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Arroyo walks free from hospital detention

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

In this July 19, 2016 photo, legal counsel Raul Lambino takes a selfie with his client former president and current Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is now released from her hospital detention.

Photo from Raul Lambino

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Calif. Board of Education approves curriculum changes to include Filipinos’ role in WWII history the California state Board of education (sBe) has approved the incorporation of filipinos’ role in World War II (WWII) in the revised curriculum framework of the state’s high schools. the approval specifically requires the inclusion in United states history (Chapter 16) curriculum framework for Grade 11. the sBe gives its approval two months after recommendations from the Bataan Legacy historical society (BLhs) were authorized by the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC), the body responsible for advising the sBe on state curricula and instruction.

BLhs was on the forefront to push the inclusion of several crucial – but previously overlooked – events in WWII into the state’s high school curriculum.

With this change in the curriculum framework, California becomes the first state to require instruction on filipinos’ efforts in WWII, according to BLhs executive Director Cecilia Gaerlan.

PAGE A3

Hundreds of CA recycling centers underpaid, shut down Legislators say a massive overhaul of the subsidy program is needed, but no plan proposed oVer 450 out of an estimated 2,100 recycling centers in California went out of business over the past year because state subsidies supporting their operation failed to keep up with rapid decreases in the price of recyclables. the declining number of recycling centers throughout the state has also led to hundreds of layoffs according to the Associated Press. In addition, some Californians must go further out of their way to redeem a mandatory deposit for the purchase of bottles and cans, which some fear will reduce the amount of recyclables the state manages to collect. “the extent that consumers give up and put containers in trash or recycling bins, those are people who were denied the opportunity to get their refund,” said the President of the nonprofit Container recycling Institute, susan Collins. “We know that is affecting consumers to the tune of PAGE A3

mANILA—Absolved from plunder charges, former president and current Pampanga rep. Gloria macapagal-Arroyo left hospital detention at the Veterans memorial medical Center in manila early evening on thursday, July 21. her release order was issued by the sandiganbayan past 4 p.m. maca-

pagal-Arroyo left the VmmC, which became her home for four years, around 6:30 p.m., two days after the supreme Court decision was announced on tuesday, July 19 and reached the sandiganbayan, which formalized her release. one of her legal counsels, Laurence Arroyo, said there is no need for the anti-graft court to issue a release order since the sC’s ruling already ordered “immediate release” of the former president. the sC’s ruling was promulgated on thursday afternoon.

the Philippine National Police in coordination with the sandiganbayan sheriff, assisted Arroyo’s release. she will head straight to her home at La Vista Village in Quezon City. on tuesday, the sC en banc voted 11-4 in favor of Arroyo and ordered the dismissal of her case as well as her immediate release due to “insufficiency of evidence” presented by the prosecution. the complete text of the ruling has yet to be released by the high court.

Donald Trump officially secures GOP nomination Campaign announces Asian American advisory committee

by ChRistinA

M. oRiel

AJPress

CLeVeLAND—It’s official: Donald J. trump has clinched the republican nomination for president on tuesday night, July 19, defying odds that he would not rise to the top of the party’s ticket.

Before prime-time speakers took the stage on the second day of the party’s convention, state delegations conducted a roll call vote, wherein trump garnered 1,725 votes.

California delegates delivered 172 votes for trump, while 16 of Nevada’s went to him. When it was New York’s turn, the state initially passed, only for it to later announce its votes to put trump over the 1,237 count needed to secure the nomination.

“It is my honor to be able to throw Donald trump over the top in the delegate count tonight with 89 delegates and another six for John Kasich,” said trump’s son, Donald Jr. “Congratulations Dad, we love you.” of the total 2,472 delegate votes assigned by the party, 747 went to former presidential candidates, including ohio Gov. John Kasich, florida sen. marPAGE A2

Real estate billionaire Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, take the stage on the first night of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on Monday, July 18. Trump garnered the necessary delegate votes to become the Republican Party’s official nominee on Tuesday, July 19.

AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel

Pia Wurtzbach meets Duterte, DOJ petitions Supreme Court to discusses possibility to host rehear deadlocked immigration case next Miss U pageant in PH

Last month, the supreme Court arrived at a deadlocked 4-4 verdict on United states v. texas, leaving the oN monday, July 18, the United decision to implement Deferred Acstates Department of Justice (DoJ) tion for Parents of Americans and has petitioned the supreme Court Lawful Permanent residents (DAPA) to rehear the tied immigration case, and expand the Deferred Action for which has left approximately 5 million Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to the next undocumented immigrants, who are administration. fearing deportation, uncertain of their “this filing is consistent with hisfutures.

PAGE A2

by KlARize

MedenillA AJPress

by Joseph

AlMeR B. pedRAJAs AJPress

mANILA — miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach paid a courtesy call on President rodrigo Duterte at malacañang last monday, July 18, to discuss the possibility of the Philippines to host the next miss Universe pageant.

Despite her busy schedule, Wurtzbach flew back to the country to talk about the previous proposal of the Department of tourism (Dot) to hold the next miss Universe

pageant in the country, which was later approved by the president.

“I’m very happy that I’m back home after a while. the last time I was here was during the coronation night of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. And now I’m back here to work actually,” Wurtzbach said. the Presidential Broadcast staffrtVm, the state media, posted a video on its facebook account showing the reigning miss Universe accompanied by her manager esPAGE A2

PH lead counsel: International pressure may push China to comply with sea by pAtRiCiA louRdes Philstar.com

ViRAy

mANILA—Beijing will eventually comply with the ruling of an arbitral tribunal over its ninedash line claim due to international pressure, the Philippines’ lead counsel said.

Paul reichler, the Philippines’ lead counsel in its arbitration case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, said that China has always defended its actions on the basis of international law. the arbitral tribunal concluded that China violated its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach takes a selfie with President Rodrigo Duterte whom she visited on Monday, sea when it constructed artificial JULY 18. The two, along with Miss Universe President Paula Shugart, discussed the possible hosting islands in the Philippines’ excluby the Philippines of the next Miss Universe pageant.

Photo by Catherine Valent PAGE A4

The Philippines’ lead counsel against China, Paul Reichler (right), confers with former Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario (1st from left) and Philippine Solicitor General Florin Hilbay (2nd from left) during one of the dayon the merits of the Philippines’ case.

Photo by Abigail Valte

A

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july 22-28, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN jOuRNAl

From the Front Page

DOJ petitions Supreme Court to rehear...

PAGE A1 torical practice and reflects the need for prompt and definitive resolution of this important case,” DOJ spokeswoman Melanie Newman said in a statement on the petition.

The tied decision was possible because of a vacancy left on the Supreme Court bench

following the death of longserving conservative Justice Antonin Scalia in February.

Moreover, Republicans in Congress have yet to consider President Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland as Scalia’s replacement in March.

If the Court accepts the petition, arguments will begin as

soon as a ninth justice is sworn in.

“Ordinarily, it is exceedingly rare for this Court to grant rehearing. But when this Court has granted plenary review and then affirmed by vote of an equally divided Court because of a vacancy rather than a disqualification, the Court has not infrequently granted rehearing before a full bench,” the petition read.

The tied result left in place a lower court’s ruling that blocked President Obama’s executive order.

In the case of deadlocked decisions relating to vacancies on the justice bench, a petition for rehearing is permitted by those involved in the case. Right after the ruling, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch had suggested that the DOJ was interested in taking up the case.

“We will be reviewing the case and seeing what, if anything else, we need to do in court,” Lynch told Reuters in June.

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, a committed backer of Obama’s immigration policies, took to Twitter to express her support for the DOJ’s petition.

“With five million lives on the line, [the Supreme Court] should grant DOJ’s petition to rehear U.S. v. Texas. Let’s keep immigrant families together.

-H,” she tweeted on Monday, July 18.

The Center for American Progress (CAP) also came out in support of the DOJ’s petition, stating that the case is far too important to be sent back to the lower courts, and that the case must be handled by a fully staffed Supreme Court bench.

“With nothing more to be gained from sending this case back to the trial court, we urge the Supreme Court, once fully constituted, to agree to hear this case and do the right thing: reject this politically motivated lawsuit, respect the authority of the secretary of homeland security to set smart national immigration enforcement policies, and unfreeze DAPA and expand DACA,” Vice President of CAP Tom Jawetz said in a statement.

Donald Trump officially secures...

PAGE A1

co Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Trump, who was not physically present at the Quicken Loans Arena, delivered remarks via video from New York.

“It is something I’ll never, ever forget. Together we have achieved historic results with the largest vote total in the history of the Republican Party,” the real estate mogul said. “This is a movement, but we have to go all the way.”

He spoke about how to build a “brighter and more hopeful future for all Americans” and formally accepted the party nomination in person on Thursday, July 21, the final night of the convention.

Pence accepts VP nomination, Cruz urged Americans to vote for their “conscience” Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, took the stage on Wednesday night to accept his nomination for vice president.

This speech was an opportunity for Pence to introduce himself to the American people, who he said he and Trump will “win the hearts and minds of.”

“What begins in Cleveland will end in the White House, I’m convinced,” the vice presidential nominee said.

Earlier in Wednesday’s program, Cruz delivered remarks, congratulating Trump on securing the nomination. Cruz did not formally endorse the GOP nominee and urged Americans to “vote your conscience” on

Election Day. The four-day event held at Quicken Loans Arena centered around how the party would address issues like national security, jobs and economy, and restoring American exceptionalism.

However, most of the speeches took another turn, instead focusing on a subject that Republicans can unite on: ensuring that former Secretary of State and Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton does not win the election.

On Tuesday, Republican National Committee (RNC) co-chair Sharon Day alleged that Clinton “plays the gender card.”

“I want to see a woman become president one day, and I want my granddaughters to see a woman president, but not that woman, Hillary Clinton,” Day said.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie – who was in the running to be Trump’s vice president – riled up the crowd with his speech that scrutinized Clinton’s record as head of the state department.

Amid the audience chanting “lock her up” and “guilty,” Christie said, “We don’t disqualify Hillary Clinton to be the president of the United States.

The facts of her life and career disqualify her.”

Following the governor’s speech, Clinton tweeted, “If you think Chris Christie can lecture anyone on ethics, we have a bridge to sell you.”

The four-day convention kicked off on Monday night.

Speakers included parents of children who were killed by undocumented immigrants, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Trump’s wife, Melania.

In a rare speaking opportunity, Melania Trump’s speech was an effort to characterize her husband in a softer light. The remarks, however, drew fire after it was revealed that parts were similar to Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.

AAPIs for Trump At a luncheon hosted by the RNC, Chinese Americans for Trump, and Shawn and Michelle Steel on Wednesday, July 20, Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) from around the country spoke about why they support the GOP nominee and how to engage their communities.

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said that the party has “come a long way” in terms of reaching out to AAPIs. “That’s something a competent party should always do.

Unfortunately, for many years, we were just a party that would show up once every four years, three months before an election,” he said. “We couldn’t figure out why our percentage of the vote of AAPI voters kept going lower and lower and lower.”

The RNC has revamped its outreach efforts in the past PAGE A4

Pia Wurtzbach meets Duterte, discusses...

PAGE A1

ther Swan, Miss Universe pageant president Paula Shugart, Shawn McClain, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo and Undersecretary Kat de Castro.

According to a Malacañang press release, the two also “talked about the similarities between them, with both of them hailing from Mindanao.”

Duterte is the first Mindanaoan president while Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach is the first from the region to win Miss Universe.

Dressed in a pink Bessie Besana jumpsuit, Wurtzbach took

a selfie with the president and posted the picture on her Instagram with a caption expressing her gratitude.

“What an honor it was to meet our new President, Rodrigo Duterte. First Mindanaon President and first Mindanaon Miss Universe. #changeiscoming #Philippines,” she stated in her post.

Before visiting the president, Wurtzbach had initially met Teo. The DOT secretary expressed her gratitude towards Wurtzbach for her efforts to support the country’s hosting to the upcoming pageant.

Teo is also hopeful that the event will benefit the economy.

“If this translates into reality, our tourism industry stands to gain tremendously,” Teo said.

Meanwhile, Wurtzbach emphasized her full support and willingness for the Philippines to host the said event.

“I don’t think it’s a secret; it’s a public knowledge that it is my personal dream, and I think the dream of a lot of Filipinos, the majority of Filipinos, that someday we’ll see the Miss Universe pageant to be held here. And we are keeping our fingers crossed,” she stated.

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Dateline USa

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 22-28, 2016

A

Calif. Board of Education approves curriculum... Kobe Paras to play for Creighton University PAGE A1

“California will serve as the model for the rest of the nation, and that’s why we fought long and hard for these recommendations,” Gaerlan told the Asian Journal.

Gaerlan said that the inclusion of this part of history is important because previous curricula that focused on WWII did not fully represent the Philippines’ role in the war. Moreover, the new framework depicts the efforts from the country, not just its soldiers.

“It was the entire Philippine nation, not just Filipinos, that sacrificed to win the war,” Gaerlan said.

Among the landmarks that are being included are the creation of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) and their efforts to delay the Imperial Japanese Army, the Bataan Death March, the imprisonment of American soldiers in labor camps across Asia and the importance of the Filipino and American guerrilla soldiers.

The framework is also recognizing the destruction of Manila in which 100,000 civilians perished and the battles of Leyte Gulf, which is often cited as the largest Naval battle in history.

But the framework change isn’t only including Filipinocentric events. Gaerlan said that it is including other previously overlooked milestones, such as Executive Order 8022, that was implemented in June 1941 which allowed minorities

to work in shipyards and industries to help the domestic war effort.

“The curriculum is deviating from a Eurocentric history and moving more towards the Pacific to accurately reflect the diversity of the population here in California,” Gaerlan said.

The timetable for actual implementation is uncertain as the state needs various resources as well as willingness to implement the program, according to Gaerlan.

In the meantime, Gaerlan mentioned a curriculum steering committee that is creating a sample curriculum template of Chapter 11 of Grade 11 U.S. History for schools to use. Once the curriculum is developed, teachers will be trained in fully incorporating the new material into existing lesson plans.

Subsequently, textbook publishers will also be required to make revisions to reflect with the new curriculum framework.

Gaerlan said that since California is one of the two largest textbook markets in the U.S., publishers will have to reissue newer editions which are distributed nationally.

“When you think of the impact of this new curriculum framework you know it’s not just going to be in California.

It’s going to be nationwide,” said Gaerlan.

The idea to incorporate Filipinos’ achievements in WWII was brought to state legislators’ attention in 2011 when AB

199 was passed. The bill, which was sponsored then by legislators Fiona Ma and Leland Yee, permitted the inclusion for history/social science classes for Grades 7-12.

However, AB 199 did not require instructors to include the information in their lessons, but merely to “encourage instruction” on these pivotal WWII events, according to the bill’s legislation.

In 2013, AB 123 made it a requirement to ensure that the state’s education framework highlighted the migrant workers’ roles in the labor movement, especially Filipinos’.

Gaerlan said that the implementation of the new curriculum framework is crucial to bringing awareness to the achievements of Filipinos in U.S. history. She said there is more work to be done to ensure the implementation of this new framework as well as establish curricula that fully represents the Filipino community in general.

She said that the California History Social Science Project (CHSSP) has been very active in the construction of the framework and is in talks to collaborate with BLHS to push the implementation.

“They are very anxious to create the history of the Filipino-Americans from the very beginning meaning 1898 when the U.S. colonized the Philippines after the Spanish-American War up to the present,” said Gaerlan.

Hundreds of CA recycling centers underpaid...

PAGE A1 tens of millions of dollars.”

Legislators and recycling advocates say California’s recycling program will need a major overhaul, but lawmakers are yet to agree on a plan to halt future closures. Last month, California’s Senate declined to vote on a band-aid measure approved by the State Assembly aimed at keeping collection centers open. An agreement between Senate leaders and Gov. Jerry Brown addresses concerns by businesses affected by the closures, but provides no succour to recyclers at risk of going out of business.

Most of the 10 states that collect mandatory deposits for recyclables give centers a fixed handling fee, but California

and Hawaii employ payment formulas based on a variety of factors including market value, and the volume of material collected.

Calculations built into the program to account for changes in the cost of glass, aluminium and plastic have failed to adequately compensate center operators, according to Collins.

She said the state has underpaid recycling centers by over $50 million.

So far, early statistics suggest the wave of closures has not significantly decreased the total volume of recyclables collected, but recycling rates did fall by one percent in the second half of 2015, according to the AP. Advocates expect that decline to continue into 2016,

especially in rural areas that don’t provide curbside pickup.

The Executive Director of Californians Against Waste, Mark Murray, said a lack of access to recycling centers could sour public opinion towards California’s recycling program, which generates 2 out of every 11 beverage containers recycled in the US. “If regular California consumers find it too difficult and inconvenient to redeem and recycle their containers, they may begin to view the program as a tax,” said Murray.”Why am I paying this CRV (California Redemption Value) tax at the grocery store without a path for me to conveniently get my money back?” (Eric Anthony Licas/AJPress)

by Eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

UP-and-coming Filipino basketball player Kobe Paras announced on Sunday, July 17, that he will play for Creighton University (CU) in Omaha, Nebraska, after leaving the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) earlier this month.

On Monday, July 18, school officials confirmed that Paras had signed a scholarship agreement with CU, according to Bluejays Today. During a phone interview on Monday, the 6-foot-6-inch shooting guard and small forward said he was quickly beginning to feel at home at Creighton.

“I didn’t have that much time, and we just clicked right away,” said Paras.

The move comes about two weeks after an “SAT scoring issue” caused the 18-year-old foreign exchange student to withdraw from summer classes at UCLA, John Montgomery, Paras’s former principal at Cathedral High School in LA, told the Los Angeles Times.

In a statement last June 29, the school said: “Incoming freshman guard Kobe Paras, admitted upon condition to UCLA, has withdrawn from the university due to academic conditions of his admission not being met.”

However, Montgomery added that the young athlete was an honors student who had met all of his NCAA requirements. Paras averaged 15 points per game as a junior at Cathedral High before spending his final year playing for Middlebrooks Academy, which does not report statistics to the California Interscholastic Federation. Prior to moving to the U.S., Paras played for La Salle Greenhills in the Philippines, where he attained celebrity status.

“Not every 18-year-old has the opportunity to represent their country in everything they do,” said Paras.

The recently recruited Bluejay has been featured on the cover of the LA Times, and was the subject of an in-depth Bleacher Report article. More than 500,000 followers subscribe to his Twitter and Instagram accounts. A YouTube clip of him leaping over LeBron James for a one-handed dunk has over 2.5 million views.

CU coaching staff said Paras has a lot to offer the Bluejays.

“Kobe is a versatile, scoring wing-forward,” said CU coach

Kobe Paras

Greg McDermott. “He’s extremely athletic and has good natural instincts for the game of basketball.”

Paras excels at cutting through defenders to get to the rim. His former coach at Cathedral High, William Middlebrooks, said Paras has continued to develop his repertoire as a player by extending his shooting range and fo-

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cusing his defensive game. He, however, cautions that Paras will need to adapt to a higher level of play, but the internationally followed basketball player says he’s ready to make good on his latest opportunity.

“This isn’t something you can mess up and have it happen again,” Paras said. “It’s, ‘Do you want to be the best or not?’ ”

A

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july 22-28, 2016 • OC/IE ASIAN jOuRNAl

PH Museum of Natural History design celebrates nature, science and arts

WASHINGTON, DC – Art and science enthusiasts and members of the Filipino community gathered at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on Friday, July 15, for a presentation

by Architect Dominic Galicia on the creation of the new National Museum of Natural History in Manila’s Rizal Park.

The Museum of Natural History will be housed in the building of the former Department of Tourism located beside the Museum of Filipino People, former Senate building and the National Gallery of Art, which is the former Department of Finance building.

No changes will be made to the building’s façade which follows a neoclassical style dating back to the pre World War II era. The museum’s retrofitting will follow an environmental theme and will use environment-friendly technology.

Architect Dominic Galicia and interior designer Tina Periquet are in charge of the museum’s design. A “Tree of Life” in the shape of a DNA strand will be at the center of the building and a glass dome will cover its central courtyard.

“Similar to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History here in Washington, D.C., our very own National Museum of Natural History will serve both as a symbol and an institution geared towards understanding how nature continues to shape the Filipino way of life. It promises to tell us our origins and offer visions for the country’s future as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots,” Minister Patrick A. Ch-

Architect Dominic Galicia presents the architectural design of the “Tree of Life” in the shape of a DNA strand that will be at the center of the new National Museum of Natural History.

US-Philippines Society Executive Director Hank Hendrickson, Architect Dominic Galicia, and Chargé d’Affairés and Minister Patrick Chuasoto at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy after Architect Galicia’s presentation on the National Museum of Natural History on Friday July 15, 2016.

uasoto, the Embassy’s Chargé d’Affairés, said in his opening remarks.

The National Museum of Natural History, together with the Museum of the Filipino People, National Gallery of Art, and National Planetarium, is a testament to the revival of the museum communities in the Philippines. Once completed, the museum complex will be a remarkable landmark in Manila and will serve as the educational, scientific, and cultural

institution in preserving the various permanent national collections of the Philippines.

Earlier during the month, the National Museum of the Philippines also announced its new policy of free admission for all visitors, Filipino or foreign, to all its museums nationwide.

Architect Galicia’s presentation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the US-Philippines Society and the Philippine Embassy.

US House Dems push Senate to ratify UNCLOS

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

FOLLOWING the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling in favor of the Philippines in the South China (West Philippine Sea) territorial dispute, Democrats of the United States House of Representatives are urging the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

UNCLOS is an international agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of nations for the world’s oceans.

The agreement also established guidelines for management of the ocean’s waters, ecosystem and natural resources by businesses and governments. Over 160 countries and the European Union abide by the treaty.

Although the agreement has existed since President Ronald Reagan’s administration, and President Bill Clinton signed to implement it in 1994, it was never ratified, or approved, by the Senate. The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy have also repeatedly called for its ratification.

The House of Representa-

tives’ armed services and foreign affairs committees released a joint statement calling for the ratification of the long-standing agreement. They said that U.S. involvement in the agreement is essential in protecting U.S. interests and promoting the fair and just use of the world’s oceans.

Additionally, they said U.S. involvement in the agreement will bolster the long-standing alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines.

“The United States will continue to uphold its commitment to the Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, to uphold its commitment to international law in the Asia-Pacific region, and to promote the freedom of navigation in the seas and in the air in accordance with international law,” the statement read.

The Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 was a promise that the U.S. and the Philippines would support each other if either were to be attacked by another party.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), the most senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released a statement of his own on Tuesday,

July 12, expressing his support for U.S. involvement in UNCLOS as well as praising the Philippine government’s proactive efforts to bring the territorial dispute to court.

“We are limited in our ability to strengthen international law, however, if we cannot lead by example,” Reed said in a statement. “The United States has not yet ratified UNCLOS, despite calls from our top military leaders who agree it will strengthen our national security. The treaty is the foundation for [the South China Sea ruling], and U.S. support for UNCLOS will be critical if we are to be successful in advocating for the rule of the law throughout the region.”

The result in the case The Republic of the Philippines v. The People’s Republic of China was a landmark ruling announced on Tuesday, July 12, which stated that there was no evidence that China had precedent over exclusive control over the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

“It is my hope that all parties will refrain from taking unnecessarily escalatory actions in the wake of this decision,” said Reed.

PH lead counsel: International pressure...

PAGE A1 sive economic zone.

The Hague-based tribunal also ruled that China’s nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters does not have legal basis.

“As the arbitral tribunal found, their legal arguments

are indefensible... [China] cares enough to try to defend what it has done on the basis of international law. In this case, there are particular reasons why I believe that the award eventually, not immediately, but eventually will be complied with or substantially complied with,” Reichler said in a podcast published by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

Reichler noted that majority of states comply with the award of judgment of international courts and arbitral tribunals even if they are unhappy with the decision as failure to do so results in reputational damage.

Even though arbitral tribunals do not have course power, states usually comply with decisions as defiance would result in loss of prestige and influence with other nations.

“A state that doesn’t care for or respect international law has a very, very heavy price to pay and it’s not just public relations, (it) translates into your ability to influence other members of the international community,” Reichler said.

He explained that every state has a strong interest in its existence and the strengthening of an international rules-based order.

“Why? Because without one, there’s chaos. Without one, there’s no predictability. Without one there’s, permanent insecurity, instability and a greater threat than there is now of armed conflict,” the country’s lead counsel said.

China has attempted to justify its conduct in legal terms as it cares about how the international community sees them, Reichler said.

The Philippines’ lead counsel noted that the arbitral tribunal’s award is also a victory for Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and other states who also have over-

lapping maritime claims with China.

“What they have won is a declaration, an understanding, absolute clarity that the nine-dash line is unlawful. It’s unlawful as applied to the Philippines. It has to be unlawful as applied against Vietnam,” Reichler said.

The arbitral tribunal confirmed that each claimant state is entitled to a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf off of their coasts, which is contrary to China’s claim to at least 85 percent of their EEZs. China has the physical power to enforce its claims against its neighbors in Southeast Asia but it may result to permanent hostility.

“The consequences of that will be permanent hostility with all of its neighbors, an inherently unstable situation which makes exploitation of the resources possible and certainly very risky,” Reichler said.

As an alternative, China should negotiate with its neighbors on the basis of equality where the legitimate rights and interests of all states are recognized and respected, the lawyer said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has offered to open negotiations with the Philippines to resolve the sea dispute outside the arbitral ruling but Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. has refused to do so.

“I told him it was not consistent with our Constitution and our national interests so but there is certainly every avenue that we should pursue in trying to engage ourselves in the peaceful resolution of this dispute,” Yasay said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart.

Yasay added that Wang warned of a possible confrontation if the Philippines will insist on the arbitral tribunal’s ruling.

Donald Trump officially secures...

PAGE A2 three years. In 2015, the party launched the Republican Leadership Initiative, an effort to train millennial and minority voters and spread the party’s values.

Alan Cobb, the Trump campaign’s director of coalitions, announced that the campaign would launch an Asian American advisory committee.

“We’re going to have vigorous Asian American outreach all across the country, but particularly in battleground states,” he said.

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, a Filipino-American, said that it’s natural for AAPIs to support Trump and the Re-

publican Party.

“The Republican values of the party reflect [AAPI] values – a love for family, hard work and industry, self-reliance and success,” Reyes said.

He added, “Donald Trump represents what [AAPI] values are all about. He is a fighter, just like our community. People overlook him all the time, but he comes out to the top because he’s successful and he’s a winner [with] tireless work ethic.”

On the Democratic side, the party’s four-day convention will begin in Philadelphia on Monday, July 25. Clinton is expected to announce her vice presidential pick before then.

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A

Complaints vs Aquino’s ‘Oplan Exodus’ remains under evaluation

by Joseph

Almer pedrAJAs

AJPress

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio morales said in a press conference on Wednesday, July 20, that her office is still evaluating the complaints filed against former President benigno aquino III. aquino allegedly botched the “Oplan Exodus” for international terrorist Zulkifli abdhi ( also known as marwan) last year after allowing the dismissed Philippine national Police (PnP) chief alan Purisima to perform the said operation, which resulted in the deaths 44 special action Force (saF) troops. morales said that the raps’ evaluation may take time before being legitimately investigated because of its complexity.

“They are under evaluation first before they go under investigation. not every Tom, dick and Harry can file a case and expect that the case should be given due course,” she added. a day after aquino left office, Volunteers against Crime and Corruption (VaCC) accompanied the parents of the slain saF troops in filing complaints against him, Purisima and ex-saF com-

negligence and thereafter approved the operation knowing it was flawed.”

On the other hand, morales had earlier cleared aquino from accountability over the said issue as he just had supposedly ordered the police officials to only take necessary actions. morales added that Purisima and napeñas should instead take responsibility as they abused their power and committed graft.

The Ombudsman emphasized that Purisima was liable for usurpation because he still actively involved in the planning stage of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales Oplan Exodus although he was already suspended from his posimander Getulio napeñas.

The first complaint was filed tion that time. she followed that napeñas

by Erlinda allaga, mother of PO3 Robert allaga, and Warlito mejia, was also at fault after following Purisima’s order and being the father of PO2 Ephraim mejia.

The second complaint was latter’s cohort instead of reportfiled by Julie Faustino danao, ing to the then PnP officer-inmother of PO2 Walner danao; charge Leonardo Espina. aquino had also blamed Celestino Kiangan, father of PO2 noble Kiangan; and Felecitas napeñas for disobeying his ornacino, mother of PO2 nicky ders to coordinate with the military and police about the pursuit nacino. allaga and mejia stated that, of the operation. meanwhile, napeñas said that “aquino’s criminal negligence consisted of planning Oplan Exo- Purisima disobeyed his orders to dus with gross and inexcusable coordinate with Espina.

SAF deployed to ‘cleanse’ Bilibid by dAnA

sioson AJPress

THE Philippine national Police-special action Force (PnPsaF) were deployed to confront illegal activities in new bilibid Prison (nbP) as part of ‘internal cleansing’ and President Rodrigo duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs on Wednesday, July 20.

Troopers confiscated TV sets, cigarettes, cell phone signal boosters, cash, and sachets of suspected shabu while searching building 14 for contrabands. “mabuti nga nakakuha pa tayo ng ganito. ang balita ko, porke nalaman nila na nagpe-prepare na ang saF, nailipat na nila sa ibang selda ang mga inaangatan.

Kita mo, kahit isang cellphone wala, (It’s a good thing we’re able to recover these. From what I’ve heard, since they learned that the saF was preparing, they already transferred their gadgets to other cells. Look, there is not a single cellphone here)” Justice secretary Vitaliano aguirre II said, according to Cnn. Three hundred twenty saF troopers replaced 220 jail guards who, according to aguirre, will undergo “re-education and training.” aguirre noted that nbP duties will be done in rotation every around two months with the members of Philippine marines to avoid familiarity with the inmates.

ENDANGERED. The world’s gentle giant is now officially endangered, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said. The whale shark, also known as “butanding” in the Philippines was included on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. The group said the status change can be attributed to the growing human pressures. In the Philippines alone, whale sharks are used to propel the tourism industry.

Average 10 people killed daily in war on drugs

by CeCille

suerte Philstar.com

Felipe

manILa—In the 20 days since President duterte took office, about 10 drug personalities were killed daily all over the country.

Records of the Philippine national Police (PnP) show that 207 suspected drug pushers and users were killed from July 1 to 20.

PnP records also show that 2,789 drug pushers and users were arrested while 114,833 surrendered during duterte’s first 20 days in office.

Police conducted 61,806 house visitations to warn drug suspects.

PnP chief director General Ronald dela Rosa yesterday led the special action Force to the new bilibid Prison to crack down

on drug lords dictating the trade while serving sentence in prison.

Earlier, Interior and Local Government secretary Ismael sueno ordered the PnP to look out for cargo truck drivers and porters who reportedly take drugs to handle long trips. sueno also directed local government units and local police to watch roadside eateries as these are being used as fronts for drug transactions.

He got information that some truck drivers reportedly buy marijuana and shabu from small-time drug pushers in roadside eateries where they usually stop over for a meal.

“This bad habit of truck drivers of taking illegal drugs to enable them to drive long distances is

very, very dangerous because as these drugs wear off, their driving ability will be impaired, which may lead to road accidents,” he said.

“The local police and barangay tanods should keep an active watch on the possible illegal drug transactions in carinderias along the highways whose common patrons are truckers,” he added.

He also said drivers who are applying for a license to drive trucks should be subjected to regular drug tests so they would not put their own safety as well as others’ safety at risk.

“It is very challenging to drive long hours especially at night.

This is why we have to make sure that truck drivers are of sound mind and body before they start the long haul,” he added.

Duterte, Kerry meeting to strengthen PH, US ties

by Alexis

romero Philstar.com

Pray, PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa advised bank robbery convict Herbert Colangco at the NBP. Colangco said he was just a singer and not into drugs.

Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumba

He added that several guards will be investigated as well for allegedly permitting contraband and other illegal activities in the prison. during the turnover ceremony, PnP Chief director Ronald “bato” dela Rosa warned the police to refuse corruption.

“Wag kayong magpa-corrupt, ‘wag kayong magpapaloko sa baba. Isang report lang na isa sa inyo ay tumanggap ng bribe, kahit piso o kahit isang balot ng candy, that will destroy everything, (don’t be corrupted, don’t be fooled by people below. a single report that you accepted bribe, even just a single peso or a single wrap of candy, will destroy everything),” dela Rosa said in

an abs-Cbn report. at the same time, dela Rosa reassured the safety of inmates in their hands.

“Ito pong mga dala namin special action Force, sila po’y mga pulis. Hindi sila mga berdugo.

Huwag n’yo pong isipin na sila’y pinapunta rito para kayo ay pagpapatayin yung mga tao diyan sa loob, (We brought here the special action Force, they are police.

They are not executioners. do not think they are sent here to slaughter people inside).” dela Rosa also took the opportunity to confront Peter Co, Jb sebastian, and Herbert Colangco, the three ‘high-profile’ inmates in bilibid and convicted big time drug lords.

manILa—Further strengthening of ties between the Philippines and the united states will be the main objective of President duterte’s meeting next week with secretary of state John Kerry, malacañang said yesterday.

In a statement, the Palace said duterte “seeks to strengthen ties anew with the us” in his meeting with Kerry, who is visiting manila from July 26-27.

Palace officials did not provide additional details about the meeting, which will happen two weeks after The Hague-based Permanent Court of arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines on the south China sea dispute.

Kerry’s visit also comes a week after a us congressional delegation paid a courtesy call on duterte at malacañang. duterte earlier expressed readiness to talk to China but vowed to also consider the interests of the Philippines’ other

allies. mark Toner, spokesman for the state department, said Kerry will also meet with Foreign affairs secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. to “discuss the full range of our cooperation with the new administration.”

The secretary will travel to Vientiane, Laos, from July 2526 to participate in the asEan Regional Forum, the East asia summit Foreign ministers meeting, the asEan-us ministerial meeting and the Lower mekong Initiative ministerial meeting.

Center for strategic and International studies fellow John schaus said in June that Kerry should visit duterte to secure the Philippines-us relationship and hear directly from the new President his plans and objectives.

In his article published by the asia maritime Transparency Initiative, schaus said Kerry should hear what duterte has to say about cooperating with the us and reassure him of the

us commitment to the mutual defense treaty between the two countries. according to the analyst, Kerry can reinforce the message the us has delivered to the Philippines throughout the Obama administration, emphasizing the importance of partnership and cooperation to enhance the security of both the Philippines and the region as a whole. duterte suggested in a speech in a business forum in davao City that the 1951 mutual defense Treaty with the us does not automatically oblige Washington to immediately help if the Philippines gets into a confrontation with China.

He recalled asking Goldberg during a meeting, “are you with us or are you not with us?” to which the ambassador responded, “only if you are attacked.”

The us said it takes no sides in the territorial disputes but supports the Philippines’ right to bring its complaint against China to an arbitral court.

A

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OpiniOn

Features

Raring

THE numbers are in his favor as it seems that majority of Filipinos are looking forward to the next six years of Pres.

Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership and are eager to see the changes he had promised.

In a Social Weather Station (SWS) poll conducted from June 24 to 27, 84 percent of 1,200 adults or 8 in 10 Filipinos surveyed gave Duterte “much trust.” Only five percent said they had “little trust” on the president, while 11 percent were undecided.

The SWS classifies net trust ratings of at least +70 as “excellent”; +50 to +69 as “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below as “execrable.”

Duterte received excellent rating across the board: +87 from Filipino college graduates, +81 from college undergraduates, +74 from those who reached high school, and +76 from those who did not finish elementary.

“It’s a positive sign and very encouraging to know that the people trust the judgment, decisions and actions of the President,” presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told reporters in a text message. “The mandate is clear, the government cannot stop what it has started,” he said.

“I’m sure he would appreciate the trust and he would say, if I know him, na ‘trabaho lang ‘yan (that’s just my job), that’s part of the job and that we will continue to do our part,” presidential spokes-

man Ernesto Abella said.

The Filipino’s support is essential to any leader. They are after all, who voted him into office. On the other hand, Duterte now plays a central role in every Filipino’s life. In the next six years, he is expected to shape the system, make crucial decisions, and represent the hopes and interests of every Filipino.

By definition, a good politician is someone who does a good job at being a leader and representing his people’s best interests. Through polls, not only are leaders’ performance projected through approval ratings. These numbers also represent the dynamics of Philippine politics, a gauge whether it is progressing or regressing.

This new level of confidence from Filipinos is enough to show that the government is on a good start. But these numbers do not warrant him or the government complacency. These results only represent how promising their governance will further go. Factors that might take a toll on his standing are yet to come.

After all, good politicians should know that serving a representative democracy means embracing challenges and opportunities that the post offers them. (AJPress)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Post-convention match-up: Clinton vs Trump – electing a president in the era of fear and hate have their big party THEIR political opconvention in Cleveponents from their re- The Fil-Am land, Ohio, while the spective parties might Democratic Party have conceded defeat Perspective would hold its confollowing a long convention on July 25tentious primary sea28 in Philadelphia, son, but Hillary ClinPennsylvania. ton and Donald Trump Delegates elected would remain to be Gel SantoS-ReloS by constituents of called as presumptive nominees of the Democratic and Re- every county nationwide, as well as publican parties respectively — up un- party elites chosen by each party (sutil they both get officially proclaimed to per delegates), come together every be their parties’ presidential nominee nominating convention to officially for the general election in November nominate the party’s candidate for president and vice president. It is also in their respective party conventions.

On July 18-21, the Republican Party when each party adopts the party’s (aka Grand Old Party or GOP), would platform and rules.

During the four-day convention, each party would present speakers to showcase their values, vision, and platform. It is also when they officially introduce their official nominees for president and vice president, and why they believe these nominees would best steer the country towards their party’s vision for America in the next four years.

While in the past election cycles the mood was festive and the enthusiasm for each respective candidate had been buoyed by the voters’ respect, admiration, and confidence for their presidential bet, this present election cycle would seem to be driven more by “hate” and “fear” the voters of each

party feels about the opposing candidate, more than their love for their party’s nominee.

This sentiment was confirmed by a recent Associated Press/GFK survey which revealed that a vast majority of Americans say they are actually afraid of at least one of the two major presidential candidates [to be elected as the 45th President of the United States of America].

Eighty-one percent of those polled say they would feel afraid if either Trump or Clinton were elected. Seventy-five percent of respondents say their choice for president is motivated by the desire to make sure the other candidate does not win.

These findings are consistent with many polls that show both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have the highest unfavorable ratings among party frontrunners in recent election cycles.

What about you? Are you rooting for Clinton or Trump? Is your choice propelled by your respect and love for your candidate, or by your fear of and disdain for the other party’s candidate? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column are are solely those of the author and not of Asian Journal and ABS-CBN-TFC. For comments, go to www.TheFil-AmPerspective.com, https://www. facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos

The Hague ruling: PH cannot rely on US backing Commentary

atty. DoDo Dulay HOWEVER the United States tries to goad China into accepting the ruling of the United Nation’s Permanent Court of Arbitration, in The Hague, what is certain is that the Philippines cannot rely on the Americans— or on our military alliance pact (the latest iteration of which is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA)—to test the limits of, let alone give teeth to the decision of the arbitral tribunal upholding the country’s sovereign rights over the disputed areas in the South China Sea. The only peaceful and mutually beneficial outcome possible after The Hague ruling is one that allows the country to exploit the natural resources within its 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) while at the same time letting China retain a civilian (rather than military) presence in the South China Sea. This means a pragmatic solution whereby China can save face before the international community without totally disregarding the decision of the international court.

That’s a tall order for the newly installed government of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Although China refused to participate in the arbitration— and has rejected the international court’s decision as “natu-

rally null and void”—it cannot ignore the ruling altogether.

Having ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on June 7, 1996, China is legally bound by the ruling of The Hague tribunal even though it chose to boycott the proceedings.

In fact, UNCLOS specifically allows the international court to make legally binding decisions despite the absence of one party. Article 9 (Default of Appearance) of Annex VII (Arbitration) states: “If one of the parties to the dispute does not appear before the arbitral tribunal or fails to defend its case, the other party may request the tribunal to continue the proceedings and to make its award. Absence of a party or failure of a party to defend its case shall not constitute a bar to the proceedings.”

Article 11 (Finality of Award) of Annex VII of UNCLOS also says that “the award shall be final and without appeal … and shall be complied with by all the parties to the dispute.”

Although the decision may be legally binding and final, there is no mechanism by which the country can compel China to comply with the ruling. But the Philippines can and should use this precedent-setting decision in international law as a valuable bargaining chip, both in the diplomatic front and at the negotiating table.

At a time when China seeks to assert itself as a global superpower, it cannot risk being seen as a regional bully by continuing the unilateral annexation of rocky outcrops and atolls in the South China Sea,

now declared illegal under international law by virtue of The Hague tribunal’s decision. It would also be foolhardy for China to gamble away its political capital by flouting international law, especially in the Asian region where it wants to expand its “soft power.”

The challenge for the Duterte administration is to arrive at a settlement that will be in the best interests of Filipino people without banking on America’s “iron clad commitment to defending the Philippines” in its ongoing territorial dispute with China.

For one, the “freedom of navigation” operations conducted by the US Navy based on the “right of innocent passage” guaranteed by UNCLOS, which is obviously aimed at challenging China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, rest on flimsy legal authority since the US has not even ratified the maritime treaty.

In fact, it is quite hypocritical for the US to demand that China follow international law while itself refusing to ratify the UNCLOS, together with the likes of North Korea, Iran, Syria, Libya, and Venezuela. The US expects China to abide by the rules on maritime disputes yet refuses to be bound by those same rules.

It’s no wonder then that China has called out the US for its two-faced stance.

“The US is always selective when it comes to the application of international law: citing international law when it sees fit and discarding international law when it sees otherwise. It keeps urging others to abide by the United Nations Conven-

tion on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) while refusing to ratify the Convention to this day,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang.

By refusing to ratify UNCLOS, the US has lost the “moral standing” to stand up to China with regard to its dispute with the Philippines. It is also becoming apparent that this is less about international law and more about America’s strategic rival, China, projecting power over maritime territory to push back against US dominance in

the Western Pacific.

With The Hague ruling favoring America’s longtime ally in the Pacific, the US is going to step up the pressure on Beijing to justify both America’s “Pivot-to-Asia” policy as well as the creation of a network of military outposts and alliances throughout the region using the EDCA framework.

Ironically, while the US is demonizing China as an international bully, it has no qualms collaborating with Beijing, even holding military exercises with

the Chinese armed forces, such as in the ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2016, in Hawaii. Using a two-pronged strategy of cooperation and confrontation, the US hopes to keep in check China’s rising global influence.

As a mere pawn in a global Game of Thrones, the Philippines ought to know that what is only truly “ironclad” are the interests of the world’s top superpowers—and leverage this to our advantage. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 22-28, 2016

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FVR to secure ‘mission orders’ as emissary to China

by PAolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

FOR HELENA. Senate President Franklin Drilon delivers his eulogy during necrological rites for former senator Helena Benitez whose ashes were brought to the Senate Tuesday, July 19. Benitez died last week at the age of 102.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo

Pulse Asia: 91% of Filipinos trust Duterte

by Rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

MANILA—A recent Pulse Asia survey showed that 91 percent or nearly all Filipinos trust President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte.

Based on the survey, only 0.2 percent distrust Duterte while the rest could not say if they trust or distrust him.

A total of 1,200 respondents participated in the survey conducted last July 2-8 after his oath taking. The survey has a ± 3-percent error margin at the 95percent confidence level.

Duterte got high trust ratings in all social classes: ABC (89 percent) and DE (92 percent). Meanwhile, the poll showed that Robredo is most trusted by social class D (64 percent) compared to classes ABC (53 percent) and E (61 percent).

Meanwhile, Vice President Maria “Leni” Robredo gained a trust rating of 62 percent. Eleven percent expressed small or no trust while 27 percent said they were undecided.

The survey also revealed that 35 percent of Filipinos trust Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno while 19 percent do not trust her.

Some 42 percent of the respondents said they were undecided.

The president got the highest trust ratings among respondents from Mindanao (97 percent) while Robredo got her highest trust rating from respondents in Visayas (72 percent).

The respondents said they want the Duterte administration to

MANILA—Former president Fidel Ramos is set to meet with President Duterte this weekend to get his “mission orders” as a special envoy to help resolve the country’s territorial dispute with China.

But while he was honored

by Duterte’s request for him to act as a high-level emissary to China, Ramos reiterated he was still awaiting final clearance from his doctors on his fitness for the task.

“I can do the job, but I’m also requesting parameters and guidelines from the President because that’s the way it is – you must give command guidance to your soldier if you want the mission to succeed,” Ramos told the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. “I want us to succeed so that I can report to him ‘mission accomplished’.”

He declined to give further details on the coming meeting, after which he would likely announce his decision whether to take the job. Ramos has been on cardiac pacemaker since last year.

“What if I conk out (in the middle of my work)? That would paint a poor picture of our nation after all the advance publicity you’ve made (of me as special envoy),” he said.

The former president said he would push for a more informal and people-to-people approach in dealing with China, which has continued to expand its military presence in disputed waters, following the release of a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague debunking its nine-dash line argument.

Ramos said he believes the first priority should be defusing tensions at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, now under Chinese control despite its being only about 125 nautical miles from Zambales.

He recalled that over 10 years ago, he had suggested organizing weekend picnics in the area with catch in the resource rich waters to be cooked and shared among Filipino and Chinese officials while playing mahjong or some card games.

While his suggestion may not be taken literally, such an informal and comfortable environ-

ment builds relationships that, more likely than not, can lead to understanding, agreements and peace, Ramos said.

“In the end, you plan for saving lives instead of killing people,” he said. “First and foremost in what you do in every problem, from personal, family and even national, is to approach it where it will most likely succeed.”

He does not believe the country can claim moral high ground with the PCA victory “as most of us are immoral anyway, but the more positive way is that we are winning global opinion.”

He agreed with the tack taken

by Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. in urging all concerned to proceed with caution and sobriety after the PCA handed down its ruling.

Ramos also cited various cultural, business, economic and even informal linkages of ordinary people and private groups between claimant nations that can help defuse tensions and promote peace.

He cited his grandson, Christopher Sembrano, who has gained many friends in Vietnam and Taiwan, owing to his studies.

Robredo on killings: Senseless and unjust violence must stop

Infographic design by Jonathan Asuncion/Philstar.com

focus on three economic issues — controlling increases in prices (68 percent), creating employment opportunities (56 percent) and crafting new pro-poor programs like education, health and housing for the poor (55 percent) — in its first six months in office.

Forty-eight percent would like the new administration to immediately address the problem of criminality in the country.

Last week, the Social Weather Stations also released the results of its nationwide trust rating poll conducted from June 24-27

showing that Duterte gained 84 percent trust rating while only 5 percent had “little trust” in him for an “excellent” net trust rating of +79.

Pulse Asia President Ronnie Holmes said that based on history most presidents obtain high ratings during their first week in office, and usually, it is the highest they can get throughout their term.

“This is the highest numerically (trust ratings during the first week). It’s been high for most presidents,” Holmes said.

MANILA—Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday, July 20 condemned the series of extrajudicial killings in the country in recent days and called on authorities to investigate and prosecute those behind them.

“These senseless and unjust violence must stop,” Robredo said that five people were reportedly killed in Malabon in a “drug-related massacre” and another man suspected of being a drug pusher was killed in Quezon City in what the victim’s sister said was a case of mistaken identity.

“The rise in extrajudicial killings is a call for all of us to uphold every person’s right to due process. Each of those Filipinos who were killed over alleged crimes were denied their right to a fair trial, and those lives may never be returned to their loved ones,” she said.

According to a report on The Star, 13 drug suspects were killed between July 17 and 19. More than a hundred others have died since June 30, some in anti-drug operations and others by unknown killers.

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

“We should not foster a culture of fear in our society—one that tacitly accepts death and one that does not give respect to human life,” the vice president said.

“We urge the authorities to seriously investigate these killings and bring those responsible to justice,” she also said. Resolutions have already been filed at both the Senate and the House of Representatives calling for probes into the killings but Solicitor General Jose Calida

has said that he will defend police from investigations if these are not in aid of legislation.

On Monday, the International Commission of Jurists, an organization of jurists and lawyers around the world, urged President Rodrigo Duterte to take action against the rise in extrajudicial killings.

“We are also concerned by your recent statements that appear to be encouraging extrajudicial killings of those engaged in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in the Philippines,” the ICJ said.

Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has said in public that he does not approve of extrajudicial killings. He has also reminded police officers to follow operational procedure in the government’s campaign against drugs and crime.

“Please continue the fight. The momentum is ours. [N]andito po kami para suportahan kayo. Remember, huwag po kayong magabuso, legitimate operations lang po dapat lahat,” he said on July 11.

(Philstar.com)

A

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Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans in the Obama Administration

By AJPress

T

(Part 1 of 2)

he Obama administration has been touted as the most diverse in American history, according to a study made by UC Berkeley. Of the many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in President Barack Obama’s administration, there are fifteen (15) FilipinoAmericans who serve in different capacities.

In this two-part series, the Asian Journal features these Fil-Am appointees who have brought not only their skills and expertise to serve the public, but their Filipino heritage as well.

Nani Coloretti Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Hometown: Honolulu, HI What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

I have seen the Government’s capacity to help people and to be a force for good, and have experienced this first-hand. I grew up in a large family with few resources but lots of imagination, and a focus on seeking the highest level of education we could. When we fell onto hard times, we did not have to fall into despair because there was a safety-net. When I went to college, I was able to fund my education with a combination of federal programs as well as scholarships.

I majored in Economics and Communications in college and wanted to apply this skillset to something that had broad and wide impact. I have found my work in Government to be fulfilling and mission-driven.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino-American working in government?

I think the broader challenge for me as a Filipino-American who is half Filipina is to make sure that my voice can be heard in an effective way. I think it helps that I come from a diverse state of people with different ways of communicating and interacting. I also think that any challenge can also be an opportunity. So, being someone who is different from others in a table can be helpful, particularly if I am operating with both ears open and with curiosity.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community? How is your department working to address it?

Here at HUD, we gain visibility into many communities through our work enforcing the Fair Housing Act. This law prohibits discrimination in housing transactions, including rentals and purchases. HUD and its state and local partners investigate nearly 8,500 housing discrimination complaints each year, including complaints from Filipino homebuyers and renters who may have experienced discrimination based on their national origin.

For example, HUD recently filed a charge of discrimination alleging that a home loan company and their agents lured struggling Hispanic homeowners into paying thousands of dollars for home loan audits that the homeowners never received and modification services that had little, if any, value.

The companies allegedly exploited the homeowners’ limited-English proficiency and used deceptive marketing in Spanish, at times making false representations, in order to mislead them. Ultimately, many homeowners lost their properties due to foreclosure.

HUD has also assisted Filipino families who faced similar circumstances, alleging targeting for illegal or unfair loan modification assistance because of their national origin. One of the complaints HUD investigated involved a Filipino American family in California and a company offering home loan modifications advertised in Tagalog and televised on a station specifically targeting Filipino audiences. The FilipinoAmerican family (Complainant), after seeing the television program, signed a contract with the loan modification company and paid an advance fee of $3,000 with the understanding that the company would negotiate a loan modification with the lender within three months. At the advice of the company, the family stopped making mortgage payments, and contacted the company each time they received a collection notice. All of the employees they spoke with were Filipino and their discussions were always in Tagalog.

Nani Coloretti at the Women’s History Month panel.

Seven months later, the family received a notice of default from their lender, and learned that the company had allegedly failed to negotiate with their lender. At that time, they sought help from their local consumer advocates and HUD. HUD resolved the complaint by facilitating a conciliation agreement between the two parties, where the loan modification company agreed to refund the Filipino family, pay $2,500 to the consumer advocates that assisted the family; post on their website a statement disclosing that free loan modification services and foreclosure prevention assistance are available from non-profit agencies, and send key personnel to fair housing training.

People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 669-9777 (voice), (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Additional information is available online.

Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed at www.hud.gov/ fairhousing or by downloading HUD’s free housing discrimination mobile application, which can be accessed through Apple and Android devices.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

There are two things I am most proud of: Helping create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) after the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act in 2011, and helping finish the regulation to guide communities in their efforts to affirmatively further fair housing.

In both instances, I was able to help address the conditions for individuals and families that are working to achieve the American dream but who face the challenges of imperfect or unfair markets.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

I have been honored to work in and contribute to this historic Administration. When the President took office, the U.S. economy was in the midst of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Seven years later, thanks the hard work and resilience of the American people, we have recovered, rebuilt, and emerged as the strongest, more durable economy in the world. We have experienced the longest streak of private sector job growth on record (six years), have cut the federal deficit by three quarters and more than 16 million more people have health insurance today.

I have learned that it makes a difference to focus on what matters most and to be relentless in achieving outcomes.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

There are many ways to become involved in government.

One of the best ways is to get involved in the issues and at the level that matters to you. It can be as simple as showing up at a community meeting for your local government or as far-reaching as choosing government as a career.

At a minimum, remember to vote on election day, either in person or in advance if your state allows it.

Remember that government is not a set of institutions or buildings; it is really just a set of people. We

American tribes and Pueblos; and now working at Interior to see that law implemented.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

I have found that the Administration is composed of dedicated professionals committed to the betterment of this country for the American people; a commitment that starts at the top. I am proud and honored to be a part of this team.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

It has been said that half of the battle is just showing up, and I truly believe this is the case for more involvement within government, at all levels. Attend city hall meetings, town halls, and Congressional events. A sure way to see change is to be a part of it.

Photo from blog.hud.gov

are lucky to live in a country that was set up to be responsive to all people. Government works best when everyone is involved and all voices are heard, when we stay optimistic about the future and when we hold ourselves and our government accountable for achieving the outcomes we want.

Camille Calimlim Touton Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science U.S. Department of the Interior Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

long, but it bends towards justice.”

We’ve seen important wins and losses during the past eight years, but I’m proud to say this administration has made steady progress to advance justice for all Americans.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

Naturalize if you haven’t, register to vote, and vote!

Having leaders at all levels of government is important too.

Today’s city council and school board members are tomorrow’s representatives, senators, and presidents. And if you are in a leadership position, make you sure mentor the next generation of leaders.

Carla V. Bernal Deputy White House Liaison U.S. Department of Justice Hometown: Bay Area, Calif.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

One of the greatest strengths in our country and our government is its rich diversity.

I am fortunate enough to work in an Administration whose Presidential Personnel Office works diligently to hire some of the most mission-driven leaders of all backgrounds.

As a Filipino-American, I am also proud to have this opportunity to be a part of the legacy of progress carried out Jason T. Lagria at the 2011 MMTC conferenc by the Obama Administration.

Video grab from You Tube Politic365 Even with this great opportunity, one challenge that I see in government is the need for even more representation among Special Assistant Filipino Americans and Asian and U.S. Commission on Civil Pacific Islanders. It’s my hope that Rights* more Filipino Americans view Hometown: Houston, TX civic engagement and public * Views expressed are personal and service as a way to bring our do not reflect those of the federal diverse experiences and skills government in leadership roles throughout government.

What influenced you to What do you see as a pursue a career in government? large issue facing the FilipinoI’m an American-born child American community? How is of Filipino immigrants. I am very your department working to grateful for the opportunity address it? this country gave to my parents One of the most important to pursue a better life for their issues facing the Filipino American families and live the American community today is human dream. Ever since I had that trafficking. There are over 10 realization, I knew I wanted to million Filipinos working overseas, give back to my country. That and of those 10 million, nearly 4 included spending at least part of million are residing in the United my career in public service. I want States. Sadly, a considerable to ensure others have the same amount of these Filipino migrant chance at success for themselves workers are subjected to sex and their families. trafficking and/or forced labor What challenges have you in the education, construction, faced as a Filipino American nursing, agricultural, domestic working in government? work, and janitorial industries.

My own unique background The U.S. Department of Justice makes me realize there are (DOJ) takes human trafficking millions of other people each very seriously and is committed with their own unique story. It’s to addressing the issue head on. challenging when crafting civil Last year, Attorney General Loretta rights policies to account for and Lynch announced that DOJ is consider all of those different expanding the Anti-Trafficking perspectives and interests, but Coordination Team Initiative, an doing so makes better crafted and initiative aimed at streamlining nuanced policy. federal criminal investigations What do you see as a and prosecutions of human large issue facing the Filipinotrafficking offenses. Earlier this American community? How is year, Attorney General Lynch your department working to announced the release of a video address it? series and resource guide to about Immigration is obviously the forms of human trafficking in a very important issue for the the United States.

Filipino American community.

While these programs have For example, the visa backlog made an impact on the lives of is something that affected my many, there are still challenges family directly. My mother waited ahead. To this end, I hope that over 20 years before some of her government agencies of all siblings could join her in the U.S. levels continue to work with Sadly one of them passed away victim-led advocacy groups to before he could receive a visa. hold traffickers accountable and What accomplishment(s) are provide victims with the support you most proud of while working and justice they deserve. I also in the Obama administration? hope that we, as Filipino American Personally, I’m honored appointees, use our platforms to be part of the most diverse responsibly to highlight the administration in history. Whether impact that human trafficking, it’s the diverse members of his and other issues, have made on cabinet and leadership at federal the Filipino American community agencies, or the record number – so that we can become better of Asian Americans President allies to survivors and their family Obama has appointed to be members. judges (including the first Filipino What accomplishment(s) are American Article III federal judge), you most proud of while working a government that reflects the in the Obama administration? diversity of the people it serves is One of the accomplishments a more responsive and legitimate that I am most proud of was government. working alongside my colleagues What is your biggest at the Office on Violence Against takeaway from working in this Women to coordinate the Violence administration?

Against Women Act (VAWA) 20th As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, Anniversary Tour. During the “The arc of the moral universe is tour, I visited my hometown and

Carla V. Bernal

heard firsthand from survivors of domestic and sexual violence what an impact VAWA funding has made in our community.

The advocates welcomed us and toured us around a newly opened family justice center, a place where survivors can receive free services ranging from legal assistance to assistance with emergency shelter. The center was a safe haven for all survivors and their children. At the conclusion of this visit, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude – what an honor and privilege it was to visit a space that truly recognized what it meant to provide victimcentered services to all survivors.

Veronica Valdez

Special Assistant U.S. Department of Defense Hometown: Sydney, Australia

Jason T. Lagria

Camille Calimlim Touton

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

Public Service has always been our family business. My grandfather, Camilo, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the Philippines at the end of World War II. My grandmother, Juanita, was a barangay (similar to a city ward or district) Captain in Dagupan City, Philippines. They believed that there was no higher calling than to serve your country and community, and it is from their example that we are proud of our family’s combined military and public service of over a century to this country. That is what makes the USA so great- that a granddaughter of a Barangay captain and a Naval steward can serve as a political appointee in the Obama Administration.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

I have been fortunate to have faced very little challenges because of my ethnicity, and credit this to the leadership within our Department. We believe that diversity is a strength to be celebrated, and our work is only better for it.

What do you see as a large issue facing the FilipinoAmerican community? How is your department working to address it?

Protecting Filipino-American communities, and all of our communities, from the effects of Climate Change is a huge challenge and an integral part of our mission at the Department of the Interior. As stewards of nearly 20 percent of our nation’s public lands and waters, we are working daily to help build resiliency and tools within our communities, based on the best available science.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

My proudest professional accomplishment is helping to move legislation that President Obama signed into law providing water certainty to seven Native

Veronica Valdez

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

I was working on the Presidential Campaign in 2008 and once our candidate was elected into office, I realized there was so much to do and I wanted to be part of it.

What challenges have you faced as a Filipino American working in government?

The challenge was not so much about my heritage, but more about not having the prior government work experience or military background so my learning curve was great.

What do you see as a large issue facing the FilipinoAmerican community? How is your department working to address it?

One of the largest issues facing the Filipino-American community is not being well represented in senior leadership positions in government or Congress. When I look around my department, I don’t see very many Asian Americans sitting at the table making key decisions. In the Air Force, there has been a big push for diversity and inclusion in the military and civilian side. It will take time but it’s encouraging to see steps being made.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

Since working in the Obama Administration, I think I’m most proud of establishing and leading the Department of the Navy’s Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Initiative which aimed to increase the number of Wounded Warriors hired into the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and the private sector. We were able to put over 1,000 Wounded Warriors into meaningful jobs. I was also part of the Gulf Coast Recovery Plan Task Force in 2010 where I provided support to the Secretary of the Navy who was tasked by the President of the United States to develop a long-term plan for restoration of the states affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This work contributed to the passing of the 2012 RESTORE Continued on Page 5

Team PH wins 175 medals, awards at ‘Olympics of performing arts’

july 22-28, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

3

Dance troupe JNS walks away with top honors — in heels

By Eric

Anthony LicAs AJPress

After wowing judges for more than a week with high energy on-stage acrobatics, members of Philippine dance troupe, Junior New System (JNS), needed to up the stakes.

On friday, July 15, the all-male ensemble floored the audience by donning glitter coated, six-inch platform heels as they leapt and somersaulted across the stage of the terrace theater in Long Beach, California. they won the 20th annual World Championship of Performing Arts’ (WCOPA) most prestigious award with a gravitydefying set of choreography that drew a roar of applause from both spectators and rival competitors.

JNS added the 2016 WCOPA Senior Grand Champion title to the collection of 175 medals and awards that team Philippines took

home from this year’s events. A group of more than 75 filipino models, actors, instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers competed against performers from over 60 nations in what WCOPA fans and representatives have called “the Olympics of performing arts.” After nine days’ worth of music, drama and dance, the team walked away with 39 gold, 65 silver and 43 bronze medals. filipino artists also garnered 21 overall division plaques and 10 industry awards.

Jerry Mercado, the man who oversaw scouting and auditioning for team Philippines, earned this year’s award for Outstanding National Director.

“I’m so proud of the team,” Mercado said after friday’s Grand finales performances. Before the event, he told his team to remember that “you are no longer

singing for yourself, but for your country.”

International bragging rights and about $400,000 dollars worth of scholarships were up for grabs in this year’s competition. the week-long event also gave contestants a valuable opportunity to promote their careers by performing in front of talent scouts and entertainment executives, as well as an international audience watching live in person or streaming the show from around the globe.

In addition to JNS, six other entrants from the Philippine delegation made it to the WCOPA’s last night of competition. Models David Priego Walker and Patricia Polamay took to the runway and posed for cameras in formal, casual and swimwear. Junior dance competitor Marco Unabia delighted audience members with

a light-hearted number inspired by the joys of reading.

Senior dance contestant Ira Sisa Aparra appeared to float effortlessly across the stage in a performance punctuated by leaping twirls and flowing arm gestures.

Veenen Nair, senior vocalist of team Philippines, provided her own piano accompaniment to a rendition of Alicia Key’s “Girl on fire.” She deftly showcased both of her talents and belted out soulful high-notes that inspired gasps and cheers from the audience.

“It was a big honor to be picked for the Philippines because the Philippines is a very strong team,” Nair told the Asian Journal. filipino contestants won both the Junior and Senior Grand

Championship titles in 2013 and 2014. Vocalist Alexander Pantoja secured overall victory in the Junior division this year for team USA. JNS returns the senior title to the Philippines after the team was edged out in 2015 by dance group Chase and Jemima of South Africa in the junior competition, and vocalist francoise Medley of Jamaica in the senior division.

Senior vocalist Jeremy Layug was just happy to have a chance to compete, according to his grandparents, Martin and Angelina De Castro. they said their grandson could hardly believe he had made it to the finals. ”this boy was just practicing in the choir. He doesn’t have a voice coach,” said Martin De Castro. “Once you have the

AJPress photos by Andy Tecson and Ding Carreon

microphone and you’re on the stage do your best because that might be your first and last performance,” he said to his grandson prior to the start of the show.

Despite minimal formal training, Layug managed to fill the terrace theatre with the raw power of his voice on friday night.

“I notice that most of the countries, when they perform, are very technical,” said WCOPA hall of famer and 2005 senior grand champion Jed Madela, who co-hosted friday’s competition along with Australian performer Britt Goodwin. “When it comes to the filipino, talent is heart.

It’s in our being and once a filipino stands on stage it’s a different performance, a different experience.”

july 22-28, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

4

JLo wears stunning Michael Cinco couture with 20-ft cape by

AlixAndrA CAole VilA Philstar.com

AT least a hundred people spent six months to piece together Michael Cinco’s crystallized couture dress which Jennifer Lopez wore during her performance on ‘“The Tonight Show” on Tuesday, July 19.

The Dubai-based designer took to Instagram to share details about his magnificent creation. According to his post, it was inspired by ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) Chief Finance Officer Noemi B. Samson, Rocky Gathercole, ALKFI Donor Management Head Josine Reyes and ABS-CBN Integrated Public Service Head and ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jerry Bennett in Sainte Chapelle, a royal chapel Manila.

Photo by Marianne De Vera/ABS-CBN in France that features Gothic architecture and was actually a part of his Spring-Summer 2016 collection.

The gown featured a majestic 20-foot cape that was meticulously hand painted with cathedral stained glass, embedded with 10,000 colorful Swarovski crystals and embroidered with hand-made silk.

JLo took the stage to pay them. It is a loss of hope and dedicated to the children of HOLLYWOOD—A tribute to the victims of the recent dignity. Rocky Gathercole knows Bantay Bata. The reason? heartwarming lovefest ensued this only too well. And just as “I see myself in the children upon the recent visit of Rocky Rocky was able to get up and being cared for by Bantay Bata,” Gathercole, famed Filipino out of hopelessness through the Gathercole said. “I was a battered designer to the biggest music compassion of people he met child. So, given the chance, I want stars, to the ABS-CBN Lingkod by riCky lo along the way, now he wants to to help the youth. I was very Kapamilya (Family Service) Philstar.com give even more of himself for fortunate that God and truly good Foundation, Inc. or ALKFI. The them. And so we have faith that a people took me out of the dark designer to celebrities likeLady IT’S a pity that Bong Daza bright future is in store for these when I lived in the streets after Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry, didn’t live long enough to give kids because of his kindness, running away from home. I’ve Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez away his daughter Isabelle Daza goodness, and generosity of heart. at her wedding to her French been very, very blessed. It’s time and Carrie Underwood dropped Once more, I sincerely want to give back. ‘Rock The Runway’ is by to express his commitment fiancé Adrien Semblat on Sept. to thank Rocky, The Lifestyle my dream fashion show. Helping to helping one of ALKFI’s core 10 in Tuscany, Italy. Bong’s ashes Network, For The Stars Fashion the kids through my work – that is programs called, Bantay Bata were buried last Saturday. He was House, TFC and all our donors where my heart lies, that is what (Child Watch), Asia’s model for 65 when he died of cardiac arrest and partners for providing the my life is about now.” child care services. at the Makati Med ICU barely help and support needed by the ABS-CBN Foundation Gathercole was warmly two weeks after he was found abused, sick, and poor children in unconscious due to heart attack.

International, through Bennett, welcomed by ALKFI Chief Finance our country, through this avantreleased this statement in Officer Noemi B. Samson, ALKFI Isabelle’s wedding comes on garde fashion show, ROCK THE grateful salute to Gathercole and Donor Management Head Josine the heels of those of her cousin RUNWAY. supporters of “Rock The Runway”: Reyesand concurrent ABSGeorgina Wilson to British Arthur Together, we are helping We are deeply grateful CBN Integrated Public Service Burnand in England last April and restore hope and dignity in the to Rocky Gathercole, Lifestyle Head and ABS-CBN Foundation their friend Solenn Heussaff to children’s lives.

Network, TFC and For The International Managing Director Argentinian Nico Bolzico in France Hollywood celebrities Stars Fashion House for Jerry Bennettduring his visit. last May. have already been invited to Come July 28, at the landmark supporting ABS-CBN Foundation “I want our wedding to be the show and a special preInternational, specifically BANTAY Avalon Hollywood, Gathercole will intimate and elegant,” Isabelle show entertainment will be BATA (Child Watch). Our abused unveil a collection for the show, told Funfare in an interview early provided. To purchase tickets to and disadvantaged children will “Rock The Runway”, proceeds this year. “It will be a Catholic “Rock The Runway”, visit https:// most definitely get to smile and of which will benefit Bantay wedding.”

RockyGathercole.eventbrite.com laugh again.

Bata. The fashion fundraiser is Isabelle, 27, has been going Ticket prices are at $250, $150, $75 steady with Adrien, 35, for six Kids always see everything presented by ABS-CBN’s Lifestyle and $40. Special VIP treatment with fresh eyes, expecting Network in partnership with the years. Adrien is the country including access to style stations, something new and exciting and Los Angeles-based For The Stars manager of Adidas Philippines food and drinks are available to different every time they look.

Fashion House. who came to Manila in 2008, the All Out and Preferred Levels Ticket same year he and Isabelle were Sadly, it is not so with destitute What is drawing a lot of Holders. For more information, children. They are deprived, even attention to “Rock The Runway” introduced to each other by their visit https://www.facebook.com/ of excitement and imagination. is that this is the first fundraiser common friend Karen Jardenli LifestyleNetworkTV/ Poverty is more than just material show of the internationally (who’s with Bench). and physical deprivation for famousGathercole that is According to that Funfare (Advertising Supplement)

Renowned Filipino designer Rocky Gathercole visits ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata AFI head praises designer for “Rock The Runway” fundraiser on July 28 in Avalon Hollywood

Songstress Jennifer Lopez wears Michael Cinco on “Tonight’s Show” on July 12, 2016.

Instagram photo by Michael Cinco

Orlando shooting where at least 50 died. The massacre which happened at a night club known as Pulse is regarded as the worst massive gay shooting in US history.

Cinco, the first Filipino designer to have his collection featured during Paris Fashion Week, has dressed Lopez on several occasions including the 2015 American Music Awards.

Isabelle-Adrien wedding September 10 in Tuscany, Italy

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

story, during more than 12 years in the sport industry, Adrien developed an expertise that includes team management, retail/commercial/marketing strategy/implementation and execution. He described himself as “passionate by sports” who plays football and does triathlons.

Adrien said that he has found a second home in the Philippines.

“I really wanted to experience working abroad and leave my comfort zone to live in a very different, challenging and enriching life,” he was quoted in an interview with PeopleAsia in 2011. He didn’t even know where Manila was and had to find out through Google. “When I got here, I found Manila to be a pretty oppressing city with its heat, crowd, traffic and pollution. But within months, I settled in my apartment and met Filipino friends. I found them to be the nicest people on Earth, very curious and helpful. Aside from Manila, there are the most beautiful beaches…”

I’m not sure if Isabelle will not, as she claimed then, quit showbiz after the wedding.

The sweethearts have traveled the world together.

SCHOOL

SERVICES

HOME AGENCY

Isabelle Daza and fiancé Adrien Semblat: A vow ‘for better or for worse…in sickness and in health, till…’

Adrien proposed to Isabelle in Cappadocia, Turkey, Isabelle reported as a “scoop” by Hola!

(Philippines) magazine.

“First, we rode the hot-air balloons early in the morning,” Isabelle told Hola!, quoted in the Funfare story. “We went back to the Museum Hotel and had breakfast. Well, I ate!!! A lot!!!

Adrien didn’t. I think he was too nervous. Then after breakfast, he popped the question to me.”

Sylvia Sanchez gets her ‘greatest’ break

by Erik John

Salut ManilaTimes.net

ACTreSS Sylvia Sanchez could not hold back her tears on Thursday night’s press conference for ABS-CBN’s newest family drama The Greatest Love. After all, who would not be overwhelmed that after playing supporting roles throughout her 27-year career, she is finally topping the bill of a teleserye.

The series’ teaser trailer posted online has already earned overwhelmingly positive feedback.

And clearly, it’s just another TV project for her. “In Greatest Love,” Sylvia Sanchez knows how good things come to those who wait. she plays Gloria, a selfless mother

of four who is slowly losing pieces of her memories to dementia.

And before she loses her entire memory, she races against time to try to bring her children (Dimples romana, Matt evans, Arron Villaflor, Andi eigenmann) back together.

Sylvia is definitely blessed, to say the least. She has been prominently visible on TV since the phenomenal series “Be Careful With My Heart,” and owes it to her professionalism and love for her craft.

But “The Greatest Love” is so far the most special for her, of course. “Thankful ako sa project na ‘to. Ito ang pinakamagandang nangyari sa career ko.”

Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans in the...

From Page 2 Act. Lastly, at the Pentagon Athletic Center, I noticed that there was a 1000lb club powerlifting recognition wall for men but not for women. I inquired as to why there wasn’t one and I was told that women did not compete in the powerlifting competition even though it was open to them. I decided to take the challenge on. My first competition was not successful.

I was the only female and I had just learned how to powerlift the day before. However, by the time the second time, I was ready. Two other women competed with me and all three of us lifted over 500lbs. Finally, we were able to lobby and get a 500lb powerlifting recognition wall for women. Now every time I go to the Pentagon Athletic Center, I pass by the wall and see it filled with strong powerful women. It continues to inspire me and other women.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

My biggest takeaway was from working in this Administration is how much of a positive change we can make when we all work together — career civilians, the military, and political appointees. I see it every day at the Department of the Air Force.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

I believe more minorities can be civically involved by volunteering on campaigns and interning in their local government offices. For those who want to make a difference in their local communities, they should consider running for office.

proud to be part of such a strong community that takes care of others in times of need.

What do you see as a large issue facing the FilipinoAmerican community? How is your department working to address it?

Addiction is a disease that touches all Americans, and there is a significant treatment gap in the United States that is preventing communities across the country from getting the care they need, Filipino Americans included. My work is focused on addressing the current opioid overdose epidemic by promoting public health strategies such as evidencebased prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

In my current role, I have had the opportunity to travel with Michael Botticelli, who is the Director of National Drug Control Policy, and meet with individuals who have been impacted by this epidemic. On a recent trip, I met a young woman from New York who was about to celebrate two years in recovery. Too many people suffering from addiction are not as lucky as she was. In fact, more people died from drug overdoses in 2014 than any year on record.

This young woman’s triumph is an example of the result of our efforts, and it made me even more proud to be part of the work we do each day to help save lives.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

One of the biggest lessons I will take from this experience is that each individual can play a role in creating progress. President Obama and his Administration has empowered so many from all communities and all walks of life to play a part in moving our country forward. As a child, I could never have imagined having an opportunity like this to serve my President and my country. It has been an experience of a lifetime.

How can more Filipinos and minorities become involved in government (on all levels) and be more civically engaged?

The decisions that local, state and federal lawmakers make have the potential to impact everything around us, from the air that we breathe to the quality of education that we receive. These are all issues that impact Filipinos and minority communities directly, and we need to be at the table when decisions are made. So, find something in your community that you care about, pay attention to it, and contribute to the discussion.

Daniel B. Prieto

5

Vic and Pauleen’s love nest ricky lo Philstar.com

by

Here’S a first look at the love nest of Vic “Bossing” Sotto and Pauleen Luna who have been on extended honeymoon since their “wedding of the decade” last Jan. 31.

The two-storey house, built to the tune of millions (exact amount is confidential), occupies a 1,200-square-meter lot in a barangay off Cabuyao, Laguna, far from the maddening crowd and conveniently located near a golf course. Bossing is an avid golfer who has influenced his daughter Paulina (an awarded golfer).

According to movie writer Gorgy rula, Pauleen’s good friend, “The house is really big.”

Maybe a tad too big for the couple who is just starting to build a family. It has four bedrooms, with a huge master

Mr. and Mrs. Marvic “Vic/Bossing” Sotto (nee Marie Pauleen Luna)

bedroom (I could imagine how the newly-weds can play hideand-seek in it) with a walk-in closet and a door that opens to a terrace overlooking a swimming pool. There’s a wing with three bedrooms that are not yet

occupied…reserved perhaps for the future little Vics and Pauleens?

The couple moved into the house two weeks ago and had it blessed at once, with only those close to them as witnesses, one of them Alden richards.

Mom-to-be Iya Villania on pregnancy and giving birth by iza iglESiaS ManilaTimes.net

Daniel B. Prieto

I haven’t faced any particular challenges as a Filipino American, per se. But, there is one challenge that I’ve seen confront Asian Americans on a number of occasions in government and in two decades in the private sector. The challenge has to do with finding mentors, and the critical role that mentorship can play as one advances in their career. In my time on Wall Street, for example, over half of my incoming training class was Asian or Asian American. Within a few years of the training program, though, the vast majority of the Asians and Asian Americans had decided to leave the bank for other opportunities. There were few, if any, Asian Americans in the senior leadership ranks of the investment bank I worked for, and it’s my strong belief that the professional progress of many younger Asian-American professionals can be impeded by an inability to see themselves reflected in the senior leadership of an organization or to find senior-level mentors. I observed the same challenges later in my career as an executive at a Fortune 100 technology Legislative Analyst company. Similarly, one does Office of National Drug Connot see significant numbers of trol Policy, The White House Asian Americans in leadership Hometown: Beale Air Force posts in the national security Base, Calif. establishment.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of while working in the Obama administration?

Two things. First, I’m most proud of the reforms that the Administration has made to signals intelligence and other intelligence programs in order to protect privacy and civil liberties and to maintain the trust of the American people and people around the world. Second, I’m proud of the enormous progress we’ve made on cybersecurity. I believe that the cybersecurity policies and programs that this Administration has put in place – on information sharing, designing and implementing strategies to transform how the Joe Banez Federal Government manages Photo from Facebook/Congressional its own IT and cybersecurity, our Director for Cybersecurity Asian Pacific American Staff Association work to counter and constrain Policy adversaries, working to establish What influenced you to National Security Council international cyber norms, pursue a career in government?

Hometown: McLean, VA and strengthening our ability It’s easy to forget the good to respond to incidents – will that government can do. I’m serve as cornerstones for U.S. proud to say I’m a product of What influenced you to cybersecurity for decades to good government. For example, pursue a career in government? come. my Dad served in the Air Force; My desire to serve in What is your biggest good government gave my government stems from a belief takeaway from working in this family the means to live. I that government has the power administration? attended public school and a to improve people’s lives for You can make progress public university; it was good the better. My parents left the on even the toughest most government that allowed me to Philippines and came to the intractable issues when you have get a quality education which United States so that our family colleagues who are, at the same ultimately led me to the job I could benefit from the freedom time, brilliant, optimistic, humble, have today. Throughout my life, and economic opportunity of and collaborative. good government has looked out the United States. As I grew up How can more Filipinos and for my community, and I want during the Cold War, it was clear minorities become involved in to contribute to those efforts to me that the U.S. and the other government (on all levels) and for families and communities Western liberal democracies were throughout the country. expanding economic opportunity be more civically engaged?

Find out what issues you What challenges have you for their citizens, while really care about and which faced as a Filipino American authoritarian and communist issues really energize you. No working in government? regimes were clinging to power matter your age, make a point I’ll admit that navigating through repression and fear. of starting to get involved the various aspects of the My commitment to serve in in those issues, whether it’s Federal Government was a bit government was deeply shaped through volunteer or internship intimidating. Thankfully, I have by these experiences. opportunities, professional been lucky enough to pick up What challenges have you associations or educational new Titos, Titas, Ates and Kuyas, faced as a Filipino American institutions, or through work. who helped show me the way. I’m working in government?

Joe Bañez

july 22-28, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

TV host-actress Iya VillaniaArellano, known as a health buff and an active expectant, said she is continuing her workout even if she is already on her third trimester of pregnancy.

The first time mom-to-be cited that keeping an active lifestyle— of course, with the approval of the obstetricians and gynecologists— is beneficial to both baby and mom.

“I still try to do things I like to do kasi it makes me happy. I enjoy it, and I think enjoy din naman ni baby. I swim, I still try to bike, I still try to run, do weights. OK naman daw sabi ng doctor and sasabihin naman daw ng katawan ko—it will give me signs kapag kailangan ko tumigil and mag relax.

Pinapakiramdaman ko rin, syempre hindi ko binububog yung katawan ko,” Villania-Arellano shared in an interview during a press conference for Claritin, the antiallergy medicine she endorses.

“Hindi ako nabibigatan, kasi feeling ko dahil nga fit ako bago pa ako magbuntis, parang wala lang,” the “Chika Minute” segment host added.

Additionally, Villania-Arellano admitted she is taking childbirth classes to help her and husband Drew be educated about all of their options during childbirth.

“I am taking childbirth classes kasi syempre first ko ‘to so wala akong alam. I think it’s nice to

have these kinds of seminars para naman alam ko kung ano yung mga options ko,” she enthused.

Preparation, Villania-Arellano pointed out, is the best tool when expecting.

“Try to prepare yourselves as much as you can because you can actually really never be totally prepared. But I guess you should try to feed your mind with whatever you can. Get help from other friends who have gone through the process, take seminars when you can, and make sure it’s a partnership between you and your husband,” she pointed out.

All about baby Antonio Villania-Arellano related that her husband is as excited as her and that they have already named their baby boy Antonio and nicknamed him “Baby A.” “Tinatanong na niya kung saan matutulog si Baby A, kung sa gitna namin or kung sa tabi niya, eh syempre kapag masyadong small pa doon muna sa [crib], di pa kami sanay,” the mom-to-be enthusiastically shared.

When asked who does she think Baby A looked like, she answered, “Hindi ko masabi eh. Kasi parang iisa lang yung histura ng mga baby sa ultrasound di ba. Ang sabi nila parang ilong ni Drew, pero parang ilong ko rin eh.”

Finally, the Lip Sync Battle Philippines co-host revealed that she is hoping to get back to work two weeks after giving birth.

Calendar of Events across

Iya Villania-Arellano

“I am hoping to go back two weeks after I give birth but it will depend on my delivery. As much as I want a normal [delivery], baka mamaya mapa-CS [Caesarean section] ako. There are things na out of my control basta ako kung saan mas safe si baby dun ako,” she said, adding that a caesarean section requires longer recovery period than the twoweek recovery period of normal delivery.

The actress and her adventurer husband were together for 10 years before tying the knot on January 31, 2014. More than two year later, they made the pregnancy announcement using their respective Instagram accounts.

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS J U LY 3 0

Cainta Catholic College 3rd Bi-annual Global Alumni Reunion Cainta Catholic College, formerly Cainta Catholic School, of Cainta, Rizal Philippines will hold its 3rd bi-annual global alumni reunion with Fiesta Filipiniana Theme on Saturday, July 30, 2016 in Anaheim, California. The Anaheim alumni reunion reconnects alumni from USA, Canada, Australia and Philippines. It is a reunion of high school alumni from the ’50s, ’60s, 70s, 80s, ’90s and 2000s. The global alumni reunion started in 2012 in Toronto, Ontario Canada. In 2014, the second reunion was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It takes place every two years. The Anaheim Reunion will begin on Saturday morning, Meet and Greet Event, from 9 am to 12 pm at Pearson Park in Anaheim, California. The Reception, Dinner and Dance will start at 6 pm at Embassy Suites-Anaheim South, 11767 Harbor Blvd.

Garden Grove, California. Santacruzan festival parade participated by alumni will open the evening’s reunion and gala events. For information, contact the Reunion Planning Committee at ccs.ccc.international@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 5-9

2016 PICPA International (US-RP Global Convention The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) International proudly presents the “2016 PICPA International (US-RP) MRA Global Convention” on Sept. 5-9 at the Orleans Hotel & Casino (located at 4500 West Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, Nevada, 89103). All Philippine accountants are invited! For more information, please contact Danilo Abuan (President): (702) 401-5118 or Chito Lopez (Vice Pres. Las Vegas Chapter): (702) 767-1099.

S E P T E M B E R 8 -1 7

42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept.

17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrated Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Berrei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.

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

july 22-28, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond

6

Tales of entitlement

The Metamorphosis

Profits for doing nothing What one does when he reaches his emotional cul-de-sac

conversation), I did not talk to anyone for the whole day, until I (Part 2 of 2) was about a mile away from home.

MonEttE ONe can easily distinguish who The next human being who in his ADEvA MAglAyA the tourists are, as they are always sadistic desire to make my day (Part 2 of 2) — Tiger Woods taking dozens of pictures and/or unforgettable was a brave, husky WHAT of the pilot Joe Stack? selfies to send to their friends and and energetic uniformed “pulis” None of those who knew him had This poor, unfortunate soul values and that his arrogance and relatives with “wish-you-were-here- (city cop) who followed my car any inkling about the volcano has no idea that in many other pure sense of entitlement led him too” comment, as if they take joy with his police car’s blinking lights of hate roiling in his brain about parts of the world, the story is to believe that he was not subject and pride to rub some “touristy” on, to show his earthly powers how the government and the much, much bleaker. In another to the same rules as ordinary salt into a wound of their friends over us taxpayers, only to issue me IRS were making his life hell. lifetime, he could live the life of mortals. In short, he thought he who do not leave home during a revenue ticket for committing He posted his screed and his a scavenger in Isla Puting Bato. was a god. He took liberties with their “vacations.” the grievous “crime” of checking manifesto online and there seems Then perhaps, he would get what he felt were fringe benefits It’s a fact that many residents my messages on my cell phone to be a complete disconnect perspective and know what it of a fabulously rich and famous in this Balboa Peninsula and while cars stopped on a red light. about how he projects himself means to be grateful. In that life, life. He has a long and tortuous thousands of people in Orange It was not the first time, so I knew publicly and the infernal rage Joe Stack will have a faint memory road ahead of him. This epic County were also away somewhere the drill. Meek as a lamb, I only inside of him. of how good he had it in a past lesson in humility should stick. else. Probably half of the people answered what was asked. But Consider that he owned life and perhaps, learn humility, Let’s hope he makes it. gallivanting around me were to show my displeasure, I signed the plane he used to destroy a gratitude and appreciation for the How do these stories end? tourists from Boston, New York or the acknowledgement document, building and kill and injure others. life he was given.

Amy Bishop will spend her life europe, etc. and yes, from Hawaii without admitting guilt with the How many of us commoners can Here’s a thought. Imagine in prison. Joe Stack is gone or from the Philippine Islands, force of an angry bird pecking even afford to buy a plane or that reincarnation and karma and in smoke. Amy and Joe have too! And here I am, alone, with the bark of a tree. Lo and behold, even fly one? Consider that he justice were realities of human caused their families and the no camera on my neck, who only to add insult to injury, the cop, had a home, a family, and could life and that you will get born and victims’families extreme sorrow. spent just a gallon of gas plus a probably very happy to meet his take yearly trips to Norway to visit reborn, until you pay for your sins, All three were egocentric. small amount of dollars for my quota of tickets for the week had a daughter. Consider that he had and finally get it right in the heart They believed the universe simple burrito breakfast and a the temerity to say: “Have a nice the gift of music or that he could and head at some point. revolved around them. Tigerwas grilled mahi-mahi with french-fries 4th of July, Mr. Delfin!” set up software companies. Did Tiger looked like a contrite the lucky one. He got a pass for for lunch!

With that 10-minute he want to be like Bill Gates? He man being led to the gallows. now and a chance for a midWhat a day to be a “tourist” encounter with a fellow human took to venting his suicidal ire I can sense his sincerity in his course correction. It could be without being one! Indeed, I being, my imaginary “profits for on the Internal Revenue Service. apology, although cynical that he has some good karmic think I made some profits by doing nothing” just vanished I am sure that many people feel pundits beg to differ arguing points stacked from a past life. If not spending an arm and a leg, like the bubbles in the ocean. the same way about the taxman that the stunt is commercial in he wastes this one chance and enjoying the same amenities in this While finishing this column, I still specially during tax season but to nature, a sorry attempt to save if big, bad karma holds sway, he relaxing and beautiful place where felt like I am going back to my take it to this extreme level is just a lucrative brand and image. gets resurrected as a cockroach or tourists spend a fortune to enjoy. emotional cul-de-sac that was plain insane.

He is a smart man. He may have maybe, as a golf ball.

NOW, here is the curb ball, the supposedly blown away by the Did he honestly think that learned a thing or two from To whom much is given, unexpected finale of my solitary ocean breeze 12 hours ago. I felt by causing the death of an this very public humiliation. much is expected. adventure of doing nothing this cheated, angry and depressed. innocent life and injuring others If he means it, he will find *** Independence Day: I forced myself to rationalize and causing the destruction Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP redemption, even forgiveness, After lunch, I waded leisurely with a prayer that “it could have of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send into the beach, still lost in my of property, he stood a chance but it won’t be easy. been worse.” I just hated that the of changing something he felt He acknowledges that he has comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ thoughts where I was, until I felt incident with the cop destroyed asianjournalinc.com passionately about? strayed from his core spiritual tired, and decided to go home my birthday weekend, as if my after about eight hours. except minor violation of another crazy for the couple who dared to ordinance is the most serious strike a conversation with me crime that deserves time and (but unfortunately I was not in energy of police officers! I pray LOOkS like Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola indirectly the mood or mode of engaging that the”pulis” will not appear at made official their relationship. into any casual or intellectual the Municipal Court when my On Wednesday, July 20, a photo of Jessy with Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos, mother of Luis, has circulated online.

It was posted on the Facebook fan page of Vilma Santos.

A photo of Luis and Jessy, together with a lady was also posted in the said page.

It was last week when the kapamilya host confirmed that he’s dating the 2016 FHM Sexiest Woman.

On the other hand, Jessy answered the negative comments against her, when she was accused of causing the breakup of Luis from his ex-girlfriend Angel Locsin. (Joyce LOS ANGeLeS—On June 12, A photo circulating online showed Jessy Mendiola and Luis Jimenez/Philstar.com) Manzano’s mother, Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos.

2016, The Philippine American

“…I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled…”

ErniE D. DElfin

Jessy Mendiola meets Vilma Santos

trial comes to contest the revenue ticket that made my day! Like the last time that I was in traffic court five years ago, chances are the “pulis” will not appear, simply because it will be more lucrative for him to lose one citation, whereas he can easily write a dozen others during the hours he would spend to be the plaintiff’s only witness. That is my hope to win by default, so that my bail amount will be refunded back to me. I am crossing my fingers that this will be the ending of this unfortunate case.

To end this unusual column to vent my anger, anxiety, hopes and prayer, I’m rationalizing that there will still be some “dividends” for my “doing-nothing-day”. Once this column is published, or when this is posted in my blog and in my FB timeline, there will be probably multiple “likes” and comments.

(Will it be more or less than the average number of unsolicited feedbacks?)

Some zeaders or friends will probably feel sorry for me and commiserate with me that “it is just a traffic ticket,” and not a serious accident where I could have been killed on my birthday!

Others may be satirically smiling for my “misfortune” and will just “like” reading about it.

As writers, we never can predict how our readers react and respond to what we write.

Their unsolicited feedbacks, be it positive or negative, however, serve as a powerful fuel recharging our batteries to keep us writing more; they are our invisible “dividends” for our efforts.

Dear readers, any comment or feedback therefore is greatly appreciated! Have a great week, everyone!

Philippine-American Society of Certified Public Accountants (PASCPA) elects new president and officers

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HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:

Customer Sales and Service Representative Fax résumé to:

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Society of Certified Public Accountants of Los Angeles (PASCPA-LA) conducted its annual election at Pacific Community Center & Park.

The following officers were elected: 1. Victor Sy as President 2. erika Dumandan as executive Vice President 3. Fernando Austria as VP for Membership 4. April Misa as VP for Youth Membership 5. RustenO’Neil as VP of Community Affairs 6. Val Creus as VP for Continuing education 7. John Domingo as Treasurer 8. Sheila Falcon as Secretary 9. Jason Malabute as Press Relations Officer 10. Marissa Bueno as Auditor.

The following additionalboard members were elected: 1. Gloria Cajanap 2. Marie Domingo 3. Monette Rivera

PASCPA-LA 2016-17 Officers & Board Members

4. Peter Sinambal 5. Vee Cristobal.

Upcoming events 1. July 16, 2016 - CPe Seminar at embassy Suites in Glendale (with book signing by Victor Sy – How to Avoid IRS Audits).

2. August 13, 2016 – simultaneous Luau events in different states in USA and Canadaby NCPACA(National Council of Philippine-American Canadian Accountants (venue to be announced later).

3. September 24, 2016 - Induction of officers and

board members (venue to be announced later).

PASCPA-LA is a non-profit organization that caters to the community by bringing Scholarships, Mentorship, Continuing education and Community Services that help build the community. It runs on the principle of unity a fostering cordial and harmonious relationships among members of the Society and the community.

The Society has over three hundred members. (Jason Malabute)

Why Annabelle cried during a presscon by

Ricky Lo

Philstar.com

THe movie press has gotten used to Annabelle Rama’s “fighting” stance during a presscon, especially when she’s talking about her extended feud with daughter Ruffa Gutierrez who is in love with a foreigner not to Annabelle’s liking.

But at a presscon at Marco Polo Hotel for Season 4 of the family show “It Takes Gutz To Be A Gutierrez” (ITGTBAG, on e! Channel), Annabelle surprised the media by breaking down (her body shaking with uncontrollable sobs) when

she revealed that, hold your breath, “Ruffa died for five minutes,” saved by brother Richard who rushed her to a nearby hospital. It happened only a few days ago.

Annabelle was about to elaborate when husband eddie Gutierrez, tapping Annabelle’s shoulder, stopped her lest Annabelle violate the contract.

“Nadulas lang si Annabelle. everything will be revealed on the show (which returns on Monday, Annabelle Rama in a rare ‘crying’ scene.

July 25),” said eddie.

Asked if it’s true that she has exclaimed, “It’s a lie!!!” given Ruffa a go-signal on her love That’s all Funfare could reveal life, Annabelle recovered herself and so far.

Richard Gutierrez ‘frustrated’ over erratic timeslot of ‘Panday’ RICHARD Gutierrez did not deny that he’s “frustrated” about the shifts timeslot of his TV5 show “Ang Panday.”

“To be honest I was frustrated with the timeslot that was given to ‘Panday,’” he confessed. “Ang usapan namin magkakaro’n ng fixed timeslot, but as soon as we started airing (in February), our timeslot kept on moving.”

“Ako mismo as Panday hindi ko alam kung ipapalabas ba kami ngayong gabi, anong oras. So medyo frustrating for me ang set up na ‘yon,” he added.

Despite his frustration, Richard

wouldn’t want to focus on that and instead just focus on giving his best on the show.

Richard said a factor affecting the show’s airing is the falling out of TV5 and Viva entertainment due to management disagreements following an attempted partnership on shows.

“I was excited about that until it turned out to be in short terms,” he said.

Despite all what kapatid network is going through, Richard still hopes that TV5 will soon figure out a fixed timeslot for his show. (Philstar.com)

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