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february 3-9, 2017 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

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War vs. the poor

Amnesty Int’l: Police gets paid to kill in PH drug war

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

humAn rights watchdog Amnesty International (AI) has accused the Philippine government of paying police officers “to kill thousands of alleged drug offenders in a wave of extrajudicial executions.”

In its report released on Wednesday, february 1, Amnesty claimed that the police “systematically targeted mostly poor and defenseless people across the country while planting ‘evidence’, recruiting paid killers, stealing from the people they kill and fabricating official incident reports.” “this is not a war on drugs, but a war on the poor. often on the flimsiest of evidence, people accused of using or selling drugs are being killed

for cash in an economy of murder,” tirana hassan, AI crisis response director, said. since President rodrigo Duterte took office last July, the number of people killed in drug-related cases has reached 7,000, according to the Philippine national Police (PnP), with least 2,250 reportedly killed during legitimate operations. the majority of these killings, according to AI, “may amount to crimes against humanity.” “under President Duterte’s rule, the national police are breaking laws they are supposed to uphold while profiting from the murder of impoverished people the government was supposed to uplift. the same streets Duterte vowed to rid of crime are now filled with bodies of people illegally killed by his own police,” hassan added.

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DO NOT KILL. Relatives hold photos of victims of extrajudicial killings as they pose with priests following a mass at the Our Lady of Victory Chapel in Malabon on Thursday, Feb. 3. In prayers and in tears, survivors and relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings joined Church officials in denouncing the wanton killing of poor people suspected of dealing in illegal drugs in a mass at the Our Lady of Victory Chapel in Malabon City.

Philstar.com photo by Miguel De Guzman

Fil-Ams join LAX protest against travel ban

USA

by Eric

DATELINE Fil-Am appointed White House assistant press secretary from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

As the administration of President Donald trump begins to take action, the White house has begun filling out its staff to serve the president for the next four years. one of the newest members of the White house office of the Press secretary includes ninio fetalvo, a 23-year-old filipino American, who will serve as an assistant press secretary. fetalvo, who previously worked as the Asian Pacific American press secretary for the republican national Committee (rnC), will work alongside three other assistant press secretaries. these assistants then work under three deputy press secretaries who report to Press secretary sean spicer, fetalvo’s former boss at the rnC. After trump’s inauguration on friday, January 20, spicer asked fetalvo to come on PAGE A4

NaFFAA’s millennial leaders seek to increase civic, political involvement among Fil-Ams

Protesters flocked to Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, Jan. 29.

AJPress photo by Eric Anthony Licas

anthony LicaS AJPress

thousAnDs of demonstrators occupied Los Angeles International Airport and other flight hubs nationwide on sunday, January 29, demanding the release of travelers detained as a consequence of President Donald trump’s sweeping executive orders on immigration.

Gillian Christensen, an acting spokesperson for the Department of homeland security, told the Los Angeles Times on sunday that Customs and Border Protection had finished pro-

tion in people’s travel’s but it is something that needs to be heard,” LA City Councilmember Jose huizar told the Asian Journal outside of LAX’s tom Bradley International terminal on monday morning. he went on to say that “it’s really our president who is causing these disruptions because of his insanity.” he said Angelenos had, by and large, voiced discontent with trump’s actions. In the coming weeks, the LA City Council will vote on measures designed to resist several of the president’s PAGE A2

France wins the Miss Universe crown Duterte doesn’t ‘feel like’

sending an ambassador to the US

First runner-up Miss Haiti talks about Filipino heritage

by Dana

SioSon

AJPress

IrIs mittenaere from france was crowned as the 65th miss universe, succeeding the Philippines’ Pia Wurtzbach. mittenaere, a 23-year-old dental surgery student, bested the other 85 beauty queens from around the

world during the coronation night on monday, January 30 at the mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines. this was the second time france won the title since Christiane martel in 1953.

During the question and answer PAGE A3

PAGE A2

GeArInG up for its 20th anniversary this year, the millennial leaders of the national federation of filipino American Associations (naffAA) have shared their vision for the organization and how to encourage political empowerment among the fil-Am community. the organization’s new national chairman, Brendan flores, and executive director, Jason tengco, have been traveling to different areas across the country to meet with and listen to the concerns of fil-Ams. one of the issues that consistently arises is how to increase civic engagement, especially among the second and third generations.

“A lot of our fil-Ams, young people, are not PASSING ON THE CROWN. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach crowns the 2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere aware. You have to understand that their parents from France on Monday, Jan. 30 at the Mall of Asia in Manila. Filipinos from all walks of life, who are PAGE A4

cessing cases regarding those who had entered the u.s. following the implementation of a 120-day travel ban affecting seven predominantly muslim countries on friday, January 27.

Volunteer attorneys in Los Angeles announced just after midnight on monday, January 30 that all persons held in airport detention centers that they were aware of had been released. the news came after 12 hours of protest that delayed flights and slowed traffic throughout the city’s freeway system.

“Yes, there was some disrup-

huge beauty pageant fans, stayed glued to their TV as 86 candidates competed for the crown.

Inquirer.net photo

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PhILIPPIne President rodrigo Duterte said on thursday, february 2, that he is not yet keen on sending an envoy to the united states.

“Iyung usA, wala tayong ambassador.

Walang ambassador na papunta doon. hanggang wala tayong ambassador sa states, I don’t feel like sending one (We don’t have an ambassador to the U.S. No ambassador is going there. As long as we don’t have an ambassador to the States, i don’t feel like sending one),” Duterte said during a speech in Davao City.

Duterte previously asked Jose manuel “Babe” romualdez to replace Jose Cuisia Jr. as the new Philippine ambassador to the u.s. romualdez, however, reportedly declined due to health reasons.

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte with US Ambassador to PH Sung Kim

Last week, new u.s. President Donald trump signed an executive order that temporarily bans people from seven countries, which include Iraq, syria, PAGE A3

DFA to assist Pinoys affected by new US policies by hELEn

FLorES Philstar.com

mAnILA, Philippines — the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA) is ready to provide consular assistance to filipinos in the united states who will be affected by the country’s new immigration policies. “our embassy and consulates in the us will continue to extend all possible consular assistance to filipinos who may be impacted by the new us immigration

policies,” DfA spokesman Charles Jose said. the DfA confirmed that out of the 3.4 million filipinos in the us, around 310,000 are undocumented.

STAr columnist Jose manuel romualdez reported that an estimated 310,000 filipinos in the us are included in the Department of homeland security’s list of individuals who are up for deportation.

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february 3-9, 2017 • OC/Ie aSIaN JOurNaL

From the Front Page

Amnesty Int’l: Police gets paid to...

PAGE A1

Amnesty’s report, titled “If you are poor you are killed: Extrajudicial Executions in the Philippine’s ‘War on Drugs,’” came a couple of days following Duterte’s order to pull out the PNP from anti-illegal drug operations nationwide to focus on “internal cleansing.”

Duterte made the order amid

the controversial death of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo, who was abducted from his home in Pampanga, along with his house help, reportedly under the guise of an anti-illegal drug operation last October 18, 2016. Earlier this year, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) pronounced Jee dead. The Department of Jus-

tice (DOJ) later revealed that he was allegedly killed by policemen inside the PNP’s main headquarters in Quezon City.

“The police are behaving like the criminal underworld that they are supposed to be enforcing the law against, by carrying out extrajudicial executions disguised as unknown killers and ‘contracting out’ killings,” AI claimed.

Citing a testimony from a cop with the rank of Senior Police Officer 1, AI said in its report that policemen were paid at least P8,000 for every drug suspect they manage to kill.

“We always get paid by the encounter...The amount ranges from 8,000 pesos (US $161) to 15,000 pesos (US $302)... That amount is per head… We’re paid in cash, secretly, by headquarters...” the police officer was quoted as saying in the report. “There’s no incentive for arresting. We’re not paid anything.”

Reacting to AI’s claims, Malacañang reiterated that the extrajudicial killings in the country are not sanctioned by the state -- the same conclusion made by the Senate committees on justice, and public order and dangerous drugs.

“Their joint investigation of deaths during police anti-drug operations shows there is no statesponsored policy of extrajudicial deaths and that there is relentless effort on the part of the PNP to carry out the campaign properly and within legal processes,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella pointed out.

He also said that an estimated 1.1 million drug personalities have already surrendered in relation to the PNP’s anti-drug operation, Oplan Double Barrel.

“The same operations have yielded 53,025 arrests and neutralized 2,555 drug personalities,” Abella added.

PNP chief Director General Roland “Bato” Dela Rosa, for his part, also denied that the PNP is paying cops to kill drug suspects.

He said the government does not have the funds to pay killers.

“Ang PNP wala pong funding para sa mga ganoon (The PNP has no funding for that),” Dela Rosa said. “[For] all you know paninira na naman ‘yan sa administrasyong Duterte (it just a propaganda destroy the reputation of the Duterte administration).”

Wilnor Papa and Sr. Maria Vida Cordero of Amnesty International condemn the killings of poor people during a press conference in Quezon City on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos

Fil-Ams join LAX protest against travel ban

PAGE A1

executive orders which call for state and local agencies to enforce immigration law and the construction of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico in addition to the travel ban.

The public debate surrounding those policies has largely centered on the Latino and Muslim communities, and Trump’s efforts to tighten the nation’s borders have not directly impacted the Philippines so far. However, a number of Filipino Americans took part in Sunday’s demonstration in a show of solidarity and support for immigrant’s rights.

“This doesn’t just affect ...

Muslim Americans,” said Katie, a Filipino American who, like many other attorneys who came to the airport to volunteer legal assistance to detainees, asked that her full name be withheld for professional reasons. “When one group’s rights are affected we are all affected, especially as minorities. Nothing is guaranteed to us.”

She said the hastily implemented travel ban that resulted in the detainment of green-card-holders, as well as refugees who had been vetted to receive U.S. visas, was unconstitutional. She declined to predict the outcome of the looming legal battle over the

president’s orders, but said she hoped the courts would “do the right thing.”

On the evening of Saturday, January 28, a federal court in New York granted an injunction temporarily halting the enforcement of the travel ban. However, by about 3 p.m. on Sunday, at least 125 people were still in CBP custody according to Lawyers working those cases. Despite Sunday’s announcement that all of the initial detainees had been released, Christensen said she was unsure whether or not additional cases were being processed.

A small gathering of Trump supporters was dwarfed by the crowd of opponents to the President’s travel ban assembled at LAX, which grew to 6,000 and 8,000 people at its peak according to individuals helping to coordinate protestors. Demonstrators began to block the street outside the Tom Bradley arrivals terminal sometime before sundown. By about 7 p.m. they split into two groups in order to halt traffic to the departures terminal as well.

“We’re ready to fight for what’s right … as members of the human race,” June Caparal, a psychotherapist, told the Asian Journal as he arrived on Sunday to join the mass demonstration at the airport. “Who knows, we might

be next.”

Later, sometime after 9 p.m., protesters worked out an arrangement with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in order to avoid a complete dispersal order.

Demonstrators agreed to occupy intersections every 30 minutes for 15-minute intervals, partially restoring the flow of traffic.

LAPD First Assistant Chief of Operations Michel Moore said that only two arrests were made that evening and described the large-scale protest as mostly peaceful during a brief interview with the Asian Journal.

People coming and going to the airport on their own business expressed surprise and frustration toward the disorder caused by the vocal and dramatic response to the president’s orders. However, many of those travelers also said that they stood behind the reasons that motivated people around the country to engage in civil disobedience.

John Jimena, a Fil-Am nurse, drove through two hours of traffic from Panorama to pick up his relatives from the airport.

“I’m shocked, and actually kind of happy,” Jimena told the Asian Journal. “This is not right. America was built on immigrants and that’s what makes this country great.”

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A

Pacquiao gets a warning: Jeff Horn eats southpaws for breakfast

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Filipino boxing champion Manny “pacman” pacquiao just got himself a caution from Jeff Horn’s trainer: the unheralded Australian boxer simply eats ‘southpaws’ for breakfast.

Glenn Rushton, Horn’s trainer, said that his fighter is a true nemesis for southpaws, warning lefthanded pacquiao in case he’s not aware about it.

“When the bell sounds, you have to be up for it, aware and ready.

And he is ready. He has always delivered. nothing stops him. You hit him and he gets up. He’s like The Terminator but that’s part of SCARF FASHION. Amina Ameroding of Marawi CIty sells hijab at the Islamic Center in Quiapo, Manila as Muslim communities celebrate World Hijab Day on Wednesday, February 1.

Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez the training. it’s that warrior spirit where you try to become devoid of emotion in the ring. He eats southpaws for breakfast,” Rushton said in recent interview with Fairfax Media.

Earlier last week, pacquiao admitted that he’s never heard of Jeff Horn.

“This is my first time to hear his Duterte made the remarks fol- danger,” Duterte added.

by Dana SioSon But the U.S., for its part, de- name,” pacquiao previously said lowing the reports that the U.S. AJPress is set to start constructing and nied the philippine president’s when asked to comment about the pHilippinE president Rodrigo upgrading facilities on its mili- accusations.

Duterte has accused the United tary bases in the philippines this “no such arms depots exist States of building ‘permanent’ year. and there are no plans to build arms depot in the country.

The construction, according any,” U.S. Embassy spokesperin a televised conference on to the philippine Department of son Molly Koscina said in a stateSunday, January 29, Duterte national Defense (DnD), is part ment on Tuesday, January 31. claimed that the U.S. military is of the Enhanced Defense CoopKoscina also took note that presently unloading arms in the eration Agreement (EDCA) both EDCA “does not provide for perfollowing provinces: palawan, signed by the philippines and manent U.S. bases in the philipCagayan de oro, and pampanga. U.S. in 2014. EDCA allows U.S. pines.”

“They’re unloading arms in forces to be deployed in philip“The United States has no inthe philippines now... i’m serving pine territory temporarily for tention to re-open military bases notice to the armed forces of the maritime security, and humani- in the philippines. The United United States. Do not do it, i will tarian and disaster response op- States and the philippines have not allow it,” Duterte stressed. been allies for many decades, erations.

The president then threatened At the same time, Duterte and the United States respects that he would respond by repeal- claimed that the arms depots will the sovereignty of the philiping the Visiting Forces Agree- serve as the U.S. troops’ supply pines. our defense cooperation ment (VFA). line against China’s missiles in a has always been provided at the “A depot by any other name is possible shooting war related to request of various philippine ada depot. it’s a permanent struc- the South China Sea dispute. ministrations,” she added. ture to house arms. And i do not U.S. Ambassador to the philip“Those missiles are very near even know if there is a nuclear the philippines. They will hit Ca- pines Sung Kim, meanwhile, said tip now that they are unloading gayan, palawan and Basa. So? that Duterte was told the wrong because we don’t allow that,” i am not stupid to allow that to information about the arms deDuterte argued. happen. You may be our friend pot.

The VFA, a treaty ratified by but don’t include us in your “i think perhaps some misinboth countries in 1999, states that fight. You place us all in danger,” formation was given to the presithe U.S. forces are not allowed to Duterte said. dent and that’s why he made the build permanent structures anylast week, the U.S., under the statement expressing concerns where in the philippines. new administration of president about possible weapons depot.

Duterte took note that the U.S. Donald Trump, has vowed to The fact is we are not building a is violating the VFA by allegedly prevent China from claiming ‘in- weapons depot anywhere in the constructing permanent depots. ternational territories’ along the philippines,” Kim said. “it’s not allowed by the treaty. contested waters in the South The ambassador added that You do that and i will consider a China Sea. the U.S. projects being pursued review and maybe ultimately, ab“Don’t drag the philippines this year “have to do with things rogation, since it is an executive because i will not allow it. You like disaster relief and humaniorder. (i will) abrogate the treaty will kill the Filipinos. How can tarian assistance” and “not at all altogether,” he warned. we fight back? You place us all in related to any weapons.”

US warned: Stop constructing ‘permanent’ arms depot in PH

Duterte doesn’t ‘feel like’ sending an...

PAGE A1

iran, libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, as part of his administration’s stricter immigration policy.

Following Trump’s order, Duterte called on the undocumented Filipino immigrants in the U.S. anew to come back in the philippines.

“To Filipinos there (in the U.S.), you better be on the right track. if you are not allowed to stay there where you are staying, get out because if you are caught and deported, i will not lift a finger.

You know that it is a violation of the law,” Duterte said in a press briefing on Monday, January 30.

The philippine Department of

Foreign Affairs (DFA), seeking to clarify Duterte’s pronouncements, said the president only wants Filipinos who were in the United States to obey the foreign country’s laws.

“As guests of the United States, Filipino citizens there have a responsibility to make sure that they follow all laws and regulations of that country,” the DFA said in a statement issued on Thursday. “it is the same expectation that we have for our American and other foreign guests here in the philippines,” the DFA added.

The DFA, however, assured the public that they will protect the rights of Filipinos under U.S. law.

The foreign department also added that the philippine Embassy and six philippine Consulates are always ready to provide assistance to Filipinos who might encounter problems with the U.S. government.

“Most of our kababayan (countrymen) in the U.S. have no encounters with the law. But for those who regrettably do, the philippine Embassy and the six philippine Consulates in the U.S. are always able and ready to provide guidance and assistance to ensure that the rights of our kababayan under US law are protected and the appropriate services are extended to them,” it said.

France wins the Miss Universe...

PAGE A1 portion, top three Misses Colombia, Haiti, and France were asked: “name something over the course of your life that you failed at, and tell us what you learned from that experience.”

Mittenaere answered, “i’ve failed several times in my life, so i thought that i failed the first time that i went out on a casting because my name wasn’t on the list.

The very next day, i found that i was in a new book.”

“So i think that when you fail, you have to be elevated, you have to try again, and keep going. if tonight, i’m not one of the winners, i will still have the great honor of being one of the three finalists,” she added, as translated by an interpreter. “So i think that i have failed before, but for me, this is a great first opportunity.”

Haiti’s Raquel pelissier, was named first runner-up, while Colombia’s Andrea Tovar was named the second runner-up. pelissier, who previously shared that she has Filipino blood from her mother’s side, thanked her Filipino fans for their support during the pageant. “i was not expecting so much support and so much love when i came to the philippines and it was something i have never seen before anywhere in the world so i’m so blessed to be here and to have experienced this amazing journey. Thank you so much, mahal ko kayo (I love you),” she told Cnn philippines. pelissier added that she wants to come back and revisit Cebu, Baguio, and Boracay, and learn

more about the philippines and its culture.

The pageant’s top six, meanwhile, comprised of the philippines’ Maxine Medina, Kenya’s Mary Esther Were, and Thailand’s Chalita Suansane.

During the question and answer portion, Medina was asked what was the “most significant change” she saw in the world in the last decade.

An interpreter repeated the question in Tagalog but Medina, who was previously criticized for not being fluent in English, insisted in not using an interpreter for her reply. “in the last 10 years of being here in the world, i saw all the people bringing in one event like this, Miss Universe. And it’s something big to us that we are one, as one nation we are all together,” Medina answered.

The top nine included the United States of America’s Deshauna Barber, Canada’s Siera Bearchell, and Mexico’s Kristal Silva.

Brazil’s Raissa Santana, indonesia’s Kezia Warouw, panama’s Keity Drennan, and peru’s Valeria piazza also made it to the top 13.

Mittenaere said that as the new Miss Universe, her primary advocacies include dental and oral hygiene. “i’m going to be a dentist. This is a big problem in my country, and in a lot of countries,” Mittenaere said. “So i really want to help children and adults, ‘cause this is a problem i know very well.”

Following Miss France’s coronation, Malacañang sent its congratulations to her.

“iris brought tremendous joy to her people by representing France well on the international stage with her winning grace, regal bearing and inspiring answer.

She has won not only the nod of the judges but the affection of the entire world as well,” presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella said in a statement.

Malacañang also congratulated Medina for representing the philippines and making it to the top six.

“We likewise congratulate Maria Mika Maxine Medina for making it to the top six. She represented the philippines well in the international scene,” Abella added.

Pia hands Harvey a pair of glasses During the coronation night, Mittenaere and pelissier held hands as they waited for host Steve Harvey to announce the pageant’s winner.

But Miss Universe 2015 Wurtzbach broke the tension when she tapped Harvey on his shoulders.

Just as Harvey was about to announce the final winner, Wurtzbach handed him a pair of reading glasses.

“Thank you, pia,” Harvey said, joined by a laughing crowd. “A year late, but thank you.”

During the last Miss Universe pageant in las Vegas, nevada, Harvey committed a gaffe when he declared Miss Colombia as Miss Universe 2015, and Wurtzbach as first runner-up.

Harvey later apologized for the mistake and announced Wurtzbach as the true winner.

potential challenger for his WBo welterweight title.

But despite not having a big name outside his home country yet, Rushton expressed his confidence that Horn will undoubtedly defeat the eight-division world title holder. pacquiao, with a record of 59-6-2 win-loss-tie and 38 Ko’s, has been a professional boxer for more than two decades. “naturally i respect Manny pacquiao for everything he’s achieved in the sport. But when you start to weigh it up, you will see what we have in Jeff Horn. You can’t see the future, but i believe we’re looking at a future legend. now, they’re saying, ‘Who the hell is Jeff Horn?’

After, they’ll know all about Jeff Horn,” Rushton said.

Dubbed as “The Hornet,” the 28-year-old Horn has a record of 16-0-1 and 11 Ko’s.

“His [Horn’s] doubters will have egg on their face,” Rushton claimed confidently.

Rushton said he’s been studying pacquiao, and that he’s confident in Horn’s ability to execute game plans.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao AJPress file photo by Robert Macabagdal

“i’ve had 10 years of this with Jeff and now, when he gets out in the ring, he’s almost in a trance-like state. outside the ring, he’s a happy guy. inside the ring, he’s The Hornet,” Rushton remarked.

Rushton added, “it goes straight to his subconscious. He gets out there and does it, follows plans perfectly. i’ve been studying Manny pacquiao for a long time ... to beat him, he has to follow the plan.”

The fighting venue has not yet been finalized, but the pacquiaoHorn fight will reportedly take place in Australia. April 23 has also been eyed as the date of their match.

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Fil-Am appointed White House assistant...

BAD COPS. An irate Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday faced seven Pampanga cops accused in robbery-extortion of three Korean nationals. Dela Rosa could not contain his disappointment while cursing low ranking officials of Angeles City Police Office at Camp Tomas Pepito in Barangay Sto. Domingo.

Philstar.com photo

US delivers new counterterrorism weapons to Philippine forces

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Continuing the commitment to fight terrorism, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has received new military equipment from the Joint united States Military Assistance group (JuSMAg). the weapons, delivered in Clark Airbase, Pampanga by representatives from the u.S. Embassy in Manila on Friday, January 27, included over 400 M203 grenade launchers, and 85 M40A5 sniper rifles.

According to the u.S. Embassy, these weapons will “help enhance the AFP’s counterterrorism capabilities,” and “protect Philippine security forces actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines.” it said AFP procured the weapons through the u.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program.

Apart from the small-arms weapons, the u.S. government also delivered a RQ-11B Raven unmanned aerial vehicle system. the Raven, which consists of three drones, will “increase the AFP’s capabilities to conduct intelligence collection, mission planning, and reconnaissance operations.” the Philippine service members also received training on its operations and maintenance. “the equipment transfer and continued bilateral training efforts demonstrate the commitment between the Philippines and

Philippine service members receive new counterterrorism equipment from the Joint US Military Assistance Group Philippines, as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts and a US government grant program aimed at assisting security forces conducting counterterrorism operations.

u.S. to work towards safer communities and the eradication of global terror networks,” the u.S. Embassy in Manila said on its official website.

Earlier this week, President Rodrigo Duterte warned the united States to stop building ‘permanent’ arms depot in the Philippines, threatening that he would respond by repealing the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). the VFA, a treaty ratified by both countries in 1999, states that u.S. forces are not allowed to build permanent structures anywhere in the Philippines. “they’re unloading arms in the Philippines now... i’m serving notice to the armed forces of the united States. Do not do it, i will

not allow it,” Duterte said.

But the u.S., for its part, denied the Philippine president’s accusations. “no such arms depots exist and there are no plans to build any,” u.S. Embassy spokesperson Molly Koscina said in a statement on tuesday, January 31.

Koscina then assured that the u.S. “has no intention to reopen military bases in the Philippines.” “the united States and the Philippines have been allies for many decades, and the united States respects the sovereignty of the Philippines. our defense cooperation has always been provided at the request of various Philippine administrations,” she said.

PAGE A1 board as an assistant, and he got to work the following Monday. “it’s truly a very humbling experience. it’s a real honor to work on behalf of our country and the American people. i’m really excited to see what President trump and Vice President [Mike] Pence accomplish to truly make the country great again,” Fetalvo told the Asian Journal on thursday, January 26.

His press portfolio includes a wide range of domestic issues including labor, health care, education, transportation, veterans affairs, among other issues. “it’s great to work with issues that directly affect the American people,” Fetalvo said. “Even if you look at health care, veterans affairs, these are issues that affect the American people, including the Filipino-American community.”

As a young Filipino American, Fetalvo expressed excitement in being an important link between the White House and the American public.

“Being at this position in the White House really excites me to just be able to help communicate and emphasize the policies that [are] really going to make our community better and more prosperous,” Fetalvo remarked.

Fetalvo was born on May 1, 1993, in Fort Myers, Florida to Filipino parents who emigrated from Bicol, Philippines. though never strongly political, they taught their son the importance of having a voice in the political process.

“My parents were never active [in politics], but something that they always stressed was the importance of voting,” Fetalvo recalled. “My parents took that right very seriously.”

Fetalvo is a steadfast Republican, and he attributes his Filipino-American upbringing as an important factor in his political leaning.

“When i started looking at is-

sues, my values as an American and my values as a Filipino American really aligned with the Republican Party,” Fetalvo said.

He cited his parents’ coming to the u.S. — where they didn’t know anybody — and building a life for themselves as his inspiration for becoming a Republican.

“So when i look at the Republican Party, i really look at the party’s values of self-reliance, individual responsibility and [they] really ensure that more people can achieve the American dream,” he said. “So for me, it’s really personal and i think that being Filipino American has everything to do with why i’m Republican.”

After high school, he went on to the george Washington university in Washington, DC where he majored in political communication with plans to eventually become an attorney. it wasn’t until his senior year when he got an internship with the RnC that he realized he wanted to pursue a career in politics.

After graduating, he landed a job at the RnC as the APA press secretary, handling media and communications for the Asian American and Pacific islander (AAPi) community. His job took him all around the country, and in early 2016, he temporarily moved to Cleveland as a part of the media affairs team for the 2016 Republican national Convention.

Following the election, he was also a part of the Presidential inaugural Committee, handling media operations for the historic inauguration of President trump.

Although most Filipino Americans identify more with the Democratic Party — roughly 54 percent are registered Democrats compared to 16 percent Republican, according to a 2016 study — Fetalvo firmly believes that the values and principles of the Republican Party coincide with the political priorities of Fil-Ams.

Ninio Fetalvo, White House Assistant Press Secretary

As a young, bright-eyed Republican, Fetalvo has faith that the trump administration will serve the American people — including the Fil-Am community — well and with distinction. “i think it’s important to note that President trump wants to help all Americans, and that definitely includes the FilipinoAmerican community,” Fetalvo said. “i think when you look at the issues that matter to Americans all across the country, including Filipino Americans, the issues of national security and the economy have always been a top concern.” “under the obama administration, the last eight years, you see people tired of the way the economy was handled and you see people fed up with how our national security and foreign policy transpired so President trump really wants to emphasize that we can make the country more prosperous, safer and i think that he’s definitely going to be able to that to benefit all of our community,” Fetalvo affirmed. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

NaFFAA’s millennial leaders seek to...

PAGE A1 were too busy working two jobs to put food on the table and they were never really educated on civic engagement, how to vote, [and] the importance of that,” Flores told the Asian Journal.

Leading up to the november election last year, one of the ways naFFAA promoted that was through its FilAmVote program, which aimed to register new voters in states like California and nevada where large concentrations of FilAms reside. though nonpartisan, the organization has decided that it will “engage with the trump administration” on certain issues, Flores said.

“We have been really…thoughtful in ensuring that we have a voice and a seat at the table by making sure we have representations,” Flores said. “We have been very vocal, whether it’s denouncing some of the things happening out there, so we’re partnering with national organizations to really support some of our Filipino Americans who are very much concerned with what’s happening today.”

Flores, 31, is the regional banking district manager and vice president of Wells Fargo in Jacksonville, Florida. He was elected last August, becoming the youngest Fil-

Am to lead the organization. under his leadership, the organization is working to ensure that it is a “mirror [of] our community.” to achieve this, Flores said, councils focusing on various areas and issues — including women, LgBtQ, veterans, and young professions — will be rolled out across the country.

“We understand the importance of bringing a diversified unit,” he said.

Another issue the organization is tracking is immigration, given the recent executive orders announced by President Donald trump last week.

“We’ve been hearing a lot of concerns from leaders on both [political] sides. individuals are worried about the immigration executive orders, in particular. Although the travel ban didn’t directly impact Filipinos, what if…the Philippines is targeted next? DACA recipients, in particular, are worried about that being next up on the chopping block,” tengco said.

He added that naFFAA is working with legal advocates and experts to connect the Fil-Am community with resources should they need immigration assistance. in December, tengco was named the executive director of naFFAA, in charge of the national programs, partnerships and government af-

fairs, among other areas. tengco, who was previously the Asian American and Pacific islander outreach director for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, said working with naFFAA is a “dream job.”

“Doing Filipino-American advocacy is something i’ve actually wanted to do for a long time,” he said. “there’s really so much potential with naFFAA. We’ve been in existence for 20 years and there’s so much work ahead and organizing the community and raising our voice in building power for us.” tengco and Flores also made a pitch about how important it is for the community to support an organization like naFFAA, which has been advocating and empowering on behalf of Fil-Ams for the last two decades.

“We can’t lead an organization without proper funding…More than ever, this is the perfect opportunity for Filipino Americans to come together because we’ve never had an organization uniting and being the voice at the national level,” Flores said. naFFAA is also looking to celebrate its big anniversary this october in Washington, D.C. during Filipino-American History Month, tengco shared. (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

DFA to assist Pinoys affected by new...

PAGE A1

Romualdez had declined his appointment as ambassador to the uS due to health reasons. uS President Donald trump has vowed to strengthen the campaign against violators of immigration laws, which he believes are taking jobs away from Americans and legal immigrants.

He has also signed an executive order barring citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the uS for the next 90 days and suspending the admission of refugees for 120 days. the order covered citizens from iraq, Syria, iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

President Duterte said he would not help undocumented Filipino immigrants in the uS as the trump administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal aliens. “to the Filipinos there, you better be on the right track. if you are not allowed to stay there where you are staying, get out. Because if you are caught and deported, i will not lift a finger,” Duterte said.

Voters may be affected the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed concern that the immigration policies of trump may stop undocumented Filipinos in the uS from registering as voters.

Comelec Commissioner Arthur Lim said although the Philippines is not included in the seven countries banned by trump from entering the uS, the order might have an impact on some Filipinos.

“Because if you are staying in

a particular country, the laws of that country bind you. So they may think that if they come out and register, they might get entangled with uS laws, that if they are illegally staying, they might get deported,” Lim said.

He reminded that it is the right of every Filipino to vote even abroad, regardless of immigration status. “it is beyond us, whether or not a Filipino abroad is documented or undocumented. What we want for them is to go to our posts to register as voters and vote during elections,” he added. there are some four million Filipinos in the uS where over 263,000 voters registered for the May 9 elections.

According to Comelec director Jane Valeza, the poll body might not be able to meet their quota of registering at least one million Filipino voters in the uS because of trump’s policies. “they might not be able to deliver in the uS. But they are doing their best to encourage the Filipinos there to register. they are also doing satellite registrations to reach out to voters,” Valeza added. the DFA is also urging all overseas Filipino workers to register for the 2019 midterm elections.

Registration started last Dec. 1, 2016 and will end on Sept. 30 next year.

Lim reminded them that it is safe for the oFWs to apply for voter registration because they do not share Comelec records even with host countries.

“We are implementing a data privacy law in Comelec. All these data that will be gathered are absolutely confidential and they will be protected by the Comelec,” he maintained.

BI won’t stop Muslims Meanwhile, the Bureau of immigration (Bi) at the ninoy Aquino international Airport terminals will not prevent any foreign passengers from seven Muslim countries who arrive at the airport with connecting flights to the uS despite trump’s order of banning Muslims from entering the uS for 90 days.

“We will just check their documents and let them proceed to board their respective flights. We will hold them if they violated our Philippine laws,” said Red Mariñas, Bi Port operations Division chief.

“We will not also prevent from boarding flights bound for the uS the passengers from seven Muslim countries that have stayed in the Philippines for several days as tourists,” he added. trump issued an order directing the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, director of national intelligence and director of the Federal Bureau of investigation to come up with new immigration-screening procedures.

“We don’t want them here,” said trump. “We want to ensure that we are not admitting into our country the very threats our soldiers are fighting overseas and to make America safe.” (With Rudy Santos)

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Philippines halts drug war, PNP must be ‘cleansed’ Duterte orders arrest of ‘rogue’ cops

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

LIFE, NOT DEATH. Members of Bayan Muna hold a rally outside the House of Representatives building in Quezon City to show their opposition to a measure that seeks to reimpose death penalty on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

EDSA anniversary and Marcos burial are separate issues, says Palace by alexis

roMero

Philstar.com

MANILA — The burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the anniversary of the 1986 EDSA Revolution are separate issues as far as Malacañang is concerned.

Asked on Thursday, Feb. 2 how the government intends to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the People Power revolt given that President Rodrigo Duterte allowed a hero’s burial for Marcos, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said: “You are connecting two separate situations?”

Pressed anew about the topic, Abella replied: “With dignity.”

Abella said the EDSA revolution has “its own particular dignity” and the government would “give it it’s due honor.”

“If you are asking me how it will be done? So, I will find out,” he added.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has been named the head of the organizing committee of the 31st anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25.

The event will come three months after Marcos was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani

despite protests from Martial Law victims and human rights groups.

Duterte has said Marcos deserves to be buried at the hero’s cemetery because he is a former president, commander-in-chief and war veteran.

He defended anew his decision to allow a hero’s burial for Marcos in a speech Thursday.

“He (Marcos) was president.

He might have been a total failure, OK let’s accept that but he was a president,” Duterte said.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is “A Day of Reflection: Celebrating People Power.”

Lopez, Piñol hurdle CA; Aguirre deferred

by Marvin

sy

and Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, were able to hurMANILA - The Commission on dle their respective confirmation Appointments (CA) has deferred hearings.

Trillanes, no longer a member until Feb. 15 its decision on the confirmation of Justice Secretary of the CA, is opposing the conVitaliano Aguirre II, whose ap- firmation of Aguirre on three pointment is being opposed by grounds, starting with the latter’s supposed “lack of required deSen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Two other Cabinet members, meanor befitting the position of Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez the secretary of justice.”

Philstar.com

He said Aguirre has demonstrated that he is vindictive, vengeful and completely lacks equanimity for him to be entrusted with the power and authority of justice chief.

When Aguirre called him “gagong senador,” Trillanes said the DOJ chief showed his lack of respect for him as an elected PAGE A7

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has suspended the war on drugs to prioritize the “cleansing” of “rogue” PNP officers, Director General Ronald dela Rosa announced on Monday, January 30.

“To all the rogue cops, beware! We no longer have a war on drugs,” Dela Rosa told reporters. “We will cleanse our ranks... then maybe after that, we can resume our war on drugs. The president told us to clean the organization first.”

Dela Rosa told the media that the temporary suspension of all anti-drug operations—including Oplan Tokhang, a PNP project launched to warn illegal drug traffickers to stop their operations—was a result of the mishandling of the “kidnap-for-ransom” operation of Jee Ick-joo, a businessman from South Korea.

Ick-joo was reportedly kidnapped by police in Angeles, Pampanga on October 18, 2016, and was strangled to death at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who denounced the actions of the police officers involved in the Ick-joo operation, supported the decision for the PNP overhaul.

“But itong killing ng Koreano

(But this killing of the Korean), the place was just incidental,” the president said in a statement released from the Presidential Office of the Press Secretary.

“Na-kidnap na nila, nakuha na nila (They kidnapped him, they took him), they could have killed, strangled him anywhere but [the fact that it happened] inside Camp Crame is really bad.”

The current investigation into the matter pinned PNP Superintendent Rafael Dumlao as the mastermind, but Duterte gathered that it is actually a conspiracy in which all those involved deserve “equal criminal liability,” according to the statement.

The president – who has built a political career on an anti-corruption agenda – also asserted that more than 6,000 police officers are involved in the illegal drug trade. At the swearing of newly promoted military generals at Malacanang on Monday, January 30, Duterte asked the military to assist in the overhaul of the PNP. “Kung hindi ko kayo ipasok sa laro, patay ako. Walang magtingin diyan sa abusadong pulis (If I don’t put you in the picture, I am doomed. Nobody will look after the abusive policemen),” he said addressing the military. “The culture of corruption in the police is matindi (serious).”

PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa

Previously, Duterte has apologized to South Koreans and even spoke with Jee’s widow, Choi Kyung-jin, and assured her that justice will be “swiftly served.”

Amid all the allegations of corruption infiltrating throughout police ranks, Duterte took a step forward in arresting cops who don’t follow orders.

“No police in this country anywhere is allowed to enforce laws related to the drug campaign. Kasi magamit nila ‘yan, palitan nila ‘yang warrant, palitan lang ang pangalan tapos pupunta (Because they can use and change the names in the warrant and then they proceed),” the president said, admitting that the overly violent cops may have taken advantage of the drug war to engage in misconduct.

750 new HIV cases recorded in December by sheila

CrisostoMo Philstar.com

MANILA - The Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 750 new HIV/AIDS cases last December, bringing to almost 10,000 the number of documented cases in 2016.

The new cases included three pregnant women, two of whom were from Metro Manila, while one came from Region 7 or Central Visayas.

Based on a report by the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, ex-

actly 9,264 cases were recorded from January to December last year, 1,113 of them AIDS. Death toll was at 1,969.

The figure was higher than the 7,831 cases recorded in 2015.

But in January 1984, when the DOH started registering cases, 39,622 cases were already recorded.

The DOH said of the 9,264 cases last year, age bracket 2534 accounted for 4,921 or more than half; followed by 15-24 age bracket, with 2,625 or close to a

third of the total.

Age bracket 35-49 had 1,510 cases, while 50 and above recorded 186. A total of 22 cases were below 15 years old.

Of the 750 cases in December, the National Capital Region (NCR) had the most with 267, followed by Region 4A with 136, Region 3 with 74, Region 7 with 59 and Region 11 with 46 cases.

The DOH also noted that the age group with the “biggest proportion of cases has become younger” over the years.

A

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february 3-9, 2017 • OC/Ie aSIaN JOurNaL

OpiniOn

Features

The purge

IN recent months, when the Philippine government ushered in a new leadership under President Rodrigo Duterte, members of the police seemed to be invincible. Because they’re the government’s first line of defense—and offense—against the war it waged on illegal drugs and criminality, the police managed to remain unscathed, despite mounting poor public perception and criticisms over some officers’ alleged abuse of power and violation of human rights.

The country saw a wave of drugsrelated killings since July last year.

More than 7,669 deaths have been linked to the administration’s war on drugs, but only 2,555 alleged drug personalities were killed during police operations, which the officers involved say were all in self-defense. The other deaths are classified as investigated, or under investigation.

The president defended the spate of drug-related killings and even admitted to personally killing suspects when he was still the mayor of Davao City.

“In Davao, I used to do it personally, just to show to the (police) that if I can do it, why can’t you?” Duterte said in December last year.

However, Duterte maintained that he is not condoning extrajudicial killings, saying that his directive to police authorities was to hunt for drug suspects and “arrest them if it’s possible, but if they offer a violent resistance…then kill them.”

In October last year, a police van rammed into a crowd of anti-U.S. protesters who were calling for an end to American military presence in the Philippines. The van barreled back and forth into the crowd of demonstrators, scattering them like bowling pins and running over on a few of them.

Duterte did not justify the police officer’s actions over the violent dispersal and maintained that he did not want any of the police officers nor

the militants hurt.

“I’m not justifying it. Just maybe he was under stress. They might gang up on him, hurt him. So he acted by instinct, self-preservation,” he said. A total of 50 protesters and 34 police officer were injured during the encounter.

In November, Albuera, Leyte Mayor and alleged drug lord Rolando Espinosa Sr. was killed in an alleged “firefight” with the operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Northern Leyte (CIDG8) while being detained at the Baybay, Leyte Sub-Provincial Jail after being charged with possession of illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms.

CIDG operatives went to the prison to serve him a search warrant when the encounter occurred but Espinosa allegedly resisted the arrest after which the firefight ensured. Espinosa and Raul Yap, another detainee, were killed during the encounter.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) inquiry called the incident a police rubout and recommended the filing of murder and perjury charges against the CIDG officers.

Duterte vowed to protect the CIDG officers, saying he was more inclined to believe the police than the testimony of criminals.

“I will not allow these guys to go to prison, even if the NBI says it was murder. After all, the NBI is under me, the Department of Justice,” he said.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

On Sunday, Jan. 29, Duterte had a sudden change of heart when he ordered the halt on the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s drug war and demanded a cleansing of the police force instead.

“The culture of corruption in the police is deep.

Even generals are into it,” he said in a meeting with military generals at Malacañang on Tuesday, Jan. 31. He ordered for some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to go after police scalawags. the order came in the wake of the kidnapping for ransom and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo inside the police headquarters in Campe Crame, Quezon City.

PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa

confirmed this directive saying that the cleansing of the organization comes after a series of scandals involving police officers.

After what seemed like a string of criminal incidents wherein policemen are involved as perpetrators, the very organization bound by law to uphold the law and protect the citizenry from criminality is hounded by bad cops. It is a betrayal of trust and a degradation of peace and security.

The PNP is now tasked to not just ensure the public’s safety and purge misfits from the streets, it must do so within its ranks. This calls for strong and effective civilian oversight of the police. (AJPress)

Gallup Poll: Trump plummets to historic low eight days into his presidency SUPPORTERS of President Donald Trump chastise his critics and non-supporters for not being on board the “Trump train” even after he won the majority vote of the Electoral College, which catapulted him to the United States’ highest office.

Even as they hail him for churning executive orders one after another to build the border wall, temporarily ban refugee immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries, plans to repeal Obamacare, deregulate financial institutions and give more tax breaks to the wealthy, appoint billionaires in his administration, etc., there has been no honeymoon stage for those who disapprove of him and his vision and plans for America.

Millions protested on the streets across the United States and around the world on the second day of his presidency, in airports after his

vealed Trump garnered only a “Muslim” travel ban, and many dismal 45 percent approval and more are expected as people The Fil-Am 45 percent disapproval. Data exercise their First Amendment show he is the first elected U.S. right to voice out their opposi- Perspective president to start out with a job tion of the direction Trump is approval rating below 50 percent steering America into. in the history of Gallup surveys, His supporters contend that which date back to Dwight D. Trump was just fulfilling his Gel SantoS-ReloS Eisenhower in 1953. campaign promise to the AmerBy comparison, Gallup Poll ican people and that the rule of the voters who elected Trump into the highest has the following approval ratings for his immepost of the land should be respected as a man- diate predecessors: Barack Obama 68% date for Trump to move forward — an argument Bill Clinton 58% that can be debunked by the fact that Trump did George W. Bush 57% NOT win the vote of more Americans, having lost George H.W. Bush 51% the popular vote to Democratic candidate nomiRonald Reagan 51% nee Hillary Clinton by nearly three million votes.

And in just eight days into his term, a majority In the onset of his presidency, Gallup Poll re-

of those surveyed by Gallup Poll said they do not approve of Trump’s performance as president.

Polling data showed it took the following days for his immediate predecessors to reach the below-majority approval rating: Reagan: 727 Bush I: 1,336 Clinton: 573 Bush II: 1,205 Obama: 936 WHAT should Trump do to win the support of most Americans moving forward? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

Beware of the Trump card

Street Talk THE US will be undergoing some interesting times with the assumption of the presidency GReG B. MacaBenta

by Donald J. Trump. A legend in his own mind, Trump could well have written the dictionary definition of his surname: “Trump – To outrank or defeat someone or something, often in a highly public way… In the card game bridge, the trump card is the most powerful card in a particular round and defeats all the others — sort of like when your needs or wishes trump someone else’s.”

In Tagalog idiom, the term nakakalamang comes close to the meaning of trump. In street lingo, napatungan ang bato means the same thing from the loser’s perspective – to suffer a disadvantage inflicted by an opponent or rival.

That appears to be what Trump wants to communicate about his becoming president of the US. He not only enjoyed an advantage over all the other Republican presidential aspirants and over Hillary Clinton, he now wants to deliver the message that he should have an advantage over the whole world. Over Mexico and China, to start with, and over seven countries that he has designated as sources of radical Muslims and whose citizens he has barred from the US. The word trump has an even less flattering meaning. It originally meant “a deceptive form of victory involving cheating” or, as applied in the term, “trumped up charges,” it means falsely accusing or framing someone, such as elements of the Philippine National Police planting evidence in the premises of an intended extortion victim.

That negative meaning of the word applies even more aptly to the new US president—which is why America is in for some interesting times, and the Philippines, as well, being a long-time ally of the United States and being dependent on the latter militarily and economically.

Some alarming red flags have been raised about Donald Trump, including the analysis of several psychologists concerning his mental state. Their conclusion: Trump has a case of malignant narcissism.

In an article in The Independent, Rachel Hosie wrote: “Just after the election, a group called Citizen Therapists Against Trumpism was created, which was joined by thousands of psychologists.

They published a manifesto warning of Trump’s psychosis, citing the following as the signs to fear: “Scapegoating and banishing groups of people who are seen as

threats, including immigrants and religious minorities; degrading, ridiculing, and demeaning rivals and critics; fostering a cult of the Strong Man who appeals to fear and anger; promises to solve our problems if we just trust in him; reinvents history and has little concern for truth (and) sees no need for rational persuasion. ”The American Psychiatry Association has a nine-point checklist for narcissism - if someone displays just five of the traits, they have Narcissistic Personality Disorder: 1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).

2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.

3. Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or highstatus people (or institutions).

4. Requires excessive admiration.

5. Has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations.

6. Is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends.

7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.

8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.”

According to US media, Trump displays not just five but all nine of these traits. Said one pundit, in dealing with Trump, when you shake his hand on a deal, make sure to count not just the rings on your fingers but your fingers as well.

How will the Trump presidency affect the Philippines? The more immediate possibility that the Philippines should watch out for is his obsession with putting one over on others, from not paying contractors who have worked on his hotels and casinos, to finding ways to get Mexico to pay for the wall and giving China a hard time in the US market.

In other words, beware of the Trump Card. America’s long record of beneficence and generosity may have come to an end with the incumbency of this new president. Which is fine for those countries that would like to demonstrate their self-sufficiency and independence.

For all of his bluster, President Rodrigo Duterte is right when

he redirects the country’s foreign policy to benefit the Philippines first – the way Trump wants to benefit America first. But there are harsh economic realities that must be faced. If Trump makes it more expensive for American companies to outsource services to other countries, one of our most lucrative generators of dollars and employment, the BPO industry will collapse.

But that pales alongside the very real perils that the world faces in confronting a megalomaniac. History has told us about Adolph Hitler. Is Trump capable of becoming like him?

Within the first few days of his incumbency, Trump has already inflicted considerable damage on America’s relations with other countries, particularly one of its closest neighbors, Mexico. Think of the danger the world faces in the hands of a man who has access to the nuclear code.

Mercifully, the laws and the structure of America provide enough safeguards against a psychotic commander-in-chief igniting World War III. But I wouldn’t be surprised if certain quarters on Capitol Hill and the Pentagon are already thinking of contingencies. For this reason, the prospect of Armageddon befalling the world during the incumbency of Donald Trump is remote.

Of course, if Trump and the Hawks in the Pentagon make good their vow to “block China from taking over territory in international waters in the South China Sea,” as reported by international media, and China regards that as an act of war, the way Chinese state media have warned, that should be cause of alarm for the Philippines.

Being an optimist and a firm believer in the beneficence of Divine Providence,, I believe that the worst that will happen will be a game of chicken between China and the US. Both sides will find a way to rationalize the act of “blocking” China without jeopardizing its current interests, go to great lengths to agree that “international waters” are not being taken over by Beijing and that the US is simply ensuring free passage through the sea lanes, according to international law. In other words, both sides will try to save face to avoid a shooting war.

But if someone inadvertently pulls the trigger—or unleashes a nuclear bomb—we can be sure that the Philippines will be caught in the crossfire—well, okay, use a euphemism, “friendly fire,” considering that Duterte believes China is a friend and America considers us a close ally.

Crossfire or friendly fire, the Philippines will—or could—get pulverized. There’s an old African proverb that applies to our circumstance: When elephants fight, the grass gets hurt. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com).

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

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • fEbRUARy 3-9, 2017

A

NapeĂąas denies CIA involvement in SAF 44 slay

by Jess

Diaz

Philstar.com

SPECIAL GUESTS. China’s Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua meets Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev during celebrations to mark the Chinese new year in Binondo, Manila on Saturday, Jan. 28. Also in photo is Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Roger RaĂąada

Tagle reinforces Church stand vs death penalty THE usually quiet Archbishop of Manila, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, on Thursday, Feb. 2 broke his silence on moves by Congress to reimpose the death penalty for heinous crimes.

Tagle issued Circular No.12017-05, entitled “An Invitation to Reflect, Pray and Act� addressed to the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Manila, explaining the reasons why the Church opposes the death penalty.

According to him, studies worldwide show that the threat of punishment by death has not reduced criminality. The best approach, he added, is to address the roots of crime.

Offenders, he said, were victims of circumstances brought about by the loss of moral values, injustice, inequality, poverty, lack of access to food, education, jobs and housing, proliferation of weapons, drugs, pornography, and loss of respect for sexuality, among others. “To help solve these roots of criminality, the Church and the state need to protect and strengthen the basic unit of society, which is the family,� Tagle said.

He added that death penalty may legitimize the use of violence to deal with every wrongdoing or may be applied to an innocent person.

The prelate noted that what is needed is an honest and upright judicial and penal system. “We need to reform institutions so they would safeguard justice

while preventing the spread of a culture of violence. Penalties are not imposed for vengeance but for the correction of offenders and the good of society,� Tagle said “A culture of violence dehumanizes. A culture of justice, integrity, and hope heals,� he added.

Tagle stressed that life is sacred because it’s God’s gift to humanity, and thus nobody has the right to take it away. “This is the reason why an ethic of life, a culture of life, is inconsistent with abortion, euthanasia, human trafficking, mutilation, and violence against innocent and vulnerable persons,� he said. “Before God the source of life, we are humble. We cannot pretend to be gods.�

Also on Thursday, the Churchrun Radio Veritas also launched an online petition against death penalty. “Life must be respected. Only God has the full authority to take one’s life,� said Radio Veritas president Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual.

The station aims to get one million signatures to express the public’s opposition against the restoration of death penalty. Supporters can access the petition at www.veritas846.ph/chooselife/.

Last year, the House justice committee passed the bill seeking to reimpose the death penalty via a 12-6 vote, sending the measure to the plenary for second and third reading.

The proposed “Death Penalty

MANILA - After saying last week the United States was involved in the Mamasapano operation in 2015, former Special Action Force chief Getulio NapeĂąas has disagreed with President Duterte’s statement that the raid was an operation of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). “It was our operation. No US soldier was involved in the raid, though the Americans helped us track down Marwan and provided real-time intelligence on the day of the raid,â€? NapeĂąas said in a recent television interview, referring to terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir who was neutralized by the SAF troopers in an operation in January 2015.

Duterte recently said the Mamasapano raid was a CIA operation, which former president Benigno Aquino III denied.

NapeĂąas also said earlier exPhilippine National Police chief Alan Purisima, who was suspended at the time, told him after a meeting with Aquino that he should inform then acting PNP chief Leonardo Espina about the

operation much later.

He said Purisima was left inside the official residence of the former president after their meeting and only told him about the order to coordinate with other police and military officials after Purisima came out.

Aquino has been saying he told Purisima and NapeĂąas to coordinate the operation with Espina and then Armed Forces chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. but was not followed by his subordinates.

This time, NapeĂąas recalled that in one of their meetings with Aquino, Purisima told him, “I will take care of General Catapang,â€? implying that the order was given in front of the two of them.

He said he took that to mean that Purisima would take care of coordinating with Catapang.

But NapeĂąas is denying he received orders directly from Aquino on the SAF operation, where 44 troopers were killed in ensuing encounters with Muslim guerrillas mostly belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

He said Aquino was dealing with Purisima and that they

Former SAF chief Getulio NapeĂąas

“were texting each other before and during the operation.�

Both Purisima and NapeĂąas have been slapped with charges in court in connection with the incident that Duterte blamed on Aquino.

In a statement last week, Aquino tossed the blame to NapeĂąas, claiming that had the then SAF chief coordinated their operation with the AFP as he had ordered, the commandos would have received support from mechanized and artillery units and even from the Air Force.

He said the massacre would not have happened.

Lopez, PiĂąol hurdle CA...

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle

Law� covers 21 “heinous� offenses such as treason, qualified piracy, qualified bribery, parricide, murder, infanticide, rape, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery with violence, destructive arson, plunder, and dangerous drug importation. Executions may be carried out by hanging, firing squad or lethal injection.

The death penalty was abolished in 1986 but was restored in 1994 by former President Fidel Ramos with the enactment of Republic Act 7659 or the Death Penalty Law. It was again abolished in 2006 by former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

According to the International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care, 124 out of 194 countries had abolished the death penalty. (William Depasupil/ManilaTimes.net)

PAGE A5 official and for the Senate as an institution. “Thus, I am reiterating my call for all of our colleagues at the Senate and at the House of Representatives who are sitting in the Commission on Appointments to uphold and defend the respect and/or dignity due to members of the legislature as elected representatives of the people by refusing and/or denying the confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Aguirre,� Trillanes said in a letter addressed to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, who also serves as overall chairman of the CA. Trillanes was not around to face Aguirre as he was on official business abroad, but his opposition was manifested by both Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Manila City Rep. Sandy Ocampo.

Attached to the opposition filed by Trillanes was a video clip of a television interview of Aguirre where he angrily reacted to the questions raised by Trillanes and Sen. Leila de Lima during the first Senate hearing on the corruption issue at the Bureau of Immigration.

In the interview, Aguirre was

quoted as saying “walang mga isip yang mga dilawan na yan.

Eh, basta yang mga gagong senador na yan eh, para lamang idiin ako (Those yellow guys don’t use their head, those stupid senators just want to pin me down).�

Trillanes also cited a news report containing Aguirre’s response to his claim that the justice chief was aware of the illegal operations of Jack Lam at the Clark Special Economic Zone based on the fact that he was once vice president and chief legal counsel of the Clark Development Corp. “Tell him he’s a son of a b***h.

He has done nothing but make up stories,� Aguirre was quoted in the article as saying.

Attack on integrity Aguirre told the CA that it was the first time he had such an outburst because he saw the questioning done during the Senate hearing as an attack on his integrity.

As for cursing Trillanes, Aguirre stood by his words and even quoted the Supreme Court in his defense, saying there is a high court decision that “son of a b***h� is the English equivalent of “p***g ina� and it is not libel-

ous and “just OK for Filipinos to use it.�

Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the CA’s committee on justice and Judicial and Bar Council, advised Aguirre to learn to ignore the attacks against him and to consider hiring a spokesman instead of facing the media himself all the time.

Aguirre was actually on his way to being confirmed before Lacson moved to endorse him for confirmation in plenary, which was seconded by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

However, Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto raised an objection and moved to defer the confirmation in order to allow Trillanes to personally air his opposition once he becomes available.

Recto emphasized a senator and member of the minority bloc have raised their opposition to the confirmation and as such there was no reason for the body to railroad the process of confirming Aguirre, who was facing the CA for the first time.

Acting on Recto’s manifestation, the CA agreed to defer deciding on Aguirre’s confirmation until Feb. 15.

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2

Coolhaus co-founders Freya Estreller and Natasha Case bring architecturally-inspired, creatively-flavored frozen treats

by Christina M. Oriel / aJPress In recent years, ice cream has gone beyond your typical vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.

Think, fried chicken and waffles, peking duck, foie gras PB&J or whiskey Lucky Charms.

At Coolhaus, a Los Angelesbased artisanal ice cream sandwich company, these are just some of the inventive, indulgent flavors customers can expect.

The concept arose some nine years ago when LA-native natasha Case was working at Walt Disney Imagineering. Employing her architecture background, Case made ice cream sandwiches for an employee holiday bake sale.

Though comprised of an ice cream scoop wedged in between two cookies, they were more than that, as she calls it: “Farchitecture” (food + architecture) creations, playing on famous architects and structures.

Realizing how much of a hit the combinations were, Case, along with Filipino-American Freya Estreller, soon transformed this hobby into a business venture.

The name Coolhaus itself plays on “Bauhaus” (an influential modernist design movement of the 1920s and 30s) and Rem Koolhaas (a famous Dutch architect and theorist). For architecture aficionados, there are sandwiches with pun-y titles, from Frank Berry (snickerdoodle cookies & strawberry ice cream) to norman Bananas Foster (banana ice cream with butter-y rum reduction swirl).

Their big break came months later in 2009 when Case and Estreller bought a truck off of Craigslist and drove it to Indio, California to sell ice cream sandwiches at the annual Coachella Valley Music Festival, where over 100,000 people were in attendance.

“After Coachella, we went viral, so you could not ignore that there was an interest and demand for us to do this. That was an extreme example that you might not see all the time but really after that, when you’re

Freya Estreller and Natasha Case

just starting and trying to get something out there, you should be overwhelmed by the sales and not being able to keep up,” Case told the Asian Journal in a recent interview. “That’s when you know you’ve got something…if you’re just sitting around, waiting for sales to come, it’s the exact opposite of what it should be.”

From there, the duo began driving the truck to “hip” neighborhoods in the greater Los Angeles area, such as Venice, Santa Monica and downtown.

“Especially in the early days, our customer base was the young, tech-savvy type who were food adventurers,” Case said. “They had the energy and enthusiasm to seek us out to where we might be.”

In addition to the truck sales, Coolhaus became a go-to catering service for private parties and events throughout Southern California. The brand is also known for doing partnerships with fashion labels, movies, and various businesses.

“There’s no partnership or market channel that’s too outside the box for us,” Estreller said.

Like most entrepreneurs will attest to, starting off is no easy feat. Both Case and Estreller reflected that managing others was a challenge because of their young age, being 25 and 26 at the time, respectively.

“We were really young founders and some of our employees were older than us and more experienced at service and food. Why are they going to listen to you? Why are you giving authority if you don’t really have

that much of a track record. I think it’s hard at first, you have to learn yourself as a manager,” Case said, adding that it’s about “social and people skills.”

Estreller added how it was important for entrepreneurs to not get stuck on “analysisparalysis” when thinking about the business idea.

“People tend to get stuck there, thinking ‘I can’t do it,’ ‘I don’t have the experience’ or ‘I don’t have the money.’ There’s a way — if you’re really passionate about it and you can figure out a low-cost way to get to minimum viable product...there’s a way to put it out there and test it out, especially with technology these days,” she added.

Additionally, they remarked how most people thought “Coolhaus was started by guys” even though the branding is pink and silver and that the cofounders’ back stories were widely shared.

Estreller noted that being a leader and running a business as a female is inherent in her culture and upbringing.

“In Filipino culture, we have very strong women,” Estreller said, describing how she’s looked up to her mother’s dynamic, hands-on personality.

Business and life partners In addition to being business partners, Case and Estreller began a romantic relationship early on while developing the company. now married, they both remarked how being together for most of the day helped and how their different fields of expertise complemented one another.

Case — who is now the CEO of Coolhaus — was in charge of the creative, branding and marketing aspects, while Estreller was more on the operations and logistics side.

“At least for us, it was beneficial because 24/7, we were talking about Coolhaus and that really accelerated the growth of the business in the first four years I was [in the business],” Estreller narrated.

However, being in these two types of relationships also presented some bumps in the road.

“At the year four point, I personally started to feel a little burnt out, we were fighting a lot — not only would we talk about Coolhaus, but we would fight about it. not only was it a realization for the both us that maybe that this wasn’t as beneficial as it was before. There was a turning point,” Estreller said.

In 2014, she moved on to launch Ludlows Cocktail Co., which sells prepackaged, allnatural craft cocktails and jello shots.

“I started my own company because I’m a masochist and that’s what entrepreneurs like us do. That’s been really helpful for our marriage,” she said. “Coolhaus is great but I love natasha more than my business.”

Though some ventures fall after couples/business partners end their romantic relationships, Case and Estreller said Coolhaus has persisted because of how popular the brand is itself. As a couple, they still own a majority stake of the company.

“You have to be bigger than the brand and the brand has to be bigger than you. Luckily, Coolhaus is a brand that’s not only our faces and identities,” Case shared. “It’s bigger than just the who. Our relationship didn’t exist for the purpose of growing Coolhaus… If anything, having an Asian woman co-founder and being a same-sex couple — all these elements of diversity have only helped us.”

On occasion, however, Estreller will come on board as a consultant and help with any strategic moves.

“Freya gives great feedback even if she’s not here,” Case said.

“She’s an influential voice in the business.”

Added Estreller, “They call me the ‘first lady of Coolhaus’ because I have [natasha’s] ear every night.”

Soon, the couple will be welcoming their first child and are excited about entering motherhood.

“Because we own our own businesses, we’re very blessed that we get to take the necessary time off and we’ll see — I don’t know how long we’re going to take off. We’ll cross that bridge when we

get there. It helped us formulate our policy on maternity leave at our companies. We started to look at it and the best practices of companies that we admire and we increased it,” Estreller said.

(Currently, Coolhaus provides two months paid maternity leave, with partial pay for the third and fourth months).

Going forward nearing eight years in business, Coolhaus is staying relevant in the ice cream scene through consistently pushing boundaries and innovating new flavors and concepts.

“I really like that core principle of expressing yourself,” Estreller said. “no flavor or collaboration is too weird or kooky.”

Added Case, “What’s cool is that we can have an idea of something we want to do and within a few months, we can easily be selling it on the seasonal menu or just in a one-off in the shops or the trucks. Generally, there are a few ways this will come about: one is seeing interesting food trends or ingredients that are being used for cultural dishes.”

Another way is looking at cultural references and creating concoctions based on them. For example, recently an employee crafted a play on ‘netflix & Chill,” using a white cheddar popcorninfused base and Doritos.

As of late 2016, Coolhaus had a national fleet of 10 trucks and carts in LA, new York and Dallas and two brick and mortar shops in Culver City and Pasadena, and was being sold in over 5,000 retailers in all 50 states and some areas in Asia and the Middle East. (In Manila, the brand can be found at Landers Superstore.)

For new products at retail partners, the company examines which pints, sandwiches, and bars have large social media exposure and are best-sellers at the trucks and two stores.

“We still need a Filipino line,” Estreller remarked. “Where’s my halo-halo ice cream?”

In the past, the brand introduced ube ice cream to its lineup — way before the ingredient became so ubiquitous

Photo by Atisha Paulson

as it is today.

Despite all of the creative flavors, one continues to be the staple for many customers: the chocolate chip Cookie + Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream sandwich.

“Everyone loves to try — people will stand there and try five things, but they’ll always come back to the classic. You shouldn’t have vanilla shame, people will say they’re boring. But actually, vanilla is the flavor where you have the least flavor fatigue for. It’s a scientific thing. There’s a reason why vanilla is so popular,” Estreller said.

In the next three to five years, customers can expect more flavors and products and for Coolhaus to be sold at more retail locations.

“There’s so much to do with our brand. I think what’s great about it — it’s almost like a lens of how you see the world, rather than this is [simply] ice cream,” Case said. “It’s almost like, Coolhaus means to ‘express yourself through ice cream’ because we’re constantly coming out with unique, innovative products and flavors that you wouldn’t necessarily even think could meet a frozen dessert profile and keeping things exciting, playful and whimsical.”

Despite being surrounded by cookies and ice cream all day, Case said it’s taught them about moderation and balance.

“I rarely eat a whole serving, but almost every day, I eat a little ice cream and…cookies,” she said. “This kind of business is not a traditional desk job, you are on your toes all the time, so even though there are thousands of gallons of ice cream and thousands of cookies around, it’s a physical job. You’re running around, you’re meeting and talking to people — even if you’re scooping, it’s very aerobic. I’m so not tired of cookies or ice cream, I still look forward to every time there’s a tasting.” “now that I’m pregnant, I’ve probably eaten more Coolhaus in these last seven months than I have in the last seven years,” Estreller joked.

Photos courtesy of Coolhaus

Rachelle Ann Go is London’s Eliza Hamilton

by BaBy

a. Gil

Philstar.com

“gOD humbles my spirit,” was Rachelle Ann go’s reaction to all the congratulatory messages she has been getting since it was revealed that she will be playing the female lead in the London production of the musical, Hamilton. written and composed

by Lin Manuel Miranda, this is a piece out of American history but done on a very modern slant.

Simply put, that means that from the bars of Saigon which she is set to revisit soon, Rachelle Ann will now be dancing and singing hip-hop in a corset and several petticoats with george washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, King george and that no-no in Hamilton’s life, Aaron Burr.

And we all thought that playing Fantine in “Les Miserables” was already the pinnacle of her success as a theater actress. we thought that then maybe she can do gigi in “Miss Saigon” for its Broadway run. Then she can come home, revive her career and just do theater when a good offer comes along, once in a while. why, she might even find a boyfriend, get married and raise a family. But it now turns out that the theater has bigger things in store for Rachelle Ann. The announcement made last Friday, Jan. 27, was greeted with cheers and congratulatory greetings from Pinoys all over the world who were so happy, i must say, even ecstatic about

the news. Our very own Rachelle Ann has been tapped to play the role of Eliza Hamilton in “Hamilton.” She bagged one of the most coveted roles ever all by sheer tallent and hard work, and this is for the original west End production of a phenomenal Broadway musical.

“Hamilton” is a hip-hop take on the life of the American Founding Father who was george washington’s chief of staff. Though only a few years old, the musical is already legend. it is a rare instance wherein massive critical approval, the show has already won a Pulitzer and a Tony, and phenomenal ticket sales, the biggest in Broadway history, perfectly, came together for a show also strewn with astute social commentary. news have it that tickets to the London show are already selling like mad up to 2018.

Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton was the daughter of a rich, influential Dutch family who proved to be a fitting partner for her politically ascendant husband, Alexander Hamilton.

She was a popular hostess in new York and washington D.C. society and was also very active in charity work. She co-founded new York’s very first orphanage.

After Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron, Eliza worked to preserve his legacy, organizing his papers and getting his biography written.

Theater grapevine says that although he is busy shooting “Mary Poppins” with

February 3-9, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

FASO brings back ‘Swing the Night Away’ “Swing the night Away” was such a fun, rousing success in 2014 that the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines, is bringing it back on Saturday, March 18 at the Hilton glendale.

A jam-packed, enjoyable event that had guests dancing to big band gems, “Swing the night Away” drew many requests for FASO to stage it again. This time, the orchestra, under the baton of musical director and conductor Robert “Bob” Shroder, will play the dancing-est music of Earth, wind & Fire, Kool & the gang

ManilaTimes.net

wiTH her immense success, both on local and global stages, Lea Salonga is always the first name that comes to mind when talking about theater in the country.

From playing Annie at nine, landing the original role of Miss Saigon’s Kim when she was just 18-years-old; to winning the Tony, Laurence Olivier and Drama Desk awards among many others, Salonga is both a Philippine pride and international star.

For those who do not know, all these achievements—including every character, song, and concert in between—span a total of 37 years in the spotlight for Salonga. These days, she is very much in the position to give back and happy to use this well of experience to encourage and guide new talents in pursuing a career in music.

Misconception For the singer, every new artist should be given the chance at the spotlight no matter how different their singing style from others. in fact, as a judge in The voice Kids, she discourages parents who force their children to become belters— a style many Filipinos mistakenly think, according to Salonga, to be the best. “when people say you’re great when you belt out a song, that’s not fair. Singers are not all created to be trumpets, or to have this homogenous belting sound. if you’re created to belt, do it because that’s how you’re created and how your body was put together. But if you’re not, don’t do it,” Salonga advised in a tete-atete with media for an upcoming concert.

“You’ll have people who sing in different genres, like classical

Lea Salonga

or pop, but it doesn’t mean their talent is less than those who belt. it’s just that they’re different and we should celebrate how singers are different,” she explained.

“So for parents, please don’t be misled by the notion that if let your child belt, it will be good for them. There’s so much more to singing than just belting out,” she added.

According to Salonga she feels fortunate that even as her voice is “different” from those of belting legends, she found a place in the industry where she continues to thrive. “i was in an environment where there were a lot of singers were celebrated for being belters.

That made me ask myself back then, ‘where do i fit in because i don’t really do this—my voice quality is really different.’ Do i have a place in music? But then Miss Saigon happened and that was where my voice found its fit,” the 45-year-old opened up.

‘Songs from the Stage’ Looking back at her worldwide conquests as an artist—performing sold out shows at the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Singapore’s Esplanade,

Emily Blunt and might not be available to open in London, Hamilton creator and star Lin Manuel Miranda will surely do some performances. That means Rachelle Ann will get the chance to act with this contemporary genius.

Rachelle Ann is at present in new York for rehearsals in “Miss Saigon” where she will reprise her role of the bar girl gigi. “Miss Saigon” opens on March 1 at the Broadway Theater. Rachelle Ann will probably leave new York to return to London for the Hamilton rehearsals a few months before the musical’s november 21 opening at the victoria Palace Theater.

Carnegie Hall in new York, and very soon, the Sydney Opera House—continues to excites Salonga to this very day. She pointed out, however, that despite the amazing experience, nothing can ever beat performing for Filipinos, in the Philippines. “it’s home. i get to sing in front of the home crowd and nothing else can compare to it,” she enthused.

She is therefore very excited for February 17 and 18 to come around when she returns to Manila’s concert scene with Songs from the Stage at the PiCC’s Plenary Hall.

“This is the first exclusively musical theater concert we’re done since 2002, which is quite a long time—15 years to be exact.

So many new shows have been produced since then and this will definitely be a great opportunity to pay those new musicals a visit.

At the same time, we’ll do older shows that we’ve not really visited yet,” shared Salonga.

She added that music by Sondheim, Lloyd-webber, Miranda, Bareilles, King, plus songs that the public never knew came from musicals will all highlight this much-awaited concert. “i’m just excited to be sharing a lot of musical theater with the audience. it’s not always thought of as a hip art form until a the show called Hamilton,” she cited the big winner in theater awards for 2016. “But this unique art form is always a great entry into learning one’s history and culture, and to be a practitioner of it, in whatever way, is always enjoyable and exciting,” she ended.

“Songs from the Stage” is directed by Bobby garcia with musical direction by gerard Salonga, featuring the ABS-CBn Philharmonic Orchestra.

Cherry Pie, Jackie Lou & Angeli in ‘Buwan at Baril’ by amadis ma. Guerrero Philstar.com

THE play “Buwan at Baril sa Eflat Major” by Chris Millado (now vP of the Cultural Center of the Philippines) was commissioned by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) in 1984, a year after the ninoy Aquino assassination and at the height of the protests against the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Often in monologues and exchanges between two actors, the play tells the stories of various diverse characters,

representing different strata in Philippine society, as they narrate or dramatize their experiences and ordeals during those tumultuous years.

There is the Asawa or the wife of a slain nPA guerilla; the Socialite, who is preparing to join a rally in which she will be part of a negotiating panel; the Babaeng itawis, narrating the injustices inflicted upon her people, speaking in her own language which is being translated by a priest, Ang Pari.

There is also the Magsasaka,

and other bands and artists.

Dance instructors (Dis) will be available on the floor. guests can also just sit back, relax and enjoy the live performance of FASO which drew standing ovations and cheers in its past concerts. As in the first “Swing the night Away” in 2014, the glendale Hilton’s ballroom will again be the venue of another unforgettable evening. no host cocktails will start at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are at $125 each (includes dinner). Ticket and sponsorship opportunities information are available

through Arlene Ferrolino (213) 248-9850, Bob Shroder (818) 395-8936 and JL garcia (310) 936-2988. Tickets are also available online at http://www. fasofoundation.org and https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/fasosswing-the-night-away-tickets30576915377.

FASO is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The proceeds will be used to sustain the orchestra and to fund FASO’s education and outreach programs, including its annual summer youth music training program.

Hilton glendale is on 100 west glenoaks Boulevard, glendale, CA 91202.

Rachelle Ann Go with ‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Rachelle is set to play the role of Eliza Hamilton in the West End production this November.

Lea Salonga on belters and having a ‘different’ voice by iza iGlesias

3

the Manggagawa, the Policeinterrogator and the Student.

That was 30 years ago. now the play has been revived because of, well, for obvious reasons. it is the first offering by yet a new theater company, Sugid Productions.

Andoy Ranay directs. The all-star cast is led by Cherry Pie Picache (with Mayen Estañero as alternate), who plays the Asawa; Jackie Lou Blanco is the Socialite and Angeli Bayani the Babaeng itawis. The priest, who Continued on Page 6

Cherry Pie Picache as the Asawa; Jackie Lou Blanco as the Socialite; and Angeli Bayani as the Babaeng Itawis

Back by popular demand: FASO’s “Swing the Night Away” on March 18 at the Hilton Glendale.

Photo by Rick Gavino.

OPM greats come together for Valentine concert LOvERS will swoon this valentine’s Day with serenades from some of the country’s top Original Pilipino Music (OPM) singers.

At the PiCC Plenary Hall this February 14, 8:30 p.m., a concert titled, “#LoveThrowback2,” will bring together Ariel Rivera, Joey generoso, Jinky vidal, nina, Christian Bautista, and Hajji Alejandro to send hearts aflutter with timeless OPM love songs. #LoveThrowback’s second run celebrates the season once again with OPM songs that stir the heart. nothing invokes passion and heartache more than Filipino ballads that tell of love, loss, acceptance, and taking another chance.

Ariel Rivera, Jinky Vidal, Nina, Christian Bautista, and Hajji Alejandro

Leading the star-studded lineup is the ‘90s’ “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala” Ariel Rivera, whose hit singles, “Sana Kahit Minsan,” “Ayoko na Sana,” and “Minsan Lang Kita iibigin,” are sure to resonate with sweethearts and hopeless romantics alike this year.

Band Royalties Joey g. and Jinky vidal will also tug on

heartstrings with bittersweet melodies.

Former frontman Joey g. is set to perform Side A classics, including, “So Many Questions,” “Tell Me,” and “Forevermore.” As for Jinky, the crowd is in for a treat with “if i Believe,” as well as “One Hello” and “So Slow” from her Continued on Page 6

February 3-9, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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How Erwan Heussaff helps Raymond Gutierrez change his lifestyle

by Ma.

Glaiza Philstar.com

lee

EvEn after Miss France Iris Mittenaere has been crowned as the new Miss Universe, her answer—more like the translation of it—in the question and answer portion in the recently concluded beauty pageant held in the Philippines, kept netizens buzzing.

Some doubted the interpreter gave the right intepretation; while others believed that her interpreter has missed out on some important points in his translation. netizens noted that when the buzzer rang signaling that her 30-second time allocation has ended, the interpreter had to rush the translation.

Filipino-French blogger/ restaurateur Erwan Heussaff took it upon himself to clear things out and gave his own translation in his Twitter post. It somehow helps clarify things and make netizens understand why her answer led to the most coveted title.

He posted: “Close translation; I have failed several times in my life. I thought I had failed my first year in medical school because my name wasn’t on the passing list. So, the very same day, I went to buy a new set of medical books to keep on studying. I think when you fail, you need to stand up and keep going, we are all able to do so. If I don’t win tonight, I will still keep on smiling tomorrow because I am proud to be part of the three finalists. I’ve learned a lot from my failures and happily, I did end up passing my first year of medical school.”

He even wrote a disclaimer that the “clip wasn’t clean when I listened to it, so there may be some tense and grammar mistakes.”

Journey to wellness But translating Miss France’s answer is not the only thing that keeps Erwan busy. The newlyengaged guy, who just proposed to his girlfriend actress-host Anne Curtis during their recent US trip last December, is currently helping

EMPLOYMENT

Erwan Heussaff and Raymond Gutierrez

Tv host/celebrity Raymond Gutierrez make a major lifestyle change.

Raymond, whose weight has been influx through the years, admitted that he had a hard time finding a sustainable routine and lifestyle because of the nature of his work – from co-owning one of the biggest nightclubs in the country, to working long hours in the showbiz industry and producing creative events.

“I realized I really needed a lifestyle change. I was going too hard and too fast in whatever I do. I thought I needed to take a break. And if I don’t do it now, when will I do this?” shared Raymond.

To keep him motivated and committed, he decided to keep the public involved. And that was where Erwan came in.

Raymond and Erwan brainstormed together, and they came up with “no Excuses”, a campaign which will follow Raymond’s journey as he changes his lifestyle through the help of three mentors. Erwan will help Raymond to integrate wellness into his life, while nutritionist nadine Tengco will teach him the right diet to take, and Arnold Aninion will be Raymond’s fitness coach.

“The reason that it took me so long to do this is because of the many excuses in my head. I don’t know how to cook. My kitchen is practically a dressing room. I go

to the gym but I’m always on my phone. These are the excuses I usually say to the people around me,” said Raymond, who would bust all these excuses on his way to fitness and health.

Raymond’s progress will be posted in the Century Tuna website, along with the workouts, recipes, and other articles to boost wellness, to encourage viewers to take inspiration from his journey to health.

Apart from helping in the digital contents showing how Raymond is shaping up in the next three months, Erwan will help Raymond integrate fitness into his daily life.

“Regardless of where you’re from, who you are, or what you do, all it takes is a little nudge in the right direction. The idea is not just to lose weight, but to get fitter and healthier. Generally, it takes about 90 days or three months to create a lifestyle change, and this is the time frame we will be working on,” said Erwan, who thinks that this is quite an ironic time to live in because health information are everywhere, and yet there is still an alarming rise in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart conditions, and obesity, among others.

Erwan believes that a healthy lifestyle is a choice. “All it takes to get fit and healthy are a pair of shoes, proper knowledge and willingness to make things work.”

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

Kris Bernal happy for Aljur & Kylie

by Maridol

rañoa-BisMark Philstar.com

IT’S been three long years since Kris Bernal had a relationship. But unlike former love team partner Aljur Abrenica — who’s engaged to his pregnant girlfriend Kylie Padilla — the Kapuso actress is biding her time when it comes to love.

At 27, Kris knows she should be looking for The One. ”I’m no beauty, but I’m choosy,” Tatio Active Dx’s newest endorser said at the presentation of the company’s product lines.

Her man must be “more mature than I am,” whose broader outlook in life will guide her decisions.

And since Kris admits showbiz beckoned when she was a college sophomore, the actress adds that her guy must be more learned than her. He must help her look beyond the obvious and see things in perspective.

Financial stability is just as important, of course. Stars come and go. Public taste — which makes or breaks an actor — is fickle.

So Kris is looking for someone stable enough to support her and even help her family, “when I’m no longer in showbiz.”

That’s a tall order. But Kris is willing to wait and see who among the men she’s dating fits the bill. Playboy and immature types who are only looking for a good time are out. And Kris is holding her big search quietly but surely. So far, however, she has yet

to find what she’s looking for.

She doesn’t mind that her friends Aljur and Kylie have beaten her to the draw. After all, Kris knows how much Aljur feels for Kylie, and how much he suffered during their long — but temporary — separation.

As the other half of the AlKris (Aljur-Kris) love team, Kris relates how Aljur used to tell her how deep his feelings for Robin Padilla’s daughter is.

“He continued to love Kylie, even after they broke up (they reconciled in this year two years after their split). I think this is what Aljur and Kylie are holding onto now,” reveals Kris.

That’s why she’s “sincerely happy” for Aljur and Kylie, and excited that they’ll be first-time parents months from now.

Kris is sure Aljur will make a good dad because “he’s Godfearing and knows how to take a stand.”

But even if she can always text or call Aljur, Kris would rather not, for now. She wants to give Aljur and Kylie a break, and let the situation to cool off.

“Aljur is being bombarded with comments and feedback,” Kris notes. “I don’t want to make things worse. Ayokong makisawsaw.”

But she’ll reach out to Aljur when the right time comes, or when things have become more manageable.

Kris is even willing to take her friendship with Aljur and Kylie to the next level by acting as the

Aljur Abrenica and Kylie Padilla

SERVICES

Kris Bernal

couple’s godmother.

“I never had a problem with Kylie even when Aljur and I were together as a love team,” Kris recalls.

In fact, she’s amazed at Kylie’s transformation from a shy showbiz newcomer to a confident performer who can sing and dance on any stage.

“I’m sure Kylie is stronger and more fearless by now. I have nothing to say against her, even when we were working together,” adds Kris.

Work is what keeps Kris on her toes these days. She admits feeling pressured at the thought of reprising the dual role Sunshine Dizon and Iza Calzado portrayed in Impostora.

“There were two of them in the original version. I only have myself,” Kris describes her role in the upcoming GMA teleserye.

But it’s a challenge she can’t wait to take. no wonder she chose to stay with GMA — the network which built her up after she became the other half of StarStruck’s Ultimate Male and Female Love Team (Matt Escudero completes the other half ) 11 years ago.

“I told the Lord I won’t ask for anything in excess anymore. This is what He gave me, and I should learn to be content with what I have,” says Kris.

The sparkle in her eyes and the glow in her face say that Kris means every word she says.

Health@Heart PhiliP S. ChuA, Md, FACS, FPCS THe US-FDA has issued warning on the use of tanning beds at home and at tanning salons: tanning increases the risk for melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, up to 59 percent! More than 2.5 million teens, mostly girls, use tanning booths each year in the United States. Just like with poison, the more exposure, the more sessions, the higher the risk.

The data are from the National Health Interview Survey’s Cancer Control Supplement, published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The World Health Organization has also determined that UV rays from tanning beds cause cancer.

The second most common cancer, melanoma has the following 5-year survival rates: About 95 percent for Stage IA, when diagnosed early, and between 5 to 20 percent for stage IV, when it has already spread to other organs.

Amazingly UV rays emitted from tanning beds are up to 15 times greater (deadlier) than the rays from the sun. Melanoma kills one person every 50 minutes, or about 28 every day. And these are useless and preventable deaths!

Let us review some facts about sunlight and its harmful UV rays.

What in sunlight is beneficial and harmful to us?

The sun and its light are not only beautiful but vital to our life and survival on this planet.

Without the sun, we will be frozen to death, and life forms on earth will cease to exist as we know it today. About 75% of our body’s supply of Vitamin D is generated by our skin’s exposure to sunlight (UV-B rays in particular).

Abnormally low blood levels of Vitamin D increases the risk of colon and breast cancers and may also speed up the growth of an existing or early melanoma. Of course, Vitamin D can be taken by mouth. The harmful effects of sunlight comes from its ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which could be dangerous to our health in more ways than one, depending on the amount of exposure and dose that a person gets.

What are the sun-related diseases of the eye?

Cataracts (cloudiness of the lens), which, in severe forms, could cause blindness, especially with exposure to UV-B radiation; macular degeneration, the major cause of impaired vision in the USA for people older than 55; photokeratitis, a reversible sunburn of the cornea, also from excessive exposure to UV-B; pterygium, growth of pinkish tissues on the white of the eye,

Tanning and skin cancer which may spread on the clear cornea and block vision. This results when one has prolonged sun exposure on the beach or snow without eye protection, and can be very painful for 1-2 days, with temporary blindness. even with eye cover, the high dose of UV rays from a tanning bed is still most harmful to vision. A nice tan is too high a price to pay for blindness, much less cancer.

How about adverse affects on the skin? excessive exposure to UV rays predisposes to skin cancer, which includes the face and the eyelids, besides skin in other parts of the body. There are three major types of cancers of the skin: Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common one; Squamous Cell Carcinoma, second most common; and Malignant Melanoma, the most deadly, but fortunately, the rarest.

Malignant Melanoma spreads easily and often deadly if not caught early.

How prevalent are skin cancers?

This is an epidemic and is a global phenomenon. In 1978, in the United States alone, there were 480,000 cases of nonmelanoma skin cancers, which rose to over one million in 1994, with a growth rate of 7% per year. In Canada, from 1970-1986, melanoma frequency rose 6% per year for men and 4.6% per year for women. Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. It is said that by age 75, two out of three Australians will have been treated for some type of skin cancer. In the United States, the estimated 30,000 cancer deaths each year could be prevented if Americans, who love sunbathing, do not over-expose themselves to the sun.

How do we protect ourselves from UV radiation?

First and foremost, let us not intentionally expose ourselves to UV rays, thru tanning salons (a costly way) or via the sun (for free). Just like anything in life, moderation is the key when it comes to the sun. Tanning beds must be avoided at all cost. While Americans laugh at Asian women when the latter stay under the shade or umbrella on the beach, they also recognize that Asian women’s complexions look more youthful, with less wrinkles, and that Asian women look younger in general, compared to Caucasian females. Asian women also have lower incidence of sun-related diseases.

Since UV radiation comes not only from the sun but is reflected from the ground, snow, sand, water, and other reflective surfaces, the use of a widebrimmed hat or cap will reduce the UV radiation to the eyes by 50%. Wraparound UV absorbing eyewear provides the greatest

protection because it also limits radiation from the peripheral rays.

Polarized sunglasses or transition lenses reduce glare but do not, by themselves, provide protection from UV radiation.

Sunglasses, and or prescription lenses, that absorb 99-100% of the full UV spectrum to 400 nm are the best for babies, children and adults. Labels on sunglasses should be closely scrutinized to make sure that they say the lenses absorb 99-100% of both the UV-B and UV-A. If they do not have labels, do not buy them.

Consumers must be cautious when the label claims the lenses “block harmful UV” but does not specify how much.

For skin cancer protection, do not rely on sunscreen skin lotion.

The best is not to sunbathe for more than 15 to 20 minutes, and apply “physical” sunscreen lotion.

Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hat when you go outside during sunny days. Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM if possible. Also, it has been shown that taking vitamin C, D, and e and selenium protects against the damages of UV rays by lessening the adverse effects of the UV rays on the immune system.

If one must absolutely be out in the sun, he/she must wear a “physical” sunscreen with a SPF of 15, which contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or talc.

“Physical” sunscreen works by reflecting the UV radiation rather than absorbing the sunscreen into the skin. Doubling the amount of the lotion, or re-applying it later in the day, does not confer added protection. The best is to minimize sun exposure to a safe degree.

Tanning beds are dangerous and must be avoided.

Lastly, if you develop any skin spots or notice any mole in your body to be growing larger or darker, or feel any lumps in your body, consult your physician without delay. If treated early and caught in time, most skin cancers are curable.

To our legislators and civic leaders: Tanning beds and tanning salons must be banned to protect the public from the unconscionable, greedy, and reckless entrepreneurs out to rob the ignorant people of their hardearned money while exposing them to cancer and death. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

Jamie Rivera talks about being boxed as ‘Inspirational Diva’

by Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

WHeN The Manila Times was invited to interview OPM artist Jamie Rivera for her upcoming Valentine’s show, there was only one question that needed asking: “How will you entice the public, whose idea of a Valentine’s show generally range from the romantic to the soulful and sensual to watch the ‘Inspirational Diva’ in concert?”

The 50-year-old artist who has sang for both Pope John Paul II, now a beloved saint; and the revered Pope Francis during their Philippine visits in 1995 and 2015, thus earning her the said title, was both gracious and honest in her reply.

“I have to admit that the title ‘Inspirational Diva’ has put me in a box for a while now,” Rivera, who was first a pop hitmaker in the ‘90s, as well as one of Miss Saigon’s Kims in London’s West end averred. “To be the voice behind ‘Heal Our Land,’ ‘Only Selfless Love,’ ‘We Are All God’s Children,’ and ‘Papa Francisco,’ it’s only natural for the public— especially the millennials—to think I only sing praise music and songs for country.

“So this is why I’m thankful to be given a Valentine show here in Manila this year—because I’ve also had Valentine’s shows in provinces and abroad in the past years—because it will give me the opportunity to let people know that I’ve always been a singer of pop music and intend to do more of it from here on.”

Revealing that 2017 marks her

30th anniversary in the industry, Rivera who is credited for such OPM hits like “Hey It’s Me,” “Mahal Naman Kita, and “I’ve Fallen For You” the singercomposer is excited to revive her best releases this year, beginning with All About Love, a concert at Sofitel Philippine Plaza on February 13.

“I also have recordings in the making but to start with, this Valentine’s show will hopefully reintroduce my music—besides the worship and nationalistic songs I’ve been known to do—to a younger audience, and of course its fans from years ago.”

Rivera added that she knows her former hits will inspire listeners just the same.

“It may not be in terms of their faith or love for country, but it will inspire them to fall in love.

That’s my renewed goal as I celebrate my 30th year. I will continue singing all kinds of songs that inspire.”

Presented by Highrise Manila and GGG Productions, All About Love will be staged at the premiere hotel’s grand ball room and the singer is very excited.

“This is my first time to have a solo dinner concert at Sofitel, and I guarantee everyone will have something to enjoy from my repertoire

including Broadway songs, ‘80s hits, my pop songs, and still, some of my praise music, which also speak about love for God, love for family and love for one another.

Her guests for the one-nightonly concert will be Star in a Million Grand winner Frenchie Dy and Broadway performer Robert Seña.

“I promise everyone, they’ll be in for a great night of music,” ended Rivera—the only way indeed to break out from the box.

February 3-9, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA DO you remember the last time you laughed uncontrollably, the peals and spasms of your laughter so unrestrained, they led others to raise their brows and wonder if you’ve gone off your rocker or inhaled some laughing gas?

Or perhaps, you have laughed uproariously with others. There you are — your shoulders shaking, your eyes in tears, holding your sides, grasping your stomach trying hard not to wet your pants, while you convulse with laughter while others around you are doing likewise, rolling around in fits of laughter over some hilarious situation or a well delivered joke.

I’m not talking about the manic laughter of depraved, sick minds.

Or laughter and derision that makes fun of others. I’m referring to natural laughter set off by the innate humor in situations and jokes that make light of the human condition without costing anyone else shame and humiliation.

Laughter has often been called the best medicine. And for good reason. The scientific explanation is that laughter releases a natural substance called endorphin in the brain that reduces pain and affects emotions positively. The more you laugh, the better you feel.

There’s something sexy and seductive about laughter that attracts women to men who can tell a joke with great panache or show a sense of humor. Men don’t know this but women find irresistible the one who can make them laugh so uproariously and so often. Why is it so? My best guess is that women feel connected when they laugh.

That feeling of being connected is important to women. Among girlfriends and buddies, shared laughter is the bond that seals friendships and makes them last.

If she’s smart, the young,

5

Laughter and the art of seduction “A man, who makes a woman laugh, is one who instinctively knows the first thing about the lifelong art of seduction through the funny bone.” unattached woman of today would do well to choose a mate who has a good sense of humor on top of everything else she thinks makes a good match for her. Life is tough enough. Humor makes it bearable. Humor hints at a man’s intelligence and ability to handle situations. Humor cracks open women’s defense mechanisms.

What accounts for the flourishing phenomenon of humorous chick lit and chick flicks, written by women for women? Could it be that women have had it with men’s interpretations of what women really want? Could it be that women want to clear the air about certain matters like humor, sex, talk and the art of seduction?

With few exceptions, I skip and ignore the reviews of most male critics of the romantic comedy film genre because these are so far off the mark.

In most regular, heterosexual men’s view, sex is the one connection they need with women and naturally, logically, they assume that the same is true for women. Thus, you see too many tawdry and cheap sex scenes depicted from the male point of view in films of the, “…slam, bam, thank you ma’am” variety that leave women in the audience seething and thinking that men, in general, could be insensitive, Neanderthal brutes who still have a long way to go when it comes to sex. Of course, that is not to say that women are not entirely blameless.

Desperate, needy women emulate slut behavior in the hope of making a connection with a man they fancy themselves in love with — any man— anyone in fact, with a

Calendar of Events across

functioning equipment.

But for discriminating, monogamous women with healthy self-esteem however, sex is merely one of the ways they connect with their mates.

Women discover that without making that connection, no matter how tenuous, sex is, sadly, no more than a function of rutting animals. Conversation, no matter how lame or inane is important for women. Shared laughter and fun, with or without the sex, are the means by which true, lasting connection can happen between men and women.

Making a connection is many a woman’s reason for being. Without that connection, a woman’s relationship can flatline disastrously and quick, emergency resuscitation is needed for that relationship to survive. When relationships die, both men and women try to seek, re-create and find that connection elsewhere — with someone else — a sticky, sorry state of affairs that could have been prevented if laughter ruled the roost in the first place.

In highly evolved stages of man-woman relations that grow over time, words are completely unnecessary. Just a knowing look across a crowded room between two connected individuals is enough to make both smile or burst in shared laughter — the highest rung a man and a woman in love can aspire to.

A man, who makes a woman laugh, is one who instinctively knows the first thing about the lifelong art of seduction through the funny bone. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send

America

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TFC presents Fil-Am game changers panel in Long Beach, CA The Filipino Channel (TFC) presents “Breaking the Mold,” featuring Fil-Am game changers on Saturday, February 4 at Beach Auditorium at California State University, Long Beach. Speakers include Chef Charleen Caabay (winner of the Food Network’s “Chopped), Roslynn Alba Cobrrubias (co-founder of MyDiveo), Singer-Songwriter AJ Rafael and TV host/journalist Ginger Conejero. TFCU seeks to help Fil-Am students and groups energize Filipino pride on their campuses. The event is from 12-5 p.m. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.facebook.com/TFCUniversity.

“Quiapo” book launch in Los Angeles Come to Echo Park Library on Saturday, February 4 for a book launch and reading of “Blood, Sweat, Hope, and Quiapo: Rodallie S. Mosende’s Story” by award-winning documentary photographer Rick Rocamora. Echo Park Library is located at 1410 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026.

F E B R UA RY 1 1

FALW to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Seal Beach, CA The Filipino Association of Leisure World will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dinnerdance at the Clubhouse #2 at 1232 Golden Rain Road, Seal Beach, CA on February 11.

Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For other related questions, please call the president of the association, Ren Villanueva at (323) 854-6209.

F E B R UA RY 1 8

Free parenting class in Eagle Rock, CA Come to a free parenting class in Eagle Rock on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. It will be held at the Eagle Rock Lutheran Church at 5032 Maywood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90041.

To RSVP, please call (323) 304-9898.

MARCH 11

CSFLU to hold dinner-dance in Brea, CA The City of San Fernando La Union Association (CSFLU) will hold its annual dinnerdance at the Embassy Suites in Brea, CA on March 11. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa & The Midnight Motion Band. For more information, please call Vangie So, president of the association at (626) 485-3110.

APRIL 20

CAUSE’s annual gala in Los Angeles Join Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE) for its annual gala on Thursday, April 20. It will be held at LA Hotel’s California Ballroom at 333 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact kim@causeusa.org or visit www.causeusa.org.

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

February 3-9, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

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Angeline reminisces past loves in latest album

Tonton: From playing roles to playing golf by

Jerry Donato

champion for the Ladies Division.

Other celebrities who graced the sporting event were Vandolph PLAYING golf is a favorite Quizon and Lito Camo. Also present sport and pastime among male

by Honey orio-escullar in-love,” she said further, Philstar.com celebrities, although basketball still were chairman and organizing admitting that some of her past committee head Edwin Gardiola tops their list. Tonton Gutierrez is relationships were with nonand Lipa City Mayor Meynardo one of them who can’t resist the showbiz guys.

“Mahilig talaga IN Regal Films’ rom-com charm and the challenge of playing Sabili. akong magmahal ng sobra pero “Foolish Love,” Angeline Quinto Asked if playing golf is a “mind” golf. After all, the game is always hindi ko alam sa kanila (laughs). surprised moviegoers with her game, the actor answered that it an option in getting away from the It’s the best feeling in the world intense love scene with Jake requires concentration. “You’re not klieg lights. when you’re in love. That’s why Cuenca, making it her first-ever only playing with your golf buddies.

“Playing golf is very relaxing, ” it’s so easy for me to compose a daring role. shared Tonton with media members You compete with yourself kasi song about love.”

“Initially, I was hesitant hindi ka puwedeng mapikon. Hindi during the First Bato Golf Cup Asked then what’s the real because it was my first time to ka puwedeng mainis, manggigil, held recently at the Malarayat Golf score between her and Erik do it. You know, you just have to lalo mong hindi tatamaan yung and Country Club.

The weekend Santos? put yourself into your character’s bola. It’s like you’re telling yourself, tournament, led by Philippine “I’ve been wanting to clear shoes. Direk Joel (Lamangan) was ‘Relax. Play it strong.’”

National Police chief Ronald “Bato” this because Erik and I are just very supportive and told me not Aside from the couple showing Dela Rosa, raised funds for the good friends. He’s very special to me to worry and just give my best. their competitiveness in the green general’s future projects. Gen. Dela but we’ve never become an Jake, on the other hand, made course, Tonton said, “(I and Glydel) Rosa did the ceremonial tee-off item as what others have been me feel at ease. Since I didn’t get to bond. Kapag wala kaming and played the whole Saturday thinking,” she said. know what to do, I really asked taping, kaming dalawa lang or with afternoon.

The 10-track album features him to guide me so okey naman. Angeline Quinto easily channels the friends, we play.”

Tonton added that he enjoys multiple emotions she has gone through mostly originals including one of And I’m 27 already. Magpapaand is going through in life and love in @ But what made the said golf “being in the greens, seeing grass, her compositions Para Bang Para bebe pa ba ako?” Angeline told LoveAngelineQuinto game special was the campaign the peaceful, quiet environment Lang, which she dedicates to her The STAR in a separate interview against illegal drugs and its while playing with friends... the adoptive mom. “It’s my way of after the presscon for her album LoveAngelineQuinto why she proliferation. “Rampant na talaga launch held recently at ABS-CBN. could easily channel the multiple thanking Mama Bob for all the 27 little pustahan, kantiyawan make ang drugs, every nook and (cranny),” it more fun.” That explains why years of loving me and treating Portraying a funny character emotions she has gone through Tonton said. “Can you just imagine many actors get hooked on playing me like her own daughter.

I’m so in a rom-com is her territory, said and is going through in life and na merong mga lugar na hindi golf, especially when they know lucky for having her in my life.”

Angeline. love. gaanong napupuntahan ng kotse, they have their partners’ back, Completing the track list are “Kasi yung pagiging “All the songs in the album ng tao pero merong drugs? It At Ang Hirap (composed by Yeng supporting them fully. komedyante naman parang tackle about love. I think I’ve will destroy the country, yung Tonton has found a golf buddy Constantino, which chronicles the natural sa akin because it’s not experienced all the situations mamamayan muna, then yung in wife Glydel Mercado.

“She plays struggles of coping with a fresh hard to do as compared to doing in love and relationships. For bansa na.” a lot,” he said. “Whatever sport break-up); Paano Ba Ang Huwag drama which is very challenging instance, I was in love with What keeps him busy these I get into, I also invite her, dati Kang Mahalin narrates the pain for me. And I also want to do someone even if I knew he days? of letting go; Di Na Tayo, another badminton. When I tried golf, I horror films kasi mas hilig ko didn’t love me back or nagpakita “I’m doing a soap,” replied (told) her to give it (a try because) Yeng composition; Parang Tayo yun,” she said while adding that naman sa ‘kin na gusto ako but Tonton, who will be starring in the she might like it.

(The) first time she Pero Hindi (Angeline’s duet with singing is still her first priority. after several months, hindi na. tried it, she liked it. Glydel is the type Kapamilya drama The Promise of Michael Pangilinan); Para Bang “I couldn’t say na tuloy-tuloy Pero ‘pag nagkikita kami sa ABS Forever with Ritz Azul and Paulo Para Lang acoustic remix; Awit ng of person who is really into sports. na itong pag-arte ko sa ngayon bumabalik (yung feelings ko), Maraming babae na takot mangitim Avelino. “Wala pang play date. We’ve Pag-ibig and Ang Pag-ibig Ko’y but I admit that there are times I hahaha! Ganun. Pero naka-getshot a lot of scenes already. (The sa araw. Siya walang (ganun).”

Ikaw are both declarations of find it difficult kasi syempre ang over naman ako. That’s why I’m story) is about an immortal man.

In the two-day golf love; and the covers of Jeremiah’s unang kalaban ng mga singers ay also dedicating the album to He doesn’t age, (hopping) from competition, Glydel was declared Nanghihinayang and the puyat talaga.” myself,” quipped the Kapamilya sweeping ballad Kailangan Kita.

Angeline’s hopeless romantic star with fond recollection. She Producer Jonathan Manalo character in “Foolish Love” is initially didn’t reveal the guy she said: “This kind of songs is very seemingly an extension of her was referring to but would later relatable because we all know personality when it comes to on admit that it was Coco Martin From Page 3 was no need to convince Cherry matters of the heart. You will find in an interview with Boy Abunda. that most Filipinos are hopeless serves as her interpreter and who Pie or Jackie Lou to accept their romantic.” out in her latest album titled @ “Ang sarap kayang mais helping the lumad, is played roles. “I just challenged them at

by JC Santos. Other choice roles lumabas sila sa comfort zone are played by Crispin Pineda nila,” he laughed.

(Magsasaka), Danny Mandia “I am proud and gratified,” (Manggagawa, with Reymund declared Cherry Pie. “I went back From Page 3 this year with sweet musical Reality show “Star in a Domingo as alternate), Joel to my childhood dream, to be a caresses.

Million” finalist Christian Bautista days with Freestyle.

Saracho (Police-Interrogator, with stage actress. Mahirap ang piesa.

Finally, to cap off the Joining #LoveThrowback for a has gone a long way and has Paolo O’Hara as alternate) and Kaya ko kaya? So (I accepted) night, the original “Kilabot ng second time, “Diamond Soul Siren” captivated many hearts both Ross Pesigan (the Student). para makamulat sa tao, sa artist.”

Kolehiyala” Hajji Alejandro will Nina will deliver another stunning here and abroad. The Asian Pop Excerpts from the play were Jackie Lou shared, take OPM back to its founding Superstar’s chart-toppers “Colour performance with her rendition performed by the cast members “Ninerbiyos ako, ang haba ng years with “May Minamahal,” Everywhere,” “The Way You Look of “Through the Fire,” “I Love You during a recent press launch at (monologue). It’s a perspective at Me,” and his rendition of “Hands “Nakapagtataka,” and “Panakip Goodbye,” and “Love Moves in Alab Restaurant in Quezon City. from different kinds of people.

Butas.” (Philstar.com) to Heaven,” will grace audiences Mysterious Ways.”

Director Ranay said there I’m very happy to be with such Philstar.com

Tonton Gutierrez, a golf enthusiast: ‘As long as the role is good, I accept it.’

generation to generation. Hindi siya namamatay. Merong nag-start ng 1800s, then to 2000s.”

The narrative will have Tonton playing as a scientist, who is bent on discovering the fountain of youth.

His character lives in the present time and his ancestors know the immortal man — and they look for him.

As for the roles he could play, Tonton said, “As long as it’s a good role, I accept it.” He doesn’t mind playing dad to actors like Paulo and Jericho Rosales. “I was thirtysomething and Jericho was I think 21 when we did Pangako Sa ’Yo. It didn’t feel awkward — playing his father. Wala naman akong ganung hesitation that I’m too young to play a certain role.” However, when the character is too off-beat and does not fit him, Tonton knows how to beg off. Similar to the way he plays golf, Tonton will take time to relax and stay strong until the right role comes along.

Cherry Pie, Jackie Lou & Angeli in...

OPM greats come together for Valentine...

a wonderful cast. I hope that people who watch will realize it’s for a greater cause.”

All of the cast members indicated they could relate to the sentiments and message of the play.

As Angeli put it, “As actors, as storytellers we want to affect, to reform.”

There are brilliant performances all around, with Angeli and Cherry Pie especially affecting. Seen again after 30 years, Buwan at Baril retains the power to move.

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