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China: Up to PH to heal rift over arbitration case

BeIJING—China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said the Philippines’ case against China at an arbitration tribunal over rival claims in the south China sea had strained relations between Beijing and manila, and that it was up to the Philippines to improve ties. the arbitration case against China in the hague “is a knot that has impeded the improvement and development of sinoPhilippine relations,” a statement on the foreign ministry’s website cited Wang as saying in manila.

“We do not want this knot President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes People’s Republic of China Foreign Minister Wang to become tighter and tighter, Yi during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, Nov. 10. so that it even becomes a dead Malacañang photo by Joseph Vidal PAGE A2

DATELINE

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Two Filipinos charged with child trafficking, pornography Over 100 photos seized in US the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) identified two filipinos responsible for providing more than 100 nude photos of children to a man arrested at san francisco International Airport in April.

During a press conference, NBI Cybercrime Division Chief ronald Aguto said Lyan tandeg and shellina Atad, the sources of the photos, were arrested Nov. 4 after meeting with undercover NBI agents to pimp an 8-year-old girl, according to an Inquirer report on monday, Nov. 9.

Both have been charged with qualified child trafficking and syndicated child pornography and are currently being detained in NBI jail.

PAGE A7

Behind the ‘model minority’ myth: the Asian disadvantage WIth stereotypes like “the model minority” and the “most successful race,” Asian Americans are facing increasing pressure in society. studies show Asian Americans are the most educated race, with over half (51.5 percent) possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to just 30 percent of the overall Us population, CNN money reported.

Asian Americans also earn much more than the general populace: $74,105 in median income versus $53,657, according to the Us Census Bureau’s 2014 American Community survey. however, numbers only tell half of the story.

“When you dig a little bit, it shows that we are not all doing well as society, the government and other institutions would lead you to believe,” said Christopher PAGE A3

Pres. Obama to seek Supreme Court review on immigration overhaul Another roadblock for executive actions that can save up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation by chriStina

m. orieL

AJPress

PresIDeNt Barack obama will seek the supreme Court’s review of his executive actions on immigration, following a federal appeals court’s ruling that the plans must remain blocked.

In a 2-1 vote on monday, Nov. 9, the 5th Us Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ban imposed by a federal district court judge in texas on two programs obama introduced: Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and an expanded version of the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA). this latest ruling is another setback to obama’s attempt to overhaul the immigration system before his term ends.

texas and 25 other states filed a lawsuit back in february, stating that the creation of DAPA and expansion of DACA go against the president’s executive power and would have negative affects on each state’s economy. texas asserted that the “lawful presence” of the immigrants would require the state to issue “state-subsidized driver’s licenses” and other aid programs. further, the lawsuit alleged that the government did not follow the proper procedures for enacting the new immigration rules.

“Congress did not intend to make immune from judicial review an agency action that reclassifies millions of illegal aliens in a way PAGE A3

TANIM-BALA PROBE. Overseas Filipino worker Gloria Ortinez (center), victimized by the alleged “tanim-bala scam,” attends Senate probe on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Inquirer.net photo by Maila Ager

NAIA cops asked US missionary to pay P30K by

LeiLa B. SaLaverria Inquirer.net

If they don’t shell out P30,000 for the dropping of a case for possession of a bullet against her stepson, the price would rise to P80,000 if the matter reaches police headquarters, according to the stepmother of an American missionary, who allegedly fell prey to the “tanimbala” (bullet-planting) scheme at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). eloisa Zoleta and her stepson, Lane michael White, recounted to the senate thursday, Nov. 12 their experience at NAIA in september after security officials allegedly found a bullet in his bag.

Police officers told them to pay P30,000 for dropping the case against Lane Michael White (left), 20, tells senators how airport authorities asked him to White, even as they pressed them to adpay P30,000 in exchange for his freedom for allegedly carrying a bullet inside mit to the owning the bullet. his bag at theNinoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Lane, together with But the pair refused to settle the mathis stepmother Eloisa Zoleta (center), and father Ryan White (right) attended a Senate inquiry into the “laglag bala” incidents at the NAIA on Thursday, Nov. ter and insisted on White’s innocence.

12.

Senate photo by Alex NuevaEspaña PAGE A2

Ex-US senator backs bid to strike down EDCA by edu

Punay Philstar.com

A former American senator is supporting petitions in the supreme Court (sC) against the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA) between the Philippines and the United states, citing its unconstitutionality.

In a petition for intervention filed through lawyer harry roque Jr., former Alaska sena-

tor mike Gravel said eDCA is a treaty that needs concurrence of the Philippine senate. former senators rene saguisag and Wigberto tañada, Bayan muna reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate, Kilusang mayo Uno (KmU) and the Confederation for Unity, recognition and Advancement (Courage), filed the petitions with the sC against eDCA. Gravel, who was senator

from 1969 to 1981, also argued that the agreement violated the treaty Clause of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and is “neither in the best interest of the Philippine people nor in the best interest of the American people.” he said the eDCA was not really designed to protect Philippine interests but rather to afford the Us a geographic adPAGE A2

VP Binay’s birthday wish: ‘Uplift the life of every Filipino’

by Bernice

camiLLe v.

ManilaTimes.net

Bauzon

“UPLIftING the life of every filipino.” this was what Vice President Jejomar Binay’s wished as he celebrated his 73rd birthday on Wednesday, Nov. 11 with residents in a poor community in Pasay City (metro manila).

Binay said ending poverty for filipinos has been the guiding principle of his almost three decades in public service.

STILL WAITING. Filipino-American veteran Celestino Almeda, 98, is joined by family members and supporters “Kung gagawa ho ako ng birthday in front of the White House on Veterans Day Wednesday, Nov. 11. He read his complaint against the wish, sana ho ay umangat na ang buDepartment of Veterans Affairs Secretary for five years of bureaucratic delays and not recognizing his hay ng bawat Pilipino [If I would make World War II service for a $15,000 compensation benefit. Almeda asked for President Obama’s help.

PAGE A3 ACFV photo by Eric Lachica

SFC Footer ad 3 x 1/16

Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay

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From the Front Page

China: Up to PH to heal rift...

PAGE A1 knot,” Wang, who was in the Philippines for talks on Tuesday, Nov. 10 told reporters in Manila.

“As for how to loosen or open the knot, (we’ll) have to look at the Philippines.”

Beijing’s claim to almost the entire South China Sea is shown on Chinese maps with a ninedash line that stretches deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia. Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also claim parts of the waterway.

For years, China has insisted that disputes with rival claimants be handled bilaterally.

In a legal setback for Beijing, the arbitration court in the Netherlands ruled late last month that it had jurisdiction to hear some territorial claims the Philippines had filed against China over disputed areas in the South China Sea. The Philippine government has welcomed the decision and its Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday, Nov. 11 it would pursue the case “to its logical conclusion.”

“China’s nine-dash line claim is expansive, excessive and has no basis under international law,” said foreign affairs spokesman Charles Jose.

“If left unchallenged, we could lose about 80 percent of our EEZ (exclusive economic zone).”

China has boycotted the legal proceedings and rejects the

court’s authority in the case.

Jose said on Tuesday after a meeting in Manila between Wang and his Philippine counterpart Albert del Rosario that the two countries agreed to resume foreign ministry consultations after a two-year break to explore areas where relations can move forward despite the territorial row.

Manila filed the case in 2013 to seek a ruling on its right to exploit the South China Sea waters in its 200-nautical mile EEZ as allowed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The person who caused the problem should solve it,” Wang said. “We hope that the Philippines can make a more sensible choice.”

Vietnam, Philippines plan to sign pact on strategic alliance The Philippines and Vietnam plan to sign an accord next week to elevate their relationship to a strategic level, allowing them to deepen economic ties and maritime cooperation, a Philippine official said in Manila on Tuesday.

DFA spokesman Jose said the accord may be signed on the sidelines of next week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila in the presence of President Aquino and his Vietnamese counterpart.

Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang is among 11 heads of state Aquino will meet with one-

on-one in Manila, Jose said.

Vietnam and the Philippines are among five governments at odds with China over contested territories in the South China Sea. But both have not characterized the proposed alliance as targeting Beijing, which they have strongly criticized for its increasingly aggressive steps to assert its claims in the disputed waters.

Jose did not provide details when asked about the proposed accord at a news conference.

Last year, Foreign Secretary Del Rosario said such a partnership aimed to improve trade, investment and maritime cooperation, including search and rescue work at sea.

Although a plan to sign the pact earlier did not push through due to a need to clarify some wordings, the proposal for the Southeast Asian neighbors to bolster their ties progressed rapidly. Both governments agreed to convene a joint committee to start talks on a strategic partnership only more than a year ago, Philippine officials said.

The disputes involving six nations raged anew last year after China began transforming seven mostly submerged disputed reefs into islands that rival governments feared Beijing would use as military forward bases to reinforce its claims and presence far from the Chinese mainland. (Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com, with reports from AP)

NAIA cops asked US missionary to...

PAGE A1 At the time, the family was on the way to Coron, Palawan province, to scout for land on which to build a church.

Zoleta said a bullet was found after White’s bag passed through the X-ray machine several times.

Nothing was detected when the bag was first checked, but after screening officer Maria Elma Cena allegedly put her hand inside the flap of White’s bag, the bullet was discovered in the next X-ray scan, she said.

After they were informed of the discovery, Zoleta asked the screening officers if she should have their flights to Coron moved. They told her it would be an easy matter, a remark that she found baffling if there really had been a violation of the law.

“The screening officers said, ‘That’s OK. It would be easy,’” she said, adding that Cena even told her that the flight wasn’t even until 12:45 p.m.

“I was thinking that if it was really the law and there was one ammo found in the luggage, shouldn’t their answer be that we wouldn’t be able to go to Coron because they would jail my son?

Shouldn’t that be the answer if they were implementing it?” she said.

White was subsequently brought to the office of the Philippine National Police, while Zoleta tried to take care of their tickets.

Police officer Junio She said a PNP officer she iden-

tified only as “PNP officer Junio” asked her about what had happened. After explaining, Junio told her about paying for the dropping of the case, she said.

“Usually we let the possession of such items pass. We just say it’s an amulet. If we negotiate that here, it (will cost you) P30,000. But if it’s passed on to headquarters, it’s P80,000,” Zoleta recalled the police officer as saying.

Preacher with no salary He also asked about her husband’s job and she informed him he was a preacher who did not receive a salary. The officer also asked about White’s job and she told him he had resigned from his job.

Their conversation ended then because Zoleta’s brother called her up, and she never saw the police officer again.

White also said a police officer, Rolando Clarin, had told him he could pay P30,000 or face the prospect of jail. But he said the bullet was not his and he did not have the amount.

Zoleta said the officers had tried to convince them to own up to the bullet possession.

She said another officer had appealed to her to help White, as he was a foreigner and his life could be ruined.

Pregnant And as they were about to head for White’s inquest, Zoleta said Cena came up to her and told her that she could have just admitted to carrying the bullet since she was pregnant, and there was a humanitarian law.

“I responded to her, ‘ma’am, why would I admit it?’ I know that’s the easier way out to say it’s ours and I’m pregnant, but I told her we’re Christians. We can’t lie about a small thing just to find an easy way out,” she said.

Unprofessional Zoleta also said the screening officers lacked professionalism and courtesy when dealing with them.

She also recounted that she started taking videos, upon her brother’s advice, after the bullet was found. Her camera was not hidden and was near her armpit, she said.

When the screening officers learned that she had taken videos, they seemed surprised she said.

She also recalled that Clarin had warned her not to take videos, and that he would fine her if she did so.

Zoleta and White were among the air passengers invited to the Senate, which is looking into allegations that a syndicate planting bullets in passengers’ bags to extort money from them was operating at NAIA. OFW Also present at the hearing was overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Gloria Ortinez, who is now unsure of whether she still had a job waiting for her in Hong Kong.

Ortinez had been detained and faced a complaint after a bullet was supposedly found in her bag. The case against her was dismissed, but there is no certainty yet if her

employer would take her back.

Ortinez also recalled that after the bullet was found, the X-ray personnel brought her to a room that had men in white uniform.

Made to sign document She said she was asked to sign a document and she initially refused, she was told she would be handcuffed if she would not follow the order. She was not made to read the document, but she eventually signed it, she said.

She also said the officers had tried to convince her to admit that she owned the bullet.

Finger-pointing Senators took to task aviation officials for “finger-pointing” when asked to provide them the closedcircuit TV (CCTV) footage of the inspection of White’s bag.

The footage was necessary for White’s case. The National Bureau of Investigation requested copies, but it has yet to get these.

Rolando Recomono, chief of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), said the CCTV footage was not under his office’s jurisdiction and was with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

But MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado said it was with the OTS. “Which jurisdiction does it fall under? Janitorial offices?” asked Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, chair of the blue ribbon committee.

“How will the victims get justice now?” Guingona asked.

Honrado eventually said MIAA had custody of CCTV footage taken at the airport as it was operating the cameras. He also said the OTS had a copy of the footage.

MIAA has not provided copies to the NBI as the bureau made the request to the OTS, he said.

“This is a clear case of fingerpointing,” Guingona said.

Passenger’s side In another development, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano castigated officials for not getting the side of the air passenger, who complained of being victimized by the supposed bullet-planting scheme.

Zoleta said nobody from the OTS or the aviation offices got in touch with her, and Cayetano pointed to the promise of transportation officials that they would investigate the allegations.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said he believed the complainants were not guilty and had no intent to violate the law.

But Abaya also said the investigations were ongoing. The probe has been turned over to the Aviation Security Group, which then coordinates with the prosecutor.

This is the judicial process, he said.

Cayetano said the case should not enter the judicial process until the side of the passengers, who claim they fell prey to the bulletplanting scheme, was heard.

“If they weren’t even asked and they complained, so at that level, there was no due process,” he said.

If the passengers had not gone to the Senate, the officials would not have heard their side, he added.

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Ex-US senator backs bid to strike...

PAGE A1 vantage to confront China over its ascendant superpower status, which he said the US finds offensive to its global hegemonic status.

Gravel belied the US’s claim that it is patrolling the South China Sea in the exercise of freedom of navigation when the US itself has yet to ratify the Law of the Sea convention.

The former senator said the Philippines should divorce itself from any military entanglements with the US, Japan, the European Union or China.

He said if there’s no threat of invasion from China or any other nation, the Philippines should not be “fascinated with taking on the burden of militarism” so it can put funds to better use instead of spending on munitions.

Under EDCA, the US will be allowed to build structures, as well

as store or preposition weapons, defense supplies and materiel in the Philippines. It will also be allowed to station troops, civilian personnel and defense contractors, as well as transit and station vehicles, vessels, and aircraft for a period of 10 years.

It was signed by officials of both countries hours before President Barack Obama arrived in the country for his state visit in April last year.

The SC is set to vote on the case next Monday, Nov. 16.

Let SC decide Malacañang, for its part, said it is “abiding by the legal process” and is just “awaiting the SC decision.”

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. also said the “Senate is well within its rights to deliberate on and enact resolutions,” when sought for com-

Former Alaska senator Mike Gravel

ment on Senate Resolution No. 1414 seeking the chamber’s ratification of EDCA. The Senate believes EDCA is a treaty and not an executive agreement, thus must be subject to Senate concurrence.

VP Binay’s birthday wish: ‘Uplift...

PAGE A1

a birthday wish, I hope every Filipino’s life gets better],” he added.

The Vice President shared that his late mother was a teacher in Pasay City, and that he grew up on Libertad Street.

He said the money they received as death benefit when his mother died was used to buy a house.

A few months later, however, that same house burned down.

Binay’s life changed upon the death of his mother and when they lost their house.

Because he was orphaned, he was raised by his uncle in

Makati City (Metro Manila) where he led a hard life among poor residents.

He said that whenever he sees people doing odd jobs for a few coins, he would remember himself as a kid and his father.

They used to collect those coins to buy pillows, pillow cases and other personal things.

This “painful experience,” according to the Vice President, led him to vow that when he got appointed as mayor of Makati, his administration would see to it no one in Makati would die because of poverty.

“Hanggang ngayon sinasabi namin, sa Makati hindi dapat mamatay ang isang mahirap dahil sa hindi makabili ng gamot, hindi mapa-ospital. Hindi kahirapan ang dapat maging dahilan kung bakit namamatay ‘yong tao [Up to now, we say, in Makati, nobody should die because he is poor, because he cannot buy medicine, he cannot afford hospital expenses.

Poverty should not be the reason for the death of a person],” Binay said.

He also wished that Filipinos would be able to rise above poverty and create a better life for themselves.

Behind the ‘model minority’ myth: the Asian...

PAGE A1

Kang, National Director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). “We do have a very diverse population and very diverse needs.”

Last month, columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote an op-ed in The New York Times entitled “The Asian Advantage,” where he talks about the general success of the Asian American community.

“It’s no secret that Asian Americans are disproportionately stars in American schools, and even in American society as a whole,” Kristof wrote. “Census data show that Americans of Asian heritage earn more than other groups, including whites. Asian Americans also have higher educational attainment than any other group.”

Kristof argued the “Asian advantage” as how their intellectual stardom is “harnessed,” citing a study by University of Michigan professor and psychologist Richard E. Nisbett.

“I’m pretty sure that one factor is East Asia’s long Confucian emphasis on education,” he said.

He also cited familial ties as important to Asian Americans’ success, saying that strong, two-parent families contribute to economic and educational status. The interaction of social stereotypes and personal selfconfidence also play a role in “Asian scholastic success.”

“Why should the success of the children of Asian doctors, nurtured by teachers, be reassuring to a black boy in Baltimore who is raised by a struggling single mom, whom society regards as a potential menace?” Kristof asked. “Disadvantage and marginalization are complex, often deeply rooted in social structures and unconscious biases, sometimes compounded by hopelessness

and self-destructive behaviors, and because one group can access the American dream does not mean that all groups can.”

Speaking for the NCAPA, Kang penned a response on Medium.com, saying the “Asian Advantage is a myth, plain and simple.”

Asking why Asian Americans are so successful in America is not just an awkward question, it is “uninformed,” “perpetuates stereotypes,” and “divides Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) from the broader racial justice movement,” Kang wrote.

He also referenced low levels of educational attainment among groups like the Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Hmong communities. US Census data shows that just 15.3 percent of Hmong Americans, 18 percent of Cambodian Americans, and 28.4 percent of Vietnamese Americans have obtained a

bachelor’s degree or higher.

Groups with higher levels of education include Indian Americans (72.5 percent), over half of Chinese Americans, and Korean Americans. A little less than half of Filipinos (48.1 percent) were also counted for, according to a Census study from 2012.

Another often-ignored issue Kang points out is national poverty.

“AAPIs are one of the fastestgrowing populations in poverty since the Great Recession. According to [a July 2014 report from] the Center for American Progress, from 2007 to 2011, the number of Asian Americans in poverty increased by 37 percent and Pacific Islanders by 60 percent— compared to the national increase of only 27 percent. And while Asian Americans’ median household income may be higher than whites, the rate of senior povPAGE A7

President Barack Obama talks with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry in the hallway outside the Oval Office prior to entering the Roosevelt Room on Friday, Nov. 6. Obama recently announced that he will seek the Supreme Court’s review of his executive actions on immigration, following a federal appeals court’s ruling that the plans must remain blocked.

White House photo by Pete Souza

Pres. Obama to seek Supreme Court...

PAGE A1 that imposes substantial costs on state,” wrote Judge Jerry E. Smith in his majority opinion on Monday.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton welcomed the ruling, saying that “today, the Fifth Circuit asserted that the separation of powers remains the law of the land, and the president must follow the rule of law, just like everybody else. Texas, leading a charge of 26 states, has secured an important victory to put a halt to the president’s lawlessness.”

In response, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday, Nov. 10 that it disagreed with the ruling and is planning to appeal the case before the Supreme Court.

“The Department of Justice remains committed to taking steps that will resolve the immigration litigation as quickly as possible in order to allow DHS to bring greater accountability to our immigration system by prioritizing the removal of the worst offenders, not people who have long ties to the United States and who are raising American children,” Justice Department spokesman Patrick Rodenbush said in a statement, adding that the department “disagrees with the Fifth Circuit’s adverse ruling.”

Bypassing Congress, Obama announced a series of plans last November that would save up to 5 million undocumented im-

migrants — including parents, young adults and business owners — from deportation. Instead of separating families, the executive actions called for diverting resources toward deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

Currently, there are nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Of that number, approximately 1.3 million are Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), making up nearly 12 percent of the total undocumented population.

Some of the highest numbers come from heavily-populated countries like India, China, and the Philippines. Around 375,000 AAPIs are estimated to benefit from Obama’s executive actions, according to the White House.

In California, the affected population includes 966,900 California residents, according to estimates from the Center for Migration Studies.

Under DAPA, parents of US citizens or lawful permanent residents could be spared from deportation if they meet certain criteria, including continuous residency in the US since Jan. 1, 2010 and a clean record free of any criminal offenses.

“DAPA would dramatically increase the number of aliens eligible for work authorization, thereby undermining Congress’s stated goal of closely guarding

access to work authorization and preserving jobs for those lawfully in the country,” Smith wrote in his opinion.

Meanwhile, the amended version of DACA was slated to include children brought to the United States before Jan. 1, 2010, notwithstanding their current age, and would have provided three years of relief.

The original version of DACA, which was introduced in 2012, remains intact and untouched by the lawsuit. The program is reserved for those who were born after 1981.

After the Justice Department appeals the case, Texas would have 30 days to respond. Then, the Supreme Court must decide

by January if it will hear the case before the term ends in June 2016. However, reports state that the legal proceedings narrow the chance that the executive actions could be implemented before Obama leaves office in 2017.

“We obviously continue to believe strongly in the legal power of the arguments that we have been making for nearly a year, now, about the importance of giving our law-enforcement officials the discretion to implement our immigration laws in a way that focuses on those who pose a genuine threat to our national security or to our communities,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters on Tuesday.

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Abu Sayyaf releases Malaysian hostage

by AgnEs

ConstAntE AJPress

A MALAYSIAN woman held captive for nearly six months

by Muslim militant group Abu Sayyaf was released by captors, authorities said Monday, Nov. 9.

Militants freed Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, late Sunday, Nov. 8, from the island of Jolo in Sulu province. However, her compatriot remains in the custody of Abu Sayyaf.

Two Filipino security officers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to speak with reporters, said Malaysian Bernard Then Ted Fen is still being held hostage by militants in Sulu, according to The Associated Press (AP).

Thien and Then were abducted in May from a restaurant in Sabah, Malaysia, where security was enhanced due to previous kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf militants in the area.

“I wish to thank all of them [authorities] for working hard to bring Thien home,” Sabah Chief

Minister Musa Aman said in a statement.

The Filipino officers said a large ransom was paid in exchange for Thien’s freedom, but Malaysian police officials denied the claim, according to AP. No further details were provided on the police statement, including who abducted the Malaysian nationals or the reasons for Thien’s release.

Thien is currently “healthy but weak and tired due to the long journey and also from the emotional aspect,” Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said, adding that efforts are being made to rescue Then, according to AP. In the last two years, Abu Sayyaf has crossed the sea border and carried out at least half a dozen kidnappings in Malaysia, AP reported. In an April 2000 incident, militants abducted 21 Europeans and Asians and took them to Sulu where they were held for ransom. They were freed in batches after a ransom was paid the subsequent year.

“I urge the relevant authorities to remain vigilant at all times and keep our borders secure from further intrusion,” the official Bernama news agency quoted Aman saying.

The news agency also quoted Aman saying that Thein, a seafood restaurant manager, was freed after months of negotiation.

In late September, militants kidnapped two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipina in the southern region of the Philippines. Their whereabouts remain unknown; however, militants who said they were affiliated with Abu Sayyaf in an online video demanded $21 million for each of the three foreigners.

The group is also believed to be holding an Italian pizza restaurant owner who was kidnapped in October hostage.

Earlier this month, an elderly South Korean man who was kidnapped by the group in January, was found dead on Jolo island after falling ill while he was held hostage.

Putin, Widodo to skip APEC Summit in Manila by rosEttE

AdEl

Philstar.com

MANILA—Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will not attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ meeting in Manila next week.

According to the Russian news agency RBC, Putin suddenly refused to participate in the APEC summit in the Philippines but will send Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev instead.

The Russian news agency did not disclose the reason but said that Putin will still attend the G20 Summit in Turkey.

Meanwhile, during the press briefing at the International Media Center on Thursday, Nov. 12 Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario confirmed Widodo’s absence from APEC.

Composite photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

“I just got a verbal message that there are things in Jakarta that need the attention of Pres.

Widodo,” Del Rosario said, citing domestic concerns as reason for Widodo’s sudden non-attendance.

Widodo will be represented

by Indonesian Trade Minister Thomas Lembong.

Putin and Widodo earlier confirmed attendance at the APEC Summit to be held in Manila on November 18 to 19 along with 18 other heads of APEC economies.

Sotto, Villar seek delay in ruling of Poe’s DQ case

by ChristinA And

MEndEz EvA vispErAs

Philstar.com

MANILA—Senators Vicente Sotto III and Cynthia Villar favor deferring the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s decision on the disqualification case filed by Rizalito David against presidential aspirant Sen. Grace Poe. Sotto does not see any problem if the SET decision is delayed by one or two weeks at most to enable the members to review all the arguments presented.

The decision is supposed to be handed down on Nov. 17.

Since it is budget season, senators are also busy looking into the details of the budget in addition to other bills now pending before the various committees, Sotto said.

“It should be reset because it’s not ready,” he said in Filipino.

“Besides Sen. (Loren) Legarda is very busy and she’s the chairman of finance. It’s unfair if we’re not complete and we vote or make a decision.

“It calls for a postponement.

One or two weeks maximum.

Nothing would be lost if we decide in one or two weeks after... maybe first week of December, no problem.”

Villar said she is amenable to the recommendation to reset the date for handing down the SET decision. She has yet to receive the legal briefer on the case from the SET secretariat, she added.

Villar wants to review all evidence and affidavits to be able to reach a correct decision. The DNA testing on Poe’s relatives would not be a big consideration, she added.

She needs to look into the arguments on the case, Villar said.

Villar and Sotto comprise the SET, along with Sens. Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV. SET is chaired by Justice Antonio Carpio, with Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro and Arturo Brion as members.

Enrile mum on Poe Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile does not want to comment on the urban legend that Sen. Grace Poe is a daughter of President Ferdinand Marcos with retired actress Rosemarie Sonora, sister of Poe’s adoptive mother, movie star Susan Roces.

“I am not that close to know what are the personal matters of the former president,” Marcos’ long-time defense minister said.

“I was never a member of his household. I am a member of his official family, his Cabinet, but I think we leave personal things to him.”

Enrile was asked about the issue after actress Sheryl Cruz decried anew reports that Marcos and Poe have been calling each other “sister” and “brother” at the Senate when rumors that they are half-siblings continue to

circulate.

The 91-year-old Enrile said he did not hear about the rumors.

“I am now deaf,” he joked.

Enrile said he maintained a certain distance from Marcos, especially concerning his private affairs.

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was ready to consent to DNA tests if that would help Poe, when she announced last week that the results of the DNA tests on two people did not match hers.

Poe immediately rejected the offer of Marcos, saying their genes won’t match.

Poe has tried looking for her biological parents after a number of disqualification cases were filed against her on grounds that she is a foundling, therefore not a natural-born Filipino.

Qualities of a leader Poe has listed the three most important qualities of a leader as intelligence, energy and integrity.

The most important of these is integrity, she told officers of the Alyansa at Laban ng mga Lahi Para sa Ganap na Pagbabago (ALL4GP) Movement Northern Luzon during their oath-taking at the Regency Hotel in Dagupan City.

However, there must be a balance of the three, she added.

With the many problems of the country, focus is diverted to her citizenship and residency, Poe said.

Filipina receives int’l award for fighting child-trafficking

by AriEs JosEph

Inquirer.net

hEginA

A FILIPINA has been recognized as one of the 10 leaders worldwide who are pushing for an end to child-trafficking.

Cecilia Oebanda, the founder of Manila-based foundation Visayan Forum (VF), has been named one of the recipients of the the 2015 Child10 (C10) Awards in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Child10 Award, founded by Sophie Stenbeck Family Foundation and Reach for Change, hails 10 leaders worldwide who seek to curb childtrafficking.

Oebanda is the first Filipina who received the said award.

“There are many challenges when you’re fighting on the ground, and certainly these can take their toll on us. But VF’s work for almost 25 years can speak for itself: No matter what struggles we faced, we chose to fight. We share this success

Visayan Forum founder Cecilia Oebanda is one of the recipients of the the 2015 Child10 (C10) Awards in Stockholm, Sweden. The awards recognize leaders who are pushing for an end to child-trafficking.

with our partners in the government, civil society, private sector, faith-based groups, schools, and communities, without whom VF would not have been able to save countless lives. The world is noticing how we have intensified our work and our collective gains in the fight. This award is for us all,” Oebanda said.

The Visayan Forum, which was established in 1991, seeks to end modern slavery and operates safe houses for victims of human trafficking.

Past C10 awardees include James Kofi Annan of Challenging Heights in Ghana, and Oby Ezekwesili of #BringBackOurGirls Campaign.

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANTS. President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the awardees of the 2015 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees for a snap shot at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañang Palace. The Honor Awards Program is an annual undertaking of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to motivate and inspire civil servants to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service.

Senate photo by Rolando Mailo

FVR to Duterte on presidency: Better do it or you don’t

by Anthony

EsguErrA Inquirer.net

IT seems like former President Fidel V. Ramos has joined millions of Filipinos who are confused with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s mixed messages on presidency.

“Hey Rody! You better do it or you don’t!”

At the Veterans Day commemoration in Fort Bonifacio, an animated former President Fidel V. Ramos sent this message to Duterte, who said he might run for president yet again.

Amid the “tanim-bala” scam in Manila airports, Duterte, who still has until December to make up his mind on the presidency, once again said he might run for president.

“I do not like the way oppressed Filipinos are being treated now. Oppressed na, wala pang matakbuhan,” Duterte said in his local show.

“Kapag sinobrahan ninyo ang kastigo sa Pilipino, I might just decide to run as president,” he added.

But the feisty mayor denied receiving a formal invitation from PDP-Laban to become its substitute presidential candidate, dismissing it as a mere “press release.”

In September, the tough-talking mayor approached Ramos to seek his advice on the presidency.

“I gave him a copy of my platform of my governance. I gave him a copy of my handbook for the campaigners,” Ramos said.

Ramos said that he shared with

Duterte his wisdom, but the mayor could not follow his advice because “he is always flipflopping.”

Asked about Duterte’s response when he told Duterte to run or forget about the presidency, the former chief executive smirked and said “you will know later.”

A

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november 13-19, 2015 • oC/Ie ASIAn JoUrnAL

OpiniOn

Features

Laughingstock

WITH the rising number of alleged victims of the notorious “tanim bala” (bullet planting) scam at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), it is no surprise that this peculiar security threat has reached international headlines.

Just this year, the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSeG) recorded 105 alleged “tanim bala” incidents, while the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported five cases in the past two weeks.

Fox News anchor Greta Van Susteren said that she was warned by her Filipino-American friend that international travelers are targeted by Filipino airport security officials who plant live ammunition in their luggage.

“I know what you’re thinking: what is wrong with some people? My answer? I just don’t know,” Susteren said in her segment “Off the Record.”

Over the weekend, a video posted by Facebook user Shinjoy Martinez went viral. The video recorded a Japanese television program reenacting how bullets are planted into the luggage of unsuspecting passengers. The host of the show said that the “tanim bala” scam has been going on for years and that many Japanese nationals have become victims.

The extortion scheme, which involves airport security personnel who plant bullets in order to extort money from passengers caught with the bullet inside their luggage, has become so apparent and undaunted that tips on “how to avoid being a ‘tanim-bala’ victim” have circulated online.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued tips for air passengers to avoid falling prey to the “tanim bala” scam.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio told ABS-CBN News that passengers are advised to strictly monitor all their luggage and never allow strangers to handle them. He said all zippers, pouches, and pockets of their luggage must be closed, locked and sealed so that if the seal gets broken, a passenger will immediately notice that his bag was opened without his permission.

For the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), it warned its staff “to keep your luggage with you, lock your luggage, and consider wrapping your luggage in plastic as an extra security measure” when leaving through the international airport.

This brouhaha is so ludicrous that for Atty. Joseph Plazo, here are ways to avoid being victim of “tanim-bala” scam: Use hard-case luggage, avoid bags that have external pockets. Wrap the entire bag in cling wrap. Let the officials go through your bag—but only in the presence of witnesses, a lawyers, and official’s supervisor. You have the right to remain silent. And know your legal rights.

Meanwhile, NAIA airport screeners turned to divine intervention. Wearing pink armbands, the airport personnel attended a Mass on Friday, Nov.

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

6 to appeal for understanding in the midst of public outrage and ridicule.

“We have been pilloried, demonized and shamed by these allegations, which is why we are seeking divine intervention to spare us. There is no truth to the allegations,” said Edgar Anas, national president of the Employees Association of Transport Security.

Malacañang acknowledged that the “tanim bala” controversy has been blown out of proportion and drew international ire. “Unfortunately, these are unintended consequences of the attention that this has generated,” spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

“We are hoping that the effects will not be last-

ing, will not have a long-term effect on what our country is trying to do to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination,” she said. Amid all the unwanted attention, Valte assured that the national government has taken steps to address the problem.

The proliferation of the “tanim-bala” cases requires urgent attention. All eyes are on the national government to assess the lingering problem and come up with effective solutions to alleviate the growing concern on the country’s airport security challenges. For now, those who have marked the Philippines as their next destination are asked to remain vigilant. (AJPress)

What to do when you get victimized by the ‘laglag bala’ scam at NAIA MY husband and I are visiting the Philippines this December, as many kababayans plan to do as well, but the excitement of this year’s trip is dampened by the “laglag bala” scam at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

This issue has become an international concern, having been reported by international media, and with the United Nations issuing a warning to its staff about how they may be victimized by some unscrupulous people at the NAIA, who would allegedly “plant” live bullet in passengers’ baggage.

The bullet would be found during security inspection, and then money would be extorted from passengers who rather pay a few dollars rather than miss their flights or they would be detained for days for a crime they did not do.

My own children, who get their news via mainstream media and online news sources, already warned us as well about it. This has also been a hot topic among email exchanges and On social media among those who are traveling to Manila for either business or pleasure. The big question resonates a plea for help, a longing for empowerment.

“What should we do if this happens to us?”

Such cry for help is a result of the Philippine

government’s initial dismissive and defensive response to the The Fil-Am problem. Some officials say in news reports that this problem Perspective is but a small percentage of the total sheer volume of passengers who have used the NAIA to travel, others blame it on the passengers who bring “bala” Gel SantoS-reloS for anting-anting (talisman) believed to give protection to the traveler.

While both may be true in some cases, the fact remains that there are those who have been victimized, and were asked to pay money “under the table” so this case would “go away”. A good family friend (a Filipina who is now a legal resident of the US) who was on a wheelchair when she traveled from Manila to LAX last September became a victim. Confused, scared and intimidated, but definitely NOT guilty of bringing the “bala” that was planted in her luggage, she decided to give the $12 (Php500) that was asked of her, and then exposed this scam when she arrived in LA via social media. She was the first one to bring this problem to the attention of mainstream and social media.

She is pressing charges/complaint to help put an

What’s the end game in the US-China face-off over the Spratlys?

Street Talk GreG B. MacaBenta REMEMBER our boyhood days when a bully would place a chip on his shoulder and dare anyone to knock it off? If someone did, the bully had to fight the challenger or else lose face. By building artificial islands on sunken reefs in the Spratlys and claiming sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, China placed a virtual chip on its shoulder, daring the other claimants to the area to knock it off. Vietnam tried and promptly got clobbered.

For its part, the Philippines has made a lot of noises, but knowing that we have a toothless military, our government has done the sensible thing: bring the case before the United Nations and put international pressure on China by warning the rest of the world that they are being bullied, as well.

While the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have claimed parts of the Spratlys for reasons of sovereignty and the area’s rich oil and natural gas resources, the industrialized countries, particularly America, have major economic, political and military reasons to ensure unhampered access to what has been characterized as the throat of the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. From an economic perspective alone, $5.3

trillion of trade passes through the South China Sea each year, of which the US accounts for $1.2 trillion.

Last October 27, Uncle Sam finally knocked the chip off big bully China’s shoulder. It deliberately sailed the USS Lassen, a guided missile destroyer, within 12 nautical miles of China’s bogus exclusive economic zone.

Like any bully who has met his match, the Chinese have not gone beyond protesting and hurling muted threats. In response, the US has raised the ante by announcing that it plans to continue the patrols indefinitely. The White House, in an official statement, also declared, “The United States is going to fly and sail anywhere international law allows.”

While the US has maintained that it takes “no position” on competing territorial claims on the Spratlys, last February 2014 it explicitly rejected, for the first time, China’s nine-dash line that ostensibly supports its “historic” ownership of the disputed sea lanes. That rejection was, in fact, a declaration of Washington DC’s position.

Coincidentally adding to China’s humiliation, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration decided last October 29 that it has jurisdiction over the South China Sea

issue and will proceed to hear the case filed by the Philippines under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. China’s refusal to participate in the proceedings, said the Court, has no effect on its jurisdiction.

With America’s in-your-face challenge to China, the hawks are predicting an escalation that could erupt into armed conflict. On the other hand, pacifists and pragmatists have warned that the controversy isn’t worth triggering World War III. Meanwhile, the Philippines has continued to equivocate. Although President Aquino and the Department of Foreign Affairs are unabashedly depending on the US to stop China’s incursions, there are those in the legislature who oppose the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) forged with the US in 2014, warning that it is a ploy to reestablish military bases on Philippine soil. American presence would, in fact, strengthen our country’s stance against China, but it could also make the Philippines a war theater once again, as in World War II. Further muddling the situation are suspected fifth columnists, like Sen. Antonio Trillanes, whose “back channel negotiations” with PAGE A7

end to this fiasco.

But the scam did not stop. In fact, more people have been victimized — foreigners, overseas Filipino workers, the elderly. One foreigner who is a young American missionary chose NOT to pay the money that was asked of him (Php 30,000), and he was detained for more than four days. He has sought legal representation to file charges against those airport personnel for trying to extort money from him and for violating airport inspection protocol (recorded on video).

Thankfully, there are many well meaning lawyers who are now offering pro bono services for travelers who may get caught in this situation.

In case you or your loved ones become one of the unfortunate ones, here are the things to remember (from ABS-CBN News): It is OK to react but STAY CALM. FIRMLY DENY prior knowledge of the bullet.

SEEK LEGAL COUNSEL from the Public Attorneys’ Office (PAO) through hotlines 929-9436 or 02-929-9436. [Call your own attorney if you have one]

First Person alex MaGno HOSTING the APEC meeting in a crowded and disorganized metropolis like Manila is very likely a bad idea. The disruption will impose costs on everyone, costs far beyond the few billion pesos government is actually paying out for the event.

As that meeting nears, the scale of the disruption in an urban center that contributes over a third of total national production is becoming clearer. The dry run alone for the use of dedicated APEC lanes on Edsa held the other day must have doubled the P2.5 billion wasted due to traffic congestion in the metropolis.

The latest count says that 1,300 flights in and out of the Manila airport will be cancelled to clear the skies and the single runway we have here to make way for the APEC delegates. The staggering economic costs of doing that we can only imagine in rough terms.

No other APEC host country has ever imposed such costs on its citizens and sacrificed so much of its economic activity as we have.

The wholesale cancellation of commercial air traffic will cost us in terms of tourist arrivals, business opportunities and personal dislocation. That wholesale cancellation calls attention to the weakness of our infrastructure

NEVER TOUCH THE BULLET to avoid leaving your fingerprint on it.

DO NOT OPEN YOUR BAG without your lawyer, witnesses, and the airport police or the supervisor of the security personnel.

INFORM RELATIVES AND FRIENDS of your situation.

Have your fingerprint samples taken ONLY IN FRONT OF YOUR LAWYER AND POLICE OFFICIALS. IF your fingerprint is NOT FOUND on the bullet, CHARGES MAY BE FILED against the airport personnel. You will also be entitled to financial compensation for the disturbance and lost time. Airport authorities will also be LIABLE TO REBOOK YOUR FLIGHT. SHARE THIS INFORMATION around. Good luck! Sana mabigyan na ng solusyon ng gobyerno ang problemang ito para maging totoo muli na “IT IS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!” *** 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

Disruption and the neglect of our premier airport.

In order to clear the roads of our world-class traffic jams, government declared the APEC meeting days a holiday. For workers who get paid by the day, that translates into lost income. For enterprises constrained to close down, that is loss of business. For truckers who cannot make trips for four days, that represents a lot of undelivered cargo that will likely bring us to another round of port congestion.

Classes have been ordered suspended. Add the lost learning hours to those already lost because this administration has multiplied the number of holidays where schools are closed down and those days when calamities forced suspensions. The lost learning opportunity should be quantifiable in some way.

Add to the costs the tens of thousands of security personnel pulled in from their duties elsewhere to attend to the needs of hosting this large international gathering. Last January, when the Pope came to visit, the cost of securing him was massive. Imagine the costs of securing 22 heads of state.

For all those costs, government has not built a single new piece of infrastructure. We have simply rehabilitated the old PICC. The PICC, we will recall, was built in 1976, when the country hosted the international meeting of the IMF and the World Bank.

At least that hosting produced a new facility that we have used many times over in the intervening years.

Venue This is spilt milk, but important to think about as we prepare for all the disruptions that will strike our lives next week.

Three years ago, former president Fidel Ramos offered this government some unsolicited advice. He suggested we host the APEC meeting at the Clark facility.

Clark was an ideal place. It has two good runways. If the cost of hosting involved finally building a real airport terminal for Clark, all would have been worth the cost.

The facility would have become a functioning international airport capable of taking in more air traffic.

Too, Clark was easier to secure than Metro Manila. We could have attracted tourist investments to build the other amenities needed to keep the visiting heads of state comfortable.

When we first hosted an APEC summit in 1996, on relatively short notice (since APEC summits was at that time a new thing), the Ramos government decided to hold the event at Subic. The cost of building the villas for the visiting heads of state was farmed out to private business in exchange for long-term leases.

Access roads to the summit venue were upgraded. After the PAGE A7

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Two Filipinos charged with child trafficking...

PAGE A1 “Tandeg and Atad offered to the undercover agents the minor and showed them the nude photos of the other minors stored in their flashdrive,” Aguto said, according to Inquirer.

The NBI began its probe into the matter after the FBI provided information about child pornography operations in the Philippines. The FBI also gave the NBI a copy of the Yahoo Messenger chat conversation between Tandeg and an American pilot who was arrested for possessing the naked photos on his tablet, Michael Carey Clemans. The chat reportedly contained evidence of child prostitution and child pornography.

“Working on that lead, the cy-

bercrime operatives conducted further investigation and surveillance operations on Tandeg and her accomplices to confirm the veracity of the report and to determine the propriety of a counteraction,” Aguto said.

After monitoring the suspects, the NBI found that Tandeg and Atad peddle children ages 8 to 12 years old for sex to foreign clients for P3,000 per night. Undercover agents who dealt with the two were offered a child for a nude photo shoot and sexual services, Aguto said.

The agents asked Tandeg and her accomplices to meet at a coffee shop in Pampanga on Nov. 4. They also asked Tandeg to bring one girl to the meeting. After Tandeg and Atad

provided the agents with a flash drive containing nude photos in exchange for P500, they were arrested.

The NBI rescued three girls after the operation and turned them over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the International Justice Mission, a non-government human rights group, Philstar reported.

Aguto said parents of the victims thought suspects were recruiting their children as models.

He added that the NBI is conducting a manhunt operation on a man named Jeffrey Ganuten, who is allegedly instructing Tandeg. (Agnes Constante/AJPress)

Behind the ‘model minority’ myth: the Asian...

PAGE A3 erty is 13.5 percent for Asian Americans and 12.1 percent for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, compared to only 7.8 percent for whites,” he continued.

Overall, the poverty rate for Asian Americans now is at 12.5 percent, well below the national rate of 15.5 percent.

Among the different ethnicities, the rates vary significantly.

Chinese Americans are at a 15.8 percent poverty level, while the Indians’ rate is 7.3 percent. The poverty rate for Filipino Americans is at roughly 5 percent, according to the Census Bureau, although that number is expectedly higher.

“There are still garment workers, and the people who give you your foot massage in Chinatown, there are still low-wage workers, said Sylvia Chong, director of the Asian Pacific American Studies minor program at the University of Virginia. “People don’t see that. That’s an economic underclass.”

High household incomes among Asian Americans can also be explained by “the fact that some live in multi-generational homes with more than one person earning an income,” said Jennifer Lee, a sociology professor at the University of California at Irvine, and co-author of the book “The Asian-American Achievement Paradox.” “You have parents, grandparents, an aunt, some children.”

“Kristof’s focus on the ‘Con-

fucian emphasis on education’ is concerning,” she continued.

“The underlying tenet is that if groups adopt ‘the right’ cultural values and behaviors, they too can succeed. This argument ignores a host of legal and institutional factors that help some groups get ahead more easily than others.”

“These assumptions often fuel stereotypes of Asian Americans like the ‘model minority’ concept, which assumes that there must be something intrinsic about Chinese culture or Asian culture that are producing these outcomes. They don’t understand how status and educational attainment is reproduced from one generation to the next.”

Asian Americans who don’t fit the mold of the “model minority”, according to US standards--perfect, high-achieving, hard-working, and brilliant at the maths and sciences--can “face devastating consequences,” Lee added. “They feel like ethnic outliers and they feel like failures if they don’t live up to the standards.”

Many groups within the larger Asian community often go unnoticed or harshly ignored, such as undocumented immigrants living in US borders.

“I feel like there is a lot of stigma, especially in our own Filipino community, that we don’t seek out the help from others that we should. There aren’t many [Asian Americans] that apply [for deferred action], many who are still living in fear,” said Madeleine Villanue-

OC/IE ASIAN JOURNAL • NOvEmbER 13-19, 2015

Disruption

PAGE A6 event, the roads could be used for commercial purposes.

The existing runway at Subic came alive with preparations for the summit. After hosting that event, the airport became the hub for an international logistics company.

All in all, the costs we incurred for hosting this important summit produced new infra that remained usable for many years to come. It improved the economic viability of the abandoned former US Navy base. There were longterm benefits the country gained from this hosting.

This time, we had long notice of the APEC event. Hosting the annual summit is a chore rotated among the member economies.

We could have planned for this hosting with an eye to rapidly building up an entirely new economic hub. Choosing Clark and building for it would have been a worthwhile investment.

Alas, this petty administration ignored the sage suggestion Ramos offered.

It could have been because the suggestion came from Ramos.

President Noynoy Aquino has never welcomed anything FVR suggested, wise as the suggestion might be. For that matter, like his mother, Aquino seems allergic to unsolicited advice.

It could have been that building up the Clark facility was a key program of the MacapagalArroyo administration. Using the APEC hosting as an oppor-

tunity to build up the Clark facility would have yielded long-term economic gains—although that would have brought to fruition Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s key program. It might be asking too much of the Aquino II administration to expect it to go through the hassle of building up Clark instead of just refurbishing the PICC. This, after all, has never been a infrastructure presidency.

It has been consistently unable of thinking through long-term economic returns from necessary investments.

When we go through all the disruptions next week, bear in mind that all the trouble would have been avoided if the hosting were better considered. (Philstar. com)

What’s the end game in the...

va, 22, an openly undocumented Filipina student at the Uni- PAGE A6 versity of California, Berkeley. the Chinese resulted in the Phil“Overall, the Asian experience ippines being preempted and of being undocumented is dif- locked out of Scarborough Shoal. ferent; you don’t think ‘undocuIndeed, the South China Sea mented’ when you see an Asian conflict is not easy to untangle.

American person. You think Analysts have gone no farther ‘model minority’.” than to point out its serious im“Although there has been plications and to suggest options, progress in the last couple of all of which are iffy. However, years, there is still a lot of mov- they all agree that, in spite of the ing forward that needs to be brinkmanship, neither the US done,” Villaneuva continued. nor China is particularly eager to As for representation, Kang go to war. In fact, there are conreminded readers of the very tinuous contacts between both real problems faced by the countries at the highest level and broader Asian American com- among their military leaders to munity, citing an infographic ensure that no one makes a “misby the Leadership Education for calculation” that could spark a Asian Pacifics (LEAP). major armed conflict.

Although 18.5 million AAPIs The question then is: how live in the US (about 6 percent will China respond to America’s of the total population), AA- challenge to its bogus territorial PIs represent just 2.6 percent claims? For all of its bluster, the of corporate board leaders, 2 Chinese government may just depercent of executive officers cide to play the patience game, the in Fortune 500 companies, and way it waited 156 years to recover zero percent of executive direc- Hong Kong from the British. torships and CEOs at the top It will continue to protest 100 nonprofits and foundations. against further US flybys and At least 77.2 percent of Fortune sail-bys, but China will likely 500 companies have zero AAPI avoid taking serious armed acrepresentation on their boards, tion. It is also expected to ignore according to LEAP. any adverse UN verdict and to “By promoting the model mi- continue building up its military nority myth and the positive ste- capabilities, as well as its salami reotype that AAPIs have been slicing tactic in the Spratlys. And, ‘so successful’ and ‘dispropor- like a condom, it will also keep retionately stars,’ [Kristof] creates assuring its Asian neighbors of its burdens on our entire commu- peaceful intentions, while screwnity,” Kang said, “masking the ing them. real needs within our commuThe US, on the other hand, will nity and brushing away the dis- calibrate its moves, careful not to crimination and bamboo ceiling push China too far into a corner, that we continue to confront.” even while it maintains its profit(Allyson Escobar/AJPress) able partnership with the world’s

second largest economy.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has signed an agreement with China to peacefully resolve maritime conflicts. Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have been careful not to upset China, a major economic partner. Their reaction to the incursion of the USS Lassen has been muted and vague.

In the face of this, analysts have predicted that a modus vivendi will eventually be agreed on between the US and China, a facesaving agreement that will allow the former, as well as other major trading nations, free access to the disputed area, by sea and by land, while China bides its time.

We might recall how the Korean War ended in a truce. The US and the United Nations, on one hand, and China and the Soviet Union, on the other hand, agreed on a compromise, partitioning the Korean peninsula between North Korea and South Korea at the 38th Parallel. The reason was because neither side was willing to risk an all-out war.

Where does that leave the Philippines and the other claimants? There is a Tagalog word for it. Bitin. Hanging.

The longer the stand-off lasts, the firmer will China’s foothold be in the Spratlys. The other claimants may, eventually, have to consider their own face-saving option in dealing with China. If that happens, the Philippines will have to deal with intense pressure to go along.

A paper entitled, “Armed Clash in the South China Sea – Contingency Planning Memorandum

A

No. 14,” written by Bonnie S. Glaser, Senior Advisor for Asia, Center for Strategic and International Studies, cites a think tank’s proposal to “establish regional sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea among the six claimants, allowing them to collectively manage the islands, territorial seas, and airspace.”

Another option mentioned in Glaser’s paper “would emulate the resolution of the dispute over Svalbard, an island located between Norway and Greenland.

The Treaty of Spitsbergen, signed in 1920, awarded primary sovereignty over Svarlbard to Norway but assigned resource-related rights to all signatories.”

But the thesis adds: “Applying this model to the South China Sea would likely entail giving sovereignty to China while permitting other countries to benefit from the resources.” And it concludes: “In the near term, at least, such a solution is unlikely to be accepted by the other claimants.”

However, if a modus vivendi is reached between the US and China, even these options may no longer be viable. In other words, unless the Philippines and the other claimants proactively seek a compromise that will at least allow them to benefit from the resources of the South China Sea, the end game in the US-China face-off over the Spratlys could leave the smaller countries empty-handed and perpetually hanging—or bitin—and in a state of unending tensions like North and South Korea. (gregmacabenta@ hotmail.com)

A

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Pinoy-British singer eliminated from ‘X Factor’ UK Pinoy performer enters ‘X Factor Australia’ top 4

By Agnes

ConstAnte

AJPress

A 24-year-old Filipino-British contestant on the X Factor UK was sent home Sunday, Nov. 8, following a double-elimination round on the televised talent competition.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” contestant Seann Miley Moore said in an interview following his elimination. “But the show must go on.”

The Filipino-British sang A Song For You by Donny Hathaway, but received the fewest public votes and was sent off the show with another contestant, Kiera Weathers.

“I genuinely can’t believe that they were in the bottom two,” said his mentor Nick Grimshaw.

“I can’t believe Seann is going. I can’t believe.”

Moore was also surprised to be leaving, he told X Factor hosts

Seann Miley Moore

Melvin Odoom and Rochelle Humes.

“I know I have a lot to give and yeah I’m excited. I will take this is a positive thing and the show must go on,” he said.

“It’s a crazy machine, but it’s amazing professionals that will help you to become better. And that’s the thing, you want to grow

and experience this world and have that amazing production and you live up there and you guys make the fantasy reality,” he added.

Moore also said he will continue pursuing his dream of performing at Madison Square Garden in New York.

His elimination leaves girl group 4th Impact as the sole Filipino act in the show. The group is now part of the X Factor UK’s Top 9 and has been confirmed to be on the third live show next week.

Moore was born and raised in Australia to a British father and Filipino mother. He revealed that he plans to remain in the UK after reconnecting with his British heritage, the Daily Mail reported.

“My dad is from Hammersmith. It’s so wonderful to reconnect with my British heritage. I am here to reconnect with my roots,” he said.

Fil-Am Amy Vachal makes it to ‘The Voice’ Top 12 FIlIpINO-AMeRIcAN jazz artist Amy Vachal has made it to the next phase of the hit American singing show The Voice. coach Adam levine, vocalist of the band Maroon 5, chose to save Vachal on Wednesday, Nov. 11 after his two other bets Jordan Smith and Shelby Brown were voted in the top 12 by viewers.

His choice left chance peña, Blain Mitchell and Keith Semple were eliminated.

During the live playoffs, Vachal performed the Frank Sinatra standard The Way You Look Tonight. She earned praises for the performance, with her former mentor pharrell Williams commenting, “That was effortless and crazy. I felt like you can win and you are awesome.” levine said Vachal was “an artist performing on the show.”

Amy Vachal

Another Fil-Am, Nathan Hermida, failed to make it to the Top 12 last season after levine chose to eliminate him after the live playoffs round.

Rounding up Season 9’s Top 12 were Gwen Stefani’s bets

Jeffrey Austin, Braiden Sunshine and Korin Bukowski; Blake Shelton’s talents Barrett Baber, Zach Seabaugh and emily Ann Roberts; and Williams’ wards Madi Davis, evan Mckeel and Mark Hood. (Inquirer.net)

Fil-Aussie Cyrus Villanueva

MANIlA—FilipinoAustralian cyrus Villanueva secures a spot in the top 4 of X Factor Australia.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10 Villanueva impressed the judges with his rendition of the ellie Goulding song Love Me Like You Do, which he performed while playing the piano.

His mentor in the show chris Isaak said he’s “proud” of him since he “took the hard way and not the easy way,” after he turned down his offer to play the piano for his performance.

Next week, Villanueva will be up against singing duo Jess & Matt, louise Adams and Big T. (Philstar.com)

Gretchen Barretto’s daughter is PH rep to world’s biggest high society event MANIlA—Dominique cojuangco, the daughter of actress Gretchen Barretto and business tycoon Antonio cojuangco, created social media buzz after she broke the news about representing the country in this year’s le Bal des Débutante, the world’s biggest high society fashion event.

Dominique shared the news via posting a video on Instagram that includes a caption, “My French isn’t the best, but hey I tried. It took every fibre of my being to keep this a secret for so long. I am thrilled to announce that I will be the philippine representative at le Bal des Débutantes this year,” she wrote on Instagram. le Bal des Débutantes is an event held in paris every year.

The high-profile event gathers together all young ladies from upper-class, famous and rich families to introduce them to

Dominique Cojuangco, the daughter of actress Gretchen Barretto and business tycoon Antonio Cojuangco, created social media buzz after she broke the news about representing the country in this year’s Le Bal des Débutante, the world’s biggest high society fashion event.

society. This year’s proceeds will fund the education of women of Southeast Asia, including the philippines. At present, the ball has helped the education of more than 1,100 girls in laos and in the philippines.

For this year, cojuangco, who will be wearing a couture by Vivienne Westwood and shoes designed by christian louboutin will joined by other 24 young girls on November 28 at the palais de chaillot in paris.

Bea Alonzo: A relationship is full of misunderstandings, love MANIlA—Bea Alonzo said she and Zanjoe Marudo are still “going strong,” months after the actress admitted they faced issues as a couple.

In July, the 28-year-old actress said she and the actor were having problems in their relationship.

Days after Bea’s confession, the two said they are working on their problems.

Asked about this during her endorsement contract signing with camera brand Fujfilm on Tuesday, Bea quipped: “Ano ba’ng alam n’yong issue? Wala naman kayong alam.”

Turning serious, the ABScBN star said she and Zanjoe are going strong and are “still together.”

“Siyempre, lahat naman tayo nagdadaanan sa gano’n,” she said, adding there’s no such thing as a perfect relationship.

“Siguro hindi ninyo mahal ang isa’t isa kung hindi kayo nase-shake or wala kayong pinagdadaanan. That’s not a relationship,” Bea added.

“A relationship is full of misunderstandings and love.

Mahal n’yo ang isa’t isa kung may pakialam pa kayo sa isa’t isa.”

Bea talked to members of the

Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo

press to promote Fujifilm and its product, the X-A2.

The actress, who will appear in the sequel to the hit 2007 movie One More Chance later this month, is known by fans for taking several photos and posting them on her Instagram account, especially when she travels out of town.

But she tries not to share too much online; Bea has no other social media account aside from her Instagram profile, for instance.

“Marami sa aking nagtatanong bakit wala akong Twitter and Facebook account,” Bea said.

“Medyo I treat my private life really private. So I only give a part of myself to the public. That’s why I didn’t open a Facebook account and a Twitter account. I only opened an Instagram account just because I like to take pictures and I like posting pictures.”

Bea added she’d rather be known through her work rather than through what she posts online.

“It’s not really about telling people who I am and what I do every day. It’s more of posting really nice pictures... Siguro mas gusto ko na nakilala ako through my work, my movies and not through my personal life,” she explained.

Tom Rodriguez talks about love and fame

by Dolly

Anne CArvAjAl Inquirer.net

WHO cAN forget the Vince (Tom Rodriguez) and lally (carla Abellana) tandem in GMA 7’s hit series, My Husband’s Lover? Since Tom portrayed a gay man in the show, their love story got thwarted.

But this time around in their movie, No Boyfriend Since Birth, the fab couple get to experience love in full bloom.

Would you fall for a girl who has had no boyfriend or an experienced woman?

Honestly, the connection between two people is more important to me than the number of previous partners.

What’s the sweetest thing that Carla has done for you?

She surprised me with a birthday dinner attended by people close to my heart.

What has fame taught you?

Fame should never be the end goal.

If you were Alden Richards, how would you handle fame?

I think Alden is handling every blessing coming his way in the best way possible… so I wouldn’t do anything differently.

Tom Rodriguez

What turns you off? people who judge, bully and belittle other people.

What’s the wildest adventure that you’ve had?

Venturing to the philippines by myself, away from the comfort and security blanket that is my family, stumbling into this industry that I have fallen in love with…

What are your thoughts on fidelity and jealousy?

Fidelity in a relationship is very important … but there are many factors that go into a relationship … I think communication, trust, respect, understanding and the

maturity to handle problems between two people are key, besides the obvious (fidelity).

What love advice have you heeded?

The best love advice that I follow is the onion layer approach.

At the core, the center of the onion are the two people in the relationship. Any and all problems (big or small) should be attempted to be resolved within this layer exclusively… you only move to subsequent layers when the core is insufficient… those other layers could be family, friends, professional help, etc.

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Sam Milby feels ‘blessed’ over series of projects

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MANILA—Sam Milby is thankful for the series of projects he received this year.

“Ten years na ako sa business and ang daming actors na wala pa silang projects ngayon. For me na ma-offer ng dalawang projects, of course, blessed talaga ako,” he said.

“So I really didn’t hesitate kahit magpupuyat ako, it’s worth it,” he added.

Aside from the movie The Prenup with Jennylyn Mercado, he’s now part of the ABS-CBN afternoon series Doble Kara which stars Julia Montes, and next year in the

Sam Milby

primetime series Written in Our Stars with Toni Gonzaga, Piolo Pascual and Jolina Magdangal.

It isn’t an issue also for Sam even if his new series is in the afternoon block.

“The show is really doing well.

It’s my first time working with Julia and the fact that it’s doing so well, parang mas confident ako,” he said.

“I’m really happy to work with her for the first time. It’s a great project, a great role, kaya okay sa akin.”

Aside from the number of acting projects he’s working on, Sam is also gearing up for his concert on November 28 which is a celebration of his tenth year in the industry.

Regine Velasquez’s voice back to old form

by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

SLOWLY but surely, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid said, her voice was starting to get back into the shape it was in before the onset of her acid reflux, which had been giving her troubles for the past two years.

But, perhaps more importantly, the singer feels that she’s now regaining much of the confidence she has lost.

“Thank God, my voice is returning to normal. I still have a tough time every so often, but it’s something I just have to manage.

I’ve been singing more often these days, too, so my voice gets used to the grind again,” she told reporters at a press conference for her concert series, “Regine at the Theatre.”

Regine’s acid reflux, which worsened after giving birth to her son, Nate, irritates her throat.

When she tries to sing through it, her voice sometimes cracks— something that very rarely happens to the singer, who, at the peak of her powers, made hitting stratospheric notes look as easy as breathing.

Self-doubt This frustrates the 45-year-old singer. And frustration inevitably led to self-doubt.

“There are times when you think you’re doing well, but then

EMPLOYMENT

your voice cracks and you can’t do anything about it. My confidence suffers as a result.”

But belting leaves a vocalist no room to second-guess herself.

Eventually, Regine realized that the more guarded she was, the more likely she was to flub a note.

So, nowadays, when onstage, Regine simply throws caution to the wind and attacks the song as fiercely as she typically does.

“True enough, things got better when I wasn’t being too conscious. What will be, will be.

Never mind if my voice cracks, eh di rocker ako!” she said. “But of course, I always make sure to take care of my instrument.”

She added that she would love to focus on singing for the meantime; acting projects would have to wait: “I want to maximize my voice since it’s better now and is cooperating with me!”

Repertoire She will have two more concerts at Solaire Resort & Casino’s The Theatre on Nov. 20 and 21. Her repertoire, she revealed, would be composed of songs from foreign and local musicals. “Many songs here, I’ve never done before, so I’m really going to prepare for this one,” she said.

She will be singing popular and less-known pieces from such productions as Miss Saigon, The

Regine Velasquez

Phantom of the Opera, The Last Five Hours, Rama at Sita and even Rak of Aegis.

“Local theater is thriving right now, so we’ve decided to include the newer ones to our set,” she pointed out.

Maria Clara Fans can also expect “Asia’s Songbird” to perform songs from Ryan Cayabyab’s 1995 musical adaptation of Noli Me Tangere, in which she played Maria Clara.

“It’s special to me because it paved the way for my acting career. Boss Vic del Rosario [of Viva Entertainment] saw that I could act, and offered the lead role in Wanted: Perfect Mother, she recalled. “I’m excited.”

EMPLOYMENT

Join AARP’s Virtual Family Caregiving Fair Chef Martin Yan cooks with caregivers WASHINGTON, DC—To help caregivers, AARP is hosting a Virtual Family Caregiving Fair that will take place on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 12pm – 4pm EST. From the comfort of a home or office, a caregiver can register and join the free fair online at aarp.org/ familycarefair.

During the virtual fair, a

caregiver can tour the exhibit hall with more than 15 booths showcasing various caregiving resources and programs, enter a “mix and mingle” lounge to connect with experts and other caregivers through online chats, visit a virtual auditorium to view scheduled and on-demand presentations and videos, and

explore a library with additional resources for caregivers.

Master Chef Martin of Yan of Yan Can Cook will also be on hand to walk through a few quick and easy recipes for busy caregivers and their families. Learn more at aarp. org/familycarefair.

(Advertising Supplement)

Gloc-9, a ‘simple, passionate fan,’ works with his idols

by AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

“I’M a son of an overseas Filipino worker; my father used to work in Saudi Arabia. And when I was six, I remember seeing him lugging a big bag while I was playing in front of our house.

‘Anak, aalis na ako,’ (son, I’m leaving) he told me. He then gave me a kiss before setting off on a bus.”

The rapper Gloc-9, in a video displayed before a packed crowd at the Music Museum, was recalling a moment in his life that inspired him to compose Walang Natira, his hit song about Filipinos forced to take a gamble and leave their families behind to seek greener pastures in other countries.

“I didn’t understand what was happening then… I only knew that he wouldn’t be returning home anytime soon,” he continued, as a soft instrumental played in the background. “It’s only now that I have my own kids that I realize just how big a sacrifice my father made.”

Machine gun When he wasn’t spitting bars like a machine gun, Gloc-9, or Aristotle Pollisco in real life, spent the night—the third of four in his recently concluded concert series, Ang Kwento ng Makata— reminiscing, sharing with fans the concept behind his songs, as well as life experiences that molded him into the musician that he is now.

Gloc-9 recalled working in Ortigas and spending his breaks listening to the American rap artist Eminem’s albums at a record bar in a nearby mall. “When I get asked for tips on how to be a good

rapper, my answer was always the same: listen. I did that and learned a lot,” he said. “It motivated me.”

He likewise looked back with fondness on the fateful day he met the man he calls “king,” the late Francis “Kiko” Magalona, and how he insisted on bringing Gloc-9 to one of his shows abroad several years ago.

“Sir Kiks told the producer that he wouldn’t go if I weren’t going.

That was how generous he was,” he said of the local music icon, whom he collaborated with on the hit song Lando, which he played in this concert with new pop-rock singer Migz Haleco.

He also did Alalay ng Hari, a song he wrote for Francis M, while photos of them together flashed onscreen.

If there was one thing that could be gleaned from his stories, it’s that Gloc-9 has always been a genuine and passionate fan, who lives and breathes his craft. Which is why, perhaps, despite all his achievements and being hailed by many as the current torchbearer of rap, Gloc-9 refuses to entertain the notion of being someone of influence.

He’s just a simple fan, Gloc-9 insisted, who happens to write music.

Guest artists True enough, he introduced his guest artists as his idols, as people he admires: Gloc-9 paired with Ogie Alcasid in the rocktinged, old-school vibed Hindi Mo Nadinig; with Yeng Constantino in Upuan, a song that implores people in power to walk in the shoes of the people they rule; and with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in an emphatic and show-stopping rendition of Takipsilim.

SERVICES

Gloc-9 poses for photos with audience members during “Ang Kwento ng Makata,” held at Music Museum.

Inquirer.net photo by Eloisa Lopez

In his solo numbers, which included songs like Apatnapungbara, Martilyo, Businessman and Payag, Gloc-9 performed with a quiet intensity.

He stood at the center, his mic almost pressed against his lips, as he dished out searing lines that tackled our society’s ills. And as the words-per-minute increased, so did the volume and grit.

The 38-year-old rapper likewise performed the gay anthem Sirena with Ebe Dancel, See You Again with Maya and Hari ng Tondo with Jolina Magdangal.

In Gloc-9’s performance of Magda, on the other hand, dancer Rochelle Pangilinan played the tragic heroine in a sultry number.

“I get nervous when people spend their hard-earned money just to see me,” he said. But if he was nervous, it didn’t show. And judging by the fans’ resounding cheers and applause after every performance, perhaps it’s safe to say that they got more than their money’s worth.

5 Richard Yap denies being replaced in MMFF entry ‘All You Need is Pag-ibig’ The Arts Commission releases report on volunteers in LA County nonprofit arts organizations november 13-19, 2015

www.asianjournal.com

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

MANILA—Richard Yap denied that Ian Veneracion replaced him as Jodi Sta. Maria’s leading man in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry All You Need is Pag-ibig.

The film stars Kris Aquino, Derek Ramsay, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. “Actually I just heard about it on write ups,” he said in an interview on Thursday, Nov. 12.

“Hindi ako kinausap na derecho na maging part.”

He added that Ian and Jodi were originally chosen to be part of the film since they’re being seen in the primetime series Pangako Sa ‘yo.

Although he’s not part of any MMFF entry this year, Richard will be busy doing the primetime series Ang Probinsyano.

He said he’s also excited for the projects being prepared for him in 2016.

More than 35,000 volunteers provided six million hours of labor in 2012

THE Los Angeles County Arts Commission released the third report in a series exploring workers in arts nonprofits in the region. A significant finding in this release – Volunteers in Nonprofit Arts organizations in LA County – shows how many people give their time to support the arts across the County. A total Richard Yap denied that Ian Veneracion replaced him in the 2015 Metro Manila Film. Festival entry “All You Need is Pag-ibig.”

Philstar.com photo by Joyce Jimenez

“I think I’ll be busier in 2016.

Kasi mayro’n silang nilulutong project na we’re supposed to do,” he said. “Pero siyempre mahirap i-develop kasi naudlot ‘yong project namin ni Judy Ann.” His project, Someone to

Watch Over Me was put on hold after Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo found out about her pregnancy.

“They had to do a different story, so ‘yong preparation na ‘yon medyo matagal. So instead of doing it this year, we’ll do it next year,” he added.

Vice Ganda gets emotional message from ex-boyfriend by chuck

Smith Philstar.com

MANILA — Vice Ganda got the surprise of his life when he received a message from an exboyfriend.

The recorded message was aired during the Nov. 9 episode of the ABS-CBN late night talk show Gandang Gabi Vice, which the comedian hosts, In the episode, guests Yam Concepcion, Mutya Datul and Daiana Menezes quipped that they found a former beau of the comedian-host. Vice initially dismissed their statement, until he heard the voice from the recorded message.

“Hi Vice, gusto ko lang sanang mangamusta. Nakikilala mo ba boses ko,” the message began.

The unnamed ex-boyfriend revealed he was a waiter at a comedy bar when met Vice. He also thanked the comedian for being a friend even after their relationship ended.

“N’ung nagsisimula ka pa lang sa TV, ako yung driver at sweet lover. Pero bago ‘yun, s’yempre

napansin mo ang kagwapuhan ko n’ung waiter pa lang ako sa comedy bar,” he said.

“Gusto ko lang magpasalamat kasi hanggang ngayon magkaibigan pa rin tayo. Kung ano man ‘yung pinagawayan natin at naging dahilan ng paghihiwalay natin noon, kinalimutan na natin.

“Gusto ko lang ding malaman ng mga tao kung sino ka sa totoong buhay. Kasi napapanood ka sa TV, akala nila mahirap kang abutin, mayabang ka. Pero ang totoo, masarap kang magmahal at magalaga.

“Basta salamat sa lahat, sa pagmamahal mo pati sa anak ko. Dahil sa’yo nakakapagaral pa rin siya, hindi mo pa rin siya pinababayaan.”

The message concluded: “Basta tandaan mo, kahit maraming nagbago sa’tin. May jowa na ako, ikaw alam natin may jowa ka na rin. Pero ako, hindi mawawala ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo.”

Vice, after hearing the recorded message, explained he is lucky with his past relationships.

Vice Ganda

“Maswerte kasi ako sa jowa.

Lahat ng naging jowa ko matitino, mababait kaya matatagal,” he said.

Asked by Yam, how many serious boyfriend he has had, Vice quipped: “Mas marami pa rin ang isla sa Pilipinas.”

The 39-year-old openly gay comedian has been open about having relationships, although he has continuously refused to identify the identity of his boyfriends.

of 35,076 volunteers gave nearly six million hours of labor, and 5,185 volunteer board members also gave their time. The full report can be found here.

This investigation looked at 463 nonprofit arts organizations in LA County and found that 83 percent of them utilized volunteers in 2012. Both the

number of volunteers working for those organizations and the average number of hours worked per volunteer grew by one-third from 2007.

Nearly three-quarters of arts nonprofits have more volunteers working for them than paid staff.

Arts nonprofits with smaller Continued on Page 7

Matteo: Relationship with Sarah still going strong by marinel

r. cruz

soon put up a restaurant.

While I am confident that I “DoN’T just think of today— already have enough to provide plan for the future,” said Matteo for my own family, I’m not Guidicelli when asked what he contented yet. thought was the secret to a lasting Do you want a big family? relationship. The actor-triathlete Not really, but I want a happy insisted that his relationship with one. Sarah and I haven’t talked Sarah Geronimo is going strong. about this yet. There are still so “We don’t know what will many things that I’d like to do. happen next, but of course Sarah I want to first make my stable and I both wish for our love to last strong, so to speak, in preparation forever. What we’re preparing for for that time in our lives. today is what we’re going to share Will you build a big house for with each other in the future,” her?

Matteo pointed out.

What I want is a simple home.

The ABS-CBN contract artist is I want to be able to see my family the newest ambassador of Sun Life every day, every time, and that Asset Management Co. Inc., which could be difficult to do in a huge recently launched a multimedia house. I want my kids to grow up campaign, called “Slam the Scam,” in an environment that’s safe and against investment scams. secure.

Matteo will star in a series Are you generous in giving Matteo Guidicelli of videos to discuss tips on how gifts? to spot an investment scam.

It’s important to give back, but am also very excited because my He agreed to take part in the first-ever album will be launched I don’t really spend on expensive campaign because he considers it gifts. I believe in giving something in mid-November. an important cause. “It’s a chance I’m feeling the jitters because more meaningful—I know that for me to use my influence to the concert is fast approaching, a handwritten letter will mean help Filipinos working abroad, so but I trust the team I’m with so more to Sarah than an expensive they will not get victimized,” he much—Star Music and Hills and bag, especially if it’s five pages explained. long. Yes, I spend on dates. If a girl Dreams Events Concepts—so I’m Excerpts from our chat with feeling confident, as well. Martin deserves it, I will give everything Matteo: to her just to make her feel special. Nievera is my main writer for the Have you already saved What do you hope to achieve show. Morissette Amon is my enough to raise a family of your guest performer; Marvin Querido, in your concert, “MG1,” at the own? my musical director, and Frank Music Museum on Nov. 28?

I’ve been trying to save as Everything about this concert Lloyd Mamaril, my director. much as I can, with the help of my is a journey of love. It will be a Will Sarah be there? parents, since I was 16. I’ve also We haven’t spoken about night of music—my first love. I’ve invested in properties. I have a it yet. We know that she has a been wanting to do this for many small business in Cebu where I will years, and I’m finally doing it. I concert a week after that.

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16th San Diego Asian Film Festival To celebrate its sweet 16th, the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) is proud to welcome and pay tribute to entertainment and film legends and pioneers during its 10-day film festival, from November 5 - 14, 2015. Presented by Pacific Arts Movement, the SDAFF is the largest showcase of Asian cinema on the West Coast, with more than 130 films and programs from 20 countries. This year, the SDAFF presents the West Coast premiere of documentary TYRUS, paying tribute and welcoming entertainment legend Tyrus Wong, a 105-year-old Chinese American artist who is best known for inspiring the artwork in Disney’s original classic Bambi. Other contemporary pioneers in entertainment such as Ken Jeong and Eugene Lee Yang will be present. The film festival will take place at the Ultrastar Mission Valley at Hazard Center (Main Theater & Box Office), 7510 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108. For all screenings at Ultrastar, tickets can be purchased at the Ultrastar Mission Valley box office (Member $9, General $12) starting October 30. Student/Military/Senior and Group discounts are available at the door. Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night tickets are $15 for General, $12 for Members. Limited All-Fest Passes are available for $250. For ticketing info, film program/gala awards night details, and a full schedule, please visit festival.sdaff.org or contact 619.400.5911 | info@pacarts.org.

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Saint Martin of Tours Fiesta Invitation to Taaleños to host the celebration of the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours, the Patron Saint of Taal, Batangas, on Nov. 14. Holy Mass will be offered at 10 am at 401 Spur Trail, Walnut, CA 91789, followed by a potluck luncheon to be hosted by expats from Taal.

A ‘Silent Auction’ is planned to raise funds for the repair and beautification of the Old Catholic Cemetery. Musical entertainment will be provided by Tony Mijares of San Jose, Calif. Please contact potluck coordinators Lorna and Eddie B. de Sagun (626) 780-8272, and the following to confirm your attendance: Baby Patolot (626) 202-3172, Jeannette C. Ilagan (626) 922-4330 or Lydia V. Solis lvsolis@aol.com.

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Free AARP TEK Mobile Technology Workshop What: A free technology workshop from AARP TEK Program AARP TEK and presented with AT&T’s generous support comes to Cerritos on Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21st. Featuring 50-plus technology learners from the Cerritos area, AARP TEK representatives, and local elected officials, the “hands on” AARP TEK workshop is designed to enable people to leverage personal technology to enrich their lives and to educate the community on how they can maximize their use of their tablets and smartphones.

When: November 20th: 11 am - 1 pm: Intro to Smart Phones – Beginner Workshop 3 pm – 5 pm: Beyond the Basics: Smart Phones – Intermediate Workshop November 21st: 10 am - 12 noon: Intro to Smart Phones – Beginner Workshop 2 pm – 4 pm: Beyond the Basics: Smart Phones – Intermediate Workshop Where: Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, Garden Terrace Ballroom. 12725 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703 For more information on AARP TEK or for more details on scheduled workshops, visit the Events tab on aarptek.org.

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Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award for Excellence Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award For Excellence In Medicine, Education, Arts & Literature and The Youth When: Saturday, November 28, 2015, 1-6 pm Where: Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens, NY Hosted by: Knights of Rizal - New York For More Information, please contact: Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba, Esq., KCR Commander, Knights of Rizal - NY E-mail: SUBALAW@aol.com

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AAPA Awards Gala Asian American Professional Association (AAPA) will host The Achievement Awards & Graduation Gala, honoring prominent leaders who trailblaze and inspire others to become leaders, and celebrating the 2015 graduating class of AAPA Mentees. The theme is “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity.” The gala will take place on Thursday, Dec 3 from 5:30pm - 9:30pm, at the Hilton San Gabriel (225 West Valley Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776).

Expose your brand to the professional community who are your customers, clients, potential employees, entrepreneurs, corporate and community leaders. Your support will directly benefit the AAPA mentees in the program. To purchase a ticket or ad, the cost is $50 each (limited time only); full/half/quarter page ad sizes are available in full color. Please visit http://aapaawards.eventbrite.com/ for more details and to RSVP by Nov. 13. Please get involved by emailing lia.andika@aapamentoring.com.

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Santo Nino de Cebu Association Annual Dinner Dance The Santo Niño de Cebu Association of Southern California, Inc. will hold its ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE on December 5, 6pm - 12:00 midnight, at Almansor Court (700 S. Almansor St., Alhambra, CA 91801). For more details and reservations, please contact Helah (626) 215-2684, Gemma (909) 997-1026, Nelia (818) 425-9926, Joy (909) 228-0437 or Willo (818) 458-0779.

Pasigueñans of Northern California 30th Annual Fiesta Celebration

november 13-19, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA (Part 2 of 3)

THERE is an onslaught of overwhelming assaults that come in all forms from just everywhere, facilitated by the startling phenomenon of social media and the ease of anything going viral through the internet. This warped, perverse world we live in today seems to delight in mischief and mayhem.

Against this gloomy global backdrop, what is good and true appear to be defenseless against unseen forces that doom personal struggles: relationship problems, self-esteem issues, financial problems, addictions, physical and mental illnesses and other ills too many to mention.

The result—there seems to be far too many lonely, alienated people these days. The suicidal stage is the most dreaded period of such a state of mind, when intense loneliness descends to a deep vortex of hopelessness and darkness. Suicide signals the end of a futile human struggle.

There is available help—a sliver of hope. Psychotherapy and the safe and judicious use of antidepressants can help keep deep depression at bay. But that is all it does — keep it at bay. One cannot help but think that there has to be a better way when an alarming percentage of those who take antidepressants still throw in the towel and end it all.

In simpler times, if you can call and label adversity by name, you can figure out simple ways of defeating it. Yet now because of the complexity of the world we live in, we don’t call people lonely.

We call them depressed. They are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoia, obsessivecompulsive disorder, and a whole dizzying lexicon of mental diseases.

Two thousand years ago, our ancestors called the whole gamut of mental diseases and bizarre behavior, possession by the devil.

One is no longer in charge of one’s

LOS ANGELES – The American Heart Association (AHA) Los Angeles County Division, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the University of Southern California (USC) School of Pharmacy are joining forces to curb the prevalence of high blood pressure in Los Angeles County with a threepronged approach that includes utilization of the AHA’s sciencebased Blood Pressure Treatment Algorithm, increasing awareness through community education and improving access to care.

The local collaboration comes on the heels of the launch

“Suicide, contrary to the lyrics of a popular song, is never painless.” soul but has been overpowered by a sinister, evil force. The soul is its habitat.

Pope Francis, fully aware and deeply concerned about what is going on in the spiritual realm in today’s world, has ordained exorcism official Catholic practice.

The greatest lie perpetrated by the devil during modern times is to make people believe that evil does not exist. It does. People lulled by a false sense of security in believing they are not in the sights of that sinister, unseen force, have become like the dodo, fat sitting ducks for evil, unwary and often caught off guard when tested.

The dodo is gone because it did not recognize the predators that wanted to kill it. In the spiritual realm, it has always been the battle for the human soul — good versus evil. The battle is raging. Sadly, many are none the wiser.

With beheadings, stonings and widespread Christian persecution in the Middle East and Africa by radical elements of Islam, and in the home front of western civilization, the pervasive liberalism that mocks Christian morality and values by touting political correctness, the world is back to 1 AD all over again. This is history repeating itself — a throwback to two thousand years ago when the blood of martyrs flowed, and Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

This is the present social and cultural canvass that engenders hopelessness and darkness in the souls of many individuals today.

There are far too many news of suicide these days and its horrible spawn, murder-suicide.

Consider the case of that deranged, suicidal Germanwings pilot who planned and deliberately slammed a planeload

of passengers against an Alpine mountain, causing the death of 149 people.

Who can forget about that despondent Malaysian Airlines pilot who may have caused the death of others by murder-suicide?

After 17 months of fruitless searches, debris of the ill-fated MH 370 have been recovered on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean close to Mauritius and Madagascar, perhaps dragged by ocean currents from where it crashed on March 08, 2014 killing 239 people onboard.

And then there are the twisted beliefs of suicide bombers seeking martyrdom. They think they will go to paradise and be rewarded with seventy-two virgins for their atrocity. There are religious leaders intolerant of other beliefs, who incite their followers to eradicate Christians and Christian nations.

Who can explain evil incarnate?

There is news of suicide that hits you harder because you personally know the person who took his own life. By all accounts, he has led a good life but unknown to all, was going through overwhelming personal struggles, quietly wallowing in darkness and despair never wanting to cause a ripple and simply gave up.

In many cases, those in their immediate family orbit say, they never saw it coming and will be left wondering WHY. Suicide, contrary to the lyrics of a popular song, is never painless. Those left behind who will have to pick up the pieces deal with the heavy pall of gloom and guilt that descends on them for a long time.

(Conclusion in next week’s issue) *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

of Target: BP, a national joint initiative between the AHA and American Medical Association to address the growing burden of high blood pressure in the US. One of the goals of the collaborative effort between the AHA, Public Health, and the USC School of Pharmacy is to enlist LA County healthcare systems and clinics to adopt the AHA’s blood pressure algorithm which reflects proven practices for blood pressure control.

A 2013 advisory from the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the

American College of Cardiology states that treatment algorithms save lives by laying out, in a flow chart, measurable goals and lifestyle change opportunities that everyone can understand, including businesses, hospitals, physicians, and family members.

“Heart disease and stroke remain the leading causes of death in Los Angeles County and one effective way to combat these diseases and save lives is to address high blood pressure in our community,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles Continued on Page 7

Carl Buffa’s birthday celebration CARL Buffa, President of Care Plus Home Care, Home Health and Hospice celebrated his birthday party with his family and close friends. He was surprised by his well wishers and elated to be with his loved ones. His wife, Cora, arranged the sumptuous middle eastern food with the surprise performance of a belly dancer . Cora and Carl has recently travelled to Europe and enjoyed their “honeymoon vacation.” We wish you many more of fruitful years to come Carl!

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Pampanga High School Class of ’65 Golden Jubilee Celebration

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

Whatever happened to ‘Happily Ever After’?

American Heart Association, LA County Department of Public Health, USC School of Pharmacy join forces to tackle high blood pressure in LA County

The Pasigueñans of Northern California invites all Pasigueñans, families, and friends to its 30th Annual Fiesta in honor of its patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

The annual fiesta will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 1:00pm to 8:00pm at Joseph A. Fernekes Building, in Orange Memorial Park (781 Tennis Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080). Celebration of the Holy Mass will be at 3:00pm, which will be followed by a sumptuous dinner, dancing, entertainment, and raffle drawing. For more information, please contact Flery Santos-Panganiban (707-567-4779), Polly Santiago-Cortez (925-8767695), Edna Balido-Reyes (925-260-9764), Edith Balido (925-681-9770), Chit Santos-Dalangin (707-704-7887), Marico Enriquez (650-483-8306), Oscar Rosales (707-332-4991), Jerry Field (925-681-0974), Marivic Beltran-Tuazon (707-656-1081), or Pete Saguisag (650994-0701).

The Class of 1965 of the Pampanga High School will hold “TULA ampong SAYA,” its 50th Anniversary Reunion, this coming December 29-30, in San Fernando Pampanga, Philippines. All 1965 graduates of the Pampanga High School (PHS), formerly the Jose Abad Santos High School (JASHS), and their spouses are welcome to all scheduled events.

Admission is free. The celebration will begin with BISPERAS on December 29 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, enjoying fun games, old music, and togetherness at the DIASPORA FARM RESORT in Santa Barbara, Bacolor, Pampanga. On December 30, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, join us for KAPIYESTAN, a provincial fiesta luncheon featuring familiar Kapampangan dishes, at the Mulang Galang orchard in San Antonio, Mexico, Pampanga. The evening of Dec. 30 will conclude with TERAKAN, a gala dinner-dance from 6:30 pm to 12 midnight, at the Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant in the San Fernando, Pampanga. Enjoy a fun evening of dancing to the retro music of Decadas and the mellow songs of folksinger Jerry. Class ‘65ers, please join us in celebrating our 50th Golden Anniversary! Full details on preparations, events and venues can be found on “TULA ampong SAYA,” on Facebook.

For donations, interest in the 50th Anniversary Reunion souvenir memory book, highlighting the successes of individual Class ‘65ers and the accomplishments of the PHS Class ’65 Foundation, Inc., please contact the jubilee reunion organizing committee in the Philippines: Joseph Deang (0927-228-8588); Erlie Aquino Estandarte (0929-219-0248); Corazon Cunanan (0939-118-2888; 0926-660-35540); Cecille Morales Bernas (0932-509-2646); and Marcial Morales (0918-915-9095); and Dan Galang 0929-427-9308; 045-966-0764). In the US and Canada, please contact Dan Galang at (510) 487-5551 or at (510) 648-1047.

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Carl and Cora Buffa.

Happy well wishers are Alex Pineda, Puey Quinones, Monet Lu, Cora Buffa, Dion Santos, Minnie Resurrection, and Clay Rahder.

november 13-19, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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Buying a new car stress-free: Kababayans at DCH Toyota of Torrance will show you how FILIPINO Loyd Aler landed his first job as a produce and vegetable delivery man.

Then he became a fast food restaurant manager, and then a quality insurance inspector.

His father, Edgar, who

used to work in wholesale for food and vegetables, and that inspired him to ultimately pursue a career in sales: today, he works as the Filipino Dept.

Manager and Senior Sales Specialist at DCH Toyota of

Torrance.

“I really love what I do for living and I enjoy very much not just selling cars, but making new friends, selling great products, and helping people get and drive their dream cars,” he says.

Buying a car is no easy decision. It requires careful thought and it’s something Aler understands. Since 2002 he has been selling Toyota vehicles, a brand that has been touted for its safety, retail value and longevity.

In addition to the quality brand he sells, Aler works at an auto dealership owned by a businessman based in Hong Kong. It was established almost a decade ago and is continually growing: since its inception, it has opened more than 20 DCH dealerships across the United States, with locations in Temecula, Oxnard, Simi Valley, and on the east coast in New York and New Jersey.

The goal of the company is to exceed customers’ expectations and provide exceptional We welcome all of our kababayans to the DCH Toyota Filipino Sales Dept. Simply call us at service to ensure the highest toll-free (888) 443-7619. We can always help you get an affordable car you want to drive satisfaction. Among ways the that will fit your budget through a very smooth, professional, friendly, and straightforward dealership demonstrates how transaction. Just ask for Loyd, Phillip or Nile. Tawag na kaibigan! much customers matter is

The Arts Commission releases...

From Page 5 budgets are more dependent on volunteers than they are on paid staff, but large nonprofits still have many volunteers working for them. The largest share of volunteers can be found in multidisciplinary organizations, while the second largest number is in theatres.

The report also provides recommendations for nonprofit arts organizations looking to improve their volunteer management practices.

“The huge number of people who give their time to these organizations is a statement about the importance the people who live in LA County place on the arts,” states Laura Zucker, Executive Director, LA County Arts Commission. “Volunteers are a critical part of what makes the arts such a vibrant part of our communities.”

The arts and culture sector is a major contributor to both the economy and quality of life in LA County. Research by the LA County Arts Commission is beginning to measure this investment. The first reports in

the series looked at salaries and benefits. Future reports will look at funding for arts nonprofits.

This study utilized data collected by the Cultural Data Project (CDP). The CDP is a webbased data system utilized by arts and culture grantmakers across California and the US. The LA County Arts Commission has supported the CDP since 2009.

The Los Angeles County Arts Commission fosters excellence, diversity, vitality, understanding and accessibility of the arts in Los Angeles County, encompassing 88 municipalities, and provides leadership in cultural services.

In addition to its role as an arts funder, the Arts Commission implements the regional initiative dedicated to restoring arts education to 81 school districts, programs and operates the Ford Theatres, funds the largest arts internship program in the country and manages the County’s civic art policy. The Arts Commission also produces free community programs, including the Emmy® Award-winning LA County Holiday Celebration for public television. www.lacountyarts.org.

American Heart Association...

From Page 6

County.

“Having a playbook to achieve blood pressure goals is an important step for addressing high blood pressure,” said Tony Kuo MD, MSHS, Deputy Director, Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and principal lead of the CDC 1422 initiative in Los Angeles. “Without a set standard or guideline for detection and treatment, goals often remain unclear and unreached.”

In addition to promoting the use of the Blood Pressure Algorithm into clinical practice, the AHA, Public Health, and the USC School of Pharmacy also aim to increase community support programs such as the AHA’s Check. Change. Control., which encourages participants to know their health numbers and emphasizes healthy habits, with sessions on nutrition, physical fitness, weight management, smoking cessation, and hypertension monitoring, counseling and management.

The American Heart Association is also fighting to ensure everyone has access to healthcare, particularly expanded Medicaid coverage which can significantly increase the treatment rates for high blood pressure.

About 80 million adults in the U.S. have hypertension. In LA County, 28 percent of males and nearly 32 percent of females have high blood pressure, according to the CDC. Nearly half of the people with high blood pressure do not have it controlled, putting them at risk for significantly disabling or even lifeending events. Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure

is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses.

“When you consider that best medications available for high blood pressure are just about all generic and inexpensive, it is astounding that only half of all Americans with hypertension achieve blood pressure control,” said Dr. Steven Chen, Associate Professor and Chair of USC School of Pharmacy’s Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy. “Pharmacists have the right training and accessibility to help ensure that hypertension patients are treated successfully with the right medications given their demographics, comorbid conditions, and other medications. And the AHA blood pressure treatment algorithm provides a simple yet soundly evidence-based tool to help all healthcare professionals make good decisions.”

For more information about high blood pressure, visit www. heart.org/highbloodpressure.

About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.

To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit www. heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

by delivering luxury services including oil changes, loaner cars, shuttles and much much more.

The dealership also boasts a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles to meet the broad range of tastes and needs customers have.

Among the customers that visit DCH Toyota of Torrance, Aler says he sees many Filipinos who show interest in a variety of cars, including Highlander, Priuses and Camry models.

Joining Aler in the Filipino Dept. of DCH Toyota of Torrance are Phillip Rivera (Sales & Leasing Consultant), and Nile Villanueva (Sales Manager).

Aler as a manager of DCH’s Filipino department, welcomes and looks forward to serving his fellow kababayans. His overflowing friendly personality, as well as that of Rivera, Relova, Panganiban and Villanueva, make the Filipino sales team approachable and easy to talk to.

Aler says he enjoys his job, although one of the bigger challenges he faces in his job is when interested buyers with poor credit or lower incomes

are turned down by the bank.

DCH offers special promotions, including low APRs and $0 down payments, but it isn’t always easy to extend these to certain customers.

“But for me, that’s the time I will be more aggressive and shop around for more banks to help them,” he says.

In most cases, Aler is able to pull some strings and find a way to overcome this particular hurdle in the selling process, though interest rates tend to be just a little higher for individuals with credit and income limitations.

“But the important thing is they [have] another chance to get a car loan and that helps build their credit again,” he says.

DCH Toyota of Torrance is conveniently located just off the 110 at: 2909 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505.

DISCOUNT CONNECTION HOTLINE for Kababayans Phone: (888) 443-7619.

DCH Toyota of Torrance is open Mondays through Saturdays from 8:30am to 9pm, and on Sundays, from 10am to 8pm.

(Advertising Supplement)

Phillip Rivera, Sales & Leasing Consultant

Nile Villanueva, Sales Manager

november 13-19, 2015 www.asianjournal.com

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