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Volume 10 – Issue 51 • 16 Pages

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USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Trump releases third version of travel ban

DHS to double down on countries lacking security protocols

on sunday, september 24, President Donald trump strengthened his original controversial travel ban by implementing new restrictions that would completely prohibit almost all travel to the United states from seven countries.

A major change that this order makes is adding new countries to its list that face restrictions and prohibitions from traveling to the U.s. starting october 18, nationals from Iran, Libya, syria, Yemen, somalia, Chad and north Korea would not be allowed entrance in the U.s. Additionally, certain people from Iraq and Venezuela would face harsh restrictions and heightened security. trump announced via twitter the latest edition of the travel ban which includes restrictions which varies by country and will be slowly phased in beginning october. the main vehicle for implementing these changes is collaborating with foreign governments. According to a statement released by the White house, the U.s. — through the De-

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Duterte seeks US help against drug trade

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

mAnILA - President rodrigo Duterte on tuesday, september 26 urged the United states to work closely with his government against drug smuggling, saying international syndicates are using the Philippines as transhipment point.

In a speech, Duterte claimed that the so-called taiwan-based Bamboo triad and hong Kong-based 14-K triad were using the country as a hub for shipping drugs to other countries, including the U.s. “the Philippines is a transshipment of shabu (crystal meth) to America

and it behooves upon America to work closely with the republic of the Philippines, especially on this serious matter,” Duterte said at the 56th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Constitution Association.

“We are flooded with drugs and the locals here have been taken in but they participate in the produce of the selling.

And I think they are happy because they are protected,” the President added.

Duterte won the presidential elections last year with curbing narcotics as among his major campaign promises.

Washington has expressed its support to the Philippine government’s efforts in fighting illegal drugs but has

denounced the alleged killings and humans rights abuses in the so-called drug war.

Duterte said about 40 percent of barangays in the Philippines are affected by the drug menace, which he called a “disease.” he reiterated his warning against drug personalities, saying he would not hesitate to kill them if they destroy the future of the country. he clarified, however, that due process will be observed during operations.

“When it comes to this country, I could be the most brutal but I do not lose sight of the Constitution… I have been a prosecutor, I know what due

process means,” Duterte said. “I do not want killing innocent filipino people.”

Friendlier with US In a speech on thursday, september 28, Duterte said he’s now on friendlier terms with the U.s.

During the 116th commemoration of the Balangiga encounter Day in eastern samar, Duterte said the U.s. government has “redeemed themselves a lot.”

Duterte has repeatedly slammed Washington for urging manila to stop the supposed drug war deaths, accusing the U.s. of interfering with the domestic affairs of the Philippines.

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Fil-Am WWII vets to receive Congressional Gold Medal on Oct. 25

U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Photo from Twitter/@USAmbManila

US reiterates support for PH counterterrorism efforts

WAshIngton, D.C. — speaker of the house rep. Paul ryan recently announced that Congress will bestow the Congressional gold medal to filipino American Veterans of World War II, in a ceremony to take place on october 25. Coinciding with the observance of filipino American history month, this ceremony serves as a symbolic capstone to the decades-long fight for recognition on behalf of the brave filipino veterans who served with honor to defend the United states. the national federation of filipino American Associations (naffAA) applauds Congressional leaders and the filipino Veterans recognition and education Project (filVetreP) for their efforts in enshrining this recognition.

Approximately 260,000 filipino and filipino American soldiers answered President franklin D. roosevelt’s call to defend the United states and the Philippines during World War II. the bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers were integral to American victory in the Pacific. filVetreP, chaired by retired major general Antonio “tony” taguba,

Palace welcomes Ombudsman probe, says Duterte ‘has nothing to hide’

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DUTERTE MEETS CHILDREN FROM MARAWI. President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, September 27, welcomed children evacuees from Marawi City and told the young Maranaos to stay away from the ideals of terrorism which only creates chaos and confusion. The Chief Executive met with the participants of the “Tabak Educational Tour: Peaceful Environment in the Outside World” in Malacañang Palace.

Malacañang photo

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

As the office of the ombudsman begins its probe on the alleged hidden wealth of President rodrigo Duterte’s family, malacañang maintained that the chief executive has nothing to hide.

In a statement on Wednesday, september 27, malacañang said that Duterte “respects the internal

processes of the ombudsman as an independent body, and trusts its impartiality in the conduct of its fact-finding duty.” “the president has nothing to hide,” Presidential spokesperson ernesto Abella added. overall Deputy ombudsman Arthur Carandang earlier confirmed that he has been autho-

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales Inquirer.net photos

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

the United states on tuesday, september 26, expressed its continued support for the Philippines’ counterterrorism efforts, following the successful staging of a joint drill dubbed as “tempest Wind.” “the United states will continue to support Philippine counterterrorism efforts and work jointly to address shared threats to the peace and security in the region,” U.s. Ambassador to the Philippines sung Kim said.

In a press briefing, the U.s. envoy reiterated the strong relationship between manila and Washington, citing the tempest Wind as the “latest and very significant example” of the two countries’ “close ties.” over 1,200 Philippine and U.s. civilians and military officials participated in the bilateral, interagency exercise that ran from september 18 to 26 in Clark field, Pampanga.

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Cayetano tells UN: Give drug war benefit of doubt Major issues confronting PIDCI raised at FAPCNY candidates’ forum

by Marlon

raMoS Inquirer.net

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano appears on the monitors inside the United Nations media center as he delivers the message of the Republic of the Philippines during the 72nd UN General Assembly in New York City on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

foreIgn secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has called on the United nations to give President rorigo Duterte’s war on drugs the “benefit of the doubt,” assuring the international community that the Philippine government remains committed to defending human rights.

Addressing the 72nd Un general Assembly in new York on saturday, sept. 23, Cayetano said Duterte’s campaign against narcotics was intended to “save lives, preserve families, protect communities and stop the country’s slide into a narcostate.”

Cayetano spoke after an inter-

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PIDCI elections set for Oct. 7, presidency is a three-way race

by MoMar

G. ViSaya

AJPress

there is a three-way race for the president of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), which is set to elect its new leader and

seven board members in a hotly contested elections set for oct. 7, saturday. sixteen candidates are fighting over seven open board member positions.

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FAPCNY MEETS PIDCI. The Fil-Am Press Club of New York sponsored a PIDCI candidates’ forum in Queens to inform the community of their plans for the organization most popularly known in staging the biggest Independence Day celebration outside the Philippines. From left, moderator Cristina DC Pastor, Ner Martinez, Ollie David, Gani Puertollano and co-moderator Marivir Montebon.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

A september 29-october 5, 2017 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerseY AsIAN JoUrNAL

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From the Front Page

Duterte seeks US help against...

PAGE A1 t “There are so many factors involved but I’d rather be friendly to them now because aside from these episodes of, I said, sad incidents, overall I think the Americans also redeemed themselves a lot,” the president remarked.

Known for his expletive-peppered speeches, Duterte added that he was also advised by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to “temper [his] language.”

“I was under advice that the negotiations are going on, that the government of America is looking for ways how to get out of this problem of the Balangiga bells because it remains to be not only the source of irritation but the source of a painful reaction, what really happened to our countrymen,” he said.

In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, Duterte asked the Washington to return the the bells of Balangiga church in Samar, which were seized by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war in 1900s.

“I hope the Congress of America will give [U.S.] President [Donald] Trump the authority to return the bell…we will be happy,” Duterte added.

China, Taiwan In a statement, China said it has no information about Chinese syndicates operating in the Philippines.

“We do not know much (about)

the syndicates or the drug rings that are operating in the Philippines,” Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua told reporters at the sideline of of the reception celebrating the 68th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PROC) held in Makati City.

He then added, “Well, if you have any intelligence or information with regards to illegal activities of the drug traffickers, we certainly share with the Filipino side like what we did in the very beginning. We continue to do so.”

Nevertheless, the ambassador gave assurance that China will not protect its nationals who have committed crimes in the Philippines.

“They need to be punished in accordance to the Filipino law. I think likewise, if any Filipino committed crimes in China, including illegal drug trafficking, they will also be punished in accordance with law,” he said.

He also expressed the Chinese government’s continuous support to President Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs and drug-related criminal acts.

“We have already begun the inter-agency cooperation: sharing intelligence, providing equipment, and we hope that this kind of cooperation and coordination will be enhanced,” the ambassador added.

Taiwan, meanwhile, denied

claims that the country was among the sources of narcotics entering the Philippines.

Citing statistics from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Teco) noted that “most of the drugs is actually manufactured in the Philippines, not overseas.”

Teco also reiterated its support to the Philippines in its anti-drug efforts.

Open to probe Earlier on Wednesday, September 27, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano met with his counterpart, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and told him that the Philippine government is open to probe into drug war but only if investigators will not “politicize” the process.

“We made it clear that we have nothing to hide and that we are ready to work with experts or observers as long as they are independent and fair,” Cayetano said, according to a statement released by the DFA. “We would welcome experts if they can assure us they would not politicize the investigations because we want to make sure the outcome would be credible,” the foreign secretary added.

During their meeting, Cayetano also clarified that “that contrary to media reports, the Philippines does not have a state policy allowing extrajudicial killings, especially of illegal drug suspects.” n

US reiterates support for PH counterterrorism...

PAGE A1 t According to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Tempest Wind “focused on an aircraft hijacking and hostagetaking scenario.”

Kim said the exercise “simulated a scenario involving a real commercial airliner filled with over 150 actors who played hostages created a realistic environment to test bilateral, interagency decision-making and tactical response.”

During the simulation, eight Islamic State (IS) terrorists hijacked a passenger plane from Sydney, Australia bound for Honolulu, Hawaii. The aircraft was forced to land in Clark, north of Manila.

In the scenario, commandos

neutralized all hijackers after failing to negotiate for about 72 hours.

“Tempest Wind was unique in important ways and went far beyond our normal array of joint exercises. It was a challenging interagency drill for both sides, intended to test and improve the ability of our nations to plan, coordinate, and conduct counterterrorism operations,” the U.S. envoy said.

He also noted that the drill “presented an unprecedented opportunity for comprehensive training for both senior leaders and action officers.”

Tempest Wind was held amid clashes between government troops and the pro-IS Maute group in Marawi City, Mindanao.

Since the crisis broke out on May 23, the U.S. has been providing technical assistance to Filipino troopers battling extremists.

Apart from technical assistance, Washington also recently donated P730 million ($15 million) in humanitarian aid for the ongoing relief operations and rehabilitation of the besieged city.

Lorenzana, for his part, expressed confidence that the terrorism in the region will soon be quelled.

“With the help of our friends and allies like the U.S., I am confident that we can nip this problem in the bud before it grows and affects other parts of the country, the region, and the world,” the defense secretary said.

SOTTO REACTS TO FAKE NEWS. Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III speaks out against fake news on social media directed against certain members of the Senate during a speech at the Senate plenary session on Wednesday, September 27. Sotto said the Senate needs to address the proliferation of fake news in social media sites, after social media posts lambasted Sotto and some senators, for allegedly not signing a Senate resolution calling on the government to stop the killing of minors went viral. Sotto said the posts, aside from being false, is meant to obfuscate the issue as he and six other senators have not seen the resolution yet.

Senate photo by Joseph Vidal

Palace welcomes Ombudsman probe, says Duterte...

PAGE A1 t

rized by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to look into the allegations of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that Duterte kept hidden wealth.

“It was Senator Trillanes who filed the complaint with us and attached the documents. The office, when it evaluated the complaint, recommended the conduct of a fact-finding [investigation],” Carandang said on Tuesday, September 26.

Morales said she has inhibited herself from acting on any case filed against the Duterte family.

She took note that her nephew, lawyer Manases Carpio, is married to Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

In May 2016, Trillanes filed a

plunder complaint against Duterte before the Office of the Ombudsman. The senator accused the president of having P2.4 billion ($47 million)-worth of undeclared deposits in his bank accounts.

Trillanes also accused Duterte of hiring ghost employees when he was the mayor of Davao City.

Duterte had repeatedly denied all of Trillanes’ claims, saying his family did not amass ill-gotten wealth.

In a speech on Tuesday night, the president reiterated that his wealth came from the sale of a real property he inherited from his father, former Davao governor Vicente Duterte.

“You know, my father was governor when he died. At least alam niya maghanap-buhay (He knew

how to make a living) because we had an ice plant and a lumber yard. Construction was booming at that time in Davao. It was a developing city. But when he died, we could not agree with each other, the brothers and sisters, so we decided to sell all,” Duterte said.

The president also noted that he already had P1 million when he was still a student because of the inheritance.

“I authorized everybody, everybody as in everybody to look — to dig into the IBAA, Insular Bank of Asia and America. That’s the Union Bank now. You’d find there that ‘yung fourth year pa kami (even when I was still in fourth year), I had a million already.

‘Yan ang totoo (That’s the truth),” he added. n

Fil-Am WWII vets to receive Congressional Gold...

PAGE A1 t spearheaded a massive campaign to push for the passage of Senate bill 1555, and its companion House bill 2737, which sought to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor the Filipinos who fought alongside the U..S. Military. “This is the culmination of our community’s efforts to secure for our brave soldiers the recognition they rightfully deserve,” say Gen. Taguba. “They made the supreme sacrifice to fight under the American flag, yet they had to wait for more than 70 years for the U.S. to acknowledge their service. At the awards ceremony honoring them, we will

take this opportunity as a grateful nation to thank these heroes for their duty to country and to make sure we keep their memories and stories alive.”

NaFFAA is proud to have partnered with FilVetREP, along with the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) and other community organizations and leaders, in this endeavor.

NaFFAA National Chairman Brendan Flores states, “With fewer than 18,000 Filipino American World War II veterans still alive today, this Congressional honor is long overdue. These brave veterans served with honor, and did so selflessly. I applaud Sen.

Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for spearheading Congressional efforts to properly honor and provide them with the recognition and benefits they so deserve.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. It is awarded to those “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture...” The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at the United States Capitol’s Emancipation Hall. It will begin at 11 a.m. EST, and can be viewed online through Livestream at speaker.gov/live. n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 29-OctObER 5, 2017

Asians projected to be largest immigrant group in US by 2055

by Rae

FREED. John Paul Solano, one of the suspects in the death of University of Santo Tomas (UST) law student Horacio Castillo III, has been released from detention on Wednesday, Sept. 27, as ordered by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Solano, the DOJ said, would undergo preliminary investigation on Oct 4 and 9.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez

Trump releases third version of travel...

PAGE A1 t partment of Homeland security (DHs) — will strengthen its identity-management protocols and information-sharing practices to limit “risk-factors” when welcoming travelers from certain countries.

The statement said that these new protocols were shared with officials from countries that did not present “adequate information-sharing practices” and were allowed 50 days to improve their travel standards.

“We cannot afford to continue the failed policies of the past, which present an unacceptable danger to our country,” the president said in a statement. “My highest obligation is to ensure the safety and security of the American people, and in issuing this new travel order, i am fulfilling that sacred obligation.”

Despite the White House’s confidence that the new travel ban, the supreme Court made an unexpected announcement when it said that it won’t hear oral arguments on the previous version of travel ban that has been scheduled on October 10.

The justices were to hear lawyers representing the Trump administration and immigrant rights groups to make their cases on the ban, which was previously deemed

unconstitutional by district court and appeals court judges. in January just days after his inauguration, Trump signed Executive Order 13780, which ordered the DHs to establish a new minimum baseline for the amount of information sharing with other governments is required to determine if certain foreign travelers present security threats to the U.s.

This ban included barring nationals from six Muslim-majority nations and toughening up immigration security at airports and at the U.s./Mexico border.

The original order — and its updated version released in March — were met with backlash from Americans and lawmakers who dubbed the executive order a “Muslim ban.”

This current incarnation of the travel ban was also met with disdain by immigrant rights groups that argue the ban is xenophobic and is a way to reject travelers based on their race and religion.

The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) on Monday, september 25, publicly denounced the administration’s expansion of the travel ban, calling it a ploy to ostracize “immigrants, Muslims, refugees and people of color.”

“Let us not be fooled by the administration’s guise of ‘Making America safe.’ This order is yet an-

Cayetano tells UN: Give drug war...

PAGE A1 t national study showed that the Philippines ranked first in the 2017 Global impunity index and amid mounting concerns over spiraling drug killings and documented human rights violations since Duterte took office in June 2016.

More than 3,800 Filipinos have been killed by police in drug raids and thousands more have been killed by unknown assailants since Duterte launched the crackdown upon coming to office.

The killings have drawn expressions of concern over human rights violations in the Philippines from the United nations, United states and European Union, all of whom Duterte has badmouthed in response, insisting that the Philippines is a sovereign country and that they should not interfere in its internal affairs.

Liable to prosecution The international Criminal Court (iCC), however, has warned that it is watching developments in the Philippines and that Philippine officials “ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing in any manner to the commission of crimes within the jurisdiction” of the court are potentially liable to prosecution.

Malacañang has said Duterte is open to iCC investigation.

“The Philippines’ comprehensive campaign against illegal drugs is [a] necessary instrument to preserve and protect the human rights of all Filipinos and never an instrument to violate any individual’s or group’s human rights,” Cayetano told the Un gathering.

He reminded the Un memberstates that the Philippines was a free country whose freedom to map out policies in resolving matters affecting its people must be respected by other nations.

The Duterte administration, he stressed, has a “human rights agenda” in attaining economic development “for the purpose of protecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable, from lawlessness, violence and anarchy.”

“The Philippines is a sovereign country … it expects its sovereignty to be respected, and that its democratically elected government’s assessment of threats and how to go about addressing them shall be accorded preeminence among nations—or at least the benefit of their doubt,” Cayetano said.

“We should never tolerate human rights abuses, but neither should we tolerate misinformation, fake news on and politicization of human rights, for these undermine our collective efforts as the United nations to uphold

the universality of human rights and dignity of human life,” he said.

Duterte, Cayetano said, is only keeping the promises he made during his presidential campaign to put an end to poverty, corruption and crime.

He had promised to kill tens of thousands of criminals and dump their bodies in Manila Bay to fatten the fish.

He also vowed to put an end to the Philippines’ drug problem in six months only to say later that he had underestimated the problem so that his war on drugs would go on to his last day in office.

‘Real change’ “As a responsible leader, the Philippine president launched a vigorous campaign against the illegal drug trade to save lives, preserve families, protect communities and stop the country’s slide into a narcostate,” Cayetano said.

“President Duterte and the Filipino people are committed to real change, to finally carrying out long-needed reforms, to addressing national threats long ignored, protecting the human rights of all Filipinos, while doing our part in attaining regional peace and stability,” he added.

Although he defended the president’s brutal war on drugs, Cayetano seemed to have contradicted some of Duterte’s major policies in curbing the illegal drug trade.

For one, he insisted that “drug addiction calls for cure and not chastisement,” an apparent rebuttal to. Duterte’s penchant to shame drug suspects in public.

Beyond redemption Cayetano said drug users might still be rehabilitated, contrary to Duterte’s view that people hooked on drugs, particularly “shabu” (crystal meth), were beyond redemption.

According to Cayetano, some 1.3 million Filipino drug addicts had turned themselves in to the authorities under the Duterte administration, but he did not mention how many of those who surrendered underwent rehabilitation.

He lamented that the drug menace “penetrated” some 59 percent of the Philippines’ 42,036 villages and “even the law enforcement” agencies. in addition, Cayetano played down speculations that Duterte green-lighted abuses committed by some police officials, including those accused of summarily executing teenagers.

“The president has and will always have zero tolerance for abusive (policemen) as time will show,” he said. n

A

other attempt of a Muslim Ban and does the exact opposite of making us safe,” APALA national President Monica Thammarath said in a statement. “We look forward to hearing the supreme Court’s oral argument this October 10 as our labor unions and community partners continue to join together to fight against the Muslim Ban. We have faith in our court system to once again challenge and block this ban as they have done before, and we continue to pressure our elected officials to rescind the ban and protect our immigrant and refugee community.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

ann VaRona AJPress

AsiAns have become the fastest growing ethnic group in the U.s., according to a new study released this month on the diversity and population of Asian Americans.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the Asian population in the U.s. grew a whopping 72 percent between 2000 and 2015 — from 11.9 million to 20.4 million — making them the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in the nation.

Hispanics, the second fastest growing group, increased 60 percent.

Reflecting the fast growth rate, the study projected Asians to become the largest immigrant group in the U.s. by 2055, surpassing Hispanics. Asians are predicted to comprise 38 percent of U.s. immigrants in the next 50 years, while Hispanics are expected to comprise 31 percent.

Around 20 million Asian Americans trace back to over 20 countries in East and southeast Asia and the indian subcontinent, making the U.s. Asian population very diverse. Together, 19 of the largest Asian origin groups comprise 94 percent of the total Asian population in the U.s.

While no single group dominates the U.s. Asian population, Filipinos were among the largest.

As of 2015, the largest groups were Chinese who made up 24 percent (4.9 million), indian at 20 percent (4.0 million), and Filipino

at 19 percent (3.9 million). Also meeting the one million mark were those with Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese roots.

Filipinos were also reported to be among the four Asian countries out of top 15 origin groups with large amounts of unauthorized immigrants. Out of the country’s 11.1 million unauthorized immigrants, 13 percent are Asian with most coming from india (500,000), followed by China (325,000), Philippines (180,000), and Korea (160,000).

The study also analyzed the economic data of the U.s. Asian population and found that in general, Asians were more well off compared to the U.s. population as a whole, but economic well-being did vary among subgroups. Asian American headed households held a median annual household income of $73,060, compared to the median of $53,600. Filipinos were among the Asian subgroups with the highest median income at $80,000, right after indians who held a median of $100,000, and before Japanese and sri Lankan who each held medians of $74,000.

Asians were also less likely overall to live in poverty in comparison to the general U.s. population in 2015 (12 percent vs. 15 percent), but it again was varied among groups. Eight of the 19 groups experienced saw high poverty rates with the highest being among Hmong (28.3 percent), Bhutanese (33.3 percent), and Burmese (35 percent). Among the lowest poverty rates were Fili-

pinos and indians (each 7.5 percent), and Japanese (8.4 percent).

Around half (51 percent) of Asians ages 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, according to the study. indians were found to have the highest level of educational attainment with 72 percent having at least a bachelor’s degree. Also having high levels of education were sri Lankans (57 percent), Mongolians (59 percent), and Malaysians (60 percent). On the lower end were Cambodians (18 percent), Hmong (17 percent), Laotians (16 percent), and Bhutanese (nine percent). Filipinos were in the middle with 46 percent having a bachelor’s degree or more.

Unsurprisingly, Filipinos were among the groups containing a large majority of proficient English speakers. According to the study, seven out of 10 Asians in the U.s. ages five and older spoke proficient English in 2015. At the top were Japanese (84 percent), Filipinos (82 percent), and indians (80 percent). The study also reported 32 percent of overall Asian Americans as speaking only English in their homes, and the rest speaking another language.

The study used a three-year dataset gathered from the U.s.

Census Bureau’s 2013 to 2015 American Community survey’s public-use files, with additional data on population estimates from the Census Bureau’s 2012 report, “The Asian Population: 2010” (2000 and 2010) and tables from American FactFinder (2015). n

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Cayetano, US-Philippines Society highlight Arum clueless on Pacquiao’s boxing plans strong bonds between PH, US

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The US-Philippines Society tendered a lunch in honor of visiting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano on 27 September 2017 in Washington, D.C. The lunch was hosted by Co-Chair Ambassador John Negroponte (ret.), and attended by a number of Society Directors based in the United States, led by Society President Ambassador John Maisto (ret.).

In a wide-ranging discussion of bilateral and regional issues, Secretary Cayetano provided an overview of the Duterte Administration’s foreign policy priorities and outlined how the Society can work with the Philippine Government in further strengthening Philippines-US relations. The Secretary, on the other hand, was assured of the Society’s assistance in ensuring that the administration’s ambitious governance agenda is more fully understood and appre-

ciated among the thought leaders in the United States, particularly in the US capital.

“Through all the shifts of policy and politics over the years, the strong bonds between the peoples of the Philippines and the United States have been a lasting foundation for Philippines-US relations.

I am honored and pleased by the lunch hosted by the US-Philippines Society because it is in such occasions that we get to learn about and discuss opportunities where we can work together to enhance our mutual interests, shared values, and common aspirations,” the Secretary said after the lunch.

For his part, Ambassador Negroponte said, “Society members were deeply impressed with Secretary Cayetano. Our discussion covered the full range of current issues, emphasizing areas of bilateral cooperation, including enhanced business and investment

opportunities.”

TOP Rank Inc. boss Bob Arum Headquartered in Washington, admits having no idea on what D.C., the US-Philippines Society Manny Pacquiao plans to do next was launched in 2012 with the in his career. mission of raising the profile of Speaking recently to boxingtoday’s Philippines through pro- talk.com, the veteran promoter grams on business, governance, said all he knows right now is that culture, shared history, educa- Pacquiao has his hands full as a tion, health care, immigration, Philippine senator. strategic issues, and conflict “Pacquiao is doing his thing resolution. The bi-national Board politically and there’s no real of Directors includes some 30 pri- movement at this point from vate sector and community lead- Manny,” he said. ers, and is co-chaired by Manuel The last time Arum talked about V. Pangilinan (PH) and Ambassa- Pacquiao’s next fight was upon dor Negroponte (US). The honor- being informed of the Filipino ary chairs are Washington Sycip (PH) and Maurice “Hank” Greenberg (US).

The Secretary had earlier hosted a lunch for the Society

by Catherin S. Valente at his residence in Taguig folManilaTimes.net lowing their February 23 visit to a drug rehabilitation center at MAJORITY of Filipinos still faCamp Bagong Diwa during their vor the United States over China, Annual Board Meeting in the but the gap is narrowing amid Philippines. n President Rodrigo Duterte’s push to improve Manila’s ties with Beijing, according to an American think-tank.

Seventy-eight percent of Filipinos surveyed by the Pew Research Center had a favorable view of the U.S., compared with 55 percent for China Positive feelings toward the U.S. are down 14 percentage points since 2015, when Barack Obama was the U.S. president, coinciding with the global decline in U.S. favorability at the beginning of the Donald Trump era.

“While Trump’s first months in office have had a major impact Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano with the leadership and executive officers of the US-Philippines Society on September 27 in Washington, D.C.

icon’s plan to stage a rematch between him and Jeff Horn in the Philippines. He said he won’t finance the bout if it indeed happens in Manila.

And according to Arum, it is even possible that Pacquiao never fights again after losing to Horn last July 2 in Brisbane, Australia.

“I don’t know if there ever will be [another Pacquiao fight].

Manny may ultimately decide to hang them up and stay in politics,” he added.

Pacquiao and Horn appeared headed to an immediate rematch, but things went south when the former decided he wants the fight to be held in the Philippines.

This, according to Arum, was not possible as they are contractually obligated to stage Pacquiao-Horn 2 only in Brisbane.

Pacquiao and his camp have turned to the Department of Tourism for possible financial backing, saying they’re planning to hold the rematch in December.

Whether that plan will materialize remains a big question.

Arum, for his part, is in the dark.

“He [Pacquiao] clearly had the opportunity to fight Horn in a rematch in Australia and he chose not to do the fight. Does that mean he’s decided to hang them up? I have no idea,” he said.

Poll: More Filipinos still favor US over China on worldwide perceptions of the U.S., people in the Philippines still like the US and have confidence in its leaders,” said the Pew report written by Jacob Poushter and Caldwell Bishop.

The favorable opinion of China among Filipinos changed little since 2015 but is up 17 points since 2014, when most Filipinos were concerned that territorial disputes with Beijing could lead to a military conflict.

“Filipinos also share positive views of China and its leader, President Xi Jinping. And overall, the perception gap between the U.S. and China in the Philippines is narrowing,” the Washington think-tank said.

The Pew Research Center, a non-partisan organization, polled 1,000 Filipinos in the Philippines from February 26 to May 8, 2017.

PH is pro-Trump The Philippines is among countries that view President Donald Trump most favorably, but confidence in Trump now is lower than in President Barack Obama in 2015.

“Currently, 69 percent have confidence in Trump to do the right thing in world affairs, compared with 94 percent who

expressed such confidence in Obama in 2015,” the report said.

Still, Filipinos support U.S. military presence in the region and believe the U.S. will defend them in a conflict with China.

Still popular Pew found that Duterte and his policies remained widely popular despite international concerns over his administration’s war on drugs and alleged human rights violations.

The survey found that 86 percent of Filipinos had a favorable view of Duterte, 78 percent supported his handling of the illegal-drugs issue and 62 percent said the government was making progress in its anti-narcotics campaign.

The Pew survey however was made prior to the alleged police killings of teenagers Kian Loyd de los Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman, which caused public outrage.

Also, 78 percent of Filipinos believe the economic situation is good and 57 percent are satisfied with the direction of the country.

This was 21-percentage point increase from 2014, the last time this question was asked in the Philippines. n

Major issues confronting PIDCI raised at...

PAGE A1 t At a candidates’ forum in Queens sponsored by the FilAm Press Club of New York, the three community leaders running for president – Ollie David, Ner Martinez and Gani Puertollano – all presented their platforms and responded to questions from the community.

“I want to continue to serve the community,” said David, a former PIDCI board member herself.

“I want to harness all the knowledge and experience I have and use it to have a bigger and better PIDCI,” said Martinez, also a longtime PIDCI officer.

After the candidates who are running for board member positions introduced themselves and their reasons for running, the issues confronting the organization began to come out.

Among these is the issue of missing money.

“It is so sad that the financial statement is not available now but we are all hoping to get this before the election,” said David, referring to the official report that is supposed to be released soon.

“I can’t talk about it since it is already being investigated,” said Martinez when asked about the issue.

Gani Puertollano, a former president of the organization, is running for president this year.

He said that current and previous board members are accountable for what has happened.

“Why did this happen? Because the Board of Directors did not do their job. Everybody is liable. The board members did not do their fiduciary duty. If the board members did their job, this should not have happened,” he said.

“In fairness to us, we did our job,” said Jocelyn Aligarbes, who is seeking reelection to be a member of the board. “We are at a deficit this year, we started with negative. We tried to raise as much money as we can but we did not reach that goal. We spent more money in the parade than what we have raised.”

“It’s an SOP in PIDCI that every board meeting, there should be a Treasurer’s Report,” said Tambi Wycoco, a candidate for board member. “There are checks and balances, that is why there is an internal auditor. If there are no financial reports, why was the internal auditor not questioned?”

Ronnie Mataquel, a current board member responded that there were financial reports released in every meeting.

“I came to PIDCI only this year. We are doing our part and I am hoping that the audit is going to come out soon. We’ll see how much money we have and how much was lost and know the real amount,” he said.

Then an issue about the suspension of the 501(c)3 status of PIDCI was raised.

According to the discussion that ensued, said status was

suspended in February 2016 after the organization reportedly failed to submit a financial report to the Internal Revenue Service for three consecutive years. A request to reinstate the status was filed in March 2017.

“This was a setback but it is being addressed and we are working on it. We are assuring everybody that all steps have been made to rectify the situation,” Martinez said.

Juliet Payabyab, one of PIDCI’s incorporators, is running for board member. She raised the issue of the organization’s one-man committee handling the elections saying that that an organization as big as PIDCI has only one person in charge of the elections.

“I never saw an organization with only one person handling Comelec. This is a member organization of a hundred, I am an incorporator and a member and I have a right to say something,” said Payabyab.

The Asian Journal sought the reaction of Raul Estrellado, who is the chair of the elections. He said his committee has around 7 to 10 volunteers who help him out.

“It’s too much work, I can’t handle it alone that is why even members and volunteers of general services help me out during the elections,” Estrellado said.

There are 98 registered organizations under the PIDCI umbrella. They are the ones eligible to vote for the organization’s president and board members.

Some candidates said that they requested for a list of the member organizations so they can campaign but the list has not been released to them.

“How can we campaign if we don’t have the list,” one of the candidates asked.

Martinez recalled that the roster of members was freely shared before but it was used for non-PIDCI-related stuff and member organizations complained because they were receiving solicitation mails left and right. It became a privacy issue that the board then decided to limit the issuance and release of said master list for the sake of the member organizations that complained.

“We will have a membership cleanup. This is going to be a dirty election,” exclaimed Ollie David, adding that she will do her best to pursue further investigation on the missing money.

“We can’t just sit back. We need that money back. We can’t let the issue die down.”

Puertollano agreed. “PIDCI received public funds, donations from the public, from the people. They need to know what happened,” he said.

“PIDCI is not a perfect organization. My priority is to move on. We have a great product,” Martinez said. “I believe in PIDCI, we can make it bigger and better, and hopefully more efficient.” n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

PH, China to hold meeting on joint development in West Philippine Sea

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Officials from the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) are slated to meet with their chinese counterparts on Thursday, september 27, to discuss the possible joint development in the West Philippine sea. according to DOE secretary alfonso cusi, both sides have yet to reach an agreement on the matter. He added that the possible lifting of moratorium on energy exploration in the West Philippine sea are also still being studied.

“We have five pending service contracts and we are still studying the ways we are going to lift the moratorium order. But i do not like to create any speculation.

We have not reached any agreement,” cusi said on Wednesday,

september 26. likewise, chinese ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua said the two countries are currently at the initial stages of discussions on the potential joint development and lifting of moratorium.

Zhao expressed that china is not in favor of unilateral development in disputed areas, pointing out that it would require a “government-to-government understanding,” followed by joint commercial development.

“The chinese leader proposed the initiative for joint development in the south china sea for nearly 40 years. Both sides are still in a stage of discussing the possibilities of having joint development. i think we are in the initial stage, nothing is finalized yet,” the chinese ambassador said.

citing the service contract 57, the DOE said it is already at the office of President Rodrigo Duterte for signature. according to cusi, the sc 57 covers offshore Northwest Palawan or west of calamian islands and is within the Philippine territory.

“We have sc 57 that is already with the Office of the President so that we can pursue its exploration work,” the Energy secretary said.

The sc 57 has been pending since 2005. in 2006, china National Offshore Oil company international limited (cNOOc) farmed-in into sc 57 and acquired 51 percent participating interest.

“We have already finished the documentation, the contract and it’s presented already to the Office of the President for signing,” cusi added.

DOJ ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo Duterte witnesses the program proper during the 120th founding anniversary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. Joining the President on stage are Justice Undersecretary Raymund Mecate, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Adelino Sitoy.

Malacañang photo by Richard Madelo

Solon pushes for swift passage of journalist protection act Aguirre: Atio’s parents to meet Duterte on October 4

MaNila — a lawmaker on Wednesday, sept. 27, called on his colleagues to pass his proposed bill on protection of journalists.

Deputy Minority leader and Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque is hopeful that the House committee on Public information will swiftly endorse his authored bill, House Bill No. 913 or the Journalist Protection, security, and Benefit act, to the plenary. “a free press is a sign of a healthy and vibrant democracy.

There is therefore a very urgent need to protect journalists and let them perform their jobs without fear of harassment,” Roque said.

Roque cited the growing number of journalists being harassed for “simply doing their jobs.”

The bill defines a journalist as “one who regularly imparts information to the general public, regardless of whether he or she receives compensation for rendering such service.”

“Journalists nowadays are being targeted by partisan groups and individuals for the mere reporting of news,” Roque said.

“The latest case of harassment i read about was the journalist who was sent threatening messages because she reported about the non-existent bank accounts of a senator,” he added, referring to GMa News’ Jam sisante who recently covered sen. antonio Trillanes iV in singapore.

The proposed measure wants the DOJ to formulate and implement a protection, security and program for journalists in consultation with existing media groups such as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, the National Press club and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.

Roque said those who have reasonable grounds to believe a threat exists to his or her life or security could be admitted to the program.

Under the protection program, journalists facing threats will be given a secure housing facility until the threat, intimidation, or harassment disappears or is reduced to a manageable or tolerable level.

HB 913 also allows a protected

journalist to relocate or change their identity and be provided with security detail by the Philippine National Police or other law enforcement agencies if the circumstances call for it. The affected journalist and his family will likewise be entitled to financial assistance.

Journalists under the program will also be provided free medical treatment for any injury or illness sustained. On the other hand, if the protected journalist is killed despite enrollment in the program, the heirs shall be entitled to a minimum of P500,000 burial benefit.

The children left by the deceased journalist would be entitled to free education from primary to college level in any state or private school, college or university.

Roque said the threat and harassment to journalists are a personal issue to him since his wife is also a former journalist. “i have long been an advocate of the freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” Roque said.

(Rosette Adel/Philstar.com)

Palace welcomes moves to confer honors on Santiago by ian

nicolaS cigaral Philstar.com

MaNila – Malacañang on Thursday, sept. 28, said it favors the plan to confer the country’s highest civilian service award on the late sen. Miriam Defensorsantiago.

“The Office of the President welcomes moves to confer the late senator Miriam Defensorsantiago the Quezon service cross. The late senator’s contribution to the country is beyond question,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto abella said in a press conference.

“The President highly respects the lady. We look forward to receiving the resolution of the senate,” abella added. senators sonny angara and Grace Poe recently filed separate senate resolutions seeking to posthumously bestow the Quezon service cross on santiago.

Both houses of congress must approve the nomination of the late legislator for the award, which has only been given to five people since its creation.

The past recipients of the awards are former interior secretary Jesse Robredo (November 2012), former sen. Benigno aquino Jr. (august 2004), former

The late former Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago Philstar.com photo

President Ramon Magsaysay (July 1957), former President Emilio aguinaldo (June 1956) and former President carlos Romulo (april 1951). created in 1946, the Quezon service cross is awarded to a person “for exemplary service to the nation in memory of the late President Manuel l. Quezon.” in her 46 years of service in the government, santiago worked as presiding judge of the Quezon city Regional Trial court, immigration commissioner, agrarian Reform secretary and senator for

three terms. in 1988, she received the Ramon Magsaysay award, dubbed as asia’s version of the Nobel Prize, for her exemplary government service. she was the first filipino and first asian from a developing country to be elected judge of The Hague-based international criminal court. in 2016, she became a member of the international advisory council of the international Development law Organization.

During her term as chair of the senate foreign relations committee, santiago sponsored the Rome statute of the international criminal court, United Nations convention against corruption, international labor Organization convention on Migration for Employment, Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership agreement, Revised Kyoto convention, association of southeast asian Nations charter, asEaN agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, and asEaN agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. santiago passed away on sept.

29, 2016. she was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer in 2014.

PDEA confirms monitoring activities of Chinese triads tagged by Duterte by ian

nicolaS cigaral Philstar.com

MaNila — The Philippine Drug Enforcement agency on Thursday, sept. 28, confirmed that it has monitored the activities of two international syndicates that President Rodrigo Duterte said was behind the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

On Tuesday, sept. 26, Duterte said two international syndicates were running the drug trade in southeast asia and called for a closer cooperation between Manila and Washington to combat their narcotics problems.

Duterte said the Bamboo triad of Taiwan and 14K of Hong Kong were shipping their drugs to Manila before sending them to the U.s. asked if his agency has monitored such activities by the two criminal groups, PDEa Director General aaron aquino, in a text message to Philstar.com, said: “Yes, of course.”

“We support the statement of PRRD,” aquino added, referring to the president by his initials. countering Duterte’s claim,

the Taipei Economic and cultural Office (TEcO) earlier said that Taiwan has been working with the Philippines in its fight against illegal drugs for years.

“Taiwan had never been the source of illegal drugs entering the country,” the TEcO said in a statement.

The TEcO added that Taiwan will continue to work with Philippine authorities to enhance cooperation and eliminate transnational drug trafficking. for its part, the chinese Embassy in Manila admitted that some chinese nationals might be involved in the illegal drug trade. Nonetheless, it vowed that Beijing would not protect its nationals who are involved in the narcotics trade.

Meanwhile, Malacañang also on Thursday clarified that the president was not accusing any country when he claimed that the Philippines now serves as a transshipment of narcotics to the United states because of the “Bamboo triad.”

“He (Duterte) has a TV interview. He did say that he was not blaming any particular country,

but that there was organized crime that was behind all this drug traffic. and he did refer to Bamboo triad,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto abella said in a press conference.

“This is speculation as for my part, which i don’t normally do. But as per his statements, he has... credible international sources,” abella added.

Duterte’s son, Davao city Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, and son-inlaw, lawyer Mans carpio, are allegedly involved in the shipment of shabu worth P6.4 shipment from china. The senate blue ribbon committee is currently looking into the alleged links of the younger Duterte and carpio with the drug smuggling. critics claim that Duterte’s war on drugs has encouraged summary executions and abusive practices. Duterte has denied condoning criminal acts and has promised to “slaughter” policemen involved in extrajudicial killings.

Duterte also challenged the opposition to find a single policeman who could prove that he ordered the killing of innocent civilians.

by KriStine Joy

Philstar.com

Patag

MaNila — Parents of hazing victim, Horacio “atio” castillo iii, will meet with President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday next week, October 4, Justice secretary Vitaliano aguirre ii said. in a text message, aguirre said that Horacio Jr. and carmina went to the Department of Justice on Thursday, sept. 28, a day after the agency issued a resolution ordering the release of John Paul solano, one of the primary suspects in the case. aguirre said the parents “wanted to thank the DOJ for the things we are doing to help solve Atio’s parents, Horacio Jr. and Carmina Castillo, met with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Thursday, September 28. They asked to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte.

DOJ photo the case.” atio, a 22-year-old law student his fraternity brothers who had a Trangia’s parents. of the University of santo To- hand in the death of atio in his aguirre added that atio’s parmas, was believed to be a victim affidavit that has yet to be sub- ents “want to get an audience of hazing as part of the initiation mitted to the DOJ. with [Duterte], which was grantrites of aegis Juris fraternity.

The justice chief also issued an ed. They will see the president on The DOJ, in its 7-page reso- immigration lookout bulletin or- Wednesday.” lution released on Wednes- der against 20 persons of interatio’s remains were buried on day, stressed that a further est in the case, including Ralph Tuesday afternoon at the Manila probe would be conducted into Trangia who is being eyed as Memorial Park in Parañaque solano and 15 other members among the primary suspects in city. of aegis Juris fraternity who are the case.

The DOJ will start the prelimifacing multiple criminal raps filed Trangia, however, reportedly nary investigation on the murder, by the Manila Police District and fled to chicagowith his mother anti-hazing and robbery raps atio’s parents. on september 19. separate crim- against solano and others on Ocsolano promised to identify inal raps have been filed against tober 4.

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A september 29-october 5, 2017 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerseY AsIAN JoUrNAL

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OpiniOn

Features

Fight for survival

ACCORDING to the United Nations (UN), the rate of environmental damage on our planet is increasing at a faster pace than previously thought and seen in the last 10,000 years. This makes it imperative for governments to act now and reverse the damage being done to the planet. under the “Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6): Regional Assessments,” the uN reported that unprecedented economic growth, which has lifted millions out of poverty in Asia and the Pacific, is putting heavy pressure on ecosystems in the region.

“Increasing unsustainable consumption patterns have led to worsening air pollution, water scarcity and waste generation, threatening human and environmental health. Increased demand for fossil fuels and natural resources — extensive agriculture, palm oil and rubber plantations, aquaculture and the illegal trade in wildlife — are causing environmental degradation and biodiversity loss,” the report added.

In another report, the uN noted recorded floods, storms, heatwaves, droughts and other weather-related events to have caused 90 percent of the world’s major disasters in the last 20 years.

The “human cost of Weather Related Disasters” found that five countries hit by the highest number of disasters are the united States, china, India, Philippines, and Indonesia. It added that Asia accounts for the most share of disaster impacts, including 332,000 deaths and 3.7 billion

people affected.

Environmental degradation, urban development and population growth, combined with the impacts of natural calamities have increased the risks. Environmental problems caused by impacts of human activities on resources is a phenomenon commonly known as climate change.

As time goes by, the planet becomes more vulnerable. Its ability to ward off wastes and destructive effluent is growing thin.

About 75 percent of disasters are caused by or related to weather. The world has reached a critical stage in its efforts to exercise responsible environmental stewardship. Despite intentions and some admirable actions done by notable organizations, unsustainable use of the world’s natural resources has left the degradation of the global environment unabated.

People must be educated on how the world’s current practices is exhausting many of the planet’s limits — leading to risks of damaging the ecosystem that is beyond repair.

This calls for governments to initiate groundbreaking environmental policies to cushion the impacts of climate change, improve disaster miti- versity, and secure food supply. gation, preserve the remaining forests and biodiThe world must find a balance between eco-

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

nomic and social development with environmental protection—before it’s too late. (AJPress)

Drug addiction in Duterte’s bloody war on drugs: A crime or a disease?

Much of the criticism surrounding The Fil-Am Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s Perspective bloody war on drugs can be pointed to how he looks at drug addiction.

Gel SantoS-ReloS The administration’s policies to solve the drug menace appear to be based on the president’s belief that drug addiction is a crime, and criminals need to be penalized, and in many times be killed, even without due process, to protect other people.

This policy rationalizes the killings of accused drug addicts, even as young as 9 years old, a policy that strips the accused and those guilty of drug addiction of their prospects of redemption, rehabilitation, and the help they need to start a new life.

What is drug addiction? here is important information as presented by drugabuse.gov: Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.

Brain changes that occur over time

with drug use challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. This is why drug addiction is also a relapsing disease.

Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop. Relapse indicates the need for more or different treatment.

Most drugs affect the brain’s reward circuit by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. This overstimulation of the reward circuit causes the intensely pleasurable “high” that leads people to take a drug again and again.

Over time, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine, which reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance.

They might take more of the drug, trying to achieve the same dopamine high.

No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to drugs.

A combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk

factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.

Drug addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed.

More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain, which can be long-lasting.

These changes in the brain can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who use drugs. Drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop.

The path to drug addiction begins with the voluntary act of taking drugs.

But over time, a person’s ability to choose not to do so becomes compromised. Seeking and taking the drug becomes compulsive. This is mostly due to the effects of long-term drug exposure on brain function. Addiction affects parts of the brain involved in reward and motivation, learning and memory, and control over behavior.

Addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior.

Can drug addiction be treated?

Yes, but it’s not simple. Because addiction is a chronic disease, people can’t simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Most patients need long-term or repeated care to stop using completely and recover their lives.

Addiction treatment must help the person do the following: •stop using drugs •stay drug-free •be productive in the family, at work, and in society Principles of effective treatment Based on scientific research since the mid-1970s, the following key principles should form the basis of any effective treatment program: •Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior.

•No single treatment is right for everyone.

•People need to have quick access to treatment.

•Effective treatment addresses all of the patient’s needs, not just his or her drug use.

•Staying in treatment long enough is

critical.

•counseling and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of treatment.

•Medications are often an important part of treatment, especially when combined with behavioral therapies.

•Treatment plans must be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs.

•Treatment should address other possible mental disorders.

•Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of treatment.

•Treatment doesn’t need to be voluntary to be effective.

•Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously.

•Treatment programs should test patients for hIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and c, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases as well as teach them about steps they can take to reduce their risk of these illnesses. *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www.facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos

What Duterte is doing better than Aquino

Commentary

RicaRdo Saludo IT may grab headlines and sell newspapers, but don’t pay attention to all this talk about the people rising up against President Rodrigo Duterte, and backing detractors and destabilizers led by his predecessorBenigno Aquino III’s camp.

‘Get real’ is the message to the yellows and the communist reds from the 80-something percent of Filipinos backing Duterte in survey after survey by Pulse Asia, Social Weather Stations (SWS), EON Philippine Trust Index, and last week, the Pew Research center, a leading united States pollster.

It’s not hard to see why 86 percent of Filipinos back Duterte in the Pew survey, with 41 percent very favorable toward him, and huge majorities approving his handling of the economy (80 percent), illegal drugs (78 percent), crime (68 percent), corruption (66 percent), and terrorism (64 percent).

Quite simply, the numbers show that President Rodrigo Duterte is doing better than his predecessor on the big concerns of ordinary people: law and order, corruption, the economy,

public services and facilities, and foreign affairs.

On the law and order issue that got Duterte elected, the Philippine National Police reports that crime is down by about one-third overall. The latest SWS crime survey done two months ago found that record-low levels of property crime (3.1 percent of families affected), physical violence (0.6 percent), and all kinds of crime (3.7 percent). compare that to the tripling of lawless incidents under Aquino, from 324,083 in 2010 to more than 1 million a year in 2013 and 2014, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Duterte’s war on drugs makes Aquino’s effort look like a noncampaign, with first-year achievements exceeding those for several years in the past government: 86,984 arrests, 152 drug dens closed, nine methamphetamine labs dismantled, 64,397 police operations conducted, on top of 1.3 million surrenderers and P82 billion worth of narcotics seizures reported.

For sure, many Filipinos, not to mention foreign governments and world organizations, are disturbed by more than 3,000 suspects killed in police operations, and thousands of other killings believed to be drug-related.

But after the recent youth killings in caloocan, the narco-car-

nage is over, with new suspect deaths sure to face massive state and media scrutiny and zero presidential backing. And with the body count dropping, nationwide killings of all kinds would fall well below the 11,000 to 16,000 a year recorded in past regimes.

The race to spend and build Turning to economic programs, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno is pushing hard to avoid Aquino-era underspending. After stepping down in June 2016, Aquino boasted that he left Duterte some P1 trillion in budget funds unspent.

Diokno takes no pride in failing to fully utilize state resources. From about 13 percent of annual budgets in 2014 and 2015, he slashed underspending to 3.6 percent last year, and just 0.4 percent in the first half of this year.

This drive to implement programs and projects is crucial to President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build public works plan, which aims to double infrastructure spending from the longtime average of 3 percent of gross domestic product, to 5 to 7 percent by 2022.

Finance Secretary carlos Dominguez said this week that the government should finish about half of the 75 flagship projects to be started under Presi-

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and former Pres. Benigno Aquino III

dent Duterte. Among them: the country’s new main international gateway in clark, its rail link to Manila, and the first segment of the Mindanao railway in the Davao region.

Plus: the long-overdue repair and upgrading of the Metro Rapid Transit 3 system, which fell into woeful disrepair due to mismanagement and anomalous contracts in the Aquino years. The Duterte administration is now considering an MRT3 takeover and investment

proposal from a consortium led

by PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan.

Bottom line: After years of underspending and slow infrastructure, Filipinos are now seeing their taxes not just collected, but spent. And even more will be harnessed for development under the five-tranche tax reform program to rationalize and boost revenue collection.

With more vigorous government and private sector spending, poverty and hunger are fall-

Philstar.com photo

ing. Self-rated poverty measured

by SWS has averaged 44 percent under Duterte so far, down from about 48 percent in Aquino’s last year.

Self-rated hunger in the second quarter of 2017 dropped below 10 percent for the first time since 2004, when SWS changed its survey process, leading to double-digit ratios. And the hunger fell particularly among the self-rated poor households and in all regions of the country. (ManilaTimes.net)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 29-OctObER 5, 2017

A

PH business delegation attends 3rd Eastern Economic Forum 2017

A business delegation from the Philippines including representatives from government agencies gathered recently in Vladivostok, in the Russian Far east for the 3rd eastern economic Forum (eeF), to push for the entry of agricultural products and services from Manila to the Russia, the world’s biggest country.

Roberto De Venecia, Chairman of the Philippines-Russia business Council (PRbC) and the PCCi-PRbC Team, said “the general intention was to develop new channels, meet dominant business groups in Russia and from Asia.” “it was a built-in opportunity to view the existing infrastructure that could lay the groundwork for the entry of agricultural products and services from the Philippines, and at the same time identify projects of importance that Philippine business can participate in.

“The eeF 2017 served as a platform for businessmen around the globe to discuss strategies to develop, political, economic and cultural links between Russia and countries in the Asia Pacific Region. According to De Venecia the Forum was visited by over 50 thousand people with over 4000 direct participants from 60 countries that converged in Russky island in the major port city of Vladivostok. Key discussions were led in four key areas: The economic Policy in Russia’s Far east; Doing business; Cooperation among neighboring countries; and creating a new quality of life by responding to challenges. During the plenary part of the program was attended by Russian President

Vladimir Putin, Korean President Moon Jae-in, newly elected Mongolia President Khaltmaagiin, and Japanese Prime Minister shinzo Abe. That session was moderated

by Chairman Ronnie Chichung Chan of the Hang Lung Properties, a Chinese-American. executives from top Russian companies and ranking officials including those from other countries were present in the forum”.

For the Philippines, the PCCiPRbC was ably assisted by executives of Roscongress - the forum organizer. included among those who represented the delegation was businessman Ricardo Penson, PRbC Vice Chairman for Far east Russia.

De Venecia believes that the Philippines being the closest AseAn country to Russia thru Vladivostok would pave the way for prospect and key investments of dominant companies from the Philippines, and will therefore establish presence for outbound business, create major and incremental opportunities and generate employment over the medium to long term.

He adheres in the principle of bilateral and multilateral business cooperation to achieve the ultimate objective of creating opportunities for Philippine business.

“We have learned that the Russian Far east with Vladivostok as the center enjoys continued legislative support to advance economic development. it continues to create and establish Advance special economic Zones and Freeport with specialization of dominant industries allocating as much as

Pimentel to stay as Senate president

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

MAniLA — Amid ouster threats against senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel iii, sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday, sept. 28 said the former would retain his post.

“Koko will stay as sP. The majority bloc, all 16 of us are solidly supporting his senate leadership,” Lacson said.

“13 votes to oust is extremely improbable,” he added, referring to the senate minority members mostly composed of Liberal Party senators.

Lacson made the statement after opposition sen. Antonio Trillanes iV said he would work hard to remove Pimentel as the senate’s head if rival sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon is not fired from

his blue ribbon chairmanship.

For his part, Pimentel was not threatened by the ouster threats.

“He can go ahead with his plans. This is a free country,” Pimentel said reacting to Trillanes’ statement.

Trillanes and Gordon earlier clashed over the blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into the P6.4 billion shabu shipment from China. The former wanted to summon the president’s son Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and son-in-law Manases “Mans” Carpio while the latter said invitation of the two kin of President Rodrigo Duterte is not necessary.

Trillanes believed Paolo and Carpio are involved in the entry of the drug shipment to the country.

Scientists have found evidence to support marijuana use for medical purposes, such as relief from multiple sclerosis pain or combating nausea after chemotherapy.

Philstar.com photo

House panel endorses medical marijuana bill

by Jess

diAz Philstar.com

MAniLA — The House of Representatives committee on health on Tuesday, sept. 26, endorsed a bill allowing the use of cannabis or marijuana for medicinal purposes.

However, the use of marijuana for recreational purposes would continue to be prohibited.

The committee on health chaired by Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan approved the bill authored by isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano iii. encouraged by the passage of his measure at the committee level, Albano said he is hoping the House and eventually the senate would approve it. “i have high hopes under the Duterte administration that this bill would be enacted into law. Finally, there is hope for our people, especially our children, who suffer from medical conditions like epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis,” he said. “unlike many medical professionals, President Duterte has an open mind on medical cannabis,” he said.

Albano recalled that shortly after winning the presidency in May last year, Duterte said he was not opposed to the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes but he was against its use for recreation.

“Medical marijuana, yes, because it is really an ingredient of modern medicine now. There are medicine right now being developed or already in the market that (have) marijuana as a component… used for medical purposes,” the then president-elect said.

“if you just smoke it like a cigarette, i will not allow it, ever. it remains to be a prohibited item and there’s always a threat of being arrested. if you choose to fight the law enforcement agency, you die,” he said.

Marijuana is among prohibited substances under the Dangerous Drugs Act. Albano said cannabis “has been confirmed to have beneficial and therapeutic uses to treat chronic or debilitating diseases or medical conditions.”

These include cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; and severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis, he said. under his proposal, he said the use of medical marijuana would be allowed under strict regulations to be issued by the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

He challenged critics of medical marijuana to “shed your fear of the unknown and open your minds to its potential benefits to patients with debilitating ailments who need it.”

“Marijuana, even in its raw form, is not harmful, unlike tobacco and liquor,” he said.

Doctors supporting the Albano bill have told the House that at least 23 states in America allow marijuana for medicinal use.

They said there is no single death in the united states attributed directly to the use of marijuana, unlike smoking and drinking. n

500,000 in one location. incentives abound including lowering of tariffs on energy consumption and tax preferences, and e-visa provisions in the its seaport and airport.”

Philippine government agencies were part of the delegation to view and study how they can collaborate with government and private business and enhance bilateral trade. Led by DTi officials, seen keenly observing the Vladivostok developments and initiatives were PeZA Director General Charito Plaza, and secretary Raul Lambino, Administrator of the Cagayan economic Zone Authority, who were in the forefront to market and make known what the Philippines has to offer.

Against this backdrop, the VTb bank Group, the second largest bank and investment group in the Russian Federation, the Confederation of independent states, & eastern europe, has offered to finance the imports into Russia of Philippine bananas, pineapple, mangoes, and other interesting products from the Philippines. The offer included securing government approvals for select strategic and flagship projects and provide financing whenever necessary.

De Venecia, Chairman of the Philippines-Russia business Council (PRbC) and Riccardo Orcel, vice Chairman and deputy CeO of VTb bank Group signed the agreement recently in Moscow.

Trade between Russia and AsiaPacific countries including the Philippines is expected to grow even bigger, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

The Philippine business delegation during the the Russia-ASEAN Dialogue of the 3rd Eastern Economic Forum held at Russky Island, Vladivostok, Russia (L-R) Roberto De Venecia, a participant in the dialogue, chairman of the Philippines-Russia Business Council, and represented the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Tan Sri Dato Dr. Chen, CEO & Principal of the NagaCorp Group — a major & dominant Investor from the ASEAN in Vladivostok. NagaCorp has large investments in Malaysia, Sabah, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States and Secretary Raul Lambino, CEO & Administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA).

Putin announced the comprehensive development of the region to bring business closer to its neighbors and Asia. During the forum he announced plans to improve a mechanism to protect investors and increase investment appeal, establish Advanced Freeport Zones and spur the development of LnG processing, oil refining, agriculture, Fishing and fish processing, logistics, Coal, timber processing, and tourism, among others. it also included granting of land plots in municipalities in the Far east Also announced by Russian authorities was the establishment of major industrial plants to be located in the Far east Russian within the Vladivostok area, such as Petrochemical plants for the production of euro 5 motor fuels,

mineral fertilizer plants, 70% of which are targeted for exports.

The 30% will remain in Russia to service it own requirements. Major railway and logistics system will be develop to connect Asian countries whenever possible.

Russia created the eeF platform for international participants to discuss strategies to develop political, economic, and cultural links between Russia and countries in the Asia Pacific Region. it presented Vladivostok as a gateway in the east for reliable, safe and profitable place to do business. its ambitious target is to provide the best possible conditions for doing business in the Far east to launch new manufacturing capabilities and create employment. such Far eastern strategy are

based on promoting the broadest possible international cooperation with multilateral structures as the eurasian economic Community, the shanghai Cooperation Organization, the AseAn and the APeC. The Philippines’ significant participation was in the RussiaAseAn Dialogue. information of significance / Highlights.

Thus, Russian Far east is hailed as the last frontier for human economic development The Philippines was invited to directly participate in the Russia-AseAn Dialoque, interacting with participants from indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Russia, the Republic of Yakutia, and nagaCorp a major investor in Vladivostok that belongs to the AseAn block.

A september 29-october 5, 2017 • NeW YorK AND NeW JerseY AsIAN JoUrNAL

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

SEPTEMBER 29-ocToBER 5, 2017

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 29, 20 1 7

Eye on the Prize: Madz Returns to New York, will represent PH in European Grand Prix next

by MoMar

THE Philippine Madrigal Singers (Madz) will once again represent the Philippines in the European Grand Prix (EGP) for Choral Singing 2017 and its supporters are hoping that the choir will rewrite history and win its third crown when they compete in Tolosa, Spain this November.

Last August 2016, Madz won the Grand Prize victory at the 64th Concorso Polifonico Guido d’Arezzo, beating choirs from France, Slovenia, Iceland, Italy, Sweden, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

The big victory made the Madz eligible to compete against five other champions of Europe’s most prestigious choral competitions: Debrecen (Hungary), Maribor (Slovenia), Tolosa (Spain), Tours (France) and Varna (Bulgaria) for the ultimate prize, the 2017 European Grand Prix for Choral Singing.

Madz is the first choir to win the EGP twice, in 1997 and 2007

G. Visaya /AJPress Madrigal Singers and has since triumphed in prestigious festivals and concerts.

For more than 50 years, The Philippine Madrigal Singers has consistently won over the hearts of its audiences across the globe.

They sing in a very distinctive setup - sitting in a semi-circle without a conductor. The group has established their reputation as a pioneering force in choral music and an inspirational role model for other choirs in the Philippines.

We chatted with choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio and here are the highlights: Were you always interested in music?

My father, who used to play the clarinet in a marching band in Angat, Bulacan, encouraged my siblings and I to learn, play and practice the piano when I was about 8 years old. From then on, playing the piano has been a part of my life.

How did you start your career as a conductor?

I graduated in UP College of Music with a BM (Bachelor of Music) in Piano. From there, I was introduced to the Philippine Madrigal Singers and aspired to be a member of the elite circle of singers. When I became a member, I would assist other singers’ choirs in their performances and they would eventually have me sub for them when they are unavailable.

This lead to forming my first choir, the Claret Boys Choir, a catholic all-boys private school in Quezon City.

What do you miss most about the Philippines when you usually go on tour?

My family, of course, and my friends.

How long is a tour and what has been the longest tour you have done?

A typical tour can last from 2 to 3 months. The longest one to date was in 2011 where we toured the US, Canada and South America for 6 months.

When you were in school, did you imagine that this was the career path you were supposed to go through? If not, what was your dream?

I initially wanted to be a civil engineer just like my father but he was the one who encouraged me to pursue music, which I did. Our agreement was to take any course I wanted after I finished my music degree--but eventually fell in love Photos from Inquirer.net and Facebook/@upmadz with it.

and is eyeing a rare and historic third win.

For more than fifty years, the Philippine Madrigal Singers has earned accolades all over the world. It has consistently won all the top prizes in the world’s most prestigious choral competitions Their participation in this year’s competition is truly monumental and a defining event in terms of scope, impact and influence in the world arena of choral and vocal music, a critical opportunity to maintain the Philippines’ reputation as one of the foremost choral nations of the world.

In the meantime, the group has embarked on a concert tour in the United States, as part of their goodwill concert tour, before heading to Europe.

They kicked off their tour with concerts in Walnut Creek, San Francisco and Sunnyvale and Los Angeles, CA. They have also been to McAllen, Brownsville, Austin, Tyler, Dallas and Houston,

TX and barnstormed through the midwest visiting the cities of Wonder Lake, IL and Grand Rapid, MI. On their last leg, they performed in Washington D.C., Burlington, St. Johnsbury, VT and Edison, NJ. And to cap off their U.S. tour, they have concerts in New York in West Babylon, Scarsdale, Queens and Manhattan, before they leave for Europe.

In NYC, Madz will be performing on October 6 as part of the 29th Sacred Music in a Sacred Space concert series, produced by the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola. They invited The Philippine Madrigal Singers to be part of their featured artists for this concert season.

National Artist for Music Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion, who founded the group in 1963, introduced world-class Filipino choral artistry to the world as the University of the Philippine

MArk Anthony Carpio, Choirmaster

Any memorable experiences/ incidents you can share?

I was only 33 when our late National Artist and founder, Andrea O. Veneracion, turned over The Philippine Madrigal Singers in 2001. It was a very overwhelming responsibility and challenge, which she has assured that I am capable of fulfilling. I will always be grateful that she was able to nurture and guide me during the transition process and being like the supportive and caring mom that she was.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a conductor?

Singers moving on and new singers coming in are always the biggest challenges for any conductor. Training new singers to the choir’s sensitivities, blend and musicality takes time and for the singers who were still in the choir, the challenge is to make them realize their full potential.

What inspires you?

When I study a new music score and see a great piece of music, I hear and imagine how it sounds in my head. This inspires me to work on it and transform my vision to song.

Any projects on the horizon?

We are already on the last stages of our 2 album recordings on the works of 2 Filipino composers, who are also members of The Philippine Madrigal Singers. I believe that doing a lot of recordings would be part of my legacy as the

choirmaster of the Madz and at the same time, share our music with more people who are not able to go to our concerts.

Any frustrations? What is the best thing about being a conductor? The worst thing?

They say “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work another day”--as cliche as it may sound, this is exactly how I feel in leading all of my choirs. Yes, there may be challenges, but not too big you cannot overcome. Also, it is just not the music that makes an organization sustainable but also the administration, professionalism, organization and, of course, the business side of it. I am fortunate to have an amazing admin team so I can focus most of my attention into music and music making.

For tickets to the Sacred Music in a Sacred Space concert series, please visit www.smssconcerts.org or call 212.288.2520. Use the exclusive promo code: MADZNYC for a 30% discount on tickets.

Be sure to catch them in one of their concerts in the New York and New Jersey area.

On September 30, 2017 at Our Lady of Grace Church in West Babylon, NY; 7:00 pm; October 1 at Church of St. Pius X in Scarsdale, NY; 5:00 pm; October 5 at St. Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church in Jersey City, NJ; 7:00 pm and October 7 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Queens Village, NY; 7:30 pm)

John Lloyd & Ellen: Finally found someone Lance Busa wins ‘Bolt Of Talent’ MINDANAO native Lance Busa bolted into the limelight Wednesday when he won Grammy-award winning balladeer Michael Bolton’s Asia-wide singing contest.

Held in Malaysia and aired over Star World, Busa sang Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” wowing the judges and winning the “Bolt Of Talent” competition over Thailand’s Mild Sittatikarnvech.

His prize includes a recording deal, as Subaru brand ambassador and the front act of Bolton’s Asian Dream Tour concert, including the Manila leg on November 3 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

A finalist in the GMA Network boyband reality search, “To The Top,” the 22-year-old from Butuan City bannered the Philippines

by ricky Lo

Geronimo)—”Finally Found Someone”—perfectly describes the sweethearts’ present state of THE Intensity 10 temblor heart and mind. generated by the “shocking” “They really match,” photos of John Lloyd Cruz and commented another Funfare girlfriend Ellen Adarna these informer also close to the couple. past three weeks has gradually “While some of John Lloyd’s exes dissipated, lowered from might have tried to kind of change “Category 5” (“denial” stage) to “Category 2” (“acceptance” stage) him and take him away from the ‘bottle,’ Ellen takes him as he is, for with the netizens and other what he is. Bagay sila. And all I can showbiz-watchers polarized into say is, ‘Let’s drink to that!’” “pros” and “cons”, with the former Accompanying a photo of claiming that the sweethearts him and Ellen apparently in bed, (they cannot deny their relationship after posting all those John Lloyd posted this caption: Sobrang baduy neto pero this girl revealing photos, can they?) are just being human and having fun really did something good to my soul. I’ll always be grateful.” and the latter alarmed that John Countered Ellen: I’ll never clip Lloyd seems to be unraveling with your wings baby. If you want to his new devil-may-care attitude that could lead to the destruction fly then spread your wings and fly.

I don’t love to take ownership. I of his career. love to connect!

“Some people are happy for And blithely, they stroll at the John Lloyd and Ellen and some mall, take a leisurely walk along people are not,” said somebody close to the couple. “In fairness to the Roxas Boulevard promenade, do anything and everything that the couple, they are not hurting they deem to be fun and that anybody, are they?”

Of course, the “cons” will argue will make them happy, with their every move duly recorded on that, yes, everybody is entitled social media, including a latest to have fun but they should be careful about posting pictures on photo obviously taken early morning showing John Lloyd social media especially if you are a celebrity and those pictures are on the treadmill in Ellen’s Malate much too revealing, such as when apartment. Not that anybody minds, but people wonder, are you appear to be drunk or, well, they sleeping together (actually “floating on Cloud 9” or kneeling there’s nothing wrong with at a confessional in dark shades that because they seem to be (risking a big frown from church committed to each other)? authorities).

“No,” clarified the first Funfare The title of John Lloyd’s informer, “they are not living-in.” last movie (with Sarah Philstar.com

as compatriot Hans Dimayuga was eliminated among eight contenders.

Aside from the two Filipinos, Two Malaysians, two Taiwanese and two Thais made up the circle of contenders.

Days before the finale, Busa posted a smiling photo on Instagram. “Can’t do what Kenvin the stunt driver did to this Subaru Forester VX. Catch up on the latest episode of Bolt Of Talent on Fox+ and repalys on @starworld_ asia channel. Again, thank you for all the support! Means everything to me! PADAYON TA UG LABAN PILIPINAS! (Ituloy natin ang laban Pilipinas). #BoltOfTalent #michaelbolton #teamphilippines #BOTph #BOTTeamLance #bisayangdako.” (ManilaTimes. net)

The activities/adventures of sweethearts John Lloyd Cruz and Ellen Adarna are widely followed by showbiz-watchers who are divided into ‘pros’ and ‘cons’.

Photos from Instagram/@ekomsi and @maria.elle.adarna

Hmmm, only sleeping-over?

“I don’t know,” she laughed. “I am not privy to their bedtime.”

Aside from the Kapamilya sitcom “Home Sweetie Home” in which they co-star with Toni Gonzaga, John Lloyd and Ellen are not busy with other projects.

Ellen has yet to start shooting her yet untitled Star Cinema movie with Empoy Marquez

and is currently working out preparatory to the Bench show in November.

“So they are taking advantage of their free time by enjoying themselves,” added the informer.

Meanwhile, the world is having as much fun monitoring the sweethearts’ “escapades” on social media.

Lance Busa won on Thursday, Sept. 28 Michael Bolton’s Asia-wide singing contest.

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ (Part 2)

In a previous article, a reader, who was scheduled for his visa interview, asked about some of the things which could trigger suspicions or investigations by the Embassy, and how a person could best avoid having his case looked upon with suspicion. This article discusses additional suspicious situations.

If you can avoid these situations and/or can offer proper and truthful explanations, the USCIS or Embassy may be satisfied about your case: 6. A person obtains a green card as “single with no children,” but after obtaining the green card, petitions a spouse and children. If a person, at the time he or she was processed for a visa, claimed to be single with no children, but, after obtaining a green card, makes an “about face” and petitions a spouse and/or children, the Embassy will wonder where this instant family suddenly came from (i.e. a person obtains a green card, claiming he or she is single with no children, but after getting his green card, he or she suddenly has a 15-year-old child being processed for a visa). In such a case, the USCIS or Embassy will investigate further on the “sudden appearance” of a 15 year old child.

7. A person claims required documents were lost or damaged

Things that could make your case suspicious due to disasters. In some cases, when the USCIS or Embassy asks for documents or pictures, the person claims the documents (such as birth or marriage certificate) or pictures were destroyed by natural disaster, even though the person had never lived, visited or ever been near the place where the alleged volcanic eruption or flood occurred. Or the USCIS or Embassy could be concerned when a person claims important documents or family pictures were destroyed by other types of natural disasters, such as fire, flood, etc.

In one case, the Embassy became suspicious as to whether the spouse of the primary beneficiary was really the true spouse. The Embassy asked for wedding pictures, but the family claimed their family pictures were destroyed by flood. But the Embassy still wanted proof.

Ultimately, the family produced a wallet sized photo that showed the “bride,” with a different groom. So, the case was put under investigation, because of suspicions that this was an imposter wife, and the man had “sold” his wife’s visa to another woman.

8. Is the petitioner still alive?

Under immigration law, a petition “dies” with the petitioner. The Embassy may ask for a notarized picture of the parent, holding up a current newspaper in front of a U.S. Post Office, Walmart,

etc. to establish that the parent is still alive and living in the U.S. at the time of the interview. In addition, under new immigration laws, the petitioner must submit a notarized affidavit of support in all family-based petitions, even if the petitioner is retired or poor, or needs a co-sponsor. Obviously, if the petitioner has died before the affidavit of support was submitted, he could not submit a currently notarized affidavit of support.

9. “Date of marriage” appears on child’s birth certificate, where the parent claims to be “single”. Some children are born illegitimate. In order to save the child (and/or the parents) from “embarrassment”, sometimes parents put down a fictitious date of marriage on that child’s birth certificate. However, if the parent is being petitioned as single (such as a single child of an immigrant or US citizen), the date of marriage appearing on their child’s birth certificate could create suspicions by the USCIS or Embassy that the parent is really married. (This is because the marriage of a person being petitioned as “single” would affect their eligibility for a visa. If they are being petitioned by an immigrant parent, the marriage would void the petition, as only US citizen parents can petition married children. However, if they are being petitioned by a US citizen parent, the wait for the priority date to be current would Continued on Page 6

Find out how ‘Tago-ng-Tago’ was still eligible for a green card despite a denial, on a brand new episode of Citizen Pinoy!

MARIEL’S childhood dream to come to America came true when she landed on U.S. soil after 9/11.

Fortunately, as a nurse, she was petitioned by an employer and was granted Work Authorization right away. She happily renewed her work authorization for several years until 2005. That year, Mariel’s dreams crashed when USCIS denied her application for green card and would no longer renew her work authorization.

During these desperate times, Mariel was hoping she could count on her previous lawyers to help her. Instead, all they advised was that Mariel should just “hide.”

Mariel was so devastated, she just withdrew from the world, until she consulted with the “attorneyof-last-hope” Michael J. Gurfinkel.

She hesitated to go to him at first because of the gossip in the community that he was “expensive”.

However, all that mattered to her

and her family was that her case be approved. Mariel and her family realized they were getting value for money, after Atty. Gurfinkel convinced the USCIS to reconsider and approve the case.

Watch how Mariel was able to hold on to her dream on a brandnew episode of “Citizen Pinoy— on Sunday 6:15 pm PST/EST (9:15 pm EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising Supplement)

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HER “AMERICAN DREAM” SHATTERED WHEN HER CASE WAS DENIED AND HER TWO ATTORNEYS TOLD HER THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO JUST “HIDE.” Mariel (left) was devastated when her adjustment of status was denied after USCIS concluded she was out of status.

Distraught and lost, especially after her first two lawyers’ only advice was to “hide,” Mariel decided to consult with “Attorney-of-LastHope” Michael J. Gurfinkel who sought reconsideration and was able to get Mariel her elusive green card in record time. Watch Mariel’s dream come true on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” — on Sunday at 6:15 p.m. (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAGlAyA (Last of 4 Installments)

An angel is an invisible presence that must be acknowledged to become ever stronger. God sends angels to keep watch over human beings and help them in every human challenge. There is, however, the element of free will in humans.

You can acknowledge the presence of angels or deny it.

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

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

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

– James Russell Lowell the angel’s influence becomes weak. The human protectee is like a a cell phone that is not receiving signals and becomes dead on a skip zone.

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

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

Archangels and Angels.

Our personal guardian angels fall in the last group. Each human being is believed to be assigned a personal guardian angel, Christian or not. The angels that keep watch over human beings belong to the lowest order of celestial beings and they are the ones concerned with the affairs of human beings. They are holy celestial beings who are agents of God intended as a help to mere mortals. They are powerful but we ourselves need to connect to that power to take effect.

If you acknowledge that you as a child of God was given a personal guardian angel from the time God conceived you in His thoughts, there should be no fear in our hearts to face even the unknown. An angelic relationship can be nurtured daily and can grow wonderfully through time Continued on Page 7

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Ivan Antonio Polanco: Having the best of both worlds

Ivan during one of his live performances

flirtatious without intention but merely to provoke and entice one to indulge in stimulating conversation.

For Ivan, friendship is the basic foundation to committing to a soul mate… for when he falls in love he really falls deep and serious that betrayal is the ultimate fear that could eventually hurt him hardheartedly.

Stress and anxiety easily turn him moody but advantageous to some extent: that’s the frame of mind when he could effectually write songs and compose. Ivan’s sensitive side effortlessly kickstarts his adrenalin to dig up and stimulate his mind to decant prolific thoughts spontaneously.

His relentless practices were aimed to perfect his craft and improve his techniques both vocally and instrumentally. And to be more marketable while simultaneously getting at par with the best musicians of his generation, Ivan plays a multiplicity of musical instruments and unwaveringly updates his method and approach in writing and composing songs.

“What’s the hardest part in writing a song?” I curiously inquired.

“Being honest with the lyrics,” he hastily replied. “I need to be honest with the words I use to be able to effectually convey my thoughts and feelings and to come up with the genuine quality of music. I usually compose the music first, then the lyrics.”

Versatile in a variety of music instruments, Ivan is a virtuoso on guitar, competent on bass, dexterous on drums, and adept in percussion. He never ceases to learn how to play other instruments while simultaneously curious to discover new horizon in music.

His mournful lyrics, cadenced guitar resonance, and out-bursting poignant melodies are testimonies to Ivan’s in-depth passion for music.

He wrote his first composition “Crossroads” in 2006 when he was 13 and performed it live before his high school class. Inspired by a story he read about a singer

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said Ivan. “And I became a drummer of my own small scale band at the age of ten… then, played with my Dad later.”

People, Events, “But aside from my father I Places would say the Hanson Brothers, an American pop rock band from BoBBy T. yalong Tulsa, oklahoma popular during the early 90s, influenced me a lot,” ComE to think of someone he added with conviction. who envisions and strives for on may 27, 1993 (a Thursday) perfection…someone who thinks Ivan was born in Bronx, New York that struggling for faultlessness to a Dominican father (Dennis and aptness could enhance life Polanco) and Filipino mother and living worthwhile. ‘Though (maida Lagmay) and his birth living life entails a whole lot of adversities and trials, one’s positive numbers (5+2+7+1+9+9+3=36) (3+6=9) reveal that his Life outlook could possibly avert Path number is 9. It represents unconstructiveness. As one artist selflessness, forgiveness, artistry was once quoted: “one could still and creativity. People born on find peace and quietude amid this date are philanthropists, turmoil and storm.” humanitarian, socially conscious, People are instinctively born and is deeply concerned with to tread the path en route to his what’s going on in the world. destiny. There exists an imaginary Inherently born with creative path where one is predestined skills and lofty aspirations Ivan to travel although through the intervention of some unexplainable inadvertently shares his Big Day with the public opening of the influences and unforeseen events, 1,046-foot tall Chrysler Building in the journey could still be thwarted New York City on may 27, 1930, the and rerouted. tallest man-made structure during But some are sternly led to that time. the right track where success and Having seen the first light of contentment await. day on may 27, 1993, Ivan is the Ivan Antonio Polanco was already leaning toward his musical typical Gemini-born…innately possessing a sense of mystery, a journey as early as when he was barely five. “my father was a singer, distinguishing trait that gives him a distinctive individuality which, songwriter, and guitarist who oftentimes, arouses people’s used to bring me along to his gigs curiosity and intrigue. He can be whenever I was free from school,”

On the PEP Front

SCHOOL

His guitar provides Ivan company in all his journey

Piolo Pascual, Toni Gonzaga: Together again

by Christina

alpad ManilaTimes.net

imagination to take flight.

Arce clarified however that “Last Night” is not a movie WHEN Piolo Pascual and about suicide. “It’s a love story Toni Gonzaga starred in the 2014 that happens to begin when romantic-comedy “Starting over the characters find themselves Again,” neither they nor Star contemplating suicide. That’s Cinema expected their untested where their story jumps off but it’s team-up to rake in more than not about taking one’s life.”

P400 million at the box-office.

Besides the story, the cast Given the very pleasant surprise, and producers of the movie are their home network, ABS-CBN, also proud to show the historic quickly planned a prime time city of manila as a backdrop. “Last drama for the pair—its working Night” was shot entirely in the title, “Written in our Stars”— country’s capital with hopes that which never made it to the small screen. The reason, however, was a the audience will fall in love with very happy one, because Gonzaga, the city all over again.

As Padilla put it, “manila then newly married to director is such a beautiful city. Bakit Paul Soriano, was pregnant with pa tayo lalayo eh ang daming their first child. magagandang lugar dito?”

Three years since then, the Edgier, more mature “right time” for their reunion has The direction and theme of finally come as they return to the movie settled, Pascual and cinemas with “Last Night.”

“We were both free to commit Gonzaga assured fans their new project is not a rendition of marco to what we both agree is a very and Ginny’s love story in their first good movie to offer the Filipino movie together. audience,” said Gonzaga.

“This movie is very different With a screenplay from actress Bela Padilla and direction by Joyce from our first one in the sense that mark and Carmina love story Bernal, “Last Night” is a twois edgier and more dangerous,” character movie about one final evening shared by strangers mark Pascual shared noting that his alter ego in the big screen is at (Pascual) and Carmina (Gonzaga) the lowest and darkest phase of both on the verge of taking their his life. own lives.

“For me, I’d say that the Padilla shared her idea for characters in this new movie are the story was inspired by two coming from a much deeper people she and ex-boyfriend Neil background. For example, my Arce—whose N2 Productions is character Carmina is at a point co-producing the movie—saw where she has lost all her hopes on a bridge while driving one night. From there, she allowed her Continued on Page 7

who sold his soul to the devil in exchange of fortune and fame, Ivan couldn’t believe (that) he was able to write and compose the piece so effortlessly… as if there was some kind of compelling energy guiding him throughout.

Before he even turned 18, Ivan already released his first album while a senior in high school. With 10 all original tracks, “In This Fire” was available on iTunes.

Driven by personal heartaches, angst, pains, and emotional torments while inspired by an unspoken affection a voluminous collection of self-composed songs contributed to the release of three more albums: “our Time” (2012), “Introspection” (2014), and “Nice” (2016), with the two former albums containing 10 cuts while the latter with 13. All his albums were under Den of Wolves music and Ivan Polanco record labels.

With passion comes frustrations and failure won’t be far behind. “my biggest failure, I would say, was in 2012 when I almost failed my Biology subject because of my over indulgence and The ‘Ultimate Leading Man’ and ‘Ultimate Multimedia Star’ team up once again in ‘Last Night’ Continued on Page 6 Star Cinema photos

PSYCHIC

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Fall in love with these fall makeup trends instead of the classic gold or silver. This type of hue warms up your face and gives you a good reason to put a natural-looking lip color.

Paint outside the lines It’s this time of the year when

By Monet Lu you feel a bit more adventurous.

It shows on your outfit and your hair, and well, your eye makeup SOME weeks ago we better match that mood. As they welcomed the Fall season with say, the eyes are the windows to an article on hairstyles. Today, the soul. And your carefree soul we tackle another one of my fortes—and a sought-after subject needs an audience! One article writes, “Tweak the classic cat for women—the latest makeup trends. I can describe this season’s eye by opting for a more straight across swipe of black kohl like makeup peg in two words: fresh what we saw at Oscar de la Renta. and minimal. With that image in This is a more modern way to mind, I invite you to experience “Valentine’s in October” and fall in wear liner that elongates and lifts the eye and adds intrigue to the love with these autumn-inspired face.” Add more spice to your usual makeup styles. winged liner, by scribbling some Go easy on the eyes Whoever said that sexy smoky double-winged lines. seventeen. com suggests, “Use a soft kohl eye is so 90 degrees ago must pencil to trace your lower learn how to carry the classic waterline, then smudge it out with eye-do with just a teeny bit a makeup sponge for an extremely of flaw. Allow me to elaborate edgy and perfectly un-perfect before I give the impression that vibe.” carelessly applied shadow is a tip of the lashes thing – please… it has never been Close your eyes and think: and never will be a thing. What I silver, water droplets, rhinestones. meant by a little flaw is how you Now open your eyes and give would do your smoky eye look your volumizing mascara, falsies at home. You know, the kind that gives off an ultra diffused shadow and lash add-ons a much-needed upgrade. It’s time those lashes that looks intense while feeling shine as bright as your eyes! soft. Makeup artist Pat McGrath Silver sparkles on the tip of the created this look of Diane von lashes give your eyelashes a water Furstenberg by using a black and brown liner. You can also use gray droplet effect. A bit of gold layers shadows with just a hint of sparkle on the lashes will make it look like to keep it soft enough for daytime. it has rhinestone tips. Bring on the prettiest lashes by layering, A bronze shadow is another lengthening, or volumizing your equally striking-yet-with-an-easy top and bottom lashes. feel. You can maybe give your Rush that blush metallic shadows a break this Now is the perfect time to season by using bronze shadows

embrace your “just stepped out of the gym” look. Or for some people, “I just went on a brisk, wintry walk.” This is the season for flushed cheeks and naturally rosy blush.

You had a good run with your sculpting tools, it’s time to give them a break. Grab your warm peach blush powder and head out the door. That’s all you need.

Now, fly.

Lips like berry Let’s talk about that lip color, shall we? This season, I am delighted to see a sea of lip colors that remind us of the 90’s.

That almost black but not quite is making a comeback and I LOVE it!

From ripe berry to plum black to oxblood red, they are undeniably luscious. It may sound scary but I dare you to rock a dark lipstick this fall! Nude is out. Let’s make way for the plums, magentas and berries.

Fall Season isn’t just about tucking away your tank tops and covering up with cozy sweaters and cool scarves. It is also “wearing” the best look of the season. Although the weather isn’t as cool as we usually expect it to be around this time, it is best to plan your ensemble ahead – and stock up on the latest makeup finds. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com

19th UPAA Grand Reunion and Convention at Iselin, New Jersey on Oct 26-28

by German

P. Palabyab, UP ’74 Danilo Concepcion will deliver

Chosen as the UPAAA Outstanding Alumni Groups are Mu Sigma Phi Foundation and UPAA Wisconsin. The Special Family Recognition Award will be presented to the Feliciano Family, while the Service Recognition Award will be given to Dr. Juanita Santos Nacu, Immediate Past President of UPAAA. .

For information on registration and hotel accommodations, visit www. upaainamerica.org or call (201) 960-7965 (Nelsie Parrado).

Successful graduates of the University of the Philippines (UP) who have settled in the United States will come together at the 19th Grand Reunion and Convention of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America (UPAAA). The event will be held on October 26-28, 2017, at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin, New Jersey.

Nelsie Tabudlong Parrado, president of UPAAA announced recently that UP President

the Keynote Address. He will come with the President of the UP Alumni Association, UP System, Atty. Ramon Maronilla and Prof. Ranjit Rye, Director of UP Alumni Relations. Prof. Rye will be coming with a wish list of possible projects to benefit the UP System. This can serve as a basis for considering projects that can be undertaken collaboratively by UPAAA and the many UPAA chapters in the U.S., for a much bigger impact and effectiveness.

Health@Heart

Fibromyalgia: an enigma

stressed, tense, and/or depressed.

Children and adolescents (usually females) and older adults PhiliP S. Chua, who have PFS may also have MD, FaCS, FPCS osteoarthritis of the spine. Men usually have localized fibromyalgia What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that which is related to recreational or occupational strain. causes muscle aches and pain, I clearly remember when I was tenderness, spasm, and stiffness, in pre-med, a teenager cousin of along with areas of the tendons mine had pains all over her body and ligaments, and chronic and other signs which, today, fatigue. These tender points are would be obvious as fibromyalgia. common around the neck and Yet in the mid 1950s, it was an shoulders, in the front of the knees, elbow, hip joints, chest, low unknown entity, and therefore no medications for it except back, thighs and calf (lower leg) pain pills. Everyone thought muscles. There is an exaggerated nerve excitation and sensitivity all she was malingering or had a psychosomatic ailment. over the body. All symptoms are What causes fibromyalgia? magnified. There are 10 million This is a challenging illness, people in the United States, not only for the patient, but and 3 to 6 percent of the global population, have fibromyalgia, 75 also for the diagnostic prowess of the physician. In some cases, to 90 percent of them females.

When was this condition first making a definite diagnosis is a dilemma, since the cause diagnosed? is unclear. There are various The signs and symptoms conditions that have been found of what is today known as to contribute to the causation of fibromyalgia was first described fibromyalgia, either alone or in in the 1800s. It was thought then combination, depending on the as mental illness. The first report individual’s genetic make-up or of the tender spots all over the predisposition. Among them are: body was by a Scottish physician in 1820. It was called fibrositis. The stress and trauma (as in a vehicle first recognition of fibromyalgia as accident), rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune diseases, central a disease entity was in 1976, but nervous system problems, and it was only in 1981 when it was genetics (MTHFR mutation). In scientifically confirmed and the some cases, no risk factors are first diagnosis was made. found, the cause never confirmed, What is Primary and only tentative diagnosis is Fibromyalgia Syndrome (PFS)? made from clinical evidence, and PFS, the typical pattern of the patient is treated empirically. this condition is generalized, What are the symptoms? idiopathic (of unknown cause) The onset of the muscle pain, fibromyalgia, accompanied by tender spots all over the body and anxiety, fatigue, impaired sleep stiffness is gradual and diffuse. and irritable bowels, with no The pain may be a deep ache or evidence of underlying diseases burning, is worsened by straining contributing to the symptom and overuse, and may be constant complex in among 5 percent of but varies in severity in response the population in the U.S. PFS to weather changes, stress and afflict healthy young or middleactivity. aged women who are anxious,

The pain may move around the body. There may be spasms or muscle tightening. Most sufferers feel tired or out of energy, have problem sleeping and a few may have diarrhea/ constipation, difficulty swallowing, gas, heartburns and abdominal cramps. There may be tingling sensation or numbness in various parts of the body. Many patients have super sensitivity to odor, loud noise, bright lights, or even to medicines. Headache and pains in the jaws may also be present.

Sometimes, they have dry eyes or problem focusing on objects that are near, imbalance or dizziness.

Others may have palpitation or shortness of breath. Women with fibromyalgia may have urinary complaints, pelvic pains, painful menstrual periods, or even painful sexual intercourse.

Does any permanent damage result?

No permanent damage to any organ in the body results from fibromyalgia. The condition, while chronic and causing many bothersome symptoms, is not life threatening either. Today, with better understanding of the condition and the availability of the various therapies, including medications, patients are managed more effectively.

Does exercise aggravate fibromyalgia?

No. As a matter of fact, exercise is one of the best therapies for fibromyalgia. Starting with gentle, low-impact, stretching exercises, like walking, bicycling, and aerobics, this physical regimen should be performed daily and gradually increased. At first, there will be muscle soreness, as could be expected, but the exercise becomes more comfortable as days go.

What is the treatment for Continued on Page 7

Calendar of Events across

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 SEPTEMBER 30

PeDRO celebrates its 13th anniversary with a fundraising dinner dance The Philippine Disaster Relief Organization, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation invites everyone to “A Dinner to Remember” with surprise guests on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Crystal Ballroom, Quiet Cannon, 909 N. Via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Free parking; $55 cost and formal attire. Maricar and the 4700 Band will provide musical entertainment with DJ George Cunanan. For more information, contact President Archerie Calunod (714) 655-4285 or PRO Bettie Francisco (323) 828-7648.

SF Assessor Carmen Chu’s free Family Wealth Forum Free one-on-one counseling with experts. Multi-lingual workshops. Exhibitors hall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at City College (Ocean Campus), 50 Phelan Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112. To register: http://sfassessor.org/familywealthforum or call (415) 554-7434.

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4th Filipino American International Book Festival in San Francisco Join a weekend of fun literary events, performances and activities for book lovers of all ages! The opening gala will be held on Friday, Oct. 6, while the festival will begin on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 8, it will be from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will take place at the San Francisco Main Library at 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Admission to the festival is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please visit http://www. filbookfestival.org/.

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A3M Starnight 2017 annual gala in Long Beach, CA In the past 25 years, A3M has given hope and a second chance of life to many patients.

Their journeys have inspired and motivated the organization to continue its mission of increasing and diversifying the Be the Match Registry. A3M is committed to supporting patients from the communities that are underrepresented in the Be the Match Registry. To continue its life-saving work, you are invited to support A3M at its Annual Gala Dinner held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach (200 South Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802) from 5 to 9 p.m. To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.flipcause.com/secure/ event_step2/MTk3NjI=/13381.

City of Carson’s Filipino-American History Month Kick-Off The City of Carson will kick off this year’s Filipino-American History Month on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the CJMM Community Center at Carson (801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 980745).

From 8 to 9 a.m., there will be refreshments at the Community Center East Parking Lot. It will be followed by a wreath laying at Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s monument from 9 to 9:15 a.m. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. there will be a program at the Carson Dominguez Room. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

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Adobo Festival in Los Angeles The 12th Annual Adobo Festival is coming up on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 & 8 at the Silver Lake Medical Center at 1711 W. Temple St. in Los Angeles. The festival starts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is FREE! For details regarding how to join the Adobo Cook-Off Contest, Kiddie Popstar and for booth vendors, call (650) 290-0542 or ( 650) 290-4457 or log on to www.adobofestivalusa.com.

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Glendale Tech Week Glendale Tech Week offers the best of tech from within Glendale and the Greater LA area.

Attendees will have access to talent, networking, and business opportunities. Passes, schedule of events, and list of speakers available at Glendaletechweek.com.

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26th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

18th Annual Asian Small Business Expo in Alhambra, CA On Saturday, Oct. 14, the 18th annual Asian Small Business Expo will be held at the Almansor Court Conference Center (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801), featuring free workshops, exhibitors, networking opportunities, and more! Jonny Hwang, founder of 626 Night Market, is the featured guest speaker with special guest, Jerome Horton, chairman of the California Board of Equalization. It is FREE to attend! The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. For more information, please visit http://www.apisbp.org/expo.html.

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City of Carson’s 8th Annual Larry Itliong Day Celebration Join the City of Carson for its 8th annual celebration of Larry Itliong Day on Saturday, Oct. 21 with a parade and program. Assembly time begins at 8 a.m., with the parade from 9 to 9:30 a.m. The program will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be held at Veterans Park at 22400 Moneta Avenue, Carson, CA 90745. Admission is FREE. For more information, please call (310) 952-1743.

NaFFAA to celebrate 20th anniversary in Washington, DC The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) turns 20 years old this year. This October, several events are being planned to celebrate this milestone, which coincides with the national observance of Filipino American History Month. They will culminate with NaFFAA’s 20th Anniversary Gala, to be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 21. With its theme “NaFFAA 2.0: One Voice, Four Million Strong,” NaFFAA will recognize the legacy and accomplishments of the organization over the past 20 years, and highlight its comprehensive vision to unite and amplify the voices of the four million Filipinos living in the United States. “NaFFAA 2.0” represents how NaFFAA is honoring its past while forging a new forward-thinking and balanced approach in uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse Filipino American individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and advocacy. To learn more about NaFFAA or to purchase tickets for the 20th Anniversary Gala, please visit www.naffaa.org.

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PHII presents Tribute 2017: Recognition ceremony and dinner dance The Philippine Heritage Institute International celebrates its 28th anniversary with its annual recognition ceremony and dinner dance on Saturday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. to midnight, at the Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 -- 19th Tribute to Outstanding Filipino American Nurses and 11th President’s Award: ‘Profiles in Services, Pillars of Community.’ Cost is $65; attire, formal. PHII’s annual tribute is in answer to the White House Millennium Council Initiative from then Pres. Bill Clinton, who came with his wife Hillary to Los Angeles in January 1998. They created the Council in August 1997, with the theme ‘Honor the Past, Imagine the Future’ and traveled across the United States to promote its objectives -- an agenda with 21 ‘Ways to Commemorate the Millennium.’ “Mrs. Clinton gave a speech, stirring and inspirational,” said the late Mrs. Armada. In 1999, PHII became a partner to the White House Millennium Council selecting the ‘Millennium Recognition Awards’ to pay tribute to outstanding individuals whose contributions have enhanced the quality of life in the community. PHII seeks to improve the quality of life affecting Filipino American communities through research, education and recognition with the youth as its main focus. The foundation sponsors a youth congress annually with featured speakers. For more information, contact President Josie E. De Jesus (714) 272-0300; or Executive Director Anna A. Chickey, M.D. (562) 900-0379 (payments can be mailed to Dr. Chickey, daughter of Mrs. Armada, at 2032 Redfield St., Fullerton, CA 92833); or Email Lydia V. Solis at 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

‘Birdshot’ named Philippines’ entry to 2018 Oscars

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E P T E M B E R 29, 20 1 7

by Rosette

Fil-Am Dean Devlin marks directorial debut with ‘Geostorm’ After an unprecedented series of natural disasters threatened the planet, the world’s leaders came together to create an intricate network of satellites to control the global climate and keep everyone safe. But now, something has gone wrong—the system built to protect the Earth is attacking it, and it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything...and everyone along with it.

Dean Devlin (writer/producer, “Independence Day”) makes his feature film directorial debut with suspense thriller “Geostorm,” starring Gerard Butler (“Olympus Has Fallen,” “300”), Jim Sturgess (“Cloud Atlas”), Abbie Cornish (“Limitless”), Alexandra Maria Lara (“Rush”), Daniel Wu (“The Man with the Iron Fists,” “Warcraft: The Beginning”), Eugenio Derbez (“How to Be a Latin Lover”), with Oscar nominees Ed Harris (“The Hours,” “Apollo 13”) and Andy Garcia (“The Godfather: Part III”).

Butler stars as Jake, a scientist who, along with his brother, Max, played by Sturgess, is tasked with solving the satellite program’s malfunction. Cornish stars as Secret Service agent Sarah Wilson; Lara as Ute Fassbinder, the ISS astronaut who runs the space station; Wu as Cheng, the Hong Kong-based supervisor for the Dutch Boy Program; Derbez as space station crew member Hernandez; with Garcia as U.S. President Andrew Palma;

Dean Devlin

and Harris as Secretary of State Leonard Dekkom. The film also stars Zazie Beetz (upcoming “Deadpool 2,” TV’s “Atlanta”), Adepero Oduye (“The Big Short,” “12 Years a Slave”), Amr Waked (“Lucy,” “Syriana”), Robert Sheehan (“The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,” “Season of the Witch”) and Eugenio Derbez (“Instructions Not Included”).

The film, written by Dean Devlin & Paul Guyot, is being produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Devlin, and Skydance’s Dana Goldberg. Herbert W. Gains, Electric Entertainment’s Marc Roskin and Skydance’s Don Granger are the executive producers. Rachel Olschan of

Adel

Philstar.com

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

Electric Entertainment and Cliff Lanning co-produce.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Roberto Schaefer (“Finding Neverland,” “Quantum of Solace”); production designer Kirk M. Petruccelli (“White House Down”); editors Ron Rosen (“Godzilla”), Oscar nominee Chris Lebenzon (“Crimson Tide,” “Top Gun”) and Oscar nominee John Refoua (“Avatar”); costume designer Susan Matheson (“The Big Short,” “Safehouse”); and VFX supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun (“Clash of the Titans,” “The Day the Earth Stood Still”). The music is by Lorne Balfe (“The LEGO Batman Movie”).

Warner Bros. Pictures and Skydance present, a Skydance production, an Electric Entertainment production, a film

by Dean Devlin, “Geostorm.” Set to hit theaters October 20, 2017, it will be distributed in 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX, by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“Geostorm” has been rated PG-13 for destruction, action and violence.

For more information, please visit www.geostorm.movie

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

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

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

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

IT is official! Award-winning film “Birdshot” is the Philippines’ entry to the prestigious Academy Awards.

In its Facebook page, the production team of “Birdshot” announced that the film was named as the country’s official entry to the Foreign Film Category of the 2018 Oscars.

The 25-year-old director and writer of “Birdshot,” Mikhail Red, and Film Academy of the Philippines’ director general Leo Martinez also confirmed the film’s official nomination.

According to IndieWire, a news website for film and television news, reviews, interviews and global festival coverage, “as many as 90 films could wind up vying for the initial shortlist of nine, and final five nominations” in the Foreign Film Category for the Oscars.

“Birdshot” features newcomer Mary Joy Apostol as Maya, a motherless farm girl who mistakenly kills a protected endangered Philippine Eagle.

“Birdshot” features newcomer Mary Joy Apostol as Maya, a motherless farm girl who mistakenly kills a protected endangered Philippine Eagle.

It is described as a comingof-age thriller, which features a manhunt for the poacher of the national bird.

The acclaimed film previously won Best Asian Future Film Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Red’s Cinemalaya entry “Rekorder” also made it to the category of the same festival.

It also received a production grant from the Doha Film Institute. The film garnered the CJ Entertainment Award at

the Asian Market at the Busan International Film Festival in 2015 and recently bagged the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino’s Critics’ Choice Award.

“Birdshot” made rounds at almost 20 various festivals in the world. It is scheduled to be screened at the Adelaide Film Fest in Australia this October.

Aside from Apostol it stars John Arcilla, Arnold Reyes and Ku Aquino. The film is produced by Pamela Reyes.

Things that could make your case...

From Page 2 be somewhat longer.)

If you truly are single, and are being petitioned as single, but there is a date of marriage on your child’s birth certificate, you should make sure you can present appropriate evidence and documentation to the USCIS or Embassy to prove you truly are single. Under no circumstance should you “buy” a late-registered or manufactured birth certificate for your child, listing the child as illegitimate. Instead, you should explain why there is a date of marriage appearing on the child’s birth certificate) rather than submitting fake documents. Giving fake documents to try to conceal information could be grounds for you to be denied a visa, due to “fraud or misrepresentations”.

Please note that having an illegitimate child will not void your

petition, so long as you were truly “single” at the time of the interview and before entering the U.S. In conclusion, you should not apply for an immigration benefit if you are not entitled to it and hope to “get away with it”. The USCIS and Embassy investigates suspicious circumstances. If you are not entitled to an immigration benefit, do not waste the time of the USCIS or U.S. Embassy.

However, if you are legitimately entitled to immigration benefits, but your case looks suspicious (although it is truly legitimate), you should consider the assistance of an attorney who can analyze your case and properly gather the necessary documents and make a proper representation in your behalf to the Embassy, so that any questions, concerns, or suspicion will be properly explained. This

way, you could possibly avoid delays, investigations, or possible denials of your visa. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

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

Ivan Antonio Polanco: having the best...

From Page 3

passion for music but then I luckily recovered and finished college… that, I considered my biggest achievement,” he shared.

With a year spent in Los Angeles, California when he was 19 in search of the proverbial fame in the field of music, Ivan stirringly mustered every essential will power to survive the odds and steadfastly held onto the edge of hope just to reach that elusive star he’s been chasing.

“When I hope, I hope for the best…and when I dream, I really dream big. My most magnificent obsession is to be a popular singersongwriter and financially stable,” he expressed without whacking a pose.

Ivan as a Personal Trainer The complicated and ever fastpaced social set-up coupled with the demanding hours of workload deprive health enthusiasts of visiting the gym for their muchneeded physical regimen for muscle toning, body conditioning, and power recharging. These situational predicaments gave birth to the growing demand for personal trainers which provided Ivan the opportunity to utilize his capacitated knowlegeability about physical fitness.

His curiosity and concentration on physical training was expectedly ignited by his interest in baseball and martial arts when he was thirteen. Instead of being daunted by the grueling regimen and arduous activities of the sport, Ivan was even more motivated and challenged to totally embrace the art of physical fitness not only for his personal pleasure but for others to benefit from it.

As a reliably professional personal trainer, Ivan is duly certified through WITS (World Instructor Training School) which is renewable every two years. Just like music, physical activity is a stress reliever, as well, for Ivan.

“I was actually struggling at the start,” Ivan explicitly admitted.

“I had to invest on all sorts of essential equipment and tools indispensable for home service: elastic bands, dumbbells, hurdles, boxing gloves, exercise mats, wireless heart rate monitor, jump rope, and many other stuff that are either costly or just of average price but the thing was, I have to literally carry them every time there was a client call. But no complaints… it is becoming a lucrative business while I enjoy what I do.”

Toning his muscles for an effectual vocal performance

Music fuels Ivan Polanco’s soul

“I always see greater results from incorporating different equipment into a well-designed and progressive exercise program and not merely relying on situps, push-ups, lunges, and rigid physical workouts. That I call smart investment,” Ivan added in jest with a tone of smugness ably laced with a quaint grin which mitigated any prevailing air of haughtiness that could have goaded.

Having initially launched his career as a freelance Personal Trainer in Los Angeles, California, Ivan has been lucratively in practice for five years with a growing number of clientele through referrals. Being educated and trained, knowledgeable about individualized program, a great motivator and communicator, tolerant with stirring experiences,

Ivan has successfully achieved his core intention… giving his clients the precise health status to perfectly suit their preferred lifestyle.

Remember the name: Ivan Polancco, singer-songwriter, multiinstrumentalist, record producer and engineer (who, at 24, has a music career spanning 9 years), a certified Physical Fitness Guru and Personal Trainer. It won’t be surprising if this moniker will headline marquees and billboards or have his own regular fitness TV show sooner than predicted.

Enjoying the best of both his worlds… make way for the renaissance of a new breed of a quintessential man.

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

Filipina singer wows ‘X Factor UK’ FILIPInA Singer Alisah Bonaobra left all four “X Factor UK” judges in awe after she sang a powerful rendition of Beyonce’s “Listen” on the reality talent search’s September 25 edition.

The 22-year-old singer from Manila moved former Pussy Cat Dolls member nicole Scherzinger the most and even left the now solo recording artist in tears.

One of eight children, Bonaobra believed her talent is world class and took a chance of a lifetime in the competition. She flew to London with the help of her mother’s friend who funded their plane tickets.

Accompanied by about 20 friends and family members, the judges could hear loud cheering from the audience before Bonaobra even walked onto the stage.

“I always think a lot of people from where you’re from [are]amazing singers,” declared star-maker Simon Cowell before he heard her sing. He knew he was right from the very first notes.

“This is not the best version of this song I’ve ever heard I’m not gonna lie to you,” Cowell said in the end, “but there’s something about you I really, really like.

Great, great, great energy! That was good; I really enjoyed that!”

Third judge Louis Walsh agreed. “I think she’s adorable!

You’re a great singer; you’re a great person! It was a great audition, but there’s something

An Asian Journal Magazine

Ai-Ai’s daughter posts reax over new Kris Aquino issue

by Tessa

Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

In the lead-up to Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas’ wedding to Gerald Sibayan, she still can’t get away from the usual gossip-laden route of show business. Her latest Instagram entry shows just why—a screen grab of daughter Sophia’s post, hitting back at bashers over her statement in an online article by Pep.ph [“Kris Aquino not invited to Ai-Ai delas Alas-Gerald Sibayan wedding?”, Jojo Gabinete, September 25, 2017].

The article quoted Sophia’s reply to the question whether her mom’s one-time best friend, Kris Aquino, was invited to the wedding with, “Does she have to be? Being ‘okay’ with someone doesn’t give you an invite to a wedding.”

It will be remembered that de Filipina singer Alisah Bonaobra awes “The X Factor UK” judges with her performance of “Listen.”

ManilaTimes.net photo las Alas and Aquino’s close ties were broken over what they said was a with a voice given from God, about you that we really like.” “personal issue.” Soon after, de las this unbelievable gift blowing Sharon Osbourne was almost Alas left their home network ABSeverybody away. I connect with speechless; her words were brief CBn, and was speculated to have you and everybody and it’s a yes done so to get away from Aquino. but sweet: “I just want to cry. Oh, for you and all the Filipinos out it’s a yes from me!”

[Aquino left ABS-CBn herself there.”

Scherzinger, who was in tears in the last quarter of 2016 The four yeses will take as she gave Bonaobra a standing and is still floating in terms of Bonaobra to X Factor’s boot ovation finally expressed, “I network affiliation today; de las camp with fellow Filipinos Gaga am crying because I come Alas continues to be with GMA Lord, JBK, and Elysa V. who made network]. from very humble beginnings it through the first round of as well. You’re just gorgeous; The two “made up” when auditions. (ManilaTimes.net) you’re just this tiny little thing they attended Marian Rivera and

Ai-Ai delas Alas and Kris Aquino during their days as best friends and judges of ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ ManilaTimes.net photo

Dingdong Dantes’ wedding in December 2015, where Aquino was one of the ninangs and de las Alas was a bridesmaid, but never restored the kind of closeness they had before—and thus, Sophia’s answer to the question. nevertheless, netizens were quick to post such comments as “Hindi kawalan ni Kris,”“Sino ba si Ai-Ai?”, and “Sino naman ang may gusto na makita si Ai-Ai na nakasuot ng pang-kasal? Jusme, kapangit na bride!” among other harsher ones.

And so, Sophia thought of posting her own thoughts and strike back: “All the comments [about me] here are funny HAHAHA. Oo puwede ako mag taray in English or Tagalog kasi pakialamera kayo ng buhay eh.

Kayo ikakasal? Eh di invite nyo si Kris

Piolo Pascual, Toni Gonzaga...

From Page 4

and she thought doon na siya magtatapos,” Gonzaga shared.

“It’s dark, the theme is very dark, and yet it’s still very hopeful and romantic,” the actress added.

As for the pressure to either match or surpass their surprise hit, Pascual easily dismissed it and said it’s not their main goal as of the moment.

“Hindi kami nagpapadala sa pressure na ‘yun,” Pascual said convincingly.

Back to basic Finally, besides its likeness to the tandem’s first big screen outing, “Last night” is also being compared to the onslaught of two-character movies such as “Kita Kita,” “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” and “Love You to the Stars and Back” which all received much love from moviegoers lately.

Padilla admitted that more than bringing kilig to the movie, she would very much like for the audience to feel that like Gonzaga and Pascual’s characters, everyone has his or her own battle.

“At lahat ng problemang yun ay seryoso in equal ways,” the scriptwriter noted.

Meanwhile, the director admitted, “As for me, I want the audience to go out of the cinema laughing or crying, not certain what to feel about the movie.”

Arguably, these are the same goals that aforementioned twocharacter movie have achieved with flying colors.

But before naysayers could react that it’s the new fad in the film industry—much like the theme of infidelity—Bernal quickly came in defense.

“I’d like to think that this trend is a sign of the times—that it’s really not about the world but the individual. I think it has a lot to do with the larger-than-life events that we see on television, on social media, that we are now going back to basic and listen to who we really are.

“Kumbaga, simplehan natin para hindi kasing-kumplikado ng lahat ng nangyayari sa mundo ngayon,” Bernal ended.

Angels among us

From Page 3 until the end of human life.

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

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

Fibromyalgia: an enigma From Page 5 fibromyalgia?

The comprehensive management of fibromyalgia includes ruling out or treating diseases causing the symptoms, reassurance from the attending physician that the condition is benign and not hopeless, stretching and aerobic exercises (brisk walking, yoga, swimming, tae boxing), local application of heat and gentle massage, improvement in sleep, low-dose tricyclic antidepressant drugs. If drowsiness is encountered with one drug, an alternative drug may be used.

The three drugs the U.S.FDA has approved to help treat fibromyalgia are: Pregabalin (was first used to treat seizures and nerve pain linked to diabetes; Duloxetine hydrochloride ( Cymbalta) is an antidepressant that’s also been used to treat diabetic nerve pain; and, Milnacipran (Savella), the first drug designed specifically for fibromyalgia treatment. It affects brain chemicals linked to pain. Some of the drugs may also aggravate the insomnia.

Aspirin and nSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), even opioids, have generally not been found to be of any help. For

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The Asian Journal N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY S E p T E m b E R 29, 20 1 7

severe persistent tenderness, local injection with 1 percent lidocaine (alone or in combination with hydrocortisone) has been effective.

Depression, serious emotional problem, as a result of fibromyalgia may require behavioral modification, group support therapy and/or professional guidance.

What is the prognosis?

Functional prognosis is usually very good with aggressive and comprehensive treatment.

Fundamental in the success of therapy is patient-motivation, involvement and discipline.

Armed with these three, the person with fibromyalgia is soon on her way to a more comfortable, happier, more productive and a fulfilling life. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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

Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

)ROORZ XV RQ

Aquino sa kasal nyo.”

De las Alas finally captioned her daughter’s retort with gratitude and a plea to netizens: “Good morning. Ito ang post ng aking anak… First of all, thank you anak sa pag tatanggol sa’kin as always… I love you baby girl @ sophdelasalas… This is the most important part of my life wag nyo na po sanang haluaan ng negative.

Hindi ko sasagutin to anything about her [Kris] kasi kahit maganda isagot ko wala din naman kayong maganda i-co comment #basher and #haters.” now a devout Catholic, de las Alas ended her entry with, “A meaningful silence is always better than meaningless words. God bless everyone.”

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 SEpTEmbER 29, 2017