New York/New Jersey -- February 19 -- 25, 2016

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

Volume 10 – Issue 8 • 16 Pages

F E BR U A R Y 1 9 - 2 5 , 2 0 1 6 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858 • 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306 • Tel. (212) 655-5426 • Fax: (818) 502-0858

US-ASEAN SUmmit focUSEd oN bUSiNESS opportUNitiES, pEAcE iN SoUth chiNA SEA

World leaders create measure to boost ASEAN economies by allySoN

eSCoBar

AJPress

SINO MISSILES ON DISPUTED ISLAND. China has placed surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island in the Paracels, which is also being claimed by Vietnam, as it insists it has a right to build “self-defense” systems in the South China Sea.

US, ASEAN hit china military buildup

by Niña

P. Calleja

Inquirer.net

rANCho mIrAGe—Us President Barack obama on tuesday, feb. 16 promised that the United states would stand by its allies and partners in southeast Asia and help strengthen their naval capabilities amid rising tensions in the heavily disputed south China sea.

“I reiterated that the United states will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, and we will support the right of all countries to do the same,” obama told a news conference after the close of a summit with the leaders of the 10-

USA

DATELINE US deports Filipino human rights violator from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

A fILIPINo man who admitted to conducting surveillance for a law enforcement task force in the Philippines linked to the disappearance of a number of opposition politicians was deported to the Philippines last week by Us Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICe), accordRegor Cadag Aguilar ing to a news release from the agency. regor Cadag Aguilar, 42, was escorted by ICe enforcement and removal operations

u PAGE A4

member Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN). obama said he and the AseAN leaders agreed that disputes in the south China sea must be resolved by legal means, including a case brought by the Philippines challenging China’s sweeping claims in the strategic waterway.

China has refused to take part in the proceedings at the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in the hague, but obama said parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the sea were obligated to respect the ruling, expected by April or may. obama has been hosting the AseAN lead-

u PAGE A4

tors in the AseAN region--America’s fourth largest export market--and contribute over half a million jobs in the Us, reported Al Jazeera. It is the first summit meeting held on Us soil. other nations’ heads of government present at the summit included presidents from Indonesia, malaysia, singapore, thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, myanmar, Cambodia,

u PAGE A2

u PAGE A2

Marcos, Escudero share top spot for VP in latest survey Youth, loyalists enable Marcos improve standing

the NAmesAKe son of the late dictator ferdinand marcos is counting on millennials and remnants of his father’s loyalists in his attempt to take back his family to within a heartbeat of malacañang 30 years after they were kicked out in a popular uprising. sen. ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos has finally caught up with sen. francis escudero in the latest popularity survey conducted by the social Weather stations (sWs), released monday, feb. 15, sharing the top spot in the vice presidential race in the may 9 elections, each getting the nod of 26 percent of the respondents.

Analysts said the dictator’s legacy and possible ascent to power of his son were emerging as among this election’s top campaign issues. “the bulk of the electorate, particularly the millennials, will likely vote for him because of

u PAGE A4

filipina arrested for abandoning newborn in West covina

A fILIPINA transient was arrested on monday, feb. 15 for reportedly abandoning her newborn baby in a subway restroom in West Covina, California. surveillance video released by the West Covina Police Department shows mary Grace trinidad enter the subway sandwich shop at 8:07 am on monday, february 15.

After getting a cup from an employee at the register, trinidad appeared to fill the cup and then made her way to the restroom. the 37-year-old filipina stayed inside the restroom for 10 minutes and left the establishment through its front doors. A customer said that he saw trinidad leave, dripping a trail of blood, and informed an employee.

Witnesses heard cries from the restroom and saw an umbilical cord hanging out of

the first-ever two-day summit with President Barack obama and 10 southeast Asian leaders kicked off on monday, feb. 15 at the Annenberg retreat at sunnylands in rancho mirage, California. the standalone meeting between the White house and leaders of the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) is

meant to be a crucial step in the Us effort to “rebalance” foreign policy toward the Asia-Pacific, to improve relations with southeast Asian allies, and to address key issues including maritime security, Islamic state extremists, and the south China sea. the 10-nation axis (the world’s seventh largest economy) is also crucial for the growth of many American companies, including Us firms, who are the largest foreign direct inves-

President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with US President Barack Obama and fellow ASEAN leaders for a Family Photo during the Special US-ASEAN Summit at the Sunnylands Garden and Center in Rancho Mirage. In the photo (L-R) ASEAN’s Secretary General Le Luong Minh; Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen; Indonesia President Joko Widodo; Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak; Laos President Choummaly Sayasone; President Obama; President Aquino; Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong; Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha; Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung; and Myanmar Vice President Nyan Tun. Malacañang photo by Gil Nartea

obama, Aquino talk of life after presidency by leila

B. Salaverria Inquirer.net

Los ANGeLes—With both leaders soon to end their terms, the conversation between President Benigno Aquino III and President Barack obama revolved around their lives after they step down from office. mr. Aquino and obama had a chance to talk during the two-day summit between the United states

and members of the Association of southeast Asian Nations, their first meeting as strategic leaders.

But personal discussions between mr. Aquino and obama during the gathering were a bit more personal.

“During the times that we got to talk, we did not discuss related topics. for instance, the last thing I mentioned to him was that in August, I will write to him about what a life of freedom being a normal citi-

zen is like. he said he would wait for it,” mr. Aquino told reporters.

At one point, obama asked him what he wanted to do after he ends his term. he also asked mr. Aquino if he was happy about not having to take part in the ongoing election process.

“I told him, I think I share your sentiment,” he said. their discussions revolved around

u PAGE A3

Nike dumps Pacquiao as poe hopes next leader endorser after insulting would be ’unifying force’ comments toward gays

by Maila

ager Inquirer.net

by MoMar

g. viSaya

AJPress

Manny Pacquiao AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

the backlash has started.

Nike on Wednesday, feb. 17, announced that it has dropped manny Pacquiao as an endorser after the boxer remarked that people who engage in same sex relationships are worse than animals.

“We find manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” Nike said in a statement, according to esPN. “Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBt community.”

Pacquiao’s controversial interview with tV5 became viral online on monday, feb. 15. the issue was picked up by

u PAGE A3

PresIDeNtIAL aspirant Grace Poe expressed hope on thursday, feb. 16, that the next leader or administration would become a “unifying force.”

“Kung sino yung magiging susunod na administrasyon maging unifying force,” Poe told reporters after attending the 8th GoNegosyo filipina entrepreneurship summit at the World trade Center in Pasay City.

“Kahit nasa kabila ka, opSEEKING GOD’S GRACE. Presidential position ka dapat mabigyan ng candidate Grace Poe prays at Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish pagkakataon manilbihan kung Church in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo City. walang kaso, matino at magalInquirer.net contributed photo

u PAGE A3

A FEBRUARY 19-25, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Consul General Mario De Leon to end his term in New York in June 2016

UNA, ONE CEBU ALLIANCE. United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer Jejomar Binay (third, from left) and his entire slate are endorsed by One Cebu, a party led by its gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia, in ceremonies launching the UNA-One Cebu alliance in Cebu City. In his speech, Binay promised to put up a Malacañang satellite office to personally take care of the needs of Cebuanos. He also promised that Cebu would get funds for at least one mega project per year during his administration.

Inquirer.net photo by Tonee Despojo

US, ASEAN hit China military…

PAGE A1 t

ers in the United States for the first time. That sends a subtle message to China that the United States remains an important force in the region.

Halt to China actions “We discussed the need for tangible steps in the South China Sea to lower tensions, including a halt to further reclamation, new construction and militarization of disputed areas,” Obama said, using words that appear in a US-ASEAN joint statement issued after the summit.

ASEAN diplomats said it was the first time a declaration from the bloc used the term “militarization,” apparently referring to China’s actions in the South China Sea. But the leaders’ joint statement after two days of talks avoided direct reference to China, reflecting the careful path that ASEAN members tread in their diplomacy with the world powers.

The summit closed as Taiwan reported that China has deployed surface-to-air missiles to Woody Island in the Paracel archipelago in the South China Sea. China, Taiwan and Vietnam are disputing ownership of the island.

China insists it has historical

right to virtually all of the 3.5million-square-kilometer South China Sea and has built seven artificial islands, some with airstrips, in the Spratly archipelago to assert its sovereignty.

ASEAN members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also claim parts or all of the Spratlys in the middle of the South China Sea, which is crisscrossed by sea-lanes where $5 trillion in global trade passes every year and where islets, reefs and atolls are believed to be sitting on top of vast oil and natural gas deposits.

ASEAN unity Though not a claimant, the United States has spoken out against China’s conduct and has angered Beijing by sailing US Navy ships near some of the artificial islands to demonstrate freedom to sail there despite China’s territorial claims.

The United States has long argued for the maritime rights issue to be resolved peacefully and is looking for ASEAN to take a unified stance on the issue.

The joint statement did not refer directly to the arbitration case brought by the Philippines, but it does urge “full respect for legal and diplomatic processes” in resolving disputes.

The passage was from the remarks of President Aquino during the summit, calling all parties in the South China Sea dispute and the international community to abide by the decision of the UN arbitral tribunal on the Philippine case against China.

“It is crucial that ASEAN collectively and in a unified voice urge all countries to share with us full respect for the rule of law.

For this purpose, it is especially important that we all commit to abide by the decision of the arbitral tribunal,” Mr. Aquino said.

“In this manner, we will avoid chaos in our relations and ensure greater stability, predictability and security,” he added.

Asked what he would do if China ignored a ruling in favor of the Philippines, President Aquino said he would like to think that China would be true to its word that it would abide by international law and wanted to preserve good relations with the rest of the global community.

Such a ruling could also temper China’s actions, he added.

Veiled message Before issuing the statement, the ASEAN leaders discussed the South China Sea dispute among themselves, deciding eventually

u PAGE A4

NEW YORK — After five years of serving as the top official of the Philippine Consulate General New York (PCGNY), Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. announced that he ends his tour of duty on 30 June 2016. He will be moving to a senior position in the DFA Home Office in July.

ConGen De Leon further announced that Atty.

Tess Dizon-De Vega, presently the Chief Coordinator of Secretary Albert del Roasario is slated to take the helm when he leaves. He welcomes the designation of Atty de Vega who was the former PCGNY Deputy Consul General from 2011 to 2013 and is well known in the community.

A career diplomat, ConGen Mario assumed his post on 1 March 2011, and arrived to a rather fractious Filipino-American community. Foremost in his agenda was to bring reconciliation among some sectors and encourage cooperation among organization leaders. He has done more than repair community relations; the hardworking ConGen has initiated programs covering the three pillars of foreign policy: economic diplomacy, national security and assistance to nationals in distress.

Ever-present and visible in the community, ConGen has put people-to-people relations a top priority during his term and has always advocated

Changing of Leadership. Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr (left) will give way to Atty Tess Dizon-De Vega (right) as the new Philippine Consul General when he leaves his post in June.

uplifting the profile of Filipinos in the mainstream American society. He has led a pacific FilipinoAmerican community who have bonded in solidarity over some of his legacy programs such as the Build-A-Shelter Project (for Yolanda survivors), Geographic Warden System, Leadership and Management Seminar for Organization Leaders, Leadership and Mentoring Seminar for the Emerging Generation, Homecoming sa Konsulado, Filipino Restaurant Week, the return of Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, just to name a few. n

World leaders create measure to…

PAGE A1 t

and the Philippines.

President Benigno Aquino III and members of his Cabinet arrived in California on Monday morning for a brief visit. They were welcomed at the airport by a senior protocol representative from the US State Department; Jose Cuisia Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the US; and Consulate General Leo Herrera-Lim. The Philippine delegation consists of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Trade Secretary Adrian Cristobal Jr., Economic Planning Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Climate Change Commissioner Emmanuel de Guzman, reported The Philippine Star.

The first retreat session of the ASEAN-US Summit was themed, “Promoting an Innovative, Entrepreneurial ASEAN Economic Community.”

“Early in my presidency, I decided that the United States, as a Pacific nation, would rebal-

ance our foreign policy and play a larger and long-term role in the Asia Pacific. And this has included engagement with Southeast Asia and ASEAN, which is central to the region’s peace and prosperity, and to our shared goal of building a regional order where all nations play by the same rules,” Obama greeted leaders in his opening remarks. “This summit marks our seventh meeting. At your invitation, the United States joined the East Asia Summit, and together we’ve made it the region’s leading forum for addressing political and security challenges.”

Obama also highlighted accomplishments of the US-ASEAN meetings: forging a new Strategic Partnership, increasing trade and economic partnerships, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and boosting overall trade between the US and ASEAN nations.

“Our sustained engagement is delivering concrete results that benefit all of us--momentum that we can build on here at this summit,” he said. “Here, we can advance our shared vision of a regional order where international rules and norms, including freedom of navigation, are upheld,

and where disputes are resolved through peaceful legal means.”

The first day’s touched on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a freetrade deal signed by Obama earlier this month, and currently includes four of the ASEAN nations with more on the way, according to US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. The controversial TPP is also intended to further reduce barriers to trade, but has prompted outcry over “restrictive copyright language and expanded rights of corporations to sue nations whose regulations get in the way of profits,” reported The Desert Sun. The second retreat session on the following day revolved around “Protecting Peace, Prosperity, and Security in the Asia-Pacific.”

China’s growing boldness and influence in the region has concerned ASEAN leaders, including the Philippines and Vietnam, which are both involved in territorial disputes and want the US’s support for security.

The lack of consensus over Chinese policy currently divides ASEAN’s member nations, who all want to handle the China situation differently without angering

u PAGE A4

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

From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 19-25, 2016

A

Poe hopes next leader would be…

PAGE A1 t

COMING SOON. MANILA’S tricycles will soon have an electronic version as the city government announced over the weekend that it is set to roll out “e-trikes,” the more eco-friendly version of the fuel-powered vehicle. The e-trikes would initially be fielded in the Ermita and Malate areas where there is a larger concentration of tourists.

Photo courtesy of the Manila City Hall

ing,” she said.

(Whoever leads the next administration could be the unifying force.

Even if you’re from the other side, the opposition, you should still be given the chance to serve if you are free from pending cases, intelligent and competent.)

Poe made the remark a day after she and her running mate, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, were reportedly prevented from holding consultation meetings with students in a school in Capiz Wednesday.

The senator did not confirm the report but said it should have not been allowed under the administration’s “daang matuwid” policy.

Poe said she did not want to dwell on it anymore but reiterated her call that students in all parts of the country should be given a chance to listen to candidates so

they could make the right choice in the upcoming elections.

“Kami naman sa gobyernonn may puso kahit na taga Davao, Cagayan, Capiz at kung saan pa man, importante na wala kang pababayaang Filipino kaya pumunta talaga kami doon sapagkat hindi naman porke’t meron na silang kandidato ay hindi na namin dadalawin yun at kami ay nagpapaslamat dahil sa taliwas sa sinasabi ng iba ay napakainit ng pagtanggap at napakasaya po ng aming pagtitipon dun,” she said.

(We, in the government, have hearts even for those in Davao, Cagayan, Capiz, or wherever else; what’s important is that no Filipino is neglected so we really went there. Just because they already have a candidate then we won’t visit the area and thank them because contrary to what others say, they gave us a warm welcome and we had an enjoy-

able gathering there.)

Poe and Escudero and their senatorial bet Neri Colmenares had only two activities in the province, the known bailiwick of her rival, former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, when they went there Wednesday.

Poe reiterated the need for a leader that unified when asked again about her promised she made in her speech during the summit in Pasay City.

Among her promises include lowering of income tax rates, putting up CCTV cameras in barangays to prevent crimes and faster wifi connection in all parts of the country.

“I think I can deliver all those promises and I think the Filipinos should really have a leader that unifies…” she said.

“I always take a stand but the important thing is to be able to carry the will of the people,” the senator added. n

Aquino confers Ambassador Cuisia with the Order of Sikatuna Obama, Aquino talk of…

LOS ANGELES—President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu) to Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. in recognition of the envoy’s “exemplary accomplishments in working for the advancement of the country’s national interests in its relations with the United States,” in a ceremony during the President’s engagement with the Filipino communities in Los Angeles and southwestern United States on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines; upon diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous service in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines; or upon personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), both in the home office and in the foreign service. The Order of Sikatuna is one of the three senior honors of the Republic, the other two being the Philippine Legion of Honor and the Order of Lakandula, “Alam po n’yo, talagang karamihan ho ng mga in-appoint nating mga ambassador ay tinatawag na career diplomat. IIlan po ang masasabi nating political appointees. Si Joey Cuisia ay isa sa ating mga in-appoint. Talagang ipinagmamalaki ko na in-appoint natin ang mga katulad ni Joey Cuisia,” President Aquino said in opening his speech addressed to the more than 800 members of the Filipino communities in southern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

The President described the Ambassador, as well as other political appointees Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez as “self-starters,” who propose solutions to problems and are tireless in promoting the interest of the Philippine Government and Filipino people in their places of assignment.

Ambassador Cuisia was also commended “for his unrelenting efforts and dedication in facilitating increased trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and the United States.”

H.E. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the United States by President Aquino III on 30 November 2010 and confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on 09 February 2011.

He formally assumed his post at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on 02 April 2011 and presented his credentials to US President Barack Obama on 07 July 2011.

Filipino community leader Dr. Marc Caratao offered his congratulations to Ambassador Cuisia, crediting the envoy for giving “guidance and advice to the Filipino American leaders [to] whom he is able to outreach”.

“Because of him, we are beginning to activate ourselves within the community,” Dr. Caratao said.

The award likewise cited Ambassador Cuisia for “spearheading and shepherding innovative programs such as the groundbreaking Filipino-American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPRO) and for strongly supporting the establishment of the Philippines-US

Nike dumps Pacquiao as...

PAGE A1 t local and international press. Filipino performers Aiza Seguerra and Vice Ganda issued their own statements castigating Pacquiao calling him a ”bigot” and a “false prophet”. TV host and talent manager Boy Abunda also delivered a stinging rebuke on his late night show on ABS-CBN saying that Pacquiao “crossed the line”.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Pacquiao took to social media and posted an apology through his Instagram account.

When Filipino-American Aries de la Cruz saw the apology, he went online and started a petition asking Nike to drop Pacquiao as an endorser.

“I believe apologies mean nothing without actions and consequences, and a plan for addressing how the contrite person will make things right with those he hurt,” de la Cruz told the Asian Journal. “Everyone has the right to have religious, social and cultural beliefs, but if you are a political leader and decision maker that is different because you have a duty to represent all your constituents, not just the views of a select few.”

In a little over 24 hours, the petition has generated more than four thousand signatures. Online and mainstream news outlets have also picked up the news.

TMZ reported that Nike is “preparing to cut ties with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao after his last round of anti-gay comments.”

New York City-based LGBT activist and graphic designer Scott Wooledge has also launched an online campaign asking the brands who have Pacquiao as an endorser to drop him.

He posted a tweet on Tuesday saying that Pacquiao speaks for these brands - Nike, Footlocker, Get Cracking and Nestle – and earned $12M in 2015 as face of these companies.

“I’m not surprised at all that the message of the petition that companies like Nike should not provide a platform for Cong.

Manny Pacquiao’s anti-gay positions has resonated with so many Filipinos all over the world, gay

and straight,” de la Cruz added.

Born in Manila and raised in Bacolod City, the 30-year-old de la Cruz is a graduate student of anthropology at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Like many Filipinos, de la Cruz was proud of Pacquiao’s achievements on the ring.

“In the past, his prowess in the ring and his many victories has made me proud to be a Filipino, but being a hero means nothing if one does not use that platform to unite the people he is supposed to represent,” he shared.

“As a Filipino with a large global platform, Pacquiao has a tremendous opportunity to heal with his words and not harm or hurt.”

But much more than that, de la Cruz says Pacquiao’s words “are not merely opinions but have material and legal consequences for the LGBT Filipinos who must face oppression each time they leave their homes.”

“His opinions are much more than opinions when he has chosen to sponsor legislation in the past that has restricted the rights of our gay and lesbian Filipino friends and neighbors,” dela Cruz continued. “That is why an apology is not enough.”

Top Rank Chief Executive Bob Arum believes that Nike made the right decision to drop Pacquiao as its endorser. In an interview with TMZ Sports, Arum said that he agrees with the company, as the boxer’s remarks were offensive to many people, particularly those in the gay and lesbian community.

“Manny shouldn’t have said what he did, and Nike acted appropriately,” he added.

Arum has been promoting Pacquiao for many of his fights, and has helped him become a global superstar. Although he explained that the Filipino boxer was simply being true to the tenets of his faith as a born-again Christian, he, however, does not share his opinion.

He is also unsure if the ongoing controversy will affect the payper-view numbers of Pacquiao’s fight against Timothy Bradley, Jr. on April 9 — supposedly the boxer’s last fight of his career.. n

Society.”

FYLPRO, established by the Ambassador and his wife, Maria Victoria in 2012, has been providing a transformative immersion experience for next-generation and high-performing Filipino-Americans who demonstrate leadership in their respective communities.

“He has really linked us all, a bunch of Fil-Am young leaders, but we’re a family in moving things forward. He really showed us that our hard work in all of our different corners of different communi-

ties, near and far, haven’t been in vain, that we are on the right track and that we have to keep the momentum alive,” Francine Maigue, FYLPRO Batch 1 (2012) said.

“We couldn’t be more inspired.

We couldn’t be more proud of him,” Francine added.

Rynn Shumacher, FYLPRO Batch 3 (2014), stressed the importance of the program’s network in helping young leaders take on international initiatives.

“All of us can come together

PAGE A1 t

these matters.

Mr. Aquino is set to end his sixyear term on June 30, while Obama is on his second and last term that will end on Jan. 20, 2017.

The Philippines has just kicked off its official campaign period.

In the United States, its Republican and Democratic parties have been holding primaries to select candidates for president.

According to Mr. Aquino, the Philippines and the United States u PAGE A7 have already reached an under-

standing on so many matters.

Asked whether they talked about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that would allow American troops access to Philippine bases, he said the two countries had discussed the issue in several meetings and dialogues.

“We have probably reached the point of our relationship where we already understand each other. Repeating the discussions won’t be necessary,” Mr. Aquino said. n

A FEBRUARY 19-25, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

Former NBA player Collins on Pacquiao: ‘Bigots should never hold office in politics’

by Bong Lozada Inquirer.net

OUT IN THE OPEN. A couple becomes the center of attraction during the “Casamiento de Cagsawa,” a free mass wedding held at Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay province. The event was organized by the local government in partnership with Pag-Ibig Fund during the celebration of February as Love Month and the Cagsawa Festival.

Inquirer.net photo by Mark Alvic Esplana

US, ASEAN hit China…

PAGE A2 t

to veil the message that counters China’s provocative actions in the region but at the same time make it forceful, said a Southeast Asian diplomat.

Obama praised the united stand of the ASEAN and the United States on key principles outlined in the joint statement.

“When ASEAN speaks with a clear, unified voice, it can help

advance security, opportunity and human dignity not only for the more than 600 million people across ASEAN, but also for people across the Asia-Pacific and around the world,” he said.

The casual summit tackled issues on multiple fronts, including economic concerns.

The leaders concluded the

summit by posing for the traditional family photo on the plush lawn outside a historic residence at Sunnylands, the storied California desert estate where the talks were held.

Sunnylands is also where Obama had his first formal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

As the leaders walked off, Obama was heard thanking each one for attending. (With reports from Leila B. Salaverria and AP)

Filipina arrested for abandoning newborn in…

PAGE A1 t

the toilet. A newborn baby boy was found sitting upright, halfsubmerged in the toilet.

“They saw an umbilical cord leading into the toilet. When they looked inside the toilet they found the baby,” West Covina Police Spokesman Rudy Lopez said.

According to reports, Trinidad gave birth in the restroom and left the placenta in the trash can.

Following the discovery, a Subway employee called 911, describing the cries from the newborn and blood left by the mother.

“We tried to keep her in and she just walked out. There’s a crying baby in the restroom,” a female employee told a dispatcher.

Subway employees and customers tended to the newborn until paramedics arrived on the scene and rushed the baby to Queen of the Valley Hospital.

The baby was in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care and remains in critical condition, as

of press time. He is expected to survive.

Police found Trinidad nearby at the Pep Boys Auto Parts & Service shop. She was later taken to the hospital for treatment, and will be booked on suspicion of attempted murder and child abandonment once released.

Lopez said bail will be set at $2 million.

Trinidad also has a $30,000 narcotics-related warrant outstanding for her arrest. She was arrested on Jan. 3 for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police records.

The police department circulated Trinidad’s booking photo from the previous arrest to “bring more awareness to the Safe Surrender Baby Law,” which allows parents or persons with lawful custody to safely surrender the infant to any fire station or hospital within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked.

The sandwich shop is located in a Filipino-concentrated shopping center, where employees of

JASON Collins, the first openly gay player during his last days in the NBA, took to Twitter to air his side on the controversy surrounding Manny Pacquiao after the boxer said homosexuals are worse than animals.

“Manny Pacquiao I lost all respect for you,” Collins posted.

“Bigoted people like you (and yes you are one) should never hold an office in politics.”

Collins admitted he was gay back in 2013, a few months before turning into an unrestricted free agent. He spent most of his career with New Jersey Nets before journeying around the NBA then retiring in 2014.

Pacquiao said in a controversial interview that gay people copulating with each other is a behavior worse than animals, which can distinguish the other sex.

Jason Collins watches an NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks November 19, 2014 at the Barclay Center in New York. Collins, the first openly gay man in one of the four major US professional team sports, announced his retirement from the NBA today.

Photo by Don Emmert

Collins played 13 seasons saga when the United States Suwith the NBA and was a major preme Court legalized gay marfigure during the #LoveWins riage. n

US deports Filipino human rights…

PAGE A1 t

(ERO) and arrived in Manila mid-day Wednesday, Feb. 10, Pacific Standard Time. His repatriation follows his arrest on Jan. 5, 2015 in Union City in Northern California.

Aguilar originally entered the United States on a visitor’s visa 15 years ago and overstayed, which led him to be placed in removal proceedings.

He admitted that from 1998 to 2001, he served as a surveillance agent for a law enforcement task force in the Philippines that targeted rival political figures, according to the ICE news release.

He claimed he was unaware of the task force’s illegal activities

in that time period, but testified that one of his surveillance targets disappeared and was assumed dead.

Aguilar further testified that his superiors told him members of the task force depended on his surveillance to abduct and murder a political figure, and that he heard superiors instruct task force members to torture abducted individuals, according to the agency’s release.

“This day has been in the making for more than a decade, but it should leave no question about ICE’s resolve to hold human rights violators accountable for their actions,” ICE Deputy Director Daniel Ragsdale said in a release.

“The successful outcome of this case is owing to the outstanding work by ICE attorneys and ERO officers who were determined to see justice served. We simply won’t stand by and allow the U.S. to serve as a safe haven for those whose actions have caused incalculable harm to others.”

Aguilar was ordered to be removed in 2010 by a San Francisco judge, after the exhaustion of all his appeals.

Since fiscal year 2004, the ICE has arrested more than 360 individuals for human rights-related violations under various criminal and/or immigration statutes, according to the agency’s news release. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

World leaders create measure to…

Mary Grace Trinidad’s booking photo from a previous arrest on Jan. 3, courtesy of the West Covina Police Department.

PAGE A2 t

leaders.

On Day 2 of the summit, leaders various businesses said Trinidad met for a working session, where has been a local transient for Pres. Obama was seated between years. She frequently begged for representatives from Singapore and the Philippines. The result of food and money in the area.

“I’ve done this for 36 years. I an hours-long meeting included thought I had seen everything,” a joint US-ASEAN statement, the Lopez said. “I have no words to “Sunnylands Declaration,” which describe how I’m feeling about calls for “Mutual respect for soverthis.” (Christina M. Oriel / AJ- eignty, territorial integrity, equality and political independence of Press) all nations by firmly upholding the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, the

ASEAN Charter and international law.”

A new initiative, the US-ASEAN Connect, was also announced by Obama. The US president said the “network of hubs” is meant to help connect business entrepreneurs and international investors.

“I believe this summit has put US-ASEAN on a new trajectory that will carry us to greater heights in the decade ahead,” Obama told reporters on Tuesday at the summit’s end.

After the summit, Aquino was scheduled to be in Los Angeles for a working visit, where his activities

included addressing the Los Angeles World Affairs Council at the Intercontinental Hotel, receiving an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree at Loyola Marymount University, and meeting with the top executives of three big LA-based companies (Walt Disney International, Western Digital Corporation, and AECOM’s Enterprise Growth Solutions).

“Our kababayans in the US and I are looking forward to welcoming him once more to the United States. We’d like to wish him a successful visit,” Cuisia told Radio Television Malacañang. n

Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has finally caught up with Sen. Francis Escudero in the latest popularity survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), released on Monday, Feb. 15.

Inquirer.net photo

Marcos, Escudero share top spot for VP…

PAGE A1 t

his competence, ample executive and legislative experience as well as youthful vigor and incisive posture in addressing the challenges facing the nation,” said National Unity Party secretary general Reginald Velasco.

Velasco said another key demographic supporting Marcos was his father’s loyalists and those born and raised during the Marcos years who believe the 1970s were the “golden years of the Philippines” in contrast to claims of leftist and human rights groups.

“Bongbong’s victory will hinge on these twin groups that don’t really put much weight on the ‘sins of the past’ committed by the Marcos regime,” Velasco said.

Hitler and Marcos Former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello agreed that Marcos was a catalyst to unite his father’s forces.

“Hitler and (deposed President) Marcos came to power through democratic elections. But are we exaggerating? I don’t think so.

The Marcos revanchists are everywhere, in the agencies, in the armed forces, in the political dynasties. They are now fragmented but a Bongbong presidency would unite them to possibly serve as base for a presidential coup as in 1972,” Bello said.

He called Marcos’ rise in the survey a “disturbing trend,” which had changed the complexion of the 2016 elections as it made the fight for the vice presidency as

important as the presidency.

“It would be the height of irony if Marcos would become Vice President on the 30th anniversary of the Edsa Republic. But it would underline the great failure of the Edsa system: the way its promise was strangled by traditional elite politics,” Bello said.

The real deal In the latest SWS survey, Marcos, with 26 percent, gained 1 point in the Feb. 5-7 survey from last month, while Escudero’s rating fell 2 points from 28 percent in January to 26 percent.

Following them were Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who both gained 2 points between January and February.

Robredo’s rating was up from 17 percent to 19 percent, while Cayetano’s rating rose from 14 percent to 16 percent.

Sen. Gringo Honasan had 6 percent, down from 8 percent, and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV had 5 percent, up from 3 percent.

In a brief statement, Marcos said: “Every survey result keeps us inspired to work harder in the campaign. But, as I have always said, the real survey will be on May 9, 2016, and that has been our focus as we continue to persevere in bringing our platform of unity to every part of the country.”

On target Escudero remained upbeat.

“It only means we have to work harder, and given our limited resources, find innovative yet not so expensive ways to reach out to

more people with our message of hope, honesty and progress for our country,” he said in a text message.

Robredo expressed elation: “We’re right on target. After all, I have only been going around for three months while my rivals have been doing it for three years,” she said in a statement.

Cayetano, who was campaigning in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental province, said: “The election is still far away. What’s important is that we are slowly but surely climbing up.”

Failure of Edsa ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said the revival of the political fortunes of the Marcos dynasty was the price the present generation must pay for the failure of post-Edsa administrations to hold the Marcoses accountable for wholesale plunder and human rights violations.

“I personally don’t believe he’ll win. The challenge is to use the campaign period as an opportunity to educate the electorate and the public on the true legacy of the Marcos dictatorship,” said Tinio.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said it would be a sad day for the country if the Marcoses would return to power without having atoned and accounted for “their sins, bloody excesses and plunder of the government coffers during the reign of the dictatorship.”

(With reports from Jeannette I. Andrade and Marlon Ramos, in Manila, and Jigger J. Jerusalem, Inquirer Mindanao)

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 19-25, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Roxas to Escudero: What have you done for Sorsogon?

“WHAT has has done for Sorsogon?”

Presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II of the Liberal Party said as he hit back at vicepresidential candidate Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero for saying he has done nothing to improve his hometown Roxas City.

In an interview on Wednesday, Escudero took a swipe at Roxas, citing his failure to improve Roxas City, despite holding various government positions.

The city is the bailiwick of the Roxas clan.

Escudero said Roxas has been close to three Philippine Presidents including President Benigno Aquino III but failed to deliver more for his province.

In January 2000, Roxas joined the administration of Joseph “Erap” Estrada as trade secretary and was reappointed by former THE L SIGN. A man flashing the L sign poses for a picture with Jejomar Binay when the latter dropped by SM Mall of Asia to buy eyeglasses. president Gloria Macapagal ArThe man seemed to be sporting the “Laban” sign of the Liberal Party.

Inquirer.net photo by Marc Cayabyab royo during her administration.

When he ran for the Senate in 2004, Roxas was number one in the top 12.

When he ran for Vice President, he lost to then Makati City by eva visperas Philstar.com Mayor Jejomar Binay in the 2010 elections. Political analysts said it was because of Escudero’s crucial INMALEY, Pangasinan—Vice endorsement of Binay that made President Jejomar Binay told Roxas lost the vice-presidency.

Pangasinenses during his visit Now the two are again at logthat he is the most capable and gerheads. fit for the job of president, citing “Siguro, tanungin din natin his experience as executive and ‘yung mga kababayan niya sa administrator in various offices Sorsogon kung anong nangyari for more than 20 years. doon,” Roxas told reporters in He also belittled opponents an interview in Quezon City on Sen. Grace Poe and administraWednesday. tion bet Mar Roxas, saying the (Perhaps, let us ask his conformer could not cite her experistituents in Sorsogon on what ence as a mother and the latter happened there.) his kapalpakan (incompetence) “What can you expect from in vying for the presidency. somebody like Chiz na saling “Pinag-uusapan natin dito kapusa, nais na namang makahalo ranasan sa pamumuno hindi yong sa usaping pang-nasyonal,” Roxkaranasan sa ibang larangan,” Bias added. nay said, referring to Poe. The Liberal Party standardBinay, who topped the presibearer belied Escudero’s claims dential race surveys, made a that he has done nothing for his surprise visit in Binmaley before home province. proceeding to Lingayen town Presidential aspirant Jejomar Binay is welcomed in Pangasinan by Governor Amado Espino “Alam ko ang Capiz, dati mawhere he was to address the Boy Jr., an ally of his rival Mar Roxas.

Inquirer.net photo by Marc Jasyon Cayabyab hirap na mahirap, dati walang Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), which he heads. ing what he went through in life How can they defend themselves tubig, dati walang kuryente at Despite topping the surveys, – a poor childhood and years as on the issue on underspend- negosyo. Ngayon maunlad na the vice president said the results mayor, vice president and chair- ing? The government is there to maunlad, ilan ang Jollibee , ilan ang malls. Ito ay hudyat na of the election are more impor- man of the Metro Manila Devel- spend, not to save,” Binay said. tant as he campaigned for people opment Authority – all molding He accused the administration umuunlad ang isang komunidad to vote for a candidate who has him to become a good executive of saving in preparation for the executive ability and experience and administrator. elections as he stressed that he like him.

If elected, Binay promised to would continue and expand the “Ladies and gentlemen, I think spend for the needs of the people. 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang PiliI am the most capable and fit for “When you are given a budget, pino Program) so more Filipinos the job of president,” he said, cit- you are supposed to spend that. could benefit from it. n

Binay: I am the most capable, fit for president

A FAMILY REUNITED. Relatives and friends of Lauro Vizconde arrive at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Wednesday, Feb. 17 to bury him next to three members of his family who were murdered in 1991.

Inquirer.net photo by Joan Bondoc

Lauro Vizconde buried next to Estrellita, Carmela, Jennifer

by Kristine

Felisse Mangunay Inquirer.net

AN inspiration, a good father, a man “we can all be proud of.”

This was how friends and family members honored Lauro Vizconde as he was laid to rest Wednesday next to his wife and two daughters who were murdered in their own home in 1991—a gruesome crime that sent him on a quest for justice the rest of his life.

Vizconde, who died on Feb. 13 after suffering a series of heart attacks, got his wish to be buried next to spouse Estrellita and children Carmela and Jennifer at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

At necrological rites held Tuesday night at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City, the 77-yearold Mang Lauro (not 78 as earlier reported) was also remembered for turning his personal tragedy into a mission. He was a founding member of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), a watchdog group who continued to hold him in high esteem as its chair emeritus.

Pete Principe, one of the pri-

vate prosecutors in the Vizconde case, hailed him as “a symbol of justice and truth” who never wavered in his commitment to help other crime victims.

Principe recalled that a week before Vizconde was rushed to the hospital for the last time, he asked the lawyer to set up a meeting with a family whose property had been forcibly taken from them.

“He said: ‘Pete, I hope you help them; they are poor’,” the lawyer said. Vizconde was already physically weak and requiring assistance himself, “but that was the real character of Mang Lauro… How can I forget his last request.”

VACC Chair Dante Jimenez said Vizconde loved his family so much that he refused to sell the house in BF Homes, Parañaque, where his loved ones were killed—with Carmela also raped—on June 30, 1991. “He is the epitome of a father with so much love (to give).

He refused to let go of the house because he connects to his family through it.”

Mary “Rosebud” Ong of the People’s Movement for Justice cited Vizconde’s courage, “his

stamina to fight.”

‘Let go, be happy’ “Nothing can stop him. For someone who had so little (in material wealth), he gives us so much hope,” she said. “Now, the father of the VACC is resting. I’m happy when I think he is going to be together with his family.

“Ka Lauro, let go, be happy and we are here to remember your legacy,” she added.

In a statement read out during the rites, Vizconde’s relatives said: “(His) was a life marred by grief and sorrow during that fateful day that shattered his dreams, his will and his life. From that tragedy arose a man out for justice—justice for his family—and eventually a founding member of the VACC.” In January 2000, the Las Piñas City court convicted six men for the crime, including Hubert Webb, son of former senator Freddie Webb. The guilty verdict was upheld by the Court of Appeals in December 2005.

But the Supreme Court, voting 7-4, acquitted Webb and the others in December 2010, and twice denied Lauro Vizconde’s motion for reconsideration the following year. n

at ang mga tao dun ang makakapagsabi niyan,” Roxas said.

(From what I know, Capiz used to be a very poor [province]. There was no water [supply], electricity and businesses.

Now it’s very progressive. How

many Jollibee [branches] are there? How many malls? These are indications that the community has progressed and the people there will be the ones who can proved that.) (Nestor Corrales/Inquirer.net)

A FEBRUARY 19-25, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OpiniOn

Features

Business trip

PRESIDENT Barack Obama welcomed leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday, Feb. 15, to discuss terrorism, maritime security, trade, and climate change.

“Economic growth that is inclusive, creating opportunity for all; mutual security and the peaceful resolution of disputes; human dignity, including respect for human rights, and development that is sustainable — that is our vision. That’s what brings us here together today,” Obama told the ASEAN heads of state.

President Benigno S. Aquino III was among the attendees of the two-day summit, which included leaders from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The first US-ASEAN summit aims to strengthen the partnership that the US has forged with ASEAN since 2009, and will further advance the administration’s rebalance to Asia and the Pacific. This new multilateral initiative also aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, fight corruption, empower citizens, and utilize new technologies to make governments accountable and effective.

“This ASEAN-US Special Summit is providing us an excellent opportunity to exchange our views and also provide direction for our officials in order to implement the outcome of previous ASEAN-US Summit in view of further strengthening our strategic partnership for the promotion of durable peace, stability, and prosperity for the future benefits of our nations and peoples,” Obama said.

According to Philippine Ambassador to the US

Jose Cuisia Jr., the summit is an opportunity for leaders of the ASEAN and the US to have candid conversations about issues of mutual concern.

Cuisia also highlighted that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the US have never been more vibrant. He added that the two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security, climate change, violent extremism and economic engagement.

“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-US relations, we highlight the durability, comprehensiveness, and dynamism of our ties. We have always been supportive of the rebalance to Asia-Pacific policy of the United States as it is an opportunity to deepen further our alliance in various areas of cooperation,” he said.

Following the US-ASEAN summit, Aquino embarked on a working visit to Los Angeles where he had a series of meetings with officials of Walt Disney International, Western Digital Corporation, and AECOM’s Enterprise Growth Solutions. Before leaving the US, Aquino also met with members of the Fil-Am community to share with them good news from the Philippines.

This may be Aquino’s final visit to the United States as Philippine president. With limited experience in foreign policy and an apparent preference for concentrating on domestic issues, Aquino has managed to thrive with his official trips abroad.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

The history of state visits goes back several hundred years. These formal visits are an important part of international diplomacy—to reinforce excellent relations, and intensify cooperation and exchanges between economies. There will never be a lack of subjects that need to be addressed between governments. Issues to be discussed such as economic balancing, security challenges and maritime cooperation, (of bilateral and global importance)

should constantly be looked upon. Maintaining peace and stability is always a priority so that each country can focus on their own domestic issues.

State visits between important countries is an opportunity, not just for the attendees, but to each leader’s constituents as well. While Aquino’s state visits have yielded positive results, perhaps the trickier part of the process is making the outcome survive, years after the summit. (AJPress)

Why you should apply for US citizenship now MANY kababayans in America, even those among my own circle of family and friends, take their sweet time before taking the first step toward naturalization to become US citizens. This, despite the pains and struggles of obtaining their Permanent Resident card (green card) so they can legally live and work in the US. Some have separation anxiety—that sadness of letting go of their Filipino citizenship and professing loyalty to a country other than the Motherland. Others are worried about the cost of filing for naturalization, while there are those who just forget about it until their green cards are about to expire.

If you and your family have made the decision to permanently live in the US, there are reasons why you should apply for citizenship sooner rather than later.

On The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America,” Pinoy Panawagan legal counsel Atty. Lou Tancinco

united with their famshares the important ily members. reasons why, which I The Fil-Am 2. Avoiding sepahope can help you make Perspective ration that urgent decision: Once a green card 1. Family unity holder migrates, the Green card holders permanent resident or non-US citizens who status is not really are permanent resi“permanent” in the dents may petition their Gel SantoS-ReloS sense that it may be unmarried children as well as their spouses. However, unlike revoked for cause by the US Department US citizens, they are not allowed to peti- of Homeland Security.

This happens when an immigrant is tion their parents, their married children convicted of a removable/deportable ofand their siblings.

Being a US citizen provides them the fense, even if family members are all US ability to petition more family members citizens.

This happened to a longtime Filipino including their future spouses or fiancées. Also, US citizens may petition their immigrant who was arrested for a traffic minor children and spouses faster (about violation but was later found to have a 12 months) as compared to green card criminal history. The criminal convictions he had were deportable offenses and reholder petitioners.

Filipino immigrants who are family- sulted in his deportation from the United oriented would prefer to be naturalized States; consequently, he was separated as US citizens rather than wait to be re- from his US citizen spouse and children.

This situation could have been avoided if the immigrant was a naturalized US citizen at the time of conviction.

To prevent any unintended immigration consequences, it would be best to apply for US citizenship as soon as the immigrant meets the eligibility for naturalization.

3. Civic engagement Filipinos are the second-fastest growing minority group, and integration to the adopted land becomes critical. Naturalized US citizens are given access to voting, political rights and can seek equal protection of the law. A naturalized US citizen may hold elected positions that will not only protect the interests of their constituents but also their community.

4. Federal employment A naturalized US citizen may be afforded opportunities for federal employment with better benefits. Many Filipinos have joined the US military and have become US citizens giving them the ability to pe-

tition family members and enjoy military benefits.

5. Ease of travel This is probably the least important in terms of the reasons for becoming a US citizen but interestingly, some Filipinos carry pride in holding US passport when traveling to other countries.

Certainly, there are more than these five reasons to apply for US citizenship.

The motivation may be toward immigration integration but it does not take out the “Filipino” in the immigrant.

With success or failure, the Filipino naturalized US citizen will still be perceived as a Filipino in his/her adopted land. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

The Candidates: Ms. Panday, the Why President Obama should quickly nominate Dirty Harry, the Clone and the Mayor SucceSSor to Scalia

an Asian American to the US Supreme Court

Community Voice

Faith bautiSta PRESIDENT Obama, as a result of the unexpected death of US Supreme Court Justice Antonio Scalia, has an opportunity to appoint the first Asian American to the US Supreme Court in its more than 225 year history. As the late Justice Scalia has frequently stated, the court needs more diversity.

In America’s history 112 justices have been appointed and confirmed. But despite more than 20 million Asian Americans, and the projections of the Census Bureau that the Asian American population will at least double in the next generation, no Asian American appointees have ever been made.

We believe that this decision to appoint an Asian American should not be political since the very conservative Justice Scalia has always raised the issue of lack of Supreme Court diversity. Many of us, including the authors of this article, disagree on what elements are crucial in President Obama’s appointment process. Therefore, we have sent

to the President on February 16th, three names of Asian Americans who are 50 or under who cover the spectrum of political opinions from those probably approved by Senator Cruz to those probably approved by liberal governors such as Governor Brown. This includes California Supreme Court Justice Gordon Liu, who President Obama previously nominated to be a 9th Circuit Judge and is presently a brilliant scholarly progressive on the California Supreme Court.

Somewhere in the middle, we have mentioned Jacqueline Nguyen, a 9th Circuit (Western US) Justice. Farther to the right, we have mentioned a former associate of Senator Ted Cruz, Sri Srinavasan.

We also believe there are at least a dozen other well qualified and scholarly Asian American judges in the mix.

The obvious political advantage to President Obama of nominating an Asian American is that it is likely to further unify the Asian American vote in favor of future presidential candidates. It also has the advantage of including the perspective of a community that potentially, within a generation, will have at least eight times the voting power of the entire Jewish community (Presently, three of the nine members of the US Supreme Court are Jewish.)

For Republicans, the advantage of such an appointment should they agree to hold hearings and support the nominee is that they will prove to the Asian American community that the Asian Americans are a key element in America’s future progress. It is our hope and expectation that the Republican leadership will join with the President in supporting the late Justice Scalia’s commitment to and concerns about the lack of diversity throughout the 225 year history of the US Supreme Court.

Our letter to the President will be followed, if possible, by meetings with both the Republican leadership and the President when the National Asian American Coalition and its allies from the Black and Latino churches and chambers of commerce are in Washington D.C during the week of March 1st.

It is also our hope that the leading Republican and Democratic candidates, including Clinton, Sanders, Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Bush and Kasich will begin to speak out on the need for the prompt confirmation of a fully qualified Asian American justice. As many Asian American leaders have often said, the US Supreme Court is far stronger by having three women, an African American and a Latino among the nine justices.

Commentary

RiGobeRto tiGlao LET’S not fool ourselves into believing that the May election is one in which Filipino voters will choose a President that has the best platform of government for the country.

The scheduled “presidential” debates are not likely to be real exchanges of rational thinking to crystallize issues in the same way the college debates of our youth sought to thresh out issues. It will be a contest of sound bites, of the best and most imaginative verbal dirt-hurling in an “ang-pikon-talo” match – all intended to project a certain image of the candidate.

It is entirely a contest of imagebuilding, even atrociously false ones. Thanks to the survey of Mr. Pedro Laylo Jr., made public in the Manila Standard, we have an empirical basis to describe these images.

Ms. PAndAy Grace Llamanzares surrounded by posters of movies she should be grateful for.

The first candidate is Ms. Panday, Panday II, or Panday’s

daughter – Senator Grace PoeLlamanzares. C’mon, people are not voting for this foundling, or more probably the winter-spring lovechild of a 51-year old Philippine President with a 20-year old starlet, even putting her at the head of the pack.

They are not voting for this well-off Assumption College alumna who preferred to pursue the American dream in the US of A, and who worked in short-stints as a grade-school teacher, as “procurement liaison” for an obscure US government agency, and as sales assistant for an even more obscure private firm.

People are not voting for this rich actor’s adopted daughter who returned to the country when her father died and then decided to become a Filipino citizen in order to be qualified to become senator … sorry, in order to serve the country.

Delusional Filipinos are choosing her in presidential voting-preference surveys not because she is the poor adopted child of that nearrecluse Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) and actress Susan Roces. They are choosing her because somehow in their minds, she is the daughter of “Panday,” the mythical hero portrayed by FPJ in many box-office hits, or the daughter of the working-class, anti-rich protagonist as he had played onscreen several times.

This is not a conjecture. That Laylo survey reported that 45 percent of the 29 percent who chose Llamanzares for President picked her because she is “kind, like her father,” that she will “continue the good work of her father” and that she will “fulfill her father’s promises.” The father here obviously does not refer to FPJ, as a person but to his Panday image and other movie-screen heroes he had portrayed.

As amazing as that is the fact that a further 7 percent responded that they will vote for Llamanzares because she “provided housing for the poor, fought the rights of women, gave scholarships, helped calamity victims and helped those in financial need.” But Llamanzares really hasn’t done any of those: clearly they are projecting nonexistent accomplishments on her, the result of their belief that she is a hero’s daughter who does such kind things.

Such delusion, the mix-up of reel and real, is certainly not an infliction solely of the poor, and therefore, uneducated. Llamanzares garnered the highest percentage of her supporters, 30 percent, among the ABC economic class, bigger than the 27 percent in the E class.

That is really a repeat of the presidential elections of 2004, when ousted President Joseph PAGE A7

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

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com Northern California: 1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200 San Bruno, CA 94066 Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152

Manila Office: 2nd Floor Units D&E, Fort Palm Springs 30th Street, Cor. 1st Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • Fax: (632) 856-1661 New York and New Jersey: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306 Tel.: (212) 655-5426. • Fax (818) 502-0858

Las Vegas Sales Office: 3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor and Editor-in-Chief New York/New Jersey Asian Journal

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 19-25, 2016

A

Aquino confers Ambassador Cuisia with... a strong reputation and firm foundation for carrying out its mission in the years ahead,” Mr. Hendrickson added.

Ambassador Cuisia was joined by his family as he received the award from the President.

“I am humbled and greatly honored by this recognition. I sincerely thank President Aquino and Secretary Albert del Rosario for entrusting me with one of the most important diplomatic posts of our country. Without their trust and confidence, I would not have had the opportunity to further develop our alliance and partnership with the United States,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

The envoy also lauded the Filipino communities in the United States for their energy and resilience.

PAGE A3 t

“Everywhere I go in this country, Americans and other foreigners would tell me their positive views about their Filipino colleagues, neighbors, friends and acquaintances. These testimonials make me proud to be your Ambassador and inspire the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the US to ensure that we represent our country effectively,” he stated.

In his speech, Ambassador Cuisia took the opportunity to pay tribute to outgoing Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario.

“His principled leadership, unwavering dedication, and indefatigable energy have resulted in a reenergized Department anchored on a foreign policy that embraces the total protection of national interest,” the Ambassador said. n

and the world is that small, that I can reach out to somebody in New York, or San Diego, everywhere, and we can make things happen.

That’s what he started,” Rynn stated.

The US-Philippines Society, through its Co-Chairs John Negroponte and Manny Pangilinan, extended their congratulations to Ambassador Cuisia.

US-Philippines Society Executive Director Hank Hendrickson further said, “Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. is recognized as one of the most energetic and effective diplomats on the Washington circuit. He has been a perfect representative of the Philippines under the Aquino Administration as it made impressive strides in good governance, economic growth and enhanced security over the past six years. Due in large part to Ambassador Cuisia, relations between the United States and the Philippines have never been better.”

“He was instrumental in the 2012 launch of the US-Philippines Society and has been an invaluable partner in sustaining the Society’s work over the past four years. President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Grand Cross Thanks to Ambassador Cuisia’s (Datu) on Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., on Wednesday, Feb. support, the Society has achieved 17 in Los Angeles, California. Also in photo is Mrs. Maria Victoria J. Cuisia

The Candidates: Ms. Panday, the…

PAGE A6 t

Estrada helped his best friend, Poe (Grace’s adoptive father), run for the top post against President Arroyo. Estrada convinced the introverted actor to run and win the presidency, because otherwise, Estrada would spend the rest of his life in jail for the plunder charges filed against him. Given that Poe lost by only 3 percentage points to Arroyo, Estrada now banks his hopes on the Panday’s daughter to sneak into the tight race and win the presidency this year. Those behind Llamanzares are the same gang of supporters as Estrada’s shadowy cabal of Chinese Filipino businessmen that included William Gatchalian.

‘Mini-Me,’ the clone Another candidate is “The Clone,” or a better “Mini-Me:” Manuel Roxas 2nd. “Mini-Me” is that character in those Austin Powers comedy movies – the clone of villain Dr. Evil, identical in every way with the main character but “one-eighth his size.” It was a hilarious scene when Dr. Evil, even if visibly disappointed that his clone is a dwarf, pompously dubs it “Mini-Me.” A similar scene came

to mind when Aquino raised Roxas’ hand as he declared him the Administration’s candidate, even if he knew he was rating badly in the voter-preference polls.

Roxas is without a doubt the contest’s “Mini-Aquino” in the Laylo survey. A huge 42 percent chose him “because he will continue Aquino’s programs, such as the conditional cash-transfer program.” A further 10 percent did because he was endorsed by the President.

Roxas fits the role to a tee. The Mini-Me of the movies often hilariously tries to be tougher than Dr. Evil, only to hide later behind his boss’s legs. Roxas also often tries to appear tougher than Aquino, as when he told the Tacloban mayor Alfred Romualdez in the wake of Yolanda’s damage: “Let’s face it, you are a Romualdez and the President is an Aquino.” Or when he replied to Duterte’s remark that he would slap Roxas when he sees him: “Bakit pa sampalan, pambabae ‘yan, suntukan na lang, ‘di ba?” But he kept his mouth shut when Duterte challenged him to a gun duel.

What dooms Roxas, and ex-

plains his low ratings, is that while 42 percent of those who chose him did so because “he will continue Aquino’s programs,” 38 percent did not vote for him because he will be “like Aquino who hadn’t changed things in the country,” and that he is precisely a Mini-Me, “walang sariling decision, sunud-sunuran kay Aquino.”

That is, it’s a wash being Aquino’s clone.

Dirty Harry, tHe sHeriff Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is the contest’s Dirty Harry, the Wild West Sheriff. In the Laylo survey, nearly 70 percent picked him because of his tough anti-crime stance: “he is a disciplinarian and really punished criminals (22 percent),” “eradicated drug pushers and illegal drugs (20 percent),” “eradicated crime under his leadership (12 percent),” “strict in implementing the law (8 percent)” and “wielded the iron fist in disciplining Filipinos (7 percent).”

Duterte has been mayor of Davao City for 20 years since 1988 (his daughter Sarah became mayor so he could skirt the term limits), and a congressman from 1998 to 2001. But those who chose him

NEW YORK

SEIZED. Some 250 pieces of illegal election campaign tarpaulin streamers and posters that were removed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were handed over Thursday to the enviromental group Ecowaste Coalition to be reused as tents and bags. MMDA General Manager Corazon Jimenez and MMDA Metro Parkway Clearing Group Francis Martinez turned over the tarpaulins to the environmental watchdog group, which is working with the government to promote “Basura-Free Elections.”

Philstar.com photo

alleged, was the purportedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II. The Administration failed in this intense defamation campaign, even if it was supported by the biggest newspaper in the country, and the plot even back-fired, which explains why Binay is now leading in the voter-preference surveys.

The “Good Mayor” is a powerful image in national elections, given that most Filipinos’ encounter with government—especially outside the metropolis—is solely with a mayor. It is at that level where they can feel the impact of having a good or bad government representative, a mayor, on their lives.

However, the second biggest group of Binay’s supporters chose him not just because of his track record as Makati mayor. A significant 19 percent of those who favored him in the Laylo poll picked him because of his “wide experience in government.” This could be due to the fact that aside from being Makati mayor, he served the high-profile posts of Metro Manila Authority chairman from 1990 to 1992, and its successor institution, the Metro Manila Development Authority from 1998 to 2001.

Binay took a clever move when he collaborated with the Aquino

perceived him almost totally as a man who vanquished crime and who could “discipline Filipinos.”

Duterte’s image is as the ruthless San Francisco detective Dirty Harry Callahan who didn’t hesitate to kill criminals where they stood, as portrayed by Clint Eastwood in the box-office hit movies where the lead character replaced the goodygoody iconic hero of the past.

Obviously huge sectors of Filipinos, tired of the wave of crimes that have grown worse under Aquino, want such a cold-blooded crime-buster as President.

But wasn’t Erap, with his PAOC nearly one, and aren’t most of our police, already of that kind? the Mayor About 20 percent of respondents chose Vice President Jejomar Binay because “he could replicate his success as mayor in developing Makati” on a national scale. (“Napaganda/napaunlad niya ang Makati, baka magawa niya sa buong bansa.”) The “good mayor” aiming for the presidency, that is.

This is the reason why the Aquino-Roxas camp undertook an expensive two-year campaign to defame Binay’s track record as mayor, and tried to show that his stint was one of corruption, the biggest instance of which, they

TAIPEI

The Best Link to Cross the

Administration as that added to his political support base. Due to his work as Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, 11 percent of respondents chose him because “he has helped OFWs in trouble in other countries.”

One of Binay’s strong points as revealed in the Laylo survey where 14 percent of those who supported him selected him because “he grew up poor, and therefore he is pro-poor.”

There has been no other presidential candidate—except Ramon Magsaysay, a former auto mechanic who won the presidency in 1953—who managed to have such an image, which is an enormous edge in a country where I suspect more than 70 percent of voters see themselves as poor. (Manuel Villar tried to build up that image in the 2010 elections, and failed catastrophically as it backfired on him.)

Would you vote for somebody whose image is of the Snow White fairy tale type? Would you vote to office a “Mini-Me” so we would have the same kind of government as we’ve had the past six years, a Mini-Me wielding the vast resources and power of the Republic of the Philippines as its leader?

(ManilaTimes.net)

CEBU

Vancouver

7/week

Toronto

Seattle

7/week

New York

Manila

San Francisco

21/week

Los Angeles

Daily

Cebu

Taipei

*starting March 26, 2016

Houston

*6/week starting March 27, 2016

63

Flights A Week

Itinerary

New York - Taipei - Cebu

Departure Dates

Economy Class

3/26/16 - 5/31/16 8/1/16 - 12/11/16 12/25/16 - 12/31/16

Starting from

6/1/16 – 7/31/16 *EVA Air reserves the right to modify, terminate or otherwise amend offer.

USD650 Starting from

Price includes taxes and fuel surcharges. Ticket must be issued by 02/29/2016.

This offer is valid for flights Mon - Thurs only. A surcharge may apply for weekend travel. Seats are limited. Please book flights in advance. Restrictions Apply.

Please contact your local travel agency or EVA website www.evaair.com.

USD1,260 www.evaair.com Find us on:

A FEBRUARY 19-25, 2016 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

February 19 - 25, 2016

people events arts culture entertainment

Â†ĂœÂŻÂ†Ă…ÂşĂŠĂĽĂ™Ă…Â†ÂżĂ–ĂĽÂ’ÂżÂŻÂ“Â†Ă˘ÂŻĂŠĂ…Ăœ

Ç†Â†ĂœÂŻÂ†Ă…ÂşĂŠĂĽĂ™Ă…Â†ÂżÂ“ĂŠĂ„

Ç†Â†ĂœÂŻÂ†Ă…ÂşĂŠĂĽĂ™Ă…Â†Âż

XXX BTJBOKPVSOBM DPN -PT "OHFMFT LJ -BT 7FHBT LJ 0SBOHF $PVOUZ *OMBOE &NQJSF LJ /PSUIFSO $BMJGPSOJB LJ /FX :PSL /FX +FSTFZ

Ann Ong’s sustAinAbility ClutCh bAg, One Of ny nOw’s best new PrOduCt AwArdees

2

An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E b R uA RY 1 9, 20 1 6

Reinvigorating PH handmade industry, one trade show at a time Filipino companies showcase craftsmasnhip at winter edition of NY Now

by MoMar

G. Visaya/AJPress

The winter edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, the industry’s most expansive market event for tens of thousands of buyers, designers, and more took over every inch of the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City for four days a couple of weeks ago.

There were a couple of exhibitors from the Philippines and a handful of United States-based companies showcasing various handicrafts from all over Southeast Asia, including the Philippines.

On the final day of the event, the winners of the Best New Product Awards were presented to 9 exhibitors, representing the sections within the Home, Lifestyle and Handmade Collections.

One of the winners was Filipina designer Ann Ong, who presented her work through Artisan Resource and was under the Handmade Collection. Ong won for her SustainAbility clutch bag made out of salvaged wood and other materials.

“I am proud of what we brought here this time,” Ong said, as she reached for a clutch that was on display. “This one is nominated for the Best New Product award, and like the others we brought, these are one of a kind pieces using found and salvaged objects you can use somewhere else, like this clutch for example. There is so much heart and soul in this one, just look at the craftsmanship.”

Aside from being a functional bag, her pieces can also be made as home decors, she said, because they are “statement pieces.” As they say, every Ann Ong piece has a story to tell.

“My greatest inspiration ever since I started was nature. I always collaborate with nature. I don’t look at magazines to see the trends. I design using my own vision,” Ong explained. “Nature has given me so much creativity and I think through the designs of the found objects that have been thrown away, it is fun to come up with something different.”

With her advocacy directed at celebrating the world-class craftsmanship of the Filipino, it was

Ann Ong with her award.

Photo courtesy of @anngianinnaong Instagram account

inevitable that she’d be working with the people behind NY Now’s Artisan Resource. For this designer, her personal fulfillment comes in the form of giving back and duly recognizing the artisans who share the same vision of making Filipino design more visible in the world arena.

“I always mix fashion and art together to set me apart as a designer so I can also compete with other international designers,” Ong said.

Ong adds this award to her collection of three Katha Awards for Best Product Design for Fashion bestowed on her by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

“I dedicate my New York Now Best New Product Design Winter 2016 award to the universe and to nature, my greatest inspiration,” she said when she posted her photo of the award on social media.

This is the second time that

Ong has participated at NY Now. Last year, she was part of the Design Philippines group under CITEM that exhibited Philippinemade designs and art works.

“We did well the last time and I said we should go back that’s why we’re here again. We should maintain the consistency of being seen here. New York has accepted my designs so it is important that I am visible here as a designer,” she told the Asian Journal. “My mission as a Filipino is to promote the artisans in our country.”

Ong laments that the handmade industry in the Philippines is a dying industry but she hopes it will be reinvigorated through efforts made my some designers collaborating with each other and working with groups such as Artisan Resource.

As part of the Handmade Collection at NY Now, Artisan

Ann Ong poses with the accessories and clutch bags that she brought to the NY Now trade show.

Resource is the productionsourcing section of the market for overseas artisan producers to present their handmade export product collections and custom artisan production capabilities.

For the winter show this year, Indonesia, Morocco and Tunisia has their own pavilion bringing everything from fashion accessories to apparel to home décor and lighting and body care products.

Like Ann Ong, even without the Philippine Pavilion and CITEM’s support, Rose Oamil and her husband Melecio decided to join the winter show to continue what they started last summer.

“Every season, there’s a new collection. Art deco is very strong at the moment and our company has always been known for our art pieces bags and jewelry,” said Rose, CEO of Mele+Marie. “You

can also display our items side by side with other art pieces.”

The couple started the company in 2010 and the company’s name was derived from combining the husband’s name Mele (from Melecio) and the wife’s name Marie (from Rose Marie). They use a variety of materials such as wood, shell, leather, metal, brass, precious stones and eco-friendly materials, among others.

“With the help of CITEM last year, we were able to make good sales last year and I must say we have repeat orders and our clients requested us to be here again so we decided to come back,” Oamil added. “We are very happy with the turnout so far.”

To date, Mele+Marie has clients from different countries in Europe, Asia, and South America, as well as Australia and United

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

States. The couple continues to build their client list as they build their empire. They believe that the only way they can be successful is that by keeping their artisan products maintain their high quality.

“We also did our homework before coming here. We knew that we had buyers coming and we’re prepared for them. We did not come here to wait,” Rose said.

She hopes that the government, through CITEM, continues to support them so they can promote Filipino artisans further and that they can directly compete in the global market.

“The good thing about globalization is that even if we come from a third world country, we are recognized for our handmade products and their craftsmanship,” she said.

Rose and Hannah Oamil of Mele+Marie at the NY Now trade show at the Javits Center in New York City

Mele+Marie jewelry and accessories

Mele+Marie clutch bags and accessories are made out of wood, shell, leather, metal, brass, precious stones and eco-friendly materials, among others.

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ELIGIBILITY for benefits under Section 3 of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) is based on a mathematical formula, where you subtract from the child’s age the length of time it took USCIS to process and approve the petition. You take the date the petition is filed, and the date it was approved. How long did it take USCIS to approve the petition?

Three months? Six months? One year?

Next, you wait (sometimes many years) until the priority date is current (or visa is available). How old is the “child” when the priority date finally becomes current? You subtract from the child’s age the length of time it took the USCIS to process and approve the petition.

If the child’s age is calculated to still be under 21, your child could possibly qualify under the CSPA. • Don’t ask USCIS to “expedite” the approval of the petition! Under the mathematical calculation, the longer USCIS takes to approve a petition, the more time you can subtract from the child’s age when the priority date becomes current. The faster the USCIS approves a petition, the less time

Things that can mess up your child’s CSPA eligibility you can subtract from the child’s age. If USCIS took three months to approve the petition, you can only subtract three months from the child’s age. If USCIS took two years to approve the petition, you can subtract two years from the child’s age. Therefore it is always better, for CSPA purposes, for the USCIS to take longer to approve the petition.

• Your child must “seek to acquire a visa” within one year of when the priority date is current.

Not only does a child’s age have to be under 21, but the child must also “seek to acquire” a visa within one year of availability. This is done by filing certain forms with either USCIS or NVC. In other words, CSPA eligibility is a two – step process. There have been many cases where the child’s age was calculated to be under 21 years of age, but the parents messed up by failing to satisfy the second step of “seeking to acquire” the visa for the child within one year of visa availability.

• Don’t naturalize after your child’s 21st birthday if he or she is CSPA eligible. If your child’s age is calculated to be under 21 and the child seeks to acquire a visa

Pressure cooker violence

An Asian Journal

Magazine

3

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E b R uA RY 1 9, 20 1 6

within one year, but the parent naturalizes after the child’s 21st birthday, the child’s CSPA eligibility is destroyed. I know of several cases where the child qualified under the CSPA: the age was locked in, and the only thing left was the visa interview. But the parent went out and naturalized, which destroyed CSPA eligibility.

There have been published court decisions specifically holding that if the parent naturalizes after the child’s 21st birthday, the child is no longer eligible under the CSPA. My point is that the CSPA can sometimes be a confusing and complex law. What may seem to make sense (such as rushing the approval of a petition) can actually be harmful to a case. Before ENCORE EPISODE ON “CITIZEN PINOY”: “MY PARENTS ARE GREEN CARD HOLDERS, AND HAVE BEEN IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR OVER TWO you act as your own attorney, giv- YEARS. CAN THEY STILL RETURN TO THE US ON THEIR EXISTING GREEN CARDS?” This Sunday, leading US immigration attorney Michael J. ing yourself advice, and making Gurfinkel answers questions from Kapamilya in Rosemont, Illinois. Hear about the latest updates regarding Humanitarian Revalidation. up your own laws and rules, you Find out if a crewman can use his visa to visit his child in the US. Answers to all of these and more on an encore episode of the information-packed, award-winning public service program — “Citizen Pinoy,” this Sunday, February 21 at 6:15pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST should, instead, consult with an thru select Cable/Satellite providers). attorney to make sure you’re doing it correctly and are properly active member of the State Bar of California. does not constitute a prediction, warranty, Call Toll free to schedule a consultation strategizing the case.

Each case is different. The information guarantee or legal advice regarding the for anywhere in the US: *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an

old campus police officer at MIT. The officer was killed by multiple gunshot wounds while in his Two young Muslim Chechen squad car. Another police officer brothers, who together with their Immigrant was gunned down. More than 180 families came as refugees 10 years Living: 101 people were injured and maimed ago and who lived much of their while more than a dozen spectalives on state welfare allegedly and Beyond tors have lost their limbs. So many committed this heinous assault on people’s lives were turned upside American soil.

Monette AdevA MAglAyA The older terrorist died in a volley down by these malcontents.

There has been no let-up in of gunfire and after being run over violence. Who can forget the and dragged allegedly by his own (Part 1 of 2) heartbreaking murder of innocents brother. The surviving younger “AFTER all the news vans are gone from the crime scene, after the brother claim that they, particularly in Newtown by a deranged misfit his brother who was the ringleader raised by a misguided parent? vacuous words of any sitting presiOur hearts are heavy and there of the bombing, was angered by dent have been said, after all referis a collective pall of gloom among the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ences to the story are buried in the inside pages and eventually ground and are defending attacks on Islam. the general population. Sadly, He is doing time for his crime yet he violence is a feature of modern life. to a halt on the internet, and when the grieving families of victims have and his family are without remorse. A cursory glance at the day’s news everywhere around the world They murdered 3 innocent no more tears to shed, there is no bystanders: a boy of 8, a 29 year old indicates that nothing much seems answer to the question ‘WHY?” woman who was a restaurant man- to have changed. We seem to be Do you still remember the Bosager, a 23 year old Boston University stuck on some kind of groove from ton Marathon tale of murder and hell. Man’s own inhumanity to man mayhem on a lovely spring day just grad student of math and statistics from China and a well-liked 26 year continues unabated and is still at a few years ago?

contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and

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

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com

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

an all-time high.

In 2010, Omar Thornton, a black driver of a beer distribution warehouse, was recorded on video stealing beer from the Connecticut company he was working for.

Confronted with the evidence, he was given the choice to quit or be fired, instead, he pulled out a gun hidden in his lunchbox and blasted away at his superiors, who happen to be all white, and according to one victim who survived the carnage, as “cold as ice” fatally killed eight good people and injured two others before killing himself. The race card was immediately pulled out as a motive among the pundits trying to put a racial spin on the tragedy. The fact remains that one evil man wiped out the lives of eight good, productive people and forever marred the lives of those around him.

There’s a common thread — one man driven by religious

fanaticism, rage, jealousy, paranoia, desperation, depression over economic pressures, family problems or just plain deranged, decided he can’t take it anymore and instead of committing suicide, decide to inflict murder and mayhem killing several others, either his own family members or total strangers.

In 2009, there were more than 7 mass murders committed by ordinary people, with a total casualty count, including the murderers themselves, of more than 60 people before the first 100 days of the year were over. It is 6 years later and this tragic social phenomenon is still trending upwards.

Pundits and talking heads predict that as the percentage of the unemployed continues to hold steady as we stay in the grip of a stubborn economic downturn, we can expect more of this type of horror. God forbid.

The trend for mass killings is

global. Breivik who killed 77 Norwegians in 2011, most of whom were teen-agers is in jail serving a paltry 21 years. His only regret is not being able to kill more.

Ever since the Columbine mass murder perpetrated by 2 young misguided misfits garbed in black trench coats more than 10 years ago, things haven’t been the same.

There were copycats exhibiting lemming-like behavior since then.

Evil glamorized by repetition and attention-getting drama seems to have morphed into many other incidents in North America and elsewhere, resulting in incalculable, untold pain and suffering among families of the victims.

Who can forget the theater killings in Colorado? Who can forget the great pain inflicted by the Virginia Tech mass murder which snuffed out the lives of 32, including Cho, the killer, who was a quiet, Continued on Page 5

(Advertising Supplement)

An Asian Journal

Magazine

4

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E b R uA RY 1 9, 20 1 6

On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong THE dimly lit posh entertainment venue was almost full to the rafters when I inched my way after a burly, stern doorman stamped my right wrist with an indelible admission insignia. Slithering in rectilinear locomotion like a snake hunting for its prey, my blinded sight prevented me to execute spontaneous steps for fear I might step on someone’s foot along the way. Sans a single usher to assist me find an available table was tantamount to trekking a thickly forested trail.

The crowd’s boisterous laughter and unrestrained tête-à-têtes seemed struggling to subdue the amplified voice of the band’s vocal soloist rendering an old time familiar fast-beat number. Seductively donned in a black knitted mini bustier dress with thick kinky blond-dyed hair freely swaying as she tilted her head, the enticing lady crooner won her audience’s attention when she hit ceiling high notes while gyrating to the song’s infectious beat.

A prolonged thundering applause strappingly coupled with chirrups and shrills was more than enough to gauge the singer and the band’s remarkable performance. The vocal frontliner? No other than fast-rising singer-performer Michelle Pross, more popularly known as Michelle Michelle.

Michelle, who appears to live up to her French-y name with the way she dresses and projects, is remarkably making waves and unhurriedly establishing her distinct mark in various New York watering holes particularly in the Queens area. In just less than 2 years (since her arrival in August 2014), Michelle has incredibly built a huge following with an avid fan base.

From the verdant beachfront town of Nasugbu, Batangas, Mi-

EMPLOYMENT

Michelle Michelle: ‘Music feeds my soul, performing sustains my existence’ chelle was born to Marilou Padilla and German-American David Pross on February 23 but the latter failed to see the formative years of his only daughter due to their short-lived union.

Hiding a passionate and sensitive nature while being an innate dreamer, Michelle is indubitably a true blooded Piscean who expresses her emotions and inner passion through body language (dance), poetry, and music. “Thanks to the invention of the karaoke machine,” Michelle quoted as an ice-breaker. “My entire family, from my Lolo and Lola, uncles and aunts, and even my mom, are all singers.”

It wasn’t until she was in her 3rd year in Nursing at the University of the Philippines (Manila) when she decided to quit school and embrace singing as a career.

“I had to earn not only to sustain my studies but to support my four other siblings. My Mom remarried and had four children…all boys,” Michelle recalled sentimentally. “In 2004, I was lucky to be given an artist’s visa and joined an overseas-bound band to Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Hong-Kong, and other Asian key cities. I travelled extensively for 8 years with just a few months of vacation every year.”

Her Dubai stint was the most gratifying for Michelle since everything was offered free: their uniforms, hotel accommodation, food, and with only 3 hours of work every day. All they did was faultlessly master their setra (a band’s term for memorizing and learning new songs) and perfect their performance routine. “All our earnings were intact with bonuses and tips to bring home,” she disclosed.

“I’m really lucky to be paid while enjoying what I’m doing!”

It was while in the Middle East where she experienced to

participate in an international band competition, the International Battle of the Bands, which was won by Sri Lanka. It was a loss that gained for her a full knowledge of a diversity of songs that developed her alternative rock style ala Evanescence. Not limiting her expertise, she could do jazz music, pop songs…and her Dubai stint also made her a ramp mannequin.

Performers, especially women, need to be updated with their costumes but Michelle knows exactly how to please her audience not only audibly but visually, too.

“I am neither brand conscious nor would splurge a lot on clothes.

What matters most for me is to deliver the best that they wanted to hear and wear outfits that may be provocative but enticingly much my music style,” the 5’4” 135-pounder singer who wears a size 8 justifiably said.

A prepared set of questionnaires ably offered a deeper glimpse of Michelle’s personal life: Asian Journal (AJ): Do you have a main job?

Michelle: I was armed with a Practical Nursing License before I came over that allowed me to work legally. My first case was a Jewish followed by an Italian. So far, I’m enjoying the best of both worlds…my main job and my singing career.

AJ: What are your personal favorites among the more than 250 songs in your repertoire?

Michelle: I always include Adele’s “Someone Like You” and Evanescence’s “Bring Me To Life” and “My Immortal” in my every gig.

AJ: What are your audience’s most requested songs?

Michelle: The crowd has always a variety of song preference… majority consistently requested for songs by Asin, Sampaguita,

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

A souvenir shot when Michelle was crowned Mutya ng Batangas runner-up

Michelle Michelle, the portrait of a hardworking singer-performer

Michelle with her band, the Rockin’ Red Horse

and Aegis since these have been associated with me.

AJ: If given the chance to relive your life or given to make a choice, what other profession would you pick?

Michelle: Definitely, I won’t change a thing. I always loved to sing while I wanted to be a nurse.

Given another year, I will be able to realize my dream to be a fullpledged nurse.

AJ: Don’t you dream of doing a huge concert as the defining moment of your singing career?

Michelle: Honestly, that never occurred in my mind. I could have done it long time ago but I wasn’t that ambitious. What I am and where my career stands now is just fine with me. For as long as I earn enough to maintain my lifestyle and send my family back home the support they needed, I’m happily satisfied.

AJ: How gratifying is the

compensation (in singing) here in the US? Michelle: It’s way down less compared to the Middle East but okay na rin. May mga tips naman… about $20 to $50 per song request… which I share with the band members.

AJ: How long will you be singing?

Michelle: Well, as long as I’m still in demand and there are still bookings, my singing career goes on. But personally, if a performer is still young, say below 40, she could still effectively be a band frontrunner but when one has aged, she should be singing with a piano.

AJ: In the almost 16 years of doing shows, have you encountered malicious attacks or unruly audience?

Michelle: Luckily, nothing of the sort. Although I have already anticipated such instances and

SERVICES

I’m ready to defend myself. I could befriend them to divert their (mad) intentions.

AJ: Here in the US, how many bands have you joined?

Michelle: It’s funny that, here, when a single band member leaves, they could immediately take a replacement and rename the group like new. So far, the first band I was with was the Intensity Band with Eric Celerio, then the CADA Band, Talahib Rock Band, Placid Band, and currently the Rockin’ Red Horse Band but I did also gigs with Rock Jeepney, NU7 Band, and other groups that need an alternate vocalist.

AJ: You’re always busy, how do you find time to rest? What’s your favorite past time?

Michelle: I love watching movies either in theaters or television and reading books. You won’t beContinued on Page 5

An Asian Journal

The Kite Runner Prof.

EnriquE M. Soriano THE overseas Chinese or huachiao is a term commonly used for the Chinese in Southeast asia. In a broad sense, overseas Chinese refers to all Chinese who have left their home in China to live and work abroad. The Chinese migration to Southeast asia, particularly those who arrived between the 18th century and mid-20th century was mainly for economic reasons and focused in economic activities related to employment and trade.

Their prime motivation was to make a decent living and survive in a practically new frontier.

Unparalleled work ethic In my new book, “Ensuring Your Family Business legacy”, I identified eight out of the twelve most famous Filipino entrepreneurs and included wealthy businessmen whose families emigrated from

The makings of a successful Chinese entrepreneur mainland China to the Philippines before World War II when the economy was strong.

I mentioned in my last column and I wish to reiterate that even if each took a different approach, there is one common denominator among them before they became famous Filipino entrepreneurs — unparalleled work ethic While there are other factors that contribute to their achievements, such as being frugal, a good financial sense, and a strong network of fellow Chinese businessmen for support, the collective image of these famous Filipino entrepreneurs working hard and diligently has stuck in the minds of budding entrepreneurs in the Philippines.

Indeed, if one aspires to become a successful entrepreneur, there is much to learn from the Chinese Filipino entrepreneurs.

The following list, initially three

due to limited space, gives an overview of the most famous Filipinos in business, mostly Chinese with a handful of Spanish mestizos. I will start with the four most popular and successful businessmen. I am hoping my readers can learn a lot from these icons of the Philippine business scene.

1. Henry Sy. Henry Sy came from an impoverished family in Jinjiang, a town near Xiamen, China. The entire family left China in 1936 to help the family patriarch manage a thriving convenience store in manila. as a child, Henry Sy used to work twelve-hours a day to help his father run their small family-owned convenience store. During the Second World War, their store was looted and burned so the young Sy switched to buying whatever he could to sell for a profit. Hard times and a humble background in retail,

Coco Martin on his journey to fame “Paloma,” “Cardo” “Daniel Guidotti” “Bestfriend Emman.“— these are just some of the roles he porBy Monet Lu trayed and yet these are the very characters that were etched in our memories and became part of our lives as avid teleserye fans. Each of the roles are so distinct from each other and yet, all of them attest to the quintessential chameleon acting of Coco martin.

I’ve heard great stories about the young actor. It’s one of those stories that would inspire anyone who is just starting out in the tv and film industry. Such is my delight when I’ve seen how people enjoy his teleserye, “FPJ’s ang Probinsyano.” as I am currently visiting manila for a much-deserved homecoming vacation, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how much things have changed in terms of who is getting more exposure in the entertainment arena. But I am so glad that Coco martin, who is one of the most talented actors of this generation, is getting his share of fame and recognition that he so very much deserved. an online bio of him states: “Coco martin is one of the celebrities in the Philippines that earned his break through the indie scene. Coco or born as Rodel Nacianceno was dubbed as “The Prince of Philippine Independent Films.” Coco was born on November 1, 1981 in Novaliches, Quezon City. He was once an oFW based in alberta, Canada. He worked as a janitor for housekeeping. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree on HRm in National College of Business and arts.”

His website narrates his journey to stardom saying; “While his early years in the limelight were plagued with uncertainty, he still grabbed the opportunity to make every new experience count. Coco was launched as part of Star Circle Batch 9, landing him supporting roles in several films like luv Txt and other television shows. Nothing remarkable came out of this endeavor, so Coco went back to pursue his studies, putting his mainstream showbiz career in the backseat.

Coco was already starting to feel comfortable partaking in smaller-scale projects instead, when he came across with Ferdinand lapuz, a respected promoter of Filipino films in international festivals. He offered Coco the lead role in the movie masahista, his initial foray into the independent film genre. Innocent to the provocative nature of the project directed by Brillante mendoza, Coco jumped into the so-called œindie film scene amidst personal doubts in high hopes of competing abroad, so he can seek a better job prospect in another land.”

I guess that explains his great talent in internalizing almost any role that was given to him – including a very beautiful woman cop undercover named, Paloma in the hit series, “FPJ’s ang Probinsyano” (recognized as the Best Primetime Show by Platinum Stallion media awards). In the said series, Coco played the role of twins ador and Cardo who were estranged from each other, yet they both pursued the path of law enforcement. ador was a celebrated police officer, who is married with a kid. Cardo on the other hand, loves the solitude of the mountains as a Special actions Forces Trooper.

Their lives take a turn when ador gets murdered due to his entanglement in a syndicate. To cover the crime, Cardo was ordered to become his brother and live his

From Page 3 deranged malcontent who never quite fit in. many noted that perpetrators of this troubling trend were often the quiet ones. We are now told to watch out for the quiet “pressure cooker” types, those who never cause a ripple, are withdrawn and spend hours on the internet and who find ways to circumvent the many state gun laws in place and and explode with volcanic intensity and wipe out those around them. a young mentally troubled gun enthusiast from alabama, depressed over his life and who kept mostly to himself, killed 5 members of his own family and 5 other total strangers at random in a barrage of gunfire before taking his own life.

He was a Vietnamese immigrant named Jiverly Wong, aka Vuong,

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E b R uA RY 1 9, 20 1 6

shaped and molded the young Sy. Today, he is touted by the business community as the richest man in the Philippines with a net worth of US$14.4 Billion, according to the Forbes.com list in march 2015.

With over fifty malls and stores of various sizes, the most recognized of all famous Filipino businessmen has foothold in virtually all the major cities in the Philippines.

They recently even expanded to Guam and China. To date, four of the ten largest malls in the world are owned and operated by the Sy family.

2. Lucio Tan. lucio Tan worked as a janitor in a cigarette factory. after a few promotions, he eventually resigned and started his own tobacco company. This company grew to capture a 60% share of the Philippine market. With its strong revenues, Tan was able to diversify. This famous Filipino businessman now owns several

prominent Philippine companies, many of them blue-chippers. The biggest chunk of his fortune comes from his Hongkong based Eton Properties. among the country’s wealthiest businesmen, Tan is arguably the most enigmatic. He is the most elusive, preferring to stay out of the limelight. His 2015 net worth is US$4.3 Billion according to Forbes.com.

3. Andrew Tan. andrew Tan is a billionaire businessman from the Philippines who engages in real estate, liquor, and fast food.

His network currently stands at US$4.5 Billion based on the Forbes’ billionaires list. originally a simple immigrant from China, Tan was born in the Fujian province of China. He spent his childhood at an apartment in Hong Kong shared by other families and had a short supply of basic necessities. (Please see related article last year where I wrote about his phenomenal rise).

lieve it but I have a mini library of my collections since high school.

I’m proud that I own a complete edition of the Guinness Book of World Records and almanacs. oh, and I love to eat… although I cannot cook. (and released a hearty laugh).

AJ: Are you currently dating? michelle: I have a very private love life which I don’t merge with neither my job nor my singing career. The set-up gives me a refreshing alternative different from what I publicly do. This serves as a neutralizer and an emotional reliever. We’ve been on for almost 4 years and he doesn’t meddle with my professional affairs.

AJ: If there’s but one place you want to visit, where is it? And why? michelle: oh, that would be Netherlands! Simply because

people there enjoy more freedom and they’re like on their own.

Walang pakialaman! I like to try living there. It is my type of place.

AJ: What are your other personal favorites? michelle: I like Jack & Coke, light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana, and I am very partial to pink and blue colors. michelle has successfully established her name in the entertainment circuit while creating an image peculiarly hers. admittedly a woman of extreme personalities, she could easily adjust to any given situation, She might have been Paul mcCartney’s inspiration when he composed the love ballad “michelle ma Belle,” the 1965 featured single in the Beatles’ Rubber Soul album which goes: “michelle, ma Belle… sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble…” (michelle, my sweetheart… these are words that go together

Calendar of Events across

*** Prof. Soriano is an ASEAN Family Business Advisor and Chair of the Marketing Cluster of the ATENEO Graduate School of Business. He is a National Agora Awardee and book author of Kite Runner, a book on Family Business Governance and Succession. For comments, you may email the writer at sorianoasia@ gmail.com

Michelle was a ramp model in Dubai

well…)

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

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS

Coco Martin

life, and in order to seek justice for his brother’s death.

Coco’s life story as a regular oFW starring in several indie films, to being one of the finest actors in Philippine cinema has taught him – and those who want to be like him – that dedication to one’s craft will reap success, if he or she is just patient, hardworking as most of all, humble. I admire him for being one of the truest person in showbiz.

He doesn’t try as hard to associate himself to controversial personalities or gimmicks. He is just plain, old, downto-earth “probinsyano” like the character he plays.

Coco also starred in the blockbuster hit and Star Cinema’s entry to mmFF, “Beauty and the Bestie” opposite Vice Ganda. The latter earned over 500 million and was the season’s number 1 top grossing entry.

Throughout Coco’s journey to achieving his dreams, he remained simple, humble and grateful. To date, he has won more than 50 awards and showing no signs of fading out of the limelight. I say this to most of my friends but I say this again to those who admire this young man: It is not always about the destination, sometimes – or more often – it is the journey that makes it all worth it. To Coco martin: congratulations on your journey. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary allnatural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration.

To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

a quiet, social misfit, driven by severe paranoia and frustrated over his “poor life” and poor English skills, gunned down 12 others in an immigrant center, 10 of whom came from 8 countries and who were students just trying to learn English as a second language. one was a Filipina, Dolores Yigal, then, a recent immigrant who was studying so she could find a job. one was a long time substitute teacher named Roberta King. one was an Iraqi woman who survived 3 car bombs in her native Iraq and left behind a devastated family, a daughter at the Sorbonne in Paris and another daughter, a Fulbright scholar. all these lives were cut off by one sorry excuse for a human being in one fell swoop. among ordinary families from all strata and from nearly every ethnic group, there has also been a rash of killings among fathers who have

later, he moved to manila where he studied accounting at the University of the East. For economic reasons, he would head to school walking rather than riding on public transportation. During his early years in business, the local government unit of Quezon City honored him as “Businessman of the Year” in 2004. Tan now runs the alliance Global Group, Inc. (aGI), composed of four companies namely megaworld Corporation, Emperador Distillers, Inc., Travellers International/Resorts World manila and Goldern arches Development Corporation.

Michelle Michelle: ‘Music feeds my...

From Page 4

Pressure cooker ...

5

Magazine

decided to kill themselves because of their failures and are taking their whole family with them. on rare occasions, it is a mother who does it.

Sometimes, the sick and the elderly decide to take matters into their own hands and end it all. The murder suicide rate among families is on the rise, thankfully not in epidemic proportions just yet as to cause panic.

Perhaps, some of this is fueled by the effects of crumbling social and cultural mores. or this could simply be the effects of the economic downturn. Some are unable to cope with mounting financial pressures. and yet to merely focus on economics as the root of this troubling phenomenon is shortsighted and misses the whole point.

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

F E B R UA RY 2 0

PCCHS/ PUPLHS 1996 Golden Jubilee The Philippine College of Commerce High School Laboratory Batch 1966 (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines) will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee from February 20-21 in Manila, Philippines. According to the President of the PCCHS Batch ‘66 Alumni Association, ROLAND ATIENZA, about 55 batchmates from Australia, Canada and USA have confirmed attendance to the Homecoming and 50 from Manila local chapter. Activities lined up for the Golden Jubilee Celebration are as follows: February 20, 2016 -- 6:00-12:00 pm. Formal Program/Dinner at the Banahaw Ballroom, The Legend Villas, Mandaluyong City, Philippines February 21, 2016 -- 8:00 am - 9:00 pm - Visit the ANAWIM Home for the Abandoned Elderly, Montalban, Rizal Province (Fellowship/Lunch/Donate basic needs of the elderly) - Tour of Manila (Former PCCHS in Lepanto, Intramuros Tour (old churches and Cathedral, Rizal Park, Fort Santiago) - Dinner/Cultural Show, at Barbara’s, Intramuros February 22, 2016 - BREAKUP GROUP (To Palawan, Laguna and respective hometown provinces of the guests) For inquiries, please contact the following members of the CORE group: Agnes T. Sule #09165567000 suleagnes@yahoo.com, Roland Atienza #09062947156 atienza8@yahoo.com, Rebecca T. Sayed 09064032624 rebecca.sayed@yahoo.com, Lourdes T. Flores lulutflores@yahoo.com, Rebecca Sayed rebecca.sayed@yahoo.com.

Take the ‘Journey to Success’ at Cal State LA WHAT: Asian American and Pacific Islander students and families are invited to California State University, Los Angeles for “Journey to Success,” a college exposition open to high school and community college students who are interested in Cal State LA. “Journey to Success” will feature workshops on how to prepare and pay for college, information on CSU requirements for admission and application processes, and representatives from Cal State LA and other CSU campuses to answer questions. The outreach event will include free parking, breakfast, special giveaways, college resources and student panels. The college expo is sponsored by the California State University’s (CSU) Asian American and Pacific Islander Initiative.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm WHERE: The Golden Eagle Ballrooms at Cal State LA. (5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA) For more information and details, please go to calstate.edu/journeytosuccess or call the Office of Outreach and Recruitment at Cal State LA, (323) 343-3839.

MARCH 4-6

GK USA National Summit 2016 There is no better time for Gawad Kalinga (GK) to present the Philippines as the new land of opportunity, with a steadily rising economy--the fastest growing in the world next to China, according to Bloomberg--and alleviating poverty. GK continues to evolve as a movement, starting with philanthropy expanding to sustainability, and creating hybrid, innovative systems to end poverty. The Summit will provide an opportunity for Filipinos, GK volunteers, partners, and millennials to reconnect with their homeland, contribute to their country and social entrepreneurship, and help to build bridges for a thriving nation. Asian Americans will have a taste of the emerging market of world-class, affordable Philippine-made products, such as Bayani Brew, First Harvest Peanut Spreads, Human Nature beauty products, and Theo Philo chocolates. Support GK’s humanitarian efforts to provide home and livelihood to the poorest of the poor, and learn about GK, GK USA, and GK Enchanted Farm programs. The Summit will take place from March 4-6, 2016, at the Radisson Midtown at USC, Los Angeles (3540 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90007). To register, please visit gk-usa.org.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

An Asian Journal

6

Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E b R uA RY 1 9, 20 1 6

PCGNY opens doors on Saturdays Grammy awards: A night of epic tributes and electric performances to accept consular services Bruno Mars takes home 3 Grammys

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

THE 58th annual Grammy Awards, recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in the music industry, was a big night for artists including Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Bruno Mars.

At the Premiere Grammy Awards Ceremony, most of the 83 awards in various categories were handed out. Only eight awards were presented live on CBS, along with a string of memorable performances that included Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Pitbull, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Jack Ü (Diplo and Skrillex), and many more. A performance by Rihanna was cancelled at the last minute due to bronchitis.

Taylor Swift took home prestigious album of the year award for “1989,” during the live ceremony on Monday night, held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. It was her third Grammy win of the day. (She also took home Best Pop Vocal Album for “1989” and Best Music Video for “Bad Blood,” featuring Kendrick Lamar.)

“As the first woman to win album of the year at the Grammys twice, I want to say to all the young women out there, there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame,” Swift said in her acceptance speech, which some believe is a response to rapper Kanye West’s lyrics about her in his new single, “Famous.”

“But if you just focus on the work, and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you’re going, you’ll look around and you’ll know that it was you and the people who love you that put you there,” she added, “and that will be the greatest feeling in the world.”

28-year-old rapper Lamar, who earned a record of 11 nominations, received his fifth Grammy of the day for best rap album for his ac-

claimed “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

“First off, glory to God, that’s for sure,” said Lamar, who also thanked family and those who worked on the album. He added, “This is for hip-hop.”

Compton-based Lamar had one of the most powerful and talkedabout performances of the night, with onstage images of jail cells, a giant fire and tribal dances, and the word “Compton” superimposed over an image of the African continent. The rapper emerged in chains to perform a medley of his songs “The Blacker the Berry” and “Alright,” from his award-winning album “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

It was also a night of music’s biggest tributes. Lady Gaga paid an eclectic tribute to the late David Bowie; Stevie Wonder sang “That’s the Way of the World” with Pentatonix in honor of Earth, Wind and Fire’s Maurice White; Bonnie Raitt, Gary Clark Jr. and Chris Stapleton came out to honor R&B pioneers Ruth Brown and B.B. King, and Jackson Browne and the remaining members of The Eagles sang “Take It Easy” for Glenn Frey, who died on Jan. 18. Luke Bryan, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Tyrese and Meghan Trainor also performed a medley of Lionel Richie’s hits, later joined by the singer himself.

The Hollywood Vampires--which includes Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry--also made their fiery television debut, introduced by Dave Grohl. The group paid homage to the leader of Motorhead, late singer-songwriter Lemmy Kilmister.

Breakout performances included a pop duet by country singers Sam Hunt and Carrie Underwood, as well as a riveting mashup of “Hollow / Let It Go” by newcomer artists Tori Kelly and James Bay. Singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton was awarded best country album of the year win for “Traveller,” while Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking out Loud” was named Song of the Year. The British artist also received his first Grammy ever for

NEW YORK—In fulfillment of its commitment to make consular services more accessible to its clients, the Philippine Consulate General New York is launching Consulate Saturdays as part of its Consular Outreach program. The Consulate will be open on select Saturdays of 2016 to accept applications for Passport, Reacquisition of Filipino citizenship, Notarization and Authentication,

and Civil Registry (Report of Birth, Marriage, Death).

One Consulate Saturday will be held every quarter: Feb. 27, May 28, Aug. 27, and Nov. 19, from 10am to 3pm. No appointments are necessary for Consulate Saturdays. For more information, please emailconsular.outreach@newyorkpcg.org or visit their website www.newyorkpcg.org.

Commemorative event of President Elpidio Quirino’s 60th death anniversary on Feb. 29

Filipino-American singer Bruno Mars took home three Grammys, including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Remixed Recording (Non-Classical), and Record of the Year for his funky hit with producer Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk.”

Photo posted by Bruno Mars on his Instagram account

best solo pop performance. Rock quartet Alabama Shakes won the best rock performance with “Don’t Wanna Fight,” which was also named best rock song of the year, and the group won best alternative music album for “Sound & Color.”

The cast of Broadway’s “Hamilton” performed the hip-hop musical’s opening number, which was broadcasted live from the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City.

“Hamilton” also took home Best Musical Theater Album.

Adele, whose new record “25” will make next year’s Grammy’s cut, had a rare weak performance when the sound cut out during her live rendition of “All I Ask.” “The piano mics fell on to the piano strings,

that’s what the guitar sound was.

It made it sound out of tune. Sh*t happens,” Adele tweeted later, brushing off the unavoidable technical difficulties.

Filipino-American singer Bruno Mars took home three Grammys, including Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Remixed Recording (Non-Classical), and Record of the Year for his funky hit with producer Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk.” The prestigious accolade, presented at the end of the night by fellow Super Bowl performer Beyoncé, is Mars’ fourth Grammy Award.

“This is dedicated to the fans right here. We wouldn’t be here it weren’t for the people dancing in this song,” Mars said in his speech.

“This is for ya’ll.”

NEW YORK—The Philippine Consulate General New York in partnership with the President Elpidio Quirino Foundation will host a commemorative event to mark the 60th death anniversary of President Elpido Quirino, 6th President of the Philippines, on Monday, Feb. 29 at the Philippine Center New York.

The event will coincide with the re-interment of President Quirino at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Manila in a ceremony to be held the same day led by President Benigno Aquino III and members of the Quirino family. Video footage of the re-interment ceremony will be screened during the event.

The commemorative event will consist of reflections on President Quirino’s life and legacy.

Consul General Mario L. de Leon Jr. will talk on President Quirino as the Father of the Philippine Foreign Service.

Mr. Elpidio “Elpi” Pineda Quirino, grand-nephew of President Quirino and one of the members of the board of advisers of the President Elpidio Quirino Foundation, together with his wife, Elizabeth Ann, will narrate how his Lolo Elpidio’s passion and commitment to the Philippines remains inspirational to this day.

Ms. Lilia Clemente, a Filipina trailblazer on Wall St., will present how President Quirino focused on the economic rebuilding of the country in the aftermath of World War II. Ms. Clemente’s grandfather, Melecio Fabros, was President Quirino’s Customs Commissioner during the Quirino term.

Dr. Jesus Ligot Jr., a Quirino

grand-nephew and a psychiatrist specializing in post-traumatic stress syndrome, will give a talk on how President Quirino demonstrated resilience and fortitude in spite of the tragic death of his wife Alicia Syquia Quirino and their three children during the Battle of Manila in February 1945.

Michael Quirino Martinez, President Quirino’s great-grandson, will give the closing remarks.

During the event, the family of President Quirino in the United States will also launch the book they co-authored titled “Statesman and Survivor Elpidio Quirino, 6th President of the Philippines”, which is available on Amazon.com and Blurb.com.

The commemorative event will be a fitting tribute to President Quirino, complementing the honor accorded to him by the country through his re-interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Manila, his rightful resting place, alongside past Philippine presidents, heroes and war veterans.

Gerald & Arci: A new team to watch

by JErry

DonAto

Philstar.com

UNEXPECTED pairing is how I describe Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz’s first team-up in the Star Cinema post-Valentine offering “Always Be My Maybe.” The two make a tandem which is unapologetic but speaks of a surprise chemistry (make it engaging) that moviegoers will enjoy, especially when their characters Jake and Tin-Tin essay a narrative that thrives on the complexity of a relationship.

Based on the movie trailers, it is a Dan Villegas movie that hits close to home, you know, similar to Pinoys’ penchant for multi-layered family drama.

“I’m Tin-Tin, who is always the victim of pa-fall,” says Arci of her character, who is on the verge of giving up on love. “Pa-fall refers to those pa-asa (men who give you the impression and the confusing signals that they also like you). She is siopao-zoned. It means binolabola ka na nga (nung guy), asadongasado ka pa rin, (the guy makes you believe that there’s something special between you and him and then you buy the idea.) Hindi (siya) nadala at paulit-ulit. (She has been trapped over and over again).”

The guy who could help Tin-Tin break away from that “vicious” cycle of romance is Jake, played by Gerald.

“I’m an aspiring photographer,” he shares. “(My character) struggles a bit with his relationships, ’wag kayong mag-alala, malayong, malayo sa totoong buhay [laughs]).”

Gerald, however, can relate to some aspects of the personal life of Jake, whose girlfriend of six years declined his marriage proposal.

“I can relate to the decision-making that my character has gone through in the movie, yung immaturity niya, yung commitment niya, yung realization niya,” he says. “ “There are many as far as relationships are concerned,” added Gerald of the lessons Always Be My Maybe offers to moviegoers, especially millennials who get into complicated affairs. “The story revolves around relationships, about commitment, the maybe (type of relationship) and the no-label one, which happens every day. That’s why a lot can relate to the story.” This is what Jake and Tin-Tin will deal with head-on in the movie.

“If love is a maybe, then it is not

Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz team up for the first time in Star Cinema’s “Always Be My Maybe.”

Star Cinema photo

really love,” says Arci. “It is just an infatuation, crush or like. If it’s love, you have to be certain. Dapat sigurado ka, nakikipag-commit ka, dapat buong-buo mong ibibigay yun. Hindi yan installment. (You should be sure of your feelings since you have committed yourself to the person.

You have to give your all. You can’t give love in an installment basis.)

When you’re in love, there is never a maybe.”

On a professional level, Arci and Gerald never held back to come up with a “natural” interpretation of their characters. This was done with the guidance of direk Dan, who believes in creative collaboration. They would seek each other’s opinion to make the characters real, especially when film collaborators (director, writers and actors) need a female or male perspective.

“I came in the movie (set) and I just wanted to be honest with every scene and every situation, lahat ng pinagdadaanan ni Jake,” recalls Gerald.

Arci, on the other hand, has a different story because Always Be My Maybe is her big break from Star Cinema.

“I’m excited,” she says. “It is not just a 24-hour success for me. I’ve been around for almost nine years.

I transferred to different networks.

Then, ABS had given me this big op-

portunity to showcase my talent. I’m grateful. I don’t know how to thank them enough.” Since her entry to the Kapamilya network, Arci has shown her range in the acting department from Pasion De Amor’s Norma Elizondo to her “remarkable performance” in “A Second Chance.”

“I don’t want to be labeled (as this and that actress). I just want to give what is expected from me — playing the role well, (na) maayos at maganda.”

Proof to this are the mature, titillating scenes she and Gerald had in the movie, aside from the seemingly-straight-from-everyday-conversation lines that speak of this generation’s relationships.

“He is a gentleman,” says Arci. “I’m not (surprised) why girls fall for him.”

“She was very professional because what she did was difficult, medyo daring,” Gerald praises his onscreen partner. “We shot the love scene for almost a day. She did great.

Her character would tease Jake. I wasn’t used to it because in some scenes I would normally be the starter. Her sexiness was oozing. I think it was the most intense scene I had ever done.”

With the actors’ commitment to their roles, the movie works as a kilig romantic comedy with strong semblances of what’s happening out there.

An Asian Journal

Magazine

Marian Rivera: I feel more complete

by Nathalie

tomada

Philstar.com

I love my work but my priority now is really my daughter.”

Marian proudly noted that she’s breastfeeding Baby Zia full-time. “No formula milk for three months now,” she shared. “Thank you Lord, marami akong stock (breast milk).”

“At first, it was hard. It even reached the point na naiiyak ako kasi maya’t maya I have to breastfeed, then ‘pag tulog siya, I have to pump, then when she wakes up, I have to breastfeed her again, siempre sobrang sensitive.

Ang hirap pala pero sabi ng asawa ko, ‘Susuportahan kita, ‘wag kang susuko.’

“I’m really doing this for my daughter because they say, a breastfed baby will be healthier and better behaved growing up. So, it’s okay.

I’m willing to make sacrifices for our daughter.”

Having a child has obviously made Marian and Dingdong tighter as a couple. According to Marian, they’re very hands-on as parents, not even employing the help of a nanny. At the time of the presscon, she entrusted her daughter to her mother and lola.

“Sabi nga ni Dong, ‘Ang swerte talaga natin kasi nagkaroon tayo ng anak.’ Lagi niyang sinasabi na ang pagkakaroon ng anak ay isang miracle talaga. Ito ang totoong buhay para sa amin — ang magkaroon ng isang pamilya.”

Baby Zia was baptized last Feb. 14 at the St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati.

A reception followed at the couple’s Makati home. The godparents were a mix of showbiz and non-showbiz,

MANILA—After a four-month maternity break, Marian Rivera is set to resume her TV work with two new projects on GMA 7.

The Kapuso primetime queen will star in the revival of the fantasy-series “Encantadia” as Ynang Reyna and will host her own talk show befitting her Marian Rivera (who’s set to host her own talk show and star in Encantadia) on being a mom: ‘Of course, it’s a different feeling when you get married. Pero ’yung pagkakaroon ng isang newfound status as a mother and anak, parang mas buo ’yung pagkatao ko ng literal. Iba talaga pag nanay ka.’ homemaker. She’s also rejoining the cast of the comedy-variety show Sunincluding Ai-Ai delas Alas, Gabby Ei- hood as much as possible. day Pinasaya.

“Actually, nag-request talaga ako genmann, Bettina Carlos, Ana Feleo, All these were announced by GMA director Mike Tuviera, GMA 7 senior sa asawa ko na gusto ko ang binyag Entertainment TV boss Lilybeth RaAVP of Regional Business Develop- ni Baby Zia simple lang, tipong pamisonable during a presscon last Tuesment Oliver Amoroso and Sen. Grace lya at malapit na kaibigan. Kasi di naday, Feb. 16 for Marian. It was her Poe-Llamanzares, whose presence man artista yung anak ko. Siguro nga first official media appearance since had the media speculating that her stage mother ako, kasi masyado daw giving birth to her firstborn with presidential candidacy in the May akong protective sa anak ko.”

Dingdong Dantes, Maria Letizia (nickMarian also admitted that they elections is being endorsed by the named Baby Zia), in November. have already received several encouple.

Stunning as ever and hardly showMarian said, “Lahat ng ninong at dorsement offers for Zia as well. “A ing any baby weight, Marian had reninang na kinuha namin, magsisil- lot, but we — I wouldn’t say reject porters commenting that she looks bing pangalawang magulang ng — said no because sobrang liit pa ng very much like when she was still mga anak namin. So, yung binyag ni anak ko. We’re open to it. But gusto single.

Zia, binyag lang talaga, walang ha- kong lumaki muna siya, at kung The 31-year-old actress respondpwede sa edad na pwede na siyang long pulitika.” ed with a laugh, “Okay lang akong Contrary to Marian and Ding- tanungin na ‘Anak, gusto mo ba?’ at tawagin ninyong mukhang nanay dong’s lavish and much-publicized sasagutin n’yang, ‘Yes, mom.’” na,” adding an emphatic “I don’t The joys of raising Zia have only 2014 wedding, no media coverage care” should there be comments on was allowed for the christening. In increased Marian’s desire of having the post-pregnancy changes of her general, exposure for Baby Zia — more children. Ideally, she wants body. considered a “celebrity” even before four more kids, with their age gaps Marian couldn’t stop talking about she was born — has been noticeably spaced by at least two years. Being her family life. According to her, the limited, save for a few photos on her an only child, it has always been her feeling of becoming a mother is indream to have a big family. parents’ Instagram accounts. comparable. “Of course, it’s a different What if another one comes along Marian explained that they’re not feeling when you get married. Pero trying to hide or keep her away from — maybe, sooner than expected? ‘yung pagkakaroon ng isang anak, the public eye, but that they simply Marian said, “Kung sakali po ipagparang mas buo ‘yung pagkatao ko want to give her a “normal” child- kaloob po sa amin, OK lang po!” ng literal. (I feel more complete as a person, in the literal sense.) Iba talaga pag nanay ka.”

That’s why she’s having “mixed emotions” about returning to work as she finds it difficult to leave her daughter behind at home. She would turn emotional every time.

Nevertheless, she’s thankful to GMA because the network bosses have been considerate and cooking up plans even during her hiatus that could work around the big changes now happening in her life.

So, now that she’s back, her work schedule will have to ease up. Several soap ideas were presented to her, but she decided to take on the Ynang Reyna role (originated by Dawn Zulueta), which doesn’t require her to spend long hours on the set. Fans of the original “Encantadia” would remember Ynang Reyna appearing intermittently throughout the series.

The talk show will have less taping time as well. “Ito lang talaga magawa ko para di mabigat sa akin. Of course, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares as one of the godparents of Baby Zia.

7

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E b R uA RY 1 9, 20 1 6

Filipino-American leaders to kick off voter registration & get-out-the-vote drive “IT is now generally known that Asian Americans are the fastest growing voters in the United States today,” says JT Mallonga, Chairman of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

“They are emerging as a key voting block that could significantly influence national and local elections in the coming years.”

Validating this trend is a report from the Center for American Progress, which shows Asian American voters in the last decade nearly doubling from more than 2 million voters in 2000 to 3.9 million voters by 2012, and is estimated to reach 5 percent of the voters nationally by 2025 and 10 percent by 2044.

“As the second largest Asian American population in the US, our challenge as Filipino Americans is to translate these numbers into political power,” adds Mallonga.

“That means being actively engaged as informed citizens, exercising our voting rights and casting our ballots on Election Day.” To achieve this goal, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), a non-partisan organization recognized by Washington policymakers, private industry and other advocacy groups as the voice of Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States.

Fil-Am Vote is a national program directed at strengthening the voter registration, voter education, voter protection and getout-the-vote capabilities of Filipino American communities nationwide For New Jersey, the scheduled FilAm Vote launch will be sponsored

by Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. (PAFCOM): Who: NaFFAA leaders and Filipino American community leaders and supporters What: Nationwide launching of Fil-Am Vote Where: 275 West Side Avenue, Jersey, NJ 07305 When: Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 12pm “Our immediate objective is to register more Filipino voters between now and November 8, and mobilize a huge voter turnout by the time polling booths open,” says Juanito Amor, Fil-Am Vote

National Director. “We know that by increasing the voting ranks of the Filipino American community, we will not only make our voices heard but will most assuredly make a difference in determining who will lead our country.”

People Power Fil-Am Vote’s launching, Amor points out, is not only “an affirmation of our civic responsibility as American citizens, but also a commemoration of the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines, which occurred 30 years ago this week. That historic moment taught the world what people can do collectively to assert their democratic rights to vote, fight against election fraud and ensure that the people’s will is carried out.

“Fil-Am Vote, therefore, draws from the energy, inspiration, passion and courage of the millions of Filipinos who used the ballot box to make their voices heard. Despite the threat by an authoritarian regime to suppress their right to participate in the electoral process, the Filipino people stood up to make sure each vote counted.

“Fil-Am Vote honors this powerful movement and is committed to carrying on the legacy of full, active civic engagement of the Filipino American community.”

Highest naturalization rate The latest US Census Bureau data indicate there are 2,790,928 potential Filipino voters nationwide.

Figures from the US Citizenship & Immigration Services also show that Filipinos are among the top AAPI groups with the highest naturalization rates.

“But we have been lagging behind in terms of registered voters and voter turn-out,” explains Fil-Am Vote national adviser Gloria T. Caoile of Henderson, Nevada.

“Our numbers won’t matter unless we enlist community members to register and show up at polling places on November 8 to cast their votes.”

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

An Asian Journal

Magazine

8

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY FEbRuARY 19, 2016