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SC extends halt order against Marcos burial by DAnA
sioson AJPress
Martial Law victims (L-R) Rodolfo Dela Cruz, Danilo Dela Fuente, Fr. Dionilo Cabillas, human rights lawyer Nery Colmenares, Felix Dalisay and Bonifacio Ilagan, clench their fists shortly after filing a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the burial of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery on Monday, Aug. 15. Protests are mounting following the order by
the supreme Court (sC) extended its status quo order against the late and former President ferdinand marcos’ interment at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in taguig City. At the conclusion of the two-session oral arguments on petitions against marcos’ burial, the halt order was extended until october 18 to give the court more time to resolve the case on merits. “After the oral arguments were concluded, the Court en Banc met and agreed to extend the status Quo Ante order issued on August 23, 2016 served on Au-
gust 24, expiring on september 23, 2016 up to october 18, 2016,” sC Public Information office Chief theodore te said on Wednesday, september 7, according to reports from Interaksyon. With permission from President rodrigo Duterte, marcos’ hero’s burial was supposedly set on september 18. the sC initially issued a 20-day status quo ante order at the request of petitioners who sought to stop the burial. the first hearing on the oral arguments started on Wednesday, August 31. Petitioners presented their case against marcos’ burial and torture victims during the martial Law recalled their experience before the court.
During the second day of the oral arguments on Wednesday, september 7, solicitor General Jose Calida argued that there was no more trauma from the martial law years, considering that his son, ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr., garnered more than 14 million votes when he ran for vice president last may. “I was surprised that during the last hearing, the victims were made to recall the horrors they experienced… there is a place for that but not here in the supreme Court… I am human your honor, I can feel their pain. But making them recount their horrible experiences is a form of retraumatizing them,” he added. PAGE A2
DATE-
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA
Fil-Am news anchor to moderate VP debate eLAINe Quijano, anchor of CBs’ digital network CBsN, is making history as the first Asian American and first digital network anchor to moderate a national debate during the general election C B S N a n c h o r a n d C B S campaign. News correspondent Elaine the 42Quijano will moderate the US year-old filivice presidential debate in pino-American anchor is also one of the youngest debate moderators. the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) announced last week that Quijano will moderate the only debate between vice presidential nominees senator tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Governor mike Pence (r-Ind.) on tuesday, oct. 4 at Longwood University in farmville, Virginia. According to the CPD, the 90-minute debate will be broken up into nine segments of 10 minPAGE A3
DHS considers ending use of private prisons to house detained immigrants A DePArtmeNt of homeland security (Dhs) advisory council has until November 30 to decide whether the federal government will continue holding detained immigrants in forprofit prisons, or end its use of private detention centers. homeland security secretary Jeh Johnson commissioned the Dhs review on friday, August 26, then publicized it at a press event the following monday, August 29, according to Politico. the investigation comes amidst mounting scrutiny from humanitarian groups, and just over a week after officials at the Department of Justice (DoJ) announced they would not renew contracts with private prison operators. Johnson said the council had been tasked “to review our current policy and practices concerning the use of private immigration detention and evaluate whether this practice PAGE A3
President Rodrigo Duterte sits for the retreat session at the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits at the National Convention Center, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016 in Vientiane, Laos. APfile
PH calls on ASEAN countries to be ‘partners for change’ by Alexis
RomeRo Philstar.com
WRITTEN IN STONE. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa poses with a marker for the launch of the police quick response hotline called ‘Itaga Mo sa Bato’ at Camp Crame last Monday, Sept. 5. The new text hotline allow Filipinos to report a crime or ask for help. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas
VIeNtIANe, Laos – the Philippines accepted thursday the chairmanship of the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) as it unveiled the theme for next year that contains an imprint of President Duterte’s campaign. the theme for AseAN 2017 to be hosted by the Philippines is “Partnering for change, engaging the PAGE A2
Duterte’s obscenities Robredo respects state of lawless directed to reporter, violence but reiterates call for civil rights not Pres. Obama by DAnA
sioson AJPress
Obama cancels bilateral meeting, Duterte regrets remarks by KlARize
meDenillA AJPress
After initial reports that indicated Philippine President rodrigo Duterte called U.s. President Barack obama a string of obscenities — including “son of a b****” — transcripts from that press conference indicate that he was actually referring to a reporter, not obama. During a Q&A with reuters on monday, september 5 in Davao City, a reporter asked Duterte several questions regarding the upcoming bilateral meeting with obama. PAGE A2
Vice President Leni Robredo
IN a statement released on tuesday, september 6, Vice President Leni robredo expressed her respect on President rodrigo Duterte’s decision to declare the country under the state of Lawless Violence shortly after the bombing in Davao City last friday, september 1. “We respect the decision of the President to exercise his Constitutional power to call out the Armed
PAGE A3
Relations with PH ‘rock solid’ – US by michAel Joe
T. Delizo
ManilaTimes.net
President Barack Obama and President Bounnhang Vorachith of Laos toast in the Dok Boua Ban Room at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane, Laos on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Standing to the left is Pany Yathotou, President of the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
forces of the Philippines to assist in suppressing lawless violence,” robredo said. “And we appreciate that the Proclamation makes clear that this does not suspend any part of the Constitution or impair any of our fundamental rights.” robredo added that the president’s declaration was justified by the “spate of violence and lawless acts across many parts of mindanao” such as “abductions,
the UNIteD states sought to ease tensions brought about by the controversial tirade of President rodrigo Duterte against Us President Barack obama, with a White house official insisting that relations between manila and Washington remain “rock solid.” Ben rhodes, obama’s deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, told reporters at the sidelines of the Association of southeast Asian
Nations meetings in Vientiane, Laos that “the nature of our alliance with the Philippines has been and remains rock solid.” “[P]eople should certainly expect that our very close working relationship with the Philippines is going to be enduring,” he said. Us secretary of Defense Ashton Carter echoed this, describing the Philippines-Us defense alliance as “strong” and “longstanding.” obama called off one-on-one talks with Duterte following the PAGE A2
SUITED UP President Rodrigo Duterte (left photo) is seen wearing a suit for the first time, as he attends the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in
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september 9-15, 2016 • OC/Ie AsIAN JOUrNAL
From the Front
SC extends halt order against... PAGE A1
Calida argued the controversy was “beyond ambit of judicial review” and warned that granting the petitions would be tantamount to an “intrusion upon executive power.” “As the father of this nation, President Duterte decides to begin the long overdue heal-
ing of our nation and to exorcise the ghost of enmity and bitterness that prevent us from moving forward. Unfortunately, the wisdom and propriety of President Duterte’s well-meaning desire to put a closure in this divisive issue has pinched the nerves of some who cannot
Former pres. Ferdinand marcos philstar.com photo
forget their travails during the martial law era,” the solicitor general said. He noted that the former presidents have exercised the same powers as President Duterte when they decided on the return of Marcos’ remains to the country during their respective term. “If the prerogatives of these former Presidents were respected by this Honorable Court, so must it be with President Duterte,” Calida added. Rebutting the earlier point made by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that Marcos lost his privilege to be buried at the Libingan when he was ousted by the historic EDSA People Power revolution in 1986, the solicitor general explained that once a Medal of Valor was awarded, it cannot be diminished nor nullified. “Marcos was never dishonorably discharged from military service nor convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. Dishonorable discharge can only happen through court martial,” Calida said. “Based on military standards, given to a Medal of Valor awardee, former President Marcos fits to the definition of a hero,” he added. Calida also noted that Marcos would not be given state honors but only simple mortuary rites befitting his position as former president, commander-in-chief of the armed forces and a soldier.
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Page PH calls on ASEAN countries to be ‘partners... PAGE A1
world,” an obvious reference to Duterte’s campaign slogan “change is coming”. It also contained the phrase “partner for change,” which is being used by Malacañang to refer to the supporters of the president. Duterte said the theme of next year’s conference reflects the Philippines’ resolve to consolidate ASEAN’s community to enable it to take its rightful place in the international community. “We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation with global partners to ensure that ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and growth, all the while remaining ASEAN’s centrality, unity, and solidarity, we will maintain for all times,” he said in his acceptance speech. “The Philippines is ready and willing to steer and guide the association. But crucial to the realization of our goals is the cooperation and support of all ASEAN member states and our dialogue partners.” The Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the ten-member regional bloc. “During the Philippines’ chairmanship, we will highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player, with the interest of the people at its core,” Duterte said. “Towards this end, I invite you to be our dynamic and vibrant partners as we guide ASEAN in
president rodrigo Duterte arrives at the National Convention Center in Vientiane, Laos for the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) summit on tuesday, sept. 6. malacañang photo by toto Lozano
2017.” Duterte congratulated Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith for the success of this year’s conference. “You guided us with the timely motto of ‘Turning Vision into Reality for Dynamic ASEAN community.’ You ably did your part in deepening integration to move us towards the realization of a rulesbased, people-oriented, peoplecentered ASEAN community,” the Philippine leader said. “In the last two days of our meetings, I have benefited immensely from our discussions and exchanges, providing me with insights on how best to build upon Lao PDR’s efforts in community building.” Sisoulith said this year’s con-
ference had “comprehensive and fruitful discussions” on strengthening the ASEAN community. “I trust that under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2017, in addition to the meaningful celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the ASEAN community will continue to gain new achievements,” the Lao prime minister said. “The Lao PDR will continue to extend its full support to the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship and cooperate with ASEAN member states, ASEAN dialogue partners, external parties and friendly countries and regional and international organizations to contribute to the further strengthening of the ASEAN community,” he added.
Relations with PH ‘rock solid... PAGE A1 latter’s expletive-laden outburst. Before leaving for Vientiane on Monday, Sept. 5, Duterte was asked by a reporter how he would respond if asked by Obama about the mounting deaths of drug suspects. Duterte responded that the Philippines is not a US lapdog and it would be disrespectful of Obama to raise the killings during their meeting. He questioned Obama’s right to challenge him on human rights and called the US President a “son of a whore,” in remarks widely reported by the international press. Duterte issued a statement expressing regret over the outburst on Tuesday, Sept.6. US State department spokesman Mark Toner admitted that the US scrapped the meeting because Duterte’s statements raised questions about the chances of a productive discussion. “Words matter, and we want to see an atmosphere that is cordial and open to strong cooperation,” Toner said in a news conference in Washington. The Philippines is the US’ oldest Asian partner, and is designated as a major “non-North At-
lantic Treaty Organization ally.” Clinton, Trump US presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump weighed in on the tiff, with the former saying Obama was right to cancel the meeting. “President Obama made exactly the right choice,” she told reporters in her campaign plane. “When the President of the Philippines insulted our President, it was appropriate, in a very low-key way, to say: ‘Sorry, no meeting.’ And since then, there’s been an apology and an expression of regret which is appropriate,” she added. Clinton however acknowledged the need to maintain ties between the two nations. “We have a lot of ties between the United States and the Philippines. And I think it’s very important that we have a relationship, but there has to be a certain level of respect that is expected on both sides,” said Clinton, who as secretary of State was an architect of Obama’s policy of emphasizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific to US interests in the face of a rising China. Trump appeared to taunt Obama, whom he had criticized for being weak on foreign policy.
In a tweet, the Republican candidate said the reception that Obama received from the Philippines, as well as China, was “terrible.” “China wouldn’t provide a red carpet stairway from Air Force One and then Philippines President calls Obama ‘the son of a whore.’ Terrible!” he said. Boats from the US In a sign that relations between Manila and Washington have not been affected by Duterte’s outburst, the United States is giving the Philippines two used military aircraft. The Philippine Coast Guard said Wednesday the vessels would help it expand sea patrols in the face of territorial disputes with China. The two Sherpa 30-seater aircraft will be delivered in December, coast guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo told AFP. “It will help us in the movements of the Philippine Coast Guard like patrol missions,” Balilo added. Balilo said the Sherpas would help the coast guard augment its meager air patrol capability, now comprised of two old BrittenNorman Islanders.
Duterte’s obscenities directed to... PAGE A1
The reporter in question asked: “Sir, there have been concerns on extrajudicial killings, sir. And you will meet leaders, any line of communication that we have prepared to address this issue in front of other foreign leaders?” According to Duterte, the reporter “just threw questions and statements” to which Duterte responded with his trademark offcolor manner of speaking. “Iyong mga kolumnista diyan na ‘wait until he meets,’ who is he? (There are columnists out there that write headlines such as ‘Who is he?’),” Duterte told the media, referencing anticipatory media reports preceding the meeting. “I am a president of a sovereign state and we have long ceased to be a colony. I do not have any master except the Filipino people.” “You must be respectful,” he continued, speaking directly to the reporter. “Do not just throw questions and statements. Putang-ina, mumurahin kita diyan sa forum na ‘yan (Son of a b****, I will curse you in that forum).” Fil-Am writer Nizza Gueco clarified the Philippine president’s comments in a column on liberal news site “Liberal America” in which she translated and contextualized Duterte’s remarks. She said that Duterte’s choice phrasing was an attempt to uplift Filipinos and emphasize the autonomy of the Philippines. “As Filipinos, we have already accepted the fact that he does that a lot. He curses in public and it’s not that big of a deal for us,” Gueco wrote. “It’s not because we want to be seen as a country without class or breeding, but it is because we know it is just his expression that is being taken out of context.” Following media reports falsely reporting he directed these comments to Obama, the White House confirmed that the much anticipated bilateral meeting between
the two leaders was canceled. The two were scheduled to meet privately on Tuesday, Sept. 6 during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and western leaders summit in Vientiane, Laos. Leading up to the summit, Duterte said that he would not discuss human rights issues with Obama until the U.S. apologizes for the pacification campaign of the Moro people in Mindanao at the turn of the century in which 600 died. He even told American officials to look into the police shootings of black men in the U.S., saying they are “still human rights violations.” Obama responded to Duterte’s vulgarities, offering a reason for the cancellation. “He’s a colorful guy,” Obama joked. “I always want to make sure that if I’m having a meeting that it’s actually productive.” The White House later confirmed on Tuesday night, Sept. 6, that the meeting was cancelled due to the vulgar remarks. Ben Rhodes, Obama’s deputy national security advisor said that the comments were “not constructive” and would not have lead to a productive meeting. “Given the important issues that we have, having a meeting where all we were gonna discuss was a series of comments, frankly did not strike us as the most constructive way to approach a bilateral meeting,” Rhodes said in a press conference in Vientiane. Later, Duterte expressed regret for his comments that have caused local and international uproar. “I do not want to quarrel with him. He’s the most powerful president of any country on the planet,” Duterte said of Obama after arriving in Laos for the ASEAN summit Tuesday. Hillary Clinton said that Obama’s decision to cancel the meeting was “appropriate” considering
the nature of the comments. “With respect to the Philippines, President Obama made exactly the right choice,” Clinton told the media on Tuesday. “When the president of the Philippines insulted our president, it was appropriate and a very low-key way to say, ‘Sorry, no meeting.’” Clinton also noted that Duterte’s apology and expression of regret were also “appropriate.” “We have a lot of ties between the United States and the Philippines. And I think it’s very important that we have a relationship, but there has to be a certain level of respect that’s expected on both sides,” Clinton added. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump took to Twitter to comment on Duterte’s remarks, denoting the “terrible” treatment Obama has received on his Asia tour. “China wouldn’t provide a red carpet stairway from Air Force One, and then Philippines President calls Obama ‘the son of a whore.’ Terrible!” Trump tweeted on Tuesday. The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. said that the bilateral meeting will be postponed to a later date. “While asserting the intent to chart an independent foreign policy and promote closer ties with all nations, he expressed his deep regard and affinity for President Obama and for the enduring partnership between our nations,” the embassy said in a statement released Tuesday. “[Duterte] looks forward to ironing out differences arising out of national priorities and perceptions, and working in mutually responsible ways for both countries.” As the Asian Journal previously reported, the leaders were to discuss a variety of issues including the South China Sea dispute and the human rights concerns amid the escalating drug-related killings in the Philippines.
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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 9-15, 2016
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Fil-Am fugitive wanted for Tucson murder hiding in PH by Eric
FOUR HOURS bEFORE FLIGHt. the bureau of Immigration (bI) issued a reminder that passengers flying out of the country must be at airports four hours early as part of expected beefed-up security measures, including stricter immigration protocols, following president Duterte’s declaration of a state of emergency after the bomb
Robredo respects state of lawless... PAGE A1
hostage-takings, murder of innocent civilians, bombing of power transmission facilities, highway robberies and extortions, attacks on military outposts, media killings, and mass jailbreaks,” as stated in the Proclamation No. 55. Proclamation No. 55, or the declaration of “State of National Emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao,” was signed by President Duterte on Sunday, September 4. Robredo, however, reiterated
her earlier call for a “calm and collective action” among the authorities dealing with the incident. “We reiterate our call that we bring to justice those responsible for the violence in Davao and at the same time, [that] our bill of rights is followed and treated with utmost respect,” she said. Last Tuesday, September 6, Malacañang released the military and police guidelines in relation to the measures needed to be taken to suppress lawless violence under a state of national
emergency. “There is no reason to be alarmed by the deployment of soldiers and policemen. This is just for the protection of our communities. They cannot do anything except inspect, monitor the surroundings,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said, according to reports from Manila Bulletin. Medialdea said how long the state of national emergency will take effect will be up to the president but assured that this will not be implemented “forever.”
Fil-Am news anchor to moderate VP... PAGE A1
utes each and will be broadcast without commercial interruption on the CBS Television Network and CBSN at 9 p.m. ET. “It’s an honor to be chosen to help bring the issues of this critical election to the public,” Quijano said, as reported by CBS News. The Filipino-American is a weekday anchor for CBSN, CBS News’ 24-hour digital streaming network, and spearheads its political reporting. She is also an anchor of the Sunday edition of CBS “Weekend News” and contributes to “Evening News with Scott Pelley” and “CBS This Morning.” Quijano, who is currently based out of New York, has been with CBS since 2010, with coverage including the Boston Marathon bombings, Superstorm Sandy and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. According to a release by the news organization, she was part
of the team that won an Alfred I. duPont Award for coverage of the 2012 Newtown elementary school massacre. She was previously a Washington, D.C. correspondent for CNN, covering the White House, the Pentagon and the Supreme Court. Some of her work included the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and major highlights of President George W. Bush’s term, such as his inauguration and the War on Terror. Quijano grew up in the Chicago suburbs of Morton Grove and Skokie and earned her journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She started her career at WCIA-TV in Champaign, Illinois and then as a general assignment reporter for WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida. “I’ll keep doing broadcast journalism until I don’t find it fun or interesting anymore. You have to
have an intense passion for this. The day that it stops being fun and interesting, I’ll know it’s time to go,” Quijano told the Asian Journal’s MDWK Magazine in 2008. There will be three debates for presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, with the first one scheduled for Sept. 26 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York to be moderated by NBC News’ Lester Holt. The subsequent ones will be on Oct. 9 at Washington University in St. Louis presided by Martha Raddatz of ABC News and CNN’s Anderson Cooper and on Oct. 19 at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas anchored by Chris Wallace of Fox News. The lineup of debate moderators comes after the CPD was urged to select more diverse journalists. (Christina M. Oriel / AJPress)
Anthony LicAs AJPress
A FILIPINO-AMERICAN accused of fatally shooting a man during a house party in Tucson, Arizona, 16 years ago remains at large after fleeing to the Philippines. Police hope the public might have information leading to the capture of Anthony Burroughs, who was last seen at a strip club in Metro Manila, according to sources for CNN’s “The Hunt with John Walsh.” The 5’7”, 200 lb 37-year-old, who has his last name tattooed on his back, fled the U.S. after allegedly killing Ruben Rodriguez on April 29, 2000. “I was told it was over a girl,” Rodriguez’s ex-girlfriend, Melinda Ochoa told CNN. Witnesses say the two men met for the first time that night and wound up trading blows. After the fistfight, Rodriguez had reportedly helped Burroughs get up from the ground and was then shot in the shoulder as he walked away from the suspect, according to Ochoa. The wound destroyed the victim’s carotid artery, according to Tucson Police Detective, Tom Stewart. Burroughs had also shot him-
self in the foot during the incident. With the help of his girlfriend and another accomplice, he sought medical attention in Mexico, supposedly to avoid alerting law enforcement of his whereabouts. American Customs officials stopped the fugitive’s car as he reentered the country, but eventually released him. He was then able to board a plane in Phoenix, Arizona and escape to the Philippines. Police continued to work on the case, but Burroughs’s trail grew cold over the years. “There were a lot of people giving misinformation,” Stewart told CNN. “At a certain point, over the years, you run out of people to talk to.” Then, well over a decade after Rodriguez’s death, a confidential source in the Philippines gave investigators a critical lead. In 2014, police learned that Burroughs’s mother -- who is originally from Iloilo, Philippines -- had been sending money to her son overseas, and were able to obtain a warrant to search her home. Officers spent 14 hours looking for clues before finding a collection of letters sent by Burroughs from the Philippines. “We very much believe that
DHS considers ending use of private prisons... PAGE A1 should be eliminated.” For-profit facilities have faced criticism from civil rights watchdogs and immigration advocates who decry reports of abuse and substandard housing conditions, as well as the expansion of the private prison industry. A July report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) attributed seven out of the 18 deaths that occurred at immigration detention centers to inadequate medical care. “We certainly see a lot of these problems magnified when a company is seeking to extract as much profit as it can out of a detention center,” the executive director of Grassroots Leadership, Bob Libal, told the Los Angeles Times. However, sources from Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) told the LA Times that moving thousands of incarcerated immigrants out of private facilities could take over a decade and cost taxpayers billions. Private con-
tractors are currently responsible for housing two-thirds of the approximately 31,000 people held in DHS custody on a day to day basis. ICE does not maintain its own detention centers. Some officials warn that if private detention centers close, asylum seekers, undocumented immigrants, and green card-holding residents awaiting immigration hearings could be sent to state and local jails where they would face even worse conditions. “Before this ever happens, the facilities we currently use have to be replaced — that’s basically the only way, or it will shut us down,” said Chris Crane, president of the National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council, which represents federal deportation officers. Even if the federal government cuts all ties with private prison operators, the industry would continue to survive because state and
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Anthony’s mother has tipped him off and drove him back underground,” Deputy U.S. Marshall Jen Rippey told CNN. “We also believe she is still financing him in some way, shape or form.” She described the suspect as a “wannabe” who glamorized the gangster lifestyle. He had a criminal record for theft and assaulting his girlfriend, and was known to usually have a gun on his person. Tattoos decorate ¾ of both of his arms, in addition to his upper back and chest. Rodriguez was 19 and had just landed a sales job in a jewelry store at the time of his death, according to his mother, Sandra Medina. He joined a gang during high school, and wound up in juvenile detention after being caught with a small amount of drugs, according to CNN. He was released after turning 18. “That’s when he started changing,” Medina told CNN. “Ruben didn’t want to be involved with these people anymore.” Since discovering Burroughs’s letters to his mother, deputy U.S. Marshals have been dispatched to the Philippines. They are working with local authorities to track the suspect, who was last seen in May of 2014.
local clients make up the overwhelming majority of its clientele, according to various sources. However, recent moves by the DHS and DOJ bring attention to growing concerns about the management of America’s inmate population. A DOJ report released in August noted higher rates of assaults on both prisoners and prison employees at for-profit institutions versus federally-run detention centers. “The fact of the matter is that private prisons don’t compare favorably to Bureau of Prisons facilities in terms of safety or security or services,” said Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates in an August memo instructing DOJ officials to allow private prison contracts to lapse. “Now with the decline in the federal prison population, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to do something about that.” (Eric Anthony Licas / AJ Press)
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september 9-15, 2016 • OC/Ie AsIAN JOUrNAL
FIrst CONFIrmeD ZIKA CAse IN pH. Department of H ea l t h ( D O H ) secretary paulyn Jean b. rossell Ubial announced through spokesperson Dr. eric tayag that a 45-year-old female, married, non pregnant from Iloilo City was the first confirmed case of Zika in 2016. this case was most likely due to local transmission since there was no history of t rave l to a ny affected country in the past two weeks. the DOH
Lead suspect charged with murder in connection to missing Fil-Am woman by eric
anthony licas AJPress
ONE of the people arrested in July for kidnapping a Filipino-American woman in California – whose whereabouts remain unknown – could be eligible for execution after prosecutors added murder to the list of charges against him on Friday, September 2. Prosecutors in Northern California accuse Emanuel D. Espinoza, 26, of causing the death of Fil-Am mother Elvira Babb. She has been missing since June 29, and was last seen by a coworker who dropped her off outside the Vallejo branch of Seafood City. The missing woman’s neigh-
bor, Richard Fairchild, told NBC that Babb’s dog Rocky barked wildly the night she disappeared. The next day, the victim’s son, John Babb, 36, received a text message from people threatening to harm his mother unless a $60,000 ransom was paid. “I pray every day that I’ll see my mom again,” said John Babb during a press conference on Tuesday, July 12. “It Just doesn’t make any sense.” He told reporters his mother had lived in poverty in the Philippines and continued to struggle financially in America, according to the Daily Republic. He said she had declared bankruptcy and could barely afford to pay her rent.
Police say Espinoza was “well acquainted” with the victim. He and three others were arrested in connection to Elvira Babb’s disappearance on Sunday, July 10. Prosecutors dropped kidnapping charges against Jalon Brown, 32, and Larry Young, 23, but the two are still accused of acting as accessories to a felony. The fourth suspect, Lovely M. Ruazol, 27, has been cleared of all charges. Investigators say they are still working to find Babb. Anyone who might have information leading to her discovery should contact Detective Terry Poyser of the Vallejo Police Department at 707-648-4080.
Siblings in US scoff at drug accusations against Baraan brothers by Jun
nucuM Inquirer.net
SAN LORENZO, California — U.S.-based siblings of two former Philippine officials expressed shock and disbelief after their brothers’ names were included in the so-called drug matrix that President Rodrigo Duterte recently presented to the public. The siblings of Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Francisco “Toti” Baraan III and former Pangasinan provincial administrator Rafael “Raffy” Baraan said they were saddened by the president’s accusation that their brothers were involved in the trade in illegal drugs. The Baraan siblings Epifania “Epie” Baraan Colobong, youngest brother, Jerome, both in San Lorenzo, and youngest sister, Rowena, who is in Las Vegas, spoke through Fr. Geoffrey Baraan, the fifth of nine siblings and longtime pastor of Ste. Anne Catholic Church in Union City, California, before he was transferred last month to St. Joseph Church in Pinole, California. They said they were “bothered and scared for what may happen to our brothers because of the unfair accusations leveled against them” and they believed this was “happening as part of efforts to discredit former Justice Secretary (now Senator) Leila de Lima.” “We know our brothers Kuyang Raffy (eldest) and Kuyang Toti (second eldest) very well, looked up to them as they were both ex-seminarians having at-
Former Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Francisco “toti” baraan III says he only had administrative duties and no operational control over the bureau of Correction during his term at
tended Maryhurst Seminary in Baguio City in the 1970s. The Christian values they acquired in the seminary are still very much with them. In fact, they were my inspiration in my pursuit of priesthood,” Fr. Baraan stated. ‘Decent public officials’ “There is no truth to what is being heard and read in the news about the so-called drug matrix because they were very decent public officials who also care for their own families very much,” the priest added. He said their family is not involved or even rumored to be involved in any wrongdoing “much less illegal drugs” until Duterte’s “matrix” came out. “As a family, we made sure that we protect our family’s name by never doing anything to hurt nor dishonor it and by living a simple life in modest homes,” Fr. Baraan explained. “Our brothers both have their chance to make millions considering their positions in government yet they shunned the opportunity because we were not raised by our parents that way.” Asked on why their brother, Toti, was mentioned, the priest believed that it was because Toti was in charge of the Bureau of Correction in his capacity as DOJ undersecretary, who also had administrative supervision of other agencies under DOJ such as Board of Pardons and Parole, Parole and Probations Administration, Office of the General Corporate Counsel, among others. ‘Not in charge of prisons’ “It must be a made-up story because in the first place, he is not in charge of operation as the Bureau of Correction (BuCor) has its own director. Even if he was the undersecretary that has administrative supervision over BuCor, he was not always there to take care of the day-to-day operations of the Bilibid as he also had to take care of some other tasks. How can he even allegedly be linked to illegal drugs?” said Fr. Baraan. He reported that his brother Toti just laughed at the possibility of being a state witness as being bandied about in the news, because he really has no involvement whatsoever in the allegations being leveled against him. In a press statement, Toti Bara-
Former pangasinan Governor Amado espino, a friend of raffy baraan, and said to be the richest politician in Northern Luzon, is at odds with
an asked for fairness and due process, a chance to vindicate himself in a formal proceeding where he can present his side. “All I can say now is that this is something I totally cannot imagine myself being involved in; it contradicts the deepest Christian values I hold dear. I know myself, and in due time the truth will prevail. As Undersecretary having limited administrative supervision of BuCor as Bureau, I did never did oversee, either on the ground or from a distance, the prison operations in Bucor’s seven penal colonies, more so the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinglupa,” stressed Toti adding that his job was limited to reviewing and countersigning for the Secretary’s final signature of Bucor contracts/documents, which were in turn reviewed and endorsed by the agency’s technical services. As for their other brother, Raffy, who reportedly laughed off at the allegations as a joke, Fr. Baraan disclosed that as Pangasinan provincial administrator Raffy had no need go to Bilibid much less had connections with people there. ‘Friend at odds with De Lima’ “Granting that Kuya Raffy was close to then-Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino as provincial administrator, Espino is at odds with then-Justice Secretary and now Senator de Lima because of the case she filed against Espino. How can they be doing business together if they are not on good terms and do not even see eye to eye?” Fr. Baraan wondered. “It only makes the matrix funnier, laughable even. Those who are trying to implicate them should have really done their homework with prudence and more care.” The accused brothers reportedly prefer to stay silent for now, although they are very careful of what they say or do. “As a family we have fear of what might happen next. We do not even know from who are weaving these stories and where this information is coming from. They are accusing the good people, pointing to the wrong persons,” the priest lamented. “We are a family of peace. We believe that there are misguided persons who are out there to destroy them. Those who did this are now also in our prayers,” intimated Fr. Baraan.
US has admitted 10,000 Syrian refugees so far in 2016 by Klarize
Medenilla AJPress
AFTER President Barack Obama announced his resettlement program last fall, the United States has so far admitted 10,000 Syrian refugees in 2016 as of Monday, August 29, a month ahead of schedule. This marks the largest influx of Syrian refugees in a single year since the civil war in Syria began five years ago. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of employees across the federal government,” National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice said in a statement released on Monday, August 29. “Their commitment to meeting the President’s expectation that we both increase our refugee admissions and strengthen the integrity of the refugee program, including its stringent security screening protocols, has been essential to this effort.” The program — called the U.S. Resettlement Program (USRP) — seeks to “uphold America’s humanitarian response to refugees” through three phases: security, placement and transition, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). After refugees are screened through a lengthy security process that includes comprehensive background checks, they are placed in particular areas of the countries within 30 to 90 days. Once they’re settled, the government provides assistance to help them adjust to life in the U.S. by way of financial and medical aid, employment assistance and a variety of specialized programs. “Today, they are refugees. Tomorrow, they can be students and professors, scientists and
researchers, workers and caregivers,” United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in April. In general, refugees are usually placed in cities in which they have family and/or friends, David Murphy, executive director for the International Rescue Committee in San Diego, told ABC News. If that’s not the case, they’re placed in areas with high concentrations of people of the same culture and/or ethnicity. Data from the Census Bureau states that there are more than 150,000 Syrians living in the U.S. Most Syrians have been sent to medium-sized cities with affordable housing situations and ample job opportunities, but some of the major cities — like Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, Chicago and Boston — have accepted a considerable amount of refugees. California and Michigan have received the most Syrian refugees, according to an ABC News report. In addition to LA, cities in California that have accepted a large number of Syrian refugees include San Diego, Santa Ana, Sacramento, Oakland and cities all across the Southland, according to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The U.S. is no stranger to welcoming refugees fleeing political turmoil. In 1979, the country welcomed 111,000 Vietnamese refugees and 207,000 more in 1980. More than 120,000 Cuban refugees were also welcomed during the Mariel boatlift in 1980. Rice said that the U.S. is looking to welcome at least 85,000 refugees this year, including those from Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Iraq, Somalia, Ukraine and other countries.
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D ateline PhiliPPines Arroyo: ‘Freedom is healthy’ by LLanesca
T. PanTi
Manilatimes.net
FORMER President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo faced reporters for the first time on Monday, Sept. 5 and said being freed from detention has been good for her health. The former leader, one of the new deputy speakers of the House, was asked how she was doing since the Supreme Court ordered the dismissal of a plunder charge filed against her, and her freedom, in July. “Freedom is always very healthy. But, I don’t know for sure until I have my check up two weeks from now,” Arroyo told reporters in her first news conference in the House of Representatives since she was placed on hospital arrest in November 2011. The Pampanga lawmaker is set to leave for Munich, Germany on September 20 together with her husband, lawyer Jose Miguel Arroyo, for a health checkup. The Arroyo couple will visit Paris, France and Hong Kong after Germany. De Lima probe The former President weighed in on the looming House probe on the proliferation of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison under the tenure of former Justice secretary Leila de Lima, now a senator. “I am very confident that due process is going to be pursued, unlike the time when I was being persecuted,” Arroyo said, referring to the previous Aquino administration’s filing of elec-
Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
toral sabotage, plunder and graft charges against her. The cases have been dismissed, save for the graft charge involving the botched $329-million National Broadband Project still pending before the Sandiganbayan antigraft court. De Lima served as the Justice secretary of the Aquino administration and was crucial in preventing Arroyo from leaving the country to seek treatment for her problematic spine abroad back in November 2011. ‘Duterte a stronger leader’ Arroyo also said President Rodrigo Duterte was the stronger leader compared with her. She threw her support behind President Duterte’s declaration of a State of Lawless Violence in the aftermath of the Davao explosion last Friday that killed 14 people and left dozens injured. The declaration allows the President to call out the military to help police suppress lawless violence.
“I did not experience them [security forces]being abusive, and I don’t think they will abuse it now. Besides, President Duterte is a much stronger leader than I am. If I could handle them [security forces]very well, he can handle them so much better,” Arroyo, who was President from 2001 to 2010, told reporters. Arroyo herself declared a State of Lawless Violence in Davao City in April 2003 because of the twin bombings at the Davao International Airport and Sasa Wharf that killed 38 people and wounded 100 others. She also declared Martial law in Maguindanao in November 2009 in the aftermath of the Maguindanao massacre that killed 57 journalists. “I was doing the same thing during my time [as President]. It is the right thing to do. If the threat is national [in scope], then it is right that the President issue such. When I had problems in Mindanao, I would ask Mayor Duterte to handle it for me and he handled it very well. I’m sure he will handle it just as well, if not better, for himself,” Arroyo added. Duterte had served as Arroyo’s adviser on peace and order as well as drug and kidnapping problems. “President Duterte knows all the lessons because he was helping me a lot during my time. When there is a state of lawlessness, I always call upon him. He knows my experience. He knows all the lessons,” Arroyo said.
Four PH universities in world ranking by ReiceLene Joy ignacio Manilatimes.net
STATE-RUN University of the Philippines rose to the top 400 of the 13th edition of the annual university ranking compiled by British company Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), leading three other Philippine education institutions. UP ranked 374th in the 20162017 listing, a significant improvement from last year when the state university ranked within the 401410 range. QS said this was based on UP’s rise in three measures, namely academic reputation, faculty/student ratio, and international faculty ra-
tio. The Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University stayed at the 501-550 range, while De La Salle University of the Brothers of Christian Schools and the Dominican-run Pontifical University of Santo Tomas (UST) stayed at 701+. QS said the Ateneo was the only Filipino university that improved its research impact, measured using QS’ citations per faculty metric. La Salle, meanwhile, was the only Filipino university that improved its ranking in employer reputation. It also has the “most impactful researchers, as measured using
citations per faculty.” UST, Asia’s oldest university, entered the published rankings this year, QS said. QS uses six performance indicators to assess universities’ rankings. These are academic reputation, 40 percent; employer reputation, 10 percent; student-to-faculty ratio, 20 percent; citations per faculty, 20 percent; international faculty ratio, 5 percent; and international student ratio, 5 percent. American universities led the world ranking, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at No. 1, followed by Stanford University and Harvard University.
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FLOWERS FOR THE DEAD. Families, friends and relatives of victims of the blast at a night market in Davao City last September 2, 2016 offer prayers and flowers at the scene of the bombing, which left 14 people and 68 others injured. President Duterte has declared a “state of lawlessness” and put the city on “lockdown” following the explosion. Inquirer.net photo by Jeoffrey Maitem
Ramos not source of Duterte drug list, Dureza says by aLexis
RomeRo Philstar.com
VIENTIANE, Laos –– A Cabinet official on Thursday, Sept. 8, denied reports that former President Fidel Ramos was the source of President Rodrigo Duterte’s list of government officials with alleged involvement in illegal drugs. This, after the president told Filipinos in Laos earlier this week that Ramos had shown him a list of officials with supposed connections to illegal drugs, “President Duterte categorically denied media reports claiming that former President Fidel Ramos was the original source of the so-called drug list,” presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza said in a Facebook post. “To say that the source of the narcotics list came from President Ramos is a total fabrication.” Dureza said Duerte had clarified that in various occasions when he met with Ramos before the elections, the only recurring message to him was the need for him to run for president because of the challenges facing the nation including illegal drugs. Duterte claimed that Ramos was the source of the so-called narco list during a speech before the Filipino community here last Monday, Sept. 5. His statements were recorded on camera and were included in the official transcript released to reporters.
Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza and Hadji Murad Ebrahim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (right). Philstar.com photo byJohn Unson
“You know President Ramos went to Davao four times –- three times po. Tapos iyong una wala siyang pinakita, basta sabi lang niya, ‘you must run because it’s about time that Mindanao would have its own president.’ Iyon lang ang usapan limitado doon (Then the first one he didn’t show anything, all he said was it’s about time that Mindanao would have its own president. It was limited to that conversation),” the president said. “The second time, he was strongly urging me to run. Sabi niya, ‘ikaw lang ang makapigil nito,’ kung papano. Then he showed me a list ng mga... nandoon na, mga general sa droga,
pati iyong pulis ganoon kakapal. Hindi ko pa binitawan iyong iba, kasi bina-validate ko pa (He said, ‘you’re the only one who can stop this,’and how. The he showed a list of the…there it was, generals [involved] in drugs, as well as the police. I did not mention the rest because I am still validating it).” Duterte has accused more than 160 incumbent and former local, police, and military officials of involvement in the narcotics trade. Many of those named denied the allegations while others were unable to, being already dead. The Supreme Court has also launched an investigation into active judges included on the list.
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OpiniOn
Features
Sharp-tongued
U.S. President Barack Obama has described the Philippines as America’s oldest ally in Asia, a relationship bound by friendship and mutual respect. This may not hold true for his Philippine counterpart because even before leaving for his first official foreign travel, President Rodrigo Duterte has managed to cause an international stir with a “son of a b*itch” comment that many media said was direct toward Obama. Duterte warned the American president not to question his ways over extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the Philippines, which have been gaining scrutiny over the past months. “I do not respond to anybody but to the people of the Republic of the Philippines,” the Philippine president said. The two presidents were set to have a rendezvous at the sidelines of the ongoing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Laos. However, the bilateral meeting was called off by the U.S., saying that this may not be the right time for the leaders to have a dialogue. “Clearly, he’s a colorful guy,” Obama said. “What I’ve instructed my team to do is talk to their Philippine counterparts to find out is this in fact a time where we can have some constructive, productive conversations.” The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) instantly went to damage control. It said that Duterte “continues to value the Philippines’
ties with the United States despite his profanity-laced remarks against” the U.S. president. In a statement, the DFA said the Philippines and the U.S. “share common goals in their pursuit of the war against drugs, terrorists, crime and poverty. President Duterte explained that the press reports that President Obama would ‘lecture’ him on extrajudicial killings led to his strong comments, which in turn elicited concern. He regrets that his remarks to the press have caused much controversy.” It added that “while asserting the intent to chart an independent foreign policy and promote closer ties with all nations, he expressed his deep regard and affinity for President Obama and for the enduring partnership between our nations.” Before deciding to throw expletives to Obama, perhaps Duterte needs constant reminders that being the President means embarking on business meetings with other foreign leaders to address global challenges and ensure stability for their people. He may also need to be reminded that for decades, the United States has maintained strong bilateral relations with the Philippines, based on a number of factors including robust domestic support for international security, joint strategic goals in the Asia Pacific, a mutual commitment to demo-
Editorial
ManilaTimes.net photo
cratic values, and historical ties. There are currently 300,000 American citizens living in the Philippines and millions of Filipinos in the U.S. This is one of the most enduring aspects of the US-PH partnership, the binding and personal ties between people. These bring political, economic, and strategic benefits to both Filipinos
and Americans. This relationship is bound by democratic values and moral responsibility to ensure peace and security not just for their own people, but for every citizen of the world. This bond will only further flourish if both countries continue to commit on the same goals. (AJPress)
Do you agree with Pres. Obama’s decision to cancel the bilateral meeting after Duterte’s insults and profanity? “PUTANG ina mumurahin kita diyan sa forum na iyan…(Son of a whore, I’ll curse you at that forum).” These are just some of the toxic words spewed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as a warning to U.S. President Barack Obama, when asked in a press meeting what he would do if Obama questions him about the extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in his war against drugs. His own words on the eve of his flight to Laos for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit include: “Who does he think he is? I am no American puppet. I am the president of a sovereign country and I am not answerable to anyone except the Filipino people” Duterte’s statements have been the subject of news headlines and commentaries all over the world. The recent comments add to the profanities he unleashed against Pope Francis and the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines and his statement that the mayor (Duterte) should have been the first to rape this beautiful Australian missionary who was abducted, raped and killed in his territory.
“I have seen some of those colorful statements in the past, The Fil-Am so clearly he is a colorful guy, ” President Obama said in a news Perspective conference on Monday. He asked his team to evaluate if pushing through with the bilateral meeting with Duterte would be productive and constructive, consid- Gel SantoS-reloS ering the statements Duterte just made against him. “Fighting narco-trafficking is tough, but we will always assert the need to have due process,” the U.S. president added. Obama eventually canceled the meeting Monday afternoon and decided to meet with the president of South Korea instead. As a result, Philippine stocks stumbled, with international investors expressing concern about putting their money in Philippine market. Duterte issued a response to the media through his surrogates, which stated: “While the immediate cause was my strong comments to certain press questions that elicited
concern and distress, we also regret it came across as a personal attack on the U.S. President. Our primary intention is to chart an independent foreign policy while promoting closer ties with all nations, especially the US with which we have had a long-standing partnership.” We look forward to ironing out differences arising out of national priorities and perceptions, and working in mutually responsible ways for both countries.” Duterte’s statement also said the meeting between the United States and the Philippines has been mutually agreed upon to be moved to a later date. CNN reported that in his speech last Monday, Duterte blamed the United States for causing the unrest on the southern Philippines island of Mindanao. “As a matter of fact, we inherited this problem from the United States,” Duterte said. “Why? Because they invaded this country and made us
their subjugated people. Everybody has a terrible record of extrajudicial killing. Why make an issue about fighting crime?” CNN further discussed that Duterte was referring to the U.S.’ history as a colonial power in the Philippines, and specifically to one infamous massacre in the southern Philippines -- the 1906 Battle of Bud Dajo -- in which hundreds of Filipinos, including women and children, were killed. “How many died? Six hundred,” Duterte said Monday. “If (Obama) can answer that question and give the apology, I will answer him.” President Obama has maintained, “I always want to make sure if I’m having a meeting that it’s productive and we’re getting something done.” The cancellation of the scheduled meeting just indicates that he deemed Duterte would not be able to make that happen. *** 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
Now is the time for all good men
Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta THOSE old enough to remember using that trusty contraption called a typewriter, before the advent of personal computers, may recall the typing exercises, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” and “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.” The second exercise was what appealed to me the most as a growing boy. This was less than a decade after World War II and the memory of courageous guerillas standing up to the Japanese imperial forces had not yet faded from our young minds. Back then, we sang the Philippine National Anthem in English and the final stanza declared: “But it is glory ever when thou art wrong’d for us thy sons to suffer and die.” The words held a special meaning for me as a Boy Scout imbued with patriotic fervor. It seems to me that, in these tumultuous times, with the world reeling from terrorist attacks and the ravages of nature, and with the Philippines getting its devastating share of the grief, patriotic fervor is what needs to be enkindled again in the hearts of our people. Indeed, now is the time for all
good men to come to the aid of their country. After the series of terrorist attacks in Europe, the US and other parts of the world, it was only a matter of time before death would also come knocking at our country’s door. The Davao bombing, which claimed 14 lives and wounded scores of innocents, may only be a preview of what could be inflicted on us. We are so vulnerable. More so, perhaps, than France, which has become punch drunk from the recent series of terrorist attacks. A bomb exploded in the middle of the infernal traffic snarl on EDSA could result in hundreds of fatalities. The light rail system, with its sardine-like passenger loads, as well as the airlines criss-crossing the archipelago, are fair game for explosive devices. While the carnage has, so far, mainly affected Mindanao, Metro Manila, with its teeming millions is too attractive a target for murderous men intent on bringing the government to its knees. On top of the terrorist threats, the new government of President Rodrigo Duterte has been waging a bloody war against the drug menace and the number of fatalities, many of them characterized as victims of extra-judicial killings, has reach alarming proportions. Add to that the bullying tac-
tics of China over the Spratleys and we are beginning to witness a government that is literally under siege. How should patriotic Filipinos react and respond to this situation? There is no question in my mind that in the face of external threats and the terrorist menace, it should be a no-brainer to stand with the country and its leader. Duterte has many faults, some of which he has cheerfully acknowledged, but he was chosen to lead the country. And in these trying times, it is our duty to back him up. In the wake of the Davao massacre and as part of the antidrug campaign, Duterte has decided to declare a “state of lawlessness.” That may sound alarming and may give the impression (as it apparently already has to other countries) that the Philippines has become a “lawless state.” This is certainly not the case. But words irresponsibly foisted in mainstream media and social media can fan fear and create havoc. The president’s spokespersons have simply added to the confusion. (As this column went to press, Malacañang announced a new development to the effect that it is “neither a state of lawlessness nor a state of lawless violence, but a ‘state of national emergency on account of lawless violence.’” Whatever that
means.) Months after the elections, Duterte’s political enemies are still milking the turmoil in an obvious effort to derail his new government. But, the question is: For what purpose? Isn’t that like cutting off their nose to spite their face? When Duterte declares a national policy that requires much greater vigilance and stricter enforcement on the part of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shouldn’t it be the duty of every citizen to cooperate in order to make the job of the authorities easier? Does it help ease the crisis we are facing when people spread the rumor of a plan to assassinate Duterte, to be engineered by no less than a senator-cummilitary man? Assuming (God forbid) that this president is knocked off, will Vice-President Leni Robredo be equal to the resulting chaos, on top of dealing with the current threats? In a situation where being calm and collected is so necessary, does it make any sense to indulge in intrigue and in pressing the alarm button at every turn? And when an objective assessment of the crisis situation depends so much on a responsible media community, what purpose is there in running sensationalized headlines and fanning alarmist speculation? The varying stories swirling around
the declaration of the state of lawlessness and what it actually entails and where it could lead, have been an exercise in confusion – and much of it has been abetted by media and irresponsible netizens. To be sure, the Duterte government is not faultless. There should be less arrogance and more compassion in addressing the rising international concerns over extra-judicial killings. Duterte should realize that vigilante justice has its own bitter karmic rewards. And making murderers out of policemen is like curing a cancer by breeding a new malignancy. But, at least, Duterte, as president, is not washing his hands or shying away from the problems his government is facing. He is facing them and is exercising leadership. He has augmented the troops going after the Abu Sayyaf, suspected of pulling off the Davao massacre, and while that might seem like pouring gasoline on a blazing fire, would we have preferred that he told the country that “there is nothing to worry about” and that “everything is under control? We know that things are not under control and that there is reason to worry, but at least we have a president who is not burying his face in the sand or pointing a finger at his subordinates. He is, in fact, worrying on our behalf and is trying to keep
the situation under control. What I think he needs to do is to bring the wisest and most sober minds together, people who have faced crisis situations in the past, and listen to their advice – and that should include the clergy. He could also be less impetuous, less impulsive and less prone to put his foot in his mouth (like threatening to pull out of the UN and then saying later on that folks should know when he’s just joking). He could also disengage himself from personal quarrels with political enemies, like Sen. Leila de Lima, and leave his executive officers to deal with them. For our part, I think we, as citizens, should rally behind the President as he deals with the various threats at hand. Rather than attribute dark schemes, like declaring martial law, to his every move, I think the responsible members of Congress, the Supreme Court and the military should allay people’s fears and reassure them that martial law cannot be imposed on the whim of one man, even if he is president. At the same time, these responsible national leaders should call on the citizenry to close ranks and work with the president to confront and overcome the threats. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. (gregmacabenta@hotmail.com)
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OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • SEptEmbER 9-15, 2016
A
DoF to help Bangladesh recover stolen money by mayvelin
CaRaballo ManilaTimes.net
The Department of Finance (DOF) has vowed to fully support the government of Bangladesh in its efforts to recover the $81 million stolen by cyber thieves in February. In a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 7, the DOF said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd has assured Bangladesh Ambassador to Manila John Gomes of the Philippines’ “100 percent support.” however, Dominguez pointed out that recovery efforts will have to go through proper legal procedures. During a meeting with the ambassador on Friday last week, Dominguez said the immediate
objective is for Bangladesh to recover $15 million of the $81 million that the Regional Trial Court of Manila forfeited on July 7 and ordered kept in the vault of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). “We want to assure you that the Philippine government, including all its instrumentalities from the central bank, the DOJ [Department of Justice], DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs], and of course the AMLC [AntiMoney Laundering Council], are 100 percent behind you, that we want to assure you that we will do everything that we can to assist you,” he said. “We have, however, a legal system that has to be respected
and this system has to be followed so that whatever claim you are awarded, nobody can challenge that in the future,” Dominguez noted. The $15 million was turned over by casino junket operator Kim Wong in the course of the Senate investigation into the cyber heist. The DOJ filed a petition at the Manila RTC asking that the $15 million be forfeited in favor of Bangladesh. DOJ Chief State Prosecutor Ricardo Paras 3rd said P107.35 million of the stolen fund, roughly equivalent to $2.3 million, was voluntarily frozen by Bloomberry Resorts and hotels Inc. (Solaire casino).
Probe on child deaths in drug war sought by Paolo
RomeRo Philstar.com
MANILA – Sen. Grace Poe on Thursday, Sept 8, asked Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa to probe incidents involving children killed during police anti-drug operations. Poe cited the killing of a fouryear-old girl during a sting in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental on Aug. 30. She cited Republic Act 8551 or the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, which mandates the PNP-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to automatically investigate incidents of death, serious physical injury or violation of human rights com-
mitted in the conduct of a police operation. “The PNP-IAS must ensure that scalawags in the police service are held accountable, more so in cases where children and minors are senselessly caught in the crossfire. Their vulnerability must not be trampled upon,” said Poe, who has been pressing for the appointment of a civilian IAS head. Althea Fhem Barbon and her father Aldrick, 31, were a few meters from their home when police shot them on Larena street in Barangay Poblacion. Aldrick, a drug suspect, died at the scene while Althea died in a hospital in Dumaguete City two days later.
“The situation where innocent children become victims of the drug war is deplorable and must be addressed without delay,” Poe said. The senator also asked for updates on the investigation on the death of five-year-old Danica Mae Garcia of Dagupan City, Pangasinan, who was hit with a bullet intended for her grandfather, a drug suspect. While Poe has expressed full support to the government’s antidrug campaign, she noted that the prime duty of the police is to serve and protect the people. “The protection of life is one of the essentials for the enjoyment of the blessings of democracy,” she said.
SENATE REWARDS HIDILYN DIAZ. Senate President Koko Pimentel (right) hands over a check worth P500,000 to Hidilyn Diaz (3rd from left), who won a silver medal in the recently held Rio Olympics. A native of Zamboanga, Diaz qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics after winning three bronze medals in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championship in Houston, Texas. “Her achievement is an example of the courage and indomitable will of the Filipino athlete,” Pimentel said. Also in photo are Zamboanga City Councilor Rommel Agan (left), Diaz’s parents, and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Adelino Sitoy (2nd from right). Senate photo by Alex Nuevaespaña
Traffic projects under emergency powers to cost P1.15 trillion by Paolo
RomeRo Philstar.com
MANILA — The government will spend a minimum of P1.15 trillion in infrastructure and other projects to be fast-tracked if Congress grants President Duterte emergency powers to deal with the transportation and traffic crises. Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said his calculation was based on the submission of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Senate committee on public services, which is hearing proposals to grant emergency powers to Duterte. Sen. Grace Poe chairs the committee, which received the proposal from Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade last Friday, Sept. 2, including a draft emergency powers legislation. The proposed emergency powers would be in effect for three years, providing legal short-cuts for the procurement and bidding processes and the creation of a single traffic authority. The DOT’s list is clustered into four sectors: road, maritime, aviation and rail. The rail sector has a proposed budget of P1.07 trillion or 93 percent of DOT’s SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING ON DRUGS. Senate Majority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III explains during the hearing of Senate Committee on P1.15-trillion wish list. Recto urged the DOT to segPublic Order and Dangerous Drug, chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, that the problems of illegal drugs and drug abuse are can not be solved by law enforcement alone, it should be accompanied with preventive education, rehabilitation and prosecution as he proposes to upgrade the regate the projects into levels of DDB & PDEA into Presidential Anti-Drug Authority (PRADA). Senate photo by Ramon A. Lopez priority, “from the super urgent
Manila’s traffic
to the slightly urgent.” The list includes projects that can be put on the back burner, like the construction of a training room in one DOT-supervised office and the purchase of non-essential computers, he added. Recto proposed that the DOT wish list “be clustered under one item in the 2017 national budget so that the budget cover needed to implement these will have the okay of Congress.” “We should remember that the emergency powers being sought to address the transportation crisis can never include the power to appropriate funds,” he said. “What it only allows is the
fast procurement of projects for which funds have been appropriated.” Not all projects will be wholly government-funded as many will be built under the public-private partnership program. however, the DOT must indicate government counterpart and contingent liabilities for transparency’s sake, Recto said. The road sector projects cost P58.6 billion, a huge chunk of which is for the P39.4-billion Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit Line 2, a 48.6-kilometer loop around eDSA, Ayala Avenue, NAIA and the Ortigas and Bonifacio Global City business districts.
FILIPINO PROGRAMMING
ONLYON LA18 All New “LolaBasyang.com” begins Sept.13th
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na may modern-day twist for our viewers! In this modern-day version, Lola B is a tech-savvy grandma, and she shares her stories with children via blogs and a webcam.
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Larger than Life
2
Fil-Am artist Jefre Manuel and his journey to success in the art world By Dana
M. SioSon
AJPress
anOther artist is making his way in the Philippine art industry. With his countless achievements in Miami, new Orleans, Philadelphia, San antonio, London, and abu Dhabi, Jefrë Manuel took the opportunity to use his skills and talent to craft awe-inspiring, largerthan-life art pieces in Manila. Retracing his roots Being an internationallyacclaimed contemporary artist and former landscape architect, Jefrë figueras Manuel, or more known as “Jefrë,” was born and raised in Chicago. his parents were natives of ilocos Sur and Laguna, and this accounts for his love of the Philippines. the love of the arts, though, runs in the family. his mother, who was a nurse, had a creative outlet as a floral decorator. Jefrë recounted the days when he assisted her on weddings and other events. at the same time, his uncle was inclined in architecture and has created exquisite abstract murals from etched metal and paint. this has made him more inclined in art. Passion for art at an early age, Jefrë already
showed interest in art. “as children, we all have a sense for creative exploration and experimentation. i remember my mother telling the story of how i love to water our plants with soy sauce or how i would take things apart. But maybe, that was a way to explore objects as individual components and how they work,” he told the Asian Journal. to further develop his skills, he participated in many art courses, competitions, and even joined drama programs during his grade school and high school days. “i remember being excited that my cover art was chosen in a contest for the eighth-grade graduation program,” he added. The path he chose Jefrë’s passion led him to the
art institute of Chicago. he wanted to pursue a profession in the arts. But then, he decided to transfer to Ohio State University. there, he took up and finished a degree in Urban Design and Landscape architecture. “a starving artist wasn’t really honored in a family dominated in the medical profession,” Jefrë explained. he said that his parents were concerned about him and his struggles in the future if he chose the path of an artist. thus, he transferred and became a city planner. for 10 years, he was able to work with various establishments and firms like Skidmore Owings and Merril. he worked for clients, was contracted in partnerships, and gave service to some of the biggest industry names such as Santiago Calatrava, Big architect’s, Zaha hadid, and Philippe Starck. everything seemed to be working well until a life-changing incident happened to him. not expecting a heart attack at the age of 35, Jefrë underwent triple bypass surgery. the incident served as an eye opener and made him realize the life that he truly wanted. having personally experienced the play of god’s hands, he quit his job and used his savings to participate in different competitions and study
morpho-ecological design at the architecture association in London, england. “When i came back from London, i decided not to go back to a firm. i started my own practice (now known as StudioJefrë) and joined competitions,” he said. Starting anew Jefrë took the first step of his second life by joining different contests in the United States. the contests — mostly funded by the public — are usually joined by 300 to 400 people. all of them are screened based on their presented ideas until three finalists are chosen. “in my first year (of competing), i was a finalist in 12 projects. You hope to win one... i won eight in my first year. i was the fastest emerging artist to win that number of competitions in my first year,” Jefrë expressed. the 40-year-old artist then became known for his pieces such as “the Beacon” and “the Code Wall,” which are both showcased in the heart of Lake nona Medical City in florida. his projects are inspired not by a “theme or material-based studio artist” but by the culture and identity of the community locals he works for. his name continued to rise with his thought-provoking work
Photos courtesy of Jefrë Manuel
of art. in 2012, he was named as the “emerging artist of the Year.” he has won in various sculpture competitions in Washington D.C., London, San antonio, new Orleans, rome, and Miami. furthermore, Jefrë was given recognition as the “Consultant of the Year for 2016” by the american institute of architects (aia). he was awarded by the Marlborough gallery in new York City as an “Up and Coming international Public artist.” recently, he was also nominated for the Cooper hewitt Smithsonian Museum award 2016 for the Design Mind Category. Jefrë Manuel today as his career continues to flourish, Jefrë decided to offer his service and “bring the idea of public art and iconic art to the Philippines.” he was commissioned by SM group to work on “talking heads” at SM ecom 5 and “Sculpture Contour Series” — a permanent art sculpture project at SM aura.
Jefrë worked with BgC’s most iconic sculpture called “Selfie.” “i’m an international artist from the United States but i’m a filipino. this is my first time in my homeland in about 15 years after doing sculptures worldwide,” he confessed. “if i can do the Philippines’‘international Monument or iconic Destination,’ that would be my dream.” When asked about the kind of artwork he wants to do, Jefrë answered that he likes to make “art that inspires people; art that can one day be considered your eiffel tower.” Looking forward to his future endeavors locally and nationwide, he envisions working in a profession that shapes the world and eventually become a big influence on how art can turn from mere object to public space. “for me, there was really no ‘perfection’ in art. art is more of a process,” Jefrë concluded.
JC Santos stars in a different kind of love triangle by Ricky
calDeRon ManilaTimes.net
JC Santos is backed with impressive credentials as he plays third wheel to the day’s most popular love team in James reid and nadine Lustre, best known by their moniker JaDine. JC plays ali, iris’ (Lustre) best friend, who as the first week of the highly anticipated aBS-CBn teleserye “till i Met You” will figure in a different kind of love triangle with the popular pair. JC started his career as a theater actor in UP Diliman where he studied theater arts. he then worked as a singer-dancer in hong Kong Disneyland, after which he joined the talents of Universal Studios Singapore. according to JC, he returned to the Philippines because he wants to carve a career both as tV and mainstream movie actor. One distinct role he has since played which remains in our mind was as cadet commander in aureous Solito’s “esprit de Corps,” an entry in the Cinema One Originals festival in 2014. for his work in that film, JC earned an Urian Best actor nomination. he was also cast in the Cinemalaya finalist, the Janitor; and the Cine filipino entry “Sakaling hindi Makarating.” for tV, he was part of the online series “forever Sucks”
Nadine Lustre, James Reid and JC Santos
starring Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and likewise appeared in the tV series “flordeliza” and “tubig at Langis.” JC said he usually gets the role of antagonist and is not a newbie to auditions, whether in movies or tV. he auditioned for the part of ali in “till i Met You,” and when asked to return for the second day of auditions was ready to play the role of James’s adversary. But to his surprise, he realized he was reading to play one of the leads of the show in the antonette
Jadaone series. admitting he cannot be happier over this biggest break in his career, JC is looking forward to more challenges in portraying ali. Based on the first week and trailers of the show, there are hints that JC’s character is gay and in love with James’ Basti rather than nadie’s ali. JC told Manilatimes.et that he doesn’t mind portraying a gay character being typecast as such. he’s fine with it as long as the role is a good one.
angel Locsin featured on MtV australia’s ‘sexiest list’ With expressive eyes and a body to die for, who would fail to notice angel Locsin? after landing fourth on this year’s fhM’s sexiest women, angel has secured the eighth spot on MtV australia’s “Sexiest nationalities in the World” list. the actress joined the ranks of Victoria’s Secret angel adriana Lima, american Pop singer rihanna and Colombian-american actress Sofia Vergara. Meanwhile, angel took to instagram to thank MtV for putting her on their list. angel was hailed as fhM’s Sexiest Woman twice—first in 2005 and the second in 2010. (Alixandra Caole Vila/ Philstar.com)
No problem being typecast as nice guy by Boy
ABundA Philstar.com
Zanjoe Marudo says that when he was cast as the male lead in “Tubig at Langis”, he felt pressure to make the show a success. But the pressure lessened when he found out Cristine Reyes would be his onscreen partner. He had worked with her before in the 2013 indie film Bromance, and came away from the experience with good memories of Cristine and that project. “every time I have a project and I am the lead, there is so much pressure. When I learned I will be working with aa (Cristine), I felt relieved,” he says. Zanjoe portrayed natoy Villadolid very seriously. He knew that his character was a reflection of so many Filipino men, and he wanted to make sure to do his role — and those men — justice. “natoy had a very important role in Tubig at Langis. Siya yung sumasalamin sa bawat lalaki sa bansa natin ngayon. even if you did not seek for it, you will be drawn to situations where your love for your wife will be tested,” he explains. “as Irene and natoy, we were able to show the audience our love and devotion for each other. and that we will not permit anything or anyone to destroy our family.” natoy was a faithful husband for most of the show’s run, but he also made his fair share of mistakes. Zanjoe says he’s similar to natoy in the sense that he’s loyal to those he loves, but that’s as far as their similarities
september 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
The ‘King of Talk’ answers questions by izA iglesiAs ManilaTimes.net
To say that top television host Boy abunda has come a long way is an understatement. Dubbed as the “King of Talk” for his riveting questions and intelligent discourses, he continues to lord over the TV genre even as most showbiz talk shows have gone off the air in the last few years. For the information of millennials, especially, it should be noted that the 60-year-old is more than just a television host. abunda—or “Tito Boy” as the younger generation has come to know him—is publicist and talent manager as well. Twenty-five years ago, he built his company Backroom Inc. as a talent management and public relations firm, which continues to handle the careers of some of the most famous artists in the entertainment industry. among them are ai-ai de las alas, Zanjoe Marudo’s character in ‘Tubig at Langis’ was gretchen Barretto, Dawn Zulueta, Continued on Page 7 a reflection of Filipino men. Mariel Rodriguez, Drew arellano and Bianca gonzalez, to name a few. It therefore came a surprise during his launch as brand by Arlo Custodio Isabella. Mommy and Daddy love the baby shower, the couple’s sixth ambassador for Swiss watch brand ManilaTimes.net you so much! You are loved not just TechnoMarine’s Cruise Medusa wedding anniversary, the mom-toby us but by everyone #BabyMozart model, that one of the most be’s 32nd birthday. HIgH profile couple Robin #MariaIsabellaDePadilla,” the TV In a series of posts on Twitter, Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez held a prominent talent management host announced on Instagram. Instagram and Facebook, the baby shower on Saturday, Sept. 3, companies in showbiz is soon Because of her delicate at Le jardin in Taguig and excitedly glowing Mrs. Padilla shared her folding up. pregnacy after two miscarriages, excitement over the pending birth announced their long awaited “Backroom is slowly closing of Baby Maria Isabella in november. the couple have decided that bundle of joy is a girl. down. I’ve turned over its Mariel should give birth US where “We are excited but patiently The party, attended by close operations to my most senior her half-siblings reside. waiting for your arrival Maria friends was a triple celebration— employees [over the last so Padilla explained to aBS-CBn. many years], and with this, I’ll be Com, “First, it should be known that absorbing some of them while Mariel’s pregnancy is so delicate. It’s others will go to asian artist one of the challenges she’s going agency.” through. It’s not that we’re saying asian artist agency, or aaa, we lack skills and facilities in the according to abunda, is a platform Philippines, the doctors here are in creating asian superstars. Like as proficient but the technology is Backroom, it will act as a unified there, it’s immediately available. We talent and booking agency, but don’t have to wait for the problem the difference is that it will cross to arise before we act. It’s all there borders to manage and market that’s why we chose the US so the careers of asian artists, everything is on stand by.” including directors, writers, He described their baby as performers, singers, athletes, actor miracle. to different parts of the world. Rodriguez also announced she as part of the group is taking a break from showbiz to organizing aaa, abunda related, make sure both she and the baby “We are hoping to launch by Mariel Rodriguez and Robin Padilla proudly announce it’s a girl for them. are safe and healthy. 2017, but now what we are doing
Mariel Rodriguez to give birth in US
3
Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda
is sort of the infrastructure of the organization. In asian artist agency, we are not buyers, since we don’t have much resources for that. Right now, we visit different countries, and we’re building relationships because we want to find out what their respective showbiz industries really need. Be it model or a singer, we will look for who you want. It’s sort of like a trading model, except what we bring to them are talents.” asked what will happen to Backroom’s current roster of talents, he assured, “We will maintain our Philippine asian artists, including Indonesian asian artists. I feel really excited. What will be the result? I don’t know too but what I know is that will try our best to do this.” Celebrity drug tests Despite the demanding schedule his latest undertaking demands, abunda said that he continues to actively manage the careers of his current brood of artists. This despite the breaks he took to focus on his aging mother’s health, and when he suffered a severe liver condition in 2014. “My mother is stable now, and I’m in the pink of health, so I’m continuously managing my artists. I can’t leave this part of my career because I like doing it, and because it’s part of my life,” he explained. “Unknown to most, I spend a lot of my time in handling the contracts of Kris aquino, Dawn Zulueta, gretchen Barretto, ai-ai delas alas, Bianca gonzalez, Drew arellano, and Mariel Rodriguez,”
he enumerated. With his manager’s hat on, abunda took questions on his views about the drug issue in relation to celebrities, he said, “Celebrities should be treated as any regular citizen. If different sectors of society are being investigated for drugs or taking drug test, celebrities should be and should do too. “Sometimes, showbiz complains, why are we being singled out? But why should we expect special treatment? So if drug tests need to be done among artists, why not. That is my stand.” abunda continued, “In my opinion, what is done to one sector should be applicable to all. Let us not impose anything that we cannot impose on ourselves. So if the fight is fair, it has to be fair. What I just hope is that there will be vetting process when it comes to investigations—they should be carefully done. “I haven’t been able to talk to my talents about undergoing drug testing but for sure if they really require it, I will tell them to do it—including the talents from asian artist agency,” he vowed. Checking ‘Krissy’ Pinned down by the press, abunda was unable to escape talking about his best friend and talent Kris aquino, whom The Manila Times entertainment first reported to have signed on with TaPe, Inc., a known ally of gMa network. [Showbuzz by Lhar Santiago, august 19, 2016]. apparently kept in the dark Continued on Page 4
september 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
4
Bembol Roco, Boyet de Leon reunite in new film Black Eyed Peas revives ‘Where is the Love?’ by Bayani
San Diego Inquirer.net
AcclAimed actor Bembol Roco considers himself fortunate that he was able to witness, and participate in, the second Golden Age of Philippine cinema in the 1970s and ’80s—making films with such masters as lino Brocka, mario O’Hara and celso Ad. castillo. His lucky streak continues, he says, because he remains just as active in the current indie scene—collaborating with the new breed of Filipino filmmakers, from Brillante ma. mendoza (“Thy Womb”) to Adolfo Alix Jr. (“isda”). “i am glad to be part of what could be the third golden age of Philippine cinema,” he remarks. “it’s a very exciting time. it’s good to see young filmmakers developing their own styles, pursuing their own vision and passion for cinema.” most recently, he won best actor for Paolo Villaluna’s “Pauwi Na” at the ToFarm Film Festival. He also wrapped up work on Raya martin’s latest film, “Smaller and Smaller circles,” which is based on a crime novel by FH Batacan. The shoot for “Smaller and Smaller circles,” where he plays the director of the National Bureau of investigation (NBi), went smoothly, he recalls. “Raya and his team were good. They’re all young—it’s a youthful and dynamic group,” he volunteers. The producers of the hit historical film, “Heneral luna,” are also behind martin’s new film. To prepare for “Smaller and Smaller circles,” he read the book.
EMPLOYMENT
by arlo
CuStoDio
ManilaTimes.net
WiTH powerful support from Jamie Foxx, Usher, Nicole Scherzinger, Justin Timberlake, mary J. Blige et al, the Black eyed Peas recently released a new version of their hit “Where is The love?” Originally an alternative hiphop group, the Black eyed Peas’ first major hit was the 2003 single “Where is The love?” from their third studio album elephunk. The song topped the charts in 13 countries, including the SCENE from “Smaller and Smaller Circles”: Christopher de Leon (left), TJ United Kingdom where it stayed number one for seven weeks becoming Britain’s biggest and respect each other, so it’s “it’s beautiful and well-written. it’s always a fruitful collaboration,” he selling single that year. At that also very different.” time the general feeling was the After all, it’s not every day that notes. world was suffering from political if Brocka were alive a novel on a serial killer is turned and social atrocities. today, Roco is certain that into a movie in the Philippines. They subsequently changed the internationally renowned “my character is interesting,” their musical sound to pop and filmmaker would remain just as he points out. “i based him on vital a voice in Philippine cinema. dance-pop music. different people of authority, For quite a time, members (The National Artist died in a car like former police chief Roberto will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and crash in 1991. He would’ve been lastimoso.” Fergie went on solo careers 77 this year.) coincidentally, his character’s but for a good cause joined “i am sure lino would still be name is Francisco lastimosa. directing relevant films,” he quips. forces once again to revive the “i also did my own research. i worldwide hit and to inspire He says he has learned a was interested in my character’s social engagement in millenials. lot from his “mentor.” He never background. Was he a former And with millenials as tires of telling the story of how military man? A disciplinarian?” target, Black eyed Peas enlisted Brocka discovered him in a drug He explains that the novel numerous heavy hitters to join rehabilitation center. “That’s the explores hidden worlds, story of my life. i never dreamt of them on the latest rendition of “exposing the internal conflict becoming an actor. i was clueless “Where is The love?” including in different institutions, like the Jamie Foxx, Ty dolla $ign, mary J. about the industry,” he recounts. police force and the church.” Blige, diddy, cassie, Andra day, “lino taught me everything i cast as his main nemesis The Game, Tori Kelly, V. Bozeman, know.” in the film is another veteran Jessie J, French montana, “He was a second father to actor, christopher de leon, who me … my confidant. Whenever i portrays a rival NBi official. had a problem, whether on the The two are original Brocka set or in my personal life, i would babies—Roco debuted in run to him. He taught me to “maynila sa mga Kuko ng From Page 3 always be professional,” he relates. liwanag” in 1975, while de leon Now, he hopes to impart the was introduced in “Tinimbang Ka about her decision until she same values to his twin sons, Ngunit Kulang” in 1974. had officially signed a contract, Felix and dominic Roco, who are The last time they shared Abunda said of the surprise his making waves in the indie scene, “Krissy” pulled, “my relationship the big screen was in Brocka’s as well. “i tell them that the most “Babangon Ako’t dudurugin Kita” with her never changed. i still important thing is to always in 1989. They also costarred with handle her contracts. We still talk remain humble,” he asserts. Nora Aunor in O’Hara’s landmark everyday about everything and Although there were reports film, “Tatlong Taong Walang nothing. i also want to be clear of familial strife, they were able diyos” in 1976. that it is not true that i quit as her to patch up their differences, he “it’s always rejuvenating manager. insists. “Whatever problem we working with Boyet (de leon’s “What i just can’t comment had in the past …’yung tampo nickname). We are friends.We on is the new relationship she nila, i guess, it’s now over.” know each other’s capabilities entered with APT and mr. Tony
will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and apl.de.ap
dJ Khaled, Usher, Nicole Scherzinger, A$AP Rocky, Jaden Smith and Justin Timberlake who was also featured on the original. A 40-member children’s choir is likewise featured on the track. The new visual for Where is the love? incorporates even more people. The clip features appearances from Sandra Sterling, whose nephew Alton Sterling was killed by the police, Valerie castile, whose son Philando castile was also killed by law enforcement, and dallas Police chief david Brown. more entertainers show up here as well: Snoop dogg, Rosario dawson, connie Britton, Quincy Jones, lance Bass and others. The Black eyed Peas discussed the reason behind the revival of “Where is The love?” in
a short video. “i remember when the Paris attack happened, people would say, we need ‘Where is The love?’ again,” will.i.am explains. “And then Belgium happened. And then Turkey, and then Orlando, and then Philando, and Alton before him, and then dallas. everyone was calling on us, like, ‘we need that song again.’” “i hope this song inspires the millennials to go all out,” will.i.am adds. “Scream from the tallest mountain. care like your freedom depends on it. Pay attention like that is at risk.” Sales from the new version of the track goes to the i.am. angel foundation, a non-profit founded by will.i.am with the goal of “transforming lives through education, inspiration and opportunity.”
The ‘King of Talk’ answers...
EMPLOYMENT
Tuviera because none of them have said anything. Kris is not talking, nor Tony. ABS-cBN is also not saying anything about the situation so why would i say anything about it now?” he explained. “i can only say that they indeed had a meeting. i’m not privy to many things, like how extensive were the discussion, the dialogue—i don’t really know. The whole narrative will all be out as soon as they speak. i’m just really
shy to speak up or say something before them because i’m just in the peripheral in this story.” Abunda further clarified that he never negotiates TV shows for Aquino in the first place. “i only represent Kris when it comes to her endorsements. many were surprised [about her move]but it did not affect our friendship. in fact, before going to this press con, we talked on the phone, but we didn’t talk about business,” he ended.
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september 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA
Bringing moxie back “We now live in a cynical age when no one, it seems, can be trusted. Even those institutions we used to hold sacred and sacrosanct are suspect.”
(Part 1 of 2)
DO you sometimes have a nagging feeling that despite what the media paints as a rosy picture of the current state of affairs we are supposed to be having, things are not what they seem to be? There is reason to believe that unemployment numbers are a work of fiction rather than a reflection of the current situation. Indicators of economic and social malaise are still very strong. Several years ago in England, there were 35,000 applicants for 1,000 job openings for the makers of Range Rover. You probably don’t have to look far to see those among us still struggling to find jobs. Many have simply given up and have become part of a statistic that is not factored in when a comprehensive picture of the current state of affairs is presented supposedly by those so called “experts” on the economy. Others are holding down two full-time jobs or even multiple part time jobs just to put food on the table. Companies can afford to be picky these days. Some even have the gall to fire entire departments, either to cut on costs or to greedily improve their bottom line, leaving just one or two personnel to handle the work of entire departments knowing, in a calculated way, the ones “lucky” enough to retain their jobs won’t balk and put up a fight knowing how difficult it is to find employment in an economy as tough as this. Some soulless companies are gleefully aware that in a shrinking job market, they hold all the aces. I know of one who had to pull out a hat trick in a fiercely competitive job market. Being out of a job for 2 years, she knew she had to stand out in order to be considered for the job among a sea of job applicants. Aware that her advance age, the influx of new graduates willing
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to take far less and her years of experience would be regarded as a deterrent to landing a job with fair compensation and benefits, she first became a volunteer without pay for 3 months. She showed the company what she is capable of. That got her the job. In this economy, it is a game of the survival of the fittest. Throw in a dash of creativity and a ton of tenacity and persistence. If figures are to be believed, one out of every 6 Americans is still out of a job. The real figure of those without a job is close to 94 million. Every economic and political pundit is focusing on the need to create jobs that will bring the country back on track. Even Bill Gates didn’t mince his prognosis of our sick economy. Our economy has been on lifesupport even with a series of stimulus packages in 2009. You have a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach that those at the helm have absolutely no idea besides throwing money on how to fix a broken system. If nothing changes soon, the debt burden of $20 plus TRILLION will be passed on to the second and third generations. What a sordid legacy to pass on to the next generations! Frankly, I think it will take a sea change of heart and spirit not only in the leadership, from top to bottom in the structure of government, but more importantly, among the majority of ordinary Americans to revive this country back to the glory days. It’s time to bring moxie back. But first, let’s do a brief autopsy of this moribund mess we are in by asking ourselves a few questions and searching for the answers. What can you say of a country that has outsourced so much of the production of practically all its needs to China, India and every part of the world, all in the
name of improving profits among soulless multinational companies? What can you say of a country that has forgotten that work itself and the creation of quality products that satisfy the creative impulse of human beings are, in it of itself, a blessing to the people who create them? To create something from concept to actualization is ennobling. To be rewarded for creating something that people find useful and that lasts, has been the secret of what was once a strong US economy. We have taken advantage of the low wages and traded on the appalling work conditions of other countries and the lower costs of overseas production but in the process, created a serious imbalance and a lingering malaise in the psyche of the American workforce. Uncontrolled outsourcing has taken away tens of thousands of jobs, which in turn, decimated what was once a strong American middle class. Perhaps a group of economists and business people with political clout, goofed big time along the way. Whether by plain stupidity or by willful intent to destroy, our political and economic leaders in the last 30 years, may have placed us on track towards self-destruction with suicidal policies. You want to finger point and put the blame on the myopic architects of this economic disaster. More than likely, they could be regarded as a band of conspirators, so-called economic experts and politicians, who sold out the well-being of the country with their economic policies which resulted in the conditions that we are seeing and suffering from these days. If these were Medieval Times, they would be flogged or be found hanging from their Continued on Page 6
Calendar of Events across
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 S e P t e M b e r 9 -1 7
42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia United Bicolandia Los Angeles (UBLA) invites everyone, Bicolanos, devotees and friends to come and celebrate the 42nd annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. The festivities will start on Sept. 9, with the translacion at 5pm at the Immaculate of Mary Church (4954 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90029. A nightly novena Mass follows from Sept. 9 to Sept. 16 at 6 PM except on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 PM and Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2;30 PM and culminates on Saturday, Sept. 17, with the ninth day novena at 8am, foot & fluvial procession at 9 AM, and a Concelebrat- ed Mass at 10 am at Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Main celebrant will be HE Most Rev Arturo Bastes, Bishop of Sorsogon. For details, please call Lanie Ber- rei (818) 281-3169 or Gene Leano (818) 439-6896.
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Arts & Craft: a food and beer event in Los Angeles To kick off the 25th Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC), we’re celebrating with two of our favorite things: food and beer! Arts & Craft will take place at the Pico House in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring food by The Park’s Finest, Stoked California BBQ, and SALO Series. Music will be provided by Gingee. Aside from the gastronomic offerings, an intimate art exhibit will also showcase the last 25 years of FPAC. Pico House is located at 424 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA. Tickets are $40 / person and can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arts-craft-a-food-and- beer-event-tickets-27360749739.
17th annual Asian Small Business Expo The Asian Small Business Expo is the only business-to-business expo that engages the Asian business community and brings this growing economic force into the mainstream to connect and utilize your company and its services. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with small businesses, market your organization and tap into a network of entrepreneurs, service providers, financial organizations, franchises and governmental and legislative representatives. Admission to the expo is FREE! It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Almansor Court Banquet & Conference Center, 700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801. To register, please visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-asian- small-business-expo-tickets-23824155691. Walk-ins are also welcome on the day of the expo. For more information, please visit www.apisbp.org.
SePteMber 16
CAC to celebrate Town Fiesta The Cabatuan Association of California will celebrate their Annual Town Fiesta in honor of their Patron Saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10, 2016 with a mass at 11:00 am at Nati Matitu-Mercado’s residence - 15255 Knapp St. North Hills, CA, 91343. Please invite four friends and relatives. Music will be provided by Willie Manacsa. For other inquir- ies, please call Esoy Tavarro, president, (714) 797-0073; Sally Bilbao, adviser (951) 878- 5589; Boboy Mosqueda, adviser (714) 519-8973; or Nati Matitu-Mercado, adviser at (818) 894-5142.
SePteMber 17
Lorenzo Ruiz: A musical play On Saturday, September 17, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community will present a musical play entitled Lorenzo Ruiz: the First Filipino Saint. This play will star Mat Ranillo III, a Filipino TV, film and stage actor. Purchase your tickets today, for a donation of $20 for one event or $25 for both events. Seats are limited so get your tickets early. For ticket sales, please contact St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish office at (909) 595-9545. St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Parish Community is located at 747 Meadowpass Rd., Walnut, California 91789.
27th annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia Come and celebrate the 27th annual celebration in honor of Our Lady of Penafrancia, the patroness of Bicolandia. The grand fiesta will be on Saturday, Sept. 17, beginning with a concelebrated mass at 1 p.m., followed by a Fluvial Procession. It will be held at Liberty State Park, Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey, City, New Jersey 07305.
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AAPA’s leadership symposium Join the Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) for an all-day event from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with exceptional and diverse keynote speakers and panelists, as well as multiple workshops on diversity and leadership topics. The symposium is open to everyone, and will be held at the Pacific Palms Hotel, 1 Industry Hills Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91744. For more information, please visit http://aapamentoring.com/.
S e P t e M b e r 24
8th Regional Celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Region invites everyone to the 8th Regional Celebration of the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the First Filipino Saint. Festivi- ties will be on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at this year’s host parish, Holy Family Church - Glendale (209 East Lomita Avenue, Glendale CA 91205). Procession starts at 4:30 PM , then Mass at 5:30 PM with Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis DD, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Ange- les, as Principal Celebrant. Reception , fellowship and program will immediately follow at the Holy Family Grade School Auditorium across the church. For more information, please contact Ping Bayani at(913) 558-4332 or bayani0950@yahoo.com.
S e P t e M b e r 25
Virgen de los Remedios Festivities at the Los Angeles Cathedral Thousands of Marian devotees all over Los Angeles will gather at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the Diamond Jubilee of Virgen de los Remedios Canonical Coro- nation on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. The Glendale High School Band, conducted by Grammy nominee Amy Rangel, will lead the afternoon procession participated by both Fili- pinos and Latinos in their traditional costumes. This will be followed by a Solemn High Mass with the joint choirs of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, St. Columban, Couples for Christ and the award winning Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir accompanied by musical artists from the Filipino American community. Everyone is invited to come and bring their Marian images. Organizations are asked to bring their banners for the procession to begin at the Cathedral Plaza. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is located at 555 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2707.
S e P t e M b e r 28
Bataan Legacy Historical Society multimedia presentation Bataan Legacy Historical Society, a non-profit educational 501(c)(3) organization, will hold a multimedia presentation at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, please visit www.bataanlegacy.org.
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25th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is proud to announce the date & venue for the anticipated Silver Anniversary edition of its annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture. FPAC 25, the 25th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC), will take place Saturday, October 8 at the beautiful Echo Park Lake. Admission is FREE. The popular festival, the City of Los Angeles’ Filipino American Event, is the longest-running Filipino cultural celebration in Southern Califor- nia. Audiences can expect to enjoy traditional and contemporary Filipino food, music, dance, crafts and culture. This year’s theme, “Samu’t Sari: Showcasing the Diverse Creative Tapestry of the FilAm Community,” lends its meaning to the Tagalog phrase which loosely translates to “diversity.” While certainly a hot topic in today’s society, FilAm Arts focuses on the vast contributions of Filipino American artists to the creative tapestry of the City. For more information, please visit www.filamarts.org or call 2133803722. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please email info@filamarts.org.
If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com
september 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
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DOT chief: ‘Let’s give Steve Harvey a chance’ TOURiSM Secretary Wanda Teo is counting on President Rodrigo Duterte and the Filipino people to forgive american host Steve Harvey for his epic blunder in announcing the wrong winner at the last Miss Universe pageant so that the latter can fulfill his contract to emcee the January 2017’s coronation night. Teo admitted during the Meet the Press in Malacañang that President Duterte had expressed his hesitations on the likelihood that Harvey will host the 2016 Miss Universe coronation night scheduled for January 30 at the Mall of asia arena. This despite the Department of Tourism (DOT) chief’s explanation to the President that said she explained Harvey has a five-year contract to emcee the pageant. Harvey had repeatedly apologized for the mistake of announcing Miss Colombia as the 2015 Miss Universe, before he realized that Bb. Pilipinas Universe Pia Wurtzbach was the adjudged winner. “Miss Universe Pageant is four months away. That’s more than enough time to assuage President Duterte about his hesitation on Mr. Harvey’s hosting the event. i’ve
Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach captions this post on the pageant’s Facebook page: ‘#TBT to the night that changed my life. Steve Harvey let’s do it
known him for many years as our Davao City Mayor with a big heart for well-meaning people like Mr. Harvey, who did not hesitate to correct his mistake,” Teo said. in an interview with DZMM’s Noli de Castro, Teo also pointed out, “i will personally speak with the President and may even ask the help of Pia to convince him to give Mr. Harvey the chance he deserves.” She went on to say, “The reigning Miss Universe, our very own Pia Wurtzbach has the
magnanimity to appreciate the way Mr. Harvey stepped up to redeem himself. i’m counting on the same sense of forgiveness and class-act among Filipinos.” in the Miss Universe Organization Facebook page, a photo of Wurtzbach and Harvey is posted showing the questionand-answer portion of 2015 Miss Universe, captioned “#TBT to the night that changed my life. Steve Harvey, let’s do it again and changed someone else’ life.” (ManilaTimes.net)
Kathryn and Daniel with the Sagrada Familia Church (which remains unfinished up to now) in the background, a national shrine in Barcelona
KathNiel: What happens in Barcelona stays in Barcelona by
Ricky Lo
Philstar.com
WHeN in Rome, do as the Romans do. That’s what they say. So when in Barcelona, do you have to do what the natives do? But wait, just what do Barcelona natives do? “They love to party out in JaNiNe Tugonon pushed her the streets,” observed Tempo career far enough to be noticed by columnist Ronald Constantino one of the most famous lingerie who was there with the wellbrands in the world, Victoria’s Secret. traveled STaR columnist (Live On Tuesday, Sept. 6, Victoria’s Feed) Bibsy Carballo for a Secret Pink lingerie line released a vacation. “The sun is up way past 9 new ad which included the former in the evening so they really take beauty queen playing the role of a advantage of the prolonged day. college student. They are laidback, very leisurely, Janine, who is now based in and their first meal for the day is the US and is working under MSa brunch. They want to believe that Models, shared the video on her Barcelona is independent from social media page. Spain. The natives even have their Last year, Janine was featured own language, Catalan.” on Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam. She KathNiel loveteam Kathryn has also previously walked on the Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were runways of Los angeles and New in Barcelona for three weeks but, York Fashion Week. much as they wanted to, they Janine represented the didn’t have much leisure time Philippines in the Miss Universe to, well, do what the Barcelona pageant in 2012, but she fell short natives do. They were there to of winning the title, placing first shoot Barcelona: a Love Untold runner-up. (Alixandra Caole Vila/ for Star Cinema, directed by Janine Tugonon is the first Filipino to be featured in a Victoria’s Secret Philstar) Olivia “inang” Lamasan from a screenplay she co-wrote with Carmi Raymundo…about a young man (Daniel) who can’t get over his past love and Mia, a young woman who is rebuilding her life in Spain after escaping from a painful past in the Philippines. Between shoots, KathNiel bonded with the entourage. “Walang star-star d’un,” said Daniel. “Kathryn and i would help the crew (a stolen crew). after the shoot, our kababayan there also helped us with our things.” Unlike in their previous starrers (Crazy Beautiful You and She’s Dating the Gangster), the (so far screen) sweethearts had a taste of inang Olivia’s style. “She really squeezed us dry,” said Daniel, thankfully. “Talagang piniga kami ni Inang,”adding in jest, “in one scene, naka-400 takes ako.” also starring aiko Melendez, Joshua Garcia, Joey Marquez,
Janine Tugonon featured in Victoria’s Secret ad
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ana Capri, Cris Villanueva, Liza Diño and Ricky Davao, Barcelona: a Love Untold is showing nationwide starting Wednesday, Sept. 14, next week. Other playdates: Papua New Guinea and Middle east, Sept. 22; Saipan, USa and Canada, Sept. 23; europe, Sept. 24; Singapore and Hong Kong, Sept. 25; and australia and New Zealand, Sept. 29. in the following Conversation, KathNiel’s Taglish answers were purposely untouched so as to capture their feelings accurately. How was your shoot in Barcelona? Tell us about your memorable experiences on and off the set? Daniel: The shoot of the entire movie was enriching. Ang dami-dami naming natutunan. Natuto kami ng disiplina, ng focus na ibigay lahat. Sobrang okay kasi lahat ng kasama namin ready, ganado, walang tinatamad. Kathryn: Ang hirap pumili kasi marami kaming napuntahan na places, ang wonderful ng experience. Memorable sa akin lahat ng itinuro ni direk Olive, na paghandaan ang bawat eksena, kilalanin ang character. it’s a very humbling experience. Hindi naging madali pero masaya ako sa pagkakataon na ibinigay sa akin for this project. When you travel together, ano usually ang pinupuntahan nyo? Do you shop together, eat together, etc.? Daniel: Una inaalam namin kung ano ‘yung sikat dun sa lugar na yun. Pinupuntahan namin ‘yung mga sikat na lugar at kainan. Si Kathryn nagsho-shopping kaya hayun nadadamay na rin ako. Kathryn: Pero hindi nawawala yung mga tourist spots, like sa Spain ‘yung Sagrada. How many foreign countries have you visited together so far, whether for work or for vacation? Kathryn: Nasa 15-20 na rin. Sino ang mas maalaga sa inyo abroad? Kathryn: Si DJ. (His full name is Daniel John. — RFL) How are you similar to or different from your characters? Daniel: Ako si Ely, two years na
akong nasa Barcelona. Kumukuha ako ng Masters in architecture doon. At mayroon akong secret mission. Kathryn: Ako naman si Mia, isa siyang babae na naghahanap ng isa pang chance dahil nakagawa siya ng isang pagkakamali. Nagkaroon siya ng idea na kapag pumunta siya sa ibang bansa, sa Barcelona, she will have the chance to start over. Sobrang seryoso ng mga characters namin hindi siya kasing comic ng Crazy Beautiful You. Sa totoo lang nahirapan kaming i-portray dahil ibang-iba siya, malalim at hindi pa namin nagagawa. Daniel: Iba ako kay ely dahil hindi siya masyadong positive na tao. Marami siyang bina-block at lagi niyang iniisip yung mga baka…baka ganito, baka ganyan. E ako sobrang positive kong tao. Kahit ano okay lang sa ’kin. Pero pareho kaming dedicated sa pamilya. Lahat ng ginagawa ko katulad ni ely para sa pamilya. Kathryn: Kay Mia, ang pagkakapareho namin siguro ‘yung gusto niya ng second chance to prove herself. Gusto niyang patunayan sa lahat na kaya niya. So far ba, kilalang-kilala nyo na ang isa’t-isa? Daniel: Oo naman! Kathryn: Yes! Daniel: after five years, yes! Kathryn: Kung meron akong pinakakilalang tao, next to mama ko, si DJ yun. Daniel: Ganoon din ako. What do you have in common…do you like the same food, the same type of movies and music, etc.? Daniel: Sa pagkain, pareho kaming mahilig sa keso. Pareho kaming OC sa gamit, ayaw namin ng makalat. Sa movies naman, magkaiba kami. Sa music dinadamay ko siya. Who is more moody…and how do you deal with it (kung wala sa mood ang isa sa inyo)? Daniel: Moody si Kathryn. Hirap, iba-iba. Tatantyahin mo rin siempre kung okay na kausapin. Away from work, do you spend time together (work out together, etc.)? Kathryn: Gusto namin nagbebeach at bakasyon with friends. What do you like most about each other? Daniel: Pareho kami. So, gusto namin ang isa’t isa. (Then they both laughed) Anything that you don’t like about each other? Daniel: Moody. Parang lahat ng mga babae ganoon. Kathryn: Wala, natanggap ko na rin, eh. Before, tinatantya namin. Pero ngayon swabe na. Kahit mag-away, naaayos din. What’s your theme song? Kathryn: Love ni Nat King Cole What is the best gift that you have given each other? Daniel: Gift ng partnership namin.
Bringing moxie back
toes or boiled in oil in the public square for treason and economic sabotage of the highest order. But for the unemployed who has lost his home and has trouble putting food on his table, none of the finger pointing and the brilliant but empty rhetoric matters at all. in a situation such as what we have where a significant percentage of the working class is without a source of income, the times call for a crash course on survival where each man must learn to fend for himself. We now live in a cynical age when no one, it seems, can be
trusted. even those institutions we used to hold sacred and sacrosanct are suspect. We assume everyone is a con artist that lies and lies and lies until proven otherwise. We have now learned to steer clear of strangers, screen our calls, trash suspicious emails asking us about account information or be wary of just about anything new. We even refuse to answer the door. in the media and online, we have seen a parade of scandals: from political scumbags, depraved men of the cloth, big-time con artists to scandal-
plagued, shameless celebrities who trade on their image to push depraved agendas useful only to the elite class they have created for themselves. We seem to be breathing their toxic fumes when they self-destruct into flames. Honor, decency, civility and respect are in short supply these days. and we heave a heavy sigh and shake our heads in disbelief. (To be continued) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com
Morissette Amon:The next Big Diva
on her family and friends during that time, but she also talked Philstar.com to God and asked him for help. ALthOUGh she lost her She asked for God’s help again in voice and she had a fever, the days leading up to her Music she succeeded in wowing the Museum show. God heard her audience. prayers and healed her in the When singer Morissette nick of time. took a bow at the end of “thank God, the Lord her eponymous Music was with me, and it just Museum show last Aug. 13, she made me believe in him did so to a thunderous applause more, kaya sinabi ko sa sarili ko from the sold-out crowd. na, ‘Hinding-hindi ako susuko. Morissette’s renditions of hits Kaya ko ‘to.’ And then I went by Adele, Jessie J, Kelly Clarkson to rehearsals at yun, with the and Mariah Carey — as well whole team, we managed to as her own chart-toppers “Akin Ka pull it through, kaya naging Na Lang” and “‘Di Mapaliwanag” panatag na yung loob ko before — left quite an impression the concert. I made it,” she says. on those in attendance. In fact, Morissette’s battle with they were already screaming for laryngitis didn’t keep her an encore before she had from powering through the even finished singing. music set list she and her the singer billed as the next team put together, especially Big Diva was in a very good for that night. She proved voice that night despite the fact her versatility by tackling a that she had just came down variety of genres, from Broadway with laryngitis a few days before. to gospel to pop and r&B. A “I lost my voice and I had clear standout, however, was very high fever,” she explains. her performance of I’m here, “What went through my mind a song from the musical the when I got sick was, ‘Naku, Color Purple. She poured a lot of kaya ko ba talaga?’ But then I emotions into every note, leaving remember the time I interpreted some members of the audience for himig handog P-Pop Love in tears by the time she finished. Songs songwriting contest, Morissette says she when I sang Sir Jungee Marcelo’s can’t believe she sold out Diamante. I also got sick but I was the Music Museum, which is able to pull through in the end.” one of the Philippines’ most Morissette leaned not just iconic venues. “Simpleng tao by
Boy ABundA
go. he would never cheat on the woman he loves, even in the face of temptation, and he advises married men to do the same. “I am not the kind na tuwing may babae na maganda or sexy, I take advantage of kahit na type niya ako. Madalas may naghahabol pa rin sa akin kahit taken na ako, pero hindi talaga ako bumibigay. Nagdadasal na lang ako,” Zanjoe laughs. “Seriously, I never give in. People admire you if you are faithful. And when you are married you should refrain from doing naughty things.” Zanjoe says most of the characters he has played were nice guys. It was only when he
was cast as Natoy that he got the chance to play a guy who made his fair share of mistakes, which he enjoyed immensely. Playing Natoy taught him to see mistakes as learning opportunities. “Papunta na nga sa santo lagi characters ko, kaya natutuwa ako na ganito si Natoy — he’s human who commits mistakes but later regrets and asks for forgiveness. In real life, you have to experience failure to become better. So next time, you know what to do and you will be able to correct your wrongdoings.” he also has a similar perspective on heartache now. When “tubig at Langis” started last year, he had just broken up
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Jennylyn reveals her dream leading man by AllAn
PolicArPio Inquirer.net
After having starred opposite Kapamilya heartthrob John Lloyd Cruz in the movie “Just the three of Us,” GMA 7 star Jennylyn Mercado revealed she has still another dream leading man on her bucket list. Given the opportunity, Jennylyn said she’d love to work in the future with Piolo Pascual—another heartthrob from her home network’s rival. Morissette Amon “I’ll probably get starstruck lang kasi ako na nangangarap,” and just stare at him (Piolo), much she explains. “Galing ako ng like how I was when I did a movie Cebu and I never thought I’d with John Lloyd,” the 29-yearactually move to Manila to old actress said. make my dreams come true. Kasi for now, a movie with Piolo is kung hindi OK sa family ko na not in the offing. gawin ko yun, I probably wouldn’t Instead, Jennylyn was be here right now. I don’t have supposed to shoot a potential the strength to do something entry for this year’s Metro Manila that big if I were all alone, so film festival with Coco Martin swerte talaga ako that my family under Star Cinema—ABS-CBN’s has been supporting me every movie outfit—which didn’t step of the way.” materialize due to scheduling Morissette says she’s looking conflicts. forward to more big moments in “Of course I want to prioritize her career. “I’m excited for whatever opportunities that will come my way because I plan to make the most of them.” by JomAr cAnlAs
Jennylyn Mercdo
GMA 7, since I’ve just renewed my contract with the network,” she told entertainment reporters at a media gathering for the new celebrity singing contest, “Superstar Duets” (that premiered last Saturday).
She said she had to undergo workshops for her hosting stint in “Superstar Duets.” “It’s not my forte—I’m scared of it!” she admitted. “But thankfully, we have a great staff who helped me through it.” In the show, which mixes singing and comedy, eight contestants—Pekto Nacua, Joross Gamboa, Jerald Napoles, rita Daniela, Denise Barbacena, Nar Cabico, Divine Grace and Osang—will each be paired with surprise acts. the competition will be judged by Christian Bautista, Allan K and Aicelle Santos. Meanwhile, Jennylyn appeared unperturbed after being bashed by netizens following rumors that she would be paired with Alden richards for the local adaptation of the Korean series, “My Love from the Star.” “Dedma. I don’t read tweets if I can help it,” related the celeb, who thinks it would be best if Alden stays paired with Maine Mendoza. “they’re doing well; it would be great if they stick together for now,” she said.
Vicky Belo wins in case filed by ex-lover
No problem being typecast as nice guy From Page 3
september 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
ManilaTimes.net
the Court of Appeals has junked a plea filed by the former partner of celebrity cosmetic surgeon Victoria “Vicky” Belo to be declared a co-owner of her with Bea Alonzo. Doing the show properties, because of the non-payment of docket fees. gave him something else to focus In a 16-page ruling penned by Associate Justice on and eventually, his broken ramon Bato, Jr. and concurred in by Associate Justices heart put itself back together. Manuel Barrios and Maria elisa Sempio Diy, the court’s he also says that he and Bea are 12th Division dismissed Joel Santos’ petition for lack of friends now. merit. “I am thankful to the cast On April 9, 2008, Santos filed a Petition for because they were always Declaration of Co-ownership in which he said that there for me. I don’t want to sometime in August 1990, he entered into an exclusive pressure myself into having a romantic relationship with Belo. new girlfriend just because I am Santos and Belo were already separated from their single. It will come at the right spouses and would later pursue the nullification of time. I try to enjoy whatever their respective marriages. I have right now. the present the relationship turned sour and Belo eventually state of my heart, I can say, is broke up with Santos. very happy and I don’t want Santos argued that he had rights over Belo’s to pressure myself. for now, I properties, because he spent his own money to put up am committed to my family, to her businesses. myself and to my work.” — With the regional trial Court (rtC) of taguig City earlier reports from Almed Garcia and junked the case, noting that Santos failed to pay Julian Mauricio docket fees. this prompted the litigant to go to the
Dr. Vicky Belo
appeals court. In its June 14, 2016 ruling released to the media only recently, the appeals court affirmed the rtC ruling. the appeals court said the lower court was right when it dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction. “thus, the docket fees prescribed for real actions should have been paid,” it said.
september 9-15, 2016 www.asianjournal.com
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