New york:new jersey january 27 february 2, 2017

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Volume10 – Issue 18 • 16 Pages

J A N U A R Y 2 7 - F E BR U A R Y 2 , 2 0 1 7 Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Pres. Trump’s first order of business: Sweeping changes in immigration policy Construction of wall and enhanced border security among items included in executive orders

design and construction.

Although American tax dollars will fund the initial costs of A PAIr of executive orders the border wall, trump has stood issued on Wednesday, Janu- by his assertion that the mexican ary 25 instruct the Department government will ultimately foot of homeland security (Dhs) to the bill for the project. enact sweeping changes to im“there will be payment,” migration policy which had been trump told ABC News in an inpledged during the campaign of terview on Wednesday. “It will recently sworn-in President Don- be in a form, perhaps a compliald trump. cated form.” the documents direct Dhs the Dhs is also under orders secretary John f. Kelly to im- to construct additional immigramediately begin planning the tion detention facilities and hire construction of a border wall be- 10,000 new Immigration and tween the U.s. and mexico and Customs enforcement officers authorize the allocation of what- and 5,000 border patrol agents ever federal funds needed for its in order to effect “complete opby Eric

Real estate billionaire Donald Trump is officially inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on Friday, January 20 at the Capitol building in Washington, DC. (Inset) Trump takes the oath of office officiated by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

LA Fil-Ams protest against Trump at Women’s March Los ANGeLes — hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in downtown on saturday, January 21 to participate in the Women’s march, a global protest of President Donald trump, his administration and his proposed policy changes.

According to the march organizers, the protest in LA garnered a whopping 750,000 marchers wielding signs and leading chants. the LAPD and LAfD estimated the attendance of the protest — the city’s largest public demonstration in 10 years — to be “well over 100,000.”

Although called a “Women’s march”, the demonstration encompassed a wide range of political issues, including supporting undocumented immigrants’ rights, preserving roe v.

Wade and Planned Parenthood, maintaining

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US vows to defend ‘int’l territories’ from China

Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson

the United states, under the new administration of President Donald trump, has vowed to prevent China from claiming ‘international territories’ along the contested waters in the south China sea. “the U.s. is going to make sure that we protect our interests there,” White house spokesman sean spicer said in a

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anthony LicaS AJPress

erational control of the southern border.” the department must also conduct and submit a study regarding the state of border security within the next 180 days. the president had previously said that he also plans to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program initiated by former President Barack obama, which confers protection from deportation to certain undocumented students who were brought into the country by their families. Wednesday’s directives issued to the Dhs, however, did not address the future of that

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PH optimistic about Trump admin US to start constructing despite ‘America First’ shift Andanar: Time to move forward with US-PH relations by chriStina

M. oriEL

AJPress

the administration of Philippine President rodrigo Duterte has expressed its willingness to work with United states President Donald trump and sees a strengthening in the relationship between the two countries.

Philippine Communications secretary martin Andanar — who went to Washington to meet with various U.s. officials and to attend trump’s inauguration last week — made a stop to Los Angeles on monday, January 23 to meet with Philippine Communications Secretary Martin Andanar fields questions from members of the Fil-Am media and members of the filipino-Americommunity at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles on Monday night, Jan. 23. Andanar discussed a host of can community and to discuss issues, from the Duterte administration’s willingness to work with new U.S. president Donald Trump to the a range of issues from U.s.-Ph government’s war on drugs.

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

facilities for EDCA in 2017

by FrancES

MangoSing Inquirer.net

the United states is expected to start building storage facilities within the year at the Philippine military bases that will be used for the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA). “the eDCA is still on and according to the Pentagon, they will start constructing some facilities in the eDCA chosen camps,” Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters in a press briefing on thursday.

Basa Air Base in Pampanga is likely the first camp that the Us will develop, he said. other chosen sites of the Us to put up

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PH to sign $15-B in deals with China

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the Philippines and China have agreed to collaborate on 30 projects worth $3.7 billion that focus on poverty reduction, the two countries announced following a bilateral meeting on monday, January 23.

According to Chinese Commerce minister Gao hucheng, the deal is expected to be signed before the Philippine delegates return to manila. “the cooperation projects, which are the first batch, on improving people’s living standards now only need a series of bank-related procedures,” Gao said, as quoted by Xinhua News Agency. on monday, the two countries had a meeting in Beijing to finalize the economic and investment deals discussed during Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s trip to China last october. the Philippines’ Department of finance (Dof) previously said that Beijing pledged $15 billionworth of investments to manila.

In a press briefing on monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman hua Chunying said

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MISS U BEAUTIES AT THE PALACE. President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the contestants of the 65th Miss Universe pageant at Malacanang Palace on Monday, Jan. 23. Following his brief and lighthearted speech, the beauties had their photo opportunity in batches of 20 with the President, as well as Department of Secretary Wanda Teo and Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shughart.

Malacañang photo by Robert Viñas

Duterte meets Miss Universe candidates

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PhILIPPINe President rodrigo Duterte welcomed the miss Universe 2016 candidates at the malacañang Palace on monday, January 23.

eighty-four miss Universe candidates paid a courtesy call on the president, who complimented them for their beauty. miss finland and miss switzerland, however, were unable to attend the event because they were not feeling well.

“Before I proceed, I’d like to make an admission that never in my life I have been with a room full of beautiful women,” the president said before reading his prepared speech. “this is a privilege and an honor and I hope that this

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A JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 2, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From the Front Page

Pres. Trump’s first order of business…

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program.

The administration will prioritize the removal of individuals who have been convicted of any criminal offense, defendants in unresolved criminal cases, people who have “abused” public benefits, committed fraud, and those who might otherwise pose a threat to public safety or national security.

“Today’s action fulfills a key promise he made to American families…that their government will protect them, not deportable criminal aliens,” wrote representatives of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a border control advocacy group, in a statement released on Wednesday.

FAIR and other supporters of the president’s actions say these are the first steps in regaining control over the country’s borders.

A TOAST TO FRIENDSHIP. Philippine Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Minister Patrick Chuasoto; Philippine Presidential Communications Other portions in the executive Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar; Philippine National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.; and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State W. Patrick Murphy toast to the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States at a reception marking the inauguration of US order would end the distribution President-elect Donald J. Trump, held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery on Thursday, January 19.

Photo courtesy of the PH embassy of visas to people from countries that refuse to accept deported residents and place greater government oversight on decisions to admit asylum seekers.

Executive agencies have also PAGE A1 t there and leave and they can aware of the plans of the US. their facilities include Antonio come back again,” Lorenzana “He is aware of that. Sabi been instructed to submit a reBautista Air Base in Palawan, said. naman niya we will honor all view of all U.S. aid given to MexFort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, The defense chief could not agreements that were entered,” ico over the past five years.

Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan immediately say the amount of Lorenzana said.

Further, the president’s orders de Oro and Mactan Air Base in the US budget and when exactly The EDCA, which was signed Cebu. the construction would start. in 2014, allows increased US mil“[They will develop the] run“We do not have the figures, itary presence in the Philippines way and put up facilities also for but they will start this year,” he through the rotation of its pertheir troops. Mga imbakan nila said. sonnel and logistics for maritime PAGE A1 t ng mga gamit nila kung nandito President Rodrigo Duterte, security operations and disaster relations to the administration’s campaign against illicit drugs. but they can leave the building a critic of the United States, is response. n “The relationship of the United States and the Philippines go beyond personalities. We have been allies since time immemorial…,” pageant to promote their own valuable partners in the pri- Andanar told the audience. “It PAGE A1 t advocacies and women empow- vate sector for government was unfortunate that President day will never end.” have prepared well enough to [Barack] Obama and President Duterte, who was known for erment.

He then went on, “More im- make this event to remember. Duterte had some skirmish, they his tough-talk and profanitylaced speeches, said he was told portantly, this is chance for And I am equally confident didn’t see eye to eye but it’s time to “behave” in front of the pag- you to make an impact, to in- that our host, communities, to move forward.” spire change, and even be the and the Filipino people would eant contestants.

Following the inauguration on “I usually do not read my change that you wish to see in themselves have given and will Friday, Duterte praised Trump give each candidate many pre- for being a wealthy businessman speeches. I’m not up to it really. the world.”

Duterte also said that he hoped cious memories to hold on,” and for having a ‘beautiful’ wife.

But this time they told me that I must behave in my language, the contestants had a good time he added.

Since Duterte won the presidenWith a glass of water in his tial election last May, many have in the adjectives that I would visiting different destinations in be using to characterize or de- the Philippines during their pre- hand, Duterte remarked at the drawn comparisons between him fine your beauty, all of you,” the pageant activities, such as Cebu, end of his speech: “May I just and Trump, namely for their unBaguio, Batangas, Davao, and give you a toast, by myself, to filtered, hardline rhetoric. president said. your beauty and to your brains.

In his speech, Duterte urged Vigan.

“He is a billionaire. His wife “I am confident that the De- Mabuhay kayong lahat (Long live is very beautiful. I envy him,” the candidates that besides “beauty and brains,” to use the partment of Tourism and our all of you).” n u PAGE A3

US to start constructing facilities…

call on relevant institutions to “ensure the faithful execution” of immigration laws, and includes provisions to withhold federal funds from local governments that refuse to comply.

Democrats and immigrants right advocates accuse the president of fearmongering by scapegoating people fleeing economic turmoil, political upheaval or violence.

“I think this is the first step in what will be a pattern from the Trump administration of putting tough talk ahead of smart, thoughtful immigration policy,” wrote Senator Catherine CortezMasto (D-Nev.) in a statement responding to the president’s orders on Wednesday.

Trump is expected to issue additional orders later this week that will halt the flow of refugees into the country and place a moratorium on visas issued to people from the predominantly Muslim countries of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, according to the Associated Press.

Proponents of tighter border security say such measures are needed in light of past incidents of jihadist-inspired terrorism.

However, critics of the president’s policies fear that he is normalizing xenophobia.

“It’s apparent that anti-immi-

grant vitriol from the campaign is now coming to life,” wrote the director of programs for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Melissa Rodgers. “These executive orders go against traditional American values of welcoming new immigrants and do considerable harm to our country and the people who call America home.”

In anticipation of such directives, a number of Democratic lawmakers at all levels of government have publicly vowed to resist the President’s efforts to ramp up deportation efforts.

Some of the most vocal opposition has come from legislators in California, which is home to over 3 million of the nation’s roughly 11 million undocumented residents.

Prior to Trump’s signing of the executive orders, Governor Jerry Brown has insisted that the staunchly Democratic state would continue to shield immigrants from deportation, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

“Let me be clear, we will defend everybody, every man, woman and child who’s come here for a better life and contributed to the well-being of the state,” said Brown during his state of the State address on Tuesday, January 24. n

PH optimistic about Trump…

Duterte meets Miss Universe…

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar

AJPress photo by Ding Carreon

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

From the Front Page

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 2, 2017

PH optimistic about Trump…

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Duterte said during the birthday party of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Sunday night, Jan. 22.

The two leaders previously spoke last December when Duterte congratulated Trump for his win in the November election. Duterte said that Trump reportedly lauded the Philippine government’s handling of illegal drugs as the “right way.”

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella added that the government was looking forward to “working closely with the new administration of President Trump anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared

commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law.”

This sudden shift comes after months of remarks Duterte had made appearing to distance the Philippines from the U.S. and lashing out at former President Barack Obama’s administration for criticizing the anti-drug campaign and the extrajudicial killings associated with it.

Andanar added that while the Philippine government is still awaiting official policies from the new U.S. administration, the similarities between the two leaders suggested that they “hit it off right away.”

“President Trump mentioned in his speech about ‘America First’ policy and the Philippines, Presi-

dent [Duterte] also subscribes to the idea of giving Filipinos first dibs to everything,” the communications secretary said.

In his inaugural speech, the 45th president of the U.S. declared that “it’s going to be America First,” meaning that any decision made by the federal government would be to the benefit of “American workers and American families.”

“We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American,” Trump added.

Despite Trump’s vow to keep jobs in the U.S., Andanar said that wouldn’t affect the BPO industry in the Philippines because businesses “need to be in an en-

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US vows to defend ‘int’l territories’ from…

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The crowd of marchers at the Women’s March on Saturday, January 21.

AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas

LA Fil-Ams protest against Trump at Women’s…

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Obamacare, LGBTQ+ acceptance, the Black Lives Matter movement, and climate change, among others.

But the overarching theme was a protest against Trump and his agenda, which many believe threaten the lives and rights of minorities.

“This is so incredible. It feels so great that there are people who care this much about not normalizing this administration,” Griselda Wallace, a Filipino-American nurse, told the Asian Journal at Pershing Square.

Wallace is a half-Filipino, halfIndian recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, former President Barack Obama’s landmark immigration program for undocumented youth, DREAMers.

“I fear for DACA since it’s helped so many DREAMers like myself. I can only hope that we can fight for DACA and immigrants’ rights. I’m so grateful for all the people here since it’s such a diverse group of people, but we really need to take action,” Wallace, a student at Los Angeles City College, added.

No arrests were made at the march, which police said was “peaceful.”

Ten-year-old Jonathan Li was one of the thousands of children that joined their parents and family in the protest. Li — who is half Filipino and half Chinese — sat on his father’s shoulders holding up a colorful, homemade sign that read, “Love Trumps Hate.”

“He doesn’t seem like a good guy who should be president,” Li told the Asian Journal. “The lady [Hillary Clinton] seemed like a better person who should be president because she didn’t make fun of people like Trump did on TV.” The fifth grader said that he wanted to come to the march “because my mom and dad looked so sad when [Trump] won.” He also noted that the day after Election Day, his teacher spoke to the class about kindness, respecting other people and the importance of “not saying mean things.”

Jonathan’s father, Ted Li, said that he’s proud that his son chose to join the march on Saturday.

“Ever since the summer — around the time of the Democratic and Republican conventions — he

Fil-Am woman marches on Saturday, Jan. 21 in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Cruz

became interested in the election, but it’s been hard trying to expose him to political news while trying to remind him that what [Trump] says are hateful and, basically, fictitious. It’s something that [my wife and I] know we’re gonna have to do for the next four years,” Li said, adding that when explaining Trump’s statements to his son, he likens Trump to “the bullies [on] the playground.”

Li also said that his family is most concerned with the Trump administration’s plans for the nation’s public education, noting the widely panned Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos. “[The hearing] was one of the most terrifying things I’ve seen,” Li, a junior high U.S. history teacher, remarked. “Education, and our children’s futures, [are] threatened by this administration. He lacks the decorum and the empathy needed to serve families who rely on the federal government for quality public education institutions and financial aid. It’s an outrage.”

“The very idea that someone so unqualified is that close to leading the country’s education is astounding, in the worst way,” Li added.

The demonstration began at 9 a.m. at Pershing Square. The massive crowd then marched at 10 a.m. through downtown toward City Hall where a stage was set up for more speakers, including LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Councilmen Paul Koretz and Mike Bonin and former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

“There’s so much love for all people, for all races, all colors.

My friends and I are here, we’ve marched to represent [Filipinos] here,” Fil-Am Mickey Batan, who is openly lesbian, told the Asian Journal.

Batan expressed that the Fil-Am community should not sit idly by and needs to be active in fighting for the rights of all minority groups.

“We need to be heard and we need to be seen. We can’t just let people fight for us, we need to fight for ourselves,” Batan said.

Rachelle Ignacio, a software engineer, did not expect that “Trump could win the presidency.” A transplant from the liberal-leaning tech industry in San Francisco, Ignacio acknowledges that she “grew up in a bubble” and didn’t realize the severe pervasiveness of Trump’s agenda.

“These are issues that, growing up in a bubble, I kind of thought were non-existent anymore or weren’t widespread enough to get a guy who promotes these hateful messages elected the presidency.

I feel like I now need to be a lot more aware and involved,” Ignacio said.

Ignacio added that before the election, she “wasn’t really aware that these issues exist” and the election — as well as others’ reactions to the election — inspired her to be more involved and take action “to fight those [issues].”

“Even if it’s not directly affecting you or it’s something that hasn’t been prevalent in your life, these are things other people have to deal with and I think it’s wrong

PH to sign $15-B in deals…

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that the ties between the Philippines and China “fully recovered” after Duterte’s visit.

“China supports president Duterte to lead the Philippines people in developing their economy,” she added.

On the other hand, DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez said he had a “very productive” meeting with the Chinese officials.

Among the Philippine officials who accompanied Dominguez in China were Budget Sec. Benjamin Diokno, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Public Works

and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.

Sought for comments if new U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic policies would affect the relationship between China and the Philippines, Dominguez replied, “It’s better to be with good friends.”

Duterte previously announced that the Philippines would shift away from Washington to build closer ties with China, Russia, and other Asian countries.

“I’m not sure at this moment exactly what the new U.S. policies, but I believe that the reorientation of our president to our neighbors really was very smart,” Dominguez added. n

to just stand by and not try to like do what you can for others even if it’s not for yourself directly,” Ignacio stated, adding that she is more fearful of Trump’s staff and Cabinet for their influence on the American people.

The march in LA also coincided with the main event in Washington, D.C., as well as ones in cities all across the world: Sydney, Berlin, London, Paris and Mexico City among others. (Klarize Medenilla / AJPress)

A

news briefing on Monday, January 23.

Spicer made the remarks when asked if Trump agrees with Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson’s earlier statement that China should be denied of access to the disputed islands in the sea.

“If those islands are, in fact, in international waters and not part of China proper, yeah, we’ll make sure we defend international interests from being taken over by one country,” Spicer added.

Last January 11, Tillerson was asked if he supported a more aggressive posture against China.

Tillerson then replied, “We’re going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the islandbuilding stops and, second, your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed.”

Responding to Tillerson’s statement, China warned that the U.S. would need to “wage a large-scale war” if it wants to bar Beijing’s access in the South China Sea. The Senate is expected to vote on Tillerson’s nomination by early next week. This comes after he won approval of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Monday.

China to protect its ‘rights’ Following the United States’ recent pronouncement, China insisted that it would be firm in safeguarding its “rights” over the disputed waters.

“Regardless changes in relevant countries, what they say or want to do, China will stay as resolute as always in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea,” Chinese

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said during a press briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

China stressed that although it “upholds the freedom of navigation enjoyed by countries under international law in the South China Sea,” it opposes the “intruding navigation that undermines sovereignty and security of coastal countries.”

The Chinese government also called on the U.S. to stop meddling in the Asian territorial affairs since the latter is ‘not a party’ to the South China Sea disputes.

“We urge the US side to respect the facts and be prudent in words and actions to avoid causing disruptions to peace and stability of the South China Sea,” Hua added. (Dana M. Sioson / AJPress)

A JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 2, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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Immigration rights under a Trump Admin

by ChriStina

M. oriel

AJPress

WITH President-elect Donald Trump officially taking office this week, community organizations across Southern California have been preparing to safeguard undocumented Filipinos who may be subject to deportation.

Trump, who was inaugurated on Friday, January 20, gained traction during the presidential campaign for his strict immigration proposals, such as building a wall along the United StatesMexico border and imposing an CAST ASHORE. A decaying body of a sperm whale was found in the shorelines of Brgy. Sawang, Buenavista in Guimaras on Wednesday, Jan. ideology test for future immi25. The cause of death remained unknown. The whale was retrieved by the joint personnel of Coast Guard Buenavista and the Guimaras grants coming into the country.

Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement. Known in Filipino as “balyena,” the endangered type of sperm whale measures 4.5 meters in length and has an estimated weight of 500 kilos.

Inquirer.net photo In the Filipino-American community, many have not forgotten comments the real estate billionaire made last summer that seemed to suggest a ban on imeral Bureau of Investigation (FBI) mied),” Duterte said. migration from areas with high

by Dana SioSon for DNA identification.

Duterte also accused former rates of terrorism, including the AJPress Marwan had been included presidential peace adviser Tere- Philippines.

THE Mamasapano opera- on the U.S. government’s “Most sita Quintos-Deles of stopping The extent of how far the 45th tion that killed 44 troopers from Wanted Terrorists” list. then-President Aquino from or- president will carry out his camthe Philippines’ Special Action “Kaya far from the highway, dering the military to send men paign promises remains to be Force (SAF) was secretly led by nandoon ang chopper and you to rescue the ambushed troops in seen, however. the United States’ Central Intel- had to delude the nation that af- order to not risk the peace talks.

“The biggest concern is that ligence Agency (CIA), Philip- ter the Marwan finger was cut, it Addressing Deles, Duterte the rhetoric is starting to really pine President Rodrigo Duterte was delivered dito sa Crame for said, “I do not want to, you know, go beyond just the Latino imclaimed on Tuesday, January 24. the forensics, when as a matter of belabor. Ikaw ‘yung peace nego- migrant community and espe“And why was it under wraps? fact, ang helicopter, ang nagdala tiator. And para sa akin, ikaw cially the Muslim community. It’s Bakit niyo tinago na (Why did doon sa just for validation, to con- ‘yung nagpigil kay PNoy na hu- starting to encompass all immiyou hide the fact that) actually firm that it was indeed Marwan wag (I do not want to, you know, it was an operation of the CIA?,” (That’s why far from the highway, belabor. You were the peace neDuterte asked, addressing his your chopper was there and you gotiator. And for me, you were predecessor, former President had to delude the nation that af- the one who stopped [Aquino] in Benigno Aquino III, and former ter the Marwan finger was cut, it sending reinforcements because PAGE A3 t Philippine National Police (PNP) was delivered here in Crame for war will break out), because then vironment where they can maxichief Alan Purisima. the forensics, when as a matter you have violated the agreement mize their investments.”

On Tuesday, a day before the of fact, your helicopter was the that you should not enter MILF Later in his speech, Trump second death anniversary of the one that brought it just for valida- territory?” noted issues of poverty, crime police commandos, Duterte met tion, to confirm that it was indeed Duterte also argued that mili- and drugs that “have stolen too with the families of the slain Marwan),” Duterte said. tary support from Davao City many lives and robbed our countroopers at Malacañang Palace.

The elite soldiers, however, was just 40 minutes away from try of so much unrealized potenIn his speech, Duterte alleged were ambushed by rebel groups, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. He tial.” that the botched operation in including the Moro Islamic Lib- went on to remark that he would “President Trump also men2015 was also covered up by the eration Front (MILF) and the form a commission to investigate tioned they will not encourage previous administration.

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom the Mamasapano tragedy. asking other countries to follow “Let it brought out in the Fighters (BIFF).

“I will create a commission their own lifestyle and President open. It was an American adDuterte argued that if the of seven. I will appoint men of Trump also said that he wants to venture with the cooperation of government wanted to arrest a integrity and honor. Kung tang- fight illegal drugs in the United some and apparently with your criminal not connected with the gapin nila (If they would accept), States, the same way our presiblessing,” Duterte remarked, re- rebellion, they should have in- I will choose mostly justices of dent wants to fight illegal drugs. ferring to Aquino. formed the MILF. The govern- the Supreme Court and few of President Trump believes in During the raid, the police com- ment had a peace pact with the the civilian sector, maybe a law- non-interference and what’s immandos successfully killed Malay- Muslim insurgent groups based yer,” Duterte said. portant here is that we have two sian terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, also in the southern Philippines durAccording to the president, presidents who have similar poliknown as Marwan, in the southern ing that time. the commission will be similar cies,” Andanar said.

Philippines where various separat“At bakit kayo pumasok (Why to the Agrava commission that Further, during his presidenist rebel groups are based. did you enter [the militant’s ter- investigated the assassination of tial campaign, Trump gained Marwan’s allies reportedly ritory])? Because under the former Senator Benigno Aquino, traction for his promises to curb started to attack the police com- agreement, if you want to arrest Jr. in 1983. undocumented immigration. On mandos after being alerted by the a criminal, not rebellion connect“They will be independent Monday, the White House said exchange of gunshots that killed ed, you have to inform the MILF. in all aspects. They are free to it would prioritize deportations him. Unable to carry the body, Eh kung pumasok kayo doon (but summon and as president, the for criminal undocumented imthe SAF troopers cut Marwan’s you went there), it was really a executive department, I will or- migrants first. It has yet to anfinger to show proof of his death. violation. That is why na-stymie der you to honor the process,” nounce any moves to remove It was later sent to the U.S. Fed- kayo (That’s why you were sty- Duterte added. n any past policies implemented

CIA blamed for botched Mamasapano operation

grants,” Andrew Amaro, special projects coordinator at Alliance San Diego, shared with the Asian Journal. “In the Fil-Am community, what’s happening is that a lot of them are starting to come out and talk about immigration.”

Since being elected in November, Trump has announced plans to deport up to 3 million undocumented immigrants who “have criminal records,” and is set on reversing immigration polices implemented by President Barack Obama — one of them being the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has spared over 700,000 young immigrants from deportation.

For undocumented immigrants, including those who are Filipino, the uncertainty of their statuses casts a shadow of fear.

“It has been really encouraging that people were stepping out of the shadows,” Amaro said.

“But since we have a new president-elect, a lot of those people are afraid to come out now, even to our [immigration] workshops and to any of the dialogues we hold. These folks really don’t want to expose themselves.”

Trump expected to end DACA Until there is a formal move to

end DACA by the incoming president, the program will remain in place, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) advised.

Of the 18,000 DACA-eligible Filipinos in the United States, 27 percent have applied, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute. About 89 percent of the Filipino applicants have been approved as of September of last year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported.

Organizations like Alliance San Diego and Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Los Angeles (Advancing Justice — LA) are among the dozens of community partners that form part of Ready California, a statewide coalition working to ensure that immigrants have access to up-to-date information and legal services in order to protect themselves and their families.

They have advised new DACAeligible immigrants not to apply for the program, however, since Trump has said that he would end the program when he enters office.

Amaro added that these immigrants should have their documents just in case “they are visited by Immigration and Customs

u PAGE A5

PH optimistic about Pres. Trump…

by Obama.

The Duterte administration will be monitoring these incoming policies, given the sheer size of undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. However, Andanar said the Philippine government would not interfere or try to sway any decisions.

“I can tell you right now that our president cares for any Filipino, not only in the Philippines, but around the world -- he cares for them. If you’re asking me what our policy is right now, we have to respect the new administration, they are still in a transition,” Andanar said. “We have to wait and see which policies they will push forward, which policies they announced during the campaign...we respect the political and democratic process here in the U.S. and as I mentioned, noninterference.”

Earlier on Monday, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), one of Obama’s signature efforts to pivot toward the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines, however, is not one of the 12 nations

that signed onto the deal. Duterte had yet to respond to his American counterpart’s actions, as of press time.

Andanar also took the community meeting to clarify the Duterte administration’s relationship with the press and the president’s colorful remarks. He said that the president employs “language that most Visayans would understand.”

“How does it get misquoted?…

In this day and age of internet and social media, it is a fact, my friends, that the majority of us no longer read the inner pages of the newspaper...just the headline,” he said. “The majority of people don’t read the inner pages of the newspaper anymore. If we’re talking about journalistic responsibility and nation building, we have to keep in mind that we no longer live in the 1950s. If we want to be responsible journalists, we should think about how people read these days.”

When asked if Duterte would be visiting the U.S. anytime soon, Andanar simply said “it will happen.” n

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

Dateline USa

SAVE THE REEFS. Environmentalists protest Chinese military activities at the West Philippine Sea in front of the Chinese consulate on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

NJ immigrant advocates condemn Trump’s plans for increased enforcement Advocates vow to continue fighting for the rights of New Jersey immigrants, pledging: ‘We are here to stay’

TRENTON, NJ – Members of the Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ), a coalition of more than 25 organizations statewide, released the following statements condemning President Trump’s plans to target immigrant communities through increased enforcement, as well as the proposed pressure on localities that refuse to participate in voluntary immigration enforcement: “New Jersey has the third largest immigrant population in the country. The close collaboration proposed by the president between local law enforcement and federal agencies will erode the trust of more than 400,000 undocumented immigrants in our state alone, and it will lead

to more people forced into the shadows. This new initiative will sow fear and paranoia within our communities, pinning neighbors against neighbors and causing unnecessary issues for our local governments. Any threats of financial punishment are only meant to strong-arm cities into engaging in practices that they know will damage their communities. We will not stand by as many of us are criminalized for non-violent offenses and demonized in the eyes of the public.

Throwing people in jail and aggressively pursuing deportation, which divides children from parents and deprives families and businesses of income, are not the way to keep our communi-

ties safe.

Increased immigration enforcement isn’t new to our communities, but the level of scorn projected onto immigrant communities has reached a new intensity that harkens to darker decades in America’s past. Immigrants and refugees have been under attack for many years, reaching its peak with the hateful, violent rhetoric of this new administration, but immigrants are resilient fighters.

As an Alliance we will continue to focus on supporting local progress because only through strong leadership from our local officials will we be able to protect the hardworking families affected by these misguided and

people is going to result in a lot of human tragedy, separation of families and destruction within our community,” Versoza told the Asian Journal following the rally in downtown LA in December. “We know there are a lot of people who rely on domestic workers — nannies to take care of their kids – and a lot of them could be deported if Trump does what he says he’s going to do.”

“Know your rights” Versoza said Fil-Ams can do their part in protecting undocumented community members by speaking out for them and by supporting organizations that provide these low-cost or free legal services.

“Undocumented Filipinos are feeling under attack, and even by their own community, because so many Filipinos voted for the incoming administration. Speak out when others are advocating for deporting all undocumented immigrants. Educate yourself about how unjust and unfair the immigration system is,” she said.

In addition to pursuing advice from qualified legal services providers, the ILRC outlined rights that immigrant families will continue to have under the Trump administration, such as the right

to remain silent and access to a lawyer. They also advise immigrants not to sign anything they don’t understand and not to let ICE agents enter their homes.

“If [immigrant officials] come to your home…they need to have a search warrant [signed by a judge]. It’s very important that communities know that they have rights and they don’t need to allow law enforcement, specifically ICE, to come in and search their home,” Amaro said.

Even with Trump’s rhetoric, Yey Coronel, executive director of Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) in LA, pointed out that “these changes may not necessarily happen overnight.”

“We are doing what we can to help whomever is in need, including those who are fearful of repercussions from the incoming administration,” Coronel told the Asian Journal. However, in the meantime, she advised undocumented Filipinos to “be mindful to obey all laws and follow rules and regulations so as not to incur undue attention that could further hinder [their] status.” *** This article is part of a New America Media fellowship program in collaboration with Ready California (Ready-California.org).

Immigration rights under a Trump Admin

PAGE A4 t

Enforcement (ICE) or any other agency.”

“Many DACAmented Filipinos are worried about keeping their internships, jobs, and careers that they’ve come so far to achieve. Many have gone on to higher paying jobs, continued to pursue their education, and have obtained professional licenses to pursue careers as doctors, nurses, lawyers, and educators,” Tiffany Panlilio, a legal advocate at Advancing Justice — LA, told the Asian Journal in an email. “Despite their worries, they are also eager to fight to keep the DACA program.”

Other alternatives Advancing Justice — LA is offering free, confidential consultations to explore other avenues toward legal status that undocumented immigrants may be eligible for, such as family-based immigration, U-visas (for crime victims) or asylum.

The Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) located in LA’s Historic Filipinotown is another group promoting resources for undocumented Filipinos, such as informational workshops and an emergency hotline for deportation defense assistance.

“It is better to find a support network rather than hiding in isolation and it is better to plan than to panic,” Aquilina Versoza, executive director of PWC, said in an interview with the Asian Journal.

PWC is also doing its part to educate undocumented Filipinos how the state of California and major cities like LA are countering Trump’s hardline stance on immigration.

Last month, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a $10-million fund dedicated to assisting the city’s undocumented immigrants facing removal. The city’s police department has declared it would not participate in any federal deportation operations.

“People who have built their lives in America have rights, and they deserve all of the protections that our legal system provides,” Garcetti said in a statement released on December 19.

“The LA Justice Fund will reach out to people who are American by every measure except the papers they hold — our family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. They are part of our community, and we will fight for them.”

Thousands of advocates have also taken to the city’s streets on several occasions in December and January to voice their opposition of the anti-immigration proposals.

Versoza added that some individuals may prey on undocumented immigrants’ fears and scam them financially by falsely promising a pathway to legal status.

“Putting fear into immigrant populations is not good for public safety and mass deporting

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Fil-Am sailor continues 75 years of Seabee tradition PORT HUENEME, Calif. — “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees”, for the past 75 years.

Highland Park, California native and Benjamin Franklin High School graduate, Petty Officer 3rd Class Julio Domingo, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, California.

Domingo works as a hospital corpsman in the Navy.

“I’m in charge of the dental readiness of approximately 500 Seabees,” said Domingo. “I assist with dental procedures including exams, fillings and records check.”

The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum.

“I like the fact that the Seabees are a diverse community and are inhumane initiatives.

We will continue to advocate pro-immigrant policies for everyone in our state, through policies that promote fairness and inclusion, not hate and fear. Our communities are ready to organize and build support for local leaders standing up in resistance to oppressive policies that will only make our communities less safe.

We are here to stay and we will continue to fight for the rights of all of the residents of our state,” said NJAIJ Program Coordinator Johanna Calle on behalf of the NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice.

“President Trump’s actions today do nothing more than stir panic and fear in the hearts of millions while encouraging a Wild West vigilante culture among those looking to scapegoat innocent Americans. Punishing some of the most dynamic and welcoming cities in our country by blocking federal funding is a mean-spirited move that will surely inflict pain on our communities but won’t undermine our resolve to continue fighting for commonsense immigration reform,” said Kevin Brown, Director, 32BJ SEIU. We will continue to stand up

Petty Officer 3rd Cass Julio Domingo

A

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Wyscaver, �avy Office of Community Outreach

able to provide a variety of support worldwide,” said Domingo.

For the past 75 years Seabees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world folalongside local government in New Jersey against the racist and bigoted policies of President Trump. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all communities can flourish and feel welcome here in New Jersey,” said Craig Garcia, Political Director, New Jersey Working Families.

“Make no mistake: Trump’s orders today will sow fear and division, harm public safety for all, and threaten our fundamental rights. We promise to do everything in our power to prevent this administration from harming New Jersey’s families, communities, and economy. Rounding up immigrants and throwing them in jail rather than observing the rule of law will not stand. The human wall that we’ll form to protect our communities will be far more powerful than one made of just concrete,” said ACLU-NJ Public Policy Director Ari Rosmarin.

“Our communities will continue to fight to live in peace and in dignity. We will not cower in fear, we will organize and be ready to protect our families and our loved ones. No human being is illegal, we will not allow our communities to be criminalized,” said Diana Mejia, Wind of the Spirit. n

lowing earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

“I am proud of the hard work that Seabees do every day,” said Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. “Their support to the Navy and Marine Corps mission is immeasurable, and we look forward to the next seven decades of service.”

Seabees around the world will take part in a year-long celebration in 2017 to commemorate the group’s 75-year anniversary.

The theme of the celebration is “Built on History, Constructing the Future.”

“Seabees deploy around the world providing expert expeditionary construction support on land and under the sea, for the Navy and Marine Corps, in war, humanitarian crisis and peace,” said Capt. Mike Saum, commodore, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1. “Seabee resiliency, skill, and resolution under hostile and rough conditions prove our motto ‘We Build, We Fight.’ The Seabee patch we wear on our uniform signifies to the warfighter and civilian alike that they’re in good hands.”

Serving in the U.S. Navy has allowed Domingo to continue learning about himself and the legacy he wants to leave to future Seabees.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the community and serve alongside the Seabees because of the rich history and tradition they represent,” said Domingo. n

A JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 2, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OpiniOn

Features

Fresh start

A NEW dawn awaits as the United States is perceived to undergo dramatic changes in its political, economic and social arenas under Donald Trump’s presidency. The coming change is also expected to impact not just its people, but America’s relationship with other nations, including with the Philippines.

Under the rapprochement between the U.S. and the Philippines initiated by former Presidents Barack Obama and Benigno Aquino III, economic partnerships and remittances have generated billions of dollars in revenue.

The last few months saw this relationship turn sour when Pres. Rodrigo Duterte berated the U.S. for continuously criticizing his governance over “concerns around rule of law and civil liberties” in his administration.

In December last year, Washington has removed the Philippines from the roster of eligible countries for development assistance under the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) fund. The country received a total of $434 million in MCC funding from 2010 to 2016.

Irked by the criticisms on his brutal war against illegal drugs and criminality in the country, Duterte warned that he would review all military agreements with the Americans and scrap joint drills that, he claimed, were only beneficial to Americans.

Upon the inauguration of Trump as the 45th U.S. president on Friday, Jan. 20, Filipino officials recognized the turnover of power to improve Manila-Washington relations.

“We view transitions as opportunities to further relations. The U.S. and the Philippines are treaty allies and we are ready to work on bolstering this alliance on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect,” declared Patrick Chuasoto, chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Philippine embassy, in a statement.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the Philippines and the U.S. can have a “placid and mutually beneficial relationship” as longtime allies.

“Our diplomatic ties need to reflect our longstanding relationship but under terms and conditions that protect our people’s interests,” Abella said.

In early December, Duterte made a congratulatory phone call to Trump, where both leaders said that they are looking forward to seeing each oth-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

er at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this year.

Duterte assured that after their seven-minute conversation, he felt a rapport with his American counterpart and that bilateral ties were intact.

May this renewed partnership not reverse the

concessions made by their predecessors. May it facilitate more dynamic and stable domestic economies, both addressing the needs of both their people. May it bring more bring political, economic, and strategic benefits to both Filipinos and Americans. (AJPress)

‘ALTERNATIVE FACT’: More Americans voted for Trump than Clinton to be the 45th President of the United States DONALD J. Trump won the presidency because more Americans voted for him is an “alternative fact”. A lie. A misrepresentation of the will of the citizens of America who casted their sacred vote in the November 8 presidential election.

The truth as substantiated by election results data verified and confirmed by both Republicans and Democrats in all states is that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton defeated Donald Trump.

Nearly three million people more people elected her to succeed Pres. Barack Obama. She won the popular vote by this big margin.

But because of the Electoral College, Donald Trump was proclaimed and sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. The electoral college appropriated certain number of “electors” per congressional districts and states instead of just using the popular votes.

It is a FACT that the Democratic Party had been very graceful in acknowledging that this is the law as stipulated in the Constitution and so they paved the way for the peaceful and orderly transfer of power. Donald Trump was sworn in as president on January 20.

However, despite his victory he maintained that he believes he was cheated of the popular vote, al-

leging that about 3 to 5 million “illegals” voted that was why The Fil-Am election results revealed that Clinton won more votes than Perspective him.

This continued allegations of conspiracy from Trump himself has been troubling not only Gel SantoS-ReloS Democrats but even members of the Republican Party. One outspoken Republican Party leader Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina voiced out the concerns of his party in an interview. He told CNN: “It is the most inappropriate thing for the president to say without proof…We’re talking about a man who won the election and seems to be obsessed with the idea that he could not have possibly lost the popular vote without cheating and fraud. So I would urge the president to knock this off….People are going to start doubting you as a person if you keep making accusations against our electoral system without justification. This is going to erode his ability to govern this country if he does not stop it.”

Many kababayans unfamiliar with U.S. history would ask why and how the use of Electoral College came about. This is how TIME explained it:

Standard civics-class accounts of the Electoral College rarely mention the real demon dooming direct national election in 1787 and 1803: slavery.

At the Philadelphia convention, the visionary Pennsylvanian James Wilson proposed direct national election of the president. But the savvy Virginian James Madison responded that such a system would prove unacceptable to the South: “The right of suffrage was much more diffusive [i.e., extensive] in the Northern than the Southern States; and the latter could have no influence in the election on the score of Negroes.”

In other words, in a direct election system, the North would outnumber the South, whose many slaves (more than half a million in all) of course could not vote. But the Electoral College—a prototype of which Madison proposed in this same speech—instead let each southern state count its slaves, albeit with a two-fifths discount, in computing its share of the overall count.

Virginia emerged as the big winner—the California of the Founding era—with 12 out of a total

of 91 electoral votes allocated by the Philadelphia Constitution, more than a quarter of the 46 needed to win an election in the first round.

After the 1800 census, Wilson’s free state of Pennsylvania had 10% more free persons than Virginia, but got 20% fewer electoral votes. Perversely, the more slaves Virginia (or any other slave state) bought or bred, the more electoral votes it would receive. Were a slave state to free any blacks who then moved North, the state could actually lose electoral votes.

If the system’s pro-slavery tilt was not overwhelmingly obvious when the Constitution was ratified, it quickly became so. For 32 of the Constitution’s first 36 years, a white slaveholding Virginian occupied the presidency.

THE QUESTION: Why has the Electoral College not yet been abolished? When will the Constitution be amended so that elections will truly reflect the will of the people? *** 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

Why President Duterte needs the Catholic Church OF all the dispositions and habits Opinion which lead to political prosperity,religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tributeof patrio- RicaRdo Saludo tism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, thesefirmest props of the duties of men and citizens. — George Washington [W]hile I am a stickler for the principle of separation between Church and State, I believe quite strongly that there should never be a separation between God and State. — Rodrigo Duterte THE founding father of the United States of America and the leading political thinker of the Renaissance believed it was indispensable for nationhood. So does the current Chief Executive of the Philippines, as he said in his State of the Nation Address last July.

In the history of nations, religion not only shapes a people’s identity and culture. Its moral discipline, enforced by belief in divine justice in this life or the next, helps immensely in keeping citizens obedient to law and respectful of authority.

So why is President Rodrigo Duterte lambasting Catholic bishops and priests, whose stern admonitions on four-fifths of Filipinos under their sway do much to fight lawlessness and the lure of wanton living, including narcotics, on which he wages war?

Whatever the reason, it’s really not good for law enforcement if people lose respect for the Church and faith in its preachings.

What if Filipinos discard their faith?

As this column argued in our May

30 article last year, speaking of then-President-elect Duterte: “He can’t deliver on his winning pledge to eradicate crime and corruption if the Catholic Church ever lost its moral authority over the great majority

of Filipinos.

“Imagine if most of the 85 million baptized Catholics in the country water down the religion’s key tenets, and pick and choose which of the Ten Commandments to follow.

“Indeed, millions already discard the Sixth and Ninth Commandments, while countless others break the Fifth and the Seventh. (If people don’t know that the first two prohibit illicit sex, while the latter ban killing and stealing, that only underscores the problem.)

“What if Duterte actually succeeds in convincing tens of millions of Filipino Catholics that they don’t have to listen to bishops and priests because of abuses and hypocrisy by some clerics?

Would that lead to more or fewer people killing, stealing, and deviating from traditional family values?

“Would eroding Catholicism’s influence increase or decrease lawlessness, sleaze, drug addiction, violence, family breakups, juvenile delinquency, and all the other social ills Duterte rails against? Or does religiosity advance lawful, virtuous living?

“And which would help win the battle against lawlessness—quarreling with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, or persuading the CBCP to issue pastoral letters and institute sermons, prayers, and parish programs enjoining tens of millions of

believers across the archipelago to abide by the law, support law enforcement, eschew corruption, and strengthen family values as a bulwark against delinquency and drugs?”

Indeed, the Church certainly commands far more credibility and respect than the government. The Philippine Trust Index of 2015, the latest nationwide survey done by public relations company EON, counted nearly three-quarters of Filipinos (73 percent) trusting the Catholic Church, far ahead of the academe (51 percent), media (32 percent), and the government (12 percent).

Sure, President Duterte enjoys an excellent trust rating of more than 80 percent. But that’s an argument not for bashing the Church, but working with it, so that their combined high public credibility would mobilize the people to fight crime and drugs, instead of eroding each other’s lofty trust ratings In short, Mr. President, you need the Filipino people’s centuries-old adherence to Catholic faith, morals and authority to fight the scourge of lawlessness and drugs.

The bishops also need Digong At the same time, the Church needs President Duterte’s rough campaign against drugs and lawlessness.

Crime incidence tripled in the past administration, to more than 1 million a year starting 2013, from 324,083 in

2010. Imagine how many grave sins are committed every day, endangering the souls of millions of people.

Thankfully, after six months under Duterte, crime is down by one-third to one-half, depending on the type of offense. That means at least 3,000 murders prevented, along with 3,000 rapes, 20,000 robberies, and 75,000 physical injuries, based on 2014 data.

As for drug addiction, which enslaves souls to the demands of body and psyche, between 1 million and 3 million users are in narco-chains, their free will and consciences rendered largely incapable of exercising the moral choices which affirms the faithful’s faith, hope and love toward the Lord.

Even worse, millions of families are torn apart, hugely burdened, and even bloodied and beaten, as loved ones are driven to anger, depression, crime, and violence.

Except in a few families graced by God, can virtue flourish amid such entrenched vice?

And while killing outside of self-defense violates God’s law and can never

be justified, the sad reality is that if the government relied solely on strict due process to fight drugs and crime, the syndicates and their protectors in government would just laugh, and more than a million drug users and pushers would still be sniffing and shooting, plus stealing, kidnapping, raping and killing under narco-influence or in hopes of getting cash for their habit.

But thank God, Church and State may be moving toward talking and walking together.

Last Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said of the Church: “Let’s try to reach out to one another and have a real dialogue and real conversation.”

“That is always the better solution to anything,” agreed Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos. “You listen to them, present everything, and let’s observe what are the things that we can work together and things that we are going to avoid.”

May Church and State find common cause for our nation’s sake. So help them God. n

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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 2, 2017

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

PNP Chief Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa not to responsible for slay of Korean exec

by Alexis

roMero Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte came to the defense of embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa, saying he is not to be blamed for the killing of a South Korean businessman inside Camp Crame.

Duterte said there was no criminal intent on the part of Dela Rosa when South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo was kidnapped and killed by policemen.

“There are two ways of committing crime under the revised penal code. What are they?

Felony, malice or negligence,” the president said during Dela Rosa’s 55th birthday celebration last Sunday in Camp Crame.

“From the looks of it, I do not see any criminal intent, really on the part of Dela Rosa and the rest of the group. Who would want that to happen inside your camp?

None,” he added.

Calls for Dela Rosa to quit mounted after the Justice department revealed that Jee was killed inside Camp Crame, a few steps away from his office, last October.

In his affidavit, co-accused SPO4 Roy Villegas claimed Senior Police Officer 3 (SPO3) Ricky Sta. Isabel strangled Jee to death.

The Justice department has approved the filing of kidnapping and homicide charges against Sta. Isabel, Villegas and five others believed to be involved in the kidnapping and murder of the businessman.

Last week, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez asked Dela Rosa to resign, saying the heinous crime was an insult and “a clear indication that he has lost the respect of his people.”

Dela Rosa, who claimed to be melting in shame because of the killing of Jee inside the PNP’s main headquarters, said he is ready to leave his post if the president asks him to do so.

Dela Rosa confirmed last Sunday that he has offered to resign from his post but Duterte did not accept it.

“Bakit ka magreresign?

Anong kasalanan mo? Magtrabaho ka (Why will you resign?

What is your fault? You work),” the PNP chief quoted the president as saying.

Asked why Duterte retained dela Rosa as PNP chief despite the controversy, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said: “Simply because he understands that whatever happened… speaks about the concerns that he had regarding crime and corruption — and also crime and corruption

in government institutions.”

“The individuals involved were not part of the PNP chief’s team and these matters are exactly what the president has said, that there is corruption in — within the institutions,” he added.

Abella said those who are criticizing Duterte for retaining Dela Rosa “misunderstand the situation.”

Lesser evil Duterte also assailed critics of his anti-drug war during Dela Rosa’s birthday celebration last Sunday.

He said human rights advocates who are complaining about the extrajudicial killings of drug suspects are trying to limit his campaign against the narcotics trade.

The president reiterated his LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM. Senator Cynthia A. Villar leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the introduction of coconet weaving livelihood warning against drug lords, project at the Baseco Livelihood Training Center. This is a joint project of the senator, who has been known for providing livelihood whom he said do not have the projects to our people, together with the the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, monopoly of evil in the world.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran. Senate photo “They have to realize they do not have the monopoly of evil in this world. We are in the government but that does not mean we cannot do anything,” he said.

“Which is the lesser evil now? The ones cooking shabu and feeding them to our children

by DAnA sioson would instead invest in the Phil- be worried about it. Maybe, the or we who are killing them?”

AJPress ippines. other Asian countries should but Duterte threatened to use his “If they will really impose that, I don’t think we should be, espresidential barge to throw drug ACCORDING to the Philippine it would indirectly benefit us pecially that Trump and Duterte lords at the Pasig River. n Chamber of Commerce and In- because if that is going to hap- seem to strike (it off) well with dustry (PCCI), the ‘America First’ pen, the Chinese would probably each other,” Ortiz-Luis said. policy under the new administra- come to the Philippines and inPhilippine President Rodrigo tion of United States President vest. Here is where they could be Duterte previously announced Donald Trump could trigger more running. Their trade and invest- that the Philippines would shift trade and investment opportuni- ment interest could be diverted away from Washington to build ties for the Philippines. to us so of course, we benefit,” closer ties with China, Russia, and In an interview with the Philip- he explained. other Asian countries like Japan. pine Star, PCCI President George Regarding the Philippines’ ex“The fact remains that at the Guinea – Solomon Islands.

Pope Francis made the ap- Barcelon said that other global ports to the U.S., PCCI said that end of the day, businessmen will pointment on Friday as the dio- powerhouses who might be there’s also no need for Filipino decide on what they will do,” Ortiz-Luis added. cese has been without a bishop turned off by Trump’s “protec- exporters to be alarmed.

According to PCCI honorary Early this week, the Philipsince the death of then bishop tionist” statements could create more favorable business circum- chairman and Philippine Export- pines and China have agreed to Patrick Taval in April 2013. ers Confederation Inc. president collaborate on 30 projects worth Baquero, a Salesian priest, was stances for the Philippines.

Barcelon pointed out that it is Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Philippine $3.7 billion that focus on poverty born in Manila on September 15, 1970 and was ordained a priest the U.S.-China trade that would exports to the U.S. are products reduction. Representatives from be more affected under Trump’s that the latter country “cannot both countries had a meeting in in 1999 in Parañaque City. really afford to make.”

Beijing to finalize the economic He served as the Salesian Su- policies.

“He is always saying China is He added that countries such as and investment deals discussed perior Delegate of Papua New Guinea – Solomon Islands from unfair and they play with their China and Japan could easily sup- during Duterte’s trip to China exchange rate to benefit them. port the export deals that could be last October.

2014 to 2016.

The Philippines’ Department Later on, the Salesian juris- What Trump is threatening…is affected by the new U.S. policy.

“Our exports to the U.S. are of Finance (DOF) previously diction was raised to the rank of imposition of tariff (on China),” not that big so a little change said that Beijing pledged $15 Salesian vice-province, leading Barcelon said.

If the U.S. imposed the tariff, will easily be covered by China billion-worth of investments to to Baquero being appointed as Barcelon theorized that China and Japan. So we should not Manila. n the Superior. n

Pope taps Filipino priest as bishop of Papua New Guinea

by Julie

M. Aurelio Inquirer.net

MANILA — A Filipino-born priest has been appointed by Pope Francis to head a diocese in the Oceanian country of Papua New Guinea.

The Pontiff named Fr. Pedro Baquero Jr. to head the Diocese of Kerema as its new bishop following the death of its previous bishop in 2013.

Established in 1971, the Diocese of Kerema is estimated to have a population of 28,300 Catholics and Pope Francis is found in the Gulf Province, near Vatican Radio website, Baquero, 46, was the superior of the Salethe capital city of Port Moresby.

According to a post on the sian vice-province of Papua New

Biz group: More business opportunities for Philippines in ‘America first’ policy

A JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 2, 2017 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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An Asian Journal Magazine

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 27, 20 1 7

Families gather worldwide to ring in the Year of the Fire Rooster by

The exact date of the occasion varies because the Lunar schedule has 13 months that are a few days shorter than those of the Gregorian (Western) calendar.

The holiday marks a transition from the year of the Ram into the year of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac.

Fortune People can typically expect bad luck during the years associated with their astrological symbol. However, the next few months might spell even worse misfortune for those born under the sign of the rabbit, according to an expert in the practice of Feng Shui, Master Sean Shono.

2017 would be characterized by the elements of fire and, to a lesser extent, metal, Shono told the Asian Journal. That combination is normally a “symbol of optimism, innovation and progress,” but clashes with the sign of the rabbit.

Shono added that the Year of the Fire Rooster would be a potentially prosperous one for business and industry, especially those associated with aviation, energy, entertainment and finance.

He also warned that

Eric Anthony LicAs /AJPress

disharmony in international relations might persist. However, the influence of the elements fire and metal could promote openmindedness and inspire people to find innovative solutions.

He went on to predict that 2017 would be a good year to travel or relocate, but warned people born under the sign of the tiger to avoid heading west, the direction of the Grand Duke.

People whose birthdays are associated with the astrological symbols of the dragon, snake and ox are entering a “year of harmony,” according to Shono.

Festivities No matter what stars people were born under, whatever their ethnicity might be and wherever they are in the world, the Lunar New Year is an occasion to appreciate the past year with the company of loved ones while enjoying a variety of traditional customs and festivities.

Families typically kick off more than two weeks of revelry with a reunion dinner on the eve of the holiday. Traditional dishes include noodles or mustard greens, which are good omens for a long

Illustration by Kendrick Tan

Inquirer.net

MARITeS Allen, the first and only Filipino woman to date with the title of “Master in Feng Shui” from the International Feng Shui Association, has tips to welcome the Fire Rooster in one’s home.

Chinese New Year is on Jan. 28.

Do’s Clean and de-clutter your home before Saturday.

This cleansing ritual removes all stale and negative energies and indicates a fresh start accompanied by good luck and prosperity. It is important to do this before the Chinese New Year, because any cleaning done on the first day of the new year sweeps away all the good luck that arrived. And while you’re at it…

Get rid of chipped or broken items.

Broken things represent stagnant or broken energy.

Keeping chipped plates or glasses is bad luck because anything chipped symbolizes poverty. If a broken item is kept for sentimental purposes, have them repaired (although doing so will still not create fresh luck). Or give them to someone who would use these items. So-called “stuck energy” could stop the owner from moving forward in life.

Wear something new.

New clothes symbolize good fortune. But shoes must be bought before the new year comes in.

“Buying a new pair on New Year’s Day itself may cause rough patches because the Chinese word for shoes means ‘rough,’” Allen explained.

Think earth colors in 2017, but wear red on the new year.

The annual destiny chart of 2017 does not have the earth element, Allen pointed out. “To supply this and balance out the energies, wear earth-colored tones like brown, beige and terra cotta,” she advised.

“However, wearing red attire

or accessories on New Year’s Day itself is recommended because this happy color is believed to attract a bright future,” she added.

“For the rest of the year, it is always good to consider your personal birth elements and choose colors that support those energies. For example, if your personal birth element is earth, wearing Fire element colors like red, orange and purple helps. However, it will not be good to wear Wood element colors as they will sap your energy.”

Enjoy an auspicious meal with the family.

On New Year’s Day, fathers should invite all family members to have breakfast between 5 and 7 a.m. “Having something sweet and sticky like tikoy and rice cakes is believed to ensure that the family will stay close and sweet to one another during the year,” said Allen.

“The menu may include noodles for longevity and a whole fish dish for abundance.”

Forget the past.

The Year of the Fire Rooster is like a “reset” button, Allen noted, which means “you have the opportunity to start something new and leave the past behind— for good. It does not have to be a big change; it could be anything you feel comfortable with, as long as it shows your resolve to “go with the flow” and allow the new energy to come in.”

Bearing old grudges, especially on a year of new beginnings, “will only hamper your chances of achieving your goals,” she added.

Write your wishes.

If the previous year had its challenges, write your wishes and release them to the heavens in a balloon-releasing ritual. This will “erase” the challenges that may be encountered throughout the year.

Hanging wishes on a Wish Fulfilling Tree is also synonymous with good luck and better fortune and helps make dreams come true.

Keep lucky charms ready.

But first, know where the lucky

By AJPress 2017 is the Year of the Fire Rooster, which is 10th out of the 12 animals in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The Rooster comes after a Monkey year (2016) and before a Dog year (2018).

According to China Highlights, each zodiac year bears an animal sign mixed with one of the five elements (gold/metal, wood, water, fire or earth). The Fire Rooster is known to be trustworthy, responsible, hardworking and time conscious.

RoosteR 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

lifespan, and fish, or yu, which is a homophone for prosperity in Mandarin.

It is also customary to thoroughly clean one’s home before the New Year in order to clear out bad energy. However, preparations ought to be finished before merrymaking begins in order to allow good fortune to enter a house.

Various cities in Southern California — which boasts one of the largest Chinese populations in the country — will have a host of celebrations.

On Saturday, January 28, the city of Santa Monica will put on a Lunar New Year celebration at the 3rd Street Promenade showcasing dragon and ribbon dancers, stilt walkers, glutinous rice sculptures and more.

The city of Los Angeles will host one of Chinatown’s oldest traditions, the 118th annual Golden Dragon Parade beginning at 12 pm on Saturday, February 4. The iconic festival will feature attractions for all ages including a craft beer garden, street food, as well as storytelling, facepainting and paper-folding activities for children.

A street fair in Alhambra on Saturday, February 11 will have 250 food and craft booths as well as musicians, dancers, and kung fu demonstrations on two stages.

The event takes place on Valley Boulevard, between Almansor and Vega streets.

Those who fall under the Rooster sign are said to expect a not-so-lucky year in 2017, facing misfortune in various aspects of life, such as career, assets and personal relationships. According to China Highlights, Roosters will have to try harder to be financially stable; it is advised to budget and save money instead of pursuing risky investments. Additionally, safety and health for Roosters are important to pay close attention to. Those in relationships may experience conflicts with their significant others, which may affect your mutual affection. For those who are single, there is minimal luck with attracting the opposite sex.

Roosters should avoid red, the direction of east, and the numbers 1, 3 and 9. Roosters are compatible with ox and snake, while they should avoid other roosters, as well as rat, rabbit, horse and dog signs.

Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

AJPress photos by Eric Anthony Licas

In the Philippines, revelers will steam and eat immeasurable amounts of tikoy, the Filipino interpretation of a sticky rice cake called nian gao in Mandarin, or nin gou in Cantonese, that is popular during the Lunar New Year. The Pinoy version of the dish is often infused with regional flavors like ube (purple yam) Filipinos take the event as an opportunity to honor one’s ancestors in celebrations akin to those of All Saint’s Day. Manila’s Binondo enclave is set to lead other locales across the island nation in welcoming the Year of the Fire Rooster. FilipinoChinese and non-Chinese revelers are also expected to flock to the world’s oldest Chinatown on Saturday to join the festive celebration filled with elaborate dragon and lion costumes manned by multiple people that will parade through the streets and the sounds of drums, cymbals and firecrackers that will fill the air.

Dos and don’ts in the Year of the Rooster by cAthy cAñArEs-yAmsuAn

What the Year of the Fire Rooster mean for your sign

and unlucky sectors are in your home and office. (Allen’s Frigga stores have the updated Flying Stars chart that indicates these sectors). “each direction in the annual Flying Stars chart brings auspicious or inauspicious indications specific to an animal sign,” Allen explained. Thus, the specific luck forecast for each animal sign depends on whether it has an auspicious or inauspicious sign for the year.

Fire Rooster year has an Illness Star in the Northwest sector that could affect the Dog and the Boar; a Quarrelsome Star in the West that could make Roosters more argumentative in 2017; the so-called Five Yellow Stars in the South with “extreme negative effects” especially on Horses and the Robbery Star in the Southwest that could cause losses, injuries or accidents “coupled with emotional stress” to the Sheep and the Monkey.

Allen warned there is no universal “cure” that applies to all signs: “We must carry carefully recommended charms to enhance our good fortune, and protective amulets to deflect the negative energies indicated by our Flying Star direction and personal forecasts.”

Appropriate enhancers should be placed in the “auspicious” sectors and the cures or protection in the “afflicted” sectors. Allen said only authentic and high-quality lucky charms from reliable sources can ensure that the bearer or wearer will get the most benefits.

Allen also warned against reusing cures from previous years “because they have already absorbed the negative energies of the past year that could linger around your living space. Better to wrap these previous cures, thank them for the protection offered and bury them underground. enhancers, meanwhile, may be used again but they have to

be wiped clean or reenergized properly.”

Listen, ask and learn more about feng shui.

Allen expressed concern about feng shui enthusiasts who follow suggestions given in various media: “It is important to consult an expert to verify their readings.”

As it is, feng shui experts agree that each individual’s “luck” is determined by the uniqueness of his or her birth year, birth month, birth date and birth hour. For example, not all Dragons will be lucky this year because they have different birth months, dates and hours.

Allen also talked about “Heaven’s Luck”—the circumstances that a person is born to, like family wealth and home environment, as well as “Man-made Luck” or how a person deals with his circumstances. “even a person gifted with a lot of lucky stars may not be successful if he or she does not study or work,” she said.

Three kinds of luck each determines one-third of a person’s destiny, she said. Luck provided by feng shui is the last third.

Don’ts Do not cut your hair.

Those planning to sport a new hairstyle should not visit the salon on New Year’s Day or during the week of the New Year. “Having your hair cut is tantamount to cutting good luck,” said Allen, adding that her Feng Shui Planner notes auspicious days to have a haircut before or after the New Year.

Do not curse and fight.

Starting the year with harsh words and fights will only bring negative vibes for the rest of the year. Parents should avoid reprimanding children on the first day of the Chinese New Year as it will only ruin an auspicious celebration. The feelings of hurt and resulting tears will set everyone off to a bad start.

Dogs are characterized as loyal, prudent and amiable. However, they can sometimes come across as stubborn and bad communicators.

In 2017, dogs may need to put in additional effort in order to gain more wealth and should be wary of treacherous individuals. For their professional lives, they may come up with creative ideas that will help with advancing in their careers. They are also advised to keep learning new skills. Dogs should pay attention to their respiratory and urinary systems, and should seek medical attention if any discomfort arises. In terms of their love lives, there is no significant shift and should remember to pay attention to their relationship if they are in one. Dogs pair well with rabbit signs, while they are worst with the dragon, sheep and rooster.

BoaR (Pig) 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 Those who are born in the year of the boar (pig) are said to be compassionate, energetic and generous.

For 2017, it is projected that the boar will not experience huge transformations, but it will be a unlucky year in the areas of fortune (little improvement), health and love. However, boars can expect a shift in their career if they work hard and seek help in personal development. In terms of health, China Highlights advises that boars be careful with their bones, spleen, stomach and urinary system.

They are reminded to not be excessive in eating, drinking and smoking in order to ensure good health throughout their lives. Boars are best matched with sheep, tiger and rabbit signs, while they are not compatible with monkey or snake signs.

Rat 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Rats are intuitive, sharp, resourceful and can adapt to any setting they are placed in. The Year of the Rooster will bring relatively good fortune for those born with the rat sign. They are said to expect some wealth if they exert more effort in their respective jobs and seek mentorship from a superior. As always, they should be cautious when investing as there may be individuals trying to undermine them. Rats should watch out for stomach trouble and indigestion this year, China Highlights wrote. In order to prevent this, maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercise routine, and getting rest are advised. Rats will experience a lucky love life — it’s a good year to have children or get married. However, rats that are single shouldn’t move too fast into a relationship. Rats work well with ox, dragon and rabbit, while they are not so compatible with horse and rooster signs.

ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 Those who are born with the ox sign have strong, dependable, patient, and motivated personalities. This year, oxen may be presented with several opportunities in terms of love and wealth. Their financial situations will improve as there will be chances to expand their businesses or get promoted at their jobs. Despite generally being healthy, 2017 may bring about some accidents so it is advised not to participate in any dangerous activities. For relationships, they can expect meeting new people or get married if they are in stable relationships. Ox signs match with the rat, monkey or rooster, however, they should avoid the tiger, dragon, horse or sheep.

tigeR 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 Stubborn, judgmental, brave and self-confident are some ways to describe someone born in the year of a tiger. They are said to be prosperous if they are in sales or consumer-driven businesses. To acquire more good luck, China Highlights advises donating to charity and minimizing investments. Tigers may be unlucky in health and be prone to accidents. Tigers pair well with a dragon, horse or boar (pig), but should steer clear from an ox, snake or monkey.

Continued on Page 3

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON January 25, 2017, President Trump issued an executive order on “Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States.”

In that executive order, he lists those people who would now be considered “enforcement priorities,” and would be put on the top of the list for deportation/ removal. It is truly a scary and chilling document, as many Filipinos could now be affected or subject to priority removal.

Trump notes that “many aliens who illegally entered the United States and those who overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their visas present a significant threat to national security and public safety.”

In other words, TNT’s would now be considered a threat to national security and public safety. He also states this is particularly true for aliens who engage in “criminal conduct.”

He further states it will now be the policy of the executive branch (president) to “ensure the faithful execution of the immigration laws of the United States,” and “ensure that all aliens ordered removed from the United States are promptly removed.”

The executive order then lists the “enforcement priorities,” or those aliens who will now be “prioritized for removal.” The list of those aliens, with my comments in [brackets] include aliens who: “(a) Have been convicted of any criminal offense; [It is unclear what is meant by “any” criminal offense. If a person was convicted of a simple DUI, shoplifting, or

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

Trump’s executive order lists ‘enforcement priorities’ of those who will now be targeted for removal jaywalking, that is a criminal offense. Are they now prioritized for removal?] (b) Have been charged with any criminal offense, where such charge has not been resolved; [Does this mean if a person has only been charged with a crime, and is awaiting trial, they could be targeted for removal before the trial is over, even though they could possibly be found “not guilty”?] (c) Have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense; [Does this mean a person may have committed some criminal offense, but was never charged, or the DA decided to drop charges?] (d) Have engaged in fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with any official matter or application before a governmental agency; [Many Filipinos entered the US under an assumed name, or committed other acts which constitute fraud or willful misrepresentation. When that happens, they seek a fraud waiver, or Form I – 601. Does this mean that if a person applies for a fraud waiver, seeking to be forgiven, they could be targeted for priority removal?] (e) Have abused any program related to receipt of public benefits; [If an alien went into an emergency room of a hospital, had a baby, applied for food stamps or other public benefits, would this be considered an abuse of the public benefits program, subjecting them

Angels among us “All God’s angels come to us disguised.”

– James Russell Lowell

Monette AdevA MAGlAyA (Last of 4 Installments) AN angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it. It is your choice ultimately. The more

to removal?] (f) Are subject to a final order of removal, but who have not complied with their legal obligation to depart the United States; [Many people have old removal orders.

For example, years ago they may have applied for political asylum, but never showed up to the hearing, and now there is a deportation/removal order against them. Typically, the alien would seek to reopen the case and have the case terminated. But is DHS now going to go through the court roster, and track down all people with prior removal orders?]; or (g) In the judgment of an immigration officer, otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national security.” [This is an extremely vague and broad discretionary determination to be made by an immigration officer.

What is a risk to public safety or national security? The executive order states that people who merely overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their visa “present a significant threat to national security and public safety.” Does this now mean any alien who is out of status poses a risk to public safety or national security, and therefore can be targeted for priority removal?]

As you can see, many otherwise law – abiding aliens could soon be an enforcement priority for removal merely by having overstayed or having committed minor crimes years

angels are acknowledged and become a conduit to heaven, they become a hovering, guiding reality in one’s life growing ever stronger in their influence to shape every thought, word and deed in one’s life.

On the other hand, if the dark side prevails repeatedly in one’s soul that is made progressively weak by severe addictions of any kind, whether chemical, sexual or the human inclination towards

pride, disobedience and evil, then the angel’s influence becomes weak. The human protectee is like a a cell phone that is not receiving signals and becomes dead on a skip zone.

Only a direct divine intervention wrought by the most powerful force of intercessory, unceasing prayers by one or more prayer warriors can avert the cosmic disaster of a soul lost forever to darkness, death and

An Asian Journal

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 27, 20 1 7

AFTER 13 YEARS OF WAITING FOR THE FAMILY TO BE REUNITED, THE U.S. EMBASSY STILL DENIED THE RELEASE OF THEIR VISAS. MISERY AND REDEMPTION ON A BRAND NEW EPISODE OF CITIZEN PINOY! Tatay Lando (2nd from right) went to the US to provide a better life for his family. After 13 years, the petition became current in 2016. However, when his son, Allan (left), and his grandson, Chean (2nd from right) went to the U.S. Embassy for their interview, some doubtful details came up in Allanís paperwork that caused the Embassy to deny their visas. Father and son left the Embassy heartbroken and traumatized over the incident. Immediately, Tatay Lando sought the help of leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. Watch how hope was renewed, and a family was happily reunited after many, many years on a brand-new episode of ‘Citizen Pinoy’ on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

ago. Trump had previously said he wanted to target the felons and terrorists first, but this list practically includes every alien who is out of status or committed even a minor crime.

That is why it is all the more important that if you have any immigration issues, you’re out of status, applying for additional immigration benefits, or if you simply have any doubts or concerns, you should seek

the advice and guidance of an immigration attorney, to help you navigate these uncertain waters. ***

nothingness.

There is a study of angels called angelology. In it, it is claimed that there is a hierarchy of celestial beings grouped into three spheres. According to Wikipedia, there is a First Sphere, the highest ranking of all because they are closest to God. This includes Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The Second Sphere includes Dominions, Virtues and Powers. In the Third Sphere can be found Principalities, Archangels and Angels.

Our personal guardian angels fall in the last group. Each human being is believed to be assigned a personal guardian angel, Christian or not. The angels that keep watch over human beings

belong to the lowest order of celestial beings and they are the ones concerned with the affairs of human beings. They are holy celestial beings who are agents of God intended as a help to mere mortals. They are powerful but we ourselves need to connect to that power to take effect.

If you acknowledge that you as a child of God was given a personal guardian angel from the time God conceived you in His thoughts, there should be no fear in our hearts to face even the unknown. An angelic relationship can be nurtured daily and can grow wonderfully through time until the end of human life.

Who knows? In the end, we might be able to see this yet

Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not

intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

unseen godly presence, link up face to face, do a high-five, even dance a jig and thank our personal guardian angel, whether you gave him a name or not, whether he revealed his name to you or not, when we transition out to a celestial realm ourselves — finally free of ALL heavy worldly concerns and ALL constraints of time, space and gravity.

Just perhaps, that light at the end of a long dark tunnel might give us a glimpse of the face of God himself. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

An Asian Journal

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Miss Universe bets share their thoughts on Donald Trump

Th e A s i an J o u rn al N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 27, 2 0 1 7

by Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

SoMe Miss Universe candidates were frank about their views about the United States’ new president, Donald Trump, who was inaugurated on Friday, Jan. 20.

“He wasn’t my choice for president,” confessed Miss USA Deshauna Barber at the Smile Train event on Friday. “But it’s my duty as a soldier to support him, and that’s what i really plan to do. i do hope that he is able to unify the country right now because there’s too much division in my country because of a very intense election period. i want the American people to really give

President Trump a chance.”

She told Philstar.com that she is not sure if Trump will make changes in the military. “But i’m sure that if he makes changes in the military, i’m sure there’ll be positive,” she said.

Meanwhile, Carolyn Carter, representing US Virgin islands, an organized, unincorporated United States territory in the Caribbean, said: “i don’t 100 percent agree with all the statements he makes especially towards women, so i’m thankful there are beauty pageants that empower intelligent, beautiful women,

McDonald’s announces participating restaurants where 10,000 limited edition bottles of Big Mac Special Sauce will be available Following the nationwide introduction of the Mac Jr. and grand Mac burgers, McDonald’s USA will be giving away 10,000 limited edition bottles of beloved Big Mac Special Sauce on January 26 at participating restaurants nationwide. Customers can find Big Mac Special Sauce bottles in their market by downloading the Big Mac Special Sauce Finder iMessage app that highlights the nearest restaurant where the limited edition bottles will be available.* when in restaurant, customers must share the secret code “There’s a Big Mac for that” to a crew member or designated representative for a chance to get their hands on one of the exclusive bottles that will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis.** Those who aren’t in a location where the bottles are being given away will have a chance to win a bottle on January 26 by following and participating in McDonald’s live giveaway on Facebook, instagram or Twitter.

For the first time ever, McDonald’s will be hosting a live giveaway across each of these channels.

The first bottle of Big Mac Special Sauce given away in the U.S. was gifted to the Delligatti

EMPLOYMENT

family in memory of Michael “Jim” Delligatti. Jim shared McDonald’s commitment to listening to customers and changing expectations by doing something never done before – creating a bigger burger and introducing the Big Mac in his Uniontown, Penn. restaurant.

As a sign of that commitment, McDonald’s gifted bottle #1 of 10,000 to the Delligatti family – four generations of family members who run restaurants in Pennsylvania and north Carolina. The bottle will join the permanent collection at the Big Mac museum Jim Delligatti founded in north Huntingdon, PA. “Speaking on behalf of the entire Delligatti family, we’re pleased to accept this first bottle of limited edition Big Mac Special Sauce in honor of my father Jim Delligatti. Though he’s no longer with us, we know his legacy will live on with the Big Mac sandwich. He knew customers wanted a bigger burger, so he spent weeks developing the new burger, experimenting with different buns and creating the Special Sauce,” said Michael Delligatti. “He was all about giving the customer what they

wanted, so we were glad to hear McDonald’s is continuing that tradition by giving away bottles of the iconic Big Mac Special Sauce. it’s definitely one of the ingredients that sets the burger apart from others and i know how excited some McDonald’s customers will be when they receive their own bottle.” *Participating locations new Jersey 501 S. Chambers Street, Trenton, nJ 08609 new York 106 wolf Road, Albany, nY 12205 220 w 42nd St, new York, nY 10036-7200 2379 Adam Clayton Powell, new York, nY 10030-1710 541 6th Ave & 14 St. nY, nY 10011-2026 3400 Sheridan Dr, Amherst nY 14226 262 grider St. Buffalo nY 14215 **Disclaimer: Awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Must tell McDonald’s crewperson or designated representative the secret code phrase “There’s a Big Mac for that.” Quantities are limited and may vary by restaurant.

(Advertising Supplement)

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

Miss USA Deshauna Barber, Miss US Virgin Islands Carolyn Carter, and Miss Mexico Kristal Silva Philstar.com photos by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

celebrating them. But he’s going to be our president, so i wish for him all the best, hoping that he succeeds because that means that our country succeeds, too.”

During the elections, President Trump raised eyebrows for his plan with immigrants, most especially those from Mexico.

Miss Mexico Kristal Silva, meanwhile, thinks that the new American president might impose orders that may create more problems for Mexicans in terms of immigration. Still, she remains positive with the development. “i believe in my government and they’ve been working a lot on Mexicans’ citizenship. They have to do something to maintain good relations with USA. But i think, he (Trump) won’t be a problem for us. Americans have the right to choose the best president for them,” Silva said.

Donald Trump was co-owner of the prestigious pageant when he made statements against illegal immigrants from Mexico in 2015 in his presidential campaign kickoff speech.

Broadcasting giant nBC then ended its ties with Trump after the remarks and said it would no longer air Miss Universe. Trump then sold the organization to wMe/iMg talent agency.

Matteo Guidicelli on being an action star

by ChRistinA

AlpAD ManilaTimes.net

wiTH his boyish charms, mild demeanor and well-spoken voice, it is quite impossible to picture Matteo guidicelli as an action star.

That is, until today—he hopes—as his first action-drama “Across the Crescent Moon” opens in cinemas across the country.

The actor, who went into showbiz with a privileged carracing background, has always landed swoon-worthy leading man or patient-third-wheeler roles since starting his career. it is therefore no surprise that he eagerly grabbed an offer that has given him a very different kind of challenge.

Continued on Page 6

In ‘Across the Crescent Moon,’ Matteo Guidicelli plays Special Action Force Exemplary Officer Abbas Misani.

ManilaTimes.net photo

SERVICES

Health@Heart

vaseline: Is it safe?

pneumonia.

For skin moisturizers, the following safe items may be PhiliP S. Chua, considered: shea butter, coconut MD, FaCS, FPCS oil, olive oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter.

ACETA, NSAID and hearing ALMOST every home has vaseline jelly or some other items loss Long-term use of with petroleum in it, like lip stick, acetaminophen (paracetamol) lip moisturizer, other cosmetics, paint, shoe/leather polish, nylons, and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) has ink, roof shingles, etc. One of its been found to elevate the famous forms is vaseline jelly: risk of hearing loss in women, a skin protector (shield), a very according to a study published effective skin softener for flaky in the American Journal of foot callouses and as protection Epidemiology. The research was against diaper rash.

Petroleum jelly is a derivative, done on over 55,000 women aged 44-69 in a Nurses’ Health a “byproduct” of oil refining. The Study. Those who took them components which are filtered two or more days per week for out from oil as a part of the more than 6 years had moderate refining process of petroleum hearing loss. Occasional use did jelly is suspected by some to be not have that side effect. Taking possibly carcinogenic (canceraspirin did not show any effect on causing). Not the petroleum jelly hearing. itself, but the ingredients being Caution on headphones filtered out. vaseline, as a brand, is Today, there are headphones respected as one that is highlythat are labeled “noise-limiting,” refined and triple-purified, minus but many of them are still all those toxic components, and delivering dangerous volumes is considered non-carcinogenic.

There are many brands of the jelly that could damage our hearing, more especially so among in the market. children.

The biggest contaminant A test conducted by The in petroleum jelly (if not fully purified) is called PAHs (polycyclic Wirecutter, a firm owned by the aromatic hydrocarbons). The other New York Times, revealed that “of 30 sets of volume-limiting is 1,3-butadiene and ethylene headphones and earbuds tested oxide, which is also suspected to increase the risk for breast cancer. for the product recommendations website, 15 had noise greater Petroleum jelly (a mineral than 85 decibels, which is oil), like vaseline, is not really a the 8-hour limit for adults in skin moisturizer. It is more like the workplace….The loudest a protective sealant, a barrier headphones hit 108 decibels, a against water and dirt. As such, it also plugs skin pores and reduces level described as safe for only 3 minutes…and half of children’s the skin’s ability to “breathe” noise-restricting headphones and eliminate toxic body waste didn’t limit volume as advertised.” through sweat. If applied to an The recommendation of unwashed face, petroleum jelly audiologists is to “set the volume seals in the dirt and could cause of the device at or below 60 acne. When applied to hair, it percent...and taking a break every induces dandruff formation. hour to prevent damage to the When used on the nose often or inner ear.” inhaled frequently, it goes to the Let’s heed this warning. It lungs and could cause lipid (oil)

would be devastating to go deaf.

Visual symptoms after LASIK A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association Ophthalmology on 240 active Navy personnel and 300 civilians who had LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis) had improved vision but “among participants with no visual symptoms before surgery, over 40 percent reported new symptoms 3 months afterward — most commonly, halo and starbursts…

Such symptoms about a third of participants at 6 months… In addition, nearly 30 percent of participants reported new dry eye symptoms at 3 months.” LASIK is a popular, safe, and beneficial procedure when performed within the standard of care for eye surgery. Those contemplating to have LASIK should have a pre-op conference with their ophthalmologist for the details of the procedure and post-op expectations.

HPV Throat cancer on the rise There are several risks factors for the development of throat cancer. Among them are: a diet low in vegetables and fruits; tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes); alcohol in excess; Epstein-Barr virus; GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease; and HPv (Human Papilloma virus).

The concern is that HPvcaused throat cancers in the United States are on the rise between 2000 and 2009, a period when overall cancer death rates in the US were going down, with more people surviving cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and rectum. The incidences of HPv-related oropharyngeal (mouth-throat), anal, and vaginal cancers are increasing. HPv is the most common sexuallytransmitted disease; there are Continued on Page 7

An Asian Journal

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N uA RY 27, 20 1 7

By Monet

Lu

NOv. 4, 2008 was the day President Obama was elected president of the United States.

He entered humbly into the ‘land of milk and honey’ where he would later bring about the change that he envisioned for this promising country.

He took over the presidency after eight years of the Bush administration and managed to save the banking and automobile industry during his time.

One article says, “he managed to create 109,000 jobs per month and decrease unemployment to 4.7 percent. The average hourly wage has increased by 2.9 percent, and the stock market has reached record highs under his administration.”

Despite of all of these, many are still not as thrilled as he had hoped. It wasn’t easy being an African-American president, let alone be a leader to people who back then, did not even know his name, nor understand the impact he would have on the world in the years that followed.

And there’s his lovely wife, Michelle Obama. This amazing woman, who in her poignant and touching words, ‘left everyone in tears’ when she bid farewell to her staff a few days ago.

The epitome of class and ‘calm under pressure’ – that is Michelle Obama for me. She is one of the most genuine persons who ever lived in the White House. And she certainly has a way with words.

A skill she displayed when she campaigned for Hillary Clinton earlier this year (as my readers and my friends know, I wanted Hilary to win the elections).

Mrs. Obama served as a fashion icon. She has propelled designers including Peter Pilotto, Jason Wu, Isabel Toledo, Thakoon and St Erasmus into the limelight.

Washington Post writes, “Obama has celebrated a distinctly contemporary version of American style — a sensibility rooted in comfort and practicality, wholly NEW YORK, New York – Consul removed from the Old World General Theresa Dizon-de vega formality that still percolates within met with her Thai counterpart, French fashion and apart from the Consul General Pornpong flashy sex appeal and bella figura Kanittanon to discuss ASEAN tailoring that are the twin pillars of Italian aesthetics.” activities in 2017 as the regional The First Lady recently organization marks its 50th year. appeared on the cover The two Consuls General of the December issue of spoke about possible events vogue magazine, and in the covering the three main pillars accompanying interview, she told of ASEAN: Political-Security, the magazine, “You know, there Economic, and Socio-Cultural. are little ...moments. Even today I Consuls General De vega was looking out at this view here. and Kittanon discussed the Looking out on the South Lawn importance of holding a and the Washington Monument and it had just rained and the grass commemorative event for the was really green and everything 50th anniversary of ASEAN, noting popped a little bit more. It’s soooo the high visibility of New York and beautiful. And for that moment I its importance as an information Consul General Dizon-de Vega with the Consul General of Thailand in New York Pornpong thought, I’m going to miss waking hub for political, economic, and Photo by NYPCG up to this, having access to this Kanittanon cultural issues not only for US but anytime I want. But on the flip side also for global audiences.

Consuls General also exchanged Thailand as well as common … it’s time,” Aside from the Philippines’ views on the state of bilateral concerns of the two Consulates in Now here we are, looking back ASEAN Chairmanship this year, the relations of the Philippines and New York. at those eight good years, and

Consul general Dizon-de Vega calls on thai counterpart to discuss aSean@50

What the Year of the Fire Rooster...

From Page 2

Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Characterized as gentle, quiet, patient and responsible, 2017 will be a tough, tumultuous year for rabbits. For fortune, they are advised to plan and budget and to not participate in any joint financial ventures as they may turn out unsuccessful. They will be stressed out at work, however, they may be lucky in finding another job opportunity. Like other animals, this year will bring about accidents if they are not careful in driving or following signs while crossing the street. Additionally, they should follow a healthy routine of rest, diet and exercise. For relationships, rabbits may find luck in getting married or having children. They may encounter problems with their loved ones so they are advised to communicate and talk through their issues. Rabbits are best matched with a rat, goat, monkey or dog, but do not work well with a rooster or snake.

DRagon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 Dragons are known for being courageous, intelligent, and risk takers. 2017 will be a relatively lucky year for them. In terms of fortune, they are encouraged to start their own businesses or a new project.

According to China Highlights, dragons who are working in sales, insurance or beauty will be fortunate this year. There will also be opportunities to develop their careers or change jobs. Since dragons are social people, they will attend a lot of social gatherings, but should limit them as to not deteriorate their health. This year will be good to get married if you are in a stable relationship. Dragons go well with a rat, tiger or snake, but are not so compatible with ox, sheep or dog.

Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Snakes embody wisdom, intelligence and privacy. This year will be especially lucky for them, seeing expansions in business, making large purchases and success at work and investments. However, they are advised to take care of themselves, as they are prone to bouts of different moods, poor sleep, and pressure. Their love lives won’t experience too much transformation; if they are in serious relationships or married, they need to take care of their partners and not let work or other parties interfere. Those who are single may find someone, but it will generally be an uneventful year. Snakes are well-suited with a dragon or rooster, and should avoid a tiger, rabbit or sheep.

5

Magazine

An open letter of gratefulness to the Obama Family

just like ‘all good things – they (eventually) come to an end’ – whether you are ready for it or not.

I wasn’t. I didn’t want to – at least not yet – not now.

But, if I could say a few words to our former president and his family, this is what I would tell them: To President Obama: As you leave the life of presidency to welcome a much less-complicated one, I can imagine how eight years could feel so fleeting.

My heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation; not only for the things you helped bring to light, but also for the many things we still have yet to realize.

You have fought to keep this nation from the very thing we have now become. You gave us the Affordable Care Act, which isn’t perfect, but insures millions of American citizens who previously did not have access to health care.

You made sure that that children could remain on their parents’ health care policies until the age of 26 and that people who had preexisting conditions could not be denied health care.

You gave us the Defense of Marriage Act. Now, LGBT citizens finally got what they have been fighting for all these years – the right to marry the person they love. In doing so, you did not only make an impact to a nation, but you defined a culture and you shook up and woke up a generation.

You worked tirelessly on climate change laws and put areas of open space and ocean under federal protection from developers.

You wanted to and could have created more jobs, but the Republican-led Congress had other plans.

I thank you, Mr. President, for those eight years of showing us that, “Yes, we (certainly) can.” We want you to know your legacy will

live on long after your presidency.

I want to thank you for everything that you did and tried to do for this country, despite the hatred, the opposition, and those roadblocks that you and Mrs. Obama have encountered along the way.

Your family is one of the most wonderful families who have ever lived in the White House. I will miss you all beyond words can express.

I have to accept – now, even more than ever – the foreboding reality that you and Mrs. Obama, who are the smartest, kindest, classiest, most dignified and caring couple to live in the White House is ‘handing over the keys’ to a couple who has yet to learn how to carry themselves with the qualities (I mentioned above) you both have effortlessly displayed.

As you transition out of office, and out of The ‘House’ that you made into a home to ‘US,’ we want you to know that we will do our best to carry on the legacy that the Obama family has instilled in our hearts.

We will forever be grateful to you, the graceful intelligent and compassionate first lady, Mrs. Obama, as well as your beautiful daughters Sasha and Malia for their collective sacrifices for this nation.

You will remain in our hearts as you have ‘US’ in yours. Good luck and may you continue to bring out the best in one another and in everyone. *** 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

hoRSe 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 Horses are energetic, active and love to be the center of attention.

The fortune for a horse in 2017 will be mixed, but overall good luck will be experienced. For finances, they can expect getting promoted or a raise or expanding their businesses. At work, horses will thrive by developing strong personal relationships with their peers or clients.

However, they should steer clear from any competition from colleagues.

Horses should take extra caution when it comes to their respiratory and urinary system, their heart and blood vessels and stomachs, according to China Highlights. In order to do this, they should regularly exercise and go to the doctor. Further, horses will be lucky when it comes to love — they may meet the “right one” and enter a relationship or start a family if they are married. Horses are best with a sheep or tiger, but they don’t work well with a rat, ox or rooster.

Sheep (goat) 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 Gentle, shy, kindhearted and creative are some of the attributes of a sheep. Overall, they may have a bad year. For wealth, they should prepare, budget and avoid spending too much money because there may be some financial problems underway. Their careers will be somewhat luckier, however, if they work hard to improve their circumstances. They should be diligent with monitoring their health as there may be some problems caused by negative moods. There will be no significant improvement for their love lives, unless they work hard to attract a partner or maintain their current relationship. Sheep work best with a rabbit, horse or boar, but should stay away from an ox, dragon, snake or dog.

Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 Monkeys are clever, quick-witted, gentle and honest. 2016 was the Year of the Monkey, which was a relatively unlucky year for monkeys.

However, that bad luck is said to transition out this year in favor of more good luck. In 2017, they will reap benefits from their hard work.

Those who work in creative fields will be lucky, especially. At work, they may be promoted, have opportunities to travel, or seek a job change, though it is recommended to seek advice from a mentor. They should do more exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables and not argue with their family members. For their love lives, single women may have a good shot at entering a relationship this year, but they should get to know their prospect well beforehand. For men, they will also be lucky in finding a relationship, but it may not be stable. Monkeys are most compatible with ox or rabbit, but don’t work too well with tigers or boars.

An Asian Journal

Magazine

6

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY JA N UA RY 27, 20 1 7

3 former Miss U winners arrive in Philippines ahead of coronation

Pioneering Filipino medical program launched in New Jersey

NEW YORK, New York – Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega met with officials of the Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey to discuss its newlyThursday, Jan. 26. She is now a THREE ladies who previously and coronation. launched pioneering Filipino Bollywood actress, philanthropist Medical Program and to discuss Dayanara first arrived in held Miss Universe crown and champion of women’s rights further collaboration on wellness, the country in 1994 when she arrived in the Philippines ahead in India and founder of I AM crowned her successor Sushmita. of the coronation on Sunday, health, and lifestyle issues Foundation.

She stayed in the country Jan. 29. affecting Filipinos and FilipinoDuring her arrival, Sushmita longer and accepted acting and Miss Universe title holders Americans. said she was happy to be hosting stints, including Sunday Dayanara Torres of Puerto Rico, In a discussion with Holy Name back. She even wore former noontime show “ASAP.” Sushmita Sen of India, and Medical Center’s Vice President for Miss Universe-Philippines bet In her Instagram account, Riyo Mori of Japan are now on Asian Health Services Kyung Hee Charlene Gonzales’s earrings.

Dayanara said she signed back Philippine soil.

Choi and Filipino Medical Program On the other hand, Riyo, with entertainment management Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara, Officer Veronica Lavarro, Consul the second Miss Universe Manila Genesis again although former UNICEF ambassador, General de Vega reaffirmed the titleholder of Japan, landed in the Consulate General’s support for author, actress and model, arrived she did not specify her project.

Philippines on Monday, Jan. 23.

Meanwhile, Sushmita, in the country on Wednesday. the program and its assistance in She is now an actress, model and raising awareness of its unique the first ever Miss Universe She is among the judges for dancer in Japan. (Philstar.com) titleholder of India, arrived on the pageant’s preliminary show services for the Filipino Community.

She noted that there is a need for greater information dissemination as Filipinos, like the greater AsianAmerican Community, are generally hesitant to seek available health and human services when based overseas.

Ms. Choi and Ms. Lavarro explained that their unique program, which stemmed from successful Korean Medical Programs, caters to the most prevalent health conditions among Filipinos such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney and gall bladder illnesses, and hypertension, among others.

Miss Universe title holders Dayanara Torres of Puerto Rico, Sushmita Sen of India, and Riyo Mori of Japan are now on Philippine soil.

The program provides Filipino patients with facilities for health screenings, access to Filipino television programs such as The Filipino Channel, Philippine magazines and reading materials, and Philippine food in the hospital menu for in-patients such as concerns of foreign missions in other geographic regions at the NEW YORK – Philippine Consul porridge (Lugaw, arroz caldo) the US. residence of Saudi Arabian Consul General to New York Theresa and Adobo. Filipino language The Executive Committee General Khaled Al Sharif who Dizon- De Vega attended her materials are likewise available for likewise finalized plans for hosted the Executive Committee first meeting of the Society of those who have difficulty reading forthcoming Society of Foreign Meeting. The Society is currently Foreign Consuls in New York as English.

Consuls events in New York headed by Maria Isabel Nieto, an Executive Committee Member including an International Food Consul General of Colombia. representing East Asia and Western Festival in February and dialogues During the meeting the Pacific on 24 January 2017. Her with city, state, and other officials Society’s Executive Committee had predecessor Consul General Mario in New York. a discussion on various consular L. De Leon, Jr. served as a member From Page 3 The Philippine Consulate corps concerns with guests Office of the Executive Committee and “I feel very blessed to do this General maintains an active of Foreign Missions (OFM) Regional subsequently as President of the movie.

People think that I can engagement with the Society Director Jeffrey R. Sellars and Society. only be a goody-goody angel on of Foreign Consuls and will Deputy Regional Director Murray Consul General Dizon-De screen but really, it has always participate in its forthcoming Smith. The OFM is a branch of the Vega joined the other Executive been my dream to do action programs.

US State Department handling Committee members representing movies,” Guidicelli acknowledged at Across the Crescent Moon’s grand press launch.

In his first major starrer, Guidicelli plays Abbas, a Moslem Special Action Force (SAF) Exemplary Officer tasked to investigate a human trafficking syndicate. The assignment puts additional strain on his family, both sides of which are already at odds because his wife is a Christian, and in the process, also tests his fidelity to Islam and ultimately endangers his life.

Joining Guidicelli are a mix of the finest actors in Philippine cinema and promising newcomers, namely Christopher de Leon, Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion, Sandy Andolong, Alexandra Godinez, Joem Bascon, Ivan Carapiet, Jerico Estregan, Leo Martinez, Rex Cortez, Jackie Aquino, Garie Concepcion, Jerene Tan, Mariel de Leo and Ku Aquino.

According to writer, director and producer Baby Nebrida— whose credits include such classics as Langis at Tubig, Init o Lamig, My Only Love, Epimaco Velasco: NBI, Chop-Chop Lady: The Elsa Castillo Story, among

ConGen De Vega joins executive committee of society of consuls in NY

Consul General Dizon-de Vega with Holy Name Medical Center Vice President for Asian Health Service Kyung Hee Choi and Veronica Lavarro of the Filipino Medical Program.

Consul General Dizon-de Vega with the medical and administrative officials of the Holy Name Medical Center Photos by NYPCG

During the facility visit Consul General de Vega had the opportunity to converse with a Filipino-American patient who had availed of the program’s services.

According to Ms. Lavarro if the program is successful, they are optimistic that it will be replicated in other medical and health institutions and help

promote a healthier lifestyle among the Filipino-American Community.

The Consulate and the Filipino Medical Program will undertake further collaborative work in reaching out to the Filipino-American community on addressing health concerns, particularly during Human Services Day held every March.

Matteo Guidicelli on being...

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others—it took them three months to finally cast the heartthrob.

Nebrida confessed she was initially unconvinced Guidicelli had the capacity to do an action movie. “I have to be honest, I didn’t know that he was a great action star. I thought he was just a romantic man,” she came clean.

But after spending several months with the actor, witnessing his dedication and acting and physical capacity, Nebrida boldly declared Guidicelli has found his calling in showbiz.

“After this movie, I think he’s going to be a big action star.

Matteo is terrific in Across the Crescent Moon. The role was really meant for him,” the writeddirector declared.

Nebrida by the way is not the only legend who is all praise for Guidicelli. Christopher de Leon, who plays the actor’s Moslem father, was also in awe of his versatility.

“In our first scene at the mosque, I was like, ‘This Matteo, is he the snobbish mayabang star of ABS-CBN?’ But it turned out he wasn’t. Matteo was so humble and accommodating, he was very gracious and I like that. Best of all, he is very dedicated to his craft,” de Leon shared.

The veteran recalled how Guidicelli came down with the

Vaseline: Is it safe?

From Page 5 more than 40 types of HPV. Oral-sex obviously is risky and best avoided. The tip on the internet that suggests the use of Saran Wrap film as a protective “condom for the mouth and tongue,” as ridiculous as it might sound, could be a useful barrier, so long as it is intact, to prevent HPV contamination. But why take the risk?

While many misinformed or uninformed parents refuse HPV vaccine (Gardasil) their sons and daughters for fear of complications, the vaccine has been found to be safe and very effective in preventing HPV and the infections and cancers it causes.

The vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys 9 and 12 years old and also for girls and women who are 13 to 26 who have not had the vaccine or completed series. The boys are considered potential “spreader” of HVP to girls.

Reports from the CDC, American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute and

North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (co-author) have shown that “HPV infections cause virtually all cervical cancers, 90 percent of anal cancers, more than 60 percent of certain oropharyngeal cancers (including the base of the tongue, tonsils and throat) and 40 percent of vagina, vulvar, and penile cancers.”

Pre-diabetic range lowered Pre-diabetes is the stage immediately before the development of a full-blown type-2 diabetes mellitus and is characterized by “impaired fasting glucose according to World Health Organization criteria (110–124 mg/dL) or the American Diabetes Association’s lower cutoffs (100–124 mg/dL), and elevated hemoglobin A1c according to U.K. criteria (6.0–6.4 percent) or lower ADA cutoffs (5.7–6.4 percent).”

The British Medical Journal report on this meta-analysis on 1.6 million adults from 53 cohort studies (median followup years of more than 9 years) stated that “adults with fasting

flu one day and was shaking in between takes. No matter how sick he was, he insisted on continuing the shoot so as not to disrupt anyone’s schedule.

“Moreover, Matteo was willing to do all the action and dramatic scenes that Direk wanted him to do. No doubles.

Even in our Tausug lines, he was perfect saying them,” de Leon continued.

Dina Bonnevie, who plays Guidicelli’s mother-in-law, also commended the actor for his talent and professionalism. “His emotional quotient is so high na talagang he feels his roles. He’s very observant and he is willing to learn.”

Physical, emotional preparation The offer to do the movie came at a very opportune time as Guidicelli—ever the adrenaline junkie who engages in extreme adventures and physically demanding sports—just started training for the traditional Filipino Martial Arts, Kali.

He found his recently acquired skill useful in his complicated fight scenes, which Hollywood stunt directors Shawn Bernal and Tim Waid specifically devised for the film.

Nevertheless, Guidicelli had met many new challenges in the Continued on Page 7

glucose concentrations as low as 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c levels of 5.7 percent could face increased risk for cardiovascular events.” Mortality appears not to be impacted.

Compared to those with normal blood sugar and AIC level, pre-diabetics have been found to (already) have significant increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In view of this, the cutoff for blood sugar and AIC level should be lower than those stated above as our current guide in defining pre-diabetics.

Consult your attending physician for more details and advice. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States.

For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Filipinos commemorate the feast of the Black Nazarene in New York New York, New York – The Filipino Pastoral Community of our Lady of Pompei Church in downtown Manhattan together with the Boston Friends and Devotees of Poong Hesus Nazareno, and the Hermanas and

Hermanos held a solemn mass to commemorate the Feast of the Black Nazarene on 08 January 2017.

The High Mass which also doubled as a celebration of the Feast of the epiphany was concelebrated by Fr. walter

Tonelotto, Pastor of our Lady of Pompei and Fr. Jonathan Loverita, a priest from Samar and currently the Parochial Vicar of the parish.

As part of its on-going parish and faith-based community outreach and information drive program, the Philippine Consulate General represented by Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega and PAGIBIG Fund New York officer Michael Azucena took part in the event.

Fr. Tonelotto in his homily noted that the Feast of the epiphany is essentially also the story of the Migrant Filipino Community who like the Magi went on a journey in search of a better life for themselves and their families. echoing the statements of Fr. Tonelotto, Consul General De Vega also spoke about how the Consulate is working closely and connecting with various Fr. Jonathan Loveriza, Parochial Vicar and Director of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Our of faith-based organizations in Lady of Pompei Church in New York City with members of the Pastoral Group, Boston Friends the US Northeast in ensuring and Devotees of the Poong Hesus Nazareno and Hermanos, Hermanas of the event that the government is ready to Photo courtesy of Ms. Nancy Hombrebueno assist Filipinos in their respective journeys in the US Northeast.

Aside from the Mass, the Filipino Community members, many of whom are devotees of the Black Nazarene took part in procession featuring an image of the Black Nazarene which is enshrined in the our Lady of Pompei Church.

The New York event takes place close to the date of the commemoration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila which attracts over a million devotees annually.

Consul General De Vega delivers a message to the Filipino Community members

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Elha Nympha makes her US TV debut

by Mark

Bonifacio ManilaTimes.net

wHeN the show “Little Big Shots” announced on social media its new season premiere on March 5 on NBC, there was a familiar face in the trailer—a little girl wearing a pink floral dress who looks just like “The Voice kids” Season 2 grand champion elha Nympha.

Music Geek has confirmed that yes, it is indeed elha who will make her US TV debut in the show hosted and co-produced by the controversial Steve Harvey and also ellen DeGeneres. She flew to United States last year to tape an episode but was mum on what she performed on the show and when her episode will air. Nevertheless this is another much awaited event for Filipinos.

“Little Big Shots” is an American show featuring “the world’s most talented and extraordinary kids.” It showcases young musicians, singers, dancers and every form of wunderkind around America [with some from overseas]and go toe to toe with them in conversations and interviews, with hilarious results. elha was a banana cue vendor before bagging the top spot on the second season of “The Voice kids” with her powerful vocals. She was under rocker Bamboo Mañalac’s team giving him his first win since coaching both “The Voice kids” and “The Voice of the

Nympha will make her US TV debut in the show ‘Born To Be Awesome’ hosted and coproduced

by Steve Harvey and also Ellen DeGeneres.

Philippines.” elha is currently one of the celebrity contestants of ABS-CBN show “Your Face Sounds Familiar kids” edition where she was praised for her impersonation of Megastar Sharon Cuneta. She also guested last December at the finals of “The Voice kids” Indonesia, and released her selftitled debut album featuring her version of the Beyonce hit “Love on Top” that she sang on the show.

It will be another Pinoy pride moment when elha appears on the US show after Charice

and Zendee’s guested in ellen a few years back. She will hold the privilege of being the first Filipino singer to be invited to “Little Big Shots.”

Let us hope this will open more opportunities for elha especially in the international scene. Music Geek is excited to watch her episode.

Since Steve Harvey will be here in the Philippines to host the 65th Miss Universe Beauty Pageant on January 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena, what do you think will he say about this kid with big voice laden with talent?

Matteo Guidicelli on being...

Fr. Walter Tonelotto, Consul General De Vega & Fr. Loveriza; Image of the Poon Hesus Nazareno

Photos by NYPCG)

From Page 6 movie, besides having to imbibe a new culture. “when we were shooting in the Mosque, I was asking all these questions, thinking what others also believe that Muslims are violent, what with all the wars and suicide missions around the world. They generously explained that according to the Quran, all religions have God at the center,

so that all Muslims also want peace and harmony. I hope this movie breaks the notion that Muslims are bad. Their traditions are very strong and we should learn to respect that,” Guidicelli noted.

In parting, the actor explained why he is very thankful to be part of such a meaningful project. “All the challenges that we faced in making the film was all worth

it—we all cried, we had sleepless nights but at the end of the day it was fulfilling.”

Incidentally, Across the Crescent Moon’s opening day today falls on the second anniversary of the Mamamsapano massacre, where an encounter with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Moro Islamic Liberation Front led to the death of 44 SAF soldiers.

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