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Back from Japan, Duterte calls visit ‘another defining moment’ President rodrigo duterte came home late thursday night, oct. 27 from his three-day state visit to Japan, which he described in his arrival speech at the davao City international Airport as “another defining moment” in Philippine relations with the Land of the rising sun. “i discussed with Prime minister shinzo Abe, in full detail, the state of Philippines-Japan ties and we identified terms of collaboration that would lead to a common path towards the achievement of shared objectives,” he said. “By

all accounts and by any measure, Philippine-Japan ties today are excellent.” he said his meetings with Japanese officials, which he described as “productive,” covered economic, social, political, security issues. he stressed “freedom of navigation and overflight” a key goal that the Philippines agreed to pursue with Japan. that was the same key issue that, just a few days earlier in his state visit to China, he agreed on with President Xi Jianping.

Both the Philippines and Japan have longstanding disputes with China on certain areas of the south China sea. But duterte made it clear that achieving security and stability in the region would also including curbing piracy and other criminal activities in those water. in this, he said: “Japan will play a vital role in modernizing the Philippines’ capacity as a nation with maritime interests to protect.” he added that Japan would rePAGE A2

BACK IN THE RING. Boxing champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao gears up for his fight again Jessie Vargas as he starts the last portion of his training at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. Pacquiao and Vargas on November 5, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

De Lima claims Arroyo, ‘PDAF senators’ in alliance with Duterte against her

USA

DATELINE Trump blames Obama for PH-US separation

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

“And why is that? for simply doing my job as then secretary of Justice and senAtor Leila de Lima accused when i raided Bilibid i was also doing former president and now house dep- my job?”

When she was the justice secretary uty speaker Gloria macapagal-Arroyo, along with whom she tagged as ‘PdAf during the previous Aquino administrasenators,’ to be forming an alliance tion, de Lima filed complaints at the ofwith President rodrigo duterte in an fice of the ombudsman against government officials allegedly involved in the alleged plot to ‘destroy’ her.

“Payback time ang nasa isip nila (is Priority development Assistance fund HAPPY TOGETHER. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo share a laugh before what’s on their minds),” de Lima said (PdAf) scam. in response to President rodrigo duterte’s the signing of a memorandum of agreement on the establishment of a National Child Development Center Among the senators the filed comin a press briefing on thursday, octocall to sever economic and military ties with at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

ManilaTImes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr. ber 27.

PAGE A2 the United states, donald trump blamed President Barack obama for the split. the republican presidential nominee attacked obama for campaigning for democratic nominee hillary Clinton rather than “working.” he criticized the president for being “weak” in maintaining the long-standing alliance between the United states and the Philippines.

by Patricia LourDeS Viray “Why is obama campaigning? he ought Philstar.com to be out working,” trump said at a rally in mAniLA — there are about

by Dana SioSon PAGE A3 the country’s economic 1.4 million less poor filipinos AJPress growth so that filipinos no in 2015 than in 2009, accordsPeAKinG before the fillonger need to search for a ing to the 2015 full Year Povipino community in Japan, job abroad. erty statistics released by the President rodrigo duterte “We have to improve the national economic and develsaid the current genera- economy na hindi ka na baopment Authority (nedA) on tion will be the last wave of balik dito, na kung bumalik thursday, oct. 27. the Us federal Bureau of investigaoverseas filipino workers ka rito, baka-bakasyon na the nedA said that the tion, along with representatives from the country’s poverty incidence (ofWs). lang (so that you do not have national Center for missing and exploited for the whole of 2015 declined “Ang pagtrabaho n’yo sa to come back here, and even Children and several international law en- significantly from 25.2 peribang bansa, hanggang di- if you do, it’s just for vacaforcement partners, rescued 82 minors and cent in 2012 to 21.6 million in yan na lang. next genera- tion),” he said, addressing arrested 239 traffickers and their associates 2015.

Residents sort out plastic bottles and other materials they have rummaged around tion, [sa] Pilipinas na [mag- the migrant workers. in operations carried out in the Philippines, According to the Philip“this has resulted from gen- the streets under a slight rain brought about by Typhoon “Karika” Sunday, Oct. 16, trabaho] (Your work in other thailand and Cambodia. countries will end here.

The pine statistics Authority, 2016 in Manila. erally low and stable inflation, the arrests were made under operation improved incomes, and higher statistics Authority (PsA) in 2015, a family of five next generation will work in there were about 2.4 million Cross Country, an international effort fo- employment rates in the pe- showed that around one out needed around P6,329 per the Philippines),” he said in ofWs in 2015. cusing on underage human trafficking that riod,” the nedA reported. duterte also told the filiof five families were poor in month to meet their minimum his speech after arriving in ran from october 13 to 16, 2016. tokyo on tuesday, october pino community in tokyo data from the Philippines 2015.

PAGE A2 25. about his plan to create an PAGE A3 the president also reiter- ofW bank by buying the ated his promise to boost PAGE A2 from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

1.4 million less poor Filipinos in Duterte wants present 2015 than in 2009, says NEDA generation to be the last batch of OFWs

FBI help rescue dozens of trafficked children

Alice Bulos, ‘Grand Dame of Fil-Am Politics,’ passes away

Alice Bulos

sAn frAnCisCo — Alice Bulos, 86, longtime political leader in the filipino American community passed away friday, oct.

21 at 2:23 p.m. she was rushed to seton medical Center in daly City, California but died of heart failure.

Known as the “Grand dame of filipino American Politics,” she served the filipino community for nearly half a century, mentoring young democratic-leaning leaders and helping the disenfranchised and under-represented groups.

Bulos represented California at the democratic national Conven-

tion five times. she was an appointee of President Bill Clinton to the federal Council on Aging in 1993 and was a delegate to the White house Conference on Aging in 1995. she was also an adviser to several state attorneys general and local elected officials. she was named the 2006 Woman of the Year for California’s 19th Assembly district. in 1972, Bulos resigned as the chairwoman of the University of santo tomas sociology department to join her husband, the late mr. dony Bulos, in the United states. together they founded the filipino American Grassroots

movement, a voter registration drive designed to involve filipinos in the political process.

Bulos also served as the charter president of the fil-Am democratic Club in san mateo County, the regional chair of the national filipino American Women’s network and Board member of the national Asian/Pacific democratic Council.

As an advocate on behalf of underrepresented groups, Bulos chaired the filipino American democratic Caucus and was an outspoken advocate for the rights and benefits of filipino veterans PAGE A2

President Rodrigo Duterte

A

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From the Front Page

1.4 million less poor Filipinos in...

PAGE A1 basic food needs, the PSA said.

To meet their minimum basic food and nonfood needs, a family of five needed around P9,064 monthly in 2015.

The PSA also reported that 57 out of 1,000 or an estimated 1.3 million families did not have sufficient income to meet their basic food needs.

Subsistence incidence covers 81 of 1,000 Filipinos in 2015, the report said. Subsistence incidence refers to the proportion of Filipinos in extreme poverty.

“Decrease in poverty incidence was observed in all regions and eased disparities across regions,” the NEDA said.

The largest drop incidence was observed in Regions 11

(Davao) and 12 (Soccsksargen) from 2012 to 2015.

The National Capital Region recorded the highest poverty threshold in 2015 while the lowest was from Region 4-B (Mimaropa).

“If a family lives in NCR, then they will need higher income in NCR compared to other regions,” the PSA said.

Poverty incidence refers to the number of households with an income below the poverty threshold. Poverty threshold, on the other hand, refers to the minimum income required to afford basic food and nonfood needs.

The NEDA stressed that the government needs to pay more attention to lagging regions, especially those in Mindanao.

“Underemployment is still steep among regions with high poverty incidence, signaling low earning capacity of the poor,” the NEDA said.

The NEDA’s goal is to reduce poverty to 13 or 15 percent by 2022. This goal will be driven by rural and regional development, and addressing capacity constraints in other sectors.

“Improved poverty reduction indicates that goal to eradicate poverty in Philippines is very possible and highly achievable,” NEDA Director Reynaldo Cancio said.

BIG DEALS. President Duterte comes up with a hefty $19 billion in proposed investments to the Philippines at the end of his official visit to Japan. He and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inspect the honor guard before the start of their bilateral talks at Abe’s office in Tokyo.

Malacañang photo

Back from Japan, Duterte calls...

PAGE A1 main a top trading partner of the Philippines.

After his talks with Japanese officials, he said: “It was clear to me that Japan is and will always remain a true friend of the Philippines.”

During his visit to China,

Duterte made remarks about separating from the United States, a longtime ally, which worried Japan, another US ally, although the Philippines and US fought side by side against Japan during the Second World War. On his return from his visit to

China, Duterte clarified that he only meant pursuing policies independent of the US. After his speech on arriving from Japan, Duterte gave a news conference during which he did not curse, having made a vow during his return trip to refrain from doing so. (Inquirer.net)

during the campaign period.

President Duterte is currently in Japan on a three-day official visit to discuss “greater politicosocial and defense cooperation particularly in maritime domain awareness and maritime security.”

“I go to Japan with full trust

that we can understand each other and Japan will understand my position vis-à-vis with the foreign policy that I want to implement. It’s just a question of a policy that is really truly Filipino,” Duterte said at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport prior to his departure.

Alice Bulos, Duterte wants present generation to...

‘Grand Dame...

PAGE A1

Philippine Postal Savings Bank PAGE A1 (PostBank), a government thrift who served during World War bank that provides services in II. She also supported workers the ‘unbanked’ areas of the at the San Francisco Interna- country. tional Airport by helping them A bank that would specialize unionize. in OFW services were among his Before her health delined she promises to the migrant workers was a constant presence in community affairs and was also a board member of the San Mateo County Chapters of the American Heart Association, Ameri- PAGE A1 can Lung Association, American plaints against were former Red Cross, Community Initia- Senate Minority Leader Juan tive on Multiculturalism and Ponce Enrile, and Senator Rathe Northern California Disaster mon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Jose Preparedness Network.

“Jinggoy” Estrada.

Bulos is survived by daughter Asked if she was referring Elizabeth Ramilo, sister Lourdes to the three senators charged Reyes and three grandchildren. in the PDAF scam, she replied: (Inquirer.net) “Baka hindi naman tatlo, baka hindi yung lahat ng tatlo. (Maybe not all three.)”

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

“Dahil nga mag-kakampi na sila ngayon, may political alliances sila, GMA (Arroyo) forces, and then yung mga PDAF senators. Alam ko meron silang mga tao na mga inuutusan diyan to also make my life difficult,” De Lima said.

(Because they were now on a team, that they have political alliances, GMA forces, and then PDAF senators. I know they were authorizing some people here to make my life difficult) She claimed that they have formed an alliance with President Duterte.

“Nakapasok sila sa Pangulo, naka-access na sila sa kanya politically and therefore ginagamit nila yung galit sakin ng Pangulo para tulungan ang Pangulo for their own respective agenda, which is also to get back to me,” the senator remarked.

(They have access with the president politically and therefore, using the president’s anger against me to help him for their own respective agenda, which is also to get back at me.)

De Lima also noted an incident in the past when she stopped Arroyo from seeking medical treatment outside the country in

De Lima claims Arroyo, ‘PDAF senators’ in...

2011 when she was the Justice Secretary.

The former president was unable to take her flight despite a Supreme Court (SC) order to watch list orders against her.

De Lima had said that during that time, she ordered the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to maintain the watch list order since they didn’t receive a copy of the command from the the SC. House Minority Bloc to file raps against De Lima Meanwhile, the House Minority Bloc, led by Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, recommended charging De Lima over her alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Drug Trade.

In the report released by the bloc on Thursday, October 27, they claimed De Lima violated Section 8 or the Manufacture of Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Acts of 2002, According to the group’s report, she also violated the R.A 9165 Section 27 or the Criminal Liability of a Public Officer or Employee for Misappropriation, Misapplication or Failure to Account for the Confiscated, Seized or Surrendered Dangerous Drugs, Plant Sources of Dangerous Drugs, Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals, Instruments/Paraphernalia and/or Laboratory Equipment Including the Proceeds or Properties Obtained from the Unlawful Act Committed.

“Ang Secretary of Justice mismo ang dahilan bakit nagkaroon ng kalakalan ng droga sa Muntinlupa para makapagraise ng pondo sa eleksyon ng kalihim ng Departamento ng Katarungan,” Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque said.

(It was the Secretary of Justice the reason herself why the drug trade in Muntinlupa occurred, so she could raise her campaign funds) The bloc said De Lima could also be charged for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees over her alleged direct and indirect bribery, and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for allegedly acquiring money out of proportion to her salary.

“Assuming it cannot be proven with certainty why De Lima has been receiving large sums of money, she can still be liable for having unexplained wealth,” the report read.

Suarez said they would submit the report to the plenary and recommend De Lima’s prosecution when sessions reopens in November.

Earlier on October 11, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) filed a complaint against De Lima and her alleged cohorts for their supposed involvement in the NBP drug trade.

The complaint cited the violation of Section 26 (b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or the attempt attempt or conspiracy in sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical.

A similar complaint was also jointly filed by former National Bureau of Investigation Deputy Directors Ruel Lasala and Reynaldo Esmeralda on Thursday, October 13.

On the other hand, the House committee on Justice would not recommend the prosecution of De Lima, according to panel chair Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali on October 17.

FLOWER POWER. Just a few days before All Saints’ Day or “Undas,” prices of flowers being sold at Dangwa (after the bus company of the same name) in Manila’s Dimasalang area had gone up. Sellers blame the two recent typhoons that struck the country for the higher tags.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

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A

Electric trucks and buses can reduce pollution and create job opportunities New report details public health and economic benefits of cleaner heavy-duty vehicle

SAIL-BY. SAIL-BY This US Navy photo obtained October 21 shows An MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49, as it takes off from the flight deck aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) on September 14 in the Sea of Japan. A US destroyer sailed close to a string of islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on October 21, the Pentagon said, amid continued tensions in the contested waterway.

US Navy photo by Specialist 3rd Class Gerlad Dudley Reynolds

American couple face trafficking, child abuse raps

by Leo

Udtohan Philstar.com

TAGBILARAN CITY — Charges of human trafficking and child abuse were filed against an American couple for running an orphanage here without a permit.

Matthew Dwinells, 56, and his wife, Dalisay, 63, were detained at the National Bureau of Investigation office here pending resolution of the complaint at the prosecutor’s office.

Attached in the complaint was the joint affidavit of six personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), alleging that the The couple could not show proof that the parents of the 25 minors—13 girls and 12 boys—and 13 others, aged 18 and 19, allowed them to bring their children to Bohol province. Of the 38 children and teens rescued from the orphanage, 35 were from Bohol, two from Leyte province and one from Negros Island.

The Dwinells couple are missionaries who identify themselves

as directors of the Street Kids Philippine Mission, which has been operating for six years. It rescues street kids in Cebu City.

The couple operated an orphanage in a two-story house in Barangay Bool in this city that was raided by NBI agents on Oct. 22 on the request of the DSWD. Interviewed at his detention cell, Matthew claimed they were merely delayed in processing documents needed for the permit to run the orphanage.

He dismissed allegations of human trafficking, saying they sought consent from the parents of the 38 children. He could not, however, present a written proof.

The couple showed a permit from the Office of the Mayor in Dauis town that authorized them to run an orphanage there. The permit, however, expired on Dec. 31, 2015.

“I am not making money from these kids and if I do, I am really a bad person,” Matthew said.

“I love the Philippines. I love the kids. We have done noth-

ing wrong. We have nothing to hide.”

Matthew clarified that only 32 were under their custody because the six others were with another group living in the same house.

Lawyer Arcelito Albao, supervising agent of NBI Bohol, said the Dwinells couple might have used the children to raise money from foreign donors “for personal gain.”

But Matthew said the orphanage raised money to fund the education of the children and provide them shelter and food.

He said the children were free to leave the center as they pleased and with their families’ consent.

Now that the orphanage had been closed down, Matthew was worried that the children would not be able to go to school.

“And they called it a rescue when the kids were happy, healthy and eating? They were keeping our kids when they were supposed to be in school…

That’s a rescue? They were not rescuing anybody, it’s a joke,” Matthew said.

Worker’s initiative celebrates one year of advocacy ahead of Larry Itliong Day by eric

anthony Licas AJPress

LOS ANGELES – Stephanie Ong couldn’t have anticipated the harsh working environment she would find herself in after travelling to the U.S. from the Philippines for on-the-job training in the hotel and resort management industry.

She was physically and verbally abused, given an impossible workload, frequently threatened with deportation and denied overtime pay. After she had been injured by a housekeeping cart that ran over her foot, her supervisors said the La Salle University student’s English was too poor for them to transfer her to a non-menial position.

When Ong looked in the mirror, she could see the evidence of her employer’s mistreatment.

“I was so skinny, paper thin, and pale like a scavenger,” she told people gathered to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the

EMPLEO-Pinoy during the Larry Itliong Parade at St. Columban’s Church on Saturday, October 22. “This was the first time I’ve talked to people about this because, back then, I didn’t have the courage to talk.”

Her fears echo the struggles of workers throughout history who suffered abuse at the hands of their employers and lived in fear of retaliation. Ong’s story reminded those in attendance at the public gathering held three days ahead of the holiday celebrating the Filipino labor leader’s birthday on Tuesday, October 25 that the fight for fair treatment continues into the present.

Before finding the nerve to tell her story in public, Ong reached out to the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC). The nonprofit connected her to mental health professionals to help her cope with the trauma she had endured.

They also directed her to the services of the EMPLEO-Pinoy

initiative, which helped her find justice and secure her immigration status.

The initiative pairs the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Philippine Consulate, and organizations like the PWC to stop wage theft, employee abuse and child labor and to inform all workers of their rights.

“If you are a worker working in the united states, regardless of your immigration status, as a worker you have rights,” said WHD Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist, Ralph Valles. “As a partner with EMPLEO-Pinoy Pinoy, the Wage and Hour Division is here to help.”

Workers who believe they may be the experiencing unfair working conditions, or employers who are unsure if they are in compliance with labor laws can reach out to EMPLEO-Pinoy by dialing its hotline at (877)-8856641.

FBI help rescue dozens of trafficked...

PAGE A1 In the Philippines, using information from the FBI, law enforcers recovered two boys, aged 5 and 11, and a two-year-old girl.

Authorities arrested five adults who ran a web-streaming service for individuals who would pay for access to livestreaming sexual abuse, as well as access to the children for the purpose

of illegal sexual acts.

“Operation Cross Country aims to shine a spotlight into the darkest corners of our society that seek to prey on the most vulnerable of our population,” FBI Director James Brien Comey said. “As part of this effort, we are not only looking to root out those who engage in the trafficking of minors, but

through our Office for Victim Assistance, we offer a lifeline to minors to help them escape from a virtual prison no person ever deserves.”

Operation Cross Country is part of the FBI’s Innocence Lost Initiative, which began in 2003 and has yielded more than 6,000 child identifications and locations. (ManilaTimes.net)

Trump blames Obama for PH-US...

PAGE A1 North Carolina on Friday, October 21.

“The heads of the Philippines, they’re so angry.

[Duterte] leaves for China, [and] he’s now negotiating with China,” Trump said.

“We’ve been with the Philippines for, practically, forever.

They’re a very important strategic ally, and what happens?

China and Russia are probably going to take it, and I see [Obama] campaigning for Crooked Hillary, come on.”

Duterte’s anti-American rhetoric has sparked concern over the Philippine/U.S. alliance, which has remained since 1946 when the Philippines became an independent nation. According to a survey from Pew Research Center, 92 percent of Filipinos

hold a favorable opinion of the United States.

The Philippine president made international headlines when he announced a separation from the United States and a move to establish relations with China.

He later clarified his statements saying that he did not mean a separation of diplomatic and “social” relations, but strictly for economic and military reasons, as previously reported by the Asian Journal.

“There are three of us against the world: China, Philippines, Russia,” Duterte said.

Countering Duterte’s plans to cozy up to China, a recent poll from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) reported that more Filipinos trust the U.S. over China. The survey showed that

76 percent of Filipinos exhibit “much trust” for the U.S. China paled in comparison, garnering a 22 percent rating in the same category.

Duterte has also expressed plans to establish an alliance with Russia. When probed about whether he supports Trump or Clinton, Duterte dodged the question and opted to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin who has also expressed antiAmerican sentiments.

“I cannot gamble an answer.

Because either way it would affect, you know, they might create a hostility here, antagonism here. So I am better off in saying that my favorite hero is Putin,” the Philippine president told reporters upon arriving in Davao City from China on Friday.

(Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

OAKLAND, Calif. — California’s emerging market for electric buses and trucks provides a significant opportunity to improve public health in communities most affected by traffic-related pollution and to bring jobs to people who need them most, according to a new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Greenlining Institute.

The report, “Delivering Opportunity: How Electric Buses and Trucks Can Create Jobs and Improve Public Health in California,” examines the state of electric vehicle technology and its potential for reducing pollution from heavy-duty vehicles while creating job opportunities for underserved communities.

With the right policies and investments to speed the conversion of trucks and buses to electric power, the report concludes that California can clean its air, cut global warming emissions, and create a more equitable economy.

“Advances in technology are making it possible to expand the market for electric heavy-duty vehicles,” said co-author Jimmy O’Dea, a UCS vehicles analyst.

“With transportation the biggest source of pollution in California, reducing harmful tailpipe emissions from diesel trucks and buses should be the next frontier in fighting pollution and climate change.”

Powering heavy-duty vehicles with electricity will improve air quality and public health, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color that bear the greatest burdens of traffic-related pollution in California, according to the report.

The emerging industry also has the potential to produce wellpaid manufacturing jobs.

“Electric trucks and buses – their manufacture as well as their maintenance – can be a great source of jobs for those left out of the economic recovery,” said co-author Joel Espino, legal counsel for environmental equity at the Greenlining Institute. “But it won’t happen automatically. We need to create effective training programs, particularly ones that focus on electrical skills, to improve access to jobs in this emerging sector for low-skilled workers.”

Other findings of the report include: • Heavy-duty vehicles are the single largest source of smogproducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) in California and produce more particulate matter (PM) than all of the state’s power plants combined. These vehicles also account for 7 percent of California’s global warming emissions – an amount projected to increase as freight shipments grow.

• Electric-powered heavy-duty vehicles are up to four times as energy efficient as diesel and natural gas engines, while being quieter and boasting similar if not better acceleration times and ability to climb hills.

• Ranges of over 100 miles per charge, and charging and refueling times under 20 minutes have been made possible by today’s battery and fuel cell technologies.

Some leading electric bus and truck manufacturers in California pay assemblers $13 to $20 per hour to start, higher than the overall median pay for assemblers in California, which ranges from $12.60 to $14.37 per hour.

Leading electric bus and truck companies in California typically require 1-3 years of related experience for assemblers, a high-

er standard than general manufacturing assembler jobs. This restricts entry for low-skilled workers from underserved communities, but effective hiring and job training programs (currently lacking in this emerging field) could overcome that barrier.

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe and sustainable future. For more information, go to www. ucsusa.org.

Founded in 1993, The Greenlining Institute envisions a nation where communities of color thrive and race is never a barrier to economic opportunity. Because people of color will be the majority of our population by 2044, America will prosper only if communities of color prosper.

Greenlining advances economic opportunity and empowerment for people of color through advocacy, community and coalition building, research, and leadership development.

For more information, go to: www.greenlining.org.

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California’s RN wages now highest SFPD-PNP exchange training program in the nation, federal data show terminated due to drug war deaths

by AnA

B. IBArrA California Healthline

DEBORAH Burger, co-president of the California Nurses Association, says that when she started her career as an intensive care unit nurse in the 1970s, a grocery clerk made more money than she did.

Things have changed quite a bit since then, especially in California.

Registered nurses in the Golden State earn $100,000 a year on average, more than their counterparts anywhere else in the country, according to recently-released data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The average hourly wage for registered nurses in California is $48.68 an hour, the 2015 data shows.

California also employs the most registered nurses — 255,010 last year. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale metropolitan area alone employs 70,810 nurses. The only other region employing more than that is New York-Jersey City.

Burger, who practices in Sonoma County, said appreciation for the value of nurses has grown over time. Their wages started rising in the early 2000s, and the female-dominated field began to see some parity with other occupations, such as law enforcement. A 1999 California law mandating specific nurseto-patient ratios also played a role in boosting registered nurse wages.

“I think nurses themselves really started to understand that hospitals don’t function without them and they are indispensable for patient safety,” Burger said.

Nurses in Hawaii and Massachusetts earn nearly as much as those in California, with average annual salaries of $90,000 and $88,000, respectively. The national average salary for a registered nurse is $71,000.

This makes sense, experts say, considering that living expenses in those three states are high. In addition, the nurse’s union has a strong presence in California.

Dr. Joanne Spetz, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, said that despite the high statewide average, it is impor-

by DAnA

SIoSon AJPress

THE San Francisco Police District (SFPD) in California has put an end to its 16 year-long exchange training program with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to reports from California news station KPIX, retired SFPD Lieutenant Eric Quema said the turmoils in the Philippines affects the segments of the program.

The partnership training was cut off due to the alleged violation of human rights and the rising death toll in relation to the Philippine government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

“It just gets worse and worse.

Economically, because of this controversy, it’s affecting every

segment of making us a better nation and a better people, so it’s disappointing to me,” Quema said.

However, he pointed out that he will not judge the Philippines’s war on drugs.

“This is someone else’s country, maybe you should live in there and see how it is. It doesn’t justify it or not, but maybe it will give you a better perspective on why they’re coming on so hard,” Quema said.

Records from PNP revealed that 1,645 drug suspects were killed from July to October 15 while 22,791 were arrested and 734,231 individuals surrendered to the authorities.

Quema then suggested to “try to get some diplomatic talking and communication going on because

fighting back and forth just drags everybody down, breaks ties that have been historically there for years.”

In its website, the SFPD earlier said the Philippine Exchange Program was “dedicated to the exchange of law enforcement skills and knowledge, and to the fostering of camaraderie between officers in the Philippines and San Francisco.”

It also said that the exchange training is “regarded as the first formal training program established between a U.S. law enforcement agency and the PNP.” Last year, the SFPD operated charity works in Philippine schools and helped with the training of Filipino cops.

The SFPD also donated equipments to the PNP.

Illinois suspends Fil-Am doc for ‘improper’ prescriptions tant to consider regional wage differences. “California is a big state and there is lots of variation,” she said.

A nurse working in Bakersfield probably isn’t making the same salary as one in San Francisco, Spetz said. Incomes of nurses on the pricey Westside of Los Angeles, and in the Bay Area, most likely drive the averages up, Spetz said.

The ten locations in the U.S. that pay the highest salaries to registered nurses are all located in California. At top are nurses in San Francisco, who earn $133,000 per year, on average. The city is also known for having the highest rents in the nation.

Other high-paying regions for California registered nurses include Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Sacramento and Modesto.

Spetz said another reason behind the higher salaries for RNs is that California’s licensed vocational nurses — who receive less training than registered nurses — are not allowed to do as much as their counterparts in other states. For example, LVNs in California cannot administer medication through an intravenous line. This results in a higher demand for registered nurses, who are paid accordingly, Spetz said.

In 1999, California passed a law that established minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hos-

pitals, driving up demand for registered nurses in particular.

In a 2009 study, Spetz and colleagues found that from 2000 to 2006, registered nurses in California’s urban centers saw their wages rise by as much as 12 percent more than RNs in other states.

After the implementation of the nurse-to-staff ratios, “wage growth for RNs far outstripped wage growth in other states without such legislation,” the study says.

High demand, the high cost of living and union power underlie the higher salaries of California’s registered nurses.

Burger said the nurse’s union has also played a role in assuring that nurses have access to pension plans and that they retire with health benefits. And that’s something that some non-unionized nurses still don’t receive, she said.

There’s also been a culture shift. A registered nurse’s job is no longer to simply carry out a doctor’s orders; there are more functions and responsibilities, Burger said. “We’re also now writing orders that doctors sign off on,” she said. “It’s a little bit of everything.”

(This story was produced

by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.)

by MArIAno

A. SAntoS

Inquirer.net

CHICAGO – State regulators suspended the license of a Filipino American doctor who allegedly prescribed narcotics improperly to patients he suspected were drug dealers.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations “yanked the license” of Dr. Ernesto Estor Jr., a family physician connected with two medical groups and two Chicago area for allegedly “prescribing more than 569,000 doses of controlled substances over a year and a half,” according to an NBC News report on Oct. 7, Estor reportedly told U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigators he had “legit” patients and “west side” patients, but he was “cutting down on the druggies.”

The NBC report also said that the “Estor’s patient records show him prescribing commonly abused opioid painkillers, cough medicine with codeine and sedatives without proper physical exams. A pharmacist raised concerns about Estor’s prescribing in at least one case.”

Until recently, Estor was part of a group of physicians at Broadway Medical Group in Chicago’s uptown area and Prima Medicus, LLC., at the city’s northside.

He was also known to treat patients at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago and St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. He was also a visiting physician employed by several Filipino American-owned home health care providers in the Chicago area.

A graduate of the University of the East Medical School in Metro Manila, he also took residency certification courses in Family Medicine at the University of Illinois in Rockford. His online resume states that he is multilingual, speaking English, Filipino, Vietnamese, Spanish and Polish.

Dr. Ernesto Estor, accused of improperly prescribing controlled substances.

Online ratings on quality of medical services gave numerous positive comments on Estor.

“Very satisfied,” “excellent bedside manner,” ”very down to earth, nice and comfortable,” “very knowledgeable and helpful,” “I highly recommend Dr. Estor,” are some of his patients’ comments online.

NBC News sought comment from Estor’s attorney about the allegations, but its email wasn’t immediately answered.

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A

DSWD chief: Foreign aid not yet needed for typhoon victims

by Dana

M. SioSon

AJPress

A resident prepares to fish in the waters off Barangay Inhobol in Masinloc, Zambales yesterday. President Duterte said Filipino fisherfolk may be able to return to the China-held Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.

Philstar.com photo by Walter Bollozos

Disagreement on terms impedes fishing proposal in Scarborough shoal

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

Although China has reportedly agreed to allow Filipino fishermen to fish in Scarborough (Panatag) shoal, a formal written agreement has yet to be signed.

According to Kabayan Rep. harry Roque, the Philippines refused to accept China’s choice of words.

Roque was with President Rodrigo Duterte in his recent four-day state visit to Beijing last week. “the reason it was not formally announced, and that it was not put in writing, is we don’t want to use the word ‘allow’ or ‘permit,’ because it will [contradict] the hague ruling,” Roque said in a press briefing at the house of Representatives on Wednesday, october 26. last July, the united Nations Arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that the Scarborough Shoal is a traditional and common fishing ground, nulling China’s ninedash line claim. the China, however, repeatedly refused to accept the rul-

ing, calling it a “mere piece of paper.”

“And I understand that is what has kept them from reducing into writing this agreement that would resume the fishing of our fishermen in Scarborough Shoal,” Roques said.

Asked how he would phrase the agreement instead, Roque suggested “to recognize that the Philippines and China have had Scarborough Shoal as traditional fishing grounds.”

“But that might be problematic because that’s borrowing the language of the international tribunal,” he said. however, he assured that China and Philippines both “more or less agree that Filipinos should resume fishing” in the disputed shoal.

“I cannot predict when it will happen but we hope soon. It’s now a matter of finding alternative words,” Roque said.

Regarding the artificial islands built by China, he remarked that the Philippines do not need to negotiate on its status. “on the artificial islands, the tribunal was very clear, since these artificial islands are built

thE Philippines is not asking for foreign assistance since the government has sufficient funds to cover relief operations for the victims of typhoon “Karen” (international name Sarika) and Super typhoon “lawin” (international name haima), according to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy taguiwalo.

“Mga mahal naming kababayan, kaunting paliwanag po: hindi tayo humihingi ng foreign assistance o donations mula sa ibang bansa para sa Karen o lawin dahil nakitang may sapat na pondo ang gobyerno at mga ahensya nito para saklolohan ang mamamayang apektado (To our fellow countrymen, just a little explanation: we are not asking assistance or donations from other countries for victims of Karen and Lawin because our government and departments have sufficient funds to help the citizens affected),” taguiwalo said in a Facebook post on Sunday, october 23. the DSWD secretary said that Philippines should not be relying on foreign assistance when it can stand in its own feet.

Replying to a comment in the post, she said the government acquired a large amount of foreign donations for the victims of

within our EEZ, only the Philippines can build these islands. the translation there is that we own the artificial islands. But when China will actually cease to use these artificial islands as military bases, of course, is something that will have to be agreed upon,” Roque said.

According to him, the next issue that was needed to be discussed is the contention of territorial claims.

“What we need to negotiate henceforth, really, is how to resolve conflicting territorial claims to islands which were not pronounced upon by the tribunal because the tribunal is bereft of jurisdiction on this matter in the first place,” Roque said. last Sunday, october 22, President Duterte remarked that Filipinos might soon be allowed to fish again in Scarborough Shoal.

“We’ll just wait for a few more days. We may be able to return to the Scarborough Shoal and our countrymen may be able to fish there again,” the president said in a speech during his visit to typhoon victims in tuguegForeign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. arao.

Super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. until now, it is not clear where most of the donations went, stating that many did not receive the benefit from the aid.

“Pagsisikapan natin na paghusayin at linisin ang sistema ng relief and assistance distribution nang walang halong pulitika (We will make sure to enhance and clean the system of relief and assistance distribution without the influence of politics),” taguiwalo said. however, she clarified that the government was open to aid and donations, including foreign assistance from “friends” who will not impose conditions in return.

In fact, according to Romina Marasigan, the spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the ASEAN Coordinating Center for humanitarian Assistance (AhA Center), the World health organization (Who) and united Nations Children’s Fund (uNICEF) were on standby to provide help.

Also ready to provide assistance once requested are the Philippine Disaster Relief Foundation (PDRF), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and World Vision.

Marasigan added that the united Nations Population Fund (uNFPA) also pledged “dignity and maternity tents” for pregnant

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

and lactating mothers. on Monday, october 24, the Chinese Embassy said in a statement that it donated P50 million for the “disaster relief of farmers and fishermen in the affected regions.”

Meanwhile, the Red Cross Society of China said it will also provide “humanitarian aid of $100,000 to the Philippines.”

According to the Cagayan provincial disaster risk reduction and management council, four people were killed, 11 injured, while P5.7 billion worth of crops and P433.8 million worth of infrastructure were damaged after Super typhoon lawin struck Northern luzon last Wednesday, october 19. on the other hand, typhoon Karen caused an initial damage of P53 million to the agriculture sector as it hit the Bicol region on Sunday, october 16, according to NDRRMC.

Yasay: Independent foreign policy does not signify breaking alliances

by Patricia LourDeS Philstar.com

Viray

MANIlA — Pursuing an independent foreign policy does not signify destroying alliances or making enemies, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said during the celebration of the united Nations (uN) Day on Monday, oct. 24. the Philippines’ top diplomat stressed that the country will pursue what is best for its national interests in accordance with international law. “to be able to hold on to one’s

own, while simultaneously exercising flexibility and striking a strategic balance between converging or conflicting interests, form the bases of a foreign policy that is independent and pragmatic,” Yasay said in his speech at the SM Mall of Asia Music hall in Pasay City.

Yasay stressed that the Philippines will continue to expand partnerships and prioritize its own interests like other nations.

“It is the sovereign right of a country to make its own choices in accordance with its own rePAGE A7

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october 28-november 3, 2016 • oc/Ie ASIAn JoUrnAL

OpiniOn

Features

Bad apples

AS the saying goes, it only takes one rotten apple to ruin the whole bunch because the decay can quickly spread to the good ones.

Such is the case of police officers, whose indiscretion left at least 50 individuals hurt as the dispersal of protestors in front of the United States Embassy in Manila turned violent last Wednesday, October 19.

A van, driven by a police officer, repeatedly rammed protesters who gathered near the embassy.

The groups that protested were part of the national minority and peasant groups from across the country who came to demand an end to the presence of U.S. troops in the Philippines, and to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for an independent foreign policy.

The man behind the wheel, PO3 Franklin Kho, and eight other police officers involved in the violent dispersal were relieved from duty by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

Kho will also be facing criminal charges for serious physical injuries and will be held liable for gross misconduct, particularly violation of existing police operation procedures.

Meanwhile, despite valiant efforts by the government to thwart the proliferation illegal drugs in the

country, there are still police personnel who have tested positive for the use of illegal drugs.

According to recent reports, 174 police personnel have tested positive for the use of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. Of that number, 167 are uniformed, while the highest ranking official among those who tested positive is a senior inspector.

It is an unpleasant sight to see for officers you expect to uphold the law and apprehend criminals, as the same people the citizenry should be afraid of. It is a betrayal of trust and a degradation of peace and security.

At the forefront of these scandals is the 160,000strong Philippine National Police (PNP), the central government unit in charge of ensuring the public’s safety and purging misfits from the streets, and now from its organization.

PNP Crime Laboratory director Chief Superintendent Aurelio Trampe Jr. said this figure is alarming.

Philstar.com photo “I think it’s alarming because we are supposed to implement the law and they are violating the law cleaning its ranks. active civic participation for a more proactive apthey are supposed to implement,” Trampe said as The government has already implemented a “zero proach in crime deterrence and an effective civilian he assured that the organization is committed to tolerance” for rogue cops and encourages a more oversight of the police force. (AJPress)

Editorial

Pres. Trump or Pres. Clinton? We’ll know in less than 2 weeks

IN less than two weeks, we know who will be the 45th President of the United States. Have you mailed out your ballots? Are you voting in precincts near you? Or are you staying home, ranting about the problems that beset the country, yet do nothing?

Let me share with you the long and winding road that got us to where we are now — with the right of suffrage — the power to choose the leaders of the nation. Read this and do not take our right and obligation to vote for granted. This is from the White House: One of the most important rights of American citizens is the franchise — the right to vote. Originally under the Constitution, only white male citizens over

the age of 21 were eligible to vote. This The Fil-Am shameful injustice has been corrected and vot- Perspective ing rights have been extended several times over the course of our history. Today, citizens over the age of 18 can- geL sAntos-reLos not be denied the right to vote, regardless of race, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation. However, in every state except North Dakota, citizens must register to vote, and laws regarding the registration process vary by state.

The path to full voting rights for all American citizens was long and of-

ten challenging. The franchise was first extended to African Americans under the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution, passed during the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. These guaranteed that all male citizens, regardless of their race, would receive equal treatment under the law and not be deprived of their rights without due process. The Fifteenth Amendment is specifically dedicated to protecting the right of all citizens to vote, regardless of their race.

For practical purposes, this was not the end of the voting rights struggle for African Americans. Because of widespread discrimination in some states, including the use of poll taxes, grandfather clauses, and literacy tests, African Americans were not assured full voting rights until President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the Nineteenth Amendment was passed. Prior to that, women had only been able to vote in select states.

Federal elections occur every two years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Every member

Blowing up Obama’s pivot, Scarborough not worth a war Opinion

yen MAkAbentA BEFORE President Duterte’s “separation from America” declaration is reduced to a mere quibble over semantics, I want to call attention to two toughminded US commentaries on the South China Sea dispute that sharply contrast with the oftentimes tender-minded Filipino view of PH-US relations.

The two commentaries are: First, “The Philippines Just Blew Up Obama’s Asia Pivot,” Bloomberg, Oct. 21, 2016, by Eli Lake.

Lake argues that Duterte’s pivot to China blows up Obama’s pivot to Asia, and he lays the blame entirely on President Obama and his hemming-andhawing foreign policy.

Second, “Is Scarborough Shoal Worth a War?” Human Events?,” May 24, 2016, by Patrick J. Buchanan.

Buchanan, presidential speechwriter of Richard Nixon, and one-time US presidential candidate, contends that America should not necessarily fight China if China begins to reclaim and militarize Scarborough Shoal.

Duterte’s pivot blows up Obama’s pivot Lake, the Bloomberg columnist, posted his commentary soon after President Duterte’s separation remark in Beijing landed on the front pages and newscasts all over the world.

Lake’s commentary is striking for squarely laying the blame for the seeming collapse of the Philippine-US relationship on President Obama.

I quote his article at length below: “Does anyone remember President Barack Obama’s pivot

to Asia? The plan was to focus diplomatic and military assets in East Asia to contain a rising China. It was one of the reasons Obama said he was shrinking the American footprint in the Middle East.

Well, the pivot is failing. On Thursday, Oct. 20, the president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, announced to an audience at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing a “separation” with the US. “America has lost now,” he said. “And maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world: China, Philippines and Russia. It’s the only way….”

Duterte’s own government appears to have been kept out of the loop about this new alliance.

On Friday, Duterte himself said he did not mean to imply that he would cut diplomatic ties with the US….

Regardless, this is a big story.

The Philippines has been an important US ally since the beginning of the cold war. What’s more, the Obama administration has invested in the country as part of its pivot to Asia. In 2014 the two countries signed an enhanced defense cooperation agreement. When the Philippines brought a case against China at The Hague over China’s artificial islands in its territorial waters, the US supported the Philippines diplomatically.

In July, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines. This would have been an opportunity for the US to turn the screws on China. But instead the Obama White House encouraged China and the Philippines to resolve the matter themselves after the ruling of the international tribunal.

At the end of August, Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters that the US was not interested in “fanning the flames of conflict but rather trying to encourage the parties to resolve their disputes and claims through the

legal process and through diplomacy.”

Duterte has now taken Kerry’s advice. After announcing his country’s new alignment with China, Duterte signed a series of trade agreements worth $13.5 billion, along with a promise to continue bilateral negotiations over the South China Sea. Dan Blumenthal, the director of Asia studies at the American Enterprise Institute, told me Friday that the Obama administration had fumbled. “After the tribunal decision, our response was to tell Duterte to tamp down tensions and talk bilaterally with China, and there was no evidence of follow-up by us in terms of our own military exercises or diplomatic initiatives to enforce the findings of the tribunal,” he said. “There has been next to nothing on this.

We still haven’t had a Freedom of Navigation mission that actually challenges the Chinese artificial islands.”….

The Obama administration acted as if international law would implement itself. But it never works that way. The rule-based system Obama endorses requires a great power to defend it.”

Scarborough not worth a war I will give Buchanan’s piece on Scarborough Shoal equal treatment by quoting it at length here: He wrote: “If China begins to reclaim and militarize Scarborough Shoal, says Philippines President Benigno S. Aquino III, America must fight.

Should we back down, says Aquino, the United States will lose “its moral ascendancy, and also the confidence of one of its allies.”

And what is Scarborough Shoal?

A cluster of rocks and reefs, 123 miles west of Subic Bay, that sits astride the passageway out of the South China Sea into the Pacific, and is well within Manila’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

Beijing and Manila both claim Scarborough Shoal. But, in June 2013, Chinese ships swarmed and chased off a fleet of Filipino fishing boats and naval vessels.

The Filipinos never came back.

And now that China has converted Fiery Cross Reef and Mischief Reef into artificial islands with docks and air bases, Beijing seems about to do the same with Scarborough Shoal.

“Scarborough is a red line,” says Gregory Poling of the Center for Strategic and International studies. To allow China to occupy and militarize the reef “would clearly change the balance of power.”

Really? But before concluding that we must fight to keep China from turning Scarborough Shoal into an island base, there are other considerations.

High among them is that the incoming president of the Philippines, starting June 30, is Rodrigo Duterte, no admirer of America, and a populist authoritarian thug who, as Mayor of Davao, presided over the extrajudicial killing of some 1,000 criminals during the 1990s….

In a clash with China, this character would be our ally.

Indeed, the rise of Duterte is yet another argument that, when Manila booted us out of Subic Bay at the Cold War’s end, we should have dissolved our mutual security pact….

What vital interest of ours is imperiled by who owns, or occupies, or militarizes Scarborough Shoal? If US rights of passage in the South China Sea are not impeded by Chinese planes or ships, why make Manila’s quarrel with China our quarrel?….

Should Beijing insanely decide to disrupt commercial traffic in that sea, the response is not to send a US carrier strike group to blast their artificial islands off the map.

Better that we impose a 10 percent tariff on Chinese-made goods, and threaten an embargo PAGE A7

of the House of Representatives and about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection in any given election year. A presidential election is held every fourth year.

Vote on or before November 8!

Before that, watch Balitang America’s “The Fil-Am Vote 2016” on Saturday, October 29 at 6:15 p.m. with a replay on Sunday, October 30 at 11:15 p.m. on The Filipino Channel. *** 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

An open letter to Filipino-Americans Mga magiliw na kapatid, kapwa Pilipino: We cannot sit idly by while one person singularly misrepresents the feelings of the people of the Philippines toward America. To the best of our abilities, each of us should do whatever we can about it. Though we, Filipino-Americans, love America, we do not lose our very dear sentiments to, and our memories of, the land of our birth. Our children and grandchildren are Americans. But they do not lose their Filipino ethnicity.

There are more than four million of us in America, and we should rise to the occasion. The Philippines is in crisis!

The close relationship between the two countries should not be decimated. Without hesitation, I say that there are millions and millions of Filipinos in the Philippines, as well as overseas workers who feel the same.

We are aware that there have been shortcomings on the part of the U.S. government toward the Philippines pertaining to trade and commerce, and very particularly, to its immigration policies and the arrogance of consular officials in Manila. And of extreme importance, is the failure of Washington to give ironclad guarantees … as it gave to its allies in Europe, that the Philippines is vital to its interests and would militarily defend the country in the event of violations to its sovereignty. These are a breach of the close relationship, praised as brotherhood forged in battles and sealed in blood. The cemeteries of Filipino and American heroes lie side by side, and by the headquarters of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio.

These notwithstanding, Filipinos remained resilient and patient.

Washington, however, mismanaged its geopolitical relations with the Philippines. Have they lost a strategically located ally?

But we, Filipino-Americans, must nevertheless stand up. We call the attention of the Philippine Army that they are the Army of the Philippines … their fellow Filipinos, and NOT the Army of a single

Commentary Atty. José y. LAuchengco, Jr.

man, though he may be the president. Conflicts will rise in their breasts between their duty of obedience to the Commander in Chief, against their innate obligation … borne from moral principles and faithful loyalty to the people. The latter must supersede. Their oath is fidelity to the Constitution, not to a single person: To uphold and defend the Constitution against enemies at home and abroad!

The same applies to officials of the country, former or incumbent, as they are the grass root leaders of the mass.

It is true that the newly elected president won by more than six million votes. But the question arises: Would he have won by that margin if he had been truthful to the people and disclosed that he harbored antipathy toward America? He misrepresented himself, publicly advocating, but without telling how, only the obliteration of overwhelming drug abuse, stopping corruption, and decreasing the high crime rate.

Who would not have fallen for that platform?

But the masquerade has now unfolded. Where do we, ethnic Filipinos, stand? Ultimately, the citizens of the Philippines will make the decision.

Mabuhay!

Jose Y. Lauchengco Jr. Attorney-at-Law, Los Angeles, California *** José Lauchengco, Jr., is the attorney who sued an exclusive restaurant to compel acceptance of the Barong as the equal of Western formal attires. He defended Victor Lovely, Jr., an alleged bomber, in the Federal Grand Jury Proceedings when the U.S. Dept. of Justice under the Reagan Administration sought to dismantle the Anti-Marcos Movement in America. He also successfully represented the Government of the Philippines after the EDSA Revolution against Ferdinand & Imelda Marcos, on a pro-bono basis, in a lawsuit to freeze the accounts and other assets of the couple held by a California Bank.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • OCtObER 28-NOvEmbER 3, 2016

A

Analyst: Arroyo could help improve PH-US ties if Clinton wins presidential race magkaibigan (If it’s Hillary, of course, she already trusts GMA, since she’s the classmate of her FORMER Philippine Presi- husband and of course, they’re dent and now House Deputy friends personally).” Casiple Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Ar- said. royo (GMA) could help in boostCasiple pointed out that Aring the Philippines’ relationship royo and former President Bill with the United States if former Clinton, Hillary’s husband, were Secretary of State Hillary Clin- classmates at Georgetown Uniton wins the U.S. presidential versity in the 1960s and have election, according to an ana- maintained their communicalyst. tion since.

Ramon Casiple, a political During her hospital arrest in science professor at the Uni- 2013, former President Clinton versity of the Philippines, sug- sent Arroyo a letter in January. gested on Sunday, October 23, He also invited her to talk at his that Arroyo might “play a big- Clinton Global Initiative meetger role” in improving the Phil- ings. ippines’ relations with the U.S. On the other hand, Arroyo because of her personal ties to granted Secretary Clinton the the Clintons.

Sikatuna award, a recogni“Kung si Hillary, of course, tion given to officials who have may trust na kay GMA iyan da- rendered notable services in hil kaklase niya ang asawa niya strengthening relations beat of course personal sila na tween their country and the

by Dana

SioSon AJPress

COMMONWEALTH HORROR. Vehicles crawl along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, the country’s widest highway having 18 lanes. Daily gridlocks such as this continue despite the implementation of the “no window hour” number coding scheme policy by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority that bans certain vehicles from several major roads on particular days.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ruy Martinez

Yasay: Independent foreign policy does...

PAGE A5 alities, own compelling urgent needs while seeking common ground for possible collaboration with its friends, neighbors or partners despite differences or disputes that may exist,” the Foreign Affairs secretary said.

The Philippines will continue to engage the international community within the framework of the guiding principles of the UN, Yasay said.

He reminded the UN to continue to be a platform where nations can think through common challenges and act collectively for effective solutions.

“We will not waver amidst mounting frustrations and disappointments in the perceived failures of the United Nations, which are reflective of the inher-

ent weaknesses of systems and mechanisms that fall short of addressing various world problems and concerns,” Yasay said.

“Let us continue to hope for the best when the United Nations asserts its role to unite, not divide, us – for a world marked by peace, freedom, equality, and human dignity as we forge ahead towards a shared future that works for all,” the Foreign Affairs chief concluded.

On June 26, 1945, the Philippines signed the charter of the UN, becoming a founding member of the union. The UN currently has 193 member states.

Yasay further noted that the Philippines signed the charter even before the country’s independence from the United

States.

Last August, Duterte threatened to withdraw membership from the UN following criticisms over his administration’s antinarcotics campaign.

The president made the statement after UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard suggested that Philippine officials could be liable for the extrajudicial killings of drug suspects.

Duterte later on clarified that he was only joking when he threatened to pull out the Philippines from the UN. The Philippines has officially sent an invitation to Callamard to come to the country to look into allegations of extrajudicial and vigilante killings of suspected drug dealers and users.

Blowing up Obama’s pivot, Scarborough...

PAGE A6

of all Chinese goods if they do not stand down. And call on our “allies” to join us in sanctions against China, rather than sit and hold our coat while we fight their wars.

This economic action would send China’s economy into a tailspin, and the cost to Americans would not be reckoned in the lives of our best and bravest.”

Japan’s dispute with China For the record, Buchanan has also written that there is no vital US interest involved in the

Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu islands to China), which are bitterly disputed by China and Japan. If the two countries come to blows, the US should not necessarily fight for Japan, says Buchanan.

It will be interesting to see how President Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will tackle our respective territorial disputes with China, during Duterte’s three-day visit to Japan this week.

Abe and Duterte will hold a bilateral meeting and are expected to discuss bilateral and regional

issues.

Abe, thinking of the Senkaku islands, will be keen to discuss with our President the sea dispute between the Philippines and China.

When the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea was affirmed by the arbitration tribunal, Japan backed the ruling and urged China to comply.

Meanwhile, the biggest military superpower on earth, America, has become just an observer of unfolding events. (ManilaTimes.net)

Philippines, during an official visit in November 2009.

“Arroyo’s relations with the Clintons could help and it is good kasi ang susi naman sa mga relasyon ay iyong may confidence (because the key to good relations is trust and confidence),” Casiple said.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte announced his “separation” from the U.S. in terms of military and economics, which he later clarified as a realignment of an independent foreign policy and not cutting off diplomatic ties with the America.

On the other hand, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel warned that Duterte’s “succession of controversial statements” has “created a consternation in a number of countries.”

Boracay rules ‘world’s best islands’ list MANILA — Readers of international magazine Condé Nast Traveler recently voted Boracay Island as the Best Island in the World of 2016 after failing to make it in the past two years.

“This itty-bitty island (10square mile) in the Western Philippines is as close to the tropical idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia, with gentle coastlines and transporting sunsets. Add in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region,” Condé Nast Traveler wrote.

“The aptly named White Beach is Boracay’s main draw, with powdery white sand and shallow azure water ideal for swimming and snorkeling,” it added.

Boracay only ranked 12th and 13th, respectively in the last two years. However, it now bested other world-famous islands such as Bali, Indonesia (10); Tahiti, French Polynesia (15); and Santorini, Greece (17).

Aside from Boracay, two other Philippine islands made it to the Condé Nast’s Top 20 Best Islands in the World list. Palawan ranked second while Cebu landed to the fifth spot in the list.

This is the third time that one of the Philippines 1,107 islands topped the World ‘s Best Island list by Condé Nast readers. Palawan was named the world’s best in 2013 and 2015.

Philippine Department of

Boracay Island is this year’s Condé Nast Best Island in the World.

Tourism in New York representative Zenn Pallugna accepted the plaque of recognition on behalf of the country. The awards night where over 100 awardees were presented was held at the 1 World Trade Center in New York City.

Pallugna said that the international recognition of the country’s top island destinations is a big boost to sustained tourism efforts which seek to encourage more travelers to visit the Philippines and experience its beauty and culture.

“The prestigious destination awards we garnered this year from the readers of American travel publications, such as Conde Nast Traveler and

Travel+Leisure, reinforce our destinations’ image and ignite curiosity and interest of the affluent American travelers to visit the Philippines,” Pallugna said.

This year, more than 300,000 travelers took part in the 29th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards Survey of Condé Nast to vote for their chosen islands.

Condé Nast is a premiere media company in the US renowned for producing high-quality content for the world’s most influential audiences that attracts over 164 million consumers across its 20 print and digital media brands, including The New Yorker, GQ, Golf Digest and Vogue. (Rosette Adel/Philstar.com)

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http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

CARPET ,

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entertainment magazine october 28-november 3, 2016

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october 28-november 3, 2016

Kylie Verzosa crowned Miss International 2016

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

The Philippines now has six Miss International titlists with the crowning of the country’s bet Kylie Versoza on Thursday, Oct. 27 in Tokyo, Japan.

Versoza’s win comes at the heels of President Rodrigo Duterte’s fruitful visit to Japan.

An early favorite, Versoza was ranked No. 5 in the Miss International hot picks in July.

Landing at the pageant’s Top 15, the Ateneo De Manila University Business Management graduate confidently said she is prepared to take on the responsibility of Miss International 2016.

“Three things come to mind

when I think of Miss International – culture, education and international understanding.

These three work together to make the brand of the Miss International Beauty Pageant relevant to the global community and to our time. If I become Miss International 2016, I will devote myself to cultural understanding because I believe

Kylie Versoza was crowned Miss International 2016 on Thursday, Oct. 27 in Tokyo, Japan.

Rachelle Ann ready to shine as Saigon’s Gigi on Broadway World UK last year, Rachelle Ann revived the Gigi character also Philstar.com on West end where another Filipina, Isay Alvarez, originated “IT’S a dream!”

That’s Rachelle Ann Go’s answer it more than 25 years ago. her performance as Gigi won Rachelle when Funfare texted her how she Ann Best Supporting Actress in felt about her debut on Broadway, reprising her award-winning role as a Musical from WhatsOnStage Award.

Gigi in the long-running megahit As soon as she finishes her stint Cameron Mackintosh musical “Miss on Les Miz, Rachelle Ann will come Saigon.” home to spend Christmas and New “The first time I was in New Year with her family. Then she will York,” said Rachelle Ann, “I told fly to New York to start rehearsal myself, ‘I want to work here.’ I can’t for Miss Saigon which will run from believe that it’s happening.”

March 2017 to January 2018.

It’s another dream come true “I will have to rehearse for Rachelle Ann. She first watched because the musical will have “Miss Saigon” during her tween a new cast,” said Rachelle Ann. years and she also told herself, According to reports, Jon Jon “Someday, I will be on that show.”

Briones, another Filipino, will That was a few years before she topped the “Star For a Night” talent reprise his role as The engineer for which he has also won search that paved her way to awards, and Fil-Am actress eva showbiz.

Noblezada as Kim. Jon Jon and Now playing Fantine in “Les Lea Salonga (who originated Kim Miz” on London’s West end, the on West end in 1989 and played same role that won her Best the same role on Broadway) were Performance in a Long-Running West end Show from the Broadway among the first to congratulate by riCky lo

that it is with developing in each of us sensitivity to other cultures that we expand our horizons, tolerate difference, and appreciate diversity. All these enable us to achieve international understanding. And I believe I’m prepared to take on this responsibility,” she said.

Miss Australia was named first runner-up, with Miss Indonesia, Miss Nicaragua, and Miss USA, placing second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively.

Versoza now joins the exclusive club of Gemma Cruz who won in 1964, Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez in 1979, Precious Lara Quigaman in 2005, and Bea Rose Santiago in 2013.

Shortly after Versoza’s win, Binibining Pilipinas posted the following message for the nation’s latest pride: “Congratulations to the new Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, besting over 69 other candidates in the pageant held in Tokyo, Japan. Your journey of finding true beauty and strength is an inspiration to every Filipina; and your advocacy is a shining example of selflessness and true humanity that many should emulate. BPCI is proud to have supported you every step of the way.”

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

actually use his voice to do good?

Let Donald Trump switch to our eVeN beauty pageants have side to stop the war and violence.” caught America’s election fever Pertiwi, meanwhile, said she with the final question to Miss can see herself working with Grand International 2016 hinged Clinton guided by the Miss Grand on the fight between Democrat International creed “to help solve hillary Clinton and Republican atrocities around the world.”

Donald Trump.

Miss USA also picked Trump held Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Las as her president and finished 4th Vegas, Nevada, the three-year-old runner-up, following Miss Thailand beauty tilt from Thailand carried and Miss Puerto Rico as 2nd and the theme, “Stop the War and 3rd runners-up, respectively.

Violence,” and asked the top five Despite missing the title by finalists: “If given the chance to a hair, the Philippines has seen choose between the two to stop a successful run in the Thailandthe war, will it be Donald Trump or based beauty contest, which hilary Clinton [for you]?” started in 2013. In its debut The Philippine representative edition, the Philippines placed 3rd Nicole Cordoves was booed for runner-up via Annalie Forbes to choosing Trump, and her answer Puerto Rico’s Janelee Chaparro. was seen by many to have cost her In 2015, Filipina Parul Shah the crown. She placed first runner- also placed third to Dominican up to Indonesia’s Ariska Putri Republic’s Anea Garcia who Pertiwi, who picked the former later resigned as Miss Grand secretary of state and senator.

International, with Australia’s Cordoves explained choosing Claire Parker assuming the title.

Trump by saying, “What if we Miss Grand International was

Kylie Versoza is the sixth Filipina to win the Miss International crown.

Alfred Vargas as dad and as Q.C. congressman by riCky lo Philstar.com

SeCOND-termer Quezon City Congressman (fifth district) Alfred Vargas turned 37 last Monday, Oct. 24. During a pre-birthday thanksgiving lunch he hosted for movie writers in Ka Tunying’s Café, Alfred said that he had so much to be thankful for.

“There’s my wife Yasmine whom I’m going to marry in church in July next year,” revealed Alfred who has two daughters with Yasmine (who is half-Filipino/ half-Italian), Alexandra and Aryana. “Our lucky number is 7 so Rachelle Ann Go as bar girl Gigi in Miss Saigon, we chose July for our wedding. It the London West End musical she performed was also last July when I proposed in before she took the role of Fantine in “Les to Yasmine (for the second time) Miserables.” on my knees.” The couple was Rachelle Ann. civilly married in 2010.

Asked by Funfare what Alfred is just as hands-on as a pointers she would give Rachelle father as he is as congressman.

Ann, Lea texted “None,” adding, “I make sure that I wake up “She should just be her own earlier during weekdays so I awesome self and wow the can personally bring my kids to audience that way!” school and try to be home by After Broadway, what?

7 p.m. every day so I can have Will Rachelle Ann realize her dinner with my family,” said Alfred. other dream — that is, to play “Nothing beats spending quality elphaba in “Wicked”? time with the family.”

Between Congress and family, Alfred will find time to shoot Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa (as the titular role), an indie intended to join the fulllength-film competition of the 2017 Cinemalaya, written and directed by TV/film/theater actor Perry escano.

Trump vote’ costs PH bet Miss Grand Int’l crown

by Arlo

2

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas with his wife Jasmine (who he’s marrying in Catholic rites in July next year) and their daughters Alexandra and Aryana.

With showbiz stars making headlines for drug busts, we asked Alfred if he’s drug-free.

“Of course, I am!” confirmed Alfred who looked “very congressman” with extra poundage (hardly has time to exercise, he claimed). “Being a celebrity is a big privilege that comes with big responsibility, if you’re an actor, you are a public property. Whatever you say or do is magnified in the consciousness of our society. If you do good, you are elevated. If you do bad, you

are crucified.

“The personalities recently arrested for drugs are not even drug lords or big-time pushers.

But they are now branded as sinful and unforgivable. This is the reality. But there is another kind of reality…the kind that gives actors the chance to own up and make up for their mistakes, and inspire others to rise and recover.

Being a celebrity places you in a position where you are fully capable to effect positive change in society.”

Liza Soberano, Zanjoe Marudo named ‘Best dressed’ in Star Magic Ball by rosette

Adel

Philstar.com

ACTReSS Liza Soberano and actor Zanjoe Marudo on Saturday, Oct. 22 bagged the most coveted Best Dressed award at the Star Miss Grand International Philippines Nicole Magic Ball 2016.

Cordoves Liza was a scene-stealer in her created by Thai TV host/producer floor-length Michael Cinco gown Nawat Itsaragrisil to promote while the dashing Zanjoe snagged tourism in the Southeast Asian the title with his Lanvin suit. kingdom, as well as advocating The 18-year-old Liza walked peace in the region. A total of 75 on the red carpet with date and candidates from around the world participated in this year’s contest.

Meanwhile, Tuesday marked the first time for an Indonesian candidate to win a worldwide beauty pageant. Before then, its most notable finish in a long time was as 2nd runner-up in 2015’s Miss World.

Miss Indonesia was also proclaimed Best in National Costume, Miss Bahamas Best in Swimsuit, the Korean candidate as Miss Popularity, and Miss Jamaica Best Social Media.

The rest of the 10 finalists were comprised of Misses Korea, Peru, Ukraine, Macau and Bahamas.

Completing the Top 20 quarterfinalists were the contestants from Spain, Mexico, Portugal, Venezuela, Malaysia, Miss Philippines and Miss Indonesia hold hands with bated breath asthey await the Cuba, Australia, Vietnam, Tahiti and Wales. announcement on whom will win the crown.

rumored boyfriend enrique Gil while Zanjoe embraced his singlehood on the red carpet.

Liza was lauded by netizens and celebrities alike for her new look pimped by her glam squad Mickey See, Brent Sales and stylist Perry Tabora. She surely turned heads in the Kapamilya event which left netizens asking: “how to be you po?”

Aside from the three award recipients, “Forevermore” co-stars

of Liza and enrique, Sofia Andres and Diego Loyzaga, won as “Couple of the Night.” The two stars were a perfect match in Sofia’s black beaded halter gown and the black suit and bow tie of Diego.

The annual Star Magic Ball is now in its 10th year and was held at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La. It was graced by hundreds of Kapamilya stars including ABS-CBN executives.

october 28-november 3, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

3

Hmart celebrates 2016 Asian Food Festival on Oct. 28 - Nov. 6

by Jomar Canlas ManilaTimes.net

Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioners Luz Rivas (left) and Joel Jacinto (right) shake hands following a panel discussion (bottom left) and the signing the new sister river agreement with Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission Executive Director Ramil Tan (center, bottom right) at Marsh Park in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 22.

A rIVer ruNS THrOuGH:

Saving the waterways of Pasig, City of Los Angeles

By EriC John liCas AJPress

TeArS streamed down the face of the Pasig river rehabilitation Commission’s (PrrC) executive Director, ramil Tan, as he recalled the neglected and polluted state of the waterway the Philippine government had tasked him with restoring.

The Pasig river had been compared to the Grand Canal of Venice before the expansion of commerce and the population drastically reshaped the Metro Manila region.

Over time, the river took on a foul odor and murky green hue due to years of environmental damage wrought by the byproducts of industry and dense urban dwelling along its banks.

In addition, no funding from the Philippine government had been allocated in 2015 to support the PrrC’s efforts to rehabilitate what ecologists have regarded as one of the Philippines’ dirtiest rivers since the 1990s.

“Lahat ... grime, dirt, it’s all there” Tan told Southern California city officials and urban planning experts at Marsh Park in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 22.

“It’s dead, biologically.”

Yet despite its challenges, in the past year, the commission managed to establish environmental Preservation Areas (ePAs) protecting more than 1,700 linear meters of the Pasig

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

river. The PrrC revitalized more than twice the amount of land the government had set as the commission’s goal for 2015 by directing public agencies and securing funding via private partnerships.

Tan related the commission’s achievements during a signing event celebrating a new “Sister river” partnership between the PrrC and the Los Angeles County Board of Public Works (LACBPW).

Over the past few weeks, he and a delegation representing the commission journeyed to Paris and Los Angeles in hopes of expanding the Philippine agency’s network of support to the global community.

The signing of the sister rivers agreement on Saturday coincides with both Filipino American History Month and Architecture Month in Los Angeles.

It also marks the beginning of a multifaceted exchange between communities surrounding the Los Angeles and Pasig rivers, two urban areas of starkly contrasting

ecosystems and circumstance that face similar dilemmas.

“The issues moving forward (for the LA river) are exactly the same as what the Pasig was going through: community engagement and accessibility,” said Alex Anamos, the studio director for the Culver City-based architectural firm, r&A Architecture + Design, during a panel discussion ahead of Saturday’s signing.

Although construction projects involving the LA river have garnered millions of dollars in public funds, private citizens and businesses had been slow to embrace its development, according to Anamos and other panelists.

About 10 years ago, many LA residents didn’t even know a river ran through their city, according to Ben Feldman, a principal with the architecture firm Mia, Lehrer and associates, whose work includes a variety of improvements to the river’s accessibility. He said that in recent years, however, the Continued on Page 5

BueNA PArk—The annual Asian Food Festival presented by America’s No.1 Asian supermarket Hmart will take place October 28 to November 6, bringing a slew of events geared toward food and special sales at Hmart Buena Park location. The festival offers varieties of fun events, including Asian Street Food specials, cultural performances and the usual massive walk-around tastings.

Special Sales event for Smart Card members: Special sales for Smart Card members only. Don’t miss your chance to get our 15 best-selling items at special prices, October 28th – November 6th.

25 kinds of Free Delicious Food Tastings: Come try some of our hottest selling items before you take some home.

Asian Street Food Special: Come enjoy well-prepared korean/Chinese/Japanese

street food special sales include korean Ddukboki, Hotteok, Bungeoppang, Chinese style skewers, dumplings and Japanese Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki. 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. October 29th – 30th and November 5th – 6th Attractions for kids: Free ballon giveaway, and cotton candy making events for children.

1 p.m.-7 p.m. October 29th – 30th and November 5th – 6th Cultural event: Don’t miss out the special performances of korean percussion music, Taekwondo and many more. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. October 29.

Hmart is a grocery store that serves both traditional and international food, as well as produce, meat, poultry, fishery, and other food items such as “ready-to-eat” items. Which could be one-stop shopping for all the shoppers in different ethnicity and ages. HMArT introduces diverse spaces including food courts so that customers can not

only grocery shop but also can experience variety of cultures and amusements.

HMArT Buena Park: 5111 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621. (714) 249-7070 www. hmart.com Hmart Hmart is a 34-year-old supermarket chain, which started with our first store in Woodside, NY in 1982, offering robust and unique cultural foods that also promote a rich and healthy lifestyle. Today, Hmart operates 55 stores in 11 states and is one of the leading international supermarket chains in the united States. In 2014, Hmart was recognized as one of the fastest growing retailers in the National retail Federation’s HOT 100 reTAILerS (#13 Hmart).

In 2016, Supermarket News has listed Hmart as one of the Top 50 Small Chains and Independents in the united States & Canada (#6 Hmart) (Advertising Supplement)

Kris Aquino posts photo of Bimby with baby brother ON Saturday, Oct. 22, kris Aquino posted on Instagram photos that even haters and bashers may find refreshing for the controversial ex-presidential daughter and ex-presidential sister.

“I reached out to James & asked if it would be okay for Bimb to meet his baby brother. I prayed a lot for this day to arrive when we’d all be ready, because I just want what is best for my bunso. Thank you James & Mic for graciously welcoming us into your home. Mic went out of her way to prepare carbonara for Bimb & to bake an Italian chocolate pie for our merienda,” she captioned the photo of Bimby lovingly looking and touching his baby brother, son of James Yap and Michela Cazzola.

The other photo is Bimby sitting on the sofa with Michela while kris sits on the armchair.

“There’s no perfect formula for mothering except to do it

with LOVe. I am grateful that today we gave our sons the opportunity to meet & hopefully have genuine bonding as brothers…

Because in the end, the good men we are able to raise will be products of our guidance & unconditional love as mothers,” she wrote about the other photo.

Aquino had Bimby lovingly looking and touching his baby brother, son of James Yap and Michela Cazzola been out of circulation soon among others. Talks are rife that after the presidential elections. her transfer to her former studio Her contract with ABS-CBN was [she was one of the original hosts not renewed and that she had of the Sunday afternoon talk show signed up with APT, producer of StarTalk with Boy Abunda and Lolit eat Bulaga on GMA Network and Solis on GMA]has been cancelled handler of the careers of the hosts, and she may go back to ABS-CBN Marian rivera and Maine Mendoza, after all. (ManilaTimes.net)

october 28-november 3, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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Saving the waterways of Pasig, City of Los Angeles From Page 3

Tan told the Asian Journal that, last year, the committee managed to relocate almost 80,000 shanty dwellers into more secure structures. in addition, revitalization plans often incorporate features like hyacinth gardens which not only beautify neighborhoods, but also provide raw materials for artisans and a boon for regional commerce.

The PRRC also collaborates with local organizations to create training programs that teach relocated community members how to take advantage their newly developed resources while preserving regional sustainability.

“That’s how we maintain and sustain the developed the esteros (river developments),” said Tan, citing the importance of getting individuals to take a personal stake in their neighborhoods. “We design all of these esteros…in such a way that, there must always be a community participation and engagement.”

He added that 90 percent of affected residents approved of the improvements in surveys conducted after the completion of estero development projects.

The PRRC managed to accomplish all of this at no cost to the Philippine government in 2015 thanks to collaborative efforts between the committee’s supporters from the private and nonprofit sectors.

Experts and local officials in attendance on Saturday said they were astonished by the progress the PRRC had achieved. Some went as far to say that policy makers in California had much to learn from the methods employed by the Philippine commission.

“This was a huge inspiration,” said Culver City Council Member Thomas Small. “they’ve been able to do in Manila in such a short time [what] we can’t seem to accomplish in Los angeles and Culver City even though we’ve been talking about it for years.”

He referenced Ballona Creek, an 8.8-mile-long waterway running through the southwestern portion of the greater Los angeles region that Small called a tremendous untapped resource for his constituents. He was proud to It helps that the four hosts of the show are Raymond’s close friends, ‘So they easily open up because they are comfortable with me.’ Shown mention the implementation of with Raymond are the girls (from left), Solenn Heussaff, Isabelle Daza and Liz Uy, with !T Girls producer Scott Mackenzie (rightmost). ‘I’m a bike path along the channel in impressed with Raymond,’ says Scott. ‘He’s very talented, very into it.’

Culver City, but said much more work needed to be done to realize the creek’s potential.

Meanwhile, ongoing taken up any formal lesson in and issues. “There are a lot of

by Ricky Lo revitalization efforts at the La Philstar.com film), Raymond said, “i was just revelations as the show goes on, River are having a real positive happy that i was offered this job never-before-seen stories about Having been exposed to impact, according to recent because it’s an international the girls.” the ins and outs, the aBC’s, and research and representatives show. i was really flattered; i didn’t in the first episode, for the “before” and the “behind” of Carollo Engineers, a firm expect it at all. But because of the instance, the gender of georgina’s of cameras, isn’t it about time conducting flow studies as part of genre of a reality show, i know first child, scheduled to be Raymond gutierrez took the Mayor Eric garcetti’s “One Water La exactly what to do. i know what delivered early next year yet, with helm?

2040” initiative. the viewers want to see and what husband arthur Burnand will The new weekly reality show “it’s not dead. it’s improving; the girls want to share.” be revealed. although widely“!T girls” marks Raymond’s debut it’s thriving, ” said Carollo Engineers Mackenzie is just as publicized, there are actually as director. it’s the same channel Client Service Manager, Pravitra optimistic. where the successful family show more to reveal about isabelle’s Rammohan.

“Between them, the four girls wedding to adrien Semblat; “it Takes gutz To Be a gutierrez” Though there was much left have an outstanding 17 million and Solenn’s grappling with her (“iTgTBag”) has just finished its to be done, she said, “but there’s social media followers,” Mackenzie tight schedule between career fourth season airing around asia. immense, incredible work and toldFunfare. “With this series, The show takes over the “iTgTBag” (doing four shows and promoting now we have all these…different those fans will get to see what an album, etc.) and brand-new timeslot. stakeholders interested in sharing they are really outside of their “Sure!” Raymond said without husband nico Bolzico. Liz will get the vision and making it a huge glamorous celebrity personas. a big surprise when she learns a second thought when Scott success.”

This is a unique experience that who her blind date is. The three Mackenzie, the series’ executive Optimism also characterizes only a pop culture powerhouse producer (who is vice president of girls’ husbands, together with future prospects for the restoration like E! can bring. i’m very happy isabelle’s mom gloria Diaz, are Channels, asia, and nBC Universal of the Pasig, thanks to the results with Raymond’s work. He is very also part of the series. Solenn’s international networks), offered the partnerships and results the into it. He’s such a talented new brother Erwan Heussaff (anne him the project. “My bosses PRRC had managed to forge in director. With the ratings success Curtis’ boyfriend) will also be on in Singapore were looking for the past year. Tan told the Asian of it Takes gutz To Be a gutierrez the show. someone in the Philippines to Journal that the progress the in markets like Singapore and “One story to look forward head the production here, making environmental organization has Malaysia, we are confident that sure that we get the right footage to is isabelle’s struggle before made will encourage the Philippine !T girls will also fascinate viewers her wedding which was held in and the storylines are true. and, government to offer more money across the region.” italy just a few weeks after her of course, that the girls will open for revitalization projects.

The episodes have been shot dad (Bong Daza) died, ” Raymond up and cooperate, which is easy He added that the group’s all over the world — in Bali for volunteered a teaser. “it was because i am close to them.” outreach to international bodies isabelle’s bachelorette, in Hong “!T girls” is hosted by georgina former Sen. Bongbong Marcos, has resulted in funding pledges Kong for Liz and georgina’s event isabelle’s dad’s best friend, who Wilson, Solenn Heussaff, isabelle from officials in Spain and France. and in Paris for Liz’s appearance in gave isabelle away. With her three Daza and Liz Uy who are all On Saturday, Jacinto hailed the Fashion Week, in italy for isabelle friends married, is Liz feeling Raymond’s friends. new bond between angelenos and and adrien’s wedding, etc., all “initially, the show is good for any pressure to follow in their Manileños and predicted a future in packed-full-of-juicy-items footsteps? Being single, Liz is one season and i have actually of mutual learning and growth. episodes. not slowing down. She’s making finished shooting and editing “By that international Even if the girls are his friends, big internationally. She has just the six episodes,” said Raymond agreement we have learning, we Raymond doesn’t allow them to represented the Philippines at who will slip in and out of the have exchanges, we have ideas, “meddle” in his job. the Fashion Week in Paris and scene because he just happens we have cooperation,” he said “Working with your friends London.” to be there and the girls want to Government officials and urban planning experts from the Philippines and Southern California after the partnership document’s can be very hard,” admitted asked why he didn’t hesitate talk to him about certain topics celebrate new partnerships and the potential for shared growth and learning at the signing of signing. the Pasig / LA River sisterhood agreement at Marsh Park on Saturday, October 22. to take the challenge (he hasn’t Continued on Page 5

Direk Raymond: This is !T

AUCTION

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

river has drawn the attention of developers who view the river as the city’s “next coastline.”

“Forces are making this river an amazing amenity that’s really starting to bloom,” said anamos on Saturday.

But as the La River takes on greater prominence in the city’s landscape, concerns associated with gentrification like public accessibility and the possible displacement of existing communities have arisen.

“Projects have to be focused on the population,” La Board of Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto told the Asian Journal following the river dedication. “They have to benefit the people and they have to be owned, maintained and sustained by the people.”

He concurred with other panelists who stressed the importance of ensuring that improvements enhance rather than disrupt the lives of the people who live and work along the banks of the L.a. River. in Metro Manila, many shanties erected by informal settlers are so close to edges of the Pasig’s waters that they are at risk of being swept away during severe rains. Most of their occupants live far below the poverty line; these flimsy structures are often all that they can afford. Under Philippine law, residents must be provided with an alternative living arrangement before their makeshift homes can be demolished. a portion of land cleared by the PRRC is always reserved for the construction of new housing as part of their mission to transform communities along the Pasig River.

EMPLOYMENT

FOSTER HOMECARE

PSYCHIC

october 28-november 3, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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Marlon Stockinger confesses to ‘seeing’ Pia Wurtzbach CAR racing champion Marlon Stockinger broke his silence on dating rumors and admitted he is “seeing” Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach.

“The truth? Let’s put it this way if Pia was here tonight she’d be my date here so yeah obviously we see each other but we just want to keep it down low pretty much but yeah, I’ve been seeing Pia,” Marlon said in a televised interview during the Star Magic Ball when asked for the real score between them.

Although he admitted he feels lucky to have met Pia, Marlon said they also find their situation “difficult” since Pia is fulfilling her duties as Miss Universe in New York City while he flies to the Philippines and is mostly in Europe.

“Whenever we get the chance, we make the most out of it,” Marlon said.

Marlon, 25, and Pia, 27, were rumored to be dating after the Miss Universe posted a photo of her and the Filipino-Swiss car racer on her Instagram account.

Pia also stopped posting photos

Raymond. “Sometimes, it’s tricky to draw a line between your friends and being a director. But I’m happy that the girls trusted me. Sometimes, they would ask, ‘Mon, can we edit this and that out?’ And I would put my foot down; kelangan ikaw ang masusunod. I would say, ‘No, because that’s what the viewers want to see.’ So even if they don’t have any make-up on, if they are crying and it’s not flattering, yes, I’m gonna show that. I’m glad that they believe me.”

What if, just if, he wanders into the show and the girls turn the table and “grill” him about his love life?

Blushing a bit, Raymond laughed, “No, there’s nothing to grill about my love life.” Besides, he is the director, remember, and he can always edit that out.

What Raymond learned from

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS O c tO b e r 28

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers in Honolulu

Car racing champion Marlon Stockinger admitted he is “seeing” Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach.

of her former boyfriend Mikhail Varshavski.

The two were also seen meeting in Manila when Pia visited the country and both of them

posted a photo of their meeting.

Pia recently posted Marlon’s photo with the caption “My favorite Swiss,” and tagged the champion car race driver. (Philstar.com)

Direk Raymond: This is...

From Page 4

Calendar of Events across

the four seasons of “ITGTBAG” he’s using in his directorial debut.

“There shouldn’t be any holding back,” insisted Raymond.

“What you see is what you get.

There’s no script at all, kaya at the start, Georgina and Liz were having a hard time because they are not actressesat medyo naiilang sila. But soon, they loosened up, they put their guards down. What I learned from Gutzis that you have to be open-minded, you have to be true, you have to be real. On the show, you will see the girls as they are, guards down …you know, arguing with each other, having intimate conversations with their husbands, you will see much more than what you see on social media.”

Isn’t his sister Ruffa appearing on the show?

“Well, not in the first season.

Maybe, hopefully, in the second

season?”

Aside from the show, Raymond is preoccupied with a dozen other things. He mounts social events, launches products (more lifestyle and fashion), does creative consultancy work for various companies, and acts as correspondent for the E! News of the channel. He is also a coowner of the high-end Valkyrie Nightclub at The Palace.

Before going international, Raymond was a co-host of the defunct GMA showbiz-oriented show “Showbiz Central” (later named “H.O.T. TV”) and TV5’s “Showbiz Police”.

“I’m happier with what I’m doing now,” said Raymond. “I have more freedom to do what I enjoy doing. Before, I was doing hosting only in the Philippines. Now I’m doing it all over Asia. I’m excited working behind the camera for a change.”

Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers perform ‘100 years of song’ at the New Life Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Maestro Ryan, the Philippines’ top composer (“Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” Tuwing Umuulan” and more) presents his handpicked vocal group singing his arrangements and beloved hits. Contact Honolulu Broadway Babies for information (808) 783-2296. New Life Theatre is at 1190 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817.

Filipino American Tarlac Association hosts anniversary dinner dance in Baldwin Park, CA The Fil-Am Tarlac Association has announced an anniversary celebration with a dinner dance on Friday, October 28. For more information, please contact Cheody at (714) 2343330; Tessie Lightholder at (909) 576-4152; or Josie Opinaldo at (562) 671-1940. The dinner dance will be at 6 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 14635 Baldwin Park Towne Center, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.

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Friend Day Sunday in Daly City Everyone is invited to Friend Day on Sunday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Harvest Baptist Church. Lunch and nursery will be provided. The Church is located at 92 Hill St. Daly City, CA 94014. For more Information, please call Pastor Win Pechardo at (650) 296-0922.

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Consular outreach in Orlando, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Orlando on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and indicate “Orlando FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at Hilton Garden Inn Orlando at Seaworld, 6850 Westwood Blvd. Orlando, FL 32821.

Rising Tohoku Food Fair in Torrance, CA The Rising Tohoku Food Fair hosted by Mitsuwa Marketplace presents two full days of food and cultural festivities to celebrate the charms of the Tohoku region in Northeast Japan, which can be enjoyed by children and adults. In addition to presenting diverse and flavorful food products originating from the 6 prefectures of Tohoku, there will be a variety of paper craft activity workshops for families such as, coloring, origami, making hanagasa ornaments which can be used as fans, and writing wishes on tanzaku paper, in addition to city-specific dance performances and photo opportunities with city mascots.

Mitsuwa Marketplace Torrance Store, 21515 Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501. Fair hours are 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily. The full schedule of dance and festival presentations, crafts workshops, photo sessions with mascots and food fair can be found at: http:// www.mitsuwa.com/locations/torrance For more information, call 310.782.0335.

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University of Baguio High School 40th anniversary in Chino Hills, CA Come join us in celebrating University of Baguio High School’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday, November 12 in Chino Hills, California. For more information please contact, Romy Vidal at (951) 733-7140.

Hyatt Baguio/Manila/Palawan Reunion in Las Vegas Former and current employees and guests of Hyatt Terraces Baguio, Hyatt Manila and Hyatt Palawan are having a dinner/dance reunion on November 12 in at the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas. The address is 4975 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89118. For more details, please send an email to: Beng Paraguas-Flores (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at bengparaguasflores@gmail.com or Marian Nobleza (Hyatt Terraces Baguio) at minobleza@ yahoo.com.

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Consular outreach mission in Pensacola, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Pensacola on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death; and administration of oath of allegiance for dual citizenship. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and indicate “Pensacola FL Outreach” in the subject line. In the body of the email, indicate the complete name(s) of the applicant(s) and the corresponding service(s) required by each application. The outreach will be held at the Fil-Am Community Center at 234 West Oakfield Road, Pensacola, FL

D ec e M b e r 1 7-1 8

Consular outreach mission in Miami, Florida The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. - Central Florida Chapter, the Filipino-American Association of Pensacola, Inc., and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami, is pleased to announce that it will conduct a consular outreach mission in Pensacola on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Services offered include: Philippine passport applications; legalization of documents (acknowledgment, authentication, etc.); and receipt of reports of birth, marriage and death. No applications for dual citizenship will be accepted at this time, as oaths of allegiance must be administered by the Philippine Consul General or Consul. For an appointment, please email consular@philippineusa.org and copy furnish honcon.miami@gmail.com. The Philippine Honorary Consulate in Miami is located at 12/F 1200 Brickell Ave., Miami, Florida 33131.

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

october 28-november 3, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA

The ‘selfies’ generation idolatry on steroids “Vanity of vanities;

(Part 2 of 2)

POOR Echo! Her heart broke into a million little pieces. Beauty and light dissolved into darkness for her until nothing held any meaning.

Refusing food and drink, Echo grew pale and consumptive and faded away, leaving only her far-off voice in the distance. It is said that Echo haunts the mountains where she answers all who call but only with the last words.

Narcissus meanwhile continued to break one hapless heart after another in the most mean spirited away, until one day, one totally aggrieved nymph with her heart shattered, prayed to the powers that be, for vengeance, to inflict punishment on Narcissus to make him feel the pure pain of unrequited love, to make him feel how it is to give love and have it flung back in his face. Her prayer was heard and in a world of swift and even-handed justice with no lawyers, judges and jury to cloud the issue, appropriate punishment was served.

One day Narcissus chanced upon a pool with water so clear, it looked like a mirror. Bending over to drink, Narcissus saw his own reflection, thought it was a water nymph, and forthwith, was smitten with the image on the pool. He fell in love with the image of himself, hook, line and sinker, not unlike celebrities who read their own press and

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believe them to be true. But I digress.

Narcissus tried to embrace his own reflection in the water but his attempt to touch or kiss his beloved ended in frustration each time. The image in the water dissolved into ripples, disappeared and came back on. Narcissus had to be content just by looking at the mirror image of himself in the pool, day and night, without ever knowing the joy of touching or being loved in return. He now knew, up close and personal, the excruciating pain of multiple rejections from the same object of his affection.

Still he persisted, becoming rooted to the spot by the pool. He now knew how it is to be on the receiving end of rejection. He slowly pined away, losing his youth and beauty and withering away on the same spot by the pool’s edge with Echo still hovering over him and repeating his poignant last word, “Alas!” as he lay dying.

As the woodland creatures prepared to bury his body, Narcissus’ body was nowhere to be found and in its place, stood a flower, bending over the pool, as though admiring itself. Gardeners know this flower as Narcissus.

Hence, we call those who exhibit the same folly these days as narcissistic. The irony of it is that

Health@Heart

Is your heart failing?

and diseased heart valves (both increase the work of the heart), cardiomyopathy (either due to PhiliP S. ChuA, alcohol abuse, toxic agents, cocaine, Md, FACS, FPCS and other illegal drugs, or radiation, chemotherapy), viral myocarditis, HOW do we know when our ALL IS VANITY.” congenital heart defects, diabetes, heart is failing? This condition —Ecclesiastes could be in its early stage that thyroid or kidney diseases, blood clots in the lungs, HIV/AIDS, or even the individual may not even have a vitamin B deficiency (beriberi) enough symptoms to know he/she others clearly see it for what it is but in very poor regions of the world the afflicted individual is blind to this has it. And if there are symptoms, where malnutrition is rampant. Too even moderate to severe, the egocentric flaw in himself, thinking much vitamin E has been reported diagnosis usually eludes a lay the world revolves around him.

In today’s world, there’s to also contribute to heart failure. person. In the United States alone, opportunity to cash in on this tragic there are about 5.1 million people And so with obesity, which makes human flaw and use vanity and the heart work more. today who have heart failure. self-image as hot buttons to sell Does sleep apnea cause heart What is heart failure? their wares: beauty products and disease?

Heart failure, also known as services, diet pills and machines Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) congestive heart failure (CHF), and illusions of power and beauty, — involuntary breath-holding for refers to a condition where the with remarkable merchandising heart muscles become too weak to prolonged and repeated periods success. Self-improvement is great while asleep, especially among but only if it comes quietly from the pump enough blood to satisfy the those who snore — significantly body’s needs. There are two main inside out.

Pray that both the “once young” ventricles of the heart responsible contributes to increased risk for and the young ones don’t fall heart attack, high blood pressure for pumping blood: the right and prey to the trappings of extreme (eventually to heart failure), stroke, left ventricles. The right ventricle self-absorption that rule the diabetes, and even cancer. Sleep pumps used blood back to the global culture of the present Age lungs for oxygenation, while the left apnea deprives the person of vital of Selfies. In biblical times, it was pumps oxygenated blood from the oxygen and the episodes could called idolatry. What we have now occur dozens of times in a minute, is IDOLATRY ON STEROIDS, self-love lungs to the entire body. CHF does not mean the heart is about to stop leading to hypoxia (seriously low of biblical proportions. level of oxygen), which is bad for or to have a heart attack. It simply Self love taken to extreme, is all organs. Sudden deaths from means the heart muscles (usually something that might account for much of the social problems sleep apnea have been reported. both the right and left) have been affluent societies with only one Once a diagnosis is established by a weakened and need help. or two self-absorbed children per sleep study, the primary treatment What causes heart failure? family, experience and suffer from is the use of a CPAP (Continuous The following can cause today.

Positive Airway Pressure) machine CHF: coronary heart disease *** during sleep for life. The CPAP (with blockage of the arteries Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP mask, especially the nasal pillow, is supplying oxygen and nutrition to of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send more comfortable than one could comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ the muscles of the heart), actual imagine, and even “addictive,” heart attack, high blood pressure asianjournalinc.com providing security and a sense of inner peace. The CPAP could prevent premature deaths.

What are the signs and symptoms of CHF? These usually include shortness of breath, especially when they lie flat (with impairment of sleep as a result), dry hacking cough or wheezing, distended neck veins, extreme fatigue, leg swelling, ascites (abdominal fluid formation from swollen liver and other organs), and in severe cases, anasarca (total body swelling), bloating stomach, poor urine output, and weight gain from retained fluid. The nail beds and tips of the fingers might be bluish from lack of oxygen. Loss of appetite and nausea, dizziness, and rapid or irregular heartbeats may also be present.

Is there a cure for CHF? In general, heart failure has no cure. The exception is the CHF caused by coronary heart blockage or heart valve disease, where surgery could dramatically tame the heart failure. Basically, the regimen is aimed at managing the associated diseases and the symptoms to make the patient comfortable, improve the quality of life and allow the patient to be active again, or even productive once more. The role of prevention is essential.

What then is the treatment?

While it is not achievable yet to cure CHF to the point of normalcy of the heart, the main aim of the therapy is to improve the quality of life and endurance of the patient.

The strategy includes treating the primary cause and the contributing illnesses (those listed above), low-salt diet, and use of specific medications to eliminate the excess fluid in the body and minimize the cardiac and lung overload, lessening the work of the heart and boosting the strength of the heart muscles and improve overall cardiac output. Sleeping with elevation of the upper part of the body on several pillows or elevating the head of the bed helps the patient breath better. Bed rest and oxygen are prescribed as needed.

What is the role of prevention?

Avoidance of the causes, if possible, is obviously the key.

Abstinence from cigarettes, alcohol, and other toxic agents, low-salt diet (since salt intake makes the body retain fluids and increases blood pressure), fluid restriction, compliance with medications, regular medical follow-up, and shifting to a healthy lifestyle would greatly help. The patient and family members may also benefit from professional counseling to reduce the fear, anxiety, stress, depression that could adversely affect all of them. Joining a patient support group of peers could provide emotional support and help the patient adjust to his life with heart failure.

Does surgery have a role?

As stated above, coronary bypass to correct the heart blockages and prevent heart attack, and surgery to repair diseased heart valves, can significantly improve cardiac recovery. But as heart failure worsens, the standard treatment outlined above may no longer help. If the patient’s heart rhythm is disrupted, a cardiac pacemaker may be installed. For life-threatening arrhythmias, an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) may be implanted. Left ventricular restoration/remodeling, mechanical pump called left ventricular assist device, or even heart transplant, when the patient is deemed a qualified candidate for any of those procedures, may be done as a lifesaving measure for end-stage heart failure where all other treatments have failed. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles: Helping our community Join us to walk4ALZ at Century Park LOS ANGELES – The 24th annual Alzheimer’s Walk4ALZ in Century City will take place Sunday, November 6 at Century Park (2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, 90067) with Liz Hernandez (Access Hollywood), Marc Cota-Robles (ABC7), Larry Morgan (K-RTH 101) and BonnieJill Laflin (FOX Sports & BBC).

More than 2,000 participants, including celebrities, individuals and teams will join the 5k walk through Century City with the goal of raising awareness and funds to fight the disease.

In addition to the 5K route, Walk4ALZ will include entertainment, food, awards and a family festival. Walkers who raise $50 receive a commemorative T-shirt. Onsite registration opens at 7:30 a.m., opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 and the walk begins at 9 a.m. 100% money raised stays in the Greater Los Angeles area, and 20% will go towards local research.

To start a team, make a donation, or volunteer, contact Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles at www.alzgla.org/walk or call 844.

HELP.ALZ Funds raised at the Walk provide much needed care and support for people touched by the disease throughout Greater Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire, enable efforts to educate the public about Alzheimer’s as a growing public health threat, and fund local research. In California, more than half a million people have Alzheimer’s disease. Experts estimate that someone in the

U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease every 67 seconds. By mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds.

Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles (formerly known as Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter) provides programs and services free of charge to individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, their families, caregivers and the community. Low cost training and education are also offered for professionals. Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles began as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1981, before affiliating with the national Alzheimer’s Association in 1984. Effective January 7, 2016 all Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles fundraising will stay local, focusing on care, support, advocacy, and research across Greater Los Angeles county and the Inland Empire.

Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions.

For more information, call the Helpline 24/7 at 844.HELP.ALZ or visit www.alzgla.org.

Find Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles on Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/ALZSoCal Twitter: ALZSoCal https:// twitter.com/alzsocal Instagram: @ALZSoCal https:// www.instagram.com/alzsocal/ YouTube: https://www. youtube.com/channel/ UCFAnDKb3TJ0sZgC-AKnqtDQ

14196-3_FallSaleV3_Oct28.pdf

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Offers valid only until Oct. 2, 2016 or while supplies last. Daniel’s Home Center is not responsible for misprinted sale prices and typographic errors. Advertised items are limited in quantities and we reserve the right to substitute advertised item with a comparable item. Color fabric and finishes may vary from shown. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. One item per customer. Must bring ad for special pricing. *O.A.C

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october 28-november 3, 2016 www.asianjournal.com

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