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Volume 24 - No. 5 • 2 Sections - 16 Pages

february 10-16, 2017 Also published in LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

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Sen. Cayetano: PH gov’t will not abandon undocumented Filipinos in the US

by MoMar

G. Visaya and dana sioson AJPress

NeW YorK – “the Philippine embassy has issued instruction to the consulates across the United states that they will extend assistance to filipino nationals who need help. We’re not going to abandon those without proper documentation here in the U.s.,” said sen. Alan Peter Cayetano at a press briefing with local media on Wednesday, feb. 8.

Cayetano issued the clarification in response to criticisms of some overseas filipino workers (ofWs) against President rodrigo Duterte’s recent statement that he would “not lift a finger” to help undocumented filipinos if they got caught or deported. “there has been a lot of misunderstanding regarding the president’s statement. he is the president of all filipinos. the framing of the question when he was Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano addressing the Fil-Am community in asked about the illegals, all countries around the world New York during a town hall meeting at the Philippine Center.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

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USA

DATELINE Unanimous ruling from appeals court keeps Trump travel ban blocked from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

A feDerAL appeals court ruled on thursday, february 9, that President Donald trump’s travel ban will remain blocked. this means that citizens of seven majority-muslim countries (iran, iraq, Libya, somalia, sudan, syria and Yemen) will continue to be able to travel to the United states. the unanimous ruling from the three-judge panel from the san francisco-based 9th U.s.

Circuit Court of Appeals has created a significant political setback to trump’s new administration. the judges wrote that although “the public has a powerful interest in national security and in the ability of an elected president to enact PAGE A2

Palawan, Boracay islands get boost at New York Times Travel Show PALAWAN and Boracay – two of the best islands of the Philippines were on top of the list of travellers in 2016, according to a couple of major travel and lifestyle magazines – travel + Leisure and Conde Nast’s traveler. three Philippine islands – Boracay (#1), Palawan (#2), and Cebu (#5) – ranked among the top island destinations in the world according to Conde Nast’s traveler’s 2016 reader’s Choice Awards while Palawan was named by travel + Leisure as “World’s Best island”, followed closely by Boracay as the second-best and winning over equally famous destinations such as Bali in indonesia, tahiti in french Polynesia and santorini in Greece. the international recognition of these island destinations from travelers themselves is a major boost to the country’s tourism efforts aimed PAGE A4

Rob Bonta introduces new climate change bill C A L i f o r N i A Assemblymember rob Bonta (D-oakland) has introduced a bill on Wednesday, february 1 that would help reduce pollution that contributes to climate change. the Buy Clean California Act, AB 262, calls for evaluations on greenhouse gas emissions caused by products the Assemblymember Rob Bonta state uses for public infrastructural projects. the bill details cement, steel and glass as the industrial products associated with the emission levels.

AB 262 — which was co-authored by Assemblymember susan talamantes eggman (D-stockton) — is the first of its kind to confront pollution caused by infrastructure. “this is a powerful example of unity from business, labor and environmental interests to protect our environment from dangerous carbon emissions,” Bonta, the state’s first filipino-American assemblymember, said in a statement.

“California has been a leader in fighting climate change and AB 262 will further demonstrate our resolve by requiring our state government to consider whether products were made in clean or dirty factories when making infrastructure purchases.”

Companies selling such industrial products would be required to disclose the greenhouse gas levels generPAGE A4

WAITING FOR DRUGGIES. The Department of Health says some buildings in the Mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (MDATRC), built inside Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija province, can be turned into halfway homes and training centers as the facility awaits patients. Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial said the Department of Health (DOH)-run center had been treating only 127 people, most of them from the provinces of Bulacan and Nueva Ecija, since it opened on Nov. 30 last year.

Inquirer.net photo by Joan Bondoc

Robredo: PH gov’t should learn from Colombia’s drug war experience by dana

sioson AJPress

ViCe President Leni robredo expressed her support for former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria’s advice that the problems surrounding illegal drugs cannot be solved by using violence. in a press briefing on thursday, february 9, robredo said she hoped that the Philippine government would learn from other nations’ mistake of using force to fight illegal drugs.

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Vice Pres. Leni Robredo

Defense chief: Duterte allowed US construction on PH military bases by aJPress

PresiDeNt rodrigo Duterte has allowed the United states to construct and upgrade facilities on its military bases in the Philippines as part of the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA) signed by both countries.

Philippine Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the remarks on tuesday, february 7, a week after Duterte accused the U.s. of building a ‘perma-

nent’ arms depot in the country and threatened to repeal the Visiting forces Agreement (VfA). ratified by both countries in 1999, the VfA states that the U.s. forces are not allowed to build permanent structures anywhere in the Philippines. “ewan ko kung saan nakuha ni presidente yung information niya (i do not know where the president got his information) but i corrected it. i talked to him sabi ko (and said), ‘mr. President, first PAGE A4

Senate suspends death penalty hearings over int’l treaty Pacquiao: Drug traffickers ‘deserve’to be put to death by dana

sioson AJPress

the senate Committee on Justice and human rights has suspended its public hearings on the bills seeking the reimposition of death penalty in the Philippines amid the rising concerns of violating an international treaty.

“We are suspending because there is a Senator Manny Pacquiao, author of a proposal seeking to re-institute the death penalty supervening event — the treaty of internain the Philippines and increasing the penalties of heinous crimes such as drug trafficking, tional convention on civil and political rights kidnapping, child trafficking, exploitation, prostitution, pornography and rape.

Senate photo by Cesar Tomambo — which states that all executions should not

be continued, was ratified,” senator richard Gordon, the committee chair, told reporters in an interview.

During the resumption of deliberations on the proposed revival of capital punishment in the country on tuesday, february 7, senate President Pro tempore franklin Drilon reminded the Department of Justice (DoJ) that the Philippines has signed and ratified the treaty of international Convention on Civil PAGE A2

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From the Front Page

Senate suspends death penalty...

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and Political Rights (ICCPR) of the United Nations Human Rights Committee — which prevents states from carrying out execution as a form of punishment — in 1986.

Drilon further took note that the Philippines also ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR in 2007.

Pointing out that Article 1 of the Second Optional Protocol, Drilon — who is also a former justice secretary — stressed that the treaty states “no one within the jurisdiction of a state party to the present protocol shall be executed.”

Drilon then warned that if the Senate continues to push for the passage of the death penalty bill while being under the ICCR, the

Philippines would possibly be isolated from the international community due to the repercussions of being unable to honor its international commitment.

“If we violate our international treaty, it could be reviewed and that can be the basis for withdrawing the benefits,” the senator explained.

The senator then added, “We will be isolated from the international community, because we cannot even be trusted to honor our treaty obligation. Malaking bagay iyan sa international arena na mabansagan tayo na hindi tumutupad sa ating international treaty (It’s going to be a big deal in the international arena if we are labeled a country who failed in honoring an international treaty).”

Drilon then suggested that the Philippines should withdraw from the treaty first before continuing its hearings on the death penalty.

“In my view, let us go through the process of getting the concurrence of the Senate to withdraw, but again that is questionable. That is part of the law of the land; that is part of our Constitution now,” Drilon said.

Following the suspension of the hearings, Gordon said the inquiry would remain on a halt until Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II presented his position on the matter.

Presently, there are six bills seeking the reimposition of capital punishment pending before the committee—three of which were authored by Senator Manny Pacquiao, while the remaining were filed independently by Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Pacquiao reiterates need for death penalty During the hearing on Tuesday, Pacquiao pushed anew for the death penalty for drug-related cases, citing the “immensity of the drug problem” in the country.

“On a personal level, I can forgive. However, the heinous crime of drug trafficking is committed not just against a person but against the nation. Drug traffickers deserve [the] death penalty,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao authored Senate Bill No. 185, known as “an act to impose the death penalty and increase penalty on certain dangerPAGE A4

Sen. Cayetano: PH gov’t will...

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have to respect the laws of the host country. It was but normal for the president to say we have to respect whatever policy the Trump administration gives,” he explained.

The senator also assured OFWs that the Philippine government is currently holding discussions with its U.S. counterparts to ensure due process for them.

Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that temporarily bans people from seven countries, which include Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, as part of his administration’s stricter immigration policy.

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

“To Filipinos there (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 January 30.

“The president cannot dictate to the United States. At kaya nga tinawag na (And that’s why it’s called) illegals, because there are some legal requirements that were not complied with,” Cayetano said.

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

In a statement issued on February 2, the DFA also said 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 U.S. law are protected and the ap-

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano with Consul Felipe Carino and Consul Khrys Corpuz Popov at the press briefing for Fil-Am media.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

propriate services are extended to them,” the foreign department added.

Cayetano, Duterte’s running mate and vice presidential bet in the previous national election, is reportedly set to succeed current Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. as the head of the DFA. Cayetano, however, cannot assume the role until the middle of 2017 as the law forbids appointing losing candidates for any Cabinet posts one year after election.

“I don’t want to be presumptuous. The president has stated about the possibility of me being the foreign (affairs) secretary but I’ll wait till April when I go to see him to check what assignment (I’d get),” he said.

The senator then called on FilAms to help and cited ways that the community can assist.

“Whether you are pro- or antiDuterte, in the end, we are all Filipinos. Imagine there are 3.4 million Filipino Americans in the US. If everyone gave a dollar, that’s $3.4 million that you can use for immigration lawyers and things like that,” he said, referring to the need for a possible combination of assistance from the embassy or consulate, non-government organizations (NGOs) and Fil-Am organizations.

“Fil-Ams can continue to lobby with their congressmen, senators for a path towards citizenship or path towards permanent residency for our people in the same way as the Latinos or Mexicans have been doing in states where they have a great majority, and that will benefit us,” Cayetano added.

Open for Business The senator also reported that he had a “quick meet and greet” with Secretary Rex Tillerson of the State Department before the National Prayer Breakfast and communicated the message from the Philippines: that the country is open for business, the economy is doing well and the Philippine government “likes to build, build and build”.

Describing the meeting as “very friendly”, Cayetano said he just relayed the message of the Philippine government and reiterated the invitation for President Donald Trump to come to the Philippines for ASEAN and his personal gratitude that the phone call between President Duterte and President Trump was “very productive and maganda ang napag-usapan”.

“Our long relationship with the United States is very important to the Philippines,” Cayetano said.

“The friendship is there. There are some problems government to government but this new administration also brings some new opportunities and I’m here to help push that relationship forward.”

It was also an opportunity for him to know some members of the Congress through various lunches, breakfasts and dinners from January 31 to February 2 where he also met through the Philippine Embassy some American businessmen doing business in the Philippines.

“We would like them to see the Philippines with their own two eyes rather than reports from certain groups who see things from their eyes,” he said.

Robredo: PH gov’t should learn from...

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“Sana ‘yung pamahalaan pakinggan ‘yung kwento at karanasan ng mga dumaan na diyan para hindi natin nauulit ‘yung mga mali (I hope that our government would listen to the stories and experiences who went through the same drug war so that we won’t repeat their mistakes),” Robredo told reporters.

In an opinion piece published by the New York Times earlier this week, Gaviria urged Duterte to not commit the same mistakes his administration made by using the same heavy-handed measures to handle the narcotics problem.

“Illegal drugs are a matter of national security, but the war against them cannot be won by armed forces and law enforcement agencies alone,” Gaviria wrote. “Trust me, I learned the hard way.”

In his opinion piece, Gaviria acknowledged that “tough penalties” are “necessary to deter organized crime.” However, he stressed that “extrajudicial killings and vigilantism” are the “wrong ways to go.”

He admitted that by using an iron-fist approach, his administration did not only fail to stop drug production but, worse, also created new problems.

“Not only did we fail to eradicate drug production, trafficking and consumption in Colombia, but we also pushed drugs and crime into neighboring countries.

And we created new problems.

Tens of thousands of people were

slaughtered in our antidrug crusade,” Gaviria said.

He went on to write, “Many of our brightest politicians, judges, police officers and journalists were assassinated. At the same time, the vast funds earned by drug cartels were spent to corrupt our executive, judicial and legislative branches of government.”

He then recommended Duterte to designate illegal drugs as a “social problem” and not a military one. He suggested that the Philippine government should instead focus on improving public health and safety, strengthening anticorruption measures, and investing in sustainable development.

Gaviria, who was the president of Columbia from 1990 to 1994, was also famous for battling drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. He is also a founding member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy.

“I hope Mr. Duterte does not fall into the same trap,” Gaviria said in his ending statement.

Duterte, in response, called Gaviria an “idiot” for “lecturing” him about the Philippine government’s war on drugs.

“Sabi nila yung (They said that) Colombia has been lecturing about me, that idiot,” Duterte said in a speech at the 115th anniversary of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) on Wednesday, February 8.

Duterte argued that Colombia and the Philippines were dealing with different kinds of drugs.

He remarked that Colombia was dealing with less potent drugs

like cocaine and marijuana—unlike the Philippines where drugs trafficked include shabu or methamphetamines, which he claimed have worse effects on a drug user’s mind.

Duterte then reiterated that he would take “take full legal responsibility” for the actions of his men who were following his orders.

“These extrajudicial killings and issues, just put it aside. For those really done in the performance of duty, ‘wag yung iba (not other cases), I take full legal responsibility. And if there’s somebody who should go to prison, it’s not the policemen; it is not the military; it is not the Customs; the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency); ako (me). Me. I will answer for anything that I ordered and I am obeyed, following the law,” Duterte stressed.

Meanwhile, commenting on Gaviria’s opinion piece, Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that Malacañang respects the former Colombian president’s advice.

“We respect the opinion of former President Cesar Gaviria that Colombia’s experience of ‘war against drugs’ cannot be won by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies alone,” Abella said.

He added: “The Philippine president rightly understood the same insight when he began to address not just crime and illegal drugs but also broadened government efforts into a public health issue.”

Unanimous ruling from appeals court keeps...

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policies,” it also has an interest in the freedom to travel, the separation of families and freedom from discrimination. “We need not characterize the public interest more definitely than this...

The emergency motion for a stay pending appeal is denied.”

The court also rejected the administration’s claim that it did not have the authority to review the president’s executive order.

“There is no precedent to support this claimed unreviewability, which runs contrary to the fundamental structure of our constitutional democracy,” the court said.

Trump issued the travel ban last January 7, causing a complete disorder at airports as immigration officials and airlines try to adjust to the new immigration policies.

Seattle-based U.S. District Court Judge James Robart on Friday, February 3 issued a temporary restraining order that blocked

President Donald Trump’s travel ban nationwide. A federal appeals court on Sunday, February 5 maintained the temporary stop to the controversial travel ban.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson also filed a motion for the restraining order for a nationwide block on Trump’s executive order, contending that parts of the executive order violate the Constitution.

“We are a country based on the rule of law and in a courtroom, it is not the loudest voice that prevails, it’s the Constitution,” Ferguson said at a press conference. “At the end of the day, either you’re abiding by the Constitution or you are not. And in our view, the president is not adhering to the Constitution when it comes to this executive action.

Previously, the states of Washington and Minnesota sued President Donald Trump, some high-ranking officials in the ad-

ministration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Since then, hundreds of affected travelers — many of whom are refugees fleeing from war-torn countries — over the weekend had their visas restored and were able to return to the United States, reuniting with friends and family.

Prior to Robart’s restraining order, officials from the State and Justice departments revealed that about 60,000 — and possibly as many as 100,000 — have been revoked as a result of Trump’s executive order.

Trump has previously indicated that he would take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary, and the decision would be put in the hands of a divided court that has a vacancy. The president’s nominee, Neil Grouch, could not be confirmed in time to take part in any consideration of the ban.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

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Rob Bonta introduces new climate change...

PAGE A1 ated from their materials. The state would also need to develop a methodology to effectively compare emission levels in order to choose materials that produce the lowest emissions.

The state’s producers of steel have collaborated with clean air advocates as well as labor unions to support AB 262. If this bill passes into law, California will join Silicon Valley-based tech giants Apple and Google as well as the United States Navy, which have already applied similar climate pollution evaluations.

“By focussing the buying powDepartment of Tourism-NY officer-in-charge Zeny Pallugna (left) discusses the under the radar destinations that the Philippines has to offer er of California’s budget, of which approximately $10 billion goes to along with top rated island such as Boracay, Palawan and Cebu at the New York Times Travel Show held last week.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya infrastructure each year, AB 262 will help ensure a thriving market exists for low-carbon industrial products,” Bonta said.

The state’s future in climate PAGE A1 Pallugna also shared that the or 1.33 million came from Korea, change followed by USA (771,849); China Philippines is one of three counat encouraging more tourists to California is one of the counvisit the Philippines to experience tries where there are bodies of (630,327); Japan (491,261) and Australia (218,438).

Rounding up water with non-sting jellyfish. its unique beauty and culture.

The Philippines’ top three is- The two others are Palau and In- the top ten markets are Taiwan, Singapore, United Kingdom, land destinations and other natu- donesia.

On hand to welcome and assist Canada and Malaysia. Among PAGE A1 ral attractions were among the highlights featured at the Philip- visitors at the booth Pallugna and these markets, China and Taiwan there was no construction yet sa pine booth during the New York her team, the Philippine Consul- posted the highest upsurge of mga EDCA camps. Wala pa (Not Times Travel Show held at Jacob ate General in New York led by arrivals with 39 and 30 percent yet). It will be constructed some Javits Convention Center on 27- Consul Felipe F. Carino III. Also growth, respectively. time later this year or next year,’” Tourists from other countries Lorenzana related. addressing guest queries at the 29 January 2017.

Department of Tourism Officer- booth were officials of Philippine such as India, Saudi Arabia and The defense secretary conin-Charge Zeny Pallugna joined Airlines and travel/tour operator European countries led by Ger- tinued, “It will be constructed many, France, Spain, Nether- sometime later this year or next other panelists from Macau, Ko- Ms. Zoila Mendoza.

The New York Times Travel lands and Sweden also showed year. Second, it’s not allowed in rea, Japan, China and Malaysia in a panel discussion called “Focus Show is a three-day event featur- an uptick in arrivals in 2016. our agreement. There will be no A number of hotels and casinos stockpiling of weapons or anyon Asia”. The panel discussed, ing nearly 500 exhibitors repreamong other things, up and com- senting over 150 countries. One are also expected to open in the thing that could be used for war ing travel destinations in the Asia- of the most popular attractions next couple of years to accom- games.”

Pacific region, which are not yet in New York during the winter modate more tourist arrivals. The Last Sunday, January 29, season, the Travel Show is cur- Westin Manila Bayshore, with Duterte claimed that the U.S. on the radar of most clients.

Savvy travelers are always on rently the largest travel trade and 600 guestrooms, is slated for military is presently unloading the lookout for the next big thing consumer show in North America opening on December 1, 2018. It arms in the Philippines. He also in travel, destinations that can counting visitors from all over the will be part of Resorts World Bay- accused the U.S. of violating the shore in the Entertainment City in VFA by allegedly constructing truly be labeled as hidden gems. world.

The Travel Show has notably Parañaque. The Sheraton Manila permanent depots in the country.

In her presentation, Pallugna talked about going beyond one’s grown in attendance within the Hotel, with 350 guestrooms, is In response, the U.S. denied bucket list and talked about how past few years, as thousands of scheduled to open on March 15, the Philippine president’s accusathere are plenty of destinations in guests flock to the Javits Center to 2018 at the Resorts World Manila tions. the Philippines aside from Pala- learn more about selective global complex in Pasay.

Conrad Manila, the first Hilton destinations, as well as new opwan and Boracay.

“We have Siargao, considered portunities in the travel indus- Worldwide and Conrad Hotels as one of the world’s top ten surf try. The event promotes travel and Resorts property in Manila spots and a haven for scuba div- to domestic and international hot with 347 guestrooms, was of- PAGE A2 ers since the Philippines is on the spots, popular travel sites and off- ficially launched last June 2016. ous drugs crimes.”

The hotel was home to the can“We cannot ignore the immenapex of the coral triangle. You the-beaten path destinations. didates of the recently concluded sity of the drug problem in our Travel developments can also go swimming with whale According to documents ob- Miss Universe pageant held at country. We cannot maintain the sharks in Cebu and Sorsogon,” Pallugna said. “You can also tained by the Asian Journal, the Mall of Asia Arena. Among status quo. We need to take a firm travel up north to see the Banaue almost 5.4 million tourists vis- the other new hotels in the Phil- stand against drug traffickers,” the Rice Terraces and the hanging ited the Philippines from Janu- ippines are Citadines Millennium senator added.

According to him, it is more coffins of Sagada in Mountain ary to November 2016 and spent in Manila; Park Inn by Radisson 210.76 billion pesos. This repre- Clark in Clark, Pampanga; Mov- “beneficial and practicable” if the Province.”

Being at the so-called apex of sents 12.12% increase in tourist enpick Resort Boracay in Bora- death penalty bills filed were filed the coral triangle, the Philippines arrivals for the same period in the cay, Aklan; TRYP by Wyndham in on a per case basis. He said it Manila and Aqua Boracay by YOO should not be combined with other is has the world’s greatest biodi- previous year.

Almost a quarter of this figure in Boracay. crimes as it would complicate the versity of marine life.

Palawan, Boracay islands get boost...

try’s leading advocates for pollution reduction with its lawmakers committed to pushing climate change initiatives.

In 2006, California was the first state to enact a statewide reduction of heat-trapping pollution that contributes to global warming, promising to return to the emission levels of 1990 by the year 2020. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown expanded that goal to 2030.

With Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt — a known climate change denier — poised to become the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California may be facing future battles with Washington on pollution reduction policies.

Pruitt, who was nominated by President Donald Trump shortly after his election, has questioned California’s urge to car companies to make more efficient, clean energy automobiles.

The new administration is unlikely to override a unique law that gives the state authority to set its own standards for vehicle emissions, but the state may have to negotiate with the Trump administration and, in return, may lose some of its authority in regards to regulations on greenhouse gas emission.

However, Gov. Brown is prepared to defend the state’s policies and promises to remain a nation leader in climate change.

“We’ve got scientists, we’ve got lawyers, and we’re ready to fight,” Brown said at the American Geophysical Union Conference in San Francisco in December 2016.

“We’re ready to defend. California is no stranger to this fight.

Whatever Washington thinks they are doing, California is the future.

If Trump turns off satellites, California will launch its own damn satellite.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJ Press)

Defense chief: Duterte allowed US...

“No such arms depots exist and there are no plans to build any,” U.S. Embassy spokesperson Molly Koscina said in a statement on January 31.

Koscina then assured that the U.S. “has no intention to re-open military bases in the Philippines.”

On Tuesday, Lorenzana clarified that U.S. troops would only bring equipment for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. He took note that any other weapons they would bring for war games will be brought back in the U.S. when they leave the Philippines.

Lorenzana also cleared that building arms depot is not part of EDCA. He pointed out that the U.S. is only allowed to construct barracks and fuel tanks in its local bases in the Philippines, which the Filipino military were also al-

lowed to use.

“I actually asked his (Duterte’s) decision kung ituloy natin yung EDCA or not (if we are going to continue EDCA or not). Sabi niya, ‘Ituloy natin pero be sure na walang stockpiling ng mga ammunition d’yan (He said, ‘We are going to continue it but be sure there is not stockpiling of ammunition there),’” Lorenzana said.

Duterte, known for his constant tirades against the U.S., previously threatened that he would scrap the EDCA. Lorenz, however, later announced that the EDCA exercises would continue.

EDCA, a treaty both signed by Manila and Washington in 2014, allows U.S. forces to be deployed in Philippine territory temporarily for maritime security and humanitarian and disaster response operations.

Senate suspends death penalty... definition of a heinous crime.

“To bundle it with other crimes will dilute arguments and complicate definitions in determining whether a particular crime is heinous or not because offensive acts may be of different characters,” Pacquiao explained.

Pacquiao also authored two other separate measures seeking capital punishment on kidnapping, and another one on aggravated rape.

Apart from Pacquiao, Sotto, Lac-

son, and Gatchalian, other senators who were supportive or said they were at least “open” to the idea of the death penalty include Senators Sonny Angara Joseph Victor Ejercito, and Joel Villanueva.

Among the senators who expressed opposition, meanwhile, were Senators Drilon, Gordon, Bam Aquino, Leila De Lima, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Risa Hontiveros, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Antonio Trillanes IV, and Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto.

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D ateline PhiliPPines De Lima, Pangilinan support

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CBCP’s call against killings

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

IN separate statements, Senators Leila De Lima and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday, February 6, backed up the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in denouncing the Philippine government’s brutal campaign against illegal drugs.

De Lima, a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, described the CBCP’s pastoral letter as a “wake-up call to a nation in a nightmare.”

“Binabangungot na ang ating bansa sa patayan at kawalan ng puso ng pamahalaan sa mga mahihirap ng biktima ng Tokhang (Our nation is having nightmares with the killings and heartlessness of our government to the impoverished victims of Tokhang),” De Lima said.

She then labeled Duterte a “fake idol and false messiah in Malacañang.”

In a pastoral letter dated January 30, CBCP President Archbishop Socrates Villegas expressed the church’s “deep concern” about the “many deaths and killings in the campaign against prohibited drugs.”

“This traffic in illegal drugs needs to be stopped and overcome.

But the solution does not lie in the killing of suspected drug users and pushers. We are concerned not only for those who have been killed. The situation of the families of those killed is also cause for concern. Their lives have only become worse,” Villegas said.

The archbishop, dubbing the war on drugs as the ‘reign of terror in many places of the poor,’ pointed out that many killers under the campaign were allegedly not brought to account.

“An even greater cause of concern is the indifference of many to this kind of wrong. It is considered as normal, and, even worse, something that (according to them) needs to be done,” Villegas said.

He then reiterated that the church will continue to denounce the killings associated with the war on drugs.

Responding to the CBCP’s letter that was read aloud at mass services beginning Saturday night, February 4, Malacañang responded by correcting that the government’s war on drugs is not a ‘reign of terror’ but a ‘reign of peace.’

“The efforts of these Church leaders might be put to better use in practical catechetics that build strong moral character among the faithful, and so contribute

more to the reign of peace felt by ordinary citizens everywhere, especially those who are innocent of illegal activities,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement on Sunday, February 5.

Abella also took note that the church leaders seemed to be “out of touch” with the “sentiments of the faithful who overwhelmingly support the changes in the Philippines.”

De Lima, meanwhile, said that Malacañang to say that “reminding our people of these basic Filipino values is being out of touch with reality is like saying that our countrymen no longer value life, liberty, and social justice.”

“It is the president who is out of touch with reality, when he thinks he can dispense of these basic values in his drug war and still manage to keep the country’s spiritual and moral fabric intact,” De Lima added.

Likewise, Pimentel expressed his support for the CBCP’s stand against the killing of drug suspects and the strong governmental push to reimpose the death penalty.

“The campaign against illegal drugs and heinous crimes must not cost us the lives of our people, especially the innocent. Our poor, already living under the weight of

Kris Aquino appeals to Duterte: Don’t arrest Noynoy

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, February 6, disclosed that TV host and actress Kris Aquino has asked him to not arrest her brother, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, over the Mamasapano anti-terrorist raid that resulted in the deaths of 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) two years ago.

In his speech during the launch of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) new tax campaign in Pasay City, Duterte relayed that Kris Aquino had sent him a text message saying “‘Huwag mo namang ipakulong si Noy’ (’Don’t arrest Noy’).”

Without further elaborating the details of Kris’s supposed message, Duterte then said he replied: “Sabi ko (I told her), ‘No Kris, I’m not out to find fault. I just want to know the truth.’”

On January 24, a day before the SAF commandos’ second death anniversary, Duterte berated former President Aquino for allegedly “feeding the soldiers to the lion’s den,” asking why the government did not send any reinforcements to the cornered soldiers.

“Wala akong habol na ipaku-

Kris Aquino

long ko ang mga dating opisyal (I’m not after arresting former officials). I’m not into the habit of sending to prison the guys on the other side of the political fence or whatever. I just want to give the Filipino the truth,” he added.

Duterte also demanded that the former president explain his role in the botched operation. He claimed that it was secretly led by the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

In response, Aquino insisted that his only fault was trusting then-SAF Commander getulio Napeñas Jr. with the responsibility of planning and coordinating the operation.

At the same time, he denied

the American involvement in the Mamasapano anti-terrorist raid, explaining that the U.S. only helped with equipment and intelligence gathering. He stressed that he did not discuss the details of the operation with American officials.

Last month, Duterte also said that he would form a fact-finding commission that would investigate the Mamasapano tragedy.

In his speech on Monday, however, Duterte announced that he would no longer pursue the commission’s creation because the Ombudsman reportedly has the case still pending before them.

“I do not want to have a multiple incongruity especially if one finding fights with the other,” Duterte said, adding that he would just wait for the results of the Ombudsman’s investigation.

On January 25, 2015, the SAF troopers successfully killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir, also known as Marwan, during a raid in the southern Philippines where various separatist rebel groups are based.

The elite soldiers, however, were ambushed by insurgent groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

PH deploys erring cops to Mindanao

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

DEPLOyINg alleged erring cops to conflicted areas in Mindanao is not a form of punishment, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said in a statement on Tuesday, February 7.

According to PNP Spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, it is a ‘regular thing’ for officers to be transferred or reassigned in another area.

“Hindi po ito parusa (It is not a punishment). It’s an ongoing activity or program in the Philippine National Police,” Carlos said.

The PNP made the statement following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to send over 200 supposed rogue cops to Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

“We are members of the PNP and not just a local police force, unlike in the U.S. na may sheriff, federal police. Tayo po ay maaring ma-reassign saan mang lugar sa ibang Pilipinas (We can be assigned anywhere in the Philippines),” Carlos explained.

Earlier on Tuesday, PNP Chief Director Ronald Dela Rosa brought over 200 police officers allegedly involved in various offenses — including minor offenses and

other cases of extortion, robbery, and drug-related offenses — at the Malacañang Palace grounds to supposedly clean the Pasig River.

Duterte, however, did not order the cops to clean the river. Standing in a podium while facing the police officers lined up before him, the president ordered them instead to prepare for deployment in two weeks.

“Kailangan ko ng pulis sa south.

Kulang ang pulis sa Basilan kasi maya’t maya, pinapaputok mga estasyon doon; nauubos. Kayong lahat nandito, kasali kayo sa Task Force South. Padala ko kayo sa Basilan. Tumira kayo doon ng mga dalawang taon (I need police in the south. Basilan lacks policemen because their stations are always being bombed. All of you here, you are part of Task Force South. I will send you to Basilan. Live there for two years),” Duterte said in a speech full of expletives.

“Kung lumusot kayo buhay, balik kayo dito. Kung doon kayo mamatay, sabihin ko sa pulis, huwag na magastos na para dalhin pa kayo dito, doon na kayo ilibing (If you survive, you come back here. If you die there, I will not spend to bring you back here. You

will be buried there),” he added.

The Chief Executive, however, gave unwilling cops an option of resigning.

He also warned that he would “create a battalion to keep track” of dismissed officers.

“Karamihan ng mga pulis, ‘yung nadismiss, ‘yun ang mga sindikato kasi may alam kayo. Kayo ang pinakadelikadong kriminal pag-alis sa pulis. Alam ninyo ang pasikot-sikot eh. P***, papatayin ko talaga kayo sa harap ng Pilipinas (Most policemen, particularly those who were dismissed, were part of syndicates because they know many things. You are the most dangerous among criminals after leaving the police. You know your way around. I will really kill you in front of the Philippines),” Duterte remarked.

The president also shot down Dela Rosa’s previous recommendation to retrain the supposed erring cops.

“Hindi ako mag-retraining. Ano ang i-retraining ko sa inyo? Tapos na ang training n’yo araw-araw.

Ang i-retraining ko ang utak ninyo (I would not order a retraining.

What would be your retraining?

Your training is done everyday.

What I need to retain are your brains),” Duterte said.

ERRING COPS. President Rodrigo Duterte (lower right corner) addresses 264 policemen who have allegedly committed offenses while in uniform. Director General Ronald Dela Rosa escorted the policemen to Malacañang Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 7 purportedly to clean up the Pasig River.

Inquirer.net photo by Noy Morcoso

SOLEMN MOMENT. President Rodrigo Duterte prays before the urn containing the ashes of his late mother, Soledad, at the Davao City Catholic Cemetery. The President on Saturday cancelled peace talks with communist rebels after a series of attacks on government troops, and told negotiators to ‘fold their tents.’

Malacañang photo

historical and structural injustices, have carried the burden of this anti-crime drive,” Pimentel said.

He then urged the government to “uphold its responsibility to protect our people, to promote their

welfare, and make them safe” and “pursue justice to the families who have lost their loved ones to criminals.”

Since Duterte launched his crackdown against illegal drugs in

July last year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded a total of 7,000 people slain in both during legitimate operations and by unknown suspects in relation to the campaign.

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OpiniOn

Features

Oil and water

THE relationship between government and religion has always been a complicated matter in the Philippines, one that is both a desensitized and hardly discussed issue. As a predominantly Catholic nation, where 86 percent of its population is Roman Catholic, it has become a Filipino’s moral obligation to live by the Church’s teachings—or at least respect them—no matter how dated some of them may be.

Because the Philippine government rules in an established democracy, a line that separates the state from the Church exists. Article II Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution states that the “separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.” In this way, the government may not force a certain religion on its people, the same way the Church cannot mandate doctrines as laws.

On Sunday, Feb. 5, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), rallied the faithful to join the Church in objecting the killings of drug suspects without due process in courts. More than 7,000 drug suspects have been killed by police and unknown assailants since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his bloody campaign after taking office in June last year.

In a strongly worded pastoral letter, the CBCP denounced the killings of drug suspects during police operations and by supposed vigilante groups, which they branded as “evil.”

“The life of every person comes from God. It is He who gives it, and it is He alone who can take it

back. Not even the government has a right to kill life because it is only God’s steward and not the owner of life,” read the statement signed by CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

“We in the Church will continue to speak against evil even as we acknowledge and repent of our own shortcomings. We will do this even if it will bring persecution upon us because we are all brothers and sisters responsible for each other,” the bishops stressed.

The CBCP statement also lamented that killings of drug suspects take away their rights and opportunities to defend themselves in trial and for reformation in penitentiary once convicted.

Following his statement, Villegas is encouraging the faithful to voice out similar objections to the government by joining a grand procession on February 18. Dubbed the “Walk for Life,” the procession aims to oppose drug-related killings, the death penalty, and other measures labeled by the Catholic Church as “anti-life.”

“Let us fill our streets not with blood, not with

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

dead bodies, but with prayer, with courage, to walk, to stand up for life,” Villegas said.

The Church’s ethical stance on the sanctity of life is absolute. This rule has no exception, making sensitive issues such as abortion, euthanasia, contraception, and capital punishment as non-debat-

able. The Constitution also guarantees the same, as warranted by Article III Section 6, which states that “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.”

(AJPress)

Legal showdown: Is Trump’s travel ban constitutional?

WHeTHeR or not you agree with President Donald Trump and his executive order, which bars citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries (Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen) from entering the U.S. for 90 days, all refugees for 120 days and indefinitely bans refugees from Syria, it is fair to say that what we are witnessing right now is democracy at work in the United States.

On Tuesday, February 7, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has begun hearing arguments from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the State of Washington as to whether Trump’s travel ban should be reinstated or rejected, after the ban was determined by a federal judge in Washington on Friday to be unconstitutional and harmful to the state’s interests. The decision covers not only the state of Washington, but the entire United States.

Prior to the judge’s ruling, chaos erupted The Fil-Am in major airports in the United States with Perspective immigration and state officers, as well as airport personnel lost on clear guidelines of how to implement Gel SantoS-reloS these executive measures.

More than 60,000 people had been affected by the ban — citizens and permanent residents awaiting family reunification, U.S. businesses relying on professionals from these countries, students attending U.S. universities, patients needing urgent medical care in U.S. hospitals, refugees approved to take shelter in the U.S. pursuant to the refugee program in agreement with other countries participating in the humanitarian program, among other sce-

narios.

Protests all over the world were also organized to denounce what they call an illegal and discriminatory ban singling out people because of their nations of origin and religion.

Following the federal judge’s ruling, the ban has effectively been lifted and those with valid visas from the seven countries, as well as Syrian refugees who had already gone through stringent vetting for two years and had been found to not be threats to the security of the United States amid terrorism concerns, were allowed to enter the country.

The Trump administration appealed the case to the Ninth Circuit Court, which may possibly be elevated to the

Supreme Court.

The DOJ has argued that Trump was just exercising his authority and the obligation as president to keep the United States safe.

The Trump administration contends that is not discriminating against Muslims nor the seven countries. These countries, it argues, are in fact determined by the Obama administration to be high-risk countries and that the Obama administration had in fact subjected nationals from these countries through stricter vetting before they are issued visas to enter the U.S. The lawyers for the states of Washington and Minnesota have presented the argument alleging that Trump’s executive order was designed to discriminate against Muslims, citing Trump’s rhetoric during the campaign season promising voters to ban Muslims, giving preferential treatment to Christians from Muslim

countries to enter the U.S. Those opposing the ban likewise question why the countries where actual terror threats came from were not included in the ban like Saudi Arabia and egypt — countries Trump has business interests in.

Trump’s critics also question why he would not include in his fight to keep America safe those terrorists and attackers coming from non-Muslim countries like the right wing Christian extremists.

The three judges of the Ninth Circuit Court will deliberate on the arguments of both sides and will make a decision soon. *** 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

Former Pres. Aquino haunted now by his past

Commonsense

Marichu a. VillanueVa DOING away with his prepared draft speech as he always does, President Rodrigo Duterte casually mentioned in the course of extemporaneous remarks last Monday about a private message he received from controversial TV/movie actress Kris Aquino.

Straying from the subject matter of his address before the country’s biggest taxpayers, President Duterte disclosed the actress purportedly sent him recently a text message asking him not to send to prison her only brother, former President Benigno “Noy” Aquino III. According to President Duterte, Kris apparently alluded to his previous pronouncements about his plans on how to put a just closure to the January 2015 Mamasapano massacre.

As then commander-in-chief, PNoy deployed the Special Action Force (SAF) troopers to capture internationally wanted bomberterrorists, but 44 of them were killed in the course of their operation.

Before the same audience, President Duterte announced he would no longer pursue his earlier plans to set up a special commission to re-open investigation into the Mamasapano massacre.

The President added he would just wait for the Ombudsman to complete its probe into this case where PNoy, along with his coaccused, were facing charges filed against them.

As of this writing though, Kris

who is equally articulate and at times tactless like President Duterte, has not issued any response to the public disclosure of her private message to the Chief executive. Surely, this is yet another action by Kris without the imprimatur of her brother.

The chivalrous President Duterte gave though his public assurances to Kris he is not one to send her brother to prison just because his predecessor happens to belong “to the other side of the political fence.” While the public assurance is well-meaning, it is the court, not the President, that can send somebody to jail. Only dictators can do that.

There is what we call due process as enshrined in our country’s 1987 Constitution.

Incidentally, the country quietly observed the 30th anniversary of the ratification of the Philippine Constitution last Feb. 2. It was the late icon of democracy, President Corazon Aquino, whose Constitution is now the subject of the renewed Charter change attempts, including the current administration of President Duterte.

While Kris may have saved PNoy from jail—for now—exPresident Aquino is facing yet another case. The former President is being made to account for the Philippine government loss to an international court that ruled as illegal the latter’s unilateral decision to scrap the contract of a Belgian company to undertake the Laguna Lake dredging project.

The International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) reportedly ruled in favor of the Belgian dredging firm Baggerwerken Decloedt en Zoon

(BDZ) which elevated their case to this United Nations commercial arbitration body. The BDZ brought their case against the Philippine government after the former President scuttled their P18-billion contract to dredge the Laguna Lake in November 2010, or a few months after the Aquino administration took office at Malacanang. The ICSID ordered the Philippine government to pay P800 million plus interest to BDZ for all the losses incurred by the firm for the project’s cancellation.

Sought by The STAR for his side, Mr. Aquino who has yet to get a copy of the ICSID ruling noted the Belgian firm was the same one that dredged the Pasig River before his tenure as president.

Further, he cited, the Department of Science and Technology Former Pres. Benigno Aquino III (DOST) determined that at most, no did not issue any written order Management Association of the only 40 percent of the project was to officially inform the Philippine Philippines where he justified the done and the allocation had all government’s cancellation of the cancellation of the dredging projbeen used.

BDZ contract with the LLDA. Ti- ect. The following excerpts from The Laguna Lake Development glao recalled it was scuttled in his speech explains why PNoy Authority (LLDA) which entered actual practice only through Fi- scrapped the contract: into contract with the BDZ has yet nance Secretary Cesar Purisima’s “The Laguna Lake project, to issue its rejoinder to the ICSID refusal to sign the documents ac- I heard President Aquino say: ruling. The LLDA is a govern- cepting the Belgian government’s ‘There were a lot of good projment-owned and controlled cor- P7 billion grant to fund the proj- ects in the previous administraporation under the Department ect. tion.’ But you know, there were of environment and Natural ReTiglao blamed the scrapping some such as the Daang Hari that sources (DeNR). of the BDZ contract to what he were already started and we did It was former presidential described as PNoy’s “irrational, continue with it. But the Laguna spokesman and ex-ambassador apoplectic bias” that everything Lake, a dredging project for P18 of the Philippines to Greece Rigo- his predecessor did or planned billion and based on studies, what berto Tiglao who first reported was graft-riddled. they will dredge will be back in the issuance of the ICSID ruling.

By the way, Tiglao also once three years because we have not Tiglao, who now writes a regular served as press secretary of for- addressed the source of the siltcolumn at The Manila Times, rhe- mer President Gloria Macapagal- ation, which is the deforestation torically asked in his Feb. 1 col- Arroyo. of the Marikina river watershed umn: “Why should we taxpayers Going through our own files of and the human settlements are pay the cost of Aquino’s hubris stories on this case, there was a delayed. For the sake of acceleratand idiocy?” speech made by the ex-Finance ing expenditure, President AquiTiglao though noted Mr. Aqui- chief on Jan. 30, 2012 before the no could’ve signed that. But you

would have wasted P18 billion of your money.”

Purisima’s successor, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III was quoted saying the Duterte administration may appeal the ICSID ruling. Dominguez confirmed they just got a copy of the ICSID ruling a few days ago.

“So we’ll go over it carefully and we’ll see what legal remedies there are. If we have to pay, we will pay,” Dominguez pointed out.

Sadly, we taxpayers may have to pay for it. But the non-dredging of the Laguna Lake will continue to bear upon us, for residents in Metro Manila and the rest of the areas that suffer severe flooding at the slightest rains. This is yet another legacy of Mr. Aquino that will continue to haunt him like the Mamasapano incident. (Philstar. 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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2

february 10-16, 2017

The Origin of Valentine’s Day

By Dana

SioSon/aJpreSS

M

2

Love and more love: Some fun facts about Valentine’s Day

any people around the globe celebrate February as the month of love. Specifically, the 14th day of the month is usually referred to as Heart’s Day or Valentine’s Day. During this day, roLove is in the air as valentine’s Day is fast mantic couples, couples-to-be, families, and friends express their feelings of affection or gratitude to approaching.

Now who wouldn’t be familiar with this the people close to their hearts—usually by giving special gifts or by going out. great day meant for sharing love gestures? I know “Valentine” comes from the least three different men named many couples excitedly wait for February 14 so they Latin word valentia, which means Valentine, or also referred to as can express their feelings to their partners. However, “strength” or “capacity.” While Valentinus in other versions, who though we may be familiar with the day’s history, the real history behind Valentine’s were all martyred on February 14. some may not know some interesting information Day itself remains a mystery, The question who among them involving the celebration. Here is a list of fun facts to there are different stories that tell Pope Gelasius intended to honor, think about: how the modern celebration of however, was not known. heart’s day originated.

The Lupercalia festival One version says that Valentine’s day actually originated from one of the most ancient Roman sex traditions, the Lupercalia festival.

The Lupercalia festival, which dates back to before the Christian era, was celebrated annually on February 15 in honor of the Roman god of fertility, Lupercus.

In Roman mythology, Lupercus is said to be the she-wolf who raised Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, in a cave called Lupercal.

During the Lupercalia festival, Romans offer goats and dogs to the fertility god, which is said to be remarkable for its sexual instinct. young men would also strip themselves naked and hit the women with a goat’s or a dog’s skin. This particular action, in their belief, would make women fertile. Women’s names were also placed in jars as a lottery for men.

It is said that the early Roman Catholic church, unable to completely remove the pagan tradition from the people, adopted this festival with revisions.

St. Valentine another version of the origin of Valentine’s Day tells the story of Saint Valentine in the Roman Catholic belief. around 496 aD, then-Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as the feast day of Saint Valentine, their patron of love and couples.

In the Catholic church, there were at

One story suggests that Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome, under the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Emperor Claudius was said to have banned young men from marrying in theory that single men were better soldiers than married men who worry about their wives and families. Despite the emperor’s decree, Valentine continued to perform marriage rites. Upon the discovery of his actions, the priest was put to death.

There was also another version that says Valentine used to help early Christians escape Roman tortures. another legend tells the story of Valentine’s own love tale.

Valentine, a Christian who was imprisoned, fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. Valentine was said to have written a letter to her before his death, which contains the phrase from your Valentine, an expression that is still widely used today. There was also a theory that says the daughter used to be blind but Valentine was able to heal her sight. This event, according to the story, converted the jailer to Christianity.

In 1969, however, due to Saint Valentine’s unclear history, the Roman Catholic Church removed his feast day from their general liturgical calendar.

The present February 14 Presently, Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated by different countries across the globe, regardless of the

• Animal love. About 3 percent of pet owners will give gifts to their pets. The reason is that most pet owners consider animals to be more grateful and loyal than humans.

• A rose by any other name.

California produces 60 percent date itself varies, couples usually dominant religion—including the of American roses, but the vast Philippines and the United States. tend to make it more meaningful number sold on valentine’s Day in than their usual dates.

Despite being an unofthe U.S. are imported, mostly from apart from couples, some ficial holiday, most public South America. Approximately Filipino families also celebrate places—such as restaurants and 110 million roses — the majority Valentine’s Day together, just gift shops—decorate their stores red — will be sold and delivered like Christmas and new year with Valentine’s Day-themed within a three-day time period. but in a less-grand way. During ornaments. These usually include • Flowery messages. each Valentine’s, families usually go hearts and Cupid, the mythical color of rose sent on valentine’s out and eat dinner or watch movRoman god of love who resemDay have some meaning. A red ies. Children usually give letters bles an infant with wings holding rose means love and respect, of gratitude or small gifts to their a bow and arrow. pink says, “I am having sweet thoughts about you” and white stands So how do Filipinos celebrate parents. for purity and states, “I am worthy of 3. Confessions and proposal Valentine’s Day? Here are just For some people, Valentine’s you.” Also the number of roses some of the many ways Filipinos also counts. For instance, one is one of the perfect days to express love during the day of confess their love or propose to stands for love at first sight, the hearts: 12 is to say “I love you,” their loved ones. after all, the 1. Gift-giving 108 is recommended for month of February itself has a Just like any other occasion, marriage proposals and very sweet atmosphere.

With all giving gifts has always been part the sales, special items and pro- 999 means “we’ll always of the Filipino Valentine’s Day. mos during the month of hearts, be together.” among the common presents • “Signed, confessions and proposals fit the people give to their love ones XOXO.” Many believe mood. include chocolates, flowers, and the X symbol became These are just some of stuffed animals. In the Philipsynonymous with the kiss the ways how Filipinos usually pines, you’ll immediately know in medieval times. People celebrate Valentine’s. as diverse it’s already February when who couldn’t write their names as countries and cultures are, so you start to see people selling signed in front of a witness with an X. are the people’s practices when roses and teddy bears along the The X was then kissed to show their sincerity. celebrating Valentine’s Day. streets.

• Sweets and romance. The most romantic place to share candy However, one thing is no 2. Dates is in front of the fireplace, according to an American poll done in 2012. doubt a common factor when Going on a date is, of course, • Cure a broken heart. In the 1800s, doctors commonly advised people mark this holiday: people one of the highlights in celebrattheir heartbroken patients to eat chocolate, claiming it would soothe ing the holiday. Romantic couples always try to show their appreciatheir pain. To this day, many women find comfort in a box of chocolates tion to the people they love— usually go on ‘special’ dates on whether it’s romantic love, family when dealing with hearbreak.

February 14—some couples cel• The symbol of love. The heart is the most common symbol of love, friendship love, or even ebrate it on other days though, romantic love. Ancient cultures believed the human soul lived in the gratitude, people try to express especially when the 14th falls heart. others thought it to be the source of emotion and intelligence. their feelings of affection. on a weekday. While the kind of Some believed the heart embodied a man’s truth, strength and nobility.

However, the heart may be associated with love because the ancient Greeks believed it was the target of eros, known as Cupid to the Romans. Anyone shot in the heart by one of Cupid’s arrows would fall hopelessly in love. Because the heart is so closely linked to love, it’s red color is thought to be the most romantic.

• Lonely hearts club. If you’re single, don’t despair — February 14 is also Single Awareness Day (SAD).

Meant as an alternative to love and romance, the holiday is for single

by Malou liwanag-Bledsoe / AJPress people to celebrate or However, jewelry tops the Love brings a lot of to commiserate in their list, as an estimated $4.3 billion emotions, one of them being single status. (AJPress) will be spent by the 18.7 percent (sometimes) unwise on how a who plan to buy it as a gift. person expresses his/her love. one thing to note though This is true for what we spend — 24 percent of single adults for the person we love, making buy themselves a present for valentine’s Day the third largest valentine’s Day. consumer holiday in the United For those who don’t believe States. More than $18 billion in spending too much, sending per year is spent in Cupid’s greeting cards still seem to be name, with lovesick shoppers their best bet. There are about buying gifts in the name of love.

1,500 types of valentine’s Day Gifts from the heart — and cards offered by Hallmark alone wallet this year, and it is estimated It is indeed, a love affair that $1 billion will be spent on with spending. This year, it greeting cards alone. is projected that the total To celebrate or not to valentine’s Day spending will be celebrate? $18.2 billion, with an average Americans between 35 and of $136.57 per person. About 44 years old are most likely to 32 percent will buy their gifts at celebrate valentine’s Day, while discount stores. less than half of people at least Ninety-four percent of the people celebrating the day want 65 years old will commemorate the occasion. A night out on to receive candy and chocolate. valentine’s Day will average (The first valentine’s Day box of $73.68 per couple, with a total chocolates was introduced by amount of $3.8 billion for the Richard Cadbury — founder of whole of the U.S. Cadbury’s cocoa and chocolate Men also spent almost company— in 1868.) This is double than women last year, no surprise as $1.7 billion will suggesting that chivalry is not, be spent by the 49.7 percent splurge for their loved ones significance for many people. in fact, dead. of celebrators who plan to buy on valentine’s Day, some still In fact, it is believed that 9 However, 46.1 percent of candy this year. believe that looking for simple million marriage proposals will adults do not plan to celebrate Flowers are ahead of candy and affordable ways to show be made on valentine’s Day this with 20 percent of annual flower valentine’s Day this year. Also, their appreciation and love is year. Another thing is that 1.9 53 percent of women say they sales happen around valentine’s best. Though there are means million Facebook uses changed would break up with their Day. It is estimated that $2 to spend on expensive gifts, their relationship status within a significant other if they got billion will be spent by the the saying that “it’s the thought week of valentine’s Day. nothing planned.

34.7 percent who plan to buy that counts” holds true when it While it’s great to see Still, the day holds a lot of flowers. comes to giving. that people are willing to

Valentine’s Day by the numbers: How much spending is done for love

Erich confirms breakup with Daniel: ‘It’s over’

by ClaRizel Inquirer.net

After weeks of speculation on the status of their relationship status, erich Gonzales finally spoke out and gave her confirmation: “It’s over”. the young actress, who recently deleted all of her couple photos, showing her with former boyfriend Daniel Matsunaga on her Instagram account, broke her silence and confirmed their breakup to the media.

“It’s true po that we’re not together anymore. It’s over. to be honest po ayoko po talagang magdetalye. I just want to move on,” Gonzales said. (“It’s true that we’re not together anymore. It’s over. To be honest, I don’t really want to go into details. I just want to move on.”)

However, rumors of a third party was quickly dismissed by both Gonzales and Matsunaga.

Nonetheless, the actress stressed that she and her now “ex” are not in speaking terms.

“Hindi po kami nag-uusap. It’s not true that we are talking. Hindi po kami magkaibigan. Walang third party po.” (“We are not speaking to each other. It’s not true that we are talking.

We are not friends. There is no third party.”) the Kapamilya actress, through a press conference by her home network ABS-CBN, revealed that while she is going through a rough time right now, she has God, her

3

Martin and Lani on keeping up with the new generation by iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga

family, friends, and loyal people who care for her to thank. right now, the actress stresses that she just wants to help herself move on from the failed relationship.

“I think I just have to accept na may mga bagay po talagang we cannot control. Life goes on,” she said. “I deleted the photos. I unfollowed them. I just want to help myself,” she elaborated. (“I think I just have to accept that there are things we really cannot control. Life goes on. I deleted the photos. I unfollowed them. I just want to help myself.”)

Despite the pain she feels, she said that she definitely learned something from her relationship with Matsunaga, “Siguro kapag

nagmahal ka, kailangan magtira ka para sa sarili mo.” (“Perhaps when you love, you have to leave something for yourself.”)

Seeming very hurt, as told by her body language as she spoke to the media, erich said the weight of the pain she feels will definitely not permit her ever from being friends with Matsunaga.

“Sa nararamdaman ko po ngayon, hindi po. I don’t want to say anything more. I just want to move on,” Gonzales declared. (“With what I am feeling right now, no [on being asked if she can remain friends with Matsunaga]. I don’t want to say anything more. I just want to move on.”)

How Matteo and Sarah keep the passion alive

by Deni Rose BeRnaRDo Philstar.com

ALtHouGH Matteo Guidicelli paired with his ex-girlfriend Alex Godinez in a recent movie and is about to star with Kim Chiu in the next, and Sarah Geronimo will be on a comeback flick with John Lloyd Cruz, Matteo and Sarah’s relationship remains as strong as ever.

In showbiz, where relationships are volatile, how can team Ashmatt, as Matteo and Sarah are fondly called, manage to survive for over two years now? “trust — I think that’s the most important thing. that’s the open secret to any relationship,” Matteo stressed during his recent launch as endorser for footwear brand Saucony.

February 10-16, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

this year, Matteo vows to do more things he wants to do and not those people want him to. Among those in his plans are doing more independent films

and a second album with more personal songs and “a new sound.” following his sold-out concert in Cebu last year, he also yearns to tour the country with his music.

Will he bring Sarah with him this time?

“Sarah and I don’t work together and we’re not going to work together. We just want to do things differently and separately,” he explained. “We’re not a love team or anything. We’re not work partners. We are boyfriend, girlfriend. I think it’s different. We try to keep things separate.” this Valentine’s, his wishes for Sarah, for himself and for everyone who love them are “harmony, peace of mind, good vibes and more smiles on their faces.”

INDIVIDuALLy, Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha have made a name for themselves as icons of original Pilipino Music. Already considered stalwarts both as concert performers and recording artists with their distinct vocal prowess, their gift of music has allowed them to transcend and entertain generations. for the last 33 years, Nievera, the country’s beloved Concert King, shows no sign of needing to surrender his throne just yet.

At the beginning of the year, he was named Male Concert Performer of the year at the 8th PMPC Star Awards for Music for his performance in the concert, royals.

Asia’s Nightingale, Misalucha, on the other hand, only keeps soaring higher, whether in the Philippines or in Las Vegas where she has made a name for herself.

She continues to be an artist young female vocalists idolize with her classics, “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin”, “tila”, “tunay na Mahal” and “Ikaw Lang and Mamahalin” a staple in repertoires for landing gigs in the music scene.

Despite all their recognition and success, both artists confess nothing is a walk in the park for them these days as everyone else might think. they especially have to adjust themselves whether in packaging or promotions in order to reach out to a wider audience.

“We are primarily singers.

Artists of today, however, use multimedia avenues—that is many of them also host, act, and have endorsements. they’re lucky that way but we started differently,” Misalucha began at an interview at the Solaire resort and Casino.

“Basically, what we do are albums, concerts, television, and radio sometimes and that’s it.

Now the landscape is different to reach a certain popularity, but it’s very effective. the mileage is big. We don’t have any regrets

Lani Misalucha

[how we started]but of course we need to ride along with the times, otherwise we’ll be left behind,” she added.

Nievera agreed, “that’s why it is important for us to listen—not really follow, but at least listen to the more experienced artists in this landscape who are younger than us. I just know that if we alienate ourselves from all of this, like technology, and the different platforms, then I think we’ll miss the bus.”

He continued, “But the difference from the old days was we gave our audience a little mystery—now there’s none of that. you know exactly what you’re going to get. that’s why our job is to make our show entertaining and make audiences sit up from their chairs,” Nievera explained.

‘Masquerade’ As Nievera and Misalucha roll with the times, they have also succeeded as a tandem, originally at a sold-out concert in San Diego in 2016. that very show will finally go onstage here in the Philippines as a Valentine’s Day, titled Masquerade.

Directed by rowell Santiago with musical direction by Louie ocampo, the concert will take place on february 12, 8 p.m. at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu and for two nights on february 14 and 15, 8 p.m. at the Solaire resort and Casino Grand Ballroom.

“Since the title of our concert is Masquerade, the songs could be anything—a mix of different types

Martin Nievera

of music to entertain different types of lovers in the audience,” Misalucha said.

“If she’s doing a Lani concert or I’m doing a Martin concert, we have to think about our own songs and give them a different twist. Now the theme is very easy because it’s Valentine’s and it’s about love. But in the show we want to be able to give in to every form of love possible—legal, illegal, courtship, break up, heartache, wishful thinking—for all sexes and all types of people.

We want to be able to serenade them all,” Nievera explained.

And with that this A-1 tandem promises a Valentine’s concert not to be forgotten by any generation, as they adjust their songs for the many faces of love.

February 10-16, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

4

That thing called love and what to make of romcoms

ages past. In medieval times, when marriage, the nunnery or spinsterhood were the choices that were available, most young girls dreamt about that rich, dashing knight riding on a horse, Monette that would slay the dragon, AdevA MAglAyA overcome overwhelming forces, sweep them off their feet, ride out into the sunset and live happily IF you’re a woman who ever after. For a few centuries, believes in secret in such things that was how it was.

Bluto, in the Popeye, Olive Oyl compelling and fascinating as love-at-first sight and happilyBut we all know, real life triangle, that horrible antagonist — repelling and binding at the ever-afters, TAKE HEART. Even tells far different stories. The that prevents the girl and the same time. Deep within most during this cynical, jaded age of fairy tales turn out to be more guy from coming together; women, despite all that they’ve information when nothing seems like Gothic novels. Girl and guy couple almost gives up trying seen and been through, some, sacred or mysterious any more, don’t always end up happy. The but then an unexpected twist despite being scarred beyond there are still countless women happens, some deus ex machina, depressing d’s descend on every (and maybe some men) the world belief by past toxic liaisons, if they life: divorce, deceit, despair, a manipulation by the love god, don’t let bitterness and acrimony over just like you, who believe in that resolves the conflict and zaps discouragement, disillusionment, permeate their hearts, that thing the magic and mystery spun by darkness and death. And we’re away all obstacles e.g. a can of called LOVE, still rules and does so that ancient, invisible force called left disappointed. spinach that rolls from nowhere, mightily.

LOVE. It is written in our DNA. So But for all that, hope springs that energizes Popeye to pummel Romantic comedies churned don’t fight it. It’s just that modern eternal in the human heart and Bluto; guy gets girl or whoever is out fairly regularly from the women probably won’t admit doing the hot pursuit; and finally, keeps the romcom writers busy.

Hollywood story factory seem to being romantic in public, for fear We have this need to believe even the way is then made clear for come from a well-worn template, of ridicule. They will say, “Bah, if we begin to view with a jaded the de riguer wedding scene. copy-fitted in about 90 minutes humbug!” with a straight face eye that the concept of happilySigh. THE END. BIG CHA-CHING. of predictability. After a while, and then watch every romantic Romcom makes mega millions at ever-after is just a myth, long after they taste like prepackaged comedy on the sly. the harsh facts of reality beat the box office. A sequel may or burgers, food enough for the That is probably why this us into submission in a staremay not follow. Ho-hum … movie genre makes a killing at the starving romantic soul, but hardly down. Slowly, warily, we learn to There was a time when satisfying. After you have seen a box office. Women are a captive separate fact from fiction. few, you can very well interchange young girls relied on the tattered audience and these women, in Our world has changed pages of a fairy tale book or a the characters and the plots and turn, drag their partners, more from the simple to the utterly radio drama series or a television than likely, kicking and screaming subplots like pieces of Lego. It’s a complicated present times. series which fired up their formula that keeps on giving: girl because they would rather watch imagination, leaving them sighing We now live with ubiquitous meets boy; a delicious attraction violent movies oozing with blood social networks available to our and dreaming of their knight in sizzles; a situation sets up a and gore. Yeah, yeah. Talk about fingers where we can engage shining armor. Disney has pretty series of conflicting, seemingly women coming from Venus and electronically in our pajamas and much scoured the bottom of the complicated twists and turns men, from Mars. That’s what unmade beds, engage with one barrel in spinning out modern made more tenuous by a third makes the chemical attraction versions of animated stories from another instead of what used opposing character, just like between straight genders so to be face-to-face interpersonal relationships when we need to be right where we need to be to make our case.

We facebook and twitter all day long electronically creating, maintaining or killing off disposable internet relationships, that can defy space and time F E B R UA RY 1 0 -1 6 constraints, that can either bloom ART AND SOUL (The Healing Power of Art) exhibit in Washington, D.C. and thrive or take shallow roots In celebration of National Arts Month, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. is and die in an instant. It doesn’t pleased to invite you to an exhibit entitled, ART AND SOUL (The Healing Power of Art), really matter. The next thing is featuring the works of Artist and Curator Julian Oteyza and Sony Florendo at the Romulo just a click away.

Hall of the Philippine Embassy from February 10-16, 2017. The exhibit will be open for It remains to be seen what viewing from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Saturday and Sunday. For more information, will come out of this relatively please contact info@philippineusa.org. The embassy is located on Bataan street corner new phenomenon that is 1600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20036. rewriting how this generation and the succeeding ones will F E B R UA RY 1 1 find their mates that are right for them. There is no precedent, no FALW to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Seal Beach, CA formulas, no template, no books The Filipino Association of Leisure World will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dinnerto copy from. The young ones dance 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.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

“The past is prologue.”

— Shakespeare

Calendar of Events across

America

F E B R UA RY 1 4

Valentine’s dinner & show in Waipahu, HI Need Valentine’s Day plans? Come to the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu, Hawaii on Tuesday, February 14 for “Hugs and Kisses,” a dinner and show. Tickets for the dinner and full show are $47 per person. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. The show will be hosted by Lil Guy with an opening act by Shawn Garnett (aka Cousin Flippa on “Hawaii Five-O”). For reservations, please call (808) 680-0451. The FilCom Center is located at 94-428 Mokuola St. #302, Waipahu, HI 96797.

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 6

Talk and book signing with Susan Quimpo, author of “Subversive Lives” in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey Come see Susan Quimpo, one of the authors of “Subversive Lives” on Monday, March 6 at the Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights from 6 to 8 p.m. “Subversive Lives” is a memoir by eight siblings (plus one by marriage) who dedicated themselves to the anti-Marcos resistance in the Philippines. Quimpo will talk about her personal experience during the Marcos years. Books will be available for sale. A book signing will follow after the talk. The Free Public Library of Hasbrouck Heights is located at 320 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604.

MARCH 9

Talk and book signing with Susan Quimpo, author of “Subversive Lives” in New York Come see Susan Quimpo, one of the authors of “Subversive Lives” on Thursday, March 9 at the 67th Street New York Public Library from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. “Subversive Lives” is a memoir by eight siblings (plus one by marriage) who dedicated themselves to the anti-Marcos resistance in the Philippines. Quimpo will talk about her personal experience during the Marcos years. A book signing will follow after the talk. The New York Public Library is located at 328 E 67th St. (between 1st and 2nd Ave.), New York, NY 10065.

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.

M A R C H 25

Golf tournament for a cause in Escondido, CA St. Joseph College (Olongapo City)’s High School Class of 1987 will be holding a golf tournament for a cause at the Vineyard at Escondido Golf Club on Saturday, March 25. It is $109/person to register, which includes rounds of golf and a BBQ buffet. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with shotgun at 1 p.m. and dinner and prizes at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Gemma Gutierrez Hornilla at (949) 861-1732 or Miguel Uson at (760) 715-8216. The Vineyard at Escondido Golf Club is located at 925 San Pasqual

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

may have to muddle through, make mistakes and come up with a new set of rules to write brand new stories to fire up and light their imaginations while holding steadfast in the belief written in “Desiderata” that despite “…all aridity, love, is as perennial as the grass …”

Something happened in the middle of the last century to cause some kind of imbalance.

Women became liberated from their traditional role after WWII. They joined the work force and learned to be independent. The roles of genders, and those inbetween, are no longer as clearcut as they once were. With postwar prosperity and abundance, came opportunity for women who decided from a wide range of choices that included college, career, family and the chance to be financially independent.

This is not to say that the past was better, only that it was different and maybe, just a tad easier to figure out. The present times pose dilemmas that leave us scratching our heads. The rules of engagement between men and women perhaps need to be rewritten.

Romantic comedies often glorify the attraction of opposites.

But it must be made clear in the interest of equal time, that the attraction of opposites is only one half of a truism. There’s a serious caveat emptor for all young men and women out there looking for a lifetime mate and seeking guidance from a higher power on how to best proceed. Here it is.

Although opposites do indeed attract, it is the likes that stay together. The possibility of longer, happier lives exists in such a union. In an increasingly unstable, disintegrating world such as ours, such unions of like minds, bodies and spirits make a whole lot of difference.

However, NEVER discount the power of chemistry. It is a real force wired into each one that draws one to the other.

Deal with it. But in the end, it is the little things that you may have to look for to muddle through the choices and get past appearances.

If you are a young woman, see how he treats his mother, his

sisters and all the women in his family. If he shows kindness and is respectful of them, chances are, he will be kind to you and respect you as well.

The same is true of young men. Look at how your intended treats her dad and all the men in the family. Look for kindness and generosity of spirit above all, oldfashioned traits that wear well.

There are clear indicators and there are red flags. Watch for them. Do not let love or the stirrings of lust blind you totally.

If faith and religion, commitment and fidelity are both important to you, the likelihood is there that these core beliefs will be a bond that will hold you in tough times. It may seem funny to you but the parents of your intended are more than likely a preview of how your fiancé or fiancée will turn out to be 2 or 3 decades from now.

The past, as Shakespeare once said, is prologue. Take heed.

There will be exceptions of course, but the mango does not fall far from the tree. You can prevent heartache by a balanced mix of heart and mind when choosing the love of your life. Sometimes, the heart is recalcitrant and makes a choice for you but know that a humble, grateful heart who asks for guidance particularly in the all too important decision of choosing a lifetime mate, in sincere, constant prayer that assaults heaven will not be spurned. If this is important to you and it should be, get down on your knees and beg for this grace.

Since God gave us free will, we are able to write parts of our own stories. If we were all writers, we have in front of us, a tabula rasa, a blank page, a cursor at the ready, steadily flashing, patiently waiting for your stories to spill, the remanufactured, recycled or better yet, the brand new, original stories of romantic comedies that beg to be written.

The world, I am sure, would like to hear about yours. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Health@Heart

Self-CPR and other tips

chest moderately hard with a clenched fist might help. the coughing and deep breaths must PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS continue as the person drives to the nearest hospital emergency Countless lives around the room or physician’s office. the world have been saved by CPR disappearance of the symptoms (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation). as a response to the sCPR still Accounts by locals on this requires the need for immediate remote Alubihod beach resort medical consultation. in Guimaras Island (across Iloilo), Clinical observation shows where we were as of this writing, that when one is alone doing revealed they have witnessed CPR chest compression during a performed on a drowning victim a standard CPR on a person who couple of times in the past several had cardiac arrest, the chest years. Actually, you can even save compression alone appears to be your own with self-CPR. effective enough even without the Yes, you can actually perform mouth-to-mouth component. this CPR on yourself, when your is a relatively recent finding. But heart falters (giving you a most if mouth to mouth could also be uncomfortable panicky feeling, performed, it should be done. irregular rhythm, with or without our entire school system, chest pains, and a sensation of starting from the elementary impending doom), anywhere you school to colleges and universities, are, especially when you are alone would do humanity a great service or driving, and save a life (your if a course in CPR and sCPR is own) and prevent a crash that made mandatory at every level of might kill other people too. its curricula every couple of years. the physiologic mechanics: *** the heart is in between the left If the ambient air is too dry, and right lungs, framed by the whether you are in a desert, in a vertebrae (spine) behind and the room with a heater during winter, sternum (breastbone) in front. or on board an airplane (where the When the lungs expand, like when air is very dry), you can devise your you take a real deep breath, the personal “humidifier� by soaking distended lungs will not only a face towel and putting it against provide oxygen to your blood your nose. this will provide but also squeeze on your heart. moisture to the air you breathe in. this helps in the faster flow of the same improvisation and/or blood out of the heart, easing the wet towels in strategic areas will workload of your ticker. help humidify any dry room.

In standard CPR performed Running the shower will also do by any trained person, mouth it but that is terribly wasteful and to mouth resuscitation is done, expensive and is not eco-friendly. precisely to fill the lungs with air *** (oxygen), which also squeezes large paper clips will serve the heart. At the same time, well as collar stays when one cardiac massage (pumping forgets to bring them on a trip. or, down on the sternum (chest) making collar stays with a piece aimed at squeezing the heart) is of hard plastic or cardboard. A performed. self-Cardio-Pulmonary small safety pin or large needle Resuscitation (sCPR) is a vital could be used (instead of the option when one is alone, as an special gadget) in extracting your instant first-aid measure, when cellphone sim card. faced with a situation that calls *** for it. sticking a bright colored the technique: the first emblem of any kind (mine is a thing to do immediately, when red heart) on your credit card is the symptoms start, is to take a way of identifying your card repeated deep breaths, and at a distance, when you hand it coughing real hard between each over to a sales clerk at any store, breath. If the heart irregularity and and makes it a lot easier for you uncomfortable feeling continue to “detect� when you are given after 10 series of deep breaths back another card, by mistake and hard coughing, hitting the or intentionally, which has

happened. *** one of the best ways to prevent viruses from attacking your computer (on top of your anti-virus software) is by not opening any emails you receive from someone you do not know and trashing them immediately.

If needed, you could retrieve them from the trash bin, which holds them for 30 days prior to final deletion. even if the email comes from a person you know, its attachment, if any, must be tagged or designated “virus free.� the spam mail eliminator is not enough. Common sense and vigilance do a lot more in protecting your computer and all valuable data on it. Disciplining yourself to adhere to this practice religiously will severely minimize, if not avoid, virus infestation and computer crashes, loss of priceless data, inconvenience, and avoidable expenses. *** Handling money, touching stair or escalator hand rails and door knobs in public places, or even handshakes (especially with one with a cold) expose one to a lot of viruses and or bacteria, and potential illnesses.

Imagine that thousands of people of various personal habits have touched those paper bills, coins, handrails, and door knobs, conceivably many of them with poor hygiene. Washing your hands at least eight times a day is more of a rule than an exception if one has to prevent bug contamination and upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. the use of alcohol “wipes� or gel also helps. Anti-bacterial (antibiotic) hand wash preparations are discouraged for fear of inducing a bacterial resistance to the antibiotic. *** Interested in antioxidants for better health? Vegetables and fresh fruits, in general, are the best natural sources, compared to the very expensive pills, potion and lotion in the market, advertised as antioxidants. the pill version is processed and sometimes contains chemicals with adverse side-effects.

Antioxidant score: oRAC (oxygen Radical Absorbance

February 10-16, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

5

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will provide fee tax assistance and preparation through April 18 To find a Tax-Aide location near you offering assistance in other languages, visit www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience strategy. “We need more bilingual volunteers so if you can help translate, please join our taxAide volunteer team so that we can expand our services to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.� tax-Aide, which is offered free of charge, is available to AARP members and nonmembers and includes more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. since 1968, tax-Aide has helped nearly 50 million low- to moderateincome taxpayers.

In 2016, AARP Foundation tax-Aide volunteers helped 2.7 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions and file their federal and state tax returns. taxpayers who used AARP Foundation tax-Aide received $1.41 billion in income tax refunds and more than $240 million in earned Income tax Credits (eItCs).

AARP Foundation tax-Aide is Tax-Aide volunteer Elaine Tran speaks three Asian languages—Vietnamese, Mandarin and offered in conjunction with the Cantonese—in addition to English.

IRs.

WAsHInGton – Beginning on thursday, Feb. 9 through April 18, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation tax-Aide, in its 49th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, offering free tax preparation help to anyone, especially those who are 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service. some locations offer assistance in additional

languages, including Chinese, tagalog, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese. For more information or to locate an AARP Foundation tax-Aide site, visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1888-AARPnoW (1-888-227-7669).

An appointment may be required. “our bilingual volunteers generously give their time to help taxpayers who don’t speak english or speak english as a second language prepare their returns,� said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural

Capacity) measures the antioxidant units available to reduce harmful oxygen free radicals.

As far as fruits are concerned, according to the united states Department of Agriculture and Brunswick laboratories, the following are the oRAC score (per 100 Grams) of the following fruits: Bananas - 879; Plums – 7291; oranges – 1814; Blueberries – 9019; Apples – 3253; Cranberries – 9456; and, Cherries – 3361. sunsweet, a company popular for its preserved fruits in the united states, came out with what it calls Antioxidant Blend, a dried fruit variety combo, which

includes blueberries, cherries, cranberries and plums. one fourth cup serving (40 Grams) contain 90 calories. In Asia, the popular “licorice� flavor fruit preserve “Dikyam� is made from plums. *** to those who love water sports, carrying an intact plastic garbage bag, might be lifesaving, even for a good swimmer. experts have reported cases of leg cramps among some who did not bother to wear a life vest, who were saved by a plastic bag they inflated, aiding in their buoyancy and ability to stay afloat longer, giving them the

critical time for recovery from the debilitating cramps. obviously, wearing an appropriate life vest is a must for the “seafarers� amongst us, especially for the occasional beachcombers. *** 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

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February 10-16, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

6

BoybandPH succeeds in spreading ‘unli kilig’ a month after the competition.

Now, we have all these shows where we get to bond with our fans and we’re enjoying it so far,” said Russell.

“I still can’t believe we’re here, I’m trying to wrap my head around it,” said joao about their sold-out shows. “We promise not to disappoint the fans, because we’re definitely having the time of our lives.”

“Unli” has been topping radio charts since its release. The music video features singer-actress

janella Salvador.

Other tracks include a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Somebody” and originals “Boyfriend” and “Magmamahal” in addition to their winning song. It also carries an acoustic version of “Boyfriend.”

The boys said they are encouraged by the positive feedback posted by their fans about their songs.

“Our fans matter a lot to us, because they have been supportive of all of us since the beginning. We had the most amazing time recording the album, and we’re happy to have finally shared it with them,” Ford said.

“We dedicate this to our families, friends, and especially to our fans and supporters. Our dreams have come true, but this is just the beginning. There’s more to watch out for,” shared Tristan.

Moreover, the boys also said they have gotten better and better at performing as a group.

Niel, the group’s youngest, said, “We’ve learned so much from Pinoy Boyband Superstar. I gained confidence, we all did. We became more comfortable with our voice and now we’re moving as one.’

BoybandPH is composed of (from left) Ford Valencia, Niel Murillo, Russell Reyes, Tristan (ManilaTimes.net) Ramirez and Joao Constancia REaLITY show Pinoy Boyband Superstar winners—Ford Valencia, joao Constancia, Niel Murillo, Russell Reyes and Tristan Ramirez—are music scene’s certified newest singing heartthrobs with their winning piece “We Made It” and the release of the catchy single “Unli” as carrier of their debut album which is also their name as a group, BoybandPH. “It’s overwhelming and surreal. We didn’t expect to release an album so soon, just

No might-have-beens for Paulo

by Boy

aBunda Philstar.com

TWO years after their breakup, Paulo avelino and KC Concepcion have remained friends. Paulo greeted KC a happy 2017 last month, and is happy that she found a new love in football player aly Borromeo.

“I’m not thinking of mighthave-beens right now. I’m even happy for her,” the star of TBa’s I’m Drunk, I Love You told press people recently.

He explains that he’s happy when he sees someone close to him enjoying life. Besides, he’s too busy to find another love or go dating on Valentine’s Day. Tuesday, Feb. 14, is just another working day for Paulo, who will be too busy taping — he’ll go home Continued on Page 7 Paulo Avelino with I’m Drunk, I Love You co-star Maja Salvador

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

Maja not rushing love

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com

Maja Salvador admits she is battle-worn in the love arena.

Her last relationship — with fellow actor Gerald anderson — ended almost two years ago.

Yet, she is biding her time when it comes to love.

Paulo avelino’s leading lady in the upcoming film, “I’m Drunk, I Love You,” admits feeling burned out in matters of the heart.

“I’ve gone through so many experiences in my love life,” she says. “I’m not the type who gets easily excited (about love). I’m more realistic about things this time.”

This makes her extra careful in such things as dating.

Maja is in that stage where she is getting to know her suitors, so she would rather say she is “seeing someone,” but not dating the guy exclusively.

It is a choice she is happy with, even if it means spending Valentine’s Day guesting in her friend Vice Ganda’s concert, and promoting “I’m Drunk, I Love You” in the days leading up to February 14 (the movie opens February 15 in cinemas nationwide).

“I’m already 28. I won’t rush into a relationship. The next one should be with a guy who can be ‘the one’.”

“The one” should be mature enough to know that Maja lives and breathes in a complicated world. Problem is, she notes that some non-showbiz guys do not understand the demands of her job. But she is not closing her doors on them.

“Showbiz or non-showbiz, it doesn’t matter, as long as God sent him to me,” she points out.

What matters is that the guy accepts what Maja does for a living, and understands her completely.

In return, Maja is pours her heart and soul into a relationship.

She takes the guy for who he is, warts and all.

“The biggest lesson I learned from my past relationships is that you love someone, not because he’s your boyfriend. You love him when he’s strong, when he’s weak; when he’s right and when he’s wrong, when he hurts you and when he makes amends. You don’t give up on him.”

While this seems great, Maja is

The cast of “Wildflower”: Vin Abrenica, Maja Salvador, Joseph Marco, and RK Bagatsing

realistic enough to know when it is time to step on the brakes. Unlike Carson, her character in the movie, who pines for her dream boy for seven long years, Maja knows when it is time to brace herself for the big breakup. and she prepares herself emotionally, making sure there is no turning back.

“Once I’m done, I’m done. I’m not into reconciliations. Everything has a limit. Move on, if you can’t see forever.”

But she is not closing her doors on second chances. Maja saw how happy her mom was when she tied the knot with Roy Linklater, a Canadian, last December.

“My mother tied the knot at 50, and got another chance at forever.

It’s nice to know that love offers lots of surprises.“ Maja is waiting for that big surprise that will sweep her off her feet and take her to the altar, straight to a life of sweetness and bliss.

Despite her failed relationships, it is nice to know Maja still believes in forever.

Wild flower Revenge has never been this wild as Maja stages her muchawaited comeback on television as Ivy in “Wildflower” beginning this Monday (Feb 13) on aBS-CBN. Before anger turns her into Ivy, get to know her first as Lily (Xyriel Manabat), a young girl who grew up in a loving family. Her father Dante (Christian Vasquez), who worked as a lawyer, unfortunately received death threats for a case he handled. This prompted him to leave town with his wife, Camia (Sunshine Cruz), and their daughter and relocate to Poblacion ardiente.

The first week in Poblacion ardiente went well for her family,

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PSYCHIC

especially Lily, who easily found a friend in Diego (jesse james Ongteco).

However, misfortunes continued to haunt their family when Diego’s father, Raul Torillo (Wendell Ramos), lusted over Camia and sexually harassed her. Without hesitation, Dante immediately filed a case against Raul, who happened to be the husband of town mayor Emilia ardiente Torillo (aiko Melendez).

To protect their family’s reputation, Emilia took matters into her own hands.

In just a snap, Lily’s life suddenly crashed when his father suspiciously died of a heart attack.

Lily was forced to leave her mother.

Luckily, Lily escaped the wrath of the ardientes and found herself in the home of Prianka aguas (Priscilla Meirelles), who adopted her and raised her like her own. a few years after, Lily finally returns to Poblacion ardiente as the seductive and powerful Ivy, who vows to seek revenge against the ardientes. Everything will work out as planned, until she crosses paths with her long lost friend, Diego ardiente Torillo (joseph Marco).

How will Diego affect Ivy’s plans to avenge her family? Will justice for the death of her parents finally be served? Is there a chance for forgiveness and love in Ivy’s heart? also joining the cast are Tirso Cruz III, RK Bagatsing, Vin abrenica, Malou De Guzman, ana abad Santos, arnold Reyes, and Izzy Canillo.

“Wildflower” is directed by Onat Diaz, Raymond Ocampo, and Cathy Camarillo under the production unit headed by Ruel Bayani.

Marian Rivera is back on prime time!

by Lhar

Santiago ManilaTimes.net

Showbiz A-Lister Marian Rivera’s legions of fans have every reason to rejoice because the “Primetime Queen” is back where she belongs.

After a two-year absence from from the teleserye scene, she happily revealed to Showbuzz that she is now preparing for new soap opera. “i had dinner with my GMA bosses. That’s where we discussed my upcoming show, and as they were talking about the concept, i was feeling more and more excited. [what they have in mind] is the kind of project that i want to do, and i haven’t done something like it for a long time now,” Marian said. it’s children that Marian is geared to please in her primetime show. She knows that she has a lot of young fans and wants to give them a show they will enjoy. “i am still not allowed to talk about my new series. Marami pa kasing details na dapat ayusin. i don’t even know who i’ll be with in the show. Inilatag pa lang

sa akin yung project at sobrang nagustuhan ko. To follow na lang yung details.”

Somebody in the know about the production informed Showbuzz that Marian’s series is due for a story conference as soon as the concept and cast are finalized. They plan to start taping in March.

Now that she is back to work full time, Marian clarified that her priority will still be her daughter zia.

“Dong and i have talked about my work, and we agreed na magsisimula akong magtrabaho after he finishes Alyas Robinhood.

Hindi pwedeng wala kami pareho sa bahay. one of us has to attend to zia. i also requested the production na if possible, Metro Manila lang ang location ng taping so that i can easily go home. Ngayon pa lang kasi parang nakakaramdam na ko ng separation anxiety kay zia,” Marian averred.

Marian was one of the special guests invited to cut the ribbon at the opening of director Louie ignacio’s painting exhibit, Calado,

Marian Rivera

in Megamall. “when Direk Louie asked me to lead the ribbon cutting, umoo ako agad. i can’t say no to him. he’s such a darling. i even asked him to send me pictures of the works he was going to exhibit because i wanted to choose to buy. May napili agad ako, alam mo naman, mahilig talaga ko sa flowers,” she said as she approached the painting she chose at the gallery.

No might-have-beens for...

From Page 6

too tired to even think of wine and roses on the day of hearts.

The award-winning actor thinks it’s not yet the right time to fall in love again. There are just too many things on his to-do list for now.

Paulo is discovering the joy of having another award-winning artist — Maja Salvador — as his leading lady in their upcoming Valentine’s Day movie. “it’s the first time Maja and i are teaming up in a movie (they co-starred in the soap bridges of Love). our last film together before this one was Status: it’s Complicated (a 2013 comedy),” says Paulo. he found working with Maja a breeze, so he recommended her as his leading lady in i’m Drunk, i Love You, which opens in cinemas nationwide on Feb. 15.

Paulo can relate to his character, a graduating college student, because it reminds him of his student days, when life was

simpler and less complicated. “when i was younger, i would cry and drink just to forget,” he recalls.

Paulo no longer seeks solace in a bottle when heartaches come. “it’s hard to concentrate on a scene if you have a hangover,” he explains.

So he chooses to “dwell on the pain and turn to art.” by this, he means pouring his heart and soul on his work instead — with good reason.

Come summer, Paulo will shift from light to serious when he starts shooting Goyong, a film based on the life of young hero Gregorio “Goyong” del Pilar.

As the sequel of the critically and commercially successful heneral Luna, Goyong has big shoes to fill. And Paulo knows this. ”it’s a big challenge, and i feel pressured. The script is so many pages thick! but i wasn’t that nervous anymore when i read the script and discovered that it tells a good story,” he says.

Paulo also knows his producer, TbA (the group behind heneral Luna and i’m Drunk, i Love You), is making a big box-office gamble by coming up with another historical film. “i’m not saying i’m confident Goyong will earn big at the box office. what i’m saying is i’m confident that it is a beautiful project,” Paulo points out. he’s sure that like him, his producers care less about boxoffice returns than inspiring as many people as possible with scenes of patriotism, raw courage and idealism. These are the driving forces behind the film, the engine that propels the plot forward.

So Paulo is raring to give it his all. he can’t wait to learn the basics of horseback riding and undergo speech training to look and act like the young general who defended Tirad Pass till the end. it will be another feather in Paulo’s cap, and worth every sacrifice he’s making in his personal life.

February 10-16, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

7

Monique Lhuiller creates gown for ‘Fifty Shades’ lead actress iNTeRNATioNALLYrecognized Filipino fashion designer, Monique Lhuiller, once again made it to hollywood her designed gown was worn by one of the lead characters of “Fifty Shades Darker.” in one of the notable scenes in the second chapter of the film based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” trilogy novel, Dakota Johnson, who plays Anastasia Steele, dons a custom-made gown and capelet

by Lhuillier.

The liquid satin sheath gown with a draped neckline and a crisscross back in a silver hue exuded femininity and sophistication, while the handmade ostrich feather capelet added exquisite glamour for Anastasia’s grand entrance in the film’s exclusive masquerade ball.

Lhuillier, known for her bridal couture, ready-to-wear line, and accessories, was even mentioned

by Mia Grey, portrayed by Rita ora, in the film. in keeping with the essence of her brand, Lhuillier’s design

evoked an enchanting, yet sophisticated, vision by weaving together sensuous and modern elements for the character of Anastasia. “i am so delighted to partner with Universal Pictures’ ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ to design for the character of Anastasia Steele,” Lhuillier said.

“Like the Monique Lhuillier woman, Ana radiates confidence and femininity, and so the gown i imagined for this iconic scene encapsulates that modern sophistication,” she added.

The film’s costume designer, Shay Cunliff, said she always imagined Johnson in Lhuillier’s stunning gown as a “beautiful siren of simplicity.” “we sent Monique ideas and images that evoke old hollywood, and she and her team took the inspiration from there—crafting this stunning confection. Ana’s cape itself was a challenge—each feather was sewn by hand—but i felt it would magnify Ana’s showstopping entrance at the ball, harking back to the 1930’s

screen sirens. Monique also beautifully resolved our need to create a gown which can effortlessly slip to the ground… another feat of engineering,” Cunliff said.

For “Fifty Shades Darker,” Jamie Dornan and Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.

The sequel, distributed by United international Pictures through Columbia Pictures, opened in Philippine cinemas on wednesday. on its first day, it already surpassed the original “Fifty Shades of Grey’s” P15 million first-day gross with an P18-million first-day take.

The Movie & Television Rating and Classification board gave the flick an R-18 rating, which means the movie is strictly for 18 years of age and above. it was also approved in its original US version – without cuts, blurs, and blacked-out parts.

“Fifty Shades” fans may anticipate the last part of the trilogy, “Fifty Shades Freed,” on Valentine’s Day of 2018. (Rosette Adel/Philstar.com)

Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, made a grand entrance wearing a Monique Lhuiller gown in the “Fifty Shades Darker” masquerade ball scene.

February 10-16, 2017 www.asianjournal.com

8