing up to shoot the first episode/ sizzle for the two web-series/TV shows we’ve been developing.

One of them, with the working title Claim to F.A.M.e., explores the developmental process of the fashion, art, music, and entertainment industries with an insider feel that shows what it takes to reach the top, straight from the experts themselves. It will

Health@Heart

An Asian Journal

take viewers on multiple journeys showing how the different creative industries are intertwined, then end at a hot event that the guests have worked towards.

The other show we’re preparing for is focused on music.

Filming at a hot spot in downtown Los Angeles, it will consist of special guests performing a wide range of music with an incredibly talented band. We’re extremely fortunate to have three-time Grammy award winning producer and pianist, sam Barsh, along with Lenny Kravitz’s trumpet player, Ludo Louis, as our musical directors for the show. The jam session will be intercut with a raw, fun-filled interview with the guest artist aimed at making the audience feel like they are hanging out with the artist and getting to know them on a personal level.

We’re currently considering a few distribution options, but I will definitely be giving updates around the shows with links to watch when it’s ready.

M: Julio Iglesias and Taboo of Black Eyed Peas were two of your mentors. How was it being mentored by them?

K: Never in a million years did I think that I would get to be so lucky to have those two mentor me. They’re both such incredible and talented people.

Julio became quite a father figure to me while we were on tour. He would continuously tell me about life, different cultures, the music industry, his personal struggles, and lessons learned, while taking the time to practice one particular song with me on the plane and before shows. It was a Tagalog (Filipino) song that he had learned before and suggested we sing at a few shows once we got it down.

After the shows we sang at, he would call me into his dressing room to give me his thoughts and suggestions of how I could do better. He taught me that singing had to come from deep within the

soul and that it was so much more than just being a good vocalist.

While Julio was much more of a balladeer, Taboo connected me with different styles of music that I wanted to try – everything from pop, hip-hop, dance, pop rock, and eDM. He so generously opened up his home studio to me even bringing in people from his writing and recording team to work with me. It was absolutely incredible. I looked up to him so much since we both felt more like performers than singers, and the insight he shared with me on his and the BeP’s journey truly opened my eyes. He helped me figure out what I liked and what I didn’t like in regards to sounds while also helping me find my voice.

M: What is next for Krista Kleiner?

K: The world! Haha, but seriously. My goal is to be the best person I can be and touch as many people as I can. I know I’ll have to continue to work hard, consistently learning and growing as much as I can, in order to develop the career and future that I want. But honestly, it’s an effort that I’m happy to make. With how difficult times are for so many, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams; and I don’t want to ever take that for granted.

I’m really looking forward to completing my eP and getting back to performing, traveling and connecting with people around the world. *** 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

Is exercise really essential to health?

How much exercise do we need?

According to a meta-analysis Yes, very much so, especially published in the British Medical in lowering the risk for diseases, as Journal, high level of physical shown in the recently published exercise lowers the risk for diseases, studies discussed below. especially for five on the list below.

To illustrate a point, let us The WHO recommendation is 600 exaggerate and consider a situation MeT minutes per week. Greater that is extreme: a person who is benefit for disease prevention bedridden, a stroke victim or a occurs at 3000-4000 MeT minutes quadriplegic, someone practically per week. Vacuuming for 15 unable to move. What happens? The minutes, gardening for 20, running muscles all over the body atrophy for 20, walking or bicycling for 25 and in most instances replaced with minutes or climbing stairs for 10 fats, become flabby and lose bulk, minutes could achieve the 3000 the heart and lungs deteriorate, the MeT-minutes/week. The study circulation slows down, metabolism showed that going up to 8000 becomes impaired, the immune MeT minutes per week provide system declines, and the brain and the greatest benefit. Increasing all other organs function poorly. any of those above for another five Humans, animals in general, minutes, or doing a combination were not meant by nature to be (two or three) of those activities sedentary. Physical activities are would be sufficient to extend the essential for cardiovascular fitness gains for the greatest risk reduction. and are fundamental to a healthy Almost as easy as a walk in the park, lifestyle. with amazing health benefits.

What benefits do we get from The risk reductions were noted exercise? among these diseases: diabetes, 28 Medical literature is replete percent lower risk; ischemic (arterial with documented studies showing blockage) stroke, 26; ischemic heart increased levels of physical activity disease, 25; colon cancer, 21; and and fitness are associated with a breast cancer, 14 percent. These are decreased the risk and incidence of significant risk reduction. heart attack and hypertension (high What type of exercise is good blood pressure), diabetes, obesity, for fitness?

Alzheimer’s. exercise fortifies Practically any form of physical the immune system, making activity helps, but a regimented the individual more resistant to exercise of about half an hour, infections and diseases, including done at least three to four times cancer! Regular exercise also a week, at 3000 MeT or higher makes one look better physically minute/week, and doing those by improving muscle tone. The chores mentioned above, confers person who exercises regularly the great cardiovascular benefits. also has increased stamina, energy The activities partly alluded to and capacity for work and leisure above could be walking (leisurely to activities, superior ability to lose brisk), dancing, aerobics, bicycling, body fats and maintain a desirable swimming, running, playing tennis, weight, and has greater resistance jogging, etc. to stress, fatigue and anxiety. They Why is brisk walking better also have a more positive outlook than jogging? on life. Those who are sedentary In the 60s and 70s, jogging are twice more prone to develop a was very popular as a form of heart attack.

exercise. However, there were significant attendant complications resulting from jogging, like injuries to feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine, etc. studies in sports and Cardiovascular Medicine two decades later showed that the cardiovascular benefits of brisk walking were the same as those derived from jogging, minus the injuries.

How fast should the heart rate go down after exercise?

Your heart rate should go back down to your normal rate (pre-exercise heart or pulse rate) within 15 minutes after ending your exercise. Therefore, it is advisable to always take your pulse rate before you start your exercise. If it takes longer than 15 minutes, you should reduce your pace. It is prudent to take a five to 10-minute warm-up, such as leisurely walking before engaging in brisk walking, or slow dancing before going into fast dancing, etc. After exercise, whatever it is, end the session with a five to ten-minute cooldown period that includes gentle stretching.

How many calories are burned by exercise?

For a 150-pound (about 68-kilo) person, doing the following for one hour burns the corresponding amount of calories indicated here: walking, 2 mph, 240 calories; walking 4.5 mph, 440; jogging 7 mph, 920; bicycling 6 mph, 240, 12mph, 410; jumping rope, 750; running in place, 660; running 10 mph, 1,280; swimming 25 yards per minute, 275; tennis, singles, 400.

For half an hour of non-stop fast dancing (like swing or boogie), 200 calories; and, in contrast, for a 15 to 30-minute foreplay and sex, only 90 calories are burned, believe it or not.

Is there such a thing as overexercising?

Continued on Page 6

The Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc., on their scheduled evaluation meeting in Jersey City, NJ, discussing details of the recently concluded 7th Annual 5KRun/1Mile Walk FOR HEALTH TO HELP (Lakad Tulong 5K) on Monday, October 17, 2016. The pouring rains and strong winds of Hurricane Matthew did not dampen the organization’s spirit and instead HTFI was still able to orchestrate an organized race.

(L-R) Mylz Tolentino (Western Union), Steve Parrado, Ave Pimo, Leslie Gatan, Jennie Jonson, Marisse Panlillo, Winston Umali, Lita Peña, Alex Esteban, Nelsie Parrado, HTFI President and Aniano Rabe.

Calendar of Events across

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 O c tO B E R 22

2nd annual Larry Itliong Day Parade & Festival Honoring the life and work of labor and civil rights leader Larry Itliong, the City of Los Angeles, Pilipino Workers Center, Larry Itliong Day Committee, FilAm ARTS and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust will present the 2nd annual Larry Itliong Day Parade & Festival on Saturday, October 22. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 125 Loma Drive and Unidad Park at 1644 Beverly Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA. The parade and festival will feature cultural performances and exhibits, a free film screening of the seminal documentary on Itliong titled “Delano Manongs” by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Marissa Aroy and a re-enactment of the Great Delano Grape Strike. The festival will also highlight civic engagement at the main festival grounds on Loma Dr. with voter education, a health fair, Empleo Pilipino, and interactive displays on the California Domestic Workers Bill of Rights campaign. At Unidad Park, there will be free tours of the mural, community garden and park. To get involved as a food vendor, a sponsor, walk in the parade or become a volunteer, please contact Eliseo Art Silva at eliseoart@earthlink.net or call Perla Santos at (213) 268-3222.

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Los Angeles Celebration for Filipino American History Month The Filipino American History Month Los Angeles (FAHMLA) Coalition is hosting a diverse array of intergenerational and trans-intercontinental talent at the newly renovated Greek Theater on Sunday, October 23 from 4 to 10 p.m., presented by Frontier Communications. Filipino music legend Gary V will headline the evening and will perform for the first time with his son, Gab Valenciano. Dance-pop artist Jocelyn Enriquez, R&B group Kai and others who helped start the Filipino-American music movement during the 1990s, will reunite after more than 15 years for special performances. YouTube sensation AJ Rafael and “The Voice” Season 9 artist Tim Atlas are among those who are expected to perform. UFC host, Arianny Celeste and KISS FM’s Manny Streetz will help host the show, and culinary masterminds including Kristine de la Cruz and Lynne Tolentino will be onsite whipping up delicious Asian food for the attendees. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. The Greek Theatre is at 2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027.

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Los Angeles Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center at 6pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Tickets are at www.ticketmaster.com, Venue is at CSU-Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330.

Harana in Glendale, California The Federation of Filipino-American Associations, Inc. in association with the DreamAgeGroup Art Entertainment presents ‘Harana: a journey for every Filipino.’ It will be held at Alex Theater on 216 N. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91203 on Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, please call (818) 937-3071 or email The DreamAgeGroup@gmail.com. Box office tickets are available at Alex Theater; please call (818) 2432539.

NextDayBetter + Washington DC In lead up to the White House Event Celebration of Filipino American History Month, NextDayBetter is throwing a very special edition of NextDayBetter + Washington DC featuring bold thinkers and doers inspired by the Filipino diaspora. The October theme is RESILIENCE: how might we build more resilient communities in the face of local and global challenges? Speakers and attendees will address this challenge head on.

Featured speakers: Gregory Cendana, the first openly gay and youngest-ever Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and Institute for Asian Pacific American Leadership & Advancement; Enrico Dungca, founder of the Amerasian Project & photographer; and Eileen Aparis, Executive Committee Member of Apl.De.Ap Foundation and Impact Investor. NextDayBetter + Washington DC is on Sunday, October 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Impact Hub DC, 419 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004. To register, please visit: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/nextdaybetter-washington-dc-fahm2016-resilience-tickets-27827463693.

O c tO B E R 28

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Honolulu Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the New Life Theatre at 7:30pm. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Contact Honolulu Broadway Babies for information (808) 783-2296. New Life Theatre is at 1190 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817.

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.

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

An Asian Journal

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Ronald Mcdonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area accepting applications for 2017 Asian Student Scholarship RMHC/ASIA Scholarship will award seven $16,000 scholarships to local high school students

New York, NY -- ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area (rMHC-NYTSA) is now accepting applications for its 2017 rMHC/ASIA (Asian Students Increasing Achievement) Scholarship. As the largest program of its kind, rMHC/ASIA will award seven $16,000 college scholarships to Asian high school students in the New York Tri-State Area who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. Since its inception in 2000, rMHC/ASIA has awarded over $1.7 million to over 100 recipients. Students can apply online at www.rmhcnytristate.org.

The deadline for entries is January 18, 2017.

Criteria rMHC/ASIA applicants must be graduating high school seniors who have at least one parent of Asian-Pacific heritage and are eligible to enroll and attend an institution of higher education or vocational/technical school with a complete course of study in the year immediately following graduation. The student must be a legal U.S. resident, be less than 21 years of age, have a minimum 2.7 GPA and reside within the New York Tri-State Area. The recipients of the 2017 rMHC/ ASIA Scholarship Program will

be selected by a panel of judges comprised of representatives from leading community organizations, educational institutions, rMHCNYTSA and McDonald’s. winners will be notified by April 2017.

“The rMHC/ASIA scholarship rewards exceptional young people who are not only achieving academically but who are also demonstrating leadership in their communities,” said Christopher Perry, executive Director of rMHCNYTSA. “with this scholarship, we aim to recognize students who are leveraging their intellectual gifts to make a positive impact on the lives of others.”

To promote the scholarship program, rMHC-NYTSA will be conducting a series of workshops at local high schools and community centers throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The events will be led by an rMHC/ASIA representative and feature an overview of the application process, helpful tips and a Q&A session. educational institutions and non-profit organizations may request a workshop by contacting rmhcasia@gmail.com or (646) 979-9851. “we believe every child deserves a fair shot at a college education regardless of their family’s economic circumstances,”

Is exercise really essential...

From Page 5

everything depends on the individual and his/her objective in doing the particular exercise regimen. Beyond one hour of daily moderate or vigorous exercise will result in little or no added cardiovascular/pulmonary fitness, and may only increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries attendant to the physical activity. But if the aim is to lose weight, and if the person’s condition and endurance

allow it, increasing the duration of the exercise may be done, but no more than an hour. However, remember that cutting the caloric intake, on top of the exercise, is the most effective way to lose the extra pounds. Consult your physician before embarking on any diet or exercise regimen.

The combination of diet and exercise — a healthy lifestyle — is the key to a healthier body and mind, and to maximal longevity.

said Michael Anderer, President of the Board of Trustees for rMHC-NYTSA and a McDonald’s franchisee. “we’re proud to work hand-in-hand with the Asian American community each year to ensure we’re reaching these students and providing them a chance to achieve their academic goals.”

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area For over 20 years, ronald McDonald House Charities New York Tri-State Area has been creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.

Their signature programs include scholarships to help provide access to a college education for students who need and earn it, and community grants to support a variety of local children’s charities in the areas of medicine, crisis intervention, civic and social services, education, and the arts. The organization also provides needed support to 5 ronald McDonald Houses, which are “homes away from home” allowing families to be with their hospitalized children for extended periods of time. For more information, please visit www. rmhcnytristate.org or contact 732623-8639.

View philipSchua.com email: scalpelpen@gmail.com. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

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PACCAL recognizes outstanding Fil-Ams during its 24th Anniversary Gala AFTer two decades and four years since its inception, PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc.) has productively carried out its advocacy and successfully achieved its goal in assisting the community through its various services. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, PACCAL holds the distinction of being the only Providing Agency duly recognized by the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office on Aging.

Now on its 24th year of dynamic service to the community, PACCAL, in its relentless dedication and focused drive, has been actively disseminating health related projects via its Healthy Heart, Healthy Family program mainly concentrating on senior citizen groups. PACCAL also prides itself to be the only Jersey City-based community organization with 9 certified CHws (Community Health workers) administering the compassionate mission from sources funded by DHHSo office on Aging.

Aside from its humanitarian services, PACCAL also annually recognizes distinctive personalities that excel in their chosen fields and in connection

with its grandiose 24th Founding Anniversary, eleven (11) achievers were honored with a dinnerdance gala last Saturday, october 15, 2016 at the ramada Plaza Hotel (160-A Frontage road, Newark, New Jersey 07114).

This year’s cream of the crop was composed of equally deserving awardees worthy of commendation and emulation.

The roster of Honorees included: Victoria Baul (education), JenJen Furer (Media /Television Broadcast), rosemarie Parreno (Community Service), Alyssa Jade Shoemaker (entertainment / Solo Performer), Dr. winston Umali (Medicine / Pediatrics), Darlene Borromeo (Nursing Profession), Dr. raelene Ladaga (Medicine / Psychiatry), Danica Yvanoff Julian & Irene Zapanta (Beauty Specialists), Dr. Cris Ayroso (Medicine / Dentistry), James & Mercy reilly (Parents of the Year), and Lee G. Bracero (Senior Citizen of the Year).

Honorary Chairpersons were two of the most revered philanthropists and active community leaders: Dr. emilio Quines, Jr. and rosita Mejia richman, while the preparatory phase and project execution were manned by PACCAL’s energetic officers Marieta Lamar and rose P. Javier who,

incidentally, were the event’s Gala Chairs.

“This is actually a major responsibility not to be taken for granted. Being my maiden project as PACCAL President, I am committed to exert the best I could to deliver what’s expected of me,” said ramona S. Gapasin when queried how it was to spearhead the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser. “The job becomes manageable with the help of my PACCAL family and some volunteers. I’m confident this will be as successful like the previous years.”

The eventful gala was made even more pleasurable by named entertainers: PACCAL awardee Alyssa Jade Shoemaker, fastrising teen band Take The Stage, promising balladeer Christopher Corro, and the Jazz Princess of the tri-state area rasmin Diaz. ruth Sa-onoy’s altruistic dedication and selfless voluntary service to PACCAL and the community for years was duly recognized and honored with a crystal cup.

Incidentally, the most anticipated 24th PACCAL Founding Anniversary Gala and Awarding Ceremonies was ably hosted by ria Serrano and Allah Arcangel with lights and sounds by ed o’Donnell.

The ‘selfies’ generation idolatry...

From Page 3 here where we live our days and nights, just within the small circle consisting of ourselves and our loved ones, without demanding attention from others. Do remember that not everyone is rooting for you.

If we think we have become stars in the firmament because of our own self-absorption, here’s a story from Greek mythology to help bring us down a notch back to terra firma with a soft, gentle thud.

Long ago when enchanted creatures peopled the earth, there was a nymph called echo.

She probably rated a nine and a half on a 10 point-attractiveness scale, gorgeous, knowledgeable and perfect in every way except for one thing — she was a chatterbox without equal. She liked to hear herself talk far too much and perhaps, with a tinge of hubris, would insist on having the last word in every conversation.

Juno, the queen of the Gods, was so irked by echo’s habit that

she meted out a punishment just for her. echo will no longer be able to talk, except for one tiny concession — she will be able to say only the last word.

In the same forest where the nymphs lived, there was a young man named Narcissus who was so classically handsome and perfectly proportioned that all the nymphs oohed and ahhed and fell in love with him at first sight.

Picture Michelangelo’s marble sculpture of “David” in flesh and blood. If he were real person today, he would have made the cover of People’s Sexiest Man of the Year.” His fans became legion.

All that adulation got into his head. He became extremely vain.

No nymph was good enough for him. one day, echo espied Narcissus while he was hunting with his peers and fell in love with him like a ton of bricks.

She longed to tell him of her feelings, but in her afflicted state, she became painfully shy and simply contented herself silently

Travelogue: Israel sojourn...

From Page 4 where He appointed Peter to “Feed My Sheep.”

Lunch was at Tanureen Oriental Restaurant where we had the best midday meal of the week…grilled and fried St. Peter’s fish, the tilapia (believed to have been the multiplied fish), served with perfectly concocted cabbage salad.

After a hearty lunch we were back on the road again… this time we passed along acres and acres of banana plantations, mutant mango groves, rows of olive trees, and a multitude of tomato plots before finally reaching the summit of Mount Tabor via a ten-seater mini bus that taxied us defying steep zigzag road. The paved plateau led us to the Church of Transfiguration with a magnificent façade. We prayed the rosary in a ruined space by the churchyard which used to be a meeting room of Byzantine priests during the 5th century before proceeding to the observation deck where the vast grandeur of the Valley of Armageddon, the Food Basket of Israel, could be openly viewed.

Around 5:00 PM we returned to the hotel following an exhausting afternoon, had shower and enjoyed a hearty 7:30 dinner. But the overwrought part was when we had to pack our stuff before bed for our next

destination.

The morning of the 9th day seemed too tediously mindnumbing especially when we checked out after breakfast. The penultimate day gave us a heavy heart knowing that we’ll be together for only just another day.

As usual, we commenced touring at 8:00 sharp… passed along cities with similar geographical vistas until we finally arrived at Cana of Galilee, an ancient biblical city known for Jesus’ maiden water-into-wine miracle.

Franciscan friars excavated six earthen jars used to store wines underneath Cana Wedding Church.

A special mass was celebrated for us by a Nigerian priest, Fr. Jerome of the Franciscan Order, who also solemnized the renewal of our wedding vows that marked our 39th year …complete with a marriage certificate.

Later we drove to Nazareth, the capital of Lower Galilee region, which has the biggest density of Christians. Incidentally, Galilee is the only city in Israel that has 2 municipalities: Upper Galilee with a Jewish mayor and Lower Galilee governed by a Muslim mayor.

We visited the Church of St. Joseph and went downhill to the Basilica of the Annunciation, the biggest in the Middle East, designed by Italian architect

watching him from a distance, shadowing Narcissus’ every move.

Narcissus, however, became aware of her shadowy presence and talked her out of her hiding place. echo could only repeat the last words of what Narcissus was saying in their conversation so she may have came out sounding like a mindless idiot, vexing the vain Narcissus.

Besotted with love for the hunk however and believing Narcissus’ plea that she come out so they can be joined together, she finally overcame her crippling shyness and revealed herself.

However, Narcissus felt she wasn’t good enough for him and snubbed her. He scorned her for her bold presumptuousness and repudiated her. He sent her away in the most cutting words swearing he would rather die than be with echo. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Giovanni Mucho.

The Jezreel Valley generously offered a grand view of the mountains of Someria (also known as Mari Nostrum) and we subsequently stopped over at the Shrine of Mt. Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby was Haifa, Israel’s third biggest city and the center of trade and commerce and the only mixed city in Israel where people of diverse faiths could co-exist.

The Stella Maris Church came next in our itinerary before proceeding down Hi-way #2, Israel’s most trafficated (don’t laugh, there’s now such a word…) road, along Via Maris. We passed by Caesaria, a town in north central Israel between Tel-Aviv and Haifa, which was governed by Pontius Pilate during the time of Jesus and the place where Simon Peter converted the Roman Cornelius, the first non-Jew who believed in Jesus.

We thought we’ve seen all those wonderful sights but lo and behold! Along Nice Boulevard in Netanya we checked in at the aristocratic Seasons Hotel which was a spit-throw from the Mediterranean Sea. From our suite (Room 1406) we had a marvelous view of the setting sun with its resplendence reflected on the undulating waves. We invaded the beach immediately after dinner for a revitalizing whiff of the nocturnal Continued on Page 7

Bandastiks staged for Nov. 4 in NYC De La Salle Alumni Association Metro New York and Ateneo Alumni Association Northeast will present “Bandastiks” at the Philippine Center at the Philippine Consulate in New York City on Friday, Nov. 4, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Scheduled to perform are bands from the alumni associations of De La Salle, Ateneo De Manila, Xavier University, St. Paul University and Assumption. The event is open to guests 21 years and older. Tickets to the Bandastiks event are $25 per person, which includes Open Bar, and can be purchased thru bandastiks.eventbrite.com.

The Bands competing include Green Beats (La Salle), Snooky’s Bakdor 345 (Xavier), The Reginas (Assumption), The Paulines (St. Paul) and Iskulbluekul (Ateneo).

Bandastiks was formed by La Salle and Ateneo alumni associations in New York with the purpose of fostering camaraderie among alumni in a competitive but fun event through music.

“After a hiatus, the 2016 Bandastiks is the 4th music competition held in the

Northeast in recent years,” said Archie Alvarez, La Salle spokesperson, “We are very excited to offer it to the public again this year.”

“Ateneo and La Salle have been known for its competitive rivalry back in the Philippines, not just in sports like basketball, but in other areas as well. even after we have graduated from our respective schools, it is really amazing the connection Ateneans and Lasallians have here in New York,” Archie added.

“We are so proud to be part of Bandastiks because it shows that both schools, who are bitter rivals, can collaborate together as one in showing their love and pride for their alma mater in a friendly competitive environment.”

Ryan Paayas of Xavier explained, “Snooky” is the favorite artist (i.e. Snooky Serna) of the former Vice Principal of XU High School, thus a ‘code name’ of sorts of the students. Bakdor is Visayan for “backdoor” a “carinderia” located at the fringes of the school proper. “345” is a time when students hangout at the “bakdor” at the end of classes

and do a lot of nefarious student activities.

“Let’s rock and roll!Turn on the distortion and crank up the volume…Snooky’s Bakdor 345 is here,” Paayas said.

“In 2004 a fortuitous event occurred in NYC: graduates of universities in the Philippines, now living in and around New York, were challenged to form alumni-based bands and compete in a “battle-of-thebands” benefit to raise money for Filipino charities,” said Michael Ruivivar of Ateneo.

Michael pointed out that five of the original 14-member band of 2004, Iskulbluekul, will be performing in this year’s Bandastiks.

According to Michael, the name “iskulbluekul” is derived from the popular Filipino slang term, “iskul bukul”. The Pinoy Slang Dictionary defines iskul bukul as “hindi nag-aaral (does not study); pumapasok sa iskul para alamin kung may pasok o wala (goes to school only to find out if there is school); pumapasok sa iskul dahil sa baon (goes to school for the allowance from one’s parents); pumapasok

Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda stars in the concert Powerhouse (at Solaire’s The Theatre on Oct. 28) with the 4th Impact (X Factor UK finalist) and Michael Pangilinan.

by Ricky Lo

for four to five months at a time (he has two children from a previous HAS Journey ceased to be? Has relationship and two more from the hit journey screeched to a halt? his current wife), Arnel keeps in Has the journey been put on hold? touch with them through Facetime Or is the journey set to roll again? orSkype.

Those were the questions that Now 50, Arnel started singing Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda in small venues when he was had to field last Sunday (Oct. 16) 16, generally ignored and taken at the eclipse restaurant of Solaire for granted until he caught the where he will star in the Powerhouse attention of Journey (on YouTube) concert on Oct. 28 at The Theatre that was then looking for a with Michael Pangilinan, The 4th replacement for Steve Perry, the Impact (UK X-Factor finalist) and group’s late vocalist.

Morissette.

“I guess that I have nothing Journey fans must have been more to aspire for,” admitted Arnel. entertaining the same thoughts “I’m not getting any younger. At because of Arnel’s constant this point in my life, I just have to presence back home than out there. be contented. I am very grateful for “Actually,” Arnel clarified, “we do all the blessings; I couldn’t ask for about 55 to 65 shows every year. more.”

We just finished last month and Michael couldn’t make it to while we prepare for our next tour, I the presscon because he was took the chance to come home and stranded in Bacolod where he did spend time with my family. After a show (flights were cancelled). The our Powerhouse show, I will go back four-sister-member 4th Impact was to the US to do two shows with around though (but not Morissette).

Journey.”

Michael has just released his Arnel confirmed that Journey second album, simply titled Michael would come back for a concert (released by Star Records), with the middle of February next year as part song Tanging Ligaya Ko that he of an Asian tour that includes Japan, himself wrote and dedicated to his Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, family (especially his son ezekiel Taipei and Thailand. with his ex-girlfriend, whom he “Our shows in the US are doing hasn’t seen for months). very well,” said Arnel who has been Asked what advice he would with the group for nine years. “It’s give Michael and young artists very surprising for a band that has aspiring to follow in his footsteps to been around for years.” international stardom, Arnel said, Since he’s away from his family “Just continue what you are doing, Philstar.com

How the Papal Award...

From Page 2 difficulties. Times were hard. She had to feed her children…

Also among Ai-Ai’s charity works is taking care of Jiro Manio whose mind has been badly affected by drugs.

“He is okay now,” said Ai-Ai who treats Jiro as her own son. “He has gained weight. He’s still at a rehab center.” every September, to commemorate the birthday of Mama Mary, Ai-Ai (a Marian devotee) hosts a special Mass in Mama Mary’s honor.

“The award has a humbling effect on me,” admitted Ai-Ai (who was named after St. Martin). “I know that I have faults, marami rin akong pagkakamali. My life is not

perfect…nagpapaka-perfect lang, and I know that God is forgiving, mapagpatawad ang simbahan,” adding in the next breath that even long before the Papal Award, “I have already forgiven those who have hurt me, maliit man o malaki.”

The award will hopefully serve as a reminder for Ai-Ai’s children.

“I dedicate the award to my family, especially my children. Sana maging example ito sa pagtanda nila.”

Teased if she aspired to be a saint, Ai-Ai laughed.

“Sabi ni Bishop (Tobias), normal pa rin daw ako. Sabi ko, ‘Bishop, puede pa rin ba ako magtangga?’ Sabi niya, ‘Huwag na, shorts na lang.’”

Travelogue: Israel sojourn...

From Page 4 breeze.

Despite retiring late we still managed to be up by 5:00 a.m. to frolic and strolled along the seashore. It was a gratifying final day experience and how we wished we were booked there longer.

Then, the moment of truth had to be faced with conviction and inflexibility. We had to vacate our suites and drove off to Ben Gurion International Airport at 9:00 a.m., just minutes after breakfast and an epigrammatic glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea. It took us 40 minutes to reach Tel-Aviv. After checking in, the dilemma of undergoing rigid

security inspection inevitably followed and left a lingering anguish regarding our connecting flight from Istanbul to New York City.

Finally, after a grueling 12-hour flight we’ve landed safely…but enveloped with the pain of separation from people we’ve considered family and getting back to reality was tantamount to waning a child from playmates and his toy. Our two weeks of togetherness was left on a standstill waiting to be re-lived and nurtured on our next travel.

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

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Pursue your dream. Don’t give up.”

Before the Q&A, Arnel sang two Bee Gees song (one was To Love Somebody) to the delight of the movie press. Before Arnel,

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sa iskul para man chicks (goes to school because of the girls); o di kaya talagang hindi pumapasok (does not really go to school); (physically present but mentally absent)”. The “blue” in iskulbluekul refers to the Ateneo de Manila University (from which most band members graduated) school color. Iskulbluekul is also a play on “Iskul Bukul”, a very popular Filipino TV show from the early 80s.

While most of the musical groups of Ateneo, La Salle, Xavier and Assumption are bands comprised of guitars, drums and keyboards, The Paulines of St. Paul Alumnae is an ensemble with piano and percussion.

“It will be great fun to perform in Bandastiks,” said Marilyn Abalos of St. Paul, “This is a great opportunity to celebrate our community of support and friendship, not only among our alumni, but equally important with other alumni groups in the US. At Bandastiks, we can revel and enjoy our love of music, fellowship and alma mater!”

Sponsors for the 2016 Bandastiks include GMA Network and 13 Degrees North.

Arnel Pineda, Journey set to do more shows in US you should have no hesitation, no stopping, just keep on going to the next level. Make sure that you are happy with what you are doing, otherwise you will be miserable.

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the 4th Impact (yes, Mylene, Irene, Almira and Celina are really sisters) also gave samples of what it took to wow the judges at the X Factor UK. The sisters are spending Christmas and New Year with their family before going back to London where they are based.

They have been singing for 10 years and, like Arnel, they got the interest of theirkababayan only after they made waves at the UK talent search. That’s usually the fate of most local talents. They are appreciated back home only when foreign eyes and ears have taken notice of them.

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