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Duterte says Trump’s praise on drug war made him feel ‘like a saint’

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte said he felt “like a saint” after United States President-elect Donald Trump praised him during their phone conversation last week for doing a “good” job in his brutal crackdown against illegal drugs.

In his speech at the United Nations Convention Against Corruption Implementation Review in Malacañang, Duterte said that Trump also asked him to not worry about the criticisms against his anti-narcotics campaign.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), an estimate number of 4,000 deaths has been recorded from July 1 to November 30

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

New US ambassador to PH looks forward to strengthening diplomatic ties RECENTLy appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim held a lengthy and substantive discussion with President Rodrigo Duterte after officially presenting his credentials on Tuesday, December 6.

Kim said the intertwined histories characterize the bond between the U.S. and the Philippines during a press conference following his first meeting with Duterte. He hopes to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect that will facilitate the stability and growth of that relationship.

“It is an incredible honor for me to be in the Philippines to have this opportunity to contribute to one of America’s most enduring partnerships,” Kim told reporters at Malacañang on Tuesday.

A seasoned diplomat, Kim had served as the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Korea from 2011 to 2014 and was nominated PAGE A2

in relation to Philippine government’s war on drugs — with around 1,800 people killed during legitimate police operations, while about 2,600 people slain by unknown suspects.

This has earned condemnation from the present U.S. administration under President Barack Obama and other international rights group, which in turn, supposedly triggered Duterte’s profane-laced speeches against the United States. PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, however, claimed this week that only a third of these death cases under investigation (DUI) were drug-related, while the remaining number were crimes allegedly conducted by perpetrators who were only using the governPAGE A2

CHANGE OF COMMAND. President Duterte congratulates incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año at the AFP change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Looking on are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left) and outgoing AFP Chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

US Embassy warns Americans of terror threats in PH

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE United States Embassy in Manila advised Americans to elevate their level of security awareness against the “ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence” in the Philippines.

In its official website, the embassy reminded its citizens of the recent “Worldwide Caution” issued The third suspect arrested in connection with the foiled bomb by the Department of State last Sepattack near the US embassy in Manila was presented to the media tember, declaring that there’s “an on Wednesday, Nov. 7. National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) ongoing threat of terrorist actions chief Director Oscar Albayalde told reporters in Camp Crame, and violence against U.S. citizens Quezon City that Mohammad Jumao-as, 25, was one of those who and interests abroad, including the conducted casing and surveillance in the vicinity of Rizal Park, Philippines.” where their group initially planted the improvised explosives device “The U.S. citizen community (IED) last Nov. 28.

Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos should remember that terrorists

have proven time and again their preference for ‘soft targets,’ or places that offer inherent vulnerabilities, ease of access, and the potential availability of a large number of unprotected people,” the advisory, dated December 5, read.

It also cited the recent bombing attempt near its premises, which, according to the embassy, sets “as a timely reminder of the recurring threat that terrorism and political violence pose in the Philippines.”

Last November 28, a street sweeper reportedly found an improvised explosive device (IED) in a trash bin around 25 meters from the U.S. Embassy’s gate in Manila. The explosive device was later safely

detonated, with no one injured.

According to the advisory, possible places that could be targeted by terrorists include sporting events, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and shopping malls.

“With this information comes the reminder for U.S. citizens to elevate your level of security awareness. It is imperative that you enhance your personal sense of vigilance and remain alert and cognizant of your surroundings and of those around you,” the advisory added.

The embassy also told Americans to immediately report anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement or security official.

Malacañang: Dissent, criticism welcome; ouster plots are not

by RoSette

aDel

out grievances and even dissent against the policies and MANILA – Malacañang on decisions of the administraThursday, Dec. 8, said op- tion,” the Palace said in a position to President Rodri- statement to explain Duterte’s go Duterte’s policies and to support for police officers imdecisions his administration plicated in the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando his made are all welcome.

“The president respects Espinosa Sr. Prior to his being elected and upholds the constitutional rights of our people to voice president, Duterte repeatedly Philstar.com

said he is open to criticism. He said it is part of the territory of governance and democracy.

Some of Duterte’s decisions -- including an order to reinstate Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 8 director Superintendent Marvin Marcos, allowing a hero’s burial for the late President PAGE A2 Vice President Leni Robredo this week quit the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte

CA senator moves UN warns: PH will violate pact to block Trump’s Duterte assures Robredo policies with ‘Fight if it restores death penalty she’ll finish VP term for California’ bills

after she was asked to stop attending meetings at the Palace. On Thursday, Dec. 9, Duterte said Robredo will be able to finish her term as vice president amid rumors that defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has a plan to “steal” the post from her.

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

CALIFORNIA State Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) introduced bills on Monday, December 5, aimed at preempting some of the controversial proposals put forth by President-elect Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.

The “Fight for California” package consists of three proposed items of legislation. Two of the bills introduced would challenge efforts by the Trump administration to build a wall separating California and Mexico or implement a Muslim registry.

“We’re not going to allow a wall that harms our environment and our econoPAGE A2

The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights warned the Philippines that it will violate an international agreement if its government allowed the reimposition of death penalty in the country.

Early this week, the death penalty bill hurdled the committee level in the House of Representatives.

In an open letter addressed to Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, UN Commissioner

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein expressed his concerns over the pending measure to restore capital punishment in the Philippines.

“The Philippines would violate its obligations under international human rights law if it reintroduced the death penalty, I appeal to you and all members of Congress to uphold the international human rights obligations of the Philippines and maintain the abolition of the death penalty,” Al Hussein said in his letter.

Al Hussein also reminded the Philippines that it has PAGE A4

by alexiS

RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA - President Duterte yesterday vowed to retain the country’s Vice President until her term ends, days after she resigned from the Cabinet complaining of a “plot to steal” her position.

Vice President Leni Robredo resigned as housing secretary on Monday, Dec. 5, saying she would still support the President but would challenge some policies, such as the deadly war on drugs and moves to reinstate the death penalty.

There is no plot to unseat Robredo, Duterte said, adding that he has no quarrel with her despite his decision to exclude her from Cabinet meetings.

“I will assure Leni and the rest of the Bicol region that you will have her until the very end of her term,” Duterte said in a chance interview in Albay yesterday. “And there is no such PAGE A2

A

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december 9-15, 2016 • Oc/Ie ASIAN JOUrNAL

From the Front Page

Duterte says Trump’s praise...

PAGE A1 ment’s intensified campaign against drugs.

“You know, you just said something good here and you’re doing great. I know what’s your worry about these Americans criticizing you. You are doing

good, go ahead,” Duterte said on Thursday, December 7, quoting Trump.

According to Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte’s special advisor, the two leaders had a conversation on Friday night, December 2. Go said the call,

which started at 10:30 p.m.

(PHT), lasted over in just about seven minutes.

“So now, if you listen to Trump talk to me, I have become like a saint,” Duterte remarked.

At the same time, Duterte said that during their phone conversation, Trump told him that he wanted to “fix” the “bad relations” between the United States and the Philippines.

“Oh President Duterte, we should fix our bad relations,” Duterte said, quoting Trump.

In his previous comment about the phone call, the Philippine president related that he was invited to visit the White House next year.

In response to the White House invitation, Duterte said he also invited Trump to attend the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, which will be hosted by the Philippines.

Trump, who won the recent U.S. presidential election against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, will assume office this coming January, succeeding Obama.

According to Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Obama earlier suggested that President-elect Trump and President Duterte’s seemingly similar “temperament” could play a great factor in boosting the two countries’ relationship.

DUTERTE’S KITCHEN. Street children eat hot “lugaw” (porridge) at “Duterte’s Kitchen,” serving free meals three times a day from Monday to Saturday at PDP-Laban Headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City. Program Director Dexter Araquel said the kitchen was adopted from a similar program of then Mayor Duterte in Davao and they hope to expand to other locations nationwide, through the help of volunteers and food donations.

Inquirer.net photo by Nino Jesus Orbeta

Malacañang: Dissent, criticism welcome...

PAGE A1 Ferdinand Marcos and his war on drugs despite the number of drug-related deaths -- have been met by criticism and protests.

The Presidential Communications Office, however, said Duterte “will not condone any unlawful move to wrest power from all duly-elected officials of the government, including him-

self.”

On Wednesday, Duterte alleged that “yellows,” referring to the campaign color used by the Liberal Party, wanted him out because they cannot accept defeat.

He also insinuated that Vice President Leni Robredo is plotting his ouster.

The decimated LP -- down to

Duterte assures Robredo she’ll finish...

PAGE A1

thing as removing a Vice President. What’s the crime?”

On Sunday, Robredo said Duterte had barred her from attending Cabinet meetings, prompting her to quit as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Malacañang officials explained that Duterte made the decision because of “irreconcilable differences” with the Vice President. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said that Duterte was “uncomfortable” with some of her “engagement with certain political actions.”

The Vice President has been critical of the administration, especially in relation to the alleged extrajudicial killings and the burial of former president Ferdinand Marcos, father of her rival former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Robredo also claimed that plots to steal the vice presidency from her are now in motion. Earlier, she said she chose to ignore the warnings about the plans to unseat her so she could focus on her job at HUDCC. “We had hoped this day would not come. I had been warned of a plot to steal the vice presidency. I have chosen to ignore this and focus on the job at hand.

But the events of the recent days indicate that this plot is now being set into motion,” she was quoted saying.

Robredo is facing an election protest before the Supreme Court filed by former senator Marcos, whom she defeated by a slim margin of more than 200,000 votes.

Robredo has criticized Duterte’s decision to allow the burial of the late dictator at the heroes’ cemetery.

Robredo has also called out the President for making what she described as “tasteless” and “inappropriate” remarks about her knees and her outfit.

Robredo is a member of the Liberal Party, the dominant political group during the previous administration.

No rift Despite their parting of ways, Duterte claimed that he has no rift with Robredo.

“I don’t have any quarrel with Leni. I don’t want to pick a fight with a lady,” the President said.

Duterte, however, claimed that the demonstrations were staged by “yellows” or people identified with the previous administration to oust him.

Early this week, Duterte’s spokespersons claimed that Robredo’s exclusion from Cabinet meetings had nothing to do with alleged plots to take away the vice presidency from her.

“I don’t know about the plot, but I think that’s quite stretched,” Abella said in a chance interview.

“That may be her opinion. But as far as I know from the Cabinet part, (there’s no plan to unseat her).”

Robredo was a one-term congresswoman from Naga City, located in Bicol.

In earlier speeches, Duterte also accused the opposition of using street protests against the Marcos burial as a pretext to force him out of office and make way for Robredo.

The 52-year-old Robredo did not give details of the alleged plot to “steal” the vice presidency, but said it was telling that Marcos had accompanied Duterte on an official visit to China in October, during which the President said he could be the vice president by next year.

around 30 seats in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate -- has denied that there are any plots to unseat Duterte.

The party’s members are in the majority blocs of both Houses of Congress.

Robredo has also denied being behind any plot, saying she does not have the political ability to oust the president.

Her camp also expressed alarm over the reported plan to recount the votes in last May’s vice presidential race without the “direction” of the Supreme Court sitting as Presidential Election Tribunal.

Robredo did not give details of the supposed plot to snatch the vice presidency from her, but she mentioned “obstacles” that made her job as housing chief difficult.

She noted that in barely five months since she took over the helm at the HUDCC, the housing agencies had made “solid” accomplishments even as she thought Duterte would support her despite their differences on issues related to housing.

Robredo also said that all her recommended appointments for key shelter agencies have not been acted on by Malacañang.

Mentioning her policy differences with Duterte, Robredo said she took the job as housing secretary hoping that “this shared commitment to the poor and marginalized would transcend the differences between us.”

Last month, Robredo slammed Duterte after he joked about her legs and smooth knees.

“Tasteless remarks and inappropriate advances against women should have no place in our society. We should expect that most of all from our leaders,” she said.

Robredo, however, vowed to continue supporting the “positive initiatives” of the administration even after resigning from Duterte’s Cabinet.

New US ambassador to PH looks forward...

PAGE A1 to his most recent position by President Barack Obama on Thursday, May 19.

He also acted as the special representative of the United States for North Korean Policy.

Additionally, he acted as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks, which aimed for the peaceful resolution relating to security concerns amid the discovery of the North Korean nuclear weap-

PAGE A1

ons program.

The Korean-born immigrant moved to the U.S. at the age of 13 and became a citizen in 1980.

He went on to earn a doctorate in law from Loyola University Law School in Los Angeles and a masters of law from the London School of Economics.

On Tuesday, Kim said he is ready to learn more firsthand about the Philippines and its people, and is looking forward

to enhancing the country’s ties to the U.S. “I look forward to working closely with the Philippines’ government and Filipino people to expand our relationship and to engage in many areas of mutual interest,” Kim said.

He succeeds former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, who has been a subject of criticism by Duterte. (Eric Anthony Licas / AJPress)

CA senator moves to block Trump’s...

my,” said Lara in a statement released on Monday. “We’re not going to allow personal data on individual Californians’ religious beliefs to be used to compile an unconstitutional database.”

Legislation put forth by the senator would prohibit state agencies from divulging information about individual Californians’ religions with the federal government for the purposes of creating such a database. The suggested bill is not intended to interfere with communications between local and federal law enforcement, according to Monday’s statement.

Another proposal in the package would require voter approval for the construction of a border wall. Lara said such a project would have a detrimental effect on trade and tourism and pose a risk to the state’s endangered species and river watersheds.

The third piece of legislation would sever ties between local governments and for-profit immigration detention centers. It would also require detention facilities to adhere to health and safety standards set forth

by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Reports describing abuse and substandard housing conditions at some privately run detention centers led the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to decide on Thursday, August 18, that it would leave contracts with for-profit facilities to lapse, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

However, the DOJ has renewed a contract with CoreCivic (previously known as Corrections Corporation of America), one of the country’s largest operators of private detention centers in the U.S., according to a report published

by Mother Jones on Thursday, November 16.

In August, the Department

of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, initiated a review of its use of private detention centers. In their findings, auditors said financial concerns and a lack of facilities to replace private institutions would require the department to continue its reliance on them, according to a draft report of the investigation released on Thursday, December 1.

Lara’s statement on Monday did not address alternatives for housing immigrants detained in California. The detention center bill included in the “Fight for California” package is an older proposal that had previously been vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

This time around, Lara hopes state legislators will adhere with California’s progressive identity.

“We’re going to fight for California and for our values of democracy, freedom, and basic human decency,” the state senator said. n

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Dateline USa

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • dECEmbER 9-15, 2016

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Holiday charity scam warning from Dept. of Consumer Protection

Launching of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) in Washington, D.C., with meetings in the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and J.W. Marriott Hotel Conference Hall. In photo are new IAPP Global Co-Chairmen Jose de Venecia and Dan Burton (4th and 3rd from right), former Nepal Premier Madhav Nepal, first Black woman elected to the Parliament of Canada, Rep. Jean Augustine, UPF President Thomas Walsh, and Washington Times Chairman and Publisher Thomas McDevitt.

80 of World’s richest men own 60% of world’s wealth Propose mix of best elements of capitalism and socialism; suggest meeting of Islam’s two warring forces, Iran and Saudi Arabia in Mecca

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Former Philippine Speaker Jose de Venecia, newly-elected President of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) has asked governments and parliaments “to combine forces to tackle the almost incredible but all too real problem of the richest one percent (1%) or 80 of the world’s richest individuals owning sixty percent (60%) of the wealth of the world, or the same amount shared by 3.5 billion who occupy the bottom half of the world’s income scale.”

Speaking successively at the premises of the Kennedy Caucus Room of the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and at the J.W. Marriott Hotel conference hall with his co-Chairman Dan Burton, former 30-years senior U.S. Congressman, de Venecia quoted prestigious international charity OXFAM: “America’s 300,000 richest individuals now collectively enjoy almost or much income as the bottom 150 million.”

“In the Philippines, the income and social gap is so great that like Disraeli’s Britain in the 1840s, the rich and the poor

among us have become virtually ‘two nations’.”

In 2011, the richest Philippine families accounted for 76% of our country’s gross national income. The two richest families alone together held 6% of our entire economy” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, February, 2016) De Venecia, five-time Speaker of the Philippines’ House of Representatives and concurrently Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), with more than 300 ruling, opposition and independent parties in Asia, said, “The two nations situation, the incredibly huge gap between the rich and the poor, still exists in many countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa and a number of cities in Europe and North America.”

He pointed out that in IAPP, “we observe that inequality is an unavoidable result of market operations. Inequality is the price of capitalist dynamism.

Left to itself, rapid economic growth accelerates income inequality.”

“Then, too, growth benefits most of all those best-equipped with the education, the skills

and the capital to take advantage of the opportunities the expanding economy offers,” he added.

But inequality, though unavoidable, de Venecia pointed out “can be mitigated—made less painful—by government activity and by parliamentary action. And it is right that the state and parliaments should do so—because economic insecurity, if left to itself, will steadily erode social order and eventually generate a backlash against the economic system as a whole.

“So that governments, parliaments must make growth work deliberately for the poor. And, in my view, leaders, political parties, parliaments and governments succeed best when in their policies they combine the individual initiative that capitalism stimulates with socialism’s compassion for those whom development leaves behind,” he pointed out.

“In my country, successive governments have whittled down poverty—from 26% five years ago to 22% this June.

And the new President Duterte government goal is to reduce poverty incidence to only 13%

OVER the past year, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has processed nearly 150 complaints specifically related to charities, which is a sharp increase from previous years largely due to DCP’s outreach and education charities regarding proper registration.

During such a busy time of year where consumers are eager to give back – DCP wants to make sure consumers are prepared to say no to scams or bad deals, and reputable charities are appropriately registered.

“We understand that consumers want to give back to their communities, and we encourage them to. That said, it’s important for consumers to do their research on charities ahead of a time, and make a giving plan this holiday season,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner, Jonathan A. Harris, “We want to make this process easy for consumers, so in addition to going after bad actors, we have also been proactively working with new or smaller charity organizations to make sure they’re registered appropriately. That way, we can spend more of our valuable time on the sham charities that are stealing consumers’ hard earned cash.”

DCP encourages consumers to make a plan for giving this season, and stick to it in order by 2022. This goal will entail raising 1.5 million people from poverty every year,” de Venecia said.

He recalled that when he last spoke at the Heritage Foundation in Washington and at the United Nations University in Barcelona, Spain in 2011, he proposed a “rethink of the dominant global political and economic system and suggested that there might be merit in bringing together the best elements of both capitalism and socialism in a new applied art of governance, based on what works best for a particular society over a specific historical period.

De Venecia said that the paramount leader Deng Xiaopeng, hero of China’s successful modernization and opening to the world, advocated-- in fact started off -- a Chinese economic sysPAGE A4

to protect their finances, avoid falling victim to a scams, or giving to charities who misrepresent how they’re using a consumers hard earned money.

Here are some tips that consumers can follow in order to protect themselves: How can consumers spot a charity scam?

A scammer will: • Refuse to give you details about its identity, mission, costs or how your money will be used; • Not give you proof that your donation is tax deductible; • Use a name that is similar to a well-known charity to impersonate them; • Thank you for a pledge that you do not remember making, and ask for more money; • Pressure you to donate right away; • Ask for donations in cash or via a wire transfer; • Offer to send a delivery service to pick-up the donation immediately • Promise you a sweepstakes winning in exchange for the donation. (You never have to give money to be eligible for a sweepstake).

What can consumers do?

Don’t engage If a phone caller or door to door sales person displays the traits listed above, hang up the phone, or don’t engage. We un-

derstand consumers want to be polite, but if you don’t engage, you don’t get scammed.

Research a charity - Get the exact name of the charity so you can research them if you’re considering giving; - Verify that a charity is registered appropriately at www. elicense.ct.gov; - Search the name of the charity online with the word “scam” or “complaint”; - Do some research on the charity’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau, Charity Watch or Guidestar.

- Learn how the charity spends its money with Charity Navigator.

Make a plan Make a plan for giving each giving season by researching charities you trust, and reviewing your budget.

Stick to your plan. If a charity OR a scammer sends you a solicitation that doesn’t fall inside of your plan - don’t adjust what you have already planned at the last minute.

Consumers may file a complaint regarding a charity at dcp.frauds@ct.gov, and charities with registration questions may email us at dcp.charities@ ct.gov. We also can always be reached at (860) 713-6100 or Toll-Free in CT at (800) 8422649.

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december 9-15, 2016 • Oc/Ie ASIAN JOUrNAL

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Commemorating Pearl Harbor and the heroism of Filipino World War II veterans

SELFIE WITH RODY. President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a selfie with Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, one of the guests during of the Christmas lighting ceremony at Malacañang on Monday, Dec. 5.

ManilaTimes.net photo

California unsure what to do with 100 million dead trees Sen. Feinstein urges USDA for federal aid

by Eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

SENATOR Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday, November 29, to revisit her request for federal aid to help crews clear over 100 million dead trees posing hazards throughout California’s forests.

The state’s tree mortality rate has risen sharply over the past six years, according to estimates by the U.S. Forest Service based on aerial surveys.

An estimated 62 million have died this year alone.

Dried out, free standing timber throughout California threatens to collapse on nearby structures and may increase the risk of forest fires.

“This dramatically increased speed and scale of tree die-off in California calls for heightened urgency at the federal level,” wrote Feinstein in a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack on Tuesday. “The situation in California’s forests is dire.”

The USDA had paid $11 million in October to help fund 10 “fuel removal” efforts. Feinstein is requesting an additional $27 million to assist nine additional tree removal projects recommended by the Forest Service and California’s Tree Mortality Task Force.

So far, a combined $200 million in state and federal funds have been spent to clear California’s forested regions of dead and dying trees. Crews are already at work removing them from especially sensitive areas near power lines, roads, businesses and residential areas, according to sources for the Los Angeles Times.

State agencies are unsure about what to do with the wood once It has been cut down. It would normally be sold to lumber mills or delivered to eco-friendly power plants that burn it to generate renewable energy.

However, mills have not shown interest in purchasing dead wood from California, and the state may lack the funds to pay the significant transportation costs required to move the

lumber to green energy plants. In addition, those facilities’ powerpurchase agreements are set to expire soon.

“There’s not the infrastructure to take on this quantity of trees,” U.S. Forest Service spokesperson Stephanie Gomes told the LA Times on Wednesday, November 30.

Experts say the accelerated rate of tree mortality in California is due largely to five consecutive years of drought. Dry conditions made trees more susceptible to infestation by beetles burrow into trees to lay eggs and other organisms.

Some regions of the state have recorded higher than average rainfall for this year. However, even if the drought were to end, trees would continue to die for another year or two, according to sources for the times.

“As we head into a sixth year of historic drought, this crisis is far from over,” wrote Feinstein in a letter informing Governor Jerry Brown of her appeal to the USDA on Tuesday. n

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Seventy-five years ago on December 7, Japanese fighter planes bombed Pearl Harbor. On the same day, Japanese forces attacked the Philippines, a U.S. territory at the time. More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers responded to President Roosevelt’s callto-arms to defend the Philippines and the United States. They would go on to endure some of the most horrific conditions anywhere in the world, including the Bataan Death March and the ravages of the bombing of Manila, second only to Warsaw in its destruction.

They would not accept defeat. They would not quit. They would not leave a fallen comrade.

Half of them died in battle fighting under the American flag, making the ultimate sacrifice as soldiers in the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and as guerrilla fighters during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Those who survived suffered the scars of battle and the invisible wounds of war.

They were forced to endure additional humiliation and a slap in the face when the U.S. Congress passed the 1946 Rescission Acts, which stripped them of their rights and promised benefits.

Righting a wrong “This extraordinary moment can only be consoled with the award of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal,” said Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project. “Through all this time, the veterans – those who have passed and those still alive today, remained steadfast and resolute hoping our country they had willingly defended would right the wrong brought upon them. Their determination to gain recognition was long and arduous.”

On November 30, Congress finally passed legislation granting recognition to the 260,000 Filipino soldiers for their service and sacrifice. It took more than 72 years.

“The passage of this bill on the eve of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941, and the attack on the Philippines on Dec 8, 1941 is a momentous event, which is now enshrined in U.S. history,” adds Taguba. “Commemorating the anniversary of ‘the day of infamy’ and the courageous response of Filipino and American soldiers to call to duty, should serve to remind us that their uncommon valor should never be forgotten, that this American story should be preserved for posterity. Always remembering what they did is the best way to protect our children and their children from the horrors of war.”

Today, less than 16,000 remain, most of them ailing and in their 90s.

Global conflict The Pearl Harbor bombing led to a global conflict. As a Commonwealth of the United States, the Philippines was inevitably drawn into the war. Filipino soldiers fought the Japanese Imperial Forces from December 1941 to December 1946. Thousands were killed, wounded and captured as Prisoners of War. Thousands more fought as guerrillas until the enemy was finally defeated, liberating the country and preserving freedom and democracy in the United States.

“While Americans of all ages remember Pearl Harbor as a key event that triggered our nation’s involvement in World War II, we rightly commemorate the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for our freedom in the years that followed,” Taguba pointed out. “But much less is known or remembered of the thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who fought bravely for our freedom more than half a century ago and half a world away. Granting them recognition ensures that their story is now a significant part of American history. Honoring and remembering them is the best way to keep their memory alive.”

They are America’s Filipino Soldiers of World War II. They are part of our American story. n

Asian civil rights org opposes Health and Human Services secretary nominee LOS ANGELES — As a national civil rights organization, Asian Americans Advancing Justice opposes the nomination of Congressmember Tom Price (R-Ga.) as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary.

As a member of Congress, Rep. Price has been one of the lead critics of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has repeatedly attempted to repeal or gut the ACA. Among Rep. Price’s most dangerous proposals are limiting tax credits for the poor, privatizing Medicare, barring federal funding to Planned Parenthood, and converting Medicaid to block grants (effectively gutting its role as a safety net program). Since implementation in 2010, the ACA has given 20 million previously uninsured Americans access to critical health care services.

Among the ACA’s success stories is the significant increase in health insurance coverage

amongst Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Repealing the ACA would likely double the uninsured rate to 19.4 percent and cost an estimated 24 million people their health coverage.

“The Asian American and Pacific Islander community has seen the greatest decrease in our uninsured rate—by 59 percent—under the ACA, the largest of any racial group nationally,” said Doreena Wong, director of Advancing JusticeLA’s health access program.

“And consistently, AAPIs have expressed significant support for the ACA, even across party lines — for example, a poll in Spring 2016 found that 76 percent of Asian American voters supported the ACA, including 60 percent of those identified as Republican. A repeal of the ACA means that hundreds of thousands of our community members stand to lose critically needed health coverage.”

Advancing Justice opposes Rep. Price also because of

his track record of supporting such anti-immigrant policies as voting to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, to punish “Sanctuary Cities,” to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. with undocumented parents, to eliminate the visa lottery for immigrants, and against the DREAM Act. This record of hostility toward immigrants should disqualify Rep. Price from leading HHS which, through its Office of Refugee Resettlement, is responsible for the work of resettling and integrating refugees as well as the care of unaccompanied minors apprehended by immigration officials.

Price’s proposals and past positions harm the most vulnerable Americans, such as those who are poor, elderly, or immigrant. Advancing Justice opposes Rep. Tom Price as Health and Human Services Secretary and urges Congress not to confirm him. n

UN warns: PH will violate pact...

PAGE A1 signed the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 2007, which “guarantees that no one can be executed within its jurisdiction.”

“International law does not permit a State that has ratified or acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to denounce it or withdraw from it,” he added.

At the same time, Al Hussein noted that the Philippines passed the Republic Act 9346 or “An Act Prohibiting the Imposition of Death Penalty in the Philippines” under the admin-

istration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006.

In his letter, Al Hussein also acknowledged the Philippines’ intensified campaign against illegal drugs. However, he stressed that ICCPR “considers that the use of the death penalty for drug crimes is incompatible under international law.”

The death penalty bill, which will be deliberated next at the Senate committee, listed the use and trade of illegal drugs as some of the heinous crimes liable for capital punishment.

“The most effective manner of addressing drug-related offences is through strengthen-

ing the rule of law, ensuring an effective justice system and reducing drug use by adopting a strong public health approach to prevention, harm reduction and other forms of health care and treatment in accordance with international standards,” Al Hussein suggested.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who won the presidency in a landslide victory last May with a vow to kill drug lords and drug users to prevent the country from becoming a “narco-state,” also promised during his presidential campaign that he will support the reimposition of capital punishment in the country.

80 of World’s richest men...

PAGE A3 tem, neither Marxian socialism nor Adam Smith-type capitalism, but something in between or what has been called “socialism with Chinese characteristics,” or “Confucian synergism” which had worked exceedingly well for China, lifting it to the second largest economic power in the world, next only to the U.S. “Indeed I submit that the emerging and existing governments today, in search of new platforms, systems, and structures of government might consider a synthesis of the best of socialism and capitalism,” de Venecia declared.

Addressing the raging deadly conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Libya between the two warring forces of Islam -- the Shi’ ites and Sunnis – de Venecia disclosed he had written earlier letters to Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Saudi Arabia’s then late King Abdullah and suggested that it would be of great relief to the Middle

East, Asia and the world, if the two leaders of Islam could perhaps meet in Mecca and Medina, Islam’s holiest cities, to explore the ways and means to bring about the beginnings of reconciliation and the end of religious extremism and violence in the Muslim world.

On another front, de Venecia pointed out that since President-elect Donald Trump’s electoral victory, “we have already noticed the beginnings of significant improvement in the deteriorating U.S.- Russian relations and better chemistry between Philippine President Duterte and Mr. Trump, and he begins to assume office only on January 21, next year.”

De Venecia pointed out that the “U.S. has been the fulcrum of the regional power balance since the end of World War II and Pax Americana has given the Philippines and the East Asian states the breathing spell to put their houses in order, as it is the American market that has enabled

them to expand their economies at the world’s fastest rate during this last half-century.”

De Venecia said the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) under its President Dr. Thomas Walsh and founder Mrs. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, and U.S., Asian, Latin American parliamentary leaders had successfully organized regional parliamentary meetings in London, Tokyo, Seoul, Kathmandu, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Lusaka, Zambia, and Burkina Faso, Oceania, and the Middle East throughout the year, culminating with the launch of IAPP in Washington, D.C., Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2016.

De Venecia praised the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the passage of the Philippine Gold Medal Act, expected to be signed into law soon by outgoing President Obama, which will benefit some 15,000 living Filipino veterans of World War II and families of tens of thousands who have passed away. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Emotional De Lima grills PNP chief in Senate hearing

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

A VISIBLY emotional Senator Leila De lima confronted Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in a heated argument over the latter’s failure to immediately disclose who reinstated Supt. Marvin Marcos as head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 8.

The Senate on Monday, December 5, continued its inquiry into the killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. in an alleged shootout incident by a police unit headed by Supt.

Marcos while serving a warrant of arrest on November 5.

Dela Rosa said that he put Marcos back to his post under the orders of a person he initially described as a “higher-up,” and later, a “kumpare” (friend).

On Saturday, December 4, President Rodrigo Duterte revealed that he called and ordered Special Presidential Assistant Bong Go to ask Dela Rosa to reinstate Marcos.

During the Senate hearing on Monday, De Lima asked Dela Rosa why he failed to immediately reveal that it was President Duterte who gave him the order.

The senator asked the PNP chief if he would disclose the identity had it been not an order from President Duterte to which Dela Rosa answered, “I will cross the bridge when I get there.”

But the senator pressed Dela Rosa to name the “kumpare” he

PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa and Sen. Leila De Lima

was referring to in his previous interviews.

The PNP chief then replied that President Duterte was his godfather during his wedding and said, “he’s also my kumpare.”

“So siya pala ang ituturo mo, eventually and ultimately. Siya pala talaga ang ituturo mo (So he’s the one you will point, eventually and ultimately)?” De Lima pressed Dela Rosa for an answer.

Dela Rosa then responded, “Kung maipit, your honor, sasabihin ko. Magpalit tayo ng posisyon, your honor. Ikaw ang mag-chief PNP. Kung kaya ‘nyo bang i-blame si Presidente (If pressed, I will reveal. Let’s switch position. You chief the PNP. If you can blame the president)?”

Raising her voice, De Lima cut off Dela Rosa, “I’ve enough of you, kayong lahat na mga nagsisinungaling (all of you who were lying)!”

Philstar.com photo

During the hearing, De Lima’s former driver and lover, Ronnie Dayan, and suspected drug lord and son of the late Mayor Espinosa, Kerwin, both testified that the senator was involved in the alleged drug trade at the National Bilibid Prison.

The senator, in her part, has repeatedly denied the accusations.

“Alam ko may mga dahilan kung bakit napipilitan kayong ituro ako. Hindi ko kayo pipilitin (I know there’s a reason why you were forced to point me. I will not force you), although I’m telling you I forgive you... Hindi po ako talaga galit sa inyo. Galit po ako dun sa mga taong gumagamit sa inyo (I’m not angry at you. I’m angry with the people who were using you). You are both vulnerable. Ginagamit kayo para siraan lang ako. Dun ako galit. And I will know in due time who they are,” she said, addressing Dayan and Kerwin.

BolanDo Philstar.com

jailed.

Dela Rosa explained that the MANILA – Philippine National president will not interfere with Police Director General Ron- charges that National Bureau of ald “Bato” Dela Rosa said that Investigation has filed against the President Rodrigo Duterte was 24 members of the Crime Invesjust giving his full support when tigation and Detection Group in he said that he will not let cops Region 8 who allegedly killed Esimplicated in Albuera Mayor Ro- pinosa inside his cell in the Baylando Espinosa’s killing to be bay sub-provincial in Leyte.

Supreme Court rejects Revilla’s petition to dismiss plunder case

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

THE Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday, December 6, rejected former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s petition to dismiss the P224-million plunder case against him in relation to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

With a vote of 13-1-1, the majority of the judges affirmed the filing of the plunder and graft cases against Revilla.

Among the judges who affirmed were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno, Senior Justice Antonio T. Carpio, and “By saying na ayaw niya ipaku- Justices Teresita J. Leonardo de long, the president just wants to Castro, Arturo D. Brion, Diosexpress his support for the oper- dado M. Peralta, Lucas P. Berating troops on our war on drugs,” samin, Mariano C. del Castillo, the PNP chief explained in a press Jose Portugal Perez, Jose Catral Mendoza, Bienvenido L. Reyes, briefing at Camp Crame.

He said that Duterte will ob- Estela M. Perlas Bernabe, Marserve the rule of law but will also vic Mario Victor F. Leonen, and exert all efforts to help the police Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

On the other hand, only Suofficers by giving assistance.

Bato: Duterte will find ways to keep cops in Espinosa case out of jail by aJ

UNESCO EXHIBIT. Senators Loren Legarda and Cynthia Villar (3rd and 2nd from right, respectively) lead the ribbon cutting ceremony for a weeklong photo exhibit sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Earth Savers’ Movement, Inc., Monday, December 5. Others in photo are (from left) former Antique Gov. Sally Perez, Turkish Airlines Sales Manager Elaine Dato, former Senator Heherson Alvarez, and Cecile Guidote Alvarez, Executive Director of the Earthsavers UNESCO DREAM Center. The exhibit features paintings created by handicapped artists, depicting their interpretations of climate change, catastrophes, and armed conflicts.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo

preme Court Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. dissented, while Justice Francis H. Jardeleza abstained.

In his plea, Revilla said the Office of the Ombudsman lacked probable cause to charge him with plunder. The former senator also said that his rights were violated when he was denied of copies of evidence against him.

“The Ombudsman violated Senator Revilla’s fundamental Constitutional rights to due process and to confront the accusations against him. Such rights are not mere rights ‘he believed in’ but are rights that are guaranteed in the Philippine constitution,” Revilla’s plea read.

The PDAF, also known as pork barrel, was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2013 because it allowed lawmakers “to wield, in varying gradations, non-oversight, post-enactment authority

in vital areas of budget executions.”

Apart from Revilla, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, and former Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada were also charged in the case.

Estrada is currently detained at Camp Crame in Quezon City while Enrile was freed on bail last August 2015.

During his campaign, President Rodrigo Duterte promised that Revilla would be released on bail should he win.

“Ako, you can be very sure, lalabas ‘yan, lalabas siya diyan.

I cannot guarantee na ‘yung kaso mae-erase, pero (Under me, you can be very sure that he will be release. I cannot guarantee that the case will be erased but) I will see to it that he will be given the right to bail,” Duterte previously said, addressing voters in Cavite where Revilla was once elected as the governor. n

A

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OpiniOn

Features

Futile attempt

THE Philippines has been a victim of drug abuse. This is why Pres.

Rodrigo Duterte personally waged war on illegal drugs during his campaign. He promised to rid the country of drugs and crime not only at the streets but also at the higher echelons of society. In doing so, he warned that 100,000 people would fall when he finally launches his war on drugs and crime.

Officials said there are about 3.7 million drug addicts in the country, a figure that they said reflects a problem of “epidemic proportions.”

The Philippine National Police recently reported that a total of 5,882 suspected drug dealers, traffickers, and users have been killed across the country since Duterte launched his war on illegal drugs. The latest PNP data culled from July 1-Dec. 6, 2016, showed that 2,041 drug suspects were killed by the authorities, while 3,841 were “murdered outside police operations” from July 1 to November 30.

Is anyone winning the war on drugs?

For me PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, the government is on the winning side with more people now saying they feel safe in their neighborhoods.

“I’m very proud to say that despite all the criticisms and noises, extrajudicial killings and summary killings accusations against me and the PNP, things like that, still we face our mission with more courage

because I know that we are working for the people,” the PNP chief said.

The PNP chief cited that within three months, 720,000 drugs users and peddlers have surrendered and 22,00 others were caught in buy-bust operations as proof that extra-judicial killings were not a recourse in the drug campaign.

“When you hit drugs, when you neutralize the drug problems, it follows that criminality rates will go down. So (you are) hitting two birds in one stone,” Dela Rosa explained.

While the government may be celebrating the rise of fatalities as an indication of their impending victory, many other express alarm at the number of drug-related casualties.

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Chito Gascon said that the current data is already higher than the recorded death during the first year of Martial Law. Duterte has also managed to lock horns with of-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

ficials of the United States, European Union and the United Nations, who criticize his leaderships because of possible human rights violations in his anti-drug campaign.

The government can’t win this war alone. If alternatives are not considered now, a lasting solu-

tion may never be possible. This is a war with many fronts and needs an engagement both from the government and civil society. It also requires a strategy that will weaken criminal organizations, reconstruct law enforcement institutions and improve the judicial system. (AJPress)

Legislation resulting from congressional hearings AT my favorite watering hole in Daly Street City, California, the hottest topic has been Talk the series of Senate and House committee hearings, particularly those on the extrajudicial killings under GReG B. macaBenta the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and the alleged involvement of Senator and former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima with drug lords, as well as with her driver.

“Can somebody please explain the objective of these congressional hearings?” asked Pete, to kick off the discussion.

“The hearings are in aid of legislation,” replied Johnny. “To help Congress come up with bills to fill possible gaps in the judicial system or to streamline the governmental processes.”

“Or to unearth anomalies in government or instances of graft and corruption,” added Harry, as he nurses his beer at a table.

“If the anomalies or the corrupt practices are dug up, what happens?” Pete asked. “Does the Senate or the House of Representatives have the authority to file charges or indict” “No, no, that’s the job of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan,” Johnny knowingly explained. “The job of Congress is to legislate.”

“In that case,” asked Pete, “what kind of bill does the House of Repre-

sentatives expect to file following its inquiry into De Lima’s amorous relationship with her driver?”

At this, Gerry chimed in from behind the bar. “Maybe they’ll file a bill making it illegal for public officials to have extra-marital affairs.”

“That would never pass either the Senate or the House,” said Johnny.

“Too many guilty parties.”

“And Duterte would veto it,” added Harry. “Too many extramarital affairs.”

“Maybe the law should only apply to women public officials or lady senators,” continued Gerry, without losing a beat.

“Para kang si Chief Public Attorney Persida Acosta,” said Johnny. “She wants the law on adultery to be stricter on women.”

Gerry beamed: “And the law should be strictest of all on lady senators and their drivers. I even have a title for the bill. The Anti-Screw Driver Law.” Pete realized that the discussion has become ridiculous. But he is dead serious and pursues the topic.

“Aside from providing sexual excitement for lecherous members of Congress, what’s the point in raking up De Lima’s extra-marital affair with her driver if no sensible bill can be filed?”

Pete asked.

“To destroy her reputation,” said

Johnny, an old hand in Philippine politics. “Whatever happens, wasak na ang reputasyon ni De Lima. Of course, in the Philippines, lumilipas din ang hiya. The shame will wear off.”

Harry picked it up: “Pero may basis daw naman ang investigation kay De Lima. I think it has to do with the driver’s role as go-between for De Lima and the drug lords, in exchange for protection,” “Dayan denies it,” said Pete. “In fact, he denies knowing the drug lords in the New Bilibid Prison.”

“But the drug lords all pointed to Dayan as the bagman,” said Harry.

“Ang problema, their testimonies were not consistent,” said Pete. “Each one denied knowing the others and each one denied being the principal while pointing to the others. They only agreed on one thing—Dayan.”

“Maybe that’s all they remembered of the script,” quipped Gerry.

“What script?” asked Pete.

“Di ba obvious? Scripted ang mga testimony ng mga sinasabing drug lords,” explained Gerry. ”Ikaw naman ang pangakuan ng immunity. Of course, you will be happy to follow a script.”

“But the testimonies have not been consistent,” said Pete. “According to one congressman, everyone swears to be telling the truth while the others are lying…and that includes Dayan.”

“And a congresswoman also admitted that it is not up to the committee to determine who is telling the truth,”

said Johnny. “Only a court of law can do that.”

“In that case, what kind of legislation can result from the investigation?” asked Pete.

Gerry had a suggestion: “They should file a bill requiring scripted testimonies to be rehearsed so that they do not contradict each other.”

“I think I like that,” said Harry with tongue-in-cheek. “Kasi, the hearings are televised, kaya dapat may rehearsals.”

“In fact, the bill should make it mandatory for the members of Congress to wear make-up before they go before the cameras, para photogenic” added Gerry. “They should also be required to fix their peluka.”

“Wait,” said Harry. “What about Kerwin Espinosa, the self-confessed drug dealer? He has admitted giving millions to De Lima through Dayan.

He even has a picture with De Lima in Baguio.”

“Duterte also has a picture with alleged drug lord Peter Lim,” said Pete.

“Does that make Duterte a drug coddler?”

“Espinosa says he contributed to De Lima’s senatorial campaign,” said Harry.

“Receiving political contributions from crime lords and bigtime scam artists isn’t new—ask the pork barrel queen, Janet Napoles. Every politician does that. But they all deny knowing that they’re dealing with crime lords,” said Pete.

“Besides, that’s difficult to prove in court. No receipts.”

“Ah, I know what bill should be filed,” Gerry cut in. “It should be made mandatory for crime lords to issue an official receipt for their contributions— or keep a ledger, just like Napoles.”

“You should have been a congressman, Gerry,” said Harry.

Gerry, who is the bartender, shot back: “Wellll…I’m a member of the bar.”

“What about the Senate hearings on extra-judicial killings?” Pete asked.

“What legislation do they expect to file as a result of that?”

“Senator Dick Gordon has already concluded that part of the Senate hearing,” said Johnny. “According to his findings, there is no evidence of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration – at least, nothing that can be traced to Duterte.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Harry said with unveiled sarcasm. “After all, Duterte only promised to kill several thousand drug lords and pushers and offered a reward to the police for every killing.”

“Gordon’s committee reminds me of the three monkeys,” added Gerry.

“Hear no evil. See no evil. Speak no evil.”

“What about the killing of Mayor Espinosa inside the jail cell?” asked Pete.

“That was not extrajudicial,” says Gerry. “Espinosa was in police custody—therefore, it was judicial.”

PAGE A7

Rebooting our relations with the US

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez THE six-day firefight in Butig, Lanao del Sur between the military and the Maute Group has devastated the town and displaced residents. But while the Armed Forces has recaptured the area, members of the terrorist group have vowed retribution, promising to behead their enemies including the President.

Last June, the military successfully flushed out elements of the Maute Group but obviously, they managed to regroup, with the Maute brothers Omar and Abdullah having reportedly aligned with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or ISIS. This potential terrorist alignment with the ISIS underscores even more the importance of maintaining our close relationship with the United States especially with the exchange of vital information. Over the years, intelligence information from the United States has proven to be critical in helping pinpoint terror-

ist strongholds in the country.

Even on the issue of illegal drugs, the US has been actively supporting our efforts, cooperating with Philippine authorities with many of the drug busts at the airport having come from tips provided by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Although there are apprehensions regarding diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States – which is quite understandable considering the strong rhetoric of President Duterte against the US in the past, plus the uncertainty triggered by the election of Donald Trump as the next US president – a reboot in diplomatic relations seems to be ready to go. The phone conversation last Friday night between President Duterte and president-elect Donald Trump is the perfect way to start.

Our man in the US tells us Trump and Duterte “noted the long history of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, and agreed that the two governments should con-

tinue to work together closely on matters of shared interest and concern.”

The brief phone call, which was described by the Palace as “very engaging and animated,” signals potentially warmer relations between our two countries.

Things have been quite testy owing to President Duterte’s strong rhetoric against the US and Barack Obama over what he perceived was meddling on domestic issues. On the other hand, there has also been concern with Trump’s pronouncements about reviewing Obama policies, among them the “pivot to Asia” as well as immigration and outsourcing of jobs which could affect many Filipinos in the country.

I spoke to former US Ambassador to the Philippines and first ever Director of US National Intelligence John Negroponte during dinner the other night hosted by former Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario. John told me people at the State Department are also uncertain how diplomacy will be conducted under a Trump administration since the US president-elect has also been

unorthodox in his approach. According to Negroponte, being in Washington will be an interesting and cerebrally challenging time.

As I mentioned to Karen Davila during her program “Headstart” aired on the ANC news channel last Thursday, a good headway in the relationship would be for President Trump and President Duterte to meet as early as April next year for the ASEAN, which will be hosted by the Philippines. I am told reciprocal invitations were made for a visit by both leaders.

The arrival of the new US Ambassador, Sung Kim, is also opportune and should augur well since, as I said, he is the first line of official communication between President Duterte and the United States.

I am certain Ambassador Kim, a career diplomat, has been briefed extensively by his staff in the embassy – well aware of the current situation and will do well as far as understanding where the Duterte administration is coming from on many issues. As the new ambassador said, the relationship between

the United States and the Philippines has been one of the most enduring, with so many important dimensions that also come with it.

Admittedly, there is the great possibility that diplomatic relations will have a slightly different tone, especially since President Duterte would also like to have stronger ties with other countries such as China and Russia. But as far as military relations are concerned, I agree with many that the alliance between the Philippines and the US is crucial for security especially in this region. I’m pretty sure president-elect Trump has also been briefed during his intelligence briefing with the US military and the CIA about the critical importance of the areas where the presence of the US is required.

Our agreements such as the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) can be scaled down to a certain level that could potentially be manageable. Cancelling EDCA completely is unwise because it has been, and will be, beneficial to our security down the road, not

to mention the disaster and humanitarian component which is included in the agreement.

Having had the opportunity to interact with the president during his visit to Japan, there is no doubt he has a clear vision of where he wants to take our country. During his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the latter had impressed upon the president that the relationship with the US is important for the region.

I must admit Karen Davila’s ANC program is one of the most widely watched judging from the numerous text and email messages I received. I must commend Karen for the excellent work she has been doing as a broadcast journalist, proving to be one of the best with the insightful and incisive questions she asks from her guests.

Like I told Karen and her TV audience – any nation in the world, no matter how small, whether friend or foe, should consider the United States as an important country to have to deal with. *** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

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Dateline PhiliPPines

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • dECEmbER 9-15, 2016

A

FITCH’S BMI RESEARCH WARNS

‘Cabinet resignations may hurt PH risk score’

by Mayvelin

U. Caraballo ManilaTimes

CrEdiT rating agency Fitch unit BMi research said it may downgrade the short-term political risk index score for the Philippines if the resignation of Vice President Leni robredo as Housing secretary results in additional resignations from President rodrigo duterte’s Cabinet.

“Although the Philippine Vice President Leni robredo’s resignation from her Cabinet post is unlikely to lead to any political instability over the immediate term, we believe that this could be an indicator of wider discontent within duterte’s cabinet over his style of leadership,” BMi research said in a report released Wednesday, dec. 7. robredo quit her post as chair of the Housing and Urban development Coordinating Council on Monday, dec. 5, saying she was advised by the Palace to desist from attending Cabinet meetings starting that day, which she took as an indication of a plot to unseat her.

BMi research’s report said

that robredo’s move, given duterte’s “strongman” leadership style and his propensity to act before consulting his Cabinet on important issues such as foreign policy, could lead to more Cabinet-level resignations in the months ahead, potentially leading to disruptions in policy formation and enactment.

At this point, however, BMi is maintaining the Philippines’ short-term political risk score of 64.6 (out of 100). But it added that any exodus of Cabinet officials in the coming months could prompt the research outfit to pencil in a downgrade.

“Any additional resignation by key members of the cabinet could prompt us to downgrade the country’s short-term political risk index score,” it said.

The country’s current policymaking process—a subcomponent of BMi’s short-term political risk index—stands at 74.6, and compares favorably with the rest of the region. robredo had pointed out that from the start of the new administration, she and President

duterte knew they had major differences.

When the stock market on Monday reflected some reaction to her resignation, analysts said political dissent at the top, though not unexpected, hurts an already fragile domestic financial market.

The marketing and research head of A&A Securities, Justino Calaycay Jr., said then that a Cabinet member quitting her post over political differences with the President “shows the ESPINOSA KILLING PROBE. Senate President Pro Tempore Franklin M. Drilon fields queries to various officials from the Philippine National imbalance of views in the CabiPolice (PNP), as well as alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, on the third day of the Senate investigation on the shooting and death of net as it takes no opposition to former Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, on Monday, December 5. Also in photo is Senator Paolo “Benigno” Aquino IV. Senate the President’s views. This is photo by Joseph Vidal dangerous in the sense that an alternate view lends a wider perspective to policy formulation.”

Beyond the knee-jerk reaction, however, the analysts polled by The Manila Times at the time said they did not see robredo’s by alexis roMero move and political differences in Philstar.com government having a significant MANiLA — despite alleged impact on investment, unless plots to oust him, President rodrisuch differences got reflected in go duterte remains confident that economic policy-making by the he has the support of majority of Cabinet. the Filipinos, Malacañang said on Thursday, dec. 8.

Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag said there is also no need to conduct loyalty checks among the military and the police. the traffic problem in Metro Ma“The president is very secure, nila. Pero lahat iyan nagkaroon he knows that he’s working, he ng congressional hearings.” knows that he has the support of President Rodrigo Duterte gestures with his fist while having his photo taken during the “in other words, the congres- the military and majority of the celebration of the Urban Poor Solidarity Week held in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, Dec. 7. sional hearings were a useless Filipino people,” Banaag said at a ouster of duterte, something that president to resign because of exercise,” said Pete. press briefing. the president has been talking his failure to fulfill his promise “Not necessarily useless,” to solve the drug menace in six Last Wednesday, dec. 7, about a few months ago.

Johnny corrected Pete. “The duterte claimed that “yellows” or “The president raised that mat- months. media mileage that Senators people identified with the previous ter about Ms. Lewis, July or AuWhen asked if the president and Congressmen are gaining administration are seeking to oust gust and nobody was talking about is making any moves to counter from the investigation is worth him because they cannot accept it, nobody believed it. And now, the attempts to remove him from millions. And they’re getting defeat.

Ms. Lewis is going out in the open office, Banaag said: “Not necesthat for free.”

Yellow is the campaign color of and saying let’s oust President sarily, the President is very—the “But it’s at the expense of the Liberal Party (LP), the politi- duterte,” Banaag said.

President is very secure, he knows the Filipino people,” protested cal affiliation of former president “And perhaps in his mind and that he working well.”

Pete.

When pressed if duterte beBenigno Aquino ii|. it is also the from other sources he may know “Not necessarily again,” John- color of groups who opposed the that, there is something going on lieves that robredo is involved in ny continued. “The public is get- dictatorship of former President up there, a plot against him. A plot the supposed plans to unseat him, ting its money’s worth in enter- Ferdinand Marcos. to oust him, he knows—the presi- Banaag replied: “Well the only tainment, drama, romance, sex, “The yellows, you stage demon- dent had been in politics for many reason that the president said is irsuspense and comedy.” strations, you want me out because years. So he knows what—when- reconcilable differences. So i think “And you’re saying that the you cannot accept defeat,” duterte ever he says something about we leave it at that.” public should be satisfied with said during a forum on corruption ousting or plotting against him,” robredo, a member of the LP, that?” asked Pete. resigned as duterte’s housing a Malacañang. he added.

“Why not? Mababaw ang kaBanaag said Filipino-American Lewis told ABS-CBN News chief last Monday due to “irreconligayahan ng Pinoy,” was John- community leader Loida Nico- that she is not plotting a coup cilable differences” with the presiny’s quick response. n las-Lewis has been calling for the against duterte but wants the dent. n

Despite ouster plots, Palace says Duterte ‘very secure’ in post

Legislation resulting from...

PAG E A5 “According to the police, they were serving a search warrant on Espinosa when he attempted to engage them in a gunfight,” said Johnny, brimming with sarcasm.

“Serving a warrant on someone already in custody—and at 4 o’clock in the morning???!!!”

Pete asked incredulously.

“Senator Ping Lacson says it was premeditated murder. Salvaging,” said Johnny. “Lacson should know. He’s an expert in salvaging.”

“Whether or not it’s salvaging, the courts will have to decide that,” said Harry.

“Not the Senate committee?”

Pete clarified. “So what bill will be filed as a result of the investigation—in aid of legislation?”

Once more, Gerry had a mischievous suggestion. “They should file a bill making it illegal to serve a search warrant at four

o’clock in the morning.”

The conversation had already spun out of control and has become a joking session.

“Kung sabagay,” said Pete, resignedly. “i get the impression that the congressional hearings are all a big joke. A useless exercise.”

Harry agreed. “it’s been seven years since the Ampatuan massacre, three years since typhoon Yolanda and questions about missing calamity funds, almost two years since the Mamasapano slaughter of 44 Special Action Force troopers, and over two years since Senator Grace Poe led the inquiry into the MrT anomalies. Ano na ang nangyari?”

“They’re still asking about justice for the media people killed in that massacre and for the Fallen 44,” said Johnny.

“The Yolanda funds are still unaccounted for. And we still have

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december 9-15, 2016 • Oc/Ie ASIAN JOUrNAL

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december 9-15, 2016

Driving tips for first-time drivers

BEinG able to get a driver’s license is an enormous step in a person’s life, whether the new driver is a teen or older. once the ability to drive is earned, a car and the freedom to travel without the help of others symbolize independence for many, regardless of age.

However, a driver’s license should be considered as a serious responsibility and should not be taken lightly. There are many factors that a driver must understand to earn and maintain an excellent driving record.

Learning the rules of the road Prior to and after obtaining a license, the driver must first learn the basic rules of the road to help maintain safety for everyone on the road. Recognizing, following and understanding these rules will help the driver know how to properly drive on any kind of road — surface streets, highways and freeways, and at intersections and special crossings.

Drivers should also know what to do during traffic hazards, as well as know and obey speed limits that may change depending on the road or weather conditions. These can also change according to the presence of pedestrians, people riding bicycles and in school zones. understanding traffic and pedestrian signals, traffic signs and pavement markings are essential as well as hand signals. A list of these basic rules is available on the Department Motor Vehicle (DMV) website.

Getting that license Rules and regulations on getting a driver’s license differs from one state to another, but almost all require a written test and a driving test. Apart from

Buckle up for safety: Why the seat belt is your best protection

by Eric Anthony LicAs AJPress

Confusion and panic often accompany the sounds of screeching tires and metal slamming into metal. A passenger’s body hurtles forward during a front end collision, carried by momentum for a few horrific seconds after the moment of impact. Road conditions, the speed at the time of the collision and a wide variety of other circumstances will affect exactly how that scenario plays out.

The number one factor in deciding whether or not drivers and their passengers survive Prior to and after obtaining a license, the driver must first learn the basic rules of the road a collision is seat belt use. The to help maintain safety for everyone on the road. national safety Council (nsC) lists seat belts as the best protection against injury during a collision.

Analysis of data collected from car crashes over the decades suggests that vehicle occupants who don’t wear a seatbelt are over four times more likely to sustain serious injury in the event of a collision, according to the Road safety observatory (Rso).

A number of studies conducted during the ‘60s and ‘70s showed a dramatic fall in injury and fatality rates amongst seatbelt wearing passengers A driver’s license should be considered as a serious responsibility and should not be taken compared to those who went lightly. unrestrained, according to the teen can drive and how many the Rso. in 1968, the federal these, certain paperwork is government passed a law making passengers they may have in the needed to prove one’s identity them a required feature in most car, if any. This type of system is and age. some states allow teens automobiles sold in the united designed to allow the driver to as young as 14 years old, others states. gain the skills and experience 16. some of the earliest seat needed to safely operate a for people under the age belts, patented by swedish car vehicle. of 18, all of the 50 states have manufacturer Volvo in 1889, Safety first some form of graduated licensing A new driver must make safety only restrained occupants at the system in place that requires waist, according to the Governor’s a priority at all times as this will them to go through a period Highway safety Association lower his risk of causing or being with a limited license. This is (GHsA). over time, these were involved in an accident. in short, often called a probationary or replaced by the more effective he must drive defensively as the intermediate license and will be three-point harness, recognizable driver can only control how he used before they can obtain their drives. This is a method of driving in most modern vehicles, which regular license. These licenses will PAGE B3 further reduced injury by typically restrict how and when

PLAY NOW TO DECEMBER 18

The number one factor in deciding whether or not drivers and their passengers survive a collision is seat belt use.

spreading the restraining force of the harness more evenly throughout the passenger’s torso.

They were developed by engineer nils Bohlin, and became a feature in a production automobile for the first time in 1959 on the Volvo PV 544.

Although seat belts became standard equipment for most models by the ‘60s, vehicle occupants were not forced to use them at first. new York passed the first law mandating their use in December of 1984. since then, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of seat belt regulation, the last of which was south Dakota in 1995. new Hampshire’s rules only apply to children.

Most states employ one of two methods to police these rules. in new York, California and most other states, a seat belt violation is a primary offense and can be the sole reason for a traffic stop and citation. in nevada and 17 other states, failing to wear a seat belt is a secondary offense that can only be cited in conjunction with another moving violation like speeding.

Regardless of what their local laws stipulate, drivers and passengers risk having travel

plans transform into tragedy if they neglect to buckle up as they head out this holiday season. The chances of getting into a traffic collision are higher now than they have been in the past.

Rising employment and falling gas prices over the last few years have led to more cars on the road and more car crashes, according to the nsC. in 2015, about 38,300 people died in traffic collisions, eight percent more than the number of deaths reported in 2014. in addition, 4.4 million people were seriously injured in car crashes last year.

The nsC encourages drivers to stay buckled-up, aware, rested and sober whenever they hit the road. They also discourage cell phone use while driving, encourage motorists to become familiar with whatever accident prevention technology their vehicles are equipped with, and recommend vehicles fitted with airbags.

“Americans take their safety on the roadways for granted,” national safety Council President and CEo Deborah Hersman told nPR in february. “Engage your defensive driving skills and stay alert so we can reverse this trend.”

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Weird on the road: Unusual driving laws you may not know FilAm Arts presents ‘Sama Sama sa www.asianjournal.com

Pasko’ – an annual holiday bazaar

by Eric Anthony LicAs

AJPress The rules of the road aren’t always as straightforward as red, yellow and green. For example, if a police officer were to pull over a driverless car, who would get the ticket? how will cops in states that have legalized marijuana distinguish when drivers are too high to drive without an accurate test like a breathalyzer?

In addition, there are laws on the books in states across the country that might raise at least as many questions as they answer.

In California, whales are the only animal that can legally be shot from a moving vehicle. A similar prohibition enforced in Connecticut does not exclude whales from protection.

The golden state also prohibits women from driving while wearing a housecoat. The law is less clear about the propriety of smocks, bathrobes, dusters, or popovers.

The city of Carmel, California might have taken fashion policing too far by requiring a permit to wear shoes with heels taller than two inches. however, the law was enacted to protect the municipality from lawsuits and isn’t strictly enforced, according to the city’s website.

Meanwhile, although most states leave camel riders

FilAm Arts (FAA), the preeminent Filipino culture and arts organization in southern California, proudly presents “sama sama sa Pasko,” the first ever annual Holiday bazaar that celebrates the true spirit of the season. “sama sama sa Pasko” will be held on sunday, December 11, 2016, at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. Admission is $5 per person, while children 12 years and Unusual driving laws aren’t restricted to California, they abound across the country. To keep under get in FrEE. According to you aware, you may visit DMV.org for a more comprehensive list of some of the most hare- the official Facebook Page, the brained driving laws you should be aware of. ticket includes entrance to the expressly prohibit motorists from venue, as well as free drinks and to grapple with ambiguity, authorities in Nevada are explicit: driving through playgrounds. In snacks! there will be kid-friendly the frigid state of Alaska, it is a it is illegal to drive one down activities to keep the little ones crime to tie a pet to the roof of any of the state’s highways. busy while you shop! a car or otherwise transport one The humped beasts of burden According to organizers, the outside of a vehicle. were first imported to the silver event will highlight the unique Whether or not travelers state in the 1860s and used “Pasko” (Christmas) spirit that is plan on bringing their pets to transport goods by private unique to the Filipino culture. with them as they drive out to companies. Over time, roaming “Filipinos are really big on holiday gatherings, they need to camels started becoming a merry-making during Christmas stay wary of the laws governing nuisance on public roads, and the Holiday season,” said the roads they travel. Statutes leading to the passage of the FAA interim executive direcregarding ubiquitous driving state’s unique rule. tor tina salonga-Bulchand in a concerns like cellphone and Other laws make so much statement. sense that one might wonder why seatbelt use can differ from state “We wanted to showcase to state. they had to be passed in the first our own unique take on the When in doubt, it’s best place. season by putting the ‘Pinoy for those braving the roads to Daredevils in Glendale, minimize distractions and stay California can be fined for buckled up to ensure a ticket and jumping out of a moving vehicle accident-free winter season. at 65 mph. Laws in Georgia

From Page 4

Equally important to how one drives is the way he/she maintains his/her vehicle.

road. Tires not correctly inflated wear out faster and will require early replacing. They also cause the vehicle to consume more gas.

Checking the motor oil and air filters, as well a routine check on the brake fluid, transmission and power steering coolant is also part of good car maintenance. Cleaning the car in terms of cleaning the windows, mirrors and lights, is also important and improves the

this year’s holiday bazaar, instead of the usual big corporate chain stores. “sama sama” vendors and artists include Native sol, three Fourths Art, OsO Collection, romeo Chocolates, World Crave, Forest lawn, Binhi Kollective, Herbalaria, Vintage renewals, lularoe, Philippine Expressions Bookstore, tixxi Couture, mae mae Jewelry, and simply Gourmet, among others.

“Filipinos pour their hearts and souls into their craft, especially when it comes to Christmas. Which is why i’m urging everyone, anyone, to come and support our local artisans and entrepreneurs,” Bulchand said.

And with the Yuletide season in full swing, there is no better time to show support than right now. *** FilAm Arts is a multidisciplinary community arts organization whose mission is to advance the understanding of the arts and diverse cultural heritage of Filipinos in the United states. FilAm Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization; donations are tax-deductible.

US video curators choose between Maine Mendoza, Liza Soberano

Driving tips...

in which the driver anticipates and avoids accidents caused by the action of other drivers.

One part of defensive driving is being alert and attentive to other drivers on the road. There is also a course to master this type of skill.

Other ways of ensuring safety in driving are obeying speed limits and adjusting speed according to weather conditions — fog, rain, and snow — to reduce the risk of an accident.

Car maintenance equally important to how one drives is the way he/she maintains his/her vehicle. Practicing good car maintenance can reduce the chance of getting into an accident and is good for the environment. It also can save the driver money when it comes to fuel as well as avoiding costly repairs.

A routine car check-up has a great impact on all of these issues. Checking all four tires for the right air pressure decreases the risk for a flat while on the

Pasko’ spirit front and center,” Bulchand said.

Filipinos from all over soCal are invited to come and join the festivities, which include familyfriendly fare like holiday shopping, Parol (Christmas lantern) making, Christmas caroling, authentic Filipino holiday food, and so much more.

Bulchand also pointed out that over 20 local artists and vendors will be featured at “sama sama.” A various array of unique handmade products, jewelry, health goods, and oneof-a-kind items will be on offer come sunday, just in time for Christmas shopping.

Sama Sama with Startups the event not only highlights the importance of celebrating the unique Christmas cheer that Filipinos are known for, but also the true meaning of bayanihan – or sense of community. “sama sama” will encourage Filipinos to shop with a purpose: supporting local businesses and Pinoy startups.

Because main street will always be more important than Wall street – startups and local businesses are highlighted in

safety of the vehicle. If the driver is unable to perform maintenance on his or her vehicle, a car mechanic may be hired. A qualified mechanic is also needed when spark plugs, brakes and the timing belt need replacing.

Remember, driving is a huge responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Ignoring safety on the road not only affect the driver’s life, but other drivers and pedestrians as well. (AJPress)

Catriona Gray focused on getting Miss World crown The Philippine bet to the 2016 Miss World Catriona elisa Magnayon Gray became one of the Top 10 talent finalists after the Top 21 semi-finalists performed their best last Monday night, Dec. 3 (Tuesday morning, Dec. 4, Manila time). Catriona sang “I Believe.”

Others who made it to the Top 10 were Miss Poland Kaja Klimkiewicz (singer), Miss hungary Tímea Gelencsér (acrobat), Miss Latvia Linda Kinca (dancer), Miss Mongolia Bayartsetseg Altangerel (magician), Miss Chile Antonia Cristal Figueroa Alvarado (violinist), Miss Croatia Angelica Zacchigna (singer), Miss Malta Anthea Zammit Before flying to Washington, D.C., 2016 Miss World Philippines Catriona Gray spends time with 2013 Miss World Megan Young and 2014 Miss World Top 26 Valerie Weigmann in New (dancer), Miss Ukraine Oleksandra York City.

Kucherenko (pianist and dancer) and Miss Canada Anastasia Lin Sports, Top Model, Beauty with to Gaylord National harbor Resort (pianist). a Purpose and Multimedia. The in nearby Maryland before the The public will vote who will Dances of the World segment has finals. ultimately be the talent champion been eliminated from this edition.

She wrote: “After a long drive and earn the right to perform Meanwhile, Catriona shared from New York to Washington, I on stage during the Coronation in her official Facebook page finally arrived at the hyatt Regency, Night on Dec. 18 at the MGM that her roommate is Miss Washington and met up with my National harbour Grand Theater in Ireland Niamh Kennedy. The 119 Miss World 2016 sisters! We all had Maryland, USA. delegates are currently billeted dinner together and got allocated The candidates will also battle in hyatt Regency Capitol hill in to our rooms with our roomies!! it out in the following events: Washington, D.C. and will transfer And mine is...Ireland, Niamh is such a wonderful and spirited young woman and I’m so happy that we’ve been paired together!”

On her wardrobe, Catriona said, “I have eight bonggangbonggang gowns. And then, I have really eight beautiful cocktail dresses, and then 10 medyo relax cocktail dresses... a collection of designs from Francis Libiran, Nat Manilag, edwin Tan, Rex Nicdao, Mak Tumang and others.”

Before flying to Washington, Catriona spent time with 2013 Miss World Megan Young and 2014 Miss World Top 26 Valerie Weigmann in New York City. The three Miss World Philippines sisters had a blast in their short meet-up. (Philstar.com)

AMeRICAN panelists from video site Fomo Daily recently compared two Filipino actresses, Maine Mendoza and Liza Soberano and voted for their favorite.

Fomo Daily pitted Liza and Maine in three rounds, voting based on their Instagram accounts, coffee commercial and movie trailers.

One panelist at Fomo Daily said she knew of Maine because of her fame from Dubsmash videos online, but she has not heard of Liza.

During the voting rounds, the As American panelists picked between Filipina actresses Maine and Liza, both were praised panelists praised the beauty of for their beauty.

Continued on Page 5

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december 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

4

Family life becomes Paul Anka: Passion is at the heart of artist’s longevity Kean Cipriano Back at the Saban Theatre on Dec. 10 & 11

by MAridoL

rAñoA-BisMArk Philstar.com

KEAn Cipriano doesn’t want to discuss it. But all signs show family life becomes him.

The actor-musician just came from Japan, where he and wife Chynna Ortaleza marked their first wedding anniversary in advance (they tied the knot weeks before the new Year).

What happened during that well-deserved vacation, he explains, is sacred, thank you. And he just doesn’t want to detail it for the press, who wanted to get the whys and wherefores of the trip.

Kean and Chynna are so low-key about their private life. The couple hasn’t posted a single photo of their vacation and their seven-month-old daughter Stellar on social media.

It’s enough that Kean thinks spending extra time with “the woman of my dreams and my best friend” makes him feel on top of the world. This early, Kean admits he’s already missing those happy moments with his wife.

This, plus the sight of baby Stellar drive Kean to work harder and reach for the stars.

“I’m even more inspired,” he says.

“My portfolio of songs grew.”

In real life, Kean is a far cry from the law school dropout he portrays in the upcoming indie film “Bar Boys,” which revolves around the adventures of law students.

Criticism and discouragement don’t faze him. They even push him to prove critics wrong.

“If others tell me I can’t do it, I shoot back, ‘Really?’” he reveals.

Kean treats his “Bar Boys” character with the same gung-ho spirit. The law school dropout — or the odd man out — he explains, can turn out to be the catalyst of positive change.

His life is a fine example of pleasant surprises. Kean took up commerce, music and business courses in college, but remains a self-described “student of life.”

His constant thirst for knowledge pushes Kean to keep on learning something new, however.

“I love debate. I love wisdom.

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running with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Anka would go PAUL Anka refuses to rest on on to write what many would regard as the Ol’ Blue Eyes’s his laurels, even after over 50 years spent stealing the hearts of definitive song, “My Way.” When John, Paul, Ringo, concertgoers around the world George and Beatlemania took and writing hundreds of hits for a diverse collection of legendary over American airwaves in the ‘60s, Anka pursued fame by musicians.

“If you’re really in this, you’re writing (in multiple languages) and performing in Europe and afraid to sit back at home and Asia. He recalled singing to count your money,” Anka told packed audiences at Araneta the Asian Journal via telephone Coliseum during his first on Friday, December 2 ahead of performances in the Philippines two performances scheduled in the late ‘50s. at the Saban Theatre in Beverly “[Filipinos] embraced music Hills, California beginning on differently than any other Saturday, December 10. country in that region,” Anka told “Good is the enemy of great.” the Asian Journal. “The passion Ever since he got his first they’ve got stayed with me.” big break at the age of 16 with As he matured, Anka would his crooning 1957 chart topper, grow into a prolific songwriter, “Diana,” Anka has relentlessly penning music for artists like pursued opportunity.

Michael Jackson, Buddy Holly, As a young performer and Patti Labelle and Celine Dion. songwriter he learned the ins Since he last spoke with the and outs of show business

By Eric

Kean Cipriano is so low-key about his private life with wife Chynna Ortaleza. The couple hasn’t posted a single photo of their seven-month-old daughter Stellar on social media.

I like how lawyers exchange ideas, how they use intellect to reason out.

Learning never stops.”

His openness to change has opened new doors for Kean. It introduced him to film, where the language and rules are different from his original comfort zone: Music.

It has given him a fruitful 2016 and a slew of mainstream and indie films that cast him in various roles: “Mano Po 7: Chinoy,” the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2” “#ForeverIsnotEnough,”“Love is Blind” and “Echorsis,” among others.

It isn’t surprising that Kean wants the momentum to go on in 2017.

He’s bursting with plans for a new album, more original songs, tours and films.

“My main target is to direct a full-length film,” he reveals.

Kean is proud of the soon-to-bereleased music video he directed for Alexa Ilacad.

But make no mistake. Despite his in-demand status in the movies, Kean is and will always be a musician first. Yes, Kean loves acting. But music will always be a life-giving force for him.

The guy isn’t talking — as usual.

But it won’t come as surprise if Kean comes up with songs about Chynna and their daughter someday.

After all, family life becomes him.

Anthony LicAs AJPress

Photo by Annie Leibovitz

Anka graced the cover of Asian Journal’s MDWK Magazine last Oct. 15, 2014.

Asian Journal in 2014, he has toured through Chilé and the U.S., completed recordings in Europe, and has been staying busy in the studio writing new material.

Lately, large portions of his time have become devoted to business ventures with companies like ARHT Media, a company developing technology that brings lifelike holograms onstage at live events. Anka said he looked forward to seeing those holograms implemented in his and other shows.

However, Anka intends to carry his performances at the Saban unassisted by next generation stagecraft.

The impact of technological advances, the emergence of viral celebrities and an increasingly direct link between consumers and artists haven’t gone unnoticed by the seasoned musician.

“The music business has changed,” said Anka. “It’s no longer going in and trying to force an album down a consumer’s throat.”

He said he’s been unfazed by the rapidly evolving nature of his industry. Anka feels driven by a passion for his craft that, he

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

believes pushes, him to create music that genuinely connects with those he writes for as well as his own devoted fans.

“I own the space that I’m in [and] It’s just getting broader and broader.”

That passion will be center stage at his shows next week.

Anka sings with minimal barriers to the audience, connecting with them emotionally and, oftentimes, physically. He said that, if he were allowed to, he’d put on a show for as many hours as people were willing to listen.

“That’s the only time I get away,” said the musician and entrepreneur. “There’s no phone calls, there’s nobody bothering me, I’m up there by myself, there’s nobody bustin’ my balls ... it’s an amazing bubble that you land in that nothing and nobody can interrupt. I cherish that.”

He adds that none of this would be possible without his fans. The idea of becoming a part of their lives through music is what has fueled his ability to create and sustained his decades-long career.

“You have to have a passion for it. It can’t be forced. You can‘t wake up and think ‘oh god not this again,” Anka said.

december 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

5

Marion Cotillard recalls ‘beautiful’ visit to Philippines ‘Amazing’ power couple

by Nathalie

tomada Philstar.com

OScAR-winning French actress Marion cotillard has only fond memories of her first visit to the Philippines in early 2015.

She came then not as a Hollywood star but as a climate change activist, accompanying the French President François Hollande to drum up global support for what would become the Paris climate agreement that was adopted in December last year.

The Philippines was a very significant stop, having been described by experts as one of the most vulnerable countries to destructive climate change impacts.

A highlight of Marion’s trip was the visit to Guiuan, Eastern Samar, where Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), recorded as one of the world’s deadliest tropical cyclones ever, made its first landfall in 2013.

Marion was going around on crutches at that time due to a minor injury, but it didn’t stop her from getting an on-the-ground experience, paying schools a visit and interacting with townsfolk.

In an interview with The Star during a presser in this city for her new film, the big-screen adaptation of the popular videogame “Assassin’s creed,” Marion shared her memories of her firstever trip to the Philippines.

“What I saw there was really, really beautiful because I saw a people who didn’t consider themselves as victims but as survivors, resilient people who wanted to — not only they don’t blame the rest of the world

— but try to help the rest of the world on their understanding of what’s happening. We should all work together to (find) a better way to live together on this planet,” said Marion, who wore a printed maxi dress that concealed her baby bump.

For her, it was important to be part of that Philippine trip. “I think it’s very important to give your voice to people who don’t have a voice or who are left aside. And I think it’s important to just share the fact that I think we have a very big responsibility towards you guys and the Philippines because you are not mainly responsible for what’s happening to you, which is absolutely unfair and which is absolutely revolting.”

She continued, “And I’ve always felt responsible for the world I live in because by choosing to consume this or that, I have an impact on what you guys go through every year... And it’s more intense — more and more intense. So, I just wanted to show my responsibility.”

In a previous Star interview, Marion also mentioned that she has been working closely with a woman from the Philippines, who was later revealed as the Pinay nanny of her child.

She told reporters then: “Her name is Elma, she’s part of the family. I’ve been working with her for two years. I don’t know why I get emotional (talking about her)... So the Philippines is this special place because of her and all the people who talked to me about this country, and of course, the fact that you’re on the first line of climate change and climate disturbing.”

Eric and Rona Tai

by myleNe

meNdoza-dayrit Philstar.com

Marion (center) with (from left) Assassin’s Creed co-star Michael Fassbender and director Justin Kurzel.

Marion’s climate change work and advocacy are bearing fruit. Last month, different nations started ratifying the climate deal that would require the commitment of signatory nations to reduce carbon emissions and slow global warming.

Taking up a cause is also one of the main themes in “Assassin’s creed,” where cotillard plays Sofia Rikkin, a scientist searching for a cure for violence. “(What the film is about) is something that concerns everybody. It’s... how human beings behave on this planet thinking that they can control everything and they can serve themselves in nonsustainable resources that harm

US video curators choose between...

From Page 3 the two women.

“She’s way too prettier than this dude,” a female panelist said of Maine referring to her movie poster with his onscreen partner, Alden Richards.

One panelist also noticed

Liza’s looks. “She doesn’t need to advertise herself that much...

She’s so beautiful,” a pair of panelist said.

“She’s super cute, it’s not so much personality and I’m into that,” another panelist said while describing Liza.

Despite their compliments,

Fomo Daily only chose one of the two actresses. Is it the noontime show Kalyeserye segment-famed Maine? Or is it one of Kapamilya’s beautiful faces, Liza?

Watch this Fomo Daily video posted on November 29.

Fomo Daily curates videos from various countries, trying to

the world and us,” she said.

Apart from the opportunity of working again with Michael Fassbender and director Justin Kurzel after their first project together in “Macbeth” (2015), she’s always been drawn to these kinds of themes in films.

Marion said, “What I’m fascinated in is us, as human beings... (The film) relates to why I’m doing this job; why I’m observing; and I have the need to give back what I’ve witnessed from who we are because everything is connected. I mean yes, I have a fascination for human beings, and our environment, the animals that we live with, or the nature that we live in, everything.”

track people to trends and news including fan bases around the world.

The culture curator also said it has Filipino love team followers. They previously chose between Kapampilya stars Nadine Lustre and Kathryn Bernardo. (Rosette Adel/Philstar. com)

YOu can’t miss them. With his towering height, massive build and larger-than-life personality, Eric “Eruption” Tai stands out in any crowd. The rugby player with the Philippine Volcanoes-turned-TV host for “It’s Showtime” met his match in Rona Samson. Rona is a spunky, outgoing and easy-golucky business owner and body positive warrior. Both online and in person, she exudes a refreshing air of confidence and self-love, inspiring others to do the same.

Together, Eric and Rona make a dynamic couple, to say the least.

They have supported each other through their careers, fitness journeys, and their latest adventure yet — “The Amazing Race Asia Season 5.”

Funny couple On the show, the duo proves to be promising contenders finishing in second place for last week’s leg of the race and continuing on as part of the Top 4 teams. Arriving third at the pit stop this week was another Filipino team, the pair of beauty queens Maggie Wilson and Parul Shah. Apart from their skill at conquering the challenges that make The Amazing Race, Eric and Rona are remembered by viewers for their funny antics.

While every other team stresses out or has serious game faces on, Eric and Rona go through the race dancing and smiling. Amid the tension of the competition, their sense of humor and jolly demeanor are never lost. “We’re in a different country,” Eric beamed at his wife Rona. “This isn’t the honeymoon I asked for,” she shot back.

The Race was a dream come true for the couple. It gave them the chance to meet new people, travel, and strengthen their relationship — all while making memories that would last a lifetime.

Big is beautiful “I love overcoming challenges and I love traveling, trying, and exploring new things,” Eric shares why he wanted to be on “The Amazing Race Asia.”“I want to show people that just because someone is on the heavy or bigger side, it doesn’t mean that they are just lazy,” Rona adds. “I want to prove that strength and fitness come in every shape or form. As a couple, we are eyeing the prize to help us with in vitro fertilization (IVF) so that we can start a family,” she expounds.

Eric and Rona were pushed to their limits during The Amazing Race. Both had to face their fears of prawns and rats, the latter of Continued on Page 7

Two for the show: Eric and Rona Tai are remembered by viewers of Amazing Race for their funny antics. Amid the tension of the competition, their sense of humor and jolly demeanor are never lost. “This isn’t the honeymoon I asked for,” says Rona.

december 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette aDeva Maglaya “REMEMBER the Wonder” was a catchy TV ad slogan for Wonder Bread. But the phrase can very well be used to refer to the true season of wonder — CHRISTMAS. December days and nights seem to slip from our grasp like fine grains of sand. The hours seem to hurtle through the day as we complete a year’s cycle and move on to the next.

Many of us, particularly the women, try in earnest to mesh the unusually heavy demands of the roles we play in our lives specially this season. If we get completely sidetracked by the minutiae and the methodology, the expenses and the endless activities of what constitutes Christmas, we are more than likely to morph into the likes of Ebenezer Scrooge and be tempted to say “Bah, humbug!”

But unlike the tightwad Scrooge, the cost of doing Christmas has little to do with it.

More than likely, the heaviness and drudgery that we seem to associate with this season have a lot to do with the failure to find that somewhat elusive sense of real joy that this season can bring in abundance to those who are open to it.

Sure, we can go through the motions of Christmas activities,

6

Yet again, remembering the wonder “Lest we forget ……… CHRIST is the reason for this season.” shopping, baking, decorating, partying, drinking and binging.

And yet, very often even if we diligently check off all the things in our list, something remains amiss. We fail to catch that Christmas feeling.

As I have written before, the spirit of the season is like a butterfly. If you keep mindlessly trashing about in endless activities, it will elude you. But if you sit very still, that Christmas feeling might simply alight on you. Be still and soak in the sight, sounds and smells of the season.

One trick I have learned is to SIMPLIFY and not try to take on too much of anything. That includes refraining from maxing out my credit cards, no matter how infinitely tempting it is to rush out and join the shopping madness.

Each day of the season, count at least ONE BLESSING that you may have taken for granted — like YOUR FAMILY, dysfunctional or imperfect the members may be, including yourself, we are all we’ve got.

To borrow from a song, “Love the one you’re with.” That means stop looking elsewhere. The

Calendar of Events across

internet and social media could be a minefield of dashed hopes and dreams. For the most part, it is definitely not the place to find what you think is missing in your life. It is an illusion.

If you still have relatively good health and do not have to depend on a cocktail of drugs to get you through the day, REJOICE AND BE GLAD! Many wealthy yet ailing people longing to live a bit longer, will trade places with you in a heartbeat. TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED. Love your life but without conceit. It is simply on loan to you. Treasure the hours. Forcibly yank out just an hour each day to sit in the silence during this season to take the time to smell the coffee, steep the tea or quaff the cocoa in a quiet spot, free of the interruptions of all those annoying electronic beeps.

Unless your job entails spelling the difference between life and death, CUT OFF YOUR ELECTRONIC LEASH, at least for just an hour. Who said you have to be on call all the time?

That hour you gift yourself Continued on Page 7

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS D EC E M B E R 1 1

Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado Philippine Center New York City Part of the nine-day (and night) novena of masses that has become a tradition among Filipino-Americans of New York-New Jersey-Connecticut and Philidelphia This one has Msgr. Oscar Aquino, JCD as principal celebrant. Each Mass is sponsored by a number of Filipino community organizations. The Simbang Gabi for Sunday, Dec. 11 is sponsored by the Alliance of Manila and Philippine Islander, S.A., the International Network of Filipinos Overseas (INFO), Inc. METROBANK-New York, Filipino Association of St. Michael’s Parish, Philippine American Association of Connecticut (PAAC-CT), United Association of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED), and Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL).

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA (FACC-GLA)’s 15th year anniversary The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater LA (FACC-GLA) is celebrating its 15th year anniversary by recognizing businesses and community partners and installing officers and board members on Sunday, December 11 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. The event will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Westside at 6333 Bristol Parkway, Culver City, CA 90230. The cost to attend is $50 and formal attire is required. Please make your check payable to FPACC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the educational scholarship funds and to help the underprivileged children in the Philippines. For any inquiries, please email info.faccgla@gmail.com.

D EC E M B E R 1 4

Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado Philippine Center New York City The final day of the traditional Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in the heart of Manhattan, New York City (556 Fifth Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets). Each of the nine masses is sponsored by several Filipino –American community organizations. This final Simbang Gabi Mass will have Monsignor Oscar Aquino, JCD, as the principal celebrant. It is sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), the JCI-Philippine New York (JayCees) and the Catholic Fellowship of Young Filipino Professionals.

D EC E M B E R 1 5

Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will once again host the Annual Simbang Gabi Advent (night mass) on Thursday, December 15. It is the 14th anniversary of the liturgical celebration of the Philippine tradition of culture, faith, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Our theme this year is “JESUS, MAKE US GENEROUS DISPENSERS OF YOUR DIVINE MERCY” translated in Tagalog, “HESUS, GAWIN MO KAMING MASAGANANG DALUYAN NG IYONG BANAL NA AWA.” Ministers from parishes of the Pastoral Regions of Santa Barbara, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Pedro and Our Lady of the Angels together with Dignitaries, Civic, Business and Non-profit organizations will march with their banner and parol (lantern), a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. Most Reverend Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, D.D will be the main celebrant. Other Concelebrants will be the Bishops and Priests of the Archdiocese. Over 3,000 individuals are expected to attend. The celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at 555 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Parking is available at the cathedral for $8 or at adjacent lots. For more information, please email Lem Amit at filipinoministryola@gmail.com or (323) 793-5141.

D EC E M B E R 1 7

SIPA’s 2nd annual toy drive & distribution in Los Angeles The Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) will have its second annual toy drive and distribution in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 17. The toy drive will be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.; please bring in an unwrapped toy for children between the ages of 0-15 years old or make a $25 donation to SIPA. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a toy distribution by the Purist Group, SCPASA & special celebrity guests. Activities include free kids haircuts by celebrity barber JayR Mallari and holiday music by DJ Icy Ice. Light food and drink will be provided. The event is free and open to the public. SIPA is located at 3200 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026.

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

Health@Heart

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia

Are females more prone?

Yes, roughly 95% of patients with anorexia nervosa are PhiliP S. Chua, female. The usual onset is MD, FaCS, FPCS mostly during adolescence, WHAT is anorexia nervosa? much less often among adults.

This is a “psychological” Majority of these people disorder where the person has a are in the middle to upper disturbed sense of body image. socioeconomic classes.

He/she has a morbid fear of What are the symptoms of obesity, refuse to maintain a anorexia nervosa? minimally normal body weight, The manifestations could and in women, amenorrhea be mild and temporary, others (absence of menstrual period). severe and chronic. The classic What causes this condition? victims are usually intelligent, The cause is still unknown, high-achiever, compulsive, but it appears that social factors meticulous, very conscious of play a big role. In the western how they look, and successsociety, there is a pervasive driven. The initial indication is obsession among people, their extreme concern about their especially among the young weight (even if their weight is females, to stay thin. Obesity normal) and their religious diet is looked at as unhealthy, control practices. They study undesirable, and unattractive. diets, measure everything and Roughly about 85% of prepubertal count every calorie consumed. children are conscious of these There is an extreme anxiety and attitudes and more than 50% anger with any increase in weight, of these children go on a diet disproportional to the situation. themselves, or practice habits There is lying and denial about to control their weight. But what is going on and a great since not many of them develop resistance to seeking medical anorexia nervosa, it is obvious that treatment. there are other factors that play Isn’t anorexia a misnomer? significant roles.

Yes, it is, in fact, a misnomer.

What other factors could be Anorexia means lack of appetite. involved?

These patients have a normal Some undefined psychologic, appetite, but do not want to eat genetic or metabolic vulnerability for fear of obesity. They only might predispose some persons become anorexic once they are to develop anorexia nervosa. It is cachectic (extremely emaciated interesting to note that anorexia and wasted). These persons nervosa is most rare among the are manipulative and conceal deprived sectors of the world, their behavior, like binge eating where there is food shortage. followed by induced vomiting, Does peer pressure play a which is called Bulemia, a role? condition found in 50% of Peer pressure and a sense of those with anorexia nervosa. competition, especially among These anorexia patients also young girls, could play a role. The lose interest in sex, have low only chubby one in a circle of heart rate, low blood pressure friends might feel uncomfortable and slightly cooler body and under stress to be “as temperature. Malnutrition, shapely as all my friends.” The dehydration and electrolyte psychological impact of this imbalance can lead to serious could lead to misguided and complications. unhealthy practice in dieting and What is the treatment for weight control, more likely to this illness? happen among those with weaker The two-phase management personality and character. consists of short term regimen to

restore body weight and prevent death, and long term treatment to cure the psychological dilemma and prevent relapses.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required or even crucial for survival. Individual psychotherapy, psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, and even family therapy, are essential.

Some oral medications have been used after the weight loss has been regained.

How does Bulimia differ from Anorexia?

Bulimia is an uncontrollable and recurrent binge eating (2-3 times a week) where the individual consumes an enormous amount of food followed by remedial efforts to avoid weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, vigorous exercises or fasting, use of diuretics and/or laxatives. Only about 50% of Anorexia Nervosa patients have bulimia. The other half simply eat very little or not at all for fear of gaining weight.

About 2% of young women have bulimia, of varying severity.

Bulemic patients have wide variation in their body weight.

Because they frequently induce vomiting after binge eating, they have swollen parotid glands, scars on their knuckles and fingers, and dental erosion. Bulemic patients usually have normal weight, and more revealing of their problem and more likely to seek medical care, compared to Anorexia patients.

What is the treatment for Bulimia?

Psychotherapy and use of antidepressant drugs are the mainstay of the therapy for bulimia. Experts now believe that the combination of cognitivebehavioral psychotherapy and antidepressants is the treatment of choice. While antidepressants and diet suppressants help a lot, psychotherapy is more effective with more lasting results. The patient should be under the care of a specialist in diet disorders Continued on Page 7

Paolo Ballesteros shares the challenges of playing a glamorous transgender woman

by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

MAKEUP transformation— the act of copying a famous personality’s look using cosmetics—may have been one of the biggest online fads in 2014, but Paolo Ballesteros, the netizeninducted “king” of this challenge, proved that he can successfully take the magic of his brushes beyond the confines of the Internet.

Flushed from the success of “Kalye Serye” in the noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” Ballesteros started 2016 in high spirits what with his notable role as gorgeous grandma Lola Tidora, thanks again to his amazing transformation skills.

In terms of his acting career, he eagerly took on supporting roles in several movies and television shows, until his biggest break came along—the role of the fabulous transgender woman Trisha in “Die Beautiful.”

Both the character and the movie, directed by internationallyacclaimed filmmaker Jun Lana, won top awards in October’s Tokyo International Film Festival, and Ballesteros is on top of the world.

From actor to collaborator At “Die Beautiful’s” grand media conference as an entry to the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival, Ballesteros talked more about his makeup skills, and how they came in handy to pull off the movie’s premise: Trisha’s dying wish to be transformed into different celebrities every night of her wake.

“We had makeup artists on the set but most of the time I did my own makeup,” the actor acknowledged, citing his onscreen transformations as celebrities as the trickiest to do.

In fact, so as not to keep the production staff waiting for him to complete his look, Ballesteros said he would often come to the set earlier than his call time to start his transformation.

Zooming in further on this particular challenge in bringing Trisha to life, The Manila Times asked the 34-year-old actor at the sidelines what steps he took to perfect the character.

“For one, I always made sure that I was able to achieve the look that the script needed for specific scenes. For instance, our

Paolo Ballesteros in “Die Beautiful”

first shoot needed me to look like Julia Roberts, but after the take, I checked the monitor for playback and didn’t feel satisfied with my register. Hindi ko kamukha!”

Ballesteros intimated.

And while his co-stars assured him he looked every bit like the Hollywood star, Ballesteros still believed he could improve his transformation.

“It was my work and I needed to feel that I had perfectly achieved the look so I got my makeup out, and instead of doing a retouch, reworked my entire face. I asked for the monitor and worked with [director]Jun to figure out the proper light to use so I would look exactly like Julia Roberts,” Ballesteros detailed.

As for his wardrobe, Ballesteros tapped his knowledge in achieving the female figure—a skill he learned since he emerged as one of the most beautiful male co-hosts in Eat Bulaga’s 2005 segment “Bebot.”

“We had a stylist and people specifically working in wardrobe, but since I’d like to meddle,” he laughed, “I also gave input in that department. I brought shoes as well as binders that I use to achieve the female curve. I even brought bras not only for myself but for my co-stars as well,” Ballesteros said.

The actor who, since joining show business in 2000, has always been a “single-man team,” has admirably gone through showbiz without the customary personal assistant nor a driver to late night and faraway shoots, “Die Beautiful” included.

“I’ve always been like that—I’m hands on in everything. Sometimes it’s more difficult to tell people what to do. Usually, I end up doing whatever it is myself anyway,”

Ballesteros openly chatted.

“For Die Beautiful, I just tried to share whatever expertise I had to get things going, and I’m grateful that Jun accepted my inputs, and that the whole team supported me when I felt the need to refine things.”

Compassionate portrayal All of Ballesteros’ efforts paid off when the dramedy took home the Audience Award from the Tokyo International Film Festival, and bagged him the prestigious Best Actor Award.

Die Beautiful hopes to make a sweeter triumph here home when it competes with other official entries in the upcoming 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Ballesteros’ director-cummentor, Jun Lana, is all praises for the actor—even before the world took notice of his acting prowess.

As he had emphasized in several interviews, Lana did not choose Ballesteros to portray the titular role for his makeup skills alone.

Two years ago—back when the makeup transformation craze had yet to be conceived in the world wide web—the director had already asked Ballesteros to audition for Trisha. After reading a few lines from the script, Lana knew he had found the perfect actor for his transgender muse.

Truly proud of Ballesteros, Lana said in parting, “When Paolo went to Tokyo in November, he was best known as part of ‘Eat Bulaga’ with a few movies to his name. When he returned to the Philippines with that Best Actor award, he was suddenly a big star! I’m overjoyed with what the movie has done for him—a movie that was handed to him at the right time. I really think Die Beautiful was meant to be his.”

december 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

7

Garrie Concepcion relates well to singer’s paternal woes Jean Garcia

Jomari Yllana

Are Jean Garcia and Jomari Yllana dating?

by LhaR

santiago

ManilaTimes.net

JEAN Garcia laughs heartily whenever she is asked about her rumored romance with Jomari Yllana. Talks that they are now a twosome started when she was seen holding hands with Jom at Radha’s concert at The Solaire on Saturday, December 3.

Jean confirmed she was there because Jom invited her to watch the show but that her closeness with the actor should not be given another color because they have grown tighter since doing quite a number of projects for GMA Network. Their last was “The Half Sisters” which ran for two years.

But, yes, they were holding hands!

‘Amazing’ power couple...

From Page 5 which Rona had to chow down to proceed in the race.

Of mice and fears “This 5th leg of the race goes to my mighty wife Rona SamsonTai. Her greatest fear in life is mice and rats. She would literally jump on a chair or table to get to safety from these little suckers or maybe even cry. Well, as you can see right here: She had to devour a rat to continue the race from this roadblock. Annnnddddd she did just that, without hesitation and in a heartbeat. She really shocked the living boots off of me. I couldn’t believe it. Much love to you, peh! You are a legend!

Congrats to facing your fears! Oh, btw, she also ate a centipede, bats, lizard, and a scorpion ... not bad for a five-course meal... #TARAEricRona #TeamPhilippines #Puso #Laban” Eric shares in a Facebook post.

They had to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for the contest. “We prepared by watching past episodes and taking down notes and ideas of what we think past teams have done great in tasks,” Rona claims.

“Before the race, we came up with a rule of ‘No blaming and no regrets.’ Making sure that we followed our rule was not the easiest at times especially if we

had made mistakes in some of the challenges or tasks,” they share.

Getting creative Aside from their regular exercise routines, the couple reinforced their fitness regimen with some rather creative forms of strength and cardio training. “We ran around our neighborhood with our backpacks, filling it up with books and other heavy objects while running or going up and down the stairs,” they recall.

In the end, whether Eric and Rona win the race or not, it strengthened their relationship in a way that nothing else could.

“In the race, we did not have our daily distractions of social media or games on our phones so it really gave us the opportunity to get to know one another better. Talking to each other about our thoughts, strategy, and utilizing each other’s strength,” Rona shares.

“The Amazing Race can make or break any relationship… but it’s a choice,” the couple admits.

While we may not face crazy obstacles and roadblocks in real life, our relationships are constantly tested even in day-to-day challenges and decision making.

To conclude, Eric and Rona want to remind you today to “choose life experiences that strengthen you and not break you.”

bring our child to the event.”

Distraught, Michael broke into tears as he couldn’t fathom what LOOKS like Harana Prince went amiss with his agreement Michael Pangilinan is biding with Erin as regards his paternal his time until his child Ezekiel rights. “I just hope that she’s not celebrates his first birthday in mid- using an innocent child to get December. back at me. Whatever issue Erin Reportedly, the 21-year-old and I have should not affect the singer is taking appropriate legal child more so my relationship with action against Erin Ocampo for him and vice versa.” depriving him the chance to even Having found a new partner see their love child. after Michael, why can’t Erin “At my free birthday concert simply allow the latter to play [at the Rajah Sulayman Park in dad—and responsible one at Manila last November 26], I was that—to Ezekiel? As far as Garrie expecting Ezekiel would show up. [the daughter of Grace Ibuna by If she didn’t want to see me, Erin Gabby Concepcion, and Michael’s could have asked someone else to current flame] is concerned,

by Ronnie

CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

III

Garrie Concepcion

she’d love to see father and child engage in bonding moments.

Talk about something “relatable.”

Yet again, remembering...

From Page 6 with is yours to savor and JUST BE. That hour might very well help you to remember the wonder — to get back that gift of amazement we once had when we were children, before we became jaded, cynical FOOLS. Lest we forget, CHRIST IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. Pay no attention to the godless fools who would like to delete Christ from the season. Those are minions of the devil at work in the guise of multi-culti political correctness.

The strongest evidence of

Christ living in our hearts during this season is an inner glow becoming outward display of joy that wells within, overflows and like a heaven-sent viral infection affects those we work and live with within the orbit of our existence.

Sorrow, pain and disappointment, heartache and heartbreak in spades — we will always have. They have a place in the general scheme of things.

They work like a sculptor’s tool kit that shapes and molds the structure of resilient souls that can weather all seasons.

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia From Page 6 and a psychiatrist.

Any new development in the management?

Recent studies on the role of the family and social media have been found to have positive impact on the enhancement in the effectiveness of the overall management of anorexia nervosa and bulimia, on top of psychotherapy and pharmacologic treatment. Family

support and compassion and beneficial social interaction with peers are of paramount value to individuals affected by these conditions, whose prognosis is generally good.

Any preventive measures?

Family and friends can help minimize the development of these eating disorders by showering our children early (starting in the crib) and often with love and reassuring words

it seems till we drop down dead or until Social Security says we can stop, (whichever comes first), But just for this season, sleeping and doing the same BELIEVE that you are allowed to things all over again at daybreak. get a moratorium from all that.

Routine and predictability This season is filled with though calming and reassuring, awesome wonders and all it takes can numb the soul over time. is to open our eyes, sharpen our Don’t let that happen. senses and soak them all in. We have Take heart. This season of become inured to the possibilities of wonder, as God intended it to be, joy each moment brings. will always be a joyful reminder Conditioned by years of of HIS LOVE for us and its many mundane repetition, we have lost expressions through HUMAN the magic and instinctive sense LOVE. of wonder we were born with. *** We went through the motions of Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP getting an education, raising a of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send family, earning a living, running comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ a business, working ceaselessly, asianjournalinc.com

as they grow up. This will reduce the social and environmental stress on these young individuals, making them feel loved, secure and accepted. As they grow, children must learn that inner beauty and character are more attractive and more important than physical appearances. That while having a nicely shaped body is great, having a beautiful personality, good character and brain is more important, admired, and adored in today’s society. ***

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. For more data, visit philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com

december 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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