New York & New Jersey -- June 3 -- 9, 2016

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Volume 10 – Issue 23 • 16 Pages

JUNE 3-9, 2016 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Duterte triggers outrage Media groups fear his remarks will incite more killings PresIDeNt-elect rodrigo Duterte’s endorsement of killing corrupt journalists has sparked public outrage, fueling fears that it could incite more murders in a nation already listed as one of the world’s most dangerous for reporters. “even if you’re a journalist, you are not exempted from assassination if you’re a son of a bitch,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City on tuesday when asked how he would address the problem of media killings in the

Philippines after a reporter was shot dead in manila last week. he said there was justification for killing journalists who took bribes or engaged in other corrupt activities, but “if you are an upright journalist, nothing will happen to you.” the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said it was appalled by the Davao mayor’s comments justifying media assassinations by “playing the corruption card.”

ryan rosauro, NUJP chair, said in a statement that while the group recognized corruption as one of the most pressing problems facing the Philippine press, “it is one thing to recognize a possible reason for murder; it is a totally different thing to present this as a justification for taking life.”

“Duterte tries to explain his thesis by claiming assassination is retribution from Hundreds of journalists march to demand justice for 32 media workers slain by members of a private individuals unjustly pilloried by er- political clan in Maguindanao province in 2009. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday

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said corrupt journalists were legitimate targets of assassination.

USA

DATELINE Fil-Am on FBI’s Most Wanted list caught at Mexico border from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Quismundo Inquirer.net

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FLAG RAISING. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Council President Rolando Lavarro and Consul General Mario L. De Leon Jr. led the raising of the Philippine flag at City Hall on Wednesday, June 1 with PAFCOM President Ledy Almadin and the organization’s officers Helen Castillo and Gani Puertollano and City Council Members Daniel Rivera and Joyce Watterman.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

by FrAnces

mAngosing Inquirer.net

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago

seN. miriam Defensor-santiago contracted pneumo nia due to complications from her advanced stage of lung cancer, her media staff said on thursday, June 2. the senator was moved from the intensive care unit to a regular private room at the makati medical Center around noon thursday, a statement from her media affairs said. santiago was rushed to the hospital last monday, may 30 and was taken to the ICU the next day.

Comelec disregards vote shaving

by Aries Joseph

Inquirer.net

heginA

AN official of the Commission on elections (Comelec) said on tuesday, may 31 that the poll body does not see any basis to believe the allegations of vote shaving in Quezon province. the manipulation in the balloting was supposed to benefit administration standard-bearer manuel “mar” roxas II and newly-proclaimed Vice President-elect maria Leonor “Leni” robredo.

In a television interview on GmA News tV, Commissioner Luie Guia said that the “whistleblowers” should file a formal complaint in the proper venue in order for their claims to be addressed.

DAVAo CItY—saying journalists “think too much of themselves,” President-elect rodrigo Duterte on thursday, June 2 lashed out at journalists, even responding to boycott calls against him: “do not cover me.”

“Kill journalism in this country. stop journalism in this country, if you are worth your salt. If not, then I will think lowly of you. [that would mean] that you are like cowards,” said Duterte.

Asked later to clarify, Duterte again backtracked and said he did not mean to say country, but instead meant to stop coverage in his city in response to the boycott call by the reporters Without Borders.

“I cannot stop you,” Duterte said.

“I was saying (expletive) do not threaten me.

I said I’m ready to lose the presidency, my honor or my life. Just do not f*** with me,” Duterte said.

In the wake of an international backlash over his remarks justifying the death of corrupt journalists, Duterte expressed no remorse, even telling journalists not to cover him. “magboycott kayo. I’m urging you: make this trip your last in Davao City. I do not care if no

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Santiago contracted pneumonia Calif. Gov, AAPI but now in stable condition elected officials endorse Clinton

hoNoLULU—Us senators Brian schatz (D-hawai‘i) and Lisa murkowski (r-Alaska), members of the senate Appropriations subcommittee on military Construction and Veterans Affairs, introduced the filipino Veterans fairness Act of 2016. this legislation would ensure that surviving filipino veterans are fully eligible for the benefits they earned while serving under the Us flag during the second World War. “We have failed filipino World War II veterans,” said senator schatz. “these veterans and their families have waited for decades to receive the compensation that they deserve, and it is simply wrong for our country to deny them the benefits they

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Duterte to media: Do not cover me by tArrA

Less than two weeks after he was put on the federal Bureau of Investigation’s (fBI) 10 most Wanted list, fil-Am Philip Patrick Policarpio, 39, was arrested by agents of the Us Customs and Border Protection on sunday night, may 29.

According to the fBI spokeswoman Laura eimiller, Policarpio was apprehended at the border, while he was crossing into the Us from tijuana, mexico, as reported by fox News. A convicted felon, Policarpio — whose aliases include “Damon hiromi tanaka,” “Paul Policarpio,” “Bugsy,” “sinister,” and “sins” — was taken into custody at the san Ysidro Port of entry.

Policarpio was on parole for a 2001 con-

US senators renew call for full benefits for WWII FilVets

Inquirer.net file photo

“hindi po namin alam kung paano mangyayari ‘yan, pero mas maganda siguro kung magfile sila ng tamang complaint o kaya i-specify nila akung paano nangyari at saan nangyari para maaksyunan ng Comelec or kung sino man ‘yung proper body na puwedeng tumugon sa ganitong complaint,” Guia said.

(We don’t know how that happened, but it’s better if they file a formal complaint or specify how this happened and where, so that comelec or a proper body that could respond accordingly to this complaint can take action.) he said that the automated election system in place is different from what the witnesses claim, adding that the burden

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“she is now in stable condition,” the statement said. the public was also advised that visitors and gifts were not allowed. Instead, they were asked to express their sympathies through prayer cards on the senator’s official facebook page. santiago was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2014. Last year, she said she had conquered her illness and even ran for president in the 2016 elections but lost. her term as senator ends on June 30 but she has gone on an extended leave due to complications in her anti-cancer treatment. n

by eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

hILLArY Clinton’s bid for the Democratic presidential nomination now has the support of California Governor Jerry Brown and 47 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) elected officials.

Both Brown and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) announced their endorsements for the former secretary of state’s candidacy

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Duterte presents Cabinet members ‘We are all men of integrity and honesty’ by tArrA

Quismundo Inquirer.net

DAVAo CItY—saying he chose people “with integrity and honesty,” President-elect rodrigo Duterte on tuesday, may 31 presented members of his Cabinet for the first time, a “hardworking” roster he handpicked to address his top governance priorities such as red tape, corruption and crime. emerging from a three-hour meeting at the presidential guesthouse here, Duterte announced new appointees to critical positions in the security OFFICIAL FAMILY. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte presents newly appointed members of his cluster.

Cabinet during a press conference at Malacañang of the South in Panacan, Davao City.

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Inquirer.net photo by Tarra Quismundo

A JUNE 3-9, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Duterte triggers…

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MALACAÑANG OF THE SOUTH. Members of the media wait outside the two-story mansion now known as Malacañang of the South within the compound of the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Malacañang of the South is a presidential guesthouse in Davao City built between 2005 and 2006 to serve as then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s official residence there. In 2008, Arroyo stayed overnight in the guesthouse during one visit to Davao.

Inquirer.net photo by Tarra Quismundo

Duterte presents Cabinet…

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“It’s not a simple job looking for the composition of the Cabinet. I am reminded of the man holding a lamp during daytime. He was asked why are you bringing a lamp in the daylight when you can see everything? The man said ‘because I am looking for an honest man,’” Duterte said in an evening press conference.

“It took me several days. When I’m not around the public eye, it’s because I’m reviewing papers of recommendees, and I can assure you that we are all men of integrity, honesty,” he said.

He said none of his appointees were “tainted.”

Among Duterte’s new appointees are former South Cotabato Gov. Ismael Sueño as interior secretary, and retired Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana, who heads the Office of Veterans Affairs at the Philippine Embassy in the United States, as defense secretary.

Ex-PNP officials He also appointed former police officials to prime posts: Philippine National Police Director for Operations Alex Monteagudo to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, former PNP Director Isidro Lapeña to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, former National Capital Region Police Office Director Edgar Galvante to the Land Transportation Office, and former Davao police chief Jaime Morente as immigration chief.

A former Army Fifth Infantry Brigade chief, Brig. Gen. Ricardo Jalad, was appointed head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Council, while rebel Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon was named head of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

National Bureau of Investigation’s Davao regional director, Dante Gierran, was promoted head of the agency, while lawyer Cesar Dulay was appointed head of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Martin Delgra was named head of the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Duterte also formalized the appointments of two leftists recommended by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines: former sectoral representative and current Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chair Rafael Mariano to the Department of Agrarian Reform, and former political prisoner and associate professor Judy Taguiwalo to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Duterte said he would not meddle with his appointees’ work and allow his Cabinet to work, joking: “They go ahead and work. I just go sleep. It’s not easy to campaign, you know.”

Not a micromanager Duterte has yet to make appointments to the health, trade, tourism and environment departments, but said that his Cabinet will be “inclusive,” even looking at appointing one from the Moro sector.

While he preferred to work only starting 1 p.m., Duterte said his Cabinet would stick to regular office hours.

“I will really level the playing field. I will not meddle. I just want

that people won’t have anything to complain about,” Duterte said.

But, he said, he will make “some recommendations.”

For instance, he said, he wants to get rid of lines in government agencies. That people have to queue to get government services is “abusive,” Duterte said. “That’s how miserable the Filipinos are.”

No heroics “I don’t want to be heroic here, I just want honesty and good faith in dealing with the public,” he said.

He repeated his vow to get rid of corruption, saying such abuse is a fact in the PNP, BIR, BOC, LTFRB and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“The people don’t like [corruption] anymore. And they have shown it through their votes,” Duterte said.

That more than 16 million Filipinos voted for “just a mayor of a small city in Mindanao” known for his staunch stance against crime and corruption is a sign that people are fed up with corrupt officials, he said.

“It could only mean one thing: There’s a message there, that people really do not want corruption, they do not want their money being put inside pockets of workers in government,” he said.

Duterte said he would be “harsh against corruption,” and that he planned to ask the Supreme Court to stop the practice of temporary restraining orders.

Duterte earlier appointed to Cabinet positions Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar (public works), Per-

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rant journalists. He could not be farther from the truth,” Rosauro said.

Accused from gov’t “While there may be instances where private individuals may have sought revenge against journalists for soiling their reputations, the data show that of the handful of media killings that have actually made it to the courts, the accused are invariably from the government—elected officials, government executives or members of the security services—and invariably accused of corruption,” he said.

“We also stress that journalists were killed because of their work in exposing corruption and malfeasance in the government.

Hence, no matter the weaknesses of Philippine media, it will be a major factor in any effort to cleanse the government of the

scourge of graft and corruption,” he added.

The NUJP cited some of the most prominent cases, such as the murders of Edgar Damalerio of Pagadian City, Marlene Esperat of Tacurong City, and Gerry Ortega of Puerto Princesa City, and, the “most heinous of all,” the Nov. 23, 2009, massacre in Maguindanao province, where 32 of the 58 victims were media workers.

At least 75 journalists have been killed since 1992, making the Philippines the second-deadliest country for journalists, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

“What he (Duterte) has done with these irresponsible comments is give security officials the right to kill for acts that they consider defamation,” the CPJ’s Southeast Asian representa-

tive, Shawn Crispin, told Agence France-Presse from Bangkok.

“This is one of the most outrageous statements we have ever heard from a president in the Philippines,” Crispin said.

Malacañang reminded Duterte that “it is the duty of the government to arrest, prosecute and punish those responsible for violence against members of the media.”

“We recognize the vital role played by journalists as purveyors of information in a democratic society. As citizens, they have a fundamental right to due process and equal protection of the laws of the land,” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“Hence, we deplore the proposition that some journalists may have been assaulted or killed in view of their alleged involvement in media corruption,” Coloma said.

The Center for International Law (Centerlaw), a nonprofit dedicated to the promotion and free expression in the Philippines and Asia, said Duterte’s remark “will only serve to embolden, rather than deter, those who kill without compunction.”

“He only shows a cynical attitude toward what is a serious concern to the international community and a scourge to any society founded on democratic ideals,” said Centerlaw executive director Romel Regalado Bagares.

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Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte to media: Do not…

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one is covering me,” he said.

“I’m telling the networks, do not come here. I do not need you… I would ask the cabinet to avoid you,” Duterte said.

He told journalists to just cover him through the state television network, or a website where his administration would post updates.

The President-elect was apparently incensed at global attention that he has received from his statements Tuesday night, when he said one journalist was killed not because of his profession,

but because he was corrupt.

His camp said Wednesday his statements were misinterpreted, and that he was not justifying the slay of journalists just because they are corrupt.

In a tone of reprimand, Duterte laid down his classification of journalists: the “crusaders, baring it all before the public,” the “mouthpiece of vested interests” and “the lowlives.”

Saying he has been “very careful” about his statements, Duterte said he had “no apologies” for citing the example of Juan Pala Jr., the journalist killed in Davao

City in 2003.

“No apologies. Bullshit,” he said.

He hit corruption in journalism, telling the media: It’s about time we bare each other. Let us not deny each other the truth.

“Lahat halos humihingi. Ayoko na magsalita. Lahat,” he said, adding that he himself had given money and favors to journalists.

Asked later whether he did not feel complicit to corruption because of giving in to requests, Duterte said that was “PR” (public relations). n

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

From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-9, 2016

Duterte triggers…

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Still a crime In a statement, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility said Duterte “was correct in saying that irresponsible, biased, paid-for reporting and comment do lead to a journalist’s being killed. But the killing of anyone is nevertheless still a crime, and it doesn’t matter whether the victim is a journalist or not.”

Francis Allan Angelo, president of the Iloilo Press Club, described the mayor’s statement as “crass and irresponsible, to a point that it could be interpreted as an overt approval of media harassment and killings.”

“Many of the slain journalAAPI elected officials announced their endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president on Tuesday, May 31 at San Gabriel Hilton. Front row (L-R): ists were only doing their jobs Chen Ho Liao, Robert Gin, Peter Chan, Hans Liang, Henry Lo, Mike Fong, Stephen Lam and Victor Manalo; Second row (L-R): Shelley Ryan, and died fighting for just cause.

Doris Matsui, Judy Chu, Mike Eng, Michelle Kwan, Jason Tengco AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel And even if they did something wrong, they do not deserve to be killed,” said Glenda Sologastoa, NUJP-Iloilo president. women and children.

Silencing media PAGE A1 t Earlier this month Clinton was on Tuesday, May 31, one week “We have a significant number the only presidential candidate to Vicky Arnaiz, vice president of ahead of the California Demo- of children that are going hun- speak at the Annual Asian Pacific NUJP-Leyte, said the statement cratic presidential primary. gry, and suffering from abuse American Institute of Congressio- was shocking and could be used During a press conference an- and neglect,” Manalo told the nal Studies’ gala in Washington as a license to silence and kill nouncing CAPAC’s endorsement, Asian Journal. “We can do better DC. She is also the only presiden- members of the media.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), said Clin- as a country to take care of those tial candidate to host an outreach ton’s position on the topics of im- who are most vulnerable.” event directed specifically toward migration, education and voting He added that CAPAC’s en- the AAPI community. rights were in line with the AAPI dorsement comes at a pivotal Clinton will continue her camcommunity’s interest. She cited point in the contest between paign in California with a series PAGE A2 t Clinton’s intention to re-institute Clinton and her opponent, Bernie of appearances at Get Out The fecto Yasay (foreign affairs), the Voting Rights Act, improve Sanders. The former secretary Vote events from June 2 through Vitaliano Aguirre II (justice), Emcollege affordability and enact of state holds a significant lead June 6. Sanders is scheduled to manuel Piñol (agriculture), Alfonso comprehensive immigration re- in the Democratic race, but the appear at events in Palo Alto, Cusi (energy), Carlos Dominguez form as factors in the Caucus’s 475 delegates up for grabs in the Santa Cruz and Monterey. Don- (finance), Arthur Tugade (transmove to support her. upcoming primaries could upset ald Trump has scheduled an ap- portation and communications), “She’s been fighting for AAPI the front-runner’s momentum. pearance at a rally in Sacramento Leonor Briones (education), and issues her whole career,” FilipiIn an open letter to Democratic at the International Jet Center on Benjamin Diokno (budget and no-American Jason Tengco, who and Independent voters, Gover- Wednesday, June 1. n management). serves as AAPI outreach director nor Jerry Brown said he sympafor Clinton’s campaign, told the thized with Sanders’s campaign Asian Journal. message of If elected, Tengco said, the empowering of the average former secretary of state would American against the influence seek to reunite families by in- of the “top one percent.” troducing comprehensive immiHowever, Brown said that gration reform legislation within Clinton’s nomination would be her first 100 days in office. 40 “the only path forward to win the percent of the backlog of family- presidency,” and added that her based immigration visa applica- lead over Sanders by “millions of tions come from Asian countries votes” signifies that Democrats and some applicants, especially want her to be the nominee. from the Philippines, wait for as The AAPI community is the long as 23 years to be approved, fastest-growing ethnic group in according to Tengco. He added the country, and its voting power that Clinton would preserve the has doubled from 2 million to Deferred Action for Childhood 4 million voters in the past deArrivals (DACA) and other exist- cade. ing pathways to citizenship.

In addition to Chu and Matsui, “It’s really about the next gen- who represented CAPAC, other eration,” said Rep. Doris O. Mat- AAPI elected officials were also sui (D-CA). present at the event, including She referred to Clinton as a for- Monterey Council Member Steward-thinking candidate, in con- phen Lam, San Gabriel Mayor trast to the presumptive Repub- Chin Ho Liao, and Garvey Ellican nominee, Donald Trump, ementary School Boardmember who has campaigned on the no- Henry Lo. They made note of tion of recapturing the strengths the presidential hopeful’s history and values of past generations. of dialogue with not just AAPIs, “This is a great country, and but all communities of color. Lo we can make it greater,” said recalled the first time he saw Matsui. “We don’t want a throw- Clinton speak when she visited back.” his high school in 1992, just after Matsui went on to call Clinton the LA riots. Lo said that Clinton “the most qualified person to held an hours-long session with ever run for us.” young community members disAfter the press conference, City cussing social inequality and racof Artesia Mayor Victor Manalo ism. said he agrees with Clinton’s pri“One of the first things [Clinorities. He would like to see the ton] did after kicking off her campotential Democratic nominee paign was to meet with members continue her focus on poverty is- of CAPAC,” said Chu. “She lissues, especially as they apply to tened to every point we raised.”

Calif. Gov., AAPI elected officials endorse…

“We are in for silencing the media. President-elect Duterte’s statement could incite more murders. Any assassination is not justified. It’s an atrocious statement coming from a president against the media,” Arnaiz said.

In Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province, relatives of a slain broadcaster said they were “shocked” by the statement.

“Doc Gerry Ortega was killed for his courage and integrity. He was murdered precisely because he was honorable,” his daughter, Michaella, said in a statement issued by his family.

Reynafe Momay-Castillo, whose father was one of the 32 journalists killed in the Maguindanao massacre in 2009, said on a Facebook post: “My dad was not a corrupt journalist. He was killed along with 31 other journalists by just merely covering an election-related [activity]. It is unfair to be branded as such.

They were brutally killed.”

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Wednesday expressed outrage over Duterte’s comment on journalists, and urged the

media to boycott his press conferences and take legal action against him.

“Not only are these statements unworthy of a president but they could also be regarded as violations of the law on defamation or even the law on inciting hatred and violence,’’ said Benjamin Ismail, head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk.

Duterte should “be pleased by the existence of these laws because without them he would also be exposed to violent repercussions, according to his own words,’’ he added.

“We urge organizations that represent the media to not overlook comments of this kind and to bring lawsuits. We also urge the media to boycott the Duterte administration’s news conferences until the media community gets a public apology.’’ (With reports from Nikko Dizon, DJ Yap and Marlon Ramos; Germelina Lacorte, Inquirer Mindanao; Redempto D. Anda, Inquirer Southern Luzon; Nestor P. Burgos Jr. and Joey A. Gabieta, Inquirer Visayas; and AFP)

Duterte presents Cabinet…

Chen Ho Liao, Michelle Kwan, Jason Tengco, Judy Chu, Victor Manalo, Mary Grace Barrios, Hans Liang, Peter Chan, Mike Fong and Stephen Lam AJPress photo by Eric Licas

Comelec disregards vote…

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of proof lies with the accusers.

“Hindi ganyan yung naka-design sa automated elections system kaya nasa kanila yung burden na i-prove na nangyari nga ‘yung ganon. Sa ngayon, wala kaming basehan para maniwala sa ganong klaseng akusasyon,” the Comelec commissioner said.

(The design of the automated elections system isn’t like that, so it’s up to them to prove what they claim happened. For now, we don’t have any basis to believe that kind of accusation.)

With watchers in every step of the canvassing, political parties as well as election watchdogs should have raised alarm if they saw any evidence of vote switching, Guia added.

“Dapat ipakita na doon sa pinaggalingan o yung mga source document ay hindi tumutugma sa kina-canvass sa higher level ng canvassing. ‘Yun lang siguro ‘yung katanggap-tanggap na paraan sa canvassing framework na mag-establish ka na hindi totoo ‘yung binibilang na boto,” he said.

(The source document should reflect that what was canvassed

doesn’t match the higher level of canvassing. That’s probably the only acceptable way in the canvassing framework to establish that the number of votes counted isn’t right.)

On Monday, three witnesses surfaced to claim that the vote rigging took place in a four-story building in Lucena City. They claim that they accepted the votes from clustered precincts in the municipalities and reconfigured the results with secured digital (SD) cards with preloaded data for the favored candidates.

The said SD cards will then be used by Smartmatic operators to transmit votes to the Comelec servers.

In a Radyo Inquirer interview, Council for Philippine Affairs Secretary General Pastor “Boy” Saycon Jr. quoted one of the witnesses who said that President-elect Rodrigo Duterte lost 200,000 votes in Quezon.

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista echoed Guia’s sentiments, adding that the timing of the whistleblowers is suspect.

The witnesses surfaced hours before Congress is set to proclaim Duterte and Robredo. n

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Noncommital Under the Office of the President, Duterte designated Leoncio Evasco (secretary to the Cabinet), Salvador Panelo (presidential spokesperson), Jesus Dureza (presidential adviser on the peace process), Salvador Medialdea (executive secretary) and Hermogenes Esperon (national security adviser).

Duterte again reiterated that he remains “noncommittal” to a possible appointment for Vice President-elect Leni Robredo, baring for the first time that his deference to defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is part of the reason.

(With a report from Germelina Lacorte, Inquirer Mindanao)

A JUNE 3-9, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Virginia city unfair to Filipino dentist, must settle, says district judge SAN FRANCISCO—A US district judge in the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, said city authorities treated a local Filipino dentist unfairly by forcing him to move without paying him compensation due to a technicality.

U.S. District Judge Henry Morgan says the City of Virginia Beach has treated Dr. Allan Bergano unfairly in an eminent domain case and ordered the city to settle with the dentist, who sued the city for damages.

“The city ought to settle the case with the plaintiff, but the city ought not be treating people like this unfairly, which is what they’re doing,” Judge Morgan stated.

Virginia Beach in 2014 bought Dr. Allan Bergano’s building, where he has been a dentist since 1983, and told him to move. The purchase was part of the city’s plan to widen Witchduck Road.

The following year Bergano signed a lease for a new building and submitted a customary expense of relocation and buildup

of new office to the city. The city offered Bergano $25,000 to relocate. Other dentists received between $280,000 and $520,000 to relocate.

Then the city changed its mind and said Bergano did not have to move. It withdrew its offer of $25,000 and the Human Services Department moved into Bergano’s old building.

But Bergano had already signed a new lease elsewhere and refused to move back to his old building, saying the human services office brings with it inmates in handcuffs and other people with serious issues, making the environment unsafe for his staff.

Bergano will move to a new site at his own expense June 1.

Bergano submitted an estimate of $458,393 for relocation costs to the city, which included hiring a real estate broker and all the new equipment and construction costs the move required.

The city claims it does not need to pay Bergano relocation funds

Dateline USa

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

Dr. Allan Bergano

because in the end it changed its mind and ruled that Bergano did not have to move after all, even though he signed a new lease elsewhere.

The city said it paid other dentists hundreds of thousands of dollars because the buildings they were in had to be destroyed, unlike Bergano’s old building. It also said it offered Bergano more than $2,000, parking accommodations and arrangements for the hours his dental office can open.

(Inquirer.net)

DANGEROUS VICE. A member of Health Justice holds placards to warn the public on the dangers of smoking at the MRT station in Kamuning, Quezon City to mark World Tobacco Day. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

Filipino American Democratic Club of NY issues first endorsements for Congress Key endorsements include Maloney, Velázquez, Wright

Members of the Filipino community and other supporters rally for Dr. Allan Bergano whose dental office had to move sites due to eminent domain but without compensation from the City of Virginia Beach.

Inquirer.net photos

Fil-Am on FBI’s Most Wanted list caught at…

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viction for assault with a firearm and other violations when he allegedly killed his pregnant girlfriend and unborn child, Lauren Olguin, last April.

FBI reports said that he and his 32-year-old girlfriend were visiting a friend in the Rampart area of Los Angeles last April 12 when the crime was committed.

Policarpio allegedly became angry with Olguin and started to beat her face, and then shot her in the forehead with a handgun.

Prior to his 2001 conviction, Policarpio fled to the Philippines

in 2000 due to a case involving a dispute in Burbank, California, in which he was suspected to have fired nine shots into another car.

He was deported back to the US the following year, convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

He was released on parole in May 2015.

The 39-year-old convicted felon has numerous ties to Las Vegas, Florida and the Philippines.

According to investigators, Policarpio’s family members include multiple wives and children.

“His pattern is one of violence, and he is always armed,” FBI

Special Agent Scott Garriola said in a statement earlier this month, NBC News reported. “He is the definition of a continuing threat to the community.”

Olguin’s mother, Jerilyn Olguin was relieved when she found out that her daughter’s suspected killer has been caught.

“Although my daughter’s gone, my biggest fear was, ‘God, I hope he doesn’t do this to someone else,’” Olguin said, in an interview with NBC Los Angeles.

Policarpio’s arraignment is expected to happen this week. (Malou Liwanag-Bledsoe/AJPress)

NEW YORK—The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York announced the club’s endorsements for congressional candidates in the New York primaries to be held on Tuesday, June 28. “We encourage Filipino Americans to give their complete support in any way they can to these candidates who we have identified as sharing our community’s values and concerns, “ said Aries Dela Cruz, club president.

“From now until June 28, Filipino American Democrats will intensify our efforts on getting out the vote among the Asian American and Pacific Islander community for the congressional candidates that we have endorsed.”

The club’s endorsements in key races include Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who is an advocate and leader against hazing and bullying in the armed forces, an issue in which Asian Americans are often targeted, Assemblyman Keith Wright, who is the main sponsor of the New York Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and is running to represent a district that includes six hospitals employing many Filipino American nurses, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who has raised the alarm over the Federal Reserves’ exposure to cyber-attacks which have led to $81 million being stolen from the Bangladeshi Central Bank and ending up in the Philippines’ casino system which is exempt from the county’s anti-money

laundering rules.

These endorsements come after the club sponsored a historic Congressional Candidate Forum in Jackson Heights, Queens, attended by a majority of the campaigns in New York City’s congressional primary. “The congressional candidate forum marked a landmark moment for the Filipino American community in New York,” said Steven Raga, vice president. “It was the first time the community as a whole was invited to come together to hear from candidates about federal issues that affect our community and how it relates to the work of Congress in Washington D.C.” “Filipino Americans in a recent survey are among the most politically-engaged among Asian American groups, reporting the second largest percentage of Asian American respondents who have worked for a political candidate or campaign organization, and the highest percentage among respondents who used social media for political engagement,” said Marian Guerra, director of communications for the club. “In that same survey, 67% of Filipino Americans reported discussing politics with family and friends. However, more work needs to be done as a majority of us reported having very little contact with the Democratic Party, which has led to what we call an electoral contact mobilization gap.

Clubs like FADCNY are critical to filling that gap.”

FADCNY 2016 Congressional Endorsements • Representative Nydia M. Velázquez, 7th Congressional District (Key race) • Representative Carolyn Maloney, 12th Congressional District (Key race) • Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, 13th Congressional District (Key race) • Senator Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator, New York • Representative Gregory Meeks, 5th Congressional District • Representative Grace Meng, 6th Congressional District • Representative Hakeem Jeffries, 8th Congressional District • Representative Yvette Clarke, 9th Congressional District • Rep. Jerrold Nadler, 10th Congressional District • Mr. Richard Reichard, 11th Congressional District • Representative Joseph Crowley, 14th Congressional District • Representative José Serrano, 15th Congressional District • Representative Eliot E. Engel, 16th Congressional District Filipino American Democratic Club of New York is a political club that organizes and leads the Filipino American electorate in New York City and New York State. We are dedicated to advancing Filipino American and Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) issues and priorities among elected officials and candidates for public office. http://www.filamdems.org. n

Filipino widower of Calif. limo fire victim can’t collect $6.5M

SAN FRANCISCO—A jury found that the life of one of the five women killed three years ago in a limousine fire was worth $6.5 million, but her widower won’t be able to collect that money.

Aldrin Geronga, widower of Felomina “Fyla” Geronga, 43, had sued Ford Motor Co. for up to $37 million. The jury, however, found that Ford was not responsible for the fatal fire that destroyed the limousine carrying a wedding party on the San Mateo Bridge in Foster City, California on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

The Gerongas have two teenage Limo fire victim Felomina Geronga (middle) with her family. children.

Jurors did decide that Limo victims who died also have set- Fresno; and Anna “Beneth” AlStop, the San Jose owner of the tled with the other defendants cantara, 46, of San Lorenzo, Calilimousine, was to blame for the except Ford. Geronga will appeal fornia. The women, all nurses, fire. Investigators blamed the the jury’s Ford decision, Smith were going to a party in Foster fire on a “catastrophic failure” of told the press.

City to celebrate Fojas’ wedding. the car’s suspension system: The Five women died when they Smith argued that Ford knew vehicle’s drive shaft rubbed on were trapped in the limo that that converted Lincoln Town its undercarriage, causing sparks caught fire as they were traveling Cars were susceptible to suspenand friction that started the fire. the westbound side of the San sion problems and did nothing to Ford’s lawyer said Limo Stop’s Mateo-Hayward Bridge. Four repair them or warn consumers. neglect and abuse of the vehicle women and the driver were able Geronga is still convinced Ford for causing a suspension system to escape. knew about the vehicle’s suscepfailure that led to the fire.

But five passengers were tibility to failure but did nothing Geronga has already settled trapped and died: newlywed about it. with Limo Stop for an undis- Neriza Fojas, 31, of Fresno; JenThe verdict came after about closed amount, said his attorney, nifer “Jenni” Balon, 39, of Dublin; 3½ days of deliberations by a William Smith. The survivors, as Felomina “Fyla” Geronga, 43, of jury of 10 men and two women. well as the families of the other Alameda; Michelle Estrera, 35, of (Inquirer.net)

US senators renew call for full benefits for…

PAGE A1 t

were promised. Time is running out, and for some, it is already too late. We must act quickly to pass this legislation and fully honor the men and women who served so bravely in a time of war.”

“Filipino veterans put their lives on the line in the defense of US interests in the Pacific during World War II,” said Senator Murkowski. “It’s about time we treat the Filipino veterans of World War II with the respect their sacrifice entitles and eliminate the arbitrary distinctions in our veterans benefits laws.”

More than 250,000 Filipinos served under the US flag in the

Pacific during the Second World War. As citizens of a US commonwealth during the war, they were promised full veterans benefits for serving in the US Armed Forces. However, because of the Rescission Act of 1946, most Filipino World War II veterans did not receive benefits they were promised. Instead, these veterans have lived on quietly, often under-recognized and denied the basic veterans recognition they earned. The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2016 fulfills the moral obligation of the United States to take care of its veterans and their families.

The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2016 eliminates the dis-

tinction between the Regular or “Old” Philippine Scouts and the other three groups of veterans — Commonwealth Army of the Philippines, Recognized Guerrilla Forces, and New Philippine Scouts. It also allows Filipino veterans’ spouses and children to qualify for the same Dependency and Indemnity Compensation that current US veterans receive.

Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the US House of Representatives with 37 co-sponsors and bipartisan support.

Today, there are an estimated 17,000 living Filipino veterans of World War II, now in their 80s and 90s. n

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A

Cayetano eyes Senate presidency

by Jefferson

AntipordA ManilaTimes.net

MOBILE LIBRARY. At Intramuros’ plaza Roma in front of the Manila Cathedral is a waiting shed, seemingly out of place as it stands in the middle of a footpath facing the church, blocking pedestrians’ right of way. But the structure’s location was deliberately chosen precisely because of all the foot traffic. And this is no ordinary waiting shed—it’s a mobile library called “The Book Stop” where one can borrow books and donate old ones already gathering dust at home. The odd fixture’s slanted steel roof and steel shelves are enough to attract random passersby and curious tourists.

Inquirer.net photo by Jilson Seckler Tiu

Gov’t, MILF panels affirm partnership for peace

by Jose

rodel ClApAno Philstar.com

MANILA—The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to continue the peace process in Mindanao.

The government panel headed

by Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal signed the “Declaration of Continuity of the Partnership” after a two-day special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, May 30.

Both panels sought to ensure the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in the next administration.

Ferrer and Iqbal also signed the Terms of Reference for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF), a multi-donor trust fund under the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Annex on Normalization.

The two panels also signed the Terms of Reference for the Project Board of the Mindanao Trust Fund for the economic development of six MILF camps.

The government and MILF peace panels both congratulated president-elect Rodrigo Duterte and expressed optimism the roadmap provided for in the CAB will be fully accomplished under his term.

“The peace panels appreciated the statement issued by presidential peace adviser-nominee Jesus Dureza, who welcomed

MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal

the forging of a declaration of continuity in the search for sustainable peace between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” the government and MILF peace panels said in a statement.

The two peace panels also said Dureza has stated the intention of Duterte’s administration “to continue with the gains and build on those already done and achieved.”

“The parties expressed their appreciation to his excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, under whose guidance and leadership, the peace agreements were signed; to his excellency Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support to the Bangsamoro peace process; Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles and to the members of the MILF central committee and

chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for their commitment to continue the path to peace,” the two panels said in a joint statement.

Both panels also extended their gratitude to Tengku Dato’ Ab’ Ghafar Tengku Mohamed as the third-party facilitator from Malaysia; and the members of the international contact group, third party monitoring team and the independent decommissioning body who attended the meeting; and the members of the other peace mechanisms for their invaluable contribution to the Bangsamoro peace process.

Meanwhile, the city government of Zamboanga City is asking the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to act on its request to provide guidance on issues in dealing with rebel groups.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle ClimacoSalazar made the call in noting that Duterte is set to meet with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari in Sulu.

Salazar said the government should allow the law to prevail on the reported plan of Duterte to meet Misuari, a fugitive.

Misuari is facing charges of rebellion for instigating the Zamboanga siege in 2013 that left more than 200 people killed, over 120,000 residents homeless and at least five villages laid to waste during 23 days of gun battle with government forces.

“What do we do and how should we act on this?” Salazar asked. n

SENATE Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, May 30, claimed that 15 senators committed to support his bid for the Senate presidency but Sen. Vicente Sotto 3rd downplayed Cayetano’s claim, saying commitment is different from actual votes.

Cayetano admitted that he is not sure if he will be elected.

“I don’t want it to be a game of numbers at this point in time.

There are those who also already signed. Others have given their commitment. Until the final day that you get elected, nothing is 100 percent,” he said.

Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao was the first to sign a manifesto declaring support to Cayetano’s bid.

But Sotto said 18 senators gave their commitment to support another candidate for the Senate presidency.

“Everybody has commitments, it’s easy to commit. The important thing is when you vote,” he added.

Sotto said Pacquiao was among the 18 senators who committed to support another candidate.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel 3rd, the president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban), which is chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte, also gave his commitment to their bloc.

“It’s not that easy. They have to realize first if you have the same objectives, if you have the

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano

same advocacies then you come up with the majority for the Senate. An independent, a Senate with integrity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cayetano said major factor in the Senate presidency race are the committee chairmanships because the heads of the different blocs in the chamber want to protect their members.

He added that it will be difficult to grant all the committee chairmanship requests of senators.

Cayetano said they have settled the chairmanship of at least 13 committees including the Public services, finance and public order.

The Public Services committee handles matters affecting public services and utilities; communications; land, air, river and sea transportation including railroads, inter-island navigation, and lighthouses; and the

Inquirer.net photo

grant or amendment of legislative franchises.

The panel on public order and illegal drugs is in charge of matters relating to peace and order; the Philippine National Police; the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology; the Bureau of Fire Protection; private security agencies and the use, sale, acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture and distribution of prohibited and regulated drugs and other similar substances.

The finance committee handles all matters relating to funds for the expenditures of the National Government and for the payment of public indebtedness; auditing of accounts and expenditures of the National Government; claims against the government; intergovernmental revenue sharing; and, in general, all matters relating to public expenditures. n

Palace cites PH improvements amid drop in IMD competitiveness report

by Kristine

Angeli Inquirer.net

sAbillo

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, May 31 highlighted improvements in the country’s business efficiency following the release of the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) ranking.

According to the International Institute for Management Development’s (IMD) WCY report, the country went down a notch to 42nd in the world rankings, from 41st last year. It also went back

to 12th place in the Asia-Pacific region from 11th last year.

The ranking covers 61 countries and involves 342 criteria under four broad categories: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.

“We note the WCY report stated the Philippines registered marked improvements in business efficiency and infrastructure and remained stable in government efficiency, while the country’s workforce emerged as

the economy’s most attractive feature,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

He described the country’s ranking as “stable and resilient in the face of a general decline among most Asian economies such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and mainland China.”

Despite the slight drop, Coloma said the country has been making “significant gains” in the WCY “surging by more than 43

u PAGE A7

Still no role for Robredo in Cabinet

by Alexis

romero Philstar.com

MANILA—President-elect Rodrigo Duterte insisted on Thursday, June 2, there is no compelling reason to appoint vice president-elect Leni Robredo to the Cabinet.

“Leni must understand that she belongs to the opposite side,” Duterte said.

When asked what would be Robredo’s role in his administration, he replied: “We’re still studying the script of the movie.”

Duterte revealed that he offered a post to defeated vice presidential candidate and outgoing Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “I know Bongbong Marcos and I don’t want to hurt him,” he said, adding that the senator did not ask for a position. n

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Senate President Franklin M. Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. proclaim Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Leni Robredo as the country’s duly elected Vice President on Monday, May 30. Duterte announced earlier that he will not attend the proclamation.

Senate photo by Albert Calvelo

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New law raises tax-free cap for ‘balikbayan’ boxes by mAilA

Ager Inquirer.net

OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) can now enjoy tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes after President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), Senator Sonny Angara said on Tuesday, May 31.

Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on ways and means and sponsor of the CMTA, said that under the CMTA or Republic Act 10863, the tax-exempt value of items sent by overseas Filipinos to their families back home would be increased from the present P10,000 to P150,000.

“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa ating Pangulo at mga kasamahan sa Senado at sa Mababang Kapulungan na tumulong sa pagpasa ng batas na ito na naglalayong alisan ng buwis ang ating mga OFW na nagpapadala ng balikbayan box at ireporma ang luma at bulok na sistema sa Customs. (We thank the President and our comrades in the Senate and the Lower House who helped pass this law which aims to omit the taxes our OFWs shoulder when they send balikbayan boxes and to reform the old and dated

system of the Customs),” he said in a statement.

“With the increase in the values, we lessen the discretion of the Customs officials to inspect goods and collect taxes, thus minimizing cases of corruption and smuggling. Huwag naman sana natin parusahan ang ating mga OFW sa pamamagitan ng pagpataw ng mataas na buwis at sa mga umano’y pangangalkal at pagnanakaw sa mga padala sa loob ng balikbayan boxes (Let’s not burden our OFWs by imposing high taxes, and through the alleged stealing of the contents of balikbayan boxes),” the senator said.

Angara said OFWs can now send up to three P150,000-worth of tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes in a year, given that the goods are not in commercial quantities nor intended for barter, sale or for hire.

On top of the tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes, Filipinos, who have stayed in a foreign country for at least 10 years and are returning to the Philippines, will also be granted tax exemption for the personal and household effects, not exceeding P350,000, they will be bringing with them

when they return to the country, said the senator.

As for Filipinos who have lived overseas for at least five years, he said, they would be entitled to tax- and duty-free personal and household effects amounting to P250,000, while those who have stayed abroad for less than five years could enjoy P150,000 taxfree ceiling.

Angara said the CMTA also raises the de minimis value, which refers to the value of tax- and duty-free goods and the minimum cost of goods required to undergo formal Customs entry, from the present P10 to P10,000.

To permanently do away with the outdated values, the senator said, the law also provides for an automatic indexation of the amounts every three years to account for inflation.

He said the new law generally aims “to simplify, modernize and align with global best practices the country’s customs procedures including import clearances and valuations, making the release of goods much faster, regardless of whether you are an individual entrepreneur or a large multinational.”

u PAGE A7

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OpiniOn

Features

Turncoats

CHANGE is indeed coming. The transition of power to Presidentelect Rodrigo Duterte’s administration has become more apparent even in the incoming 17th Congress.

In the House of Representatives, a Congress shake-up is currently ongoing after several members of the ruling Liberal Party have decided to curtail its “Tuwid na Daan” (Straight Path) engagement for Duterte’s PDP-Laban Coalition. Several elected congressmen and congresswomen have also decided to jump ship from their respective parties to support the incoming president.

According to Inquirer.net, other parties have gravitated towards PDP-Laban, namely the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, National Unity Party and the 45-member party-list coalition. They are expected to enforce Duterte’s platforms with laws to rein corruption and criminality in the country.

Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who led the House speakership in the 15th and 16th Congress under the Liberal Party, has conceded and joined the minority.

“I will join the minority, I have no idea how many are joining it,” he said after at least 80 of the the 116 elected Liberal Party members have decided to transfer to PDP-Laban.

“He was elected by the people and the expecta-

Editorial

tions are high. We will give the new President all the chances to make good on what he has been saying, as along as it is within the Constitution and legal limits,” Belmonte said referring to the incoming administra-

tion.

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, who have chosen to remain with the minority, vowed to oppose any radical change that Duterte wants to impose, namely death penalty and the federal form of government.

“Being in the minority will be difficult and lonely but this is the course that I must take towards the path of improving the political consciousness of our people,” Erice said.

The Philippines has three branches of government: the executive (President), the legislative (Congress consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives) and the judiciary (Supreme Court and all other courts). Each department has a distinct and essential role in the function of the government, and was established under the Constitution.

The separation of powers was created to ensure cohesive central government supported by three integral and independent divisions with divergent

ManilaTimes.net photo

powers and responsibilities. They work together to make the country run smoothly and to assure that the rights of citizens are not ignored or disallowed.

Even with the luxury of their independence, these three departments operate with built-in checks and balances to prevent concentration of power in any one branch, to protect the rights and liberties of

citizens, and to avoid Constitutional crisis.

Filipinos expect these three great departments to work together to solve the country’s much bigger problems. Enhancing such cooperation among the branches may be achieved by meeting regularly to discuss issues and be involved in addressing key problems facing the nation. For the benefit of their people, a compromise is mandatory. (AJPress)

Best advice to those getting married (& those who want to stay married) JUNE is here! The season of weddings and new beginnings unfold as the days get warmer and longer. It is unfortunate, though, that half of the marriages these days end in divorce. It does not have to be that way. It should not be that way.

I just attended a beautiful wedding in New York where my husband and I were privileged to be Ninong and Ninang. The priest left a message that will forever play beautiful music to my ears to remind me about two things we need to say to our spouse as we renew our marriage vows each new day we are blessed to share together: “ I love you.”

“I need to be loved by you.”

I also came across this article online via Discipleship Nation. Let me share the gem of this piece.

May it be a blessing to you wherever you may be in your relationship: The best marriage advice ever Choose to love each other even in those moments when you struggle to like each other. Love is a commitment, not a feeling.

Always answer the phone when your husband/ wife is calling and when possible, try to keep your phone off when you’re together with your spouse.

Make time together a priority. Budget for a consistent date night. Time is the “currency of relationships” so consistently invest time into your marriage.

Surround yourself with friends who will strengthen your mar- The Fil-Am riage and remove yourself from people who may tempt you to Perspective compromise your character.

Make laughter the soundtrack of your marriage. Share moments of joy, and even in the hard times, Gel SantoS-ReloS find reasons to laugh.

In every argument, remember that there won’t be a “winner” and a “loser.” You are partners in everything so you’ll either win together or lose together. Work together to find a solution.

Remember that a strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It’s usually a husband and wife taking turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other feels weak.Prioritize what happens in the bedroom. It takes more than sex to build a strong marriage, but it’s nearly impossible to build a strong marriage without it!

Remember that marriage isn’t 50-50, divorce is 50-50. Marriage has to be 100-100. It’s not splitting everything in half, but both partners giving everything they’ve got!

Give your best to each other, not your leftovers after you’ve given your best to everyone else.

Learn from other people, but don’t feel the need to compare your life or your marriage to anyone else’s. God’s plan for your life is masterfully unique!

Don’t put your marriage on hold while you’re raising your kids or else you’ll end up with an empty nest and an empty marriage.

Never keep secrets from each other. Secrecy is the enemy of intimacy.

Never lie to each other. Lies break trust and trust is the foundation of a strong marriage.

When you’ve made a mistake, admit it and humbly seek forgiveness. You should be quick to say, “I was wrong. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

When your husband/wife breaks your trust, give them your forgiveness instantly which will promote healing and create the opportunity for trust to be rebuilt. You should be quick to say, “I love you. I forgive you. Let’s move forward.”

Be patient with each other. Your spouse is always more important that your schedule.

Model the kind of marriage that will make your sons want to grow up to be good husbands and your daughters want to grow up to be good wives.

Learn from other people, but don’t feel the need

to compare your life or your marriage to anyone Else. God’s plan for your life is masterfully unique!

Never talk badly about your spouse to other people or vent about them online. Protect your spouse at all times and in all places.

Always wear your wedding ring. It will remind you that you’re always connected to your spouse and it will remind the rest of the world that you’re off limits!

Connect into a community of faith. A good church can make a world of difference in your marriage and family.

Pray together. Every marriage is stronger with God in the middle of it.

When you have to choose between saying nothing or saying something mean to your spouse, say nothing every time!

Never consider divorce as an option. Remember that a “perfect marriage” is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.

(Writer: Unknown) *** 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

Foxes guarding the hen house REMEMBER “C5 at Taga”?

Street For the benefit of those with short Talk memories, in January 2010, with the presidential campaign in full swing and Sen. GReG B. MacaBenta Manny Villar leading in the surveys on presidential aspirants, the Senate debated a report recommending the censure of Villar “for improper and unethical conduct.” Villar, who owns one of the biggest real estate development conglomerates in the country, allegedly channeled public works funds to build a C5 extension through his firms’ property.

According to media, Villar used his position as Senate Finance Committee Chairman and as Senate President to benefit his firms at the expense of the Filipino taxpayers: “The report said the government spent P6.2 billion on the C5 road extension project, including the realigned P4.28 billion for the extension project, the P1.8 billion spent for the original project but was wasted due to the realignment, and the reportedly overpriced payment of P141.2 million in right-of-way payments for Villar’s real estate companies.”

It was a classic case of the fox guarding the hen house.

A mischievous wordsmith promptly punned Villar’s campaign slogan, “Sipag at Tiyaga” (Industriousness and Diligence) into “C5 at Taga” – “taga” being a Tagalog idiom for getting a cut or making money out of something.

Villar lost to a candidate perceived as his exact opposite, that is, a virtual Knight in Shining Armor, Benigno S. Aquino III (ironically, Aquino lost much

of that luster during his tenure).

Now comes president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, he who rode to victory as another Knight in Shining Armor, vowing to slay the dragons of criminality and corruption, even if he has to dump the thieving corpses into the Manila Bay. And what has been one of his first acts as presumptive dragonslayer? He announces the appointment of newly reelected congressman Mark Villar, son of the elder Villar, as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Remarked a pundit, Duterte is sending the Villars back to the hen house. The appointment has disappointed many of Duterte’s trusting supporters who voted for him on the promise of “change.”

They now have the uneasy feeling that they have been short-changed.

Of course, Duterte’s near-fanatical loyalists are bristling at what they call “premature judging” of their idol. They insist that things will eventually work out well and that Duterte will take his oath of office with a team that is capable, qualified and raring to deliver on his promise of dramatic reforms.

To be fair, none of the announced “appointments” may be considered final.

Duterte has been known to do a multiple about-face on his campaign vows, decisions and policy statements, and there is every possibility that his more sensible advisers will make him see the light.

And speaking of seeing the light, one of Duterte’s closest friends and a generous financial supporter has taken a dim view of the appointments.

Mike Abe, speaking on behalf of Pas-

tor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, has characterized Duterte’s process of selecting key officials as “turo-turo” (literally, point-point): “’Turo-turo lang. O, ikaw ang secretary dito, ikaw ang may hawak dito.

Nawala na ‘yung proseso. ‘Yun ang ikinagugulat ng mismong malalapit kay Mayor,” Abe told Rappler.” (It’s just point-point. You be secretary here, you be in charge of this. There is no process. That’s what shocked those close to Mayor.)

One would have expected some kind of formal vetting process for something as important as selecting individuals for some of the most important positions in government. For perspective, following is what prospective appointees to highlevel US government positions have to go through, as digested from an official document: “CALLED TO SERVE: THE PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT VETTING PROCESS The rewards of public service as a high-level presidential appointee include the opportunity to serve one’s country, pursue important policy goals, and help shape historical events. In order to serve as a presidential appointee, however, candidates must first successfully navigate two complex political processes: nomination by the President and confirmation by the United States Senate. Both processes entail extensive vetting of professional credentials and a host of personal background issues.

“Top Five Vetting Priorities (of) Individuals who are interested in a presidential appointment are 1. Tax Issues (including paying employee taxes for undocumented nannies) 2. Ethics and Financial Disclosure Requirements.

3. Litigation, investigations, and other legal proceedings.

4. Publications and Organizational Affiliations.

5. Medical, Family, and Personal Issues.”

If the same vetting process were to be applied in Duterte’s selection of cabinet appointees, would Mark Villar qualify?

Conflict of interest would certainly be a major issue.

For that matter, would lawyer Salvador Panelo, who appears to have been tapped as presidential spokesman, be considered acceptable? Panelo’s reportedly weird sartorial tastes and lack of charm in dealing with the media may be the least of his problems. Worst of all is that he is the defense lawyer of the Ampatuans in the case involving the massacre of 57 persons in Maguindanao, 32 of them journalists.

And talk about conflict of interest, how about conflict of national security interests?

Duterte has announced his intention to reserve four key cabinet portfolios for nominees of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army: the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

More than the other cabinet offices, these four are primarily populist and would seem to be ideal for a group that has its roots in the masses. Assuming that the CPP and the NPA, after decades of conflict with the government, are still as ideologically committed to correcting social injustice and uplifting the lives of the working class, it is doubtful that it has reversed its avowed goal of over-

throwing the government and curtailing US influence on our country’s economic, political and military affairs.

While the NPA invokes an ideology that resonates with the poor, with labor and with the landless in the rural areas, the cadres are in fact operating in a manner no different from the Mafia, engaging in the protection racket and making millions in the process. This should be apparent to Duterte because, according to a report, “The NPA obtains significant amounts of money from the Davao region. The military estimates that the NPA collected 39.5 million pesos ($890,000) there in 2010, nearly half of the 95.5 million pesos ($2.15 million) it raised from revolutionary taxes throughout the country during the year. Most of the funds are collected in the Compostela Valley, where there are many mines.

In 2009, the military estimated that the province could provide the group with as much as 20 million pesos ($460,000) per month.”

According to the same report, “the NPA has increased (the) tax levied on mining companies from 15 million pesos ($340,000) to 20 million pesos ($450,000) a month.”

Imagine how it will be when the CPP and NPA assume control of the DOLE, DSWD, DAR and DENR budgets. Without discounting the temptations for personal enrichment, there exists the very real prospect of raising billions to pay for troops and armaments to match the firepower of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Just as serious a threat is the increased capability offered by the key posts to win the battle for the hearts and minds of the masses.

Indeed, placing these departments under the control of a group sworn to

u PAGE A7

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-9, 2016

A

No more arrests for bullet amulets at NAIA

by Rudy

sAntos Philstar.com

MANILA—The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) is experimenting on a scheme in which passengers found with a lone bullet in their luggage would be allowed to board their flights after surrendering the bullet.

This is meant to finally end the tanim bala or bullet-planting phobia at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to Bienvenido Denros, OTS team leader at the NAIA Terminal 1.

Denros said last Monday, May 30, that the new rule is still in the experimental stage and would apply only if one live bullet is found in the luggage of a departing passenger, especially elderly people and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

He clarified that if they find a fully loaded bullet magazine or several bullets inside the luggage, the passenger would be

apprehended.

He said once the X-ray machine at the departure area detects only one live bullet in the luggage, the OTS inspector will ask the passenger to view the Xray monitor to look at the bullet without anybody touching the subject luggage.

Denros said the inspector would then ask the passenger to get the bullet from the bag and surrender it to the OTS and the passenger would be allowed to board his plane without any interrogation or even charges of violating the law.

“We ask them (passenger) if you still want to leave. If they say yes, then we will ask them to open their luggage and get the bullet and surrender it to us, then we will let them go,” Denros explained.

Denros recalled that last Saturday afternoon at NAIA Terminal 1, the X-ray scan detected a live bullet and two empty shells inside the check-in luggage of a

departing OFW. “I called the attention of the OFW and asked him to view his luggage that contained a bullet through the X-ray monitor and asked him politely if he still wanted to proceed to the Middle East, and he replied, yes please,” Denros said.

He told the OFW to open his luggage, get the bullet and surrender it to the OTS.After doing this, he was allowed to board his flight without being charged with any violation.

The OFW, whose identity was withheld, thanked the OTS team several times and continued waving his hand while walking toward the airline counters.

Denros said the new rule is part of the review of regulations of the OTS security check.

He said that many people still believe in bullets as amulets or good luck charms, and some passengers are caught in the airport with amulets in their luggage. n

New law raises tax-free cap for ‘balikbayan’…

PAGE A5 t “It also mandates the use of information and communications technology and other appropriate applications that speed up not only the inner-workings of Customs, but also make it more transparent,” Angara said.

He said the CMTA also reinforces Bureau of Customs functions as trade facilitator rather than just being a revenue-generating agency, and imposes higher penalties against smuggling.

“The CMTA aims to overhaul and modernize the bureau which has long been perceived as one of the most corrupt and underperforming government agencies in the country,” Angara said.

“Kahit si President-elect Rodrigo Duterte ay gusto nang buwagin ang ahensiyang ito. Pero umaasa tayo na sa pamamagitan ng mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas na ito at sa tulong ng bagong administrasyong Duterte, magbabago at maisasaayos ang kalakaran ng Customs. (Even President-elect Rodrigo Duterte wants to abolish this agency. But we hope that

overthrow the government is not just assigning the foxes to guard the hen house, it is allowing a Trojan horse to be wheeled right into the center of power.

The latest news is that Jose Maria Sison has signed an “interim peace agreement” with the Aquino government that the incoming Duterte administration can simply ratify. It is interesting to note that this is the first time that Sison has agreed to sign such an agreement and that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has not even made an issue of the NPA remaining in America’s roster of terrorist organizations.

With a foot in Malacanang – as Duterte promised

LP bets hail supporters in thanksgiving party

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

MANILA—Liberal Party (LP) candidates standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Vice President-elect Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo lauded their supporters in the administration’s thanksgiving party held Wednesday night, June 1.

Roxas and Robredo expressed gratitude to their supporters priUnder the new law, Filipinos abroad can now send up to three P150,000-worth of tax- and duty-free balikbayan boxes in a year, or to the campaign season and given that the goods are not in commercial quantities nor intended post-election.

Robredo whose daughters for barter, sale or for hire.

Inquirer.net photo Aika, Jillian, and Tricia are presthrough the strict implementation of this law and with the help of the Duterte administration, the Customs ent in the celebration, thanked systems would be reformed and put in order),” he her supporters for joining her and Roxas’s campaign journey. further said.

“Alam niyo po noong patapos

Foxes guarding the hen…

PAGE A6 t

POLICE SHAKE UP. Less than a month before the Philippine National Police welcomes its new chief, a reshuffle of senior officers holding sensitive posts has been implemented by its outgoing chief Director General Ricardo Marquez. In a press briefing on Thursday, June 2, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said the retirement of some senior officers prompted Marquez to implement the reorganization.

Chief Supt. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa takes over the highest PNP post, Mayor said he has the power to designate the reshuffled officers to different PNP offices.

Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta

Sison before the elections – why, indeed, would the CPP-NPA or the NDFP care about being in America’s shit list? In fact, their attitude is the other way around. This early, they are now demanding that Duterte should put the US in the Philippines’ shit list. As a first step. they want Duterte to rescind the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). In other words, Yankee go home. You can almost hear China’s officialdom cheering in the background and speeding up preparations for total control of the South China Sea. As the soap opera cliff hanger would intone, “Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.” (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

Palace cites…

PAGE A5 t

places from 85th place in 2010 buoyed largely by the social and economic reforms anchored on good governance that President (Benigno) Aquino (III) has instituted during his term.”

“And as the Aquino administration prepares to step down from power, we prepare to step down, we shall pass on a stronger, more competitive and broad-based and inclusive economy to the next administration,” he said. n

na ‘yung kampanya, nag-uusap po kami ni Secretary Mar, sabi po namin siguro sawa na kayo sa amin, palagi niyo po kaming napapanood. Pero ngayong gabi po, matabang-mataba po ang aming puso na kahit po tapos na ang eleksyon, ‘yung pagmamahal niyo po sa amin buong-buo pa din,” Robredo said to cheers and applause from the crowd.

“Nakikita po namin ang mga expression ng inyong pagmamahal at suporta sa Facebook, sa Twitter, sa Instagram, maraming-maraming salamat po dahil iyan po ang nagpapalakas ng aming loob. Sa ngalan po ng aking pamilya, siyempre po pati ni Secretary Mar, gusto po naming paabutan kayo ng aming buongpusong pasasalamat at hindi niyo po kami iniwan sa laban mula noon hanggang ngayon at sana, pati na po sa darating na panahon,” she added.

For his part, Roxas recognized his supporters who wore yellow shirts and gestured the “Laban” sign proudly.

“Itong dilaw, itong ‘Laban’ sign, hindi ko pag-aari, hindi kay Leni, hindi kay Noynoy. Ito ay pag-aari ninyong lahat, ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Roxas said in his speech.

“Kaya natutuwa ako na sinicelebrate ninyo ang pagsuot ng

dilaw, at ang ‘Laban’ sign dahil ibig sabihin engaged kayo, may malasakit kayo sa ating bansa, sa ating mga kababayan, sa ating mga komunidad, sa ating kapwa.

Hindi lang pansarili, hindi lang ako, pero sa lahat,” he added.

Meanwhile, LP chair President Benigno Aquino III also graced the event and thanked the supporters by serenading them. He joined Roxas and other members of his Cabinet in singing their favorite videoke songs, “Can’t Smile Without You”, “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko”, “September”, “Buttercup”, and “Always Something There To Remind Me,” among others. He also sang his father’s signature song, “The Impossible Dream.”

The LP’s thanksgiving celebration party was held at its headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City. A mass was held before the party.

Among the LP members and Cabinet officials who attended the Mass and event were Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento, and former Justice secretary, now Senator-elect Leila de Lima.

LP endorser Ramon Bautista was also present in the thanksgiving celebration. n

A JUNE 3-9, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

people events arts culture entertainment

june 3-9, 2016

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Cover photo by Ilya S. Savenok, “Eclipsed� photos by Joan Marcus for Clintramos.com

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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 3, 20 1 6

FOR BEST COSTUME DESIGN IN A PLAY

Clint Ramos on what his Tony nomination means to him

by MoMar G. Visaya/AJPress It’s June, and in the theater world, the awards season is in full gear. this weekend, the Drama Desk Awards will hold its 61st ceremony at the town Hall. Next week, the industry is celebrating the 70th year of the Antoinette Perry Awards, more famously known as tony Awards.

Only three Filipinos have won the coveted tony Award – Lea salonga for her Miss saigon performance in 1991, Robert Lopez won Best Original score for Avenue Q in 2004 and Jhett tolentino (with his partner Joann Raffe) in 2014 for being co-producers of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Best Musical), “A Raisin in the sun” (Best Revival of a Play, which starred Denzel Washington) and in 2013, “Vanya and sonia and Masha and spike” (Best Play). this year, another Filipino talent might join this very short list of Filipino tony Awardees. His name is Clint Ramos and he is nominated for Best Costume Design in a Play for his work in the Eclipsed, penned

by the Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira and starring Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o .

“I was initially really shocked. I never expected to be nominated.

I’m also very pleased and very happy about it. then Lea (salonga) tweeted about it and it put a heavy pressure on me,” Clint told us in between crisp laughter. “Masses are being offered in the Philippines, that’s sweet and great but now it’s serious.”

As Lea’s tweet proudly announced, Clint is one of only two Asian Americans nominated for this year’s tonys. the other is Hamilton’s Philippa soo, nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a musical.

“It inspires me to work harder as it puts more burden on my shoulder, but I am ready,” Clint said of his nomination.

And with the nomination came a realization, a long, hard look at where he is in the industry now and where he wants to be in the future.

“I feel like I need to be more visible. the problem with theater

Clint with three-time Tony winner Jhett Tolentino

design in particular is that it is a very white-dominated field and I think part of that is because there is no visual representation,” Clint lamented. “You don’t see the designers. Young artists of color do not consider it as a viable profession. to me, it is an honor and a responsibility, I need to advocate for the young designers of color.”

How it will be done will definitely not happen overnight.

He envisions of being able to slowly change the landscape of the industry through time. “to populate the theater more with people who look more like us, who are not necessarily white is not only sound but obvious. We want a diverse community, we want different voices,” he asserted. “Plays and musicals could be located in China or like Eclipsed, in Africa, and I don’t think the way those places, those locations, should look like, should be dictated by a certain group of people.”

From UP to Broadway Clint’s journey to where he is now began after he received

Clint is thankful for his Theater Arts background and the many lessons he learned from UP Diliman. He considers Prof. Tony Mabesa as one of his dear mentors.

Clint’s sketch for The Girl, played by Oscar winner and now Tonynominated actress Lupita Nyong’o.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

his theater Arts degree from the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

Clint originally wanted to be a director in the Philippines but pursued designing instead when he went to thetisch school of the Arts at New York University for graduate school and after earning his Master of Fine Arts in Design, theater, and Film, he started looking for opportunities.

George Wolfe who used to run the Public theater, and the director of the musical shuffle Along, saw Clint’s growing body of work and took him under his wing. that was when he started designing for shows at the Public.

His first show at the Public theater was santa Concepcion, followed by salvador Dali.

It was a slow burn for him and he kept on working all over the country and internationally, getting his name out there.

“I think I built up a reputation that way. sipag lang talaga. I am a migrant worker. It’s no different than picking strawberries,” he said.

With his work at the Public, Clint started to make a name for himself.

He then did the revival of Angels in America, then did shakespeare in the Park as well. His first Broadway show was Violet.

He felt fortunate enough to join the team of Here Lies Love a few years ago and that opened a lot of doors. that same year, he won an OBIE Award for sustained Excellence in Design, honoring his body of work.

An award-winning costume and set designer for theatre, Clint has amassed a handful of awards in the industry: 3 Lucille Lortel Awards, 2 American theater Wing Henry Hewes Awards and 7 nominations, tDF Irene sharaff Young Master Award, Helen Hayes Award, Craig Noel Award, and 2 Drama Desk nominations, among other awards.

He is also the recipient of the Ani ng Dangal presidential medal for dramatic arts from the president of the Philippines.

Although based in New York City, Clint has lent his talents to numerous international and regional theaters. He has created designs for Prince Opera theatre and Barbican in London, O’Reilly theatre in Dublin, Rijksteatern in stockholm, and Kanon in st. Petersburg, among other international venues.

Clint has designed sets and/or costumes for over a hundred theater, opera and dance productions.

Creative Process It is a long process before the audience gets to see the costumes and the stage. It’s a process that Clint doesn’t rush.

Clint with Eclipsed director Liesl Tommy and writer, Danai Gurira.

they are given a script and he tries to break it down and have an emotional response to it. He doesn’t even worry about the look yet, he said, since it is all about how this piece of writing or piece of music would make him feel. that is when he digs into the characters and where he does extensive research. He sifts through the materials and photographs and see what’s appropriate to use.

He then does a couple of drafts whether it’s the set or costume sketches, then he’ll show it to the director and producers. the process varies differently per project but one thing is consistent, he always starts in a very emotional place.

For Eclipsed, Clint looked at this war in Liberia and gazed at the pictures of the women affected by the war and it was familiar.

“I saw women in the Philippines, those affected by political strife and poverty. I saw parallels in the world of Eclipsed and where I’m from,” he said.

Clint has nothing but high praises for the play’s lead star, Lupita Nyong’o who, for him, is probably one of the most gifted young actresses we have today. “she is such a style icon and she rose to fame very quickly but you wouldn’t know that just by working with her. One of my biggest fears was that she would be a celebrity about it and I wouldn’t be able to make her look like I wanted to,” Clint said, remembering his initial apprehension. “I was really surprised at how down to earth she was and she was willing to go to this gritty, dark place, to deglamor herself for her character – a young girl ravaged by war. No ego, no vanity, nothing.”

Filipino values “I do find that I always go back to the way I was raised, in terms of values, in terms of what is important in life. It is in my work, regardless of whether it is set in the Philippines or not,” he said as he

recalled the hard work he had to put in.

What people watch plays and musicals, what they see onstage is more often than not, different from what’s going on offstage.

“We have a little edge because as designers, we are invisible. And when you have a last name like mine, people sometimes stop there and ask if I am appropriate for the job. It requires a lot of allies – white allies – to get the job,” he said.

One of those allies that he considers is scott Ellis, the director of the Elephant Man, the play which starred Bradley Cooper. Clint said he was the only person of color in that particular production.

In addition to his work in the theater, Clint is also devoted to giving back to his community despite his busy schedule.

Clint sits on the boards of FIERCE NY, an organization that is devoted to building the leadership and power of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBtQ) youth of color and sLAM NYC– working towards creating NYC’s first ever recovery high school.

In addition to his support for Oxfam International, God’s Love We Deliver, and Broadway Cares, Clint also regularly extends his knowledge and experience to theatre education. He has also held the roles of Professor and Visiting Artist at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. It’s his own little way of giving back, and maybe, he is able to inspire a young aspiring designer of color out there to pursue a career in the industry.

“Being one of only two Asian Americans nominated this year definitely put on a little pressure (on me) but it also feels like I am headed towards the right direction,” Clint said, and that direction is getting more people of color not just onstage but offstage as well. “We’re still working on that, becoming more and more diverse.”

Clint took over the Instagram account of Eclipsed for one day last week. He was asked what the Tony nomination meant for him.

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ DEAR Atty. Gurfinkel: When I filed for adjustment of status, USCIS said I committed fraud when I entered the US under an assumed name. They required me to file a Form I – 601 (Waiver of Inadmissibility), which they denied, stating that my spouse would not suffer enough “extreme hardship”.

My lawyer appealed my case to the Administrative Appeals Office in Washington DC (AAO), which dismissed my appeal.

When I asked my lawyer what I should do now, he said “just wait for an amnesty or to be put in deportation/removal proceedings, and then try again for the waiver in front of an immigration judge.”

Is there anything else I can do, aside from waiting for an amnesty or to be deported?

Very truly yours, E.S. Dear E.S.: You may want to consider repackaging and refiling your hardship waiver with USCIS. There is no immigration law which prohibits a person from filing a second or new hardship waiver.

However, you have to provide new evidence, or you make a better showing of extreme hardship. Our office has done this many times for people, who came to us with a previous denial. We were able to refile the waiver and the case got approved.

There are several situations

Re-packaging and re-filing a hardship/fraud waiver where a hardship waiver may be required, such as when a person commits fraud, is subject to the 3/10 year bar, or is pursuing a provisional waiver, to name a few.

In order for a person to prevail on a hardship waiver, they must demonstrate “extreme hardship” on a spouse or parent who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (“qualifying relative”).

In many cases, the qualifying relative is truly suffering extreme hardship, but the case is not properly packaged or presented, and is therefore denied. I have featured stories of several people on Citizen Pinoy, where the qualifying relative was truly suffering extreme hardship, but the case was denied because their attorney submitted a short, two page declaration from the qualifying relative that really did not bring out the true story and full picture of the qualifying relative’s situation, stress, ailments, anxiety depression, etc. While there are a number of factors that are considered in evaluating extreme hardship, it really boils down to making the qualifying relative’s situation into a tearful teleserye. You almost have to make the officer cry over the qualifying relative’s trials and tribulations.

In those cases, rather than filing an appeal on the very skeletal presentation of extreme hardship, we filed a new fraud waiver, with a lengthy and detailed affidavit from the qualifying relative (whether it was the person’s spouse, parent,

Atty. Gurfinkel is ‘thrilled about live broadcast, with real-time interaction with viewers’ when ‘Citizen Pinoy’ goes live this Sunday!

IN its 11th year of unparalleled public service to the community, ‘Citizen Pinoy’ goes the extra mile by doing a real-time live telecast this Sunday, June 5 at 6:15pm on TFC. This is the very first time a local show from TFC North America is broadcasting live. According to leading US immigration attorney, and host of ‘Citizen Pinoy,’ Michael J. Gurfinkel, “Our goal is to always look for innovative ways to make the show better and more entertaining for TFC viewers.”

Atty. Gurfinkel and the staff behind the award-winning public service program are excited about TFC’s first ever live telecast, and have been working really hard to put this show together. Atty.

Gurfinkel emphasized that, “The whole purpose is to provide not only the best public service, but a more interactive one.”

This attempt makes ‘Citizen Pinoy’ readily available to its core audience across North America.

Atty. Gurfinkel’s responses to your immigration concerns will also be immediate. As Atty.

Gurfinkel underlines, “People will get the feeling of an actual ‘live’ consultation right in the comfort of their homes.”

Viewers can send in their questions via Facebook at www. facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw or by calling these numbers: 1-650569-1774 or 1-650-569-1835. On the actual day of the live telecast, the same phone lines will also be set up so viewers can call in live!. Questions can be sent via Facebook, twitter, phone patch and Skype.

Be sure to catch us this Sunday at 6:15 pm (EST/PST) when ‘Citizen Pinoy’ goes live on June 5 — on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

The curious case of Stephen C. Davis: A ghost story Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA (Part 1 of 2) THAT scene in one of the Harry Potter books where eerie sounds and strange occurrences caused by a ghost in residence were coming from — of all places— the toilet stalls, in Hogwarts is not all that original. Because it happened years ago, not as fiction but as part of reality — my reality, that is.

Just for kicks during my halcyon days as a full-time working /full-time grad student at the

pretending life was normal was no longer an option. Someone finally did something about it and called on Fr. Bulatao to help shed light on the mysterious goings-on at the institute. I simply avoided the rest rooms and steered away from isolated areas of the building and never stayed in the building past sundown.

Professor Cynthia Turingan was the first medium. Under hypnosis, she revealed that an American soldier, an enlisted man, by the name of Stephen Davies (his name was spelled with an e in the surname) was murdered at the location right smack dab where the building stood. Details of a murder story flowed out of her like a gusher. But then it came to an abrupt halt when the door to the room where the session

“…In memory of one American soldier …”

University of the Philippines long ago, I had agreed to act as medium for a séance or a hypnotic session to conjure or call the spirit or spirits that were causing a disturbance.

I took over from another medium in a previous session weeks earlier conducted by a Jesuit priest from the Ateneo, Fr. Bulatao. There were repeated paranormal disturbances at the old building where I worked, a stone’s throw from the Institute of Mass Communication (now called by another name) where I was a grad student at night while working during the day as a full time research associate of what was then the Institute of Environmental Planning, now called the School of Urban & Regional Planning. That haunted building has been razed and there stands a newer multistory building.

At night, the custodian claimed that when all the rooms were locked up and no one was inside, there were eerie noises that would make the hair on the back of one’s neck stand on end. The occurrences were so frequent and so disruptive, ignoring them and

was being held, for no apparent reason, suddenly burst open.

The medium snapped out of the hypnotic trance feeling extremely limp and exhausted as though she had traveled many miles across a desert. I stood up and with a nonchalant shrug of my shoulders calmly closed the door.

Dissatisfied with the aborted session, the group decided to hold another. Professor Turingan was unavailable for the next session and I was drafted to act as medium, a role which I accepted on a lark and a dare.

There was a thunderstorm raging outside but I don’t remember much of what I said when I went on a trance. I do remember feeling very light, as though weightless, while someone gently whispered things to my ear.

Later, I learned that under hypnotic suggestion, I was instructed to go back to 1945, the year that the medium revealed when the alleged murder of the American soldier occurred.

I described the place as I saw it Continued on Page 6

An Asian Journal Magazine

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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 3, 20 1 6

or both), fully bringing out the extent of the extreme hardship the qualifying relative was suffering. As a result, the case was approved.

In addition, maybe there are NEW hardships the qualifying relative is now suffering, that were not present when the original hardship waiver was filed. Maybe the qualifying relative was recently diagnosed with a new medical issue, has been hospitalized, or a previous ailment has gotten worse. Those sort of changes in circumstance could possibly justify the filing of a new hardship waiver, provided it is properly packaged and presented.

I want to be clear that I am not guaranteeing a second hardship waiver will be approved. It certainly depends on the hardship being suffered by the qualifying relative and the discretion of the officer who adjudicates the waiver: is the officer tough and strict, or compassionate and understanding?

However, if your hardship waiver was denied, and you are “CITIZEN PINOY” GOES LIVE on JUNE 5. “People will get the feeling of an actual “live” consultation right in the comfort of their homes,” is how Atty. Gurfinkel describes the ground breaking live broadcast show. In its never-ending desire to bring public service to Kapamilya being told to “just wait”, you may across the US, “Citizen Pinoy” expands its reach by going LIVE in order to reach more of our core audience and provide immediate want to seek the advice of another replies to their questions. attorney, who can evaluate your Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel is “very excited about going live. Now, it will be ‘real time’ and more interaction qualifying relative’s hardship with viewers.” The host and the staff are looking forward to the show’s innovation for Sunday, June 5 when CP goes live. Audiences are situation, and determine if a encouraged to already send in your questions at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw or by calling 1-650-569-1774 or 1-650-569-1835. The hardship waiver can be repackaged live telecast of “Citizen Pinoy” will be seen this Sunday, June 5, at 6:15 pm (Eastern and Pacific) on TFC. and better presented, or if there are new hardships to be presented.

Don’t give up hope! active member of the State Bar of California. does not constitute a prediction, warranty, Call Toll free to schedule a consultation *** Each case is different. The information guarantee or legal advice regarding the for anywhere in the US:

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

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

outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com

(866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

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Little Miss PafcoM 2016 Mykaela Rae castillo

Miss PafcoM 2016 Vanessa Santiago

On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong By and large, the venue’s ambiance was ecstatic and rapturous while every attendee’s mood was indubitably exuberant.

The unswerving jauntiness and high spirited countenance that prevailed around the four corners of Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott Hotel’s Grand Ballroom was at its pinnacle when the Philippine American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM) commemorated its 26th Coronation and Gala Night last Saturday, May 28, 2016.

Patterned after Baguio City’s world renowned flower fair, the Panagbenga festival, PAFCOM’s floral-themed merriment was met with overwhelming enthusiasm and inquisitiveness due to its atypical physical set-up and stimulating original music that permeated the air throughout the three-hour event.

But what actually caused a stir and unparalleled interest was the coronation of this year’s beauties who were all elegantly garbed in their avant garde’s finest. Ably hosted by Ed Tolosa and Lenn Almadin Thornhill, the ceremonious crowning procedure went slickly smooth sans any technical or perfunctory glitch… all encapsulated in a colorful Panagbenga-themed presentation.

First to be honored and duly recognized as the occasion’s Panagbenga Queen was community leader and philanthropic retired medical

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Miss Teen PafcoM 2016 angelina Rose javier

Mrs. PafcoM 2016 Tenette Juarez Lirio

PafcoM Bb. Pilipinas 2016 Jessica Lynn Soriano

PafcoM Miss Liberty 2016 Maria Sabrina Ramos

PafcoM Mutya Ng Silangan 2016 Jazmine andes

Panagbenga Queen Dr. Dolly Rivera

Crowns, scepters, bouquets, smiles, & camera flashes brimmed over at PAFCOM’s 26th Friendship & Coronation Night practitioner, Dr. Dolly Rivera, herself, a genuine Baguio-born.

Compassionate with a munificent heart, the illustrious lady doctor fittingly deserves to be the most privileged Panagbenga Queen after having had enormously established a distinct reputation in her chosen field and highly regarded status via her dedicated involvement in various fundraising and charitable events. Dr. Rivera, together with equally serviceoriented medical volunteers, is also passionately involved in her annual medical missions to different calamity-devastated areas in the Philippines.

The preliminary entrance of the seven PAFCOM beauties, exotically donned in colorful floral gowns complete with authentic tribal headdress during the most touted portion, created a rousing uproar and thunderous welcome as they performed a creatively choreographed ethnic production number.

They say “Beauty is relative” and that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”…but American poet John Keats said: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever…!” In a much broader sense, we could quantify beauty as something about not just having a pretty face…but also having a keen mind, a munificent heart, and most importantly…a beautiful soul.

The ceremonious crowning of huggable Mykaela Rae Castillo as Little Miss PAFCOM, who

had initially shown agility and smartness, was one of the most applauded. An effervescently adorable young girl of seven gifted with a mature mind and ably interested in a diversity of things: drawing, singing, dancing, reading, and even sketching fashion stuff, Mykaela is the only child of Randy and Minette Castillo. Well turnedout and gutsy… no wonder, she’s a Grade 1 Honor pupil of Stanhope School. A choir member of the Bible Church International, our young beauty was escorted by her best friend, Jaden Troy “TJ” Bamba.

Statuesque and in every inch a quintessential exponent of femininity, Jessica Lyn Soriano was crowned 2016 PAFCOM Bb. Pilipinas. A young lady who is artistically and creatively inclined… she loves sculpting and pottery making, and she is a piano virtuoso in the making following her almost 9 years of attending piano school.

Jessica is active in school activities and community service aside from being a member of the Sisters of Charities. A beauty queen material with a beatific face and a justified weight that is proportionately distributed in her towering frame, Jessica remains gorgeous-looking sans make-up since she’s allergic to such cosmetic or beauty enhancer.

The second born to Nilo and Helen Soriano, younger brother Nikky capably ushered her on stage.

A natural-born Tagala from Bocaue, Bulacan but raised in the US, Jazmine Andes, who was

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crowned PAFCOM 2016 Mutya Ng Silangan, was methodically a dynamic student in the Performing Arts program while simultaneously active in the local community.

As a Peer Leader, Drum Major for marching band, and related school programs, she justifiably graduated as Class Salutatorian. A daughter of Arman and Joyce Andes David, this brainy beauty is currently the Social Media Director for JCI North Jersey, Program Manager for JCI New Jersey youth, and External Personal Relations Officer for the Filipino League At Seton Hall. Jazmine was escorted by her brother, Jason Andes.

PAFCOM 2016 Miss Liberty was 14-year old Maria Sabrina Ramos. She is well-skilled in the performing arts (having been trained and won in various dancing, acting, and singing competitions), multi-lingual (she could speak French, Tagalog, English), a potential actress and model, a creative writer, an accomplished gymnast, and lately a run-away winner during the 2015 Hollywood Showcase competition, this bundle of beauty and brains impressed her choreographer after scrupulously learning the steps of the production number a day before the show. The daughter of Benilda and Bruce Kosofsky, Sabrina had dashing Justin Shoemaker for her escort.

A stunning lass of fifteen summers from Alexandria, Virginia, Angelina Rose Javier, was crowned

PafcoM officers and members

2016 PafcoM Beauties

Miss Teen PAFCOM 2016. Already equipped with an enviable feminine pulchritude at her young age, Angelina is a freshman at Mount Vernon High School and a consistent honor student. An active member of Mount Vernon Vocal Resonance Choir and her school’s Volleyball Team, she learned Ballroom Dancing at an early age while singing becomes second nature to her. The eldest among the three children of Sherwin and Kristine Javier, Angelina is a potential ramp aspirant who,

PSYCHIC

incidentally, is the granddaughter of Rose and Rolly Javier. Debonair Michael Shoemaker, a cousin, acted as her escort.

Born to parents who are both dentists, Drs. Nestor and Blandie Santiago, Miss PAFCOM 2016 Vanessa Santiago is a lovely young lady who has three full college courses neatly stashed under her dainty sleeves: a Bachelor of Arts (Major in Communications) from Miriam College; a Master’s of Science (Major in Entertainment Continued on Page 5

Toni Gonzaga opens up about her pregnancy

By Bot

Glorioso Philstar.com

crazy because sometimes, i feel like crying while on other days, i am extremely happy.”

There are times, too, when Toni gets insecure with her physicality.

Her posture changed when she started to grow a baby bump, increasing the curvature of her back.

Good thing, Paul never fails to give emotional support to his wife.

“Whenever i tell Paul that i now look like (a mascot with the Toni Gonzaga vows to be a hands-on mom to protruding tummy), he always her and husband Paul Soriano’s first child assures me with, ‘For me, you are “All i can attend to now is the most beautiful. i am so proud this (‘Home Sweetie Home’). i still of you,’” related Toni, who wants her have to bear the mild headache husband to be by her side every so sometimes and the weight gain that often. is rapidly increasing. i am now 16 lbs. in preparation for the coming of heavier. Before, i only weighed 100 her baby, Toni is reading three books lbs. and the doctor said it’s normal on pregnancy — What to Expect, for me to balloon to 125 to 130 lbs.”

Baby 101 and Babywise — from Toni went on to share her and cover to cover. “i also have an app on Paul’s reaction when they learned my celfone called What to Expect.” that she’s pregnant. “We were Her friend Jolina Magdangal shocked. i was expecting to shed gifted her with a speaker which Toni tears or jump in joy just like what can put on her tummy for her baby we usually see on TV or in movies to listen to classical music for brain but nothing like that happened. You development. know that we originally planned to “i’d like my baby to grow up have a baby after a year of marriage in the same way that my parents but really, it is God’s plan that brought me up. i think i will be the prevails and we are happy with His disciplinarian. Lahat ng inalagaan ko, gift.” from my sister Alex to some of my These days, Toni is “still having cousins, sobrang madisiplina ako sa mixed emotions” due to hormonal kanila,” Toni answered when asked and physiologic changes. These about plans for her baby. changes greatly affect her mood Continued on Page 7 and she likened them to “feeling

Toni Gonzaga and husband director Paul Soriano are hoping to find out the gender of their first child when the former undergoes an ultrasound anytime this month.

Toni, who is now on her fifth month of pregnancy, is wishing for a boy while direk Paul is hoping for a girl. “i want a boy kasi s’yempre wala akong kapatid na lalaki at si Paul naman lima silang lalaki kaya ayun nag-kukulitan kami na gusto ko lalaki at s’ya naman babae,” shared Toni before the start of the “Home Sweetie Home” taping inside the Studio 5 of ABS-CBn. “But, of course, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a boy or a girl. What’s important is for our baby to be healthy. We are thankful to God for this blessing.”

The Kapamilya actress cannot also be thankful enough for having successfully coped with the discomforts of the first trimester of pregnancy. The queasy feeling made her impossible to attend to her showbiz commitments. Toni took a break from her hosting chore in “ASAP” and the remaining taping days of her and Piolo Pascual’s TV series “Written in our Stars” were rescheduled. “it will be our first time together in a soap; nahihiya nga ako kay Piolo for the delay.” (Piolo, according to recent reports, is willing to wait for Toni’s return after she gives birth.)

Crowns, scepters, bouquets, smiles...

From Page 4

Business) from Full Sail University; and currently, an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from ASA College.

And as if a triple college education wasn’t enough, she still struggles to gain first hand experiences from being a Business Manager at Saleaflor Entertainment, a part time hair model, a Special Projects Director of Magic 89.9 & 103.5 WoW FM Radio, and had also been a Starbucks barista at the Rustan’s Coffee Corporation…and those were aside from being a volunteer worker in various community events and a singer-actress with an Acting Certification from the Star Magic Acting Workshop. Vanessa was escorted by Raymond Gayla.

From the vast verdant hills of Sariaya, Quezon hails Mrs. PAFCoM 2016 Tenette Juarez Lirio. The USA became her adoptive cradle at the tender age of 17 but it took her

sometime to adjust to her newfound land. The incessant longing for home was only pacified when she met Rico Lirio who provided her with the much-needed comforting companionship…that eventually led them down the aisle. Their marital union was blessed with 2 children: Raquel and Michael. Currently a Dental Assistant at the clinic of Dr. Michael Gitlin, Tenette was formerly crowned 2014 Mrs. Philippines Kalayaan (having garnered special awards: Mrs. Congeniality, Mrs. Photogenic, and Best in Gown) and 2015 Mrs. Glambassador.

She was escorted by her ever dependable and supportive hubby, Rico.

Guests enjoyed non-stop socializing while having to enjoy dancing to the last music beat while barflies got satisfying pleasure from imbibing the

ultimate drop of their wine. overheard from among regular social event fixtures: “… such an entertaining event hard to replicate!”

PAFCoM President Ledy Almadin, together with her staff and members Helen Castillo, Gani Puertollano, Rose Javier, Lito Pernia, Lumen Castañeda, Susan Lagmay, Perla Candelaria, Atty.

Victor G. Sison, Lita Roxas, and Dr. Constancia S. Uy, and not to forget Grand Marshal Gwen De Vera, left no stone unturned if only to insure the success of the event…and merely sent a sigh of relief after the ceremony exceeded her expectations. “it was way far beyond from what we actually expected,” Almadin enthused.

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

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How Martin Nievera connects to the public

By Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

HE is probably the only person in the business who admits he has a big mouth, and that occasionally, it can get him into trouble.

But after more than 30 years in showbiz, Martin nievera has come to realize that it’s all part of the effort of celebrities to “connect” with the public, and that if there are bashers and critics, well, they’re simply part of the territory, and he has to accept them.

“Seems to me that in this day and age, we have no excuse not to talk or communicate with our fans and bashers,” notes Martin.

Yes, it can be painful sometimes.

Especially for someone who would rather be private. “When i do or say anything in public i am hit and questioned on social media, leaving us usually private people out in the open and vulnerable to every painful

and positive word. i didn’t have this kind of closeness that i do now thanks to social media, but there is definitely a price to pay.”

Does he engage with his bashers and critics, or has he learned to simply ignore them?

“Haters gonna hate, but we are only human so i answer as a human not as a superstar. it’s a losing battle i know, but i am only getting into this whole high-tech way of communicating and sometimes i say too much. i am learning.”

Despite these occasional skirmishes on social media, Martin finds himself in a relatively good place for the remainder of 2016.

His international career has been pretty steady, what with at least two concerts a year on the Las Vegas strip. Locally, he has been doing a lot of big and small shows that keep him busy as well as creative, including a recent benefit show for Epcalm,

or the Erwin Piedad Cabanag Adult Leukemia Ministries. now known as the EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines, it is the first and Continued on Page 6

For the Lav of Charo Santos

By BAyAni

sAn dieGo Inquirer.net

Jr.

AnD we thought these twin worlds would never meet. indie stalwart Lav Diaz described working with ABS-CBn executive Charo Santos as “really cool.”

The two collaborated on “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” which also features John Lloyd Cruz, nonie Buencamino and Shamaine Buencamino.

While her co-stars have previously worked with Lav, it’s a first time for Charo, who is making her big-screen comeback after a 17-year absence. (Also in the cast are Michael de Mesa and Cacai Bautista.)

Lav recalled that he and Charo got to talk about the possibility of working together during the victory party for his latest film, “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis,” which won the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize at the Berlinale last February.

(Charo and sister Malou Santos, through ABS-CBn’s film arm Star Cinema, acted as co-

Charo Santos (center) and Lav Diaz in Mindoro

producers and distributors of “Hele.”)

“At the time, i was in the process of doing a trilogy on reclusion perpetua—stories on the subject of life sentence,” Lav recounted.

The film’s existential discourse depicts “prison as a metaphor for the curse of living or life as a metaphor for prison.” “i have two stories already— one will be shot in December [this year to] January of next year,” he noted.

After that initial meeting with

Inquirer.net photo

Charo, Lav related, “The story of ‘Ang Babaeng Humayo’ just flowed naturally.”

He volunteered that Leo Tolstoy’s short story, “God Sees the Truth but Waits,” was “a big inspiration.” “it just came to me. i wrote the storyline and sent it to [producer] Ronald Arguelles of Cinema one and Charo. They liked it,” he remarked.

He feels it’s important to tell this story. “Existence is so fragile.

At the end of the day, we know Continued on Page 6

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Kristine Hermosa returns to acting

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KRiSTiNE Hermosa is about to make an acting comeback!

The former Kapamilya actress will star in a TV show in GMA, together with her husband Oyo Boy Sotto.

The announcement was made by the actress in her instagram account on Wednesday, June 1, with a simple caption “abangan.”

The show is titled “Hay Buhay,” which will replace the Saturday night sitcom “Vampire ang Daddy Ko” which stars Vic Sotto with his son Oyo, Philippine Entertainment Portal reported.

Kristine’s last TV show was ABS-CBN’s “Noah,” which starred Piolo Pascual. (Philstar.com)

‘JaDine’ poses for mag cover as official couple KAPAMilyA love team James Reid and Nadine lustre posed for a glitzy and steaming-hot cover of a fashion magazine, after they revealed the status of their relationship last February.

For the magazine’s 21st anniversary in June, Preview “previewed” its two-fold cover featuring the couple on social media site instagram. “it’s our 21st birthday and we’re ready to run away with Nadine lustre and James Reid.

Decked out in louis Vuitton, see

Toni Gonzaga opens up...

From Page 5 Meanwhile, Toni’s character Julie in “Home Sweetie Home” also prepares for the coming of her and husband Romeo’s (played by John lloyd Cruz) firstborn after almost three years of marriage. “it’s amazing that my role coincides with the state of my life so there is no need for me to act pregnant. But you know, based on the story, Julie is really set to get pregnant this year since everyone is expecting for them to have a child after a year or two of marriage.” in fact, everyone will be surprised to discover Julie’s sensitive condition in the show’s episode airing on June 4 when Julie is rushed to the hospital due to a minor accident that left her right ankle red and swollen. Everyone, including Romeo, suggests to have her ankle checked through X-ray but the doctor says it is not possible because she is pregnant. Of course, Romeo is overjoyed upon hearing the good

news.

How is John lloyd as expectant dad Romeo?

“He’s very caring and even off-cam he is concerned with my condition. My husband was teasing me that every Tuesday (taping day of ‘Home’), lloydie is my husband.”

She continued, “Ever since ‘Home Sweetie Home’ started, several milestones happened to my life. During the show’s first year, i got

#JaDine in a fashion story like no other,” the post read.

Preview’s issue spots on JaDine’s fashion story, as well as the much-awaited “behind-thescenes” of their book “Team Real”, which was already sold out prior to its release.

Adding to the “kilig” photos, Preview uploaded a youTube video on Tuesday highlighting the runaway-themed photoshoot of lustre and Reid.

(Gianna Francesca Catolico/ Inquirer.net) engaged to Paul then on the second year, i got pregnant and now that it is entering the third year, i’ll be having a baby. Sakto din sa story ang mga nangyayari sa buhay ko.”

But whether she likes it or not, Toni will take a temporary hiatus from showbiz once her date with the stork is confirmed. She is expected to give birth in September. “i don’t mind playing mother roles when i come back. in fact, i have a child in ‘Written in Our Stars.”’

Kristine Hermosa with husband Oyo Boy Sotto

How Martin Nievera connects...

From Page 5 only Christ-centered non-stock, non-profit organization in the country focused on extending timely, personalized, practical and family-oriented support to leukemia patients, and their families. Martin has performed for them numerous times and says he’s always glad to do so. “i have been with the Epcalm family for quite some time now and every time they need a project that inspires, educates and heals, i am their in-house singer. The people at Epcalm are on a mission to help learn more about leukemia and want to build a facility that will house families dealing with the grief and challenges this cancer comes with.

Dr. Erlyn Demerre and her Epcalm team have been passionate about this mission and i am honored to be part of it,” he says.

Martin also had a brief stint on “i love OPM” which he describes as a very fun show to be part of. “What made it even more special was the fact it was a pet project of my home network ABS-CBN and not the usual franchise show from another country. it was heartwarming to see how foreigners from all over the world not only love original Pinoy music, but also our country and countrymen.”

Speaking of OPM, Martin has just released a new album that is 100 percent OPM. The album is titled “Kahapon Ngayon” and contains OPM classics like, “Bato sa Buhangin,” “Paraiso Parisukat,”“Maalaala Mo Kaya,”“Hindi Kita Malimot,” just to name a few. There is even a version of the Visayan classic “Usahay.”

At this point, Martin is hoping that what remains of 2016 will be just as productive for him. “i am

contracted to do two concerts at the M resort and Casino on the las Vegas strip on June 11 and again on Oct. 15. i am all over the world for The Filipino Channel (TFC) promoting Kapamilya happiness everywhere. i plan to do my part on ‘ASAP’ every Sunday that i am needed. in between all that, i will be heavy into promoting the new CD and have offers to perform in other casinos all over America as well as corporate shows here and there. i want to work on a new CD of original songs as well as go on tour with my son Robin.”

Martin plans to just keep singing and performing. Singing is my job,” he says. “i would like to think i am as needed in this very moody industry as i need it. i am still in it to win it. i love my job i love to sing and perform.

Television for me is a blessing and a bonus. Just give me a stage and a microphone even with just a flashlight. i will sing.”

The curious case of Stephen...

With Home Sweetie Home co-star John Lloyd Cruz during a taping break on the set of the ABS-CBN Saturday night sitcom.

Calendar of Events across

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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 JUNE 4

Piyesta Pinoy Bolingbrook Please join us on Saturday, June 4 for the 3rd Philippine Fest Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook) at the beautiful Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd. Bolingbrook, IL). This year’s event will include a variety of food vendors, business, merchandise, and non-profit organizations, as well as hours of dance, games, and musical entertainment, including special guest performances. The Philippine American Cultural Foundation (PACF) is proud to promote and share our rich Filipino cultural heritage and traditions in America. Your participation and support are always valuable and critical to the survival of PACF and its programs. For more information, or to volunteer, perform, exhibit, or donate, please visit www.piyestapinoy.net, or email Piyestpinoy@gmail.com.

Missionary Society of St. Columban Dinner-Dance The Missionary Society of St. Columban will hold its annual dinner dance event on June 4th, 6pm, at the Friendship Auditorium (3201 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90941).

Organized by the Dancing for the World, an affiliate of the Columbans, will celebrate the “Year of Mercy” to echo and emphatically support the call of Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year.

This year is very important to be responsive to the call of the church and be faithful to the mission of God because God is by nature merciful. Thanks to the many dedicated missionaries, priests, sisters and lay missionaries who responded to the call of God and live among the poor to make a difference and allow God’s mercy to flow into the hearts of those they minister. For more information, please visit www.columban.org. The Dancing for the World event on June 4 is also an opportunity to meet supporters, donors and friends to thank them for their valuable contribution to the Columban mission. Event will include delicious food, ballroom dancing, and fabulous raffle prizes. (For this year, the first prize will be a cruise for two to Mexican Riviera. The second prize is a Flat screen TV. The third prize is a Tablet.) There are many amazing prizes available for all lucky winners. The dinner dance ticket is $40.Reserve your tickets now or before May 15. For information and tickets please contact Carmencita Enriquez (213) 880-5075 or Ariel Presbitero (323) 691-5262, or at: 2919 Moss Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90065. Thank you in advance on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Columban and the Dancing for the World committee members. Please continue praying for all Columban Missionaries all over the world and the success of this event.

Pechanga Bus trip

From Page 3 — an open field, a moonless night, quonset huts and a heavy sense of foreboding in the air. During the session, the same Stephen Davies revealed the name of his murderer.

He said he was hit on the head by a piece of wood while he was out on patrol one night and was robbed of his money. The ghost revealed details about his murderer: his assailant’s name, the exact address where he lived, describing him as an old man by that time, languishing in jail for other crimes he committed and that the house where the murderer used to live

on J.P. Rizal Street in Makati was eventually destroyed by fire.

He was asked about the name of his wife and where she lived, questions upon questions which the ghost said were “not important” but pressed further, he said that his wife had remarried and pleaded not to bother his wife anymore. He said that he was not the only spirit hovering in the area and that there were many others. Asked about how he felt, he said that he was lonely and that he just wants to be remembered.

Over and over again, he said he wanted to be remembered. He ignored questions about his past

brushing them aside for the one thing he wanted — that he be remembered. His bones, he said, lay scattered and mixed with the soil in the same area which was leveled years earlier by a bulldozer.

The ghost of the dead soldier requested that a mass be said on a sunny day in his remembrance — a request the group readily granted him. Shortly after, the eerie occurrences seemed to stop.

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

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The Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers Association (FALEO), a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, will host a bus trip to Pechanga to raise funds for its scholarship. There will be two locations for pick up and drop off: First pick up is at 10:45 am; drop off at 8:30 pm at Carson Civic Center, 801 East Carson Street, Carson. The second pick up will be between 11:15 to 11:30 am; drop off at 8 pm at Angels Stadium Metrolink, 2626 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim. Tickets are $35 and include games and a light breakfast while en route to Pehcanga. For more information, contact Pauline at igorott@yahoo.com.

Installation of Officers The City of San Fernando La Union of Northern California Association USA, a social non-profit organization, will hold a dinner and dance fundraiser event to install its officers for 2016-18. CSFLU aims to socially reunite Friends and Families living in Northern California through scheduled fundraisers, camping, picnics, family events, programs and local community projects. Its mission is to uplift and enrich the living experience through social, moral, ethical and spiritual support in Northern California and in the City of San Fernando La Union Philippines. The event will take place at Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, 32083 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA 94587. For more information, contact Jake Valdez at (408) 768-1209 or jake4realestate@yahoo.com.

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JUNE 5

YFPA Annual Scholarship Gala 2016 Your Filipino Professionals Association (YFPA) will hold its Annual Scholarship Gala with the theme: “Collaboration is the New Bayanihan’” on Sunday, June 5, 6pm, at the Watts Room, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. The event is to award YFPA Scholarship program recipients. For tickets: www.YFPASF.com/events.html.

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

info@asianjournalinc.com

Filcom in Maine recognizes achievements Consul General, joins meeting with Portland Mayor SOuTH Portland, Maine—The Filipino community in Maine, led

by Ms. Tess Cardona, welcomed the delegation of Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr. who is in Maine to visit the local community, call on uS elected and local officials and promote networking exchanges with the local Chamber of Commerce and the state International Trade Center.

Consul General De Leon, accompanied by Filcom members Tess Cardona and Sarah Boothby and Consul Felipe Carino, called on Mayor ethan Strimling to introduce local community members and promote exchanges on community issues. During the discussion, Consul General De Leon mentioned that out of about 3,000 Filipinos living in Maine, 800 Filipinos live in Portland.

He also mentioned that the other purposes of his visit are to develop uS legislative interests on Filipino veterans and promote commerce between the Philippines and Maine.

Mayor Strimling welcomed Consul General De Leon’s visit and invited community members to avail of the city’s services on matters of concern to them. He also promised to be more visible in community events. Mayor Strimling

Consul General Mario De Leon is welcomed by Topologe’s power couple, Ali and Margie Sarmiento, in their office at Burlington, Massachusetts. In a span of a few years, Topologe has grown and is recognized as one of the top 5000 fastest-growing private-owned US companies.

For the Lav of Charo...

From Page 5 nothing,” he said. “The film’s story is simple and, at the same time, very complex.”

He explained: “It’s about life… existence. So where’s the logic of living? One may also look at the story as yet another forum in pushing cinema’s greater role of trying to find philosophical truths.”

He is familiar with Charo’s body of work as an actress. “I saw her old movies: Mike de Leon’s ‘Itim’ and ‘Kisapmata,’ Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s ‘Brutal’ and eddie Romero’s ‘Aguila.’”

Charo won best actress in the Asian Film Festival for “Itim,” which was released in 1976.

On the set, he saw how “committed” the actress was to her character. “She really prepared for the movie.”

Setting it in Mindoro, Charo’s home province, was serendipitous.

“Charo asked where I intended to shoot the film. I told her I was thinking of Mindoro. That was when she told me that she’s from Calapan,” he said.

Mindoro was a dream for Lav.

“My faith in the Filipino became stronger during filming,” he pointed out. “Old Pinoy values are intact in Mindoro. People are kind.

Sobra.”

He noticed that many business establishments did not need security. “The resort we stayed in [during the shoot] didn’t have guards. The hotels where we stayed during preproduction didn’t have guards, either. everything was open.”

At one point, the crew misplaced a “bundle of production money, but a gardener returned the envelope.”

“The cash was all there. The people have integrity. They still trust their fellow man,” he waxed poetic.

Lav, who envisions a four-hour running time for the film, is now neck-deep in the editing process.

There is talk of entering it in a festival, here or abroad, maybe the Metro Manila Film Festival.

“People worked hard to make it,” Lav said. “we didn’t make the film for any festival. we’re cool if they’ll invite it, though.”

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2016 AWIB Annual Procurement Conference for minority & women-owned enterprises

New YORK, NY—Asian women in Business (AwIB) will hold its Annual Procurement Opportunities Conference for Minority/womenOwned Business enterprises (MBwes) on Thursday June 16, Consul General De Leon and Mayor Strimling 2016. The conference will take (L-R) Consul General De Leon flanked by Mayor Strimling and Filcom members who actively exchange mementos of their meeting at the place at BNY Mellon, 101 Barclay engaged their Mayor end of their discussion.

Street, New York City, from 8:30am their support during his term consisting of Maine lobsters and is a first term Mayor who is hugely to 3pm. and for hosting the annual potato salad, was held at Days popular as a public figure and radio There is no cost to attend consular outreach in the area for hotel where Filipino community commentator before jumping into the AwIB Annual Procurement the benefit of many community members coming from different politics.

Opportunities Conference. members. The next scheduled parts of Maine came to see Consul During discussions, community The event provides the MBwe outreach in Maine is on August General De Leon. even community members brought to Mayor community with resources and 6. He also mentioned the success leaders from as far away as New Strimling’s attention important connections to stand out in an of the political and economic Hampshire joined to the pleasant matters relating to immigration increasingly competitive market. outreach in Maine - a first time surprise of Consul General De Leon and visa issuance to immediate Attendees can foster partnerships for the Consulate General and who is ending his tour of duty by family members in the Philippines, by networking with government the end of June after five productive Filcom- where leading community officials and small business owners medical services and housing members joined to engage their years of serving the community in issues for senior citizens, and in the extensive exhibition area. To elected officials to air concerns the uS Northeast. expanding opportunities for foreign support the growth of MwBes, prewhich included medical health Consul General De Leon immigrants in Maine. Mayor qualified vendors have a chance benefits for seniors, visa issuance took the opportunity to thank Strimling promised to look closely to meet with corporate buyers for family members, and other community members and their into their concerns. during one-on-one appointments. immigration-related matters. coordinator, Tess Cardona, for A day earlier, a salo-salo, The conference includes expertled panel discussions which offer valuable insight into the procurement process, how to market, including the IT-BPM sector Philippine trade and investment Filcom members and entrepreneurs, sell and maximize networking, and new initiatives designed for which is a growth driver of the PH and Filipino-American businesses in Phil-Am Chambers of Commerce, MwBes. economy, generating 1.3 million the uS Northeast. In pursuit of this who serve as important resources Michael Owh, Director of the jobs and $22 billion revenues to mandate, the Consulate General and provide assistance and critical Mayor’s Office of Contract Services, date, he added. taps local community resources, information.

Ali Sarmiento welcomed the visit of Consul General De Leon and said that Topologe is open to working with the Philippines and that it has gained experience in the public sector working in uSAIDfunded projects and handling uS government contracts. The company is looking closely at opportunities in Subic, which is attractive because of its business climate. He advised Filipino entrepreneurs to study the uS minority program for businesses which gives a leg up for ethnic minority-owned businesses in terms of attractive offers and preferential treatment in some contracts.

Consul General conveyed that he is pleased with the success of Topologe and agreed with the company’s plan to promote the improvement of public high school education, particularly in the provinces of the Philippines, in preparation for the ASeAN economic Community which will open the service sectors in the ASeAN region to skilled workers.

Topologe can also take the lead among Filipino businesses in the New england states to come together in cooperation to share best practices and think of ways to contribute to the improvement of the Philippines, he added.

The Consulate General conducts outreach to Fortune 500 companies and rising corporate institutions in order to enhance economic diplomacy efforts and promote

Consul General visits Filipino-American IT firm Topologe in Massachusetts BuRLINGTON, Massachusetts— In a bid to highlight the IT-BPM sector and create linkages with uS companies in the New england states, Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr. accompanied by economic Officer Felipe Carino III, met with Topologe CeO Alejandro Sarmiento at the latter’s office in Burlington, MA. Topologe is a fast-growing IT consultancy company providing technical support and management solutions to uS government agencies in areas spanning technical and engineering services, total information assurance, and business management. Recently, Topologe was awarded the Inc. 5000 for being one of the top 5000 private-owned companies in the uS. Its CeO, Alejandro Sarmiento, is a Filipino-American, who started the company in 2002 alongside his business partner and wife, Margie.

Both of them are BS Mathematics graduates of the university of the Philippines, with Ali proceeding to get his MS in Computer Science and MBA from Boston university.

During discussions, Consul General gave a presentation on the background and demographics of the more 3.4 million FilipinoAmerican in the uS of which 340,000 live in the uS Northeast.

He observed that many Filipinos in the uS Northeast have branched out to high-growth and highlyspecialized areas such as IT, healthcare and biomedicine.

Meanwhile, the Philippine economy, growing an average of 6.2% for the past 64 quarters, is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the global

An Asian Journal Magazine

and The Honorable Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President, are featured speakers.

AwIB holds this conference as a public service to the Asian American community. Admission is FRee but an RSVP is required.

Online registration and a completed Pre-Qualification Form are required for matchmaking (Deadline: July 1, 2016). Registration and PreQualification Forms are available at www.awib.org/procurement.

Call 212-868-1368 or email info@awib.org for additional information.

Founded in 1995, Asian women In Business (AwIB) is the only non-profit, tax-exempt organization in the country with the primary mission of assisting Asian women entrepreneurs.

Over the years, AwIB, a dynamic organization, has expanded its mission to address identified needs and issues affecting the business and professional development of Asian Americans. AwIB also serves on various tasks forces and boards to promote the inclusion of minority and women owned businesses and professionals. Visit us at www.awib.org.

An Asian Journal Magazine

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JuNE 3, 2016