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Volume10 – Issue 29 • 16 Pages

APRIL 14-20, 2017

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Duterte calls on US to help fight terrorism in PH

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the Philippines and the United states should work together to address issues concerning terrorism, Philippine President rodrigo Duterte affirmed this week.

In his speech for the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Pilar, Bataan on sunday, April 9, Duterte said the two countries’ long-standing relationship serves as the basis for bilateral cooperation against terrorism.

“As we fought together to stay above the enemy then, so we should help each other to address the threats that confront our societies, our region, and our world,” the president said. he further added, “Now the menace

President Rodrigo Duterte

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DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

USCIS hits annual H1-B visa cap

the U.s. Citizenship and Immigration services (UsCIs) has reached the congressionally mandated 85,000 h-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2018, it announced in a statement. the quota was met within five days since the applications opened on April 3, the federal agency said on friday, April 7. this is the fifth consecutive year that the cap has been fulfilled in less than a week. the program has allocated 65,000 slots for foreign workers and an additional 20,000 for the U.s. advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap. the total number of h1-B applications received this year has yet to be announced.

Businesses in the United states use the h-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require specialized knowledge, such as science, engineering and computer-related fields. the agency will reject and return filing fees for all unselected cap-subject petitions that are not duplicate filings. It will, how-

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Major General Tony Taguba sounds off on caregiving, Filipino WWII vets recognition

F i l i p i n o -A m e r i c a n M a j o r General Tony Taguba shares his experiences with family caregiving and lobbying on behalf of Filipino World War II veterans.

After 35 illustrious years serving in the United states Army, major General Antonio “tony” taguba has dedicated his life to two crucial missions: stressing the importance of family caregiving and assuring filipino World War II Veterans receive the recognition they deserve. the major general’s efforts go beyond the mere expression of these two very important issues that

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NO PENITENTS. Members of militant groups carry crosses as they march in Manila to show how they are being burdened by labor contractualization, extrajudicial killings, low wages and rising prices.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

World Bank: FVR tells Duterte: Americans are Filipinos’ most sincere allies PH economy

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the United states is the Philippines’ “most sincere, devoted, patriotic, and fearless” ally, former Philippine President fidel V. ramos said on tuesday, April 11.

In his speech during the third day of commemorating the Bataan Death march of 1942, ramos expressed his hope that President rodrigo Duterte would realize in time the great importance of the decades-long relationship between the Philippines and U.s.

Duterte, who assumed the presidency in July last year, reportedly had a strained relationship with the U.s. under former Presi-

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Former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos and Pres. Rodrigo Duterte

Photojournalist wins Pulitzer Prize for photo series on PH drug killings Malacañang “respects” Pulitzer decision

by Klarize

MeDenilla AJPress

A freelANCe photographer for The New York Times was one of the many journalists selected for the coveted 2017 Pulitzer Prize for his photographs depicting the antidrug campaign in the Philippines. the Pulitzer Prize board selected Australian photojournalist Daniel

Berehulak’s blistering photo series “they Are slaughtering Us like Animals” for the Breaking News Photography category for his “powerful storytelling...showing the callous disregard for human life in the Philippines brought about by a government assault on drug dealers and users.”

Berehulak’s series — which was shot over a span of 35 days — fea-

Robredo won’t object Marcos’ possible Cabinet appointment

by AJPress PhIlIPPINe Vice President leni robredo will not oppose any decision to appoint former senator “Bongbong” marcos Jr. to a Cabinet position, her camp said on monday, April 10. robredo’s spokesperson, Georgina hernandez, made the statement amid speculations that President rodrigo Duterte may appoint marcos as the new Department of Interior and local Government (DIlG) chief, following the dismissal of former secretary Ismael sueno earlier this month over corruption allegations. emphasizing that the appointing of the members of

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tured 57 murder victims at 41 sites in the manila and Quezon City areas. It provided an inside look at rainy crime scenes, overcrowded jails filled with drug suspects and night shots of city life that set the backdrop of the crackdown.

“What I experienced in the Philippines felt like a new level of ruthlessness: police officers’ summar-

top performer in East Asia

Growth forecast close to 7 percent in the next three years

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the World Bank on tuesday, April 11 says the Philippine economy will grow close to 7 percent in the next three years, remaining the top performer in east Asia.

In its report, the bank retained its 6.9 percent economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year, and is likely to sustain the same growth rate in 2018 — which is down from its December projection of 7 percent. the bank also projected the domestic economy to slightly ease to 6.8 percent in 2019. however, World Bank lead economist for the Philippines Birgit hansl downplayed the downward adjustment in the 2018 growth forecast. “the revisions from the forecast in December is minor. statistically, it’s insignificant. It’s just that we have more information now than last year,” hansl said. “so as you can see, there is no major change. on the opposite, we see it as positive development.” taking note of the expected increase in the government’s infrastructure spending, hansl said the World Bank “continues to have a positive economic outlook for the Philippines that will be sustained throughout 2018.” “the implementation of planned infrastruc-

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Duterte visit to Middle East to generate $650-M investments by roy

Stephen C. Canivel Inquirer.net

PresIDeNt Duterte’s visit to the middle east this week is expected to generate more than $650 million worth of investment commitments, which would be registered as part of the second-quarter pledges under the Philippine economic Zone Authority (Peza).

Peza Director General Charito B. Plaza noted that investors from Qatar, United Arab emir- ROYAL WELCOME. President Rodrigo Duterte listens to Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Al Saud, ates (UAe) and the Kingdom Governor of Riyadh upon his arrival at the Royal Terminal of the King Khalid International

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Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday, April 10.

Malacañang photo

A APRIL 14-20, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Duterte calls on US to help fight…

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BATAAN DAY. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes a war veteran during the 75th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan and Veterans Week at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan on Sunday, April 9.

PNA photo by King Rodriguez

of terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes such as the illegal drug trade have called into question, efforts uphold the responsibility to defend the common good.”

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Manila expressed agreement with the president.

“Today the new challenge of terrorism has emerged,” U.S. Charge’ D’Affaires Michael Klecheski said. “We must also remember the importance of standing together as what the Philippines and the United States have done for many decades.”

On the same day, the embassy warned its citizens in the Philippines to avoid traveling to the Central Visayas, citing an “unsubstantiated yet credible information” of kidnapping threats in the area.

“The U.S. Embassy has re-

ceived unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces,” the Embassy posted on its official website.

It also reminded U.S. citizens of the recent Worldwide Caution which was released on March 7, indicating that “there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.”

According to the U.S. government, extremists have targeted public venues where large crowds gather, citing high-profile public events, tourism infrastructures, and public transportation systems, among others.

“U.S. citizens are advised to carefully consider this information as you make your travel

plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times,” the embassy said.

The embassy also reminded its citizens of “taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines.”

Following the U.S. Embassy’s travel advisory, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that it received reports of a possible terrorist plot in the Central Visayas.

“We’re preparing for that. I was briefed by the regional director of the Police Regional Office 7 that they’re monitoring it, and they have the corresponding actions to thwart this threat,” Police Chief General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said in a press briefing on Monday, April 10, reminding Filipinos to stay calm. n

FVR tells Duterte: Americans are… Photojournalist wins Pulitzer Prize…

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dent Barack Obama. Duterte constantly attacked Washington with profane-laced speeches, and even threatened to end joint military drills and chase U.S. troops out of Mindanao.

Lately, however, Duterte seems to have warmed up to the U.S. after President Donald Trump took office earlier in January.

“He (Duterte) may not know it, but I’m sure he will know it very quickly that the Americans have always been our most sincere, devoted, patriotic, and fearless allies in war and peace,” said Ramos.

On that day, Ramos lead the 10-kilometer “Freedom March” as part of the commemorating

the bravery and heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who were subjected to a death march

by Japanese invaders in 1942.

The former president highlighted in his speech that the surrendering of 80,000 death march victims in Bataan does not mark the end of the country’s war against Japan.

According to Ramos, Filipino and American soldiers continued its resistance against invaders through guerilla warfare.

“It was their bravery, their determination to fight the enemy, their desire to see the Philippines liberated once more that made them so successful,” he said.

Ramos also made note that it was Colonel Wendell Fertig of

the United States Armed Forces, an American mining engineer, who led the most successful guerilla unit in the Philippines.

Stressing the need of a nation to maintain its diplomatic and socio-economic relations with other countries, Ramos said there are threats, citing, in particular, environmental and health issues, that could only be solved through international cooperation.

“We must work towards closer cooperation among nations,” he said. “The world is too dangerous if left to itself.”

Ramos also urged the public to not believe any reports suggesting the end of Philippine-U.S. ties under the present administration. n

Robredo won’t object Marcos’ possible…

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the Cabinet depends on the president, Hernandez guaranteed that Robredo will “respect” Duterte’s decision.

“Ang sa atin naman, yung pagtatalaga ng miyembro ng Gabinete, alam natin at tinatanggap po natin na ito po ay desisyon ng Pangulo (We accept the fact that appointing members of the Cabinet depends on the President’s decision, which will be respected

by Vice President Robredo),”

Hernandez told DZXL RMN Manila in an interview.

While no decision has been made yet, Marcos — if appointed — would only be able to assume the role in mid-May, as the Constitution bans defeated candidates from serving any Cabinet post until a year after the election.

“Ang sa atin po basta po malinaw yung plano at yung kredibilidad at yung kakayahan ng taong itatalaga, sana po ay yun

po ang ma-consider (As far as we are concerned, we are just hoping that the credibility, competence and the vision of the person would be the things considered),” Hernandez said.

In an earlier interview, however, Robredo described the possibility of Marcos getting a Cabinet position as “scary in the sense that he will again be given an opportunity to do what they did before,” referring to the reign of

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ily shooting anyone suspected of dealing or even using drugs, vigilantes’ taking seriously Mr. Duterte’s call to ‘slaughter them all,’” the photojournalist wrote in the article that accompanied his photos.

This is Berehulak’s second Pulitzer; he won in 2015 for feature photography for his coverage of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

Despite its criticism of Western coverage on the drug war, Malacañang respects the decision to reward Berehulak for images.

“The Pulitzer Prize Board has its own criteria and selection process and we respect their decision on this matter,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella wrote in a statement on Tuesday, also acknowledging “the Western press has been highly critical of the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drug traffickers and violators.”

Media coverage on President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent drug crackdown has made international headlines since the president assumed office last June, and the president has not taken too kindly to the coverage.

Most recently, Duterte called out the media for “unfair” and

In this image released on Feb. 13, 2017 by photographer Daniel Berehulak for The New York Times, heavy rain pours as police operatives investigate inside an alley where a victim, Romeo Joel Torres Fontanilla, 37, was killed by two unidentified gunmen riding motorcycles in the early morning in Manila, Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines began his anti-drug campaign when he took office on June 30, 2016. Since then, more than 2,000 people have been slain at the hands of the police alone. Beyond those killed in official drug operations, the Philippine National Police have counted more than 3,500 unsolved homicides since July 1.

The victims, suspected users and pushers, are not afforded any semblance of due process.

Daniel Berehulak for The New York Times/World Press

“twisted” coverage on his presidency, accusing various domestic publications of distorting his words regarding the war on drugs.

“They become really vicious and virulent,” the president said in remarks before the Philippine Councilors’ League on Thursday, March 29. “Ga-

nun yan. Mabasa, makita mo naman talagang tinitwist nila.

Yung slant na slant. Sinasadya nila. (They’re like that. You can read and see how they twist [the story], the slant. They do it consciously). They do not complete the sentence. They zero-in on the adjective or however you describe the situation.” n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 14-20, 2017

USCIS hits annual H1-B visa…

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ever, continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap.

On April 3, USCIS said it would temporarily suspend premium processing for all H1-B petitions, including cap-exempt petitions, for up to six months.

“While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker which requests the H-1B nonimmigrant classification. We will notify the public before resuming premium

processing for H-1B petitions,” it said.

Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, will also not be counted toward the congressionally mandated FY 2018 H-1B cap.

The agency will continue to accept and process petitions filed to: extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the United States; change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers; allow current H1B workers to change employers; and allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second

H-1B position.

The Trump administration is reportedly looking to crackdown on H1-B abuses, with the USCIS saying it would conduct site visits of petitioners suspected of misusing the program.

In a statement earlier this month, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it “will not tolerate employers misusing the H-1B visa process to discriminate against U.S. workers. U.S. workers should not be placed in a disfavored status, and the department is wholeheartedly committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting these claims.”

(AJPress)

Robredo won’t object Marcos’ possible…

PAGE A2 t CHRIST’S SUFFERING. The suffering of Christ comes to life on Kawa-Kawa Hill in the village of Tuburan, Ligao City, Albay province, through life-size images that draw thousands of faithful and tourists to the site during Lent.

Inquirer.net photo by Mark Alvic Esplana

Duterte visit to Middle East to…

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of Saudi Arabia had given their investment commitments following the agency’s roadshow in February.

These pledges, which cover a wide range of industries from information technology to agriculture, would be firmed up with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), she said.

The combined amount was much bigger than the $500 million she previously announced.

“Peza is in the front line of the MOU signing of the investment pledges that it was able to get from the Middle East. After the MOU signing, they will come over to register their companies.

It will fall under the second quarter [investment pledges],” she said.

President Duterte will be in the Middle East starting today until April 16 and will visit Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. During his visit, the President will witness the signing of the MOUs between Peza and the foreign investors.

The investment promotion agency’s foray in the Middle East comes as Plaza targets to “triple or quadruple” investment pledges this year following a 26-percent decline in commitments in 2016 to P218 billion from P295 billion in 2015.

The pledges from Middle Eastern companies are expected to create a total of 21,170 jobs once these projects start operations here in the Philippines. Plaza deferred from naming the specific companies

Major General Tony Taguba currently serves as a community ambassador for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Major General Tony Taguba…

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greatly affect the Filipino-American community.

Taguba — who is the second American citizen of Philippine birth to be promoted to the general rank in the U.S. — has lobbied lawmakers to provide more benefits to Filipino WWII Veterans, even rallying behind the Congressional Gold Medal award, which was signed by former President Barack Obama late last year.

Taguba currently serves as a community ambassador for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the nation’s leader in advocating for more benefits for retired senior citizens. At AARP, he lobbies for more resources in public health, particularly for family caregiving, which he calls a crucial “national public health issue” that “starts with the family.”

“Caregiving is a 24/7 job, 365 days a year,” Taguba told the Asian Journal.

Taguba learned how difficult family caregiving can be from his own experience of caring for his mother. She was dying of stomach cancer and Taguba and his six siblings had to organize a family caregiving system, and it was not easy.

“We were not prepared,” he recounted. “I called it ‘discovery learning.’ We were just going along, relying on primary doctors and not looking at other forms of care like looking into social workers or geriatricians. That would have made a difference.”

“I share my story because there’s always a better plan,” Taguba added, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “It’s never going to be perfect, but it can ease the pain, grief, and guilt because if you’ve done it once, you’re going to do it again. After

a while, we thought if it could happen to my mom, it can happen to us.”

Family and the comfort of home play two important roles when it comes to making end-oflife decisions for Filipinos, and Taguba recognizes that.

Most families will eventually have to turn to family caregiving, and it will be a struggle, he said.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible; he advises all loved ones to research all the options available rather than relying on only a few sources.

As an ambassador for AARP, he goes around the country to tell the stories of people’s experiencing in caregiving. In collaboration with AARP, he created a documentary called Caregiving Dahil Mahal Kita (Because I Love You). Through this, he exemplifies an important point: there’s no one-size-fits-all option for caregiving. He’s committed to letting people know that all the resources are out there and that families can get started at AARP. “There’s no one answer, but there’s a lot of answers,” Taguba affirmed. “AARP is the lead organization for those that want to get started on family caregiving because they’re the leader in identifying resources and getting families prepared. The elderly have a multiplicity of ailments and you can’t just rely on one source, and you can’t do it alone. You’ll get devastated and overworked on your own. But the first thing I tell people is to ask around the area.

Ask a doctor, ask a nurse or find a social worker.”

He’s also lobbied in Congress to challenge lawmakers who want to reduce funding to Medicaid and other government-funded programs that provide resources

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World Bank: PH economy…

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ture projects could generate positive spillover effects for the rest of the economy, spurring additional business activity, accelerating job creation, and ultimately contributing to higher household consumption and poverty reduction,” she further added.

Citing higher employment, low inflation and improved incomes, the World Bank also said in its report that the poverty rate in the Philippines fell down from 25.2 percent to 21.6 percent in 2015.

This is likely equivalent to the 1.8 million Filipinos who have been lifted out of poverty within three years.

Likewise, the unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent in 2016 with 1.4 million jobs created.

Hansl, however, made note that the underemployment rate remains high at 18 percent.

“Underinvestment contributes to high rates of informality and low job quality, and it weakens the impact of employment growth on poverty reduction,” Hansl said. n

before the actual signing of the MOU this week.

When broken down, it would show that the bulk of the pledges will come from Saudi Arabia, accounting for a combined $465.34 million. These are commitments for a total of seven projects, which, once in operation, will generate 15,770 jobs.

Qatar, on the other hand, will commit $175 million involving 10 projects that will bring new jobs to 4,400 people. Only one project is from UAE, promising $10 million worth of pledges that will create a thousand jobs. n

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his father, former President and dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

“There have been several decisions already asking them to pay back whatever they got from the people but all of these judgments are not satisfied yet and now he is aiming for another Cabinet position and for me that is scary in the sense that he will again be given an opportunity to do what they did before,” Robredo said in a television interview last February.

Nevertheless, Robredo maintained that she would respect Duterte’s decision.

“It is always the president’s privilege whom to appoint in his Cabinet but my concern here is that the Marcoses have not paid for what they did to the country,” she said.

In response to speculations, Marcos said he is open to joining Duterte’s Cabinet.

“If the President asks you to serve in whatever capacity, hindi mo pupuwedeng tanggihan (you can’t refuse). Siyempre para sa bansa yan (Of course it’s for the country) and of course I’d be happy, I’d be proud, I’d be honored to serve in any position in the Duterte administration,” he said in an interview.

He admitted that Duterte has not offered him a position “I have not spoken to the president for a... few weeks now so, and never pa namin napag-usapan ang kahit na anong klaseng (we’ve never discussed any kind of) appointment,” he said.

Earlier, Duterte disclosed that he is not planning to appoint

Marcos, saying it would affect the latter’s electoral protest against Robredo.

In June of last year, Marcos filed an electoral protest against Robredo before the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

He accused the vice president of committing massive poll fraud after she won the seat only by a slim margin.

Sought for comments over Duterte’s statement, Marcos said, “I guess I’ll leave that to the lawyers to study, pero pagkaalam ko (as far as I know), it is only during an election that you are abandoning.”

“But don’t worry, I won’t stop until all the votes you gave me have been counted, and we will bring that out in the open,” he added. n

A APRIL 14-20, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Wesley So is new US Chess champion MANILA — The newest United States chess champion hails from the Philippines.

Wesley So, a Cavite-born chesser who now lives in Minnetonka, added the US Championship plum to his growing collection of trophies as he bested Alexander Onischuk in the deciding two-game playoff, 1.5-.5, in St. Louis, Missouri on Tuesday.

The Cavite-born So, 23, won the first showdown in 31 moves of an English Opening and then eked out a marathon 62-move draw in the second of a King’s Indian Attack to secure the win and his very first US crown while denying Onischuk, the 2006 winner, his second triumph.

The World No. 2’s US triumph was actually not as tough and strong as the other super tournaments he won including the Tata Steel Masters where he won over reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen early in the year and the Sinquefield Cup last year.

But So made it known he

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apiece after the 11-round tournament and needed a pair of rapid games using 25-minute time control to break the tie.

It was all So, who came to US from the Philippines on a Webster University scholarship five years ago before deciding to change affiliations a few years later, needed to dispatch Onischuk, who 18 years older.

In their first game, So pounced on a two-pawn sacrifice that allowed Onischuk to seize the initiative a dangerous queenside Wesley So attack.

But Onishchuk failed to find the wanted to win the event participated by the US’ top 12 players correct continuation in deep time and won by legendary players, trouble, giving So a chance to including the late great former neutralize it by providing a rook for a bishop for an unstoppable world champion Bobby Fisher.

“I really wanted to win this one passed pawn on the center.

In the second, Onischuk gained this year, because it’s the strongest national competition in the the early upperhand when he world, So told the US’ Star Tri- managed to emerge with a dangerous pair of bishops against bune.

“All the great (US) players have So’s two galloping knights but the former threw away his adwon this one,” he added.

So and Onishchuk both end- vantage to allow So to escape ed up on top with seven points with the title-sealing standoff. n

Overseas Voter registration continues to set new record ‘There are no do-overs’ - advocates BLESSING RITES. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle leads the blessing of palm fronds after his Palm Sunday Mass at Manila Cathedral. At the start of Holy Week, millions of Catholics flocked to churches to have their palm fronds blessed in commemoration of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem of Jesus.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

THE Department of Foreign Affairs - Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) announced Friday, April 7, that after four months of overseas voter registration (that commenced last December 1, 2016 and will end on 30 September 2018), a new milestone has been established by garnering 105,333 new OV registrants. This number has surpassed the previous high of 103,048 set over the same period during 2014-2015 registration drive.

The overseas voter registration in preparation for the 2016 elections netted a cumulative total of 1,376,067 active registered overseas voters. The 826,881 new registrants for the 2016 elections, was more than a 100 percent increase over the 398,554 new registrants for the 2013 elections. Of the almost 1.4 million registered overseas voters, 590,440 were in the Middle East and Africa, 334,215 in the Asia Pacific, 263,316 in the Americas, 138,757 in Europe, and 49,339 were sea-based. The attainable target for this registration period is 1.1 million OV registrants, which would net a cumulative total of 2,130,000

sound alarm on 2020 Census

by Honora

Montano New America Media

active registered voters for the coming national elections.

“This is once again an evidence of the hard-work and dedication of the men and women of our Foreign Service who are aggressively campaigning to encourage more overseas Filipinos to participate in this ongoing electoral exercise. Our media partners and other OV stakeholders are also playing a vital role in disseminating overseas voting awareness among our kababayans abroad,” said Undersecretary Ariel Y. Abadilla, who is concurrently Chairman of DFA-OVS.

All Filipino citizens who expect to be abroad from 13 April – 13 May 2019 during the overseas voting period for the 2019 Elections, at least 18 years old on 13 May 2019, and not otherwise disqualified by law, may register as an overseas voter, at all Philippine Foreign Service Posts including the three Manila Economic and Cultural Offices (MECO) in Taiwan and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Al-Khobar (for an updated list please go to www.dfa-oavs.gov. ph or www.comelec.gov.ph).

Register and vote! n

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WITH the 2020 Census three years out, civil rights groups and census experts are sounding the alarm that pending actions by the Trump administration and Congress could severely hamper an accurate count of all communities.

“Congress’ failure over the past few years to pay for rigorous 2020 Census planning, and now the Trump Administration’s insufficient budget request for 2018, will strike at the heart of operations specifically designed to make the census better in historically undercounted communities,” said Terri Ann Lowenthal, former staff director with the House Subcommittee on Census and Population.

She spoke during a national press call hosted by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The call was moderated by Wade Henderson, president and CEO of Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

“The decennial census is by far the most important and critical tool in our country to ensure that diverse communities are equitably served with government resources and that the American people are adequately represented at all levels of government,” said Henderson. “The census is required by the U.S. Constitution and policymakers are responsible for making sure the job gets done right. All of us must insist that they do that because there are no do-overs.”

Currently the Census Bureau is being funded at 2016 levels, as Congress has not approved final spending bills for 2017. The bureau has requested a 25 percent

“ramp up” for preparation activities. But President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal recommends keeping funding levels where they are currently, $1.5 billion.

Census advocates say this is a crucial time for laying the groundwork and are calling for Congress to reject the administration’s budget proposal in favor of one that covers all preparation activities.

A ‘major civil rights issue’ Recently, the U.S. Government Accountability office deemed the 2020 Census a “high risk federal program,” in part because the U.S. Census Bureau is planning to utilize several never-before used strategies – such as collecting responses over the internet – but may not have the time and resources to adequately develop and test them.

Budget limitations have already hindered major preparations, including the cancellation of tests of new methods in Puerto Rico and on two American Indian reservations, and resulted in mailed tests rather than electronic or in-person ones, as well as delayed community outreach and advertising campaigns.

Advocates say current funding shortfalls will result in many people – particularly black, Latino and rural households, and families with young children – being missed by the count. Arturo Vargas is the executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund.

He calls the underfunding of the census a major civil rights issue for Latinos and other communities of color.

“A successful 2020 Census is not possible if Latinos are not accurately counted,” Vargas said.

Millions of Latinos, the second

largest ethnic group in the U.S., were missed in the 2010 census, including 400,000 children under four, according to Vargas.

For each uncounted person, state governments and communities lose thousands of federal aid dollars, which go to anti-poverty programs, education, infrastructure, emergency services, healthcare and other programs.

An undercount can also trigger changes in political representation – from redrawn district lines, to fewer seats in local, state and federal offices, often diminishing the power of communities of color.

Advocates say that new costsaving strategies like collecting responses over the internet rather than paper forms require investments on the front end. Delayed preparations cannot be made up later. Surveys administered online may also be hampered by the “digital divide” if adequate field tests are not taken.

Lack of access to broadband and the internet may make it “more challenging to [reach] those historically left out of the census in the first place,” Vargas warns.

The ‘first high tech census’ The first “high tech” census also opens the door to cyber security concerns, which have been exacerbated of late by evidence of foreign attacks on the 2016 presidential elections. Such concerns could make Americans even more hesitant to participate.

Lowenthal says she and other advocates must be prepared for a “wild card” event, such as President Trump publically questioning the importance of the census via social media.

“One errant tweet could shake

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Neil Gorsuch confirmed to Supreme Court

AFTER tensions flew over who’d replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Judge Neil Gorsuch was confirmed on Friday, April 7 as the 113th justice of the nation’s highest court.

In a Senate vote that was largely based on party, Gorsuch, 49, was confirmed with a 54-45 in favor of, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a voluntary final vote as Senate president.

President Donald Trump nominated the Republican judge — who sat on the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals — just over two months ago. During his 20-hour confirmation hearing, the Democratic senators who questioned him criticized him for evading questions.

What was proven, however, was that he will likely vote conservatively, shifting the power of the court to the conservative bloc of justices, 5-4.

The Supreme Court has been divided on contentious issues in the past year including the

tie on former President Barack Obama’s immigration executive order.

However, the court has pending cases that, if ruled according to party with Gorsuch on the bench, would expand gun rights, uphold state voting restrictions that many say disenfranchise minority voters and allow private businesses to refuse service to gay couples on the grounds of religion.

Gorsuch’s confirmation is a big win for the Trump administration which has been burdened

by Senate investigations into possible Russian ties during the presidential campaign and the failed healthcare bill and Obamacare replacement, the American Health Care Act, among other controversies.

In a statement, Trump hailed Gorsuch for his “judicial temperament, exceptional intellect, unparalleled integrity, and record of independence.”

“As a deep believer in the rule of law, Judge Gorsuch will

serve the American people with distinction as he continues to faithfully and vigorously defend our Constitution,” the president added.

The confirmation fulfills one of the president’s agenda plans: to find a conservative replacement for Scalia and disregard and thwart Obama’s nomination, Merrick Garland, a Democrat.

The 49-year-old holds many similar lauded credentials of a typical Supreme Court justice; he graduated from Columbia, Harvard and Oxford universities.

In the 1990s, he worked as a clerk for federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices Byron White and Anthony Kennedy.

He also held a private practice at a law firm, and then became a deputy associate attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 2006, Gorsuch was nominated by then-President George W. Bush to the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

Major General Tony Taguba sounds off on…

PAGE A3 t

to public health As a veteran of the U.S. Army and the son of a Filipino WWII guerilla fighter who escaped the Bataan Death March, Taguba holds dearly to him the recognition of the efforts of Filipino WWII veterans, about 15,000 of whom are still alive today.

“They struggled for over 75 years. Nobody cared about them and history was not kind to them and the past five to six years we decided that we have to congregate something for them by rewarding them the Congressional Gold Medal,” Taguba said.

Filipino WWII veterans were one of the seven minority veterans who fought in the war with about 260,000 Filipinos lending their efforts to fight for the Allied Forces. However, they were “the last to have been disenfranchised, disassociated and denied recognition,” Taguba noted.

“We need to do something right; 75 years is a long time to be forgotten,” he said.

Taguba chairs the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FILVETREP), an organization with the mission to promote academic research to raise public awareness of the massive

Filipino efforts during the Second World War. The retired major general acknowledged the progress that has been made in terms of providing Filipino WWII with payment, benefits and public recognition. But he believes that more work needs to be done with educating the youth about these veterans and the enormous effort on their part.

“Kids and grandkids [of those soldiers], like myself, want to tell the world that their history is our story, their story is our history,” Taguba declared. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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A

US Marine’s conviction upheld for killing transgender Filipina THE Philippine Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld the conviction of United States Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for killing a transgender Filipina three years ago.

In a 48-page decision dated April 3, the CA’s special 16th Division affirmed the March 2015 ruling of the Olongapo City regional trial court (RTC) which found Pemberton guilty of homicide for the killing of Jennifer Laude in 2014. “[T]he instant Appeal is denied for lack of merit and assailed [Nov. 18, 2015] Decision and the [March 29, 2016] Order of the Regional Trial Court of Olongapo City, Branch 72 are hereby affirmed,” the CA decision read.

Pemberton’s motion for reconsideration has been junked by the lower court, prompting him to raise his case before the CA. In his petition, Pemberton argued that he killed Laude in selfdefense after the latter allegedly molested him. He claimed that he was only defending his dignity and self-respect.

But the CA, in its ruling penned

by Associate Justice Marlene Gonzales-Sison, stated that “the only reason why [Pemberton] attacked Laude was that he was furious at him for pretending to be a woman, nothing more, nothing less.”

“Indeed, a plea of self-defense cannot be justifiably appreciated where it is not only uncorroborated by independent and competent evidence, but also extremely doubtful by itself,” the CA added. “Self-defense, like alibi, is a defense which can eas-

HOLY WEEK EXODUS. Passengers flock to the Araneta bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, as they try to get a seat on a bus to their home provinces to spend the Holy Week break with their families.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike De Juan

United States Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton

ily be concocted, as it is in this case.”

The order went on to say that Pemberton did not only level Laude unconscious, “but ensured his death by submerging his head inside the toilet bowl.” It dismissed the American’s claim that he had no intention to commit the act.

The court said this “clearly” shows that Pemberton “intended the natural consequence of his wrongful act.”

“To our mind, placing Laude’s head inside a toilet shows that Pemberton never thought of

Laude as a human being, but as a fecal matter due to his sexual orientation,” the CA stressed.

In its decision, the CA affirmed the RTC’s ruling which sentenced Pemberton to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment.

It also raised the civil indemnity and moral damages set by the RTC at P50,000 to P75,000 each.

The Laude family, meanwhile, welcomed the CA’s decision.

Their lawyer, Kabayan partylist Rep. Harry Roque, described Pemberton’s conviction as “an affirmation of Philippine sovereignty.” (AJPress)

‘There are no do-overs’ - advocates…

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public confidence and in the process depress participation and undermine faith in the results, conceivably all the way to the halls of Congress,” Lowenthal said.

Census advocates are eyeing several other threats to the decennial count and its yearly counterpart, the American Community Survey. The ACS is sent yearly to about 1 in 38 households to collect demographic data on everything from employment and home-ownership to educational attainment.

Republicans in Congress are

pushing to make participation in the ACS voluntary which could severely damage the data, says John C. Yang, president and executive director of the non-profit advocacy group Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

“The ACS updates the Census throughout the decade. As such it is required by law and must remain so to provide the vital info needed from our communities,” Yang said, emphasizing that the ACS is the only source for detailed data of ethnic subgroups, such as Vietnamese of Chinese descent.

Census advocates are also on

high alert because an unsigned leaked executive order, titled “Protecting American Workers from Immigrant Labor,” referenced a directive to the Census Bureau to collect data on immigration status.

Advocates are alarmed by the intentions behind this unsigned order.

“Latinos and other immigrant families are keenly aware of heightened immigrant enforcement actions in their communities, and this may increase distrust in contact with public agencies including the Census Bureau,” Vargas said. n

Fashion event headlines World Autism Awareness Month at Philippine Center New York NEW YORK – In observance of World Autism Awareness Month, the Philippine Consulate General partnered with Autism Hearts Foundation (AHF) for a Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB) Fashion for Hope Show on April 7at the Philippine Center in New York’s Kalayaan Hall.

The Filipino-American community, members of the fashion industry, and international media came out to support Fashion for Hope.

Fashion for Hope featured elegant piña fabric (pineapple fiber) creations by renowned fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda, featuring art work by young persons with autism. The Legards creations were modeled

by Filipino-American community members and professional New York-based models in an hourlong program.

The Fashion for Hope marks the first-year anniversary of a collaboration between the Consulate General and Autism Hearts Foundation to promote an innovative art therapy program and fashion project for persons

with autism.

In her remarks, Consul General Theresa De Vega thanked Ms. Linda Borromeo and the Board of AHF for their dedication and vision to raise awareness for autism among community members and recognized the partnership between AHF and the Consulate in the past year to bring FAAB Fashion for Hope. She noted that the project celebrates for a change the unique qualities and potential of persons with autism instead of their deficits and disabilities.

She also paid tribute to the 10 young artists with autism whose talents from singing, painting, and public speaking, were on full display during their visit to New York City. In their short trip, they participated in a twoday art work shop, fashion show, and an art exhibit at the United Nations last April 3 attended by Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. During the program, Ms. Borromeo said that autism aware-

ness affects a significant segment of the world population.

In the U.S., 1 out 68 births have the condition. She explained that AHF envisioned FAAB to empower persons with disabilities to overcomes challenges by promoting healthy self-expression, building skills, and providing inclusive opportunities in the creative arts.

Mr. Andy Shi delivered a message from Autism Speaks, the global organization working for autism awareness.

Guests also learned more about the AHF and FAAB Creative Arts Therapy project with through a short video presentation.

The program also showcased a Sharing of the FAAB Experience by one of the young artists, Ms. Nina Bantoto as well as song numbers by Ms. Samantha Kasper and pop artists Meredith O’Connor. The other FAAB artists aside from Ms. Bantoto and Ms. Kasper include Nick Huang, Vico Cham, Jorel Alegre, Daniel Sanchez, Julyan Harrison, Karl Oliveros, JA Tran, and Julien Borromeo. n

A APRIL 14-20, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

A call for piety “MAY the virtues of kindness and benevolence that Christ exemplified serve as our inspiration to aid in the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen. Let the story of crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society,” said President Rodrigo Duterte in his Holy Week message to Filipinos this Lenten season.

Despite being a known critic of the Church, Duterte imparted his wish that Filipinos would experience a meaningful and purposeful Holy Week.

“This moment of renewal of our faith sends a message of solidarity to everyone regardless of our denomination. Despite our differences as individuals, may we always choose to embody compassion as Chris has personified,” he added.

As Filipinos flocked to churches on Sunday, April 9 to have their palm fronds blessed—in commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem— Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle reminded the Filipino faithful of how the tradition symbolized the acceptance of Jesus.

“Accepting the real Jesus is accepting His presence among the poor; those who get spat at and insulted in the society; those who kept silent even when they are being slapped. But they are the ones

who have dignity because only God knows the truth. And that’s how Jesus is, and that’s how we should follow Him,” Tagle said.

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ hold a fundamental place in the lives of most Filipino Catholics. It is central, not as an abstract belief, but rather as a medium of experience and tradition that provides continuity in life, structure in the community, and principled purpose for existence.

Remembering these events is more than a history lesson. To many devout Catholics, Holy Week is a chance to reenact the significant moments of Jesus Christ’s life. Pinoy Catholics reflect upon the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through prayers.

Some pray for good health and fortune, while others wish for deliverance. Some ask for a miracle, a few want to give thanks. Regardless of one’s

Editorial

desire behind his or her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith.

Regardless of one’s desire behind his/her reflections, this week is all about attesting one’s faith.

This season’s message is simple: do right by others, through Christ’s example.

ManilaTimes.net photo

The life and times of Jesus Christ leave us with a great example to emulate. We are called to live like saints, not to make a mark in the world through suffering or death, but to appeal similar honest lives.

Saintly people live life the best way they can—to simply make a difference. (AJPress)

Reversing his long-held position, Trump strikes Syria: What changed?

Amid his historic 35 percent approval rating and an ongoing investigation into his alleged conspiracy with Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, President Donald Trump ordered a missile strike on Friday, April 7 in Syria without seeking Congressional approval, following news reports about Syria dictator Bashar Al-Assad slaughtering innocent civilians using chemical weapons on Tuesday.

According to news reports, at least 73 people were killed, 23 of whom were children, in the sarin gas attack in the rebel-held Idlib province.

This “decisive” act from Trump must have been “cathartic” for a lot of people all over the world who found the horrific murder in Syria unacceptable, and felt that something would have to be done to help the people of Syria who has been suffering in the past seven years. To date, close to half a million people have been killed in the civil war waging in Syria, with many civilians forced to flee their country and seek refuge in other countries, even when this escape could mean their deaths.

While CBS News polls show that a majority of Americans support Trump’s decision to launch the measured attack using 59 Tomahawk missiles in Syria, they are reluctant to get more involved in this “war” with the Middle Eastern nation.

More questions arise from Trump’s action. What made Trump change his long-held position in the Syria conflict after aggressively firing tweets for then President Barack Obama to not get involved in the Syria conflict?

Looking back, what were his thoughts about Obama’s possible motive in getting involved in

Syria? Flashback to October 2012: The Fil-Am “Now that Obama’s poll numbers are in tailspin – watch for Perspective him to launch a strike in Libya or Iran. He is desperate.”

In 2013, Obama wanted to launch air strikes against Syria Gel SantoS-reloS in 2013 when Assad “crossed the red line” following a chemical attack on the Damascus suburbs that killed up to 1,300 people.

However, Obama backed down, mainly because he could not get the British Parliament’s support, which deprived America of a key ally in any military action.

When Obama asked for congressional approval pursuant to the rule of law (and Congress voted against it), Trump tweeted: “AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA - IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE U.S. GETS NOTHING!” Obama then reportedly authorized the CIA to begin arming Syria’s rebels fighting Assad in 2013, and the U.S.-led coalition currently provides intelligence, supplies and training to rebel groups — a move that Republicans had criticized Obama for.

During the presidential campaign and even after being elected president, Trump continues to say that his policy is “America first.” In his first address to Congress, Trump said, “My job is not to represent the world…My job is to represent the United States of America.”

Just a week before Assad’s gassing civilians in Syria, Trump continued to maintain a hands-off position. He said the U.S. diplomatic policy on Syria was no longer focused on making Assad leave power.

However, the Tuesday slaughtering in Syria shocked the world anew. When the news showed gut-wrenching videos of people, including helpless babies, dying slowly and painfully because of the gas attack, public outrage all over the world made people ask what the most powerful nation would do to help the Syrian people.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley condemned the UN Security Council for failing to intervene in the Syrian civil war.

“When the United Nations consistently fails in its duty to act collectively, there are times in the life of states that we are compelled to take our own action,” she said before the UN Assembly.

Following this, Trump said in a press conference at the White House: “A chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria, against women and small children, and even beautiful little babies, and their deaths, was an affront to humanity.”

“It had a big impact on me. It was a horrible, horrible thing. I’ve been watching it and it doesn’t get any worse than that,” he continued. “My attitude to Syria and Assad has changed very much. You are now talking about a whole different level. What happened yesterday is unacceptable to me.”

Trump said Assad had crossed not only the

“red line,” but “many lines.” And on Friday, he ordered the attack.

What changed?

He had seen thousand being gassed by Assad in 2013. He wasn’t moved then? He wasn’t changed then? Yes, he was not yet president then, but he did not need any classified intelligence reports to see the horrific images that everyone in the world saw four years ago.

Trump had also seen the many babies being killed as many Syrian families tried to escape from the war zone in Syria, which prompted the nations of the world to be in agreement to accept Syrian refugees for humanitarian reasons.

And yet during the presidential campaign, Trump demonized the Syrian refugees, instilling fear among the American people against these people and saying the U.S. should end the Syrian refugee program to protect the American people from terrorists using the Syrian refugee program.

Trump ran on the campaign promise of banning Muslims, and even made it his priority to fulfill this by signing an executive order to ban Syrian refugees indefinitely.

But, what changed? And moving forward, how would this epiphany translate to Trump’s foreign policy? What will be his long-term strategy in Syria and in the Syrian refugee crisis?

The world is watching. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column 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.

Cigarettes: The macho killers SOME years ago, I was asked to cre- Street ate an ad campaign to debunk the argument Talk that a non-smoking section in restaurants and other public places could spare non-smok- GreG B. MacaBenta ers from the hazards of second-hand smoke.

I depicted a public swimming pool where someone urinated at one end of the pool, causing all the swimmers to jump out. The headline read: “Does it make sense to have a non-pissing section in a public pool?”

Indeed, if urinating in a public pool can make others “rest in piss,” second hand-smoke in a public place can literally make folks RIP. While this may seem “punny,” the health risks posed by cigarettes and second-hand smoke are no joke. This harsh reality struck me after I read a paper written by Dr. Edilberto B. Garcia, Jr., president of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Inc., along with a news item about the anti-smoking campaign being waged by Vital Strategies, described as “a global health organization that seeks to accelerate progress on the world’s most pressing health problems.”

I think I’m familiar enough with the hazards of smoking. I used to smoke three packs a day. At the time that I still smoked, no health warnings or scare tactics could keep me away from my “yosi” – not even the fact that, on most mornings, I suffered from smoker’s cough and felt as if a cat had slept in my mouth

I spent my teenage years in the movie industry where smoking was a macho thing. Holding a stick between my fingers or letting it hang from my mouth made me feel like the rugged Marlboro Man in that classic Western-themed TV commercial.

Well, guess what. The Marlboro Man – in fact, four men who played that role in the commercial series - died of lung cancer caused by smoking.

Another macho man, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, who predated Manny Pacquiao in the world boxing hall of fame, was knocked out by lung cancer. He was a chain smoker.

It is no exaggeration to say that smoking is a Macho Killer.

Mercifully I quit smoking before the addiction could inflict any lasting damage on me. I can’t say as much about some of my friends and relatives. An inlaw has a severe case of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which he attributes to years of smoking. His elder brother died a couple of years ago from emphysema, with cigarettes suspected as the culprit. A lawyer friend managed to quit smoking, but it was too late. He died of lung cancer a few months after taking his last puff.

I could rattle off the names of celebrities who succumbed to lung cancer and other respiratory ailments caused by smoking, but that won’t necessarily convince people to kick the habit. The most common excuse is that quitting is

not easy or that it’s too late to stop.

There has to be a very persuasive, hard-to-resist reason to stop smoking.

My motivation was provided by my children.

I had four growing kids for whom I initiated a physical fitness regimen, as an alternative to the temptation of drug use. The tactic worked. Then one day, my eldest son chided me: “Papa, you’re exercising everyday but you’re smoking. Do you know that it’s bad for your health?”

The next day, I stopped. Cold turkey.

None of my children learned to smoke or do drugs and I haven’t touched a stick for almost 40 years.

For different folks, different reasons for kicking the habit can work. According Vital Strategies, the Department of Health reported that over a million Filipinos quit smoking from 2009 to 2015 – down from 17 million to 15.9 million – apparently due to the graphic warning on cigarette packs and the higher taxes on tobacco products.

But that’s still nearly 16% of the population who are at risk, not to mention those endangered by second-hand smoke. Clearly, there is a need for more aggressive anti-smoking action. This should include an executive order, said to be awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte, that will ban smoking in public places and will add more teeth to Republic Act 9211.

RA 9211 – “An Act Regulating the Packaging, Use, Sales, Distribution and Advertisements of Tobacco Products” is actually a “fence-sitter” law because, while it purports to “promote a healthful environment and protect the citizens

from the hazards of tobacco smoke,” the law also provides that “the interests of tobacco farmers, growers, workers and stakeholders are not adversely compromised.” Stake holders include Big Tobacco.

Said Vital Strategies President and CEO Jose Luis Castro, “Public health is best served when a comprehensive set of tobacco control policies are enacted to deter youth from initiating smoking, encourage current smokers to quit, and protect the health of non-smokers who make up the majority of the population.”

Castro added: “Graphic health warnings and the single, unified rate of tax on cigarettes have been positive steps forward, as have regional smoking bans, but a national smoke-free policy and – critically – higher tobacco taxes would help to deliver real reductions in smoking prevalence.”

If I might suggest: Also needed is a sustained and aggressive anti-smoking information campaign on both traditional media and social media, like the one successfully mounted in the US. As a result, in America, smokers are regarded as virtual pariahs.

I also think special attention should be given to second-hand smoke because it poses a more insidious hazard due to the false impression that being a non-smoker necessarily spares one from the threat. In this regard, I think excerpts from the paper of Dr. Garcia can be very enlightening: “Every week in my clinic I see people harmed by secondhand smoke especially among infants, children and members of their household. The sci-

ence is clear – second-hand smoke can cause a range of harms including respiratory illness, impaired lung function, middle ear disease in children and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, while in adults it can cause lung cancer, stroke, and asthma attacks and delivery of low birth weight infants among pregnant women.

“We call it the invisible killer, because the harm isn’t just in the smoke you can see and smell - nearly 85% of tobacco smoke is invisible and odorless, but causes just as much harm.

“Even brief exposure causes harm.

Just 30 minutes of second-hand smoke increases risk of a heart attack. The national Global Adult Tobacco Survey showed that millions suffer exposure every month: 55% of all Filipinos report breathing second-hand smoke recently on public transport and 33% in restaurants, and 77% who work in a place with no formal anti-smoking policy are routinely breathing in this hazardous cloud of dozens of toxic chemicals.”

Did I say that the anti-smoking campaign has been successful in the US? Read this Google post and weep. Big Tobacco has simply shifted its focus to the Third World: “U.S. tobacco companies have a long history of deceit, deception and duplicity in their relentless pursuit of profit.

These companies have hooked generations of American smokers using the tools of manipulative advertising, disinformation campaigns refuting the health consequences of smoking, and political lobbying. In the process, they have grown into enormous multination-

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Peso returns to 49:$1 level

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

MANILA — After trading within the 50:$1 level for almost two months, the peso on Monday, April 10 strengthened against the US dollar to close at 49.705:$1.

The peso hit an intraday high of 49.7:$1 and a low of 49.88:$1 after opening at 49.88:$1.

Monday’s close was stronger than last Friday’s 50.08:$1. The peso had slid to the 50:$1 level, the weakest in over a decade, since Feb. 17.

The total volume traded more than doubled to $1.12 billion from $504.5 million last Friday.

“Our traders receive report that the market seems to be encouraged by the good prospects of the government’s tax reform package and tax amnesty plan.

As you know, we have expressed support of such a plan because from a monetary perspective, over the medium term, that is going to be a positive for price stability,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa

C. Guinigundo said in a text message to reporters, referring to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III’s pronouncement last week that the government was eyeing massive tax amnesty akin to that implemented in neighboring Indonesia.

The Duterte administration’s proposed comprehensive tax reform program is aimed at funding public infrastructure buildup, which entails trillions in pesos in investments, through additional taxes on consumption, while also easing the burden on personal and corporate income taxpayers.

“Infrastructure spending is a winning proposition for everyone. I also believe that the country’s sustained positive macroeconomic outlook on growth and price stability helped convince the market that it needed to consolidate and reconsider its unfavorable view about the peso.

Despite some political noise, the economy is well on its track of demonstrating its good performance despite the risky operat-

ing environment,” Guinigundo said.

The peso was the worst performing currency in the region during the first quarter, as it depreciated by an average of 0.88 percent whereas other currencies strengthened against the US dollar.

For Land Bank of the Philippines market economist Guian Angelo S. Dumalagan, “the peso’s appreciation might be attributed to profit taking ahead of the long weekend.”

“It might also be a reflection of foreign investors renewed interest in the Philippines, as evidenced by the surge in local stocks in the past few days,” Dumalagan added.

However, Dumalagan said that he deemed “the peso’s recent strength might be short-lived considering that the US is still generally on track to hiking rates two more times this year.”

“Expectations of more US fiscal stimulus might also lead to a generally weaker peso this year,” according to Dumalagan. n

UK party: Duterte one of 21st century’s most sinister leaders

by Patricia LOurdes Philstar.com

Viray

MANILA — Several senior officials of the United Kingdom have expressed dismay about their government’s approach to human rights following the declaration of the international trade secretary of “shared values” with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Following his visit to the Philippines, UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said that he wanted Britain to build a stronger relationship with the Philippines based on a foundation of shared values and interests, according to a report from British President Rodrigo Duterte raises his fist as he orders the Department of Budget and newspaper The Guardian.

Management to expedite the release of pensions for retirees in his speech during the 75th Fox’s meeting with Duterte re- Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan and Veterans Week at the Dambana ng Kagitingan ceived heavy criticism, alarming in Bataan on April 9, 2017.

Malacañang photo by Rey Baniquet senior figures in London. added that the British govern- spokesperson from the DIT said.

“Duterte is one of the 21st ment should not sacrifice its funFox’s visit to the Philippines century’s most sinister leaders damental principles in expanding is part of the UK government’s and Liam Fox has flown halfway trade with countries all around “Global Britain” initiative to proaround the world to grovel to the world. mote British business that could him,” UK Liberal Democrat forThe newspaper report, how- bring jobs to the country followeign affairs spokesperson Tom ever, noted that Fox raised ques- ing its exit from the European Brake told The Guardian. tions over human rights and cor- Union.

Brake added that the meeting ruption during his meeting with In a statement published after cated to support capacity-build- with Duterte shows how low the ing related to improving the British government is “willing to Duterte. These issues would act his meeting with Duterte, Fox as a barrier to future trade op- said that the UK wants to conPhilippines’ response to OSEC. stoop in order to secure even a tinue its partnership with the The remaining $500,000, minimal trade deal in the future.” portunities.

Meanwhile, the UK DepartPhilippines. meanwhile, will be used to supBarry Gardiner, UK shadow “My visit to the region is an import activities related to the Phil- trade secretary, said that it was ment of International Trade (DIT) said that Britain will not hold back portant part of the UK’s outward ippines’ response to CLT. shocking to hear Fox talking The Philippines, for its part, about shared common values from facing barriers to trade and looking approach to trade and investments after the Brexit. investment and I look forward to will also allot P40 million for the with Duterte.

“We do not shy away from meeting with governments and intensified child protection pro“I’m sorry, but we do not have confronting barriers to trade and businesses to discuss how we grams. these shared common values with investment – including issues of can work more closely together Apart from the DOJ, also in- President Duterte who wants to cluded in the agreement are the bring back the death penalty and human rights and corruption. to overcome barriers to trade following Philippine government lower the age of criminal respon- Greater knowledge and under- and ensure globalization acts standing of one another will as a force for good, spreading agencies: Department of Foreign sibility to nine,” Gardiner said. increase our ability to address prosperity,” Fox said in an article Affairs (DFA), Department of The shadow trade secretary those issues that concern us,” a published by BusinessWorld. n Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Social Welfare situation is only going to get worse as more women and Development (DSWD).

PAGE A1 t “Let us not leave no stone un- al conglomerates. In recent years, as smoking has and children start smoking.” turned in our avowed purpose to declined in the United States, they have begun to I suggest that Vital Strategies should borrow the protect our children. Let us send look elsewhere for growth. anti-smoking TV commercial in the US featuring a “While cigarette sales fell by 4.5 percent in former Marlboro Man, Wayne McLaren, who died a message, a strong one at that.

Hurt our children, and we will North America between 1990 and 1995, they in- of lung cancer at age 51. After quitting his modelcome after you. And you will not creased by 5.6 percent in Eastern Europe and 8 ing assignment with Marlboro, he appeared in the percent in the Asia-Pacific region. By the turn of anti-smoking campaign until his death. like it,” Aguirre said.

Also involved are the Philip- the century, per capita consumption in developing Said McLaren, in an interview with the Los Angepine Bureau of Immigration (BI), countries will be greater than that of developed les Times: “I’ve spent the last month of my life in an the National Bureau of Investi- countries, says the World Health Organization incubator and I’m telling you, it’s just not worth it.” gation (NBI), and the Philippine (WHO)…Multinational cigarette companies are Vital Industries could name the TV commercial, National Police (PNP). (Dana M. flooding developing countries with ads that say The Macho Killers. (gregmacabenta@hotmail. smoking is exciting, glamorous and Western. The com) Sioson/AJPress)

PH, US sign child protection agreement against trafficking THE Philippines and the United States have signed the Child Protection Compact (CPC) on Tuesday, April 11, as part of efforts to address trafficking and abuse of Filipino children.

Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who is also chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), signed the agreement with U.S. Embassy in Manila Chargé d’Affaires Michael Klecheski at the Department of Justice (DOJ) office.

“To protect the future generation of Filipinos from exploitation by organized criminal groups, the Philippines and the United States took it as a responsibility to device a concerted and wellcoordinated response against child labor trafficking,” Aguirre said in a statement.

According to Aguirre, the CPC aims “to increase the number of victims-centered investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) and Child Labor Trafficking (CLT) cases.”

The CPC also seeks “to strengthen government’s and civil society’s capacities to iden-

tify and provide comprehensive services for victims” and “to strengthen existing communitybased mechanisms for identifying and protecting child victims.”

The implementation of the deal will be piloted in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Central Visayas (Region VII).

“The evil of human trafficking should be fought on all fronts.

We should channel our collective efforts towards eradicating it.

Anything that debases or dehumanizes the dignity of a person is an abomination that must end,” Aguirre said during the signing of the agreement.

He further added, “Slavery and exploitation [have] no place in any society. Any act that which enslaves or exploits our children magnifies the evil a hundredfold.”

Under the deal, the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons will provide $3.5 million to fund non-governmental or international organizations that would address OSEC and CLT. According to Aguirre, $3 million of the said fund will be allo-

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY A P R I L 1 4 , 20 1 7

Bishop oscar solis of

salt lake city catholic Diocese: Bringing the church to the people

by Christina M. Oriel/AJPress On a recent morning in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bishop Oscar Azarcon Solis reflected on the change of weather. The sun was out as temperatures rose to the mid-70s — a stark contrast to the week prior when he was welcomed into his new home with inches of snow.

“That’s what makes Utah very interesting for people to come: you keep on guessing,” Solis remarked during an interview with the Asian Journal.

The 63-year-old native of nueva Ecija, Philippines made history on March 7 when he was formally installed as the 10th Roman Catholic bishop of the Salt Lake City diocese.

With this position — to which he was appointed to by Pope Francis in January — Solis is the first Filipino to lead such a large congregation of Catholics in the United States.

The ceremony earlier this month followed ancient rites, including a formal reception and knocking of the doors, and the celebration of the Solemn Mass and Rite of Canonical Possession. Both were held at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in the

Utah capital and were witnessed by nearly a thousand individuals, including a whole host of special guests like Archbishop José Palma of Cebu and Hon. Salvador Medialdea, executive secretary of the president of the Philippines.

“Firsthand, I experienced the warm hospitality of the people of Utah…So embracing, so warm, so welcoming, very hospitable. I have so many adjectives that I can use to describe it,” Solis shared.

Despite this momentous role that Filipino and Filipino-American Catholics — hundreds of them from across the country and overseas traveled to Salt Lake City to witness the bishop’s installment — have hailed, Solis said being a Filipino immigrant is simply a sidebar to his ministry work.

“I really don’t dwell on that, being Filipino and the historical element of being appointed as bishop here in Salt Lake City,” he said. “I consider myself as a priest and a bishop for everyone. It just so happens that I am a Filipino by birth and a Filipino American by

Photo courtesy of Fr. Albert Avenido

Bishop Oscar A. Solis presents the apostolic mandate naming him Salt Lake City’s bishop during his installation Mass March 7 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. Bishop Solis, 63, a native of San Jose City, Philippines, had been an auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles since 2004 when he was named to head the statewide Utah diocese Jan. 10.

citizenship.”

“But in essence, I am just a regular, ordinary priest and Catholic bishop,” he continued. “I represent the universal Catholic Church that serves not only the Filipinos, but everybody.”

The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, which covers the entire state of Utah, is home to over 300,000 Catholics, 48 parishes, 19 missions and 16 Catholic schools.

(About 15,000 of those Catholics identify as Asian American and Pacific Islander, a majority of whom are Filipino, the diocese said.)

In his homily during the installation Mass, he laid out his mission “to teach, to govern and to sanctify.”

“Working to build an inclusive community of faith in a rich multicultural setting like Utah is both a challenge and an opportunity. The attitude and perspective with which we approach our reality colors the outcome of our ministry,” he told the audience.

He added that during his time Bishop Oscar A. Solis, taking in the cathedra at the Cathedral of the Madeleine March 7, becomes the 10th bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Fellow bishops congratulate him as in Utah, he would continue the agenda of his predecessors to “bring he becomes the first Filipino to lead a U.S. diocese.

the Church to the people.”

“As I have told my brother bishops, it is quite frightening to follow these ‘big dogs.’ And as I look up to them, I could not help but think of myself as a little puppy.

And the sad part about it, I said, is that I am a little puppy and a mixed breed,” he mused during his message. “These men, my predecessors, were all dedicated leaders of our faith, who carried out their episcopal ministry with great zeal and enthusiasm, and who worked collaboratively with leaders of other faith denominations.”

The Desert State is known for having a population that predominately belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, even with the relatively small number of Catholics in comparison to the over 2 million Mormons in the state, Solis said he is looking forward to engaging with other faiths.

“The Catholic Church in Utah has a longstanding, wonderful partnership between the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, as well as other interfaith and interreligious groups. We have

Salt Lake City Bishop Oscar A. Solis greets Elder Russell Ballard and Elder Quentin Christofferson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during his installation Mass on March 7 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photos by J.D. Long-Garcia/Angelus News

an ecumenical group here in Salt Lake City and I heard they meet regularly,” he said.

Becoming Bishop Solis — who was born in San Jose, nueva Ecija — attended the Christ the King Seminary of the Society of the Divine Word, Tagaytay City, to study philosophy and the Pontifical Royal Seminary at the University of Saint Thomas in Manila for his theological studies.

He was ordained a priest in 1979 for the Diocese of Cabanatuan and served as chaplain to a number of organizations, as Prefect of Seminary Studies and as Diocesan Vocations Director, according to the Catholic Church.

He emigrated to the United States in 1984 and was a Parochial

Vicar in the Archdiocese of newark, new Jersey until 1988. He then moved to the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, Louisiana, in 1992, where he served in four different parishes.

Pope John Paul II appointed Solis as the auxiliary bishop for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles in late 2003, and it was made official during a ceremony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown LA the following year. It was a historic moment as well, for he became the first Filipino to be installed as a bishop in the U.S. He was later promoted to auxiliary bishop of the San Pedro Pastoral District in 2009. For the Continued on Page 3

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ MANY legal permanent residents (LPR or green card holders) mistakenly believe only US citizens can petition family members. Even after they obtain their green cards, they still wait many years until they finally become citizens, before they petition family members.

This belief is WRONG! LPRs are able to petition the following family members: • Spouse • Unmarried children, whether the children are under or over 21 years of age.

It is true there are certain family members who can only be petitioned by US citizens. Those family members include (aside from the above): • Parents • Married children • Brothers and sisters However, there is no need or reason for an LPR to wait to become a US citizen to petition his or her spouse or unmarried children. In fact, waiting to become a US citizen could result in several years of delays and separation. For example, if a person obtains a green card, ordinarily, he or she has to wait five years before being eligible to apply for

Permanent residents can petition their spouse and unmarried children US citizenship. It may take another one year for their naturalization application to be processed, and for them to finally take the oath of citizenship. So, they have now sat back for approximately six years before they finally file a petition for a spouse or unmarried child.

Had they filed the petition for their spouse or unmarried child as soon as they received their green card, the spouse or child would have already been eligible for their own green card and eligible to file for citizenship after 5 years! Instead, six years were lost, while the petitioner waited to become a US citizen.

If you are about to become an immigrant, or are already an immigrant, and want to petition your family members, you should seek the advice of an attorney about the best and fastest way to do so. In some cases, these family members might be included under your petition as derivatives.

In some instances, it may not be beneficial to naturalize, especially if seeking to qualify a child under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), unless you can naturalize before that child’s 21st birthday. Also, sometimes it may be necessary

past seven years, Solis has been responsible for overseeing 67 parishes and eight Catholic high schools in Los Angeles and Long Beach. He has also been the episcopal advisor for the National Association of Filipino Priests since 2011.

Beloved and embraced by the greater LA Catholic community for his quick wit and humor, Solis said his personality stems from the “joy of sharing [his] faith with others.” This charisma is what he will continue to grace his new environment with.

“I want them to feel excited about it because it is exciting for me to have this opportunity and share the presence of Christ in my life and the love that I have experienced and the love that God has bestowed upon me all my life.

It’s a simple message that God is love, God is good and he loves us all,” he said.

“Joy is contagious — that’s why

I always smile and bring the joy of the Gospel to everyone…When you have God in your life, you don’t need all of those [material] things…That’s what the Gospel of God is all about.”

As previously written in the Asian Journal during a MDWK Magazine feature in 2011, Solis shared that he questioned if he was truly meant to dedicate his life to being a priest. But he eventually knew it was his destined path and is committed to helping others consider ministry work.

While stationed in Utah, one of the demands he will be addressing is how to encourage more individuals to become priests or nuns. “…As the population grows, that means the Catholic population is growing as well. We need more ministers in order to make themselves available to give service to people, to bring the Church to the people. That’s our main goal, really, trying to bring the Church

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to become a US citizen before the family member can be petitioned to obtain a green card in the US. That’s why, rather than relying on hearsay, gossip, or the wrong information, seek the advice of an attorney who can set you straight on the best and fastest avenue for petitioning your family members and being reunited with them in the US. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

FATHER AND DAUGHTER REUNITE AFTER 40 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING CHOICES AND “MISFORTUNES” ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Decades ago, Tatay Rolando left his wife and daughters in the Philippines to seek a better life in the US. After getting his green card, he petitioned his family, except for Anna Lyn (center) who had turned 21, and was left behind. The years that followed became a series of rough twists and turns for Anna Lyn, including being caught attempting to enter the US on a fraudulent visa. After a fraud waiver prepared by another attorney was denied, leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel put together a convincing fraud waiver package that was quickly approved, paving the way for the much-awaited, happy reunion of this family on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC.

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Bishop Oscar Solis of Salt Lake City...

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An Asian Journal

where the people are, instead of waiting for the people to come to the Church,” he said.

Given the political climate and divisiveness in the country right now, Solis said the Church “sets the example of inclusivity” and can be a safe space for individuals.

“In fact, we welcome...all, even the strangers among us,” he reflected. “That is the basic principle of what the church stands for: it is open, inclusive, hospitable and welcoming, especially to those who are in need.”

“That is why it’s not surprising that the Church stands in support of refugees, people living in poverty, the homeless, people suffering from addictions [of] drugs. It’s a normal thing for the Church to stand in support and on behalf of those people who need our love and compassion so they may be able to uphold their innate human dignity as human beings, as members of our faith community and as members of God’s family.”

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA LOU’S story is always worth retelling. Lou Xiaoying is one remarkable Chinese woman who is a beacon of light, a ray of hope and a surge of warmth in a world that has grown dark and cold.

I wrote about Lou a few years back to shine a light on the life of a woman, who despite humble circumstances, managed to save the lives of babies salvaged from the trash heap, apparently discarded by women in compliance with China’s draconian one-child policy to curb its population growth.

Contrast Lou’s life with that of a 25 year-old New Jersey woman who claims she is not ready for her pregnancy, filmed her own abortion, with full make-up, lights and gazing at the camera and exclaiming with joy at the end of the procedure purportedly to “inspire” and show

Two women, a boy and the jellyfish “…The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …” women that abortion is a positive experience. She even writes about it in one publication. Notice I refuse to give a shout out to her name or the publication’s name. Some bask in infamy and one can show displeasure by refusing to give a shout out.

The woman who is a wannabe actress of low-budget slasher horror movies which slaughter children works as an abortion counselor. She says, “I feel in awe of the fact that I can make a baby. I can make a life…” Sadly, it was a life that she chose to end coldly. The

delusional woman, as if reading from a script even says at the end of the murderous procedure, “Yay, Cool! I feel good.” She decides to keep a sonogram of the baby as a memento.

Did she even bother to ask the father of the child? Even more disturbing is the distinct possibility that she may have become pregnant to create a prop so she can pull this contemptible youtube stunt and become an internet sensation. If she did, this makes it all the more egregious and revolting.

Continued on Page 7

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong TEACHINg is considered the noblest of all professions since all professionals, highly skilled or merely trained, underwent education with a teacher. What profession can be more gratifying and satisfying then than that of being a teacher?

Miss Virginia Cu of Bacolod City has spent most of the years of her life educating children and tirelessly guiding them to improve the quality of their lives. This noble calling required her to be “married” to her profession unaware that she had neglected to save some precious time for herself… to the extent of unknowingly abandoning the prime of her youth.

Having subscribed and fully embraced Confucius’ teaching, “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life…,” Miss Cu neither counted the hours nor the years she has enjoyably splurged inside the four corners of the classroom…after having been satisfied and felt rewarded watching her students develop and flourish as competent individuals ready to combat life’s battles.

Spanning a lifetime dedication to her profession aptly armed with a broad range of academic practice and classroom experiences, Miss Cu must have been born with

Miss Virginia Cu’s prime and her full-circled pedagogical life the proverbial Socratic school of thought. Her learning patterns and teaching goals weren’t merely intentionally set for the acquisition of knowledge by the young minds but having targeted adults, as well.

True enough, Miss Cu has devotedly spent her glorious years raising, developing, and leading young minds toward a dignified and virtuous life. Her primary focus on imparting facts and data were geared toward the development of their social skills, cultural norms, and spiritual being aside from molding their mental and physical faculties.

With her sophisticated air of congeniality, enormous sense of humor, an electrifying personality, being an effectual communicator, a good listener with a munificent heart, it isn’t surprising that the seasoned educator has a solid student fan-base and a pleasurable relationship with her peers.

The most beloved faculty staff of St. John’s Institute has had effectually survived the perils of embracing such exigent profession while simultaneously enjoying the life-long process of co-existence with her students.

Being an Aries-born (actually she just turned 70 last April 9) Miss Cu’s keen intuition and indefatigable stamina are distinctive traits of her charm and wit in becoming the most adorable and revered faculty member in the campus. Her insatiable appetite to passionately

Miss Cu attentively watched the Broadway-themed musical in her honor.

Miss Cu’s birthday wishers

Jimbo Pandes Yap with Miss Cu

practice what she was best known for more than enabled her to excel in the field she has loved doing for years that eventually fulfilled her goals with much candor. Her self-imposed advocacy to educate children went far beyond with limitless possibilities capably supported by her unbounded motivational techniques And to celebrate not only the very essence of her seven decades of existence but also the paramount contributions she has had accorded copious minds in her numerous years of teaching, her most devout students from St. John’s Institute (Hua Ming) collaboratively organized a Broadway-themed birth anniversary bash for her at the posh gallery Hall of the Sheraton Laguardia East Hotel in Flushing,

Happiness is to be with the ones she dearly loved

The amiable septuagenarian birthday celebrator with her former students

Miss Cu with the birthday bash organizers

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

John Lim, the scriptwriter and director of the Broadway tribute for Miss Cu

Queens last Saturday, April 8, 2017, the eve of her actual birthday.

Ably put in order by John Lim, Terry Brown, Karen Chu, Angela golez, and Jimbo Yap, the most anticipated social gathering started promptly with appetizing hors d’ oeuvres that segued to an opulently prepared lunch buffet.

The celebrator’s spur-of-themoment speech (she hates tedious moments and dead air) while having lunch vividly chronicled remarkable occurrences that transpired during her scores of years in the classroom.

Fashionably garbed in a traditional red silk floor-length cheongsam with a tiny tiara to complete her celebrated look, she fondly brought to mind those fond memories and amusing anecdotes she had had with her former students and co-teachers, as well.

Amid her prolific reminiscences everyone attentively paid attention to every detail and fine facts of her stories…eagerly awaited for the inevitable punchline she’s been consistently eminent for.

At her current stage of mellowness it was quite amazing how the amiable septuagenarian still remembers her former students by heart: their innate traits, subjects where they excelled, and even their places of origin although occasionally experiencing lapses due to merging episodes and juggled side anecdotes which she would quickly save herself from ignominy with a potent reason: “Well, that’s part of being 70…!” which was

Miss Cu with her co-teachers

met with boisterous laughter and thundering applause.

Then the most-awaited underscore of the event opened…the Broadway musical that showcased Miss Cu’s early life and her conscientious journey as a teacher based from the original script and direction of John Lim. The entire production was, to say the least, ambitious…but every participant exerted his paramount skill to come up with a convincing portrayal despite short of practice hours due to a constrained time frame.

With a choral assemblage which acted as narrator and musical provider and chosen ones that tackled divergent characters related to Miss Cu, the latter would intermittently stand to interfere or maybe correct some portions of the songs or characterization that failed to meet her discerning standard and impeccable preference to which the director (John Lim) would constantly escort her back to her seat with an imposing order: “Ma’am, you’re only part of the audience. Please remain seated and watch…!” And that innocently uttered remark solicited elicit laughter.

As expected, the show lasted more than an hour for how could one write an abridged biography of someone who has spent her entire

SERVICES

life doing what she did best and still loving it?

It was a fun affair - nostalgic and reflective but pleasurable sans superficiality - and made even more worth treasuring with the affectionate support of Miss Cu’s co-teachers Mildred Martinez, Linda Tanjuan, Nida Tamidles, Wi Suan, Jimmy Rivera, and Chit Ross…all similarly retired.

Incidentally, aside from the numerous recognitions and awards she has accumulated throughout her teaching years, Miss Virgie Cu was honored as a Retired Pedagogue just recently during PACCAL’s celebration of International Women’s History Month at the Ramada Hotel in Newark, New Jersey for her unparalleled dedication to her profession and being a quintessential exponent of a true blooded educator.

As they say, a teacher affects eternity…he can never tell where his influence stops for a teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, touches a heart, inspires hope, ignites the imagination while limitlessly enduring all challenges and perils with only one heartwarming reward: To see her students succeed in life!

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

Observing Holy Week San FranciSco

By Monet

about the suffering of Christ) starts on Sunday and ends on Maundy Thursday, which is the day when the washing of the feet is celebrated.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Christ.

On this day, you will see religious figures being carried through the towns on top of carrozas (carriages). religious images and statues are veiled in black in mourning of the death of Jesus.

Now the tourist spot and the most striking feature of the Holy Week celebrations in the Philippines is the sight of Filipinos publicly whipping themselves.

These are reenactments of the torture and death of Jesus. Some of the hardcore devotees not only whip their backs into a bloody mess, they also have their feet and hands nailed to a wooden cross. Tourists come from all over the world for the sight! Tondo in Manila is the place to see these flagellants. Outside the capital, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija are famous for their flagellants who cover their faces with white cotton hoods. Crowns of thorns are placed on their heads to cause blood to drip.

I remember one of the superstitions on Good Friday is the prohibition against children playing. This is because they might injure themselves and not have their wounds heal. You will always be reminded that during this time that Jesus is dead, and so

everything is awry and bad things are apt to happen.

Black Saturday is when Christ is entombed. Filipinos spend the day preparing for the night vigil leading up to Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

At four o’clock in the morning, Filipinos do a ceremony commemorating how the Virgin Mary met her son Jesus who has come back to life. Her image will be brought to the image of the Christ at the local church. Flower petals will be rained down on them. Everyone is happy that Jesus is alive again and that the world is back right.

In contemporary times, these Philippine traditions are slowly disappearing. Young Filipinos now use the Holy Week to vacation at the beach, while socialites and members of the upper class fly to out of Manila or go to another country. In my experiences of Holy Week, it truly is the time to renew our faith and feel the lords suffering for mankind. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or

Jasmine Curtis Smith, Tippy Dos Santos & Sam Concepcion use fame to do good by iza igleSiaS ManilaTimes.net

FAME and charisma have long given celebrities the power to influence the public so that it is heartening to know, especially during this time of year, that many of them make the effort to do something good. They become all the more admirable too when their acts of selflessness are done sans fanfare, only to be discovered when the deed has been done.

Such was The Manila Times’ experience at Christian relief and development organization World Vision’s 60th anniversary celebration in the Philippines, which revealed the kind hearts of celebrities Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Tippy Dos Santos and Sam Concepcion.

Unknown to many, these three young personalities have gone around the country to visit poor communities on both personal capacity and as ambassadors of World Vision.

Exposed to the hardships of life through their immersions, CurtisSmith, Dos Santos and Concepcion have been active for many years in child sponsoring, while sharing their time and talent with them whenever they can.

Built-in “I’ve been supporting World Vision since I was living in Australia—since 2008 to be exact.

I’ve been trying to get as involved as I can be for nine years now. But it was only when I came to the Philippines in 2012 that I found the opportunity to become youth ambassador of World Vision, and I’ve been so happy to do it,” shared Curtis-Smith.

“It just got the ball rolling and I decided I need to keep doing this because it’s a voice you want to have. I am also in the position where I have to be a good example to the young because I can reach a lot of people through my work and through the organization,” she added.

Curtis has sponsored three World Vision children, which ensures they get to go to school and eat nutritiously.

“I am trying to get my friends to sponsor as well. Recently I got my boyfriend to sponsor a child too.

He’s starting now and learning to be involved with everything,” Curtis happily related of her businessmansurfer steady Jeff Ortega.

Her big sister, Anne Curtis has also been involved with several charity projects with Unicef as a celebrity advocate for children.

According to Curtis-Smith, it was but natural she and her sister find ways to help others because of their mother’s example.

“It’s a normal thing for us already because we learned to give back to our community and to others in need because of our mother who did that for her family.

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99 Ranch Market celebrates second East Coast store opening in Jersey City, New Jersey

Lu

LENTEN season is the time when Christians — Catholic and other religious denominations — remember Christ’s passion (his suffering and death) and resurrection.

Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter Sunday) marks the beginning of this season, it is when you will see Catholics with ashes smudged on their foreheads in the shape of a cross.

Holy Week is from Palm Sunday to Black Saturday, then Easter Sunday. It is traditionally a solemn occasion, most commonly known as Semana Santa in the Philippines and other countries.

Priests and religious statues are dressed in purple to symbolize gloom. Devout Catholics go to church every day; some fast as a symbol of respect and faith while the born-again Christians just pray directly to God without worshiping statues or saints. Although different, these practices convey the same message.

This time of the year commits people to fulfill their vows, to ask God for forgiveness or favors, such as cures for health, personal and financial problems.

Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. Filipino Catholics bring palaspas (palm fronds) to church to be blessed by the priests. Then, they bring the fronds back home with them.

In the Philippines, for most of the week, especially after Tuesday, the towns are eerily quiet with TV and radio stations going off the air and no loud noises or revelry whatsoever. Catholics stop eating meat, turning to fish, and the more devout ones go on a completely liquid diet. Many businesses are closed, so make sure you have supplies, especially food, stocked up.

The traditional pabasa (the “reading” or chanting of verses

An Asian Journal

Jasmine Curtis with the students of Compostela Central School.

99 RANCH Market is blazing a trail on the East Coast! After an extremely well received opening of the first ever East Coast store in Edison, the leading Asian supermarket chain is proud to announce the grand opening of the Jersey City store on April 21st! Located in the Old Colony Square Shopping Center, 99 Ranch Market’s second New Jersey store covers a retail space of over 50,000 square feet, making it the largest 99 Ranch Market thus far for the region. The much anticipated Jersey City store is expected to draw much foot traffic due to its convenient location, being near the light rail, bus station and ferry. With many easy means of transportation, shoppers now have more reason than ever to check out the newest and hottest supermarket contender in Jersey City!

“Fresh, nutritious, and health

Coco Martin

Rita Avila

conscious” has been a long time slogan to 99 Ranch Market when it comes to the variety of items that the stores carry. All 99 Ranch Market stores pride themselves on daily delivery of fresh ocean caught lobster, crab, fish, fresh cut beef, chicken, and various poultry, in addition to farm fresh fruits and vegetables to meet consumer demand for a healthy and balanced diet. The new Jersey City store also boasts 99 Ranch Market’s famous instore gourmet hot deli, which provides hot Chinese dishes and specialty Cantonese style dim sum to hungry shoppers while an equally impressive in-store bakery rolls out daily freshly baked bread, pastries, toast, and an exquisite selection of cakes to make every shopping trip complete.

With a festive grand opening marked by endless laughter, wonderful free gifts, and excited

James Yap

East Coast shoppers just waiting to finally step foot inside a 99 Ranch Market, the new Jersey City store seems like it really will become the newest and hottest shopping destination in the city.

In addition, to celebrating grand opening event will be held from April 22nd to 23rd, between 11:00am to 2:00pm. You have a chance to spin the wheel game with purchase amount of $20 or more.

For more details about the Jersey City 99 Ranch Market store, please check major newspapers and media, or visit www.99ranch. com.

The operating hours of the Jersey City store will be Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

99 Ranch Market Jersey City Store Address: 420 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 Telephone: 201-536-8899 (Advertising Supplement)

Zanjoe Marudo

Andi Eigennmann

Lessons from stars’ biggest trials and ‘darkest moments’

By Dolly

anne carvajal Inquirer.net

live even if I’m broken.

Cesar Montano: When my son Angelo committed suicide, WE all have crosses to bear. there were so many unanswered Remember: It isn’t the load that questions. To make matters weighs you down, but how you worse, I was in Bohol when it carry it. Even celebrities who lead happened. I flew back to Manila such charmed lives have their share immediately. That was the of “Calvary.” In observance of Holy loneliest plane trip ever. Nothing Tuesday, I asked some of them could be more painful than a about the biggest trials they’ve had parent burying his or her child. I to endure. consoled myself with the thought Coco Martin: Name it, I’ve that I now have my own personal been through it all. It was a long, angel up there. hard climb. I did odd jobs and James Yap: When I was just even became an OFW. Fame didn’t beginning my basketball career come easy. I struggled in indie films in Manila, I was disoriented and before I made it to the mainstream. homesick. I wanted to go back With the Lord’s guidance, my home to Negros, but I didn’t have lola’s support and because of my enough money for the fare. I had devotion to the Nazareno, I was to commute daily to our team’s able to overcome all the obstacles. practice, and our meals were Rita Avila: What can be darker budgeted. I couldn’t afford to buy than losing a 3-week-old son? I my dream rubber shoes. All my rose by holding on to my faith and sacrifices have paid off. My faith trusting in God during that very in God, my family’s support and difficult time. I [emerged from that my fervent dream to become a dark period] through the love and great professional cager saw me understanding of my husband and through. friends. I rose by accepting to live Andi Eigenmann: When I with a broken part of me. But I can was judged by everyone during

the time that the identity of my daughter Ellie’s father was being talked about … I was lucky enough to have the support of my loved ones. Those who really knew me behind the cameras made me realize how important it was not to let go of myself and, knowing the truth, not let others dictate [what I needed to do].

Zanjoe Marudo: When I was 16 years old, my Dad migrated to the United States. It was tough adjusting, because I was used to having him around. Dad always picked me up after school and used to watch my basketball games. But he often called me up to make his presence felt. That experience taught me how to be strong and independent.

Benjamin Alves: Back in 2013, I found out that my mom had a brain tumor that needed to be removed immediately. Our whole family leaned on Him for strength, and that trial actually brought us closer together. God truly does answer prayers. My mom is alive and well, even after such a difficult battle.

The Agimat King at 90 By ricky lo Philstar.com

ExCEPT for former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who couldn’t Sam Concepcion visits children in Cagayan de Oro whose homes were ravaged by Typhoon Sendong. make it due to unavoidable circumstances, the celebrator’s loved ones led by daughter Andrea “Andeng” Bautista-Ynares (wife of Antipolo City Mayor JunJun Ynares) were all accounted for when former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. celebrated his 90th birthday last March 8 with a dinner at the Revilla mansion in Imus, Cavite.

From the wheelchair to which he has been confined by a stroke Tippy Dos Santos sings to over 200 children at the Child Friend Space in Macasandig, CDO. organization for seven years already. several years ago, alternately We saw how she sacrificed time cared for by four nurses 24/7, the “Most of our work with World and money just to give back to her legendary amulet-gifted action Vision is not on social media nor are family here despite living all the way superstar broke into a weak they shown on TV. There also isn’t in Australia,” she explained. any publicity about it because none smile and teared up when his “When we got older, at least of this is for show. We’ve been doing family (children, grandchildren when I was in high school, I asked this since we were kids, and we’ve myself, ‘How do I do that?’, because it and in-laws) sang songs to him, since become quite aware of what’s punctuating the end of each song was a characteristic of hers that was happening in our community. Being with “We love you!” really remarkable for me and my Ate part of something like this— Anne. So I guess being involved is Bong made his presence felt something that can change a child’s built in us already, ” she added. via a video greeting complete life—really gives you purpose,” For Curtis-Smith, volunteerism with a song.

Concepcion said. brings fun and fulfilment to her life, Former Pres./Manila Mayor “We’re doing this not because and most importantly, it allows her Joseph “Erap” Estrada, one of the we’re celebrities, because I think to voice out the problems around honored guests who is marking [charity]is a value that was instilled the country from her celebrity in us by our parents. You don’t need his 80th birthday on April 19, status. to be popular to do something like “Honestly, the happiness I get praised Ramon for being the this so it would be great if parents from this is just a bonus. But more only survivor of the Sampaguita can teach their children to help than anything else, I just want to Generation. others when they can, because be involved and be active and just Oops!!! There are also there is always something that create a voice for everyone who Sampaguita discoveries Rudy will come up. As long you can do needs it too. There are some who Francisco (into his early 90s) and something about an issue—and are shy to voice out they need help Eddie Garcia who is believed to be it doesn’t need to be all about and we can give them the chance three years older than Ramon but money—do it. Even if all you can to speak up. If they can’t you have to who loves to “confuse” people by give is your time, it can mean the do it for them,” she said. world to someone else,” Dos Santos joking that he’s much older than Not for show agreed.

While there continue to be 93.

The singer-actress is currently celebrities who use charity work for From a 2003 STAR story sponsoring two children, while “good PR” as they say in showbiz, titled Ang Alamat ni Agimat: Concepcion is helping three.

Concepcion and Dos Santos, on the He’s a legend in his own right “The good thing is we know other hand, would rather keep their where our efforts go. We may not be and it’s not only because of his involvement with World Vision as able to change the world but we can agimat (amulet) to which his fans quiet as possible. attribute his success as an actor help change a child’s life, and that’s Friends for several years and his successful conquest of the what really matters,” Concepcion now, the two singers have also Senate. Why, many people believe been involved with the Christian ended.

Former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. with (back row) son-in-law Antipolo City Mayor Jun-Jun Ynares and former Pres./Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada; and (from row, from left) son-in-law former Sen. Bobby Jaworski and daughter Andrea ‘Andeng’ Bautista-Ynares (Jun-Jun’s wife) with daughters Cassandra and Via Ynares.

that his agimat has been working wonders in the man’s love life which can only be described as “very fruitful, indeed,” blessed as he is with, according to unconfirmed reports, about 80 children. (And if I may add, with heaven knows how many women.)

“Actually,” clarified Andeng, “we are only 49 children, ‘yung duly accounted for and documented.”

All the children are supported

by Ramon, according to Andeng whose nickname must have been presumably inspired by that of Ramon’s mom whom he called NanayAndeng who, after her husband’s death, singlehandedly raised her 10 children, with Ramon as the youngest, “Our dad’s constant reminder to all of us is to finish studies because, he said, education is the best gift that he could give us.”

In that old STAR interview, Ramon was asked if he really had an agimat. With an enigmatic smile, he confirmed, “Yes, I have.

It was given to me by a relative of Nardong Putik.” (Also a Caviteño, Nardong Putik, whose real name was Leonardo Manecio, was played by Ramon in a movie that he himself produced in 1972 and

it made so much money that sustained Ramon’s own Imus Productions which made mostly true stories that earned him the title Father of True-Life Movies.).

To whom will Ramon bequeath his agimat?

Had anybody asked Ramon during his birthday, I’m sure he would have readily told who. (Do we see Bong smiling?).

Bacoor Mayor Lani’s request: omit gifts, help fire victims As she turns 49 tomorrow, April 13, Bacoor, Cavite Mayor Lani Mercado is requesting her well-wishers not to give her gifts and instead donate clothes, food, blankets, medicines and other goodies to the more than 2,500 victims of the fire that hit Barangay Maliksi last April 5.

Rendered homeless, the victims are temporarily housed at the Maliksi Elementary School.

Donations may be delivered to the CSWD at the lobby of the Bacoor City Hall.

A few days ago when Lani was about to give her regular flag ceremony speech, she was interrupted by good friend Manilyn Reynes via Video Tape Recorder (VTR), and was asked to sit down and relax while the stage was transformed into a mini talk

An Asian Journal

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THe highly popular tourism program that drew hundreds of balikbayans and Filipino-Americans to revisit their homeland is back. This year, the new Ambassadors’ Tour to the Philippines is featuring new and exciting destinations meant to further showcase the country’s tourism gems.

Scheduled for July 11 to 16, 2017, this year’s Tour will not only reacquaint participants from all over the United States to the enduring charms of Manila but will also provide the opportunity to visit and explore the southern city of Davao.

Touted as the cleanest and the safest city in the Philippines, Davao City is home to the country’s current leader, President Rodrigo Duterte. Davao boasts of outstanding recreational areas like museums, nature parks, fantastic beaches and zoos, in addition to adventure activities like scuba diving, island hopping, wake boarding, white water rafting.

Participants to this year’s tour can look forward to exciting destinations and highlights, most important of which is the opportunity to have an audience with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in addition to a dinner to be hosted by no less than Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte.

The very affordable and irresistible package price for the 6 days/5 nights Manila and Davao tour is as follows: NET RATE PER PERSON IN USD PACKAGE COST

MARCO POLO DAVAO (5*)

PARK INN BY RADISSON (4*)

SEDA ABREEZA (4*)

7Days/6Nights Package (July 10-16)

6Days/5Nights Package (July 11-16)

SGL

$1,240.00

$1,090.00

TWN

$865.00

$790.00

TRPL

$852.00

$785.00

SGL

$1,215.00

$1,065.00

TWN

$855.00

$780.00

TRPL

$842.00

$775.00

SGL

$1,200.00

$1,050.00

TWN

$845.00

$770.00

TWN

$827.00

$760.00

INCLUSIONS: • Airport transfers in Manila and Davao with meet and greet assistance by Department of Tourism and Rajah Tours Coordinators • 2/1 Nights stay at Nobu Hotel or Hyatt City of Dreams for the 1st call in Manila • 3 Nights stay at choice hotel in Davao City • 1 Night stay at Makati Shangri-la Hotel for the 2nd call in Manila • Meals as stated in the itinerary • Tours as stated in the itinerary • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour • Services of an English-speaking and DOT accredited guide throughout the duration of tour EXCLUSIONS: • International air fare • Domestic air fare • Meals not specified above • Personal expense throughout the stay Participants coming from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and other parts of the United States will have various airfare options and can choose to fly to the Philippines with any of the Tour’s airline partners, among them Philippine Airlines, and China Airlines, with round trip ticket priced as low as $1,795.00

Following is the full itinerary of the 6-day tour covering both Manila and Davao: DAY 1: JULY 10, 2017 (Monday) • early morning arrival in Manila • Welcome reception by the Department of Tourism • Transfer to hotel/check-in • Assembly for Malacanang Tour • Depart hotel • Proceed for Wreath Laying

Ceremony at Rizal Park • Running tour of Intramuros • Proceed to Malacanang Museum Tour with lunch • Return to hotel • Welcome dinner hosted by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) • Overnight stay at the hotel DAY 2: JULY 11, 2017 (Tuesday) • Breakfast at the hotel • Check-out

Join this year’s new Ambassadors Tour to PH and experience the best of Manila and Davao

• Transfer to Domestic Airport • Leave for Davao • Arrive in Davao International Airport • Welcome reception at Davao International Airport by the Dept. of Tourism • Lunch at local restaurant • Afternoon at Malagos Resort and Philippine eagle Center Tour • Return to hotel • Overnight stay at the Hotel DAY 3: JULY 12, 2017 (Wednesday) • Breakfast at hotel • Audience with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte • Lunch at local restaurant • Afternoon Davao City Tour • Visit the Crocodile Park for reptilian adventures. Get to know “Pangil” the 2nd largest crocodile in captivity and “Buloy” the friendly 15ft python. Just nearby is the Tribung K’Mindanawan where it showcases our rich cultural heritage and replicas of the different tribal houses in the region. Amaze on the vast collections of animal skeleton at the Bone Museum. Sample on the local fruits and bountiful harvest of Davao such as the pomelo, mangosteen, marang or take your first whiff of the Durian at the fruit market. Otherwise settle for the candies at the Durian Candy Factory or the Durian Flavoured Cappuccino.

• A scenic view of Davao from the top of the Shrine hill at the Holy Infant Jesus or at the Jack’s Ridge.

Visit the Museo Dabawenyo where it houses the rich collection of Davao’s History displayed in their

galleries. Bargain for some souvenirs at the Aldevinco Souvenir Shops.

After the tour, we shall transfer you back to your hotel.

• Return to hotel • Overnight stay at the hotel DAY 4: JULY 13, 2017 (Thursday) • Breakfast at hotel • Assembly at hotel lobby • Depart for Samal Island with Lunch • Pick up from hotel. Transfers from hotel to Sta Ana Wharf.

Boat ride to Samal Island passing through Pearl Farm, Malipano Island, Wishing Island, Coral Garden, Angel’s Cove and Isla Reta. Picnic lunch will be served at the Isla Reta. Free time on the beach. Boat ride back to mainland Davao and transfers to hotel.

• Dinner hosted by Mayor Sara “Inday”Duterte • Overnight stay at the hotel DAY 5: JULY 14, 2017 (Friday) • Breakfast at hotel • Check-out • Transfer to airport • Depart for Manila • Arrive Manila • Transfer/Check-in at the hotel • Optional activity in the afternoon • PASAYA. PASARAP & PAGANDA Package• Packages to distress and pamper yourself • Dinner hosted by Western Union • Overnight stay at the hotel DAY 6: JULY 15, 2017 (Saturday) • Breakfast at hotel

• Check-out • Transfer to airport • Depart for homebound journey The Ambassadors’ Tour is a joint project of all Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the US, namely: Agana, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan, San Francisco, and Washington D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board.

Seats are fast filling up, so don’t waste any time. Register now and be part of this year’s 11th Ambassadors Tour to the Philippines and experience the best of Manila and Davao.

For more information and to register, contact Majestic Vacations by sending email to: ambassadorstour@majesticvacations.com or call tel. numbers: (213) 251-9401 or 1-800-4234480 and ask for Angie or Jeanet; the Philippine Department of

Tourism at: (213) 487-4525 and the Philippine Consulate General at (213) 639-0980. *** Manny V. Ilagan is a Tourism Specialist with over 23 years professional experience in the overseas tourism and travel industry. He is currently the Director for Business Development and Marketing of GTT International/Majestic Vacations, one of the biggest airlines consolidators in the United States, and wholesaler of package tours worldwide. He also provides travel consultancy services to some of the biggest wholesalers and tour operators in the country as well as to some airline companies. He is the former Tourism Director-OIC of the Philippine Department of Tourism-Los Angeles, where he worked for over two decades. As a writer, he has written numerous articles about travel and tourism, which have been published in various FilipinoAmerican newspapers in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York, and other Manila-based newspapers as well. For comments or questions, you may reach him at manilagan@gmail.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

UST hosts IOWA International Conference

ğ įōíľ ÀðıÃæµįPçį ʼn æIJįıÀ ØÃĉÃæîÂ ß ğÃqPç qíß߼æÃıŎįĤÀíĽØ ÕæíŊįPdíĽIJĕ If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, email us the details (title, description, time & date, location, etc.) at info@asianjournalinc.com.

And for consideration in our print calendar, please send submissions at least three weeks before the date of the event.

To be included in our online calendar/ e-newsletter, please allow at least two to three weeks' notice.

The Asian Journal would be delighted to list your event in our Calendar of Events.

THe University of Santo Tomas together with the US embassy in Manila will bring together 21 fellows of the Iowa Writing Program (IWP) composed of Filipino and foreign writers who will speak and facilitate in the International Conference on education, Literatures, and Creative Writing to be held from April 20 to 22, 2017 at the Dr. George S. K. Ty Function Hall, Paredes Bldg., UST, Manila.

According to College of education Dean Prof. Allan B. de Guzman, the conference is sponsored by the US embassy in Manila, and co-organized by the UST College of education and the UST Department of Filipino through HASAAN 5.

The conference, whose theme is “educating the World through Literatures: Promoting Understanding, Peace and equality” will be a rare occasion to gather topnotch writers from all over the world who have passed through the stringent selection process set by the IWP, and are thus called ‘IWP Fellows.’

Mr. Christopher Merrill, Director of the International Writing Program of the Iowa University and member of

the National Council on the Humanities of the United States of America from 2012 to 2016, will deliver the opening lecture.

He will talk about ‘The Role of IWP in Promoting International Understanding, Peace and equality.’

National Artist in Literature F. Sionil José will deliver the Keynote Address while another National Artist in Literature, Dr. Bienvenido L. Lumbera will be the speaker for the plenary session. Both national artists are graduates of the University of Santo Tomas.

The topics and session speakers are: Session 1 Updates on Philippine Literatures with fellows from the Philippines Mr. Sarge Lacuesta, Ms. Susan Lara, and Dr. Ruel M. Aguila; Session 2 Updates, experiences, and Concerns on Teaching Philippine Literatures with fellows from the Philippines Mr. Ian Rosales Casocot and Mr. Joel Toldeo; Session 3 Updates on International Literatures with fellows Ms. Ukamaka Olisakwe (Nigeria), Mr. Vladimir Poleganov (Bulgaria), Mr. Hao Guang Tse (Singapore), Ms. Zhou Jianing (China) and Ms. Alice Yousef (Palestinian Territories).

The topic for Session 4 ‘Updates on Teaching Creative Writing’ and fellows are from the Philippines that include: Mr. Mark Angeles, Ms. Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta, and Mr. Ian Rosales Casacot. Session 5 will be on Special Topics that focus on Writing Workshops with fellows from the Philippines that include Dr. Marjorie M. evasco-Pernia, Mr. Charleson L. Ong, and Mr. eros S. Atalia of the University of Santo Tomas.

Another session, Session 6 will be on Special Topics but it primarily deal with Publishing Creative Works. The fellows are Mr. Yusi Avianto Pareanom (Indonesia), Ms. Chae Won Lee (South Korea), Mr. Ko Hua Chen (Taiwan), Ms. Tomoka Shibasaki (Japan), and Ms. Christine Yohannes (ethiopia).

Interested parties may contact the UST College of education through 731-4323, Mr. Alvin Ringgo C. Reyes, chair of the Teacher education Department at acreyes@ust.edu. ph, or through +639154819604 or Dr. Zendel Rosario M. Taruc, chair of the Department of Filipino at zendelt@yahoo.com or through + 63919566779.

Introducing: Christine Allado

By Tambi

Wycoco

NeW YORK - Filipino singer and actress Christine Allado is the new heartthrob of the London theatrical circuit who has just snagged the roles of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in the forthcoming London West end production of the Broadway hit musical Hamilton. Hamilton will premier at the Victoria Palace Theatre, in London on Tuesday, November 21.

Recently Christine performed in a Manila concert with world famous tenor Andrea Bocelli who, it was revealed liked her very much. She also recently staged a solo concert in Manila. And her most recent credential in performing arts is the lead role in the highly successful London rap musical “In the Heights.”

Christine is currently on a brief vacation in New York prior to her Hamilton appearances in London. She will give her kababayans and their friends a

preview of her world-class talents by staging a concert at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Phoenix Ballroom of the Sheraton La Guardia east Hotel.

Produced and directed by New York theater arts guru Miguel Braganza, New York performance promises to be a wide eye opener for Filipinos and their friends as they experience the awesome performance talents of Christine, the latest and newest Filipina performing artist international rage.

The book, music and lyrics of Hamilton was by Lin Manuel Miranda, direction of the London performances is by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and music direction and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. It is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton.

The London production of Hamilton is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman,

The Public Theater and Cameron Mackintosh.

The London production of Hamilton will also have Filipina Rachel Ann Go appearing with Christine in the role of the other Schuyler sister, eliza.

Filipina Christine’s other credits include “From Here to eternity” and “Here Lies Love” aside from the most recent “In the Heights.”

New York and New Jersey Fil-Am youth battle it out for cheers and charity NEW YORK – On its 16th year now, the Battle of the Barrios gathered Filipino-American school organizations in the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue Inc (FIND) District III Region last March 25 in Rutgers University New Brunswick campus.

Ten schools otherwise known as the “Barrios”, from New York and New Jersey participated in the Battle. Each group performed a 10minute skit incorporating Filipino traditional dance and art, historical tidbits, current socio-civic issues along with Western modern dance and pop culture.

St John’s University’s PARE was the big winner that evening, bagging the Team Trending Award, Best in Cultural Performance, and Best in Overall Performance, injecting Singkil, Pandanggo, and Igorot dances in their skit that tackled ancestral land issues.

City University of New YorkHunter College POH’s delivered a compelling piece on women’s rights to win Best Skit. City University of New York-Baruch College’s FUSION went home with the Best in Modern Dance trophy, after their step-dance routine drew the most cheers.

This year, Battle of the Barrios donated $982 to the

St. John’s University Filipino-Americans Reaching to Everyone (PARE) took home three awards, including Best Overall performance during the Battle of the Barrios at Rutgers University New Brunswick last 25 March. Photo by Rutgers RAPS

Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK), with host Rutgers University RAPS raising $867 of the total amount, winning them the Most Charitable Award. Donations will help ARK’s programs in the Philippines to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to get kids back to school, end hunger and malnutrition, and provide marginalized communities with new income.

Other school organizations who performed were College of Mount St. Vincent SAMAHAN, Stony Brook University’s PUSO, Stevens Institute of Technology FAST. Students from Montclair

Obituary ENGR.. Luis O. Pedron, a resident of Corona, NY went to heaven on April 7, 2017.

Luis, fondly known as Louie, graduated from the MAPUA Institute with a degree in Mining Engineering and Metallurgy. He worked in the Philippines for MAPUA as Professor and in the Mining Field at Bureau of Mines, Abra Mining, FILMAG, APEX and as VP Operations at CDCP. He was also a successful Business owner, a Realtor and the owner of the LFP Placement Inc sending workers to Saudi Arabia and Nurses to the USA. Even during his retirement he did further Masteral Degree studies in Christian Missiology and Divinity. In NYC, he was a Senior Citizen Advocate and the President of the Filipino American Senior Citizen

Association Queens NY. He was born June 21, 1935 at Luisiana Laguna, Philippines.

He was the loving Husband to Florenda Batoon Pedron, and a doting Father to: Lovelyn (Deceased), Luis Jr (Deceased), Luis Cenon, Florenda, Luis Ferdinand and John Mark Pedron.

State University MUFASA and William Patterson University FACE collaborated for a single skit, while members of Rutgers University Newark FSA and New Jersey Institute of Technology FINEST worked together for their first time

in Battle.

Vice Consul Khrystina Corpuz sat in the panel of judges who decided on the winners. In her remarks, Ms Corpuz, whose portfolio in the Consulate includes Community Relations with the Second-Gens expressed her pride in the students’ recognition of

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PARE wowed the crowd with their Igorot/Singkil mash-up.

Two women, a boy...

From Page 3 This stunt she pulled at the expense of an innocent life to grab her few minutes of dubious fame cries out for justice and she will be held to account. The laws of karma are irrevocable, sometimes swift, sometimes slow, but without bone marrow-deep repentance, comes without fail in due season.

There is still hope for humanity.

The response had been worldwide revulsion and condemnation at the celebratory tone of her scripted abortion. At the very least, women who see abortion as a solution to a complex problem do so in a somber, quiet way, head bowed down, away from the limelight.

What has women’s liberation come to these days? Shallow, soulless creatures who call themselves women walk the earth.

Fortunately, for every one of this kind of vile woman, there are thousands who shun the limelight and work quietly in the trenches fighting the evil of abortion, women I know like Gerri and Anna Maria and members of the Shield of Roses who have been quietly pounding the pavement, persuading women to consider adoption instead and knocking unceasingly on heaven’s doors with prayer and fasting to help in the struggle against the seemingly prevailing culture of death and darkness.

But let’s get back to Lou. Her

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Baruch FUSION delivers a stylized Sayaw sa Bangko. Photos by Khrys Corpuz

their identity and their desire to connect with the Philippines and anything Filipino. She further encouraged the almost 500 attendees to increase their involvement in the community and invited them to partner with the Consulate to explore opportunities for collaboration

widow, she saved one more baby from the trash.

She said, “Even though I was already getting old I could not story is like a laser light and her simply ignore the baby and leave story is worth repeating. She lived him to die in the trash. He looked in the rural countryside in Eastern so sweet and so needy. I had to take Zhejiang province. Picture her him home with me … My older home. It is a humble hovel, its children all help look after Zhang small yard littered with debris and Qilin … I named him after the recyclables. A little boy of 7 plays Chinese word for rare and precious.” in the yard. Lou lived in that home Lou’s story is riveting for its with her husband Lin until he simple, unquestioning reverence for passed away 20 years ago. life despite living in stark poverty.

When I first wrote about Lou She didn’t start out wanting to in 2012, she was 88 years old rescue foundlings but in 1982, her and lay languishing of kidney heart was touched when she found failure in a hospital. Despite pain the first child, a baby girl, who was and impending death, Lou looks beautiful in repose. Her eyes sparkle lying helpless and abandoned amongst the trash. with joy. A calm peacefulness is “Watching her grow and etched in her face. If she is still alive, become stronger gave us such she would be about 93 years old. happiness and I realized I had a real It has been 5 years and an internet search again show no updates about love of caring for children …

These children need love and Lou. At her age and condition, no care. They are all precious human news is good news. lives. I do not understand how Lou and her husband made a people can leave such a vulnerable living scavenging the village trash baby on the streets. I realized if we for recyclables. It was a tough, had strength enough to collect backbreaking way of life trudging garbage how could we not recycle through the streets and sifting something as important as human through other people’s often filthy lives?” and smelly discards.

Since 1978, the Chinese Over the years, they picked up 30 abandoned babies from the trash communist government has enforced, with few exceptions, heap. Of the 30 foundlings they its one-child policy. Families are saved, the couple kept 4 babies to prevented from having more than raise themselves and the rest, they one child under pain of penalty. gave away to friends and relatives.

Those who abide by the rule are They have one biological child, a given bonuses and incentives. Boys woman, who is now past 50 years old. When Lou was 82 and already a are preferred in Chinese culture so

on their interests. She invited the graduating students to the 5th Philippine Graduation (PGRAD) organized by the Consulate and UniPro on 20 June. Ms. Corpuz noted that one of the winning skits will get the opportunity to reprise their performance during the PGRAD.

that couples who want a son feel compelled to throw away infant girls. It is claimed that the policy prevented the birth of 400 million babies.

Lou’s life story bears resemblance to the story of the little boy and the jellyfish.

There was once a little boy walking on the beach. He noticed that as the tide receded, there were thousands of jellyfish being washed up and lay stranded helpless on the shore. He picked them up one by one and began tossing each jellyfish back into the water, into the sea where they can survive and live.

A man also walking along the shore watched the boy in utter disbelief. To him, the boy was trying to do the impossible. Shaking his head, the man approached the boy and asked, “Hey, kid, what do you think you’re doing? You can never make a difference. There are thousands of jellyfish. You’ll only save a few of them.”

The boy looked at him nonplussed, shrugged his shoulders and went back to throwing one more jellyfish back to the water, and told him, “Made a difference to that one …”

Each precious human life saved certainly made a difference to that one life. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY ApRil 14, 2017