Orange County/Inland Empire -- October 23 -- 29, 2015

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Volume 22 - No. 42 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

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Typhoon ‘Lando’ the most destructive this year by

Julie M. Aurelio And Jerry e. esplAnAdA Inquirer.net

ALthoUGh it has weakened into a low pressure area, “Lando” is the most destructive typhoon to hit the country so far this year, leaving behind more than P7.3 billion in damage to agriculture and infrastructure, and at least 41 lives lost. “so far, for this year, Lando is the worst in terms of the casualties and the damage it caused. We hope this will be the last,” said romina marasigan, spokesperson of the National Disaster risk reduction and management Council

DATELINE

(NDrrmC.) typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu) was the 12th storm to batter the Philippines this year. When it first struck the east coast of Luzon on sunday morning, its gusts reached 210 kilometers an hour, making it the second strongest storm to hit the country this year.

As of thursday, oct. 22 the low pressure area was spotted 240 km east of Basco, Batanes. of the damage recorded all over Luzon, P6.43 billion was accounted for by agricultural crops and P902.39 million by infrastructure. so far, the agency has confirmed 41 deaths in Luzon, 78

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

American Cancer Society recommends women undergo mammograms later and less frequently the American Cancer society on tuesday, oct. 20, announced new guidelines for mammograms, recommending that women with an average risk of breast cancer begin getting mammograms annually at age 45. the organization, which has long taken an aggressive approach to screening for the condition, also recommended that once women reach the age of 55, mammograms continue once every other year. Additionally, the society no longer recommends clinical breast exams for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age, as these have not been shown to save lives. the society’s new guidelines, published

injured and five still missing.

In its update, the NDrrmC said the typhoon affected 1,242,239 persons in the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, metro manila and the Cordillera Administrative region (CAr). of the affected people, 113,584 are still in 455 evacuation centers. so far, local authorities, the Department of social Welfare and Development and nongovernment units have given P23.21 million worth of assistance to the affected families.

In this photo provided by the Philippine Air Force, houses and rice fields are inundated by floodwaters in northern Philippines on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Blackout, flooding Province-wide power out- Tropical Storm Lando (international name Koppu) finally blew away from the main northern Philippine island, after leaving several dead over the weekend and forcing tens of thousands of villagers into emergency shelters and destroying rice fields ready for harvest.

PAGE A2 Photo by Staff Sgt. Roldan L. Medina, Philippine Air Force - PIO 410th

Remittance firm survey reveals many Filipinos working in the US are overqualified for their jobs

by Agnes

constAnte AJPress

most filipino workers living in the United states are overqualified for the jobs they do, according to respondents of a survey conducted by international money transfer firm transfast.

In a survey of 400 Philippine natives who remit money back home from the United states,

more than 80 percent said they possess more skills than what is required in their jobs; 72 percent said workplaces in America are more stressful than those they experienced in the Philippines.

Yet 93 percent of survey participants said they believe there are still more opportunities in their Us jobs than those in the Philippines.

“What I have achieved here in

the Us, is a lot,” said respondent Joanna Loresto, 47, of san rafael, California. “I just left my job and I’m so fortunate I could go wherever I want to, and employers will hire me. owning a home, buying any car I want – I’m proud of it. I can give my son the best education. I have three siblings in the Philippines and a lot of cousins, and I’m thankful that I PAGE A2

‘Vice President’ Marcos DOJ: If found guilty, Pemberton must eyes Labor or DOTC

serve sentence first before deportation by tetch

torres-tupAs Inquirer.net

PAGE A3

NeWLY appointed Justice secretary Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa assured that the deportation order for a Us marine facing trial for the death of filipina transgender Jennifer Laude will not be immediately implemented.

Caguioa explained that a foreigner cannot be deported until the cases against him pending

in Philippine courts have been decided, and if a foreigner is found guilty of the charges, he has to serve his sentence first before he could be deported. he said the murder case filed against Lance Corporal Joseph scott Pemberton for the alleged murder of Laude is still pending before the olongapo regional trial Court. “hence, Pemberton is under PAGE A2

Obama to leave US troops in Afghanistan Infrastructure and transportation past his term Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton

fACING increasing pressure both at home and abroad, President Barack obama has made his decision regarding the state of American troops in Afghanistan. obama on thursday, oct. 15, pledged to keep Us troops in the region throughout the end of his presidential term, halting initial plans for withdrawal and abandoning his often-stated promise to end the Us’s longest war before he leaves office.

Under the new plan, the United states will keep 9,800 service members in Afghanistan through most of 2016. the number of troops would be reduced to 5,500 beginning in 2017, assuming the next president stays on the same course, said the Los Angeles Times.

White house aides said obama was confronted daily with problems caused by the collapse of Us-trained security forces in Iraq, where he has been forced to send PAGE A3

Sen. Bongbong Marcos

projects make Ph ripe for investment WAshINGtoN, DC—the Philippine government is allocating increased resources to infrastructure improvement and expansion, opening up numerous opportunities for investment in the Philippines. opportunities for doing business in the transport and infrastructure sectors was one of the main topics during the second leg of the 4th Philippine Private sector-led Investment roadshow in Dallas, tX on 21 october 2015. some 165 participants including senior executives from American Airlines, fluPAGE A3

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. delivers his Opening Remarks at the Dallas/Fort Worth forum of the 4th Private Sector Led Investment Roadshow held at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport.

SFC Footer ad 3 x 1/16

by Jefferson

AntipordA ManilaTimes.net

CreAtING jobs for millions of filipinos will be the focus of sen. ferdinand marcos Jr., if he is given an opportunity to serve the country as Vice President. to effectively carry out his mission, marcos said, he would choose to lead the Department of Labor and employment (DoLe) if the next President will allow him to pick a Cabinet position.

According to the senator, lack of jobs is one of the biggest problems facing the country and it is the role of the government to provide the people employment to free them from poverty. section 9, Article II, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states, “the state shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from PAGE A2

A

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From the Front Page

Typhoon ‘Lando’ the most destructiuve...

PAGE A1 can be the one helping out.”

Respondent Ruben Espiritu, 56, of Garner, North Carolina also called the US the land of opportunity with many jobs available, but pointed out that the Philippine economy is improving.

“People who come here for work are playing vital economic roles by contributing to the US economy and also adding to the GDP of their home country when they send money back to family and friends,” said Transfast CEO Samish Kumar.

The remittance firm conducted the same survey with respondents across all nationalities,

PAGE A1 ages remain in the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Quezon, Kalinga and Mountain Province, as well as five cities and 86 towns.

Sixteen passengers, three motorized bancas, and four rolling cargoes are still stranded because of rough seas.

Since hitting land on Sunday, Oct. 18 the NDRRMC has monitored 765 flooding incidents in the provinces of Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Cagayan and Benguet.

Floods and landslides caused 101 roads and 11 bridges in northern and Central Luzon to be impassable, while 18,758 houses were damaged.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) placed Lando’s damage to national roads, bridges and flood control facilities in five Luzon regions at P927.71 million.

In a report, DPWH Bureau of Maintenance Thursday said that damage to flood control projects alone amounted to P435.56 million.

Central Luzon topped the list with damage reaching P448.96 million, including more than P218 million worth of flood control facilities and P145 million in damaged bridges.

Region III was followed by CAR with P209.24 million; Cagayan Valley, P201.63 million;

Remittance firm survey...

Residents move through streets full of mud and flood waters in Cabanatuan City on Tuesday, Oct. 20 after Typhoon Lando battered the northern part of the country earlier this week.

Philstar.com photo

Ilocos, P67.35 million and Bicol, P520,000.

The DPWH also reported that as of Thursday morning, sections of 39 national roads in northern and Central Luzon remained closed to vehicular traffic due to landslides, floods, sunken roadways and fallen electric posts, trees and other debris.

Twenty-five of these roads are in CAR while the remaining 14 are in Central Luzon.

The closed thoroughfares include Kennon Road and three other roads in Baguio City—Legarda Road, Western Link Circumferential Road and Military Fort Road.

Also impassable to all types of vehicles are eight roads in Benguet province; five in Tarlac; four

each in Kalinga and Pampanga; three in Mountain Province; two each in Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija; and one in Aurora.

Dalton Pass now open The DPWH office in Cagayan Valley said the landslide-prone Dalton Pass in Nueva Vizcaya had been cleared and opened to two-way traffic on Wednesday morning.

DPWH Director Nerie Bueno in Cagayan Valley told the Inquirer that the regional office had “prepositioned road-clearing equipment and field personnel who will promptly respond to rescue and clearing operations along national highways and bridges in the region.”

Contacted by phone, Bueno

noting a number of similarities with Filipino immigrants. However, there were differences in responses about how much immigrants were expecting to earn versus what they expected (37 percent of overall immigrants said they were making what they expected, while 61 percent of Filipinos responded as such), and where they planned to retire (18 percent of all immigrants said they intend to retire in their home country, while 53 percent of Filipinos said they plan on retiring in the Philippines; 31 percent of Filipinos said they intend to retire in the US).

‘Vice President’ Marcos eyes...

recalled that on Oct. 19 evening, “massive landslides took place in Barangay (Village) Villa Flores in PAGE A1 Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, causing poverty through policies that road closure and traffic buildup.” provide adequate social services However, the “road sections [and] promote full employment, were promptly [cleared] and a rising standard of living and an opened to traffic at 8:30 a.m. the improved quality of life for all.”

“Siguro kung mayroon akong following day,” she said.

Later that day, an undisclosed hihingin na portfolio, palagay ko number of vehicles were stalled gusto kong makatulong sa DOLE in Sta. Fe after three trailer trucks [If there is a portfolio I will ask broke down in separate locations for, I want to help DOLE],” Marcos said in a television interview in the municipality.

“This led some undisciplined on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Marcos is the author of Senate motorists to counterflow on both lanes, causing traffic buildup,” Bill 1862, which seeks the creation of an inter-agency council said Bueno.

The DPWH field staff “coor- for the creation of jobs.

The council will serve as the dinated with the provincial government in controlling the situa- overall advisory and coordinating mechanism that shall design tion.” policy program directions for all job creation endeavors in the country.

It will be composed of 15 heads of different government agencies with the secretary of the Labor department as chairman.

The proposed measure remains pending before the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development.

Marcos noted that 90 percent of jobs come from the private sector, the reason why the government should lay down an enabling environment to encourage growth of the private sector, particularly small and medium

enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs, he said, are the biggest contributor to the country’s economy and has played a major role in employment generation.

Marcos suggested that the government embark on business-driven infrastructures, lead in the research and development and provide appropriate training and access to credit facilities.

The senator said if DOLE is not available, the Department of Transportation and Communications is also an important government agency that needs focus.

Marcos expressed confidence that he could contribute toward solving pressing problems facing the department, including traffic jams in Metro Manila and lack of mass transport system.

In an earlier interview, he noted that while the Philippines has an existing light rail system that could help ease the traffic in urban areas, it is plagued not only with serious safety and reliability issues, poor maintenance and overcrowding but also allegations of corruption.

The next administration, Marcos said, should expand the transportation infrastructure.

A study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the country is losing P2.2 billion a day because of traffic jams.

DOJ: If found guilty, Pemberton...

PAGE A1 the jurisdiction of the trial court and the deportation order issued by the BI cannot be implemented during the pendency of the trial on the case,” Caguioa said.

Earlier, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) ordered Pemberton’s deportation for being a risk to public interest and an undesirable alien.

The BI based its resolution on the filing of murder case against Pemberton.

Citing Memorandum dated Nov. 24, 2014, the BI said “a foreign national is undesirable if he commits an act constituting a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of one year or more.”

“In this case, respondent was charged before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 74, Olongapo City for the crime of murder.

Obviously, such serious criminal offense carries a penalty of more than one year. Thus, the case of Pemberton falls within the ambit of the said Operations Order.

He is therefore presumed to be undesirable,” the resolution stated.

While Pemberton is still presumed innocent considering that the court has yet to rule on the evidence presented by the both parties to the murder case, the BI said in deportation proceedings, “even an iota of evidence that an alien is unfit to remain in the country is sufficient.”

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Dateline USa

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 23-29, 2015

American Cancer Society recommends women... Infrastructure and transportation...

PAGE A1 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, come after it thoroughly examined research data questioning the benefit of yearly mammograms for women in their 40s.

“We’re moving to an era where people are recognizing the limitations of screening tests,” said Dr. Nancy Keating, professor of health care policy and medicine at Harvard Medical School who wrote an editorial accompanying the new recommendations. “For many years, we convinced everybody, including doctors, that mammograms are the best tests and everyone has to have one.

But now we’re acknowledging that the benefits are modest and the harms are real.”

The recommendations only apply to women who have no personal history of the condition or known risk factors based on family history, genetic mutations or other medical problems. Women who have a genetic risk for the condition are advised to begin undergoing the exam sooner.

The move reflects shifting attitudes in cancer screening. Six years ago, the cancer society spoke out against a federal task force that suggested most women could wait until the age of 50 to begin screening for breast cancer. They said postponing mammograms would result in increased deaths among women.

“Despite some face validity in the idea that younger women, who often have more aggressive cancers, might benefit from shorter screening intervals, the actual clinical effects and importance remain uncertain,” Keating wrote in an editorial.

Breast cancer is among the top

killers of American women. This year, more than 200,000 new cases are predicted and more than 40,000 deaths as a result are expected in the United States.

The society said it set changed its recommendation for annual mammograms at age 45 because that’s when a woman’s risk for breast cancer spikes. By the time women reach age 55, when most have passed menopause, tumors are usually less aggressive and grow at a slower rate. Additionally, changes in breast tissue make it easier to read mammograms.

Overdiagnosis was another result of mammograms that researchers in a separate study found, which means women received unnecessary treatment and procedures, and underwent emotional distress. Younger women have more dense breast tissue and mammograms beginning at age 40 could result in false positives. One study revealed that a number of women suffer intense anguish after being called for a follow-up mammogram because a radiologist saw something suspicious, NBC News reported.

Most women overestimate how much mammograms actually help, Lisa Schwarts, a professor of medicine at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice in New Hampshire, told NBC News. The exams decrease the risk of death from breast cancer by anywhere between 15 percent to 40 percent, depending on studies considered.

“About 85 [percent] of women in their 40s and 50s who die of breast cancer would have died regardless of mammography screening,” Keating said. “More

sophisticated screening tests PAGE A1 that confer a greater reduction or Corporation, Rio Grande Pain breast cancer mortality would cific Corporation, Texas Instrulikely decrease breast cancer ments, World Affairs Council and mortality much more than ex- heads of the Fort Worth Champanding screening mammogra- ber of Commerce and Greater phy for women in their 40s and Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

50s.”

Members of the Manila busiWender said he hoped the changes would put an end to de- ness delegation agreed that the bates and confusion about mam- Philippines is serious in improvmography, The New York Times ing its infrastructure to meet dereported, but others doubt they mands of the country’s economy.

This is reflected in the governwould bring clarity.

“I think it has the potential to ment’s increased budget allocacreate a lot of confusion amongst tion to infrastructure projects women and primary care provid- in order to meet population and ers,” Dr. Therese Bevers, medical economic demands.

According to Mr. Ronaldo Eldirector of the Cancer Prevention Center at the University of Texas epaño, 1st Vice President for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Business Development International at DM Consunji, Inc., Houston, told the Times.

Other groups still recommend the 2015 Budget invests 569.9 that women begin undergoing billion pesos in strategic inframammograms earlier, includ- structure projects. Infrastructure ing the National Comprehensive outlays for this year represent 4 Cancer Network, which suggests percent of the country’s GDP, a annual mammograms begin at 28.95 percent increase in alloage 40. Similarly, the American cated budget from the previous College of Obstetricians and Gy- year.

Additionally, 287.8 billion penecologists recommends the test every one to two years between sos is earmarked for transport the ages of 40 to 49, and once infrastructure projects including per year after that. Furthermore, road, maritime, air, and railway it suggests annual clinical breasts transport. Of this amount, 53.1 billion will go to agricultural inexams starting at age 19.

But the most important thing, frastructure which includes irmost groups agree, is that wom- rigation, farm-to-market roads, en to discuss their risk for breast and fishery infrastructure.

The growing population is a cancer with their doctors and decide what she’s most comfortable major driving force in infrastructure expansion. According to Mr. doing, according to NBC News.

“A woman should make a per- Juan Olondriz Peña, President sonal decision as whether she of RAJI INC., population growth should start screening before age and the expansion of the metrop45 but we clearly recommend olis demands that infrastructure that by age 45 all women should development extend to places start regular screening every outside Metro Manila. a “The Philippines has a populayear,” Wender told NBC News. tion of approximately 100 million (Agnes Constante/AJPress) people, growing at an average rate of 1.8 to 2.3 percent annually. The main population center is in the Metro Manila area and within the next six to eight years, advisers and Afghan troops] that Greater Manila will extend as far matter,” said Melissa Dalton, a North as Angeles City in Pamformer Pentagon official, adding panga, to Lucena City, Quezon that the presence of US troops Province in the South, and to would help fortify training ef- Batangas City in the West with forts for Afghan soldiers, and a radius averaging 80 kilometers provide political and psycholog- from the center of Manila,” said Mr. Peña. ical benefits to the nation.

He added, “Looking at the poIt “demonstrates the US is not walking away” from a situation tential growth of Greater Manila that remains “very rocky terrain to include the outlaying provinces North, South & West of and uncertain,” Dalton said.

Critics said Obama’s actions Greater Manila, the Philippine did not go far enough to con- government needs to focus and front Al Qaeda and other threats fast track the infrastructure projects that will support the projectin Afghanistan.

Soon-to-retire House Speaker ed growth of both the population John Boehner said in a state- and its economy.” ment that he was “glad the administration finally admits President Obama’s arbitrary political deadlines are ‘self-defeating.’”

It’s what we were dreading…I do think I retain hope somewhere inside of me [that the war will end] because I think I have to,” Mary Hladky, whose son is in the National Guard after serving in the Army for several years and in Afghanistan, told the International Business Times.

“But it’s just terrible what we’re doing to our men and women who serve. It’s really sad--very, very sad.”

“What it’s actually doing is helping [the Islamic State group],” Hladky continued. “Everything we do just helps them and it hurts us. We’re not making progress, so why do we do the same thing? To us, it’s very, very frustrating.”

“As in Iraq, the situation in Afghanistan had deteriorated by the time Obama inherited it, making the conflict difficult to end,” said Gordon Adams, professor emeritus of International Relations at American University. “And there’s no evidence that keeping a large US military presence in either country would have brought stability.” (Allyson Escobar /AJPress)

Obama to leave US troops in Afghanistan...

PAGE A1

additional troops and warplanes to combat the growing militants in the Islamic State, and did not want to risk a similar scenario in Afghanistan.

“As your commander in chief, I believe this mission is vital to our national security interests in preventing terrorist attacks against our citizens and our nation,” Obama said in a White House appearance last Thursday, insisting that he was “not disappointed” in the decision, but “absolutely confident” that this was the right move for the country.

He emphasized that US’s combat mission in Afghanistan is over, and the remaining troops will stick to pursuing potential terrorist threats, and helping Afghans.

In May 2014, Obama said it was “time to turn the page on a decade in which so much of our foreign policy was focused on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.” He also promised to withdraw the last American troops from the former country by 2016.

Obama said that he continues to oppose the idea of “endless war.” But he also said that a longer-term American presence in Afghanistan was “vital to the security of the US, and a country that is beset by the Taliban their allies from Al Qaeda, and militants from the Islamic State,” according to the New York Times.

“Our commitment to Afghanistan and its people endures,” said Obama, flanked by Vice President Joe Biden and other top military leaders. “I will not allow Afghanistan to be used as safe haven for terrorists to attack our nation again.”

However, he also acknowledged that security remains fragile, and the risk of death of American troops being in the country is still very likely, though far fewer than during

Pres. Barack Obama

the height of the war. So far this year, 25 Americans have been killed overseas.

The decision—which was reached after what White House officials called an “extensive, lengthy review”—ensures that Obama will leave office next year going back on his seminal promise to responsibly end the military involvements started by his predecessor, George W. Bush, by keeping troops in the Middle East.

Critics have said that the president is conveying a message of “weakness” to potential dangerous adversaries, such as terrorist groups and militants.

The Taliban are now spread through more parts of the country than at any point since 2001, according to the United Nations.

Last month, they seized the northern key city of Kunduz and held it for more than two weeks before withdrawing.

Noting these dangers, Obama said, “In key areas of the country, the security situation is still very fragile, and in some areas, there is risk of deterioration…after 2017, American forces will remain on several bases [in Afghanistan] to give us the presence and the reach our forces require to achieve their mission.”

“In part, it’s the actual dayto-day interactions [between US

A

Dr Bernardo Villegas, Head of the Private Sector Delegation, delivers his presentation entitled “The Philippines: The New Tiger of Asia” at the 4th Private Sector Led Investment Roadshow held at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Photos courtesy of Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles

Philippine Port Authority statistics show an overall increase in cargo throughput or the average quantity of cargo and passengers that can pass through Philippine ports.

According to Mr. Peña, the increase in cargo throughput presents numerous private sector opportunities for the expansion of port facilities and railroads, specifically projects at the Port of Batangas, Port of Abra de Ilog in Mindoro Occidental and Port of Calapan in Mindoro Oriental.

Expansion of the three ports will benefit Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, the Cagayan Region, Southern Tagalog Islands, Quezon Province, and the Bicol Provinces.

Philippine National Railways is also working on providing an improved, sustainable railway system running from Manila to Legazpi that will provide a rail service to carry cargo to and from Manila International Container Terminal, North Harbor, and Batangas. This will also open up even more investment opportunities for the private sector.

The mentioned multi-billion peso infrastructure and transport projects, along with an established Public-Private Partnership Program and a government dedicated to battling corruption, make the Philippines ripe for investment.

The conference in Dallas is the second leg in a three-city Private Sector-led Investment Roadshow and was made possible with the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce in Texas, led by its Executive Director, Mr. Gus Mercado.

The Manila delegation was well received by the audience from the Dallas Fort Worth Area.

Break-out sessions during the conference were also well attended, leading to continued dialogue among participants and members of the Manila delegation.

Other members of the Manila business delegation led by Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Visiting Professor at IESE Business School in Barcelona and Professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific, includes Mr. Engelbert Camasura, Partner at Ward Howell International Consulting Firm; and Mr. Jose Mari Mercado, President and CEO of the Information Technology & Business Process Association of the Philippines.

The delegation was accompanied

by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.; Consul General Leo HerreraLim; and Honorary Consul Ethel Mercado, outgoing President of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce.

The delegation will head to Seattle for the final leg of the roadshow on 23 October.

A

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 23-29, 2015

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Comelec can’t stop early poll campaigning

by Sheila

CriSoStomo Philstar.com

MANILA—Due to a Supreme Court (SC) ruling in November 2009, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot do anything about candidates who campaign before the start of the official campaign period next year.

According to Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, premature campaigning is no longer in the statute book because of the SC’s decision on the Comelec vs. Penera case.

Bautista said the SC ruling had superceded the election laws, which used to consider electioneering outside of the campaign period as an election offense.

“If you look at the decision of the Supreme Court on the Penera case, you can only engage in prohibited campaign acts during the campaign period. Essentially, before that, you are free to do anything,” he noted.

The Comelec was planning to come up with guidelines for activities that are allowed and not allowed in the wake of the Penera ruling.

According to Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, premature campaigning is no longer in the statute book because of the SC’s decision on the Comelec vs. Penera case.

Bautista maintained that a draft had been formulated but it does not prohibit campaigning activities.

“What we are saying is that there is a void in the law,” he added.

“I think the call is on Congress to be able to come up with a law that would spell out with clarity which actions are allowed from

this period until the campaign period and which should not be allowed,” he added.

The SC ruling upheld the provisions in Republic Act 9369—the Poll Automation Law—that “any person who files his certificate of candidacy (COC) shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period” and that “unlawful acts applicable to a candidate shall be in effect only upon start of the campaign period.”

Under manual elections, the campaign period starts on the day after the last day of filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC).

But since the automation of elections in 2010, the filing of COC was pushed forward to allow the Comelec to pre-print the names of the candidates, positions and polling precincts on the ballots.

For the May 9, 2016 elections, the campaign period for president, vice president, senators and party-list groups runs from Feb. 9 to May 7, while for local positions it will be from March 5 to May 7.

Cayetano still hoping for a Duterte run by leila

B. Salaverria Inquirer.net

HOPE springs eternal for those who want Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to seek the presidency, including Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano who wishes to be his running mate.

Cayetano is keeping his fingers crossed that the reluctant Duterte would still run, citing the mayor’s supposed recent statements.

Cayetano quoted Duterte as saying in a gathering last Sunday that only the Lord could say if he would become President.

“Meaning he’s open and he’s leaving it up to the Lord,” Cayetano told a forum at the Kamuning Bakery.

He also disclosed that Duterte supposedly said that there was still December for him to run by substituting for another candidate. The deadline for substitution is on Dec. 10.

Option available The option is available to

Duterte after a member of the PDP-Laban filed a certificate of candidacy for President.

Cayetano also said he and Duterte talked on the phone after the deadline for the filing of the COC lapsed. They are expected to meet in a few days for further discussion.

Duterte told him he really had no ambition to become President and could not see why people could not understand his decision.

But Cayetano said he told the mayor it was not that people did not understand, they just could not accept that he would not run because they believe in his competence so much.

If ever Duterte would be persuaded to change his mind, Cayetano said this should not be seen as a sign of weakness or flip-flopping on the mayor’s part.

It would not be a flip-flop because Duterte never vacillated between running or not running, and had consistently said he did

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano

not want to seek the presidency.

If ever he would run, such a decision by the mayor would also be a result of public clamor.

More people thankful “More people would say ‘thank you’ rather than be angry if he PAGE A7

WADING THROUGH. Residents of Barangay Pasig in Candaba, Pampanga ford deep floods while others hold on to ropes to avoid being swept by swirling floodwaters. Some barangays in the town remain submerged even if typhoon Lando had already left the country on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russel Palma

Arroyo camp sees high court TRO a turning point in plunder case THE CAMP of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed hope that the recent Supreme Court order stopping her plunder trial for 30 days in order to reexamine her petitions could be a “turning point” in the Pampanga representative’s battle against what she claims is her illegal detention since 2012.

Malacañang, on the other hand, reacted to the high court order by saying that while they had hoped to see the trial completed before the Aquino administration ends, it respected separate judicial processes.

Early this week, the high court suspended the celebrated plunder trial and asked the Sandiganbayan to explain within 10 days why it denied the former president’s petition for a demurrer of evidence or a ruling on the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence to warrant a plunder charge. It is also set to review the denial of Arroyo’s bail petition.

A United Nations working group had reportedly issued an opinion early this month that Arroyo’s continued detention was “arbitrary” and violative of human rights.

In a statement, Arroyo counsel Laurence B. Arroyo said: “We are thankful for the (Supreme Court’s) status quo ante order. We are hoping that this development will mark the turning point in our legal battle.”

Arroyo brought her case to the

Supreme Court after the Sandiganbayan First Division denied her plea for bail and a demurer of evidence in connection with the alleged plunder of P366 million in intelligence funds from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office from 2008 to 2010.

“We have raised important issues before the SC, including whether the Sandiganbayan re-defined the meaning of plunder when

it denied GMA’s bail application,” said Arroyo’s lawyer. Many of her coaccused have already been freed.

Another member of Arroyo’s legal team, Lorenzo Gadon, said that the high court order was timely because it apparently softened the stance of the Sandiganbayan, which allowed Arroyo to seek medical treatment for her worsening illness. (Inquirer.net)

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OpiniOn

Features

Chosen one

AFTER the five-day filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs), from October 12-16, the Commission on Election (Comelec) reportedly received 130 applications from Filipino presidential aspirants.

As granted by the law, these applications were accepted. However, not all these aspirants will make it to the ballot as the Comelec winnow the grain from the chaff.

When asked about the high turnout of people wanting to be the next Philippine president, Commission on Elections (Comelec) reiterated its provisions on “nuisance candidates.”

Citing the Omnibus Election Code, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told the media that the poll body has the authority to reject the COCs of individuals who make a mockery of the election system; those who seek to confuse voters through similarity of names between candidates; and those who have no bona fide or good faith in running for office.

While the filing of COCs appeared to be a circus, Malacañang said that the high turnout of presidential hopefuls “attests to the dynamism of our democracy and reflects the desire of well-meaning Filipinos to actively participate in the electoral process.”

“Come election time, we expect our bosses to exercise sound judgment in their selection of future leaders of the country,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

A presidential wannabe only needs to meet five requirements: a natural born Filipino; a registered

voter; must be able to read and write; 40 years of age at the day of the election; and must have resided in the Philippines 10 years before the election is held.

From the 130 names tossed in the ring, only few will make it to the next cut. And when election time is over, one will be named the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Four are expected to make it through to the deliberation process, those who have the machinery, resources and potential to launch a nationwide campaign. They are Liberal Party (LP) standardbearer Manuel Roxas II, Vice President Jejomar Binay of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), independent candidate Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who will be running under her People’s Reform Party.

Meeting the requirements is easy, winning the Filipinos’ approval is the hard part. Instead of working double time on increasing popularity and gaining plaudits, current leaders and those aspiring for a public post should do more groundwork and to do more for the people.

Whether wanting to be a president is wise or not, this ambition will adhere to the requirements of due process. Eventually, it is the Filipino voters who will decide if this dream can turn into reality.

Getting the job done is no cakewalk either. As

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

defined by the Constitution, the president is the Head of State and Head of Government, and functions as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As chief executive, the president exercises control over all the executive departments, bureaus and offices.

It is every Filipino’s undertaking to identify these duties and responsibilities. When the winner is declared, they are expected to transcend from the latest poll results and staunch existing political mentality, and aid the next leader in utilizing them for the next six years. (AJPress)

Fil-Ams can help decide who will be the next Philippine president

IT is very heartwarming to see and hear how very engaged kababayans in America have increasingly been when it comes to what is going on in the Philippines. Despite the distance away from the Motherland, most of us -- especially those who still have family living there -- still care about what is going on in the country.

There are Fil-Ams who may have challenges paying their own bills, yet they feel obligated and compelled to send money to their families because they know if they are remiss in helping out, their loved ones would not be able to survive. Many of these Fil-Ams lament that if only there are more and better employment opportunities back home, then their families would not be very dependent on them financially. If only…

That is why news about corruption and incompetence of those in public office infuriate a lot of kababayans in America. The Internet, social media and ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” have provided these kababayans the platform to help them voice out their concerns and opinions about the political situation in the Philippines. However, we can do more to effect change in the Philippines. This is through exercising the right to suffrage.

Filipino citizens residing abroad, or those who

may have already naturalized citizens of other countries but have The Fil-Am come dual citizens, can vote -and these votes will count. There Perspective may have been very low turnout in the past election cycles, but again, because of the power of the Internet, social media, and global broadcast organizations Gel SantoS-ReloS like ABS-CBN, more and more kababayans are now compelled to register as Overseas Absentee Voters (OAV).

There have been some flaws and loopholes in Philippine election laws that discourage more kababayans outside of the country from participating in Philippine elections, but with the advocacy of Filipino community leaders abroad, especially from the United States, these laws have been challenged and amended so more of global Filipinos can cast their sacred and consequential votes.

One of these advocates is Atty. Ted Laguatan, an active Fil-Am leader based in San Francisco, California.

Laguatan filed a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) -- on behalf of US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG), Global Filipino Diaspora Council (GFDC), European Network of

Filipinos in the Diaspora (ENFID) and thousands of overseas registered voters — requesting the Comelec not to disenfranchise about 167,000 registered voters who failed to consecutively vote twice. As a result, Laguatan sent “Balitang America” the good news: the Comelec had a meeting en banc to consider such petition and came out with a very positive resolution.

The resolution stipulates that on May 27, 2013, Congress amended RA 9189 of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003, replacing it with RA 10590 and making it mandatory and not discretionary for the Comelec to deactivate overseas registered voters who fail to vote twice consecutively.

Affirming the arguments presented by Laguatan in the petition, the resolution recognized the clamor of overseas voters not to disenfranchise them for failing to vote twice. This resolution also affirms the importance of the right of suffrage of every Filipino, wherever they may be.

Laguatan reported that the final policy decision, which was approved unanimously, extends the date for reactivation from Oct. 31, 2015 to Dec. 9,

2015. It also made reactivation a very easy process. Just mail, fax or email the Comelec before this date and the deactivated overseas voter can still participate in the May 2016 elections.

Laguatan enthused: “Registered overseas voters now have exceeded the one million mark and with time continue to grow in numbers. They can be a real force for good. In general ORVs [Overseas Registered Voters] cannot be bought nor coerced by goons. They are also better informed. As such, they tend to vote for the best candidates in terms of integrity and competence. They can change the quality of our national leadership with their votes and the votes of their relatives in the Philippines whom they help and who will follow their directions on which candidates to vote for. This is one way in which we can change the political culture in the Philippines, have good honest non-corrupt leaders and create a better life for Filipinos everywhere in the world.” *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Being Filipino American in the GOP Insights from a small town politician Commentary

Ron Falconi, MayoR

oF BRunSwick,ohio

DR. Jose Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines, placed a high value on civic involvement wherever he was, whether it be the Philippines or travelling around the world. He wanted the Philippines to be more involved in shaping its destiny and wanted the people to have more control of their government – ideals similar to those of the Republican Party. As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, I reflect on my Filipino heritage and the values I share with the Republican Party and Rizal’s words from the 17th century, which still ring true today.

I was born and raised in northeastern Ohio as the son of two Filipino immigrants who came to America in the 1960’s in search of the American dream. My parents taught me the importance of God, family, hard work, and self-reliance. Growing up during the Reagan Revolution, I found a home in the Republican Party because I realized that the values my parents taught me were also the bedrock principles of the party. Ever since I attended my first political gathering, this Party has always made me feel welcomed, accepted, and included. Over my lifetime, I

have worked with three different Republican Party County organizations in two different states, but no matter where I go, my friends from the Party are more like my family. The Grand Old Party (GOP) has always encouraged me to be involved in the political process because we share the same common principles. The GOP continues to stand for a strong national defense, lower taxes, religious values, and of course, smaller government.

As the mayor of Brunswick, Ohio, a town of approximately 35,000 people, I am proud of my heritage. My wife was born and raised in the Philippines. We raise our two teenage kids with the same values that have been taught to us. We work hard, go to church, and contribute back to our community. These values are not only Filipino values or Republican values, but more importantly they are also American values. Even though we speak Tagalog at home and eat Filipino food, we are Americans first, and we celebrate these core principles that are shared across cultures, across traditions and in my Party.

Recently, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus spoke on the importance of the role that Filipino Americans play in our society as well as the great contributions they have made to our country. The RNC continues to engage and build meaningful relationships with Filipino com-

munities across the country, and encourage them to get involved in our political process as we continue to build upon the American dream.

I believe that Dr. Rizal’s words and actions of greater civic engagement have a direct impact on how our communities move forward and thrive. Recently, I addressed the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA Region 3 East) and talked about furthering our community’s political involvement. At the Knights of Rizal International Conference last year in Greater Cleveland, I spoke about leadership and how it affects our Filipino communities here in America. There is a need for greater participation of the Filipino American community in the political life of our cities, townships, states, and even our federal government in Washington. The GOP can help us get there.

As we celebrate Filipino American History Month this October, I ask all of you to be open to the message of the GOP. As Americans of Filipino descent, we share similar beliefs and values, and we want a better tomorrow for our children. The GOP is an inclusive party made up of many different kinds of people with diverse backgrounds and is the best vehicle for turning our country in the right direction. It is my home – and it can be yours too. I ask all of you to join our Party and help us to restore the PAGE A7

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta ON my recent visit to the Philippines, I found myself sharing a case of beer with the vice-mayor of a small provincial town, along with some of his ward leaders. The insights that they provided on grassroots politics could be of interest to social media pundits who may be of the impression that their postings on Facebook and Twitter will influence the results of the coming presidential elections.

If you recall the “million people” anti-pork barrel gathering at the Luneta many months ago, fueled mainly by a social media activist, you are probably one of those who believe that your daily online commentaries on the political scene are helping “educate” the bobotantes out there in the provinces and your clever insults and memes are helping erode the SWS and Pulse Asia rankings of the candidates you dislike.

Well, okay, mass action was enough to make Noynoy Aquino budge on the PDAP issue, but it fell way short of gathering a million and way short of the impact that social media had on the Arab Spring.

On the other hand, who can argue against the power of Facebook and Twitter, considering the 25 million tweets generated by

the AlDub phenomenon of GMA Network’s Eat Bulaga? That has certainly brought home the point that the Internet can have a tremendous impact on average folks.

But does that power extend to politics? Not quite.

According to my drinking buddy, the small town vice-mayor, down at the grassroots the magic word is “mobilization.” That’s a euphemism for vote-buying.

The cost of running for public office, at least in my friend’s hometown, can drive the likes of Grace Poe, with her supposed halo of honesty and integrity, to steal from the public coffers upon being sworn into office (or allow her big business funders to do it).

I’m afraid the situation isn’t very much different anywhere else in the Philippines.

There’s one more fallacy that the “electoral reformists” need to swallow. A presidential campaign is a Big Money Game and the King of Kurakot or Potentate of Plunder is not necessarily the one being relentlessly investigated by the Senate and crucified on TV and the dailies.

In a recent story in Philippine Star, Paolo Romero wrote: “Some P45 billion in lump sums under the so-called Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) provisions in the budget program for this year and for 2016 will be used to boost the presidential bid of Manuel Roxas II, an opposition lawmaker said yesterday.

“Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon raised the issue during plenary debates on the proposed budget of the Department of the

Interior and Local Government (DILG), which Roxas headed until last month. ‘There is a reason why Roxas has been going around the country in the past months to promote BUB and even inaugurate BUB projects in the past months,’ Ridon said.”

That, according to my drinking buddy, is just one part of “mobilization.” Manny Villar’s fabled war chest in the 2010 campaign (said to be at P3.5 billion) is chicken feed compared to that of Roxas.

If you think that spending the people’s money for a presidential campaign isn’t kurakotand plunder, then you must be like the monkey who sees, speaks and hears no evil.

Several decades ago, on a trip to Leyte, I happened to have a casual conversation with someone who had just run for congressman and had lost. He was furious at the way his opponent – who had won – had bribed voters to the tune of P100 per head. I was about to shower him with sympathy but did a double-take when he added that he could only afford to give P50.

Well, these days, P100 won’t win you a congressional seat anymore, said my drinking buddy.

He recalled how he had to spend one million pesos when he ran for vice-mayor the last time. And he just barely won. How a vice-mayor of a third class municipality can justify spending a million for a position that officially pays peanuts may be explained by the fact that the potential unofficial earnings PAGE A7

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 23-29, 2015

A

Disqualification case file against Palace shrugs off report ranking Manny Pacquiao due to absenteeism AFP as ‘world’s 6th worst army’ MANILA—Citing his “pattern of absenteeism” at the House of Representatives, a man filed a disqualification case against senatorial aspirant and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao at the Commission on Elections (Comelec), In a two-page petition received by the Comelec late Wednesday, the petitioner, a certain Ferdinand Sevilla of Barangay La Paz, Makati City, asked the poll body to disqualify Pacquiao, and declare him a nuisance candidate, calling the boxing champion a “non-serious and a nuisance” candidate.

Pacquiao was among the buzzer beaters who filed last Friday, Oct. 16 his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator in the 2016 elections under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“Respondent Pacquiao, who has not retired from professional boxing, cannot guarantee he will avoid absenteeism and will conscientiously attend to his mandated task of legislating if elected to the Upper Chamber of Congress,” said the petition.

“Pacquiao’s filing of COC for Senator in the upcoming national elections, therefore, comprises a

Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao

sheer and shameless mockery of the election process,” it added.

However, although the petition against Pacquiao had been received by the poll body, as of press time, the Office of the Clerk of the Commission has not docketed the petition due to Sevilla’s failure to pay the filing fee of P10,100.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 9523, no petition shall be docketed unless the requirements have been complied with.

In his petition, Sevilla cited the House of Representatives’ records showing that out of the 70

session days from Jan. 20 to Dec. 17, 2014, Pacquiao had the most number of absences with only seven days present.

In 2013, Pacquiao incurred 60 absences out of 168 session days, Sevilla added.

“While Pacquiao was consistently absent to train for his boxing bout, shoot his television programs, or shoot hoops in basketball games, he was denying his constituents representation,” said Sevilla.

“He has failed to fulifill his mandate, as well as produce relevant, significant and meaningful legislative proposals…. He has wasted time, money and other resources the government allocated to his staff operations during his two terms as Saranggani’s lone House representative,” the petitioner added.

In a recent television interview, Pacquiao said he would give his full focus on being a senator should he win in the 2016 elections.

Recognizing the much bigger responsibilities that a senator would handle, Pacquiao vowed to work harder in the upper chamber. (Inquirer.net)

Cayetano still hoping for a Duterte run

PAGE A5 changes his mind,” Cayetano said.

“Mayor Duterte sees Davao City as his family. If he begins to see the whole country as his family as well, there might be an opening for him to consider running,” he added.

According to Cayetano, it was important for him that Duterte

join the race for Malacañang.

There are many good candidates, but Duterte is the only one who can offer something “game changing” and of a different perspective, he said.

He also said that his and Duterte’s plans for the country jived.

Duterte advocates federalism, while Cayetano bats for the de-

centralization of national government offices.

But in case Duterte does not become a substitute and completely shuts the door on the presidency, Cayetano said he would still run for Vice President.

In case Duterte does run but chooses another bet to be his running mate, Cayetano said he would still support the mayor.

Being Filipino American in the GOP PAGE A6

American dream. *** Ron Falconi began his term as Mayor of Brunswick in 2014. Originally, he was appointed to the Council at Large seat in 2008 among a group of 14 applicants. He successfully defended the seat and won a full term in 2009.

Falconi was born and raised in northeastern Ohio. He received his diploma from Padua Franciscan High School. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree from John Carroll University, where he majored in

political science with a concentration in international studies. Subsequently, he received his law degree from the University of Akron, and he has a license to practice law in this state. He was also admitted to practice in the US District Court – Northern District of Ohio, and the US District Court – Western District of Pennsylvania. In addition to that, he has represented clients in the US Immigration Court and before the US Citizenship and Immigration Service. He operates his own law practice and does a majority of his work in Cuyahoga and Medina counties.

He has been active in the community. He

was a former member of the Brunswick Board of Zoning Appeals, and served on that board from 2004 to 2007. Falconi is also active at St. Ambrose Church, where he is a lector and is also a former bingo team participant. He served as the government liaison officer for the Fairway’s Homeowners Association.

He also has served as a Guardian ad Litem in both Medina and Cuyahoga Counties. Ron has been married to his wife, Genevive, since 1998, and they have two (2) beautiful children. They have lived in Brunswick since 2001. Ron’s interests include history, travel, and singing.

NOTING that the administration remains committed to its promise of rejuvenating the Philippine military, Malacañang on Thursday, Oct. 22 downplayed a report which ranked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the world’s sixth worst army.

Reacting to the list released by “We Are The Mighty,” a group of former US soldiers, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said more AFP modernization projects are underway.

“Sa simula’t sapul ay kinilala ng Aquino administration ang kahalagahan ng pagpapahusay sa mga kagamitan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas,” Coloma said.

“Binanggit ni Pangulong Aquino sa kanyang huling State of the Nation Address na sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang pamamahala, mayroong total of 56 projects sa AFP Modernization Program

ang naipatupad at nakumpleto, kumpara sa 45 doon sa mga proyektong naisagawa noong mga nakaraang administrasyon,” he added.

“We Are The Mighty” named AFP as the sixth worst army in the world, behind Costa Rica, Iraq, North Korea, Eritrea, and Nigeria.

The group said the Philippine Navy and Air Force “are still nearly 60 years old and its ships are old US Coast Guard cutters.”

But Coloma said the “big-ticket items” being acquired by the government for the military were concrete proofs of its modernization efforts.

Among these assets, Coloma said, were two navy frigates worth P18-billion, three air surveillance radars worth P2.68-billion, six close air support aircraft worth P4.97-billion, two units of long-range patrol aircraft worth P5.98-billion, multipurpose attack craft project worth P864.32-

PAGE A6 are more than peanuts.

I asked him what the going rate was these days in his hometown.

According to him, it’s P50 per voter if you’re running for councilor, P100 to P150 if you’re a candidate for mayor or vice-mayor, P500 if you want to become a congressman and as much as a thousand if you are aiming for the presidency.

“A ward leader usually accounts for about a dozen voters,” my friend continued. “When he attends a meeting called by the provincial coordinator of a candidate, he is expected to bring home the ‘mobilization.’ Otherwise, he will lose face as well as his credibility.”

Now, that’s just for buying votes. The cost of maintaining the campaign machinery is another thing altogether. In an article for Bulatlat, Karl G. Ombion and Max Cordero, related how an independent activist group in Bacolod computed the expenditures of a trapo or traditional politician running for congress or for mayor in the province.

“Payroll accounts for the highest expenditure of politicians,” the article stated. “As many as 6,000 ward leaders are maintained by trapos. Ward leaders consti-

tute the backbone of election campaign organizations. They are the campaigners in the puroks or barangays (villages) where they live. They receive a minimum of P2,000 per month for three months prior to the election. This alone costs P12 million per month or P36,000,000 for three months.”

The article broke down the “minimum expenses” of a candidate in Bacolod, on top of the budget for ward leaders, and that added up to more than P73 million.

What happens if you don’t have enough funds for “mobilization”?

“Don’t bother to run,“ was the reply. “Or run to lose.”

That last statement reminded me of a certain senator who has insisted on running for vice-president even while his survey ratings have been pitifully low. “He’s sure to lose,” said one commentator.

“But he will win.”

What the commentator meant, of course, was that the senatorcum-VP aspirant is expected to make a neat sum from contributions from businessmen and the usual election bettors, namely, gambling lords and assorted racketeers. So, even if he loses, he still wins. Besides, he won’t have to give up his Senate seat.

I asked my drinking buddy if the improved political awareness

by Yuji

Vincent Gonzales Inquirer.net

million, night fighting system worth P1.116-billion, two C-130 aircraft worth P1.6-billion, two naval helicopters worth P5.4-billion, and lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition worth P4.47-billion.

“Batid po natin na sa kasalukuyan hinihintay ‘yung delivery ng isang squadron—parang isang dosena yata ‘yon—na mga fighter jets na galing sa Korea. Kaya makikita natin ‘yung kongkretong manipestasyon ng ibayong pagsisikap na gawing moderno ang ating Sandatahang Lakas at ito ay pinapatunayan sa pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng mga pinakamodernong kagamitan na gagamitan ng ating army, navy, at air force,” Coloma added.

The AFP modernization program is still under fire as President Benigno Aquino III has yet to sign the national defense strategy plan two years after the bill was signed into law.

Insights from a small town politician of the provincial voters, due to the extensive reach of network TV and the Internet, will have any influence on their voting preferences.

“Of course that will influence their votes, TV particularly,” he replied. “But the mobilization will have a greater influence.”

“Does it mean that whoever has billions in his campaign chest is a sure winner?” I pressed.

My drinking buddy hastened to clarify the point. “The big spenders have a major advantage,” he said. “But the voters could also accept the money from one candidate but vote for somebody else.”

“And why would they do that?”

“There’s one thing that works as well as mobilization,” he explained. “And that is the personal touch. When a candidate actually goes out of his way to personally talk to the voters, that could neutralize the influence of money. ” And then he added: “People also don’t forget being told ‘Bahala kayo sa buhay niyo!’ and ‘Buhay ka pa naman, hindi ba?’”

“But an opposition candidate will still have to provide mobilization,” I clarified.

“Siyempre,” was his reply.

“But, at least, it will cost him less.” (gregmacabenta@hotmail. com)

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october 23-29, 2015

Lea Salonga, a triple treat in Broadway comeback

by Ruben

V. nepales Inquirer.net

LOS ANGELES—Lea Salonga sings, acts and dances for the first time on Broadway—and kisses her former boyfriend in real life onstage—in Allegiance.

It’s a triumphant return of the Philippines’ multiawarded international performer to the Great White Way. Almost 25 years since she debuted as Kim in Miss Saigon, Lea comes back as a triple threat and does so with aplomb.

Crediting her “many years of living life, performing all over the world and just being a more fully realized human,” the Tony and Olivier winner looks like she’s having the time of her life on the Longacre Theatre’s stage. Whether spiritedly dancing the swing or belting soaring songs in her solo Higher and duets with ex-boyfriend Michael K. Lee, This Is Not Over and Nothing in Our Way, Lea exhibits maturity in this new chapter in her Broadway career.

The artist who also played Fantine and Eponine in Broadway productions of Les Miserables is a performer on top of her game in her sixth visit to the world’s preeminent theater district located in Manhattan.

Allegiance, which had its world premiere at the Old Globe Theatre

in San Diego, California on Sept.

19, 2012, spotlights a shameful chapter in American history —how the US government rounded up and detained Japanese-Americans in internment camps during World War II. Marc Acito, Jay Kuo (who also wrote the music and lyrics) and Lorenzo Thione’s book personalized the issue by telling the story of the Kimura family whose life was upended during the war.

The musical, directed by Stafford Arima, was inspired by the experiences of George Takei (who toiled and persevered for many years to make Allegiance a reality) as a child living in an internment camp in the swamps of Rohwer, Arkansas.

In the first role that she originates on Broadway since Kim, Lea is Kei Kimura, which she also played at the Old Globe—the sister of Sammy (portrayed by Telly Leung and George in his younger and older years, respectively) whom she helps raise when their family is detained in a camp in Wyoming.

All bundled up after a recent preview performance, ready to meet the fans who have been excitedly waiting outside, Lea met us backstage. She looked flushed

Lea meets fans at the stage door after a performance.

from the standing ovation and cheers that she and her Allegiance castmates—including George, Telly, Katie Rose Clarke, Michael, Christopheren Nomura and Greg Watanabe —had just received.

When Lea, beloved to this day as the singing voice of Jasmine in Aladdin and the title character in Mulan, stepped out of the gates, the assembled crowd broke into cheers. Trailed by a bodyguard, the judge-coach of the Philippines’ version of The Voice and The Voice Kids signed autographs and posed for pictures. Even Ligaya, who stood by and was patiently waiting for her famous daughter, was besieged by fans.

Allegiance preview performances are ongoing with the official opening night set on Nov. 8. More information is available at www.AllegianceMusical.com.

The following are excerpts from our interview with Lea, who lives in Manila with her husband, Japanese-Chinese-American Rob Chien, and their 9-year-old daughter, Nicole.

How different are you from the Lea who appeared onstage at the Broadway Theatre for the first time in 1991?

I’d like to think that because of the last many years of living my life, performing all over the world and just being a more fully realized human, how I approach my work when creating a role is different.

I’m more apt to argue and stand my ground than when I was 19 or 20, when I felt my job was to just do what I was told and sing as well as I can.

Now, I’m more open to discussing, arguing, fighting for something I believe in, as long as it’s all in the spirit of collaboration.

And thankfully, the environment “Allegiance” fostered was a safe one for all of that.

You do a full on dance in this play. How do you prepare and sustain the energy that’s required Photo by Ruben V. Nepales by this role?

I just think it’s funny that only now do I get to sing, act and dance… at the age of 44! It’s crazy!

All I could do to prepare was to just rehearse all the choreography and do it over and over. Many hours of clean up and self-practice… and making sure I eat just enough for the show.

For the benefit of George’s fans, what’s he really like as a person?

He is one of the most charming and intelligent and funniest people I’ve ever met. The wide vocabulary, that distinctive voice and his laugh!

His presence can fill any room and it does.

How does George, a pioneering Asian-American actor, inspire you since you yourself blazed the trail for Filipino talents on the global stage?

I don’t think about whatever I’ve done when I’m in the room with him because he truly was one of the very first who blazed the trail for the rest of us. Being around him is so special, and the impact he’s had… given how many Asian actors there are in the show… it’s safe to say our careers are possible due to people like him. Imagine George making his Broadway debut at the age of 78.

How does “Allegiance’s” story of racial discrimination and segregation resonate with you as an Asian performer and person?

First, the discrimination. After I won my Tony award, I thought things would be easy as far as finding work was concerned. I was wrong. I’ve been told that I couldn’t audition for roles because of my race. The awards couldn’t help in that department which was eyeopening.

I’m thankful to Cameron Mackintosh for taking that chance on me, casting me as Eponine and later on, as Fantine. He saw my talent and not the color of my skin.

Second, because I’m married to a Japanese-American, doing

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The Kimura family, all glammed up for Vanity Fair shoot: Telly Leung, George Takei (center) and Lea Salonga.

Photo courtesy of Luke Fontana

Allegiance is more personal than any other Broadway show I’ve done. The stakes are so much higher because this is part of my husband’s and daughter’s history.

This is something I need to do for them.

How has “Allegiance” evolved from its original run in San Diego to Broadway?

Oh… it has grown by leaps and bounds. So many songs were thrown out since then while new ones were written during the last New York lab in 2013 and for the Broadway production in 2015. Jay Kuo was obviously very busy. Kei also becomes a more active participant in the resistance movement and many of the revelations made during the end of the San Diego version are clarified.

We also now have a brandnew finale. We are on Week 3 of previews which means another week of changes.

Do you and George compare notes about tweeting and posting on Facebook?

Actually, we don’t talk about social media very much when

we’re together.

What’s it like to sing—and kiss—your ex-boyfriend onstage?

It’s much easier than anyone would think! Michael and I have only the deepest respect for one another. We dated about 15 years ago so our relationship is ancient history. We’re in Allegiance as actors and professionals and approach it as such. But we do have a lot of fun working together and our chemistry is genuine.

There’s plenty of trust that goes between us and ultimately that’s what chemistry is. We watch each other’s back. That’s important for a tandem to work.

Can you talk about how your fan base hasn’t stopped growing over the years?

Needless to say, I’m very grateful for the love being showered on the show and on all of us.

I have The Voice of the Philippines and The Voice Kids (airing on TFC outside of the Philippines) to thank for exposing me to a wider audience which seems to be the same audience coming to Allegiance.

3 Philippine islands declared as the best in the world by Condé Nast Traveler

by OliVia

estRada Inquirer.net

MAYBE it shouldn’t come as a surprise to us but according to Condé Nast Traveler the best island in the world is right here in the Philippines. Palawan topped the list of the Best Islands in the World Awards category in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards. Also in the list are Cebu and Boracay at no. 19 and no.

15, respectively.

Garnering an overall ranking of

85.937, Palawan beat out famous and historical destinations like Mykonos, the British Virgin Islands, and Bali. It is also the second time the island topped the said list, getting the honor at last year’s awards as well. In the write-up, Condé Nast notes how tourists are mainly attracted to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the new seven natural wonders of the world.

Boracay got a rating of 80.

856 and was commended for its

beautiful sunsets along with its booming nightlife. On the other hand, Cebu got a rating of 80.404 along with praises for its beaches, shopping areas, and food spots.

The awards also include different categories that rank the best hotels, resorts, and cruise lines around the globe. Votes were taken from 128,000 travelers who were also asked for their comments and ratings before each list was narrowed down to the top 20 picks.

Palawan topped the list of the Best Islands in the World Awards category in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards.

Why Richard Gomez decided to run for mayor again

Richard Gomez

MANILA— Richard Gomez, who is running for mayor in Ormoc City in the 2016 elections, said he initially did not plan to enter politics again.

“Actually wala naman talaga akong plans to run in the next elections. I decided lang the night before the last day of filing,” he said during the press conference of his upcoming ABS-CBN show You’re My Home on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

He first tried his luck in politics when he ran for senator in 2007 but lost. In 2010, he was disqualified to run as congressman as he failed to establish the required residency in Ormoc.

This is the second time that

Richard will be vying for the position of mayor in Ormoc City.

He first ran in 2013 but lost to incumbent mayor Edward Codilla.

Next year, the two will be up against each other again as Codilla seeks for his reelection.

“Walang gustong tumakbo na mayor, so I stood up, I took the challenge. Hindi ko puwede iwanan si Lucy,” he added.

Lucy will vie for reelection as Ormoc’s representative and will be pitted against Violeta Codilla, wife of the province’s incumbent mayor.

Richard reunites with Dawn Zulueta in the upcoming TV series You’re My Home, which will air on November 9. (Philstar.com)

Model from Nueva Vizcaya crowned Miss World Philippines 2015

By Agnes

ConstAnte

AJPress

A FILIPINO-CHINESE model and children’s health advocate from Nueva Vizcaya was crowned Miss World Philippines 2015 during a pageant held at the Solaire Resort Casino in Paranaque City on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Hillarie Danielle Ang Parungao, 24, beat 25 other candidates to represent the Philippines in the Miss World 2015 competition to be held on Dec. 19 in Sanya, China. In addition to winning the crown, she took home several special awards, including: best in swimsuit, best in sports challenge, best in fashion runway and best in long gown.

Parungao also excelled in the question and answer portion of the competition during the Top 13 semifinals and Top 5 finals.

“My philosophy always relies on compassion which can open doors to challenges in life. In compassion, we get to understand people, and in understanding people, we become a better society,” she said, according to Manila Bulletin.

“Let us not forget why I will be on stage, and that is so I can get a bigger platform (the crown) to speak and do more for the children.”

In an interview with Philstar,

Parungao, who placed third runner-up when she represented the Philippines in the Miss Asia Pacific World pageant last year, said she entered the pageant because she believed it would open more opportunities for her and allow her voice to be heard. “[I] have an advocacy and I really want to focus on that. And I was looking for a better venue for that. A better venue for me to have a voice and what would be [better] than Miss World Philippines,” she said.

The 5’7’’ beauty queen recently started a program, “Katuwang: A Fight Against Child Mortality,” which aims to eliminate child mortality by spreading awareness on health needs and issues facing children. She has so far organized volunteers in informing families about proper nutrition intake and carrying out regular physical tests of children, Manila Bulletin reported.

Additionally, in September, she put together a fun run to raise funds for health programs for children.

The first, second, third and fourth princesses of the pageant were Marita Cassandra Naidas, Mia Allyson Howell, Maria Vanessa Wright and Emma Mary Tiglao, respectively.

Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Daanielle Parungao.

october 23-29, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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8th ‘One Kapamilya Go’ in the US comes to historic Oracle Arena on Oct 25

ABS-CBN TFC’s ‘Pangako Sa Yo’s’ Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Jodi Sta Maria, Angelica Panganiban, Ian Veneracion, Thou “Takong Reyes”, DJ Jhaiho “Coring” with Charice, Morissette and Erik Santos promise grand family fun and big surprises

OAKLAND— Come this Sunday, October 25, the storied halls of Oracle Arena in Oakland, California—the home of 2015 NBA Champions Golden State Warriors, the largest NBA arena in California and a premier entertainment venue—will not only be filled with just hardcore basketball enthusiasts or the fanatics of giant performing artists like U2, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, One Direction or Katy Perry, all of whom have performed in the arena; for the first time ever in history, a Filipino company will bring an all-Filipino cast for one of the most anticipated Filipino events in the US this year: the concert festival, One Kapamilya Go 2015 sa Oracle Arena.

Produced by ABS-CBN International’s The Filipino Channel (TFC), a global brand that offers, among others, the world’s most widely distributed premium and on demand channel showing Filipino content on multiple platforms, One Kapamilya Go sa Oracle Arena is bringing the main cast of the the top-rating Philippine romantic drama TV series, Pangako Sa ‘Yo (The Promise), namely, the most widely followed young Filipino loveteam of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla known as “KathNiel”, and respected, popular actresses Jodi Sta Maria, Angelica Panganiban and actor Ian Veneracion. Joining them are supporting castmates who have caught viewer attention for their comic skills: Thou “Takong”Reyes and DJ Jhaiho “Coring”. The “TFC Live Experience” of the teleserye, Pangako Sa Yo, is also layered with a “Galing ng Filipino” showcase featuring international musical powerhouse icons and singing champions, Charice, Morissette and Erik Santos.

Back-to-back giant Filipino events during Fil-Am History Month “We are proud and pleased with what TFC has offered the Inquirer.net photo by Armin Adina Filipino community in the US

this October which is Filipino American History month,” said Ricky Resurreccion, ABS-CBN North America Head of Ad Sales, Trade Marketing and Events and Project Head of One Kapamilya Go. “After delivering the historic Philippines vs the World boxing event at StubHub Center last October 17 with ALA International and ABS-CBN Sports + Action, where our Filipino boxing heroes defeated all their opponents in stirring fashion and raised the flag of “Pinoy Pride”, we now bring the live action to the San Francisco Bay Area to continue making new history, this time with the 8th edition of One Kapamilya Go in the US where this event brand started before it went global.

This time, we celebrate by holding this event in a venue where the biggest and brightest sports and entertainment acts have performed. One Kapamilya Go and TFC’s fans and subscribers will be in very good company.”

From audience to cast member: A TFC live experience For One Kapamilya Go this year, TFC North America made

sure that this is not the usual concert and festival with booth activities, games and prizes. All those elements are present, but there is so much more.

• My Inamorata “We want to have a dynamic interaction and engagement with our audience, most of whom are avid followers of Pangako Sa ‘Yo. So, one of the activities we came up with is the ‘My Inamorata’ contest,” said Resurreccion.

He continued: “Essentially, we encourage ladies to come in their most elegant Amor Powers attire. Ten will be called on stage and one of the 10 will be chosen

by Amor de Jesus-Powers (Jodi Sta Maria) and Claudia Zalameda Buenavista (Angelica Panganiban) as recipient of the Inamorata necklace. This lucky winner will also be serenaded by Eduardo Buenavista (Ian Veneracion) himself. It’s a live experience, and the contestants will feel like they’re part of the cast.”

• King Teen Fan Some of those who posted their fan photos on social media with heartthrob Daniel Padilla with the hashtag

#DanielRocksOKGo have been selected and will be featured on a video wall during his performance at One Kapamilya Go. • Launch of TFC live App in the US One of the most anticipated activities at the event is the launch of the TFC Live App in the US. Using one’s mobile phone, tablet or laptop, One Kapamilya Go attendees can go to kapamilya.com/tfclive, click the Event and check out the Event Splash Page, continue then log in or create an account. Once registered and validated, the attendees will have access to coupons below.

• myRemit and StarKargo Be one of the first 100 attendees to present a digital coupon at the TFC Padala Booth and receive a special gift bag.

• ABS-CBN Mobile SIM Attendees can save $3.99 in shipping and handling fees when they buy an ABS-CBN Mobile SIM and present this coupon.

• Pangako Sa ‘Yo Attendees can present this Continued on Page 4

october 23-29, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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Horizon Family Dental Group: Family-owned, community-trusted

As a unique, family-owned and operated dentistry, at Horizon Family Dental Group we understand the importance of full health. With over 60 years of dental knowledge combined, our dentists are well-trained, experienced, and sensitive to the needs of families, providing comprehensive, patient-centered care from head to toe--not just their teeth.

Dental treatment can be costly--we provide in-house interest free payment plans, and accept all types of PPO insurance.

We also do home visits! We understand that there is a person attached to every tooth, and that our patients are people, not dollar signs. At our office, we are committed to providing the best care for each and every one of our patients, as though they were our own family members.

Dr. Myoli Landig received her extensive training and graduated from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni school of Dentistry, and recently joined the family business to help her parents, Dr. Hector Z. Landig, and Dr. Yolanda Herrero-Landig.

“What I love most about my job is being able to help people and make meaningful connections. Whether it be a patient in pain, suffering from low self-esteem, inability to eat, etcetera, as a dentist I have the distinct opportunity to help people. Taking the time to chat and getting to know our patients can create bonds beyond the dental chair,” said Dr. Myoli, who is inspired by her family’s work ethic, and also hopes to open her own solo practice in the future.

Along with helping patients, the Landigs often make medical mission trips to the Philippines, helping to serve the great dental needs of their own community.

According to the American Dental Association, roughly 50% of children ages 5 to 9 years old have at least one cavity or filling. Is your child one of them?

Poor oral health can negatively

EMPLOYMENT

Dr. Miyoli H. Landig, Dr. Yolanda Herrero-Landig and Dr. Hector Z. Landig

affect a child’s self-esteem, lead to absences from school, impact the ability to eat, and cause unwanted shifting of permanent teeth. If left untreated, oral cavity infections can be life-threatening.

Visiting the dentist regularly is the quickest way to prevent these issues! We recommend seeing our patients at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Don’t be afraid to visit your family dentist, who can recognize these issues!

At Horizon Family Dental, we offer general family and esthetic dentistry: diagnostic, preventative, periodontics (deep cleaning), restorative (fillings, crowns, bridges), root canals,

prosthodontics (partial and full dentures), oral surgery (tooth extractions including wisdom teeth), and smile designs (including but not limited to veneers, crowns, in-office and take home whitening).

We also have holiday specials for Zoom whitening, $100 off Zoom in-office and take home whitening, with added incentive for referrals.

Visit your family dentist today!

Parents, bring your kids in today for a FREE consultation with Dr. Myoli Landig at one of our convenient locations in Diamond Bar (909-396-5161) and Panorama City (818-920-3959).

(Advertising Supplement)

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

Bookshop celebrates Fil-Am History Month RAnCHO Palos Verdes— Marissa Aroy, an Emmy Awardwinning filmmaker will show her documentary film The Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers on saturday, October 24, 2015. sponsored by Philippine Expressions Bookshop, the 30minute film chronicles the untold story of Filipino farmworkers who instigated one of the biggest labor struggles in American history - the Delano Grape strike of 1965. Led

by Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz and Pete Velasco, the Manongs (a Filipino term of respect for an older man), helped create the United Farm Workers Union (UFW). While the movement is known for Cesar Chavez’s leadership and considered a Chicano movement, Filipinos played a pivotal role.

Filipino labor organizer, Larry Itliong, a cigar-chomping union veteran, organized a group of 1500 Filipinos to strike against the grape growers of Delano, California, beginning a collaboration between Filipinos, Chicanos and other ethnic workers that would go on for years. The film will start at 4pm and will end with a Q & A. Visit http://laapff.festpro.com/ films/detail/delano_manongs_ forgotten_heroes_of_the_2014 and the facebook page of Marissa Aroy at www.facebook.com/ marissa.aroy?fref=ts.

Also part of the program is a book talk at 5pm by Bay Area author Patty Enrado who will

be signing her book, A Village in the Field. A debut novel, it is an intricately detailed story of love, loss, and human dignity spanning more than eight decades and sweeps from the Philippines to the United states.

In the vein of The Grapes of Wrath, the book pays tribute to the sacrifices that Filipino immigrant farm workers made to bring justice to the fields. www. indybay.org/ newsitems/2015/08/22/18776504. php Visit the facebook page of Patty Enrado: www.facebook. com/penradowrites.

At 6pm, a featurelength documentary called Remembering Our Manongs will be shown. Produced by six Filipino American women, it explores the local history and culture highlighting the Filipino immigrants of mostly single young men who settled in sonoma County beginning in the 1920s. The manongs’ story is one of tenacity and endurance coupled with an extraordinary sense of community. In the film, their inspirational story is told by surviving family members, descendants of former employers, and other key figures in sonoma County. This was the project of the Filipino American national Historical society, sonoma County Chapter, and their website is http://fanhssonoma. org/index.html The event is free and open to the public. since seats are limited,

RsVP is requested. Call (310) 5149139 or email Linda nietes-Little: linda@philbooks.us. The venue is the Croatian Cultural Center which is located at 510 West 7th street corner Pacific Avenue, san Pedro, CA where Philippine Expressions Bookshop has a showroom for art, books and culture. The showroom is open by appointment only.

An ongoing community outreach program of the bookshop, the two films inaugurate the Historical Film series of Philippine Expressions Bookshop who plans to show regularly films relevant to the history and culture of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans as teaching tools for the younger generation.

The bookshop is dedicated to Filipino Americans and Filipinos in the diaspora who are searching for their roots. It was established in 1984 and this year, it celebrates thirty-one years of service to Filipinos in the diaspora.

PO Box 2401, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274.

(310) 514-9139. Em-ail: Info@ philippineexpressionsbookshop. com or linda@philbooks.us.

Blog: philippineexpressionsbookshop. wordpress.com Website: philippineexpressionsbookshop. com FC: https://www.facebook. com/pages/Friends-of-PhilippineExpressions-Bookshop/ 117114331642340?ref=ts.

(Advertising Supplement)

8th ‘One Kapamilya Go’ in the US comes...

From Page 3

coupon and avail of the free photo op that captures the fun and colorful ambience of Casa Corazon at the Pangako Sa ‘Yo booth.

• TFC.tv Present this digital coupon and get the chance to win a free exclusive mobile gadget from TFC. tv at its booth.

• ABs-CBn sports + Action Booth visitors here can get coupons that grant them access to a photo opportunity with the Golden state Warriors’ 2015 nBA Championship trophy with the Warrior girls from 4pm-5pm.

• TFC@theMovies Present this digital coupon

and get 30% off the romantic novel turned star Cinema movie, One More Chance.

• The Cast Party Those who registered at http://www.kapamilya.com/ tfclive from October 19-25 automatically gets a raffle entry. A winner will be drawn on October 25 during the pre-show. The winner can bring 4 friends to attend the Cast Party of One Kapamilya Go. One Kapamilya Go sa Oracle Arena is made possible by the following: presenting partners Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel Inc., Philippine Airlines, Financial Rescue LLC, DIRECTV, Asian Journal and MX3; sponsors

SERVICES

Jollibee, LBC, Google Philippines, Remitly, Law Offices of John C. Ye, sMDC, Mega sardines, Mang Tomas, Datu Puti, Magnolia, Puregold, Xoom, Western Union, Mama sita’s, Amaia, Avida, Century Properties, Megaworld International, Cherry’s salon & Cosmetics; Microtel by Wyndham, Lorins Patis, MoneyGram, Transfast, Debt Aid Consulting, Mangga Unlimited, FimAm star, Inquirer.net, Philippine news, Manila Mail and Manila-U.s.

Times.

For more information on One Kapamilya Go sa Oracle Arena and how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.tfc-usa.com/okgo/ (Advertising Supplement)

october 23-29, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

seafood food service ad fpfc

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october 23-29, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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The curious case of stephen C. Davis: A ghost story

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (First of 2 parts)

FEss up J. K. Rowling. That scene in one of the harry Potter books where eerie sounds and strange occurrences caused by a ghost in residence were coming from — of all places— the toilet stalls, in hogwarts is not all that original. Because it happened years ago, not as fiction but as part of reality — my reality, that is.

Just for kicks during my halcyon days as a full-time working /full-time grad student at the university of the Philippines long ago, I had agreed to act as medium for a sĂŠance or a hypnotic session to conjure or call the spirit or spirits that were causing a disturbance.

I took over from another medium in a previous session weeks earlier conducted by a Jesuit priest from the Ateneo, Fr. Bulatao. There were repeated paranormal disturbances at the old building where I worked, a stone’s throw from the Institute of Mass Communication (now called by another name) where I was a grad student at night while working during the day as a full time research associate of what was then the Institute of Environmental Planning, now called the school of urban & Regional Planning. That haunted building has been razed and there stands a newer multi-story building.

At night, the custodian claimed that when all the rooms were locked up and no one was inside, there were eerie noises that would make the hair on the back of one’s neck stand on end. The occurrences were so frequent and so disruptive, ignoring them and pretending life was normal was no longer an option. someone finally did something about it and called on Fr. Bulatao to help shed light on the mysterious goings-on at the institute. I simply avoided the rest rooms and steered away from isolated areas of the building and never stayed in the building past sundown.

Professor Cynthia Turingan

â€œâ€ŚQuite plainly, there are things in this world that cannot be defined, completely understood and pegged in a nice, neat box ‌â€? was the first medium. under hypnosis, she revealed that an American soldier, an enlisted man, by the name of stephen Davies (his name was spelled with an e in the surname) was murdered at the location right smack dab where the building stood. Details of a murder story flowed out of her like a gusher. But then it came to an abrupt halt when the door to the room where the session was being held, for no apparent reason, suddenly burst open.

The medium snapped out of the hypnotic trance feeling extremely limp and exhausted as though she had traveled many miles across a desert without water. I stood up and with a nonchalant shrug of my shoulders calmly closed the door.

Dissatisfied with the aborted session, the group decided to hold another. Professor Turingan was unavailable for the next session and I was drafted to act as medium, a role which I accepted on a lark and a dare.

There was a thunderstorm raging outside but I don’t remember much of what I said when I went on a trance. I do remember feeling very light, as though weightless, while someone gently whispered things to my ear. Later, I learned that under hypnotic suggestion, I was instructed to go back to 1945, the year that the medium revealed when the alleged murder of the American soldier occurred.

I described the place as I saw it — an open field, a moonless night, quonset huts and a heavy sense of foreboding in the air.

During the session, the same stephen Davies revealed the name of his murderer. he said he

was hit on the head by a piece of wood while he was out on patrol one night and was robbed of his money. The ghost revealed details about his murderer: his assailant’s name, the exact address where he lived, describing him as an old man by that time, languishing in jail for other crimes he committed and that the house where the murderer used to live on J.P. Rizal street in Makati was eventually destroyed by fire. he was asked about the name of his wife and where she lived, questions upon questions which the ghost said were “not important� but pressed further, he said that his wife had remarried and pleaded not to bother his wife anymore. he said that he was not the only spirit hovering in the area and that there were many others.

Asked about how he felt, he said that he was lonely and that he just wants to be remembered.

Over and over again, he said he wanted to be remembered. he ignored questions about his past brushing them aside for the one thing he wanted — that he be remembered. his bones, he said, lay scattered and mixed with the soil in the same area which was leveled years earlier by a bulldozer. The ghost of the dead soldier requested that a mass be said on a sunny day in his remembrance — a request the group readily granted him. shortly after, the eerie occurrences seemed to stop. (To be continued) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

12 simple things Filipinos can do to help PH progress morally, economically and politically

The Metamorphosis

ErniE D. DElfin (Part 2 of 2)

�Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.�

- James 2:17 6. If you are an employee, be the best employee you can be, and if possible have a second job, to be able to sAVE for your future, to ensure that your own children will have a better future. Be ambitious and choose your role models wisely. Be an entrepreneur like your employer, while you are young.

Many business owners you met, especially the Chinese nationals, started their businesses even at the bottom of the pyramid, like collecting or buying and reselling empty bottles or scrap iron and anything. Many years later they own the only hardware store in town!

7. If you are a priest or a clergy, teach the real meaning of the beatitudes, and not just literally. For example, when Bible says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.� The meaning is not to be poor literally but oftentimes poor people use the Bible as their crutch or justification that it is okay to be poor! God never wanted his children to be poor, but they are given the free will to be poor or to be rich, materially or spiritually.

8. Be the best neighbor you

can be. Perpetuate the bayanihan spirit, one of the most enduring and beautiful traits we Filipinos have and this trait must last forever!

9. Be proud to be a Filipino despite the shenanigans of many of our leaders. If the Philippine society is likened a huge bucket of water that is polluted by a few drops of ink or impurities (graft and corruption) let us demand a stop of adding more more ink or impurity into the bucket. Instead, let’s pour more buckets of clear unpolluted water continuously for months or years, may be, and soon the water in the bucket becomes clean and pure too!

10. Continue to believe in the goodness of the Filipino -- with the family and its culture: being happy, flexible, compassionate, and yes, can manage to laugh and smile despite the natural calamities like during Yolanda, happening around him!

11. To all the OFWs and Filipina nannies all over the world, teach and influence your “alagas� -- the young babies of your masters -- to learn our language, our songs and culture and to love their nannies as their surrogate mothers too. Who knows that in the future when these toddlers become adults and become the kings or prime ministers of their

country, the Philippines can be one of beneficiaries of their love and affection because of you!

12. Be bold to fight for what is right, even though you are in the minority. And, if you are a true leader, you should and you must be able to scold or reprimand your people if what they are doing is not right. (I am so pleased and proud of this rare leadership quality of my cousin, Mayor Boying Alarcio of our town of Laoac Pangasinan, whom I personally witnessed him scolding his constituents, when he believes his people did wrong! May your kind of a leader, multiply, my dear Mayor!)

Last, but not the least, have faith in Divine Providence that eventually will lead the triumph of Good over Evil. so, let us do our best to be good all the time, even though nobody is looking as God sees everything. sooner or later we get the reward of our good works.

The law of Karma, I believe, is still real!

As a postscript, I strongly recommend the movie War Room. serendipitously, the movie parallels the theme of this column that I started before hand.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! *** Email: ernie.delfin@gmail.com Website: www.gkerc.org

GOLDEN. Babes and Doy Ordoyo celebrated their 50th-golden wedding anniversary last October 10 St.Peter’s Italian Church. A reception followed at the Casa Italiana in Chinatown, DTLA after the renewal of vows. The wedding party and program followed. Shown in photo are the Caratao Family (Dr.Mark, Rosalie and Rosemarie), Perla Santos and the Ordoyo couple.

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