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Volume 16 - No. 32 • 3 Sections – 20 Pages

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AUGUST 11-17, 2017

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Solon says PH wants Balangiga bells, not US airstrikes in Marawi

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

THE United States should return the Balangiga bells back to the Philippines instead of conducting air strikes in the conflict-stricken Marawi City, a Filipino lawmaker said on Wednesday, August 9.

In a statement, Bayan Muna

Representative Carlos Zarate stressed that the Filipinos “want the bells, not the bombs.� “The U.S. has yet to return the Balangiga bells and other war booties they took from our country as well as apologize for the atrocities they committed during the Philippine American War and now they

have the gall to say that they are going to launch airstrikes against parts of our country?� he added.

The lawmaker made the remarks following a report from NBC News that the Pentagon is considering a plan to allow the U.S. military to launch airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS)-

linked group in the Philippines that attacked Marawi City in Mindanao.

Zarate, however, slammed the report, saying that it “blatantly trample[s]� the Philippines’ national sovereignty. “This is the height of callousness and should be condemned,�

the lawmaker said, adding that such move signals the “commission of blatant human rights violations.�

For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that it has “yet to receive any formal notice or offer for such air capa- Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

Secretaries Mattis, Tillerson clarify comments, emphasize importance of diplomacy

AS a way to make a point to the Democratic People’s Republic Of Korea (DPRK), President Donald Trump on Tuesday, August 8 warned North Korea that if the country continues provoking the United States, it will not get away with it.

During a photo op at his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the president escalated the long-standing hostil-

u PAGE A3 HIGANTES AT ASEAN 50 PARADE. Students from Pasay City display Philippine ags and life-sized statues in traditional Filipino costumes during the ASEAN grand parade along Roxas Boulevard to Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

PWC, domestic ASEAN, China adopt framework workers group rally against home care firm for South China Sea code Beijing sets precondition before talks accused of wage theft

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by AJPRESS

THE United States does not see any contradiction between its anti-terrorism assistance to the Philippine government and its human rights concerns in connection with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pointed out that helping the Philippines to combat terrorism, particularly against the Islamic State (IS)-affiliate that attacked Marawi City in Mindanao, is part of Washington’s “national security interest.�

This, he said, is not at odds with Washington’s concern about the alleged human rights abuses and summary deaths linked to Duterte’s drug war.

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terparts have “agreed upon and adopted the COC framework draft,� which aims to MANILA - The Association of Southeast prevent an escalation of maritime conflicts Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have in the area. “Today, the 11 ministers agreed upon agreed to adopt a “framework� for further and adopted the COC framework draft, negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in and we announce that sometime within the ASEAN MINISTERS IN MANILA. Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations the disputed South China Sea. In a news conference on Sunday, August year we will start consultation on the text of (ASEAN) join hands at the meeting of the region’s foreign ministers in Manila on Saturday, Aug. 5. The foreign ministers reiterated their grave concerns over the escalation of tension 6, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi an- the COC,� Wang said.

PNA photo u PAGE A2 in the Korean peninsula caused in part by Pyongyang’s recent missile tests. nounced that he and his 10 ASEAN coun-

SC affirms Marcos burial with finality

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

reconsideration filed by former Bayan Muna Representative Satur THE Supreme Court (SC) has Ocampo and Albay Representative affirmed with finality its Novem- Edcel Lagman. ber 2016 decision allowing former In an en banc (full court) sesPhilippine President Ferdinand sion, 10 magistrates voted in favor Marcos to be buried at the Libin- with the late strong man’s burial, gan ng mga Bayani (LNMB). while five voted against it.

On Tuesday, August 8, the high “Wherefore, the motions for court dismissed the motions for u PAGE A2 Comelec chair Andres Bautista shows the ďŹ rst ballot printed for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls at the National Printing OfďŹ ce on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

:;

Philstar.com photo by Shiela Crisostomo

Comelec chief’s wife only wants half of ‘clean’ money’ THE estranged wife of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista said she only wants half of his husband’s ‘clean’ money for settlement.

Inquirer.net photo

Tillerson: No conflict between US gov’t anti-terrorism aid, rights concerns in PH

DATELINE Pres. Trump warns N. Korea: US could unleash ‘fire and fury’

THE Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and other members of the California Domestic Workers Coalition (CDWC) gathered outside of Fairwinds, an upscale senior living facility in West Hills, California, to reveal to the facility and its residents of Health Alliance Nurses Corporation’s (Health Alliance) alleged exploitation of its workers. “We are here as part of our campaign to let

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“Let me make it clear: by law, I’m entitled to half of what Andy owns but I want only of what is clean. This is why I’m bringing this to the government to tell me

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august 11-17, 2017 • NORCaL asIaN JOuRNaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

From the Front Page

Solon says PH wants Balangiga bells...

PAGE A1 t bility deployment.”

Referring to the PhilippineU.S. defense pact, AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año noted that the existing Mutual Defense Treaty provides that “only technical assistance and training” may be allowed under the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).

“Direct military actions may only be allowed during actual in-

vasion of the Philippines by another state actor,” he added.

He then expressed appreciation over Washington’s desire to help Manila in ending the ongoing fight against terrorists in the southern Philippines.

“We appreciate Pentagon’s reported desire to help the Philippines in the fight against Daeshinspired Maute Group because terrorism is a global menace that the community of nations must unite to fight against,” the AFP

Comelec chief’s wife only...

PAGE A1 t

which part is clean,” Bautista’s wife, Patricia, told ANC on Tuesday, August 8.

Last week, Patricia submitted an affidavit before the National Bureau of Investigations (NBI), alleging that her husband has nearly one billion pesos of ‘unexplained’ wealth that were not included in his 2016 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth

(SALN).

“I will get one half of what is clean. I would not do all of these and then get into the muck as well with all of these. I want a clean break,” she added.

According to an Inquirer report, Patricia, in her affidavit, said her husband “might have had, or currently has, misdealing and corrupt practices while in government service.”

chief said.

In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte asked Washington to return the bells of Balangiga Church in Samar, which were seized by U.S. soldiers as spoils of war in the 1900s.

In response, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim assured that Washington “would like to return all three bells as soon as possible.” n Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had already ordered the NBI to conduct a probe on Bautista’s alleged unexplained wealth.

For his part, Bautista denied the allegations. In turn, he accused his wife of stealing financial documents, “many of which her lawyers embellished, doctored or fabricated” and used it to “extort and blackmail” him.

“It has been 10 months since

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EXCHANGING VIEWS. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano exchanges views with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during the 7th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday, Aug. 7.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Tillerson: No conflict between US gov’t...

PAGE A1 t

“I see no conflict, no conflict at all in our helping them with that situation and our views of other human rights concerns we have with respect to how they carry out their counternarcotics activities,” Tillerson told reporters on Monday, August 7.

In a press briefing, the American diplomat called the attack in Marawi as a “tragic situation” but added that the Philippine forces are “beginning to get that situation under control.”

The fight has been ongoing since the IS-linked Maute rebel group attacked Marawi City on May 23, resulting in the deaths of nearly 700 militants, soldiers, and civilians.

“With respect to the assistance we’re providing the Phil-

ippines Government to respond to ISIS, there is – there really is no, I think, contradiction at all in the support we’re giving them in the fight down in Marawi and Mindanao,” Tillerson said.

He said that the U.S. has been providing Manila with information and surveillance equipment, which includes a few Cessna aircraft and a few drones.

“We’re providing them some training and some guidance in terms of how to deal with an enemy that fights in ways that is not like most people have ever had to deal with,” he added.

With regard to human rights, the U.S. has repeatedly criticized the Philippine drug war because of the thousands of reported state-sanctioned killings and abuses, which have been

vehemently and repeatedly denied by the Duterte administration.

Tillerson met with Duterte when he visited Manila for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related meetings.

Contrary to earlier reports, Tillerson did not raise Washington’s human rights concerns in his talks with the Philippine president.

While refusing to provide specific details of their discussion, Duterte said their conversation mostly revolved around terrorism.

“No, no. There were no talks on human rights concerns,” the chief executive said in a press briefing after his meeting with Tillerson. n

ASEAN, China adopt framework...

PAGE A1 t He, however, failed to affirm if the COC would be legally binding.

“Regarding what kind of COC will be produced, that is up to the discussion by the 11 partiesChina and ASEAN countries. We don’t want to prejudge the result of those negotiations,” the Chinese minister explained.

He also cited a condition that must be met before Beijing accepts the announcement in November as the formal start of negotiations between the heads of China and ASEAN nations.

“If there is no major disruption from outside parties, with that as the precondition, then we will consider during the November leaders’ meeting, we will jointly announce the official start of the code of conduct consultation,” Wang said.

According to him, they would discuss the modalities for the actual COC by the end of the month with the approved framework as the basis for their talks.

Wang said the start of talks for a COC in the sea may be announced by leaders of ASEAN

and China at their annual summit in the Philippines in November.

“If there is no major disruption from outside parties, with that as the precondition, then we will consider during the November leaders’ meeting, we will jointly announce the official start of the code of conduct consultation,” he stressed.

In a separate press briefing, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said that a meeting between ASEAN leaders and China is slated by the end of the month to discuss the modalities for the actual COC with the approved framework as the basis.

“Parallel to this, Asean and China will continue to cooperate on such practical maritime cooperation efforts including management and prevention of conflicts among parties through confidence building measures as well to prevent miscalculations on the ground,” Bolivar added.

China, under its so-called nine dash line, has claimed almost the entire South China Sea. Beijing’s massive claim has been partly disputed by its neighboring

SC affirms Marcos burial...

PAGE A1 t reconsideration as well as the motion/petition to exhume Marcos’ remains at the LNMB are Denied with Finality. The petition for indirect contempt in G.R. No. 228186 and G.R. No. 228245 are dismissed for lack of merit,” the high court said.

In its ruling, the SC maintained that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of President Rodrigo Duterte in ordering the

burial of Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery.

It also maintained that Marcos qualifies to be interred at the LNMB as a “former president and commander-in-chief, a legislator, secretary of national defense, a military personnel, a veteran, and a Medal of Valor awardee.”

The 10 justices who voted to junk the petition were Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin,

countries. The COC aims to prevent clashes between rival claimants.

On Monday, August 7, the foreign ministers of the United States, Australia, and Japan “voiced their strong opposition to coercive unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions.”

In a joint statement, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Japan’s new top diplomat, Taro Kono, called on rivaling claimants in the disputed sea “to refrain from land reclamation, construction of outposts, militarization of disputed features, and undertaking unilateral actions that cause permanent physical change to the marine environment in areas pending delimitation.”

They also urged their ASEAN counterparts to swiftly negotiate a legally binding maritime code with China.

In addition to the Philippines, ASEAN-member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. n Mariano del Castillo, Teresita de Castro, Jose Mendoza, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam and Andres Reyes Jr. The five justices who voted in favor of the petition, meanwhile, were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardaleza, and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa.

In a statement, Malacañang acknowledged the SC’s decision as

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Dateline USa

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Pres. Trump warns N. Korea...

PAGE A1 t ity between the two nations when he declared, “North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States.”

He added: “They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen... he has been very threatening beyond a normal state. They will be met with fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before.”

Trump’s jarring statements are likely a response to recent findings from U.S. intelligence that concluded that North Korea has produced a nuclear warhead that can fit on long-range missiles.

Not long after Trump’s comments, Pyongyang warned the international community that it will strike “an enveloping fire” around Guam, where the U.S. holds a crucial Air Force base.

Previously, North Korean Foreign Minister ri Yong-ho said at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN) regional Forum in Manila that North Korea has no intention to attack other countries “except the U.S.”, as the Asian Journal previously reported. earlier this week, the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution that imposed strict new sanctions, which will cut North Korea’s annual export revenue of $3 billion by more than a third.

Just a day after Trump’s comments, Secretary of State rex Tillerson clarified the president’s statements, arguing that North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un’s hostile language prompted Trump’s words.

“North Korea’s rhetoric has just ratcheted up louder and louder and more threatening. So I think the President - what the President is doing is sending a strong message to North Korea in language that Kim Jong-un can understand because he doesn’t seem to understand diplomatic language,” Tillerson told reporters.

Tillerson, who has emphasized the importance of diplomacy when dealing with North Korea, added, “I think the President just wanted to be clear to the North Korean regime on the U.S.’s unquestionable ability to defend itself, will defend itself and its

allies, and I think it was important that he deliver the message to avoid miscalculation on their part.”

Mirroring Tillerson’s sentiments, defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis also issued an ultimatum to North Korea to “cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and destruction of its people.”

In the past, Mattis has routinely said that he prefers to resolve tensions with North Korea through diplomacy, emphasizing that military action could lead to disastrous consequences.

“Kim Jong Un should take heed of the United Nations Security Council’s unified voice, and statements from governments the world over, who agree the dPrK poses a threat to global security and stability,” Mattis said in a statement.

Washington lawmakers outside of Trump’s cabinet blasted the president for his comments which may incite further nuclear action from North Korea.

Sen. Jack reed (d-r.I.), a top ranking democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, denounced the president’s aggressive comments, saying that, more than ever, the Trump administration must demonstrate “steady leadership” in crisis situations.

“The president’s ‘fire and fury’ ad-lib was not helpful. defusing the North Korean threat will take smart, steady leadership and stronger diplomatic ties with our key allies,” reed said in a statement, adding that the U.S. can utilize diplomatic, financial or other means of negotiating rather than just resorting to military options.

For years, North Korea has been constructing and testing missiles, putting the international community on edge. Last month, it tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is reportedly capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, U.S., experts said. officials also said that it is believed that North Korea also already possesses medium-range missiles that could deliver a nuclear warhead to South Korea and Japan. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

PWC, domestic workers group...

PAGE A1 t everyone know that something is very wrong in the domestic work industry, with a special focus today on the home care industry,” said PWC executive director Aquilina versoza at the rally on Wednesday, August 2.

The demonstration was part of a public campaign launched on december 1, 2015 towards the caregiver agency which has been accused of exploiting and abusing its employees through unfair wages and intimidation.

Former Health Alliance employee rufina Tubo shared her experience of working with the agency in 2015.

“I was paid for $150 a day for my live-in, 24-hour stay job. If you calculate it, that’s only $5 an hour, even if there is already a law that provides protection for caregivers,” shared Tubo in her speech referring to the 2016 domestic Workers Bill of rights, which was recently approved

by CA legislature and signed by Governor Jerry Brown.

She added that the company was supposed to pay its workers $330 a day for $10 an hour.

“From all caregivers past or present, we demand that they [Health Alliance] pay us the correct wages outlined for us,” Tubo said.

Upon the start of accusations and investigations, the company’s owner emelyn Nishi entino, known to many as emelyn Nishi, closed Health Alliance and opened under a new name, Hand Homecare Provider.

“It’s the same people and same corporation,” said versoza.

PWC and CdWC have reached out to Health Alliance, inviting the company to sit down and talk about the concerns, issues, and violations, and to try and work with them and bring them into compliance. Nishi and her company have yet to do so, as of this writing.

Investigations launched Legal action has been taken against the agency. The California Labor Commissioner’s office and its Bureau of Field enforcement (BoFe) launched an investigation against Health Alliance, as the company refused to hand over documents throughout the ongoing legal process.

In May of this year, L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer filed suit against the corporation for repeatedly failing to pay workers minimum wage or overtime earned. “The LA City Attorney’s office did a lot of evidence gathering and found enough evidence to file case against emelyn and her corporations,” said versoza.

In a previous report by Asian Journal, Feuer expressed his concerns during a press confer-

ence at City Hall back on May 11.

“Stealing wages from hardworking people just trying to make ends meet is reprehensible,” said Feuer. “No worker should be forced into poverty because their employer denies them a wage to which the law entitles them.”

According to the lawsuit, which goes to hearing soon, Health Alliance has employed over 200 immigrants between 2013 and 2016. versoza shared that the lawsuit can result in over $9 million of restitution for the workers — majority of whom are Filipino — making this a multimillion-dollar case. This does not include extra penalties and damages, she adds.

The suit claims clients (“i. e., families seeking a caregiver for a loved one”) were charged between $170 to $250 per day for 24-hour in-home domestic care. employees were allegedly paid only $100 to $125 per shift, equating to as little as $5.50 per hour or less.

Minimum wage in the state of California is $10.00 per hour for businesses with 25 employees or less, and $10.50 per hour for those with 26 employees or more.

Caregivers at the home care provider were also allegedly pressured to falsify time records to avoid overtime payments; refusing often meant termination.

The lawsuit adds that the company routinely fired employees who voiced any discontent and threatened them with blacklisting within the industry.

The suit further alleged that caregivers were wrongly classified as independent contractors in order to maximize company profits, avoid paying federal and state payroll taxes, refrain from obtaining workers’ compensation insurance among other employee protection laws, and to avoid government investigations.

As stated in the lawsuit, the plaintiffs are seeking an injunction against unlawful business operations in addition to restitution for those victimized by wage theft during their employment.

The defendants may be required to pay up to $2,500 per wage violation.

Wage theft in the domestic and home care industry is a big problem with its effects impacting both the hiring parties and employees. As the senior population grows, so does the demand for qualified health aides, and PWC has seen an increasing awareness of their protection needs.

Legislative initiatives towards protecting caregivers and other domestic workers have encouraged many to come forward.

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • AUgUSt 11-17, 2017

A

Covered California expects 12.5% average rate rise in 2018

by Emily

Bazar and anna Gorman

Kaiser Health News

Covered California health insurance premiums will jump by a statewide average of 12.5 percent next year, amid continuing uncertainty over the future of the Affordable Care Act, the state’s obamacare exchange said Tuesday, August 1.

Some plans may also see an additional increase, averaging 12.4 percent, if President donald Trump stops funding critical subsidies that help reduce some consumers’ out-of-pocket expenses — or if uncertainty over their fate persists.

Covered California also said that one of its largest insurers, Anthem Blue Cross, would pull out of the exchange and the overall individual market in 16 of the 19 regions it currently serves, forcing 153,000 consumers to find new health plans.

“We’ve prepared these rates in the midst of great uncertainty,” said Covered California executive director Peter Lee. “We are doing our best to protect consumers. We hope to get clarity from the federal government before we make a decision by the end of August” on whether to include the additional premium increase.

That increase would apply only to silver-level plans, the secondleast expensive among the exchange’s four tiers of coverage.

That’s because only people enrolled in silver plans can benefit from the so-called cost-sharing subsidies that Trump may end.

Lee said the exchange hopes not to tack on the surcharge because “it will cause unnecessary confusion and ultimately cost the federal government billions of dollars more than they would have spent by making the [subsidy] payments directly to health plans.”

Covered California’s proposed premium increases, though large, are dwarfed by some in other states. In Iowa, for example, the sole carrier remaining on the exchange — Medica — has proposed a 43 percent increase for next year. And the company said it would propose another increase of 12 to 20 percent on top of that if Trump decides to eliminate the cost-reduction subsidies.

Some states, however, will see more moderate rate hikes than California’s. In Minnesota, which has been hit in the past with large increases, some consumers could see their premiums shrink by as much as 15 percent, while others could pay 11 percent more.

Covered California’s rate increases affect Californians who purchase their own coverage in the individual market, not the majority who get their health insurance from their employers or government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

The expected average 2018 rate hike is down from 13.2 percent in 2017, and it includes a one-time bump due to the end of a tax “holiday” in which health plans haven’t had to pay a tax required by the ACA. Without that one-time bump, the average statewide premium increase

would have been under 10 percent.

But the statewide average doesn’t tell the whole story for consumers.

Health plan prices vary across the state’s 19 pricing regions, and within them. How much consumers pay depends on a variety of factors: where they live, how much money they make, what level of coverage they want and which insurer they choose.

For instance, consumers in a part of the Central valley that includes San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced and other counties will face an average increase of 24 percent next year. San Francisco residents will see a 6.6 percent average premium hike.

Consumers can limit their rate hikes to less than 3.3 percent on average if they switch to the lowest price plan at the same level of coverage they currently have, Lee said.

But switching plans adds more paperwork and could require them to find new doctors. Consumers are getting tired of a system that requires them to shop

around each year and potentially change plans, said Shana Alex Charles, assistant professor in the health science department at California State University-Fullerton. “even under the best the Affordable Care Act can do … we still have to deal with this on an annual basis,” she said. “It is very exhausting.”

The 87 percent of Covered California enrollees who receive tax credits to help defray the cost of their premiums will not bear the full impact of the rate hikes because the amount of financial assistance they get will grow as premiums rise, Lee noted.

All 11 of Covered California’s insurers will return next year, though not all participate in every region — and Anthem is dramatically ratcheting down its operations in reaction to the uncertainty over federal policy.

Karen Kory, 59, of Studio City, California, said her husband is on an Anthem plan and she worries he will have to pay more when he switches to a new carrier.

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Dateline USa

august 11-17, 2017 • NORCaL asIaN JOuRNaL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

PH, US divers practice diving techniques on shipwreck in Manila Bay PhiliPPine and U.S. divers practiced diving techniques on a shipwreck in Manila Bay this week, the U.S. embassy in Manila said on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“U.S. navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One (MDSU-1) and members of the Philippine Coast Guard Special Operations Group (PCGSOG) participated in a combined information exchange and diving survey on the sunken vessel MV Captain Ufuk in Manila Bay’s South harbor,” the embassy said in a statement.

The activity focused on ship salvage techniques, diving operations, side scan sonar, remotely-operated vehicle operations, Cdr. Edgardo Hernando, chief of the PCG damage control, de-watering, as Special Operations Group, some of whose well as cutting and welding. members joined the diving exercises with The PCGSOG personnel also U.S. Navy divers. toured the USnS Salvor, the

SC affirms Marcos burial...

PAGE A2 t the “final arbiter of all legal questions.”

“We hope the matter on the FM (Ferdinand Marcos) libingan ng mga Bayani will be finally laid to rest and that the country will move forward as one united nation,” Presidential Spokesperson ernesto Abella added.

The late strongman’s remains were buried at the lnMB on november 18 of last year, 27 years after his death.

For its part, the national Union of People’s lawyers (nUPl), the group which represented the petitioners led by Ocampo, described the high court’s ruling as “unfortunate and utterly disappointing.”

“What do we tell our children and generations to come who to emulate? it does not inspire & even virtually canonizes a fascist dictator thief. But the evil that men do is remembered after their deaths. They must be exorcised in time,” nUPl President Atty. edre Olalia said. n

Safeguard-class salvage ship from which the U.S. navy divers and salvage personnel operate during this activity.

The MV Captain Ufuk sank roughly a year ago, posing a hazard to navigation in Manila Bay, the embassy said.

The activity also aimed to gather more information to plan for refloating and relocating the MV Captain Ufuk at a later date.

The commander of PCGSOG, Cdr. edgardo hernando, met with the MSDU-1 dive teams as well as engineering and salvage representatives from U.S. Combined Task Force 73, who will be joining in a long-term engagement plan to facilitate combined operations in the future to refloat and salvage the vessel, the embassy said. (Frances Mangosing/ Inquirer.net)

GRAND FINALE. A colorful grand parade composed of floats and marching bands that highlighted the various cultures of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held along Roxas Blvd. in Manila to mark the 50th anniversary of the regional bloc on Tuesday, Aug. 8 and the conclusion of the ASEAN ministerial meeting hosted by the Philippines.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Bob Dungo Jr.

Philippines disputes reported US airstrikes plan

by Mikas

Matsuzawa Philstar.com

TOP defense officials denied the report that Pentagon is eyeing a plan that would allow the United States to conduct airstrikes against militants behind the monthslong siege of Marawi City.

Defense Secretary Delfin lorenzana and Armed Forces eduardo Año said there were no discussions with the United States regarding airstrikes against local targets. nBC news reported that two U.S. defense officials divulged plans of the Pentagon to have American troops granted the authority to strike, likely through armed drones, iSiS-inspired militants in Marawi as part of an official military operation.

Año said, however, that the Mutual Defense Treaty with the

United States does not allow such a measure.

“Direct military actions are only allowed during actual foreign invasion by another state actor. hence, such a proposition has to undergo a process and an agreement must be reached that should have the approval of both the highest officials of our nations,” the DnD said on Tuesday, Aug. 8 in a statement.

The two officials, however, said they welcome the reported desire of the longtime US ally to help the country in fighting local iSiS-inspired groups.

The DnD said that although security relations and counterterrorism efforts between the two countries are robust, the assistance provided by the US is limited to technical assistance, sharing of information and training.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who attended the ASeAn summit this week, said Monday that the United States provided the Philippines with a few Cessna aircraft and drones to help with surveillance capabilities against pro-iSiS militants.

“We think they are beginning to get that situation under control. But the real challenge is going to come with once they have the fighting brought to an end how to deal with the conditions on the ground to ensure it does not re-emerge,” Tillerson told reporters.

The United States’ top diplomat also argued that he sees no conflict between Washington’s concerns on human rights in the Philippines as deaths mount in President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war and their help in re-

solving the Marawi crisis.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been criticized for extending an invitation to Duterte to visit the White house. experts said this could send a message that human rights take a back seat in Washington.

Sidney Jones, an expert on Southeast Asia militant networks, warned that the attack on Marawi City hasgalvanized Southeast Asian supporters of iSiS. She said this spells a higher risk of attacks in other Philippine cities as well as an expansion of cooperation between militants across regional borders. ASeAn this week reaffirmed its commitment to curbing terror in the region.

The Armed Forces said less than a square kilometer of space in the heart of Marawi City remains problematic. n

Marquez’s retirement cake patterned after Pacquiao KO

by Dino

Maragay Philstar.com

legend posing with his retirement cake, which features a boxing ring with figures of him JUAn Manuel Marquez con- and Pacquiao, the latter laying siders his brutal knockout win flat, in a depiction of their epic over Manny Pacquiao in 2012 fourth fight.

Marquez and Pacquiao as one of the biggest wins of his clashed a total of four times in storied career. his retirement cake is a testa- their epic rivalry, which culminated with the Mexican knockment to this.

An instagram post by Box- ing the Filipino icon out cold in inghype shows the Mexican the sixth round of their last duel

in August 2012.

The 43-year-old Marquez recently announced his retirement from boxing. he leaves the sport with a record of 567-1, with 40 KOs. he defeated some of the best fighters in the divisions he competed, hauled several world titles, and is a first-ballot hall of Famer once he becomes eligible five years Photo uploaded by Boxinghype on its from now. n Instagram account

Comelec chief’s wife only...

PAGE A2 t she stole cash, GCs (gift certificates), ATM cards, and other financial documents belonging to myself and my family, many of which her lawyers embellished, doctored or fabricated,” Bautista said in a statement. he claimed that she tried to “extort” from him some P620 million as settlement for their divorce. he also alleged that his wife is having an extramarital affair.

Patricia, however, clarified that she only asked P260 million, not P620 million, as a “trust fund” for their four children.

She also denied having an affair with former commercial model Alvin lim, insisting that the two of them are only “very good friends” who work together.

She then cautioned Bautista for talking about infidelity. “if he wants to talk about infidelity i would be very careful if

PWC, domestic workers group...

PAGE A3 t “A lot of workers have just been fed up and have seen the success of others building up the courage to demand their rights,” said Versoza. “We’ve seen workers able to take the laws and information and raise their wages and establish overtime in their agencies.” however, issues like wage theft

remain problematic, which is why organizations like PWC and CDWC are using large collective campaigns to help educate and encourage families, individuals, and facilities to make sure caregivers are receiving the money and compensation expected.

“This is about changing the standards in the industry of how it operates,” said Versoza.

i were him. Again, i can defend whatever he throws at me. i don’t know if he can do the same,” Patricia warned.

On Wednesday, August 9, Bautista confirmed that he had filed criminal complaints against Patricia over her corruption allegations.

“We filed a case for grave coercion, for qualified theft and robbery, and also for extortion which is in the form of grave threats and life threats,” the Comelec chief told AnC in a separate interview.

(Dana Sioson/AJPress) Fairwinds’ administrator has told PWC and CDWC that they would respond within a week.

Until then, no public actions will be made by the organizations. if not followed through, PWC and CDWC plans to continue their public campaign of exposing the agency.

The Asian Journal has reached out to hand homecare Provider, but the company has not returned the calls. (Rae Ann Varona/AJPress)

Covered California expects 12.5% average...

PAGE A3 t “Any increase would be dangerous for us,” said Kory, who has no income while she cares for a daughter with developmental disabilities. her husband is freelancing while he looks for more stable work.

Despite Anthem’s sharp retrenchment, Covered California said that more than 80 percent of its consumers will have three or more insurers from which to choose. in some states, there are only one or two insurers left.

Charles Bacchi, president and chief executive officer of the California Association of health Plans, said he was pleased Californians will have multiple choices. But he noted that insurers are worried about what will happen to cost-sharing subsidies. “it has been a roller-coaster ride,” Bacchi said. “Unfortunately, we are getting close to the end of the ride when we have to decide what products we are going to roll out for open enrollment.”

About 650,000 Covered California enrollees — nearly half of the exchange’s total enrollment — benefit from cost-sharing subsidies, which lower their copays, deductibles and coinsurance.

The subsidies, paid directly to insurers, are separate from the tax

credits that reduce consumers’ monthly premium payments.

They’re available only to silverplan enrollees whose annual income falls between 139 percent and 250 percent of the federal poverty level — about $34,200 to $61,500 for a family of four.

An announcement on whether the Trump administration will continue to fund them, at least for another month, had been expected as early as this week. So far, Trump has let the subsidies continue on a month-to-month basis. But after Senate efforts to pass a repeal of the Affordable Care Act failed last week, he suggested in a tweet that he might pull the plug on them.

A federal appeals court decision late Tuesday, however, cast doubt on the president’s ability to do that on his own. lee said Covered California will decide by the end of August whether to apply the surcharge for cost-sharing subsidies next year.

State regulators need at least 60 days to review the rates and obtain public comment, and Covered California and health plans also need time to prepare for open enrollment, which begins nov. 1.

Current enrollees will have the option to start renewing their plans sometime in October.

if a decision is made to add the surcharge, there’s no going back for 2018, even if the federal government later decides to fund the subsidies, lee said. if the surcharge is applied, affected consumers wouldn’t bear the full brunt of the increase because their premium tax credits would increase as well.

Covered California plans to create a new silver plan to be sold outside the exchange for individuals and families who make too much money to qualify for tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. The surcharge will not be applied to that plan. lee also said Tuesday that the Covered California board will consider a proposal later this month that would allow participating health insurers to have a higher profit margin in the future should federal policy changes cause them to lose money next year.

Pauline Bartolone and Chad Terhune contributed to this report.

This story was produced

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

KHN’s coverage in California is funded in part by Blue Shield of California Foundation. n

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DATELINE PHILIPPINES

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Russia offers assistance to PH drug war, anti-terrorism efforts

by DANA

SIOSON

AJPress

RUSSIA has offered its assistance to the Philippine government in the latter’s campaign against terrorism, drug trafficking, and criminality.

Earlier this week, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano met with his counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

In a statement, Cayetano said both countries “agreed to fast track negotiations for pending bilateral agreements, particularly on military-technical cooperation, illegal narcotics, and law enforcement.”

According to him, Moscow’s offer to assist Manila is of “vital importance” to the Philippines, emphasizing Russia’s “great expertise, vast experience and modern equipment in dealing

with terrorism and other security concerns.”

Cayetano added that his counterpart requested him to convey to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that Moscow stands in “solidarity with his efforts to eliminate any extremist threat to your country and our appreciation for your solidarity with Russia’s fight against terrorism.”

Quoting Lavrov, the Philippine diplomat said that Russia believes that the fight against “terrorism is something that must unite all of us.”

In turn, Cayetano thanked Moscow for offering its help to improve the capabilities of the Philippines’ security forces in dealing with threats posed by Islamic State terrorist-linked groups operating in Mindanao.

He further expressed appreciation the Russian Ministry for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters’ offer to send a cargo aircraft carrying relief assistance for displaced families

in Marawi City.

The two diplomats also discussed trade and investment, education and research and other areas of cooperation that the Philippines and Russia could explore.

On Monday, August 7, Duterte met with top diplomats from the United States and Australia, the two countries that have been critical of his drug war because of the alleged human rights violations.

The chief executive, however, said that the diplomats have “considerably toned down” their criticism on the human rights situation in the Philippines.

According to Duterte, his discussions with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson revolved “mostly” around terrorism.

“They have considerably toned down on human rights,” Duterte said. “Nobody… mostly it was terrorism. But no one is asking me about human rights.

There’s no more.” ■

FIRST PEKAF-NCR TOURNEY. Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, chairman of the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF), presents the winners of the first PEKAF National Capital Region Arnis Invitational Tournament. Sgt. Mike C. Bañares of the Philippine Army and Police Officer 3 Leo Marquez of the Philippine National Police (PNP) won Gold and Silver in the Heavyweight Division, respectively. The two-day amateur competition last August 5 -6, 2017 held at the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) covered court and participated in by more than 400 competitors was in coordination with the ADMU Chapter of the Kali Arnis Martial Arts Organization.

Senate photo

Alvarez wants zero budget for CHR Budget cuts eyed to fund free tuition law

by JESS

DIAZ AND DELON PORCALLA Philstar.com

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez

MANILA - Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez wants the 2018 budget for the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) scrapped so it would be forced to close shop.

He told reporters during the budget hearing of the CHR for 2018 that personally, he is for giving the agency “zero budget because it is not doing its job.”

“They are not protecting the human rights of all Filipinos.

Philstar.com photo

They seem to be more concerned about the human rights of criminals, not the victims. That has been my observation,” he said in Filipino.

“Every time massacres are perpetrated, these criminals, these drug addicts, the CHR executives keep quiet. It’s like Christmas for them, just like ‘Silent Night’ – they have no comment,” Alvarez stressed, reeking with sarcasm.

The Speaker also noticed that the CHR has not actually been the bastion of justice as far as policemen and soldiers are concerned, even if these security forces also have human rights just like the more than 96 million Filipinos and not just the almost four million drug addicts.

“Now, if there are incidents where somebody dies and they believe it was extrajudicial killing committed by the police, they are really noisy,” Alvarez lamented.

“Why is that so? I thought human rights are for all? Why are they selective on whom to protect and whose rights to take care of? They don’t care about the rights of the victims of these criminals.”

The Speaker said the House of Representatives could not abolish the CHR, since it is a constitutional agency.

“But we can decide to not give it any budget,” he said.

by DANA

SIOSON AJPress

PHILIPPINE Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said next year’s proposed budget for other government agencies could be cut to fund the newly signed law granting free tuition for students of state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act 10931 or “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act” into law.

The proposed 2018 budget, which had been submitted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) last month, does not include the needed appropriation for the recently signed law.

“Kasi zero-sum game yan eh.

Fixed na yung total mo. (It’s a zero-sum game. Your total is fixed.) There will be some cuts here and there to accommodate additional requirements. But right now we have not yet decided how much,” Diokno said

during a Senate hearing.

R.A. 10931 aims to provide subsidies to students at SUCs, local tertiary schools, as well as institutions accredited with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

It also covers other charges, such as “library fees, computer fees, laboratory fees, school ID fees, athletic fees, admission fees, development fees, guidance fees, handbook fees, entrance fees, registration fees, medical and dental fees, cultural and other similar or related fees.”

Diokno said the free tuition policy will take effect next school year, regardless of the qualified students’ financial standings.

While the final figure has yet to be determined, the budget secretary earlier estimated that the policy would require a funding of P100 billion, which he said the government “cannot afford” for the moment.

The DBM is slated to meet

with the UniFAST Board, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TESDA, the president of the University of the Philippines, and members of the House appropriations committee and Senate finance committee on Wednesday, August 9, to discuss the budget for the free college education law.

Earlier this week, Duterte admitted that he was aware of the funding concerns when he signed the law.

“Kasi ang pag-approve ng Congress, alam naman nila walang pera. Eh pagdating sa akin alam ko man na walang pera. (When Congress approved, they knew we had no budget. I also knew we had no budget when I approved it),” Duterte told reporters in a chance interview.

Malacañang said the president signed the measure despite opposition from his economic team, believing that the long-term benefits of the bill would outweigh its hefty cost. ■

A6

AUGUST 11-17, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

General meeting

FEATURES

CONTRARY to popular opinion, none of the world’s top diplomats, who gathered in Manila on August 2-8 to attend the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, brought up the alleged spate of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

Not a single member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has indicated an interest to be briefed on the extrajudicial killings allegedly perpetrated by the current administration, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

It maintained that the Philippine government remains committed to combating the drug problem jointly with the ASEAN and the international community as Manila underscored the 10-nation bloc’s position on sovereign rights and responsibility of each country to decide on the best approach to address the drug menace.

Led by DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, ASEAN foreign ministers discussed the region’s progress on ASEAN-community-building efforts and its stance on critical political and security issues, with their 17 other dialogue partners from major powers, such as the U.S., Russia, Japan, and China.

“We were able to passionately argue our national interests but, at the same time, we put first regional interest to come out as friends with solutions to our problems,” Cayetano said in his opening speech.

Among the issues discussed were the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, resolution of disputes in the South China Sea, violent extremism and terrorism, and transnational crimes.

“If there is a single characteristic that makes our community truly unique and admirable, it is the existence of the peaceful settlement of regional disputes and on regional cooperation as the best, if not the surest means of achieving peace,” Cayetano added.

It was U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s first time in the Philippines as he represented Washington during the ASEAN meetings. During his courtesy call at Malacañang Palace, Tillerson met with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to discuss the PHU.S. alliance and their shared goals in addressing global terrorism threats and economic cooperation.

In return, Duterte thanked the United States for its assistance as he called himself its “humble friend” in Southeast Asia. The president also emphasized that there were no talks on human rights tions, ASEAN and its dialogue partners are moving forward to pursue higher goals. concerns during his meeting with Tillerson.

Now in its 50th year, the ASEAN community is Despite obstacles set by conflicts among na-

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

sure to meet its vision of becoming an alliance that has withstood the test of time, assuring regional peace and stability for its people. (AJPress)

Sanctuary cities that protect undocumented immigrants: Good or bad for Filipinos in America?

PRESIDENT Donald Trump ran on the The Fil-Am campaign promise that he would inten- Perspective sify the crackdown on illegal immigrants — and he is doing just that.

There are places in GEL SANTOS-RELOS the country, though, that have declared themselves as “sanctuary cities” to provide a safe haven for undocumented immigrants in their jurisdiction by limiting limit how local law enforcement can cooperate with federal immigration agents. Barely five days after taking office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at blocking federal funding to “sanctuary cities.”

This issue is very close to the heart of the Filipino-American community, as we have a lot of kababayans who are living and working in the United States without all the required immigration papers. Many of the sanctuary cities are densely populated areas across the United States with numerous Filipinos living within and their jurisdiction.

SAN FRANCISCO is among the about 300 “sanctuary cities” which have barred local police from helping federal authorities kick out any immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally.

To understand their policy and how they operate to provide a safe haven for undocumented immigrants, let me share with you the information provided by the city: In 1989, San Francisco passed the “City and County of Refuge” Ordi-

nance (also known as the Sanctuary Ordinance). The Sanctuary Ordinance generally prohibits City employees from using City funds or resources to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the enforcement of Federal immigration law unless such assistance is required by federal or state law.

In 2013, San Francisco passed the “Due Process for All” Ordinance. This ordinance limits when City law enforcement officers may give ICE advance notice of a person’s release from local jail. It also prohibits cooperation with ICE detainer requests, sometimes referred to as “ICE holds.”

These ordinances were last amended in July 2016. Under current law, City employees may not use City resources to: a) Assist or cooperate with any ICE investigation, detention, or arrest relating to alleged violations of the civil provisions of federal immigration law. b) Ask about immigration status on any application for City benefits, services, or opportunities, except as required by federal or state statute, regulation, or court decision. c) Limit City services or benefits based on immigration status, unless required by federal or state statute or regulation, public assistance criteria, or court decision. d) Provide information about the

HOUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and other supporters of the easy marriage dissolution bill just got another reason to facilitate matters for couples in discord: the claim of Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista’s wife Patricia that he had nearly a billion pesos in hidden wealth.

The election czar’s conjugal wealth and woes were brought to no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, himself no stranger to annulled unions. The Chief Executive turned marriage counselor to the Bautistas, reportedly eliciting tears from the husband.

But that didn’t stop the wife from paying a visit to the National Bureau of Investigation and swearing an affidavit detailing the alleged assets of her husband. The latter denied such wealth, though he didn’t declare, as others accused of ill-gotten gains did, that those who find the

from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement; 2) Block ICE from interviewing jail inmates; or 3) Fail to notify ICE of the pending release of criminal aliens in 48 hours ICE is seeking to deport.

THIS is now being challenged in court for the first time by the City of Chicago, another city with a big Filipino population. On Monday, August 7, Chicago filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice for what many sanctuary cities contend as “illegal bids to withhold public safety grants from so-called sanctuary cities.”

Chicago has received the grant funds since 2005, and as TIME has reported, the city has spent $33 million in grants to buy nearly 1,000 police cars in that 12-year period; it got $2.3 million last year. In addition to cars, funds were also used for radios and SWAT equipment.

CHICAGO’s ARGUMENT: “The government can’t “unilaterally” set new conditions that weren’t approved by Congress “and that would federalize local jails and police stations, mandate warrantless detentions in order to investigate for federal civil infractions, sow fear in local immigrant communities, and ultimately make the people of Chicago less safe.”

TIME reported that Chicago has been adopting sanctuary city policies since the mid-80s, and like San Francisco, “the city prohibits police from providing federal Immigration and Customs officials access to people in police custody, unless they are wanted

on a criminal warrant or have serious criminal convictions. Local police are also barred from allowing ICE agents to use their facilities for interviews or investigations and from responding to ICE inquiries or talking to ICE officials about a person’s custody status or release date.”

Chicago’s city authorities point out in the lawsuit that these policies help encourage the residents of the immigrant community to inform police when they are victims of crimes. “If Chicago submits to the Department’s demands, it will forfeit decades’ worth of trust and goodwill that its police force has built in the communities it serves…And as those decades of experience show, that kind of trust, once lost, is lost forever.”

Sessions responded: The Trump administration “will not simply give away grant dollars to city governments that proudly violate the rule of law and protect criminal aliens at the expense of public safety.”

“So it’s this simple: Comply with the law or forego taxpayer dollars.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are “sanctuary cities” good or bad for the Filipino-American community in America, and to the United States in general? *** Gel Santos Relos is the anchor of TFC’s “Balitang America.” Views and opinions expressed by the author in this column 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

Telling numbers at Comelec and Customs

Opinion

RICARDO SALUDO

release status or personal information of any individual, except in limited circumstances when law enforcement may respond to ICE requests for notification about when an individual will be released from custody. e) Detain an individual on the basis of a civil immigration detainer after that individual becomes eligible for release from custody.

WHAT is the rationale behind San Francisco’s adoption of the “sanctuary ordinance”?

“The Sanctuary Ordinance promotes public trust and cooperation. It helps keep our communities safe by making sure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel comfortable calling the Police and Fire Departments during emergencies and cooperating with City agencies during public safety situations. It helps keep our communities healthy by making sure that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel comfortable accessing City public health services and benefit programs.”

MORE cities in the United States have been urged by their residents to declare their cities as “sanctuary cities.” Since Trump became president, the apprehension, detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants — with or without criminal records — have spiked under his Administration.

Just last week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that sanctuary jurisdictions will lose access to certain federal law enforcement grants in 2017 if they: 1) Prohibit their local officials

purported money and property could have it all.

No matter. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre 2nd instructed the NBI to “conduct investigation and case build-up over the alleged failure to disclose pertinent information required in the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of Chairperson Andres D. Bautista contained in the affidavit of Mrs. Patricia Paz Bautista, including possible determination of violation of Anti-Money Laundering Law and other related laws.”

Last time a wife detailed conjugal property, a former comptroller of the Armed Forces, Gen. Carlos Garcia, was hauled before the Sandiganbayan. His missus and his son were caught

by San Francisco customs with far more cash in their luggage than the $10,000 amount requiring explanation where the money came from.

Mrs. Garcia then listed the family treasures in a signed declaration, which the U.S. government promptly shared with our Ombudsman. While she could

not be made to testify against her husband, her enumeration of bank deposits, real estate, and other assets accumulated on a general’s pay gave investigators a roadmap to find what the Garcias had stashed away.

If his wife’s testimony also leads to far more wealth than he had listed in his SALN, Chairman Bautista could perhaps explain his understated assets by saying they were tabulated by vote counting machines used in the provinces where candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lost to Vice President Leni Robredo.

Here comes the bribe Also feeling hugely uncomfortable this week are officials of the Bureau of Customs named by broker Mark Ruben Taguba as having received bribes from him, as he continued his testimony to the House committee on dangerous drugs.

Among the alleged BoC bribe takers were: Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Teddy Raval, district collector Vincent Philip Maronilla of the Manila International Container Port, di-

rector Niel Estrella of the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, director Milo Maestrecampo of the Import and Assessment Service and the Assessment and Operational Coordinating Group.

Somewhat luckier were nine others whose full names Taguba missed. What he gave them, however, he remembered clearly. For every cargo container released, he gave the following amounts: P3,000 for the port collector; P2,000 for the intelligence group, P500 eachfor the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service director, the Enforcement and Security Service Director, and the ESS Command; P1,000 for the container x-ray person, P10,000 each for cargo tracking Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista holds a press conference at the poll body’s Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban and the Import Assessment Ser- main office in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, Aug. 7. vices; and P7,500 for the sector million daily. for BoC’s bosses. One wonders if staffer.

And since President Duterte those named are now quaking in Assuming that only 100 con- aims to base his decision on their shoes—or making a mountainers go through this payola Customs Commissioner Nica- tain of hay before quitting time. system every day, just a frac- nor Faeldon on congressional And to think it all began when tion of the thousands released reports about the bureau, the a lady lawyer called the fourthby Customs, the grease would Taguba testimony sounds like an highest official in the land an range between P50,000 to P1 exit call, if not a trial summons “imbecile.” (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.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 11-17, 2017

A

Duterte son dragged into BOC corruption scandal

by Jess

Diaz Philstar.com

MANILA - The name of President Duterte’s vice mayor son has been dragged into the House of Representatives’ investigation on drug smuggling and corruption in the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Quirino Rep. Dakila Cua, ways and means committee chairman, told reporters that importer-witness Mark Taguba mentioned Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte in the course of the 12hour marathon hearing on the issue that lasted up to near-midnight on Monday, Aug. 7.

In a statement, the vice mayor said he does not want to dignify Taguba’s “lies” by explaining his side.

“Taguba admitted that his testimony against me was based entirely on rumors. Why would we entertain or believe hearsay?

One does not dignify lies with a response,” Paolo said.

Cua said they would have to ask Taguba to clear things up.

“He referred to him as vice mayor (of Davao City). We will clarify this with him, what was his basis, so we will know how to proceed,” he said.

He said if Taguba has solid basis in mentioning Vice Mayor Duterte, the House would consider inviting the presidential son.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who presided over Monday’s hearing as chairman of the committee on dangerous drugs, said it was upon the questioning of deputy speaker and Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo that Taguba referred to the President’s son.

“The witness told us that some of those he claimed to have bribed in Customs dropped the name of Vice Mayor Duterte, that they were collecting money for the President’s son,” Barbers told The Star.

“That’s hearsay, so I told him to be careful with pointing to and tainting people. His immunity will not save him from criminal charges,” he said, referring to the immunity from prosecution the House has granted Taguba.

It was learned that Quimbo was asking about the broker’s allegation that out of the P27,000 bribes he claimed to have given BOC officials, P10,000 or more than a third was going to “IAS” or import assessment service, while the others were supposedly getting only from P500 to P3,000.

It was at this point that Taguba

claimed the “Tita Nanie” to whom he was giving the P10,000 per container, informed him the money was intended for the “Davao group led by the vice mayor.”

“That’s only tsismis (rumor),” Quimbo told him, according to those who recounted the Marikina congressman’s questioning.

To which Taguba gave an affirmative answer.

Cua, whose committee is doing a separate investigation on the same BOC issues, said he would ask his colleagues to study the importer-broker’s testimonies.

“He has several inconsistencies.

He changed his mind on some of his statements. The amounts of bribes he supposedly gave to BOC officials also changed. We have to study these, which could be ground for revoking the immunity,” he said.

Official quits On Monday, Taguba pointed to several BOC officers as those he claimed were receiving money from him. The officials denied his accusation.

One of them, former Army captain Milo Maestrecampo, who headed BOC’s IAS, tendered his resignation.

“I may be a rebel, but I am not a thief. I am contented with my government salary,” Maestrecampo said.

In his resignation letter to President Duterte, Maestrecampo said he decided to resign out of propriety and to give his superiors a free hand in investigating the controversy.

The former Army captain, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and at least two other BOC officials are with the Magdalo group that participated in the failed Oakwood mutiny in July 2003.

“In order to fight for my honor and integrity and in the name of delicadeza, I hereby tender my resignation and submit to investigations in order to clear my name,” Maestrecampo said.

“I just want to show that I am not clinging to the position. If the President accepts my resignation, that is perfectly fine. But if he says ‘stay on’, I will,” he added.

The one-page resignation letter is addressed to President Duterte since he is a presidential appointee. The letter was sent through Faeldon and Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. On the alleged involvement of the “Davao group,” including Vice Mayor Duterte, Maestrecampo said he does not know who these people are. “I would want to go

Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte

deep into that because I want to clear the name of the unit and my name.”

“I know the implication every time you say Davao. But I am not afraid… With my appointment coming from President Duterte, I promised him not to fail him. I do not believe that President Duterte would want people to use Davao for their illegal activities because I believe that the President is serious about reforms,” he said.

“As far as I am concerned, my boss, my commander-in-chief per se are Commissioner Faeldon, Finance Secretary and the President. I do not have a boss who is a vice mayor or a mayor,” the former Army captain added.

It’s the turn of Cua’s committee to continue its hearing today. Cua said they have invited Richard Chen alias Richard Tan, Kenneth Dong and a certain Chris Bolastig.

Chen is the owner of the Valenzuela City warehouse where Customs agents seized P6.4 billion worth of shabu on May 25, two days after the shipment was released at the Manila International Container Port.

Based on Taguba’s testimony, Dong is his client who asked him to handle the cargo that contained the illegal drugs. Tabuga claimed he did not know the contents were shabu.

It was also Taguba who mentioned Bolastig, who is supposedly collecting money for Faeldon.

However, the broker-witness said he has not given Bolastig any money.

As corruption issues continue to bedevil the BOC, Sen. Sonny Angara called for the full implementation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) which, among others, imposes harsher penalties on delinquent BOC officials and employees.

(With Edith Regalado, Evelyn Macairan, Paolo Romero)

FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT THE SEASIDE. A fireworks display lights up the skyline of the SM Mall of Asia seaside in Pasay City on the fifth day of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Saturday, Aug. 5. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Duterte fires back at Aquino, Poe over drug war, cursing criticisms by auDrey

Morallo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte is not yet through blasting his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, following the ex-president’s critical comments on his drug war, but he also hit Sen. Grace Poe on Monday, Aug. 7 for admonishing him for cursing the former president.

Duterte said that Aquino’s remarks on the government’s war on drugs, his priority domestic program, shows that the former leader was “bereft of emotional stability.”

The president said that he was really sensitive to comments or statements on his war on drugs as it has already claimed the lives of dozens of security personnel. He said that he bore the responsibility for their deaths as he was the one who ordered their operations.

“That, I said, is a very sensitive issue to me because I ordered the raids at namatay yung mga pulis ang sundalo ko.

Kaya ako galit pagka-gawin mo lang small time yang... Buhay ang nakataya diyan, Noynoy, kaya nagalit ako sa’yo,” Duterte said.

He also questioned Aquino’s record on drugs as he claimed that many of the former presi-

dent’s generals were involved in the trade of narcotics.

“Ikaw lang ang presidente na may mga generals na nakasabit sa droga tapos magsalita ka ng ganun. Bigyan mo ako ng generals na nakasabit ng ganun, putulan ko ng ulo yan sa harap mo,” Duterte said, resorting to his usual tough talking.

He said that Aquino was insensitive to have claimed that nothing had changed in his first year in office.

“Kaya huwag ka magsalita ng ‘Ah walang nangyari.’ Sabi ko, gunggong ka. Bakit ka magsabi ng ganun? Bakit ikaw wala ka kasing emotion. When a person is bereft of emotional stability, ganun magsalita,” he said.

Duterte was reacting to the statement of Aquino that the number of drug users during his last year in office was similar to the number recorded during the president’s first year.

This is already the third occasion when the president blasted the former president over the statement.

Poe’s admonishment of the president’s cussing also did not sit well with the chief executive.

He said that if the Filipino people want someone who’s “prim and proper” she should have won as she was moneyed

and supported by the Catholic Church.

“Nagmumura na ako noong kampanya, sobra pa. Double the vulgarity of everything. Alam na ng tao yan na nagmumura ako.

Ngayon masama ang bunganga ko, masama ang ugali ko, nageleksyon tayo, saan ka pinulot?

Di Number Four. Sinong Number One? Ako,” he said.

Poe placed third behind Duterte and former Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas. Duterte did not win a majority of votes in last year’s election.

The president said that Poe won a Senate seat only because of her father, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. who unsuccessfully sought the presidency in 2004.

“You had the money, you had the aura of... father mo lang naman yung nag-senador sa’yo. Yung lang ang capital mo,” he said of Poe, a former chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

The president was visibly irate with Poe that he even claimed that the senator was a heavy smoker and drinker, something that many Filipinos do not know, he said. Neither are illegal activities.

Poe rebuked Duterte after he cursed his predecessor for his drug war criticism.

A

AUGUST 11-17, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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BUSINESSJ& COMMUNITY OURNAL Major changes in immigration law proposed by the Senate

IF you’ve watched the news, browsed a media website, perused a newspaper, or scrolled through social media newsfeeds in the last few days, chances are that you’ve heard about a new immigration bill recently introduced to Congress. If so far you haven’t paid too much attention to the proposals and nuances of the bill, it is now the time to listen and take appropriate action as the potential legislation could seriously impact you and your noncitizen friends and family members.

On Wednesday, August 2, President Trump appeared at the White House along with two U.S. senators to reveal the “Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act,” or the “RAISE” Act. The Act, which is aimed at reducing legal immigration by 50 percent within the next ten years, proposes significant cuts to family-based immigration and the refugee program. In addition, the Act seeks to implement a skills/ merit-based point system for employment-based immigration.

In regards to family-based immigration, the proposed legislation eliminates all family-based immigration categories except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Currently, as the law stands, U.S. citizens may petition their noncitizen spouses, parents (if the U.S. citizen is over 21 years old), and children under the age of 21 as immediate relatives, providing the noncitizen with immediate visa availability.

U.S. citizens may also petition their siblings as “non-immediate” relatives who are subject to limited visa availability. The law also currently allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition their adult children. However, under the proposed regulation, adult U.S. citizens would no longer be able to petition their noncitizen parents or siblings for a green card.

Further, U.S. citizens would no longer be permitted to petition their adult children and lawful permanent residents would no

Your Immigration Solution BRITTANY MILLIASSEAU AND NANCY MILLER longer be permitted to sponsor their unmarried adult children.

It should be noted that while the bill restricts adult U.S. citizens from petitioning their parents, it does create a nonimmigrant classification for parents of U.S. citizens which is rather restrictive.

Parents of U.S. citizens would not be eligible for work authorization or public benefits and their adult child would be responsible for arranging for health insurance coverage prior to visa issuance.

While it is uncertain whether this proposed legislation will actually become law, the clock on various avenues for immigrating family is ticking. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who want to bring their adult children, siblings, or parents to the U.S. should act now. Those who are eligible to naturalize should do so in order to be able to bring family members here while they still can. Don’t delay — consult with an experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorney as soon as possible to discuss family-based immigration options which may no longer be available in the near future.

The allocation of the 140,000 employment-based green cards issued annually was also addressed in the recent immigration bill. If the RAISE Act passes, the current employment-based immigration categories will be replaced with a skills/merit-based system whereby applications will be evaluated and ranked pursuant to a number of factors including English language proficiency, age, educational level, investment in a commercial U.S. enterprise, and achievements such as an Olympic medal or Nobel Prize. If you believe you may be qualified for an employment-

based petition such as a petition for an individual of extraordinary ability, multinational manager/ executive, or an outstanding professor/researcher, you or your employer should consult with competent immigration counsel to discuss your options before a highly competitive meritbased system is implemented.

Some additional changes outlined in the RAISE Act include the total elimination of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, or the “green card lottery” which currently awards 50,000 green cards to noncitizens from countries with low rates of immigration, as well as the reduction of the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. to 50,000 per year.

If the RAISE Act is passed by Congress, the president has indicated he will sign it. It will become law. If it does not, the bill gives a clear indication of what Congress intends for the future of immigration in the United States. In the past, when immigration laws changed, the old law was “grandfathered” to allow those who had filed before the change to still take advantage of the old law. There is no reason to believe that will not still be the case. But to be grandfathered, you have to have an existing petition. Anyone who has any interest in reuniting their family in the U.S. or who is thinking of immigrating through employment should contact a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer now. The clock is ticking. *** 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) 7958009 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)

Global smart city market to reach $1.5T

by REICELENE JOY IGNACIO ManilaTimes.net

THE global smart city market could reach to $1.5-trillion by 2020 and prove to be one of the biggest investment avenues for private investors and institutions, according to market consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan.

Smart Cities were defined as cities built on “smart” and intelligent” solutions and technology that will lead to the adoption of at least five of the eight parameters: energy, buildings, mobility, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, governance and education, and citizens.

“The capital-intensive task of transforming cities into seamless ecosystems is prompting governments to seamless ecosystems is prompting governments to explore revenue sources beyond internal bodies and join hands with financial intermediaries

and private investors,” Frost & Sullivan said in an analysis released late Thursday, August 3.

“With the rising connectedness of things and people, the global smart city market could expand to $1.5 trillion by 2020 and prove to be one of the biggest investment avenues for private investors and institutions,” it added.

Stakeholders in developing countries often resort to direct financing through government allocations or international grants, with the latter particularly dependent on political and economic stability.

Stakeholders in developed economies, on the other hand, rely more on revenue-based financing models.

“Stakeholders from both types of economies have found great value in adopting the public and private partnership model, even though the terms of agreement

may vary according to the region,” it said.

Frost & Sullivan said the creation of smart cities held wide implications for all industries offering public and private services, particularly in terms of energy, transportation, waste management, and water distribution.

In the Philippines, the Bases Conversion Development Authority has said that Clark Global City would be the country’s first smart city.

The BCDA has signed an angreement with Huawei to design the necessary information and communications technology infrastructure. The agency is also looking for Asian Development Bank assistance to link with providers of smart transportation technology.

Hitachi, meanwhile, is expected to provide a smart grid solution to Clark for clean power. ■

$70-M power projects to benefit from new EO

by DANESSA

RIVERA Philstar.com

MANILA - Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi expects at least $70 million worth of power projects to benefit from the recently signed executive order (EO) backing critical infrastructure.

Red tape and long waiting times are among the biggest hurdles being faced by investors

in Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Cusi said in his speech during the Asian Cooperation Dialogue Conference.

“That is why President Duterte has signed Executive Order 30.

This will make it easier for investors who want to build energy infrastructure in the Philippines by streamlining bureaucracy and removing time-consuming hur-

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Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi expects at least $70 million worth of power projects to benefit from the recently signed executive order backing critical infrastructure.

Senate PRIB/Joseph Vidal, file photo file photo

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

AUGUST 11-17, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Grace period for non-immigrant workers ON November 17, 2016, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued its final regulations entitled “Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High Skilled Non-immigrant Workers. This rule which took effect on January 17, 2017 provides two grace periods to certain nonimmigrant visa holders.

The rule provides a 10-day grace period at the start and end date of the validity period for E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, L-1 and TN nonimmigrant workers. Thus, a nonimmigrant worker under any of aforementioned categories will be allowed entry into the United States under their category at least 10 days before the start date of their validity period and will be allowed to stay here for 10 days after the expiration of the validity period without incurring a period of unlawful presence. Other nonimmigrant workers in the H-2B, H-3, O and P categories already enjoy a 10-day grace period under existing regulations.

The rule also provides a 60day grace period for E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 or

The CTV Files ATTY. DENNIS CHUA, ESQ. TN non-immigrant workers a grace period of 60 days upon the ending of their employment.

Prior to the effectivity of this rule, whenever nonimmigrant workers are terminated, they were immediately considered to have lost their non-immigrant status.

There was also no grace period for them to depart the United States. Thus, if a worker got terminated on a Monday, and was not able to book a flight home till Wednesday, then this worker would have been considered to have violated his non-immigrant status. The 60-day grace period now gives the affected worker more time to prepare and leave the country upon the cessation of their employment, and even gives them an opportunity to transfer to another employer or

to change his or her status during this 60-day grace period.

The 60-day grace period kicks in automatically upon the cessation of employment and there is no specific application or form that needs to be filed with the USCIS to avail of the grace period. The new grace period is a welcome development as it gives relief to the harsh consequences of work termination for these non-immigrant workers. *** Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV), a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila.

The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an inperson or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; Dchua@ctvattys.com. The CTV Attorneys will be at Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo on October 19, 2009 from 5pm to 7pm to hold a FREE legal clinic.

(Advertising Supplement)

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA IF you’ve been given the chance to restart a new life after you’ve gone through some life-changing, miraculous experience, such as surviving a horrific accident when everyone else perished, or finding yourself inexplicably healed from a deadly disease, then you’ll know what it feels to be given a reprieve.

It is a fresh slate, a clean paper, what the Greeks call a tabula rasa, on which you can begin writing your new story. Or if you use a computer, click on a new blank document and chase the cursor.

How does one use this new lease on life?

Most people lucky enough to be given a second chance, will quickly realize that this new lease can just be an extra few months or years, and in the most blessed scenarios, a decade or two. Each day beyond that critical turning point is a bonus, every single moment, a gift.

Sometimes, God mercifully knocks some sense into us through drastic means by throwing us a curve ball to bring us down on our knees so that we have no choice but to look above and beyond our own petty, selfish concerns and total self-involvement in order to grasp the concept of our own mortality and to know that we are here for a purpose.

We’re not here to merely consume resources or take up space.

We were not meant to spend the greater part of our lives posting or browsing through our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts.

Consider the fearsome dinosaurs. Grazing the earth for millions of years, that is essentially what they did — consumed resources and took up space. Not by intelligence but by sheer size and numbers, they had dominion over all other species for millions of years, until one day, as scientists try to explain their extinction, a rogue asteroid about 7 miles long, possibly got un-

Health@Heart

WE ARE

HIRING Asian Journal Publications is now looking for:

Customer Sales and Service Representative

PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS DOES aspirin protect us against cancer?

Yes, according to clinical studies conducted on patients taking daily aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) for conditions like arthritis, etc., or among heart patients taking aspirin to thin their blood to prevent blood clots and blockages in the coronary (heart) arteries. The findings show that those taking daily dose of aspirin (as low as 81 mg a day) have almost 43 percent lesser risk in developing pancreatic cancer, compared to those who do not take aspirin daily. More investigation is underway to find out the explanation for this apparent link, and also if aspirin similarly protects us against colon cancer, other malignancies and against other conditions. Indeed, our longtime household friend, aspirin, so commonly simple and inexpensive medication for the usual headaches and pains, is truly an amazing wonder drug.

How does wine protect our heart?

Wine, more especially the red variety, contains a chemical called Resveratrol, which has been found to be cardio-protective,

MD Beauty & Wellness SUSAN LIN, MD

Fax résumé to:

info@asianjournalinc.com

HAVE you been trying to lose weight over and over again with absolutely no success? Have you grown tired of continuous failures despite diet and exercise? Do you need to loss weight for health reasons? You are not alone, as over 65% of Americans (160 million people) are overweight or obese.

Did you know that most diets fail because most will lose fat and lean muscle? Loss of muscle mass results in slower metabolism and eventual weight gain.

Here are some interesting facts: 1. Emotional issues (stress, depression and anxiety) will cause a rise in cortisol and increase in abdominal girth.

2. People who skip breakfast are 450% more likely to become overweight and obese.

3. Current fast food trends result in less expensive and more fattening foods consumed.

4. With increase in age or imbalance of hormones (lower growth hormone, testosterone, DHEA) we can gain weight and

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Rewriting your own story

“A useless life is an early death.”– Goethe

hinged off its orbit in the asteroid belt, hit the earth with such impact, setting off a series of volcanic eruptions that covered the atmosphere with ash far above the stratosphere, so that sunlight could not penetrate through the haze for years, killing off the plant life, upsetting and destroying the food chain balance and effectively starving and wiping the dinosaurs off the face of the earth 65 million years ago.

Here is earth’s tabula rasa story — starting on a clean slate, a new lease on life. When the reptiles died, mammals, of which we are classified under, began their ascent. Human beings with purpose came to be.

Yet each man’s purpose is nebulous and not always obvious. Purpose does not come as clear as the light of day. We have to seek it out. Either by choice or circumstance, some exceptional ones find their purpose early enough and proceed to fulfill it.

But the great majority of people on the bell curve don’t have the nose to sense their true north. Most of us of the garden variety meander about our lives trying different things until we finally stumble upon it by trial and error. The annals of history are rife with such stories.

St. Paul, almost single handedly nourished the beginnings of the early Christian church through his numerous travels. But he didn’t start out that way. He was just as passionate about persecuting Christians before he was tapped from above to do a complete conversion.

Edwin Hubble, the great astronomer who lived in the nineteen twenties and for whom the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is named for his outstanding achievements in expanding our view of the universe, tried different things before finding out what he was meant to do. In college, he played championship basketball and even tried boxing.

After fighting in World War I, he studied law, tried lawyering for a year and obviously didn’t like it. Something must have

happened because he went back to college to study astronomy and finally found his footing and his purpose in life. That’s what most of us do. We try different lives, different hats, until we find the one that matches heaven’s purpose. Just don’t run out of time. No one wants to leave with unfinished business.

If our stations in life allow us the luxury of choice, then more than likely, we will be meandering too and trying different things before coming on board to the ship that will likely bring us to the port of our purpose.

Try reading all or portions of Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” written a few years back. Warren is the pastor of Saddleback Church in Orange County, California. His book continues to be received widely for its clear, well-structured and succinct explanation of what living with purpose means. True, its skewed towards his ministry but there are valuable truths about purpose and meaning to be gleaned by both the secular and spiritual, particularly in the early parts of the book.

We don’t really have to wait for something dramatic, traumatic or tragic to happen to get us on track to finding that purpose.

But do go to the right source.

Nix the harebrained ideas coming from most of the media about what that purpose might be.

When it comes to things that matter, most of the mainstream media has proven itself to be unworthy of trust. It pushes its own agenda of power that comes from profit.

Tune out of the external world and go deep within. If you pray hard enough and long enough and live in the silence for a little while, chances are, you’ll find it. You can then begin rewriting your own story on a new document page. ■ *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. m a g l a ya @ a s i a n j o u r n a l i n c . c o m

Aspirin: anti-cancer?

among other benefits of moderate and disciplined drinking. The recommended “dose” is one to two glasses of red wine with dinner. Exactly what mechanism is at play to protect the heart when Resveratrol enters our circulation is not totally clear, but clinical investigations have shown that red wine is good for our health. The one particular red wine that is supposed to contain the highest level of Resveratrol is Pinot Noir, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon.

The caveat is, of course, moderation and discipline.

What is the cause of stomach ulcers?

In the past, the medical community thought that stomach ulcers were caused by hyperacidity (high acid content in the stomach), by eating spicy food, alcohol ingestion, or even by prolonged hunger. This was what physicians and other healthcare personnel were taught, and the prevailing scientific opinion at the time. Today, we know better. The cause of majority of stomach ulcers is an infection, caused by H. pylori bug. When the researcher who discovered this initially presented his theory and findings to the world medical community, he was scorned and literally laughed at…until various independent and extensive laboratory and clinical studies proved

him right. He became a hero who had revolutionized the treatment of gastric ulcers, transforming this disease entity from a surgical illness to a medical condition manageable by pills, instead of by a knife in the operating room.

Why is the combination of viagra and nitrates fatal?

Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) is the very effective “anti-impotent” pill prescribed for male erectile dysfunction, whose chemical action allows the veins in the penis to dilate and fill with more blood to cause engorgement and erection, enabling the individual to successful penetration and intercourse. Nitrates are heart medications that also dilate blood vessels (arteries and veins in the heart and all over the body). When the blood vessels in the body are dilated “too much” (as the combination of Viagra and nitrates will do), the blood pressure of the person falls very low, and uncontrollably leads to shock, and death in some patients. Viagra is a very safe drug to take, as the millions and millions of men taking it could attest, as long as it is taken under the supervision of a physician and not taken by heart patients who are on medications that contain nitrates.

Are there medications without side effects?

increase in cortisol.

5. Men have genetically a higher metabolic rate and less body fat than women; they can lose more weight quicker then woman.

6. During pregnancy, if the mother does not eat enough to nourish the fetus, the HCG will provide adequate nourishment by obtaining calories from the mother’s fat reserves and feed the baby.

Good news! It might not be your fault. Slow weight retention over the years typically is a direct result of our body’s altered metabolism in additional to excessive caloric intake.

Our HCG diet plan starts with analyzing your weight loss needs and then we create a personal program to help you succeed!

The HCG diet plan embraces rediscovered science combined with a natural application to healthily readjust your body to make it work for you instead of against you.

The unique combination of medical weight loss with an allnatural approach to success is based on the use of HCG for weight loss results.

What is HCG? Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a pregnancy glyco-

protein produced in pregnancy that stimulates production of progesterone to allow the uterus to sustain a fetus. It is the indicator for a pregnancy test, and protects and nourishes the fetus by delivering caloric nutrition to fetus by obtaining nutrition from the mother.

The high levels of HCG that are produced during pregnancy have no negative effects on a pregnant woman’s body. In fact, doctors have used HCG for many years in order to help women experiencing hormonal issues or fertility problems. More recently, however, researchers have found that HCG shots can actually help the body burn more fat and can be used to aid in weight loss when combined with a healthy low calorie diet. HCG works on the hypothalamus gland in the brain to regulate thyroid, metabolic rate, adrenal glands and storage of fat, and target and mobilize stored nutrients within the fat cells by shrinking and draining these.

The FDA has approved HCG for fertility and numerous other medical purposes, but the FDA has not approved HCG specifically for weight loss.

HCG protocol includes a daily dosage of HCG and case man-

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HCG and weight loss

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‘RAISE ACT’ to eliminate most family petitions and create point system for employment green cards ON August 2, 2017, Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and David Perdue (R-GA) introduced the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act, which would create a skillsbased immigration points system, reduce the number of familybased immigrants, and void many existing family-based petitions.

Pres. Trump has wholeheartedly endorsed and supported this proposal, but we have to hope and pray it will never pass Congress, as its effects on bringing and uniting family members in the U.S. could be devastating.

Some key points of the Raise Act include: • Changes the definition of “child” from an unmarried person under age 21 to an unmarried person under age 18. Therefore, once your child reaches his or her 18th birthday, you could not petition them as a “child.”

• Eliminates parents as “immediate relatives,” meaning a U.S. citizen would no longer be able to petition his or her parents for a green card. Only spouses and minor children (under age 18) of U.S. citizens would be considered immediate relatives.

• Parents of U.S. citizen children (who are at least 21 years of age) would need to apply for a “W” non-immigrant/temporary visa, valid in five-year increments.

The parents would not be given work authorization, nor could they accept any federal, state, or local public benefits. The child would also have to provide proof of health insurance coverage “at no cost to the alien” during the parents’ entire time in the U.S. • Only spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens (immediate relatives) or green card holders would be eligible for family-based petitions.

Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ • Eliminates petitions for unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (F-1) unmarried adult sons and daughters of green card holders (F-2B), married sons and daughters of brothers and US citizens (F-3), and sisters of U.S. citizens (F-4).

• Invalidates/voids any petition being eliminated by the RAISE Act filed after August 2, 2017.

This means any petitions filed in the F-1, F-2B, F-3, or F-4 categories after August 2, 2017 would be invalidated, should this measure become law.

• Creates a points–based system for immigration through employment. Points would be awarded (sort of like a game show) based on such factors as age (the younger you are the more points), educational level (with doctorate degree scoring the highest points), English proficiency (the better you speak English, the more points you score), and whether the person is receiving a job offer at a high salary.

• Prohibits naturalization of a person, if they ever received certain public benefits while they were a green card holder and the sponsor on their affidavit of support has not reimbursed the federal government.

I want to emphasize this is merely a proposal, and is not yet law. However, this proposal aims to shift the focus of immigration from bringing families together to

a game show point system, focusing on employment-based petitions.

I would suggest people should FILE petitions for their family members as soon as possible, especially in those categories being targeted for elimination. I know this proposal talks about voiding petitions filed after August 2017, but that may never happen, because the petition would have been accepted for filing, the check for the filing fee would have been cashed, and a person would have already been holding an approved petition by the time the RAISE Act becomes a law. They cannot take the approved petition away from you. And I know some of these petitions can take many, many years before the visas are available. However, if you keep delaying filing a family based petition, and the category is eliminated, then your family member may no longer be eligible to immigrate based on your petition. *** 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 re-enactments) 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 attorney-client 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)

Pina’s US entry via Canada after a ‘wave through’ 16 years later, she still had to “wade through” 4 lawyers to get her green card

PINA entered the U.S. in January 2001 after she was “waved through” as a passenger in a minivan at the Canadian Border in Buffalo, New York. It was an easy entry. Shortly after, she found a job, and then she met the man of her dreams.

Next step was to get her green card. But that was not easy.

It was difficult to apply for “adjustment of status” because Pina was “not inspected” at the border.

The three lawyers that Pina consulted with were not able to do anything about her case, saying it was difficult or they tried

and the case was denied. In between consultations with the other lawyers, Pina consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel three other times, taking Atty. Gurfinkel’s strategies to the other lawyers. The reason Pina was reluctant to retain Atty. Gurfinkel was because she was under the impression that he was too “expensive.”

However, Pina’s long journey to acquiring her green card, made her realize with her husband John, that one gets what they pay for. For in the end, even if they took Atty. Gurfinkel’s “rec-

ipe” to another lawyer, the outcome did not work. The whole process still requires thorough research, analysis and attention to detail in the final presentation — something the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel was able to accomplish, enabling her to obtain her green card.

Watch and learn the differences between Provisional Waiver, Wave-Through, and Inspection, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” –– on Sunday 6:15 p.m. PST/EST (9:15 p.m. EST thru select Cable/Satellite providers).

(Advertising supplement)

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 11-17, 2017

Calendar of Events across

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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 AU G U ST 1 2

Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California’s annual picnic in El Monte, CA The Silliman University Alumni Association of Southern California invites alumni, their family and friends, to its annual picnic and membership meeting on Saturday, August 12, at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Picnic Area D #9 ((near Legg Lake area with free parking for the early birds). The address: 750 S. Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733, 10 a.m. to sundown. For more information call: Jessie Mario Duran 626.715.2525, Joji Amparo 909.991.8919, and Zeny Duran Bennett 626.824.3595.

AU G U ST 1 3

University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) Induction Ball in Whittier, CA The Univeristy of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA) will hold its Induction Ball on August 13, 2017 Sunday at the Double Tree by Hilton - Whittier on 7320 Greenleaf Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602. Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz will swear in Mutch Carino as President of UPAAGLA for 2017-2019, together with the newly elected officers composed of Ethel Rubio (President-Elect), Nati Matitu Mercado (1st VP), Evelyn Andamo (2nd VP), Joy Angeles (Recording Secretary), Yvee Tadeo-Guevara (Corresponding Secretary), Gil Guinto (Treasurer), Melette Lampino (Assistant Treasurer), Dick Cu (Auditor), Benny Uy (PRO) and Bobby Canseco (IT Officer). The 2017-2019 UPAAGLA Board of Directors are Ivy Manalang, Atty. Mary Lyn Sanga, Ellery Atienza, Mary Trinidad, Sonny Gancayco, Annie Nepomuceno, Mary Drees, Jess Espanola, Bob Shroder, Carina Slepian, Ivy Cosio-Bautista, Ellen Gomez, Relson Banas, and Angie Alvarez. The advisers of UPAAGLA are Dr. Arnel Joaquin, Vicky Gancayco, Jazmin Gaite, Alma Onrubia, Frank Mamaril, Doris Maligalig, and Sonja Menor. Red carpet arrivals and No Host Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m.

Program and dinner start at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, sponsorships and souvenir program advertisements, please call Dick Cu (562) 547-0560.

AU G U ST 1 2-1 3

24th annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco, CA The Pistahan Parade and Festival is an international celebration of Filipino community, culture and cuisine. Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and cuisine at the Yerba Buena Gardens. On Saturday, August 12, the Pistahan Parade will feature elaborate floats, marching bands and colorful contingents as it marches down Market from Civic Center to 4th St. The festival will include live entertainment, popular balut eating contest, delectable Filipino cuisine, cultural exhibits, hands-on workshops for kids and adults. It will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. Admission is free. For more information, please call 415. 625. 3976 or visit http://www.pistahan.net.

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Philippine Madrigal Singers to perform in Northridge, CA Philippine Madrigal Singers in Concert on Saturday, August 19 is the long-awaited return to Los Angeles of the world-renowned prize-winning choir. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) located at 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. The theatre is part of CSUN, and tickets are $70, $55, and $40 online anytime at www.ticketmaster.com. Special student pricing is available only in-person at the VPAC box office, call or visit (818) 677-3000 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Tour information at www.musicartsevents.com.

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Philippine Madrigal Singers in Loma Linda, CA An Evening with the MADZ on Sunday, August 20 is an opportunity to hear the awardwinning first-ever two-time European Grand Prix winning choir, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, at Campus Hill Church, 11057 Hill Dr Loma Linda CA 92354. The performance is at 7 p.m. $40 General Admission, $20 Child/Student. For tickets, call Ephraim Dela Cruz at (909) 831-4225, Marjorie Ann Reyno-Huynh at (909) 965-6936 or Nemuel Enriquez at (323) 2290506.

Filipino Cultural School’s summer program graduation ceremony in Cerritos, CA The Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will be holding its graduation ceremony on Sunday, August 20, starting promptly at 1:30 pm to be held at Cerritos Park East. The graduation will celebrate and honor 100 plus students, ranging from ages 4 to 18, who have gone through this seven-week summer school program learning about the Filipino and Filipino-American culture. Graduation highlights the different lessons that the students have learned from their Dance, Music, and Halo-halo (merger class of history, language, and lifestyle) classes. The students will also be honored for their dedication and enthusiasm in learning their heritage.

It will be held at the California Room of Cerritos Park East (13234 E 166th St, Cerritos, CA 90703). Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children (10 or younger). Light refreshments are included. The last day to reserve and pay for tickets is August 15 at 11 p.m. No tickets will be sold during the day of graduation. Payment options include: Checks, Cash, Credit Card, Venmo and Paypal. Ticket Reservation: http://tinyurl.com/fcsgrad2017. Please visit at filipinoculturalschool.org to learn more about the program. For any questions or concerns, contact FCS at filipinoculturalschool@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 1-4

AFTER ENTERING THE US IN THE BACKSEAT OF A MINIVAN, PINA’S NEXT HURDLE WAS HOW TO LEGALIZE HER STATUS. Pina (center) entered the U.S. in 2001 through the Canadian border, while seated in the back seat of a minivan. Border patrol asked the driver a few questions, but never spoke with Pina, and let them pass through.

Pina was petitioned by an employer, and eventually married her U.S. citizen husband, John (left), who also petitioned her. Both cases were denied based on the way she entered the U.S. Although she consulted with Attorney Gurfinkel several times, she retained other attorneys, and her case was denied.

She finally retained Attorney Michael Gurfinkel, who was able to obtain her green card through “provisional waiver.” Watch how Attorney Gurfinkel came to the rescue, and help Pina achieve her American dream, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising supplement)

Business News

TALAVERA Philstar.com

MANILA - The Philippines is banking on its sports tourism potential to host a regional triathlon competition next year, the tourism department said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it would host the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship 2018 next year, along with the Tourism Promotions Board.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said the Ironman triathlon has branded the Philippines as a crown jewel of sports tourism in Asia.

“Such events mark the Philippines as a go-to destination for sports tourism in Southeast

Asia,” Teo said.

Over the weekend, the Philippines hosted the 2017 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3, one of biggest and most complete triathlon exposition in the AsiaPacific region, which was held in Mactan, Cebu.

A total of 2,782 triathletes from 52 countries registered for the event, which includes a roster of former world triathlete champions, rising stars, and mere physical buffs.

Among the notable participants this year are former champions Tim Reed (Australian), Caroline Steffen (Swiss), Kim Kilgroe (FilAussie); and Filipino champions August Benedicto and Leanne Szeto.

Come and celebrate with RMCHS alumni and guests for the third biannual international homecoming. Sing, dance, party, share precious memories and join the fun from Friday, September 1 to Monday, September 4 at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103. Join the golf tournament in the morning of Saturday, Sept.

2 and then wear your best (black and white) for a dinner dance later that evening. Make this event an opportunity to reunite with your own batchmates, watch a show, visit tourist spots, and stroll along the Las Vegas Strip. For more information, visit the RMCHS 2017 INTL REUNION Facebook page.

O C TO B E R 1 4

PH to capitalize on sports tourism

by CATHERINE

Ramon Magsaysay (Cubao) High School international reunion in Las Vegas

A number of local celebrities also registered for the event including Matteo Guidicelli, Kim Atienza, Bubbles Paraiso, Dyan Castillejo, Paul Jake Castillo, Ivan Carapiet, Piolo Pascual, Jake Cuenca, Kim Chui, Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee and Xander Angeles.

Teo said this year’s Ironman event begins the banner year for sports tourism in the country.

“Such events rake in tourism earnings for our people as well as become excellent participative sports and fitness venue for all as there are some local and international celebrities who participate. One benefit is that each participant spends

26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture in Echo Park Save the date! The 26th annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) hosted by Advancement of Filipino American Arts and Culture (FilAm ARTS) is back at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 14. Expect a whole day filled with art exhibits, entertainment, and Fil-Am vendors. More details and special guests to be announced. For more information, please visit: http://www.filamarts.org/.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com

$70-M power projects to...

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dles to investments,” he said.

The EO provides that government agencies concerned with energy projects should presume other agencies were able to act upon and issue their respective permits within a 30-day period.

“This will change the way we u PAGE CJ5

process our energy projects. No longer will it take up to three years for an agency to respond to a proposal for a project. Instead, these agencies must act on a proposal within 30 days, otherwise, the proposal is deemed approved,” Cusi said.

“This executive order will see

energy projects amounting to at least $70 million being classified as projects of national significance as well as mandate the streamlining of permitting process of all government agencies under the Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC),” Cusi said. ■

CJ

AUGUST 11-17, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Gov’t eyes additional P1-B in ‘sin’ tax take a month

by Ben

de Vera Inquirer.net

AS a result of its tough stance against cigarette manufacturer Mighty Corp. for alleged tax evasion, the government would collect an additional P1 billion in “sin” taxes monthly, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said.

“Please accept my warmest commendations for the great work the Bureau of Internal Revenue has done in the case of Mighty. Assiduous investigative work and effective enforcement broke what could be the biggest instance of tax fraud in our country,” Dominguez said in a speech during the BIR’s 113th anniversary last Wednesday, August 2.

“As a result of the BIR’s decisive action against Mighty, we now expect revenues from sin taxes to increase by P1 billion a month,” Dominguez added.

The BIR had filed in the Department of Justice three tax evasion cases against Bulacanbased Mighty and its top executives for a total of P37.9 billion in unpaid excise taxes due to alleged use of fake tax stamps.

In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Duterte ordered the Department of Finance

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and the BIR to accept Mighty’s tax settlement offer of P25 billion and the term that the firm “will no longer engage in the tobacco business.”

Homegrown Mighty is the second biggest cigarette manufacturer in the country after PMFTC Inc., the joint venture of tycoon Lucio Tan and global giant Philip Morris International.

But the president said “the acceptance of the tax settlement offer does not preclude other criminal charges against the company that the BIR may decide to file.”

The government decided to settle with Mighty as it wanted “to avoid a long court battle that, as we saw in previous cases, could take years to resolve,” the president said.

The tax settlement amount will be funded by the sale of Mighty’s assets and distribution network to the Philippine unit of Japan Tobacco International.

Dominguez had said the government was expecting to collect up to P30 billion, including value-added tax, from the settlement with Mighty.

The government had already accepted an initial P3.44-billion payment from Mighty and JTI. While Dominguez said “ciga-

Business news

Grace Philstar.com

Inquirer photo

Aspirin: anti...

No, there is no medication, not even vitamins or aspirin,that are totally devoid of potential side-effects, good or bad. This is the reason why we do not recommend (and are very much against) selfmedication, even with over-thecounter drugs.

Do we really need sleep?

Many times, we hear people (young and old) claiming that they do not need sleep, or that an hour or two was enough sleep for them. It is unhealthy not to have adequate sleep. While there is no magic number, having at least 8 hours of a restful sleep is considered good for the body. This brief “hibernation” gives our body time to recharge and repair itself, and boost our immune system. With inadequate sleep, our body functions less than optimal, our brain and other organs less efficient, and our disposition a bit cloudy and irritable. Those who have enough restful sleep also feel and look better, and are more pleasant, positive and produc-

EMPLOYMENT

tive. On the other hand, sleeping more than 10 hours daily (except for babies and young children) does not confer extra benefits, and might even make one lazier and more sluggish.

Why does blood not clot inside our body?

This is one of the wonders of our body, which is replete with various multi-layer defensive mechanisms (and offensive ones against bacteria, viruses and other intruders or potential diseases or injuries), mediated by chemical reactions within us, all aimed at protecting us and keeping us healthier by constantly maintaining homeostasis (physiologic balance within our body). Blood circulating in our arteries and veins does not clot because we have natural built-in anticoagulant (anti-clot) substances produced by our body. Also, the smoothness of the endothelium (lining of the inner wall of the blood vessels), which contains negatively charged protein, repels the clotting factors and platelets

‘Free tuition to put pressure on budget deficit’

by Mary

rette manufacturing had always been a troublesome sector as far as collecting proper taxes is concerned,” the Finance chief was optimistic that this would become “smaller problem in the future because of the new tools for surveillance and documentation of tax payments to be employed by the BIR to help run after tax cheats.”

“At the moment, we are collecting more sin taxes than projected. This is a good sign. It is a tribute to the men and women of our revenue agencies. Remember that much of the money collected in sin taxes goes to improving health services for the country’s poor,” according to Dominguez.

With higher excise rates slapped on alcoholic drinks and cigarettes under a unitary system since January, total sin tax collections grew 5.44 percent year-onyear to P60.047 billion in the first half, the latest BIR data showed. n

to maintain the fluidity of blood.

These chemicals keep our blood “just right,” not too thin for us to have spontaneous bleeding and not too thick to produce clotting and blockages in our blood vessels. Our lifestyle (including smoking or medications we take) could adversely affect this homeostasis and throw it helterskelter. When this homeostasis is off-balance, an unphysiologic condition ensues and an ailment (DIS-ease) develops.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Padin

MANILA - The new law providing universal access to tertiary education might put pressure on the government’s budget deficit ceiling unless the government raises more revenues or cuts down on other costs, the Department of Finance (DOF) said last Friday, August 4.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government would need to implement revenue-generating or saving measures in order to implement the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act without exceeding its fiscal deficit ceiling of three percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

“Any expenditure without the corresponding identifiable revenue will put a squeeze on the budget deficit at the percentage allowed. In our case, three percent is actually a very hard ceiling. Anything you spend more, it has to come out from something – either you raise more money or you cut other expenses,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez cited the Rightsizing Bill currently pending in the Congress as one measure that may be able help cover the expenses needed for the provision of free tuition fee in state universities and colleges.

“Rightsizing is good, maybe this rightsizing (bill) will pay for something like this,” the finance chief said.

Assuming 38,294 of general servants are removed under the

PAGE CJ2t

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government would need to implement revenuegenerating or saving measures in order to implement the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act without exceeding its fiscal deficit ceiling of three percent of gross domestic product.

for the program in the first year of its implementation can be sourced from the 2018 national budget. If not, he said the agency may consider asking for supplemental budget.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, assured that it would tweak the 2018 budget to accommodate the expenses needed for the free tuition law.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, appropriations committee chairman, said among the sources of funds being eyed for the free education in SUCs are the allocations for underperforming agencies, as well as unused and unnecessary appropriations like those for travel, training, and seminars.

Sen. Franscis Escudero, meanwhile, said the amount needed to fund the free tuition, miscellaneous and other fees of students in SUCs alone would only cost P20 billion.n

per day. Once the weight loss goal is reached, one continues to eat healthy for three additional weeks to maintain the result.

The recommendation is to always try to eating healthy and increase exercise. If you find that you cannot control your weight despite your best efforts, seek qualified medical professionals to see if HCG weight loss is an option for you.

has been an Expert Review for the Medical Board of California since 2004. Dr. Lin is responsible for creating MD®, a collection of innovative hair, skin and wellness products utilizing the latest in anti-aging technology; her products are currently sold in over 26 countries. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lin, please call (650) 340-7546 and look for Rowena. MD Laser & Cosmetics Center is located at 448 N. San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401. Visit the website at www. mdlaserandcosmetics.com. *** The information presented in this column is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute a client-doctor relationship nor is it intended to provide treatment for any particular medical case.

Please consult a physician or licensed doctor before embarking on any form of treatment.

(Advertising supplement)

HCG and weight...

agement by a medical team.

High doses of vitamin B and amino acids are also injected to *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac help the liver metabolize fat. It Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana is theorized that HCG permits and chairman of cardiac surgery from the breakdown of approximately 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University 2,000 calories from fat, thus alHospital, where he holds the title of lowing a person sufficient caloPhysician Emeritus in Surgery, is based ries and, as a result, not feel in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of hungry. Because a person is the American College of Surgeons, the eating healthy protein and vegPhilippine College of Surgeons, and the etables during the course of Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical treatment, after the second day Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino he/she will feel energized, sleep United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) better and think clearer. Realhumanitarian foundation in the United istic expectation of fat loss for States. For more data, visit philipSchua. women are half pound per day com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com and for men one pound fat loss

*** Dr. Susan Lin is the founder of MD Laser & Cosmetics Center in San Mateo, CA. A noted author in the field of medical aesthetics, Dr. Lin has been has been on a quest since 1991 for the latest medical breakthroughs for health and wellness for people of all ages and backgrounds. She

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

SERVICES

DOF file photo

rightsizing program, the DBM estimates it would cost the government P54.63 billion for the separation incentives and terminal leave benefits of these employees.

This is more than half the P24.28 billion that would be saved from the implementation of the program.

The DBM, however, assured that it could recover the losses in two years and three months.

Earlier, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the free SUC tuition law, signed by President Duterte last Aug. 3, would be implemented starting school year 2018 to 2019.

Diokno said the government has yet to come up with an estimate on how much the program would cost. But initially, government estimates put the required cost of the program at P100 billion.

The budget chief said the DBM would assess if the funds needed

(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • AUGUST 11-17, 2017

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People & Events

Pilipino dance troupe honors dying cultural traditions in 25th anniversary celebration The show, named Karangalan, it is the Pilipino word “honor.” LIKHA is hoping to fly in renowned performers and cultural bearers from the Philippines to dance on stage, but tourist visas could be in question due to the turbulent environment in the south Philippines, and tensions in the SAN FRANCISCO — The from the 7,000 island archipelago United States. LIKHA hopes viLIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble on September 24 and 25th, 2017 sas are granted in time for these (likha.org) is putting on a spec- at the Palace of Fine Arts in San masters of music, art and dance to perform in San Francisco. Even tacular display of ancient dances Francisco.

Residents can leave a lasting mark on Concord’s history IN celebration of Concord’s Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary next year, businesses and residents have a unique opportunity to become part of Concord’s history by purchasing their own custom-engraved brick that will be built into a patio surrounding the new, life-size bronze statue of one of the city’s founding fathers, Don Salvio Pacheco, in Todos Santos Plaza.

The statue will be designed by a Northern California artist, fabricated here in the Bay Area, and officially unveiled during the July 4th Celebration in 2018. Don Salvio Pacheco will stand proudly just inside the Grant Street corner entrance of Todos Santos Plaza for generations to come.

“Whether you order a brick as a tribute to your family, as a memorial for a lost loved one, or as an homage to your hero, your name and sentiment will become an integral part of our historical celebration of Concord,” says Lisa Fulmer, President of the Concord Art Association and a member of the Concord Sesquicentennial Committee.

An engraved brick costs $150 – one dollar for each year since Concord’s founding.

Visit the Concord Historical Society website, www.concordhistorical.org for details and to place an order online. The deadline for ordering bricks is Dec. 31, 2017.

A limited number of Sesquicentennial sponsorship packages that include additional benefits are also available for local organizations, small to medium businesses, and large corporations. Information about those opportunities is also available on the Concord Historical Society website.

The Concord Sesquicentennial Committee, sponsor of this historical public art project, is led by the Concord Historical Society and includes representatives from the City of Concord, Concord Art Association, Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, Todos Santos Business Association, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, as well as many individual volunteers. Email questions to the committee at concord150@concordhistorical.org. A portion of brick sales proceeds will be donated to the Concord Historical Society. ■

if these performers can’t make it to the U.S., LIKHA will still honor their life’s work on stage.

Some of the performers LIKHA hopes to bring to San Francisco have helped shape the arts landscape in the Philippines. They include Kalinga educator Cirilo Bawer, Ethnochoreologist Earl C. Pasilan of the Yakan, National artist of the Philippines Ramon Obusan and many others. In their honor, LIKHA is performing signature pieces from their repertoire.

Dances include the Banga dance, where women balance several pots on their heads, to

the Semba dance, which seeks permission from local spirits to approve a dwelling or to get guidance in fishing and planting.

“We are no one without our culture and traditions,” said Rudi C. Soriano, who founded LIKHA in 1992. The dance ensemble has 19 productions under its belt, plus several international tours and nine appearances at the acclaimed San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.

Tickets to the 25th anniversary performance can be bought through eventbrite.com.

About The LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble:

The LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble was founded by Rudi Soriano, a former dance soloist with the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company. The ensemble celebrates the power of dance and music as well as the beauty of the Philippine culture. Soriano has grown LIKHA, which means “creation” in Tagalog, into a full-blown arts organization with workshops, programs, collection and curation, and performances, which seeks to preserve the music, literature, dance, arts, crafts, instruments, and native dress of the Philippines.■

PH to capitalize on Sports...

PAGE CJ4t

about $3,000 and brings in three more companions as this is a lifestyle activity,” Teo said.

Ironman triathlon’s course starts at the Newtown on Mactan Island where athletes battle it out for T1’s swimming. T2’s bike race traverses four cities of Cebu province forming the M-Loop for a headwind of urban Cebu. Finally, the running portion along Punta Engano has thousands of townsfolk cheering up to the last participant of the marathon race.

The said race tests a person’s endurance and speed by overcoming brutal physical efforts, which is why triathletes undergo intense workout before competing.

“Even its sprint or beginner’s version of half mile swimming, 12.4 miles cycling and 3.1 running, Ironman 7.30 has been a prelude to this multiple-stage competition, which has gained worldwide participation,” the DOT said.

Moreover, the tourism department said the Philippines is not far behind from some of the world’s best known triathlon destinations such as France, Norway, the UK, Australia, and the US cities of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas as well as the states of Hawaii and Florida.

“With almost 3,000 triathletes participating in the Cebu Ironman, it is not far behind in terms of total numbers like 4,000 to 8,000 participants yearly for these favorite triath-

lete destinations,” the DOT said.

Cebu has been recognized by international tourism publications such as Conde Nast traveler magazine as well as by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the world’s top island destinations, with more than a hundred tropical islands within the larger Philippine archipelago of 7,107 islands.

“It has its own distinct attractions which fit any triathlete’s needs, wants, and expectations for a meaningful and memorable travel experience – the refreshing coastlines, fine sand beaches, picturesque islands, native cuisine, local handicrafts, invigorating spas, diverse shopping, exciting nightlife topped by the talents and natural warmth of the Cebuanos,” the tourism department said.

Apart from the Ironman Asia

Pacific Championship event next year, the Philippines is also set to host the a special edition of the Ironman race the Century Tuna Ironman Philippines.

According to Wanda Sports Holding Company, the global owner of the Ironman series, The Century Tuna Ironman will be held in Subic, Bay on June 3, 2018, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the first Ironman 70.3 event in the Philippines, which took place in Camarines Sur on August 23, 2009.

“The growth in popularity of Ironman triathlon in the Philippines is set to continue through this new addition as Subic Bay has become a destination for local and international IRONMAN athletes over the years,” Wanda sports said. ■

CJ

AUGUST 11-17, 2017 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Friday, August 11, 2017

SF2

cover story The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 11, 2017

CHESS GRANDMASTER WESLEY SO

MAKING IT TO THE TOP THROUGH SKILLS, HARD WORK AND DEDICATION BY

NATHALIE ROBLES / AJPRESS

IT all turns deadly after the first handshake.

Silence all throughout, bowed heads and downcast eyes, not out of dismay, but out of concentration. Every piece is essential, every move, crucial.

Under scrutiny, each motion is analyzed, and what comes next is highly anticipated. There is no room for even the slightest error in this game, as miscalculation screams defeat. And defeat is one’s end game.

This is Wesley So’s environment. At 23, he is now the second best chess player in the world. Considered one of the youngest grandmasters on the planet, his position in the chess world proves that mastery and skillfulness lie not on age, but on dedication and ability.

In the Philippines, So started playing chess when he was 6 years old. With an incredible skill at such a young age, he was normally seen roaming around

the community daring people to play with him.

“I started as a kid then kept working at it,” told the Asian Journal.

He did work — real hard.

At age 9, he acquired his very first major tournament victory in the 2003 Philippine National Chess Championships.

A win year after year During the 2004 6th Asian Age-Group Chess Championship, So received gold medals for both standard and rapid chess under the individual category, and silver on the team category. He was also 13th place in the World Youth Chess Championship in Greece that same year.

In 2005, So won gold awards in standard, rapid, and blitz chess under the individual category at the 7th ASEAN Age-Group Chess Championship in Thailand. Aside from that, he also tied in first place at

the World Youth Chess Championship in Greece. He also won ninth place in the 12th Nice Open International in France and was declared best among under — 12 players in Masters/ Challengers International Open Tournament in Singapore.

In 2006, he was awarded his first Grand Master (GM) norm, a title signifying a high level of performance in a chess tournament at the Offene Internationale Bayerische Schach Meisterschaft in Bad Wiessee, Germany.

The following year, So gained his second GM norm during the World Junior Chess Championship, later that year, he achieved his third in the 3rd Pichay Cup International Open in the Philippines.

So went on to became the youngest National Junior Open Chess Champion in 2007, wherein he was awarded with a gold medal on board one, at the World Under16 Team Championships.

Sacrifice, discipline and dedication At 14, Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE) or World Chess Federation, the governing body for international chess competitions, labeled him Grandmaster, making him ninth youngest grandmaster in history and was then the strongest player in the world under 16.

“To be on this level is a full time commitment not an easy ride,” So told the Asian Journal in an interview. Adding that sacrifice and discipline are two key factors in his conditioning, he explained that unlike

majority of people his age, he rarely engages himself online.

“I do not use social media and I stay off the internet,” he said.

“I work every day on the board and have some form of physical exercise every day. I do not use social media and I stay off the internet. Time is very precious and I have a lot to learn. The wise use of time is critical to being the best you can be.”

The grandmaster also utilizes his schedule in the best way possible. “Time is very precious and I have a lot to learn. The wise use of time is critical to being the best you can be.”

In 2008, during the ASEAN Masters Chess Circuit Grandmaster Tournament in Indonesia, So won fourth place this was followed by a Battle of Grandmasters in his home country, the Philippines of the same year. He also went to UAE for the 10th Dubai Open Chess Championship and 2008 JAPFA Chess Festival wherein he both got first place.

Out of 73 players in the 2nd Philippine Open International Chess Championship, Wesley So was ranked 10. Also, he won second place in the 1st Subic Bay International Open Chess Championship.

Despite his titles and achievements, humility still stems out of the chess grandmaster as he described the love he has for the sport.

“They say this sort of work is not something you choose, it chooses you. I am grateful to be chosen,” he said. “It (chess) is my job and I am good at it and the people I work with treat me

Photos courtesy of Antonio Milesi for Wesleyso.com

with respect. It is an arena I am comfortable in.”

During the 37th Chess Olympiad in Turin, Italy, So became the youngest Filipino International Master and the youngest member of the national men’s team.

So acquired a gold medal during the World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad in the individual category, followed by a tie for second best in Vietnam’s 1st Dragon Capital Chess Open or also known as 1st ASEAN Grand Prix all in 2008.

Willpower and dedication strongly emanates from the Chinese-Filipino chess player. He frequently exercises calm and tranquility that even stress cannot tear down.

“I am not a person who gets stressed easily. It rarely happens to me. I think prepare well and get your work done and no reason for stress,” he shared In 2009, he won first place

for the 71st Corus Chess in Netherlands wherein he was given the Beste Jone Talente award. He also won the Battle of Grandmasters in the Philippines and became the top junior winner for Aeroflot Open in Russia both in 2009 and 2010.

The following year, he won in NH Chess Tournament Rising Stars vs Experience and he acquired silver medal for the Team Philippines on the 16th Asian Games in China.

It was in 2011 when he was awarded with a gold medal during the 26th Southeast Asian Games by finishing undefeated with 9 points in the Blitz chess competition.

He was first place in Blitz chess and was undefeated in all 18 games during the 11th Asian Individual Open/ Blitz Chess Championships. He also became the 2012 champion in French League Top 12 also undefeated Continued on Page SF3

Ian Veneracion: ‘I need to be in tip top shape’ PEOPLE still remember Ian Veneracion as the cute and charming Jeffrey Laperal, the son of Joey de Leon in the 1982 sitcom “Joey and Son.” From there, he went on to appear in more television projects while simultaneously making films that ranged from comedy to drama to action.

Among his most recent works include the internationally acclaimed psychological thriller “Bliss” and the supernatural horror film “Ilawod.”

Now at 42, Veneracion has again endeared himself to today’s generation as Antonio “Anton” Noble 4th, a dashing engineer who is separated with three children, and falls in love with a broken soul. Much earlier he was Eduardo Buenavista in the 2015 remake of “Pangako Sa ’Yo,” the role that regained for him his fame and stature as a top leading man of the day.

Besides being an actor, Veneracion is also a painter, an athlete, a pilot, a chef, and a family man—the last being his favorite real life role to play.

Asked how he juggles family, work and his varied interests, he replied, “By taking care of my health. I need a strong immune system to be able to do everything I want to do, and as an actor, I can’t afford to get sick, and look stressed.”

Despite his hectic schedule, Veneracion stays in tip top shape because he is familiar with his body and knows how to listen to it.

“It’s the little things that we don’t normally notice, which I keep an eye on, like for example, having stronger resistance against colds and flu, or making sure my skin stays clear and my hair shiny. If I see things going the other way, I know I’m getting sick.”

Wesley So

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE – August 11, 2017

San FranciSco

By Monet

In memory of my good friend, Alfie Lorenzo

Lu

THIRTY years ago, I would never have imagined such a beautiful soul fleeting out of existence; let alone write a tribute for him in my column. He is one of those friends who you’ll either hate or love but could never live without. He gives the best advice and the most helpful criticism.

You feel all sorts of emotions Alfie Lorenzo when you are with him. But throughout those thirty years of He is one of the reasons why being his friend, today was the Judy Ann Santos is one of the saddest that Alfie has ever made most celebrated box-office stars me feel. of all time. Alfie’s Midas touch in This day could’ve been one turning newbies into superstars of those days when I’d get a has made him a legend in Philipcall from him saying he’s flying pine showbiz, such as Sunshine to LA and would love to stay at Cruz, Gretchen Barretto, Richard my apartment. Or one of those Gomez, Ruffa Gutierrez and times when I’d visit Manila and many more. Alfie knows showbizmy itinerary would always include career management like the back of his hand.

Ian Veneracio ABS-CBN photo coming by to his humble abode.

He was also a well-known According to Veneracion, he But instead, today, I learned that none of those things will ever columnist and TV host. He has makes sure that besides eating happen again. worked on almost all networks, well and getting enough rest, I remember writing about either as a host or a guest or he takes a good multi-vitamin him back in 2013. I talked about judge in various TV star search everyday and stock up on how he and I met in the 80s competitions in different natural remedies for early signs through a common friend and networks. As a manager, Alfie went to the Halloween Parade is known to be a fighter, never of ailments. in West Hollywood. It is through surrendering unless he really has “I believe that if you are him that I became fascinated with his back against the wall. When healthy, it reflects physically— CBHQ-13592 Asian CRE Ad MM.pdf 1 7/12/17 10:23 AM he believes in a talent and really not just your hair, your skin, but the world that he lives in — and has become his fortress. sees potential in him or her, he in the number of things you can do. But of course, everyone needs help in staying healthy.

I take multivitamin Conzace everyday, and when I feel like I’ve caught a cough or a cold, especially with the weather these days, I take a natural remedy like Ascof Lagundi, which I know is safe and effective.”

Carrying on with specifics, he further advised, “Getting enough sleep and eating properly are important to keep your body healthy. Exercise is another non-negotiable. All these together, keep me in tip top shape and allows me to live life to the fullest.” (ManilaTimes.net)

would go above and beyond to make it happen for that person.

He’s stubbornly persistent, that man. He will be remembered as a very colorful personality, sporting a long beard and wearing hats. I admit it’s still hard to imagine him gone.

Back in 2010, it was reported that he suffered a heart seizure, or a mild heart attack.

He was then treated through an emergency angioplasty and was under medication. Judy Ann was the one who assisted him to St. Luke’s Medical Center, after he was emergency treated at Capitol Medical Center. He may have taken it slow since then, but death caught up with him still.

At 78, he left this world accomplished and fulfilled.

I remember the last time Alfie and I saw each other was

last year at the ABS-CBN building in Quezon City when I was on vacation. If I knew that was the last time, I would’ve spent more time with him like we used to.

But that’s just how life is. Regrets come in the end and all you could do is be grateful that you met someone who has made a colorful impact in your life.

Alfie has survived the pains and gains of the business for 60 long years. And now the world has lost a really hardworking, generous and sensitive person.

To the friends, family and acquaintances of Alfie Lorenzo, I send my condolences. We all grieve the loss of a wonderful man, at the same time, we celebrate the life that he lived and the joy that he has brought all of us. To my good friend Alfie, you will be missed but never forgotten. *** Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning 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

Photo courtesy of Antonio Milesi for Wesleyso.com

Making it to the top through skills...

From Page SF2 in 10 games.

He won first place in Canada for two separate meets: Quebec Open Chess Championship and Toronto International Chess Championship. He also ranked first place in SPICE Blitz 2012.

So had nine victories in 2013 alone. He was first place in the Reykjavik Open wherein he was the first player from the Philippines to ever participate and he was also the first player in the 67-year history of American Collegiate Chess to break the 2700 rating mark. From then on he was known as the no. 2 ranked junior chess player in the world.

Asked on how important the sport is to him, So described chess as something he holds dear. “It is my job. It has given me a present and a future. I feel God have given me a gift that I love and respect,” he said.

More wins His other wins for the year include Final Four of College Chess and The Bill Wright Saint Louis Open both won also in 2014, Calgary International Chess Classic and Blitz Championship, Las Vegas International Chess Festival, 27th Summer Universiade, 2nd Noel Skelton Open, 17th Unive Chess Tournament Hoogeven and Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championship.

In 2014, So won first place in the following tournaments: Capablanca Memorial, National Open Blitz Sectionals Las Vegas International Chess Festival, ACP Golden Classic, 3rd Noel Skelton Open, Millionaire Chess and North American Open.

22nd Bunratty Chess Festival, Cez Chess Trophy 4 Game

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Match, Bilbao Chess Masters were among the tournaments he won first place in during 2015.

Last year, he won The Sinquefield Cup, 42nd Chess Olympiad, London Chess Classic and Grand Chess Tour.

“I am close to challenging for the world championship. It brings me more support and I get better invitations to the biggest events. Plus you learn more when working with the top players and my ambition is always to expand my understanding,” he shared.

He also urges those who aspire to excel in the field of chess to dedicate themselves to the sport and commit wholeheartedly.

“If you love to work and study, this is the job for you. If you need more socialization, more hanging out, more party time, it is definitely not for you.

Most importantly pray and ask God to guide your way.”

At present, So now plays for the United States. He migrated for a better opportunity abroad but was absorbed by the chess team.

“If you are willing to work hard every door opens. They respect talent and hard work here. I have never felt discriminated against or disrespected,” he said.

He also mentioned that he had to make an effort in order to be a Filipino athlete in the U. S. “I made an effort to learn what they want here and have already received so much in the way of encouragement and practical support and I am not even a U.S. citizen. I love to work hard here because there are rewards for your efforts,” he said.

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celebrityworld The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 11, 2017

celebrity world

By Ferdie Villar Actor Aljur Abrenica is thrilled with joy over his “little prince,” Alas Joaquin, who was born at 10:31 p.m. last Friday, August 4. Equally filled with joy is the actor’s fiancee, actress Kylie Padilla.

Kylie’s sister Queenie also gave birth to her first child, a girl, last July 31. It’s worth noting that robin’s wife Mariel rodriguez also gave birth to their firstborn in November 14, 2016.

Queenie, Kylie, and their two other siblings, sister Zhen and brother Ali, are robin’s kids with his ex-wife Liezl Sicangco.

Aljur just could not help but share his joy and love through a series of heartwarming posts on Instagram. Being overjoyed by fatherhood, the new dad reflected in one of the captions of his post: “A Miracle in my hands..

I must’ve done something right in this world to deserve you.. I love you.” our congratulations to the new parents!

Actress Angelica Panganiban will be one of the lead actresses opposite Judy Ann Santos in the new comedy film, “Dalawang Mrs. Reyes.” Some of the scenes in the movie will be shot in Taiwan.

Kylie Padilla, Aljur Abrenica thrilled being new parents

Beautiful actress Julia Montes is the apple of Coco Martin’s eye. The actor recently shared that he is dating Julia and has publicly declared that she is the only woman he is the only woman he proudly introduced to his mother.

Paulo Avelino, known as the Prince of Philippine teleseryes, is now in the lead cast of the romanticdrama series, “The Promise of Forever,” with ABS-CBN/The Filipino Channel.

*** Veteran actress Zeny Zabala passed away last tuesday, August 8, at the National Kidney Institute due to kidney disease and other complications. Her

daughter, Ana Liza Santos, confirmed her mother’s passing through ABS-cBN News online.

Born Emerencia ortiz Santos in 1937, Zeny was known for her roles as a character actress in movies since the 1950s. Among the lead actresses she worked with as a kontrabida are Lolita rodriguez in “Binibining Kalog” (1955), Gloria romero in “Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay,” rita Gomez in “talipandas” (1958) and Susan roces in “Dance-o-rama” (1963), all under Sampaguita Pictures.

In the 1980s, she was part of the popular sitcom “John en Marsha” as the meddling mother-in-law of rolly Quizon, who played the son of the late comedy King Dolphy in the show.

She remained active in showbiz during the 80s, mostly appearing in more Dolphy movies like “Kalabog En Bosyo Strike Again” (1985) and “tataynic”

Comedienne Pokwang (Marietta Subong in real life) will celebrate her 45th birthday on Sunday, August 27). She is also pregnant with her first child with American boyfriend, Lee O’Brien.

Kiko Matos stars in Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s film by roBBie

Pangilinan Philstar.com

INDIE actor Kiko Matos, not Senator Kiko Pangilinan, stars in the first cinemalaya entry of “Megastar” Sharon cuneta, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha.”

Matos considers it a dream come true to work with the veteran actress.

“It’s a big break for me. I thank Sharon for the opportunity. It’s also a dream come true because lahat naman tayo napapanood siya habang lumalaki,” says the FilipinoPortuguese actor who became popular after his highly publicized “bigwasan” match with actor Baron Geisler last year became viral.

Matos started in showbiz when he was 13. He came from a humble family; his parents were swine dealers.

“Sampu ang inahin namin at nagtutulong kaming magkapatid para mapalago namin,” he shares.

Kiko also has his hands full training for his debut fight

Indie actor Kiko Matos (left) stars in the first Cinemalaya entry of “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” (right).

against Billy Jack Magana Sanchez on August 12 at the Araneta coliseum for the Universal reality combat championship (Urcc). He says he is able to manage his time properly.

“For me, there is a time for everything. I only have shooting once or twice a week.

When I am not shooting, I do full-on training,” he says.

Kiko is also excited for the

gala night of the Mes De Guzman film on August 8 at the Nicanor Abelardo Hall of the cultural center of the Philippines. He wishes that “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” will become a blockbuster at the 13th edition of cinemalaya. the film is in a tight competition against “Nabubulok”, “Bagahe” and “Sa Gabing Nananahimik Ang Mga Kuliglig.”

cebuana crowned Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2017 by celso

de guzMan caParas Philstar.com

ILENE Astrid De Vera, a 21-year-old, 5’9”-tall, BA Mass communication graduate from the University of the Philippines cebu, was crowned 2017 Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International in a glittering finals staged at the Newport Performing Arts theater, resorts World Manila last Aug. 4.

A pre-pageant favorite and a newbie in national pageantry, Ilene also walked away with the Darling of the Press and Mutya resorts World Manila awards, and Best in Long Gown second runner-up honors. raised by a single mom, Ilene is presently working as a marketing executive in a real estate company and has been modeling for six years under the Models Association of cebu on the side.

New father Aljur Abrenica proudly holds his son, Alas Joaquin, who was born last Proud new parents Aljur Abrenica and Kylie Padilla are shown in photo getting Friday, August 4.

Photo from Instagram/@ajabrenica ready to take their son, Alas Joaquin (born last Friday, August 4) home.

Photo from Instagram/@ajabrenica

(1988), both directed by her husband, Ben Feleo.

Zeny is also the mother of the late character actor Johnny Delgado, mother-in-law of actress-director Laurice Guillen and grandmother of actresses Ana and Ina Feleo.

Her remains can be viewed starting Wednesday night, Aug. 9 at Paket Santiago Funeral Homes in San roque, Marikina. cremation to be announced later. our condolences to the family of Zeny Zabala.

Veteran character actress Zeny Zabala passed away last Tuesday, August 8, due to kidney disease and other complications. Zeny is the mother of the late actor Johnny Delgado.

Photos from Facebook/Zeny Zabala

Richard Poon, Maricar Reyes: The art of fighting well

by Maridol

ranoa-BisMark ManilaTimes.net

rIcHArD Poon and Maricar reyes are self-confessed opposites.

He is dominant. She is a shrinking violet. He wants to do things fast. She loves to chill.

But they have stayed married for four years, have a flourishing business called choco -Liquor cakes by Maricar, and are co-authors of the book “10 things We Fight About” (ABScBN Publishing, Inc). richard still gets jealous when another man lingers beside Maricar, or gets extra close to her. Jealousy, he explains, is part of the deal.

“If you don’t feel jealous, perhaps you’re not really into her,” he says. the singer-songwriter and his wife are just as sensitive about “we time.” the Poons make it a point to stay together “90 per cent of the time” simply because they are each other’s priority, even over their own business.

Maricar does not accept every tV offer that comes her way because tapings in provincial locations will rob her of “we time” with her husband. richard speaks for her.

“We’re afraid, because a lot of our friends split up after having an affair with their workmates.” the culprit, adds Maricar, is proximity. You spend more time with the other guy than your own spouse. the temptation grows every single day, until you are caught in its tender trap. “the affair develops when you and the other person talk every day,” richard chimes in.

Whatever happened to the

Richard Poon and Maricar Reyes

virtue called trust? richard will not bank on it too much.

“It’s nice to hear words about how strong the other person is; about how much you trust her,” he explains.

Sadly, real life is not that easy. richard shares the story his wedding godfather, singersongwriter Jose Mari chan, once told him. the husband asked the wife to join him in the golf course.

She refused. He ended up having an affair with his golf caddie. the couple patched up when they were exiled in the U.S. and spent a lot of time with each other. richard tells another story, this time of a good-looking guy and his beautiful wife who work in a giant network. to richard’s dismay, the couple called it quits by the time he bumped into them again. the culprit: the couple’s co-worker. the Poons may be a picture of wedded bliss. He helped serve slices of Maricar’s new cake variety, Mocha Liquor, when she introduced it to the media recently. He suggested adding nuts to the crushed homemade biscotti that came in a clear plastic container and en-

Philstar.com photos

hanced the cake’s flavor when used as toppings.

But make no mistake about it. the Poons are as normal as other couples who lock horns. richard confronts issues headon, while Maricar is evasive. She lapses into stony silence. that is why richard always urges Maricar to express all her bad feelings and settle the issue once and for all instead of keeping things to herself.

Maricar is learning fast. She prevents richard from storming out of the door in anger, because the problem will remain unsolved.

“We try to be very real,” says richard. “If you’re fighting about car keys, it’s not just about car keys. It’s something else. We analyze where it’s coming from.”

Maricar is glad she and richard are learning more about each other’s differences now, while their first baby is yet to come. this way, they will be more prepared to face challenges parents always go through.

For now, their new paperback and first book together — is their baby. And they are more than happy with it.

How Susan Roces sees FPJ in Coco Martin by ricky lo Philstar.com

Ilene Astrid De Vera (third from left), a 21-year-old, 5’9”-tall, BA Mass Communication graduate from the University of the Philippines Cebu, was crowned 2017 Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International in a glittering finals staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila last Aug. 4.

In 2015, Ilene was hailed as Miss U.P. cebu.

Ilene is flanked, from left,

by Angela carla Sandigan of Pateros (first runner-up), Hannah Khayle Iglesia of Isabela (Mutya ng Pilipinas top Model of the World 2017), Jannie Loudette Alipo-on of Navotas city (Mutya ng Pilipinas tourism International 2017), Sofia Sibug of Albay

(second runner-up) and Savannah Mari Gankiewicz of Fil. community of Hawaii (Mutya ng Pilipinas overseas communities 2017).

De Vera, Alipo-on and Iglesia will compete in the global tilts slated to be held in Manila in october; in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in December; and in St. George, Grenada, in Feb. 2018, respectively.

PASSIoN for work. that, among other things, is what Susan roces sees in coco Martin who plays the titular role in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in which Susan plays Lola Flora.

“Like ronnie, coco is in touch with the masa (common people),” added Susan. “He keeps his old friends and he doesn’t forget the places that are familiar to him, which other Front row, from left: Dang, Bingo, Yassi Pressman, Susan Roces, Coco Martin, Awra, Paquito and Ligaya. Back actors cannot do kapag sumrow, also from left: Shernan Gaite, Jeffrey Tam, Long Mejia, PJ Endrinal, Mitch Valdes, Arlene Tobias, Marvin Continued on Page SF5 Yap and Benj Manalo.

Philstar.com photo by Ver Paulino

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It’s the Megastar vs. the Popsters Liza Soberano paid P3-M for a three-hour event?

The Asian Jour nal SF MAGAZINE - August 11, 2017

by Arlo

Custodio ManilaTimes.net

ShAron Cuneta has had enough bashing on social media from fans and supporters of Sarah Geronimo. nicknamed Popsters (taken from the Geronimo’s moniker Pop Princess), Cuneta was labelled by the fans as “hindi sport” for snubbing the declaration of Jona Soquite as the first “The Voice Teens Ph” winner.

Soquite is Geronimo’s ward.

Cuneta’s ward, Jeremy Guinoga, placed last.

The other two coaches and students, Lea Salonga’s Mica Bercerro placed second, and Bamboo’s Isabela Vinzon placed third. on Sunday, Aug. 6, Cuneta, who has long held the Megastar monicker in showbiz, posted a lengthy litany on Facebook page Sharon Cuneta official explaining, among other things, what happened soon after Soquite’s declaration as winner exactly a week before.

“Can you please not believe the rumours na I snubbed everybody after Team Sarah and Jona won on The Voice Teens?

And kino-comfort ko noon ay si Jeremy … When I looked gumitna na si Jona kakanta na ulit so ayoko namang ‘pumapel.’

Tapos nakita ko halos in one line pinapababa na kami ng stage sa side,” she began.

EVEr since Liza Soberano bagged the role of comic superhero Darna, it has made her not only a bankable actress, but also an actress with a possibly booming bank account.

A reliable source, who requested anonymity, recently revealed to Philstar.com that the star was allegedly paid P3 million for a three-hour appearance in an event. The source, who co-organized the event, further said that the sum was separate from Soberano’s talent fee as a brand endorser.

If these were true, then that could mean Liza’s “appearance fee” is equivalent to P1 million per hour, an amount that would usually take most Filipinos a lifetime to earn.

Sharon Cuneta with her ‘Voice Teens’ ward Jeremy Glinoga ABS-CBN photo Liza and her love team makalimot ng mga ipinakita Cuneta explained she didn’t partner, Enrique Gil, were part kong kabutihan kay Sarah over have the chance to personally of “ASAP Live in Toronto” last the years. Itaas ninyo ang iniido- weekend to celebrate ABScongratulate Sarah and Jona, lo ninyo. Huwag kayo manghila CBn International’s 10th year but she did so on Facebook. pababa ng idolo ng iba.”

Addressing the post to her in Canada, which also marks its Then she implored, “Please 150th birthday. bashers, she continued, “Bakit stop this. You are hurting me for pinalalaki ito o inumpisahan man For the first time ever, Canno reason. Tama na po please. lang? Si Sarah parang nakabaada witnessed the takeover of batang kapatid ko. Pinagtanggol Tapos na ang issue na ito as more than 35 of the brightfar as I am concerned. God ko noon sa intriga when kahit est Kapamilya stars, featuring bless you. At pinapasa-Diyos sa sarili ko never ko ginawa yon dahil naniniwala akong isa siya sa ko na lahat kayo at lahat ng ito. dapat lang respetuhin at sumikat Salamat po.” on Monday, Aug. 7, Cuneta dahil matino siyang bata. Bakit posted a meaningful digital ko gagawin yon?”

She furthered, “The way you poster that said, “Dear Universe — I’m biting the bullet. Your fans act and talk reflect on your EVEr wondered how the turn.” idol. Napakabilis niyo naman Jeepney, a distinctly Pinoy cultural icon, would look like if it were a character in DisneyPixar’s “Cars” series? Wonder mga pamilya?” veteran actors a chance to no more. one of Probinsyano’s plus exercise their talent.”

To celebrate the release factors is its relevance to the Earlier that day, Susan was of Disney-Pixar’s “Cars 3” the times. with an AnC-organized group studio unveiled an exclusive “Katulad ng terrorism,” exthat visited soldiers confined artwork for the Philippines feaplained Susan. “Totoong nangat V. Luna Medical Center, turing the Jeepney as country’s yayari noon pa at nauulit-ulit. wounded during their encounvery own Cars character.

You know, the script is written ters with terrorist groups in The image was drawn by way ahead pero nagtutugma sa Marawi.

Michael Daley, a story artist at mga pangyayari ngayon. Hindi Asked how the experience Pixar Animation Studios, who yon sinasadya.” was, Susan said, “I can’t defor “Cars 3” was responsible for Before they left V. Luna, scribe the feeling. Ang babata visualizing the script into panels Susan told the soldiers how nila; they have so much ahead of drawings. proud she was of them. of them. What about the famiDaley joined Pixar Anima“Ikinararangal ko sila,” said lies, especially of those who tion Studios in november of Susan. “Nakikipaglaban sila were killed? That is also how 2014. he began as a story para magkaroon ng kapaymy ‘Probinsyano’ character artist on Disney-Pixar’s “Cars apaan.” feels. Paano na ang kanilang 3,” and is currently working on

How Susan Roces sees FPJ...

From Page SF4 isikat na sila. Like ronnie, ang pananamit ni Coco ay hindi nagbago.”

The Star talked to Susan during the 100th-week celebration of “Probinsyano” which continues to be the top-rating TV series of all time (46.7 percent according to Kantar Media), extended until 2018 and reinventing itself by casting both new and veteran actors.

“In that sense,” said Susan, “Coco is also very much like ronnie. They both recognize talent. The TV series gives

Liza and her love team partner, Enrique Gil, were part of “ASAP Live in Toronto” last weekend to celebrate ABSCBN International’s 10th year in Canada, which also marks Canada’s 150th birthday.

ABS-CBN photo

“ASAP” royalties Gary Valenciano, Martin nievera, ZsaZsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual and Jolina Magdangal; “Birit Queens” Jona, Morissette, Klarisse and Angeline; “Soul Sessionistas” – Jay-r, KZ, Jason Dy, Daryl ong, and Kyla; Love Teams of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson; Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador; Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia; Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil; singers

Erik Santos and Yeng Constantino; topnotch dancers Maja Salvador, Enchong Dee, rayver Cruz and Yassi Pressman; teen idols robi Domingo and Darren Espanto; oPM hit maker and Canada-based Chiqui Pineda; and prime Kapamilya stars Bea Alonzo, Paulo Avelino, Sam Milby, richard Yap, Jodi Sta. Maria and oPM icon ogie Alcasid. (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com)

Walt Disney Studios ‘Cars-ifies’ the iconic Pinoy jeepney upcoming Pixar projects in development.

As a story artist, Daley helps create the initial visuals, or the blue print, of the film.

The story artist’s simply drawn rough version of the movie work as a foundation to build the computer graphics and bring the story to life.

It is also worth noting that Cars 3 features a team of filmmakers from all over the world, including two hometown heroes from the Philippines, namely

nelson Bohol and Paul Abadilla. Working on the film as Set Designer Artist and Sketch/Envronment Artist, respectively, these hometown heroes are based in San Francisco, California, working alongside the hit animation’s director, Brian Fee. (ManilaTimes.net)

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