San Francisco Edition -- April 29 -- May 5, 2016

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

w w w. a s i a n

.com T h e F i l i p i n o A m e r i cA n c o m m u n iT y n e ws pAp e r

Volume 15 - No. 18 • 3 Sections – 22 Pages

1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200, San Bruno, CA 94066 • Tel: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152 • www.asianjournal.com

A P R I L 2 9 - MAY 5 , 2 0 1 6

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEw YORk/NEw JERSEY

Aquino: Abus plotted to kidnap Pacquiao, Kris by nikko

dizon Inquirer.net

Manny Pacquiao

PresIDeNt Aquino on Wednesday, April 27, disclosed alleged Abu sayyaf plots to kidnap world boxing champion manny Pacquiao and the President’s sister, Kris, a popular television personality. mr. Aquino disclosed the plots in an 800word statement released by malacañang two days after the bandits beheaded a Canadian hostage, John ridsdel, whom they seized together with two other Westerners and a filipino woman from a beach resort in Davao del Norte province seven months ago.

Kris Aquino

DATELINE

ridsdel was beheaded on monday, April 25, after a ransom deadline passed. his severed head was found in a yellow sack near a police station at Barangay Walled City in Jolo on the same day. “this murder was meant to terrorize our whole population. the Abu sayyaf thought they could instill fear in us. Instead, they have galvanized us even further to ensure justice is meted out,” mr. Aquino said. he vowed to use the “full might of the state” to smash the Abu sayyaf, which he said had committed “atrocity after atrocity” since its inception in the 1990s as an affiliate of the al-Qaida terrorist organization.

Other hostages the Abu sayyaf, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic state (Is) group in syria and Iraq, is holding more than 20 other foreigners. the hostages include Canadian robert hall, Norwegian Kjartan sekkingstad and filipino maritess flor, whom the bandits seized along with ridsdel on the resort island of samal in september last year. mr. Aquino divulged the extent of the national security threat posed by the Abu sayyaf, including bombings in metro manila and assassinating him to attract the attention of

u PAGE A2

Philippines losing Filipinos abroad by default, says Ople

USA

from the AJPress NEWS TEAM AcroSS AMEricA

Bills to make arbitration fairer for consumers advance in California Senate

by Yuji

Consumers would not be forced to travel out of state to represent themselvesin binding private arbitration; could have a court reporter present

sACrAmeNto – Californians forced to resolve a dispute through private, binding arbitration would no longer be additionally forced by a corporation to travel out of state to represent themselves, under a bill by state senator Bob Wieckowski (D-fremont) that was approved tuesday, April 26, by the senate Judiciary Committee.

Consumers and employees are increasingly forced to sign arbitration agreements that

foLLoWING the Us supreme Court’s hearing on President Barack obama’s executive orders on immigration, Us rep. Dina titus on friday, April 22, held a press conference that highlighted the nation’s need for comprehensive immigration reform. titus specifically touched on how the policies would benefit undocumented immigrants and the state of Nevada.

“It’s been years since the senate passed a bipartisan bill,” said titus, who represents Nevada’s first district, at her Las Vegas District office. “the house refuses to take it up, we have protested, we have fasted, we have signed discharge petitions, all in hopes of getting that legislation passed because it would bring families ... out of the shadows [and] into the mainstream, keep families from be-

u PAGE A3

Inquirer.net

for the longest time, the Philippines has been losing “by default” filipinos in search of greener pastures abroad, senatorial candidate susan “toots” ople said on tuesday, April 26.

And the least the government can do is create a separate department for them, ople added.

“I guess all of us—if you’re a self-respecting government—don’t want to see our countrymen leave their families behind to work as domestic workers abroad. We’d rather that they stay here, and improve their lot in their own backyard,” ople said in an INQLive interview at the Inquirer office on tuesday night.

“By default we’re losing our countrymen because we don’t have a clear jobs road map,” she added.

u PAGE A2

FLASH MOB FOR FOOD SECURITY. Members of the #IAmHampasLupa Movement for Ecological Agriculture on Wednesday, April 27, staged dance mob in front of the Commission on Elections office in Manila.

Philstar photo by Rosette Adel

Poe to Duterte: Open your bank accounts Comelec frets over

OAVs’ selfies with ballots

by jefferson and

u PAGE A3

Rep. Titus, immigrants call for immigration reform after SC hearing

Vincent Gonzales

antiporda joel M. sY eGco ManilaTimes.net

by MaYen jaYMalin

BALANGA City, Bataan — senator Grace Poe on Wednesday, April 27, dared Davao City mayor rodrigo Duterte to prove that allegations regarding his undeclared P211 million bank account are false.

“Well, siguro nasa kamay niya na patunayan na hindi totoo ‘yon. Ang pinakamadali ay kung papayagan niyang buksan kung lehitimo ‘yung account na ‘yon [I guess it is in the hands of the mayor to prove that the allegations are not true. And the best way to do it is for him to open his bank account),” Poe said in an interview here.

It was senator Antonio trillanes 4th who revealed about the P211 million bank account of Duterte at the BPI Julia Vargas Branch in Pasig City (metro manila).

Duterte dismissed the allegations and also dared trillanes to prove his claims although the mayor said he will not issue a waiver on his bank account. the mayor’s spokesman, Peter Laviña, said trillanes’ claim is a product of the senator’s “fertile and malicious mind.” “trillanes is a desperate man. A man who has not discarded his putschist past

Philstar.com

mANILA — the Commission on elections (Comelec) is more concerned with overseas absentee voters (oAV) taking selfies with their ballots than reports of discrepancies in actual votes and voting receipts.

Grace Poe and Rodrigo Duterte Comelec Commissioner Arthur and who has not shown any remorse for Lim disclosed on Wednesday, his reckless acts,” Laviña added.

April 27, that they have received Poe said Duterte should show to the peo- numerous reports of voters takple that he is a man of his word by issuing ing selfies holding their ballots a waiver on his bank account. “he has been claiming that he is willing to die for the country. this [bank waiver] is one of the ways to show his sincerity.

Now if he can’t do this simple thing, how can you expect him to fulfil more difficult tasks?” she asked.

UNA dare the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday also dared Duterte to honor the bank waiver he previously signed and allow the Anti-money Laundering Council (AmLC) to pry into his assets

from the board of election inspectors (BeIs). he said a majority of the incidents reported by the BeIs in Dubai, hong Kong, Vientiane in Laos, madrid in spain and singapore involved voters taking selfies, which is strictly prohibited.

“We will have it investigated by our law department to determine whether there is probable cause, and to determine whether we have jurisdiction over it,” said Lim.

u PAGE A3

u PAGE A2

Board gets 2-year extension to process Martial Law victims’ claims

mANILA — the human rights Victims’ Claims Board, created to process the reparation claims of victims of rights abuse during the marcos dictatorship, has been given until may 12, 2018 to resolve those claims.

According to the Philippine Information Agency, President

Benigno Aquino III has signed republic Act 10766 to extend the lifespan of the board so it can deliberate on and process 75,730 claims. Without the extension, the board would have ceased to exist by may 12, 2016.

Board chairperson Lina

u PAGE A3

Presyong Sulit!

Va l i d f ro m A p r i l 2 8 - M ay 4

1

$ 99 WAS

2$1

/lb

lbs for

SAVINGS

WAS

$2.89 31%

Pork Spare Ribs

SAVINGS

$1.39 64%

Chicken Drumstick

4

4

$ 29 WAS

$ 99

/lb

SAVINGS

WAS

$5.29 19%

/lb

SAVINGS

$6.99 29%

Oxtail

Valid at Island Pacific Union City, Pittsburg, San Jose, Vallejo, American Canyon, Elk Grove, Fresno.

en in Now Op

Large White Shrimp H/L

|

Cerritos & Rancho Cucamonga!

3

$ 99 WAS

/lb

SAVINGS

$5.99 33%

Salmon Fillet

w w w.islandpacificmarket.com

A

APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

From the Front Page

Aquino: Abus plotted to kidnap Pacquiao…

PAGE A1 t

the IS group and “gain access to the funds and resources” of the jihadi group that has seized large areas of Syria and Iraq.

The plots, Mr. Aquino said, included kidnapping Pacquiao and Kris Aquino, and behind the plots are Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon and subcommander Furuji Indama.

Mr. Aquino said Hapilon, through his cohorts in prison, planned to recruit inmates of New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City “to their cause and establish ties with remnants of the Rajah Sulayman Movement” and launch bombings in Metro Manila.

The President said the Abu Sayyaf had been trying to establish an IS cell in the Philippines, but the bandits’ efforts had been thwarted by government forces.

‘Put to bed’ The President said the threat to his life had been investigated, and he assured the public that key leaders involved in the plots had been arrested and those

threats had been “put to bed.”

But he said Hapilon was on Basilan Island, the other key Abu Sayyaf stronghold neighboring Jolo, and that military assaults against him were continuing.

Indama is believed to be also on Basilan, where 18 government soldiers were killed in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf on April 9.

Mr. Aquino has yet to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but he has sent a letter of condolences to the family of Ridsdel.

Foreign Secretary Jose Almendras said President Aquino learned about the killing of Ridsdel ahead of Trudeau, but the government did not announce it to honor the family’s request to be informed first before breaking the news to newspapers.

Friends, family members and relatives raised P20 million for Ridsdel’s release, but the Abu Sayyaf refused, insisting on their ransom demand of P300 million.

The bandits are demanding

the same ransom for Hall, Sekkingstad and Flor.

Body found Meanwhile, the headless body of a male Caucasian was found in a dry creek in Talipao, Sulu, on Wednesday, and authorities were trying to determine if it was Ridsdel.

The Army commander in Sulu was replaced after the killing of Ridsdel.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the appointment of Col. Jose Faustino Jr. as the replacement of Brig.

Gen. Allan Arrojado.

Arrojado resigned on Tuesday night. In his letter to Maj. Gen. Lysander Suerte, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Arrojado said he was resigning because of “conflict of approach” in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf threat in Sulu. (With reports from Jaymee T. Gamil and Estrella Torres in Manila; Julie S. Alipala, Jeoffrey Maitem and Nash Maulana, Inquirer Mindanao; and AFP)

MERIENDA WITH THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY AND YOUTH ROUNDTABLE. Ambassador Cuisia poses for a group photo with the students and members of FIND District VI after a very successful Merienda at the Catholic University of America (CUA) on Thursday, April 24.

Ambassador Cuisia thanked the Filipino-American youth for their support to the Embassy’s advocacies and initiatives, especially to the Merienda that served as an avenue for youth engagement in the past 5 years.

Philippines losing Filipinos abroad by…

PAGE A1 t

In a growing diaspora, at least 10 million Filipinos are working in more than 200 countries abroad as nurses, caregivers, domestic helpers, welders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, engineers and factory workers, among others.

Separate dep’t Since it could not stem the tide of Filipinos leaving the country

due to lack of job opportunities, the least thing the government could do was to address the needs, and protect the rights and welfare of the “modern-day heroes,” Ople said.

One way of doing so, she said, would be to create a separate department for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which she would propose should she win a seat in the Senate.

“I personally believe that it’s time to create a separate department catering to the needs of OFWs, just like in India and Indonesia. It should be headed by someone with a Cabinet rank; there should be a Cabinet secretary for OFWs,” said the daughter of the late senator and foreign secretary, Blas Ople.

Through such a department,

and AMLC, to the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

The UNA statement was issued after Trillanes claimed that Duterte did not declare in his SALN his P211 million bank deposit.

Salgado bewailed that when Binay first issued the challenge, none of the presidential candidates responded.

On March 14, Duterte and his running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano signed a manifesto that stated that they “pledge to open all our bank accounts in local and foreign currencies both here and abroad in the interest of transparency and accountability.”

“Ipinagmalaki ng kampo ni Mister Duterte na siya raw ay pumirma ng waiver para buksan

ang kaniyang bank accounts.

Kanina ay naibalita sa isang pahayagan na mayroon siyang P211 million sa bangko na hindi niya nadeklara sa kanyang SALN. Nang tanungin si Mr. Duterte kung pipirma sya ng waiver, ang sagot niya ay hindi [They bragged that Duterte signed a waiver that will allow the opening of his bank accounts. When he was asked if he will sign a waiver, he answered no],” Salgado said.

“Mukhang press release lang ang bank waiver na yon [That bank waiver was just a press release],” he added.

The Vice President earlier signed a bank waiver, giving the AMLC access to his bank accounts as well as those owned by his spouse and children. n

u PAGE A2

Poe to Duterte: Open your bank…

PAGE A1 t

and those of his closest of kin.

At the same time, United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) campaign communications director Joey Salgado challenged other presidential bets to do the same to allay suspicions that they have hidden wealth.

“The Vice President has said this last Sunday and we will say it again: Kung talagang wala kayong itinatago, ang aming hamon: Magpa-AMLC din kayo. At ilabas ninyo ang inyong SALN at Income Tax Returns [If you’re not hiding anything, we dare you to allow the AMLC to check your assets. Bring out your SALN],” Salgado said.

SALN refers to Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth

Dateline USa

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016

A

Rep. Titus, immigrants call for immigration…

PAGE A1 t

TASK FORCE OPLAN BAKLAS. The “Task Force Oplan Baklas” of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started to remove illegally posted election campaign materials on Feb. 18, 2016. The MMDA on Tuesday, April 26, said it expects to remove more illegally posted campaign materials as election day nears.

Philstar file photo

Los Angeles County pushes for early…

PAGE A1 t

limit or deny their day in court or prohibit their ability to file class-action lawsuits, just to get a job, or receive basic services or products, such as a credit card or cell phone. But they can also be compelled to travel across the country at their own expense to represent themselves in arbitration cases.

“In this private, for-profit justice system the deck is stacked against consumers and employees who simply cannot afford to dig into their pockets to fly across the country to New York or whatever jurisdiction the corporation picks,” said Wieckowski, a member of the Judiciary Committee. “My bill makes clear if you are a California consumer and you purchase goods and services from a California company, or you are a Californian working for a company

doing business in our state, the arbitration must take place in California. Forcing someone to travel out of state has a chilling effect on their ability to receive justice.”

Tara Zoumer testified in support of Wieckowski’s bill. She filed a wrongful termination suit against her California employer.

She was let go by the company after refusing to sign an arbitration agreement. She filed suit in San Francisco Superior Court, but is now being forced to go through arbitration in New York.

The committee also approved another Wieckowski bill, SB 1007, affirming a person has the right to a certified court reporter in private arbitration.

“Without a court reporter creating a record of the proceedings, a consumer often lacks the documentation to support claims of misconduct, or fraud in

Philippines losing Filipinos…

PAGE A2 t the government could assist Filipinos while they’re still being recruited, instead of being merely reactive, said Ople, a former labor undersecretary, without going into details.

“If a Cabinet secretary is focused on the challenges of labor migration, the government can anticipate problems to be encountered by the OFWs and facilitate the deployment,” she said.

Job generation To stop Filipinos from leaving, Ople said the government should also focus on improving the economy, and address issues such as transportation and infrastructure.

If she lands in the Senate, Ople vowed to prioritize job generation in her legislative agenda, saying “the best ally of poverty is unemployment.”

“If I make it to the Senate, I have only one question for department heads and project proponents: How many jobs will that project generate? How many Filipinos will benefit from your budget? Given our huge fund, we need to be laser-focused,” she said.

Ople, president of Blas F. Ople

Susan “Toots” Ople

Policy Center, also vowed to institute reforms in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and fight age discrimination in the workplace.

“All my life, every breath and every skill that I have, I feel like I have reserved them for every modern-day hero. I consider them part of our family because my father loved them so much. I will fight for them. We will fix the system to protect their rights and we will not keep silent when they are being abused. I am already doing these things now. What more if I will be in the Senate?

u PAGE A4

Comelec frets over OAVs’…

PAGE A1 t

Contrary to reports in social media, there were only two and not many incidents of alleged discrepancies in the voting receipts.

“There were only two incidents of the voter receipts not reflecting the votes out of the 191,427 ballots cast in Seoul and Dubai,” Lim noted.

Numerous reports on voting receipts not reflecting the actual vote of overseas absentee voters have been circulating in social media.

The Comelec had asked those making claims of discrepancies to substantiate their claims by filing formal petitions.

For overseas voters who are yet to vote, Lim reminded them to take the election seriously and follow the existing rules and regulations in voting centers

abroad.

“It is important for everyone to take seriously our election and don’t toy around with it. Taking pictures of your vote is strictly prohibited,” he said.

He also urged those who have experienced discrepancies in their votes to report them to the BEIs. “We would like to encourage Filipinos to report to us here at Comelec and I can assure you that we will act on it,” Lim said.

So far, Lim said, there are 191,427 votes cast in the ongoing OAV. The figure represents a 13.91 percent voter turnout from the 1,376,067 total number of registered OAV voters.

Lim said they expect the number to double and reach about 400,000 by the end of the monthlong voting period on May 9. n

Board gets 2-year extension…

PAGE A1 t

Sarmiento said in the PIA report that the HRVCB has already deliberated on 15 percent of the claims. In many cases, the board asks claimants to submit additional documents to support their claims.

“We need to identify spurious, fictitious and fraudulent claims,” she said.

Under the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act, which RA 10766 amends to extend the board’s life, the board must circulate a preliminary list of claimants weekly for three consecutive weeks once all claims have been processed. Opposition to someone’s inclusion on the list, or appeals for inclusion, can

be filed before the board releases its final list.

Claimants in the final list will be paid from ill-gotten wealth that the government has recovered from the Marcoses and their cronies.

“It should be emphasized that the distribution of monetary reparations will be made simultaneously, at a given period, after all 75,730 applications are resolved,” Sarmiento said in the PIA report.

“We have no authority to make partial payments because the law requires that the computation of the value of reparations be based on the total number of points given, which we cannot determine prior to resolving all claims,” she also said. n

the arbitration process,” Wieckowski said.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) completed the most exhaustive study done on arbitration in the United States. The CFPB found 92 percent of prepaid card agreements and 88 percent of mobile wireless providers who authorize third parties to charge consumers for services include arbitration clauses. Similarly high arbitration percentages were found in other industries reviewed by the federal CFPB. n

ing separated and take away that fear that any minute you could be deported.”

Central to the discussion were the programs Obama announced in late 2014, which would have deferred deportation for more than four million undocumented immigrants in the United States.

One of the programs, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), would provide temporary relief from deportation and legal work authorization for three years with the possibility of renewal. The other would have expanded a 2012 program aimed at immigrant youth brought to the country as children, called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Twenty-six Republican states in the nation filed a lawsuit led

by Texas that led to a temporary injunction on the programs. Also in support of it is Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt.

Titus said that the Supreme Court, which currently has eight members after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February, is likely to issue a 4-4 decision on the case and will probably make the ruling in late June. Such a split would keep the programs blocked, but would not set a legal precedent, she said.

Titus said these programs would be beneficial to Nevada, where 8 percent of the population and 10 percent of the workforce is undocumented, according to a 2015 analysis from the Pew Research Center. Additionally, the programs would result in an

Rep. Dina Titus

anticipated gain of $1.3 billion in wages and a $2.5 billion increase in the state’s GDP. During the conference, some immigrants, including Filipina Maria Perez, shared their stories about how America’s immigration policies affects them.

Perez’s daughter, Jessica May, is currently protected under DACA and was able to work as a field organizer on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign trail.

“Thankfully, we got her papers,” Perez said. “She got denied first. All of my children including me are denied. We went here [legally].”

Perez’s family has been in the United States for 13 years, two of whom are unable to pursue college due to their legal status.

“I was born basically and then I moved here, and then I learned how to speak English. I don’t even know my Tagalog that well and I consider myself more of

an American than Filipino.” said Perez’s 19-year-old son Christian Perez, who graduated from high school in 2014.

Also affected by the nation’s immigration policies is Aida Lopez, who has resided in the United States for more than 15 years. Her husband was deported in 2014, kidnapped and never found. She has four US citizen children, one of whom is protected under DACA. Lopez is also currently under a “stay” that expires next month, after which time Immigration and Customs Enforcement can choose to deport her. But with no criminal background, Lopez is not an enforcement priority.

“If she were to be deported, here are her four children who are US citizens. What would happen to them? Would they go back with her? Would they stay here without their mother? It’s just an untenable situation,” Titus said.

Should the Supreme Court not decide in favor of DAPA and expanded DACA, Titus said she is still calling for immigration reform. “ I mentioned that it’s economically wise as well as being personally humane and socially important if we pass this and we brought these folks out of the shadows and into the workforce,” Titus said.

“Strong families build strong communities and when we threaten those families or divide those families or keep them from reaching their potential, we are only hurting ourselves,” she added. (Agnes Constante/ AJPress)

A

APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Q&A: UC President says class of 2020 ‘Most Diverse Ever’ schools that serve high numbers of low-income students. In an interview with New America Me(Ed. Note: California State Sen- dia, UC President Janet Napolitaator Kevin DeLeon has just intro- no says the bill means Sacramenduced a bill to expand college to and the UC are “now working enrollment for low-income and in partnership” to meet the goal minority students on community, of expanded enrollment and distate and University of Califor- versity. Her responses have been nia campuses. The bill, SB1050, trimmed for length.) calls for increasing academic After years of cutbacks and rigor and counseling services at the standoff with the governor

by Peter

Schurmann NewAmericaMedia

Dateline USa

over UC’s budget, with SB1050 do you now see Sacramento as an ally in the drive to expand enrollment?

I am very encouraged by SB1050, because it’s a sign that we are now working in partnership with Sacramento and really thinking about how we educate the next generation of California, and what it costs to do so. We are already increasing our enrollment this year by 5,000 (in-state students) and 5,000 over the following two years, so a total of 10,000 over three years. That’s a big lift. SB1050 recognizes that if we are going to do these things additional resources are required.

Do you expect to be working more closely with K-12 schools in California as a result of the bill?

We’re working closely with K12 and with the community colleges. We probably have direct work underway in at least 600 high schools in California. We are also providing online courses for schools where AP classes are not offered.

Admissions data for the Class of 2020 is out. What’s the news there?

The good news is admissions are up for Californians, and admissions for underrepresented minority groups are up. I think this will be our most diverse class ever, or certainly since Prop. 209 [which banned consideration of race as a factor in college admissions in California] by the time students enroll. And the academic qualifications of the students are excellent. It’s a very strong class.

The data show admissions of African American students is up by 32 percent. What do you attribute that to and how do you continue to build on that?

We are now in what we call the yield period, meaning of the students we admitted, how many actually enroll in the UC. We really are focused with laser beam intensity on the yield for underrepresented groups because we know there are students in that pool who would be great additions to the Class of 2020, and we want them there. We’re talking with them about the UC’s, putting them in touch with recent grads (the black alumni associations, for example), offering them visits to campuses … all kinds of things designed to say, ‘Our doors are open and we want

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

HOME FOR NOW. Farmers blockading a stretch of a national highway in Koronadal City since Friday voluntarily dispersed Tuesday after receiving rice rations from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Philstar photo by John Unson

you to attend.’

One of the concerns heard from African American students is around campus climate, which some have described as unwelcoming or even hostile.

How does the UC deal with this?

We did an overall climate survey a couple of years ago. It did not show major differences across groups. Overall, people thought the climate was very good. But for African American students, there have been some issues on some of our campuses, so we need to address those [to] make sure those students are getting appropriate support and mentoring, recognizing that when they step on campus, because the numbers have been low in the past, finding other people who are African American can be a challenge.

What about at the faculty level?

There has been a lot of effort at the campuses to hire minority faculty, and not just in a few departments but throughout the academic disciplines. Plus, we have something called the President’s Post-Doctoral Fellows Program that I fund, and it reaches out to minority graduate students who can do their post doc work, and we hire faculty out of that. It’s been very successful.

How affordable is the UC compared to other universities in California or nationally?

Very. And this is something we can’t say enough. Families that have incomes of $80,000 or less pay no tuition at the University through our Blue and Gold Opportunity Program. We’re working on financial assistance for families who make over $80,000.

But by the time they graduate, half our students have no debt, and the students who graduate

with debt, that tends to be around $20,000 for the entire four or five years. Which is like a mediumpriced car. And as I constantly remind people, when you drive a car off the lot it depreciates in value, but when you take your degree it appreciates in value over the course of your life.

Still, there is widespread public perception that college is unaffordable.

Right, so we have to reach out … and give people confidence that this is something they can afford and that we will work with them on finding the aid necessary. It’s not to say they won’t have to put in something. We believe that every student – or their family – ought to put in the total cost of going to school, which is tuition, fees, room and board. You should be responsible for $9,500 of that, which is roughly a fourth.

But beyond that, there is a lot of financial assistance available.

What do you make of Bernie Sanders’ proposal to make college free?

I don’t like it. Number one, I don’t know why taxpayers should subsidize college for someone from a family that makes $250,000 a year. Second, who is going to pay for it? If you are providing free college to everyone in America, it’s a great idea but it’s a huge amount of money. Is that something that Washington DC is going to provide?

How hard is it for community college students to transfer to the UC? A third of our students are [community college] transfer students. [The transfer process] was very confusing … what to take, does it count, where does it count, etc. So the [UC] faculty has designed 21 Transfer Pathways.

What’s a Transfer Pathway? It’s a designed set of courses that if

you take in community college, you will transfer to that major with full credit to any of the nine undergraduate campuses.

You pick you major, you find the pathway and take those classes, and you transfer as a full junior.

Gov. Brown has spoken of a dichotomy in education between achieving an egalitarian society and sustaining our system of meritocracy. Does that same dichotomy apply to the UC? We’re doing both in a way. Under the Master Plan that governs higher education in California, we are designed to take the top 12 and a half percent of students, which we have done through the recession, through the cuts … so that’s the meritocracy part. The egalitarian part is making sure that students went to a poor high school but get admitted to UC have the opportunity to succeed.

That may mean extra work in the summer before they start, extra support for tutoring and the like.

We know there are classes (mathematics and chemistry) that can be hurdles. All right, let’s focus to the extent we have resources – and I think SB1050 will help with that.

How do you compare your tenure as head of UC with your previous role as governor and cabinet secretary?

Higher education has a very positive, proactive mission.

When I was at Department of Homeland Security, you’re playing defense. You’re trying to prevent something from happening. A good day in the news is when there is no news, because it means something that could have happened didn’t happen.

With the UC, you’re playing offense, not defense. You have this opportunity to help educate the next generation. It’s a very energizing mission. n

Filipina appointed as CIPC Executive Director Cynthia Buiza will welcome hundreds to 20th Annual Immigrant Day next month in Sacramento

LOS ANGELES, CA – The California Immigrant Policy recently announced that Cynthia Buiza has been appointed as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Buiza brings 25 years of experience fighting to defend the human rights of immigrants and refugees — in California and across the globe. She has served as a trusted consultant to CIPC and other immigrant and civil rights partners since 2013, leading a CIPC project to strengthen the capacity of nine regional coalitions on the front lines of the fight for immigrant rights.

Prior to her consulting work, Buiza served as Policy Director at the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties and Policy and Advocacy Director at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. She played a key role in several immigrant rights campaigns, challenging checkpoints and car impoundments, fighting for driver’s licenses, defending worker rights, and advocating against abuses at the border.

At a time when refugees fleeing violence have generated intense attention around the world, Buiza has deeply personal insight into the experiences of displaced people. An immigrant from the Philippines, her commitment to human rights and social justice was forged under the

Cynthia Buiza

Marcos dictatorship. She created community-based programs to empower children and families displaced by war, and her passion for justice later took her to positions at several international organizations in Southeast Asia, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Buiza said in a statement: “I am deeply honored to join the CIPC team. I greatly admire the organization’s values of inclusivity, collaboration, and accountability to community, and I’m excited about the opportunities and possibilities ahead.

Immigrant communities have helped transform California into a state that holds great promise

for the sustenance of social justice ideals. But despite the progress we’ve made, we still face profound challenges, including an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor and the harsh and inhumane consequences of a broken immigration system.

So much has changed since CIPC began twenty years ago — and I’m deeply moved to imagine what we can achieve together in the next twenty years!”

Buiza is slated to welcome hundreds of immigrant rights leaders from across California at the 20th annual Immigrant Day on Monday, May 23 in Sacramento.

CIPC’s previous Executive Director, Reshma Shamasunder, stepped down in December after a successful 12-year tenure. Policy Manager Gabriela Villareal had assumed the role of interim Executive Director.

The California Immigrant Policy Center advances inclusive policies that build a prosperous future for all Californians. CIPC was founded in 1996, as California reeled from the ugly aftermath of Proposition 187 and harsh federal copycats. A multiethnic hub for statewide advocacy, CIPC has worked hand-inhand with community partners across the state for two decades to create a national blueprint for pro-immigrant policy. n

Philippines losing Filipinos abroad by…

PAGE A3 t

What drives me to do this is I can already imagine the reforms that I am capable of doing,” she said.

Passing grade In terms of championing OFWs, the Aquino administration got a “passing” grade from Ople, who said the country needed a President who has the political will to implement reforms benefiting OFWs. “Whoever wins the presidency, I’m very optimistic about our country. Even if the campaign period has been very toxic, I have

high hopes that we will come together as a nation after the elections. Nothing is impossible. We just need a President who will inspire us to be the best that we can be,” Ople said.

Ople is a common candidate of presidential aspirants Sen. Grace Poe, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago. She was also endorsed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is also running for President but has no senatorial lineup.

Ople said her own father, who served as labor minister of then

President Ferdinand Marcos, inspired her to advocate for the rights of overseas workers.

And by doing what she does, she said she was merely honoring the legacy and memory of her late father.

“I have to be relevant. I can’t hug my father anymore and I can’t bring him back to this world. But with every OFW that I get to help, I feel like being able to hug my father again. It feels like planting a flower in his garden. And as a daughter, that’s all I really want,” she said. n

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 29-mAy 5, 2016

Dateline PhiliPPines

A

Return of laundered money to Bangladesh underway Pacquiao slugs his way to No. 3 in senatorial poll

by Edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA—The process for the return to Bangladesh of the $81 million stolen by hackers from its central bank is underway.

Acting Justice Secretary Emmanuel Caparas bared this on Wednesday, April 27 after meeting with Bangladeshi Ambassador John Gomes, who visited the department to request for the immediate return of the money to their government.

“We did assure them that it’s being done. We have a process for that, but we have to make sure it goes through the legal process as quickly as possible,” he told reporters in a press conference.

SARANGANI Rep. Manny Pacquiao, fresh from his demolition of American Timothy Bradley, has slugged his way up in the senatorial race.

The 37-year-old Pacquiao has moved up to third behind front-runners, Senators Franklin Drilon and Vicente Sotto III, according to the results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Of the 1,800 registered voters interviewed for the survey, 37 percent indicated preference for the Filipino boxing icon.

The survey was conducted from April 18 to 20, more than a week after Pacquiao scored Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes (third from left) and his colleagues watch the proceedings a decisive unanimous decision over Bradley after dropping him during the Senate hearing on the $81-million money laundering scam last April 5.

Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo twice in their April 9 fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the fight, he indicated retirement to serve the people.

The survey had a margin of essary moves to strengthen the remain vigilant and help the gov- error of plus-or-minus 2 perintegrity of the automated polls ernment ensure clean, orderly centage points. on May 9,” Press Secretary Her- and credible national elections.

In the previous March 30With just a couple of weeks April 2 SWS survey, Pacquiao minio Coloma Jr. said.

He told state-run radio dzRB before the May 9 elections, some ranked fifth to seventh with 31 that the poll body conducted local candidates are allegedly percent, along with two other mock polls over the weekend to resorting to different tactics to candidates. test and find out whether there cheat and ensure their victory.

In the latest survey, first pubThere were reports that sup- lished in BusinessWorld, Drilon would be glitches in the system, so that problems can be ad- porters of local candidates in held on to the top spot with 45 some cities and municipalities dressed soonest.

Coloma, who heads the Presi- conduct bogus biometrics and dential Communications Opera- threaten voters who will not vote tions Office, urged Filipinos to for their candidates.

Palace confident Comelec can still hold credible polls by dElon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA—Amid the breach by hackers of the poll body’s 55-million voter database, Malacañang expressed its full trust and confidence in the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s ability to supervise the May 9 synchronized presidential, senatorial and local elections. ”The government is confident that the Comelec will do the nec-

percent, followed by Sotto with 42 percent. In fourth place behind Pacquiao was former Sen. Francis Pangilinan, with 36 percent.

Ranked between fifth and 12th were former Sen. Panfilo Lacson (34 percent), Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri (34 percent), former Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros (33 percent), former Justice Secretary Leila M. de Lima (33 percent), former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva (33 percent) Sen. Sergio Osmeña III (32 percent), former Sen. Richard Gordon (31 percent), Sen. Ralph Recto (30 percent), Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian (30 percent), and Sen. Teofisto Guingona III (27 percent).

Trailing them were former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino (22 percent), former Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority COO Mark Lapid (20 percent), Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (17 percent), Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso (16 percent), former Optical Media Board Chair Edu Manzano (14 percent), Bayan Muna Rep. Neri

Colmenares (12 percent) and former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla (10 percent).

Those who obtained singledigit scores were Roman Romulo (8 percent), Alma Moreno Lacsamana (7 percent), Allan Montano (7 percent), Susan Ople (6 percent), Mel Chavez (6 percent), Larry Gadon (6 percent), Atty. Lorna Kapunan (6 percent), Dionisio Santiago (6 percent), Rey Langit (5 percent), Ina Ambolodto (4 percent), Romeo Maganto (4 percent), Raffy Alunan (4 percent), Getulio Napeñas (4 percent), Princess Jacel Kiram (3 percent), Shariff Albani (3 percent), Samuel Pagdilao (3 percent), Aldin Ali (3 percent), Jovito Palparan Jr. (3 percent), Mon Montaño (3 percent), Greco Belgica (3 percent), Godofredo Arquiza (3 percent), Walden Bello (2 percent), Ray Dorona (2 percent), Dante Liban (2 percent), Levito Baligod (2 percent), Sandra Cam (2 percent), Mr. Coop Paez (2 percent), Diosdado Valeroso (1 percent), and Eid Kabalu (1 percent).

Results of the survey also showed that 34 percent of the voters have a complete senatorial slate. (Almi Ilagan-Atienza/ Inquirer Research)

Santiago says she received P300-M offer to back out from presidential race LOS BANOS, Laguna—Presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said she has received feelers to back out from the presidential race and was of-

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago

fered up to P300 million to reimburse her campaign expenses.

The feisty senator, who had been appearing in public more frequently after taking a short break from her anticancer treatment, lamented her consistent bottom ranking in commercial surveys.

Because of her poor standing in surveys, Santiago said this could have prevented her contributors for her campaign.

“Ang hirap ng kalagayan ko, pinapababa nila ang standing ko sa surveys para mawalan ng gana ang contributors. Pag walang contributors, walang funding.

Pag walang funding, pipilitin mag-withdraw at bibigyan daw nila ako ng up to P300 million ang expenses ko. Taga-UP ata

ako. Aanhin ko ang perang iyon?

Tatanda na ako bago matapos bilangin yun,” she said.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from April 16 to 20, Santiago’s rating dropped from three percent to two percent.

“Every time mag survey sila dahil bayaran ‘tong mga ‘to lagi akong nasa ilalim. Di bale dahil late ako nag kampanya o dahil may sakit ako. Pero bakit sa lahat ng pamantasan sa ating bansa, saan man mapunta lalo na sa UP campuses bakit palagi akong number one?” she said.

During the final leg of presidential debate in Pangasinan last Sunday, April 24, the senator said she will never quit the presiden- PH DELEGATION. The Philippines is one of 175 countries that formally signed the Paris Climate Agreement on Earth Day last Friday, April tial race. (Frances Mangosing/In- 22 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Philippine Delegation was led by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje with Senator Loren Legarda, UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience, as Co-Head of Delegation.

Photo from the office of Sen. Loren Legarda quirer.net)

A

APRIL 29-MAy 5, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

OpiniOn

Features

Initiative

IN honor of Earth Day last Friday, April 22, international political, business and civil society leaders from 175 countries gathered at the United National Headquarters in New York for the historic signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, a global initiative to ensure a sustainable future for billions of people around the world through climate action.

“Today is a historic day,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Ban told reporters following the opening ceremony of the signing event. “This is by far the largest number of countries ever to sign an international agreement on a single day.”

The Paris Climate Agreement will give way to a global economy that will be powered by low-carbon, climate-smart growth. It has already begun to impact private sector operations and investments, demonstrating that climate action can improve performance, leverage new market opportunities, and be a gateway to growth and innovation.

“In Paris, there were also four initiatives that were launched: the International Solar Energy Alliance, the development plan for renewable energy, the innovation mission with President Obama, and finally the high-level coalition to set a price for fossil fuels and coal,” French President Francois Hollande said as he vowed to make France a role model in implementing the contents of the Agreement.

The Paris Climate Agreement will come into force once 55 countries responsible for 55 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases have ratified it, including the world’s top polluters, the US and China. Altogether, the 175 signatories account for 93 percent of global greenhouse gases, according to the World Resource Institute.

It took years of negotiations before countries agreed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, while pursuing efforts to keep temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. The Paris Agreement mandates regular meetings every five years, starting in 2018, to review progress, and to consider whether it is necessary to increase ambition.

Regarded as a poster child for climate change, the Philippines along with under-developed nations were also present during the signing to encourage governments to keep the promises they gave in Paris.

Sen. Loren Legarda, Champion for Resilience of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), led the Philippine delegation in calling on nations to immediately ratify the Agreement and stressed the need to target the more ambitious but safer 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit.

“The 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit should not just be an aspiration; we must do everything not to go beyond that, because the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal is a matter of survival. We have already breached the 1 degree Celsius mark and look at what has happened to vulnerable nations like the Philippines,” Legarda said.

Legarda explained how the Philippines, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, has been affected by extreme weather events caused by

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

the warming climate. Typhoon Ketsana in 2009 ate up 2.7 percent of the country’s GDP; while the country has yet to fully recover from the damage and effects of the November 2013 Supertyphoon Haiyan.

At present, farmers and farming communities have been suffering from the drought caused by the extended El Niño affecting the Philippines.

Following the historic signing, the world must now embrace this broader challenge and step up

efforts to combat climate change. This problem is multi-faceted and its mitigation will require action from multiple fronts.

We are not oblivious to the advent of climate change. While we cannot undo the damages done, we are still capable of decelerating the rate of the effects of climate change and produce a desirable future for the planet altogether. Every one is simply responsible. (AJPress)

BALITANG AMERICA: Duterte, Roxas top Fil-Am online poll after last debate FOLLOWING the last presidential debate hosted by ABS-CBN, The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” asked its viewers: “If the elections were held today, would you vote for to be the next president of the Philippines?” The result of the April 25 online poll revealed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte still topping the field of candidates, with 54 percent vote among the viewers who participated.

Former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas placed second, getting 32 percent, followed

should have been

by Sen. Miriam Defenthe first to rape the sor Santiago with 8 The Fil-Am beautiful Austrapercent.

Perspective lian woman killed in It seems Sen. Grace Mindanao -- is also Poe has lost much echoed in the most enthusiasm among recent Pulse Asia kababayans, getting survey conducted in only 5 percent. Vice Gel SantoS-ReloS the Philippines durPresident Jejomar Binay remains at the bottom of the ing the period April 16-20, before the pack with only 1 percent of the vote. last debate.

The Pulse Asia Pulso ng Bayan naDuterte’s dominance in the Fil-Am poll -- despite his controversial rape tionwide survey shows Duterte is still statement that the mayor [Duterte] leading the race to Malacanang with

35 percent vote, followed by Sen. Grace Poe with 23 percent — a 12 point margin.

Former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas came in third with 17 percent, followed by VP Jejomar Binay with 16 percent vote. Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago garnered 2 percent.

With less than two weeks before the Philippine national election, will Duterte keep his lead? Will the debate prove to be a game changer and put Poe back to the top position, or will Roxas surge to be number

one after his debate performance?

ABANGAN! Meantime, watch The Filipino Channel’s Balitang America town hall, to be participated in by community leaders supporting each candidate. This will air on Sunday, May 1, at 5pm. *** 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

Has SWS been rigging its surveys to boost Roxas’ and Robredo’s ratings?

Commentary

RiGobeRto D. tiGlao IT seems so, or the Social Weather Station’s collation of data has fallen under the control of Manuel Roxas and Leni Robredo’s operatives, so that in the past two surveys their voter-preference ratings have inexplicably surged, while those of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. have fallen.

This could be done because of SWS’s new polling method, which would allow votes for presidential candidate Binay and vice presidential contender Marcos, Jr. – whose ratings have dropped for a reason – to be rejected on grounds, as the SWS itself describes it, of “invalid markings.”

Only in its last two surveys did the SWS adopt this new method, which it had never used before (not in its 2010 polls), for determining how many of its respondents choose particular candidates.

Instead of the standard procedure of the pollster writing down the name of the candidate the respondents say they will vote for (and therefore, accepting these at face value), the new method asks the respondents to mark their choice in a ballot, privately, and put it in a container.

On the surface, this appears to be an appropriate method.

But in reality, it merely mimics how election cheating has been undertaken for decades in this

country. This is done during the counting of the ballots, with the votes for the candidate who is being cheated declared invalid or are rejected. At least, in the low-tech way of counting ballots in the past, candidates were allowed to put in place their own poll-watchers who could raise a protest every time a certain vote for their candidates was rejected.

The counting of the “ballots” by the SWS, though, takes place in hidden rooms, with no thirdparty observing the process.

In its new method of polling, ballots with “invalid marks,” SWS itself explains, are rejected.

It has not explained what qualifies as an “invalid” mark, however. It has neither reported its process for counting the ballots nor disclosed which candidates were chosen in such rejected ballots.

The number of such rejected ballots is not insignificant: 7 percent in its March 30 to April 2 survey and 5 percent in the April 18 to 20 polling. (This excludes the 3 percent of respondents in the two surveys who replied that they had not decided whom to vote for.)

It does not seem coincidental then that when SWS used this new method of polling, and 7 percent and 5 percent of ballots were rejected, Binay’s ratings plunged from 24 percent in early March to 20 percent in late March, and to just 14 percent in the last poll conducted in early April.

If the 7 percentage points of “rejected” ballots in the March 30 – April 2 poll were for Binay, his ratings would not be at 20 percent but at 27 percent, at par with Duterte’s.

SWS suddenly changed its polling method, and Binay’s ratings plunged.

For the manipulators of the SWS data, only 5 percent “rejected votes” were needed to bring Binay’s ratings to 14 in the most recent poll.

In contrast, a survey from April 21 to 23 by a major pollster commissioned privately (which is expected to be released publicly soon), but which did not use SWS’s method of polling through ballots but by the standard way of the interviewer writing down the respondents’ replies.

It also does not seem coincidental that when SWS used this new method of polling, Robredo’s rating jumped from 19 percent in March to 26 percent in April. The 5 percent rejected votes in the April poll were likely those for Marcos and Francis Escudero, which explains why the two candidates’ steady ratings – Marcos’ even surged from

19 percent in December to 26 percent in March – were broken only when the SWS used its new method of polling, and rejected 4 to 5 percent of the ballots.

Roxas and Robredo obviously have made manipulated polls as a major part of their electoral strategies, since without these to project that surveys from reputable pollsters show their political support, massive cheating on May 9 elections would be so obvious – far from the polling results – as to provoke public outrage.

The use of ballots and SWS’ power to reject certain ballots is not the only new way it employs for its polls, which is obviously intended to pull down Binay’s ratings. In a previous column (“The SWS mobile ‘survey’ and an Indonesian tycoon’s potential, crucial role in our elections,

April 10, 2016), I exposed that the SWS’s new type of polling it calls the “SWS-Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey” isn’t at all a legitimate poll since it involves a permanent panel of about 750 respondents, whose views the SWS collects through their SMS messages via cellphones provided by the Indonesian-owned PLDT. Only the SWS and PLDT know the cellphone numbers of these respondents and one easy way of manipulating this panel’s responses would be to send them messages favorable to a certain candidate, before they even receive the question which candidate they prefer.

SWS’s partners in these two very questionable polling methods are entities both controlled by the Indonesian tycoon Anthoni Salim: Smart Communi-

cations in the “Bilang Pilipino Mobile Survey” and the newspaper BusinessWorld in the ballotbased polling, in which the SWS rejects certain ballots.

It is certainly not coincidental that in both of these two questionable polls, Binay’s ratings were pulled below Roxas’ at 15 percent in the “Mobile Survey’s” on April 13, and 14 percent in the ballot-based April 18 purported “poll.”

In contrast, the other major firm PulseAsia, which uses the standard method of getting responses in its April 12 -17 poll, reported Binay as staying in third place in the contest, with a 19 percent rating.

Roxas’ and Robredo’s rivals should demand that the Comelec investigate what could be the biggest propaganda scheme of this election. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com Northern California: 1001 Bayhill Drive, Suite 200, San Bruno, CA 94066 Tel.: (650) 616-4150 • Fax: (650) 616-4152 Las Vegas Sales Office: 3700 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Manila Office: 2/F D&E Fort Palm Springs Cond.

30th St., Cor. 1st Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel.: (632) 856-4921 • 856-0397 Fax: (632) 856-1661 New york office: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, Ny 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858 New Jersey office: 449 Hoboken Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306 Tel.: (212) 655-5426. • Fax (818) 502-0858

ELIZABETH HILARIO SISON Chief Financial Officer JOSEPH PERALTA Vice President & General Manager Northern California Asian Journal MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor MALOU LIWANAG-BLEDSOE Editor-in-Chief Northern California Asian Journal

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES Asian Journal Publitions, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publition by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publition of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publitions, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern lifornia, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 29-mAy 5, 2016

4 presidential bets must file SALNs by April 30

by Michael

Punongbayan Philstar.com

ernment (DILG).

Sens. Miriam Defensor-SanMANILA—Days before the tiago and Grace Poe, on the other May 9 national elections, all of hand, will file their 2015 SALNs the country’s presidential candi- before the Office of the Senate dates, except for former secretary Secretariat.

According to law, the SALNs Manuel Roxas II who no longer holds a government position, will of government officials and emhave to file their 2015 statement ployees are filed before official of assets, liabilities and net worth repositories depending on rank or position.

(SALN).

Only presidents and vice presiVice President Jejomar Binay will be filing his SALN before the dents as well as the heads of conOffice of the Ombudsman while stitutional commissions file SALNs Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte directly at the Office of the Omwill submit his before the Depart- budsman.

In 2014, Binay declared a net ment of the Interior and Local Gov-

worth of P60.118 million which shows a steady but minimal increase in his wealth since 2011 which was at P57.879 million, P59.804 million in 2012 and P58.762 million in 2013.

As early as two months ago, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminded all government officials and employees to file their SALNs for 2015 on or before April 30, 2016.

The reminder was issued pursuant to the requirements of Republic Act 6713 or the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

All of the country’s presidential candidates, except for former secretary Manuel Roxas II who no longer holds a government position, will have to file their 2015 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

Philstar.com photo

Witness backs tanim-bala extortion claim by edu

Punay Philstar.com

MANILA—A witness has surfaced to support the elderly couple who allegedly fell prey to the bullet-planting scam at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Couple Esteban and Salvacion Cortabista are planning to charge wheelchair attendant Niño Namba of extortion after the latter reportedly asked for P50,000 from them in exchange for being released from detention to board their Korean Airlines flight to the US. The Cortabistas wanted go to San Diego, California to seek treatment for severe arthritis, but were prevented from leaving after a bullet was found in one of their carry-on bags at the final security check area.

They denied owning the bullet

and pointed out that their bags went through the x-ray machine at the first security check area without any hitchs.

Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta confirmed that the witness, another US-bound passenger, had seen or heard the incident.

“They are ready to sue. We are waiting for the affidavit of the witness who was with them at the airport,” Acosta revealed to The Star.

She did not identify the witness or provide more details pending the completion and receipt of the full statement.

Acosta vowed to prove the innocence of the couple when they face preliminary investigation on the charge of violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act or Republic Act 10591 before the Department

of Justice.

“They were bound for San Diego in the US to seek treatment for severe arthritis. They’re not only senior citizens, they are also persons with disability since they could hardly walk,” Acosta said.

Airport authorities earlier said they would also look into the allegation against Namba, who aided the septuagenarian couple at the airport.

Some airport personnel were investigated in the past for their involvement in the scam where a bullet is planted in the bags of unsuspecting passengers before the final security check area, and they are asked to come up with an amount to settle the case.

The Cortabista couple insisted that they are aware of the ban on bullet possession at the airport and would not have brought one.

ONE IS GOOD. TWO IS EVEN BETTER! ARE YOU PREPARED? When you have a family, you need to learn how to protect them and plan for the future. Whether you want a bigger car or life insurance that better serves your needs, State Farm® can customize your coverage to help protect everything that matters to you.

Call an Agent today!

855-414-7565 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company – Bloomington, IL

VWDWHIDUP FRP ÀOLSLQR

A

A

APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

en in Cerritos p O w No cho Cucamonga! n & Ra

n g o y S s u e l r i t!

P

Valid Apr 28May 4

c Union City, Pittsburg, San Jose, Vallejo, American Canyon, Elk G f i c a P d n a l s I rove.

Valid at

1

$ 2 lbs for 1

$ 29

Chicken Drumstick

Oxtail

$ 99 WAS

/lb

WAS

SAVINGS

4

SAVINGS

WAS

$1.39 64%

$2.89 31%

Pork Spare Ribs

/lb

SAVINGS

$5.29 19%

Fresh Meat & Seafood!

Weeakleend S O nl y !

Fri/Sat/Sun

3/lb

$5.99 33%

1/lb

$ 69

$2.49 48%

Salmon Fillet

White Bass

$2.69 37%

$ 99 SAVINGS

WAS

WAS

SAVINGS

$6.99 29%

$6.99 43%

Large White Shrimp H/L

Silk Snapper

WAS

SAVINGS

WAS

4/lb

$ 99

3/lb

$ 99

1/lb

$ 29

Baby Milkfish

SAVINGS

SAVINGS

WAS

Fresh Produce!

99¢

lbs for

Upo

Brown Onion

3

lbs for

WAS

3

SAVINGS

WAS

$1.29 74%

WAS

for WAS

SAVINGS

for WAS

$0.79 37%

Potato Russet

SAVINGS

Jumbo Carrots

2

lbs $

for

SAVINGS

WAS

SAVINGS

$0.79 37%

1

2

1

$

WAS

Jumbo Taro

lbs $

SAVINGS

lbs for

$0.79 37%

1

2

$

1

2

lbs $

$0.69 52%

1

2

lbs for

99¢

2

lbs for WAS

SAVINGS

1

$

SAVINGS

$0.99 49%

$0.99 49%

$0.69 27%

Jicama

Red Apple

Saba Banana

Stock up on Groceries!

9.99

$

WAS

SAVINGS

$13.99 29%

Colusa Calrose Rice (White/Brown) 15lbs

2

for WAS

7

$

SAVINGS

$5.99 42%

Nestea Iced Tea Lemon 12/.5L

5.99

$

WAS

SAVINGS

$8.99 33%

San Miguel "Best of the Phils" Ice Cream Asstd Flavors 1.5L

34.99

$

WAS

SAVINGS

$41.99 17%

3 Ladies Jasmine Rice 50#

2

for

5

$

WAS

SAVINGS

$3.29 24%

Suntropics Coconut Juice 1L

4

for WAS

3

$

SAVINGS

$0.89 16%

Boy Bawang Asstd Flavors 100g

2

for

5

$

WAS

2

for WAS

SAVINGS

1.99

7

$

$

SAVINGS

WAS

$5.59 37%

$3.99 37%

4

WAS

3

$

SAVINGS

$1.29 42%

Cx2 Tea Asstd Flavors 500ml

2

for WAS

1

$

SAVINGS

$0.89 44%

Kirei Yummy Flakes/ Oishi Prawn Crackers Asstd Flavors 50g

WAS

2

for WAS

SAVINGS

Nestle Purelife Water 1gal

2

for WAS

WAS

7

$

2

for

SAVINGS

WAS

3

$

SAVINGS

$1.79 16%

Leslie's Clover Chips (cheese/bbq) 5.12oz

“WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE SALES PROMO WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. WE ALSO RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REPLACE ITEMS WITH PRODUCTS OF APPROXIMATE VALUE. NO RAIN CHECKS. PROMO GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER COUPON OR PROMO. PRICES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. GIVEAWAYS NOT VALID FOR CUSTOMERS WITH DISCOUNT.”

2

for WAS

SAVINGS

Del Monte Four Season/ Pineapple Orange in Can 1.36L

1

$

4

for

SAVINGS

WAS

$0.79 37%

Golden Choice (vegetable/canola) Oil 48oz

5

$

$3.59 30%

WL Best Southern Soda Cracker Asstd Flavors in Tub

$4.69 25%

$1.49 40%

2

for

$5.99 25%

Lucky Me Pancit Canton Valuepack Asstd Flavors 6pack

89¢

9

$

SAVINGS

WAS

SAVINGS

$2.49 20%

Ladies Choice Sandwich Manco Pride Corned Beef 12oz Spread 220ml

for

2

for

7

SAVINGS

$4.99 30%

Magic Flakes Crackers in Tub 800g

SAVINGS

$2.49 50%

Knorr Tamarind Mix 1.4oz

$

5

$

Knorr Liquid Seasoning 130ml

5.99

$

WAS

SAVINGS

$7.99 25%

Pampanga Pork/ Chicken BBQ

COMMUNITY

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016

CJ

Journal

Your Immigration Solution Eric WElsh and nancy MillEr IN most countries, including the United States, citizenship is the ultimate immigration status.

A citizen of the United States cannot be deported or removed from the country, and only a citizen can vote in federal and state elections. Citizenship can be described as a social contract— rights and protections provided by the nation, in exchange for allegiance to the nation. This concept can get rather murky when a person is a citizen of more than one country, or when a person wants to stop being a citizen.

Grace Poe is the current frontrunner in the race for President of the Philippines. She continues to hold a lead in the polls for the election this May, but her candidacy is under attack because of her citizenship. Poe, who is rumored to be an illegitimate child of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, was born in the Philippines but abandoned as a child. She was then adopted and raised by a Filipino movie star. She immigrated to the United States in the 1980s and naturalized as a US citizen in October 2001. In 2005, after her adopted father died, she moved back to the Philippines and applied for dual citizenship under Philippine law, which was granted in 2006.

In 2010, President Benigno Aquino appointed Poe to chair the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), but Philippine law required her to renounce her American citizenship before taking the appointment. She signed an affidavit before a notary in October 2010, renouncing her American citizenship.

She later filed an Affirmation of Renunciation at the US Embassy in Manila, and the Embassy formally recognized her renuncia-

Grace Poe and the idea of citizenship tion in February 2012.

Now, Poe is facing challengers who claim she is not eligible to hold the office of President because of Philippine law regarding citizenship. Her challengers claim that because Poe was found as an abandoned child and cannot prove the identity of her birth parents, she is not a “natural born” citizen of the Philippines. They also allege that she did not meet residency requirements. Her opponents also argue that she did not timely renounce her US citizenship before accepting her position with the MTRCB. Some even argue that legality aside, she should not be allowed to run for president because she previously naturalized as an American, and in doing so turned her back on the Philippines.

Poe’s candidacy has raised interesting questions regarding the citizenship of a parentless child, and the idea of dual citizenship. Regarding her birth, Poe’s challengers argue that since Poe’s actual biological parents are not known, she cannot prove she was born to Philippine parents. This would not be an issue in a country like the United States that recognizes citizenship “jus soli” (“right of the soil”), but unlike the United States, birth in the Philippines does not in itself confer citizenship. For her part, Poe (and her supporters) have strongly argued that she is entitled to citizenship as a parentless “foundling,” who should be presumed by law to be born of natives of the country where born.

Regarding her American citizenship, Poe’s case raises more thorny issues. The United States does not expressly forbid dual citizenship, but it is discouraged. The position of the United States is that citizenship confers special privileges both inside and outside of the United States, including diplomatic protection

abroad, and the protections and rights of American citizens can become unclear when a person claims citizenship to more than one sovereign. For Grace Poe, the issue is even more clearly restricted: under Philippine law, only Philippine citizens with no allegiance to any other country can seek election to public office.

In order to renounce her US citizenship, Grace Poe had to engage in a formal process before the US Consulate and sign an oath of renunciation. American citizenship cannot be easily lost or forfeited; the formalities of the renunciation process are specifically designed to make certain that the person renouncing does so with clear intent and informed understanding of what they are giving up.

Whether Grace Poe is elected next month remains to be seen.

If she is elected, she is likely to hear continuing challenges from her detractors. The special status that citizenship confers—and the rights and benefits that come with citizenship—often inflame passions of national identity and the abstract notion of “belonging.” Poe’s candidacy provides an opportunity for constructive dialogue about the idea of citizenship, and about the costs of giving that status away. *** Reeves Miller Zhang & Diza is one of the oldest, largest and most experienced immigration firms in the United States with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Manila. For more Information please call (800) 795-8009 or visit www. rreeves.com.

Telephone: (800) 795-8009 E-mail: immigration@rreeves.com Website: www.rreeves.com. *** The analysis and suggestions offered in this column do not create a lawyer-client relationship and are not a substitute for the personalized representation that is essential to every case.

(Advertising Supplement)

by Tessa

R. salazaR Inquirer.net

WITH a little over two weeks to go before the national and local elections, property analysts have weighed in on how each of the Presidential candidates will affect the real estate sector.

“I was very disappointed with the candidates as they neglected the housing sector in their policy platforms. Not one of the presidential candidates highlighted the importance of the housing sector in their platforms. Most of the rhetoric focused on public infrastructure, technology, peace and order and employment but there were no specific mention of an integrated, compelling and institutional housing plan that can change the industry for the better,” lamented Enrique M. Soriano III, Ateneo program director for real estate and senior adviser

for Wong+Bernstein Business Advisory.

Monique Cornelio-Pronove, CEO of Pronove Tai International Property Consultants, asserted: “Regardless who among them wins, the real estate market will continue its upward trajectory as the economic fundamentals of the country remain strong. The current administration leaves behind a healthy fiscal reserve that the new administration must now spend to build more roads, rail and improve as well as add more airports and ports around the country. We have a robust young population with a median age of 25 years that has the capacity to spend, and this drives the retail market.

The services sector continues to expand, thus providing employment to our graduates. We have the confidence of the international community and the challenges we face on infrastructure provides a lot

u PAGE CJ3

SM Group earmarks P1B for national sports academy

by Richmond

s. meRcuRio

Philstar.com

SM Prime president Hans Sy Philstar photo by Mike Amoroso

MANILA — The Sy family’s SM Group will build the country’s first national sports academy in Laguna with an initial investment commitment of P1 billion.

“We are looking at another kind of business in Calamba which will be be the first in the Philippines.

It has already been approved by the board. We’re planning to put up a sports academy,” SM Prime

Holdings Inc. president Hans Sy said in an interview.

“We felt that we should go into this because we want to help in sports development but at the same time we’re also considering the welfare of athletes, what happens to them after their prime years. We want to give them certain education that will also help them later on,” he added Sy said the project would be undertaken by National Univer-

u PAGE CJ3

CJ

APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Community Journal

Banks tighten loan rules for real estate, housing

by Lawrence

agcaoiLi

Philstar.com

MANILA — Banks tightened their standards for commercial real estate and housing loans in the first quarter amid the deterioration in borrowers’ profile and stricter financial system regulations.

Jeny Tabin, bank officer at the BSP’s Department of Economic Research, said the central bank’s 1st Quarter 2016 Senior Loan Officers Survey showed a net tightening of overall credit standards for commercial real estate and housing loans in the first three months.

Tabin explained the tighter overall credit standards for commercial real estate loans reflected respondent banks’ reduced tolerance for risk, deterioration in the profile of borrowers, and perception of stricter financial system regulations.

“In terms of specific credit standards for commercial real estate loans, banks’ responses showed wider loan margins, re-

duced credit line sizes, stricter collateral requirements, and increased use of interest rate floors,” Tabin said.

Tabin said demand for commercial real estate loans was also unchanged in the first quarter.

However, Tabin revealed a number of banks indicated increased demand for the said type of loan on the back of clients’ improved economic outlook and

increased working capital and inventory financing needs of customers, among others.

“Over the next quarter, although most of the respondent banks anticipate generally steady loan demand, a number of banks expect demand for commercial real estate loans to increase further,” she said.

Data showed lending to real

u PAGE CJ3

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA DEPENDING on your persuasion, God or the devil is in the details.

Much of the big things in our lives are bound up by documents —your marriage contract, your divorce papers, your real estate holdings, your lease and anything else that requires the agreement between two or more parties.

Take credit cards for example.

A business writer once compared a credit card to that wicked witch’s house made of cookies and candy in the old story of Hansel and Gretel. As the story goes, these children who were abandoned in the woods by a cruel stepmother and a feckless father, were snared by the witch who found them to be too scrawny for her tastes and decided they should be fattened up first with carbs before she would bake them as the main entree.

The credit card company pitch is sugary sweet as the witch’s house and all too familiar by now: zero or low interest rate, nada annual fees, cashback points, and rewards galore. But take a moment to read the disclosures. No credit card company is in business for your sole pleasure and fiscal health.

As prescribed by law, the disclosures are all there. It may tell you that the zero or low interest rate is simply introductory for a short period of time, or that the advertised rate applies to you only if you do a balance transfer from another credit card, or that if you get a cash advance, the rate is higher and the stiff penalties that may apply if you slip up with your payments. You will get the real picture of the credit card offer.

Get a magnifying glass and read and comprehend the disclosures, usually written in fine print at the bottom or back of all legally binding documents before you sign or commit to a responsibility. If you’re not up to the task of getting through all the tedious legalese and mounds of gobble-

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

The big print, the small print The big print giveth and the small print taketh away.

— Unknown

dygook thrown in for good measure by legal eagles who crafted the contract probably to confound you, by all means ask for help from those who know and can be trusted, even if you have to pay to get that advice before making a decision particularly when it involves big ticket items and your fiscal health.

We all need to have just a smidgen of cynicism every time we come across a message that sounds just a tad too good to be true. We must remember that in advertising messages, contracts, binding agreements as well as in anything else that promises something in exchange for something, “The big print giveth and the small print taketh away.”

For big ticket items, hold off making a purchase decision until you have shopped the market and done the research and have asked yourself the question and answered truthfully that what you are buying is what you really need. The incessant barrage on television, the print media, on radio, the internet and the billboards along the roadways for you to buy can boggle the sanest of minds. The sales events, even during recessionary times, are unending and alas, you will finally come to the conclusion that you will run out of money long before the malls and the discount stores run out of merchandise and sales events.

The point is that with all the available information at our fingertips, being resourceful and persistent in researching values, prices and reviews among peers in the internet can help us in negotiating a price that we are comfortable paying for and can live with.

A savvy car buyer must come armed with information, prepared to respectfully yet persistently dicker his way at the negotiating table specially if his credit score is excellent, has some down payment ready and has some other

bargaining chips in his arsenal. If not, walk away.

The art of the deal is all about negotiating from strength, using leverage, toughening it out and having the chutzpah to walk away.

There is too much noise and confusion in the American cultural mainstream media that blurs what in the beginning may have been a sharp and clear distinction of your own personal needs and wants. Like everybody else, expect to be confused. Mercifully, anything electronic can be zapped and you have the option to tune out whenever you choose.

Infomercials are unpretentiously straightforward in going for the jugular. These are fullblown shows, from a half hour to an hour, that have been proven to be effective mass marketing tools. The sophistication with which a specific type of consumer is reached by precisely targeted direct mail pieces and e-mail pieces have reached unprecedented levels as giant data bases track information swirling about in cyberspace about you and the likelihood that you fit the profile of a prospect for a certain product.

The technological age we live in has made it possible to find out about anything under the sun with just a few keystrokes.

The media and the internet provide rivers of information that often overwhelm. These have become the most effective tools to gain a share of the mind and heart of consumers to ultimately affect thought and behavior patterns.

How we use just a few pieces of critical genuine information to arrive at a wise decision is what matters in the long run. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com

Imports grow 1.2% in February Philippines lone gainer among 11 Asian countries

by czeriza

VaLencia Philstar.com

MANILA — Philippine imports rose 1.2 percent in February from a year ago on higher purchase of capital goods, the government reported Monday, April 25.

Payments for imports in February rose to $5.41 billion, up from $5.35 billion in the same period last year.

This annual growth rate, however, was slower than the 10.2 percent in February 2015 and 30.8 percent in January.

Increased imports of the following commodities were seen in February 2016: telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery, industrial machinery and equipment, medicinal and pharmaceutical products, transport equipment, miscellaneous manufactured articles, other food and live animals, as well as plastics in primary and non-primary forms.

Decreased inbound shipments, on the other hand, were seen in the following commodity groups: mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials; electronic products; iron and steel.

Purchases of capital goods made up 39 percent of total imports for February, payments for which rose by 57.5 percent yearon-year to $2.16 billion from $1.37 billion last year.

Imports of consumer goods increased 26.3 percent to $934.2 million in February 2016 as higher spending was observed for both durable goods and non-durable goods during the period.

Payments for imports in February rose to $5.41 billion, up from $5.35 billion in the same period last year.

Photo by NC/Sodaro K

Cumulative imports from January to February 2016 were valued at $12.24 billion, up by 15.8 percent from $10.56 billion in the same period last year.

In terms of destination, China remained as the country’s top source of imports accounting for 16.7 percent of total payments during the period. Japan came second with 12.6 percent share, followed by the United States with 9.5 percent.

The growth in February imports is an indication of sustained strong domestic demand, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“This growth indicates that amid a global economic slowdown, domestic demand, especially investments, remains strong. This will likely continue to drive imports growth within the short term,” said Socioeco-

nomic Planning and NEDA director general Secretary Emmanuel Esguerra.

NEDA notes that among selected Asian economies, only the Philippines registered positive imports growth in February.

Thailand, South Korea and China registered the steepest declines.

NEDA said the continued momentum in the importation of capital goods reflects the country’s attractiveness as an investment location, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

“This also indicates a robust economic activity that is primarily supported by the country’s strong macroeconomic performance. The robustness of growth is reflected in the continuous upgrade and affirmation of the country’s investment grade rating since 2013,” said Esguerra. n

Razon to build 2nd casino in Quezon City by iris

gonzaLes Philstar.com

MANILA — Ports tycoon and casino magnate Enrique Razon will build his second casino in the Philippines starting next year on a P1.9-billion property in Quezon City.

The casino will rise on a 15,676-square-meter land that Bloomberry Resorts Corp., through its hotel and resort development arm Sureste Properties Inc. (SPI), acquired from the National Housing Authority (NHA) last year.

“We will probably start next year,” Razon said.

“It would be more similar to Solaire. There may be some mixed-use because there is no height restriction. There will be a casino,” he added.

Razon’s Solaire Resort & Casino opened in 2013, making it the first casino to open at the 100-hectare Entertainment City of gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

Land Inc. (ALI) in the business district.

ALI is developing the 46-hectare Vertis North project, bounded by EDSA, Quezon Avenue and Agham Road.

The rising business district will have mostly commercial and office spaces as well as residential and retail components.

Bloomberry subsidiary SPI is planning to develop the property into a mixed use development in accordance with the Vertis North master plan, and subject to required regulatory and local government approvals.

The company received the NoEnrique Razon tice of Award from NHA in October last year.

(Pagcor) in Parañaque City.

Of the P1.9 billion purchase He declined to divulge more details on the Quezon City proj- price, SPI initially paid the 20 ect, except to say it would be percent down payment of P395.4 similar to Solaire, which has a million. Funding for the acquisimix of retail and dining options. tion came from internally generThe P1.9-billion property ated funds.

The property was the subject sits on Vertis North, Quezon City Central Business District, of an NHA bidding scheduled on which is part of NHA’s share Aug. 7, 2015. in its joint venture with Ayala u PAGE CJ3

Community Journal

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ Dear Atty Gurfinkel: I HAVE been a green card holder for many years. Several years ago, I was convicted of a crime. I served the sentence and even had the conviction expunged (or “erased” from my record.) I would like to take a brief vacation to the Philippines to visit my family and friends.

Do you think I will encounter any problems with US Immigration when I return?

Very truly yours, T.W. Dear T.W.: Under US immigration laws, if a non-citizen, including green card holders, commits certain types of crimes, that person could be considered inadmissible (not entitled to enter the US) or removable (deportable). There have also been many changes to our laws that have reclassified certain crimes as “aggravated felonies,” (which are very serious crimes), and those changes were made retroactive (or will apply to past convictions).

Even if the crime was committed years ago, it could still come back to haunt the person. This is true even if the conviction was expunged, as there have been Court and Board of Immigration Appeal decisions stating that an expungement will not erase the fact that a person was “convicted” of the crime.

Therefore, if a non-citizen ever committed a crime that makes him “inadmissible” or “removable,” that person most definitely will encounter problems if he leaves the US and later tries to return. He could be denied admission to the US and sent immediately back, or he could be put in removal proceedings and detained (or held in custody in a prison) until his case is over, which could take months or years.

The reason is that if a green card holder with a criminal record seeks to re-enter the US, the Immigration Inspectors at the airport (Customs and Border Protection) have access to his entire record, including the person’s immigration history and criminal record. This is especial-

ly the case after 9\11, when law enforcement agencies throughout the country are sharing their databases.

The person’s entire criminal history may now be a part of DHS’s database. The record pops up on the Immigration Inspector’s computer screen, and the person finds himself in a lot of trouble, including being detained and placed in removable proceedings.

I have come across several cases involving immigrants with old convictions, who made the mistake of taking a brief vacation outside the US. When they tried to return to the US, they effectively “woke up” the Immigration Inspectors, who were now alerted to the fact that the person is inadmissible or removable. Had they not left the US, the situation may have never come to the attention of DHS. However, by taking a brief trip, they mistakenly brought themselves to the attention of DHS, and face a lifetime of disaster. The same is true in applying for citizenship: your criminal record will come to light, as you must be fingerprinted, and questions on the form as about past crimes.

While there may be hope for some of these people, through “waivers” (or forgiveness) and appeals to their removal, is it really worth taking the chance? I don’t think any trip outside the US is worth the risk of being placed in removal proceedings.

I know that some people with past convictions will try to argue, “but I was already able to visit the Philippines after my conviction, and was able to return. So that must mean that everything is OK, and I won’t encounter problems the next time I travel.” I would

say that such a person may have just been lucky the last time he traveled. Just because you were lucky the last time, does not mean your “luck” will hold out forever.

I want to be clear that noncitizens with certain convictions are removable even if they never leave the US. However, leaving the US simply increases the risks of bringing your situation to the attention of the DHS and hastening your possible permanent removal.

So, don’t take chances. And if you should ever get that “knock on the door” from DHS because of an old conviction, I would strongly recommend you immediately seek the advice of a reputable attorney, who can analyze your situation, and determine if you could qualify for any form of relief from being removed, such as waivers or legal challenges to your conviction or removal. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California.

Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and reenactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorneyclient relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.

WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: (866)—GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES · SAN FRANCISCO · NEW YORK · PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)

ERRATUM:

In the column of Atty. Michael Gurfinkel for the week of April 11-16, the Visa Bulletin for May 2016 contained an error. The Visa Issuance Date for the First Preference (Unmarried sons and daughter of US citizens, over 21 years of age) should be OCT. 1, 2004 and not July 1, 2004 as previously printed. Asian Journal regrets any confusion this error may have caused.

by LoueLLa

D. DesiDerio Philstar.com

estate activities cornered the biggest share with 17.1 percent of the bank’s total loan portfolio last year. Loans to the sector surged 18.8 percent to P874.25 billion last year from P735.71 billion in 2014.

In June 2014, the BSP introduced stricter rules on banks’ real estate exposure to ensure that lenders have enough capital to absorb any potential losses.

The new measure simply rein-

PAGE CJ1 t

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST-EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS APRIL 30

COSC celebrates 27th Anniversary The Candonians of Southern California (COSC), under the leadership of their newly elected president, Mrs. Elizabeth Gacula Singh, will celebrate their 27th Anniversary on April 30 at the Doubletree Hotel-Monrovia (924 W. Huntington Dr., Monrovia). Music will be provided by The Midnight Motion Band. For questions and those interested, please email thecandoniansofsocal@gmail.com.

FALEO Kamayan The Filipino American Law Enforcement Officers Association (FALEO), a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, along with Pastor Chef, a graduate of Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts, have come together to host an event that samples some traditional and popular dishes from his restaurant. Guests will receive an exclusive experience, as the restaurant is not open to the general public during the time of the event. The event will be a classic taste of Filipino cooking where utensils are optional. Menu items will include chicken adobo, pancit, lumpiang Shanghai, crispy pata and bangus. Tickets are $20 for FALEO members and $30 for general guests. Proceeds will benefit FALEO-LA’s Annual Scholarship program. Seats are limited and those who do not pre-pay may not have a seat. For reservations, please contact Arlene Herrero at (213) 435-8700.

Philippine election forum An informative forum regarding the Philippine election will take place at Eagle Rock Lutheran Church from 10am to noon. A representative from the Philippine embassy and representatives of presidential candidates Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe, Mar Roxas and Jejomar Binay will be there to answer questions regarding their party. The church is located at 5032 North Maywood Ave, Eagle Rock 90041.

Pilgrimages to Eastern Europe, Mexico and India Amazing Pilgrimages for the Jubilee Year of Mercy! All are welcome to join Fr. Joe Joseph of Holy Trinity Church for the spiritual and fun-filled experiences of EASTERN EUROPE (April 17- 30): Poland, Czech., Austria, Hungary, Medjugorje; COLONIAL MEXICO/ OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (June 20 - 27): Mexico City, Theotihuacan, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Ocotlan, Xochimilco, Guanajuato, San Miguel De Allende, Guadalajara, San Juan De Los Lagos, Cristo Rey, Zapopan, Tonala; and INDIA (September 15 - 29): Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kerala. For more pilgrimage information and detailed flyers, please contact Bernadette at bcorp1114@hotmail.com OR call 323-344-1548 & 323-547-6618.

M AY 7

Community Mini Health & Resource Fair first of which is scheduled to arrive in 2018.

To prepare for this PAL is already studying new locations to fly to in Europe to add to its present route to London.

Among the new areas being considered are Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Hamburg in Germany, Rome in Italy and Paris in France.

PAL is currently in talks with a potential investor to support its expansion to other markets as well as its aim to become a fivestar airline in five years from its current three-star ranking.

The carrier which currently flies to more than 40 international destinations, has a positive outlook for the Philippine airline industry.

In particular, the local airline industry is seen to grow at a

much faster pace of eight to nine percent this year, compared with the six to seven percent growth seen for other countries.

Bautista said PAL also expects to carry around 14 million passengers this year, higher than 12 million in 2015.

PAL has yet to release its fullyear net income performance for 2015, but he said the airline expects to have better results compared to 2014.

The airline’s parent firm PAL Holdings Inc. saw a net income of P129.74 million in 2014, a turnaround from losses incurred over the past years.

As of end-September, PAL’s net earnings amounted to P6.1 billion, way above the P238.1 million in the same period in 2014 supported by higher revenues. n

forces the prudential policy that banks must have sufficient capital to absorb any potential shock on its credit exposures.

The pre-emptive macroprudential policy measure approved by the Monetary Board required stress tests for banks to determine if their capital will be enough to absorb credit risk that may arise from their exposure to the property sector.

The BSP explained that universal, commercial, and thrift banks

would need to meet a capital adequacy ratio of 10 percent of their qualifying capital following the stress test results.

Moreover, universal and commercial banks, along with their thrift bank subsidiaries will also need to keep a Common Equity Tier 1 level of at least six percent of their qualifying capital. Standalone thrift banks, meanwhile, are required to maintain a Tier 1 ratio of six percent of their qualifying capital. n

May is Hepatitis Month, and Asian Pacific Liver Center has teamed up with Asian Pacific Health Care Venture to offer Hepatitis B screenings at the Community Mini Health & Resources Fair on Saturday, May 7, from 9am to noon. The event will feature an educational awareness workshop to promote Hepatitis B prevention as well as blood pressure screening, blood sugar checks and various community resources. The fair will take place at Center of Hope, 2707 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, California 90026. For more information, contact Perla Santos (323) 664 3880 Ext. 341 or email psantos@aphcv.org.

M AY 27-29

PUP/PCC to hold 1st Global Reunion Attention all graduates of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philippine College of Commerce: join us in our FIRST GLOBAL REUNION being organized by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Alumni Association, USA Inc. scheduled on May 27-29, 2016 (Memorial Day Weekend) at the New Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. We promise a weekend of fun-filled activities, of friendship and camaraderie as we reminisce our best memories during our high school and college days. There will be lots of entertainment, singing and dancing and photo opportunities with your classmates and friends.

For more information, please contact any of the following: Loi Herrera at 562-5448210 orloiherrera@yahoo.com; Monette Santillan-Rivera at 818-970-8317 orMonette_santillan@yahoo.com; Rose Mejia at 323-997-3838 or Rosemariemejia@kw.com; Marissa Sugay-Palanca at 818-281-7460 or marispalanca@yahoo.com; Rose Maghari at661-7948906 or rmaghari@gmail.com; Sally Mendoza at 323-695-0235 or sally.mendoza616@ yahoo.com; Honeylette De Leon at 562-480-5743 orhoney@worldclassfreight.com; Virginia Herbito at virginiaherbito@gmail.com; Connie Acosta at 323-854-5303 or connieacosta1@ att.net; Violeta D. Cristobal at 310-880-5808 orvee@cristobalcpa.com; Jun Mapoy at 323627-5326 or jcmapoy@yahoo.com.

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

Property sector momentum sustained…

PAGE CJ1 t

of opportunity for investments.

Whoever wins the election, the real estate market will continue to be in good stead.”

Claro dG. Cordero Jr., Jones Lang LaSalle Philippines associate director and head of research, consulting and valuation, said: “Our view is that real development of facilities of the not only in terms of sports devel- estate will continue to project most popular sports like basket- opment but also encourage the an upward growth trajectory reball, volleyball and tennis. It will youth to go into sports and do gardless of who will sit in office after the elections. The property cover two aspects. One is for the away with drugs,” he added.

The SM Group in 2009 ac- indicators and demand drivers, training and one is for team development of other professional quired majority ownership of specifically, the BPO industry teams. Football will be part of NU and has since then invested and the remittances coming from the succeeding stages because heavily in improving the institu- overseas Filipinos, will continue to flow and pump prime the cona football field requires a larger tion’s facilities.

SM owns the Mall of Asia Are- sumer industries and positively parcel of land,” Sy said.

“I’m very happy that the board na in Pasay City, a state-of-the- influence the growth of new inapproved it and the siblings ap- art facility that hosts the biggest vestments in the country. While proved it because it’s something sports and entertainment events the general direction will be the same, the rate of growth might we believe can help the country in the country. n

SM Group earmarks P1B for national sports… sity (NU), an educational institution controlled by the Sy family.

“The whole study is there already and we’re now getting architects to finalize the plan. We have foreign consultants because we want it to be at par with international standards. We need to make sure that all the facilities are there,” Sy said.

The sports academy is targeted to start by school year 2018.

“The initial stage will cover the

A HUSBAND’S 30-YEAR-OLD “SECRET” ALMOST DERAILED THE FAMILY’S GREEN CARDS ON AN ENCORE EPISODE OF “CITIZEN PINOY!” Leading US immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to revive Alice’s (center) petition by her US citizen father, after it was terminated due to the petitioner’s death. The family was then eligible to get their visas years ahead of schedule by using the priority date of Alice’s Lebanese husband, Andre (left). But Andre refused to come to the US because of a “secret” he had kept for 30 years, preventing him from going back to the US. Atty. Gurfinkel worked “miracles” to resolve the mystery behind this fascinating success story, on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday, May 1 at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC.

APRIL — SEPTEMBER

Banks tighten loan rules for real…

PAGE CJ2 t

CJ

Immigrants with criminal convictions should not leave the US or apply for citizenship without making sure it’s ‘safe’

PAL to allot $700 M for aircraft acquisition MANILA — Philippine Airlines (PAL) is looking to spend between $600 million and $700 million for capital expenditures this year for aircraft acquisitions, its top official has said. “(The capex) is for aircraft and what we call support equipment as well as necessary parts and provisioning,” said Jaime Bautista, president and chief executive officer of Philippine Airlines.

This year’s capex is higher than the $400 million set last year.

PAL is set to take delivery of five Airbus 321 aircraft and two Boeing 777-300 ERs this year.

The airline received its 75th airplane or the first of the five Airbus 321s during its diamond anniversary last month. The remaining orders are expected within the year.

For Boeing 777-300 ERs, Bautista said one is expected to arrive in October, while the other would be in the country by December.

PAL is funding this year’s capex through borrowings, internally generated cash as well as sale or leaseback of aircraft.

To support its expansion plan, PAL has acquired six Airbus 350900s for its long-haul flights, the

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016

just be different as each candidate will need to deal with their respective issues that might sidetrack the prioritization of urgent laws and policies to create a more favorable real estate investment environment.”

World’s top economies “If the next President and the new set of leaders address more effectively corruption, criminality, climate change, poverty, pollution, too much politics, the police, housing, healthcare, agriculture, armed forces, transportation, traffic, infrastructure and incompetence, the Philippines will be in the top 20 economies of the world by 2021 when we celebrate 500 years as a Christian nation, adopting western civilization with our Asian Filipino culture,” enumerated architect and urban planner Felino Palafox Jr.,

National Real Estate Association chair and Palafox Architecture Group Inc. president.

Palafox added: “We hope and pray the next President will have visionary leadership, strong political will, will listen and apply good planning, good design, and good governance. He or she must not be intellectually and integrity challenged. He or she must have the skills and the heart to lead and manage the Philippines well into the 21st century.”

“Grace Poe and Rodrigo Duterte both requested us advice on urban planning. Jejomar Binay and Mar Roxas asked for my support. All of the four have good platforms. I will vote for the one who has the heart and the skills to address (national) issues,” said Palafox.

u PAGE CJ4

CJ

APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Leak alarms banks; BSP urges tighter measures

by Ben O. de Vera dOris dumlaO-aBadilla Inquirer.net

BANKS and monetary authorities are stepping up security measures after a massive leak from the database of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier this month that exposed more than 55 million Filipinos to fraud and other risks.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said in a text message on Friday, April 22, that the Comelec data leak was “a serious concern.”

Espenilla said the BSP had ordered banks to be “more alert in establishing the true identity of customers.”

“Customer identification procedures of BSP-supervised financial institutions that rely on static information which may be obtained from the disclosed Comelec records should be supplemented by requests for additional proof or secondary information to establish the true identity of new and existing clients,” Espenilla said in a memorandum to banks.

The Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) advised its member-banks to implement safeguards to protect their clients from abuse of leaked information.

“The recent breach in the Commission on Elections database has caused vital information of voters’ personal data, such as address, mother’s maiden name and other information to be made available online,” BAP executive director Cesar Virtusio said in a memo to the group’s memberbanks.

“Since most banks use these personal information for verification purposes, we strongly

EMPLOYMENT

encourage . . . [you to] perform the necessary modifications and switch on your security backup systems for your online account recovery protocols and other critical processes that may be affected,” he said.

Online security Banks are stepping up online security measures to protect their customers, according to East West Banking Corp. president and chief executive Antonio C. Moncupa Jr. “Online security is a continuing effort. Banks constantly exert efforts to update their security software and protocols. On the other hand, cybercriminals also exert efforts to overcome bank security. So banks redouble efforts in reaction,” Moncupa said.

“Banks also are careful that they have competent and trustworthy people to man their IT (information technology) systems,” he added.

But customers should take precaution, he said.

“Ensure passwords are kept well. Be careful not to open email from unknown senders, keep credit card [details] always safe, and be careful when giving information on Web purchases.

And please cooperate with your bank when they update and do adjustments to improve online security and customer identification verification processes,” Moncupa said.

Identity validation Banco de Oro (BDO) Unibank president Nestor Tan said BDO would change its customer identity validation system.

“We have to change the way we validate customer identity.

In fact, early this morning, there was a group that met to address that,” Tan said.

But Tan declined to say what

Business news

changes BDO would make, saying “some of these security processes are probably better left unknown to potential fraudsters.”

He said, however, that BDO was looking at the possibility of adding biometrics to its customer identification process.

Security Bank president Alfonso Salcedo advised the bank’s clients to change their passwords immediately.

“And don’t use info [that was already] compromised, such as your mother’s maiden name,” Salcedo said.

Tips from China Bank The IT security office of China Banking Corp. gave the following tips: Keep personal information off social media.

Always think before you post anything on social media, as you might provide other indirect sensitive information about you, such as location and accessibility.

Enable or subscribe to text and e-mail notifications and alerts of your financial services institution.

Always monitor the activity of your online accounts.

Do not use the same password for online banking and nonbanking accounts.

Do not surf the Web while accessing online banking accounts.

Ensure that only your online banking site is open.

Install antivirus and firewall on your computer and keep all your software up to date.

Use a strong password and change it regularly.

Do not do sensitive transactions via public networks/Wi-Fi. Credit cards The Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) also urged card users to take extra precaution. “[The] CCAP reminds the public to be vigilant in protecting their personal and credit card information and details,” the group said in a statement.

“Be wary of providing your personal or credit card information to third parties. In case of doubt, please call your credit card company,” it said.

The CCAP said it memberbanks had “strong controls in place to prevent fraud via misuse of personal information.” n

EMPLOYMENT

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

AIISF partners with Ancestry Day by the Bay, holds Angel Island Day in June AIISF is happy to announce its partnership with Ancestry for Ancestry Day by the Bay at the South San Francisco Conference Center to be held on Saturday, June 18. This event will allow Ancestry users or those interested in its features to learn more about how to get the most out of Ancestry. com, which helps researchers learn more about their families’ roots. All net proceeds will go to AIISF to support its programs.

In addition, AIISF will be holding an additional Angel Island Day the day before, Friday, June 17, where we will have an open house so people can explore the Immigration Station and will feature speakers including Marisa Louie Lee, who is an expert on the resources available at the National Archives and other repositories. We have special packages available that combine ferry, shuttle, box lunch and a tote bag, or you can make your own travel arrangements. For more information on this day, visit http://aiisf.org/about/events/1081?utm_ source=Ancestry+Promotion+4.19.16&utm_ campaign=FR16-1.8.16&utm_medium=email.

For more information on the Saturday Ancestry Day and to order tickets for both days, visit Ancestry Day’s https://www.eventbrite. com/e/ancestry-day-by-the-bay-tickets23491912944?o_xid=70987&o_lid=70987&o_ sch=Email+-+Campaigns&utm_source=Ancest ry+Promotion+4.19.16&utm_campaign=FR161.8.16&utm_medium=email.

Of special note to researchers about Angel Island immigrants on Ancestry is information such as arriving ship manifests (which often show home towns, names or relatives, etc.) which can lead to case files held at the National Archives, records of the Board of Special Inquiry which often state how long people have been detained on the island, and census records from 1930 and other years which can show the year of immigration, occupations, etc. We are working with Ancestry to add additional information, such as indexes to certificates of identity and case files to its resources.

For more information, contact Grant Din at gdin@aiisf.org. n

Property sector momentum sustained…

PAGE CJ3 t

“Clearly, the property sector has been on a long and sustained momentum. It has always been a pillar and a major contributor to the country’s economic growth.

It also directly benefits 52 major industries. On top of that it has services as a major component.

Every house constructed has a direct contribution to the growth of steel, wood, labor and financing. But no one highlighted the importance of the sector. And it’s not a good sign,” said Soriano.

Soriano shared his observations on the five candidates.

“A solid accomplishment initiated by Roxas was the creation of the IT and BPO industry. He authored RA 8756, encouraging multinational companies to establish headquarters in the Philippines through incentives.

Clearly, a major segment that has contributed significantly to the sustained growth of the current real estate market. Roxas’ support for the BPO sector helped this industry become a key driver in the residential

and commercial sector. Roxas proposes an adequate, affordable and accessible housing program, complete with basic necessities.”

No housing plan Soriano said that Poe has no housing plan in her 20-point platforms. “She highlights infrastructure and technology as pathways to growth but no mention of a housing policy that can be the centerpiece of her administration,” said Soriano.

Soriano said that Duterte “is looking at the creation of business and economic hubs to host major industries and their factories, patterned after Singapore and Hong Kong to stem the tide of unemployment.”

“The closest connection to real estate was his avowed mission to revive the Philippine steel industry. Foreign investments: Infrastructure gaps, whether in the countryside or in key urban centers, shall be prioritized and substantially filled, or at least initiated, during his term. He has no specific

program on housing and real estate,” said Soriano.

Soriano said that Miriam Defensor Santiago “highlights public infrastructure to help facilitate rapid economic growth.”

“Some of her plans would be to develop: Mixed-use government centers with adjacent residential, commercial, and entertainment facilities in the National Capital Region and in the 17 regions. One major project per region and per province.

Still no mention of an institutional housing program,” said Soriano.

Soriano said that Binay’s plans include accelerating infrastructure development, and invest more in infrastructure.

“Under a Binay presidency, his goals are to strengthen substantially the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, BPO, and exporting—which are the five biggest job generators.

Again no specific housing initiatives despite his almost five years as chair of the HUDCC,” said Soriano. n

FOR SALE

FOSTER HOMECARE

PSYCHIC

Community Journal

(650) 616-4150 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Filipino Dental Practitioners of California Inc. 42nd anniversary Inaugural dinner ball THE Filipino Dental Practitioners of California Inc. is celebrating its 42nd anniversary.

We request the pleasure of your company at our Inaugural Dinner Ball and Silent Auction Fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2016 at the Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel in Millbrae, California.

The Inaugural Dinner Ball and Silent Auction is our major fundraiser. As a non-profit organization, FDPC,Inc reaches out to the community and provides dental services to the needy. We also extend relief funds to aid disaster victims and grant schol-

arships to deserving students who are aspiring to pursue their careers in the field of Dentistry both here in the United States and in the Philippines. In addition, we send dental supplies, equipment, books, professional journals and periodicals on a regular basis to clinics in the Philippines.

2016-2017 Officers to be inducted are Dr. Maryjane Fuster (President), Dr. Maria Manoloto (President-elect), Dr. Suzette Villanueva (Vice President, North Bay), Dr. Maria Victoria Roces (Vice President, South Bay), Dr. Ann-Catherine Bautista (Secre-

tary), Dr. Maybelle Gomez (Treasurer), Dr. Mariche Yu-Fernandez (Auditor), Dr. Leandra Tolosa (Public Relations Officer).

2016-2017 Board of Directors to be inducted are Dr. F. Ray Moncada (Chairman), Dr. Ma. Luisa Franco-Diaz (Vice Chairman), Members: Dr. Rodolfo Villasin, Dr. Epitacio Sison, Dr. Ma. Diana Tolosa, Dr. Josephine Weber.

2016-2017 Auxiliaries Chairman: Mrs. Azucena Sison Please contact our President, Dr. Maryjane Fuster at (408) 934-0391 for information and tickets. n

San Mateo County Health System and community partners with ‘Be the One to Stand Up for Mental Wellness’ SAN MATEO County Health System’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is partnering with local organizations throughout the month of May to raise awareness about mental illness and substance use issues, and the importance of getting help.

On Wednesday, May 4, National Mental Health Awareness Month will kick off with Be the One at the San Mateo County Health System, where the public can hear directly from community members about what it is like to live with a mental illness and substance use condition and their journey to recovery. Members of the public will be invited to learn about local resources and ‘Take the Pledge’ to help end the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders in San Mateo County by starting the conversation and encouraging those who need help to seek it.

Enjoy an evening of hope and inspiration, with refreshments, raffle prizes, the Be the One photo booth, and resource tables. Interpretive services will be available upon request with three days’ notice. Childcare is provided.

Event will be at the San Mateo County Health System, 225 37th Ave, Room 100, San Mateo.

May’s Mental Health Awareness Month events are free and open to the public as follows: • May 3, 5:30-7:30pm, Mejorando Mi Salud (Improving My Health), San Mateo • May 4, 3-5pm, Tony Hoffman Award Presentation, San Mateo County Health System • May 4, 6-8pm, Be the One: Mental Health Month Kickoff, San Mateo County Health System • May 7, 8am-4:30pm, Mental Health First Aid Training, San Mateo County Health System • May 12, 1-3pm, Honoring the Recovery Journey: Exploring Mental Health in a New Light, San Mateo Public Library • May 12, 1:30-5pm, LGBTQ 102 for Clinicians: Theory, Practice, and Intersectionality, Redwood Shores Library • May 14, 8am-4:30pm, Mental Health First Aid Training, San Mateo County Health System • May 14, 12:00-3pm, Honoring Our Journey Through the Power of Digital Storytelling, Heart

and Soul, San Carlos • May 19, 5:30-8pm, Family Awareness Night: Wellness through Connection & Expression, East Palo Alto Community Center, Menlo Park • May 20, 8-10am, Gambling Addiction Provider Training, Location TBD • May 24, 6-8pm, Lived Experience Academy Panel, Belmont Library • May 25, 6:30-8:30pm, NAMI San Mateo County General Meeting: Cordilleras Campus Redesign Project & Laura’s Law, Mills Health Center, San Mateo Mental illness is a medical condition and people can and do recover. One in four people have a mental health condition but less than half are getting the help they need. Many people do not seek help for themselves or their loved ones because of the stigma surrounding mental illness and the fear that others will judge them. The longer someone waits to get help, the longer their recovery process becomes. The more we talk about mental health and how to best help someone, the more likely a loved one will feel empowered to seek help and recover.

For more information on local mental health services available in San Mateo County, visit www. smchealth.org/mentalhealth.

For more information on Mental Health Awareness Month events in San Mateo County, visit www.smchealth.org/mentalhealthmonth. n

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016

CJ

Pittsburg Police Department announces creation of new ‘Exchange Zone’

THE Pittsburg Police Department has announced the creation of its new “Exchange Zone”; a public place to meet for private party transactions, such as online purchases. According to the Facebook page for the Pittsburg Police Department, they are one of several agencies now offering an “Exchange Zone” as a safer alternative to other meeting locations.

The “Exchange Zone” is a well-lit, designated parking area located in front of the Pittsburg Police Department at 65 Civic Avenue in Pittsburg. It is identified with signs and pavement markings, and is under 24-hour video surveillance. Although police officers will not be present during transactions, the purpose is to offer a designated area that may potentially deter individuals who want to engage in criminal activity. For people who purchase items from private parties on internet sites, having an open and public place to meet for the exchange is more safe than inviting someone to their home. Additionally, using the “Exchange Zone” helps the public maintain a level of privacy, since the parties do not need to share the location of their homes or work.

Pittsburg police encourage all members of the public to utilize the “Exchange Zone” when conducting private party transactions. Your safety is a priority. n

Antioch residents can now reserve their no-cost Green House Call this summer with California Youth Energy Service SIGN up today for your no-cost home energy and water assessment from Rising Sun Energy Center, sponsored by the City of Antioch. This service will help you GO GREEN and start saving energy, water, and money!

During your Green House Call, you will be provided with energy efficient light bulbs, showerheads, faucet aerators, energy saving tips, and much more — all at no cost.

All Antioch residents are eligible for this service — renters and owners. The program runs from July 6 through August 11. Spots are limited! Reserve yours today by signing up online or by calling (510) 665-1501 ext. 5. We are looking forward to helping make your home more green!

CJ

APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2016 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 616-4150

Friday, April 29, 2016

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - April 29, 2016

Stella abrera:

Making history in the world of ballet

by MoMar

IT has been eight months since Stella Abrera broke the proverbial glass ceiling at the American Ballet Theatre when she was promoted as one of the elite company’s principal dancers, becoming the first Filipino-American to do so.

“So far, so good,” the ballerina told the Asian Journal. “I’m still enjoying sinking my teeth into learning new roles and having a good time.”

Abrera was one of three accomplished Filipinas lauded by the Philippine Consulate General on International Women’s Day this year.

Along with Care.com founder and CEO Sheila Marcelo-Lirio and New York City chair of Commission on Human Rights, they were honored with the Distinguished Women of 2016

Stella Abrera in “The Nutcracker.”

G. Visaya /AJPress

award.

“I’m so extremely honored to be included in their company.

I find a lot of inspiration from my fellow female colleagues as well as other female artists and leaders in the art world. I get a lot of lessons and motivations from them. Tonight is a huge honor for me,” Abrera said.

The prima ballerina is currently rehearsing for three different ballets which will be staged at the Metropolitan Opera House beginning this May: “La Fille mal Gardee,” “Firebird” and the “Golden Cockerel.”

“I’ve been working quite hard lately but I’m enjoying myself, that’s for sure,” she remarked.

Stella Abrera was named one of the Distinguished Filipino Women of 2016 for her success as a Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre last March 8. Also in photo are Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. Stella started dancing and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Irene Susie Natividad. when she was barely five AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya years old. An older sister tated her audition for ABT. “He rehearsing five hours a day.

– who was 17 years her senior plucked me out of the garden, As the youngest of five – was in college and had been you might say. Of course, Kevin taking modern dance classes and children, Stella chose a different (McKenzie, artistic director) had career path from her brother and she suggested that Stella try it to give his OK,” she told NBC three sisters. Her parents were out. And she did.

News. both immigrants from the Philip“I am so lucky. I Stella joined the ABT as a had this dream to pines and they constantly moved member of the corps de ballet in the family to different cities and be a ballerina 1996 at the age of 17 after being when I was countries because of her father’s an apprentice for a few months. work as a civil engineer. a little girl and Founded in 1940, American Stella and her family moved I grew up and Ballet Theatre is recognized as became one. Not from Pasadena, California to one of the most renowned ballet San Diego and Sydney, Australia everyone has that luck, companies in the world. Few because of this. She began her timing wise, but I worked hard ballet companies equal ABT for and I am grateful,” she shared. studies with Philip and Charles its combination of size, scope, Fuller and Cynthia Young at Le At age 11, she tried her and outreach and as such, it is a Studio in Pasadena and continfirst pair pointe shoes. She living national treasure. On April ued it at the West Coast Ballet knew then that this was 27, 2006, by an act of Congress, Theatre in San Diego when they her dream to pursue.

American Ballet Theatre bemoved there. She also spent With the full supcame America’s National Ballet three years studying the Royal port of her family, Company.

Academy of Dancing method Stella enrolled in Abrera was appointed as a more dance class- with Joan and Monica Halliday soloist in 2001. Six years ago, she at the Halliday Dance Centre in es and her parents, suffered a crippling back injury Jack and Aurora would Sydney. that threatened to end her blosWhen Abrera was 16, Ross sit and wait for her to soming career. She was sidelined Stretton, the assistant artistic finish her classes and rehearsals. for 18 months.

At this time, she was dancing and director of the American Ballet “It took a lot of grit and Theatre (ABT) was adjudicating one of her final exams.

He faciliPhoto by Rosalie O’Connor Continued on Page SF3

Photo by Jade Young

IN HER OWN WORDS On what a typical day is I get to work around 10:00 a.m. and I take a ballet class to warm myself up and work on my skills for about an hour and a half. On the hardest seasons, I rehearse from 12 noon to 7pm, sometimes straight without a lunch break, which is not ideal but it happens. That’s a typical rehearsal day. But when we’re in season, performing-wise, then we rehearse a few hour during the day and have the performance in the evening.

On International Women’s Day It is important for women to believe in themselves and believe in their power and beauty.

On her 2014 visit to the Philippines (a year after Super Typhoon Haiyan devastated many parts of the country) I was a guest of Ballet Philippines and I got to perform at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which is such an iconic theater. I really enjoyed my sort of homecoming then. I have never performed there before, in the country of my heritage so it was a big deal for me. I was so warmly welcomed and it was a very nice experience.

On Filipino food and eating What’s great about how hard

we are required to work is that it affords me the luxury of eating a lot. I can work out all the yummy food, I really enjoy eating. I do ask my mom for her adobo recipe and her nilaga. If I could, I would eat longganisa every day, but I can’t because it’s hard to find. I love cooking, I really enjoy it. This today is a good inspiration for me, actually will light my fire to cook more Filipino food, maybe once a week.

On the days she’s off I enjoy sleeping in, having a good breakfast, getting a massage and just not doing anything and just being a couch potato, while eating potato chips.

On being inspiration to young boys and girls of color who want to dance It’s complex especially in our times now. It’s wonderful, the striving to have diversity in all fields. I personally would say that my own story - I was very lucky and I never felt singled out or different or that my ethnicity or ethnic background was a negative thing. I hope that we can all move forward together with all the different cultures and racial backgrounds. Let’s celebrate our heritage.

features SF3

Stella Abrera: Making history...

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – April 29, 2016

From Page SF2 determination and perseverance. I endured many painful moments as well as I enjoyed the many wonderful moments in my career,” she said.

Stella made history in August last year when she was promoted to Principal Dancer, the first Filipino-American in ABT’s 76-year history to reach the elite ballet company’s highest rank.

What made the promotion extra special was the fact that she had already come to terms with the fact that with the injury that happened and her current age, she accepted the fact that it was not going to happen. But it did.

After almost two decades with ABT, Stella reached the pinnacle of her career.

“To be honest, it’s mostly the feeling of responsibility, to help inspire the next generation of dancers not only Filipinos but all of them. It warms my heart to see these young Filipina dancers on social media saying that I inspire them. That’s very heartwarming, and it’s a responsibility that I am happy to take on,” she told the Asian Journal.

Her memorable performances at the ABT include the girl in “Afternoon of a Faun,” Calliope in “Apollo,” Gamzatti in “La Bayadere,” the ballerina

Stella Abrera in “Romeo and Juliet.”

By Monet

Stella Abrera in “The Bright Stream.”

in “The Bright Stream,” Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother in Frederick Ashton’s “Cinderella,” Myrtha in “Giselle,” and Aurora in “Coppelia,” among many others.

She created the roles of His Memory and His Experiences in “HereAfter,” the Spanish Dance in Ratmansky’s “The Nutcracker,” the Fairy Violente (Temperament) in Ratmansky’s “The Sleeping Beauty,” His Mistress in “Weren’t We Fools?,” leading roles in “Piece d’Occasion” with Herbie Hancock and S”even Sonatas,” and

Photo by Gene Schiavone

Photo by Gene Schiavone

roles in “After You” and “Pretty Good Year.”

As she celebrates her 20th anniversary this year, Stella is thankful for what those two decades have given her – a hearty combination of successes and failures, heartbreaks and triumphs.

“It has been my life my entire adult life. It’s what I know, I am so grateful to be living my dream. It hasn’t always felt wonderful like I’ve said – I had hard times just like everyone else but those hard times make the great times much more wonderful,” she said.

Stella Abrera in “Leaves are Fading.”

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

Lu

TIME really flies so quickly.

Paul Victor Ireton was just an ordinary teenager when I met him with his younger bother, Nathan. Fast forward to 12 years later, Paul and his wife Miriam invited me to a five-day seminar and convention hosted by the World Finance Group (WFG) in Las Vegas. The evening was jam-packed and I witnessed how the couple turned their life around and became successful entrepreneurs. Paul is now the CEO of his company and living a very comfortable life.

Paul was chosen as one of the speakers along with the honorable 66th United State Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. It was held at the MGM grand arena with a full house of 25,000 thousand attendees and guests. He shared his story, experience, strength and hope, with convictions and honesty.

This story proves that each of us has a purpose in life and things happen for a reason. You need to give it your all, do not give up on your dreams, and believe in yourself and most all in God. I was given an opportunity to be part of this amazing couple’s career in the early stages of their life. The story of the young lovely couple Paul and Miriam Ireton.

The inspiring story started in 1997, when Paul first came to the US. Back then, he already had the burning desire to get ahead, being in a situation where they lived in a one-bedroom apartment, with his single mom and siblings. Paul was always looking for ways to help out his mom. He used to work at Papa John’s Pizza as a delivery guy, while selling TFC cable and attending Mt. San Antonio for college.

“I wasn’t making enough! so one day, I picked up a penny

Paul and Miriam Ireton: No substitute for hard work

Paul and Miriam Ireton with their kids Nicholas, Sebastian, Troy and Sharlene.

saver and saw an ad for a $10 per hour marketing job for a real estate company,” Paul shared.

He started there, got involved in real estate from 20002005. He then came across a company in the financial service business, where he also met beauty queen (Mutya ng Pilipinas) and top model, Miriam Chui.

“We were both recommended to work for this company!”

Paul said. mMiriam was introduced to the business with Paul.

He trained her and that’s how they eventually they fell in love.

They got married six months later. I am honored to be one of their wedding sponsors.

They had a baby the following year. Their baby suffered complications after the birth, which were not covered by their health insurance. It resulted to a credit card debt of more than 40K, not to mention the multiple car and a couple of home payments. The couple looked good on the outside but were dying in the inside. They were

hungry for answers to get out of that challenging situation. Paul and Miriam grew tired of being broke.

With God’s grace, they came across a business that thought them how to make and save more money. One thing they found out is that they were not in control of money. Money was controlling them from their fears—worrying and stressing over what bill to pay first.

“I remembered one time when I filled up my car with gas and I received a phone call from my wife telling me that because I filled up my car with gas, she can’t buy diapers and milk for my son,” Paul shared.

“It is heartbreaking. But I know that this part of life makes us realize that you are in control of your own destiny, to believe and trust the Lord.”

Now the couple has a life of peace and harmony. Paul said his family will never have to worry about money ever again.

Now they are both very successful and continue to save and Continued on Page SF7

SF4

celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - April 29, 2016

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar

The one and only Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor will celebrate her 63rd birthday on Sunday, May 21. Also known as Ate Guy and/or La Aunor, Nora was born in Iriga, Camarines Sur, where she was grand champion of the Darigold Jamboree Singing Contest. She later joined “Tawag ng Tanghalan” to represent her province and was hailed the champion.

La Aunor started her movie and singing career with Tower Movie Productions, which was owned by producer/director Artemio Marquez. In 1973, she was crowned at the first Miss Philippine Movies together with former Philippine President and now Manila Mayor Joseph “erap” estrada for their movie, “erap is My Guy.” Other personalities celebrating their birthdays this month of May are: May 2 - Multi-awarded veteran actor eddie Garcia; May 3 – Lynda elvinia, owner of ely-Lyn Beauty Salon in South San Francisco, and choreographer/dancer Cheryl Burke, former winner of Dancing With the Stars; May 4 - Well-loved nurse of San Mateo General hospital Vicky Garcia; May 7 - Zinnelle International Beauty proprietress Zeny Coronado, and San Francisco fashion designer Patricia Valera; May 10 - International singing sensation Charice Pempengco; May 11 – Word of Life at Assembly of Christ administrative officer Tingting Villar Apolinario, multi-awarded actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, and GMA Kapuso actor Dennis Trillo; May 12 - San Jose talented

young artist JD Charisma, San Mateo home care nursing supervisor Gloria Nielsen, “It’s Showtime” co-host and singer Billy Crawford, veteran actress Mila del Sol (who now resides in Los Angeles), and Manteca painter Jessie Marinas; May 13 – Concert producer Maribeth Ugalde, actor Paolo Avelino, and South City youth leader Marc Garvida Jr.; May 14 – Former Philippine Tourism Director in San Francisco Rene de los Santos, and former Mrs. RP-USA World winner Diva Tirol; May 15 – Dionesia Pacquiao, proud mother of boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao; May 16 - Teayana Orence (daughter of Ozelle Orence of San Francisco, singer/actress Jennylyn Mercado and TV talk show host and manager Lolit Solis; May 17 - Gerry Sy, co-owner of Saint Francis Shopping Center in Daly City; May 20 - Former first runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant Miriam Quiambao; May 23 – Singer/actor Sam Milby; May 24 - Daly City dentist Dr. Renato “Butch” Calip, and Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla; May 25 - Young soprano in Milpitas Amber Paterson, San Mateo religious leader Nenita Iboleon Zaarasora, and former Mrs. Ilocano Region Maxie Dandoy; May 26 - Former Mrs. RP-USA World Zeny Lutao Sarmiento; May 27 - ABS-CBN Global head of Public Relations Nerissa Fernandez; May 28 - Antioch religious

One and Only Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor will turn 63 on May 21

Actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo will celebrate her birthday on May 11.

South San Francisco real estate agent Cora Manuel Garvida will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, May 31. She is shown in photo with her husband, Marc.

Nerissa Fernandez, Head of Public Relation of ABSCBN International Global Affairs will celebrate her birthday on May 27.

leader Pacita Rodriguez; May 30 - My very own natal day – I will be celebrating my lucky 79th birthday with the best of health and colorful blessings from the Almighty Lord, LuzViMin of the Bay Area Treasurer Imelda Canosa, multiawarded actor Ricky Davao, Place One Travel Agency Conrad Camilosa, and successful building contractor Orly Buena; May 31 - South San Francisco religious leader Cora Manuel Garvida.

To all May celebrants, a very happy birthday!

Daly City Filipina community leader Brenda Padilla and her daughter, Eren Grace, will be celebrating their birthdays this May. Brenda’s birthday is on Saturday, May 7, while Eren will be celebrating her natal day on Thursday, May 19.

The one and only Philippine Superstar and King of Beauty Queens Ferdie Villar will both celebrate their birthdays this merry month of May. La Aunor will celebrate her birthday on May 21, while the beauty impresario will turn another year on May 30.

Successful businessman Gerry Sy will celebrate his birthday on Tuesday, May 17.

Nenita Ibaleon Zarasora, a religious leader from San Mateo, will celebrate her birthday on May 25.

Tingting Villar Apolinario, administrative officer of Life at Assembly of Christ will celebrate her birthday on May 11.

San Jose talented young artist JD Charisma will celebrate his 21st birthday on May 12.

Singer/actress Jennylyn Mercado, the lead star of GMA 7’s latest teleserye ‘Second Chances,’ will celebrate her birthday on May 14.

San Francisco fashion designer Patricia Valera will celebrate her birthday on Tuesday, May 7.

Mrs. Valera is shown in photo with her husband, Bonifacio Valera.

Julia Montes on real score with Coco Martin: ‘hindi dapat babae ang sasagot’

by Joyce Jimenez Philstar.com

JULIA Montes can’t help but blush when asked about the real score between her and Coco Martin.

The two have been linked with each other since they starred in the TV series “Walang hanggan” in 2012.

“Hindi ko po alam. Hindi po dapat babae ang sasagot,” she replied when asked why they’re consistently linked to each other, during the press conference of “Doble Kara.”

“Busy pa po kasi ako. Focus muna po ako sa work,” she added. “Hindi ko nga po alam kung ano ako pag-uwi ko, Kara o Sara, so do’n muna po ako mag-focus ngayon.”

After the press conference, Julia was asked more about the real score between her and Coco. “‘Yong communication hindi naman po naputol,” she said.

“Super iba lang ang communication namin ngayon.”

When asked what’s different

Julia Montes was blushing when asked why she’s repeatedly linked to friend and former co-star Coco Martin.

with their communication, Julia blushed and replied, “‘Wag po talaga ako, ‘wag na ako. Siya na lang po tanungin n’yo ng mga tanong n’yo.”

The Kapamilya actress is just happy that “ang friendship namin strong, and I can say na kung sino mapagkakatiwalaan ko, relax ako, komportable

ako, siya talaga.”

Julia is now busy with the next season of the afternoon series “Doble Kara” as the twins Kara and Sara enter the word of motherhood.

This is the reason Julia said she can’t schedule a cameo in Coco’s primetime series “Ang Probinsiyano.”

entertainment

SF5

Atlas Xpress Padala opens newest outlet at Seafood City, Daly City Court denies Revillame plea in abuse case The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - April 29, 2016

DALY CITY—Atlas Express Padal opened its newest outlet at the Seafood City supermarket on Westborough, Daly City, California on Tuesday, April 26. *Advertising Supplement

Atlas Xpress Padala inaugurated its newest outlet at the Seafood City complex at Westborough, Daly City last Tuesday. April 26.

Old friends meet again at the opening of the Atlas Xpress Padala at the Seafood City complex at Westborough, Daly City – (L-R) Gerry Palabyab, formerly of Manila Bulletin USA, Joel Longares, owner and CEO of Atlas Xpress and Roger Oriel, Chairman and Publisher of Asian Journal Publishing group.

Yan si Marian in the morning

by BiBsy

M. CarBallo Philstar.com

BESIDES portraying the role of Ynang Reyna with the return of “Encantadia,” Marian RiveraDantes will host a morning show called “Yan Ang Morning” on GMA 7.

The talk show is an opportunity for the actress to share personal “life experiences as a wife, a homemaker and a mom.” Marian believes that many Filipinos will be able to relate to the lifestyle program.

The actress admits that hosting is not her forte but she is looking forward to try new and unfamiliar things. She is open to learning a lot from the show. “I was surprised when I was told that I was going to have my own talk show. I had mixed emotions, asking myself (if I could do it). I know hosting is not my forte but I’m willing to give it a try. Now that I’m a mom, I have proven that everything can be learned as long as you give (your all) in

THE COURT of Appeals has affirmed with finality a Quezon City judge’s ruling of probable cause to indict television host Willie Revillame for child abuse.

Revillame was charged by state social workers with making a seemingly reluctant sixyear-old boy dance lewdly in an episode of his defunct game show “Willing Willie.”

In a three-page resolution dated April 11, the appellate court’s 13th Division denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Revillame’s lawyers for lack of merit.

The court said Revillame did not present a new argument to cause a reversal of its Sept.

7, 2015, ruling that there was prima facie evidence to charge Revillame with violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law, and that the Quezon City regional trial court had correctly issued the corresponding arrest warrant.

“We have carefully reviewed our decision vis-a-vis the motion for reconsideration and we have found that the issues raised in the present motion and the arguments advanced in support thereof

Willie Revillame

are a mere rehash of those already considered and passed upon, and no new issue or substantial argument has been presented to justify the reversal or modification of the assailed decision,” the resolution written by Justice Ma. Luisa Quijano-Padilla said.

The court said the RTC “committed no grave abuse of discretion” in finding probable cause to indict Revillame for violation of child abuse laws.

QC Judge Roberto Buenaventura issued the arrest warrant for Revillame on Oct. 4, 2013. The TV host posted bail but questioned his indict-

ment in the Court of Appeals.

The appellate court ruled that “as there is probable cause for the petitioner’s commission of a crime, his arrest and arraignment should now ensue so that this case may properly proceed to trial, where the merits of both parties’ evidence and allegations may be weighed.”

Revillame was charged with exploiting the boy contestant who appeared pressured into dancing like a male stripper in order to win a prize during the “Willing Willie” show that aired on March 12, 2011. (Jerome Aning/Inquirer.net)

Diether Ocampo’s loss, Jay Manalo’s gain by ronnie

CarrasCo ManilaTimes.net

In the talk show, Marian Rivera has the opportunity to share her personal experiences as a wife, a homemaker and a mom.

what you do. I’ve also realized that having a talk show is a good way to share my views as a young mom, who is trying to strike a balance between work

and family. Sabay sabay natin matutunan ang lahat ng bagay, lalo sa mga katulad kong first time maging isang ina,” Marian said in an interview.

IS Diether Ocampo’s loss Jay Manalo’s gain?

Regular viewers of Viva Entertainment’s “Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?” could only mourn the “death” of George Bustamante (Ocampo) when he’s supposed to shift to a paternal role after getting his ex-girlfriend Marla (Claudine Barretto) pregnant.

Earlier in a blind item, Diether was positively named as the actor who’d soon be booted out of the TV5 teledrama due to the stress brought upon its director Joel Lamangan. An insider was even quoted to have said, “Baka ma-stroke lang uli si Direk Joel kung hindi ‘papatayin’ si Diether sa kuwento.”

“Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?”

(BMAU) —a TV adaptation of the classic Danny Zialcita film in 1995—beckoned Ocampo’s return to TV. It also reunited the actor with Claudine Barretto who was also staging a comeback.

Many couldn’t help but speculate about Ocampo’s problem: coming from a breakup with his girlfriend, was the actor not yet ready to seriously focus on his career?

The BMAU production, however, remains tight-lipped saying, “We’d rather compromise a member of the cast, major even if he is, than allow any hassle get in the way of our work.”

With Ocampo’s character totally out of the story, enter Alberto Villafuerte, a rough-

Diether Ocampo

mannered, highly ambitious exconvict played by Jay Manalo.

Still oozing with machismo in his early 40s, Manalo proves to be equally refreshing as his predecessor. And another plus factor: Manalo has no record of being a director’s “sakit ng ulo.”

SF6

entertianment The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - April 29, 2016

Elmo Magalona on Dolphy’s ‘twin’ scions and heirs in comedy Janine gutierrez: We support each other

by Nestor

U. torre

Inquirer.net

“King” comic Dolphy had many children, quite a number

by Joyce JimeNez of whom did quite well when Philstar.com they separately opted for a time ElMO Magalona’s relationto pursue a show biz career. ship with Janine gutierrez remains in the field of comedy, strong despite being in different Dolphy’s most successful and networks, and paired to different effective scions have been his celebrities. “funny twins,” Vandolph and Elmo is paired to Janella Epy Quizon.

Salvador for “Born for You” it’s instructive to view and and Janine to Aljur Abrenica for review the two scions’ own “Once Again.” careers in comedy—not from “i’m just happy na we both a comparative point of view, have work now,” he said in an because they’re actually quite interview when he was launched distinct, but from a “genetic” as the new endorser of Jollibee. perspective: “We’re both super blessed to Janine Gutierrez and Elmo Magalona Vandolph was the first to They also believe that by givbe busy right now,” he added. strongly establish his credentials ing him responsibility for his career and credibility as a comedian— The Kapamilya actor also “it’s going to make me improve as as a child actor who performed pointed out that it isn’t a proba person.” lem if they’re paired to different not just with his dad, but also “Kumbaga, she taught me celebrities. with other big stars. As a child “i’m supporting her, and she’s naman everything she can, e. it’s comic, Vandolph was perky and also very vocal about her support best lang for me to try inputting roly-poly, but he really didn’t some of my ideas,” he added. for my show,” he said. distinguish himself, despite his As for the pressure of being Meanwhile, Elmo is enjoying undeniable popularity, because having a freehand with his career, launched as one of ABS-CBn’s he was too porma and sassy, leading men, Elmo chose to be different from before when his and thus came up with generally more positive. mom has more say on it. predictable performances.

“Of course mayro’n din po “Since i’m turning 22, she’s Very happily, however, when managing me but she’s giving me [pressure], but i like challenges, he became an adult performer, more control,” he related. “Halim- i’m very competitive,” he exVandolph finally “got” it, and is plained. “When someone tells me now one of the best character bawa, i have my own opinions, i na i can’t do this, mas na-e-enghave my own ideas, she’s giving actors and comedians we have. anyo ako gawin ‘yon.” me more responsibility na.”

We’ve gone out of our way

to spread the word about the quality and “bite” of his recent portrayals on local TV drama series, and hope that he will play a major role in a full-length film soon, so that many more people will realize and appreciate his impressive artistic growth.

As for Epy Quizon, our interest in him has been more personal, ever since we tapped him to play his dad in our restaging of the popular Filipino musical, “Katy!,” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Meralco Theater and other venues. We cast Epy because he didn’t just look like his father, he also “imbibed and imbued” him.

True enough, when we started rehearsing with him, we realized that Epy was no Dolphy clone.

He went beyond imitation and caricature, and insightfully gifted his grateful coactors, and eventually the musical’s audience, with his beautiful distillation of Dolphy’s essence.

After that memorable theatrical experience, we made a mental note to work with Epy again, possibly on an even more challenging role on the big screen.

Very happily, however, we’ve been beaten to the punch and draw by Singaporean filmmaker Ken Kwek’s “dark” comedy

Vandolph and Epy Quizon

indie, “Unlucky Plaza,” which topbills Epy as a Filipino living in Singapore who finds himself the victim of a scam.

The film is being shown locally now, so we’d like to do our bit to generate interest in it. it has already won praises and an award for its lead actor at the international Film Festival in Manhattan.

For his part, Kwek copped

the best director trophy at the Jasmine international Film Festival.

Epy plays Onassis Hernandez, a debt-ridden restaurant owner who experiences a rollercoaster ride of emotions when his diner falls into dire financial straits. He is forced to take some people hostage to call attention to his plight—and all heck breaks loose!

Derrick Monasterio on patience, emotions and his ultimate dream by christiNa

alpad/ManilaTimes.net

WHilE millenials his age would want to get results instantaneously, 20-year-old Derrick Monasterio has proven that there is truth in the age-old adage “patience is a virtue” with the release of his selftitled debut album.

A bona fide singer even before entering showbiz—he had long competed internationally as part of his high school’s choir—Monasterio dreamt of having his own album the moment he started his career in 2011 at age 15.

Monasterio’s patience finally paid off with his self-titled debut album But alas, his mother network gan Kita,” a duet with Hanhad other plans for him. instead nah Precillas “Kailangan Mo, of taking the recording artKailangan Ko,” and his carrier ist route, Monasterio was single “give Me One More molded to be a young actor Chance.” An added treat in and eventually leading man to the album is his duet with Julie gMA network’s talented roster Anne San Jose entitled, “Ang of leading ladies such as Barbie Aking Puso.”

Forteza and Bea Binene.

Stressing that he does not Jealousy naturally came to rely on the infamous voiceMonasterio. He admits to ques- enhancing program Autotune, tioning why young stars his age, Monasterio said he can guarwho can barely carry a tune, antee the authenticity of his had churned out album after first album. “i’m 100-percent album, while he was relegated confident na kung ano ang tuto recording singles for movies nog ko sa album na ito, ganun and teleseryes, and singing live din ang magiging tunog ko live on the network’s variety shows. kasi nung nagre-record ako, “Medyo nakaka-sad lang sinasabi ko sa [sound] engineer para sa mga [totoong] singers na as much as possible wag na kasi parang unfair. i don’t have pong i-edit, na pag may hindi anything against them, pero i ako nagustuhan, uulitin ko na would sometimes think, ‘Bakit lang para 100-percent [authensiya meron, ako wala?’” Montic] talaga.” asterio confessed at his album Moreover, the balladeer launch. said he is assured with the qualThe young singer-actor also ity of his album as he poured admitted that he reached the out all his emotions in recording point of hopelessness.“Naiinip his tracks. “Ang importante sa din po siyempre at saka nagisang album, hindi yung tono tatampo na ba’t nauna pa siya o notes na tinatamaan—yung sa akin. Dumating sa point na feelings and emotions, those hindi ko na siya naiisip, na paare the essence of a true rang OK na yan kahit di na ako singer.” magkaka-album.”

Monasterio later related he looking back, Monasterio almost cried while recording boldly shared his thoughts on “give Me One More Chance” what it really means to have as it triggered memories of his an album in the industry today. recent breakup with his first “Siguro kasi, these days yung girlfriend. mga album para yan sa mga As he is releasing an album sikat, hindi siya para sa mga after his comrades did, Monasmarurunong kumanta.” terio has suddenly been pitted not getting what he wants with the likes of Alden Richards, for his career could have been among other young singer/acan excuse to quit the business tors. or transfer to other networks—a now that he is a certified rumor that surfaced not quite singer with an actual album, long ago—but Monasterio is there anything else that he remained patient. would like to achieve for his And that patience has finally singing career? paid off with his debut album “Yes. i want to have a Derrick Monasterio. concert at Araneta [Coliseum]. i “Natagalan po pero worth envision it as this—me standit! Kanya-kanyang oras yan eh at ing in front of a lot of people, yung time ko feeling ko dumat- thousands of people, wearing ing na. Ito na yung tamang paa coat tapos may spotlight and nahon,” the singer exclaimed. then i’m singing my original An alternative/ ballad/ rock song. Tapos, lahat sila sings compilation, as Monasterio along with me,” the balladeer would like to call his self-titled dreamily described. album under gMA Records, “Yun talaga yung ultimate features three originals tracks dream ko, siguro pag nandun namely “Pano nga Ba?” ako sa moment na yun baka “Reyna,” and “Batobalani” and ma-iyak ako,” Monasterio hapthree revivals such as “Kailanpily ended.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith’s big bro now her lover on-screen

by BayanI

San DIego Inquirer.net

Jr.

NO, it was not “strange” at all.

TV5 actress Jasmine curtisSmith asserted that she didn’t feel ill at ease being paired with Richard Gutierrez in carlo J. caparas’ fantasy series, “Panday.”

To backtrack a bit: Richard was involved with Jasmine’s older sister Anne curtis ages ago.

People merely jumped to conclusions, she explained.

“They kept saying it was weird, so I ended up imbibing it and thinking the same thing,” Jasmine responded to the Inquirer’s question. “But there was really nothing to feel awkward about.”

Tapings are going smoothly, she related. “It’s fun. Richard Jasmine Curtis-Smith is ma-chika (chatty). Between takes, we talk about the TV teered that her current love life shows that we enjoy. I recently is “happy.” introduced him to ‘Orphan She’d rather not “comBlack.’ That is how we build pare” this present relationship rapport on the set.” with previous involvements, They also joke about their specifically with actor-singer common history. “I once Sam concepcion, which can teased him that I was only 4 only be described as stormy, to years old when I met him,” she say the least. (There were rerecalled. “he countered that ports that Anne didn’t approve he was 15 then.” of Sam.) For the record, she clarified “every step I took has that she was 9 when Richard brought me to where I am and Anne were a couple. now,” she turned introspective.

Needless to say, Jasmine never “I am still growing up. Whatimagined that her sister’s exever I learned from the past, I beau would one day be her use it in the present.” onscreen lover.

She told the Inquirer that Quite adamantly, she inshe is currently dating a nonsisted that she never found him show biz guy who has show biz attractive back then. Richard connections. The rumor mill was definitely not her childhas identified the “constant hood crush. date” as Jeff Ortega and “he “I was a baby then,” she is related to coleen Garcia,” exclaimed. “For me, it’s autoJasmine noted. matic… I will never look at my Another persistent quessister’s boyfriend that way. At tion is whether Jeff has gained the time, I treated Richard as a Anne’s stamp of approval. A kuya (big brother).” To have the photo of Anne dining with “feels” for Richard, she gasped, Jasmine and Jeff has cropped would be “incestuous.” up in cyberspace.

In any case, Jasmine volun“Just because we have a

photo together doesn’t mean he’s already off the hook,” Jasmine quipped, quick on the draw. “he is still ‘under observation.’ My parents and sister will always look out for me.”

It seems that Jasmine can very well take care of herself, though.

In “Panday,” she was tasked to learn arnis, muay Thai, jujitsu, wing chun. “On my first day, I had to do a fight scene. It’s a new challenge for me. Good thing, I enjoy mixed martial arts,” recounted Jasmine, who now sports a chestnut tan that’s courtesy of “a Davao trip.”

Apart from “Panday,” Jasmine is also working on “Forever Sucks,” a web series from D5 Studio Originals (the online arm of TV5).

In “Forever Sucks,” which combines such youthful genres as horror and romantic comedy, she plays a vampire who works in a call center’s graveyard shift. “It’s awesome to be part of a pioneering show,” she said.

entertainment SF7 The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – April 29, 2016

how Rachelle Ann fights off ‘Fantine fatigue’

by Irene

C. Perez

Inquirer.net

RAchelle Ann Go plays Fantine in the ongoing Manila run of the legendary musical “les Misérables.” But in March, she got sick, lost her voice and had to skip seven shows.

Fans took their disappointment to social media. Go apologized for her absence, but called out those who bashed her and called her “prima donna.” She is now back in the show.

What’s the best thing about playing Fantine?

I get to sing “I Dreamed A Dream,” one of the most iconic songs in musical theater, and I have a nice break in the show while waiting for me to come back as a ghost.

Do you monitor reviews?

I read tweets and reviews.

It’s good to know what people think of the show and how I play Fantine here in my hometown.

If you can change something in the “Les Mis” story, what would you like to see?

To meet the guy who broke Fantine’s heart for the last time and show him cosette!

How did you introduce the Philippines to your castmates?

We have the most delicious food and the best islands. Some of them have tried kare-kare, crispy pata, molo soup. I’ve yet to let them try my dishes—adobo and gising-gising.

How different is it performing for the Filipino audience?

Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine in Cameron Mackintosh’s Asian touring production of “Les Misérables,” which is on an extended run until May 1 at The Theatre at Solaire.

It’s a different vibe and energy! There is a certain excitement knowing you’re giving your best to fellow Filipinos every night, and reading great things about it on social media.

Have you received any weird comments or messages?

I got a really nasty message asking why am I being a prima donna, not doing all the shows.

That was really uncool! how does one expect to perform his or her very best when he or she has no voice at all? I always want to give a good show and I hope people understand my predicament.

People have seen the movie and read the books; how do you keep them excited to watch “Les Mis” on stage?

I can proudly say that this cast is brilliant. even cameron Mackintosh said it during the first show, that we did really well.

We came from different parts of the world and it’s amazing how

we put our own understanding of each character on that stage every night. We know that we do eight shows a week, so we try to make new choices at every single performance to keep it fresh.

As Fantine, do you get “character fatigue/hangover” and be in a bad mood after the show?

Oh, yes. When I was in london, I had a hard time letting go of the emotions after my part. You will always find me quiet, down, sad. even when I get home, sometimes I feel a little depressed because of the show. I get so attached to the character! But it is a process. I eventually learned how to let the emotions go after my last scene.

Just shake it off and remind myself that it’s not me, it’s the character, Fantine. It’s always good to mingle with people, too, after the show and have fun with them.

Paul and Miriam Ireton...

From Page SF3

make money. They have built a business that serves families: to give them financial strategy and education for their household, have more meaningful conversations with there loved ones, and because money is not issue.

Money is only an issue when you don’t have any. They have a mission driven to help families get ahead financially.

“All the blessings come when your heart is in the right

place. “A man or woman is lazy till something catches their heart,” Paul said.

The couple is inspired by helping individuals like me, who is in need of financial knowledge and support securing my future. Paul and Miriam are so blessed to have beautiful kids, Nicholas, Sebastian, Troy and the princess of the family, baby Sharlene.

To Paul and Miriam, I wish you all the best and may God

bless you and your family. ***

Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, awardwinning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns.

Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at monetsalon@aol.com