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DOJ, NBI to form special task team to DATELINE USA Larry Itliong’s probe bullet planting scheme in NAIA from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

son fights to continue legacy

IN the last 32 years, community leader Johnny Itliong has attended nearly 400 events to spread awareness about the role his father and the Delano manongs played in the eventual creation of the United farm Workers (UfW). “my big picture goal is to get everybody educated about how a group of people can get together regardless of their background, set their differences aside, get rid of political correctness…and treat everybody as people.

And really to have our rights as a person to be recognized by each other and share that with each other,” Itliong said.

It is mexican-American labor leader Cesar Chavez who is most often associated with the founding of the UfW. But the contributions of Itliong’s father, Larry Itliong, have long been ignored. on sept. 8, 1965, Larry led about 1,500 farmers in what marked the beginning of the Delano Grape strike.

A victory came earlier this year when Cali-

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New report: Federal banking agencies must do more on diversity

People of color, women ‘woefully absent’ from senior management; Greenlining Institute urges action

WAshINGtoN – A staff report released on thursday, Nov. 5 by rep. maxine Waters, ranking member of the house Committee on financial services, and members of the Congressional Black, hispanic and Asian Pacific American Caucuses finds a disturbing lack of diversity in seven key federal agencies regulating the financial system. Policy experts at the Greenlining Institute said that the report, written by house Committee on financial services Democratic staff based on analyses by the Inspectors General at the agencies, should spur concerted action to increase diversity. the report finds that women and minorities are underrepresented in the agencies’ workforces and severely underrepresented in senior management positions. In addition, African American employees generally received lower performance management review (Pmr) scores than their white counterparts.

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by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

AmID an ongoing alleged “laglag-bala (dropping bullets)” scheme targeting passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Department of Justice has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to create a special task force to investigate reported incidents, according to Philstar.

In a growing list of cases, filipinos and foreigners alike have fallen victim to what is also known as the “tanim-bala (planting bullets)” scam, which involves planting bullets in travelers’ baggage and threatening lawsuits unless they give money. Airport personnel are allegedly behind the scam, rappler reported.

Department of Justice secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa ordered the NBI to establish a seven-man team that will examine evidence, including video and audio recordings, related to the scam. the team will also gather sworn statements of reported victims of the extortion scam, verify current cases and determine who perpetrators are, according to Philstar. the task force was given 15 days from Wednesday, Nov. 4, to conclude its probe.

Data from the office of transportation security (ots) indicates that 1,394 ammunition EXTRA PROTECTION. Departing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with their baggage wrapped in plastic wait in line to check in at the Ninoy Aquino interceptions have been reported at PhilipInternational Airport Terminal 1 on Monday, Nov. 2. According to Malacañang, complaints from citizens, and not the arrival of world leaders in the country pine airports so far this year. Last year, there for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this month, have prompted the government to act on the alleged “tanim-bala” (bullet-planting) were 1,813; in 2013 there were 2,184; and in scam victimizing passengers at the Naia.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

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NAIA syndicate Big cache of weapons seized in Bilibid raid confirmed

by Jerome

Aning Inquirer.net

NBI: Usual ‘bala’ targets gullible OFWs, elderly by nAnCy

C. CArvAJAl Inquirer.net

AN extortion syndicate preying mainly on the elderly and overseas filipino workers (ofWs) and involving personnel from various state agencies, not only plants bullets in bags of airline passengers but also harasses them by questioning their travel papers, the Inquirer has learned.

Initial findings by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation reveal that some porters identify potential victims of the “tanimbala” (bullet-planting) scam and accomplices in the security and immigration services take over from them inside the four terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). the activities of the syndicate came to light last month when Gloria ortinez, 56, a domes-

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AUthorItIes seized firearms and electronic gadgets in dormitories occupied by at least four prison gangs at the New Bilibid Prison in muntinlupa City Wednesday morning. the raiders also found a caged civet cat, locally known as “musang,” which is either being kept as a pet or as a source of exotic coffee. msgr. robert olaguer, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) spokesperson, said a joint team from the BuCor, Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug enforcement Agency raided Dormitories 2, 5 and 9, where members of prison gangs sigue-sigue sputnik, Commando, De Cuerna and Genuine INMATES’ ARMORY. Assorted firearms and ammunition are among the items authorities seized in Ilocano were staying. seized during the raid were dormitories where members of prison gangs stay at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Also high-powered firearms, airsoft confiscated were electronic gadgets and even a “musang” (civet cat) in a cage.

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Inquirer.net photo by Edwin Bacasmas

Bongbong willing to undergo 1M Filipinos lost P25B Binay vows fast release DNA test to help Grace Poe to investment scams of 4Ps to beneficiaries

by JulliAne love

by Doris

DumlAo Inquirer.net

De Jesus

Inquirer.net

seNAtor ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. said that he is willing to undergo DNA matching test if he would be asked to help presidential candidate senator Grace Poe prove that her parents are filipino. “sure, papa-DNA ako (I’ll undergo DNA matching). I don’t see how that will help her but if it will, why not?” said a laughing marcos at the weekly Kapihan sa senado forum on thursday, Nov. 5.

Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos marcos jokingly added: “Wala Jr. at the weekly Kapihan sa Senado on Thursday, Nov. 5.

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Inquirer.net photo by Julliane Love De Jesus

ImProvING the system of granting aid to poor filipinos through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will prevent several instances of nonpayment and underpayment of beneficiaries and double entries and inaccuracies on the list of beneficiaries, according to the office of vice President Jejomar Binay. “the help is not going to our poor countrymen on time or not at all based on a Commission on Audit [CoA] report for 2014. the Department of social Welfare and Development [DsWD] has

oNe in every 100 filipinos has fallen prey to various investment scams that lure people with hefty returns in a short period of time, wiping out more than P25 billion worth of hard-earned money to date.

Lalaine monserate, assistant director in charge of investigations and prosecution at the securities and exchange Commission (seC), said in a briefing yesterday that the most prevalent scams were done through the “Ponzi” and “pyramiding” schemes.

Based on conservative estimates, she said as many as one million filipinos have been victimized by investment scams. this estimate based on reports reaching the seC rather than the actual number of complainants was equivalent to about 1 percent of

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Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

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november 6-12, 2015 • neW YorK AnD neW JerSeY ASIAn JoUrnAL

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

From the Front Page

DOJ, NBI to form special task team to probe…

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2012, there were 1,214 incidents, according to OTS data released on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The Aviation Security Group says the scam has resulted in 30 recorded cases of illegal possession of ammunition from January to early November this year.

Last year, there were 12 cases; in 2013, there were 21; in 2012, there were 20, Philippine Nation-

al Police Aviation Security Group Supt. Jeanne Panisan told reporters at a press briefing.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said cases of bullet planting at airport terminals “have been blown out of proportion,” Philstar reported.

While many passengers in reported cases deny that they own bullets found in their luggage, some have admitted to owning

ammunition found in their belongings, saying they either keep them as charms or forgot to remove them from their carry-on baggage.

In an incident on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Qatar-bound OFW Melody Valdez, 40, was stopped when her bag was discovered at the initial security screening checkpoint at NAIA Terminal 1 to contain a .45-caliber bullet. Valdez denied having a bullet and agreed to open her bag for inspection.

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, London-bound Monalisa Valmonte Rico was stopped when a rifle bullet was detected in her luggage at the final security screening checkpoint at NAIA, Philstar reported.

In the same article, a 59-yearold man was reportedly stopped Wednesday at the final security screening checkpoint NAIA for possessing a gun. Ramon Loarca admitted the gun was his and said he forgot to remove it from his bag.

The three passengers are now in the custody of the Avsegroup National Capital Region headquarters and are set to be charged for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, according to Inquirer.

Legislators respond to scam Lawmakers have called for an investigation into the alleged scheme while Malacañang has vowed to put an end to the scheme.

“Government is there to make sure everything will be in order.

Whatever is happening there, we’ll look into it. We assure the public that we will go after whoever the culprit is,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, according to Manila Bulletin.

Sherwin Gatchalian, a member of the tourism committee in the House of Representatives, said the ongoing incident is becoming an “international embarrassment” and warned that perpetrators are “not afraid to prey on foreigners.”

In a statement, Sen. Francis Escudero said NAIA personnel should stop “assassinating” Filipinos passing through the airport, as in the case of former Senator Ninoy Aquino who was shot and killed at the airport tarmac in 1983.

“Planting bullets in the baggage of Filipinos and tourists

passing through the NAIA is a great disservice to the memories of the late senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. who died from the bullets fired by dishonorable men,” Escudero said.

“The government must seriously act now to stop these figurative assassinations of Filipinos and tourists. We must hold accountable to the fullest extent of the law these dishonorable airport officials and personnel,” he added.

Among lawmakers seeking a probe into the scheme are Sens.

Miriam Defensor Santiago and Alan Peter Cayetano, who announced Friday, Oct. 30, they filed resolutions for an investigation into the matter.

Santiago proposed the creation of a task force to investigate “alleged illicit activity” of state agents.

Cayetano proposed improving surveillance by upgrading the airport’s 20-year-old analog cameras with IP surveillance videos, implementing a 48 hour rule where airport officials must catch culprits of scams and send them to prison within 48 hours or resign, and implement a rule where supervisors rotate so as to reduce the time and opportunity for theft and extortion in airports, Rappler reported.

Santiago said that the scam could affect tourism, instill fear in foreigners and decrease the public’s trust in law enforcement.

Jess Martinez, assistant head of the Media Affairs Division of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), said the fear of the traveling public is unsettling but understandable.

“MIAA assures the public that all concerned agencies are closely looking into this already.

Surveillance has been enhanced ever since reports were brought to the attention of management,” she told Philstar.

President Benigno Aquino III has been called on to fire MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado because of the scandal, but Malacañang said its priority is to identify the problem correctly -- not fire Honrado.

“Because we only have what media is reporting.... That’s why the president wants to cast a wide net. Let’s look at the entire picture,” Lacierda said.

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COURT-BOUND, WITH A BULLET Rey Salado, a passenger bound for Cagayan de Oro City, fixes his luggage after a bullet was found in it by screeners at Naia Terminal 3. Salado said the bullet came from a friend.

Raffy Lerma/Inquirer.net

NAIA syndicate…

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tic helper in Hong Kong for 26 years, was arrested, detained and charged with carrying bullets in her luggage, despite her tearful denials. Her plight was caught by TV news cameras and went viral on social media.

Amid widespread outrage and concern among domestic and international travelers, the NBI began its investigation on orders of Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguiao to “act with dispatch” and report within 15 days, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

Narrating the activities of the extortion ring, the NBI source, who spoke to the Inquirer on condition of anonymity for lack of authority to speak to the media, said: “Each unit has an assigned task and roles, its members are recruited by longtime workers in the four airport terminals.”

“Apart from the now very known bullet-planting extortion,

the racket also covers supposed questionable documents and purpose of travel of the passenger,” he said.

“The syndicate is composed of various airport workers such as immigration personnel, airport police, X-ray scanners, baggage inspectors and porters, the source said.

Usual targets “The usual targets are OFWs who are easily duped and the elderly who easily get nervous,” he said. “The group had a profile of their victims who they see as gullible and could easily be bullied.”

The source explained that in the case of tanim-bala, X-ray scanners and baggage inspectors under the Department of Transportation and Communications-Office for Transportation Security (DOTC-OTS) have no police powers and are not authorized by law to make an arrest and need the Philippine National

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From the Front Page

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

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 6-12, 2015

Binay vows fast release of 4Ps to…

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FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. Senator Cynthia A. Villar joins the Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer Inc. in celebration of the Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Month held at East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City. The senator calls on women to take the necessary steps to detect the disease in early stages for early treatment.

Senate photo

Big cache of weapons seized in Bilibid…

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guns, mobile phones, chargers, over 60 bladed weapons, wooden knuckles and drug paraphernalia. There were also sex toys, a television and a personal refrigerator.

Also confiscated was assorted cash worth P140,000 in P1,000 bills.

“I think the firearms have been concealed there for a long time. It would certainly take several years to hoard them. It’s only now that we’re discovering them because

this time, the information is coming from inmates themselves,” Olaguer told reporters in a text message.

Some of the guns were found concealed beneath a concrete stage between Dormitory 2 and 9. The stage is used for performances and programs.

The BuCor, citing ongoing investigations, declined to identify the owners of the kiosks or “kubol” in the dormitories where guns and contraband were found. Kiosks

NAIA syndicate…

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Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) to step in, make the arrest and file the appropriate charges.

“OTS personnel or X-ray scanners as well as baggage inspectors cannot make an arrest,” he said. “An airport police should be summoned to make a believable scam.”

While the role of the porter is “to spot a target and sometimes a planter of supposed evidence whichever is convenient for possible airport violations,” the source said.

NBI agents are looking at records as far as several years ago to determine and identify members of the syndicate.

“They are now cross-referencing the incident report and airport workers on duty and even those who are in the immediate vicinity of the area and make them explain their presence,” the source said.

100 bullets seized The source said that based on the records furnished by airport officials, close to 100 rounds of ammunitions of various calibers had been seized by OTS personnel since January of this year.

The source added that seized evidence like bullets and slugs would be subjected to forensic tests, including fingerprints to determine its origin.

Stories of victims of harassment of departing passengers, mostly unaccompanied, center on their alleged lack of proof of sufficient reason to travel.

“They will ask for documents, such as letters of invitations, just to delay the passenger and impress on the unsuspecting victim that she or he had been profiled.

Most of the victims were seafarers who usually carry money and almost always have various destinations. They will ask for a visa despite the explanation of some seafarers that visa will be issued by their employer in the next destination,” the source said.

According to the source, sometimes the intention was simply just to delay the passenger, especially those who were rushing to board their flights.

“These airport workers will accept anything from the harassed passengers who sometimes were even grateful to be allowed to leave,” the source said.

NBI task force The justice department spokesperson, Emmanuel Caparas, told reporters Wednesday that an NBI special task force had been formed to look into the airport scams.

The task force will “undertake an investigation on all incidents of the tanim-bala scam at Naia to similarly undertake

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are private rooms occupied by prison gang leaders and prominent prisoners.

On Oct. 27, Justice Secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa ordered BuCor Director Ricardo Rainier Cruz III to investigate the continued entry of contraband into the state penitentiary.

The investigation was ordered after authorities found guns, cash and jewelry in the kiosk belonging to a Commando inmate, Charlie Quidato, shortly after he was killed. n

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not solved the problems in the system,” Joey Salgado, spokesman on media affairs for the Office of the Vice President.

The 4Ps, or the Conditional Cash Transfer Program, was allocated P62.6 billion in 2014 and P62.3 billion this year.

Last year, the national government transferred P15.323 billion to the Land Bank of the Philippines for over-the-counter (OTC) payment of cash stipends to qualified families in eight regions.

COA, however, said only P13.725 billion was used.

Salgado noted this means that P1.598 billion did not reach poor households as intended.

He said the delay is “inexcusable” specially after it was reported that a man stabbed himself in the chest while waiting for financial aid through the 4Ps of the DSWD in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, last September 24.

The 39-year-old man, whose identity was withheld by the police, was relying on the aid from 4Ps for his sickly nine-month

old son.

He barely slept for five days as he took care of his son, police said. Fortunately, the man survived.

Reportedly feeling helpless and frustrated, he stabbed himself with a 27-centimeter (10.6inch) knife inside the house of Siayan Councilor Norma Labastida around 2 a.m. on September 24.

Salgado noted that eight years into the implementation of the 4Ps, the government’s flagship anti-poverty program, the DWSD is yet to correct problems in the system.

In its 2014 Consolidated Audit Report on Official Development Assistance (ODA) Programs and Projects released last September 4, COA said “recurring deficiencies” such as inaccuracies on the list of beneficiaries, distribution gridlocks, non-receipt or underpayments, non-compliance with requirements and verification issues.

It added that implementation of the program should be moni-

tored continuously and improved after regular assessment to “ensure efficient fund utilization and timely delivery of assistance to various beneficiaries.”

COA reported 1,872 cases of double entries.

It also reported uncollected fees by 6,687 beneficiaries, and 7,613 complaints of lack of payment or underpayment even though the beneficiaries had compliance certificates.

There were also 7,613 complaints on non-receipt or under payment despite certification of full compliance with requirements, the agency added.

But with the DSWD’s failure to implement the program efficiently, the government has not gotten near to fulfilling its ‘commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promoting gender equality, reducing child mortality, and in improving maternal health care.’ (ManilaTimes.net)

1M Filipinos lost P25B to investment…

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the Philippine population.

“I can’t really explain to you how it feels to be a victim of a scam. Ordinary people—farmers, retired government employees, retired janitors—coming to you and telling you ‘my retirement pay has been invested in a supposedly legitimate business company but it turned out that the company is a fly-by-night corporation and the money is all

taken by the scammer,’” Monserate said in a forum held by Sun Life of Canada, which launched an anti-scam campaign.

Unfortunately, she said there was a rising trend among young people victimizing the older citizens under the guise of being newly minted millionaires. Victims come from A, B or C income segments, including the welleducated.

She also warned against tech-

savvy scammers increasingly using the Internet and social media to lure yield-seeking investors who were sometimes “too trusting” that they would give their money even without face-to-face interaction. “The Internet and social media have become a nightmare for us,” she said.

Two of the biggest scams in the Philippines involved Performance Investments Prod-

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november 6-12, 2015 • neW YorK AnD neW JerSeY ASIAn JoUrnAL

Larry Itliong’s son fights…

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fornia Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law legislation, AB 7, that designated October 25 as Larry Itliong Day, the day Larry was born in 1913. Itliong says it is one of the top three strides that have come about since he committed himself to informing the public of his father’s legacy more than 30 years ago.

Awareness of Larry Itliong’s part in the story of the UFW has been on the rise in recent years.

In 2010, the City of Carson became the first in the United States to issue a proclamation dedicating a day to Larry Itliong, with Los Angeles County doing the same shortly afterward.

This year alone, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and San Jose City Council issued proclamations declaring Larry Itliong Day on Oct. 25. The City of Milpitas recognized Filipino American History Month, and the work Larry and the Delano manongs did in the same resolution. Solano County was another body that recognized the day.

Much has been accomplished this year, but Itliong has no plans to stop telling people the story of his father.

“Just because a couple of places recognize it, the state recognizes it, doesn’t mean everybody knows. And even here in California, even Filipinos. And if they do [know about it], who’s telling [them] what it is? What information are they getting? Because there’s a lot of wrong information out there,” Itliong said.

Along with the several resolutions passed by various counties and cities, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Delano Grape Strike. A successful celebration in September this year is another

one of Itliong’s top three moments in his ongoing journey to educate the nation about Larry’s legacy.

Last weekend, Itliong participated in events in Los Angeles County commemorating Filipino American History Month and his father. On Oct. 23, he was recognized at Los Angeles City Hall, where he said in an emotional address that Larry deserves more than to be ignored for half a century; on Oct. 24, he tabled at Carson’s Larry Itliong Day celebration with informational booths and photos on display to educate visitors; on Oct. 25, he was among panel members who discussed the significance of the Delano Manongs after a screening of a documentary called “The Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers” at the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) headquarters.

During a Q&A session with the panel at SIPA, Itliong shared that he has encountered opposition, specifically citing an instance at a university campus where one student yelled at him, “That’s not the Cesar I knew!”

“I told him, Cesar was a dictator with the UFW. It was his way or no way.... And I witnessed that as a child. I asked [the student], ‘Did you sit on Cesar’s lap as a child? Did he change your diapers? Did Helen [Chavez’s wife] change your diapers?’ [I loved Cesar] and I called him Tio and I called [Helen] Tia. They were family. And it hurts and it hurt the Itliong family to have to see this through years and years.

Fifty years, finally, to get this out and tell the story. And it’s not my fault but that’s what they did...I’m going to sit here and correct it. I

NAIA syndicate…

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a case buildup on the possible criminal and/or administrative liabilities of all individuals and agencies involved, whether public or private,” according to a department order that Caguioa signed on Monday and released Wednesday.

The NBI agents assigned to the task force are Manuel Antonio Eduarte, chief; Manuel Fayre Jr., executive officer; Dennis Asistio, team leader; Joselito Guillen, assistant team leader; and Aubren Cosidon, Rodelio Velez and Marvin Villena, members.

Caguioa ordered the task force

to coordinate with “all relevant government agencies” to accomplish their job.

At least two alleged victims of tanim-bala have sought the help of the NBI: American missionary Lane Michael White and Maria Paz Triaz.

Lane, who was detained after arriving from the United States, was charged with illegal possession of ammunition but was freed on bail. Triaz was allowed to leave for Singapore after signing a waiver stating that the bullet found in her bag was an amulet. (With a report from Jerome Aning)

Dateline USa

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

want to set the record straight,” Itliong said.

He added that his goal is not to bring down Chavez or the UFW, but to tell the real story and show that two communities united to fight against the largest industry in the United States.

Despite opposition, Itliong says his work in spreading his father’s legacy isn’t challenging except when it comes to finances, as most expenses – including travel and lodging – are out-of-pocket.

“I put more into it than I’ve ever gotten out of it,” he said.

Itliong currently serves as the executive director of the Larry Itliong Foundation through Education, which seeks to educate communities, schools and the public about his father’s contributions.

Based in Northern California, Itliong is open to attending events that aren’t too far from him.

“I’ll do it because I’m definitely COMING SOON. A woman arranges Christmas lanterns being sold in a shop in Manila. Lanterns and other holiday décor have started to not in it for the money,” he said. sprout in malls, as the country, touted to celebrate Christmas the longest, starts its countdown to the merriest season.

Ultimately, Itliong hopes that ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez his dad’s legacy will be that he was a man for the people.

“I think he was never a man for just himself, to honor himself,” he said.

Moving forward, Itliong plans to keep doing what he’s been doing over the past three decades for Larry and the manongs.

“Yes I want to recognize my father, but you know what, my have been prevented,” accordby Allyson EscobAr In 2014, TB killed 890,000 father was not alone and it was AJPress ing to WHO’s Global Tubercu- men, 480,000 women and never [his] union: it was my dad losis Report 2015, released on 140,000 children, according to worked for the union, for the DESPITE lower death rates, Wednesday, Oct. 28 in Washing- the analysis. The disease ranks people of the union, and he was tuberculosis (TB) is now kill- ton, DC. alongside HIV as a “leading killer the voice of it,” he said. (Agnes WHO estimated that there worldwide.” ing more people each year than Constante / AJPress) HIV, according to new data from were almost 10 million new casSome 400,000 fatalities were the World Health Organization es of TB last year, making it the double-counted in the report, number one infectious killer, ac- included under each disease, (WHO).

WHO announced that the fight cording to NPR. because the deceased had both The United Nations reported against TB--one of the top infecinfections.

PAGE A3 t Detection and treatment gaps ucts Corp. (PIPC) and Aman tious bacterial diseases, mainly that 4,400 people are dying from the transmittable disease every affecting the lungs--has paid off, need to be closed, funding shortFutures Group, each of which falls to be filled, and modern dehad siphoned off about P12 bil- with this year’s mortality rate day.

“Despite the gains, the prog- velopment of diagnostics, drugs, lion in investments. There have at nearly half of what it was in ress made against TB is far from and vaccines are needed to re1990. been no court convictions yet of However, 1.5 million people sufficient, which is unacceptable duce TB’s overall burden, WHO fraudulent acts in the country but Monserate noted that there were still died from the airborne dis- in an era when you can diagnose said.

On the positive side, effective ongoing hearings such as in the ease in 2014, with over half (54 and cure nearly every person case of Rosario “Rose” Baladjay percent) in China, India, Indone- with TB,” said Dr. Mario Ravi- diagnosis and treatment have glione, Director of WHO’s Global saved 43 million lives between of the Multinational Telecom sia, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

TB Program.

“Most of these deaths could u PAGE A5 scam.

In the case of Cesar delos Angeles of the Legacy group, touted as the “Bernie Madoff of the Philippines” but who passed away without any conviction, she said zunobu Sakamoto, were arrested move them from her handbag.

PAGE A2 t the civil cases could still continue “I also thought only passenHonrado, who is Aquino’s for the illegal possession of ambut noted that very little assets cousin, was appointed by the munition. Sakamoto also posted gers were inspected and arrested have remained to cover the vicfor having bullets,” she said. president. He said he would not P80,000 bail. tims.

Marilou Rose Espinola, 27, All three individuals denied resign unless Aquino instructs In the case of a Ponzi scam, she who was bound for Bacolod, was that they owned the bullets. him to do so. said this was an investment fraud Some passengers detained also stopped for possessing amVictims of the alleged “lawhich promised high financial were released upon finding that munition. She admitted to putglag-bala” scam returns or dividends equivalent Among recent cases of the bullets were blank, while others ting the bullet in her bag but said to 6-29 percent a month. n scheme involved a 77-year-old were taken to court for refusing she did not know it was banned at the airport.

Filipino-American bound for Los to pay fines, BBC reported.

Travelers wrap luggage, International travelers were Angeles at NAIA. Santiago Peñaflorida was warned about the bullet scam as OFWs threaten to reduce restopped Tuesday, Nov. 3, after early as 2012. On Sept. 17, 2012, mittances, NAIA workers deny Department of Transportation the father of a British woman allegations Airport terminals are offerand Communications-Office for – identified only as “BritPaul” Transportation Security person- from Northamptonshire, United ing luggage wrapping services nel saw a bullet inside his back- Kingdom – took to TripAdvisor for P160 per bag, while travelpack on the x-ray scanner, In- to write about how his daughter ers have also opted to seal their was allegedly victimized by the bags at home with packing tape quirer reported. to avoid falling victim to the Peñaflorida, who had come scam. “[The staff] ‘found’ a bullet scheme. to NAIA for a connecting flight Meanwhile, OFWs abroad are from Iloilo Airport, said no bul- casing and told her there would let was detected in Iloilo. He be an investigation and that she threatening to slash the amount refused to have his bag opened would have to miss her flight,” of money they send back home and examined until after media he wrote on the website. “Obvi- as a means of pressuring the govarrived, after which a .32-caliber ously, she was very frightened ernment to stop the bullet scam.

“OFWs and our families should bullet was found. He was then and distressed.”

He said airport staff requested act decisively versus the laglagbrought to the PNP Aviation Security Group for questioning for $1,000 in exchange for fixing bala that victimizes our fellow her case by erasing the secu- OFWs, thus we need to launch a and missed his flight.

In September, Lane Michael rity X-ray image displaying the campaign that will pressure the White, a 20-year-old American banned item, Inquirer reported. government to put an end to this missionary, and Filipino balik- He added that his daughter, who extortion scheme at NAIA airbayan Rhed Austria de Guzman, only had $100, was taken to an ports,” John Leonard Monterona, were also reported as victims of ATM, after which “the agent Migrante Middle East regional coordinator, said in a statement. pocketed the money.” the scam.

Although airport personnel Bullets as charms White was supposed to be on Not all travelers stopped for have been accused of perpetrata flight to Palawan but spent six days at the NAIA Terminal 1 po- possessing bullets have denied ing the scheme, NAIA porters who help travelers carry luggage lice aviation facility. On Sept. 17, owning them.

On the same day 77-year-old say they have been affected by he accused airport personnel of allegedly planting the bullet in Peñaflorida was detained for the the allegations.

“The passengers must underhis baggage and trying to extort bullet found in his luggage, three P30,000. White was only released females were stopped for pos- stand that this is our livelihood and we will not do anything to sessing ammunition. after posting P40,000 bail.

Milagrosa Cadiente, 48, was lose their trust,” Porferio LavaOn the way to Los Angeles on Sept. 18, de Guzman said she stopped at NAIA for having a do, 42, who has been a porter at was forced to give P500 to two bullet in her wallet. She said she NAIA for 17 years, told Inquirer NAIA personnel at Terminal 2 was aware bullets are prohibited in Filipino.

Inquirer reported an incident upon the discovery of two bul- at the airport but forgot to take lets in her luggage. She denied the “charm” out of her bag, In- witnessed between a female passenger at NAIA and porter who the bullets were hers, accord- quirer reported.

“It is just stupid to put people offered to help her with her luging to Rappler, but paid airport personnel after they allegedly in jail for having one or two bul- gage.

“Get away from me,” the pubthreatened to document the in- lets. They have to understand that Filipinos carry them as charms,” lication reported the female tellcident on her travel records. ing the porter. “I don’t want you On Sunday, Nov. 1, Nimfa Fon- Cadiente said.

Another woman, Rowena Otic, to plant any bullet on me.” tamillas, 65, was stopped from The porter said he used to help boarding her flight to Singapore 33, who was not a traveler but after a bullet was found in her was dropping off her sister, was about 20 passengers in 24 hours. bag through the x-ray scanner; stopped at the airport for possess- However, as of Monday, Nov. 2, on Oct. 25, Hong Kong-bound ing two .38-caliber bullets. Otic he was helping less than 10 since overseas Filipino worker Gloria told reporters she carried them to reports of the scam went viral on Ortinez, and Japanese tourist Ka- ward off danger but forgot to re- social media. n

Tuberculosis is now a leading killer bacterial disease According to report, over 4,000 people are dying each day

1M Filipinos…

DOJ, NBI to form special task team…

Bongbong willing to undergo DNA test…

PAGE A1 t

namang makikita dahil anak ako ng tatay at tsaka nanay ko.”

(They won’t find anything suspect since I’m the son of my father and mother.)

It has long been rumored that Poe is an illegitimate child of the Marcos’ father and namesake with former actress Rosemarie Sonora. Sonora is the sister of the senator’s adoptive mother, veteran actress Susan Roces.

Poe underwent DNA matching with individuals identified to be

her probable relatives after critics questioned her citizenship and residency before the Senate Electoral Tribunal and the Commission on Elections.

The results of Poe’s DNA matching were negative.

What if the DNA would prove that Poe is indeed her half-sister? Marcos said he will tell her fellow senator: “Welcome to the family!”

Marcos is running for vice president in next year’s general elections alongside Senator Miriam Defenson-Santiago.

Poe, meanwhile, will gun for presidency in 2016 with running mate and close friend Senator Francis Escudero.

If it were indeed true that Poe and Marcos are siblings, would he ask Poe to support him over Escudero?

Marcos let out a loud laugh and quipped: “We’ll cross the bridge when we get there.”

“Nasa sa kanya na ‘yon. Hindi ko masasagot para sa kanya,” he added.

(It is up to her. I cannot answer that for her.) n

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

Dateline USa

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 6-12, 2015

AAPI groups file briefs in support of affirmative action

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

ENDANGERED. Lumads who came to Manila to ask government to stop the harassment of their communities in Mindanao plant a tree at UP Diliman in Quezon City. The condition of the IPs in Mindanao has reached a point that even the National Commission on Indigenous People’s (NCIP) could not adequately address it on its own authority.

Inquirer.net photo by Ryan Leagogo

RNC seeks Asian Americans millennials voters, leaders

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

WITH the 2016 presidential election a year away, the Republican National Committee (RNC) is expanding outreach efforts to a key demographic: Asian American millennials.

Through a six-week program called the Republican Leadership Initiative (RLI), volunteers will undergo “a series of extensive training workshops to equip Asian Pacific American grassroots community leaders across the country with the skills needed to work as professional field organizers and community engagers,” the RNC said, adding that it is open to all ages across the 50 states.

The RNC is already making a big recruiting push for millennials within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, through a new video advertisement on YouTube, entitled “It’s Our Time.”

The 42-second video includes members of the diverse AAPI demographic, including two Filipino-Americans.

“It’s our time to stand up for American freedom,” the video says, featuring the bright faces of AAPI millennials. “Together our generation can achieve success, together we can restore our American dream and win in 2016.”

According to a 2014 survey,

AAPI millennials’ biggest concern is healthcare and the Affordable Care Act, which beat out the economy by five points.

For the RNC, it’s “about connecting with Asian voters and forming a bond with the fastgrowing community that could help them succeed in 2016,” according to a Fox Business article.

“Ever since 2013, we’ve been building relationships with the communities through our candidates. When they actively engage and build strong relationships with the community, Asian Americans come out to vote,” Ninio Fetalvo, press secretary for Asian American and Pacific Islander media for the RNC, told the outlet.

In recent months, Republican candidates have made headlines for controversial comments about the Asian American community, including Donald Trump poking fun at Chinese business partners for broken English and Mike Huckabee’s North Korean joke directed at Senator Bernie Sanders.

However, the RNC is seeking to detach itself from the candidates’ comments by grooming the party’s next generation of leaders.

“The RNC’s focus is to engage the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in a real way, and it is up to the voters to pick the nominee out of our pool

of candidates, who set their own agenda and messaging for their respective candidates,” said Fetalvo, according to Fox Business.

The increase in outreach efforts comes after Asians leaned more to the right in the 2014 midterm elections, despite historically supporting Democrats. A 2014 survey from Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote shows that Asian Americans are less likely to formally align with a political party; nearly half identify as Independent, while 27 percent of millennials in the demographic marked ‘undecided.’

A study earlier this year by the University of California, Los Angeles and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies revealed that the Asian American electorate is expected to double by 2040, amounting to nearly 7 percent or 1 in 15 registered voters.

“Not only will Asian Americans be a politically influential voting bloc in select areas in the United States, they have the potential to be the margin of victory in critical swing votes during the next six presidential election cycles,” the study’s authors wrote.

Further, Asians are slated to become the largest ethnic group in the United States, surpassing Hispanics, by 2055. The group will comprise 38 percent of the foreign-born population by 2065. n

Filipino arrested for beating wife badly in San Leandro, Calif.

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. – Police arrested 53-year-old Luisito Villaruz of this city for allegedly beating his 63-year-old wife into partial paralysis. She is in critical condition at a local hospital.

The beating occurred shortly before midnight at the couple’s home in the 1200 block of Douglas Drive, according to a police spokesperson. Police found a rifle and a pistol on the kitchen table and at least one of the weapons was loaded.

Doctors told police that Villaruz’s wife, who has not been identified, will suffer from severe brain injuries and paralysis for at least a year, if she survives her injuries. Her brain injuries reportedly are such that doctors can’t perform surgery on her for fear of additional injuries or even death.

Villaruz is in custody at the San Leandro Jail on suspicion of domestic violence resulting in great bodily injury. There could

OVER 160 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups have filed amicus briefs calling for equal opportunity and for the Supreme Court to uphold affirmative action policies.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice), the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), filed three separate amicus briefs urging the High Court to uphold the affirmative action policy at the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin).

“Such broad support for race conscious admissions policies sends a clear message that AAPIs overwhelmingly support these policies and will not be used as a racial wedge to disenfranchise other communities of color,” said Laboni Hoq, litigation director at Advancing Justice -- Los Angeles.

The briefs were filed on behalf of over 160 organizations that support equal opportunity and affirmative action in higher education, and they represent the large diversity within AAPI communities, including Arab, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander organizations.

“With long histories of serving the most vulnerable members of our community, these organizations range from large, pan-Asian national organizations and professional associations, to student and grassroots groups,” continued Hoq. In addition, the briefs represent 53 individuals, including higher education faculty and school officials.

The filings are in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s second review of Fisher v. University of Texas, reported NBC News.

Caucasian student Abigail Fisher was rejected when she applied to UT-Austin. Her initial lawsuit, heard by the United States District Court in 2009, alleged that UT-Austin’s affirmative action policies prevented her from gaining admission.

The Supreme Court justices heard the case in 2013, but sent it back to the Fifth Circuit to see if UT-Austin had used other ways

to achieve diversity in its campus before it used race as a factor.

The next year, the Fifth Circuit determined that the university used “race-neutral methods (e.g.

“Top Ten Percent” Plan), and still did not achieve the diversity it sought.” Therefore, it “upheld the use of race as part of a holistic admissions approach, which is constitutional under current law.”

The Fisher case also relied heavily on the claim that Asian Americans were discriminated against by UT-Austin’s admissions policy.

In its brief, however, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) argued that nothing on the record showed that the school’s admissions process disadvantaged or discriminated against that demographic.

Asian Americans in UT’s freshman class has risen from 6 percent in 1986 to 23 percent in 2014.

“Supporters of Fisher have mischaracterized UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy,” AALDEF executive director Margaret Fung told NBC News in an email statement. “It can benefit Asian Americans through an individualized review of applicants that avoids harmful stereotypes based on the ‘model minority’ myth.”

The use of race in a holistic review of applicants is “constitutional, and nothing in UT’s policies indicate any cap, quota, bias, or other kind of negative action, formal or informal affecting Asian Americans or any other group,” AALDEF’s brief argued.

“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders--a unique cross-section of identities and experiences that spans a range of comparative privilege and disadvantage-benefit from this individualized approach to admissions, as do African Americans, Latinos, and Whites,” the brief read.

The AALDEF amicus brief also distinguishes between the two distinct concepts of negative action and affirmative action, noting there is “no evidence in the record of discrimination” by UTAustin.

The amicus brief filed by Advancing Justice argues that an applicant cannot be evaluated holistically without the consid-

eration of race, according to the group’s press release.

In UT-Austin’s holistic review program, where test scores play a dominant role in the admissions process, it is crucial to consider race because the tests disproportionately limit access to educational opportunities for minority students, Advancing Justice claims.

The brief also shows how racially conscious admissions programs opened the doors of higher education for AAPI students, after a century of discrimination and exclusion to their communities and families. These programs and opportunities have continued to benefit many AAPI students, who face significant educational barriers today.

The groups also looked at disaggregated data from the US Census Bureau, revealing large disparities in educational attainment among Asian American ethnic groups.

Based on the data, the educational attainment of Hmong, Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans is the lowest among Asian American ethnic groups, and similar to those of Latinos and African Americans.

Only 61 percent of Hmong Americans have a high school diploma, while only 12 percent of Laotian Americans have graduated from college.

“Supporters of Fisher have mischaracterized UT-Austin’s race-conscious admissions policy. It can benefit Asian Americans through an individualized review of applicants that avoids harmful stereotypes based on the ‘model minority’ myth,” said AALDEF Executive Director Margaret Fung.

“We recognize that Asian Pacific Americans, like other groups, have endured cases of discrimination and lack of opportunities which continue to impact us today. The low numbers of minority groups in the legal profession, government, and corporate leadership underscore the need to remove barriers to higher education and increase diversity,” agreed George C. Chen, president of NAPABA. “Courtrooms, law firms, and law schools must be filled with people of different backgrounds so that we can better understand and respect the diversity of the American public. n

be additional charges if his wife’s condition worsens, according to a San Leandro Patch report.

San Leandro police said officers knew Villaruz–he was a customer at an illegal gambling business, Dimond Internet Services at 767 Marina Blvd., which was raided

by San Leandro police and the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Gambling Control two weeks ago. The business was allegedly a venue for a lot of criminal activities. (Inquirer.net)

Tuberculosis is now a leading…

PAGE A4 t

2000 and 2015, according to the report.

“The report shows that TB control has had a tremendous impact, in terms of lives saved and patients cured,” said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan.

“These advances are heartening, but if the world is to end this epidemic, it needs to scale up services and, critically, invest in research.”

The 2015 report describes “higher global totals for new TB cases (9.6. million) than in previous years,” reflecting increased and improved national data and greater in-depth studies, rather than any increase in the spread of the disease.

Among new cases, an estimated 3.3 percent have multidrug-resistant TB, a level that has remained unchanged in recent years, said the UN News Service.

The report showed detection and treatment gaps are especially serious among people with

multidrug-resistant TB (MDRTB), which remains a public health crisis. The three countries with the largest numbers of these cases are China, India and the Russian Federation.

“MDR-TB is rampant in some parts of the world such as the former Soviet Union, where up to a third of all [TB] cases are MDR,” said Dr. Raviglione. “Something is not going well there.”

Public officials are worried that TB is not moving as fast as progress against other diseases, and not as fast as they would like.

Additionally, TB does not attract nearly the funding for research or treatment that goes to HIV. WHO data claimed about $6.6 billion was spent fighting TB in 2014, compared to $20.2 billion invested in the fight against HIV/AIDS in low- and middle-income countries.

“Our point is that we should have the same type of investment going to TB and as of yet that hasn’t been achieved,” said

Raviglione.

Last year, 1 million people living with HIV were given TB preventive therapy, an increase of about 60 percent compared with 2013. Over half (59 percent) of the population was in South Africa.

“From 2016, the global goal will shift from controlling TB to ending the global TB epidemic,” the WHO report stated.

“Ending the TB epidemic is now part of the Sustainable Development Goal agenda,” said Dr. Eric Goosby, UN Special Envoy on Tuberculosis. “If we want to achieve it, we’ll need far more investment – at a level befitting such a global threat.”

Mark Harrington, executive director of Treatment Action Group, agreed. “We’re in this dire situation because the vigorous community response, massive research effort and political leadership that distinguished the response to HIV are utterly absent from TB.” n

New report: Federal banking agencies must…

PAGE A1 t

“We need concrete, practical steps to identify and remove the barriers that keep people of color and women out of these important jobs,” said Greenlining Institute President Orson Aguilar. “It is critical that the agencies watching over our financial system reflect our nation’s growing diversity. The financial crash happened in large part because federal bank regulators missed what was going on in communities of color, and we can’t afford to continue this legacy of negligence.”

In a letter sent to leaders of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, National Credit Union Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Consumer Financial Protection

Bureau, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Federal Housing Finance Agency, The Greenlining Institute and coalition partners outlined a series of steps the agencies should take. Among other suggestions, Greenlining urged the following: • Agencies must recognize that diversity programming doesn’t happen in a silo. Research shows that entities with inclusive workforces owe their success to comprehensive strategies that incorporate diversity into every aspect of their operations. This includes strong tracking, recruitment, and professional development systems. Each IG report puts forth recommendations for how the agencies can better diversify their systems.

• The agencies’ Offices of

Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWIs, created by the DoddFrank Act) should investigate barriers to employment in addition to discrimination, such as lack of outreach to diverse candidates.

• OMWIs should push the agencies to plug gaps in their data collection. All but one IG report identified missing or flawed demographic data.

• OMWIs should create specific accountability measures by which agencies can gauge their progress in diversifying their workforces.

• Inspectors General should audit the agencies’ supplier diversity practices, and OMWIs should advise the agencies on how their policies impact diverse-owned businesses. n

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OpiniOn

Features

Entrapment IS it really more fun in the Philippines? In 2014, the government has recorded 34 million domestic and international arrival and departures at the country’s premier gateway. Despite a “worst airport” tag, it is a welcome development.

But if you ask 56-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Gloria Ortinez, she would blatantly say “No.” After her recent balikbayan trip, Ortinez was prevented from leaving the country after an Office of Transportation Security (OTS) allegedly found a bullet for a carbine rifle in her hand-carried bag.

Ortinez was bound for Hong Kong to resume her employment. She was barred from leaving the country and was detained after failing to pay P80,000 ($1,900) bail on charges of illegal possession of ammunition filed before the Pasay prosecutor’s office.

Lane Michael White, a 20-year-old American missionary, shares Ortinez’s sentiments. White and his family were in the country last month to look for a lot in Palawan where they can build a church for their congregation. The family trip was disrupted when the OTS allegedly found a 22-cal. inside White’s baggage. White was held at a detention cell for six days after he was charged for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. White, who is from Florida, insisted that the bullet found in his luggage was “planted” and that an airport officer tried to extort P30,000 ($640) from him to avoid legal problems. “They can lie to people but not to God. I stand by my statement. If my being jailed was needed to make the truth come

out and save other people, then being in jail was worth it,” White shared.

Ortinez and White shared the same ordeal that apparently has been going on for two decades. A reliable source told ABS-CBN News that the “tanim bala” (bullet planting) scam has gone unabated for the past 20 years. The source also disclosed that airport security screening personnel are allegedly employing ‘spotters’ to help them find the ‘perfect’ passenger to victimize.”

“The source said, before the tanim-bala modus operandi was exposed and reported by the media, the group normally victimized more than 20 passengers a day, raking hundreds of thousands of pesos from passengers who do not want to be hassled,” ABS-CBN News further reported.

The reported cases of “tanim-bala” have caused a pandemonium. On social, media airport passengers are now posting photos of them wrapping their bags in plastics and duct tapes or other embellishments to secure their own pieces of luggage.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to investigate the bullet-planting incidents. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was also tasked to probe and conduct “a thorough, in-depth, and comprehensive investigation and case build-up” on the scam that has

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

gained international attention.

Aquino convened a meeting on Monday, Nov. 2 to verify the allegations and formulate long-term solutions.

“These are assumptions that we need to validate.

That is why we need to look at all the assumptions that were put out. We want to make sure that what measures that we are going to come up with are measures that in the long run would ensure the safety of each and every passenger and guarantee

their security as they use the terminals,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

The impact of these recent incidents poses a great concern for travelers who are eyeing the Philippines as their destination this holiday season. The national government and its concerned agencies must immediately resolve this extortion scam to ensure passenger safety for local and foreign air travelers and restore confidence in the country’s aviation system. (AJPress)

The ‘Laglag Bala’ scheme and the state of paranoia at NAIA: more fun in the Philippines?

ONE of the things we Filipinos living abroad always look forward to and are excited about is the ability to travel back to the Philippines and feel “at home” in our Motherland, where we feel welcome, safe and taken care of. However, the recent headlines about the alleged “bullet planting” (laglag bala) scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has created paranoia in the minds of not only Filipinos, but of the international media and travelers as well.

As Balitang America has reported, even the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is now warning its staff members of this scheme, used by perpetrators within NAIA to extort money from passengers.

The UNDSS says in a statement: “Staff members are advised to keep your luggage with you, lock your luggage and consider wrapping your luggage in plastic as an extra precaution.”

As of press time, the Philippine National PoliceAviation Security Group says that there have been 30 alleged cases of this “laglag bala” cases this year alone. Balitang America further reports that according to the The Manila International Airport

being traumatized by the expeAuthority, there have been five casrience. Her post became viral es of this bullet planting scheme in The Fil-Am and she was even interviewed the last two weeks alone. by several media outlets in the However, these passengers, in- Perspective Philippines. cluding foreigners, contend that Her personal experience was they were “framed”, and that the very much like what the others one or two bullets that the airport after her have gone through. In inspectors claim to have found Gel SantoS-reloS a report by Steve Angeles on in their luggage upon inspection Balitang America, Rhed shared were not theirs, but were planted by these inspectors in an effort to extort money that last September, she was returning from Batangas to California. She was then wheelchair bound from them.

Such is the case of Rhed de Guzman, a kababay- when she went through security inspection.

Rhed alleges that porters and airport security an from Santa Ana, in the Los Angeles area of California. Rhed happens to be the sister of my claimed to have found bullets in her luggage. “inaanak sa kasal”. The de Guzmans are decent, These airport personnel allegedly told her that to hardworking people. My “inaanak” sa kasal are avoid being detained, she just would have to pay both lawyers and one is even a judge in the Philip- 500 Pesos, which is about $12, to make the issue go away. pines.

Rhed knows these bullets are absolutely not hers, We had the de Guzman family over for lunch a month ago and that is when we talked about the but because the whole process was scary and she “laglag bala” scheme reported in the local me- was even emotionally lost because her mother was dia. To our surprise, Rhed turned out to be the then terminally ill, she decided to give the money person who first reported on social media about they were asking for so she could hop on that plane

and not miss her flight back to California.

However, she knew in her heart what happened was wrong, and so she started positing about her ordeal on social media so that the government could do something about it.

“Hindi dapat nangyari ito kasi nasa Pilipinas tayo…kapwa Pilipino…Bakit nangyari ang ganito?

Tapos akalo ko noon titigil na kasi nakuwento ko na sa social media…Wala lang rin pala…Marami pang kaso, sunod sunod,” Rhed laments in the Balitang America report. She is ready to file a formal complaint soon.

“Stupid”, embarrassing, frustrating, in addition to the paranoia are some thoughts that kababayans now express about this scheme. They wonder why the government has not been able to be on top of the situation. How could this happen inside NAIA? (To be continued) *** 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

Revolution now? How and who?

I HAVE just read, with extreme fasci- Street nation, a discussion paper published by Talk Norberto B. Gonzales, secretary of national defense and national security adviser unGreG B. MacaBenta der former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo. It has a title that immediately grabs you: Revolution Now? After going through the piece, the question that immediately comes to mind is: Revolution? How? And who?

The paper proceeds on a very idealistic premise. It proposes a peaceful, bloodless revolution even as it warns against the intrusion of sinister forces that, according to the writer, are already preparing for a power grab, given the current state of discontent in our country.

It also acknowledges that two previous “revolutions” had been mounted – the one in February 1986 that ejected the Marcos dictatorship and the one in 2001 that caused the “forced resignation” of President Joseph Estrada. The first only saw “the restoration of old oligarchic rule” and the second “failed to change the unjust systems.”

There was in fact a third “revolution” of sorts. Not the failed EDSA Tres that Estrada’s supporters tried to mount but the one that catapulted Benigno S. Aquino III to the presidency. Like the first two mass movements, the last one was launched with high hopes for meaningful change in Philippine society. And, like the two, the results have been distressing – which, apparently, is why “Revolution Now” is being proposed.

Now limping towards the end of his

six-year tenure, Aquino and his administration are clearly the object of this new clarion call for change. Aquino’s promise of “Kung walang kurap, walang mahirap” (Where no one is corrupt, no one will be poor) has become nothing more than a bad advertising slogan.

His Tuwid na Daan (Straight Path) style of governance has been like a provincial dirt road, bumpy, with potholes aplenty and anything but straight.

I actually do not doubt that Noynoy Aquino and many (or at least some) of those who drafted him to run for the highest office in the land had the most noble of intentions. In fact, it must be acknowledged that those noble intentions have seen some meaningful improvements in our country.

But like a badly tailored suit with one arm longer than the other and the buttons not properly sewed on, the Aquino government has only been consistent in its inconsistency, whether it is in the dispensation of “justice” or in the apportionment of largesse drawn from the national treasury or in acknowledging faults and taking responsibility for mistakes and not passing on the blame to everyone but itself.

Indeed, Aquino’s presidency has aptly confirmed the adage that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

One reason, of course, is the fact that – like all past Philippine presidents – Aquino was quickly surrounded and continues to be surrounded by individuals and power blocs with special interests to protect and larcenous agendas to promote, as well as incompetents and deadwood. And, in fairness to him

and his predecessors, the total system – political, social, economic, cultural – is designed to frustrate the best laid plans of mice and presidents.

This brings me back to the idealistic paper prepared by Norberto Gonzales, who we may recall, was one of the pillars of the much-maligned Arroyo government that Noynoy Aquino ostensibly replaced.

With due respect to Gonzales and to the National Transformation Council, to which he plans to present (or has presented) his treatise, the following questions needs to be asked by simple-minded individuals like myself: 1. Who will lead the “revolution”? Who will spearhead the establishment of a “revolutionary transition government,” dissolve Congress and the Comelec, write a new Constitution, reconstitute the Supreme Court and “overhaul the entire justice system”? It would help if the proponents were to present a list of these sterling individuals who, like Caesar’s wife, are beyond reproach, the better for the citizenry to vet them.

Will they be able to withstand the vicious scrutiny that has characterized legislative inquiries and media commentaries? Do they have any past associations that raise red flags? Do they have proverbial skeletons in their closets or, at the very least, have they been cleansed of past transgressions like Saul after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus?

2. Who will constitute the “unicameral consultative assembly” that will

serve as the “legislative advisory body of the revolutionary government”? Will they not be the same powerful families, warlords and political dynasties who currently rule over the fiefdoms that constitute what passes for the Republic of the Philippines? And will they not “aspire to win at all cost” to remain in power, thus perpetuating “the root of evil in our electoral system”?

3. Will this revolution be able to uproot the “old oligarchy” peacefully, without any bloody resistance? Will the wealthy families and business conglomerates that control virtually every aspect of life in the country be willing to let go of their privileged status without any struggle?

4. Will the overhaul apply mainly to the system of government or will it in-

clude a total cleansing of society and the interest groups that make it up, including the clergy?

5. Granting that peerless, perspicacious, selfless and noble leaders can be thoroughly vetted to constitute the revolutionary council that will overhaul the system, how will they deal with those who are less noble, like rotten apples threatening the rest? Will they apply the Duterte solution? And wouldn’t that be bloody?

I’m sure I’m not the only one eager to know the answers to these questions. I’m sure, too, that if these questions can be satisfactorily addressed, many of us will willingly, enthusiastically march to the beat of revolutionary drums. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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

ADverTISInG AnD ADverTorIAL PoLICIeS ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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US monitoring of South China Sea remains in dispute

by Allyson

EscobAr

AJPress

As tensions over the south China sea escalate, United states Defense secretary Ash Carter said he would visit an American aircraft carrier in the sea on Thursday, Nov. 5. speaking after a regional summit on Wednesday, Nov. 4, Carter said he would fly out to the nuclear-powered Uss Theodore Roosevelt, which “is conducting routine operations while transiting the south China sea,” according to AFP. Carter’s visit could increase discord between Washington and Beijing over China’s claims to virtually the entire sea, and its attempts to reinforce those claims by turning reefs and tiny islets into full-fledged islands through repossession.

The sea has long been viewed as a potential flashpoint, and the Chinese island-building has intensified fears of international conflict.

Runways and other large-scale development are in the works, making the islands potentially capable of hosting military personnel and hardware.

Last week, the Us Navy challenged China’s sovereignty claims, pressing its right to freedom of navigation by sending the missile destroyer Uss Lassen close (within the 12-nautical mile/22-kilometer territorial limit) to an artificial islet in the spratlys chain, angering China

and causing it to send two war ships to shadow the vessel.

The challenge was not designed as a military threat, the head of Us Pacific military forces said, according to Associated Press.

“I truly believe that these routine operations should never be construed as a threat to any nation,” said Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr in a statement. “These operations serve to protect the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.”

China’s Navy chief, Admiral Wu shengli, warned his Us counterpart that encounters between their forces could spiral into conflict after the Lassen incident, according to Inquirer. shengli’s comments were made in a video call with Us Admiral John Richardson.

“If the Us continues to carry out these kinds of dangerous, provocative acts, there could be a serious situation between frontline forces from both sides on the sea and in the air, or even a minor incident that could spark conflict,” Wu told Beijing’s Xinhua news agency.

“I hope the Us cherishes the hard-win, good situation between the Chinese and Us Navies, and avoids similar incidents from happening again,” he added.

On Wednesday, Defense secretary Carter attended an Asia-Pacific defense ministers’ meeting in Malaysia, where the Us and

China butted heads over whether a final joint statement should mention the south China sea.

“We could not reach a consensus on a joint declaration,” Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told reporters.

Meanwhile, Carter said he had gone into the summit with “no expectation” there would be an agreement, said AFP. The two nation’s lack of action illustrates “the level of concern that was reflected in the conversation about activities in the south China sea,” he said, noting that all countries he met with raised the issue.

“It was a persistent topic,” he added. “To me, that says that’s something we all need to pay attention to.”

Pointing fingers, the Us and China could not reach an agreement. The Us claimed that southeast Asian defense ministers opposed China’s demand that the south China sea be left out of any statement.

A Us official said the United states felt that “no statement is better than one that avoids the important issue of China’s reclamation and militarization in the south China sea.”

China’s claims over almost the entire waterway are widely disputed by other nations as well.

Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan also have various claims over the controversial islets, some overlapping, although none are as extensive as Beijing’s.

USCIS updates welcome guide for new immigrants

UsCIs has published an updated Welcome to the United states: A Guide for New Immigrants. The guide contains practical information to help new immigrants settle into everyday life in the United states, including how to find a place to live, how to get a social security number and how the Us system of government works.

Available in 14 languages, this publication has recently been updated to include: • Revised and updated general information on policies, pro-

grams and resources; • A refreshed layout and design; • A new chapter called “Taking Care of Your Money” on personal finance, taxes and financial scams; and • A new chapter called “Understanding Education and Health Care” on the education system, adult education programs and the health insurance marketplace.

Available languages: • Arabic • Chinese (traditional) • Chinese (simplified)

• English • French • Haitian Creole • Korean • Portuguese • Russian • somali • spanish • Tagalog • Urdu • Vietnamese You can download free copies in 14 languages on our website and purchase printed copies in English, spanish and Chinese through the Us Government Bookstore. n

MISSING FACES. Activists dramatize the plight of the families of desaparecidos or victims of enforced disappearances by wearing masks of the missing people before the monument of national hero Andres Bonifacio at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

“We urge all claimants to permanently halt land reclamation, stop the construction of new facilities and cease further militarization of disputed maritime features,” Carter said.

An anonymous Us official stressed that the Uss Roosevelt would be far from any of the reclaimed Chinese “islands” at the time of secretary Carter’s visit, and the naval ship was not conducting the sort of freedom of navigation cruise performed by the Uss Lassen.

“The Teddy Roosevelt’s presence there, and our visit, is a symbol of our commitment to our ‘rebalance’ and the importance of the Asia-Pacific for the United states,” Carter said.

PH wins first round in case against China In July, the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal in the Netherlands heard a second round of oral arguments from the Philippines, regarding the disputed territory in the south China sea. Though official negotiations are ongoing, the tribunal Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that the court has jurisdiction over the case, under the UN Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLOs).

The maritime ruling was just two days before the Uss Lassen warship incident.

“China has on many occasions expounded its position by

neither accepting nor participating in the arbitrary procedure unilaterally initiated by the Philippines in breach of the agreement repeatedly confirmed with China as well as the Philippines,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a news conference in Beijing in July, when the second round of UN hearings had taken place.

Philippine officials, however, have denied such an agreement, claiming that China has previously agreed to solve conflicts based on international law, according to Inquirer. Among these includes the 1982 United Nations convention allowing coastal states to exclusively take full advantage of resources within 200 nautical miles of waters from their territory.

The Philippines is the first country to challenge China’s nine-dash line territorial claim (first established after WWII by the Chinese Nationalist government) in the region, saying that Beijing violated international maritime laws, damaged coral reefs, and stepped on the rights of other nations.

The case is important “not just to our country but to the entire world, owing to its impact on the application of the rule of law in maritime disputes,” said Philippine Foreign secretary Albert del Rosario.

The overlapping claims involve sovereignty ocean territories, the Paracel and the spratly island chains. These largely uninhabited, not-yet-explored territories are considered valuable because of the natural resources preserved there.

The southeast China sea is also a major shipping route, and home to valuable fishing grounds that supply multiple southeast nations, said BBC. The Philippines has invoked its geographical proximity to the spratly Islands, which include the scarborough shoal reefs, as the main basis of its claim. The shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China, 500 miles away) is northeast of Luzon and just a little over 100 miles (160 km) from the Philippines.

“The Philippines has specifically requested that the tribunal find that Chinese law enforcement tactics around scarborough shoal are in violation of UNCLOs and the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at sea,” wrote Philippine star’s Elfren s. Cruz, in an opinion piece.

“A favorable ruling will mean that any ramming and harassment of Filipino fishermen and ships in the scarborough shoal will be considered as internationally unlawful. If China continues its harassment, the world will consider their actions illegal.” n

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november 6-12, 2015 • neW YorK AnD neW JerSeY ASIAn JoUrnAL

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november 6-12, 2015

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Josh in Crazy Ex-GirlfriEnd Photo by smallz & raskind/thE CW Š 2015 thE CW nEtWork, llC. all riGhts rEsErvEd.

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An Asian Journal Magazine

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Vincent RodRiguez iii

On facing challenges as an Asian American actor and scoring a lead role in The CW’s ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’

by Allyson EscobAr / AJPrEss “YOU do crazy things when you’re in love.”

At least that’s what FilipinoAmerican actor Vincent Rodriguez III believes: that love is an allconsuming and powerful thing-especially when you absolutely love what you do, it can make you crazy.

“I walked into my first day of acting school and the teacher asked us, ‘Is this what will give you life? Is this the part you want to play in society?’ And then I asked myself, ‘What else could I possibly be doing?’ From then on, I knew exactly what I always wanted,” he said.

“If you want something badly enough in life, you work hard to go get it. It’s not an easy path--it is arguably the hardest journey you will ever have. But in the end, it’s worth it.”

Finding home in the theater Rodriguez was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in what he calls the “Second Philippines of the World:” south suburban Daly City. He is the youngest and only boy of four, with three older sisters all born in Manila.

“I was the bunso,” Rodriguez told the Asian Journal. “My sisters are all smart, musically talented, and into theater. I [had] really powerful role models growing up.”

Motivated by a desire to try and learn new things, at a young age Rodriguez was involved in track and field, taekwondo, and martial arts. Later he became very active in his high school’s drama department, where he quickly found his love for musical theater.

After graduating from high school and a year in junior college, Rodriguez enrolled at the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts (PCPA) in Santa Maria, California, and began to pursue acting as more than a hobby, but a full-time career.

“My family was always supportive of me, but it was not an easy journey,” he said. “My dad didn’t always think I could make this [acting] into a viable career.

When it came to showbiz-ness, he wanted me to be a businessman.”

“But that initial resilience pushed me to be a harder worker, and has made me even more passionate about what I do.”

After finishing musical

Rachel Bloom as Rebecca and Vincent Rodriguez III as Josh in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Photo by Lisa Rose/The CW -- © 2015 The CW Network, LLC.

training in acting, voice, and dance, Rodriguez ventured to Los Angeles for his first successful audition, becoming a member of the ensemble (and later principal understudy) in the first national tour of “42nd Street.”

“It was my first professional role,” he recalled. “I really put my whole self into it, and I began to relish in the joy of being an entertainer.”

Pursuing his dreams in the theater, Rodriguez moved to New York City to audition for numerous acting, singing, and dancing roles. He eventually joined the companies of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,”“Xanadu,”“Honor,”“Pipe Dream,” as well as the original cast of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” in Toronto and Boston.

“Half of my career was in the ensemble, and then the other half I played feature parts, joined national tours and other New York productions, and was asked to sing on cast recordings,” Rodriguez said.

Most recently, he joined the 1st national tour of “Anything Goes,” appeared on CBS’“Hostages,” and workshopped for Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire’s new musical, “Waterfall.” He also sang ensemble in a cast recording of the stage production of Disney’s “The

Vincent Rodriguez III as Josh in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Photo: Eddy Chen/The CW -- © 2015 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

Vincent Rodriguez III in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Photo courtesy of Lee Wallman

Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Wanting to share his life lessons with other aspiring actors, Rodriguez became a teacher back at his alma mater, PCPA. He taught professional technique, song interpretation, dance workshops, and other aspects of the musical audition process.

“It’s not about making people into professional actors, or to be like me. For me as a mentor, it’s about helping the person to see what their potential is, and to learn how to use the theater as a form of expression, or as a gateway to who they really are,” Rodriguez noted.

The young actor’s extensive background and resume boasts a double black belt in martial arts, CrossFit, stage combat, rollerskating, billiards, and even magic tricks. “A good amount of my previous jobs required special skills [like dancer, comedian, magician], and on TV, they can write these skills into the show,” he said. “The cool thing is that the writers know my special skills are things I’ve learned to do growing up. I knew that my interests would help color my career as an actor.”

One of Vincent’s most recent, favored theatrical roles was in the 2014 off-Broadway revival of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s “Here Lies Love,” a disco-rock musical about the life of Filipino former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

“I met Ruthie Ann Miles, who was playing the lead, and she encouraged me to audition,” he recalled. Along with Miles, Rodriguez understudied other distinguished Fil-Am actors, Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos) and Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino), and played the DJ for a month.

“Here Lies Love” eventually led Rodriguez to the right people-including film director Marc Webb (“The Amazing Spider-Man”)--and to his first audition as a TV series regular: playing ex-boyfriend Josh Chan in The CW’s new musicalcomedy, “‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’...

Photo courtesy of Billy Bustamante

Many of the actors involved with the show--including Santino Fontana, best known as the voice of Hans in Disney’s “Frozen”-have a theater background. In true musical-fashion, the writers have prepared a killer comedic soundtrack with different musical styles and genres, from 1940s Hollywood to 90s R&B. Rodriguez is excited to use his Broadway theater experience on the TV screen. “Yes, I will be singing,” he said excitedly.

Crazy parallels, crazy in love Being Filipino-American and making waves both onstage and onscreen, Rodriguez faced many challenges as an actor.

“The Filipino community is big into entertainment, karaoke, performance culture. At first, pursuing theater and other talents were more like hobbies for me, until I began taking them seriously,” he said. “And my family noticed too; it wasn’t just a hobby anymore.”

When Rodriguez first auditioned for the title role in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” directed

by Marc Webb (who initially discovered the actor through his character in “Here Lies Love”), he knew the part was special.

Esteemed writers Aline Brosh McKenna (“The Devil Wears Prada”) and Rachel Bloom (from “Robot Chicken” and YouTube’s Rachel Does Stuff) are a part of the project, and it has a primetime spot (Monday nights at 8:00pm) on the CW network.

The show follows Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch, a successful, miserable young woman who impulsively leaves her job as a real estate lawyer in New York in search of love and happiness in West Covina, California--also the suburban hometown of her Filipino exboyfriend. “‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ explores this idea of feeling crazy over someone,” said Rodriguez, adding that the show includes themes

Vince on the street where he grew up in Daly City, CA.

of family, friendship, and finding home away from home. “When you’re in love, it’s fun, ridiculous, and exciting.”

“As the show progresses, you learn what makes Rebecca that way--she’s just a normal girl in love. Each of us have been in a place where we’ve been infatuated with someone or the idea of someone, the idea of love, and we’ve all done pretty crazy things because of it.”

“There’s such a crazy parallel between my character, Josh Chan, and who I am as a person,” he admitted. “From Josh’s personality, his family and friends, and how he grew up--it’s kind of scary.”

Josh Chan is basically “a SoCal Asian bro,” Rodriguez described.

Coming from a family of mixed parents (Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish, just like Rodriguez), Josh--the one that got away--is also finding his place in reality and romance.

“You’re going to meet Josh Chan, find out that he’s Filipino, and see his family values,” Rodriguez shared. “The Chan family dynamic is very true to form--it feels very real to my own family.”

“It’s exciting to see Filipino culture being portrayed in the mainstream,” he added.

“I always wanted to be the ASIAN guy” At the 2014 PaleyFest Fall TV Preview, main actress Rachel Bloom said she wanted the location of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” to be in Southern California, based off her own childhood experience living inland.

“We knew we wanted it to be a fish-out-of-water story, but most of those happen in the Midwest or on the East Coast,” Bloom said this month in an interview with Vulture, adding that she and McKenna were drawn to the number of chain businesses and cultural diversity that San Gabriel Valley is known for. “We also liked how multicultural Southern California was, which is…what new suburbia is, and will continue to grow and be—people from all different cultures going to the same Applebee’s.”

Since the show is set in a suburb notorious for Asian American (and especially Filipino) families, the writers were careful to make sure actors accurately represented the culture and diversity of West Covina.

“We always wanted the male Photo by Leon Le Photography

Courtesy of Billy Bustamante.

lead to be Asian,” Bloom shared, “because I grew up with Asian bros, and I hadn’t seen that represented on TV.” Rodriguez is proud to be among a growing number of Asian American series regulars on fall TV. “It’s an honor,” he remarked.

“It means that we’ve evolved, that we’re at a new place when it comes to television. It’s breaking ground.”

“You know how there’s always ‘the Black guy,’ or ‘the Mexican guy?’ I always wanted to be the ASIAN guy, the mirror of society,” Rodriguez said.

“As a Filipino actor, I always wanted to be a part of the growth of Asian-American representation on TV and onstage. Now I feel like I’m a part of that journey to exposing modern, cultural America.”

He added, “I’m hoping that my presence in this show will open up the minds of the Filipino community, especially young Filipino men.”

Rodriguez also applauded shows that put Asian-Americans in the forefront, such as ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat,” which successfully portrays both the stereotypes and the injustices experienced by the minority community in a fresh, comedic way.

“There are always extremes that exist with all ethnicities, and it’s nice to be a part of a show that explores these identities, and portrays who we really are: people with a specific background and a place,” he said, regarding comedies [like “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”] that put Asian-Americans in starring roles.

“We’re showing the world our reality--sometimes, that can be painful and uncomfortable. But it can also be funny.”

Be who you are To aspiring actors, musicians, dancers, and entertainers of every color, Rodriguez offers a simple piece of advice that is reflected throughout his new show: be who you are.

“Be open to yourself, to new experiences, to your interests, and never let anyone tell you you can’t do something. As an actor, you get to create who you want to be, and become who you really are.

Be kind to yourself, strive to be the best in whatever you choose to do. Love your life, and live it joyfully, fully, and authentically.”

It just might make you a little crazy.

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ IF a person marries a US citizen before their child’s 18th birthday, the US citizen can also directly petition the person’s child (as the US citizen’s stepchild). There is no need for the US citizen to adopt the person’s child to establish a “petitionable relationship.”

I’ve come across many situations where a person married a US citizen before their child’s 18th birthday. They thought they must first obtain their own green card, and thereafter petition their own child. That is not always the case! If you legally married a US citizen (in good faith) before your child’s 18th birthday, your US citizen spouse could directly petition your child, and it would be a lot faster than waiting for your petition.

For example, if you wait to petition your child yourself, it may take several months or years before you finally receive your own green card. Then, if you file an F-2A petition for your child (minor child of green card holder), there may be an additional few years of waiting time for the priority date on your petition to become current. The wait would

Petitioning a stepchild: No adoption required be even longer if you decided to first become a US citizen and then petition your child. By that time, your kid may have “aged – out”, and it results in unnecessary additional years of separation from your child.

If your US citizen spouse petitions your child, he or she does not need to adopt them, as long as you get married before your child’s 18th birthday. Your child would be considered an “immediate relative” of your US citizen spouse, and could possibly be processed for a green card within a matter of a few months as the stepchild of a U.S. Citizen.

I’ve also come across people who decided to “wait until my child finishes school in the Philippines, before I’ll have my spouse petition him.” If a petition (or green card) is available, grab it now, versus waiting. What if, while waiting, you run into marital problems with your US citizen spouse, and get divorced? Had that spouse petitioned your child early in the marriage, your kid could have already obtained a green card. Once your child is in the U.S., he or she can apply for a re-entry permit and return to the Philippines to finish school. But at least your kid has a green card in

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hand, versus gambling on whether the US citizen spouse will still be around to petition your child, or your child ages out, etc.

If you have a child under 18 years of age, and are dating or married to a US citizen, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer, who can evaluate your situation, as well as your child’s, concerning the best way for everyone to get a green card. *** 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)

CAN A LONELY WIFE STILL PETITION HER HUSBAND EVEN IF SHE IS UNEMPLOYED? THIS QUESTION AND MORE WILL BE ANSWERED THIS SUNDAY ON “CITIZEN PINOY!” Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel replies to this question and more, such as: Can my mother have a second chance, after being banned from the US for 10 years for overstaying? Can my brother immigrate as “single” since he has been separated from his wife for over 25 years? Get the answers to these questions and more, on an encore episode of the information-packed, award-winning public service program -- “Citizen Pinoy,” this Sunday, November 8 at 6:15pm PST/EST (9:15pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

AARP returns as title sponsor Sugary drinks may raise risk of heart failure of 5th Annual TOFA-NY Awards

by Agnes

ConstAnte AJPress

WASHINGTON, DC—For the second consecutive year, AARP presented The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York (TOFA-NY) Awards on Saturday, October 31 at Carnegie Hall in New York. Created to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations that have raised the profile of the Filipino American community in a unique way, TOFA honored 15 exceptional individuals and organizations.

AARP presented the TOFA award for ‘Senior Welfare and Advocacy’ to the Philippine Aging Group for Active Seniors of America (PAGASA), a non-profit that helps the growing number of isolated elderly Filipino Americans

and provides a place where they can gather and interact with others.

“Supporting organizations like TOFA-NY and PAGASA is an example of how AARP is strengthening communities,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “The honorees embody AARP’s belief in turning possibilities into realities.”

“We are extremely fortunate to have AARP head our list of sponsors this year and applaud them for their support to our community, especially during Filipino American History Month,” said Elton Lugay, Founding Chair of TOFA. “We’re very proud of our

colleague Steven Raga, honored

by TOFA for his commitment to the community and his achievements working with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro), and Forest Hills Asian Association,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience. “As our AARP Consultant, Steven brings AARP’s resources to the Filipino American community as well as brings the community to AARP! We congratulate Steven and all the TOFA winners on their exceptional accomplishments!”

Continued on Page 5

CONSUMING two or more glasses of sweetened drinks per day may increase the risk of heart failure, according to a new

Swedish study.

Researchers of the report, which was published in the British Medical Journal, followed approximately 42,000 men between the ages of 45 to 79 throughout a period of nearly 12

Loida Nicolas Lewis, AARP Member Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice, LLC Philanthropist

Dahil sa Health and Wellness resources ng AARP, si Loida at iba pang katulad niya are now able to have as much fun in the ballroom as they did in the boardroom.

Loida has enjoyed a long career as a successful businesswoman, and she remains just as active today. Bilang miyembro ng halos 20 na taon, she keeps current with AARP publications on health, diet, exercise at iba pang activities that help her enjoy life and live it to the fullest.

Not surprisingly, her boundless energy and generous contributions para sa Filipino community have made her a role model for many. Para kay Loida, walang hanggan ang mga posibilidad and the best is yet to come. AARP offers members a wealth of resources na siguradong makapagbibigay ng saya, sigla at importanteng impormasyon para rin sa inyo. To learn more, visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-866-805-1986 today.

Caregiving • Health & Wellness • Fraud Prevention • Volunteer • Life Reimagined

Continued on Page 6

Approximately 42,000 men between the ages of 45 to 79 throughout a period of nearly 12 years to establish a link between heart failure and sweetened beverages. The drinks accounted for in the study “only included soft drinks/soda and these can either be sweetened with sugar or artificial sweetener.”

This could be my best move yet.

AARP is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing your life at 50-plus by providing trusted and useful resources to help you stay active, engaged and vibrant.

years to establish a link between heart failure and sweetened beverages. The drinks accounted for in the study “only included soft drinks/soda and these can either be sweetened with sugar

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On the PEP Front

People, Events, Places BoBBy T. yalong It’s a family affair!

A sibling revelry on stage intimately bonded by their innate sense of musicality, earnest commitment to their craft, compulsive dedication to entertaining people while simultaneously releasing every single sentiment and angst of their passion--- yes, Virginia, they are the Band of Brothers!

Meet Gregorio (Jay-Jay) Lozano, Jr., Juan Carlos (JC) Lozano, Jose (Pepe) Lozano II, and the “Plus One” in the group, Nelson (Niel) Valero Manapat, collectively, The Band of Brothers … the sensational singing-playing group of three brothers (plus one) that has inevitably journeyed far and wide while having had serendipitously rendezvoused with noteworthy performances that pushed and escalated their fast-rising status even more.

Gone are the days of brotherly squabbles and dragout bickerings, of relentless teasing and nonsensical derision, of indefensible bullying and inappropriate hounding, and of fruitless idleness and nondirectional gallivanting… for if

The world stage awaits for the debut of the Band of Brothers

there’s but one common interest the Lozano brothers jointly focused in, that would be their love for music and their keen vision to succeed in the field.

Admittedly no longer teeny bopper idols but their music still pulsates with the same degree of indulgence while simultaneously leading listeners to a nostalgic journey down memory lane. The Band of Brothers’ brand of music is a vivid reminiscence of the 60s and the 70s rock and pop chart toppers: the years of boy bands and singing idols, the era when song lyrics were poetic and precise emotional expressions, the generation when singers were objects of idolatry more than just the songs, and the epochal period when male singers generally projected the boy-nextdoor types while their female counterparts built “the-right-girl-to bring-home-to-mama” images.

Believing in the efficacy of a uniquely attractive name with easy recall to branding, the Lozano brothers took the advantage of adopting “Band of Brothers,” (coincidental to an HBO TV miniseries back in 2001 with the same title) but they are legitimate sans copyright infringement. After all, they are true-to-life brothers that make up a band unlike their television counterpart where the title was merely coined for commercial purpose.

Bass guitarist Gregorio (JayJay} Lozano,Jr.

Drummer Nielson Valero Manapat

Keyboardist Juan Carlos JC Lozano

Lead guitarist -vocalist Jose (Pepe) Lozano

Organized on January 25, 2010 after a tumultuous battle for ownership of a band name where they originally started (together with classmates from La Salle), the Band of Brothers quickly chose their father, Gregorio Lozano, as their business manager and corporate adviser. Confidently armed with only a little over 30 songs in their initial repertoire, the group readily tackled their first gig with so much oomph and vibrancy that earned for them unprecedented raves and

reviews… and the succeeding bookings were, needless to say, successful.

Actually, to give credit where it is due, this group has already released two albums when the Lozano brothers were still associated with their old band, the Bloomfield, which was produced

by Chito Ilagan and released locally, “Bloomfields,” the debut album, and “Pasko Natin ‘To,” the second. It was JJ who composed Bloomfield’s carrier single, “Ikaw Ang Musika” (which the Concert

King Martin Nievera recorded in his All OPM album). But, sadly, “…that episode was better thrown into oblivion!” according to the Lozano siblings.

Now that they have successfully revived an almost dwindling career, the Band of Brothers felt vindicated having good opportunities coming their way as they continue to master the art of delivering contemporary music and its stylistic elements that are reminiscent of the past.

And who wouldn’t be moved

by or fall in love again with the retro music of The Cascades, Peter and Gordon, The Beachboys, Dave Clark Five, The Zombies, The Rolling Stones, The Lettermen, Herman’s Hermits, The Monkees, Spandau Ballet, and The Beatles? These and much more composed the long roster of ditties and selections the group has enormously mastered to the hilt.

What made them even more worth-listening was their impeccable vocal harmonizing.

Their vocal blending was superbly in unison be it with instrumental accompaniment or rendered a capella. Having all singing members with distinct harmonizing level gave the Band of Brothers an edge over their local counterparts. One has to listen to the band’s own vocal interpretation of the Hotdogs’ original, “Manila,” or the Lettermen’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” or any of The Beatles’ hit and be petrified with the way they astoundingly render them effortlessly. Amazingly, vocal blending seems already second nature to the group.

Fueled by their common interest to play and perform, the band of Brothers is currently one

The Band of Brothers (L-R) JC, Niel, Pepe, and JayJay

EMPLOYMENT

The Band of Brothers during their PACCAL performance

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

LAW OFFICE

Continued on Page 7

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ON VIEW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE UNITED STATES

The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N Ov E m b E R 6 , 20 1 5

Asia Society Museum, New York THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2016

“Gorgeous” – New York Times “Fantastic” – New Yorker

A ‘Golden’ opportunity: Filipino New York stories Filipino new Yorkers tell five-minute stories of their highest highs and lowest lows. in the race for the “golden ticket” they tell tales of that critical moment that spelled disaster or ultimate glory. Meet the people

responsible for new York’s Filipino Renaissance and hear their most intimate stories. This will be an exuberant celebration followed by a reception. it is co-presented by FAM (Filipino American Museum),

curated with nancy Bulalacaoleung and in conjunction with the exhibition philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms, on view September 11, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

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AARP returns as title sponsor of 5th...

From Page 3

other ToFA awardees included Gail Banawis, Mark Bustos, John Gadia, Richard Holsman, KC Concepcion, Chelle lhuillier, Makilala TV, Carmelyn Malalis,

Kevin nadal, Betina ocampo, nicole ponseca, pAG-ASA Social Foundation inc., Katrina Saporsantos, and Jonathan Wong.

For more information about how AARp helps Asian American

& pacific islander families get more out of life, visit www.AARp. org/AApi, www.facebook.com/ AARpAApiCommunity andwww. twitter.com/AARpAApi.

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(Detail) Kinnari. Surigao. Ca. 10th–13th century. Gold. Ayala Museum, 81.5189. Photography by Leandro Y. Locsin, Jr.; Image courtesy of Ayala Museum

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oin us for an exhibition of over 100 spectacular works of gold, highlighting the prosperity and achievements of 10th–13th century Philippine kingdoms. A point of great pride for the Filipino community, this exhibition is a rare opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines. A season of related programs celebrates Philippine culture, performing arts, film, design, cuisine, and more.

Exhibition organized by Asia Society, New York, and Ayala Museum, Philippines.

Special Group Tour Packages available for $20.00 per person; includes: A docent-led tour of the exhibition, a snack and drink from the Garden Court Café, and 10% off purchases at AsiaStore. Reservations required. Please email PhilippineGold@AsiaSociety.org or call 212.327.9237.

EXHIBITION

Video Spotlight: Philippines Through January 31, 2016 LOBBY SHOWCASE

Filipino Design Now Through January 3, 2016 FILM

Apparition Saturday, November 14 • 5:00

PM

FAMILY PERFORMANCE

Kinding Sindaw Sunday, November 15 • 2–4

PM

FILM

On the Job Sunday, November 15 • 5:00

PM

ASIASTORE SALE EVENT

Lenora Cabili Tuesday, December 1 • 12:00–3:30

Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms is made possible by Ayala Corporation with additional support provided by Bank of the Philippine Islands, Del Monte Foods, Inc., Philippine Airlines, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines, and other generous benefactors.

Da�h�� Kwok, ��RP V�c� P�������� of M����c�����a� L�a����h��, ���a� �����ca� a�� Pac�fic I��a���� ������c�; ������ Ra��a, N�w Yo�k ��a�� cha������o� fo� �h� Na��o�a� F����a��o� of F������o �����ca� ���oc�a��o�� �NaFF���, boa�� cha�� of P������o �����ca� U���y fo� P�o������ �U��P�o�, a�� �h� ����c�o� fo� co������y affa��� a� �h� Fo���� H���� ���a� ���oc�a��o�; a�� B��h F��k��, ��RP N�w Yo�k ��a�� D���c�o�.

Pho�o co�����y of Ro�a� G�������z.

725 Park Ave. (at 70th St.) New York • 212.288.6400 AsiaSociety.org/NYC

Content: Publication: Issue: Trim:

PERFORMANCE

A “Golden” Opportunity Filipino New York Stories Friday, December 4 • 8

PM

For details and tickets, visit AsiaSociety.org/Philippines2015 or call the box office at 212.517.ASIA (2742) Monday through Friday, 1–5 PM.

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November 6, 2015

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N Ov E m b E R 6 , 20 1 5

PH ambassador engage student trainees at Hyatt regency Hotel in rhode island RHODE ISLAND—Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr., met with student trainees from the Philippines at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

The student trainees are participating in a 6-month training program working at three kitchens under three managers at the hotel where they were receiving interactive experiences assisting in culinary and dining preparations for various social functions being held at the Hyatt. The program takes place during the peak tourist season of Newport, that is from May to November.

The Hyatt Food and Beverage (F&B) Director Ray Landry remarked to Ambassador Cuisia how pleased they were with the performance of the student trainees. The On-theJob training program is already on its fifth edition this year and has benefitted about a hundred students from the Philippines, he underscored.

Ambassador Cuisia acknowledged the student trainees for their hard work and conveyed his gratitude to the Hyatt Hotel F&B Director and his staff for the excellent progra,. As several of the trainees were students at the College of St. Benilde in the Philippines, he also mentioned

that he was an alumni of De La Salle University, a sister school of St. Benilde. He asked that the students also express their thoughts and opinions to Hyatt management on how to enhance the training program content for incoming batches.

He expressed optimism that their experiences at the Hyatt hotel would equip the student trainees in their professional careers in the hospitality industry in the Philippines or abroad.

Consul General De Leon on his part thanked the Hyatt Hotel for broadening the professional experience of Filipino student trainees. He informed the Filipino students of the various

Western Union Veterans Day Promotion

Western Union celebrates military: Veterans Day Promo, Career open House DID you know that money transfer is frequently a vital service for members of the military? Often, when soldiers are deployed, families send money overseas to support spouses and children. Earlier this month, more than 8,530 veterans participated in conversations about money transfer (during October 1-15, 2015) according to research

by Network Insights. These facts show how these services provide a vital lifeline of support between service members and their families from whom they are separated for long stretches of time.

This year, there are two special programs that Western Union, a global leader in money transfer, is offering to celebrate our military and honor Veterans Day. Western Union is waiving the money transfer fee for US

domestic sends for consumers who use the promo code “HERO.” this November 11th in honor of the men and women of the US armed forces and is hosting a Veterans Career Open House on November 6.

Fee Free: On Wednesday, November 11, the company will offer ALL customers the opportunity to make qualifying US domestic money transfers— and transfers to and from U.S. military bases around the world where Western Union has a retail Agent location--free of charge in honor of veterans and active service members. This offer is available only at Western Union retail Agent locations throughout the U.S., and customers using the promo code “HERO” will have the normal transaction fee waived.

There is no dollar amount or limit for these “fee free” transactions.

Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (8th from right) and New York Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. (7th from left) meet with student trainees at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, together with hotel Food and Beverage staff employees led by Director Ray Landry (standing back row, 3rd from left).

Photo by Charlie Nabo

consular and legal services which the Consulate General in New York regularly provides. He also offered the participation of the Consulate in the orientation of newly-arrived trainees next year, and suggested the

inclusion of Filipino community leaders in Newport, a suggestion warmly received by the F and B Director.

During the meeting, the Ambassador and the Consul General were joined

by three Filipino community leaders, namely Captain Doy Heredia (Newport Council for International Visitors), Larry Soriano (Lingkod Timog), and Tony Cercena( Filipino-American Association of Newport).

PH presents trailblazing experience in regulating lead in paint

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Philippine narrative on addressing the issue of lead in To raise awareness of this paint is one that is characterized promotion, Western Union by the inclusive approach is employing social media adopted by the government (including Facebook and in formulating regulations, the Instagram), as well as their leadership role played by the extensive network of Agents private sector, and the vigilance and robust customer relations of civil society. management resources.

The Philippine Embassy in Customers can visit wu.com to Washington, DC emphasized find an Agent location.

Veterans Career Open House: this narrative in presenting the Philippine experience in the This free event takes place at Western Union’s corporate offices adoption of a national policy to phase out lead in paint in order in Denver (12500 E. Belford to protect human health and the Avenue environment.

Englewood, Colorado) on The presentation was November 6, between 9:00am made at the forum entitled The and 12:00pm. This event is Elimination of Lead in Paint: open to all veterans, as well as guard, reserve and active service How Countries Can Take Action, sponsored by the Canadian members.

Government, United Nations Attendees will receive Environment Programme (UNEP), information on career World Health Organization opportunities available to Continued on Page 7 (WHO), and the United States Government, held on 29 October at the Canadian Embassy. The event was part of the activities for the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action that ran from October 25 to 31, and was attended by diplomats, US Government officials, UNEP/ WHO officials, and civil society representatives.

The Philippine presentation described the general legal framework governing toxic substances in the Philippines under the umbrella of Republic Act 6969. It then traced the multi-stakeholder process of

the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in working with the private sector and civil society towards a national regulation adopting the international threshold limit for lead in paint.

This regulation sets a three-year phase out period (2013-2016) for lead-containing architectural, household and decorative paints, and a six-year phase out (20132019) for industrial paints. The presentation also outlined the leadership role of the private sector in the process, including the industry’s drive towards green innovation and leading the discussions on proper lead paint remediation. The vigilance of civil society in monitoring compliance with the regulation was also underscored, as well as its role in creating more awareness about lead poisoning.

The Philippine narrative was lauded by participants of the Forum as a best practice that could be shared and replicated elsewhere.

According to the Lead Paint Alliance convened under the auspices of WHO and UNEP, paint that contains lead additives poses a risk of lead poisoning, especially for young children. No level of lead exposure is considered safe, and the environmental, health and economic impacts of lead are grave. Children exposed to lead in homes, schools and toys are reported to have developed lifelong learning disabilities, anemia and disorders in

coordination and language skills.

The Forum at the Canadian Embassy was one of the activities organized during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to create awareness over the risks posed by lead in paint and what countries around the globe can do to reduce this threat to the environment and to human health. The Philippines, together with Canada, Kenya and Uruguay, was invited to share its experience in developing and enacting lead paint legislation.

The presentation was developed by the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau, together with the Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers and civil society represented by the EcoWaste Coalition and the International POPs Elimination Network. It was delivered by Minister and Consul Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga of the Philippine Embassy.

In a statement, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. congratulated the DENR-EMB for its work on toxic substances, under the leadership of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and DENR Assistant Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna.

“The Philippine Government remains committed to our collective objective of eliminating lead in paint. This is our pledge to our environment and to the health of our people, and that of our children’s children,” Ambassador Cuisia also said.

sugary drinks may raise risk of...

From Page 3 or artificial sweetener.”

Authors of the study documented more than 4,000 instances of heart failure among study participants. Men who drank more than two sweetened drinks per day had a 23 percent higher chance of developing heart failure compared to men who did not drink these beverages.

“The takeaway message is that people who regularly consume sweetened beverages should consider limiting their consumption to reduce their risk of heart failure,” Dr. Susanna Larsson, a researcher at the Stockholm Karolinska Institutet, told CNN. Although the research focused on men, women are also advised to be careful about sweetened drinks, Larsson said.

“Sweetened beverage consumption has been associated with blood pressure, insulin concentration, weight gain, obesity and type 2 diabetes also in women,” she said.

Across the globe, more than 23 million people have heart failure, which occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficient amounts of blood and oxygen through the body. The number of individuals with the condition is on the rise, in part because of the consumption of sodas and other sweetened beverages, Larsson and her colleagues say in the journal Heart.

In the United States, about 6 million people live with heart failure, CNN reported.

“Patients with heart failure

are severely limited in their ability to perform daily tasks, they get short of breath for even small efforts like walking one block, or sometimes even walking inside their house,” said Dr. Roberto Bolli, chief of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, according to CNN. Other findings included that men who consumed the most sodas and sweetened drinks were less likely to be university educated, typically ate fewer servings and vegetables and are slightly more likely to consume a minimum of three cups of coffee daily.

While researchers specifically studied Swedish men, they said the results can likely be applied to men in the United States. Still, they said additional research would be required due to variances in American culture and diet.

“It is safe to admit that sweetened beverages are usually components of a poor quality dietary pattern and that overall dietary patterns better represent the broader picture of food habits and are

more important determinants of disease than any isolated food or beverage,” researchers from the University of Navarra in Spain wrote in an editorial accompanying the study.

“Meanwhile more research in this field is available, and taking into account the existing evidence, the advice to the general population should be that their most sensible option will be to reduce or eliminate their consumption of sweetened beverages replacing them with water to comply with the requirements for a good hydration.”

One limitation authors acknowledge about the study is its dependence on men to accurately remember and report their drinking habits.

Furthermore, the study did not have data that differentiated sugar from artificial sweeteners.

Researchers from the University of Navarra added that other factors unaccounted for in the report, including physical activity and dietary habits, may have had an effect on the development of heart failure in the men.

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N Ov E m b E R 6 , 20 1 5

The ‘General’ breezes in to town

John Arcilla

THE unprecedented success of the 2015 Filipino historical biopic film, Heneral Luna, has infectiously penetrated the northern American cinemas that excite over-enthusiastic viewers and was made even more exciting with the arrival of its lead star, multi-awarded actor John Arcilla.

Fresh from his personal appearances all over the Philippines and in various key cities in the US promoting the Philippine entry to the 2015 Oscars (for Best Foreign Language Film), Arcilla readily agreed to an interview set at the scenic Liberty Park Restaurant in Jersey City.

Despite short of an adequate amount of rest from his long trip, Arcilla arrived beaming

sans signs of neither fatigue nor jet lag, accompanied by his New York-based aunt Mely Buño, friend Corazon Bañez, Hudson RehabSpa proprietor Mike Florendo, and Bergenfield, New Jersey councilman Arvin Amatorio, who, incidentally, is Arcilla’s relative and townmate from Baler, Aurora.

Currently regarded as the longest running movie shown in the Philippines and one of the highest grossers at more than 250 million pesos (as of press time) and still grossing, Heneral Luna prides itself with a high caliber cast, world-class cinematography, a competent director, and a well-written storyline that motivates historical, cultural, and patriotic awakening.

Western Union celebrates military...

From Page 6 military members, as well as useful career advice on resume tips, successful interviewing techniques, how to translate military skill and build an effective LinkedIn profile.

Another illustration of the importance of money transfer to military personnel is that Western Union currently has retail Agent

locations on many military bases throughout the world. Military personnel, who are often Western Union customers, use money transfer in situations, such as: • A new, younger service member who hasn’t established a checking account, receives funds for basic support and emergency needs (as a sender or receiver)

• A service member away on temporary assignment and who doesn’t want or need to establish a local checking account because they won’t be stationed at the location for a long period of time • Parents and family of active service members often wire money to the spouse and children to help out, as well.

General Luna lead actor John Arcilla took time out to pose with cousin Bergenfield Councilman Arvin Amatorio (right) and Mike Florendo.

Through the initiative of the newly established corporate partnership, Perfect Course Management, Inc., and as an initial entertainment venture of INSAN Entertainment

of the most exciting fresh groups of talents to emerge not only in the local music scene but in some of the world’s capital cities. Slowly making its presence felt across the globe, following the band’s maiden overseas performances in Hong-Kong, Macau, Thailand, and other Asian key cities, the Lozano brothers has recently given New Yorkers a sample of what they have been known for ---- worldclass performances… dishing out nothing but only the best music of the 60’s and 70’s.

Last October 10, 2015 during PACCAL’s 23rd Founding Anniversary and Awards Night at the Ramada Plaza Hotel Newark, New Jersey, the talent-loaded group readily performed sans neither rehearsal nor musical instrument set-up before a mammoth crowd that proved their inherent capability to professionally execute their act even under pressure.

At the posh D’Haven Dance Pavillion and Restaurant in Woodside, Queens, New York, the Band of Brothers did their first ever east coast concert on Friday, October 16 before a filled-to-therafters audience… a week prior their slated performance at the Filipino American Festival, Inc. (FAFI) at the Overpeck Park in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey last October 25.

Getting up-close and personal with the Band of Brothers: Jose M. Lozano II / Pepe (lead guitar and vocals) Seemingly born with a guitar for a twin, a pen for a rattle and vagitus that sounded like highpitched singing, Pepe is a trueblooded Gemini-baby having first seen the light of day on the 13th of June, 1981 as Malba Masangkay and Gregorio Lozano’s first born. Innately creative and musically inclined, it was effortless for Pepe to transcribe into paper the vast composite of human emotions then finishing it off with the right melody and chord progressions…things he does in between practicing his Business Management and Advertising courses he obtained from La Salle and UST. A rara avis with inherently sociability, his sibling consider Pepe the band’s moral fiber and strong force to reckon with.

Gregorio Lozano, Jr. / Jay-Jay (bass guitar / drums / songwriter) Born on February 12, 1985 under the Zodiac sign of Aquarius, this second born of the Lozanos is a La Sallista through and through having studied secondary and collegiate courses from the said religious institution founded by the De La Salle Christian Brothers from France. Ably armed with an Industrial Engineering course and supplemented by a Philippine Mass Media degree, Jay-Jay‘s love for music, particularly in songwriting, evidently manifested as early as during his childhood when he would squiggle notes and phrases while humming or

at NJ Route 440, Jersey City, New Jersey 07304.

For more details, additional info, or ticket reservations, please call: 1-201-912-1997, 646331-9117, and 201-300-5234.

Fil-Aussie breaks into X Factor Australia top 5

by Nestor

Corrales Inquirer.net

FILIPINO-Australian Cyrus Villanueva made it to the top 5 of X Factor Australia after he impressed the judges with his rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.”

On its November 3 episode, Villanueva got a standing ovation (Advertising Supplement) from the judges and the audience with his “amazing” performance.

“Cyrus, the question is not what can you sing but what can’t you sing. I think I have caught the Cyrus virus!” judge James Blunt said, praising Villanueva for his rendition of the song.

The world stage awaits for the debut...

From Page 4

Productions, a meet and greet, autograph signing and photo opportunity with John Arcilla are slated on Friday, November 13, 2015 at 7pm at the Hudson RehabSpa office in Hudson Mall

Dannii Minogue said the FilAussie singer was “nailing it week after week.”

“Sometimes, this show just captures people in their prime and all the stars align,” Minogue said.

Earlier, Villanueva wowed the judges and the audience with his performance of Adele’s “Rumor Has It.” His X Factor journey started after he impressed everyone during his audition, performing The Weeknd’s “Earned It.” In 2014, Filipino Marlisa Punzalan was declared X Factor Australia champion.

Calendar of Events across

Filipino-Australian Cyrus Villanueva

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS D ec e m b e r 1 , 2 0 1 5. 1 2 : 0 0 p m - 3 : 3 0 p m

Lenora Cabili / Fashion Lenora Cabili’s designs are inspired by tradition, mixing the past with present, creating unique garments that incorporate ancient techniques of weaving, embroidery and bead work from indigenous Filipino groups. Len’s mission is to create while also reviving and preserving ancient traditions, as she works with talented artisans across the Archipelago to provide opportunities to improve livelihoods. buzzing. His prolific talent in composing and writing heartfelt lyrics originated from what he actually feels and pulsates from his heart. A virtuoso in plucking, slapping, popping, strumming, tapping, thumping, or picking with a plectrum or pick, Jay-Jay also plays drums.

Juan Carlos Lozano / JC (vocals and keyboards) Towering with chiseled features and fair-skinned, one could mistake JC for a model than a band member.

This bedimpled 29-year-old keyboardist, (born August 29, 1986), doesn’t look his age and seemingly reserved. But don’t be easily deceived by his reticent personality for this youngest sibling of the Lozano brothers could be funky and playful once he’s already comfortable with you. JJ openly admits that he’s not really musically inclined (actually, he finished Culinary Arts with specialization in Pastry and Baking) but had to join his “Kuyas” (elder brothers) to complete the group and live up to its name. But after rigid rehearsals and series of well-received gigs, he became inspired and gradually perfected his vocal execution and finger skills.

Nielson Valero Manapat / Niel (drums and vocals) Regarded as the “adopted” member of the band or the “Plus One,” Niel has had a wide range of band experiences before being recruited by the Lozano brothers.

A Leo (born August 4, 1980) with a BS Physical Therapy degree neatly tucked under his sleeves, this versatile drummer is also a drama professor and music teacher at the Muzette Music Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The

eldest among two children of Dr. Eloisa Valero Manapat (a dancer and pianist of the Valero clan of pianists) and Nicanor Legaspi Manapat (a singer-guitarist and a relative of Celeste Legaspi), it isn’t surprising that Niel’s destiny led him to Musiclandia.

They say: “The family that prays together stays together,” but in case of the Lozano brothers, it’s easy to conclude that: “Music isn’t only a universal language but a cohesive agent that binds people (specially siblings) even closer together.”

Here’s a trivia about the singing brothers: Do you know that when they’re not rehearsing or free from having scheduled performances, the brothers set aside their instruments and don on their apron, toque blanche or chef’s hat, or manage the cash register of SR Thai Cuisine, a family business, at 1229 V. Concepcion Street, Sampaloc, Manila (at the rear of the University of Santo Tomas)?

The Band of Brothers isn’t just your ordinary singing and playing band but literally a band of highly schooled professionals giving in to the whims and persuasion of their respective passions. With their innate musical talents, unabated enthusiasm, hard driven dedication, and keen focus, an international probability for stardom won’t be far from the offing.

My personal thanks to Vince Gesmundo of VYNNZNY Entertainment for setting the interview and to Miss Elvie Mercado Sanchez for bringing in the boys.

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

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16th San Diego Asian Film Festival To celebrate its sweet 16th, the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) is proud to welcome and pay tribute to entertainment and film legends and pioneers during its 10-day film festival, from November 5 - 14, 2015. Presented by Pacific Arts Movement, the SDAFF is the largest showcase of Asian cinema on the West Coast, with more than 130 films and programs from 20 countries. This year, the SDAFF presents the West Coast premiere of documentary TYRUS, paying tribute and welcoming entertainment legend Tyrus Wong, a 105-year-old Chinese American artist who is best known for inspiring the artwork in Disney’s original classic Bambi. Other contemporary pioneers in entertainment such as Ken Jeong and Eugene Lee Yang will be present. The film festival will take place at the Ultrastar Mission Valley at Hazard Center (Main Theater & Box Office), 7510 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108. For all screenings at Ultrastar, tickets can be purchased at the Ultrastar Mission Valley box office (Member $9, General $12) starting October 30. Student/Military/Senior and Group discounts are available at the door. Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night tickets are $15 for General, $12 for Members. Limited All-Fest Passes are available for $250. For ticketing info, film program/gala awards night details, and a full schedule, please visit festival.sdaff.org or contact 619.400.5911 | info@pacarts.org.

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FPAC 24 - “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” Save the date! The 24th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at El Pueblo de Los Angeles (125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012). and will feature contemporary and traditional Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. FPAC is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern California. This year’s theme for the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event is “Balik tanaw, Pananaw bukas” a Tagalog phrase meaning “looking backward, looking forward, and celebrates the rich experiences of being Filipino American. As a community we honor the culture paved by our ancestors, and move forward with a grateful understanding of our Filipino American history. This is the spirit that keeps FPAC going. Please check www.filmarts.org for more event updates. For Sponsorship Inquiries please contact us at 213-380-3722; or info@filamarts.org. For exhibitor (food and business) information, contact John Swing at jswing@esipa.org. #FPAC24

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Saint Martin of Tours Fiesta Invitation to Taaleños to host the celebration of the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours, the Patron Saint of Taal, Batangas, on Nov. 14. Holy Mass will be offered at 10 am at 401 Spur Trail, Walnut, CA 91789, followed by a potluck luncheon to be hosted by expats from Taal.

A ‘Silent Auction’ is planned to raise funds for the repair and beautification of the Old Catholic Cemetery. Musical entertainment will be provided by Tony Mijares of San Jose, Calif. Please contact potluck coordinators Lorna and Eddie B. de Sagun (626) 780-8272, and the following to confirm your attendance: Baby Patolot (626) 202-3172, Jeannette C. Ilagan (626) 922-4330 or Lydia V. Solis lvsolis@aol.com.

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

An Asian Journal

Magazine

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY NOvEmbER 6, 2015