New York & New Jersey -- June 24 -- 30, 2016

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Volume 10 – Issue 25 • 16 Pages

JUNE 24-30, 2016 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Supreme Court tied on immigration ruling DATELINE USA FROM THe AJPReSS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

PH Ambassador wins seat in UN Treaty Body

PHILIPPIne Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo won a seat in the Committee on the elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CeDAW) in elections held today at the United nations Headquarters.

Ambassador Manalo, one of the Philippines’ most accomplished diploAmb. Rosario G. Manalo mats, was among 25 candidates vying for 11 seats in CeDAW for the term 2017-2020.

The Philippines’ victory is a testament to the country’s active advocacy and leadership on women’s rights.

President Benigno S. Aquino III himself is a champion for gender equality, being one of the Un’s 10 HeForShe IMPACT Heads of States recognized by Un Women for his efforts in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.

CeDAW is a body ofindependent expert-

Deadlock decision leaves fate of undocumented hanging by eriC

anthony liCas & Klarize Medenilla AJPress

THe Supreme Court arrived at a deadlocked decision on President Barack Obama’s contested immigration policies on Thursday, June 23, leaving the fate of as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. uncertain.

A 4-4 vote delays definitive judgment on the matter and leaves in place a ruling from a lower court that blocks the president’s executive order. A tie would

not have happened if not for a vacant ninth seat on the bench left by former Justice Antonin Scalia, who passed away in February.

“This is a consequence of the Republican failure, so far, to give a fair hearing to Mr. Merrick Garland, my nominee to the Supreme Court,” said Obama during a press conference at the White House on Thursday.

The split ruling halts the implementation of the Deferred Action for Parents of US Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program, and expan-

sions to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but does not establish legal precedent for future cases.

In 2013, a bipartisan bill that would have offered undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship while doubling the Border Patrol passed the Senate. The GOP-controlled House of Representatives, however, refused to bring it to a vote.

Bypassing Congress, Obama then introduced a series of executive ac-

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US to China, rivals: Be calm after ruling Court decision seen to help start talks

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Filipino man arrested for burglaries in Las Vegas

A FILIPInO man was arrested on Wednesday, June 15 on suspicion of committing more than a dozen burglaries within a six-month period in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Metro Police accuse Bernardino Santiago, 41, of a string of thefts at 17 restaurants that began in January, just six months after he had been released from prison.

“It was a lot of places; he was busy,” said LVMPD detective Brad Feiss in a video released by the department to Youtube. “He told us he would hit every other night, if not sometimes twice a night.”

A man resembling the suspect was caught on security footage attempting to crack open a safe and carrying stolen equipment out of a smashed window pane in a video released by LVMPD. The thief would also break through doors and climb up to rooftops to gain access to money and equipment, according to sources for the Las Vegas ReviewJournal. Feiss said the suspect would

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NAVAL DRILL. A combined formation of aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 pass in formation above the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) conduct dual aircraft carrier strike group operations off the Philippine Sea. The US Navy aircraft carriers have been conducting dual carrier group operations in the Philippine Sea for several years now. They also hold drills in other areas in the Western Pacific such as South China Sea, and East China Sea where there is separate dispute with Japan over small islands.

THe United States on Wednesday, June 22 called on China and other rival claimants to exercise restraint when an international tribunal issues a landmark ruling on the South China Sea disputes that Beijing has chosen to ignore.

A senior US state department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Asian journalists through a teleconference, said the upcoming decision by the arbitration panel in The Hague may offer “a great deal of clarity” on the disputes and help the claimants forge an arrangement to avoid potential confrontations.

She said the decision, expected within weeks, could also serve as a jumping-off point to diplomatic talks.

“We would certainly call on all governments to

US Navy photo by Lt. Steve Smith

Duterte to Amb. Goldberg: Are you with us or not? by nestor

Corrales Inquirer.net

DAVAO CITY—“Are you with us or are you not with us?”

That was the question raised by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to US Ambassador Philip Goldberg during the envoy’s courtesy visit on June 13 here, he revealed on Tuesday, June 21.

Speaking before business executives at the SMX Convention Center, Duterte disclosed that he has asked Goldberg about this concern amid our maritime dispute

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G. Visaya

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Duterte: ‘Zero tolerance’ on drugs and crime PH sees rise in drug killings ahead of incoming admin Medenilla AJPress

FOLLOWInG the weekend’s drug-related killings, incoming President Rodrigo Duterte warned Philippine mayors who are connected to illegal drug networks that he “will catch up” to them.

At an economic forum in Davao City on Tuesday, June 21, he mentioned 32 mayors he suspects are involved in the illegal drug trade.

Though he did not mention any names, he said that these mayors recently won because of “drug money.”

“The youth are affected,” said

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President-elect Rodrigo Duterte

Philstar.com photo

Roxas’ mom lost P110-M in his poll bid

AJPress

neW YORK—Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach took time off her busy schedule to take a public HIV test at new York City’s Apicha Community Health Center Monday, June 20 to get the word out and encourage others to get tested and know their status.

“Over one million people in the United States are living with HIV and this number continues to increase each year by 50,000. One in eight people who have HIV don’t even know it yet because they don’t get themselves tested and because of that, they are not getting the right kind of care and treatment that they deserve and should have,” Miss Wurtzbach said.

The public test took place in advance of national HIV

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by Klarize

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach takes public HIV test, encourages global HIV testing

by MoMar

President Barack Obama

by JoCelyn

r. Uy

dential election, is not cut to become president of the Philippines.

The graduate of Wharton ColMOMMY is poorer by P110 mil- lege spent P487 million on his lion. But she has a chance of re- campaign for Malacañang only to covering her losses, that is, if she be trounced by a graduate of San plays the lotto.

Beda College, Davao City Mayor How did Judy Araneta-Roxas Rodrigo Duterte, at the polls. And lose P110 million? By bankrolling at lesser expense. her son’s presidential ambition.

His statement of contributions Unfortunately, her son, Mar and expenditures (SOCe), finally Roxas, the standard-bearer of the submitted to the Commission on Liberal Party (LP) in May’s presi- elections (Comelec) on WednesInquirer.net

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

day, showed his mom was the biggest contributor to his campaign, giving him P90 million at the start of the campaign in February and P20 million as the race for the Palace went into the homestretch in May. Once secretary of transportation and communications and head of the interior department, he is now private citizen Mar Roxas.

His last official act as presiden-

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A JUNE 24-30, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Supreme Court tied...

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MORO CONVENTION. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (left of Pres.-elect Rodrigo Duterte) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Datu Abul Khayr Alonto (right of Duterte) shake hands. The two largest Moro groups in the country will craft a new proposal that will grant greater autonomy to Bangsamoro hoping this will finally lead to a lasting peace in strife-torn Mindanao. The “Moro convention” will allow stakeholders to provide inputs on the proposal, which will refine the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Filipino man arrested for burglaries...

Center. He is charged with violating parole and possession of Feiss, who thanked patrol of- stolen property, drugs, and burPAGE A1 t ficers for work that helped de- glary tools. If convicted on all spend his loot on gambling and tectives connect Santiago to the charges, he could face as many burglaries. as 10 years in Nevada State drugs.

Santiago is currently detained Prison. (Eric Anthony Licas/AJ“I think he would have kept going until he got caught,” said at the Clark County Detention Press)

tions in November 2014 — including DAPA and expanded DACA — which would have granted work authorization and protection from deportation to nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants.

“For more than two decades now, our immigration system, everyone acknowledges, has been broken,” said the president. “The fact that the Supreme Court wasn’t able to issue a decision [Thursday] doesn’t just set the system back even further; it takes us further from the country we aspire to be.”

However, opponents of the administration’s actions say the president overstepped his authority. They say sweeping changes to immigration policy require the approval of Congress because they would incur costs and consequences for numerous states.

On February 16, 2015, 26 states, led by Texas, won an in-

junction blocking the president’s orders. The decision from US District Judge Andrew Hanen of Texas came just two days ahead of the DAPA program’s scheduled debut. “[Thursday’s] ruling is a victory for the rule of law and our democracy,” said Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus in a statement.

“The Supreme Court … has reaffirmed that only Congress has the power to make laws.”

The court’s non-decision moves the focus of the immigration debate to the upcoming presidential elections.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has yet to comment on the Supreme Court ruling, previously proposed deporting all of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. In order to accomplish this, Immigration and Customs Enforcement would need to stop prioritizing the removal of

serious criminals in order to exponentially increase the rate of deportations, according to a New York Times report.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton, who is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has vowed not to deport any undocumented immigrants except violent criminals and terrorists, according to a report from the Washington Post. In a statement released Thursday, June 23, Clinton called Thursday’s ruling “purely procedural” and has pledged to stand by DAPA and DACA. The former secretary of state repeated her promise to introduce comprehensive immigration reform featuring a pathway to citizenship during her first hundred days in office.

“These are our friends and family members; neighbors and classmates; DREAMers and parents of Americans and lawful permanent residents,” Clinton said.

“They enrich our communities and contribute to our economy every day. We should be doing everything possible under the

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Duterte: ‘Zero tolerance’ on… US to China, rivals: Be calm after…

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Duterte in his hour-long speech.

“You have crossed the red line... if [we] do not do something with the situation, seven years from now this country will become [entangled in] narco politics.”

“Watch out. As long as I’m in government, I will not allow it,” Duterte added.

The former Davao mayor plans to revamp the Philippine National Police (PNP) with his tough anticrime approach in mind. He said he will handpick “a company of policemen” whom he will give “special assignments.”

Placing particular emphasis on the Philippine youth’s impact, Duterte promised that once his plans are put into action, with enough time, “the children will have the streets back to them.”

“I have zero tolerance on drugs and criminality,” Duterte said. “I would never preside over the affairs of the country with a corrupt police and drugs abound destroying the lives of Filipinos.”

“Corruption must stop now,” he declared. “[I really hate] corruption. It makes me sick.”

Duterte also responded to criticism he received from Chito Gas-

con, chairman of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, who denounced Duterte’s “deadly methods.” Duterte, who has been panned for his anti-crime tactics, said he would just ignore Gascon.

“If you know Gascon or if he is your friend, tell him I won’t follow him,” he said, adding that his administration may refuse any subpoenas issued by any investigating body, including the Office of the Ombudsman.

“You tell the Ombudsman to, instead, send the subpoena to Duterte,” he added.

Surge in drug-related killings Police killed 11 presumed drug dealers over the weekend, acting on the promise of Duterte’s campaign to eradicate crime in the country.

Drug dealers were killed during undercover sting operations based in Manila, Laguna, Bulacan, Rizal, Bohol and Cebu, according to Philippine media reports on the morning of Monday, June 20. Many of those killed had “resisted arrest,” according to police reports.

“There was a shootout between undercover police officers and drug peddlers when the men

sensed they had sold PHP500 ($10.80) worth of drugs to policemen,” Adriano Enong, Rizal police chief told the media.

This weekend’s toll adds to the surge of drug-related killings that have occurred since Duterte won the presidential seat on May 9.

There have been more than 40 suspects killed since then in comparison to the 39 who were killed in the previous four months.

There has been speculation that suggests that police involved in the drug trade are carrying out killings of individuals who are likely to implicate them as soon as Duterte officially takes office on June 30.

However, Ronald dela Rosa, Duterte’s choice for police chief of the Philippines, said in a radio interview that he would be able to determine if the “people were killed in rub-outs.”

Incoming Interior Secretary Ismael Sueño said that Duterte’s promise to address the crime within the six months is achievable, but it may not be completely eradicated.

“No, I don’t think we can eradicate 100 percent but we can do a considerable decrease,” Sueño

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exercise restraint and to use this post-arbitration period as an opportunity to restart those diplomatic discussions,” she said.

China has said it would not recognize any arbitration decision despite calls by several Asian and Western governments for it to respect international law.

Some fear Beijing may take a harder stance and take provocative actions if it comes under pressure from outside, including by the United States, to comply with an adversarial ruling.

In a harsh attack on US policies in Asia, the flagship newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party on Wednesday accused Washington of seeking to turn the South China Sea “into a powder keg” and warned it not to underestimate China’s determination to defend its territorial claims.

The People’s Daily cited recent combined exercises by two US Navy aircraft carrier strike groups off the eastern coast of the Philippines as a sign of US hegemony and said Washington had made a mistake in seeking to intimidate China.

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Reports quoting sources said China is planning to set aside the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

power aimed at China, the United States has “picked the wrong counterpart,” said the editorial, the contents of which are usually vetted by high ranking party officials.

Competing claims US military activity, including freedom of navigation cruises near China’s man-made islands and exercises with allies, is contributing to the militarization of the region, the editorial said.

China claims almost all of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea, including waters close to the shores of its smaller neighbors in the region.

The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, a crucial waterway where $5 trillion in global shipborne trade passes every year and where islets, reefs and atolls are believed to be sitting

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From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 24-30, 2016

A

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach takes…

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HOMAGE TO JOSE RIZAL. Rizalistas offer prayers and flowers to celebrate the 155th birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park in Manila on Sunday, June 19.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Roxas’ mom lost P110-M in his poll…

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tial candidate was submitting his Soce to the Comelec on the last day of a 14-day grace period given to him and the LP after they failed to meet the deadline on June 8.

Roxas’ report showed that of the P487 million he poured on his failed run for Malacañang, P469.29 million were cash and in-kind donations and P18 million came from his own pocket.

The report showed that Roxas was the second-biggest campaign spender, after Sen. Grace Poe, who reported spending P510.84 million.

The winner, Duterte, reported spending P371 million.

The bulk of the cash contributions to Roxas’ campaign came from the Araneta and Fores clan, with his mom as the top donor.

Roxas’ uncle, Jorge Araneta, donated P70 million; aunt Maria Fores, P60 million; another aunt, Ruby Roxas, P10 million; cousin Jorge Fores, P10 million; sister Maria Lourdes Ojeda, P10 million; his restaurateur cousin Margarita Fores, P7 million, and uncle Manuel Roxas, P5 million.

Mining magnate Francis Enrico Gutierrez donated P40 million to Roxas’ campaign, and real estate executive Melesa Dy Chua gave him P10 million.

The other donors were former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr., who gave P5 million; former Trade

and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, P5 million; and Karina David, who played a role in the campaign, P1 million.

The LP’s Alfonso Umali Jr. contributed P72.39 million in television ads, according to Roxas’ report.

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Gutierrez said the contributions made by Roxas’ relatives were “not surprising,” as they came from a well-established family, running multiple businesses for decades.

A large part of Roxas’ expenditures, P407 million, or 87 percent, went to campaign ads, mostly on television, said Gutierrez, who filed the Soce on behalf of Roxas.

50 boxes of documents Gutierrez carried Roxas’ report, supported by voluminous documents placed in 50 boxes and transported in an Elf pickup, to the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.

He said Roxas’ camp had tried to meet the June 8 deadline, but decided to ask for an extension to make sure his report would be “accurate and truthful.”

“Every cent that was spent per [rally], per campaign event, every action made during the elections we submitted to the Comelec,” he said.

“We have scanned and disclosed everything down to the last receipt in keeping with the spirit of the law for full transparency,” he said.

“Based on our experience, if you

Mar Roxas is flanked by wife Korina Sanchez and mother Judy Araneta Roxas.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

Supreme Court tied...

PAGE A2 t law to provide them relief from the specter of deportation.”

Filipino DACA recipient and policy advocate for Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, Anthony Ng, said the program has allowed him and other talented immigrants make greater contributions to society.

Ng, who graduated from the University of California, Irvine, said if it weren’t for DACA, the risk of deportation might have prevented him from entering the workforce.

“This ruling sends a strong message to make our voices heard,” said Ng. “We need to make sure we have elected officials who will put forth policies that benefit our communities.”

The Pew Research Center estimates that of the nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants facing deportation. This includes approximately 500,000 undocumented AAPIs and more than 40,000 Filipinos. There were 20,000 Filipinos eligible for the DACA program in 2013, according to the Philippine Embassy.

Thursday’s ruling will not affect the existing DACA program enacted in 2012. People may still receive protection from deportation and work authorization if they came to the U.S. before they turned 16 years old, among other requirements.

Had they been implemented, DAPA and the expanded DACA and would have allowed eligible participants to obtain driver’s licenses, health care, and bank accounts and keep resident students from having to pay out-ofstate tuition fees, according to a statement released by Advancing Justice-LA. “These programs would allow our families to stay together and not live in fear,” the organization said in the statement.

According to a report from the Migration Policy Institute, of the 10 million people who live in a household with at least one DAPA eligible person, 4.3 million are children under the age of

18. Thirty-seven percent of undocumented immigrants in the country are parents of minors who are US citizens, according to data from the Pew Research Center.

The Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) in Los Angeles was “saddened” upon learning about the decision because of the impact of DACA and DAPA on the lives of many undocumented Filipinos, according to Lolita Lledo, associate director and lead organizer of PWC. Lledo emphasized the importance of these policies because it promotes open conversation about immigration and the obstacles that undocumented immigrants face upon coming to the U.S. She said that many undocumented Filipinos are hesitant to reach out for research because of stigmas tied to being labeled an undocumented immigrant.

“I think most of our kababayans don’t know the process and they’re still living in fear and [try to be] invisible and not catch any attention,” said Lledo, who mentioned instances where parents don’t want their children to apply for DACA in fear that they will be deported once they reveal their status.

Lledo added that helping undocumented immigrants along the path to citizenship does not mean “immediately rewarding them with amnesty,” but rather giving them the chance to “fall in line” and go through regular protocol and procedure to become naturalized citizens.

“It’s just like, ‘Why can’t we not help these undocumented immigrants that need our help?’” said Lledo. “They just want to be citizens. They’re not terrorists.

They just want to work and contribute something to our society, so why don’t we help them?”

For DACA qualifiers, Advancing Justice-LA offers free assistance for first-time applicants and renewals. For more information, call their toll free hotline: Tagalog at (800) 300-2552 and/ or English/Spanish at (213) 2410240.

break down all of our expenses, it was really going to take 50 boxes of documents.”

Extension controversy Voting 4-3 last week, the Comelec granted Roxas’ and the LP request for a two-week extension of the deadline. Election Commissioner Christian Robert Lim voted to deny the request, as the law prohibits extending the deadline, and resigned as head of the Comelec’s campaign finance office.

On Wednesday, incoming House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez urged the Comelec to release its resolution granting the extension so that interested parties could question its legality in the Supreme Court.

The party of Alvarez, PDP-Laban, earlier indicated its intention to ask the Supreme Court to strike down the Comelec resolution. n

Testing Day on Monday, June 27 when special testing events will be held around the United States.

“It is vital to get tested at least once in your lifetime. The risk is in not knowing,” the reigning Miss Universe added.

Ending the stigma associated with testing that exists in many parts of the world is critical to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic as it is estimated that 17.1 million of the 36.9 million people living with HIV worldwide do not know they are infected.

“The most important thing about getting an HIV test today is to destigmatize the whole idea of knowing your HIV status,” said Therese Rodriguez, Apicha’s

CEO. “She will hopefully inspire more people to have the courage to get themselves tested.”

Rodriguez explained that knowing one’s status is crucial in the process of getting the necessary help one needs.

In New York, HIV tests are provided for free by health care centers such as Apicha, which specializes in care for the LGBT community. In other states and centers, there is a sliding scale in terms of the cost of the test.

“Every government should invest in it (HIV testing) because it is more expensive to cure people rather than to prevent it,” Rodriguez said.

“We are going to continue our educational work and bring resources to the issue of HIV and

AIDS. The stigma has to be on the forefront of our struggle and those are the only ways for us to end the epidemic,” she added.

HIV Awareness in the Philippines Upon her arrival, Miss Universe went to a pre-test counseling with a community health educator from the center. Shortly thereafter, she was given the latest form of test, which can detect a new infection within four weeks of transmission. And instead of waiting for weeks or days, the results were available a few minutes after the test was conducted.

“I volunteered to be tested because I didn’t know my status.

I’m curious about the statistics in

released on June 20.

The bishops’ conference, headed by Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan Socrates B. Villegas, called for an “appeal to humanity” and said that outright filling “is not morally justified.”

“We must fight criminality but the impunity with which offenders of the law carry on with their criminal activity also points out flaws in our criminal justice system,” the bishops said in the statement.

“We beg our prosecutors and judges to remain firm in their consecration to justice, for there is no greater insult to the Creator than to use the gifts of intelligence, discernment and one’s success at legal studies for ends contrary to builds the Body of Christ and contributes the building of the King-

dom of God,” the statement read.

On Tuesday, June 21 an anticrime and corruption advocacy group called Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption denounced the killings, noting that the number of killed suspects over the weekend was “alarming”, according to GMA News.

Spokesman for the group Arsenio Evangelista told radio station dzBB that law enforcement should keep suspects that are lowerranked in the cartels alive to gain information about their leaders. “[Law enforcement officials] seem to want to cut off the [drug] trail...It’s saddening...What we want to really know is the head [of the networks]...from local government units to the law enforcers,” Evangelista said. n

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Duterte: ‘Zero tolerance’ on…

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said, according to Philstar.

When asked about the possible human rights violations, Sueño asserted that the incoming president “follows the rule of law.”

“He does not want to see many people being killed. He prefers dialogue,” he said.

Duterte’s tough on crime approach was pivotal to his victory at the polls, but not everyone agrees with the incoming president’s staunch position on brute force against criminals.

Catholic bishops “disturbed” The Philippine Catholic Bishops Conference responded to the killings and Duterte’s pledge on violence, noting they are “disturbed” by the recent killings as well as the rise of “vigilantism” in a statement

A JUNE 24-30, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Washington exhibit honors Filipina suffragists Fil-Ams bid farewell to outgoing Amb. Cuisia

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “It is worth noting that Philippine society has always been blessed with strong and powerful women who shape the course of our history.

Filipinas are active in diverse fields, pouring their talents, skill, and passion into many areas of human endeavor. It is therefore no wonder that the Philippine Suffrage Movement in the early 1900s was composed mainly of Filipinas who were able to carve an identity, and a mission, that were separate from those of the influential men in their lives.”

Thus remarked Minister Patrick Chuasoto, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Philippine Embassy, as he formally opened the exhibit “The Washington Home of the Philippine Suffrage Movement” on Thursday, June 16 at the Embassy’s Romulo Hall.

“The Washington Home of the Philippine Suffrage Movement” stems from the research of husband-and-wife team Erwin Tiongson and Titchie CarandangTiongson, who also spearheaded the ongoing project Philippines on the Potomac or POPDC. It was an initiative of Madam Maria Victoria Cuisia, wife of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. Another remarkable Filipina, Monique Bascon, lent her artistic talent as exhibit designer.

The exhibit focuses on the lives of Mercedes Tiongson Sandiko, Clemencia Lopez, Sofia de Veyra, Pura Villanueva Kalaw, Aurora Quezon, Ines Villa Gonzalez and Pilar Hidalgo Lim, who pursued their advocacy for the extension of suffrage to Filipino women during their stay in the United States in the early part of the 20th century.

“The exhibit celebrates a group of extraordinary women

SAN FRANCISCO—Members of the Filipino community bid a warm goodbye to outgoing Philippine Ambassador to the US Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. at a farewell reception for him June 20 at the Kalayaan Hall, Philippince Center here.

A similar farewell last week feted the popular Cuisia in Washington, DC, where he reportedly has been dubbed a “rock star” by colleagues in the international Early in the day, Ambassador Cuisia was hosted by the World Affairs Council at a luncheon.

He is seen here with Susan Siskel, executive VP and COO of Asia Foundation.

Inquirer.net photo by Esther Chavez

Husband-and-wife team Erwin Tiongson and Titchie Carandang-Tiongson with Madam Maria Victoria Cuisia (center) during the launch of the exhibit, “The Washington Home of the Philippine Suffrage Movement” held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on June 16, 2016.

The Embassy is hosting the week-long exhibit in line with its Gender and Development (GAD) program and the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-US diplomatic relations.

“We must remember that while diplomatic relations between our two countries turn only 70 years old this year, the ties that bind our nations have existed for over a century. Moving forward entails being open to outside partnerships and at the same time harnessing the cooperation of your own people to be united in pursuit of common goals. The Philippine Suffrage Movement had its own allies and supporters here at the US capital and we similarly honor their role in the Movement’s eventual success,” the Deputy Chief of Mission emphasized.

The Movement triumphed as the right of suffrage was extended to Filipino women on April 30, 1937. Almost eight months later, on 14 December 1937, the Philippines held the first general election in which Filipino women were allowed to vote and run for public office.

“It truly takes a village to put together an exhibit. We are grateful to the Philippine Embassy, the Public Diplomacy Office, the Gender and Development Program and of course, Mrs. Cuisia, for the wonderful opportunity to share our discoveries with the Filipino- American community,” the Tiongsons concluded.

Ms. Mitzi Pickard, President US First Lady Florence Harding received a group of women from the Philippines led by Sofia of the Philippine Arts, Letters and de Veyra, wife of the Philippine Resident Commissioner at the South Lawn of the White House Media Council (PALM), served as on June 19, 1922. These women are the wives and daughters of the delegation which came to master of ceremonies at the exWashington to lay before President Harding the plea for Philippine Independence. hibit launch. n and their ties to Washington.

And coming so soon after the last Philippine elections, this exhibit, we hope, serves to remind us that suffrage rights have been hard won through the struggles of many people who came before us. And by coincidence, that photo of the women from the Philippines at the White House, around which the exhibit is organized, was taken almost exactly 94 years ago today,” explained Erwin and Titchie Tiongson.

“The exhibit draws materials from our Philippines on the Potomac Project. Discovering all these fascinating women and their ties to our adopted DC home has been a deeply rewarding experience. And the process of discovery has been made so much easier thanks to the generosity of so many people who shared memorabilia, photos, and family stories,” the Tiongson couple added.

Ambassador Jose Luis Cuisia Jr. bidding goodbye to the Filipino community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Behind him is Deputy Consul Jaime Ramon Ascalon and to his left is Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr. Inquirer.net photos by Rodel Rodis

diplomatic corps and by “Philippinists” in the US capital.

Consul General in San Francisco Henry S. Bensurto called Cuisia the “hardest working Philippine ambassador to the US” in memory. The envoy reportedly visited Filipino communities in 44 states while seeking trade resources for the Philippines.

Cuisia, Bensurto said, was the day-to-day face of Philippine interests in the US Congress where the envoy would go “of-

PH Ambassador wins seat...

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sthat monitors implementation of theConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Convention, adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. It defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for action to end such discrimination.

Ambassador Manalo served as Chairperson of CEDAW in 20052006 and the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in 1984-1986, which became the Preparatory Committee for the 1985 Nairobi Third World Conference on Women.

After her previous stint in CEDAW, she brought the Convention’s concepts to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“The human condition and the human spirit of the women in this lovely corner of the world will have to cross, sooner than later, to achieve a better life for the people of Southeast Asia. Let us in the Philippines start this journey and

lead ASEAN to greater heights in peace, in equality, in prosperity and in the exercise of social justice,” Ambassador Manalo said.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws and Master of Arts in Public Administration; and Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, where she earned her Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, Ambassador Manalo became the first Filipina to pass the Philippines’ career foreign service officers examinations.

She has an unbeatable 57-year record of service in the Department of Foreign Affairs performing in various capacities in multilateral fora and bilateral relations.

Ambassador Manalo was assigned to her first diplomatic posting as Ambassador to the European Economic Community in Brussels (1979-1987). She later served as concurrent Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (1985-1987). After a two-year secondment (1988-1990) as adviser to the Director-General of the UN

fice by (congressional) office to explain the Philippines’ views on key issues. “That’s what it takes to win allies for the Philippines” among US lawmakers, he said.

“Next to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Ambassador Cuisia was responsible for making the US more active in the West Philippine Sea issue,” said Bensurto, the country’s foremost legal expert on the territorial conflict with China. (Inquirer.net) Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, she was named Philippine Ambassador to the French Republic (1990-1994), with concurrent accreditation to Portugal. She was also Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. From 1994 to 1997, Ms. Manalo was Philippine Ambassador to Sweden and the Nordic States, and the Baltic States.

Ambassador Manalo was Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2002, in charge of International Economic Relations.

She was concurrently SecretaryGeneral of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines.

She currently teaches at the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University-College of St. Benilde, Miriam College, Philippine Women’s University, University of Asia and the Pacific, National Defense College of the Philippines, the Foreign Service Institute, and the University of the Philippines.

The other 10 candidates who also won a seat in CEDAW were from Bahamas, China, France, Ghana, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mauritania, Nepal, Nigeria, and Norway. n

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach takes...

PAGE A3 t

the Philippines and globally and now, six months into my reign, I realized that I had to get myself tested,” Wurtzbach told us after the test. “We’re all at risk, we’re all the same. But that risk will be reduced if you get yourself tested. It is very important.”

She also lamented about the alarming rate of HIV infections in the Philippines.

According to the UNICEF, the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines is growing at an alarming rate and the country is one of only seven countries globally where the number of new HIV cases has increased by over 25 per cent from 2001 to 2009.

New infections are largely concentrated among key populations with specific risk behaviors, such as unprotected male-to-male sex, transactional sex and intravenous drug use.

“It makes me wonder why they are not talking about it. I can’t really blame it on just one thing.

Saan ba tayo nagkulang? Where are we going wrong? Why is this happening to us?,” she said.

Data from the Philippine Department of Health’s Epidemiology Bureau reveal that the number of individuals with HIV newly diagnosed per day rose to 22 in 2015, from just one in 2008, four in 2010, nine in 2012 and 17 in 2014.

Health Secretary Janette Garin projected a sharper increase in the number of HIV cases in

Miss Universe getting her HIV test at Apicha, a health care center that caters to the LGBT community in New York.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

the Philippines in the next seven years. “If we do not slow down our HIV epidemic, if we do not invest in preventing new HIV infections, the number of people living with HIV will reach 133,000 by 2022,” she said at the HIV Partners’ Forum Summit in Manila, according to Philippine Star.

Wurtzbach then said it is about lack of education on the issue.

“People don’t know about HIV

and AIDS. They do not know where to get themselves tested.

They don’t know how they can acquire it. They don’t know that when they share needles, that’s a way of transferring HIV,” she elaborated. “I think and I hope that with our new administration, we can put some light into HIV. Let’s not forget about it. I don’t want to put it in the shadow.” n

US to China, rivals: Be calm after...

PAGE A2 t

atop vast energy reserves.

Beijing prefers one-on-one negotiations with each of the rival claimants, an arrangement that gives it advantage because of its sheer size and clout and prevents Washington from playing any role to resolve the conflicts.

In the case filed in the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Philippines challenged the validity of China’s “nine-dash line” claiming virtually the entire stretch of the South China Sea and demanded respect for its right to explore resources in waters within its 370-km exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippines also asked the tribunal to rule whether several disputed areas are outcrops, reefs or islands and how much stretch of territorial waters they project.

Natuna incidents The US official also expressed concern over China’s Coast Guard ships escorting Chinese fishing

vessels in areas including Indonesia’s Natuna Islands, where Indonesian vessels fired warning shots on Friday.

Indonesia has rejected China’s stance that the two nations have overlapping claims on “maritime rights and interests” in the South China Sea. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on Wednesday said his country had “no overlapping claims in any form in Indonesian waters with China.”

But Jakarta has objected to Beijing’s inclusion of waters around Natuna Islands within its “ninedash line” claim to almost all of the South China Sea. A Chinese fishing boat entered those waters on Friday, prompting an Indonesian naval vessel to fire a warning shot, injuring one person.

It was the third reported confrontation between Indonesian naval vessels and Chinese fishing boats near the Natuna Islands this year.

The Philippines also has stood up to China’s bullying in the South China Sea, with a small, rickety Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel outsmarting a large Chinese Coast Guard ship to restock a small Marine garrison on the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in the Spratly Islands on March 29, 2014.

The next day, the Philippines submitted evidence to the arbitration court in The Hague, which proceeded to hear the case despite China’s refusal to take part in the proceedings.

In his last week in office, President Aquino is waiting for the ruling, which he hopes will be in favor of the Philippines.

“We have done what we can [to obtain] a resolution that is fair to all parties concerned,” Mr. Aquino told reporters in a recent news conference.

Mr. Aquino steps down on June 30. (Inquirer.net with reports from the wires and Nikko Dizon)

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A

Philippines: ‘fastest-growing’ smartphone nation in Southeast Asia

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

OATH TAKING. The children of president-elect Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte on Monday took their oath of office as mayor and vice mayor of their hometown Davao City on Monday, June 20. Sara Duterte-Carpio took her oath of office as mayor before Regional Trial Court Branch 16 Executive Judge Emmanuel Carpio while her brother Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, re-elected as vice mayor, took his oath before Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 7 Judge Rufino Ferraris Jr. The oath-taking was held in a Davao City RTC courtroom.

Mining, oil investors still dumping shares by doris

duMlao-abadilla Inquirer.net

FOUR years after his heated exchange with antimining advocate Gina Lopez in a public forum, businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan has vowed to keep “business as usual” while stock market investors anticipate doomsday for the mining industry once she assumes office as the new environment czar.

Mining and oil stocks took a beating for the second straight day on the local bourses as jittery investors continued to dump shares in mining and oil companies a day after Lopez accepted the offer of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to become the next secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a press conference after the AIM for Change conference yesterday, Pangilinan—managing director of First Pacific Co. Ltd. that has interests in mining, infrastructure and telecommunications in the Philippines—said after some initial concerns, businessmen were now generally “welcoming” of the Cabinet members nominated by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

At the end of the day, he said, Duterte’s 10-point economic program—likewise warmly received by businessmen—would be a matter of execution.

“Only time will tell what degree of success this [incoming administration] will achieve in six years,” he said.

‘Elephant in room’ “The elephant in the room is Gina Lopez—I apologize for the comparison—but first of all, let me just say it’s entirely the prerogative of the President to name whoever he wants to name. He

has nominated or asked Gina Lopez to be the DENR secretary. So be it, we respect that decision. In his own wisdom, he feels she’s the right person for that post,” Pangilinan said.

On Tuesday, the mining/oil index slumped by 4.09 percent on news that Lopez was asked to be the DENR secretary. The counter slid by another 7.31 percent on Wednesday on confirmation that Lopez had accepted the portfolio.

“What’s our attitude? It’s business as usual,” Pangilinan said.

First Pacific controls Philex Mining, one of the largest mining firms in the country, along with oil exploration arm Philex Petroleum Corp. Yesterday, shares of Philex fell by another 10.86 percent.

Pangilinan acknowledged that Philex would inevitably have to deal with Lopez, whether for permits to operate its existing Padcal mine or to work on additional resources or new mining tenements.

“We just have to work with what we’ve been dealt with. I think the hallmark of business is you work within the environment you’re given,” he said.

He said Lopez should be given a chance to “articulate her policy,” which, in turn, would also reflect the policy of the President.

“We’ve been in this situation before so what’s new?” Pangilinan said.

Asked whether he thought that mining could be a growth driver under the Duterte administration given the current circumstances, Pangilinan said it’s pretty much “work in progress.”

He added it would be best to wait and see how the policy framework would pan out.

“In trying to create a viable and extensive export base, you have

to consider mining potential,” Pangilinan said, noting that mining exports last year amounted to around $4 billion.

Rural catalyst “We are a very mineralized country. We have all that resource underground, so the question really is—do you want to exploit that for the betterment of our people and fulfill one of the tenets (of the Duterte economic agenda) which is to increase exports?” he said.

Pangilinan said he agreed that the government should enforce responsible mining.

“In fact, for business in general, you have to conduct your affairs in a responsible way, whether in mining or telecoms, it’s part of your duty to society,” he said.

The businessman said the Philippines could adopt global standards in responsible mining, referring to the extraction of minerals in an environmentally and socially sound manner.

“If the Canadians, Australians, the South Africans can do it, why can’t the Filipinos do it?” he said.

“There will be some costs associated with it but I think it comes with the business.”

Along with programs to boost agriculture and tourism, Pangilinan said the mining industry was one way to coax businesses to invest in the countryside, where about 40 percent of people were living in poverty.

“Mining is not in the cities. It’s out there in the boondocks,” he said.

But if businesses could not make money in the rural areas, thus would not invest in there, he said.

Businesses then should be encouraged and given incentives to focus on the countryside, he said. n

THE Philippines is the fastestgrowing market for smartphones in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to a new report from market research company International Data Corporation (IDC).

The report indicated that about 3.5 million smartphones were shipped to the country during the first quarter of 2016.

Local vendors comprise more than half of the smartphone market, like popular local retailer MyPhone, which lead the local vendors’ sector. However, the local sector’s share of the market dropped 4 percent in 2015 while sales from global vendors have increased by 4 percent in 2015 compared to the previous year, according to the IDC report.

Affordable, low-end smartphones are a significant factor because it opened up the market

to Filipinos who otherwise would not have access to smartphones, according to Mobile World Live.

Budget phones that are priced at PHP3,500 ($75) are becoming more popular among Filipinos.

Popular smartphone retailers like Samsung and Asus have also been tackling the sub-PHP6,000 ($129) sector, IDC Philippine market analyst Jerome Dominguez said in an interview with Rappler.

In the last three years, overall smartphone usage among Filipinos in the Philippines more than doubled according to a report from statistics portal Statista.

Currently, about 30 percent of all Filipinos are smartphone users and that is projected to increase.

Dominguez said that this upsurge in smartphone demand will further innovate the smartphone market in the Philippines.

“As the Philippines smartphone market matures and shifts from being an acquisition game

to a replacement one, consumers are expected to demand more from a smartphone in terms of specs and performance,” said Dominguez.

While the Philippines may be enjoying a more smartphonesavvy market, the IDC said that network connectivity problems may ensue due to the increasing smartphone-using populace.

Moreover, consumer demand for smartphones with higher memory capacity will increase; the IDC report found that smartphones with less than one GB of random access memory (RAM) dropped from 44 percent to 38 percent.

Because mobile Internet is still “among the most expensive” in Southeast Asia, telecommunications companies should work on innovating and expanding their capabilities to serve budding smartphone markets, according to IDC Philippines Country Head Jubert Albert in an interview with Rappler. n

Senate honors ‘Manong Ernie’

by Jefferson and

antiporda Catherine s. Valente ManilaTimes.net

THE Senate will hold necrological services for former Senate President Ernesto Maceda, or “Manong (Elder Brother) Ernie” who was described as an “effective bureaucrat and a principled lawmaker who always acted based on the people’s interest.”

Maceda, who earned the moniker “Mr. Exposé” for exposing anomalies in government during his Senate days, passed away Monday evening after undergoing gallbladder surgery at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. He was 81 years old.

According to the Office of the Senate Secretary, necrological services for the late senator will be held on Thursday at around 4 p.m.

Senate Secretary Oscar Yabes said Senate President Franklin Drilon, other senators and protocol officers will await the

Former Senate President Ernesto Maceda died due to health complications.

arrival of Maceda’s family and the casket bearing the remains of the former statesman at the entrance of the Senate building in Pasay City at 4 p.m.

The casket will then be brought to the Senate session hall where Maceda’s family and

former colleagues will deliver eulogies and pay their last respects.

Among those expected to pay tribute to the late senator are Drilon, Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Gregorio Honasan

u PAGE A7

ABS-CBN’s Lopez accepts DENR post

by JanViC

Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA—Anti-mining advocate Gina Lopez has accepted the offer of president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to be the next secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“After much introspection, I decided to accept it,” Lopez said on the sidelines of an event at the ABS-CBN compound on Tuesday, June 21.

“I was surprised (because) I am not the usual choice. My stand on environment protection is clear,” she added.

Lopez was attending the presentation of awards for Excellence in Educational Transformation at the ABS-CBN compound when she abruptly left the venue to answer a phone call from Duterte.

“I just talked with him a few minutes ago,” she told reporters after her conversation with Duterte.

“I told him, sir, I just want you to know that I considered your proposal, I am deeply honored.

It’s such a controversial decision, but you decided to trust me... I give you my firm commitment that I will do everything I can,” Lopez added.

Lopez chairs ABS-CBN’s charitable arm Lingkod Bayan Foundation and Pasig River Rehabili-

Atty. Rio Guerrero

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with China.

“Because I told Goldberg, are you with us or are you not with us?,” he said, adding that he was ready to claim the West Philippine Sea once the United Nation’s tribunal favored the Philippine diplomatic protest.

Duterte mentioned the 1952 Mutual Defense Agreement between the Philippine government and the United States “desiring to declare publicly and formally their sense of unity and their common determination to de-

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Gina Lopez

tation Council.

She said she was not expecting Duterte’s offer for the DENR post when she met with him on Monday in Davao City.

A staunch anti-mining advocate, Lopez said she would seek a dialogue with mining companies upon her assumption as environment secretary.

She said she would address climate change and air pollution as well as dynamite fishing and illegal logging.

“The first thing I want to do is clean the ranks of DENR. Those who are accepting bribes, your days are over,” she said.

Duterte to Amb. Goldberg…

PAGE A1 t

Atty. Tsui Yee

fend themselves against external armed attack.”

This was agreed upon “so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone in the Pacific area.”

But the incoming President said the agreement is somewhat vague.

“I’ll give you an example. The law of the sea of nations gives us the exclusive right over 200 nautical miles. If I go there using that privilege of mine, would that be an attack against China or an of-

The appointment of Lopez to the DENR came weeks after Duterte stressed the need for someone who can help him address the destruction of the environment caused by mining.

Duterte’s aide, outgoing Maribojoc, Bohol Mayor Jun Evasco, expressed his interest to head the agency.

Evasco was a former member of the New People’s Army before he became chief of staff of Duterte.

Evasco will serve as secretary to the Cabinet of the incoming administration.

Ang Pangarap Niyo Ay Pangarap Namin.

u PAGE A7 fense against China?” he said.

He reiterated his earlier pronouncements that the Philippines would not go to war with China.

“I will not go to war because of the Scarborough Shoal lang,” he said.

The Scarborough shoal is one of the disputed areas over the gas-rich West Philippine Sea. Duterte said he would wait for the decision of the United Nations International Tribunal on the Law of the Seas (itlos) before finalizing the government’s move.

“I’ve repeatedly said we will wait for the arbitral judgement.

Then I will decide,” he said. n

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A JUNE 24-30, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Shootout

THERE has seemingly been a string of criminal incidents where police officers have instantly shot suspected drug peddlers and pushers upon encounter. Is change really coming to address criminality and the growing illegal drug trade in the Philippines? Or is this a ploy to clean up their ranks?

It is unpleasant to see officers you expect to uphold the law and apprehend criminals, as the same people the citizenry should be afraid of. It is a betrayal of trust and a degradation of peace and security.

They are after all, in-charge of ensuring the public’s safety and purging misfits from the streets.

Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte has continuously warned that he will be aggressive in addressing criminality in the country. He even insists on the return of the death penalty and the public hanging of convicted criminals.

Duterte wants capital punishment for criminals convicted in illegal drugs, gun-for-hire syndicates and those who commit “heinous crimes” like rapists, robbers or car thieves who kill their victims.

Since the elections in May, there have been 34 alleged drug pushers killed in a supposed shootout with law enforcers. The Catholic Church has commended the authorities in their strong anticrime crusade.

However, it said that vigilante-style murders may also be on the rise as it expressed disapproval of bounties for criminals.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Pres. and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop

Socrates Villegas reminded authorities that “to kill a suspect outright, no matter how much surveillance work may have antecedently been done on the suspect, is not morally justified.”

“We understand the difficulties that law-enforcers face, the daily risk to life and limb, but not only civil society but also the Church counts on them for the flourishing of a society where all enjoy the blessings of a regime under laws that are just and institutions that are fair,” Villegas said.

There was never a better time to call this world a civilized society. Because of various national and international laws existing, we are bound to live decently, based on respect for the sanctity of life, democracy and human rights.

An intensified law enforcement may only serve as a deterrent against crimes, to lessen opportunities for criminal elements. But the severity of the string of recent crimes reported still leaves anyone vulnerable.

The situation calls for strong and effective civilian oversight of the police. Going on an all-out war against crime is beyond the power of the government alone. This campaign can only be deemed successful with the engagement of the public. (AJPress)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Game on for the presumptive nominees: Clinton beats Trump in new poll and in fundraising E v e n IT may be less than a month with added away from the Republican and The Fil-Am candidates Democratic National Convenin the mix, tions, but the respective pre- Perspective T r u m p sumptive nominees for parties continues -- Donald Trump and Hillary to be in Clinton — have sharpened their a weaker attacks against each other. Polls Gel SantoS-ReloS position suggest that Hillary Clinton is compared winning in the match-up this to Clinton. The same poll reveals that early.

According to a CNN/ORC poll re- when Gary Johnson of the Libertarian leased on June 21, Clinton tops Trump Party and Jill Stein of the Green Parby a 47 percent to 42 percent margin in ty are included in the list of options, the race to the White House, with just Clinton holds the lead at 42 percent, percent 22 of registered voters saying Trump 38 percent, Johnson 9 percent their minds could change between now and Stein 7 percent.

The CNN/ORC poll shows Former and November.

State Sec. Clinton holding an edge over Trump on foreign policy, immigration, and trade. On the other hand, the respondents to the poll Trump is deemed to be stronger than Clinton on the economy and the fight against terrorism.

Despite the aforementioned opinions of registered voters on key issues, however, it seems Trump has much work to do to win the presidency. The poll reveals a majority say they ultimately expect Clinton to prevail in November: 55 percent say they think Clinton will win the presidency, only 38 percent think Trump will.

But public opinion isn’t just the hurdle he needs to surmount. Money is very important to run an effective and

strong campaign nationwide heading into the November general elections, and Trump is also way behind Clinton in this race. According to NBC news, Clinton has outraised Trump 9-1. The Democratic presumptive nominee started off the month of June with $42 million cash-on-hand, while the Republican presumptive nominee has only $1.3 million.

In a dramatic effort to infuse new energy to his campaign to be more competitive in a broader electorate come November -- Trump just fired Corey Lewandowski, his campaign manager who helped him win Republican presidential nominating contests.

Trump’s critics and political oppo-

nents say the dilemma is not just his staff nor money. They contend that the real problem is the candidate himself — Donald Trump.

Of course, many Filipinos in America believe in Trump and his campaign promises.

But does he really have the chance to win the votes of a broader electorate in America? What must he do to win the race to the White House? *** 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

Can Duterte create a ‘State without enemies’?

Commentary

FRanciSco S. tatad A FORk on the road is rising to meet the Duterte presidency. One path leads to the future, another leads to the past. The incoming President has the chance of ending the world’s longest communist insurgency by persuading the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Liberation Front to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate into the body politic—that’s the way to the future—or he could, by default, help them take over the government and turn the country into a post-Cold War totalitarian communist state. That’s the way to the past.

Likewise, he has the chance of ending the country’s Moro Islamic insurgency by persuading the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Abu Sayyaf, Moro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other rebel groups to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate into the body politic, or he could, by default, help them create an autonomous political unit that could ultimately dismember Mindanao by breaking away as an independent Islamic state.

In both cases, most of those who voted for Duterte in the May 9 elections are counting on him to do the first. But many fear he could be outsmarted by the CPP/NPA/NDF and the Moro rebels, which have shown themselves smarter than many of their counterparts in various parts of the world. What can he

do to avoid being outsmarted?

As he prepares to assume office, this should occupy his deepest thoughts.

As of now, the focus of public attention is on corruption and crime. Duterte’s campaign promise to kill thousands of drug traffickers and to end criminality within his first six months in office has already generated a rash of extra-judicial killings of suspected drug traffickers. Not a few citizens have welcomed these killings and expect more with the promised restoration of the capital sentence. This has alarmed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and many private citizens who have expressed serious concern about the rise of vigilantism.

Beyond street crime We doubt that extrajudicial killings of criminals and the proposed restoration of the death sentence would help more than harm the individual and society in the long run. While supporting Duterte in prioritizing attention to corruption and crime, we must help raise his sights for the nation and his presidency by pointing out the more fundamental things that cannot be sacrificed for any reason whatsoever. Ending street crime, no matter how urgent, cannot be his most important purpose.

Given the possibility of forging an effective peace agreement with the communist and Moro rebels, and making them partners in government, the creation of a “state without enemies,” to borrow a term from Anthony Giddens, has to become the first priority of the Duterte government.

This does not simply mean trying to bring the communist and Moro rebel forces together to

support a “democratic system” that does not work, or allowing them to impose their own failed systems upon our dysfunctional state or government. Rather it means working with them to develop new ways of creating greater justice, equality, job opportunities, disposable income, and human happiness for all, and making the most mundane things work.

Trading experiences Both communism and socialism have failed. Islamic extremism has produced a new wave of terror called ISIS. Our democracy has become a parody of itself and needs to be made more democratic. We need a new ideology, a new way of looking at things, a new way of governing ourselves.

We cannot get this from the communists or Moro separatists, but we could perhaps learn from each other by trading ideas and experiences.

Many of us were stunned in disbelief upon hearing of President-elect Duterte’s decision to name nominees of the CPP/ NPA/NDF to the Cabinet. And for the most valid of reasons— the subject was never remotely discussed during the campaign, and the peace talks between the government and the CPP/NPA/NDF have not produced the shadow of any such agreement, before they were suspended.

And yet weren’t we showing too much unnecessary fear (paranoia) of the communists, asks a faithful reader, by our vivid (in some cases, livid) reaction? The communists belong to the past, rather than to the present, why should we be so afraid?

Why fear the communists?

This seems to carry an unquestionably valid point. The Cold War ended in 1991. The

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, established five years after the Russian revolution on Dec. 30, 1922, was dissolved.

China, Cuba, Vietnam and North korea alone survived the worldwide collapse. But postMao China adopted market capitalism to become the fastest-growing economy in the world, while Cuba and Vietnam began reaching out to the West, ultimately normalizing relations with the United States, the ultimate capitalist nation.

Even in the mountain kingdom of Nepal, the Maoists had been winning parliamentary elections after they laid down their arms in 2008. In Europe, where both communism and socialism have vanished, the only card-bearing communists left were in Utrecht, and they were not even Euro-

peans but Filipinos. These were remnants of the old communist revolutionaries, who had tried to topple the Marcos government in the 70s but failed.

As a young newspaper reporter I used to hang out with Jose Maria Sison, the founding chairman of the CPP, at the Lyceum of the Philippines, where he taught political science, during his kabataang Makabayan days. This was years before he founded the CPP on Dec. 26, 1968 and the New People’s Army, its military arm, under Commander Dante (Bernabe Buscayno) on March 29, 1969, with the reported “help” of the late former Senator Ninoy Aquino.

That same year I left my newspaper career to join the Marcos Cabinet. In 1991, on a visit to the Netherlands, I spoke to Si-

son again, in Utrecht. This was our first meeting after the lapse of many years. Speaking of the collapse of the Soviet empire, he said it was largely due to its own errors, but he remained hopeful about the future of China under Mao Zedong Thought, and presumably of the CPP/NPA/NDF. But China took on economic roles from Wall Street, and the CPP splintered into the “Rejectionists” (those who reject Sison’s leadership) and the “Reaffirmists” (those who reaffirm his leadership). So worldwide, the communist movement was a mess; and in the Philippines, it had ceased to be a monolith.

Nevertheless, the CPP/NPA/NDF has been undaunted by its reverses, and the propaganda expresses its confidence. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 24-30, 2016

A

Arroyo faces new plunder probe ANOTHER plunder complaint has been filed against former President Gloria Arroyo, this time in connection with the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) intelligence funds.

Laurence Arroyo, the former President’s counsel, said the case is different from the P366 million plunder raps also filed against the former leader for the alleged misuse of PCSO funds. The case pending at the Sandiganbayan covers 2008 to 2010.

“It’s a new complaint for plunder and malversation in connection with the PCSO intelligence fund, filed by the FIO (Field

Investigation Office of the Ombudsman). The Ombudsman is conducting a preliminary investigation. It covers the years 2004 to 2007,” Arroyo, who is not related to the former President, told The Manila Times in a text message.

On May 25, the Supreme Court tasked the Sandiganbayan to “give prompt and preferential attention” to the directive to present the records of the plunder cases involving the PCSO. In April, the Supreme Court also extended a Status Quo Ante Order on the pending P366 million plunder raps against Arroyo

which put her plunder trial on hold until June 20.

Arroyo’s counsel, however, is confident that his client will not be indicted again for plunder.

“We’re confident that this will not prosper because former President Arroyo did not amass a single centavo of those intelligence funds,” the lawyer said.

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that he is in favor of granting house arrest to Arroyo, who was re-elected as Pampanga Representative.

Duterte’s PDP-Laban party has inked a coalition pact with Arroyo’s Lakas-CMD party. (Llanesca Panti/ManilaTimes.net)

Truce with communist party eyed

by Catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

WITH the signing of the mechanics for the holding of peace talks in July, the government and communist rebels may declare a ceasefire before President-elect Rodrigo Duterte delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In a news conference in Davao City on Tuesday, government negotiator Silvestre Bello 3rd said the Duterte administration and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) will declare a “unilateral ceasefire” once the formal peace talks between the two par-

ties begin. “[We] agreed that after the formal resumption of the talks, both parties will declare a unilateral ceasefire,” Bello told reporters.

“As a result of this preparation, there will be a creation of a ceasefire committee to monitor the implementation,” he said.

The NPA traditionally declares a ceasefire during the Christmas holidays, or limited cessation of hostilities during negotiations for the release of their captives.

Bello said the formal talks will probably start on the third week of July, a week before Duterte’s first SONA. He added that results of the

exploratory talks in Norway this month with the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the CPP, were “very positive.”

“The time we spent there was quality time [because] we achieved what we wanted to achieve when we went there and that was to convince them to return to the peace table,” Bello explained.

He, incoming presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza and former Agrarian Reform secretary Hernani Braganza met with the CPP-NDF leaders to reopen peace talks.

Both parties agreed to finish the talks within the first year of the Duterte administration. n

Senate honors ‘Manong Ernie’

PAGE A5 t

2nd and former Senators Rene Saguisag, Heherson Alvarez, Nikki Coseteng, Orlando Mercado, Joey Lina and Francisco Tatad.

Several senators have expressed their condolences to the family of the former Senate chief, who during his time in the Senate, received numerous awards from various news agencies and private organizations for his outstanding performance.

Drilon described the late senator as a “tireless worker and a very hands-on Senate President, whose unique zeal and work ethic had led to many important laws that benefited our people.”

“I send my sincerest condolences to his family and I pray that the Lord will give them strength throughout this diffi-

cult time,” Drilon said.

Outgoing Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. considers Maceda as among the best and brightest who served in his father’s Cabinet.

“His entire life’s record of public service is a testament not only to his brilliance but dedication to his calling. But most of all, he was a true friend and a second father to many of us,” Marcos added.

Maceda worked under the Marcos administration first as Secretary of Community Development in 1966. He was again appointed by Marcos as his Executive Secretary in concurrent capacity as chairman of the Commission on Reorganization in 1969.

Malacañang also extended its sympathies to the family of former Senate President Maceda.

“We extend our condolences to his bereaved family and join

his bereaved family in fervent prayers for his eternal repose,” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“The late former Senate President Ernesto Maceda distinguished himself as a legislator, Cabinet member and ambassador through more than five decades of dedicated public service,” he added.

Maceda served three terms in the Senate and held five Cabinet positions. He was the oldest senatorial candidate in the 2013 elections.

He was also the Philippines’ ambassador to the United States under the administration of former President Joseph Estrada.

A product of the Ateneo de Manila University and Harvard University, Maceda entered politics as a councilor of Manila in 1959. n

QUAKE DRILL. Members of the Bureau of Fire and Protection in Makati City use a high ladder to simulate a rescue operation in case the “Big One” strikes. Thousands participated on Wednesday, June 22 in the nationwide earthquake drill, an exercise that aims to teach what to do when a powerful quake hits Metro Manila. Camp Aguinaldo, the military’s main headquarters located in Quezon City, served as the ceremonial venue and the national command post.

Inquirer.net photo by Yuji Vincent Gonzales

Convicted drug lords deny plot to kill Duterte coming president.

The 19 high-value inmates from the NBP said that the alleMANILA — High-profile con- gation might be used to “silence” victed drug lords detained at them. the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Incoming Philippine National Muntinlupa City denied on Tues- Police Chief Supt. Ronald dela day that they have a plot to kill Rosa earlier revealed that drug President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. lords detained in the NBP are According to a report from The raising funds to counter the P5 STAR, members of the “Bilibid million offer of Duterte for killers 19” asked for an investigation of drug lords. into the alleged plot to kill the inDela Rosa claimed that there is

by PatriCia lourdeS Philstar.com

Viray

a plot to make him and Duterte as the target of the inmates. He added that the bounties were raised from P10 million to P50 million.

The incoming PNP chief, however, challenged the drug lords to a “war.”

“Bring it on, really. Bring it on.

O, mas malaki P50 million. Okay, you come. Bring it on anytime — any time of the day, any place,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart. n

ABS-CBN’s Lopez accepts DENR… PAGE A5 t

Duterte warns mining firms Duterte said Lopez, whom he described as “ardent for responsible mining,” met him Monday to talk about the impact of mining in some areas.

Duterte said mining companies should plant trees and wash away the chemicals they leave behind to avoid destroying the environment.

“If you don’t do it, I will cancel the permit,” he said.

Duterte said there would be a comprehensive review of all mining concessions to ensure that such activities would not be harmful to the environment.

“If you are into it, be sure you have enough resources or I’ll require you to go to Canada and Australia to learn how to mine precious metals,” the incoming president said.

“When you’re spoiling the land, I’ll cancel it (permit) without hesitation. That’s the bottom

line,” he added.

Duterte clarified that he is not against mining but companies “have to do it right” because the precious metals belong to the Filipino people.

“If you cannot do it right, then get out,” he said.

Lopez’s appointment lauded Meanwhile, environmental advocates lauded the appointment of Lopez to the DENR. “Her track record on environmental causes cannot be questioned,” said former Puerto Princesa City mayor Edward Hagedorn.

“President-elect Duterte picked the right person to fight for what is right as she has proven with La Mesa Dam, Pasig River and her anti-mining stance that is consistent with what the president wants to happen,” Hagedorn said.

Lopez has been an ally in the fight against large-scale mining and coal projects across the country, Gerry Arances of the

PMCJ said.

Sonia Mendoza, president of Mother Earth Foundation, welcomed the appointment of Lopez as the next DENR chief.

The Tagbalay foundation led

by Nim Gonzales and SEED Institute president Anthony Abaya also lauded the designation of Lopez to the DENR post.

The Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment said Lopez was instrumental in gathering 10 million signatures aimed at stopping mining in Palawan.

Kalikasan PNE national coordinator Clemente Bautista Jr. said they witnessed Lopez’s leadership and determination in protecting the environment.

“We linked arms with her in demanding justice for slain environmentalist Gerry Ortega,” Bautista said.

The group also lauded Lopez’s stand against the construction of coal power plants in the country. n

A JUNE 24-30, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

june 24-30, 2016

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u N E 24 , 20 1 6

Geraldine Roman Breaks Glass Ceiling in PH Politics First Transgender Woman Elected to Congress

by MoMar G. Visaya/AJPress THe recent May elections in the Philippines introduced a new politician to the rest of the world. Her name is Geraldine Roman and she was elected as a congresswoman to represent the First District of the province of Bataan in the House of Representatives.

The 49-year-old Roman made history when she won as she became the first transgender woman in the country’s history to be elected to Congress. Her landslide victory is viewed as a breakthrough for LGBT community in a country that is considered traditionally Catholic and conservative, and where divorce, same-sex marriage and abortion are still illegal.

Roman says she will champion equal opportunities under broader a platform.

The congresswoman-elect was in New York recently to visit her brother and attend the graduation of her niece from Dartmouth College. Her brother, a lawyer, suggested for her to make the most out of this trip and network. He contacted the Asia Society which was then working on their Diversity Leadership Forum.

A couple of weeks ago,

Roman delivered the keynote speech at the forum, a vital platform for companies to explore how to develop Asian Pacific American as well as Asian talent to gain a competitive edge in the U.S. and global marketplaces.

“What better place to talk about my experiences being a transgender politician in the Philippines,” Roman said.

“I have one message – we are talking about diversity, it’s not just about gender but it is also about gender, religion, culture.

We should look beyond these differences and look for common ground. Let’s try to work together and be productive and bring our companies to success.”

Roman said she experienced discrimination simply because she is different, because she is a transgender woman.

“It’s 2016, we’re here in the US, which is supposedly the main proponent of human rights in the world, and there’s still discrimination here. We have to overcome that obstacle,” she told Asian Journal after she delivered her keynote.

In her speech, she talked about dignity and respect, how it is the golden rule, a basic law for

harmonious relationships and for us to advance as a society.

Her parents Antonio and Herminia played a part in her decision to run for public office.

Her father was a congressman in the first district of Bataan. It is her mother who is occupying the post now and she is ending her last term.

“My parents are my inspiration. They have set a very good example to us siblings and they are partly the reason why I decided to join a career in public service,” Roman said.

Her journey to the House of Representatives began when she decided to return to the Philippines to take care of her ailing father in 2012.

“When my father fell sick in 2012, I decided to come home to the Philippines to take care of him. It usually happens with daughters, right? I don’t have any children so it is easier for me to move back to the Philippines,” Roman shared.

She took care of the family patriarch and in doing so, she noticed that he was trying to hint something to her.

“I think he wanted me to continue the legacy of public service in the family. He asked

me one mind-boggling question – ‘What is the true meaning of your life?’. I answered him, ‘What do you want me to tell you?’” she asked back.

“Your life is centered on yourself. You may be successful as long as you don’t help others, your life has no true meaning,” her father told her.

That made her decide.

“We’re breaking barriers now.

The message of acceptance, tolerance and respect is universal.

My winning a seat in Congress is transcendental and it could be used for the worthy cause of human rights,” she said.

The neophyte politician ran on a platform of eQUALITY, an acronym that represented the issues and advocacies she wanted to pursue - e for education, Q and U for Quality and Universal health care, A for agriculture, L for Livelihood, I for Infrastructure, T for Transparency and Y for Youth.

“My immediate goal is to pass at least one bill for this advocacy and if I get 5 out of 8 and they are passed as laws, then I shall have been successful,” Roman surmised. “I want to inspire people who may be suffering from discrimination. It is not only in terms of gender but also in terms of socio-economic status and ethnicity. My story can be inspiring to overcome whatever difficulty they may be experiencing right now.”

Prior to moving back to the Philippines, she was based in Spain. It was there where she studied and finished her two masters degrees - Spanish Language and Literature and Journalism. It was also in Spain where she met her special someone, her better half.

Roman attended the allboys, Jesuit-run Ateneo High School. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in european Languages.

She speaks fluent Spanish, French and Italian.

During the entire campaign, she did not access her social media accounts to spare her from the bashing coming from her opponents. It was a tough campaign period, she said, since her opponents painted her as

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

immoral and mocked her just because she is a transgender woman.

“When I won, I thought it was a quiet victory. I had no idea until all of a sudden the media was contacting me through text and social media. That was when I finally understood that this is a landmark case, a milestone in Philippine politics,” Roman recalled.

Making history is one thing, but if she had her way, she’d rather be known as a good public servant, period.

“If you ask me, I wouldn’t want to be known as the first transgender woman to be in Congress. I want to be known after my years of service as a good and honest public servant who touched the lives of many people. That is how I want to be remembered,” she said. “everyone has his or her own religious beliefs and they are to be respected,” she added. “We live in a civil society and there are common laws that need to be respected as well.”

Roman is appealing to the old-school politicians in the country to set aside religious beliefs and respect every human being for who they are.

“If you are holding public office, the presumption is that you have to respect the human rights of each and every Filipino regardless of his or her own personal circumstances. If you cannot respect those human rights, then you don’t have a place in government,” she opined. “Sana matutunan nilang ipaisangtabi muna ang kanilang religious beliefs bilang nasa loob tayo ng isang civil society.”

With her win, Roman cemented her place in Philippine history books. She will inspire young people, the next generation of Filipinos, with what she has achieved so far.

“It is a very humbling experience, to be considered as an inspiration to people. I never expected this but I realized it is a big responsibility,” Roman emphasized. “Now, I don’t just have to work hard for my constituents but I have to work for those people who have placed their trust in me and prove to the rest of the society, the rest of the world that my being a transgender is really irrelevant. What matters is what’s in my heart and in my mind and the quality of service I can give the people.”

Tom Rodriguez, the once reluctant actor, relishes stardom and its perks of the earth from the sun? Or the sun from the moon? His curiosity about these things reached TOM Rodriguez—a Filipinofever pitch and at one point, he American born in Subic Naval Base bought a telescope and studied who grew up in Samar and lived learning about parallax and visual in Yuma, Arizona, where his family perception. migrated - was once a shy young “We have too much down man. A self-confessed introvert, time when we’re shooting Tom admitted he was reluctant to whether it’s a movie or a join showbusiness at first but once teleserye,” he revealed. he was in, he realized the myriad Instead of catching up on sleep, of opportunities that opened up he reads stuff that interest him or for him. plays with his phones and doodle He was in New York City on his phone writing apps for kids. recently after an independence And whenever he’s not at day event in Toronto and he used work, he’s studying—anything the opportunity to meet up with he can get his hands on. From the local media to chat about mathematics to physics to anything. Yes, anything. And AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya chemistry to quantum mechanics everything. and politics, his range of interests “I couldn’t help but be another opportunity to tackle a emotional since I remember challenging role which he said he is varied. Add cryptography and programming and you get an when I was still back in Yuma, will prepare for by reading up on idea how diverse his arsenal is. and the community would come the topic as much as he could.

In our interview, he together to celebrate Philippine A few months ago, the actor also talked about the Independence Day,” Tom said. also starred in an indie film Kardashev Scale, a method of “Seeing all the Filipinos there was called “Magtanggol,” where he measuring a civilization’s level a beautiful thing. It reminded me played the role of Sen. Juancho of technological advancement, of home.”

Magtanggol who comes from an He and his manager decided ideal patriotic family. He described based on the amount of energy a civilization is able to use for to cut their trip short to return to the film as one that was crafted communication. We’re currently Manila so he could start preparing with love and heart for the at Type Zero, he said, which for a new show, another teleserye Filipinos. means that our civilization from his home network GMA. “I’ve met Filipinos all over the harnesses the energy of its home This is Tom’s fourth teleserye with world and you always see happy, planet, but not to its full potential the network after starring in the smiling faces and when you see just yet. controversial and groundbreaking them—the overseas Filipinos Then, there’s the series “My Husband’s Lover” specifically, akala mo yung Multiplication Table Tool Kit, a along with Dennis Trillo and pinagdadaanan nila, yung being Carla Abellana, “My Destiny” also away from their families—which is fun and engaging app that he is with Abellana and the remake of already hard as it is,” he explained. developing for kids so they can appreciate mathematics and Marimar with Miss World Megan All around man patterns more.

Young.

Not many people know Not bad for someone who For the new show, Tom said that Tom is an artist. He is also “only” studied digital animation he will be playing a role of a an aspiring app designer. He at the University of Advancing married man who will suffer from codes, too. He reads a lot and his Technology in Tempe. an early onset of Alzheimer’s, memory is sharp.

History a degenerative disease. He is How many actors do you Tom was interning in Hong thankful and excited to be given know who can recite the distance

by MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

Kong for an art firm since he wanted to be a conceptual artist. When he went back to the States in 2008 to return to the company that initially sent him to Hong Kong, he saw an American economy that was in a slump.

“I couldn’t afford to be an unpaid intern, it wasn’t feasible.

I was thinking of going to the military but my sister knew it wasn’t what I wanted. She told me she saw a plug on TV about a reality show in the Philippines,” he recalled.

He auditioned and got in and one thing led to another.

He appeared on the Philippine version of Big Brother and did a few shows with ABS-CBN, including the network’s daytime hit “Please Be Careful With My Heart”.

Then another turning point happened and an opportunity presented itself. His manager told him to audition for a new GMA show, and luckily, he got the part.

That show was “My Husband’s Lover”.

Doing MHL was a defining moment for the actor’s career as he took on a role many of his contemporaries would either kill for or avoid like a plague. During the show’s duration, Tom was known as Vincent, the gay, titular husband.

“It was the first drama I ever did and when I auditioned, I didn’t feel that I was qualified enough,” Tom revealed, adding that he did not want to make the role into a caricature. “I did not want to offend a group of people that’s why I questioned if I could carry the role or if I could show the depth of the character.”

Continued on Page 5

Michael Cinco

Inquirer.net photo

Michael Cinco: First Filipino designer presenting at Paris Fashion Week

By Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

is timeless.”

His exhibition will be presented by the Asian Couture FILIPINO fashion designer Federation (ACF), a non-profit Michael Cinco will be presenting his collection at the eminent Paris organization that seeks to promote Asian couturiers.

Fashion Week in July.

Following his Autumn/Winter Cinco, 44, will be the first collection will be a showcase Filipino designer to present at of a special line of affordable the world-renowned couture couture-inspired pieces for showcase on July 3. The DubaiCOUTURíSSIMO, an initiative from based designer’s 30-piece ACF to make high fashion for Autumn/Winter collection will accessible to consumers. be nature-inspired with “some “We are delighted that influences of the Philippines” he Michael Cinco is one of the said in an interview with Khaleej first couturiers that we are Times. collaborating with to create “My collection is an homage to the beauty of nature,” Cinco told an affordable and accessible collection,” emily Hwang, vice Gulf News. “Like the butterflies just out of their cocoons, hovering president of ACF told Yahoo!

News. around the flowers in their midst.

Born in Catbalogan City in It is a celebration of uncluttered Samar, Philippines, Cinco studied beauty, of raw elegance and at the University of the Philippines lightness of being, and yet, of Diliman, majoring in fine arts. Two not so quiet serenity. It is for years later, he transferred to Slim’s women who know their desires Fashion & Art’s School in Manila, and ultimately get them and still and then went on to Central Saint thrive on mystery. And yes, like the butterflies and the flowers, it Continued on Page 5

A little knowledge can be dangerous Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ Despite having only limited knowledge or understanding of immigration laws, some people attempt to strategize and handle their immigration case on their own. they follow the advice of friends or relatives or listen to gossip or rumors they hear on the streets or at parties. partial or incomplete information about immigration law and benefits can have devastating effects, resulting in denials, deportation, or many additional years of separation from your family.

Recently, a woman came to my office for assistance for her daughter, who was refused a visa because the daughter had “aged out.” the woman wanted to know if her daughter was eligible under the Child status protection Act (CspA). After doing the mathematical computation, the daughter was considered mathematically over 21 and not CspA eligible. As a result, the mother will need to file a new petition for her daughter, which could take another 10

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA eiGHtY percent of things don’t matter; twenty percent do.

Vilfredo pareto, an italian sociologist in the late nineteenth century, introduced the concept of the 80/20 rule which states that in any given group, only 20 percent will constitute what is important and the remaining 80 percent will be trivial. this rule is referred to as the “vital few” and the “trivial many”. While this concept was originally meant to be applied to the principles of economics and sociology, the 80/20 rule can be applied to just about anything that involves a list or a group of elements in daily life. Using the

years before the daughter can finally immigrate to the Us. Had they obtained proper legal advice from an attorney at the outset, both this woman and her daughter could have been in the Us as far back as 1995! instead, by relying on partial information, the daughter now must wait again for decades to immigrate. in this woman’s case, she was single, and was petitioned by her Us citizen mother in 1994, just after the mother had naturalized.

Assuming the mother got her green card in 1989 (five years before her naturalization in 1994), the mother could have already filed a petition for her, as a single adult child of a green card holder parent (F-2B), the F-2B would have included the daughter. instead, the family thought it would be “faster” to wait for the mother to become a Us citizen and then file the petition. that is wrong!

Had the mother filed an F-2B petition for this woman while the mother was still an immigrant in 1989, visas would have been available for both the woman and her daughter as far back as 1995. instead, by waiting until the mother naturalized, and only then filing a petition, by the time the priority date became current, the daughter had already aged out.

My point is that people

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J u N E 24 , 20 1 6

think, “What’s so difficult about petitioning a family member? i can just do it on my own, because it is simple and straightforward.”

But there may be faster ways to bring family members to the Us, which a person may not be fully aware of. instead, they rely on partial information, which, as you can see from the above example, can have devastating effects. that is why you should consult with an attorney, who can evaluate your situation, to make sure you are going the fastest, most direct route, to accomplish your immigration goal. *** 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 reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

Pareto’s 80/20 rule or how to make a molehill out of a mountain

FAKE TOURIST VISA RESULTED IN BEING SENT BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES “A TO A”, AND LATER JEOPARDIZED HIS IMMIGRANT VISA DUE TO FRAUD– ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY! Johnnatan (second from left) got a tourist visa through a newspaper ad that advertised “Non-Appearance” Visas for $2500. He entered the US in 2002 without any problems, but when he returned in 2003, he was held at the airport and sent back to the Philippines, after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accused him of using a fake or counterfeit tourist visa. That meant a possible lifetime ban. Years later, his mother’s petition became current, and he was afraid how his fake tourist visa would affect his and his daughter’s chances of immigrating to the US. Watch how a family was able to overcome a fraud charge and be reunited, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday, June 26 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

meant to squeeze as much as can be done in our waking hours, expectations can become unrealistic. the stress of trying to do too much too soon can make anyone ill. Using the pareto principle cuts through the muck.

Weighing things according to importance may even be more slice and dice can get things valuable than learning how to done. Many try to get around by multitask. this acquired skill of nibbling at the small, easy things gauging the value of tasks can around the edges, putting off the add so much to the quality of more important ones for later one’s life freeing up more time to until time is up and the important simply enjoy life. ones are left undone. By making the wonderful thing about it a habit to spot the important adopting a “pareto frame of ones first and “slay these dragons” mind” is that you begin to ahead of anything else, there is develop the habit of clear a certain sense of calm that one thinking that not only gives you acquires even if not everything in more time, it can also provide the list has been done. you with more space—clutter the nature of modern life free. screams for many things to be if you want to simplify done all at the same time. With your life, you can look at your time saving devices purportedly possessions and decide which

“The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.”

—William James

pareto principle will clear your life of overwhelming junk. in a list of goals for instance, using the pareto principle will force someone to prioritize the top two or three goals that are significant to him. Use this principle when dealing with a list of things to do for the day.

Recognizing the few important ones and doing them ahead of the trivial ones will keep you from being sidetracked. Our to-do lists become shorter, more realistic and more manageable.

A mountain of tasks can overwhelm. But those who

An Asian Journal Magazine

things are important for you to keep and which ones should be sold or given away, thus reclaiming the space for you to enjoy.

You can also apply this to the clutter of too many unrelated hopes and dreams that are in that future state of being called the “someday isle (i’ll)”. You can narrow these down to only the important goals and be free of the downright preposterous. the brain also benefits from using the 80/20 rule. in lengthy, circuitous discussions of problems and solutions, having a sharp, incisive mind helps one to get down to the root of the problem quickly, shorten the angst and pain of indecision and come up with the right solution in less time it normally takes to mull over a problem. einstein must have subscribed to this principle. in his

admonition to find simplicity out of clutter, he advises to try not to remember anything that can be looked up in a book.

He who was noted for having a poor memory when he was young probably refused to burden his brain with the unimportant thus optimizing its functions and allowing him to plumb the depths of the secrets of the universe.

Reserving the full capacity of his towering genius for unraveling the mysteries of time and space and for writing down his profound thoughts about the universe and its Creator, life and living, he exemplifies a life that made a difference at the highest rungs. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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Calendar of Events across

On the PEP Front

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 J U N E 26

Cabiao USA annual picnic Join Cabiao USA for its annual picnic on Sunday, June 26 at Wilderness Park in Downey, California from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be food, games, prizes and karoke! Meet kababayans, relatives and new friends and help plan for our 25th anniversary next year. For more information, call Allan Ocampo (323) 684-1820, Irma Ocampo Alcaraz (323) 861-6101, Gardy Parungao (562) 754-7511 or Andy Tecson (323) 467-5096.

J U LY 9

FEU Sword Fraternity Alumni International Assn. also known as SANDUGO with a Facebook page of “feusfi (Abroad) is holding their 30th Anniversary of its founding. Its members are graduates of the FEU ROTC/WATC Advance course in Manila. Phil. . This group is based in Los Angeles, CA. The celebration/Reunion will be attended by other Frat Members from the Philippines, other States of the US, Canada, Australia and Tokyo. It will be held in the residence of one of the Founders at 1341 Montezuma Way, West Covina, CA, 91791 on July 9, 2016 starting at 1600H. After the 9th, Tour of Los Angeles, trip to San Diego and Las Vegas are being arranged. We are enjoining Frat members who are “Abroad” that we have no (or have changed) contact info to please get in touch to “reconnect”, or at least let us know you are still OK and/or update your data. Contact person and for more information - Frat Cmdr Romy Calderon 626 826 2745, e-mail “feusfi@gmail.com” and Brod Ted Bautista, Tel no.626 392 5024, e-mail -”samba1341@gmail.com”

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong ThE world as a stage has tremendously mounted incalculable players masterfully delineating varied roles as they effectually interact with the rest on the arena. While some were assigned light and moderate roles others took a load that required varied acting techniques and wide-ranging attacks.

Meet would-be protagonist Shirley Escalada Capaldo, a loquaciously outspoken beauty pageant aspirant who is stunning in her queenly form, as she tackles her assigned role on the world stage.

Born August 21 in New York, New York to Vicenzo Capaldo (a Cuban-Italian) and Maria Luisa Escalada (a Filipina), Shirley was destined to explore the limitless possibilities this world has to offer and take every probable challenge that comes along her way.

Shirley Escalada Capaldo: A whole world of trials underneath her beauty

The profile of a beauty queen

The refreshing face of Miss Jersey City Shirley Escalada Capaldo

Already a resident of Jersey City for a decade, Shirley was

J U LY 1 6

UBSCI to celebrate 28th Anniversary The United Batanguenos of Southern California Inc. (UBSCI) will celebrate their 28th Anniversary & Coronation Night on July 16, 2016 at The Odyssey Restaurant - 15600 Odyssey Dr., Granada Hills. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions, please call Romy Elepano, Governor ( 323) 498-9333; Carmel Gonzales, Vice-Gov. (818) 785-2078 or Tony Lina, Vice-Gov. (323) 474-5877.

S E P T E M B E R 8 -1 7

42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept.

17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.

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

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

SCHOOL

Shirley Escalada Capaldo Miss Eco Tourism 2014

JC bet to the Miss New Jersey 2017

already infatuated with beauty pageants since she was 8. “I so loved watching the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant year after year…and imagined myself in the competition when I grew up,” she said amusingly.

At the early age of 9 she already showed potential in the field of beauty pageant when she participated in one of John Robert Powers’ events and ended as a finalist during the 2012 Miss American Co-Ed pageant. The euphoric experience brought about by the pageant and the beguiling beacon it enticed her gave Shirley a remarkable amount of confidence that it was what she really wanted.

In 2014, she was crowned Miss Eco-Tourism in Romblon, her maternal home province. “That was one of the best times of my life. I wasn’t prepared at all but all my relatives, friends, and my parents showed their support that boosted my ego and built my confidence,” she shared.

Talented with a commanding personality, Shirley is also a self-taught artist perfecting her strokes in acrylic; she is also Continued on Page 6

SERVICES

Presidential son Baste Duterte joins show business

By Tessa

Mauricio-arriola

ManilaTimes.net

A VeTeRAN and wellrespected talent manager in show business told The Manila Times over a chit-chat one day that Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the 28-year-old son of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is all set to join show business.

“He’s signed on with Betchay Vidanes,” said the source. “I hear they’re just figuring out if he’ll just go into music, or I guess, if he can act then it will also be TV and the movies.”

Baste is the hunky surfer/ rocker boy among Duterte’s three children with first wife elizabeth Zimmerman. His older siblings Sara and Paolo are both

into politics, but the 28-yearold—who amassed thousands of followers on social media during their father’s presidential campaign—is apparently more inclined to the lights of show business.

A front man of a local band in Davao City, the country’s newest heartthrob showed he has the talent for singing, as well as playing the guitar and the drums, when he performed at a Cebu Coliseum sortie in March.

As for his taste in women, Baste also seems to like those that come from beneath the spotlight as his current girlfriend, with whom he has a two-year old son, is a former model by the name of Kate Necesario. Yes, she is the same Kate Necesario whose

stint in an FHM issue in 2011 has been doing the rounds of social media.

Meanwhile, Baste’s choice for a manager was clearly influenced by his dad’s celebrity supporter Robin Padilla who had been a long-time talent of the Vidanes Talent Management group. He will be in good company then with the likes of Jasmine Curtis, Padilla’s daughter Kylie, and Mikael Daez among others.

Now the only question is when Baste Duterte’s official showbiz launch will be, and whether he will be a Kapamilya, a Kapuso or a Kapatid as the talents of ABS-CBN, GMA Network and TV5 call themselves respectively.

For sure it will be postinauguration on June 30.

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Wolfgang vocalist Basti Artadi reveals having ‘head’ tumor

By Boy

aBunda Philstar.com

mouth and the fatigue that comes with it.”

BASTI Artadi revealed he has However, this may not last for a head tumor. long since there’s a possibility that In a Facebook post on “because one side of my facial Tuesday, June 21, Artadi said that muscles are working more than “in 2009, I was diagnosed with a the other the inevitable result is tumor in my head.” that my mouth is slowly being He said this tumor is “on the pulled to one side and the doctors nerves that control the right have said that I will eventually not side of my face which is what is be able to talk much less sing.” causing the paralysis.”

This led him to decide to Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, is a surfer, rocker After this has manifested, the undergo a facial procedure and soon-tobe showbiz celebrity.

Wolfgang vocalist said he had to called “facial sling,” which will “relearn to sing with a paralyzed “temporarily” ease his situation.

Since the procedure will be costly, he decided to start a fundraising activity, which is selling court agrees with her that Lee’s shirts with his face on it. camp doesn’t have supporting He thought that this shirt documents with his claim that he design will “be a good symbol has ten-day visiting rights to his for me getting back the lost daughter. symmetry, so no it’s not because “Hindi ko gawa-gawa ito that I’m full of myself.” he never issued a copy granting This revelation by Artadi came him visitation agreement for ten four days before his performance days,” she said. “Walang binigay for 9 Works Theatrical’s “Green na gano’n sa kanila. That is why Day’s American Idiot,” which will they are cited in contempt of run from June 24 to July 10 at the court violating the visitation Globe Iconic Store in Bonifacio agreement.”

Basti Artadi revealed that he has a “tumor in High Street Amphitheater, Amidst all of this, Vina the head” and asked for help in raising funds Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. for a facial procedure. clarified that she didn’t plan to malign anyone. All she wanted to do now is to protect her daughter, whom she said was “stressed” by the incident. (Joyce From Page 2 Cinco has worked with Jimenez/Philstar.com) supermodels Tyra Banks and Martin’s College of Art and Design Naomi Campbell. He was the first in London to further his studies in Filipino designer to be featured on American reality show “America’s fashion and pattern making.

Next Top Model” in which he In 1997, he moved to Dubai comedy, he has been in a musical where established his own fashion presented his eco-couture (Aladdin) and he sings on the collection. His designs have been house in 2003 called Michael side as well—and he knows that worn by prominent stars such as there is so much more to learn in Cinco Haute Couture. Since then, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez Cinco’s work has been featured the industry. and Paris Hilton, among others.

“Overall I’m just thankful that in fashion weeks in Dubai, Miami, Paris, lauded as the fashion Los Angeles, Singapore, Australia I was given this opportunity and capital of the world, is a part of the and the Philippines as well as I feel so blessed to be able to global “Big Four” of fashion weeks shows hosted by Swarovski. He work with brilliant and talented along with New York, Milan and was awarded the Breakthrough people in the industry,” Tom London. Of his entrance into one Designer award at the Worth said, relishing the fact that he of the world’s major fashion weeks, Global Style Network Global has a long way to go and he intends to stay and learn from the Fashion Award show in New York, Cinco expressed delight and notes upcoming projects that will come where he was in competition with the milestone as a “tremendous designers from all over the world. honor,” according to Gulf News. his way.

Vina Morales stresses legal battle is for daughter’s welfare VINA Morales reiterated that her legal battle against Cedric Lee is for the welfare of her daughter.

Last week, the Kapamilya singer-actress filed a motion to suspend the visitation rights of Cedric Lee to their daughter, who allegedly detained the child in his home for nine days.

In return, Lee’s camp plans to file libel cases against Vina, after her “damaging” statements against him. “’Wag natin ilihis,” she said about Lee’s planned libel case against her, push.com.ph reported. “Honestly this is not about me and Cedric, e. This is Vina Morales reiterates that her legal battle against Cedric Lee is for the welfare of her about my child’s welfare.”

Vina also pointed out that the daughter, not for personal gains.

Tom Rodriguez, the once reluctant actor...

From Page 2 This was also when he realized that what they were doing was beyond entertainment.

“There were implications pala, may social responsibility that came with it. There’s so much more and I give credit to GMA for coming up with that project,” he added. “I wish there were more projects like this, so they can bridge these gaps that make us all disjointed because in essence, we’re all the same.”

Falling in love with the craft “I never imagined in a million

years that I’d be in this position now. I love it. I have fallen in love with it,” Tom shared. “The medium is so powerful. Any type of creative medium that could incite emotions and open yourself up to a different point of view, that’s such a powerful thing. It’s a beautiful art form.”

For young Filipino-Americans thinking of exploring a career in showbusiness in the Philippines, Tom has a few thoughts.

“Whatever it is that you want to do in your life, it has to be

from the heart. There’s no type of work that you can do easily or in a breeze. That’s not the right way to approach it,” he said. “I’m nowhere near where I want to be now but having the chance to work with brilliant and amazing people who I have learned from throughout my career so far, it gave me a glimpse of what’s possible.”

He is excited to grow and learn more. He has only been in the business for six years now—he has done drama and

Michael Cinco: First Filipino...

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Sarah Geronimo is not, well, what wild rumor says she is

By Ricky Lo Philstar.com

Because sarah Geronimo has been granted by Viva big boss Vic del Rosario Jr. a twomonth vacation, rumors are spreading that she is, that she could be, well, in an “interesting” stage.

That made Boss Vic laugh.

“How could she be pregnant,” he told the inquisitive movie reporters, “when she’s a virgin?”

Loud and clear. sarah is taking a much-deserved, long-delayed holiday due to “health reasons,” the reason given by Boss Vic. The girl deserves a work-free two months after all, according to somebody very close to her, “sarah has been working so hard since she was 14 and never, ever had a real holiday all by herself,” adding unapologetically, “she has been exploited to the max.”

The Funfare DPa asked if I saw sarah and Billy crawford’s dance number on “asaP” two sundays ago. When I answered no, she exclaimed, “It was unbelievable! ang galing nila! The energy and talent proved that sarah still has a lot to show, not the sarah na napililitan lang mag-perform.”

If a picture paints a thousand words, then two can speak volumes. Sweethearts Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli paint a million words in these photos.

Perhaps sarah was looking forward to the two stress/workfree months ahead, finally enjoying her long-postponed freedom, away from her family and hopefully only with her boyfriend Matteo Guidicelli. “after all,” added the DPa, “she will be turning 28 on July 25. sarah has been repressed, not able to enjoy her growing up the way her contemporaries do, that’s why during her out-oftown concerts, she would break out in tears onstage.”

Matteo has found a good

catch in sarah and vice-versa. as Tempo’s Ronald constantino once told sarah, “Huwag mo nang pakawalan si Matteo, don’t let him go.” unlike sarah’s previous suitors (among them Rayver cruz, Gerald anderson and…John Lloyd cruz?), Matteo has been patiently toeing the line set by sarah’s strict parents (who is not as imposing on sarah’s sisters), harangan man ng sibat, so to speak. anyway, we wish sarah a grand vacation. enjoy every moment of it.

John Lloyd Cruz after winning best actor: Nothing will change

By Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

NO major changes for John Lloyd cruz after his best actor win at the 39th Gawad urian.

He won his first best actor award for the film “Honor Thy Father,” under the direction of erik Matti.

“Hindi naman ako tumigil sa ginagawa ko kahit anong mangyari,” he said when asked if he’ll be picky with projects after his win. “Gano’n pa rin ang pagtanggap at paggawa ko ng pelikula. Wala naman nagbabago.”

Meawhile, John Lloyd is busy doing his film with aBs-cBN chief Operating Officer (cOO) charo santos-concio. santos-concio is making a movie comeback after many years of serving as the cOO of aBs-cBN. “The whole time I was with

John Lloyd Cruz said there will be no major changes after his best actor win at the 39th Gawad Urian.

Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV

her, I never saw the Ma’am charo we know,” John Lloyd said about his first shooting days with santos-concio. “she got really immersed with the character,” he added.

He said seeing her that way helped him get into his character.

Shirley Escalada Capaldo...

From Page 4 creative and an excellent dancer.

If there’s but one instrument that she wanted to be versatile at, that would be the guitar. “It’s amazing how a piece of wood with strings attached to it could

produce varied sounds in just finger strumming or plucking.

It’s even more romantic when singing is accompanied by it,” she said sounding bewildered.

Growing up entails a lot of trials while being confronted with domestic ordeals and tribulations. They often say that the safest place is home but in a few rare cases, the latter cannot even be considered a secured abode. shirley has had knowledgeable encounters regarding disorderliness and discordant household situations.

“Moving out of our house at the age of 15 due to insufferable family issues inevitably enforced me to mature quicker than girls my age. I had no choice but to free myself from the bondage of mental torture and physical abuse. constant challenges I had to face and crucial decisions I had to make on my own more than made me a strong woman that I am now,” she shared with misty eyes and in low tone, as she seemed to have some sort of heaviness get off her chest.

Despite all what had transpired, shirley remained driven and focused on what she had aimed for. Though with a heavy spirit and a longing soul, she mustered enough courage to take the first step and trusted that first step with all her heart…. and everything followed. sometimes, even the mere decision to live and weather the storms in life is in itself a courageous act and a heroic deed. shirley had practically dealt with all sorts of obstacles this world has ever known but giving up was never her preference.

Though young and only in her formative years she had applied all possible ways to parry every attack and be consistently motivated to sustain her journey. shirley’s fragile frame was made strappingly firm by voluminous predicaments, hitches, and quandaries one wouldn’t even imagine having been encountered by such a frail-looking girl. she was made stronger by every dilemma that came her way and had mastered adequate audacity to face heartstabbing situations until such time when incessant pains and hardships made her stoic.

Her magnificently building obsession took a dark turn upon discovering that the prevailing family issues and mounting domestic problems had severely affected her academic standing while slowly leaving an unbearable stigma that hit her like another nail in her coffin.

The seemingly endless torturing concern kept her tossing in bed during sleepless nights. at her tender age, life appeared to her like an encumber weighing her down to such abysmal depth… that even a sudden gush of fused, ruptured emotions and bursting sensation failed to set her free.

But when her world seemed crumbling down, her persistence at the verge of dwindling, and her grip had reached the end of the rope, she still managed to tie a knot…regain her breath… and hang on to dear life. although, there were couple of times when she felt lost, aimlessly alone, confused, and unwanted. Opting for self destruction, harmful impulses, and negative behavior was farthest from her mind but

The film is titled “ang Babaeng Humayo,” under the direction of Lav Diaz.

He directed and wrote the film “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” which won the silver Bear alfred Bauer prize at the Berlin Film Festival early this year. there’s nothing that could relieve her from misery, self pity, and depression… until she lost her track of mind and in an instant slashed her wrist. even the oozing blood and pinning pain had paucity to bring her back to her senses. Numbness enveloped her whole being. Fortuitously her brother and younger sister were home and saved her from ultimately ruining her life.

“That was one incident that finally opened my eyes… that ending my life wasn’t worth it,” she said regretfully in a malleable tone. “I suddenly remembered Rabindranath Tagore’s quotation: Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless in facing them…let me not beg for the stilling of my pains but for my heart to conquer them.”

Now, with a little more than eight years on her own, already armed with a Psychology degree from the Hudson community college, driving a car she bought from her savings, and five years of employment as Bar Manager, shirley could only look back to her past with fondness.

In reality, shirley wasn’t alone in her journey. There were famous celebrities who successfully battled depression brought about by poverty and extreme cases like Demi Moore (who spent years in trailer parks), Justin Bieber (who lived in rat-infested home with an empty fridge), Jay Z (where even bread was a luxury item), Mariah carey (who grew up in the poorest neighborhood in Long Island), Leonardo Dicaprio (who grew up surrounded by drug dealers and prostitutes) and many more that are hard to believe they came from poor and problematic families but look where they are now?

These celebrities’ inspiring lives instantly coruscated shirley’s dimming outlook in life. awakened from her dismal state shirley started to reorganize herself and aggressively resumed her unflinching determination to go on with her journey…earn a name…and make it big in the field she chose to excel. unbeknownst to many and even among her peers, shirley loves kids. currently she mentors for Big Brother, Big sister Hudson, essex, and union counties while hosting multiple fundraisers through her workplace at Light Rail café. During backto-school season, she raises school supplies, collects canned goods in November, toy drives in December, and raises money for her favorite local charity, the angela cares, Inc. “I have a vision to empower young children and women. I believe that no matter where one comes from, he or she could accomplish anything once they put to mind: Live in triumph, not defeat!” the soft-spoken beauty declares. at 23, she feels she’s a veteran survivor of all sorts of trials. Life has taught her not only to survive but to fight back and elude attacks. shirley believes in living life to the fullest and one has to adapt to every situation. “You pick and choose your battles and ‘though you might not conquer every battle, keep fighting until you win the war. Giving up should never be an option.”

Recently, after she learned that there’s no height requirement for a Miss universe contestant, it fueled her desire to enter the contest. shirley became the official candidate of Jersey Continued on Page 7

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Alden Richards having the time of his life

by Phoebe

Marquez Philstar.com

Leading scorer of the tournament, Jordan Bartlett, captured flying high against Team Panama.

Ballin’ in the Bronx

BRONx, N.Y. – On Saturday, June 18, 2016, the World Basketball Ambassadors Club (WBAC) hosted their inaugural international showcase at St. Raymond’s Gym, Bronx, New York.

WBAC serves as a platform to promote global acceptance of cultures through basketball. Six countries; Philippines, Panama, Dominican Republic, China, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, were invited to bring teams (18 y/o and under) to compete for the event.

Team Philippines was set to play against Team Panama. Event organizers chose representatives for each team, who were given the responsibility to bring promising athletes. After careful selection, Coach Simeon “Bong” Ulep, CoFounder of Fil-Am Sports New Jersey, reached out to various Filipino-American organizations for players to represent Team Philippines.

Looking at Team Philippines vs Team Panama, one could easily see the height difference.

However, Team Philippines was not intimidated.

Although lacking in height, they made up for the difference with hustle and intensity. Both teams played an even first half, leaving for halftime tied at 50-50.

Adjusting to the game, the players exhibited versatility by implementing new defensive

(Standing, L-R)) Trainer Ivan Lingat, Andre Deocampo, Gabe Mandanas, Jethro Moll, Gian Navas, Ron Harper Jr, Jordan Harper, LJ Bollosa, Alec Araula, Coach Bong. (Seated, L-R) Coach Artu Ceniza, AJ Ceniza, Jordan Bartlett, Carson Francisco, Isaiah Ulep, Kevin Vallejos

strategies. This ultimately helped them gain the offensive momentum leading to an upset victory over Panama, 125 to 111.

Both teams played a competitive game and displayed great sportsmanship. The event was a unique opportunity for Filipino-Americans to represent the Philippines and their kababayan.

Countless Fil-Am basketball groups across America compete against each other in tournaments. In the midst of competition, it is easily forgotten we are all united. By players embracing their nationality, camaraderie is formed without false intentions and individual recognition.

After the game, Jordan

Bartlett, leading scorer of the day with 47 points, commented, “The WBAC was one of the best experiences I’ve had playing Filipino basketball. Not only was I able to compete with players from all over the globe, but we were able to bring together a group of selected athletes that have never played together to showcase our talents. The event was well-organized and it was even cooler playing in front of former NBA stars. It’s always a great experience when you are blessed enough to represent your country!”

With this mindset, the future of Filipino-American youth is looking bright in keeping the Pinoy pride alive here in Americas.

ALDEN Richards is one busy man.

And visibly so, as Alden appears on TV every day via shows like “Eat, Bulaga!” and “Sunday Pinasaya,” as well as on numerous TVCs, campaigns and billboards.

Come July, not only will he be starring with love team partner Maine Mendoza in their first solo starrer “Imagine You and Me,” but he will also be launching his own book, published by Summit Media. He is also working on his second album under GMA Records, a follow-up to his 2015 five-time platinum album Wish I May. Despite his hectic schedule, Alden has no complaints at all.

“Medyo round-the-clock yung schedule ko lately, and then on weekends, I still work. But what matters to me is I like what I’m doing and I’m having fun with it because I’ve been giving security to a lot of people, especially my family,” says Alden.

“How many lifetimes do I need to enjoy this? So, I’m making the most out of it,” he explains.

Amidst his success, Alden’s life goals remain clear to him:

Alden Richards with Maine Mendoza during the filming of their first solo starrer ‘Imagine You and Me’ in Lake Como, Italy.

To live meaningfully and be an inspiration.

“The fame (or) the money comes second; that’s not the priority. It’s how you project yourself to other people, (how) to be a good example,” he says.

Moreover, Alden is putting purpose into his life by “living deeper,” much like the watch brand’s tagline. “Living deeper means you have to give meaning

Shirley Escalada Capaldo...

From Page 6 City to the Miss New JerseyUSA 2017 pageant through the encouragement and moral support of Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro and Hudson RehabSpa honcho Mike Florendo.

“I believe the pageant will me share my concern for suicide prevention and give me the opportunity to make a greater impact on the world…starting in Jersey City,” She said with certainty after having been in such situation.

“Just a few months ago, I discovered my passion for acting and modeling,” Shirley shared with candidness. “I want to be

in the stature of Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep and Tyra Banks. They have their own peculiar stories, worked extremely hard to attain their goals, and found their calling.

They never fail to inspire me… and keep me driven!”

The passionate beauty aspirant is also into sports. She was Captain and MVP of the Vipers, her high school volley ball team in NYC aside from being active in soccer, basketball, dance sports, and chess. Currently, she is into swimming and gym fitness regimen to stay in shape and as a preparation for her upcoming competition.

“Ultimately, I want to be a successful film actress and model

to your life,” he says.

Additionally, for Alden, seeing his family happy and financially secured is already his greatest achievement. His family (specifically his late mother Rosario) was the reason why he entered the entertainment industry in the first place. It was his mother who first dreamt of everything that is happening to him now, he said. which could lead me to start my own non-profit organization to help those in the similar situations where I was before. I want to be an inspiration to the youth and women…not actually a perfectly unreachable paradigm but someone they could at least emulate and run to…in case of need!” Shirley discloses affirmatively.

Incidentally, the Miss New Jersey USA 2017 pageant will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Parsippany, New Jersey on October 14 to 16, 2017.

From your family, friends, and supporters, Shirley, here’s wishing you all the luck on your quest for the Miss New Jersey USA 2017 title.

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

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