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Volume 9 – Issue 51 • 16 Pages
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Pres. Duterte’s anti-US stance worries investors
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte salutes as he reviews the troops during his “Talk with the Airmen” on the anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 at the Philippine Air Force headquarters in suburban Pasay city, southeast of Manila, Philippines. On Monday, President Duterte, in his first public statement opposing the presence of American troops, said he wants U.S. forces out of his country’s south and blamed America for inflaming Muslim insurgencies in the region. Philstar.com photo
USA
DATELINE Fil-Am community leaders, activists outline consequences of not voting in US election from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
LoLIt Lledo and many other activists boycotted the 1986 snap elections that led to Philippine President ferdinand marcos’s ouster. they refused to campaign, vote or otherwise take part in what they viewed as a rigged system. In retrospect, she said the decision not to participate was detrimental to the Philippines in the long run. many of the people representing interests from the past regime that she had fought against eventually re-entered positions of prominence. “Because we did not participate we [activists] were left out when Cory was the president,” said Lledo, who now serves as the associate director for Pilipino Workers Center (PWC). “If you have a chance, you have to be a part of the political process.” resentment has characterized the 2016 U.s. presidential race. however, individu-
with the order for the Us to remove its military personnel from mindanao where they have been present for years, the reason being that Us military personnel would be high-value targets of the Abu sayyaf group,” Cuyegkeng said. the economist also noted a report from the Philippine National Police that a little more than half of the almost 3,000 killed during the government’s ongoing antiillegal drugs campaign were under investigation and had been considered by media as vigilante killings. the rest were reportedly killed during police operations. Cuyegkeng also took note of
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Says the PH “will never have peace” if they remain by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
PresIDeNt rodrigo Duterte has urged the withdrawal of the remaining United states troops from the southern Philippines, acting on this administration’s goal for a more independent foreign policy. Duterte — a vocal critic of the U.s. and its policies — said in a speech that the American soldiers are responsible for inciting tensions within the muslim community. “I do not want a rift with America, but they have to go,” Duterte
told the media in manila. Duterte said that the tensions are so high that insurgents are willing to kill Americans. “If they see Americans, they’ll really kill them. they’ll get ransom and then kill you, even if you are a black or a white, as long as you’re an American,” he continued. the U.s. troops were deployed in 2002 to provide combat and information sharing training and resources to filipino troops to battle Abu sayyaf insurgents in mindanao who were in cahoots with al-Qaeda. most American military personnel withdrew in
february 2015, but a group of advisers remained. Duterte referenced the Bud Dajo massacre of 1906 in which the U.s. Army targeted and killed 994 moro civilians in mindanao. he cited that as a foundation for the ongoing unrest in the region. he showed a jarring black and white photo of American troops standing over moro bodies. “the U.s. is a hypocrite,” Duterte said. “Look at the bodies there...for as long as we stay with America, we will never have peace in that land. We might as well give it up.”
by dana
SioSon AJPress
LA County gun confiscation program inspired by slain PH–US ties will endure Filipino postal worker n d by
iKKo izon Inquirer.net
Us-Philippine alliance will “endure and remain strong” because of the two countries’ long-standing relations, and Us President Barack obama is “committed to work effectively” with manila to advance shared interests in his last four months in office, a Us official said on Wednesday. “Let me say that the Philippines foreign minister and its defense ministry have issued statements… affirming the importance of the closeness of the alliance,” said Nina hachigian, the Us ambassador to the Association of southeast Asian Nations (Asean). “We have a wide range of
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Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, daughter of late president Ferdinand Marcos, sought forgiveness for her father. Imee Marcos/Facebook
Imee Marcos seeks forgiveness for father: He’s only human More Filipino terms make it u PAGE A2
to Oxford English Dictionary Nina Hachigian, US ambassador to the ASEAN
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order [related to extrajudicial killings] and policy uncertainties have contributed to the guarded view of investors.” Citing media reports, Cuyegkeng expressed concern on indications of a widening of rift between the Philippines and its longtime Us ally. When the Philippine stock exchange index fell by over 100 basis points Wednesday last week when the rest of regional markets went up, stock traders pointed out concerns over a potential friction between Duterte and Us President Barack obama. “today’s headline continues with the perceived anti-Us sentiment or rhetoric of government
Duterte wants US troops out of Mindanao
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AssAULt type rifles, handguns and even a submachine gun designed for concealment in a briefcase were among the weapons seized from people on probation and displayed in downtown Los Angeles on thursday, september 8. officers of the Los Angeles County Probation Department laid a wide assortment of weapons out in a conference room of the Kenneth hahn Administration building to showcase the efforts of the Developing Increased safety through Arms recovery management (DIsArm) program. the illegally possessed items were found as the result of wellness and compliance checks on probationers conducted by various LA County law enforcement agencies. “since I initiated it in 2000, this program has removed nearly 11,000 guns from the streets,” L.A. County supervisor mike Antonovich told the Asian Journal after thursday’s press event. “this means we have
NotWIthstANDING the country’s status as one of Asia’s fastest growing economies, President Duterte’s anti-American rhetoric, policy uncertainties and concerns of law and order are making investors more cautious, and are adding to jitters over Us interest rates ahead of a forthcoming Us federal reserve meeting. “the market’s perception of the political and diplomatic environment has turned for the worse,” ING economist for the Philippines Joey Cuyegkeng said in a research note issued Wednesday. “the incessant antiUs rhetoric from the new government and concerns of law and
the oxford english Dictionary (oeD), billing itself as the definitive record of the english language, is one of the largest and longest running language research projects in the world. this month, oeD has updated and revised more than 1,000 entries. And in its september 2016 update, at least 15 filipino terms, mostly traditional dishes and delicacies, officially made it to the dictionary’s list. the new list consisted of filipino food like balut (fertilized
duck egg), kare-kare (peanutbased stew), leche flan (custard made with condensed milk), lechon (whole pig roasted), lechon asado, pancit (noodles) and puto (steamed rice cake). family member terms like lola (grandmother), lolo (grandfather), tita (auntie), and tito (uncle), and other words like yaya (housemaid or nanny), arnis (martial arts form), tabo (dipper), and bayanihan (sense of community) were also included. marking the centenary of author roald Dahl’s birth this month, words like splendiferous
by roSette
adel
Philstar.com
mANILA, Philippines – Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee marcos, daughter of late strongman ferdinand marcos, asked their family’s critics to forgive her father. Imee made the appeal to their family’s detractors in her speech on the 99th birth anniversary of her father in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. she said her father is only human and prone to mistakes. “Ngunit laging may mga bumabatikos sa mga marcos at walang humpay at tatlong dekada ang galit sa amin,” Imee said in her speech. “Kung anuman ang sala ng ama ko, at sadyang tao lang namang nagkakamali at nagkakasala, sana’y patawarin na nila. Na sa pagpapatawad nila’y mabigyan ang tatay ko ng kapayapaan at sa kanilang pagpapatawad mapawi sa wakas ang kanilang galit at matagpuan rin nila ang katahimikan,” she added. ‘sa atin (dito sa Ilocos), simple lang si Apo Lakaykaklaseng matalino pero palabiro, karruba (kapitbahay) na mahilig sa sports at dinengdeng, tatang na
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PAL, Cebu Pacific ban use of Samsung Note 7 on flights by rudy
SantoS Philstar.com
mANILA, Philippines — Local carriers banned yesterday the use of samsung Galaxy Note 7 cellular phones during flights, following the lead of the Us federal Aviation Administration (fAA) against packing the phones into any checked-in luggage after reports emerged of the device exploding during or after charging. flag carrier Philippine Airlines and leading low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific followed suit starting yesterday, issuing their respective advisories.
“Philippine Airlines is prohibiting the charging and use of samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on board all its flights, effective immediately. PAL is issuing this directive in line with the recall or-
der made on these products by samsung electronics Company Limited.” findings showed that the Galaxy Note 7 batteries and phone units have caught fire during charging, prompting the manufacturer to recall all units sold worldwide. samsung said that only Galaxy Note
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A SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
From the Front Page
Pres. Duterte’s anti-US stance‌
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US DONATES EQUIPMENT TO PNP. Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa receives bomb suits as part of the P42-million security equipment donated by the US government last Wednesday, Sept. 7. The PNP chief led police officials in receiving the equipment from Lon Fairchild, region security officer of the US embassy, to help boost counterterrorism efforts in the country. Philstar.com photo
Duterte wants US troops out of‌
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On Tuesday, Sept. 13, however, he stressed that the Philippines is not going to cut security ties with the U.S. — or any other ally — in a speech at the 48th anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing at Villamor Air Base. “We are not cutting our alliances — military [alliances] as well,� the president said. “But certainly, we will follow an independent posture and independent foreign policy.� “I’m not anti-American,� Duterte continued. “We’re not severing our military ties. It has been there. Who am I to abrogate [the alliance]? What I’m saying is we’re following an independent [foreign policy].� Malacanang clarified that Duterte’s call for the withdrawal did not indicate that the Philippines is breaking its alliance with the U.S. and reiterated that it was merely a “warning.� “Those statements are not policies set in stone,� Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told the media. “These are backgrounders for possible future action. There’s a difference.� He added that the Philippines remains committed to its military
agreements with the U.S., such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). In his speech, Duterte criticized the U.S. for its policies, once again pointing out the rising number of police killings of unarmed black men. He also accused the U.S. of “exporting terrorism� in the Middle East, especially Iraq and Libya. In July, he made a similar proclamation when he blamed the violence ensuing in Iraq on the U.S., as previously reported by the Asian Journal. Following Duterte’s remarks, John Kirby, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said that Manila has not sent an official demand asking for U.S. military personnel to leave the area. “We are not aware of any official communication by the Philippine government...to seek that result,� Kirby said in a news briefing, adding that the U.S. remains committed to its alliance with the Philippines. This is not the first time Duterte referenced the Bud Dajo Massacre in an attempt to criticize American policy. He mentioned the “atrocities� in an im-
passioned speech at last week’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. Per Monday’s speech, he did not indicate when he wanted the troops out. He added that he had planned to discuss this with President Barack Obama at the summits, but didn’t do so “out of respect.� Since stepping into office, Duterte has not been quiet or politically correct regarding his distaste for Washington. His recent tirades against the U.S. have led to an uneasy relationship between the two countries, who have shared a solid, long-standing alliance. In August, he came under fire for calling U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg “gay� and a “son of a b****.� In response to the U.S.’ criticism of the escalating drug-related killings in the Philippines, Duterte has defended his policies while criticizing the U.S. for police brutality and the rise of killings of unarmed black people. Most recently, he went under international scrutiny after a false report that said that he had called Obama a “son of a b****�; but, as the Asian Journal previ-
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reports that the President last week intentionally snubbed a meeting between leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Obama which Philippine government officials had initially attributed to Duterte having a migraine. Duterte eventually revealed that he had skipped the Sept. 8 meeting between Obama and Asean leaders in Laos because, as president of a sovereign state, he did not want to be lectured about his war on drugs. “Recent policies have challenged the prevailing economic order, too. Some may have acceptable reasons such as to encourage greater competition and bring about greater service to the consumers or to address rent-seeking activities and promote fair play and to improve inclusivity of economic growth and bring about a greater number of beneficiaries of the relatively high growth of the economy that
is expected for the rest of the decade,� Cuyegkeng said. “But the policies also bring about questions of sustainability of economic activity and private investments. All these uncertainties and concerns exert greater importance in the investment decisions of local and offshore investors. These, too, could eventually undermine prevailing macroeconomic fundamentals as the new government puts in place a new political, diplomatic and economic order. Jose Mari Lacson, head of research at ATR Asset Management, said based on Philippine government bonds’ credit default swaps—referring to insurancelike protection for bondholders—he said these were improving since last week, implying that the Asean Summit issues were not discounted as risk factors. “Having said that, there is growing uncertainty over policy. Companies may need to question their assumptions on foreign pol-
icy and how it affects their business model,� he said. However, HSBC Philippines president Wick Veloso said the sluggish markets seen locally were being driven more by external forces than domestic forces. Asked about the impact of escalating political noise, especially amid the new administration’s war or drugs, Veloso said: “Everybody is on a wait-and-see attitude, trying to digest what’s going in. But it’s not something that’s consuming them. What’s consuming the market are global market forces.� HSBC acts as custodian to about $45 billion in foreign portfolio investments in the Philippines, of which around 95 percent consist of equity investments. Across the region, investors are jittery over the upcoming US Federal Reserve meeting on Sept. 20-21, leading to a sell-off across asset markets which has intensified in recent days. (Inquirer.net)
Imee Marcos seeks forgiveness for father‌
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istrikto pero mapagbigay. Simple lang ang ating pasasalamat, simpleng pagmamahal. Ngunit laging may mga bumabatikos sa mga Marcos at walang humpay at tatlong dekada ang galit sa amin. ... The late president’s rule saw countless human rights abuses and marked by massive corruption. Marcos placed the country under martial rule from Sept. 21, 1972 until Jan. 17, 1981. The older Marcos has been the subject of debate after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Department of National Defense to prepare for his burial at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani or Heroes’ Cemetery. Martial law victims opposed the move, seeking for a halt order from the Supreme Court. Hundreds of Filipinos also held demonstrations against the burial at the site, citing “grave injustice� to thousands of human rights victims. In April, former vice presidential candidate and senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr. refused to apologize for the alleged abuses of his father. He said he recognized every administra-
GOLDEN STATUE. Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the golden statue of her father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, in Sarrat town, his birthplace. Ev Espiritu/Inquirer Norther Luzon
tion’s violations against human rights, but he failed to directly
refer to those done during the Martial Law period. n
More Filipino terms made it‌
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(full of splendour), human bean (mispronunciation of human being), and Dahlesque were also included in relation to Dahl and his writing. The OED is updated quarterly — every months of March, June, September, and December. Words become candidate for
inclusion in the dictionary if being used in a variety of different sources. The terms will be officially added if seen as important and likely to stand the test of time. In the previous March 2016 update, Filipino words “kilig� (tingly romantic feeling) and “teleserye� (soap opera) were added in OED. n
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From the Front Page
(212) 655-5426 • http://www.asianjournal.com
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2016
A
LA County gun confiscation program inspired…
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ADDRESS NLEX POLLUTION. The Commission on Audit (COA) has called the attention of the provincial government of Bulacan regarding air pollution along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). In a 2015 report released recently, state auditors said the burning of hay stalks from San Simon, Pampanga to Sta. Rita in Bulacan is causing a “fog-like” situation along the highway. Photo from Monica Arellano-Ongpin/CC BY 2.0
Fil-Am community leaders, activists outline…
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als, especially Filipinos, who are dissatisfied with this year’s candidates and are thinking of skipping November’s election forget what is at stake. That’s the belief of panelists representing a spectrum of liberal views at a forum held at the PWC in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 10. Speakers challenged citizens and residents to make an impact in this year’s election cycle, and the future of American politics. They noted that a vacant seat on the Supreme Court, vastly contrasting immigration plans proposed by this year’s major party candidates and other emerging topics place too much at risk for Filipinos and other people of color to stay silent in November. “If someone tells you it makes no difference, they’re not living the life you’re living,” said Bill Gallegos, former executive director of the environmental group Communities for a Better Environment, during Saturday’s forum. He added that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s plans for America would mean sending out “200,000 ICE (Immigrations and Customs En-
forcement) agents with guns and tanks to round people up.” Along with other panelists, Gallegos, a critic of Trump and former Bernie Sanders supporter, warned against the consequences of enacting Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. They also criticized the Republican candidate’s stance on foreign policy, the environment, education, minimum wage laws and other matters of great import to Filipinos and other minority communities. “Democracy takes work. It takes education. It takes commitment,” said Grace Barrios,the vice president of outreach for Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD). “If our voice isn’t heard, they think it isn’t important.” PWC hosted Saturday evening’s event in order to engage more Filipino Americans in the political process during a time that may prove to be a pivotal moment in their community’s future. Many members of the community are either unregistered or do not plan on voting, and Fil-Ams have traditionally been reluctant
Programs Assistant for the Pilipino Workers Center, Teresita Villasenor, attempts to rally potential voters and volunteers at the PWC election forum on Saturday, Septermber 10 AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas
PAL, Cebu Pacific ban use…
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7 phones have been recalled due to the factory defect that causes the batteries to explode. PAL said safety remains a cornerstone of its operations, “and as such, the flag carrier will be ensuring full compliance on board each flight and is seeking the full cooperation of its passengers.” “In addition, these devices are not allowed as check-in items, but may be hand-carried for as long as these are switched off at all times. All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units - whether used or brand new - will not be accepted as PAL cargo shipment.” In a statement yesterday, PAL said it started the prohibition of the use of such devices since Sept. 9, to comply with a directive of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The IATA directive was issued following Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s global recall order on
the products last week. The recall is being undertaken as findings showed the Galaxy Note 7 batteries and phone units have caught fire during charging. Low-cost carriers Cebu Pacific and AirAsia also said they are not allowing passengers to use and charge the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device while onboard the aircraft. “We sincerely hope for our passengers’ full cooperation, as the safety of everyone onboard our flights remains our utmost priority,” Cebu Pacific said. Cebu Pacific (CEB) said: “In light of the recent recall of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices due to safety issues, Cebu Pacific advises passengers that the usage and charging of the device are prohibited onboard all CEB and Cebgo flights beginning Sept. 11 until further notice,” the airline said in a statement. CEB added that Galaxy Note 7
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PH–US ties will…
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shared concerns and shared interests with the Philippines, and we’ve been able to work effectively together to advance those interests, and Mr. Obama has committed to doing that in the four months remaining,” Hachigian said in a telephonic press conference with journalists. When asked about President Duterte’s directive that the Philippine military would not conduct any joint maritime patrols
with its allies in the South China Sea, Hachigian referred the reporters to the US and Philippine defense departments for “more details about that.” But she also said “with the new administration, we are currently beginning to have meetings and discuss our shared priorities and programs,” referring to the Duterte administration. The US and Asean is set to have an informal meeting in Hawaii later this month. n
Duterte wants US troops…
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ously reported, he was referring to a reporter, not Obama. The remark led to a cancellation of an anticipated bilateral meeting between the two leaders. In Tuesday’s speech, he said that being publicly criticized for the rise in killings associated with the war on drugs was uncalled
for and that if there was to be a discussion about it, it shouldn’t be done publicly or through the media. “If you want to criticize me, bring it to the UN and allow me to answer. I’m not your subordinate. I’m not your employee. If you do that to me, I’ll really curse you. Who are you to lecture me?” n
to take part in political action, according to PWC Executive Director Aquilina Versoza. “The actual voting potential of our community is not being realized; we’re below average in turnout,” said Versoza. “This could be seen as negative, but on the other hand, I see a lot of potential in our community.” She and other activists hope to awaken the political consciousness of California’s largest Asian American and Pacific Islander
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saved a number of lives because the criminals don’t have the guns to commit crimes.” The program was largely inspired by a wave of gun control advocacy in response to a shooting spree that happened at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills, California. There, on Tuesday, August 10, 1999, a self-described white supremacist opened fire, wounding two adults and three children. Following the initial attack, the gunman later crossed paths with Filipino-American postal worker Joseph Ileto. The letter carrier was filling in as a substitute on another person’s route when he was murdered for being a minority and a federal employee. Since it was launched nearly 16 years ago, DISARM has contributed to the arrest of over 23,000 people in possession of a firearm while on probation, according to police statistics. In collaboration with the L.A. Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (IMPACT), about $730 million dollars in illegal drug money has been recovered. Antonovich said he would like to see the program expanded on a statewide level. “They can use Los Angeles County, for the past 16 years as the pilot program showing that it works effectively and it needs to be expanded,” he said. Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement, police say the confiscated weapons are likely only a fraction of the unlawfully possessed guns out on the street be-
Civilian Evidence and Property Custodian for the Los Angeles County Sherrif’s Department Ernesto Castro inspects a small automatic firearm recovered by the DISARM program and displayed at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration on Thursday, Sept. 8
Some of the firearms seized in LA County displayed
cause firearms can be purchased on the black market or stolen. Officers say tips from the public are crucial in keeping guns out of the wrong hands. “Our citizens are our ears, and they’re our eyes,” Lieutenant Lajuna Haselrig of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the Asian Journal. “Private citizens see before we do.”
AJPress photos by Eric Anthony Licas
She hopes those who suspect a person of illegally possessing a firearm will contact either the probation department, local police or, if they wish to remain anonymous, LA crime stoppers. In addition, officers strongly encourage people who own guns to keep them locked away in a gun safe. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)
A SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
US convicts 2 Filipinos facing 20 years for dumping oil at sea SAN FRANCISCO – Two Filipino senior ship engineers face 20 years in prison after being found guilty of dumping pollutants at sea and attempting to hide the deed from US authorities. A federal jury in Greenville, North Carolina, convicted Oceanic Illsabe Limited, Oceanfleet Shipping Limited and two of their employees, senior engineering officers Rustico Ignacio and Cassius Samson, both Filipinos, of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), obstruction of justice, false statements, witness tampering and conspiracy, according a report by the Maritime Executive. Oceanic Illsabe Limited owns the M/V Ocean Hope, a large general cargo vessel that dumped tons of oily waste into the Pacific Ocean last year. Oceanfleet Shipping Limited was the managing operator of the vessel. Both companies operate out of Greece. Oceanic and Oceanfleet were convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of violating APPS, two counts of obstruction of justice, one count of false statements and four counts of witness tampering. Ignacio was convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of violating APPS, one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of witness tampering. Samson was convicted of one count of conspiracy, one count of violating APPS, two counts of ob-
M/V Ocean Hope dumped tons of oil and sludge in the ocean.
struction of justice, one count of false statements and three counts of witness tampering. The companies could be fined up to $500,000 per count, in addition to other possible penalties. Ignacio and Samson face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the obstruction of justice charges. In June 2015, M/V Ocean Hope discharged around ten metric tons of sludge into the ocean and also regularly pumped contaminated water overboard. None of these discharges were disclosed as required. Evidence showed that the companies knew that their ship had not unloaded any oil sludge at port since September 2014 and that it often did not use its oil-water separator. Second En-
Angeli Inquirer.net
sAbillo
THE United Nations high commissioner for human rights on Tuesday, Sept. 13, lashed out at President Duterte and several other leaders for opposing human rights institutions and investigations. Speaking at the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein criticized the acid-tongued Mr. Duterte for his scornful comments about the United Nations and its rapporteurs for their expressions of concern over human rights violations in his brutal war on drugs. “The President of the Philippines’ statements of scorn for international human rights law
display a striking lack of understanding of our human rights institutions and the principles which keep societies safe,” Al Hussein said. He pointed out that “fair and impartial rule of law is the foundation of public confidence and security” and that “empowering police forces to shoot to kill any individual whom they claim to be a suspect of drug crimes, with or without evidence, undermines justice.” “The people of the Philippines have a right to judicial institutions that are impartial, and operate under due process guarantees; and they have a right to a police force that serves justice,” he said. “I strongly encourage the Philippines to extend an invitation to the special rapporteur on ex-
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426
Photo by Vessel Finder
gineer Samson instead ordered crewmembers to use a “magic pipe” to bypass the vessel’s oilwater separator and pump oil sludge directly into the ocean. Crewmembers also were ordered to dump oily water from the vessel’s bilges into the sea to several times a week. Chief Engineer Ignacio knew and approved of the dumping. The engineers also used a tank designated for oily wastes to store diesel fuel for sale on the black market. At the Port of Wilmington, North Carolina, the companies and the two engineers filed false oil reports to U.S. Coast Guard inspectors. The defendants ordered lower-level crewmembers to lie to Coast Guard personnel, when the dumping was discovered. (Inquirer.net)
Top UN exec assails Duterte anew on human rights by Kristine
Dateline USa
Police officers knock on a mansion as they took their campaign against illegal drugs to the posh Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City. Thousands of drug users and drug pushers have either been killed, arrested or surrendered since the police started implementing “Oplan Tokhang” in July. ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene H. Dilan
US remains committed to alliance with PH, says State Dept. spokesman by estrellA
torres Inquirer.net
THE United States of America remains committed to its longstanding alliance with the Philippines in many areas including fight against terrorism despite recent calls of President Rodrigo Duterte for the withdrawal of US forces deployed in Mindanao, a US top official said on Tuesday, Sept. 13. John Kirby, spokesman of the US Department of State, said there was no official communication from the Philippine government “to that effect and to seek that result.” “More critically, we’re going to remain committed to our alliance commitments in the Philippines and to that country,” said Kirby in his regular briefing in Washington DC, a copy of the transcript was posted in the US Department of State website. He said the US and the Philippines “have a long, productive history” but admitted that historical ties of both countries are flawed with “past troubles.”
trajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions,” he added. Scorn for UN Mr. Duterte has rejected such suggestions, pouring scorn on the United Nations for what he holds as interference in his war on drugs. He has called the United Nations “stupid” and “inutile” and at one point threatened to pull the Philippines out of the world body. More than 3,000 people have been killed since Mr. Duterte took office on June 30 and immediately launched a take-no-prisoners war on illegal drugs, part of a campaign promise to kill tens of thousands of criminals to rid the Philippines of crime within six months of his presidency. PORTLAND, Oregon – A US He urged police and armed federal court judge sentenced a u PAGE A5 47-year-old Forest Grove man to 60 years in prison for sexually abusing children in the Philippines. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon on Thursday, Sept. 8, sentenced Steven Douglas Rockett to 60 years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release. Rockett was convicted by a federal jury in Portland, Oregon after a seven-day trial in May of this year, for producing child pornography outside the United States, engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places, producing and attempting to produce child pornography (five counts) and possession of child pornography. Prosecutors presented victim impact statements from Filipino child victims as well as statements from Rockett’s victims in Oregon. The prosecutors urged the court to impose a sentence of no less than 60 years – 45 consecutive to Rockett’s 52.5-year sentence in Oregon State court for crimes committed against a number of different victims.
State Department spokesman, Rear Admiral John Kirby.
In an effort to mend fences with the Philippines’ staunch security and political ally, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. meanwhile flew to the US on Tuesday night to meet with US officials in Washington D.C. Charles Jose, spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) however said Yasay is attending the United Nations General Assembly (Unga) in
New York. Diplomatic sources said Yasay is expected to seek a meeting with officials of the US Department of State to explain Duterte’s comments on the withdrawal of US forces. Duterte earlier said the US forces in Mindanao should leave the country since their presence put the Philippines in danger from the Islamic militants ISIS
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US sex abuser of PH kids gets 60 years in prison
Steven Douglas Rockett
Rockett’s attorneys requested the mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, imposed to run concurrently with Rockett’s state sentence, which is presently on appeal. “One of civil society’s most important duties and obligations is to protect the most vulnerable among us. Children are the most vulnerable,” observed Judge Simon before agreeing with the prosecution’s recommendation and sentencing Rockett to 60 years – 45 to be served consecutive to the Rockett’s state sentence.
‘Extremely serious offenses’ Judge Simon noted that these were “extremely serious offenses.” He expressed doubt that Rockett could refrain from committing further crimes if released from prison. Judge Simon imposed a sentence designed to ensure that Rockett would not harm any other children stating, “I don’t think you are capable of restraining yourself.” The evidence presented at trial established that Rockett traveled to the Philippines, where he sexually abused Filipino children, and produced or attempted to produce child pornography depicting them. Rockett solicited children (either directly or through a parent) both in the Philippines and in Oregon, to take and send him sexually explicit images of themselves. In addition, Rockett surreptitiously recorded children undressing and showering at his residence in Forest Grove, at a former residence in Aloha, and in hotel rooms in the Philippines. Collaborative investigation The investigation was a collaborative effort on the part of the
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PAL, Cebu Pacific ban use of Samsung Note…
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devices must also not be stowed in checked-in baggage, but may be hand-carried as long as the device is turned off at all times inside the aircraft. AirAsia said their guests might approach any of their ground staff for further information about the new guideline on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device.
American television Fox 10 reported claims that a faulty Galaxy Note 7 had set fire to a family’s jeep. Samsung has said that battery problems were behind the phones catching fire, but that it was difficult to work out which phones were affected among those sold. The phone was launched last
August and has been otherwise generally well received by consumers and critics. Live Mint consumer report said: “For Samsung, which prides itself on manufacturing prowess, the scale of the recall, which covers 10 markets including the Philippines, is expected to be unprecedented.” (With Louella Desiderio)
Fil-Am community leaders, activists outline…
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ethnicity. Events like Saturday’s forum serve to introduce members of the community to the national discussion and inform them of their options. Kabataang maka-Bayan: ProPeople Youth (KMB) chair Eddy Gana reminded forum attendees that their choices were for president not limited to Trump or Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. “There is no lesser of two evils, only candidates that do or do not better represent your ideals,” said Gana on Saturday. “A vote for a third party is not a wasted vote.” He said widespread disillusionment felt by many voters during the current election cycle is a sign that Americans are ready to substantially challenge the two-party system. Americans can combat the root cause of that resentment by considering a vote for Green Party Candidate Jill
Stein, Libertarian Gary Johnson, or any of the other non-establishment party candidates. However, Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough, an activist in attendance at the forum, suggested that third-party votes could raise the likelihood of a Republican victory in November. As a cautionary tale, she brought up the 2000 presidential race in which Democrat Al Gore won the popular vote, but lost in the electoral college to Republican George W. Bush. Many progressive voters who supported Green Party candidate Ralph Nader that year deeply regretted her decision, especially after the initiation of the Iraq War, according to Ojeda-Kimbrough. KMB and PWC do not support a particular party, but Gana said he could sympathize with people worried about the implications of a possible Trump presidency. However, he believes that even if
the Republican nominee took office, one way or another, either Congress or the American people would not allow the billionaire’s most controversial proposals to be realized. Gana added that a Trump presidency would provide further incentive to move away from the two-party system. Whichever side they may lean towards, panelists say it is critical for Fil-Ams to speak out more frequently to ensure that the needs of the community are not ignored. Even if they are not eligible to vote, residents can still help the community make an impact through volunteer work. “We want everyone to get involved,” said PWC community organizer, Ian Kamus. “Even if you don’t necessarily like the candidates, there are other issues that are oftentimes bigger than the candidates that you have to look at.” (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)
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Andanar: 9/11 ‘a wake-up call for Pinoys’ by Marlon
raMoS Inquirer.net
CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP. Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., former chairman of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), took over from Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, now vice commander of the Philippine Army. Both agreed to cooperate in addressing peace and security issues in Maguindanao province after the change of leadership in the Army’s 6th Infantry Division last Monday, Sept. 12.
US remains committed to alliance…
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(Islamic State in Iraq and Syria). Molly Koscina, spokesman of the US embassy in Manila said that her office has not been officially contacted by Philippine authorities regarding Duterte’s statements on US forces’ withdrawal in Mindanao. “We continue to focus on our broad relationship with the Philippines, and will work together in the many areas of mutual interest, including counter terrorism, to improve the livelihoods of the Philippine people and uphold our shared democratic values,” said Koscina in a text message to In-
quirer. Kirby said Duterte’s statements cannot be taken as official request for the withdrawal of US forces in Mindanao. “I’ve seen the comments. I’ve seen them in press reporting, and what I can tell you is that we’re not aware of any official communication by the Philippine Government to that effect and to seek that result.” He added the long standing security alliance between the US and the Philippines has stood strong in the last 70 years under the umbrella agreement of the US-Philippines Mutual De-
fense Treaty. “I don’t think it’s wise to try to make defense relationship decisions based on press reporting of comments,” said Kirby. President Duterte said the continuing presence of US troops in Mindanao poses risks to the province and entire country citing America as one of the primary targets of Islamic militants. Kirby agrees on such concern on US troops, saying: “We maintain concerns about the safety of our troops all around the world. It’s one of the prime considerations of American military leadership.” n
Top UN exec assails Duterte anew on human…
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civilians to shoot to kill drug suspects who would resist arrest, promising officers bounties and protection from prosecution and medals for civilians who would kill drug suspects resisting arrest in their communities. The UN special rapporteur on summary executions, Agnés Callamard, has said that such exhortations are extremely irresponsible and warned that Philippine government officials could be held accountable under international law for such killings. The UN special rapporteur on the right to health, Dainius Puras, has also said that the fight against illegal drugs must “respect the human rights of each person.” PH response In response to Al Hussein, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Cecilia Rebong said Mr. Duterte had never given shoot-to-kill orders to police in his war on drugs. She said Mr. Duterte’s order to police was to defend themselves when their lives were in danger in operations against illegal drugs. Rebong stressed that the campaign against illegal drugs had the “overwhelming support” of the Filipino people. The war on drugs is “being waged under the leadership and direction of President Duterte, with a firm adherence to the rule of law, due process and human rights principles,” she said. In Manila, Malacañang said on Wednesday that the President knew his law and respected human rights, and just did not want these rights to be used to allow the illegal drug trade to flourish in the Philippines. “President Duterte is a respecter of human rights, but he has also been firm in saying that human rights cannot be used as an excuse to let the spread of drugs in the country run rampant,” said his spokesperson, Ernesto Abella. Mr. Duterte is a lawyer and a former government prosecutor and thus knows the limits of
Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein of Jordan
the power and the authority of the presidency, Abella said. The President follows due process and the law, he added. “In his inauguration, he said: ‘I know what is legal and what is not. My adherence to due process and the rule of law is uncompromising,’” Abella said. He pointed out that no formal charge of human rights violations has been brought against Mr. Duterte despite the accusations thrown at him. “[Extrajudicial killings] are not the policy of his administration,” he said. PH statement On Sept. 9, the Philippine mission to the United Nations submitted a statement to Al Hussein’s office stating the Duterte administration’s commitment to human rights is resolute and uncompromising, and appealing to the international community to respect the Philippine government’s campaign against illegal drugs. “Being a state party to eight out of nine core international human rights conventions, the Philippines’ utmost respect on human rights is resolute and uncompromising,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) quoted Rebong as saying in the statement. Fully aware According to the DFA, Rebong said the Philippine government was fully aware that “killings outside legitimate police operations are considered criminal acts and are being investigated.” She assured Al Hussein that
the Philippine government will never tolerate extrajudicial killings, the DFA said. Rebong conveyed to Al Hussein the Philippine government’s request for support in the campaign against illegal drugs, it said. According to the Philippine National Police, 1,506 drug suspects have been killed in 17,992 police operations from July 1 to Sept. 14. During the same period, 1,571 people have been killed by suspected vigilantes in cases the PNP calls “deaths under investigation.” Only 303 cases have been filed involving these killings. The PNP said 190 suspects in these cases had been arrested and 113 remained at large. The PNP has also arrested 16,891 drug users, while 659,868 others have turned themselves in and 52,862 alleged drug pushers have surrendered for fear of being killed. In his opening statement in Geneva, Al Hussein said governments had accused human rights institutions of interfering in the affairs of sovereign nations. “Are human rights exclusively a national issue? Governments have the responsibility to uphold their human rights obligations and to respect the standards. But the human rights of all people, in all countries, also require—unquestionably—our collective attention,” he said. He said blocking international observers only raises the question, “What, precisely, are you hiding from us?” Among the countries and areas mentioned by Al Hussein as refusing human rights investigations were Congo, Syria, Venezuela, Turkey, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Mozambique, Gambia, Crimea, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, China, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Dominican Republic, Burundi, United States, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Belarus, Eritrea, Israel and Yemen. (With reports from Leila B. Salaverria, Estrella Torres and Vince F. Nonato)
US sex abuser of PH kids gets 60 years in… PAGE A4 t
Forest Grove Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. Investigators executed search warrants at Rockett’s residence, and seized computer equipment and digital data storage devices. Investigators found a pinhole camera hidden in a wall in a guest bathroom, which Rockett used to record images of naked children. Another spy camera, hidden inside a clock radio, contained surreptitious video recordings of naked Filipino children in the bathroom and shower of Rockett’s hotel room. Rockett appeared in some of the videos. FBI Special Agents traveled to Cebu City, Philippines, where they identified and interviewed some of the victims depicted in the videos, and some of the children who Rockett solicited to send him sexually explicit images. The jury heard testimony from seven victims who were sexually abused or exploited by Rockett
in Oregon and overseas. The jury deliberated several hours before reaching their verdict. “This sentence is a just and deserving punishment for a dangerous sexual predator, and reflects the life-long impact his conduct will have on his victims,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.” Williams added, “We will not tolerate American citizens traveling abroad to sexually abuse children. Child sexual predators like Steven Rockett must understand that the sexual exploitation of children carries severe consequences, as Judge Simon’s sentence clearly demonstrates.” Life behind bars “Effectively, Steven Rockett will, rightfully, live the rest of his life behind bars. I would ask the community to remember that the innocent children who suffered his abuse will also pay a heavy price for many years to come,” said Greg Bretzing, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.
“No child deserves to live a life of violence and violation, and it is our responsibility to bring justice to them and their families.” This case stemmed from a coordinated investigation by members of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice and led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. (Inquirer.net)
Andanar said the government was not taking lightly THE Sept. 11, 2001, terror warnings of bomb attack on the United States attacks in crowded has made Filipinos realize places which were that combatting terrorism sent through text should be a shared responsiand e-mailed by bility of the government and unknown individuits citizens, Presidential Comals. munications Secretary Martin Civic responsiAndanar said on Sunday, Sepbility tember 11. He urged those “This is a reminder that all of who receive threatus are facing a faceless enemy, ening messages to the terrorists,” Andanar said in immediately call an interview over dzRB state Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar government hotradio. “And we should all be Inquirer file photo / Joan Bondoc line numbers 911 one in battling this. We should or 117 and give all be helping each other.” ternational terror chief Osama the information to the proper auHe said every Filipino should bin Laden’s al-Qaida network, thorities. take on the responsibility of help- the regional terror group Jemaah “As a responsible citizen pracing the Armed Forces of the Phil- Islamiyah and recently with the ticing your civic responsibility, ippines and Philippine National sadistic Islamic State. you should call 911 so that at Police in putting an end to the The group has denied involve- least [the information] is on reactivities of the Abu Sayyaf and ment in the Sept. 2 bomb attack cord. It’s better to be safe than other local terror groups. in Davao City that killed 14 peo- sorry,” he said. Andanar said it was unfortunate ple and wounded 67 others. “Our intelligence agencies that the unimaginable 9/11 inciPresident Duterte has vowed can trace the sources of these dent, which killed nearly 3,000 to exact revenge on those behind [threatening] text messages and people 15 years ago, had “opened the bombing in his hometown, e-mails,” he said. “To our couna Pandora’s box in terrorism.” warning he would eat the terror- trymen, I hope you don’t make “As a matter fact, it developed ists alive. prank calls to our hotlines beinto something even worse. We The attack in Davao happened cause it would only worsen the now see extremists like IS. Even shortly after the President or- situation.” the Abu Sayyaf became stronger dered intensified military opHe said the President’s decla[after 9/11],” he said. erations in Sulu province to run ration of a state of lawlessness Most notorious after the Abu Sayyaf. Authori- would help the military and the The Abu Sayyaf has been de- ties suggested the attack could police conduct operations against scribed as the most notorious also be linked to the administra- individuals out to sow terror in local terrorist organization. It tion’s ruthless war against illegal other parts of the country after has allied itself with the late in- drugs. the Davao blast. n
Duterte to stop joint patrols in disputed sea by Dana
SioSon AJPress
THE Philippines will no longer conduct naval patrols in South China Sea with foreign powers, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, September 13. “We will not join any expedition or patrolling. I will not allow it because I do not want my country to be involved in a hostile act,” Duterte said in a speech during the 48th anniversary of the 250th Philippine Airlift Wing at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. He commented that he wanted Filipino forces to only patrol Philippine territorial waters, or the 12 nautical miles of sea from Philippine coastlines that are
considered sovereign territory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “We do not go into a patrol or join any other army from now because I do not want trouble,” the president pointed out. “I do not want to ride gungho style there with China or with America. I just want to patrol our territorial waters.” Duterte also reminded China of Hague’s ruling that concluded China has no legal basis in its territorial claims in South China Sea, favoring the Philippines. “So may I remind China again: Beyond the territorial waters are the entitlements of the sea, yung napanalo natin (what we won)
but it is not part of our territory. It is part of our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the president said. “Territory is limited to the 12mile limit. That is ours. Hanggang diyan lang tayo (Until that point),” he added. Duterte, however, did not provide further details in his security pronouncements. Last April 2016, the United States and Philippines conducted a joint naval patrols in the South China Sea, several months after the Supreme Court upheld the PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that these patrols “contribute to the safety and security of the region’s waters.” n
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To the President of the Philippines THE GLOBAL Commission on Drug Policy was born from the recognition that the prohibitionist and repressive “war on drugs,” which has persisted for the past 50 years, has failed. Drugs have always existed and have existed everywhere, and it is illusory to believe that their use can be eradicated completely, particularly through violent methods. Indeed, four members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy were heads of state (Brazil, Mexico, Poland and Portugal) when the United Nations approved in 1998 a 10-year strategy to create drug-free societies. Ten years later, however, drugs produced, trafficked and consumed were more available than when the decision was taken—and that upward trend has continued since. We now admit that a war on drugs will always prove unable to prevent drug supply and use in the long term, leading only to more pain and suffering. For example, the levels of supply of “shabu,” of particular concern in your country, appear to be equally high in Thailand and Malaysia as in the Philippines, despite repressive policies. In contrast, countries as diverse as New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Uruguay, Bolivia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and West African nations are now considering and even implementing alternatives, including laws regulating the use, possession and/or production of drugs, with marked success in harm and crime reduction. Even the
military regime in Thailand has recognized its failure to reduce drug trafficking, calling it “an unwinnable war.” Mr. President, we believe that your current strategy also constitutes an unwinnable war, at a terrible cost to your population. It is not a question of choosing between human rights and the safety of your people, as you have claimed, but the means employed to address crime must not result in further crimes against individuals whose conduct often causes very little harm. We acknowledge that your people are concerned with high crime and corrupt institutions; there is little evidence to show, however, that drugs represent the root of the widespread corruption and insecurity which your countrymen are concerned about. Repressive and punitive actions, based on the inhumane idea of sacrificing the lives of some to enhance the lives of the majority, are not only ineffective but also undermine the social fabric of your communities, with serious negative consequences: innocent victims killed on mere suspi-
Guest Editorial
Philstar.com photo
cion, orphaned children, fear of law enforcement and arbitrary justice even among law-abiding citizens, increased HIV transmission rates, and prison overcrowding. An effective drug policy is far more complex than you portray it, and should include investments in drug prevention and treatment, harm reduction, public health, socioeconomic development, criminal justice reform, as well as in secu-
rity. These measures will help address the root causes of drug use and trafficking, and not only respect the needs and rights of all individuals but will also be far more effective long-term than the brutal approach which you currently favor. — Fernando Cardoso, former president of Brazil; Louise Arbour, former high commissioner; and Sir Richard Branson, members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy (Inquirer.net)
Fil-Am group urges kababayans: Unite and support Duterte’s war vs drugs and criminality ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, Fil-Am group U.S. The Fil-Am Pinoys for Real Change (USPRC) held a prayer vig- Perspective il in front of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. to declare its support for Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s Gel SantoS-ReloS all out war against the drug pandemic in the Philippines, while making sure the Duterte administration follows the rule of law, due process and accountability. In my interview on The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” with Atty. Arnedo Valera, acting chairman of USPRC, I asked him if he believes the rule of law and due process was followed in the more than 2,400 drug-related fatalities since Duterte took office. Valera explained: “The president/PNP and the military were ordered to use force only in self-defense and shoot in self-defense. Generals and other police scalawags are being in-
vestigated and cases will be filed; Non-state actors referring to drug lords, pushers and vigilantes who are now engaged in summary executions among and between them to cover their bases are being arrested and prosecuted.” Valera asserted that the USPRC will also act as a watchdog, saying “to make sure that while we support the drug war to save our nation, especially women and children, we will continue to demand accounting of both undetermined deaths and deaths in the encounter and self-defense. Calling for the full support of the drug war is consistent [with our stand] that it should be done under the rule of law.” Valera is also a human rights advocate with strong ties with the United Nations. He affirmed, “As a human rights advocate, I will demand transparency and respect for these principles. Unlike extrajudicial
killings during the Marcos dictatorship to stifle legitimate dissent, killings today are perpetrated by drug lords, pushers and addicts, and of course deaths in self-defense . If there are evidence to the contrary, then the citizenry should be encouraged to come out and cooperate with the government.” He went on to urge kababayans to not presume that the PNP and the military are killers entirely. “If there are excesses, yes we should condemn them. The Rule of law and due process are non-negotiable and we gave specific demands on this, aside from supporting the peace talks, programs for food, jobs and justice etc.” Will you heed this call for unity and support for Duterte’s all-out war vs drugs? *** 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
Mary Jane and our drug casualties
At Large
Rina Jimenez-DaviD WHEN you come to think of it, Mary Jane Veloso, who is still—as this is being written— held captive in an Indonesian jail even as she faces execution on drugs charges, has received better treatment at the hands of her captors than thousands of Filipinos suspected of being either drug pushers or users. Veloso was arrested in 2010 for carrying 2.6 kilos of heroin, an amount enough to prosecute her for criminal drug possession. She underwent a trial and was found guilty. She was scheduled for execution, along with several other foreigners, but was excluded from the list after the Philippine government assured that it had arrested and was investigating and filing charges against the “real” guilty parties who had deceived Veloso into acting as a drug courier. Although Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has launched a tough campaign against drug use in his country, it pales in comparison with the “war against drugs” that the Philippines’ President Duterte unleashed even before he took office. To date an estimated 3,000 suspects have been killed in police shoot-outs or in summary executions carried out by unknown and unidentified assassins. Thousands more have
surrendered to local authorities, although many of those who reported to their village chiefs have since ended up in the “kill list.” The stakes for Veloso rose to a dangerously high level recently when it was reported that Duterte, during a visit to Indonesia, had given Jokowi the “go ahead” for the execution of Veloso in accordance with Indonesian law. Jokowi was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying that “President Duterte has given the go-ahead to proceed with the execution.” He explained further that he told Duterte about Mary Jane’s situation “and I told him that Mary Jane [has been found guilty] for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin. I also told him about the delay in the execution during the meeting.” *** Malacañang has since, by turns, denied such a claim or backtracked on how the exchange really went. At first, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay denied outright that Duterte and Jokowi had even discussed Veloso’s case. But when Jokowi himself confirmed their exchange, Duterte spokesperson Ernesto Abella issued a statement strongly denying that the President had consented to Veloso’s execution. “There was no endorsement,” said Abella. “He simply said: ‘Follow your own laws, I will not interfere.’” Well, I don’t know. It’s an extremely fine line between “I
will not interfere” and “giving the go-ahead.” If I recall right, there was a firestorm of angry comments and outright denunciations when reports reached the country about Veloso’s inclusion last year on a list of drug traffickers scheduled for execution by firing squad. Many, especially Veloso’s family members and leaders of groups working for overseas workers, denounced what they called the government’s “neglect” of Veloso’s case and failure to stop her execution. But in a face-to-face meeting, then President Aquino was described as “breaking proto-
col” when he directly appealed for a stay of execution on Veloso. Sure enough, Veloso was given a reprieve, even if she remained behind bars in Indonesia. But even that did not stop Aquino’s critics from harping on what they called P-Noy’s and Filipino diplomats’ neglect of Veloso. *** Before his meeting with Jokowi, Duterte told the media that he would plead for Veloso’s life, that she be spared the death penalty. But in the wake of reports that he failed to put his case for Veloso’s reprieve, if not freedom, more strongly before
the Indonesian leader, Duterte seems to be taking a less trenchant stance, softening his previously pugnacious approach to most issues. Now his spokesperson is saying that there is still no need to plead for clemency for Veloso since she “is still not scheduled for execution.” Imagine if this had been said under any other president. The comments, especially on social media, would have been scathing. But in the wake of the seeming complacency of Filipino officialdom towards Veloso’s fate, public reaction seems to be strangely muted in turn. Social media posts from Fili-
pinos even seemed to turn the tables on Veloso, saying that, as a drug mule, she deserved her imprisonment and imminent execution. Perhaps these are the same folks who excoriate the “bleeding hearts” among us for raising human rights concerns about the thousands of extrajudicial killings and warrantless arrests. And if they see nothing wrong with the relentless series of killings and the climate of fear being created around the issue of drugs, then how could they be expected to feel a bit of compassion for an accused drug mule like Veloso? *** How could we, as a nation, have felt the stirrings of compassion for Veloso, the mother of two, just a few months ago, and now see her imminent fate as one she fully deserves for supposedly knowingly transporting drugs? Is it because eliminating the drugs problem has suddenly been elevated to a priority for governance, a problem that obliterates entirely all the other social, economic and political issues we face? If so, then let’s stop all pretense and tell Veloso that sorry, we may feel bad about your continued stay in an Indonesian jail and the possibility of death by firing squad, but you know, we’ve got problems of our own and bigger fish to fry in our quest for—what?—the peace and quiet of the dead and complicit?
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2016
A
‘Narco vice mayor’ being probed for Davao blast Palace: Duterte didn’t give green by JaiMe laude and
evelyn Philstar.com
light for Veloso’s execution
MaCairan
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) filed drug trafficking charges on Monday, Sept. 12, against Talitay, Maguindanao Vice Mayor Abdul Wahab Sabal, who is also being investigated for the Davao City bombing last Sept. 2 that killed 14 people. The PNP’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) filed the charges against Sabal and three other suspects before the Department of Justice (DOJ). Sabal was flown to Manila from Maguindanao early yesterday morning following his arrest on Thursday at the Cotabato City airport. DOJ prosecutor Gino Santiago said the complaints were filed against Sabal, Mohanna Sabal, Nasser Maulana and Norodin Abas. Santiago said that based on the letter request of the PNP, the investigators filed complaints of violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 1992 and Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives against the four respondents. The DOJ clarified that it would be decided by next week if a case would be filed against the suspects in the proper court. Aside from the illegal drug trade, police are investigating the possible involvement of Vice Mayor Sabal in the bombing at the Davao City night market. Police released an artist’s sketch of the suspect who was wearing a mask. PNP chief Director General Roland dela Rosa said that the blast could have been perpetrated by narco-politicians in retaliation for the government’s sustained anti-drugs campaign. Santiago said that there was “no mention” that the complaint filed against the four individuals were connected to the Davao blast last Sept. 2. Earlier, President Duterte accused Sabal and his brother Talitay Mayor Montasir Sabal as narcopoliticians for their involvement in the illegal drug
by Christina and
Vice Mayor Abdul Wahab Sabal of Talitay, Maguindanao and three companions arrive at the Department of Justice where drug trafficking charges were filed against them on Monday. Sabal is also being investigated for his possible involvement in the Davao night market blast on Sept. 2. Photo by Edd Gumban
trade. The Sabal brothers earlier surrendered to Maguindanao police director Senior Supt. Nicksdon Muksan and denied their involvement in drug trafficking. They later presented themselves to Dela Rosa in Camp Crame, Quezon City. In Manila, Sabal was initially brought to the AIDG office before he was brought to the DOJ in Manila. PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said that he still has no information regarding Sabal’s arrest and presence at the AIDG. n
M. Oriel dana siOsOn AJPress
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte did not give his “go-ahead” for Mary Jane Veloso’s execution, Malacañang clarified on Monday, Sept.12. What Duterte told Indonesian President Joko Widodo was that he would not interfere with the latter country’s laws, according to Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella. “The president just informed us that his actual statement and conversation with President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo went like this: He said regarding Mary Jane Veloso, ‘follow your own laws. I will not interfere,’” Abella said. He added, “There was no categorical statement, there was no endorsement. He simply said follow your own laws.” The clarification comes after a news report in the Jakarta Post headlined, “Duterte has given green light for Mary Jane’s execution.” Citing Antara — an Indonesian news agency — the report said, “President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said on Monday that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had given the green light for the execution of Filipina death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso.” “President Duterte has given
OFWs exempted from paying travel tax, POEA fees by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning to their jobs or same employers abroad are now exempted from paying travel tax as well as securing overseas employment certificate (OEC) and paying Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) processing fee. In a newly approved memorandum circular, the POEA said the new policy was in line with the government’s efforts to streamline the processing of OFWs’ documents. In a related development, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Filipino household service workers (HSWs) and other OFWs abroad could expect better protection as the International Labor Organi-
Manggagawa (BM) or returning workers’ group has long been calling on the government to enhance the processing of their OECs or exit clearance. OFWs returning abroad are required to secure OECs prior to their departure. POEA said workers who would be going back to the same employer could register online to update their personal and employment data with the POEA. Data submitted to the POEA would be forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration to serve as reference of the BI officer in validating the exemption of BM members at the time of their deOverseas Filipino workers returning to their jobs or same employers abroad are now exempted parture. POEA said the BM members from paying travel tax as well as securing overseas employment certificate and paying Philippine Overseas Employment Administration processing fee. Philstar.com file photo would have to present valid work visa or employment contract so zation adopted the Fair Recruit- Meeting of Experts in Geneva, they could be exempted from ment Principles and Operational Switzerland last week. paying terminal fee and travel According to the POEA, Balik tax. n Guidelines during a Tripartite
President Rodrigo Duterte talks with his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo during their meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sept. 9. Duterte is currently on a two-day visit to the country. Inquirer.net
the go-ahead to proceed with the execution,” Widodo stated. The report went on to quote the Indonesian president saying, “I have explained to [Duterte] about Mary Jane’s situation and I told him that Mary Jane [has been found guilty] for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin. I also told him about the delay in the execution during the meeting.” Last Friday, Sept. 9, Duterte flew to Indonesia to meet with Widodo to discuss various topics, reportedly including the case of the 31-year-old Filipina. “I had a talk, this one of the topics of this conversation, everybody was excluded and a lot to cover, security arrangements including the Filipinos who are in jail and facing charges in Indonesia,” Duterte said in a press conference at the Davao International Airport. Duterte declined to discuss specifics of the conversation involving Veloso’s case. “There are matters that I cannot tell you now, I’m sorry, I’m not a liberty but maybe, I can talk to the family first,” he added. On Tuesday, Sept. 13, the president said that asking for clemency would be hypocritical because his administration has been fighting the issue of drugs. “I said we will respect the judgments of your courts. Period. It would have been a bad taste in the mouth to be talking about
having a strong posture against drugs and here you are begging for something,” he said during the 48th anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. He continued to report that, “it’s good that [Indonesia has] the death penalty here, at least you can bring it down to the barest minimum. I said go ahead and implement the law — I never. We never mentioned about Veloso.” Veloso was arrested at Adisucipto Airport in Yogyakarta and was charged with drug trafficking in April 2010 for allegedly smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin. Supporters argue that Veloso was falsely promised a job to be a maid in Malaysia and was instead lured to be a drug mule without her knowledge. She was on the execution list but was given a last-minute reprieve on April 29, 2015, after Manila told Jakarta that her alleged recruiter had been arrested in the Philippines. When asked if Duterte had sought clemency for Veloso, Abella replied, “There is no need to plea for clemency as there was no scheduled execution.” He added that “If, and when, the Indonesian Supreme Court decides to act on the execution, that will be time to present (evidence proving) Veloso’s innocence as a justification for a plea of clemency.” n
A SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2016
people events arts culture entertainment
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 1 6 , 20 1 6
‘LifestyLe PhiLiPPines’ Products wow at ny now by MoMar
NY NOW - ConGen Mario L. de Leon , Jr. with CITEM officials led by Leah Ocampo, designer Stanley Ruiz and Trade Attaché Katrina Banzon
G. Visaya/AJPress
TWELVE Philippine companies showcased the best of Philippine lifestyle products at the NY NOW, North America’s premier home, lifestyle, and gift market for sophisticated retailers and international buyers, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center recently. The companies teamed up with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and designer Stanley Ruiz to create new artisan-made, ontrend design home and lifestyle crafts using indigenous, ecofriendly and sustainable materials. “Being the world’s lifestyle capital and a global marketplace for fashion forward products makes New York a strategic focus of our international export promotions. Maintaining our brand presence there is key to sustaining and building on the market following we have gained,” said CITEM Executive Director Rosvi Gaetos. As the Philippines’ export promotions authority, CITEM wanted to strengthen the presence of lifestyle brands in the US by building on Lifestyle Philippines’ captive American market by sustaining its brand presence in NY NOW since joining it last year. “We made sure that the companies won’t be competing with each other. These companies are into fashion accessories. We used to bring table tops and home accent but for this year, we changed our strategy,” said Leah Pulido Ocampo of CITEM. The officials observed that fashion accessories are stronger and better performers this time, compared to home accents. The booths of the Philippine companies were located at the Artisan Resource section, occupying a 130-sqm exhibit booth designed with the theme “Crafted Narratives.” The setting’s aim was to demonstrate the diversity of crafts made in the
Philippines. “The craftsmanship and quality of Philippine-made products set us apart from the other countries, specially since most of the materials we use are not seen elsewhere,” Ocampo added, citing the use of abaca and other indigenous materials such as raffia, bamboo, rattan, coconut husk, mother of pearl, and fine bone china, among others. This makes these Filipino products unique and one of a kind. Like the products of Agsam Fashion Fern, a company founded Gina Nebrida Ty. Ty’s company uses the wild fern plant called agsam, which abundantly grows only in the mountains of of Surigao del Sur. When harvested, the plant is washed and cut into strips by the tribespeople of the province. They will then deliver the agsam material to the group of indigenous women, who shall begin its skillful and precise weaving to produce beautifully handcrafted fashion pieces. “I discovered agsam in one of my trips to my husband’s province, Surigao del Sur. I saw these items that were sold as bracelets and souvenirs. Filipinos probably know it when they see it. It is those rings and bracelets that are soaked in water first, then worn to fit the owner’s wrists or ring finger,” Ty shared. She saw the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Surigao weavers who were using a 40-year-old weaving tradition and got inspired by them so she started designing fashion accessories and combined it with various local components such as gemstones and Capiz shells sourced from all over the Philippines. What came out of this collaboration was a collection of elegant-looking pieces that highlighted the heritage and
Craft Mill photo frames
Agsam Necklaces
New York Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. visits the Lifestyle Philippines booths exhibiting various gifts products at the NY NOW trade show at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan (Upper left photo): (2nd from right) Ms. Leah Pulido-Ocampo -CITEM organizers, (lower left) Ms. Mary Mediatrix Villanueva - Shelmed Cottage Treasures, (center photo) Mr. Billy Dogillo and Ms. Christine Jeanjaquet - Craft Mill, Inc. and (lower right) Mr. Angelo Cadungog and Mr. Rolando Salazar - Finali Furniture & Home Accessories. Photos by Wendell Gaa
tradition of the Surigao women and providing them with sustainable livelihood. Brand Philippines “The brand, of course, is the Philippines, and it depends on which sector we are promoting in a particular show. For NY NOW, it’s all about lifestyle,” Ocampo said as she mentioned the other sub-sectors - Food Philippines, Design Philippines and Fashion Philippines. “In all of the trade fairs that we go to, we showcase the Philippine brand and when we bring a delegation to a particular show, we make sure that they offer quality products,” Ocampo added. Among the group of 12 Filipino exporters noted for their design innovations are CSM Philippines, Arden, Nature’s Legacy, Finali, Craft Mill, Shelmed Cottage Treasures, Beatriz, Crystal Seas, Megabijoux, Agsam Fashion Fern, Orient Meadow, and Stella Polare Manila. “We brought a host of new products to showcase this year,” Pete Delantar of Nature’s Legacy told the Asian Journal. One of the products that the company brought – a hanging lamp made out of recycled materials - was nominated as Best New Product Award. “We did not understand the
Consul General De Leon visits the Nature’s Legacy booth with Mr. Pete Delantar (upper left photo) and Ms. Maria Katrina Delantar (upper right photo) where home and garden products made out of Philippine indigenous materials such as stone, agricultural and forest waste are on display.
market completely the last time we were here and we wanted to learn more that’s why we’re here and we came here more prepared,” Delantar admitted. “We need to make our presence felt so they can see that the Philippines is a good source of unique and original products.” To showcase their company’s flexibility in terms of creating and manufacturing a slew of products, Nature’s Legacy brought seven collections ranging from fashion to wall and medallion decors and lamps. Former New York-based
Megabijoux
designer Stanley Ruiz has been working with CITEM for their projects and for NY NOW, he helped curate and edit the products that each of the companies showcased in order to showcase each companies’ strengths and uniqueness. “It’s tough to edit the products we brought here because there are companies that have more than 2,000 products. I asked them for their new collections, and I helped edit and tweak colors or proportions or even augment their collections by designing new items,” Ruiz shared.
Photos by Lifestyle Philippines
Porcelain Vases from CSM Philippines Photo by Lifestyle Philippines
Nature’s Legacy
AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
Lifestyle Philippines also brought different kinds of ladies’ evening bags made out of indigenous materials. AJPress Photo
Photos by Lifestyle Philippines
AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
Stella Polare Manila
AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya
Finali home accessory
From a curatorial standpoint, Ruiz said he lined up almost similar items and placed them together on one side of the exhibit. This was done in hopes to achieve a collective impact and provide the impression that these companies can provide a spectrum of choices even for just one product, an evening bag for example. Ruiz, aside from developing the products, also conceptualized the booth design and the visual merchandising for Lifestyle Philippines. He has been working with CITEM in many local and international projects and has previously exhibited as an individual designer at NY NOW. His creative direction pushed the companies to level up their designs and product lines to cater to a modern, younger, and upbeat market who makes up a huge part of the NY NOW audience. The designer also helped the companies inject their existing products with a more contemporary flair and vibe using sophisticated pastel themes and playful motifs adopted from indigenous Philippine textiles. “In international markets such as the U.S., the Philippines is most often known for woven crafts like baskets, but we have many companies manufacturing other products like bone china and even novel, patented materials. By bringing these 12 small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with different identities, we communicate the many capabilities of Philippine craftsmen and the variety of products we can offer,” Ruiz added. Despite its economic woes, the US remains a huge export market for the Philippines. Online statistics portal Statista placed the US’ total retail sales of furniture and home funishings alone at $101.4 billion in 2013. “Thus, we are targeting at least $1.66 million in export sales during the expo, where the Lifestyle Philippines brand stands to gain substantial media mileage and direct market exposure, including the business matching between importers and exporters,” Gaetos said. NY NOW is held twice a year at the Javits Convention Center and draws at least 2,600 exhibitors and 35,000 attendees representing 20,000 companies from across the US and around the world.
Photo by Lifestyle Philippines
Immigration Corner
The October 2016 priority dates First Preference
Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)
Application Filing Date
Visa Issuance Date
May 1, 2006
August 1, 2005
EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in (2A) Spouse and the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the Second Preference minor children (below November 22, December 21 years old) of green 2015 22, 2014 various family and employment card holder based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a visa, (2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (21 meaning immigrant visas (or green February 1, January 1, years old or older) cards) would be available for per2007 2006 of green card holder sons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” Married sons and January 1, July 8, 1994 but later retrogressed (or “moved Third Preference daughters of US 1995 Citizens. backwards” and became unavailable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted Brothers and April 1, 1994 April 15, 1993 status in the U.S.), you would have Fourth Preference sisters of US to wait until it becomes current Citizens. again. Application Filing Date Visa Issuance Date Beginning last October 2015, the LABOR CERTIFICATION: format of the Visa Bulletin changed, Advanced Degree in that a new column was added, Second Preference (Masters) Current February 1, called the “Application Filing Date.” 2014 If a person’s priority date is earlier than the Application Filing Date, they can already file for adjustProfessional/ Third Preference September 1, December 1, Skilled Workers ment of status and work authoriza2013 2010 tion (provided they are otherwise eligible and USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application September 1, December 1, Non-Skilled Filing Date for that month). This Other Workers Workers 2013 2010 could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner than before, where they had to wait for *** the priority date to be current (in order to both file for adjustment Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an the Visa Issuance Date column) in and be eligible for a green card.
Kris Aquino leaves ABS-CBN, joins producer of ‘Eat Bulaga’ The guessing game is over. After keeping her silence for months, TV host-actress Kris Aquino has finally confirmed that she is leaving ABS-CBN. In a series of Instagram posts early Monday, Aquino explained her reason for her departure from her home network for 20 years. “We were set to renew our contract February 2016, it was a generous, less demanding agreement but at that time there was a threat to my life we needed to take seriously, I had to regain my health, and I needed time for my family (and) me,” Aquino’s post read. Former President Benigno
Aquino III disclosed in April that terrorist group Abu Sayyaf plotted to kidnap his sister Kris and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. This was confirmed by the TV host. “We didn’t sign then, I went to hawaii, came back to campaign, then left again. Our agreement was we’d talk when I got back. That is the risk of taking time for yourself- when you come back there’s no guarantee that a space will be held for you. We spoke in July but there was no definite show (and) no assured time frame of my return on air. I perfectly understood- as much as I wanted to believe I was a pillar of the network,
everybody is dispensable. And I say that with no bitterness- just hONeSTY,” she continued. “So to all of you saying please don’t leave- it wasn’t a choice that was just mine to make. I take my share of the responsibility. And I say that w/ so much gratitude in my heart.” Prior to leaving ABS-CBN, Aquino hosted shows like “KrisTV,” “Today with Kris Aquino,” “The Buzz,” and “Game KNB?”. She also starred in the movies “Feng Shui” and “Sukob”, which she described as “iconic.” Without announcing that she is jumping ship to GMA, Aquino said that she is now working with
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 1 6 , 20 1 6
The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows: FAMILY CATEGORY:
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ
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GET THE CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY WHEN ‘CITIZEN PINOY’ GOES LIVE ON SEPTEMBER 25! Kapamilya, we are excited to bring you yet another LIVE telecast of your favorite immigration program – CITIZEN PINOY. Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel is “excited about being able to answer your questions in real time.” Viewers are already encouraged to send in questions at www.facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw. The live telecast of “Citizen Pinoy” – will be seen on September 25, Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (EST/PST) on TFC. active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-
enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.
Tony Tuviera of TAPe and APT entertainment, producer of the TV show “eat Bulaga,” which airs on ABS-CBN’s chief rival network. Tuviera also handles the careers of prized GMA talents Marian Rivera and Maine Mendoza. She said it was actually her good friend, TV host Boy Abunda, who reached out to Tuviera on her behalf. “Our plan was initially just a digital initiative- I know you miss my #foodtrips (and) my #cooking #recipes #roadtrips(and) #travel… But maybe my guardian angel in heaven (could it have been you, Mom?) was working overtime (and) what was an attempt at something new (and) experimental, evolved into a vision & a presentation that felt perfect for who I am now & for our TV collaboration,” she said in a separate Instagram post. The collaboration, she said,
was 30 years in the making. “Mr. T actually remembered coming to our home in Times Street in 1986 to meet my Mom to produce a show for me when I was 15 years old. 30 years after- dumating na ang TAMANG PANAhON (the right time has come).” Despite her exit from ABSCBN, Aquino said there is not bad blood between her and her former network. “This is the 1st (and) last I shall say about this chapter of my life. You deserved the true story (and) I gave you my truth, so that we may all move forward… So here’s a shoutout of ThANK YOU to the Kapamilya Network ABS-CBN for all that was, and here’s a shoutout of ThANK YOU to my new APT family for all that will be. And most of all my ThANK YOU to all of you for allowing me to just be me,” she said in another Instagram post.
WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
Kris Aquino: “I perfectly understood- as much as I wanted to believe I was a pillar of the network, everybody is dispensable. And I say that with no bitterness- just HONESTY.”
Aquino’s departure from ABS-CBN came after the return of Sharon Cuneta and Aga Muhlach to the network. (Inquirer. net)
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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 1 6 , 20 1 6
On the PEP Front
People, Events, Places
BCBP’s persuasion moves Lasylee & Jerome Marte to rekindle connubial bond
Powerhouse vocalists Geo Ed Rebucas, Rasmin Diaz and Angel Ram entertain guests
BoBBy T. yalong OvErOPtimistic and starryeyed romantics are conscientiously defensive and closely guarded with their loved ones and whatever relationships they have kept for years. they value life and treasure every minute not only for themselves but for the persons they consider their very reason for living. A person seriously “married” to his marital union constantly envisions of exciting things to further enhance his existing matrimonial status. there are consistently inexhaustible ideas crowding his mind as how to keep his married status going stronger and lasting while building schemes of enthusiastic measures to make his partner happy and contented. But sadly others consider marriage to be just a piece of paper where the sworn and signed contract could instantly be dissolved and expunged once the mutual feelings subside, the emotions turn unreciprocated, and the collateral damage becomes irremediable. the absence of a strapping fundamental base perceptibly contributed for the relationship to be wobbly, unstable, and on-the-rock. in Lasylee Lou Avancena and Jerome Neri marte’s conjugal relationship, theirs was founded on mutual trust brought about by their youthful innocence and care-free formative years since they were childhood playmates and constant companions with a strong sanguine affiliation back home in cagayan De Oro city aside from the fact that their parents were actively involved in community non-profit livelihood programs. With a common interest and concern both finished Business management course: she from the National college of Business Administration in Quezon city while he from Xavier University Ateneo De cagayan. they maybe
EMPLOYMENT
The bride reciprocates with an equally romantic ballad
Lasylee Lou and Jerome Marte strike a pose after receiving the sacrament of matrimony.
Renewed couple Lasylee and Jerome Marte
The garter catcher puts it on Angel’s leg while Lasylee Geo look on
The groom serenades his bride with a love song
Gil Buhian and Sylvia Labial Hands-on bride does finishing render a duet dedicated to the touches on table centerpiece newly weds
in constant company but attended to each personal affairs without meddling on the other until such time when they suddenly realized they didn’t have to go far in search of a partner… and finally found themselves mutually committed. their long-time effervescentto-mature love affair was formally sealed by a simple nuptial rite before a judge in september 7, 2004 that bore them an only son, mark raven, now 16 years old. the enterprising couple with dynamic business acumen ventured in an internet café cum boutique that sold fashion accessories and home décor.
Here, Take a part of me
Lasylee, being innately creative and enterprising, enjoyed managing the family business while it lasted… and in January 28, 2008 they decided to migrate to the Us when their return on investment suffered a demoralizing melt-down that failed to support their needs. if starting life in a foreign ground poses an unprecedented impenetrability for others, it was a bit unproblematic for Lasylee and Jerome. Driven but not choosy, she, ably armed with all her sagittarian traits, landed a job she could masterfully deliver (being a nanny) while he, a quintessential scorpion and aggressive, was
EMPLOYMENT
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employed as a HHA (Home Health Aide) provider… jobs they both take pleasure in and benefit from to this date. Last saturday, september 10, 2016, exactly some 12 years after their civil wedding, Lasyl and Jerome renewed their marital vows before the altar of the Queen of Angels church in Hillman Avenue in sunnyside, New York… an event that raised issues since it was odd. “We actually wanted to reaffirm our commitment for each other…” reasoned Lasyl who looked splendidly radiant like a first-time bride in her chalk-toned bustier body-hugging serpentine
gown complete with scallopedge-embroidered court veil held in place by a miniature tiara. “Not for anything else but i believe a marriage to be truly sanctified has to be sanctioned by the church through the Holy sacrament of matrimony…to be renewed and celebrated to inject that additional spiritual booster to keep the husband-and-wife-relationship consistently on a smooth-sailing pace.” Jerome, the dashing secondtime groom donned in a midnight blue tuxedo, added in jest: “i just feel like falling madly in love again!” and readily punctuated his statement with a brusque laughter and a wink. “it was actually our brothers and sisters from the BcBP (Brotherhood of christian Businessmen and Professionals) who persuaded us to renew our marital vows and receive the sacrament of matrimony. We had
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this not only to rekindle our love for each other but to celebrate our 12year long marital affair with family and friends. Not all marriages have survived this long.” the truth of the matter was, there’s no actual religious or social rule that dictates when to renew a marriage vow. it all depends on the concerned parties: it could be a year after the matrimonial ceremony (Paper Anniversary), 5th Year (Wooden Anniversary), 10th Year (tin), 15th Year (crystal), 20th Year (china), 25th Year (silver), 30th Year (Pearl), 40th Year (ruby), 50th Year (Golden), 60th Year (Diamond), 70th Year (Platinum), or at 75th Year (Diamond Jubilee). Lasyl and Jerome’s renewal of vow was meant to celebrate their married life as true christians with a fête witnessed by family and friends that followed at the Astoria World manor along Astoria Continued on Page 6
Lav Diaz wins top prize in Venice Int’l Film Festival By BAYANI
SAN DIEGO Inquirer.net
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JR.
LAV DIAZ’S colleagues, like fellow award-winning filmmakers Brillante Ma. Mendoza and Joel Lamangan, and actors Charo Santos and Nonie Buencamino, are rejoicing over Philippine cinema’s latest triumph. Diaz continues the winning streak abroad of Filipino filmmakers by bagging on Saturday the Golden Lion, the top prize at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival, for “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (The Woman Who Left). Diaz, 57, has described “Humayo” as a testimony to the struggles of the Philippines after centuries of colonial rule. “This is for my country, for the Filipino people, for our struggle, for the struggle of humanity,” he said as he accepted the Golden Lion award at the world’s oldest film festival for his black-andwhite movie. “Humayo” is a story about the absurdity of human existence. A wrongly convicted schoolteacher plots retribution against the former boyfriend who framed her, disguising herself in a bid to get close to her prey. Gaining freedom in the late 1990s after 30 years behind bars, Horacia (Santos) discovers her loved ones are either dead or gone, and the former boyfriend, now a wealthy underworld boss, becomes the target of her simmering rage. Winning streak With Diaz’s latest win, the Philippines has scored major awards from the top three A-list film festivals in the world—Berlin, Cannes and Venice—this year. In February, Diaz brought home the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize for the eight-hour historical epic, “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis,” at the Berlinale. In May, Jaclyn Jose was declared best actress for her role in Mendoza’s gritty urban drama, “Ma’ Rosa,” at Cannes. Diaz is no stranger to international awards, particularly at the Venice fest. In 2007, he got the special mention citation in the Orizzonti
Pinay wows ‘X-Factor UK’ judges with powerful performance by ALIXANDRA
CAOLE VILA
Philstar.com
BEST FILM Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz’s Golden Lion award for his movie “Ang Babaeng Humayo” during the 73rd Venice International Film Festival in Italy continues the winning streak of the Philippines in the top three A-list film festivals in the world—Berlin, Cannes and Venice—so far this year.
section for “Death in the Land of Encantos.” The following year, he bagged the Orizzonti award itself for “Melancholia.” Orizzonti is a special section in Venice that highlights “new trends in cinema.” In 2014, Diaz won the Golden Leopard award at the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, for “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon.” Award collection His menagerie is almost complete, having won a Golden Leopard, Silver Bear and Golden Lion in two years’ time. Four hours before the Venice awards ceremony, “Humayo” won best foreign language film at the 6th Smile Awards, also held in Venice. The award seeks to honor Venice competition films that shed light on the struggles of marginalized people. A day before the Venice main competition awards ceremony, Eduardo Roy Jr.’s “Pamilya Ordinaryo” won the BNL Audience Award in the 13th Venice Days tilt. Also on Saturday, Allen Dizon won best actor for his role in Mel Chionglo’s “Iadya Mo Kami” at the 13th Salento International Film Festival in Tricase, Italy. Mendoza, best director for “Kinatay” at Cannes in 2009, said he was very happy for Diaz, describing his victory as “a historic moment for Philippine cinema. We should all celebrate Lav’s achievement because it has raised Filipino movies to another level again.” Lamangan, whose film “The Flor Contemplacion Story” won the Golden Pyramid award at the Cairo International Film Festival in 1995, said Diaz’s triumph was a
great honor for the country. “Truly, it’s a shot in the arm for our movie industry. Congratulations to Lav!” Unanimously acclaimed Diaz’s latest work was unanimously acclaimed by critics, as well. Dubbed “marathon man” by Screen International for his protracted films, Diaz has shrugged off such criticisms, saying, “My cinema is free.” He has insisted that he takes an organic approach in filmmaking. “If a film is complete at three hours then it would end at three hours.” Diaz, also the cinematographer and editor of “Humayo,” said he would not hesitate to delete a “beautiful shot” if it were superfluous. In “Humayo,” he took a more philosophical route—unlike his earlier works that were overtly polemical and political. Diaz said he was working on a trilogy on reclusion perpetua. “Stories on prison as a metaphor for the curse of living.” Inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s short story “God Sees The Truth, But Waits,” Diaz recalled that writing “Humayo” was a breeze. “The story just flowed naturally.” Logic of living He asserted: “Existence is so fragile and, in the end, we don’t know anything. The film’s story is simple and complex at the same time. Where’s the logic of living?” Exclaimed producer Ronald Arguelles of Cinema One (which produced “Humayo”): “I am overjoyed that we got to experience all this.” Actor Nonie Buencamino, who is in the cast, said: “I am proud, happy and feel very
MANILA, Philippines — “Oh my God! What just happened there?!” Simon Cowell who was obviously astonished quips after listening to Ivy Grace Paredes’ audition song. Paredes, a Filipino who hails from Malaybalay, Bukidnon went for an audition on “X-Factor UK” on September 11. With only less three minutes to impress the judges, Paredes went all in and did her own rendition of Whitney Houston’s “All the Man I Need.” Her performance was quickly applauded by the judges. Asked why she decided to do the auditions, Paredes said: “For me, I believe this is the biggest competition and I want to be a part of it. X Factor can give me the stepping stones I need to do good fortunate to be part of this film.” Santos was similarly ecstatic: “I feel so honored and proud to be part of this special project. What a privilege! God has always been good to me.” She received rave reviews for
Ivy Grace Paredes, a Filipino who hails from Malaybalay, Bukidnon went for an audition at “X-Factor” UK on September 11.
in the future because this is all for my daughter.” Paredes is the latest Filipino to step on the “X-Factor UK” stage. A report from Digital Spy
said Paredes was inspired by 4th Impact, a Filipino girl group that finished fifth place in the last season of the reality talent search.
her performance. Variety’s Guy Lodge even tweeted that she should’ve won best actress over Hollywood star Emma Stone who brought home the trophy for her role in Damien Chazelle’s musical “La La Land.”
There were reports that the Venice jury couldn’t give other major awards to the Golden Lion winner. Lodge tweeted: “Stone’s win is a mirage … Santos is the real Oscar frontrunner.”
Calendar of Events across
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CAC to celebrate Town Fiesta The Cabatuan Association of California will celebrate their Annual Town Fiesta in honor of their Patron Saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10, 2016 with a mass at 11:00 am at Nati Matitu-Mercado’s residence - 15255 Knapp St. North Hills, CA, 91343. Please invite four friends and relatives. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa. For other inquiries, please call Esoy Tavarro, president, (714) 797-0073; Sally Bilbao, adviser (951) 8785589; Boboy Mosqueda, adviser (714) 519-8973; or Nati Matitu-Mercado, adviser at (818) 894-5142.
Free citizenship workshop in Orange County On Friday, Sept. 16, Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development (OCCORD) will help local green card holders take the first step towards becoming citizens through free events as part of the New Americans Campaign. This workshop will provide lawful permanent residents with free naturalization application assistance by professional and trained volunteers. Individuals will also receive legal counsel by pro-bono attorneys and legal experts. Services are available in Spanish, Korean and English. The workshop will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at Century High School, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705. Registration is required; please call 714-621-0919, ext. 13.
SEPTEMBER 17
The Filipino USPS Retirees Club of Los Angeles reunion The Filipino USPS Retirees Club of Los Angeles is having its 3rd anniversary reunion on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 12 p.m. to dusk. It will be held at Romy Vidal’s residence at 1998 Big Oak Ave., Chino Hills, CA 91709. To RSVP, please call Romy (951) 733-7140 or Lito (909) 263-4167.
Lorenzo Ruiz: A musical play On Saturday, September 17, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community will present a musical play entitled Lorenzo Ruiz: the First Filipino Saint. This play will star Mat Ranillo III, a Filipino TV, film and stage actor. Purchase your tickets today, for a donation of $20 for one event or $25 for both events. Seats are limited so get your tickets early. For ticket sales, please contact St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish office at (909) 595-9545. St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community is located at 747 Meadowpass Rd., Walnut, California 91789.
27th annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia Come and celebrate the 27th annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia, the patroness of Bicolandia. The grand fiesta will be on Saturday, Sept. 17, beginning with a concelebrated mass at 1 p.m., followed by a Fluvial Procession. It will be held at Liberty State Park, Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey, City, New Jersey 07305.
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AAPA’s leadership symposium Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) for an all-day event from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with exceptional and diverse keynote speakers and panelists, as well as multiple workshops on diversity and leadership topics. The symposium is open to everyone, and will be held at the Pacific Palms Hotel, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91744. For more information, please visit http://aapamentoring.com/.
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PASCPA-Los Angeles dinner dance event Philippine American Society of Certified Public Accountants (PASCPA) is celebrating 30 years of promoting excellence for the future leaders! Join PASCPA on Saturday, Sept. 24 as it installs officers & board members and inducts new members of the organization. Networking will begin at 4:30 until 6:15 p.m. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at Pickwick Gardens, 1001 Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91506. Attire is formal and there will be no host bar. A donation of $65 is required. For more information, please visit http://pascpa. org/.
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FAPCCA Media Awards The Filipino American Press Club of California invites you to The First FAPCCA Media Awards Gala Night 2016 at Glendale Hilton Hotel, 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale CA 91202, Sept. 25, 2016 Sunday 5pm (www.facebook.com/fapccamediaawards/) Tickets: $65/person includes dinner and entertainment. Call: 626.475.3052; 310.600.9913; 818.357.4566 or pay by Paypal at www.paypal.me/fapcca (please indicate the amount, number of tickets, name, mailing address and cell number on the Special Instruction field). FAPCCA Contact Persons: Chairperson Thelma Calabio - 301.600.9913; President Andy Z. Edralin - 626-475-3052; VP Isidric Panganiban - 818.357.4566; Treasurer Christie Rosacia -818.451.6606; Auditor Sonia Bermejo - 818.653.3177; Joe Cobilla - PRO - 323.804.9959; Director Rose Sarreal 213.321.1119
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
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10 Outstanding Young Fil-Ams to take part in 2016 FYlprO
The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 1 6 , 20 1 6
Kayumanggi in Concert
IN observance of their 25th Anniversary, Kayumanggi Chorale, Inc., a not-for-profit singing group in the New York area will present a concert named “from Barrio to Broadway2” featuring the Kayumanggi Choir with support from Mutya Philippine Dance Co. of Philadelphia, and the NJ-based Philippine Chamber Rondalla. On October 1st, at 7:30 PM, all roads lead down to Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Music Center, at
129 W 67th St, New York City. Show is a miniature sampling of Philippine culture through music and dance. It captures the beauty and excellence of Filipino choral, folk dancing, and stringed instrumental music, all accentuated in a colorful 2-hr package. A reprise of “from Barrio to Broadway” first staged in 1999 at the same venue, this year’s concert underlines the Filipino versatility in his choice of repertoire, simple or complex. The focus is an attempt to show
that successful mix of Filipino pop melodies with American show tunes will certainly catch concert-goers’ unbridled enthusiasm and imagination. Tickets are priced at $35 and $50 and can be purchased by calling Hector (908 229-0155), Dennis (201 739-2259), Joel (908 764-1512), Ludy (908 693-1277), or the Box Office (212 501-3330). Proceeds from the event will be donated to help Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. in its global charitable projects.
2016 Great Filipino Composers Series Concert on Sept. 17 THE San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of New York, in partnership with Mr. Jose Ramos and Mr. Rogelio B. Peñaverde Jr., presents the 2016 Great Filipino Composers Series Concert on Saturday, September 17, at the Loreto Theater of the Sheen Center in New York City. The second show of this annual undertaking will pay tribute to the life and works of Maestro Ernani Cuenco. Arguably the most important composer during the second golden age of Philippine cinema, he was honored posthumously as the Philippine National Artist for Music in 1999. His works have garnered him multiple awards, among others, from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences, Gawad Urian, and the Metro Manila Film Festival. A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, he was
recognized as the university’s most outstanding alumnus in 1977. His most notable works include Kahit Na Magtiis, Nahan, Sa Bawat Sandali, Bato Sa Buhangin, and Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal. The Great Filipino Composers Series was conceptualized by its Artistic Director, Rogelio B. Penaverde Jr., to enhance the meaningful advocacy of Philippine culture and values in Neculture and values in New York City. By showcasing the country’s rich heritage in the field of music, it aims to provide a tangible testimony to the ingenuity of the Filipino people. This year’s show will be under the music direction of Enrico Lagasca and the stage direction of J. William Herbert Sigmund Go. The performing ensemble consists of Donna Danielson, Antoni Mendezona, Katrina Saporsantos, Joy Tamayo,
Marvin Gayatgay, Leo Leal, Joseph Legaspi, Rogelio B. Peñaverde Jr., Resty Yongco, Dennis Bernardo, and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of New York. New musical arrangements of the maestro’s works for voice and chamber ensemble will be written by Paulo K. Tirol. The 2016 Great Filipino Composers Series is brought to you in part by the JCI PhilippineNew York Chapter, Bakas Pilipinas, and the Philippine Community Center Services for Aging. It is a production of Ilustrado, LLC. Tickets are sold at $100, $45, and $35. You may purchase them at the Sheen Center Box Office by calling (212) 925-2812 or by visiting the Sheen Center Website. For more information, please visit the Great Filipino Composers Series Facebook event page or call (917) 708-0221.
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WASHINGTON, DC — Two engineers, two lawyers, two marketing and communications professionals, a Broadway producer, an educator, a transportation infrastructure specialist, and a culinary enthusiast, form the fifth batch of young Filipino- American leaders who will embark on an immersion trip to the Philippines to meet with influential Filipino personalities and deepen their understanding of issues affecting their country of heritage. Now on its fifth year, Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) continues to give high-performing, nextgeneration Filipino-Americans the opportunity to reconnect with their roots and engage with government leaders, business executives, cultural experts, social entrepreneurs, and innovators in different fields in
the Philippines. The following are the 2016 FYLPRO delegates: 1. Noel Aglubat (New York, NY) 2. Tiffany Batac (Washington, DC) 3. Joanne Boston (Daly City, CA) 4. Mark Calaguas (Chicago, IL) 5. Brandon Dela Cruz (Honolulu, HI) 6. Elizabeth Frilles (Honolulu, HI) 7. Christopher Lapinig (Los Angeles, CA) 8. Maria Teresa Quintans (Tamuning, Guam) 9. Donny Rojo (Seattle, WA) 10. Jhett Tolentino (New York, NY) Minister Patrick Chuasoto, the Embassy’s Chargé d’Affairés ad interim and Chair of the FYLPRO Selection Committee, noted the high caliber crop of applicants to
the 2016 edition of FYLPRO. “The application process has been highly competitive this year and we are proud of the ten delegates who made the final cut. They have enormous leadership potential, and all have exhibited the will to be involved not only in shaping the future of the FilipinoAmerican community but also in contributing to Philippine development,” said Minister Chuasoto. The 2016 FYLPRO immersion trip, which will be held on 23 November – 02 December 2016, is a joint undertaking by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the United States, the Ayala Foundation, Inc. and the Filipino Young Leaders Program Organization. Learn more about the 2016 FYLPRO delegates via this link: FYLPRO 2016.
Ballin’ in the Bronx BRONx, N.Y. – On Saturday, June 18, 2016, the World Basketball Ambassadors Club (WBAC) hosted their inaugural international showcase at St. Raymond’s Gym, Bronx, New York. WBAC serves as a platform to promote global acceptance of cultures through basketball. Six countries; Philippines, Panama, Dominican Republic, China, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, were invited to bring teams (18 y/o and under) to compete for the event. Team Philippines was set to play against Team Panama. Event organizers chose representatives for each team, who were given the responsibility to bring promising athletes. After careful selection, Coach Simeon “Bong” Ulep, CoFounder of Fil-Am Sports New Jersey, reached out to various Filipino-American organizations for players to represent Team Philippines. Looking at Team Philippines vs Team Panama, one could easily see the height difference. However, Team Philippines was not intimidated. Although lacking in height, they made up for the difference with hustle and intensity. Both teams played an even first half, leaving for halftime tied at 50-50. Adjusting to the game, the players exhibited versatility by implementing new defensive strategies. This ultimately helped them gain the offensive momentum leading to an upset victory over Panama, 125 to 111. Both teams played a competitive game and displayed great sportsmanship. The event was a unique opportunity for Filipino-Americans to represent the Philippines and their kababayan. Countless Fil-Am basketball groups across America compete against each other in tournaments. In the midst of competition, it is easily forgotten we are all united. By players embracing their nationality, camaraderie is formed without false intentions and individual recognition. After the game, Jordan Bartlett, leading scorer of the day with 47 points, commented, “The WBAC was one of the best experiences I’ve had playing Filipino basketball. Not only was I able to compete with players from all over the globe, but we were able to bring together a group of selected athletes that have never played together to showcase our talents. The event was well-organized and it was even cooler playing in front of former NBA stars. It’s always a great
(from L to R) Coach John, Coach Ivan, Mark, Jethro, Carson, Ron Harper Jr., Paul, Josh, Isaiah, and Coach Bong.
Leading scorer of the tournament, Jordan Bartlett, captured flying high against Team Panama.
From left to right: (standing) Trainer Ivan Lingat, Andre Deocampo, Gabe Mandanas, Jethro Moll, Gian Navas, Ron Harper Jr, Jordan Harper, LJ Bollosa, Alec Araula, Coach Bong (front row) Coach Artu Ceniza, AJ Ceniza, Jordan Bartlett, Carson Francisco, Isaiah Ulep, Kevin Vallejos
experience when you are blessed enough to represent your country!” With this mindset, the future of Filipino-American youth is looking bright in keeping the pinoy pride
alive here in Americas. For further information and details, please contact Aimee Ulep at aimee.ulep3@gmail.com, or (848) 448-3529.
BCBP’s persuasion moves Lasylee... From Page 4
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Boulevard in Astoria, New York. The high spirited ambience was made even more exuberant by the powerful vocal renditions provided by Rasmin Diaz, Angel Ram, and Geo Ed Rebucas (who, incidentally, also emceed the event) with instrumental accompaniment by Music Maestro Eric Celerio on keyboards, Boy Diaz on drums and Mikey Agustin on the guitar. The total setting was impressively astounding… from the physical set-up to the minutest details. Thanks to the ingenious mind and innovative hands of Lasylee who painstakingly planned, arranged, and did the startling center pieces of fall-hued blooms. Lasylee, incidentally, is a professional floral designer aside from being an entertainment producer and event planner. While we’re on the subject of marriage: from our Science classes
we’re taught that opposite poles attract while like poles repel. Yes, the Law of Magnetism or Law of Attraction, if I may recall! Lasyl and Jerome’s love story is an epitome of an impossible-couple-to-be since they perceived the world in contrasting lights… and later proved all their detractors wrong. Those in the know would agree that thoughts are probably the most interesting of all forms of energy simply because they are created and altered at will by a person’s mind. Lasyl and Jerome’s personal case in their apparent application of the Law of Attraction more than proved that intellectual energy vibrates at a million and one different frequencies… and they, themselves, were inevitably caught in the effectual interaction of their inherit mental forces. Not a few, even their immediate relatives and close friends, were bolted from the blue upon learning that they, Lasyl and
Jerome, were seriously having eyes only for each other and later, exclusively dating. Others view their romantic relationship as odd and incompatible but for the concerned lovebirds, theirs was a perfectly matched love affair: she, being outgoing, happy-go-lucky, and gregarious…while he is the introvert type, quiet, conservative, and strict. It takes two to tango…and to tango effectively, “one must dictate the steps and the other executes them effectively.” Meaning, the pair must not argue simultaneously. There must be a collaborative mode between them while observing a communicative pattern of resist and desist. When a partner’s foot steps forward the corresponding partner’s reaction is to step backward… and that’s effectually easy! For comments and suggestions, please email to: gemini0646@yahoo.com
Federation of Philippine Societies in New Jersey, Inc. to hold its 46th Annual Gala
THE Federation of Philippine Societies in New Jersey, Inc. will hold its 46th Annual Gala with the so called theme “Pagdiriwang sa Plaza” at the Ramada Hotel, Newark, NJ on September 25th from 12.00 to 5.00 pm. The Federation of Philippine Societies with 501 (c) (3) was established in 1970 by a few Filipino-American leaders primarily to unite all PhilippineAmerican associations under one umbrella to ensure that the Filipinos were recognized as vital ethnic group in New Jersey. To date, the Federation has over thirty (30) active organization members. This 46th year’s celebration will help finance the Federation’s forthcoming projects here and back home. The main goal this year is to help improve public school buildings in rural areas devastated by past typhoons in the Philippines. We shall update the public on this project soon. The presentation of 2016 Muses include : MISS YOUNG PHILIPPINES NEW JERSEY
• Noelani Shah Balangon A pre Kindergarten, born and raised in America as the youngest and only girl of three siblings. Only three and a half years old who loves to sing, dance and play in the park with other kids. At a tender age, Noelani is already an avid movie enthusiasts among the favorites are Frozen and Pitch Perfect. The daughter of Jonathan and Manisha ShahBalangon who are both young
professionals in their respective field. As parents they are grateful that at an early age, Noelani can contribute even a little to the Filipino-American community associated to charitable causes. MISS TEEN PHILIPPINES NEW JERSEY
•Melissa Mae San Agustin The daughter of Vicente and Mary Ann San Agustin of Union, NJ who are both active in Filipino-American community organizations. She is the youngest sibling of talented four (Matthew, Marvee and Monica). An honor student in her senior years at Union High School who loves to sing, dance (practice acrobatic dance for 5 years) and play the piano in her spare time. Otherwise, volunteers to sing for the elderly in nursing homes while works part time at a dental clinic. She goes to church on Saturdays while Sundays are rest day with family. Her singing stints in the past were with Philippine’s famous concert talent like Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez and Ai Ai de las Alas, accordingly. She hopes to be a veterinarian. MISS PHILIPPINES NEW JERSEY • Kriza Caliolio Born on May 11, 1992 as youngest of three siblings to a famous Fil-Am community leader, Ms. Fe Martinez. Kriza is an alumna of Kean University, Class 2014. A former Theta Phi Alpha alumni who held both Sisterhood and Philantrophy chairs, respectively. She volunteers as a recreational therapist at Bergen
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Philippine ‘Concert King’ Martin Nievera to debut at the historic Ford Theatres Concert to benefit the Apl.de.ap Foundation International
LOS ANGELES -- Filipino-American History Month kicks off with the much anticipated concert debut of Martin Nievera at Hollywood’s newly Regional Medical Centre. renovated Ford Theatres. Presently, a manager at a Presented by PAE General Nutrition Center who is Live!, “An Evening also pursuing a graduate school with Martin Nievera” for Health care administration. Mrs. Philippines New Jersey brings the Philippine entertainer center stage on Saturday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. as he performs his greatest hits, traditional Filipino love songs and an eclectic, upbeat mix of Broadway and standard pop tunes. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Apl.de.ap Foundation, a project of the Asian Pacific Community Fund established by Apl.de.ap • Rosita Mejia Richman of the Black Eyed Peas. Born and raised in Cagayan For more than three de Oro, Philippines with decades, Martin Nievera has Bachelors degree in Commerce, been the unofficial ambassador banking and finance major. of Philippine pop music to a Married to the late City Fiscal, global audience selling out Carlo Braganza Mejia whom she had children - two girls and a boy. concerts from Dubai to London, Melbourne to Vancouver and Presently, a happy grandmother almost everywhere in between. of six who made a new life in Affectionately dubbed the America for over twenty years. “Concert King of the Philippines” A successful and well known by his fans, Martin has performed businesswoman in real estate before packed houses to and a health care provider for audiences who have followed the aged, she still finds time his career from its inception and to give back to the Filipinometeoric rise in Manila to his American community, tirelessly. Her favorite motto is, “We make a headlining showcase residency in Las Vegas. He has hosted “ASAP” living by what we get, we make (All-Star Sunday Afternoon Party), a life by what we give – Winston the longest running musical Churchill. “ variety show on Philippine For further updates, please television, since 1995 and is seen visit Facebook / Federation of each week by millions of Filipino Philippine Societies. For seat fans around the globe. Along reservation, please call Elvira Reyes 551-208-4986; Beth Manalo the way, he has earned several platinum albums, hosted several 551-998-1640 and Jujo Conol talk shows, appeared in many 917-915-7545
television specials and movies and has received several awards. The concert begins the celebration of Filipino-American History Month in October, a nationally recognized commemoration of the history of Filipinos in America as established by the Filipino American National Historical Society, the California State Senate and the U.S. Congress. The internationally acclaimed a cappella group Prime Note Ensemble, originally formed in Saudi Arabia and who are recipients of several international vocal competitions, will give an exclusive performance thirty minutes prior to the concert. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Apl. de.ap Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Apl. de.ap, co-founder of Grammy-
winning hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas. The mission of the Apl. de.ap Foundation is to empower children, especially in the Philippines, through education and technology. “We’ve built schools and classrooms and music centers and have provided scholarships for students to complete their college education,” said Apl.de.ap. “Last October, we provided the medical equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat retinopathy of prematurity. We want to give the tools and the opportunity for children to succeed in life.” The foundation also provides assistance to communities in times of natural disasters. The Apl.de.ap Foundation is a project of the Asian Pacific Community Fund, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. “PAE Live! believes in giving back to the community,” said producer Rex Sampaga, “which is why we are donating to Apl’s Foundation…we believe in his efforts to help the people in the Philippines.” “An Evening with Martin Nievera” is proudly sponsored by Leelin Bakeries, Island Pacific Supermarkets and Kalayaan Incorporated of Southern California with LA18 and the Asian Journal as official television and print media sponsors. Ticket prices for “An Evening with Martin Nievera,” start at $48; Reserved Seating tickets are available atFordTheatres.org or via phone at 323-461-3673 (for non-visual media 323-GO-1FORD).
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