Orange County / Inland Empire -- July 29 -- August 4, 2016

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Duterte urged by former presidents to exercise restraint on sea dispute

by Alexis

RomeRo Philstar.com

LUCeNA CItY — former presidents have advised the Duterte administration to exercise restraint on the West Philippine sea (south China sea) row following the issuance of an international arbitral court ruling that voided China’s expansive

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

AAPI Votes may become Swing Vote in November Elections Fil-Ams for Hillary challenges the community to register and vote PhILADeLPhIA – filipino-American Democrat leaders and members of filAms4hillary officers across the country are united in saying that in order for filipino-Americans to be recognized nationally as a community, there is an extreme need for community members to come together and harness the power in numbers by registering to vote in the upcoming November elections.

“We filipinos are good at our fiestas and parades, our social events, beauty pageants.

PAGE A4

territorial claim.

President rodrigo Duterte said he would take the advice of his predecessors and be cautious in handling the issue to avoid placing the lives of soldiers at risk.

“President (Gloria macapagal-Arroyo) said caution. President (Joseph) estrada said restraint.

PAGE A2

DNC2016 wraps up in Philadelphia Democratic Party unites in support of Clinton by momAR

G. VisAyA

AJPress

PhILADeLPhIA – President Barack obama delivered an emotional valedictory speech in front of tens of thousands of adoring delegates and guests on the third night of the Democratic Party’s 2016 national convention in this city. the President recalled delivering a speech 12 years ago at the DNC in Boston. four years later, he battled it out against hillary Clinton in what he described as “tough, because hillary was tough.” he talked about his administration’s achievements and about how Clinton can do a great job as the country’s next president. “hillary’s been in the room; she’s been part of those decisions. she knows what’s at stake in the decisions our government makes, what’s at stake for the working family, for the senior citizen, or the small business owner, for the soldier, for the veteran. And even in the middle of crisis, she listens to people, and keeps her cool, and treats everybody with respect. And no matter PAGE A3

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton joins President Barack Obama on stage after he delivered a speech urging Americans to vote for her this November.

AJPress photos by Christina M. Oriel

Clinton’s historic nomination energizes Fil-Am Democrats

by ChRistinA

m. oRiel

AJPress

PhILADeLPhIA – hillary Clinton formally became the Democratic Party nominee for president on tuesday, July 26, making history as the first woman to be on the top ticket for a major U.s. political party.

In a surprise video message broadcast at the Democratic National Convention, Clinton called the nomination “the biggest crack in the glass ceiling yet.”

“If there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say: I may Filipino Americans -- including California Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Jason Tengco, AAPI become the first woman presi- outreach director of the Clinton campaign, Irene Bueno and Fritz Friedman -- gather at PAGE A2 the CAPAC luncheon on Wednesday, July 27.

Fil-Am aide of Tim US supports Duterte’s war on drugs Filipino-American labor leader Kaine passes away Larry Itliong recognized in the 2016 Democratic Party Platform

by PAtRiCiA louRdes Philstar.com

WAshINGtoN, D.C. – hailed by filipino-American leaders, civil rights advocates and elected officials as a committed public servant and passionate community activist, Jose “Joe” montano passed away peacefully on monday, July 25 in his home in falls Church, Va. he was 47.

Jose “Joe” Montano montano was Us senator and Democratic vice presidential nominee tim Kaine’s Northern Virginia regional representative.

In a statement, Kaine said, “Joe was an outstanding representative of this office, enthusiastic servant of the people of Northern Virginia, and admired colleague by all who worked with him. We will remember him by his positive energy, tireless work ethic, and infectious smile.”

“We are all saddened and overcome with grief,” said NaffAA National Chair Jt mallonga. “Joe personified NaffAA’s aspirations for community empowerment, which he demonstrated in ways that are admirable and inspiring. our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.” montano served as NaffAA’s executive PAGE A2

ViRAy

mANILA – United states Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on thursday maintained they are committed to fighting the illegal drug trade in the country, as well as around the world.

Goldberg said the Us has the same problem but stressed that the issue should be dealt within the rule of law,

following due process and respecting human rights.

“I think that President (rodrigo) Duterte said during his soNA speech, as well as the inaugural speech, that that’s what he intends to do but clearly these are important aspects of moving towards a solution to the drug problem,” Goldberg said in an interview with ANC’s headstart.

Us secretary of state John Kerry also PAGE A2

AAPI groups praise progressive platform adopted at the Democratic National Convention by momAR

G. VisAyA

AJPress

Secretary of State John Kerry and President Rodrigo Duterte and on Wednesday, July 27, had a working lunch where they affirmed the “long-standing” relationship between the US and the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications

PhILADeLPhIA – the 2016 Democratic Party Platform was officially ratified at the Democratic National Convention this week, and it adopts many recommendations and suggestions from various AAPI groups such as the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) and its member organizations. the Preamble of the DNC platform recognizes filipino-American Larry Itliong and his contribution to the labor movement and struggle for racial justice.

Itliong, described by many as as “one of the fathers of the West Coast labor movement” was a filipino-American labor organizer who organized West Coast agricultural workers starting in the 1930s.

he rose to national prominence in 1965 when he and other filipinos walked off the farms of area tablegrape growers and demanded wages equal to the federal minimum wage.

“It was an important acknowledgement of the role that Asian Americans have played in this country for a very long time, particularly in the area of civil rights,” Karen Narasaki, a civil and human rights activist in the community told the Asian Journal. “to be held up together with rosa Parks, Dr. martin Luther King, and Dolores huerta, to be acknowledged with that company is an important and symbolic achievement for our community.”

Narasaki, who was appointed

by President Barack obama to serve as a commissioner on the PAGE A4

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july 29-august 4, 2016 • OC/IE asIaN jOuRNal

From the Front Page

Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine passes away

PAGE A1

Director from 2000-2002. During his tenure, he coordinated NaFFAA’s FilAm Vote, a nationwide voter mobilization program that involved extensive outreach to Filipino American communities and student campuses across the country.

“Joe enjoyed organizing getout-the-vote campaigns, especially among the youth, always

reminding them to be engaged and let their voices be heard, loud and clear,” recalled Gloria T. Caoile, NaFFAA’s founding director of FilAm Vote. “In the trenches, one could not help but feel his energy.

He lived his life to empower the disenfranchised and marginalized and to create pathways for many!”

Fighting for Filipino veterans Steven Raga, NaFFAA Regional

Youth Director, also recalled how Montano inspired him the first time he attended a Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) conference: “Joe patiently broke down the importance of the FilVets Full Equity campaign, how critical it is for students to take part in greater community advocacy, and the principle of fighting for those who fought for you. I’ve forgotten many of my FIND experiences, but I won’t forget that. Joe gave me and countless others that initial clarity and motivation to put community before ourselves.”

Proud of his father who served in the U.S. Navy, Montano took up the cause of Filipino World War II veterans “with dedication and zealous commitment,” said NaFFAA National Chair Emeritus Loida Nicolas Lewis. “Joe’s enthusiasm was infectious when he walked the halls of Congress or marched with our veterans on the streets. He always knew what was at stake.”

At NaFFAA’s founding conference in August 1997, Montano was among the youth leaders who rallied the community to march to the White House and support the Filipino Veterans’ demand for equity and justice. The Rescission Acts passed by Congress in 1946 stripped them of their rightful benefits.

Because he was “a tireless advocate for issues of concern to both the Filipino American and AAPI communities, we all feel the impact of his loss,” pointed out Sonny Busa, Chairman of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC) and a regional director of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP).

Passion for politics Charmaine Manansala, the 2008 Obama Campaign AAPI Vote Director, described Montano as “a giant in the Fil-Am community, a strong organizer in Virginia politics, and a mentor to many young Fil-Am up and comers. Our community shines a little less bright today but let’s continue the work that Joe loved so well.”

As NaFFAA Executive Director, Montano represented the organization in Washington’s policy-making circles, working in coalition with other AAPI leaders on such issues as comprehensive immigration reform, hate crimes, workers rights and other civil PAGE A3

RARE ENCOUNTER. Former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III went to the Palace on Wednesday, July 27 for a National Security Council meeting with incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte.

Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar

Duterte urged by former presidents...

PAGE A1 President (Benigno) Aquino (III) advised the same,” he told soldiers and policemen in Camp Guillermo Nakar here.

“During my watch, we will take it a bit slowly… Your life is not something I can just throw away.”

Duterte, the four former presidents and other members of the National Security Council (NSC) met last Wednesday to tackle a host of issues including the West Philippine Sea maritime dispute.

During the meeting, Duterte also thanked Aquino for initiating the case against China.

“He (Aquino) won for us the case. I told him ‘thank you very much for giving us the ace

card,’” the president said.

Duterte stressed the need to maintain the territorial integrity of the Philippines despite his administration’s readiness to talk to China about the dispute.

He said former President Fidel Ramos has agreed to act as special envoy of the Philippines to the Chinese government.

“Let Ramos navigate... maybe (there will be) final talks and we will face them and that’s the time we will be frank on each other,” Duterte added.

“This is our position. This is what we have, we will not go out of it. We will talk,” he added.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged the legality of China’s territorial claim, calling it excessive and exaggerated. China

claims almost 90 percent of the South China Sea but this is being contested by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.

Early this month, the Haguebased Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s claim has no legal basis. China, however, has refused to recognize what it described as an “illegal” ruling.

Malacañan described last Wednesday’s NSC meeting as “an extraordinary show of good will and unity to discuss defense and security issues facing the nation.”

“The tone was respectful and consultative,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

US supports Duterte’s war on...

PAGE A1 said that civil and human rights need to be protected to achieve security.

Kerry met with Duterte at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday to discuss various issues including the South China Sea dispute and the fight against crime.

Goldberg noted that both Duterte and Kerry are former

prosecutors and they both know the legal aspects of the fight against crime and drugs.

“They know about how to go about the legal aspects of this but we made clear that this is the way that we deal with it and this is the way that everyone should deal with it. I think that’s at least from the Philippine side that they said they were going to proceed,”

Goldberg said.

Duterte had called for a “relentless and sustained” fight against criminality, illegal drugs and corruption upon taking office on June 30.

Almost 300 alleged drug peddlers have been killed while more than 120,000 drug pushers and users have turned themselves over to authorities.

Clinton’s historic nomination energizes...

PAGE A1 dent, but one of you is next!” she concluded.

She addressed the convention on Thursday night, July 28, to accept the honor and outline why she would make a better president than Republican nominee Donald J. Trump.

Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, delivered a speech on Tuesday, wherein he recounted how they both met and highlighted Clinton’s rise in the political field.

“She’s the best darn changemaker I ever met in my entire life,” he said, adding “She wants to move the ball forward. That is just who she is.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the former secretary of state earned 2,838 delegate votes during the roll call vote. Her opponent, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, received 1,843 votes. He called to end the vote early to announce Clinton as the nominee.

Clinton’s nomination angered many Sanders supporters, who exited the Wells Fargo Center and held a protest, alleging that the process was “rigged” in favor of the former secretary of state.

On Wednesday night, Clinton’s running mate Sen. Tim Kaine took the stage to accept his nomination for vice president.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden also delivered remarks, praising Clinton as the right person to continue on the work the current administration has accomplished in the past 7 1/2 years.

For Filipino-Americans here at the convention, witnessing Clinton’s nomination has been an emotional experience.

“For Hillary to be the first woman president, it opens the door and sets an example that Filipinos, minorities and women can have more seats at the decision-making table,” Meriam Reynosa said. “We can be visible, whether it’s in her cabinet or really reaching out and mentoring other young Fil-Ams to continue the good work of our Democratic Party and our leaders like Hillary Clinton.”

The 33-year-old Filipina-American from Dublin, California, called it an “honor” to be a Clinton delegate.

“Hopefully another young Filipina will see me in this role and say, ‘I can do that too and I can represent...and be a voice for the Filipino-American community,” she said.

Former President Bill Clinton took the stage to speak about his wife.

Grace Barrios, vice president of outreach for the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD) and also a Clinton delegate, said that it is about time for the U.S. to elect its first woman president.

“The Philippines has had two woman presidents and in our lifetime, the fact that we can have a woman president in the US, [makes me] so proud to be part of this history and contribute to making this happen,” she said.

Fil-Am Republicans last week in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention made their case on how Filipino values align with those of the Republican Party and what a Trump presidency would mean for the community.

Philanthropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis, a Clinton delegate from New York, said, “Cleveland was spewing out hate, division and anger against ‘the other.’ They were encouraging violence against Hillary. It is so un-American.”

She said that though many Filipinos admire Trump for being a businessman, they must also look at his record.

“He filed for bankruptcy four times,” she said. “That’s not someone we want running our country.”

Fil-Ams here asserted that the Democratic Party is more inclusive and addresses issues relevant to the community.

“It’s about family, unity, coming together and being really progressive. We stand on the backs of our immigrant parents. We are there to fight for immigrant rights, equitable pay, education—that’s what Filipinos and Democrats stand for,” Reynosa said.

Joshua Price, a Fil-Am delegate

from Little Rock, Arkansas, said that being a part of the Democratic Party “is the only way to go if you want to have a voice in politics.”

“For Filipinos, [identifying] as a Democrat is the really the only option. I attended an event that said 30 percent of Filipinos said they don’t know if they identify as Democrats or Republicans,” he said. “To me, that just shows that Filipinos need to be educated on the issues, which affect them, and the stances of the parties.”

Leading up to November, members of Fil-Ams for Hillary are mobilizing efforts to get Fil-Am communities across the country to register to vote and look at the issues that affect them, such as the economy, immigration and education.

“The U.S. is where we live and are raising our children, so it’s important for Filipinos here to get involved with politics, not just in the Philippines. Here is where things are happening and that will influence our country back home,” Barrios said.

Another significant win for the Fil-Am community was the mention of labor leader Larry Itliong in the Democratic Party platform.

“And we know that our nation’s long struggle with race is far from over. More than half a century after Rosa Parks sat and Dr. King marched and John Lewis bled, more than half a century after César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Larry Itliong organized, race still plays a significant role in determining who gets ahead in America and who gets left behind. We must face that reality and we must fix it,” part of the preamble reads.

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Filipino in Florida admits int’l credit card and bank fraud SAN FRANCISCO – A Filipino national confessed to running an international cashing operation that monetized stolen credit and debit card information obtained through computer hacking and ATM skimming operations, New Jersey U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Angelo Virtucio, a/k/a “ZaiR,” a/k/a “ZaiRe,” a/k/a “Omega,” a/k/a “Omega10,” 30, of Quezon City, Philippines, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Virtucio was arrested in the Southern District of Florida on January 29, 2015 and was extradited to the District of New Jersey on February 11, 2015.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Virtucio monetized millions from stolen credit and debit card data using a global network

of “cashers” that he employed to enter into unauthorized financial transactions using stolen account information.

The stolen credit card data was primarily obtained through computer hacking. The stolen debit card data was mostly obtained through ATM skimming operations. After purchasing the stolen data from other cybercriminals, Virtucio and his conspirators encoded it onto counterfeit credit and debit cards. The cashers then used the counterfeit cards to make unauthorized ATM withdrawals and purchases at physical retail locations.

The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge is punishable by a potential maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2016.

U.S. Attorney Fishman credited the special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, Newark Division,

Dateline USa PAGE A2

Angelo Virtucio, arrested in Florida last year, admitted bank and credit card fraud.

Photo courtesy of Essex City Corrections

under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, with the ongoing investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Pak of the Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Section of the Economic Crimes Unit. Virtucio’s defense counsel: Kathleen Theurer Esq. and A. Paul Condon Esq. (Inquirer.net)

US Marshals seized the Newlead Castellano, with 15 Filipino sailors on board, because its owners defaulted on a bank loan.

and that they have enough food, water and fuel on the ship.

Meanwhile, in Bermuda, the police identified the Filipino crewman who died July 20 as a result of a cruise ship safety training accident as 41-year-old Filipino national Diogenes Carpio.

A police spokesperson said,

“Mr. Carpio, a Filipino national, was one of four crewman involved in an incident that occurred onboard the cruise ship Norwegian Breakaway berthed at King’s Wharf in Dockyard around 11:59 a.m. Wednesday, when a lifeboat broke from its tethering and fell into the water.

(Inquirer.net)

DNC2016 wraps up in...

PAGE A1 how daunting the odds; no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits,” the President said.

“That’s the Hillary I know.

That’s the Hillary I’ve come to admire. And that’s why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman, not me, not Bill, nobody more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as President of the United States of America,” Obama said as she made his case for Clinton.

Obama’s speech was met with wild applause and cheers by the partisan audience.

“America is already great.

America is already strong. And I promise you, our strength, our greatness, does not depend on Donald Trump. In fact, it doesn’t depend on any one person. And that, in the end, may be the biggest difference in this election – the meaning of our democracy,” the president said as he urged both delegates and a national audience that the country is in real danger of voting for someone he called a “home-grown demagogue”.

As he closed his talk, Obama asked the Democrats to unite and support their candidate, the way that the party united in 2008.

“Time and again, you’ve picked me up. And I hope, sometimes, I picked you up, too. And tonight, I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me. I ask you to carry her the same way you carried me,” Obama said.

“Because you’re who I was talking about twelve years ago, when I talked about hope – it’s been you who’ve fueled my dogged faith in our future, even when the odds were great; even when the road is long. Hope in the face of difficulty; hope in the face of uncertainty; the audacity of hope.”

Earlier this week, Clinton’s rival for the nomination, took the stage and delivered his muchawaited speech, the highlight of the convention’s first night.

“Based on her ideas and her leadership, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States,” said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in his speech which wrapped up day 1 on Monday, July 25. “Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president, and I am proud to stand with her tonight.”

Sen. Sanders received an extended ovation from the audience when he emerged onstage to the point where he could not

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

even start his speech. He began saying ‘Thank You’ and repeated it many times over until the chants of “Bernie! Bernie!” mellowed down.

“I understand that many people here in this convention hall and around the country are disappointed about the final results of the nominating process,” Sanders said. “I think it is fair to say that no one is more disappointed than I am.”

The cameras then panned out to numerous Sanders supporters and delegates who are crying as they listened to him. Bernie or Bust supporters staged protests outside the Wells Fargo Center.

For Day 1, the DNC paraded a strong lineup of speakers at the Wells Fargo Center.

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren both came out with impassioned speeches that moved the audience inside the arena.

“I take particular interest in the fact that Trump says he’d would run our country like he has run his businesses. Well, I’m from New Jersey. I’m from the great Garden State, and we’ve seen the way he leads in Atlantic City,” Sen. Booker said, with the arena booing when Trump’s name was mentioned. “He got rich while his companies declared multiple bankruptcies.”

First Lady Michelle Obama then delivered a speech that was one for the books. Her eloquence and grace highlighted her talk as she praised Hillary Clinton and her commitment to public service, particularly to children and women.

She also asked the crowd not to believe their opponent’s pronouncements.

“Don’t let anyone ever tell you that this country isn’t great,” Mrs. Obama said. “This, right now, is

A

Fil-Am aide of Tim Kaine passes away

15 Filipinos stranded since April on ship seized by US Marshals SAN FRANCISCO – A Greekowned ship with 15 Filipino crewmen has been anchored six miles off Tybee Island in Georgia for nearly four months, waiting to be auctioned off. A bank foreclosed on the ship because the company that owned it defaulted on its loan.

The ship, Newlead Castellano, will be auctioned off August 8 at a federal courthouse. Until then the Filipino sailors are not allowed to come to the Georgia mainland because they don’t have the proper documents, and the ship must remain anchored off Tybee Island.

US Marshals seized the Newlead Castellano when it was delivering sugar at Imperial Sugar on April 19 so the creditor could repossess the ship.

The company in default is Newlead, a Greek firm that deals with dry bulk commodities. Officials said Newlead had not only stopped making payments on the ship, but they also stopped paying its crew.

A maritime official said the creditor is now making sure the crewmembers are getting paid

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 29-AUgUSt 4, 2016

the greatest country on earth.”

Party members believe that Sanders’ endorsement of Clinton was essential in order for the party to move on from a fractious and divisive primary contest.

“Tonight was a testament to the party’s goal of representing American families and progressive family values,” said Romeo Ymalay, KAYA: Filipino Americans for Progress National CoChair. “Under the leadership of Secretary Clinton, we will become stronger together and we will rise together as our government becomes more responsive to the needs of all families.”

Day 2 of the DNC convention focused on Clinton’s life-long fight to make a difference in the lives of children across the country. Among the headliners were President Bill Clinton and the mothers of Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Michael brown, and Sandra Bland, who were all victims of excessive policing and police brutality against unarmed black men and women.

APIA vote There were caucuses and briefings held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The AAPI Caucus happened on Monday with AAPI community leaders announcing their support for Clinton.

Among the guests who spoke were Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Mike Honda, Rep. Mark Takano, and Fresh Off the Boat star Constance Wu. APIA Vote held a briefing and reception to discuss the importance of the AAPI electorate in influencing the results of the November polls. Along with organizations such as the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), APIA Vote called on for more AAPI political participation.

rights concerns.

“Joe was among the many young people – a new generation of eager activists – who responded in the early 1990s to a call to form Filipino Civil Rights Advocates (FilCRA), a national civil rights organization,” recalled Lillian Galedo, executive director of Filipino Advocates for Justice. “He shared his passion for political involvement through hard work and humor. (I loved how funny he could be.) He found his niche in electoral politics -- fired up by the election of the first African American President; working tirelessly for liberal and progressive candidates. Joe embodied his generation’s desire to bring the Filipino community to the national political stage.”

Cultural activist During his college days at George Washington University, Montano pursued more than a passing interest in Philippine history, arts and culture. Like many of his contemporaries who were born in the U.S., he wanted to learn as much as he could about his roots and national heritage.

The Philippine Cultural Society at GWU provided a venue for exploring cultural identity and sharing experiences with other students.

He later availed of further opportunities to learn more by performing in various cultural shows for Tanghalang Pilipino ng DC and taking on various dramatic roles in QBD Ink’s theatrical productions.

QBD Ink director Reme Grefalda remembers Montano’s auspicious start, and how he racked up a variety of roles: as a menacing military goon in “Hacienda the Musical,” as a runaway teen mentored

by Rizal in “Oyang Dapitana,” as a member of the firing squad that killed Rizal, and as a member of the tribunal in “In the Matter of Willie Grayson.” Joe the actor also extended to being stage manager, stage hand, and assistant to the producer.

Montano also volunteered with Mabuhay, Inc.’s Camp Mabuhay Project, which endeared him with Filipino children adopted by American parents. “Joe realized early on that the children need to have role models and to be anchored to their birth culture in their ongoing struggle to define who they are and what they bring to the table, especially in the context of being Filipino American,” says Mencie Hairston, a founder of Mabuhay. “At camp, you saw several kids hanging on to him and competing for his attention.

Of course, he always managed to be the ‘coolest’ kuya (big brother) in the room.”

Elected officials mourn Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe commended his “passion and boundless enthusiasm,” while U.S. Rep. Don Beyer praised him as “a voice for the people of Northern Virginia” who was “committed to achieving progress through public service. We need more like him, and his death at such a young age fills me with sorrow.”

Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va)

said in a statement that Montano’s knowledge, energy, and infectious humor and personality were part of his character and charm.

“His engaging style was his strongest quality and he will be missed not only by Team Kaine, as he liked to identify himself as part of, but by my staff who worked closely with him, and the constituency he served,” she said.

Born in Norfolk, VA., Joe is survived by his parents, Lori and Jose Montano, his sister Amy Lopez and brother Ben. (NaFFAA)

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Filipino-American labor leader Larry...

PAGE A1 United States Commission on Civil Rights, spoke at the AAPI Caucus on Wednesday, July 27, along with prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders.

“It is a signal that we have become very visible at the DNC,” Narasaki added.

For Filipino-American Gregory Cendana, having Itliong’s name included in the preamble is a testament to Itliong’s and his colleagues’ hard work.

“The mention of FilipinoAmerican labor organizer and someone I call one of my Manongs – Larry Itliong – next to historical figures like Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Dolores Huerta reaffirms the important achievements and the vital place our community has in American history,” reflected APALA Executive Director Gregory Cendana. “We are not a population to be forgotten heading into November’s general election.”

Community support Last month, NCAPA officers testified before the Democratic National Convention Platform Drafting Committee, providing recommendations for how the Democratic party platform could address the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Various organizations such as the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) issued a statement commending the progressive plans outlined in the 2016 Democratic Party Platform.

Hundreds of CA recycling centers underpaid, shut down Legislators say a massive overhaul of the subsidy program is needed, but no plan proposed

by Eric

LEADING THE WAY. Filipino-American leaders Jason Tengco, National AAPI Outreach Director for Hillary for America (right) and Francey Lim Youngberg, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement, Housing and Urban Development (left) are active in promoting the cause of AAPI communities across America. They are part of the larger group of AAPI community leaders who led the AAPI caucus at the recently concluded Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

APALA National President Johanna Hester commented: “It is clear the voices of the AAPI community mattered to the drafting committee this year.

Throughout the platform, we see a common thread of inclusivity and dignity and respect for all people. This is a platform that APALA can get behind, and we need to stand behind a candidate who will champion our issues and not stifle our voices.”

Members of the AAPI community that served on the platform committee included: Vida Benavides, former Congress-

woman Colleen Hanabusa; San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee; Karen Narasaki; and Dilawar Sayed.

“There is no question that this platform is the most inclusive of the AAPI community in history,” said NCAPA National Director Christopher Kang. “It adopts our overarching priorities that would resonate throughout government: a theme of inclusion; an understanding that data should be disaggregated to fully address AAPI needs; and a belief that government services should be culturally and linguistically appropriate.”

Anthony LicAs AJPress

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 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 bandaid 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?”

AAPI votes may become swing vote in...

PAGE A1

We go all out. But when it comes to being political, we tend to hide and it’s time for us to get out of the shadows and get involved,” Virginia Filipino-American police

Community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis holding a placard at the luncheon meeting of FilAms for Hillary at the sidelines of this year’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Rob Bonta, the first Filipino elected to the California Legislature, says that there needs to be more Filipinos in politics and challenged the community to be more involved.

AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

officer Francis Tabones Stevens told the Asian Journal. “That is the only way our voices will be heard and get the things we need.”

Stevens is the only Filipino delegate from his home state. He looks forward to seeing more Filipinos become active and engaged in politics.

“We really need to get more involved politically. There are very few Filipinos in legislature.

We only have one in Virginia and I’m hoping to be the second one.

We need more representation,” Stevens said.

Community leader and businesswoman Loida Lewis issued a challenge to the Filipino-American community to register and vote in the upcoming November elections for the future of their children.

“We are the second largest Asian American population here in the U.S. and it is about time that we exercise our right to vote. Let’s start to organize and be a force in communities where we live,” said Loida Nicolas Lewis, challenging the Fil-Am community to action.

“This election is so important to our lives as Americans and Filipino-Americans. On the one hand, we have somebody who is a demagogue, a congenital liar, someone who is just concerned about himself. And on the other, we have Hillary, and she has been for children, women, equal pay, disabled and education.”

Lewis was reacting to a discussion that Filipino-Americans have had traditionally low voter turnout through the years.

“Maybe because most of us are first generation, our thoughts mostly are still to the Philippines. We send money through our remittances. More than $25 billion was sent last year and of that amount, $25 billion was sent last year and 40% of that amount comes from Filipino-Americans,” Lewis explained. “Our thought then is, ‘It doesn’t matter to me who the President and Vice President are. As long as we have a job, it’s okay.”

But things should no longer be that way, since America is facing a very important election, every single vote counts.

“We are slowly being recognized as a community, whether it is about organizing or about campaigning for causes and personalities. With our number alone, we can really swing votes,” said Rob Bonta. Bonta is the first Filipino American to be elected to the California State

Legislature.

“We have the talent, the genius, the acumen. We have the willingness to roll up our sleeves and we’ve done that, but we could also do more,” Bonta added. “Let’s continue to bring more impact. It was fantastic when our community broke that glass ceiling in California, but we need more.”

Swing vote On Wednesday, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus took the main stage at the Wells Fargo Center for 15 minutes to express their support for Hillary Clinton.

“We have gone from being marginalized to becoming the margin of victory in key swing states and districts all across our nation,” said Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of CAPAC. “America needs a president who will fight for us.

Someone who rejects the hateful rhetoric too often used to divide us and believes that America’s diversity is our greatest strength.

That is why we’ve got to elect Hillary Clinton as our next President of the United States.”

Rep. Chu is the first Chinese American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress.

“We’re with Hillary because she is for comprehensive immigration reform. She gets it,” Chu added.

Those who stood beside Chu were fellow CAPAC members, including Rep. Bobby Scott, the first man of Filipino heritage to be elected to the Congress, Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, the first Asian American woman ever elected the U.S. Senate and Rep. Grace Meng of New York, the first Asian American elected to Congress from the East Coast.

“I’m Congressman Bobby Scoot from Virginia. I’m the first person with Filipino ancestry to be elected as a voting member of Congress and I support Hillary Clinton because she believes that all children deserve a quality, affordable education so they can reach their full potential,” Rep. Scott said.

“This election is so important and AAPIs can make the difference. Our voting power has doubled over the last decade. We are now the swing vote in swing states like Virginia, Nevada, and also right here in Pennsylvania,” Meng said. “I call upon my fellow AAPIs to organize, campaign, and to vote so that we will be the margin of victory in 2016 and beyond.”

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A

PH to host Miss Universe in 2017

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

The Philippines will officially host the upcoming Miss Universe beauty pageant early next year.

“I would like to inform everybody that the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant will be on January 30, 2017 here in the Philippines,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo announced on Thursday, July 28.

“We have a president who comes from Mindanao, and our Miss Universe is from Mindanao, so I think this is the best time for us to do the Miss Universe here in the Philippines,” she said.

Pia Wurtzbach, who represented the Philippines, won the Miss Universe title last December 2015.

The pageant will cost around $11 million but Teo clarified that the government will not spend a single centavo.

“It will be the private sector who will shoulder the expenses,” she reaffirmed.

Among the possible event venues include Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, and Vigan.

PINOY ATHLETES. The seven Filipino athletes from five different sports plunged into training Tuesday, July 26, most of them doing morning and afternoon sessions, as the 2016 Rio Olympics moved just nine days away from its opening ceremony.

Philstar.com photo by Abac Cordero

Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach paid a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang last July 18.

Photo posted by Wurtzbach on her Instagram account

The DOT is also considering to hold the event in Mall of Asia Arena located in Pasay City.

This will be the third time the

pageant will be held in the Philippines. The country first hosted the event in 1974, and again in 1994.

Chinese province inks friendship deal with Palawan A MARITIMe dispute has not stopped the Philippines and China from exploring other areas of cooperation.

The government of Ningxia hui Autonomous Region in China lauded the signing this week of a landmark “friendship agreement” with Palawan province, the first of its kind after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that the disputed West Philippine Sea belonged to Manila not to Beijing.

In a signing ceremony at the provincial capitol on Tuesday night, July 26, Ningxia vice governor Wang heshan said the agreement would continue to improve relations between China and the Philippines.

Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez and Wang signed the agreement.

According to the agreement, “the two sides will carry out, in accordance with the principles of equality and mutual benefit, exchanges and cooperation be-

tween Palawan and Ningxia in various forms in the field of economy, trade, science and technology, culture, education, sports, health, personnel, etc. to promote common prosperity and development.”

Wang expressed hope that the relationship between the Philippines and China, which is roughly 600 years, would continue “for another 600 years.” he also cited the pronouncements of President Duterte that he wanted to keep friendly ties with China and was open to direct talks over the maritime dispute.

For former foreign affairs secretary Delia Albert, the signing of the agreement is a good opportunity for both the Philippines and China to “get things on track.”

“The timing was very good to keep the momentum in terms of the relationship between China and the Philippines. We kept doors open and local govern-

ments are continuing the conversation. For both sides, it was a good opportunity to get things on track,” Albert told The STAR after the signing ceremony.

The Philippine delegation was also well received by the Ningxia government, Albert said. “he (Vice Governor Wang) was very warm. he was very pleased that we were here. he was prepared to visit Palawan but what was positive for me was that he made reference to the positive remarks of President Duterte.

For me, that was a positive sign,” Albert said.

The signing of the agreement is in accordance with the principles of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines.

Ningxia is one of five autonomous regions in China and has an estimated six million ethnic Chinese Muslims-hui. (Philstar. com)

Amid inevitable comeback, Pacquiao admits he misses boxing

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

MANILA—Sen. Manny Pacquiao confessed that he misses doing the thing he loves the most.

After making an appearance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night, July 27 and inspiring the Mahindra enforcers to a 105-103 upset of the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Governors’ Cup, Pacquiao spoke to scribes about several issues. he was asked about his senate work and, inevitably, boxing. It’s been reported that Pacquiao will end his brief retirement by fighting again on November 5 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao neither confirmed nor denied he’s returning to the boxing ring. But there’s one thing he’s sure of—he misses the sport that turned him into a global icon.

“Para sakin, unang una, aminin ko ha. Boxing is my passion. Diyan talaga ako lumaki, (I will admit, boxing is my passion. I grew up with it),” said Pacquiao.

“Nami-miss ko yung boxing.

Karangalan ko ang pagbibigay ng honor sa ating bansa (I miss boxing. It’s an honor to give honor to our country),” he added.

Pacquiao last fought in April this year, dominating Timothy Bradley, before announcing his retirement to focus on politics. Now a Philippine senator, he’s been tasked to lead the committee on public works and most likely, the committee in sports.

Still, Pacquiao said he’ll find time for boxing, again, as long as it does not interfere with his senate duties. he said if ever he fights again, he will do so when the senate is in recess.

“I’m just making sure na yung bakasyon ng session matapat doon—October to November,” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao has no opponent in mind yet, saying he hasn’t spoken to his longtime promoter Bob Arum about it. So far, unified WBC and WBO super lightweight champion Terence Crawford is a strong candidate to land a megabuck duel with him.

The Filipino icon stressed it’s not about money this time—he’s earned millions in his hall of Fame-worthy career—but something far greater.

“Siyempre kikita ka dahil lumalaban ka eh. Pero di yan ang dahilan. Kumbaga, eh yan yung passion ko eh (Of course you will earn

Sen. Manny Pacquiao at the Batasang Pambansa during President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 25.

Philstar.com photo by AJ Bolando

when you fight. But that’s not the reason. It’s because of passion),” Pacquiao said.

“Boxing is my position kung saan ako tinutulungan ko yung pamilya ko. Sa pagseserbisyo ko na yan, wala naman akong balak magnakaw diyan. In fact, pati sarili kong pera ginagastos ko para makatulong ako sa mga kababayang naghihirap. (I can also help my family through boxing. I even spend the money I earn in boxing to help our poor countrymen).

“Basta hindi maapektuhan yung pagtatrabaho ko, yan ang sinisigurado ko, (I assure you that my work as a public servant will not be affected),” Pacquiao said.

A

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OpiniOn

Features

Promises

IN his 98-minute speech on Monday, July 25, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte made his administration’s agenda clear in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the joint session of the 17th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City.

What was supposed to be a rehearsed 38-minute delivery in english, extended as Duterte opened his speech with informality at the outset. he congratulated fellow Mindanaoans, Senate President Koko Pimentel and Speaker of the house Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, for securing the top seats in Congress. This makes all three of the country’s top elected officials from Mindanao—a first in Philippine history.

“We cannot move forward if we allow the past to pull us back. Finger-pointing is not the way.

That is why I will not waste precious time dwelling on the sins of the past or blaming those who are perceived to be responsible for the mess that we are in and suffering from,” the President said as he proceeded with his SONA. Duterte vowed to “extract a lesson or two from its errors, we will not tarry because it is the present that we are concerned with and the future that we should be prepared for.”

Prior to his first SONA, Duterte was already facing political roadblocks and jeers from his critics following a recent spate of killings in relation to his government’s anti-drug campaign.

“During my inauguration last June 30, 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained,” Duterte reiterated. “We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or are put, either behind bars or below the ground, if they so wish.”

The President also promised a “a human approach to development and governance” to improve the “people’s welfare in the areas of health, education, adequate food and water, housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture.”

Duterte then proceeded to deliver a detailed report on how intends to deliver the change he has promised, a positive transformation for the country within his administration. he also gave a stern warning to intransigent government officials and erring agencies to not hamper his goal of an inclusive growth: until his regime is over, more heads will roll and will be held accountable.

The President has prepared the groundwork.

But, there is more to be done. The lasting solution for this country’s problems must come from within. From an individual’s sense of responsibility, each family’s structure, and the community’s sense of togetherness.

“While the government is always ready to help you, you must first help yourself. We cannot legislate financial and economic progress for you. It is you and you alone who can do that. You can chart your fate, but do it within constitutional and legal means,” Duterte said.

“We are imbued with resiliency that has been tested and proven. More difficult times As in the past. We have a bond to act together. We have to help each other. For then and only then can we truly prevail. And the Filipino, disciplined, in-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

formed, involved, shall rise from the rubbles of sorrow and pain. So that all the mirrors in the world will reflect the face of a passion that has changed this land,” Duterte said as he ended his speech.

In the past administrations, Filipinos were generally disappointed when most promises comprised in the past leaders’ SONA, never saw the light. But in the current government assessment, the nation achieved within the first month: intensified anti-drug campaign, reforms in budget processes, reduced prospects for corruption, in-

creased public vigilance to daunt and defy commission of graft, and improved meritocracy in the public service.

By utilizing this opportunity to speak to the nation and the world, Duterte has captured the real essence of SONA. he was able to go beyond political party divides by highlighting predicaments challenging the country, and instigating policy initiatives to tackle such challenges.

With six years still ahead for Duterte’s presidency, more tangible and reliable results of his leadership are yet to be seen. (AJPress)

Post-convention goal: How to unite the parties after a contentious primary election The fierce and contentious debates, criticisms and attacks among candidates of both parties and their supporters in the age of a 24/7 news and social media cycle present a very real challenge for both the Democratic and Republican parties: how to unite their voters who supported different candidates during the primary season and rally behind the party’s nominee.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has found himself embroiled in this problem, with no less than the party bigwigs like the Bushes, former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, former presidential candidates Ted Cruz and John Kasich, among many others — refusing to give in and endorse him.

The same is the challenge faced by the Democratic Party, after the heated battle

between hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. The Fil-Am After the Republican National Convention, Perspective Trump overtook Clinton in the polls, and this just underscores how much the Democratic nominee needs Gel SantoS-ReloS the help of the party, and especially of her rival Sanders, to make sure the supporters of his political movement/revolution — all very passionate about Sanders — unite together with Clinton supporters, campaign for her and make sure she defeats Trump in November.

The task to persuade his supporters became even more challenging after the Wikileaks report revealed what Sand-

ers’ camp felt all along — that the Democratic Party establishment had been undermining the Sanders campaign and favoring Clinton.

During the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Sanders talked to his followers, many of whom were crying as he spoke, and made his case as to why they should rally behind Clinton. With the powerful convention speeches of First Lady Michelle Obama, Sen. elizabeth Warren, Pres. Barack Obama, and former Pres.

Bill Clinton, Sanders communicated this message to help unite the party and elect Clinton to be the next president of the United States.

Here are the excepts: “We have begun a political revolution to transform America and that revolution – our revolution – continues. Election days come and go...But the struggle of the people to create a government which represents all of us and not just the one percent – a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice – that struggle continues. And I look forward to being part of that struggle with you.

This election is not about, and has never been about, Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump, or Bernie Sanders or any of the other candidates who sought the presidency...

This election is about – and must be about – the needs of the American people and the kind of future we create for our

children and grandchildren....

We need leadership in this country which will improve the lives of working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor. We need leadership which brings our people together and makes us stronger – not leadership which insults Latinos, Muslims, women, African-Americans and veterans – and divides us up...

By these measures, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States. The choice is not even close.” *** 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

Winning the South China Sea battle Reclaiming Spratlys won’t happen in our lifetime Community Voice Faith BautiSta and JeFF “nino” lim MORe than two weeks have elapsed since the international tribunal from the hague unanimously decided in favor of the Philippines in the South China sea dispute with China.

Much credit for the Philippine victory goes to former President Benigno Aquino who initiated the dispute at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013. Recent developments in China, including from its President Xi Jinping, demonstrate that this victory could be meaningless and possibly counterproductive. however, President Rodrigo Duterte, in reaching out to the communist rebels in Mindano, and in urging alternatives to military action could pave the way for a bloodless military victory As Filipino American nonprofit and business leaders who are deeply concerned about the economic, military, and political future of the Philippines, we believe that there is strong and growing sentiment for alternative peaceful solutions. Specifically, President Duterte should continue reaching out to China while avoiding a non-ultimatum effort to achieve what no international judicial decision is likely to achieve.

In negotiating with China, President Duterte’s objectives should be to develop long-term economic and political relationships with China that minimize the importance of the South China Sea disputes. For example, the Philippines and China theoretically should be strong economic and trade partners. China wishes, for example, to readily maintain its position as the second largest economic power in the world, and possibly within a generation to be as powerful as the U.S. The Philippines, in contrast, wishes to move from near the bottom of Asian nations in economic power to near the top, as befits an increasingly welleducated population.

Therefore, both nations should develop a list of mutually beneficial economic objectives, including preferential trade agreements that can achieve these mutual objectives only through peaceful measures.

Some argue that the U.S. would prefer that the Philippines rely solely on the U.S. for military protection and primarily on the U.S. for economic relationships. This is a strategy that could backfire, specifically for 110 million Filipinos who no longer wish to be pawns in a “cold war” stand-off between the two largest military giants in the world, China and the U.S. Increasingly Filipinos want their great nation to be able to effectively compete in the near future with China, Japan, Vietnam, and other increasingly strong and independent Asian nations.

They want to compete in eco-

nomic development, job creation, international trade, and in independence from the agenda of any other nation, even when its agenda appears benign.

To support President Duterte in his efforts for long-term peaceful resolutions with China, we urge as a first step that America’s four million Filipino Americans follow in part the longstanding principles of America’s five million Jews in generally supporting Israel’s independence. Specifically, we urge the formation of a Committee of 25 representative Filipino Americans who will generate support for President Duterte’s peaceful efforts. This is essential despite the clamor of some that he declare a legal victory over China and seek to enforce what we believe to be an elusive gambit.

Our dream and expectations are that under President Duterte’s leadership that we follow peaceful and patient practices while maintaining both the U.S. and China as major allies who strongly compete for our allegiance and respect. Should this occur, the Philippines will no longer be faced with being ignored, both in Asia and throughout the world.

We have the ability and the potential, particularly in a world where both China and Japan are desperately seeking to find new workers in the future, to be one of Asia’s strongest nations and economies. And we can do so without military aggression or engaging in unnecessary verbal assaults and challenges.

Street Talk GReG B. macaBenta LAST July 12 my wife and I joined a demonstration outside the Chinese consulate in San Francisco to add to the loud voices demanding that China vacate the areas in the South China Sea over which the Philippines has “sovereign rights,” based on the decision handed down that day by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the hague.

The demonstration was organized by US Pinoys for Good Governance, a national organization in America that was among the very first to protest China’s occupation of areas in the Spratlys claimed by the Philippines, based on the provisions of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The July 12 demonstration was a symbolic serving of an eviction notice on China.

The PCA decision, based on a suit filed by the Philippine government, dismissed as lacking in merit China’s supposedly historic rights over the contested territory.

According to USPGG, the basis of that claim, expressed as a “ninedot-line” encompassing most of the South China Sea, is as valid as if the descendants of Genghis Khan were to claim sovereignty over territories that once constituted the Mongol empire.

To be blunt about it, the PCA, in

effect, told China to stuff its ninedot-line thesis up its behind. Doubtless, that decision made China lose face – something that Asians place a lot of importance on – and it gave us, the demonstrators, a great deal of psychic pleasure.

According to those who claim deeper insights on the controversy, that’s about all that the Philippines can hope to achieve in the wake of the PCA decision.

The skeptics have scoffed at the Philippines’ mice-like attempts to contend with the gigantic Chinese dragon, asserting that the millions of dollars paid to the international lawyers to argue the Philippine case could have been put to much better use. They have echoed the Chinese line that the PCA decision was written on a useless scrap of paper which Beijing will never honor and no country is capable of enforcing anyway, much less the Philippines.

According to the skeptics, our puny military would be blown away by the Chinese in a day. But those who subscribe to Pinoy machismo insist that it’s better to go down fighting than to allow invaders to trample our sacred shores, to paraphrase the original english lyrics of the Philippine national anthem The Tagalog lyrics are even more explicit: “Aming ligaya na pag may mangaapi ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.”

Of course, some of that machismo is based on the hope that, when push comes to shove, the United States will come to the aid of its long-time ally and cut off the tail of the dragon. They are basing this hope on treaties and public declarations of firm support by

American officialdom.

At this, the skeptics – specifically those on the Left – are quick to point out America will not necessarily defend the Philippines unless its own interests are jeopardized. They also point out, quite rightly, that China has been – and will continue to be – very careful in treading lightly around US economic, political and military interests, so as not to unduly upset Uncle Sam. In fact, they point out that America has also been tiptoeing around China’s interests and has been careful not to knock off the chip on China’s shoulder. For this reason, US and Chinese military brass have been in constant “consultations” to make sure that no one pulls a trigger unnecessarily.

On the other hand, the US has ostensibly been using the Philippines to keep China off balance, embarrass it before the international community and continue to make it lose face, while claiming to maintain a neutral position on the dispute. Apparently China also thinks so, having accused the US of manipulating the PCA in deciding against China.

Those who consider themselves pragmatists insist that the most realistic approach to the problem is to agree – or offer – to exploit the oil and natural gas resources of the area, using Chinese funds and technology. Our country could thus derive benefits from them, rather than none at all. It’s the classic half-a-loaf approach.

They believe that this is a win-win approach. however, those who oppose PAGE A7

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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • JULy 29-AUgUSt 4, 2016

Duterte addresses solutions to Manila traffic woes

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

WITH the traffic congestion continuously affecting daily commuters and the Philippine’s economy negatively, President Rodrigo Duterte laid out his administration’s plan to address the issue during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 25.

Duterte asked the congress, led by his allies Senate President Koko Pimentel and Speaker of the House of Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez, for ‘emergency powers’ to solve the crisis immediately.

“The worsening traffic situation could be logically addressed, if Congress would also accord emergency powers to the agencies concerned,” he said.

“Kung gusto niyo ng madalian, nasa inyo ‘yan (If you want it to be

quick, it’s up to you). If you give it fine, fine. If you don’t we will take the longer route, slowly.”

For people who would worry about graft and corruption, he assured them that “this will be a clean government.”

Duterte also pointed out the revival of the operation of the Pasig River Ferry Service System as another option for the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

It will serve as an alternative mode of transportation for passengers coming from the east side of Metro, to reach specific destinations within the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig, Marikina and Quezon City.

He also noted the intensification of anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension, including the removal of terminals, stressing that this will be done

immediately.

“To address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads will be maximized. Thus, there is a need to cooperate and coordinate with LGUs to map out secondary routes and to consult various stakeholders, including the public transport operators,” he added.

Regarding the passenger capacity congestion, Duterte expressed that from the current 16 trains, with a total of 48 cars per hour, it will be increased to 20 trains with a total of 60 cars per hour.

“Specifically for the LRT, the operating hours shall be extended from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. And to absorb more passengers, delays in the procurement of additional trains shall be addressed soonest,” he noted.

Arroyo: ‘I was persecuted’ MANILA—Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared herself a victim of political persecution, following her release from nearly five years in detention over a corruption case.

In her first public comments since being freed from a military hospital after the Supreme Court dismissed plunder charges against her, Arroyo insisted her detention was “unjust.”

The court found “insufficient evidence” to accuse her of stealing 366 million pesos ($8.8 million) in state lottery funds meant for charity programs while she was in office between 2001 and 2010.

“This whole thing of (using) political power to persecute political enemies, this must stop. I must be the last victim,” Arroyo told ABSCBN television over the weekend.

“I don’t wish what happened to me on my worst enemies.”

Arroyo was jailed in 2011 under the administration of then president Benigno Aquino 3rd, who sought to make his predecessor a high-profile scalp of his anti-corruption campaign.

Firebrand leader Rodrigo Duterte succeeded Aquino in June, and offered to pardon Arroyo.

Aquino had questioned the decision to free Arroyo, saying she must be held accountable for misusing funds intended for the poor.

The daughter of former president Diosdado Macapagal, Arroyo said her family also experienced persecution when rivals went after her father’s allies.

Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo poses with grandsons Diosdado Miguel (right), 9, and Ignacio, 4, during an interview with The Star at her home in La Vista Subdivision, Quezon City. The boys are the children of her third and youngest child, former Camarines Sur congressman Diosdado Arroyo.

Philstar.com photo by Boy Santos

“I’m not saying that political figures should be immune from prosecution. What I’m saying is that the process should be fair and even-handed,” she said.

Despite her detention, Arroyo retained her seat in the House of Representatives in May elections, winning a third three-year term as a congresswoman representing her family’s stronghold in a farming and industrial province just north of Manila.

Arroyo returned to congress on Monday to hear Duterte’s address to the legislature and to attend the opening of parliament.

The former president, who suffers from a spinal illness, wore a neck brace to congress. She said she plans to go abroad to seek medical treatment.

Arroyo faced various corruption controversies during her presidency. She was initially arrested on charges of electoral sabotage for allegedly conspiring with election officials to rig 2007 senatorial polls.

Because of her condition, the government allowed her to be detained in a military hospital.

She was granted bail for the vote-rigging case in July 2012 after the court—while not dismissing the charge—ruled evidence against her was weak.

But the corruption case against Arroyo was lodged the same year, keeping her in detention.

The ombudsman said last week it was preparing another corruption charge against her. (ManilaTimes.net)

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HYACINTHS. High School students from Las Piñas compete in street dancing during the city’s 11th Water L i l y Fe s t i v a l .

Residents have used the invasive aquatic species as raw materials for baskets, trays, slippers, and other functional and ornamental items.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Russell Palma

Reclaiming Spratlys won’t happen...

PAGE A6

this approach characterize it as lying back and enjoying rape if it is inevitable.

The new government of President Rodrigo Duterte, on the other hand, has swung from resolute self-righteousness (We will not give up an inch of Philippine territory) to downright pragmatism (War with China is out of the question; no way we could win) to being conciliatory (Let’s not gloat over our PCA victory and let’s not make China lose face), to being practical (Why not join hands to develop the area?).

In sum, the Philippine government is unsure of how to handle the situation. Newly-designated Solicitor General Jose Calida tried to state with a straight face that the government is in “in consultation with experts” to determine “the right response at the right time.”

One pundit described the position of the Duterte government as follows: “We will not stand for it. We will not take it sitting down. And we will not take it lying down.”

Duterte’s plan to send former President Fidel V. Ramos to China as a friendly emissary to find a way around the dispute has been described by the same pundits as “giving the impression of doing something while actually doing nothing.” They also warn that Ramos will end up being a scape goat, for failing to gain any concessions from the Chinese, while Duterte will be able to rightly say that “he tried.”

Some months ago, while representatives of the Aquino government, led by then Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, were still arguing its case before the PCA, a group of us in San Francisco managed to get the insights of Consul General Henry Bensurto, Jr. on the dispute with China. Prior

to his posting in San Francisco, Bensurto was part of the Philippine team that filed the arbitration case against China. He was Assistant Secretary of the West Philippine Sea Center (WPSC) in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Secretary-General of the Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs Secretariat (CMOAS), a coordinating body on the Law of the Sea and other maritime concerns.

Like a seasoned diplomat, Bensurto declined to make a definitive statement about the status of the dispute before the arbitral tribunal and any insights that he shared with us on the options of the Philippine government were considered off the record.

But this much we gathered, not necessarily from what Bensurto revealed to us as from what we deduced, based on his insights and ours: 1. US interests are being threatened by China’s aggressiveness in the Spratlys. American involvement, while ostensibly in aid of its ally, the Philippines, as well as other affected friendly Asian nations, will mainly be in order to protect US interests. This is a reality that the Philippines must face.

It won’t be for love of Little Brown Brother that America will go to war with China – if it has to - but for Yankee economic, political and military interests. But the Philippines has benefited from having America standing by it – whatever the psudo-nationalists and the Leftists say. Do they think that China would even bother to humor us with an offer of joint exploration if this were not the case?

2. Neither the US nor China is particularly eager to pull the trigger. It’s a colossal game of chicken. China must dutifully rattle its sabers (or lose more face than it already has lost) but it will apply the tactic that has been variously

described as the “cabbage approach” and the “salami-slicing approach,” namely to subtly and progressively assert its dominance of the South China Sea, until the US feels really threatened. And then, like a sly fox, China will back off and bide its time. Biding its time is what China has been doing in reclaiming its territories. First Hong Kong. And, eventually, Taiwan. But the end game, if the US and China can help it, will not be war but a détente similar to that arranged between North and South Korea to end the Korean War. Before that happens, the Philippines must watch out for its own interests.

3. The wise thing for the Philippine government to do is not to show its hand. It must sound publicly conciliatory while remaining firm in its position. In the process, allow China to save face, but never be under any illusion that this will gain any concessions from the Chinese. On the other hand, the Philippines should try to extract whatever benefits it can out of a détente with China, fully aware that we are dealing with a sly fox – nay, a snake.

4. In this regard, the Philippines must also learn to play the waiting game, as well as its own version of the salami-slicing approach. From this perspective, significant gains have already been made in the efforts of the Philippines to assert its sovereignty over its part of the Spratlys. But while patriotic Pinoys may want to commemorate the July 12 PCA “triumph” by annually staging a demonstration outside Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, we should be prepared to teach our children and grandchildren to keep the torch burning.

I I don’t think we can evict the Chinese bully in our lifetime. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)

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Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans in the Obama Administration Lelaine Bigelow

By AJPress

(Part 2 of 2)

L

ast week, the Asian Journal featured part one of Filipinoamericans who are part of the current administration. We are now publishing the second half of this two-part series. the 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) Filipino-americans who serve in different capacities. these Fil-am appointees have brought not only their skills and expertise to serve the public, but their Filipino heritage as well.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Relations Federal Housing Administration U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Hometown: Pensacola, FL

Eddie Angeles Associate Administrator for Airports DOT/FAA Headquarters U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Aviation Administration Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

As an immigrant from the Philippines, I have always wanted to give back to what this great country has given to me. Therefore, I wanted to dedicate my professional career to public service. I had the great honor to work in the airport industry in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Obama Administration gave me the unique opportunity and honor to serve the American people as the FAA’s Associate Administrator for Airports.

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

I believe combating the preconceived prejudices that people have about immigrant Filipinos is always

challenging. We are traditionally not perceived as leaders but workers in health care, domestic helpers, and other non-leadership role jobs. Therefore, we lack representation in top management positions and lack representation in the elected ranks of government. We lack the kind of “political clout” that many other minority communities possess in government.

What do you see as a large issue facing the Filipino-American community?

How is your department working to address it?

It is vital to increase the numbers of Filipino-Americans in top management jobs in government and corporate America. We must strive to advocate for greater representation and elect more Filipino-Americans into key government elected offices around the country. As a department Senior Executive Service professional, I personally try to provide mentorship to others to seek top management positions not only in the federal government but also aviation industry wide.

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

It is impossible to point to a

single matter I am most proud of accomplishing while working for the Obama Administration.

But, every time a plane takes off and lands safely at an airport in our country it is the result of the great work of the men and women at the FAA. I am deeply proud and honored to have contributed to that great record of aviation safety during my tenure. However, I want to highlight that it was during the Obama Administration that we invested nearly $3 billion in the infrastructure improvements of runway safety areas, and now we have embarked upon a new Runway Incursion Mitigation program to further improve the safety of our nation’s airports.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

You should dream big because in this great country of the United States of America anything is possible.

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

Start getting involved at the local level in terms of advocacy in schools, city, and state government. Then, begin to serve in government with commission appointments, school board elections, and progressively move into higher profile elected offices. It does not take much effort to be civilly engaged. The first step is to make sure to vote in the upcoming November election.

over a hundred documents; we meet with community leaders and groups to let them know how HUD can be helpful to their constituencies and we practice diversity in hiring, so that our voice is at the table.

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

I am most proud of the work I have done to disaggregate HUD data for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).

Sometimes the work you do is very short-term—working on events or rollouts. Data collection is a long-term and lasting impact that will serve our community beyond the Obama Administration. It is a necessary and hard first-step to moving our community forward.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

My biggest takeaway is how powerful individuals can be, even in a large organization.

Most people feel like cogs in a wheel, but that is not true in the Obama Administration. Every person can have an impact and it reverberates through meetings, policy and impactful decisions.

It cuts both ways—positive and negative—but that underscores to me the importance of hiring the right people with diverse backgrounds that share the same vision. That doesn’t mean everyone needs to agree all the time, but that does mean we should share the same values.

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

Read a good paper or news site. Listen to reliable news radio. Follow a respected journalist on twitter. We have the responsibility to be informed. We don’t need to be experts, but we should know what is going on in our world and how it affects us.

That knowledge will drive the desire to be involved and be a more powerful engagement.

Cezar A. B. Lopez

Jian Zapata Kim Associate Director ofLegislative Affairs Office of Legislative andIntergovernmental Affairs U.S. Departmentof Commerce Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA student. I served on the Hill for nearly seven years and then moved into a political appointment at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where I have been for almost three years now.

Having worked in politics, policy, and public service for nearly a decade, I’ve come to learn how each of these areas interconnect and affect us all.

I’ve also come to What influenced you to see how underrepresented pursue a career in government? Filipino Americans, and Asian I grew up in Virginia Beach, Americans overall, are in these VA, one of the largest military policy-shaping and decisioncommunities in the country and making spaces-- not only in subsequently home to a large sheer staff numbers but more and vibrant Filipino American importantly in viewpoints community. Though I went on to and voices. Because of this, I college right outside of DC, I had pursued opportunities in the never really considered a career Administration knowing that in government and was initially government has the ability to more interested in the nonprofit vastly impact the lives of so sector. However, my first job out many, and I remain committed of undergrad was working on a to continuing a career in public political campaign. Afterwards service.

I had a wonderful opportunity What do you see as a large to work on Capitol Hill and to issue facing the Filipinowork on a policy portfolio near American community? How is and dear to me, veterans issues. your department working to Of most significance, I had the address it? chance to work on and help Each and every one of our pass legislation to honor our families left the Philippines for a Filipino World War II veterans, chance at better opportunities. a bill that I had organized The largest issue facing Filipino around years before as a college Americans (and our country

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My family taught me how government and the political process can influence our everyday lives. From an early age I remember volunteering on campaigns with my family and discussing with family members how to make things better at schools and around our city. These may not have been sophisticated debates, but I can see now how important it was in showing me that government matters and it is our responsibility to speak up.

When it came down to choosing a career, I looked around at government and political leaders and I didn’t see many Filipinos. I wasn’t sure if that meant my voice and my concerns were being represented.

I felt a responsibility to contribute to the dialogue for people like me who might not have a voice. I didn’t have a concrete plan, but I knew that understanding government and

how it works was critical to making an impact. If you don’t understand the process you can’t influence it.

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

I’m grateful that I have not faced many challenges as a Filipino-American and I am standing on the shoulders of those that have paved the way for me. My one challenge to name would be my maiden Spanish surname of Valdez.

More than once, I was picked to be interviewed because organizations thought I was Hispanic and then I was summarily dismissed after the in-person interview once I was not the “right minority.”

It is a shame that some organizations would support tokenism over implementing true diversity in their hiring practices. When you are starting out and trying to get your foot in the door this practice it can seem hurtful, but now I see this as true test of whether or not this organization is a place that is a good to place to work.

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

I would like to see more Filipino-Americans engaged, educated and active on civic issues because that translates into power for our communities.

I know it is hard work among a number of other family, work and other life commitments. That is why at HUD, we are trying to do our part to simplify access to information. We’ve translated

in general) continues to be reaching for The American Dream: from being able to live in safe communities, to affording our children with the best education and care, to making an honest living in order to provide for our families. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s focus is strengthening the economy by supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and trade. When the economy is growing, businesses are thriving, and workers are treated with dignity and respect, our communities can prosper.

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

Civic engagement is more than just running for office, voting, or working in government, though these things are also incredibly important. It includes lending your energy to causes that speak to you, dialoguing with and educating others about pressing issues, organizing yourselves at the grassroots as well as at the grass tops, holding elected officials accountable, creating space for and supporting new leadership, reaching back and guiding those who need help navigating the bureaucracy, and building capacity at all these levels to increase political power.

Senior Advisor Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My parents. My mom was a social worker and my dad is a retired physician. Despite facing cultural barriers as new immigrants in the 1960s, they emphasized the importance of helping people. When I was growing up, my parents talked a lot about perseverance, faith, history, and current events. I remember my parents reading social justice books to me when I was a kid. I saw by their examples that principled actions and leadership were ways I could help people, particularly someone starting over or in need of a hand or a voice.

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

It can be intimidating when government doesn’t look like America and sometimes it’s scary to speak out against wrongs.

Luckily, when I was in school and when I started working, I was mentored by visionary people who nurtured and emboldened me. And I’ve seen it as a motivation to find something in common with other people, and an opportunity to surprise people, hopefully in a good way, by being a better version of myself each day.

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

One issue is how to better integrate into and navigate American communities and services such as healthcare and health insurance. I’ve always felt comfortable talking about my health because I’ve been lucky to have a personal physician (my dad) all my life. I’ve come to believe that you shouldn’t have to get lucky to get good healthcare, so it has been a privilege to serve at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which protects the health and well-being of all Americans.

My agency, the HHS Office for Civil Rights, promulgates regulations, develops policy, provides technical assistance and education, and works with healthcare providers to ensure they understand and comply with

civil rights and health information privacy laws.

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

On a personal level, since joining the Obama administration in 2012, I became a husband, a father, a first-time homeowner, and my band has recorded and performed our music.

Professionally, I am proud to have made contributions to the Affordable Care Act, which put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that have improved access, affordability, and quality in health care for Americans. And I am proud to have been part of the team at the HHS Office for Civil Rights that issued the Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities final rule implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. I am very blessed, and I have so much to feel proud about personally and professionally!

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

Transformational change has been possible with preparedness, dedication, and team work.

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

Register and vote in every election. I’d also say, be wellinformed about your community and take on leadership and organizing opportunities in your neighborhood.

july 29-august 4, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Diversity matters: Filipino-Americans in the Obama...

Paulo Palugod

Katarina Mayers

Senior Sustainability Officer for Resilience

Deputy Press Secretary Office of the Secretary U.S. Department of Commerce (through June 2016) Hometown: San Marino, CA

White House Council on Environmental Quality Hometown: Galloway, NJ (born in Quezon City, Philippines) countries. Because of that experience, I dedicated my college years and law school electives to international development and environmental issues.

I went to work for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, where I worked in environmental and natural resources law, and then came to CEQ to work on climate change adaptation issues.

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

Working on the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill litigation and moving forward Administration initiatives for Tribes and environmental justice communities.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My parents worked for the National Economic Development Authority in the Philippines and have always encouraged public service and giving to others. In high school, my mom brought me to the Philippines to sell our house finally. It was my first experience with real poverty and the impacts of industry on third world developing

administration?

It’s important to show leadership even when people say no. You shouldn’t be afraid to push priorities or ideas that you believe in and you should be persistent in making them happen.

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

Working in government is not the end result, but an opportunity to drive social change. Always be on the lookout for how you can make something better and contribute in your communities. It can help you support initiatives, policy, or legislation that you believe in, or meet people that are doing the very work that you would want to do in the government. You can work on campaigns at the local, state, or Federal level, or participate in civic organizations that support causes about which you feel passionate that represent communities to the government.

Francey Lim Youngberg Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Engagement U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Hometown: King of Prussia, PA as a consultant to federal and city agencies for 10 years prior to joining HUD. Fortunately, I was recruited to join the Obama Administration in 2010 as a political appointee. I saw it as an opportunity to represent constituencies that are often overlooked and to apply what I learned being an advocate to the work of being on the other side of the table—responding to the needs of a diverse group of stakeholders.

It was also an opportunity to make government more accessible— opening doors to external stakeholders so they can have a dialogue with policymakers.

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

From my personal experience, government is one of the better working environments for

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

I had worked at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a young attorney and I saw the impact that government can have on public policy that affects the larger society in ways that the private sector seldom can. I also worked

minorities and women. When I graduated from Harvard Law School in 1988, women were only 40% of the class and AAPIs were less than 3%. When I started working for the largest law firm in PA, I was the only AAPI attorney in a firm with over 300 lawyers and the only woman tax attorney.

When I came to DC in 1990 to work for one of the largest firms in DC, I was still the only AAPI working in the firm. So, those environments posed a far greater challenge in terms of inclusion and advancement.

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

The Filipino American community is one of the largest among the AAPI communities but they don’t come together as a cohesive voice. They can be a much stronger voice if they focus on common ground and building a sustainable and strong presence in public policy making and politics. I was born in Sara, Iloilo and speak Visayan which is a dialect and later I learned Tagalog when I entered

Melanie Garunay

Associate Director of Digital Outbound Office of Digital Strategy, The White House Hometown: Janesville, WI

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

After graduating college, I joined the 2012 Obama for America digital team in Chicago, Illinois. By that time, most people I knew had begun to use social media as a way to show their support for a cause or debate political issues with their friends and families. It had become a way for people who might have never attended a protest or a rally or a town hall discussion to develop a political identity and build relationships with others who shared their views. I was really inspired by the idea of social media as a tool for political empowerment.

So it was through my work on that campaign that I became

interested in how digital communications can help broaden civic participation in politics and government -- and that’s been the underlying thread in my work ever since.

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

The biggest challenge about working as a Filipino American in government is that there are not that many of us. It can be hard to navigate your career path without seeing people who share your background in your field.

There just aren’t enough minority women in leadership positions in government in any sector, let alone in government.

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

Filipino Americans make up the second largest group of Asian Americans in the United States -- but you wouldn’t know that from the way we’re underrepresented in politics. If more Filipino Americans felt invested in the outcome of our elections and thought of the political realm as a place where they could make their voice heard, we could have an incredible influence in the issues that matter to us, whether it’s immigration

reform or worker’s rights or college affordability.

The work we do in the Office of Digital Strategy is about creating opportunities for people to engage with their government, especially young people. Getting someone to share a Facebook post or sign a petition on WhiteHouse.gov is an important first step when it comes to participating in the process.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

I think anyone who works in this administration is driven by a sense of optimism -- and that comes from the President himself.

It’s easy for people, especially in my generation, to get turned off by the divisiveness in American politics and not participate at all. But in working for this President, both on his re-election campaign and in his administration, I’ve always been surrounded by people who believe that anyone, not just the wealthy or the powerful, can be an agent for change. That’s something I hope to take with me through the rest of my career.

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

I would encourage Filipino Americans to volunteer for local political campaigns. It’s a good way to understand and advocate for the issues facing your community. And if other Filipino Americans or people of color see you volunteering, it might inspire them to get involved as well.

What influenced you to pursue a career in government?

My mother grew up in Ilocus Sur in the Philippines with not much. She overcame many challenges and made her way to the United States after getting herself through college and graduating at the top of her class. My parents did everything to give me every opportunity they didn’t have. They also instilled in me the value of service above self. I am blessed to have been born in the United States and feel it is my duty to make the world a better place.

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

There are very few Filipinos in government, let alone Asian

Americans. When we are a tiny portion of the political community, it is difficult to make sure our people are equally represented.

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

Working with Secretary Pritzker and the Commerce Department to get the American economy back on track has truly been a privilege.

Our issues vary widely including everything from helping implement economic development initiatives in communities across the country to running the Census.

Specifically, I loved working with our entrepreneurs to

3

promote more innovation including the establishment of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) initiative.

What is your biggest takeaway from working in this administration?

I’ve been surrounded by so many who are working hard to ensure all Americans receive equal opportunities. I also leave with a humble reminder that the hard work never ends.

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

Your voice matters, and you have a responsibility to make your voice heard. Participate and vote!

july 29-august 4, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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Celebs grace ‘heartfelt’ fiestas for Pinoys abroad ThousAnds of Filipinos overseas felt closer to home at the latest round of shows featuring visiting celebrities to Kuwait, the united Arab Emirates, Qatar, the united states of America, Canada, and the united Kingdom. organized by GMA Pinoy TV—the global channel of GMA network—2013 Miss World Megan Young kick started the worldwide festivities with “Kalayaan sa Kuwait,” organized by Filcom, a group comprised of various Filipino organizations in the country, along with the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

Filipinos who came to the Qadsia sports Club in hawally, Kuwait warmly welcomed Young as she entertained the crowd with musical numbers and met with fans at the end of the show. The Conan My Beautician lead actress was also able to tour the city before paying a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and the Philippine overseas Labor office.

The regal beauty then flew to California where her presence drew a huge crowd in Carson City. After her performance at Veterans Park Young was bestowed with various awards and commendations by the California senate, the City of Los Angeles, the City of Carson, and the Philippine Independence day Foundation of Carson, which organized the event. over in the united Arab Emirates, Lovi Poe bannered a jampacked show at the spacious dubai World Trade Center, spearheaded by the Philippine Independence day Celebration organizing Committee and the Philippine Consular office in dubai.

For Poe, who had just come from a vacation to various parts of Europe at the time, the event was as much a homecoming for her as it was for her kababayan fans as the Filipino community in dubai gathered to celebrate their rich heritage. While in the city, Poe also spent time with overseas Filipino workers during her courtesy visit to the Philippine Consular office and met with local Filipino media.

Meanwhile, stunning Andrea Torres was in doha for “Kalinangan 2016” organized by the united

EMPLOYMENT

Megan Young in Carson City, California

Ai Ai delas Alas now ‘super mega single’

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

AI AI delas Alas’s divorce from Jed salang has finally been recognized by the Philippine court.

It was in 2014 when her divorce from salang was granted by the u.s. court.

In an Instagram post on saturday, July 23, Ai Ai shared a photo of the letter sent by her lawyer. It was stated that the Quezon City Regional Trial Court

has “[granted] your petition to enforce the foreign divorce decree in this country, thereby capacitating you to remarry.”

Ai Ai, who is now in a relationship with Gerald sibayan, is rejoicing with this news and captioned her post with “finally -- mega super single na ko ..

Yesssssssss!!!!!!”

It was in 2013 when the Kapuso comedienne revealed that she was physically abused by salang.

Ai Ai delas Alas has received the letter granting her divorce from ex-husband Jed Salang.

An epic love story

Lovi Poe in Dubai

Dingdong Dantes poses with a Lyca TV cab featuring GMA stars in London

Filipino organizations Qatar, in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Qatar.

With her congenial personality and warmth, Andrea won over her fellow Filipinos during a courtesy visit to the Consulate office, as well as the crowd who came to see her performance at the sheraton hotel.

Continuing the celebration over in Canada, the wacky pairing of Tom Rodriguez and amazing actor-comedian Betong sumaya kept audiences amused at the “Pinoy Fiesta and Trade show in Toronto” organized by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation.

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre was filled to capacity with Filipino-Canadians, among them noted local dignitaries of the Canadian government, as Rodriguez and Betong took to the stage for their rousing performances.

GMA Pinoy TV’s Philippine Independence day celebrations closed with the “Birminghamsandwell-West Midlands Fiesta Celebrations” in the united Kingdom featuring dingdong dantes, and presented by the

non-profit community group, the Birmingham Filipino-British Community Volunteers. over 5,000 people gathered at the biggest Filipino fiesta celebration in the West Midlands, which took place at the scenic Lightwoods Park, with the crowd enthusiastically cheering during dantes’ performance. In the days leading to the event, the actor, who will play a special role in the upcoming retelling of the fantasy series Encantadia, also took some time away from the television cameras to pay a visit to the Philippine Embassy in the uK, to tour London’s iconic landmarks and to meet with his fellow Filipinos in the country.

“These events across the globe are truly a festive and heartwarming reminder of what it is to be a Filipino to those who are far away from home,” says GMA First Vice President and head of International operations Joseph Francia. “As the global Filipino community continues to expand, GMA Pinoy TV will also continue to reach more of our kababayans abroad, wherever they may be in the world.” (ManilaTimes.net)

EMPLOYMENT

Jericho Rosales and Arci Muñoz star in the ABS-CBN series “Never Ever Say Goodbye” which was partly shot in Caramoan Island. by

BiBsy m. carBallo Philstar.com

AnoThER sexy drama series will soon be seen on ABs-CBn’s primetime block.

The series is titled “never Ever say Goodbye,” starring Arci Muñoz as Aryann and Jericho Rosales as Waldo under the helm of FM Reyes.

In an interview with ABs-CBn news, Arci said that she is thrilled to portray a new character after the successful run of her soap “Pasion de Amor.” she will be playing the role of a “probinsyana” who will embark on a journey to Manila to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. she also shared her exhilaration of working for the first time with Jericho.

“The first time I met him, it became clear that working with him would be easy as he was very nice and approachable. I’m just really excited,” Arci was quoted as saying.

on the other hand, Jericho who was last seen in the primetime series Bridges of Love also admitted that he’s excited to be working with Arci. he added that the series has been described an “epic” love story.

“The word epic, medyo gets mo ‘yon, nakaka-nervous na. Kasi siyempre malaki ang requirement,” he said.

“It’s like a remake of the movie Kastilyong Buhangin of Lito Lapid and Ate Guy (nora Aunor). obviously, I play Lito Lapid and Arci is Ate Guy,” he also said. “never Ever say Goodbye” also features danita Paner where she plays the third wheel in the love story that will develop between the characters of Jericho and Arci.

In an interview, danita expressed her excitement to work with other Kapamilya stars since she is still new in the network. “until now, it has yet to sink in

SCHOOL

SERVICES

HOME AGENCY

that I am part of the show and the cast. It is the first time for me to work with everyone, except Arci,” she said. danita also commended direk FM, who previously helmed “Maging sino Ka Man,”“Lobo,” “Moon of desire,”“Two Wives” and had to leave his current series “Tubig at Langis.”

“It was the first time for me to work with this type of director.

Talagang siya ‘yung perfect definition ng totoong set sa taping.

You will immediately feel the right emotions and right moves for the scene,” she said in an interview. some scenes of the series were shot in the beautiful beaches of Caramoan Island located in the lower eastern part of Camarines sur in the Bicol region. This will showcase stunning scenery and camera-work that the viewers will love.

5 Angeline Quinto ‘regrets’ short-lived Did Jason Francisco reveal separation with Melai Cantiveros? romance with Erik Santos july 29-august 4, 2016

www.asianjournal.com

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

AngElinE Quinto didn’t deny that she feels regret over her shortlived romance with Erik Santos.

She said she was not yet ready for a relationship that time despite Erik being vocal about his feelings for her.

“Sobrang sayang, pero siguro hanggang do’n lang,” she said about her relationship with Erik, in an interview with Mario Dumaual aired in “Bandila” on Tuesday, July 26.

When asked what caused their fall-out, Angeline said it was because of different priorities.

“Sinasabi niya sa akin na gusto na niyang mag-asawa. Kasi ilang taon na siya, gusto na niya magkaro’n ng baby,” she revealed.

“Wala pa ako sa sitwasyon na gano’n,” said Angeline.

She also denied the rumored gender preference of Erik which caused the end of their

Angeline Quinto admitted that she regrets her short-lived romance with Erik Santos.

blossoming romance.

Despite this, their management Cornerstone assured their fans that they’ll continue to collaborate

artistically.

Angeline stars in the Regal Film “That Thing Called Tanga na” which will be in cinemas on August 10.

Heart Evangelista takes her own hand-painted clutch bag to SONA by

AlixAndrA cAole VilA

Proving that she can kill the red carpet with any attire, the spouse of Sen. Francis “Chiz” HEART Evangelista showed her Escudero opted for a simple kneelove for fashion and art by bringing length ivarluski Aseron terno and minimal accessories.

Topping of her sleek look is her fringed clutch that sparkled with gold paint which she did herself. netizens praised the Juan Happy love Story star for being able to bring elegance and class despite toning down her outfit. in the afternoon, Heart ditched the traditional terno and wore an offthe-rack white coat and pants.

Heart has been painting designer bags since last year, after she was inspired by baby north West who splattered paint on the designer bag of her mother Kim Kardashian.

With her artistic way to breathe new life into handbags, Heart has gained a growing number of elite clientele including Regine Velasquez, Carla Abellana and Jinkee Pacquiao.

Heart will be putting up 40 Heart Evangelista wears knee-length Ivarluski Aseron white lace terno paired with minimal hand-painted Hermes bags in an accessories and her hand-painted clutch bag. exhibit this September.

Philstar.com

her own hand-painted bag at the first State of the nation Address (SOnA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 25.

What makes Sitti happy

by Boy

ABundA Philstar.com

i’VE known Queen of Bossa nova Sitti navarro-Ramirez for so long, i can tell that she’s never been happier. A year after she tied the knot with businessman Joey Ramirez, her eyes have that extra sparkle, her voice that special lilt that say her nights are more peaceful, her days more fulfilling.

“Sleep is so much better, hahaha! Ang sarap sarap na po matulog ngayon,” she relates. gone are those days when she’d wake up late like most of her fellow singers would. Sitti now rises and shines earlier, her triathlete-husband greeting her with a wide, wide smile as she plants a good morning kiss on his lips.

Of course, she doesn’t mind this change in her body rhythm.

Being Mrs. Ramirez is such a joy. “i feel more panatag now. it’s good to have somebody by your side who loves you for who you truly are,” she adds.

Joey is actually her answered prayer. Sitti still clearly recalls that day, years back when she listed all the traits she wanted in a would-be husband on a piece of paper and tucked it within the pages of her Bible at home. She and Joey have yet to meet back then. lo and behold! She met Joey, a Christian, whose belief in god is as strong as hers. He didn’t mind that he was seeing a breadwinner since age 16, or that she comes from a broken family. All he knew is that he found his ideal woman — someone who gives her all to her family, who doesn’t mind putting her needs on hold for her loved ones.

So far, Joey is turning out to be everything Sitti could ever dream of. On a scale of one to 10, with 10 as the highest, Sitti says her beloved husband is a nine.

He’s not a 10?

“Because nobody’s perfect! i truly appreciate him and his efforts as a husband,” Sitti reasons out.

Every day, she explains,

is an “exercise on the road to unselfishness.”

Sitti simply loves cuddling up to Joey after a long, hard day, and feeling his welcoming warmth around her.

Joey is her untiring mentor, her guide on the road to growth.

Sitti says he shows her new ways of expressing herself, of prioritizing her obligations.

She gets his opinions on her work. He guides her on what should come first in her to-do list, which areas of her career need a shot in the arm, and which are best left alone.

Her hubby, in other words, is opening many doors for Sitti the person and the artist.

“There’s a lot of characterbuilding in marriage that hones you both,” she states.

Of course, even the strongest marriage has its struggles. Sitti’s come in the form of expectations.

“These are expectations you have of yourself and your husband that more often than not cause arguments,” she laments. it doesn’t help that people are pressuring her and Joey to have a baby.

The good news is the couple are already planning their first big joint project: A baby. no, they’re not caving in to social pressure.

Sitti and Joey simply feel that they’ve adjusted to each other’s moods, resolved their issues and straightened out their priorities.

They’ve seen places near and far. in short, they’ve laid a rock-solid foundation for their marriage. And the time is ripe to welcome an addition to the family.

“Future projects are just easier to undertake when both of you have built a solid relational base,” beams Sitti.

The minute she gets pregnant, Sitti will make her career take a backseat and focus on the new life she and Joey have long waited for. “i’ll slow down a bit,” she reveals. it’s no blanket statement, though. She’ll first see how the

DiD Jason Francisco confirm separation between him and wife Melai Cantiveros?

On Tuesday, July 26, Jason’s “open letter” to their fans circulated online, which was posted in the instagram account of their daughter Mela. in the said open letter, Jason narrated how their marital problem rooted from Melai being paired with Carlo Aquino in her recently defunct show “We Will Survive.”

He recalled how Melai assured him that there will be no love teams since the story of the show will focus on friendship.

The Kapamilya comedian asked this because he admitted not feeling comfortable that his wife is being paired with another guy. The same way, he doesn’t like to be paired with another actress.

However, the storyline changed and Melai was paired with Carlo. She assured him that Did Jason Francsico reveal separation with it’ll only be for the pilot episode circulating online? since her character will get pregnant. Jason agreed to this listen to his plea and instead setup. made a joke out of their marital However, Jason said he felt problem in the set. uneasy every time Melai would “Walang respeto yuon porket leave for her shoot in Bicol and kami ay ‘di malaking artista eh, they would seldom see each other kung tawagin nila sa showbiz,” because he’s also shooting for “My he said, explaining how the joke Super D.” offended him. it was until after two months, This further affected their he found out that the storyline of marriage, until he was not able to the show has changed again and attend to his shoots for “My Super Carlo’s character is back to being D” as he was deeply affected by paired with Melai. their situation.

He admitted being mad about Jason said that up to this the changes, which eventually day, they were not able to fix affected their marriage. their marital problem, which he Jason then decided to talk said was caused by the usual to the people behind “We Will reasoning “trabaho lang.”

Survive” and asked if it would be He didn’t deny feeling down possible that Melai’s love team that work was more prioritized with Carlo be put in an end since than family, and shared his belief it was affecting their marriage. that people shouldn’t only “grab” The production, he said, didn’t and “count” their blessings but

Calendar of Events across

Melai Cantiveros through an “open letter”

also “know” them.

He added that “family is everything.” in the end, she called out to the Kapamilya network, whom he said should be sensitive about what they’re going through as a married couple.

He said he was saddened that it was them who are suffering the consequence of the network disregarding their plea to save their marriage.

Jason also told the network that as artists, they wanted to be a model of strengthening a family the same way that the network wanted to teach this to their viewers. in previous interviews with Melai, she said that he will stick with her husband until the end.

(Joyce Jimenez/Philstar.com)

America

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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 9 -1 7

42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Sitti Navarro-Ramirez: Being a wife is such a joy.

pregnancy will go.

Her fans will not miss her that long as well.

“The break won’t take too long,” Sitti vows. “Singing is my life.” if you think Sitti hasn’t been that visible lately, you’ll be glad to know she never left the music scene at all.

She has her hands full with bar gigs. She occasionally appears on TV. And she’s so excited with her new album and recording the OST of JaDine’s (James Reid and nadine lustre’s) new soap.

Oh yes, every day is Christmas for Sitti. And she’s singing it’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year the bossa nova way with her beloved Joey these days.

That’s because someone with a good heart like her deserves nothing less.

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.

S E P T E M B E R 25

FAPCCA Media Awards The Filipino American Press Club of California invites you to The First FAPCCA Media Awards Gala Night 2016 at Glendale Hilton Hotel, 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale CA 91202, Sept. 25, 2016 Sunday 5pm (www.facebook.com/fapccamediaawards/) Tickets: $65/person includes dinner and entertainment. Call: 626.475.3052; 310.600.9 913;818.357.4566 or pay by Paypal at www.paypal.me/fapcca (please indicate the amount, number of tickets, name, mailing address and cell number on the Special Instruction field) FAPCCA MEDIA AWARDS CATEGORIES includes the Year’s Most Outstanding: 1. Sports Photographer, 2. News Photographer, 3. Cartoonist, 4. Animation Award, 5. Young Journalist, 6. Arts/Entertainment Journalist, 7. Business and Finance Journalist, 8. Political Journalist, 9. Science and Health Journalist, 10. Sports Journalist, 11. Journalist, 12. Newspaper of the Year,13. Showbiz Reporter, 14. Internet Reporter, 15. Social Media Reporter, 16. TV Broadcaster, 17. Radio Broadcaster,18. Film/TV/ Stage Producer, 19. Actor, 20. Publicist. 21. Outstanding FAPCCA Supporter.

FAPCCA Contact Persons: Chairperson Thelma Calabio - 301.600.9913; President Andy Z. Edralin - 626-475-3052; VP Isidric Panganiban - 818.357.4566; Treasurer Christie Rosacia -818.451.6606; Auditor Sonia Bermejo - 818.653.3177; Joe Cobilla - PRO - 323.804.9959; Director Rose Sarreal 213.321.1119

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 29-august 4, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

6

Making sense of the changing values in the 21st century The Metamorphosis

ErniE D. DElfin (Part 1 of 2)

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” - Charles Dickens Dear Kuya, thanks for all the columns you are sending me. they are wonderful and will serve as an eye opener for our people. But my question is: how can we elevate our values if the family itself is degrading? Even in our Dominican School, teachers go on strike to force unreasonable demands higher salaries and better benefits that our school much as it wants to, cannot afford to grant. What values are we inculcating to the minds of the children in their formative years? What kind of society do we have now? What can we do?

What is the solution?.. I am just hoping against hope that better changes or answers will come!

Sister Leticia, O.P. Manila, Philippines My dear Sister Letty, Reading your letter several times challenges and stimulates my mind to ponder and dig into the innermost reservoir of my life’s storage of accumulated knowledge and experiences of the last six decades, just to attempt to pen some answers to your very valid questions, same questions that I also ask myself many times. I can only answer your questions in the only terms I know, in what I have learned in my short life through personal experience and observations.

You are right when you said that the family unit has changed so much from the years we were young children in the unpolluted farming village in Pangasinan. With

such changes, society’s sense of values and priorities also changed. A generation ago, life seemed so simple in our barrio or barangay. Working diligently in the farms, our people found self-sufficiency and contentment. Peoples’ needs then were few and our basic necessities were very simple and very easy to fulfill.

People may be poorer then, but ironically they were happier and contented human beings.

Without a doubt, the world was safer then, but Letty, it was not as exciting as it is now. Today, we enjoy so many opportunities and have so many choices that our own parents never had imagined nor experienced. I am sure you can still remember, for instance, that some marriages in the barrio were even arranged by the parents and elders of the bride and groom, a practice that we used to laugh and make fun of. now, that tradition is just a part of history.

Considered very revolutionary, you decided to become a Dominican nun after obtaining your college degree from the University of Santo Tomas, despite the initial disapproval of our parents, especially our mother, simply because the older sisters and brother were “expected” to help out the family financially after college. But it’s very pleasant to remember now that after a few years, they were the proudest and happiest parents in town because they have a daughter who became a nun.

I also became a CPA but then decided to leave that accounting field to be a businessman-entrepreneur, a path that is less traveled for any one in our town, as there was no security of a weekly or monthly paycheck. Living outside the norms of our farming culture, I also pursued writing as a regular activity

since college that provided priceless non-monetary compensation where my mind can soar without limits! Just look at what you and I have done like many people around us who came from parallel circumstances and you will be convinced that our forefathers’ dreams and fantasies have become a part of our own reality now!

But this broadening of opportunities entails tradeoffs. We pay for everything in this life and in so doing we often surrender the simple pleasures in order to discover the unknown that also brings excitement in our lives. Unfortunately, in this metamorphosis of our cultural values and traditions, many get lost even as only a few of us succeed in reaching our optimum potential. We often ask ourselves: “Is it worth the work and sacrifice?”

We reminisce the past and evaluate and discern the purpose and meaning of our earthly life, especially when newspapers and TV news bring us more bad news of chaos, war, hate and killings around the world. But if we are grounded by the principles of a good life, we can always draw strength from our past to overcome the seemingly bleak future of our planet.

Every day, we write some lines in each chapter of our Book of Life while our faculties are intact. Along that unchartered path, however, like you, I also become impatient to get on the business of living to accomplish all that I dream to do. I am somewhat scared and flummoxed that at the twilight years of my life, there are still many boxes of talents given by god that remained unopened or unutilized! (to be continued next week) *** Email writer: ernie.delfin@gmail.com Website: www.gkerc.com

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Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MonEttE ADEvA MAglAyA

Hubris “The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.”

— Alfred North Whitehead

Long ago in the island of Crete, there lived a man named Daedalus, who was famed for his skills as an inventor. He worked for King Minos. Foremost among his many achievements was building the labyrinth in which the king kept the Minotaur, a fearsome, legendary beast which was half-man and half-bull that fed on human flesh. It was said that anyone who went into the labyrinth never came out of it again because of its complex, undecipherable winding walls and corridors.

Daedalus was brilliant and this was a problem for the king.

Although Daedalus had been giving the king great and loyal service all his life, Minos was deeply insecure and feared that Daedalus who was wise, celebrated and ingenious would, one day challenge him to become king.

As a preemptive move, Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus in a prison tower. The king underestimated Daedalus, for one dark night, father and son escaped from their prison tower. They found out however that it was well nigh impossible to escape the island with the paranoid King Minos sending out an all points bulletin to his mindless minions.

Minos’ soldiers carefully searched every boat that left the island.

Father and son took cover in a remote cave along the shore hidden from the watchful eyes of Minos’ soldiers while Daedalus figured out a way to escape.

Watching the seagulls for hours soaring and diving for food on the shore, Daedalus was struck with the idea of flight as an escape route. He caught one bird and studied the structure and form of its wings and after careful thought, decided to copy how a wing is made. He instructed Icarus to catch seagulls and pluck their feathers. When there were enough feathers, he sewed them together and used melted wax to bind the feathers on a wooden framework.

He created the contraption so skillfully that they looked like a giant replica of a bird’s wings. He customized two pairs of wings for himself and for his son, careful to take each of their individual body weights into consideration.

But having wings was one thing, knowing how to use those wings to fly was another.

So Daedalus strapped his wings and still taking his cue from the seagulls on how to soar, swoop, dive and glide, he proceeded to learn how to fly so that the wings

felt like a seamless part of his arms and his body. He studied wind currents, the waters of the sea and the heat of the sun.

Having gained the skill, he proceeded to teach his son patiently. At first, Icarus stumbled and fell and when he got past the first few fumbles, the youth learned quickly, his lithe, svelte form seemingly destined for flight. He learned to fly like a bird, swooping and diving, gliding and circling about, looking down below at the blue waters and their island prison, now a mere speck from above, and frolicking about overhead, chasing the seagulls and rolling in the clouds. Freedom was a heady drink. Icarus felt complete elation, knew the incredible lightness of being and tasted the sweet freedom of flight.

Then came the day when Daedalus and Icarus were to fly out of Crete. The sun was up, and the wind was mild and Daedalus decided it was an auspicious day to make the great escape.

Daedalus sat his son down and looked him in the eyes for serious pre-flight instructions knowing that once in the air, there would be little chance for communication. “Pay attention, Icarus. Stick close behind me and watch your altitude. Fly too low and the sea with its moisture will make your wings too heavy. Fly too high and the heat of the sun will melt the wax in your wings.

Take heed and stay close.” Icarus nodded agreement but he was far too excited and his mind was already in the sky.

Daedalus took off flapping his wings faster and faster to get vertical lift-off and escape gravity. Icarus followed suit and took off shortly after. As they flew, the people on the ground in Crete watched in amazement wondering whether the winged creatures are the gods themselves flying.

Icarus trailed his father closely at first, following his flight pattern and struggling to take heed of his father’s admonitions. But feeling an overwhelming sense of growing power in his ability to fly, reveling in his freedom and giving in to his impetuous, youthful nature, Icarus deviated a little at first, taking little swoops and side trips and catching up with his father who was intently flying on a steady speed and altitude.

As Icarus swooped, dived and indulged frivolously in his aerial acrobatics, Icarus soon forgot his father’s words and flew higher

and higher towards the noonday sun. Then the wax in his wings melted, the wooden framework broke apart and the feathers blew away. Wingless and panicking, Icarus plunged headlong like deadweight into the blue waters.

Daedalus swooped down in hot pursuit to save his son but it was much too late. All he saw were a few feathers floating on the surface.

Daedalus, with a heavy heart at the tragic loss of his beloved Icarus, managed to fly to Sicily.

In his grief, Daedalus retired his wings, lost his love for life and never flew again. over and over again through the generations, we see this tendency of some of the young ones to “forget” the things they have been taught and allow hubris and folly to rule. Some throw away everything they have learned and painstakingly worked for in one impetuous decision or action. It is as if their overwhelming sense of freedom, newly-attained independence and sense of power goads them to “fly close to the sun.”

Humility gets torpedoed and overweening pride rules.

They feel they no longer need guidance from anyone.

Sometimes a good scare or a tiny thorn of bad experience can be humbling and worth more than a lifetime of warnings, advice and admonitions to nudge prideful youth back to reality and on the straight and narrow.

While we may think that this tendency of the youth today is unique to our times, we only have to look back several thousand years to know that the scenario may have changed, the cast of characters in every generation in every nation may be different, but the predilection for hubris and folly in some of the youth remains the same.

We need to be reminded too that as adults, we were once just as young and just as foolish, perhaps even more so.

But we were lucky and got a pass because life was magnanimous enough to let us get past this harrowing stage with barely a scratch and live long enough to see the cycle repeated in our children.

And on and on until the sun dies, the cycle goes. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Julie Anne San Jose gets candid Singer openly talks about new album, rumored beau

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

ACHIEVIng success could be a difficult one because it may require a lot of hard work, patience and courage. At 22, Julie Anne San Jose had had to overcome hurdles in her journey before being tagged as “Asia’s Pop Sweetheart.”

According to the gMA star, two things make her feel at her worst but said she uses both of them as an inspiration to do better to advance her singing career. She added that she even uses those experiences in writing her own songs.

“There are two memories that drag me to my lowest point, one is when people try to bring me down, as if I did not do anything right, especially when I was just starting out. of course you cannot please them, but for me I am just doing my job,” San Jose told the media during an interview.

“I take it as a challenge and I am just thrilled to do better and I always believe that I can do better,” she said.

Despite people’s doubts on her capabilities since she started her career in 2005, San Jose proved them all wrong when she received the “Diamond Record Award” from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry. This was for her album Julie Anne San Jose that sold more than 150,000 units. Her second album, entitled “Deeper,” also gave her a Triple Platinum Award for reaching sales of more than 45,000 units in the country.

Another thing that makes her sullen is the memory of her father disapproving of her participation in the television singing competition Popstar Kids, where eventually she became a finalist.

“Papa wouldn’t allow me to join Popstar Kids because he didn’t like showbiz, maybe because I was still little then, I

think 12 or 13 years old. He told me to not pursue it because it might ruin my time for school and family. I was just starting out then, so our expenses were bigger than the income I got from the competition,” the young singer said.

“But then, he eventually agreed right after he saw that I really loved what I was doing, because I am really passionate about music, I am passionate about my singing. Before, I was just singing in a choir at the church but when I joined the competition, it became my platform to share with others what I could do. I wanted to inspire people,” San Jose added.

Fruits of perseverance To prove her father wrong, San Jose decided to pursue her studies despite the pressure from her career.

Her efforts did not go to waste, as she was able to graduate last May with a degree in Communication Arts.

She said she is planning to take a master’s degree next year in the same school while teaching Theater Arts.

Adding to her recent achievements, she was able to release her third album under gMA Records, “Chasing The Light.”

The album’s carrier single “naririnig Mo Ba” — and one of her compositions—topped the iTunes digital sales charts even before the release of the actual album.

“The song is about faith in love and the hope of falling in love again, which I think anyone can relate to,” San Jose explained.

july 29-august 4, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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july 29-august 4, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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